Tampa Bay Lightning Captain Victor Hedman Takes Temporary Leave for Personal Reasons Tampa Bay Lightning captain Victor Hedman has taken a temporary leave of absence from the team for personal reasons, according to an announcement made by the organization on Wednesday. The team provided no additional details about the nature of his absence and emphasized the importance of respecting Hedman’s privacy during this time. Hedman, a 35-year-old Swedish defenseman, has spent his entire 17-year NHL career with the Lightning. His tenure with the team has been marked by significant achievements, including back-to-back Stanley Cup championships in 2020 and 2021. He also reached the Stanley Cup Final in 2018 and 2022, adding to his legacy as one of the franchise’s most decorated players. In the 2020 playoffs, Hedman was awarded the Conn Smythe Trophy as the Most Valuable Player after leading the Lightning to victory in the bubble format of the NHL playoffs. The leave of absence comes after Hedman missed several weeks of action earlier in the season due to injury. He sustained an elbow injury in November, which required surgical repair in December and January. Following his recovery, Hedman returned to the ice in early February and promptly represented Sweden at the Milan Cortina Olympics. During the tournament, he contributed a goal and 16 assists, showcasing his continued impact on the international stage. As of the latest update, Hedman is averaging nearly 19 minutes of ice time per game over 33 contests this season. His performance has been instrumental in the Lightning’s pursuit of a playoff berth, with the team positioned as a strong contender in the Eastern Conference.#tampa_bay_lightning #stanley_cup #victor_hedman #milan_cortina_olympics #conn_smythe_trophy
Troy Murray cancer: Former Chicago Blackhawks center, beloved broadcaster dies at 63 after diagnosis Troy Murray, a former Chicago Blackhawks center and longtime team broadcaster, has died at the age of 63. The Blackhawks announced his passing on Saturday, March 7, 2026, though they did not specify the location of his death. Murray, known affectionately as "Muzz," was diagnosed with cancer in August 2021 and underwent chemotherapy treatments. He continued to work on Blackhawks broadcasts at a reduced capacity before stepping away entirely during the 2025-26 season. Murray’s career with the Blackhawks spanned 12 seasons, during which he became a respected leader on and off the ice. He played a pivotal role in the team’s 1996 Stanley Cup victory while with the Colorado Avalanche, marking the end of his NHL playing career. After a brief stint with the International Hockey League’s Chicago Wolves, Murray transitioned into broadcasting in 1998, becoming a staple of Blackhawks television coverage. He also served as president of the Blackhawks alumni association, further cementing his ties to the organization. Blackhawks chairman and CEO Danny Wirtz expressed deep sorrow over Murray’s death, calling him "the epitome of a Blackhawk" for his enduring impact on the team over 45 years. Wirtz highlighted Murray’s resilience during his battle with cancer, noting that "Troy didn’t have any ‘give up’ in him." The team emphasized that Murray’s legacy would live on through the spirit he inspired within the organization. Murray’s NHL career was marked by both offensive and defensive excellence. Drafted by the Blackhawks in the third round of the 1980 NHL Draft, he made his debut as a 19-year-old in the 1981-82 season.#stanley_cup #chicago_blackhawks #troy_murray #danny_wirtz #frank_j_selke_trophy
Lightning Reunite With Veteran Winger The Tampa Bay Lightning have completed a trade ahead of the 2026 NHL Trade Deadline, bringing back a familiar face to bolster their playoff push. The team, a dominant force in the Atlantic Division and Eastern Conference, acquired veteran winger Corey Perry from the Los Angeles Kings in exchange for a second-round draft pick. This move adds depth to their roster as they aim to secure a Stanley Cup title. Perry, a seasoned forward with over 1,400 regular-season NHL games and 237 playoff contests under his belt, returns to Tampa Bay for the second time in his career. He previously played for the Lightning during the 2021-2022 and 2022-2023 seasons before joining the Kings in the offseason. Despite his extensive experience, Perry has yet to win the Stanley Cup, having come close on multiple occasions. The Lightning see this trade as an opportunity to reignite his playoff success. The Kings, who had high hopes of becoming a Stanley Cup contender this season, struggled to integrate their summer acquisitions. Perry, however, emerged as their most impactful addition, posting 11 goals and 28 points in 50 games. His physicality and ability to create scoring chances at the net were key factors in his performance. The Lightning believe his skills will enhance their power-play unit and provide a reliable presence on the bottom-six lines. Tampa Bay’s management emphasized that the trade aligns with their strategy to strengthen their roster despite limited draft picks and salary cap flexibility. Perry’s addition is expected to elevate the team’s chances in the Eastern Conference, where they remain a top contender.#tampa_bay_lightning #corey_perry #los_angeles_kings #nhl_trade_deadline #stanley_cup
Avalanche acquire Nick Blankenburg from Predators for fifth-round pick The Colorado Avalanche have bolstered their defense corps by acquiring defenceman Nick Blankenburg from the Nashville Predators in a trade that included a 2027 fifth-round draft pick, both teams announced on Wednesday. The move adds depth to a roster already ranked among the top teams in the NHL. Blankenburg, 27, is entering his second season with the Predators after signing a two-way, two-year contract in the 2024 offseason. He has been performing at a career-high level this season, recording six goals and 21 points in 49 games. The right-handed shooter averages 17 minutes and 58 seconds of ice time per contest and carries a minus-11 rating. His contributions have been instrumental in Nashville’s efforts to remain competitive in the Western Conference. The 6-foot-2, 215-pound defender began his NHL career with the Columbus Blue Jackets before joining the Predators. Over five seasons in the league, Blankenburg has accumulated 16 goals, 55 points, and 58 penalty minutes in 164 games. His ability to play both ends of the ice and his physical presence have made him a valuable asset for any team. The trade comes as the Avalanche look to strengthen their blue line ahead of the NHL Trade Deadline. Blankenburg will now aim to help the league-leading team chase a Stanley Cup. Colorado currently holds the top spot in the league with 91 points and a 41-10-9 record. The deal also highlights the Avalanche’s continued focus on adding depth and versatility to their roster. Blankenburg’s experience and scoring ability could provide a significant boost to a defense that has been a key factor in their success. As the trade deadline approaches, teams across the league are making moves to reshape their rosters.#nashville_predators #nhl_trade_deadline #stanley_cup #colorado_avalanche #nick_blankenburg
