The NHL has decided not to suspend Zach Whitecloud of the Vegas Golden Knights for a hit on Toronto's Matthew Knies, assessing it as a legal check. Despite some head contact, the primary impact was on the body, leading only to a minor penalty during the game.

Carolina Hurricanes' goalie Frederik Andersen will undergo knee surgery on November 22, sidelining him for 8-12 weeks, contrary to initial hopes of a brief absence. Coach Brind'Amour confirmed the extended recovery, impacting a season where Andersen had a stellar 13-2-0 start.

Patrik Laine returned to practice with the Montreal Canadiens on November 20, marking his first team session since a knee injury in late September. Expected back in December, Laine's reintegration is crucial for the Canadiens, who are navigating a tight schedule while maintaining a winning streak.

The 2024 NHL Winter Classic between the Chicago Blackhawks and St. Louis Blues is set for December 31 at Wrigley Field, highlighting a fierce rematch. Fans can expect vintage uniforms and a celebration of hockey heritage, as both teams aim to excite with unique designs and intense rivalry.

The Winnipeg Jets have surged to an impressive start in the 2024-25 NHL season, winning 15 of their first 16 games, a franchise record. Key to their success is a revamped offense, averaging 4.11 goals per game, with significant contributions from both veterans and newcomers, and a power play that has nearly doubled in efficiency.

Auston Matthews, sidelined by an upper-body injury since November 5, is in Germany for a checkup, missing his seventh game for the Leafs against Vegas. Despite multiple injuries, Toronto boasts a strong 5-1-0 record, with John Tavares effectively leading the offense in Matthews' absence.

NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman refutes rumors of a significant salary cap hike for the 2025-26 season, labeling projections of $95-$97 million as inaccurate. Any salary cap adjustments will require consensus between the NHL and NHLPA, which has not yet occurred.

The Buffalo Sabres will host a Thanksgiving-themed game against the Minnesota Wild, featuring a unique Zamboni gravy boat giveaway. With an 8-9-1 record, the Sabres aim to end their 13-year playoff drought under the leadership of veteran coach Lindy Ruff.

The Boston Bruins have dismissed head coach Jim Montgomery following a lackluster 8-9-3 start to the NHL season. General Manager Don Sweeney cites the need for better structure, while fans and players debate the impact of injuries and roster depth on the team's performance.

Alex Ovechkin of the Washington Capitals is on injured reserve after a standout performance, sidelined by a lower left leg injury. Despite the setback, the Capitals continue their offensive surge, securing a significant win against the Golden Knights on the road.

NHL referee Mitch Dunning was stretchered off the ice following a collision with Colorado's Josh Manson during a game in Philadelphia but remains communicative and neurologically normal. Meanwhile, Edmonton Oilers' Leon Draisaitl faced a challenging night, contributing to a 0-3 loss against the Montreal Canadiens, marking Edmonton's second consecutive defeat.

Filip Chytil of the New York Rangers, plagued by past concussions, missed another game due to an upper-body injury but was cleared of a new concussion threat. He will rejoin the team in Calgary, though his immediate play status remains uncertain.

Kirill Kaprizov is a frontrunner for the Hart Trophy with an average of 1.82 points per game, leading the Minnesota Wild to second place in the Western Conference. As they face the St. Louis Blues on Nov 19, the Wild boast a strong 10-3-1 record and the league's stingiest defense, allowing just 2.29 goals per game.

Robert Thomas returns to the St. Louis Blues lineup after a faster-than-expected recovery from a fractured ankle, boosting the team after a 4-7-1 slump. Thomas had six points in seven games before his injury.

Mike Reilly of the New York Islanders will undergo surgery for a heart condition found during post-concussion tests. While out of concussion protocol, his return remains indefinite.

Vancouver Canucks' J.T. Miller is on an indefinite leave for personal reasons, the team announced. The Canucks, currently third in the Pacific Division, emphasize support for Miller during his absence.

As the NHL season progresses past the 20-game mark, FPAPG emerges as a crucial metric, showing Nashville Predators as a favorable target for fantasy players. Conversely, goalies should avoid matchups against teams like the Capitals and Jets, who offer less favorable fantasy conditions.

Igor Shesterkin has declined an eight-year, $88 million offer from the New York Rangers, which would have set a record for goalie contracts. His decision underscores ongoing debates about goalie compensation and the strategic balance between investing in star players and team depth in the NHL.

The San Jose Sharks, in a rebuilding phase, have called up promising goaltender Yaroslav Askarov to their NHL roster after acquiring him from the Predators. This move aims to bolster their squad as they struggle with a 5-10-4 record.