The Detroit Red Wings' non-Olympians lace 'em up Monday as practice finally restarts after the league's Olympic break disrupts the grind. While stars chase hardware in Milano Cortina, these guys stayed home nursing tweaks or grinding AHL minutes, and now they hustle to shake off rust before the NHL schedule roars back. Steve Yzerman's crew knows every shift counts in the tight Western playoff race, and this return sets the tone for a sprint to the deadline.

Jeff Skinner's NHL contract faces termination by the Sharks, and Toronto feels the ripple effects big time. The ex-Leafs sharpshooter’s saga underscores how deadline deals and buyouts reshape old rivalries. Leafs fans brace as this news stirs memories of his Buffalo days and what-ifs in the Atlantic arms race.

Connor McDavid continues his domination at the 2026 Milano Olympics, piling up nine points in three games to lead the tournament and etch his name in Canadian history as the fastest to that mark in an NHL-inclusive Games. The Oilers captain dished assists on early goals from Tom Wilson and Cale Makar before sniping one himself in Canada's 10-2 rout of France, clinching Group A atop the standings.

Auston Matthews unleashes an under-the-radar edge that Team USA builds its Olympic attack around in Milano Cortina prelims. Rivals scout this asset after years of NHL tape confirming its game-breaking potential. USA coaches lean hard on it as quarterfinals demand stars deliver in high-stakes ice tilts.

Oliver Ekman-Larsson carries the memory of his biggest supporter, gone nine years, into Milano Cortina 2026 as he battles back to Olympic ice. Personal trials forged this veteran's resolve through NHL wars and international quests. Teammates rally around his story that underscores the human drive fueling gold pursuits.

The men's hockey tournament at Milano Cortina 2026 shifts into playoff mode after Sunday's prelims wrap-up, and the Canadiens trio of Nick Suzuki, Juraj Slafkovsky and Oliver Kapanen sits pretty with first-round byes for Canada, Slovakia and Finland. Qualification games Tuesday will reveal their quarterfinal foes on Wednesday, while Alexandre Texier and France fight Germany for survival. Habs fans mark your calendars - these NHL stars chase gold with the league's eyes locked on every shift.