Three NHL games highlight Wednesday night's schedule, following a successful betting night on Tuesday with a solid victory on a 3-way moneyline parlay. The Boston Bruins will face off against the New York Rangers, both teams coming off contrasting performances. The Bruins recently shut out the Minnesota Wild, while the Rangers managed to edge out the Vegas Golden Knights. The Edmonton Oilers take on the Chicago Blackhawks, aiming to maintain their winning streak against a struggling opponent. Lastly, the Montreal Canadiens visit the Los Angeles Kings, with both teams seeking to improve their standings. BetMGM's latest lines favor New York and Edmonton in their respective matchups.

The New York Rangers have announced that Adam Edström will be sidelined for a period ranging from two and a half to three and a half months due to a lower-body injury. This injury occurred during the game against the Boston Bruins, forcing him to leave early without returning. His status was confirmed before Tuesday's practice following his absence in the match against the Vegas Golden Knights.

At just 24 years old, Edström has played 51 games this season, tallying five goals, four assists, and a total of nine points while averaging 9 minutes and 16 seconds of ice time per game.

The IIHF has confirmed that Russia and Belarus will remain banned from all international ice hockey competitions for the 2025-26 season due to ongoing security concerns. This decision follows the suspension imposed after Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022, highlighting the IIHF's commitment to safety in organizing tournaments.

This ban could significantly affect the participation of Russian players in the upcoming 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan, where NHL players are expected to compete for the first time in 12 years. The IOC will ultimately decide Russia's eligibility for the games, which is a central issue for the new IOC president set to be elected in March 2025.

As of now, more than 50 Russian players are participating in the NHL, including top stars like Alex Ovechkin and Igor Shesterkin. Despite the ban, Russia has a strong presence in the ice hockey world, ranking second in men's teams globally, just behind Canada. However, the IIHF has emphasized that reintegration of these teams will only occur when security conditions improve. The IIHF plans to reassess the situation ahead of the 2026-27 season.

Niko Mikkola's journey in the NHL has seen significant development since his selection by the St. Louis Blues in the 2015 NHL Entry Draft. After four productive seasons with the Blues, where he accumulated 20 points and showcased his physicality with 259 hits over 139 games, Mikkola transitioned to the New York Rangers during the 2022-2023 season. Following a brief rental period, he signed a three-year, $7.5 million contract with the Florida Panthers, marking a new chapter in his career.

In his inaugural season with the Panthers, Mikkola set a career high with 17 points and maintained a strong defensive presence with 124 blocked shots and 198 hits. The current season has seen him elevate his game further, having already tied last season's point total in just 49 games played. Mikkola's impressive plus-11 rating and robust defensive play have earned him a position in the Panthers' top four defensemen, further solidifying his role on the penalty kill unit.

The Pittsburgh Penguins face an uncertain future, as their competitiveness over the next two seasons comes into question amidst team changes. The Vancouver Canucks must navigate the implications of trading J.T. Miller, particularly concerning Brock Boeser's status as a pending UFA. Meanwhile, the New York Rangers are deliberating potential defensive acquisitions to bolster their lineup. Brandon Saad's integration into the Vegas Golden Knights raises expectations for his performance and impact.

The hype surrounding young talent Gavin McKenna is compared to Connor Bedard's, prompting discussions about his potential trajectory in the league. The AHL All-Star Classic features several participants who are considered to have promising futures, while the Calgary Flames are reportedly reevaluating their long-term strategies. On the Minnesota Wild, Ryan Hartman is under scrutiny regarding the need for gameplay adjustments. Meanwhile, Mason McTavish's recent success with the Anaheim Ducks sparks conversations about deserving more recognition.

Finally, a debate emerges on whether the Ottawa Senators are entitled to better Stanley Cup odds than the Toronto Maple Leafs according to analytics resources.