The Milan-Cortina Olympics mark a long-awaited return of NHL players, with Minnesota Wild stars eyeing a Team USA, Germany and Sweden presence. Brock Faber, Matt Boldy, Nico Sturm, Jonas Brodin and Joel Eriksson Ek have Olympic potential, with Boldy prioritizing Wild form over looming gold. The league pause runs Feb. 11–22, elevating the season's drama as rosters tighten and injuries ripple through the lineup.

The piece also tracks Wild developments—cuts, injuries, and lineup logistics—while framing Russia’s absence and Tarasenko’s remarks within a broader Olympic context. Guerin and Hynes’ USA roles tighten the connection between club and country as the 4 Nations backdrop foreshadows Milan-Cortina. Fantasy angles hinge on who lands Olympic spots and how the break reshapes Wild momentum.

Edmonton adds Connor Ingram from Utah Mammoth for future considerations, with Ingram headed to the AHL and Mammoth retaining $800k of his $1.95M AAV to ease cap strain. Barkov’s LTIR status reshapes playoff cap math as teams balance retention and depth. Luke Hughes inks a seven-year, $9M cap-hit with New Jersey, including a six-year no-move clause and a heavy early salary, while his brother Jack and captain-level peers frame the deal’s value. Devils face cap gymnastics to fit the young D’s ceiling.