NHL rumors: Latest buzz around trades, coach firings, signings

Take a look at the latest news and rumors around the NHL.

We’re almost at the mid-point of the NHL season as we approach the All-Star break, and the contenders have started to separate themselves from the pack. The Washington Capitals are atop the Eastern Conference, while the Chicago Blackhawks—who are on an 11-game winning streak—lead the Western.

Check out the latest NHL news and rumors below.

• Colorado Avalanche forward Jerome Iginla moved into 18th on the NHL’s all-time scoring list with his 602nd career goal Monday night, passing Jari Kurri.

• Vancouver Canucks captain Henrik Sedin will not return to the lineup until after the All-Star break with an upper-body injury he sustained against the New York Islanders on Sunday, reports NHL.com’s Mike G. Morreale.

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• The Edmonton Oilers announced that Ryan Nugent-Hopkins is out “long-term” with a broken hand.

• Florida Panthers defenseman Aaron Ekbald will miss the next two games as he continues to recover from a hit from Oilers forward Matt Hendricks, reports Harvey Fialkov of the Sun Sentinel.

• Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman David Savard will miss at least four weeks with an oblique strain, reports Shawn Mitchell of the Columbus Dispatch.

• Ottawa Senators forward Mike Hoffman suffered a shoulder injury after colliding with San Jose Sharks goalie Alex Stalock Monday night, reports NHL.com’s Eric Gilmore.

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• New Jersey Devils forward Mike Cammalleri is expected to return tonight against the Calgary Flames, reports Morreale. Cammalleri has missed the last eight games with a hand injury.