East Notes: Penguins, Laine, Flyers
By Bradley Keith (https://www.prohockeyrumors.com/author/bradley-keith) | February 17, 2026
As teams return to practice, some without notable members still competing in the Olympics, several updates have emerged. Here's a breakdown of the latest developments in the Eastern Conference:
Penguins' Resilience and Recovery
- Kris Letang, a cornerstone of the Pittsburgh Penguins, is making steady progress in his recovery from a lower body injury. He's aiming to return to action on February 26th against the Devils, but his availability remains uncertain.
- Letang's journey this season has been a rollercoaster. He's played heavy minutes, second only to Erik Karlsson, but his Corsi at even strength (50.5%) is still below the norm. Despite a challenging start to his 20th season, he's turned the corner from a -15 rating last season to a +3 rating with 25 points in 50 games.
The Penguins are on the cusp of ending their three-year postseason drought. With Letang's return and the team's resurgence, they're poised to make a run, potentially marking the end of an unforgettable era.
Filip Hallander, another Penguin, is back on the ice after missing 42 games due to a blood clot in his leg. The 25-year-old forward, who hasn't played since November, is just getting started in his NHL career, with all four of his career points coming this season.
Canadiens' Patrik Laine: A Trade Candidate?
- Canadiens winger Patrik Laine, a former 40-goal scorer, missed practice due to a lower body injury. He's still recovering from core muscle surgery and hasn't played since October.
- Laine's future in Montreal is uncertain. He's been a trade candidate for weeks, with his $8.7MM contract a significant hurdle. At 27 years old, his health is a major concern, as he hasn't played in more than 68 games in a season since 2018-19.
- The Canadiens face the Islanders on February 26th, and Laine's status remains unclear.
Flyers' Prospects Join the Team
- The Philadelphia Flyers are welcoming back two prospects: Oliver Bonk and Hunter McDonald. Bonk, a first-round pick in 2023, missed the start of the season due to an injury but has six points in 22 games. He's a top blueliner with second-pairing potential.
- McDonald, a former sixth-round pick, brings physicality to the team at 6'4
