Olympic Injury to Kevin Fiala Hits Kings Hard, Sparks Wider NHL Concerns
The fear NHL teams have long held about sending players to the Olympics just became a reality - and the Los Angeles Kings are feeling it firsthand. Forward Kevin Fiala, a key piece of L.A.’s top six, is out for the season after suffering a lower-body injury during Olympic play.
The injury occurred following incidental contact with Team Canada’s Tom Wilson - a player known for walking the line between physical and reckless - though this particular hit wasn’t dirty by any stretch. It was an unfortunate accident, but the consequences are real.
Fiala is set to undergo surgery in Italy and won’t return this season. That’s a massive blow for a Kings team with playoff aspirations and a roster built to compete now. The timing couldn’t be worse, and it’s exactly the kind of scenario that has made NHL owners wary of Olympic participation for years.
This was always part of the deal, though. When the NHL and NHLPA negotiated player participation in the Olympics, it came with trade-offs.
According to Elliotte Friedman, the league likely leveraged Olympic attendance to secure concessions elsewhere - possibly in the form of shorter maximum contract lengths or other CBA adjustments. But for teams like the Kings, none of that softens the sting of losing a top-line contributor just as the playoff race heats up.
Jesper Wallstedt Drawing Trade Deadline Interest from Senators
Meanwhile, in Ottawa, the Senators continue to be linked to Minnesota Wild goaltending prospect Jesper Wallstedt - and the chatter is starting to heat up as the trade deadline approaches.
The Sens’ goaltending situation has been a rollercoaster this season. Linus Ullmark, back from a leave of absence, has looked sharp in limited action, posting a .930 save percentage in his two starts since returning.
James Reimer has provided some stability, and Leevi Merilainen is showing promise in the AHL with Belleville. But despite the recent uptick in performance, Ottawa’s front office clearly isn’t ready to stand pat.
Wallstedt, a highly regarded young netminder, could be the long-term answer they’re looking for - and according to Chris Johnston, the Senators might be the front-runners to land him. The challenge?
Finding the right trade package. Ottawa doesn’t own its 2026 first-round pick, which complicates things.
But they do have roster players who could entice Minnesota into making a deal.
One name that’s come up is Shane Pinto. The Sens value him as a core piece of their future, but their depth at center could make him movable in the right scenario. It’s the kind of deal that makes sense on paper - a young, talented goalie for a promising, NHL-ready forward - but as always, pulling the trigger is easier said than done.
Evander Kane on the Move Again? Canucks Eyeing Trade Return
Out west, the Vancouver Canucks are sellers heading into the deadline, and one of the more intriguing names on the block is veteran winger Evander Kane. After acquiring him in the offseason and absorbing his full $5.125 million cap hit, the Canucks are now open to retaining salary in order to maximize their return.
Their target? A third-round pick.
That might not sound like a blockbuster return, but Kane’s value lies in his playoff pedigree and physical presence. He’s not the 30-goal scorer he once was, but he’s still capable of making an impact in a bottom-six role - especially for a contender looking to add grit and scoring touch for a deep run.
According to both James Mirtle and Chris Johnston, two Central Division teams - the Colorado Avalanche and Dallas Stars - are leading the pack. Both clubs could use a player like Kane on their third line. He brings experience, toughness, and a knack for showing up in big moments, as his 42 points in 68 career playoff games with the Oilers would suggest.
For Vancouver, this is about asset management. They took a calculated risk in acquiring Kane, and now they’re in position to flip him for a pick - potentially getting more value out of the deal than they gave up. For Kane, it could be another chance to chase a Stanley Cup with a team built to contend right now.
The Bottom Line
With the trade deadline looming, the NHL is entering its annual stretch of roster shuffling, strategic gambles, and last-minute deals. The Fiala injury is a sobering reminder of the risks that come with international play, while the Senators’ pursuit of Wallstedt and the Canucks’ maneuvering with Kane showcase the calculated moves teams make to shape their futures - whether that’s for April or beyond.
Stay tuned. The next few weeks could get interesting.