The Dallas Stars banned a fan from the American Airlines Center, according to the Dallas Morning News. The ban comes one week after a video went viral on social media which showed a group of fans performing what looked to be a Nazi salute during a home game in December.
Per the Dallas Morning News, the Stars were only able to identify the one fan who had purchased the ticket out of the four seen in the video. He was not identified publicly, but a team spokesman told the Dallas Morning News that the individual had received an indefinite ban from all American Airlines Center events.
#USA - Dallas Stars fans sparked controversy after a video appeared to show them making a nazi salute during a game.
According to the woman who filmed it, the gesture was repeated after every goal. She reported the situation to arena staff, but no immediate action was taken.… pic.twitter.com/amMxzh73aH
The Stars will also reportedly increase in-arena messaging about the fan code of conduct and how fans can report violations, and provide additional training to arena staff to recognize and handle these situations as they come up.
“Any type of discriminatory or hateful behavior will not be tolerated and has no place in our arena," the team spokesman told the Dallas Morning News. "Creating and sustaining environments that are inclusive, safe and respectful is a non-negotiable for the Dallas Stars.”
The video — which first blew up on Reddit before being reshared to other platforms such as TikTok, Instagram and Twitter — shows the group of white male fans sitting in the upper deck and timing the gesture to the rhythm of "Puck Off" by Pantera, the Stars' goal song. The user who first posted the 18-second clip wrote that the group allegedly repeated the salute every time Dallas scored and that they sent the video to arena management, but no immediate action was taken as the team was unable to identify the group.
The Montreal Canadiens have been hot down the stretch, as they have won eight out of their last nine games. This surge undoubtedly has come at a good time for the Canadiens, as they are now very close in the standings to both the Tampa Bay Lightning and Buffalo Sabres.
Canadiens goaltender Jakub Dobes has certainly been a big reason for the Habs' success this season, as he has been very good overall. In 39 games with the Canadiens this season, the 24-year-old goaltender has a 27-8-4 record, a 2.73 goals-against average, and a .904 save percentage. Yet, what's important to note is that he has been only getting better as the season rolls on.
Dobes has been on fire for the Canadiens down the stretch, as he has had a .926 save percentage or better in each of his last seven appearances. This included him stopping 35 out of 38 shots against the New Jersey Devils in his most recent start. He has also had a 7-1 record over that span.
With the way Dobes has played for the Canadiens during this final portion of the season, it is hard not to feel excited about his future in Montreal. The Canadiens found themselves a good goalie in the youngster, and it will be intriguing to see how he continues to improve his game from here.
Outside noise from fans and media is part of the reality of playing professional sports, and the players and coaching staff are aware of it.
However, the Detroit Red Wings say they are determined not to let outside noise affect them as they enter the final five games of the season - games that will determine their postseason fate.
Following their heartbreaking 5-4 loss to the Minnesota Wild on Sunday afternoon, the fading playoff chances for the Red Wings were dealt another serious blow.
Starting games on time has recently been an issue for the Red Wings. Although they scored on their first shot of the contest, they managed only three shots in the opening 20 minutes.
By the end of the second period, with the team trailing 4–1, they had recorded just eight total shots.
J.T. Compher, who scored Detroit's third goal, once again echoed what several of his teammates have said in recent weeks - they need to play with full intensity right from the opening puck drop.
“We need to play like we did in the third period for more of the game,” he said afterward. "We gave ourselves a chance. I think if we start better, it makes it a little easier on us, but the way we played in the third is the way we have to play for the rest of the games remaining.”
Not only did the Red Wings have trouble getting any kind of sustained offensive pressure for the game's first 40 minutes, but a careless line change opened the door for Minnesota's fourth goal late in the second.
“A horrendous change by two defensemen at the same time, and all of a sudden it’s four (goals against)," head coach Todd McLellan noted. "Then you can feel the energy go from excitement in the building to disappointment in the building."
The Red Wings have five games left in their schedule, beginning with a Tuesday night tilt against the Columbus Blue Jackets, who, like Detroit, are trying to stake their claim on the second and final Wild Card playoff position.
Despite their precarious position, the Red Wings insist they're not finished yet.
"We’re going to come with the most amount of intensity and jam that we can bring on Tuesday," said Andrew Copp. "We’re not six feet under yet."
They have no choice but to do exactly that.
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DALLAS (AP) — The Dallas Stars have banned a person from attending games at American Airlines Center after they bought tickets for a group of spectators seen celebrating a goal with a Nazi salute.
“Any type of discriminatory or hateful behavior will not be tolerated and has no place in our arena,” the team said Monday in a statement. “Creating and sustaining environments that are inclusive, safe and respectful is a non-negotiable for the Dallas Stars.”
Stars fan Courtney Ripley told WFAA-TV in Dallas that she took a 12-second video at a game against Toronto in late December. It showed four fans reacting to a goal by appearing to raise and extend their right arms with a straightened right hand facing downward.
The team conducted an investigation that identified the individual who bought the tickets, who was informed of the indefinite ban.
“Additionally, we are increasing in-arena messaging regarding the Fan Code of Conduct and how our fans can report violations, along with prioritizing staff training to identify and handle situations that arise,” the team said.
Fan codes of conduct are prominent throughout the NHL. Every team has a scripted segment that is shared on their video boards, through their public address system or both, telling fans about their respective codes of conduct.
The NHL also has a multipoint fan code of conduct that opens by stating, “The best hockey experiences happen in environments that are inclusive, safe and respectful."
No matter how this season plays out for the Ottawa Senators, Tim Stützle gave fans a moment on Sunday night that's going to live for a long time.
His breakaway goal in the Sens' 6-3 win over Carolina had everything.
Steve Warne and Gregg Kennedy discuss Tim Stutzle's steal and his breakaway goal in a 6-3 win over Minnesota.
It started with a strong defensive play in his own zone, swooping in to intercept a Hurricanes' pass back to the point. Then came the burst. Stützle cut to the middle and transitioned up ice without losing speed, split the defence, then scooted past them for a breakaway.
And then his creation at the end, which deserves all the chef's kisses.
Stützle put such a hard, convincing deke on Hurricanes goalie Frederik Andersen that Andersen slid completely out of the net, leaving it wide open for Stützle to calmly tuck in a backhand.
It was the kind of goal people will talk about for a long time, the kind where someone at an Ottawa sports pub will pipe up and says, 'Hey, remember that Stützle goal against Carolina?' and everyone will know exactly what he's talking about, even though they might not have any real recollection of what the Senators did that night or that season.
The goal also changed the entire feel of Sunday's game.
Ottawa didn't get off to a great start. An early penalty gave Carolina a power play, and Logan Stankoven, all alone in front, made it 1-0 on the power play. The building had a bit of that here we go again feeling.
The Senators quickly responded with Dylan Cozens tying it on the power play.
But it was Stützle’s goal that truly brought the building to life. Canadian Tire Centre erupted, and you could feel the momentum and energy leap onto Ottawa’s bench like an angry Darcy Tucker.
The goal was Stutzle at his best, and for those counting at home, it was well past time he snapped that seven-goal skid.
NHL.com
From there, the Senators looked like a different team. Not even a weird misplay of the puck between Warren Foegele and Linus Ullmark could change that.
Brady Tkachuk led the charge with two goals and was named first star, playing with the kind of edge and confidence that tends to follow a moment like that.
And suddenly, against a true Stanley Cup contender, Ottawa was dictating the pace instead of chasing it.
The Senators hung on to their wild-card spot for another day, outplaying a Carolina team that had won three straight. If the Senators' slow or uncertain start had continued, the 'Canes would have slowly squeezed the life out of the Sens the way Minnesota had the day before.
Stützle’s goal helped fuel all that, as did Tkachuk's, and after the game, the captain gushed about this teammate's abilities.
"It was a superstar moment," Tkachuk told the media. "He just made a great play under the stick. He had so much speed that I couldn't believe that. And then he made an unbelievable move. It was a huge goal for our group.
In a season that has had its share of ups and a few too many downs, it was another reminder of what this team can look like when its best players take over.
Steve Warne The Hockey News
This article was first published at The Hockey News Ottawa. Check out more great Sens features from The Hockey News at the links below:
Rakell has scored in five straight games and seven of his last eight, helping the Penguins get within a win of their first playoff berth since the 2021-22 season.
His five-game goal-scoring streak and eight-game point streak are the longest active streaks in the NHL. The NHL recognized it, naming Rakell the First Star of the Week on Monday.
Rakell compiled seven goals and eight points in five games this past week and now has 24 goals and 48 points in 57 games. He'd be over 30 goals if he hadn't missed several weeks earlier in the season.
Rakell has 11 goals in his last 10 games and 14 goals since the NHL came back from the 2026 Winter Olympics. He's done all of this while going back and forth between center and wing. However, he's settled in at center a bit more as of late.
He will try to help the Penguins clinch a playoff berth against the New Jersey Devils on Thursday.
Towards the tail end of the Vancouver Canucks’ Monday morning practice, a familiar face was spotted taking to the ice just as other players began to come off.
With the rest of his teammates in black, yellow, or white in preparation for tomorrow’s black skate matchup against the Vegas Golden Knights, Filip Chytil popped out from the dressing room tunnel wearing a blue jersey and a full face shield. The forward joined Canucks skills coach Jason Krog for an on-ice workout prior to Vegas’ practice later on.
While this is not the first time Chytil has been spotted at a Canucks practice in the past couple of weeks, this doesn’t mean the forward will be returning to in-game action any time soon. When asked about the forward’s possible return to the lineup this season, Canucks Head Coach Adam Foote didn’t fully commit to an answer.
“Maybe, but I know that the medical staff would like him just to get up to form and get into a couple practices, and to go home in the summer knowing that he's been cleared is probably the idea.”
The facial fracture Chytil sustained in mid-February is only one of a few injury instances that have seen him miss time this season. A hit by Tom Wilson against the Washington Capitals kept the centre out from October 19 to the middle of January. Later, Chytil also departed from Vancouver’s matchup against the Utah Mammoth on February 2. This was the last game Chytil has played in so far this season.
Vancouver will face Vegas tomorrow night at 7:00 pm PT before heading on the road for three games in California.
Jan 31, 2026; Vancouver, British Columbia, CAN; Vancouver Canucks forward Filip Chytil (72) skates against the Toronto Maple Leafs in the second period at Rogers Arena. Mandatory Credit: Bob Frid-Imagn Images
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The Nashville Predators will likely be without defenseman Nic Hague on Monday against the Los Angeles Kings, as they have recalled defenseman Jordan Oesterle from the Milwaukee Admirals.
Hague suffered an apparent upper-body injury in the Predators' game against the San Jose Sharks on Saturday and left the game early.
Oesterle is having a strong season in the AHL, recording 46 points (14 goals, 32 assists) in 65 games. Prior to the recall, Oesterle was riding a seven-game point streak, tallying 11 points in that run.
He's had six points in his last three games.
Oesterle is a veteran defenseman, now in his 14th professional season. From 2016 to 2024, he played full-time in the NHL with the Edmonton Oilers, Chicago Blackhawks, Arizona Coyotes, Detroit Red Wings and Calgary Flames.
#Preds Roster Update: We've recalled defenseman Jordan Oesterle from the @mkeadmirals.
Over his career, he's tallied 96 points in 408 NHL games. Despite this being his first call-up of the 2025-26 season, he's a veteran presence on the blue line that the Predators could benefit from.
Oesterle saw action in 15 games last season, recording three goals and an assist for four points and logged two penalty minutes.
The stakes are high in Monday night's game as two points would break a tie with the Los Angeles Kings for the final Wild Card spot. Both teams have 71 points, but Nashville has the regulation wins tiebreaker.
The Chicago Blackhawks are going to take on the San Jose Sharks to close out their three-game Western road trip. This will be Chicago’s final road game of the 2025-26 season.
Of course, unless one is out of the lineup for whatever reason, Sharks vs Blackhawks will be headlined by the player matchup between Connor Bedard and Macklin Celebrini for a long time. Of course, they were back-to-back first overall picks in 2023 and 2024.
Scouting San Jose
The San Jose Sharks are in the thick of the playoff race in the Western Conference. Earning the second Wild Card spot is on the table for them, and they need every point they can get. With two head-to-head matchups between the two between now and season’s end, the Blackhawks will heavily influence the fate of the Sharks.
Graf-Celebrini-Smith
Eklund-Wennberg-Sherwood
Chernyshov-Misa-Toffoli
Goodrow-Ostapchuk-Dellandrea
Orlov-Desharnais
Mukhamadullin-Ferraro
Dickinson-Leddy
Nedeljkovic
Macklin Celebrini was absent from the morning skate, but this is San Jose’s way of giving him a rest. He plays a lot of minutes, and it’s pivotal to the success of the team.
Other young players with outstanding skill, like William Eklund, Will Smith, Michael Misa, Shakir Mukhamadullin, and Sam Dickinson, all play key roles in the success of the team, while veterans like Tyler Toffoli, Dmitry Orlov, and Alexander Wennberg contribute.
Alex Nedeljkovic will start in goal for the San Jose Sharks. If they can find a way to score some goals, largely thanks to the play of Macklin Celebrini, Nedeljkovic is good enough to help them win. San Jose only has two wins in games that Celebrini doesn’t have a point, so containing him is the biggest key to victory for all of their opponents.
Projected Lines, Defense Pairs, & Goalie For Chicago
The Blackhawks played a strong 60-minute game against the Kraken on Saturday, and repeating that effort is among their top priorities as their season winds down. Creating good habits and a winning culture could be beneficial to the 2026-27 season.
Greene - Bedard - Lardis
Bertuzzi - Frondell - Mikheyev
Donato - Nazar - Mangiapane
Teravainen - Boisvert - Slaggert
Vlasic - Rinzel
Kaiser - Crevier
Korchinski - Del Mastro
Knight
Andrew Mangiapane is going to draw back into the lineup. It is likely going to be in place of Andre Burakovsky, who may be a scratch based on his late departure from the morning skate in San Jose.
Jeff Blashill wouldn’t confirm or deny that thought process, so the true line combinations will have to wait until warmups. Spencer Knight will start in goal for the Blackhawks against the Sharks.
This is likely to be another game with Connor Bedard, Frank Nazar, and Anton Frondell forming a three-headed monster down the middle. If so, that makes the Blackhawks a dangerous attacking team with those three coming in waves.
Coming off a game in which he scored his first career NHL goal, Sacha Boisvert will likely round out the centers. With the wingers and defensemen committed to a certain defensive game, this team can skate with anyone. Against another young team like the Sharks, it will take a village to get it done, as it usually does in the NHL.
For the Blackhawks, this is the last time that this team, as currently constructed, will be on the road together. After this game, they will return to Chicago for a four-game home-stand to finish the 2025-26 season.
How To Watch
The game can be heard locally on AM 720 WGN in the Chicagoland area. To view this game, it is available on CHSN locally. Nationally, it is available to stream on ESPN+. The puck will drop shortly after 9:00 PM CT.
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There are games that hinge on moments, and while this game certainly did at the end, it also validated a process.
The Philadelphia Flyers’ 2–1 overtime win over the Boston Bruins was a game that demanded patience, discipline, and emotional control against an opponent built to disrupt all three.
The result secured a 2–1 season series win over Boston. More importantly, it reinforced something more consequential: the Flyers are suddenly no longer chasing an unlikely postseason spot. With these two points, they're putting the Eastern Conference on notice that they control their own destiny, and they're comfortable in the driver's seat.
1. Porter Martone’s Breakthrough Was the Result of Process
For four games, Porter Martone had been building toward something.
Martone’s overtime winner—his first NHL goal—was a milestone and a culmination. It made him the first player in franchise history to score his first NHL goal in overtime, and subsequently blew the roff of Xfinity Mobile Arena, but it was not just a fortunate bounce or an opportunistic finish.
Martone has approached the NHL game with an assertiveness that is difficult to manufacture, especially for a 19-year-old with about a week of NHL experience under his belt. He has not waited for space; he has created it. He has not deferred; he has engaged. And in doing so, he has consistently put himself in positions to influence outcomes.
“It’s awesome, especially for it to come that way in overtime,” Martone said. “An overtime winner as your first NHL goal is pretty special. I think just continue to playing my game; that’s who I am. My linemates have been setting me up great, and it’s nice to see that one go in.”
Philadelphia Flyers winger Porter Martone (94). (Megan DeRuchie-The Hockey News)
Martone understands what his game is, and more importantly, he is committed to playing it.
Head coach Rick Tocchet sees the same thing.
“You can just tell he’s a hockey player," Tocchet noted postgame. "He loves the game, even on the bench. He’s a very engaged kid. He’s not afraid to say something. He was talking about the power play, saying to some guys, ‘Hey, I’ll be here, you’ll be here.’ I like that.”
That level of engagement—tactically and emotionally—is rare for a player this early in his career.
The goal was the moment, but the process is the story.
2. Game Management Has Become a Defining Strength
In games like this, the difference is obviously in talent, but it is also in timing.
The Flyers managed the game extremely well, understanding when to push, when to absorb pressure, and when to simplify.
“I thought game management was better tonight,” Tocchet said. “There’s a lot of growth… a little bit of a rollercoaster sometimes, but, for the most part, this team has stuck together all year. I’m really proud of them.”
That growth was evident in subtle ways.
The Flyers limited unnecessary risks in transition and avoided overcommitting offensively. They maintained structure even when Boston increased physicality and tempo.
These are not exactly headline-grabbing elements, but they are the foundation of winning tight games.
Earlier in the season, this is the kind of game the Flyers might have lost—not because they were outplayed, but because they lost control of key moments. Against Boston, they stayed within themselves.
Philadelphia Flyers defenseman Jamie Drysdale (9) and forward Luke Glendening (41). (Megan DeRuchie-The Hockey News)
3. They Matched Boston’s Physical and Emotional Identity Without Losing Theirs
The Bruins' style is physical, emotionally charged, and designed to pull opponents out of structure. Against them, discipline is not optional—it is essential. The Flyers met that challenge directly.
They did not shy away from contact. Instead, they engaged physically, supported one another in scrums, and matched Boston’s intensity shift for shift. But crucially, they did not allow that intensity to dictate their decisions.
It requires a team to be both reactive and controlled—to respond physically without compromising positional structure. The Flyers managed it effectively, and in doing so, prevented the game from becoming chaotic.
4. Christian Dvorak and the Flyers’ Depth Continue to Stabilize the Lineup
While Martone’s goal will define the highlight, the foundation of the win was built earlier.
Christian Dvorak opened the scoring and added an assist, marking his 11th multi-point game of the season and continuing a strong recent stretch.
His impact all season has been less about flash and more about reliability.
Dvorak has become a stabilizing presence—connecting plays, supporting defensively, and contributing offensively without disrupting the team’s structure. In games that require patience and precision, those qualities become magnified.
This is what the Flyers have been building toward: a lineup where contributions are layered, not isolated. It allows them to withstand different types of games—whether high-scoring or tightly contested without needing to alter their identity.
5. Preparation, Not Pressure, Is Driving Their Late-Season Approach
The most revealing insight from this game came before it even began.
“I was a little nervous,” Tocchet admitted postgame. “[But] you don’t want to make people more nervous. I said before the game, you should be stressed if you’re not prepared… I think our team’s prepared to play. Whether we execute and all that stuff, who knows? But, for the most part, we’re prepared to play the game, so why get stressed?”
They are not ignoring the stakes. They understand the standings. They feel the urgency. But they are not allowing that urgency to dictate their approach.
Preparation, in this context, becomes a stabilizer. It allows the Flyers to enter high-pressure games with clarity rather than anxiety—to focus on execution rather than consequence. And in games like this, where one mistake can define the outcome, that mental framework is as important as any tactical adjustment.
They showed that they are learning—not just how to play, but how to win in the kind of playoff-esque, high-pressure games that define seasons.
According to NHL insider Frank Seravalli, the Edmonton Oilers are among the frontrunners to land 21-year-old German unsigned UFA, Viet Oswald.
Seravalli writes:
Two undrafted free agents generating NHL interest: RW Veit Oswald, 21, Red Bull Munich. The Oilers are the betting favorite, strong handful of teams interested." He adds that center Vitali Pinchuk is also getting interest, but didn't note if the Oilers were among the 15+ or so teams in on him.
Oswald is a German forward playing for EHC Red Bull München in the DEL. A product of Germany’s development system, he broke out in 2023–24, leading all U20 players in scoring and earning Rookie of the Year honors.
He has continued to produce steadily, posting solid numbers in recent seasons while contributing in the playoffs. This season, he's got 12 goals and 26 points in 38 games for
Munich EHC.
Known for his skill, speed, and versatility, Oswald also plays a reliable two-way game. Undrafted in the NHL, he attended the Toronto Maple Leafs development camp in 2024.
Austin Kelly of Dobber Prospects writes, "In the 2024 NHL Draft, Veit Oswald was ranked 114th by Central Scouting for just Europeans. I ranked him 67th (and kept myself from ranking him top-64 because of it). "I may consider my entire ranking to be a failure if Veit Oswald does not play a game in the NHL", I had wrote."
It did not take long for the wheels of justice to turn in regard to a hit by a Florida Panthers player over the weekend.
The NHL Department of Player Safety announced on Monday that Panthers forward Eetu Luostarinen had been fined $5,000.
Their decision comes less than 24 hours after the play in question, which occurred during Sunday’s game between the Panthers and the Pittsburgh Penguins.
During the second period and with the puck in Florida’s zone, Penguins forward Rickard Rakell skated behind the Panthers’ net, closely followed by Luostarinen.
As Rakell turned to come back above the goal line from the other side of the net, Luostarinen caught Rakell with a high stick across the face while trying to deny his path back toward the front of the net.
Luostarinen was handed a four-minute double-minor penalty on the play.
While Rakell and the Penguins didn’t score on the ensuing power play, the veteran forward finished the game with a pair of goals, including the game-winner in a 5-2 victory over the Panthers.
The $5,000 represents the maximum allowable fine amount under the NHL and NHLPA’s collective bargaining agreement.
Luostarinen and the Panthers will be back in action on Tuesday when their road trip continues against the Canadiens in Montreal.
Photo caption: Jan 8, 2026; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; Florida Panthers center Eetu Luostarinen (27) during warm-up before the game against the Montreal Canadiens at Bell Centre. (David Kirouac-Imagn Images)
Florida Panthers assistant GMs Brett Peterson and Sunny Mehta are reportedly drawing interest around the NHL for several available GM jobs.
The Panthers are considered the model of success at the moment. With three consecutive Stanley Cup Finals appearances, including two wins, the Panthers’ style of play and operations have received plenty of praise. The Panthers have been able to acquire high-end players and sign them afterwards.
So it’s no surprise that teams are interested in bringing Peterson and Mehta into their organizations as general managers.
On Saturday, Sportsnet’s NHL insider Elliotte Friedman revealed that Peterson has garnered interest from the Nashville Predators, and Mehta has been discussed for the Toronto Maple Leafs’ vacant role.
Barry Trotz, the current Predators GM, will step down once he finds a suitable candidate. The Predators have reportedly begun interviewing several candidates from around the NHL.
Peterson is expected to be a strong candidate to land the Predators’ job, and even if he doesn’t, he will likely see interest from other teams.
As for Mehta and the Maple Leafs, the fit makes a lot of sense, and Friedman believes Mehta will be a factor in the process.
“He’s been kind of discussed this week, Sunny Mehta, one of the assistant general managers of the Florida Panthers,” mentioned Friedman. “I do think he’s going to be a factor.”
Friedman had previously discussed the firing of Brad Treliving and the opinions of MLSE CEO Keith Pelley. Pelley believes the Maple Leafs aren’t using all their resources to the best of their ability.
The Maple Leafs have one of, if not the biggest, analytics departments in the NHL, but under Treliving, Pelley believes they were underutilized.
This is where Mehta would likely come in. Mehta began working as an analyst for the New Jersey Devils in 2014, before joining the Panthers in 2021. After two seasons, Mehta was promoted to assistant GM and director of analytics.
With the Panthers success under Mehta and his impact on the analytics department, it’s easy to see why the Maple Leafs would be interested in Mehta’s services.
Panthers GM Bill Zito has built a strong relationship with Mehta and Peterson, but the pair of assistant GMs would likely love the opportunity to run their own NHL front offices.
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The Calgary Flames made a quiet but telling roster move on Sunday—one that likely signals there’s more to come. Forward Brennan Othmann has been reassigned to the AHL’s Calgary Wranglers, a decision driven less by performance and more by timing, rules, and roster strategy.
At first glance, it’s a somewhat surprising call. Othmann has held his own since joining the organization, showing flashes of the offensive upside that made him a sought-after piece at the trade deadline. Acquired from the New York Rangers on March 6 in exchange for prospect Jacob Battaglia, he began his stint in the AHL and quickly contributed, recording five assists in 10 games.
His recall on March 28 offered a brief NHL audition, and he didn’t waste much time making an impression. In just two games with Calgary, Othmann registered a goal and an assist. The underlying numbers weren’t perfect—he posted a minus-4 rating—but that’s not uncommon for a young player adjusting on the fly.
If there’s a bright spot to take from his short NHL stay, it came in his most recent appearance. Othmann scored on March 30 against the Colorado Avalanche, providing one of the few positives in an otherwise rough 9–2 loss at Ball Arena. Not exactly the ideal team result, but individually, it’s a moment he can carry with him.
A Numbers Game
So why send him down now?
The explanation is rooted in the NHL’s collective bargaining agreement. After the trade deadline, teams are limited to five regular call-ups, with only four of those players allowed on the roster at any one time (outside of emergency situations). Othmann was one of those four, and ultimately, the odd man out.
The Flames’ other call-ups have carved out more defined roles. Defenseman Hunter Brzustewicz has been steady on the second pairing, contributing four assists and logging time on the power play. Forward Matvei Gridin has made a strong push in a top-six role, tallying three goals and 10 points in 14 games. Meanwhile, Aydar Suniev—freshly recalled—has yet to debut, but the organization appears intent on getting a closer look at his game before the season wraps up.
Given those circumstances, Othmann becomes the most expendable piece in the short term—not because he hasn’t earned his spot, but because the roster simply doesn’t have the flexibility to keep everyone up.
Following the move, Calgary’s roster now stands at 26 players: two goaltenders, eight defensemen, and 16 forwards. The Flames continue their road trip Tuesday night in Dallas, while Othmann heads back to the Wranglers with confidence, production, and a clear sense that this likely isn’t his last call-up of the season.
