How NHL general managers are handling the 2026 Olympic break

The Los Angeles Kings made headlines by acquiring Artemi Panarin just before the Olympic roster freeze, bolstering their lineup in a bid for the playoffs. But the move quickly turned sour when Kevin Fiala, playing for Switzerland in Milan Cortina, suffered a season-ending leg fracture during the men’s tournament. 1 2 This incident underscores the high stakes for NHL front offices during the break, as teams jockey for position in tight playoff races with the regular season set to resume on February 25.

A roster freeze is in effect until February 22, halting actual trades but allowing general managers to converse and lay groundwork for deals ahead of the March 6 deadline. With five teams within 10 points of the second Western Conference wild card held by the Anaheim Ducks and six teams chasing the Boston Bruins’ spot in the East, the pressure is intense. Non-Olympians return to practice as early as Tuesday, giving clubs a narrow window to regroup. 1

Trade talks amid the roster freeze

General managers have kept lines open despite the pause. “There’s nothing that stops people from talking,” said Columbus Blue Jackets GM Don Waddell, who also serves as president of hockey operations. “You just can’t consummate a deal, of course. You’re not going to call a guy when he’s either at the Olympics or in Mexico City or Miami or wherever he is and tell him he’s been traded.” 1

Front offices used the pre-break period to reassess. Waddell noted his team’s shift from potential sellers to possible buyers or sellers, touching base with restricted and unrestricted free agents. This fluidity affects many clubs as they eye the postseason.

The Kings’ acquisition of Panarin exemplifies bold pre-freeze action, but Fiala’s injury—requiring surgery for lower-leg fractures—has sparked trade rumors for replacements. 3 4 Teams like the Maple Leafs are mentioned as potential partners, highlighting how Olympic events ripple into roster planning.

Scouting continues unabated, with GMs evaluating their own players, rivals’ assets, and draft prospects. Player development for non-Olympians ramps up for mini-camps starting Wednesday.

Playoff chases and shifting team standings

Standings are bunched tightly, forcing constant reevaluation. In the West, the Kings cling to wild-card hopes in a crowded field; in the East, the Bruins’ spot is contested by six teams within eight points. Waddell emphasized checking in with agents three weeks prior when playoff pushes weren’t on the radar.

Dallas Stars GM Jim Nill, an assistant for Team Canada, held internal meetings pre-break to map strategies. His squad, a point behind Minnesota for second in the Central, sent seven Olympians. “There’s a lot of teams with uncertainty,” Nill said. “There are a lot of teams in the mix for the playoffs, and I can’t stress enough how important it is for teams and organizations to make the playoffs.” 1

Teams deliberate buyer or seller status meticulously. Those missing the playoffs face rebuilds, while contenders add pieces.

• Western wild-card contenders: Five teams within 10 points of Anaheim Ducks.
• Eastern wild-card fight: Six teams chasing Boston Bruins.
• Central Division: Stars one point behind Wild.

Preparation includes AHL affiliate oversight and prospect work.

Olympic injuries: Uncontrollable risks

Injuries loom large, as seen with Fiala, who underwent surgery and is resting comfortably but out for the regular season. 4 The Kings now scramble post-Panarin boost. Historically, in 2014 Sochi, the New York Rangers and champion Kings emerged unscathed despite sending over six players each.

Others weren’t as lucky. Detroit’s Henrik Zetterberg sat out due to a herniated disc, missing until playoffs. Minnesota Wild GM Bill Guerin, Team USA GM, has nine Olympians—the second-most after Tampa Bay Lightning’s 10. “The way I look at it is we’re very fortunate to have nine Olympians,” Guerin said. “That means we have good players and a good team… If something happens? We’ll figure it out.” 1

GMs accept the risk for players’ once-in-a-lifetime shot. Guerin stressed full commitment to both club and national duties.

No one controls injuries, but they reshape deadlines. For details on Fiala’s status, see the LA Kings insider update. 3

GMs balancing Olympics and front-office duties

Executives at the games rely on assistants for daily ops. “You just can’t be half in or half out on either of them,” Guerin noted. “They each require your full attention.”

Staff handle contracts, AHL matters, scouting, and non-Olympian organization. The league paused last season for 4 Nations Face-Off, prepping for World Cup in 2028 and Olympics in 2030.

“It’s a little different than the norm,” Waddell said of the longest break in years. Players call Olympics intensity second to playoffs.

Read the full ESPN analysis for more GM insights. 1

As mini-camps open, teams gear up for a sprint to the deadline and playoffs.

The Olympic break tests NHL general managers’ adaptability amid freezes, injuries, and races. With the freeze lifting soon, expect a flurry of activity. Clubs like the Kings face tough roads, but prepared front offices—like Dallas and Minnesota—hold advantages. The stretch run will decide contenders, reinforcing why playoff entry remains paramount. 1