NHL Roundup - January 19: Golden Knights Stack the Blue Line, Red Wings Hit 30 Wins, and Devils Keep Slipping
We're nine games out from the Olympic break, and the NHL landscape is starting to take shape-though some teams are still searching for answers, and others are doubling down on what’s working. Let’s break down what’s happening around the league, from Vegas bulking up its defense to Detroit quietly hitting a major milestone.
Golden Knights Double Down on Calgary Connection
The Vegas Golden Knights are going all-in on shoring up their blue line, and they’re doing it with familiar faces. After already bringing in Noah Hanifin earlier, Vegas has now landed Rasmus Andersson from the Calgary Flames. It didn’t come cheap, but the Knights clearly see Andersson as a key piece in stabilizing a defense that’s been missing its usual bite without Alex Pietrangelo and Nic Hague in the mix.
Andersson brings a two-way game that fits right into the Knights’ system-capable of logging big minutes, moving the puck efficiently, and playing with a bit of edge. Pairing him with Hanifin again gives Vegas a built-in chemistry boost, something that could pay off big as the playoff race tightens. With the West as wide open as it’s been in years, this is a move that signals Vegas isn’t waiting around to find its form-they’re building it now.
Red Wings Quietly Hit 30-Win Mark
Don’t look now, but the Detroit Red Wings are rolling. With their latest win, they’ve become just the fourth team this season to hit the 30-win mark, joining Colorado, Carolina, and Tampa Bay in that tier. That’s elite company, and it’s a testament to the balance Detroit has built across all three zones.
This isn’t a team riding one hot line or leaning on a single goaltender. It’s been a full-team effort, with depth scoring, strong special teams, and a defense that’s doing just enough to support their high-paced style. For a franchise that’s been in the rebuild conversation for years, this is a statement-they’re not just making noise, they’re making progress.
Devils’ Problems Keep Piling Up
In New Jersey, it’s more of the same-and that’s not a good thing. The goaltending continues to be a sore spot, with pucks flying past at an alarming rate.
But it’s not all on the netminders. The offense has gone cold, and the team just isn’t generating enough quality chances to keep up.
It’s a frustrating mix for a team that had postseason aspirations. The talent is there on paper, but the execution hasn’t followed.
Whether it’s a systems issue, confidence, or just a brutal stretch of hockey, something’s got to give. The Devils are running out of time to figure it out before the playoff picture starts to solidify without them.
Sharks Place Veteran Defenseman on Waivers
Out west, the San Jose Sharks made a roster move that signals a continued focus on the future. They’ve placed a veteran defenseman on waivers, potentially opening up a spot for a younger player to step in and gain experience. It’s been a tough season in San Jose, but these are the kinds of moves that can help lay the groundwork for a longer-term rebuild.
Avalanche Injury Watch: Still No Clarity on Landeskog, Toews, Kiviranta
Back in Colorado, the Avalanche are still waiting on clarity for three key players as the Olympic break approaches. Gabe Landeskog remains out, and while there’s still no official update, both Devon Toews and Joel Kiviranta have been skating-twice in as many days. That’s a positive sign, even if their return timelines remain uncertain.
The team addressed these situations and more in the latest CHN Mailbag, which dives into the fan questions surrounding injuries, lineup decisions, and the Avs’ outlook heading into the final stretch before the break.
As we inch closer to the Olympic pause, teams are starting to show their hands-some loading up for a playoff run, others hitting reset. And with the trade market heating up and injuries looming large, the next few weeks are going to be telling.