Red Wings Boost, Olympic Injuries, Key NHL Storylines to Watch in February

Bassyonni

Published: February 2, 2026 10:51 PM ET

The NHL is gearing up for an exciting month in February, with the anticipation of Olympic participation and potential roster changes stirring discussions among teams. As the 2026 Winter Olympics approach, many star players will head to northern Italy, marking the first Olympics featuring top-level hockey since Sochi 2014.

Key NHL Storylines to Watch in February

With the Olympic break looming, teams will face critical decisions regarding their rosters. The upcoming weeks will provide valuable insight into how teams like the Detroit Red Wings and Washington Capitals prepare for the second half of the season.

Focus on the Detroit Red Wings

The Detroit Red Wings are under pressure to improve their playoff chances after years of missing the postseason. Detroit’s general manager, Steve Yzerman, is being urged to make trades that will fortify their roster before the trade deadline. Currently, the Red Wings are grappling with injuries, particularly to key players like Simon Edvinsson, who has been sidelined with a lower-body injury. The team has struggled in his absence, managing only a single win in their last five games.

Current Position: Detroit has slipped down to the eighth seed in the Atlantic Division.
Star Players: Moritz Seider and Ben Chiarot are crucial to their defense but need additional support.
Upcoming Games: The Red Wings will face tough matchups, challenging their playoff aspirations.

Washington Capitals’ Need for Recovery

The Washington Capitals are currently fighting to maintain their playoff position after a strong start to the season. Injuries and inconsistent performances have plagued the team, resulting in a disappointing 12-13-5 record since December. With superstars Alexander Ovechkin and other key players sidelined from Olympic participation, the Capitals will focus on improving their game during the break.

Current Status: The Capitals find themselves struggling to close a four-point gap for a playoff spot.
Key Players: Logan Thompson and Tom Wilson will be instrumental in the team’s recovery.

Other NHL Teams to Watch

Several other teams are also gearing up for critical fixtures as they navigate their seasons. The Florida Panthers, for instance, are looking to recover from a challenging stretch with several players participating in the Olympics. Despite ongoing injury issues, the team aims to regroup and capitalize on their strengths during the break.

Concern: The Panthers face potential setbacks if injured players do not regain fitness in time.
Performance: They need to address defensive weaknesses to remain competitive.

Olympics and the Impact on NHL Teams

The Olympics serve as both an opportunity and a challenge for NHL teams. Participation might take key players away from their rosters, forcing teams to integrate new players quickly. This situation could shape playoff races and requires teams to remain agile and responsive to their players’ needs as the month progresses.

In conclusion, February promises to be a pivotal month in the NHL, with Olympic participation influencing team strategies and postseason aspirations. Fans and analysts alike will be closely monitoring how teams navigate these exciting yet challenging dynamics.