Category: Sports News

Detroit Red Wings star Patrick Kane passed Hockey Hall of Famer Mike Modano to become the top U.S.-born scorer in NHL history.

Kane, 37, had an assist in the second period on Thursday, Jan. 29 against the Washington Capitals to give him 1,375 points, one more than Modano, the former Minnesota North Stars/Dallas Stars standout who finished his career in Detroit.

It was the second milestone that Kane reached this month. He scored his 500th goal on Jan. 8, becoming the fifth U.S.-born player and 50th overall to hit that mark.

He drew the second assist on a goal by Ben Chiarot to break the points record Thursday. Teammates poured onto the ice to congratulate him.

Kane, who was born in Buffalo, New York, has 500 goals and 875 assists with the Chicago Blackhawks, New York Rangers and Red Wings.

THIS ONE COUNTS ✅

PATRICK KANE HAS PASSED MIKE MODANO FOR MOST POINTS BY AN AMERICAN-BORN PLAYER! pic.twitter.com/UAeTo6lLUg

— NHL (@NHL) January 30, 2026

Kane needs two attempts to break record

Kane looked like he might have the record early in the first period when he set up an Alex DeBrincat power play goal, but the play was ruled offsides after a Capitals challenge.

Of all things, just as Patrick Kane is celebrated for setting up DeBrincat and reaching 1,375 points, video review shows it was offside. pic.twitter.com/HzBmm5naqP

— Helene St. James (@HeleneStJames) January 30, 2026

It was the second time in three games in which he lost a point. He was originally awarded an assist on a goal against the Winnipeg Jets on Jan. 24, but it was later taken away. He had an assist late in that game to move within one point of Modano and then tied the record on Jan. 27 with an assist against the Los Angeles Kings.

Patrick Kane vs. Mike Modano

Modano, who was born in Michigan, played 1,499 games. Kane has played 1,343. Modano had been the U.S. leader for 18-plus years, passing Phil Housley in November 2007 shortly after Kane's NHL debut.

Modano (1988) and Kane (2007) are former No. 1 overall picks. Modano won a Stanley Cup with the Stars in 1999 and Kane won with the Blackhawks in 2010, 2013 and 2015. He won a scoring title with 106 points in 2015-16, the only American to do so, and also took home the Hart Trophy that season, ending a 91-year drought for U.S.-born players. His career best was 110 points in 2018-19.

Kane had a brief stint with the Rangers after a 2023 trade, then had hip surgery in the offseason. He signed with the Red Wings in November 2023 after recovering and has been in Detroit since.

Modano was not in the building but the Red Wings played a video message in which he praised Kane's skill level and the influence he has had on young American players.

"They all wanted to be Patrick Kane growing up," Modano said.

Mike Modano with a message to Patrick Kane after he broke his all-time scoring record among U.S.-born players 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/vltRjnvL27

— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) January 30, 2026

Modano's U.S. record of 561 goals (Brett Hull, who played internationally for the USA, was born in Canada) might hold up as the standard for a while. Kane is the next-closest active player at 500. Between him and Modano are Joe Mullen (502), Jeremy Roenick (513) and Keith Tkachuk (538).

Toronto Maple Leafs center Auston Matthew is the next active U.S.-born player at 427 goals and 772 points. He's averaging 1.14 points per game to Kane's 1.03.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Patrick Kane breaks Mike Modano record, becomes top US-born scorer

Follow Michael Whitaker On X

Detroit Red Wings forward Patrick Kane continues to set records in his illustrious career, and now, he's officially the highest-scoring U.S.-born player of all time.

With an assist on Ben Chiarot's second-period goal on Thursday evening against the Washington Capitals, Kane picked up the 1,375th point of his career, passing Mike Modano for the major milestone.

HISTORY IN DETROIT 🚨

Patrick Kane passes Mike Modano for the most points EVER by a US-born player in NHL history (1,375)

pic.twitter.com/NoaJTazz9c

— Spittin' Chiclets (@spittinchiclets) January 30, 2026

Bookmark The Hockey News Detroit Red Wings team site to stay connected to the latest news, game-day coverage, and player features.  

Never miss a story by adding us to your Google News favorites!

For action-packed issues, access to the entire magazine archive and a free issue, subscribe to The Hockey News at THN.com/free. Get the latest news and trending stories by subscribing to our newsletter here. And share your thoughts by commenting below the article on THN.com or creating your own post in our community forum.

NEW YORK, NY -- New York Islanders defenseman Matthew Schaefer found himself back in the record book on Thursday night against the New York Rangers. 

At 18:53 of the second period, Schaefer wired a wrister over the right pad of a screened Jonathan Quick to give the Islanders a 2-0:

First goal against #NYR for Schaefer #Islespic.twitter.com/cPUaXQi3gT

— The Elmonters (@TheElmonters) January 30, 2026

With that goal, Schaefer passed hockey legend Bobby Orr for the second-most goals by an 18-year-old defenseman in franchise history. 

He is now three goals shy of tying Phil Housley's record of 17 for the most ever by an 18-year-old defenseman. 

Schaefer now has 36 points (14 goals, 22 assists) in 54 games played this season. 

DETROIT (AP) — Red Wings' Patrick Kane becomes highest-scoring US-born player in NHL history.

Ahead of Thursday's matchup against the Chicago Blackhawks, the Pittsburgh Penguins needed to make a few roster moves. 

With forward Bryan Rust set to begin serving his three-game suspension for a hit to the head of Brock Boeser Sunday against the Vancouver Canucks and defenseman Jack St. Ivany heading to injured reserve, the Penguins recalled forward prospect Rutger McGroarty from Wilkes-Barre/Scranton (WBS), Pittsburgh's AHL affiliate.

McGroarty, 21, had five assists in his four AHL games since being re-assigned to WBS from the Penguins on Jan. 18. Prior to his re-assignment, McGroarty had two goals and three points in 16 NHL games this season.

A 2022 first-round pick (14th overall) by the Winnipeg Jets, McGroarty has struggled to establish himself at the NHL level this season, and one of the central reasons has been injury. He had an upper-body ailment that caused him to miss all of training camp and the first month and a half of the regular season, and a concussion kept him out for a few games in January prior to his AHL re-assignment. 

However, he has excelled at the AHL level this season, putting up four goals and nine points in 12 AHL games. There is a good chance that McGroarty will remain with the NHL club through the end of Rust's suspension, as he is eligible to return to the lineup on Feb. 2 against the Ottawa Senators.

McGroarty has three goals and six points in 24 career NHL games. 

Penguins' Rust Suspended Three Games For Hit Against CanucksIt looks like the <a href="https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/pittsburgh-penguins">Pittsburgh Penguins</a> will be without one of their top forwards for an upcoming crucial stretch of games.&nbsp;

Bookmark THN - Pittsburgh Penguins on your Google News tab to follow the latest Penguins news, roster moves, player features, and more!   

Love it or hate it, fans’ opinions of Rogers Arena — the Vancouver Canucks’ home rink — have made themselves known. In a recent survey conducted by The Athletic, NHL fans ranked the Canucks’ home arena 29th out of 32 in the league with consideration towards the following criteria; location, amenities, atmosphere, and affordability. Rogers Arena ended up tied with the Toronto Maple Leafs’ rink, Scotiabank Arena, with a score of 5.8 out of 10. 

“Rogers will never rank high simply because of its physical size. Being squeezed between two viaducts means tight concourses, which feels like you are constantly being pushed through a toothpaste tube. Visiting other arenas like Climate Pledge you notice that difference immediately,” one person writes in The Athletic’s piece. 

They’re not wrong. Despite undergoing various renovations throughout recent years, such as the new scoreboard that caused a concert to be postponed a few years back as well as new seats that have still not been fully installed, Rogers Arena still feels slightly dated compared to some of the shinier new arenas around the NHL — namely the Seattle Kraken’s Climate Pledge Arena, which finished eighth in the poll. 

Overall, Vancouver’s scores in the four presented categories don’t quite tell a friendly story. Like the Canucks compared to the rest of the NHL in on-ice performance so far, Vancouver placed within the bottom-two in the league in two of the categories — atmosphere and affordability. Their saving grace was the location itself, right at the edge of downtown Vancouver, which ranks it 12th out of 32nd in the NHL. 

Surprisingly enough, Vancouver ranked below arenas like the Scotiabank Saddledome in Calgary (25th), which is expected to be torn down soon as part of the city’s quest for a new entertainment district. Crypto.com Arena (Los Angeles Kings), KeyBank Center (Buffalo Sabres), and Canadian Tire Centre (Ottawa Senators) were the only three venues to rank lower than Rogers Arena. Bell Centre (Montréal Canadiens), T-Mobile Arena (Vegas Golden Knights), Benchmark International Arena (Tampa Bay Lightning), Bridgestone Arena (Nashville Predators), and Little Caesars Arena (Detroit Red Wings) rounded out the NHL’s top-five. 

Make sure you bookmark THN's Vancouver Canucks site and add us to your favourites on Google News for the latest news, exclusive interviews, breakdowns, and so much more. Also, don't forget to leave a comment at the bottom of the page and engage with other passionate fans through our forum. This article originally appeared on The Hockey News.

Latest From THN’s Vancouver Canucks Site: 

History Indicates The Canucks Could Make A Trade This Week

Canucks Jake DeBrusk Reflects On His Career Ahead Of 600th Regular-Season Game

Canucks’ Nils Höglander Being Evaluated For Lower-Body Injury, Multiple Players Absent From Practice

For action-packed issues, access to the entire magazine archive and a free issue, subscribe to The Hockey News at THN.com/free. Get the latest news and trending stories by subscribing to our newsletter here. And share your thoughts by commenting below the article on THN.com or creating your own post in our community forum.

New York Rangers winger Artemi Panarin is currently the biggest name on the trade market. He’s been informed by the Rangers’ front office that they have no intention of re-signing him, and have given permission to him and his agent to seek out a team or teams they are comfortable with trading him to in order to facilitate a deal from there.

Panarin is 34 years old; his seven-year, $11.6 million contract carries a full no-move clause and will expire on July 1. He’s scored 57 points (19-38=57) in 52 games in 2025-26, and he’s on pace to tally his ninth consecutive season of scoring north of a point-per-game, indicating he has several productive seasons left in the tank.

Ian Moore Is Ducks’ Swiss Army Knife

Report: Ducks Forward Troy Terry Joins Team in Vancouver, Will Practice on Wednesday

The Rangers have announced that they will scratch Panarin until at least the Feb. 4 Olympic roster freeze, alleviating the risk of injury. He’s only missed nine games in the last four seasons.

The Anaheim Ducks are reported to have “looked around” at the possibility of acquiring Panarin. On Thursday, multiple NHL insiders reported that Panarin and his agent, Paul Theofanous, are seeking out at least a four-year extension at a $10-12 million AAV with his new team as part of the potential trade, and they’ve reached out to Anaheim as a desired destination.

TSN and The Athletic’s Pierre LeBrun reported on TSN’s “Early Trading” that Panarin’s representation has reached out to all three California teams, showing interest, but the Ducks are “out.”

“The Panarin camp has reached out to all three California teams (Anaheim Ducks, Los Angeles Kings, San Jose Sharks),” LeBrun said. “With the Ducks, there’s the Joel Quenneville connection from their time together in Chicago. But, I’m told the Ducks are out right now, and I’m told the reason is the extension doesn’t make sense for them.

“They’ve got a lot of young core guys to sign here in the next year or two, and spending four years and $10-11 million, whatever you think the extension will end up at, doesn’t really make sense for Anaheim. So, I have Anaheim out.”

Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman spoke on Panarin and the Ducks on Sportsnet’s “The Fan Hockey Show,” stating the Ducks would have rather traded for him without an extension in place.

“Panarin would like to have an extension as part of this. They’ve (Panarin and his agent) reached out to the Ducks. I think he was pretty interested. But I’ve heard Anaheim is not likely because the Ducks’ preference is not to do an extension right away,” Friedman said. “That they would like to see how the fit goes, potentially. That means it’s likely not going to happen there. That’s what I’ve heard as of last night (Jan. 28). And just a reminder, all of these things can kind of change.”

LeBrun reiterated his own report and echoed Friedman on TSN’s “Insider Trading” as well. As it stands, the Ducks are reported to be unwilling to extend Panarin, given the core talent they’ll have to resign in the summer of 2026 and beyond.

“(The trade) most likely involves teams that aren’t scared to sign a 34-year-old player to a four-year extension to perhaps a double-digit AAV,” LeBrun said on where the most likely landing spot is for Panarin. “That’s what we think the extension will be if this gets done. I’m told if the extension is paramount, the Ducks are out right now. They don’t want to sign that money to a veteran player when they’ve got young pieces to sign.”

The Ducks have over $27.2 million in current cap space and are projected to have over $39.2 million in cap space come July 1. Jacob Trouba, Ross Johnston, Radko Gudas, Ryan Poehling, Jansen Harkins, Petr Mrazek, and Jeffrey Viel will all become unrestricted free agents if they’re unsigned by July 1.

The most significant items on the agenda will be the next contracts of pending restricted free agents Leo Carlsson and Cutter Gauthier, along with Ian Moore, Pavel Mintyukov, and Olen Zellweger, who will be restricted free agents along the blueline. Those contracts could eat up a sizable chunk of that projected cap space, reportedly enough to detract Ducks’ general manager Pat Verbeek from acquiring Panarin.

Among the most-mentioned teams involved in the Panarin trade rumors at the moment are the Washington Capitals, Los Angeles Kings, San Jose Sharks, and Carolina Hurricanes.

Verbeek has reportedly struggled to acquire a star or marquee talent on the free agent or trade markets during his time as Ducks GM. He was reportedly interested in Alex DeBrincat before he was traded to the Detroit Red Wings in the summer of 2023. On July 1, 2024, he reportedly offered then free agents Steven Stamkos and Jonathan Marchessault each more term and AAV than the contracts they eventually signed with the Nashville Predators.

It’s worth noting that an available star player (Panarin) now reportedly would prefer to play for Anaheim for the next four-plus seasons, and the Ducks are reportedly the ones uninterested. The New York Rangers are reportedly asking for a similar return that the New York Islanders received for center Brock Nelson at the 2025 trade deadline. Nelson was traded to the Colorado Avalanche for Calum Ritchie (an A-/B+ prospect) and a first-round pick. 

Takeaways from the Ducks 7-4 Loss to the Oilers

Lukas Dostal Named NHL Third Star of the Week

Rumor: Ducks among Teams "Looking Around" at Artemi Panarin Trade

The Winnipeg Jets have faced criticism in recent years for struggling to create opportunities for their young prospects, and that issue has resurfaced with one former first-round pick now openly expressing frustration with the organization.

Selected 20th overall in the 2019 NHL Draft, Finnish defenseman Ville Heinola was once considered one of the Jets’ most promising prospects. However, as he approaches his 25th birthday in March, Heinola has yet to establish himself at the NHL level. He has appeared in just 53 NHL games, recording one goal and 11 assists for 12 points.

This season, Heinola has spent the majority of his time with the Manitoba Moose of the AHL, where he has posted 18 points in 38 games. Despite several injury-related openings on the Jets’ blue line at different points during the season, Heinola has not received an NHL call-up.

Heinola recently spoke candidly about his situation in an interview with Finnish outlet Ilta-Sanomat, voicing frustration over what he believes has been a lack of opportunity.

“What annoys me the most is that I don't think I've ever had a decent chance in the NHL after my first year,” Heinola said. “I feel like I'm stuck here.”

The defenseman made it clear that remaining in the AHL is not his long-term goal, even though he believes his relationship with the organization remains professional.

Ville Heinola was the first to find the back of the net for the Moose last night. Who will it be tonight?

First Goal Predictor delivered by SKIP is open! Play now to be entered to win a $250 giftcard from @SkipTheDishes

Place your guess ➡️ https://t.co/A6BNvctPGYpic.twitter.com/WyohRqG5xg

— Manitoba Moose (@ManitobaMoose) April 3, 2024

“There's no other way to do this than to play so well that they have no choice but to promote me to the NHL,” Heinola explained. “I think I've been on good terms with everyone. I haven't heard anyone say anything bad about me.”

Heinola added that both he and his agent have consistently tried to work cooperatively with the Jets, but the situation has grown more frustrating as other players receive opportunities ahead of him.

“My game has been going well lately, but there are guys from next door who are making it to the NHL,” Heinola said. “So far, however, I haven't been ready to give up on the NHL dream. I feel and know that I can play there.”

Heinola’s name has surfaced in trade discussions in the past, though no deal has materialized. Earlier this season, the Jets placed him on waivers, a move that did not result in another team claiming him.

Walker Duehr tied the game late, and #NHLJets 2019 first-round pick Ville Heinola scored the lone goal in the fourth round of the shootout to secure a 3-2 win for the #MBMoose.#NHLJetsNationpic.twitter.com/8AKbwtzczy

— Evan Waldner (@evanwaldner31) January 11, 2026

“Still, it was a big disappointment that no club picked me up,” Heinola said. “And if that opportunity hasn't come here, why couldn't the club have let me go somewhere else, where I might have had a chance?”

The repeated setbacks have taken a mental toll on the young defenseman, who acknowledged that recent months have been especially challenging.

“This has been by far the most mentally difficult period of my career,” Heinola said.

As the season continues, it remains unclear what the future holds for Heinola. Whether he remains with the Jets, is moved via trade, or eventually finds a fresh start elsewhere is still to be determined. What is clear, however, is that Jets management now finds itself dealing with a once-promising prospect who is growing increasingly frustrated and disgruntled. 

For action-packed issues, access to the entire magazine archive and a free issue, subscribe to The Hockey News at THN.com/free. Get the latest news and trending stories by subscribing to our newsletter here. And share your thoughts by commenting below the article on THN.com or creating your own post in our community forum.

Follow Michael Whitaker On X

The Detroit Red Wings are dealing with an injury to their second-best defenseman, Simon Edvinsson, who was hurt earlier this month during Detroit's 2-1 overtime victory over the Toronto Maple Leafs. 

The Red Wings have since announced that not only is he not going to play until at least after the Olympic breaks in late February, but that he's now been placed on Injured Reserve. 

Additionally, head coach Todd McLellan said the flu is making its way through the dressing room.

In Edvinsson's absence, the Red Wings have sought reinforcements from the Grand Rapids Griffins. 

Earlier on Thursday, the club announced that defenseman Justin Holl and forward Sheldon Dries have been summoned from Grand Rapids.

UPDATE: The #RedWings have recalled Justin Holl and Sheldon Dries from the AHL’s Grand Rapids Griffins.

Additionally, Simon Edvinsson has been placed on Injured Reserve. pic.twitter.com/sbYd26Dsoq

— Detroit Red Wings (@DetroitRedWings) January 29, 2026

Bookmark The Hockey News Detroit Red Wings team site to stay connected to the latest news, game-day coverage, and player features.  

Holl, who is skating in the final season of his three-year deal, has yet to appear in an NHL game with the Red Wings this season. He has tallied two goals and eight assists in 31 games with the Griffins thus far.

Dries, a Macomb, Mich., native and former Western Michigan University Bronco, has also yet to skate with Detroit this season. He has recorded 14 goals and 14 assists in 32 games with the Griffins.

Never miss a story by adding us to your Google News favorites!

For action-packed issues, access to the entire magazine archive and a free issue, subscribe to The Hockey News at THN.com/free. Get the latest news and trending stories by subscribing to our newsletter here. And share your thoughts by commenting below the article on THN.com or creating your own post in our community forum.

In defeating the Vegas Golden Knights and Colorado Avalanche, 7-1 and 5-2, respectively, the Ottawa Senators did more than just collect four regulation points against two of the top four teams in the Western Conference. They served notice to their fanbase that reports of their imminent demise were greatly exaggerated.

After the late-game collapse against the Predators in Nashville and the subsequent home ice loss to the Carolina Hurricanes, last rites were being read by many self-ordained experts.

This is not to suggest the Senators don’t have their work cut out for them to qualify for the playoffs, but the convincing nature of these victories was compelling. The Senators statistically and analytically dominated these highly-touted opponents.

But to make the playoffs, they'll probably need to at least match their total of 97 from last season.

So, what has to happen?

1) LINUS ULLMARK HAS TO HAPPEN

We were all moved by Ullmark’s interview with Claire Hanna, where he shared the true reasons for needing to step away from the team.

Without putting any undue pressure on someone who clearly carries the weight of the world right now, for this season to tip in the Senators’ favour, Ullmark needs to take off his baseball cap and put his mask back on.

James Reimer has more than adequately acquitted himself since joining the fold and it was encouraging to see Mads Sogaard’s performance against the Golden Knights. Even Leevi Merilainen has delivered victories, and by the way, looked great in both of his AHL starts in Belleville.

That said, there are only so many Hamburglar runs to be had, and the Senators have used theirs.

Without Ullmark back in the crease, performing to his capabilities, this becomes a short conversation.

2) DIVISIONAL DOMINANCE

Of the 58 remaining points to be had, 20 are available against divisional opponents. They currently own a 5-4-3 record against the Atlantic division to date, or 13 of a possible 24 points.

This won’t cut it the rest of the way.

These games are split evenly between home and away and they own a 13-10-4 record at home and 12-11-3 record on the road.

It's hard to see any advantage in the schedule, so the Senators will simply have to become, be it at home or on the road, what they have failed to be all season: Consistent.

Ideally, the Senators need 15-17 of the 20 points on the table in these games and obviously, three-point games need to be minimized.

It's definitely a tall order, but if the Buffalo Sabres can extricate themselves from last in the conference to a top-three spot in the division by winning 15 of 17, it’s proven to be possible.

15 of 20 points leaves 19 games to get a minimum of 25 points.

3) ROAD WARRIORS

After they play the Devils on Saturday, the Senators will play eight of their next nine on the road and won’t be back at CTC until February 26th. The season hinges on using this time away to simplify their game, build on the momentum of the last two games, and re-integrate Ullmark into the rotation.

Though the starter against the Devils remains to be determined, it seems safer to have Ullmark return to the crease on the road, where there are fewer distractions.

In the next 10 games, only two of them are against divisional opponents. Four of them will be Western opponents, where the three-point games won’t be an issue.

In fact, only the Philadelphia Flyers and Toronto Maple Leafs are among the teams they are in competition with for the wildcard spots where three-point games will be something to avoid.

For the 16 road points available to them between now and February 26th, a minimum of 10 and ideally 12 or more would be required.

Earning 10 out of 16 road points leaves the Senators with 25 of the minimum 40 points with 11 games remaining to deliver the other 15.

4) OUTSIDE HELP

The Ottawa Senators do not control their own destiny at this point, so there will be scoreboard watching.

Let’s assume for a moment that they get to 97 points, where they were last year. That is the minimum they will need.

Not only do they need to get there and avoid three-point games against playoff rivals, but they also need to hope that those same rivals lose or win in regulation whenever possible.

Since scoreboard-watching has been happening since before the Christmas break, three-point games have not been unusual, and this is particularly true against division rivals.

If this continues to be the case late in the season, the Senators may need to consider pulling the goalie late in tie games against teams they're trying to catch.

5) HEALTH

Injuries and absences cannot be blamed for the predicament the Senators find themselves in today, but they do need to stay relatively healthy down the stretch. Brady Tkachuk, Jake Sanderson, Tim Stutzle and Lars Eller are going to Milan in February, and it would be great if the Senators got them back in the same condition they left in.

The Senators will finish the regular season on April 15th at home against the Maple Leafs. It would be nice to think that the game might mean something, potentially determining playoff fates.

But there's a lot of high-quality Senators hockey (and some good luck) that will need to happen between now and then.

Pat Maguire
The Hockey News Ottawa

'I Don’t Want to Move’: Pending UFA Nick Cousins Would Love To Be Back In Ottawa Next SeasonIf the season completely gets away from the Senators, pending UFA Nick Cousins could be a potential trade chip. But Cousins, who was the first star on Wednesday, told The Hockey News this week that he and his family love it here.

Linus Ullmark’s Former Goalie Coach Now Part Of Senators’ Coaching Picture
One-On-One With Senators Captain Brady Tkachuk
Next Level: Ridly Greig 'Does Whatever Needs To Be Done To Win'