This Week in the NHL: Medals on the line as 2026 World Juniors conclude
With 32 teams, games every night and countless narratives emerging, the NHL season can make one’s head spin, and it’s easy to miss out on the weekly storylines. Not to worry; every Monday from October to April, I’ll map out the major events, games, plotlines and milestones on tap for the next seven days.
So what’s happening the week of Jan. 5-11?
Jan. 5: Medal matches at 2026 World Junior Championship
Bronze medal game: Finland vs. Canada, 4:30 p.m. ET
Gold medal game: Sweden vs. Czechia, 7:30 p.m. ET
The attendance hasn’t reflected it, but the 2026 World Juniors have been pretty electrifying, showcasing high-flying, high-quality hockey and more parity than many expected. The hardware gets handed out Monday. Finland and Canada battle for the bronze, while Swede faces Czechia for gold.
Patrick Kane’s 500th goal
The future Hall of Famer opens the week two way from 500 for his career, with his Detroit Red Wings playing three times. Kane will soak in that milestone when it comes but has a bigger one on the mind: passing Mike Modano for the most points among U.S.-born players. Kane needs eight more to do so.
Erik Karlsson’s 700th assist
Karlsson got career point No. 900 last week and became just the 14th NHL defensemen ever to do so. But while points are the more exciting stat, Karlsson will join even rarer company when he records assist No. 700. Only 11 blueliners have ever hit the mark. Karlsson needs two more helpers to get there, and his Pittsburgh Penguins have three games on the slate this week. Before the season is up, he’ll likely pass Scott Stevens (712) for 11th on the list, and Karlsson should catch Denis Potvin (742) in the top 10 next season. At 35, Karlsson has a good shot to reach 800 assists someday, too, a milestone only six blueliners have ever hit.