Olympic Hockey Nears Faceoff, Blackhawks’ Teravainen Set for Key Role with Finland
We’re just a day away from puck drop at the 2026 Olympic men’s hockey tournament in Milan, and teams are locking in their final preparations. Practice sessions are wrapping up, line combinations are starting to solidify, and the intensity is already building - both on the ice and around the hockey world.
For Chicago Blackhawks fans, all eyes will be on Teuvo Teravainen. The skilled winger is the lone representative from the Blackhawks’ NHL roster competing in the Olympics, and he’s expected to play a significant role for Team Finland.
Early practices have him skating on Finland’s second line, while also getting reps on the second power-play unit. It’s a big opportunity for Teravainen to make an impact on the international stage - and perhaps reset a season that’s been underwhelming by his standards in Chicago.
If Finland is going to make a serious run in Milan, they’ll need Teravainen to be a difference-maker.
AHL All-Star Classic Comes to Rockford
Back stateside, the spotlight shifts to Rockford, Illinois, where the 2026 AHL All-Star Classic kicks off Tuesday night at the BMO Center. The IceHogs are hosting the event, and they’ll be well represented with three hometown players - Nick Lardis, Kevin Korchinski, and Brett Seney - taking part in the festivities.
The event opens with the Skills Competition, a fan-favorite that features everything from fastest skater and hardest shot to breakaway relays and rapid-fire goaltending. It’s a showcase of raw talent and creativity, and with 18 former first- and second-round picks on the roster, there’ll be no shortage of star power on display.
A New Twist in the Seth Jones Trade
Meanwhile, a surprising development emerged from a trade that’s nearly a year old. The blockbuster deal that sent Seth Jones to the Florida Panthers and brought Spencer Knight to the Blackhawks included a 2026 first-round pick - but what wasn’t known until recently is that the pick is top-10 protected.
That detail, kept under wraps until now, adds an intriguing wrinkle to the deal. If Chicago ends up with a top-10 selection, they’ll hold onto the pick - a potentially major asset as the rebuild continues.
Around the League: Trade Rumblings and Olympic Moves
Elsewhere in the NHL, the trade winds are starting to pick up with the deadline approaching. The New York Rangers have already moved Artemi Panarin, but they might not be done.
Vincent Trocheck, a key part of their forward group, could be next on the move once trades reopen on February 23. GM Chris Drury appears committed to reshaping the roster, and Trocheck could fetch a solid return.
In Colorado, the Avalanche are eyeing center depth as their top priority. With a need for a reliable third-line pivot, Toronto’s Scott Laughton has emerged as a potential target. He brings grit, experience, and two-way reliability - all things Colorado could use for a deep playoff push.
Up in Toronto, the Maple Leafs continue their search for a power-play quarterback on the blueline. Nick Kypreos reports that they may have their eyes on a big-shot defenseman set to hit the open market this summer - currently playing in Tampa Bay. If the Leafs can land him, it could solve one of their most persistent issues.
Meanwhile, in Minnesota, GM Bill Guerin might be willing to shake things up in a big way. There’s talk that young goaltender Jesper Wallstedt could be on the table if it means bringing in forward help. That’s a bold move, but Guerin’s never been shy about making aggressive plays to improve the roster.
Team Canada Moves Out, Team USA Stays In
And in a bit of Olympic off-ice news, Team Canada and Team USA are taking very different approaches to their living arrangements in Milan. While the Americans are sticking with the Olympic Village experience - bonding in dorms and soaking up the atmosphere - the Canadians have opted for a more luxurious setup, moving into a five-star hotel. Whether that extra comfort translates into gold remains to be seen, but it’s certainly a contrast in philosophies.
As the puck gets set to drop in Milan and trade season heats up across the NHL, there’s no shortage of storylines to follow. Whether it’s Olympic glory, All-Star flair, or front-office fireworks, the hockey world is buzzing - and it’s only just getting started.