With the NHL set to pause after games on February 5 for the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milano Cortina, teams are focusing on key matchups, trade decisions, and roster adjustments in their last games of the week. Storylines range from playoff positioning and deadline rumors to standout performances and injury recoveries across the league. This critical period could shape momentum heading into the hiatus and the March 6 trade deadline.
The week of February 1-8, 2026, marks the NHL's final sprint before a three-week break for the Olympics, opening February 6 in Italy. Teams face light but intense schedules, with intra-division battles and rivalry games dominating the slate.
In the Central Division, the Chicago Blackhawks (21-25-9) play two games, including a February 2 matchup against the San Jose Sharks featuring Connor Bedard versus Macklin Celebrini. Bedard leads with 52 points in 42 games, on pace for around 100 points, as the team debates buying assets for him or selling unrestricted free agents like Connor Murphy, Jason Dickinson, and Nick Foligno ahead of the March 6 deadline. Rumors suggest potential acquisitions from the Vancouver Canucks or New York Rangers to accelerate their rebuild.
The New York Islanders (30-20-5), third in the Metropolitan Division, tackle a three-games-in-four-nights stretch: versus the Washington Capitals on Monday and Pittsburgh Penguins on Tuesday. As buyers, GM Mathieu Darche recently added Ondrej Palat from the New Jersey Devils and Carson Soucy from the New York Rangers. Bo Horvat has returned after a nine-game absence but is 'shaking off the rust,' while Calum Ritchie remains sidelined with a lower-body injury.
The New York Rangers (22-28-6), last in the East after a 3-10-1 January, are retooling. Artemi Panarin has been held out for 'roster management,' signaling an imminent trade before the February 4 roster freeze; he holds a full no-move clause and prefers a contender like the Florida Panthers or Colorado Avalanche. Injuries plague the team, with Igor Shesterkin and Adam Fox out since January 5 on lower-body issues, and Noah Laba added to the list with an upper-body injury on January 31. They claimed Vincent Iorio off waivers from the Sharks that day.
Out West, the Calgary Flames, fresh off snapping a five-game skid, host two rivalry games amid a 'fire sale.' They traded Rasmus Andersson to the Vegas Golden Knights, with eyes on moving Nazem Kadri and injured Blake Coleman. Zayne Parekh was recalled from the AHL for more ice time, while Samuel Honzek is out for the season post-surgery.
The Edmonton Oilers (28-20-8), tied for first in the Pacific, lost 7-3 to the Minnesota Wild on January 31, pulling Tristan Jarry after five goals on 20 shots. Connor McDavid's 95 points (34 goals, 61 assists) in 56 games keep them competitive. Their week includes a Wednesday 'Battle of Alberta' finale against the Flames. GM Stan Bowman eyes defensive and goaltending upgrades.
In the Atlantic, the Montreal Canadiens, third in the division, weigh buyer status with rumors linking them to Blake Coleman or Ryan O'Reilly. Patrik Laine nears return from core muscle surgery since late October, potentially before the break, amid roster logjam speculation involving Jayden Struble and Kirby Dach.
These games will set tones for the Olympic hiatus, influencing trades and playoff hopes upon resumption in late February.
