Flyers Await Injury News on Rodrigo Abols After Scary Collision
The Philadelphia Flyers may be bracing for some tough news following a concerning injury to center Rodrigo Abols. Late in Saturday’s matchup against the New York Rangers, Abols went awkwardly into the boards, his right foot taking the brunt of the impact.
He needed help getting off the ice, and the initial signs weren’t promising. Head coach Rick Tocchet didn’t sugarcoat it postgame, saying only that the injury was “not good.”
If this turns out to be a long-term absence, it’s a blow on multiple fronts. For the Flyers, Abols has quietly carved out a consistent fourth-line role this season, bringing energy and steady bottom-six minutes in his second year with the club. Through 41 games, he’s put up 10 points, logged 22 penalty minutes, and holds a minus-one rating - all improvements over his rookie campaign, where he tallied five points and finished with a minus-10 in just 22 games.
For Latvia, this could be an even bigger hit. Abols was named to the country’s official roster for the upcoming 2026 Winter Olympics, set to begin in about a month.
He’s been a fixture for the national team, having played in Olympic competition in 2017, 2022, and 2025, with 13 points in 13 games to show for it. Losing him now would strip Latvia of a key contributor just as they prepare for the biggest stage in international hockey.
The Flyers will likely have to navigate the next stretch without him, and with Abols set to hit unrestricted free agency this summer, the timing couldn’t be worse for either side. If he can return before season’s end, there’s still a chance he reclaims his spot in the lineup - but for now, it’s a waiting game.
Oilers Finding Goaltending Stability in Connor Ingram
In Edmonton, the Oilers may have stumbled onto a much-needed answer in net. Connor Ingram, who was brought in earlier this season, is expected to stay with the big club even after regaining waiver eligibility. That means the Oilers are likely rolling with a three-goalie setup - Ingram, Tristan Jarry, and Calvin Pickard - at least through the Olympic break.
And frankly, Ingram’s earned it. In eight games with Edmonton, he’s posted four wins and a solid .907 save percentage - a sharp turnaround from his rocky start in the AHL, where he managed just a .856 save percentage in 11 games. After losing the starting role with the Utah Hockey Club last season, this resurgence has been a welcome development.
Right now, Ingram is the only Oilers netminder with a save percentage north of .900. If he keeps this up, there’s a real shot he could grab a larger share of the crease. Edmonton’s playoff hopes will hinge on consistency between the pipes, and Ingram is making a strong case to be part of that solution.
Mitch Love Lands in KHL After NHL Fallout
Over in the KHL, the Shanghai Dragons have made a notable coaching change. Mitch Love has been named the team’s new head coach, stepping in after Gerard Gallant resigned last week. Mike Kelly, who had served as interim coach during Gallant’s absence, will remain on staff as an assistant.
Love’s hiring comes after a turbulent stretch. He was brought on as an assistant by the Washington Capitals this past summer but was placed on team-imposed leave before ever coaching a game. That decision followed an NHL investigation into allegations of domestic abuse, which ultimately led to his dismissal from the Capitals.
Now, Love is getting a second chance in Shanghai, where he’ll try to turn around a Dragons squad currently sitting near the bottom of the KHL’s Western Conference standings. The team features several familiar names to North American fans - including Spencer Foo, Austin Wagner, Alexander Burmistrov, and Kevin Labanc - and will be hoping that Love can bring some stability and structure to a club still searching for its identity.
It’s a high-stakes opportunity for Love and a pivotal moment for a Dragons team looking to climb out of the cellar.