Both J.T. Miller and Artemi Panarin had to shake off some rust during the New York Rangers’ season opener on Tuesday night against the Pittsburgh Penguins. 

Miller suffered a lower-body injury during the second half of training camp and missed the last few games of the preseason and multiple practices. 

On Tuesday night, Miller just didn’t look right, and he admitted that he’s still working through his injury. 

“Not great. Kind of what I expected,” Miller said about how he was feeling during the Rangers’ first regular-season game. “Legs were heavy today. I haven’t been having a whole lot of reps, but that'll come with time. I know I'll be better next game.”

Panarin also suffered a lower-body injury during training camp, which caused him to miss the entirety of the preseason. 

It’s unclear whether Panarin is one hundred percent healthy or not, but the months without participating in any game action were clearly evident in his play. 

“It’s not an excuse, but obviously first game played in like five months, it’s not easy, but it is what it is,” Panarin said. “Try being better next game.”

Mike Sullivan is not worried about his two-star forwards. 

The Rangers' head coach believes the time Miller and Panarin missed did impact them, but it’s only a matter of time before they return to their regular form.

Matt Rempe Is Being Given An Opportunnity To Show He's More Than Just An Enforcer It feels as if Matt Rempe is transforming into more than just an enforcer right before our very eyes. 

“We're gonna have to take it day by day. Obviously, J.T. missed a fair amount of training camp, as did Bread,” said Sullivan. “So, those two guys are jumping on a moving train, and when you miss that much time, it's not easy to jump back into an NHL game at NHL pace, even from a conditioning standpoint. 

“I think those guys will get better with every game they play. I think they'll get better with timing and reads and all of those things. We'll take each day as it comes, and we'll try to manage it accordingly.”

Miller and Panarin are both set to play on Thursday night against the Buffalo Sabres.

The new interesting batch of NHL rookies look to make their mark early in the season.

Whether it's a Calder Trophy front-runner or a surprise addition to the roster, over two-thirds of the NHL's squads had rookies on the opening day roster.

After looking at the Western Conference earlier, let’s examine those in the Eastern Conference.

Boston Bruins

Fraser Minten (C/LW)

Minten appeared in the Bruins' season opener on Wednesday. Although he was held off the scoresheet, he generated a couple of scoring chances, according to naturalstatrick.com. The Bruins acquired him from the Toronto Maple Leafs last trade deadline, and while he projects as a third-line center down the road, he may have already earned that role. Minten can make some simple but smart plays on offense.

Carolina Hurricanes

Alexander Nikishin (D)

Nikishin joined the Hurricanes for the playoffs last year after scoring 46 points in 61 KHL games, but he'll play his first regular-season NHL matchups this fall.

Nikishin had the most goals by a defenseman in the KHL in 2023-24 and the most points by a defenseman in 2023-24 and 2024-25. In the pre-season, he had a goal and three points in four games. While it may be tougher to score from the blueline in the NHL than the KHL, we'll see whether Nikishin can keep up his scoring on a pair with Shayne Gostisbehere.

Detroit Red Wings

Emmitt Finnie (LW), Michael Brandsegg-Nygard (RW), Axel Sandin-Pellikka (D)

With three rookies on the roster to open the season, the Red Wings are finally inserting the young talent fans have been waiting for. The most surprising of the bunch is 2023 seventh-round pick Emmitt Finnie. His hard-working game and the chemistry he’s shown with the Wings’ top players has given him not only the chance to make the roster but play on the top line. He’s going to be the worker in the corners and at the net front, allowing the stars to do their thing, but he’s playing his role.

Brandsegg-Nygard and Sandin-Pellikka making the roster already was a bit of a surprise, but they certainly earned it in camp.

Brandsegg-Nygard is a true do-it-all winger who can play in the middle six and provide a nice blend of skill and physicality. Sandin-Pellikka is a silky smooth puck-moving defender who can be used on the power play as well as driving some offense from the back end at even strength. The two first-rounders are set to be exciting additions to this team and could be the type of pieces that help get them back into post-season contention.

Montreal Canadiens

Ivan Demidov (RW), Oliver Kapanen (C), Jakub Dobes (G)

The Calder Trophy is Ivan Demidov’s to lose in the eyes of most around the hockey world. The incredibly dynamic and skilled Russian winger showed us exactly why he was such a highly touted prospect when he joined the Habs last season. He immediately electrified the Habs' fan base and brought a level of skill to the lineup that they haven’t had in a long time. Demidov’s rookie season could be one of the best we’ve seen in years. It’s certainly going to be fun to watch.

Oliver Kapanen made the lineup as a moderate surprise, but his responsible two-way play and sound pro-style game earned him a spot in camp. He got a shot on the second line with Demidov and Alex Newhook in the season opener. Kapanen will be the defensive presence for two guys who can fly up and down the ice.

New Jersey Devils 

Arseny Gritsyuk (RW)

The Twittersphere has long been a fan of the uber-skilled and silky smooth Arseny Gritsyuk. His highlights have been a fixture online for a few years now, so there are heightened expectations for the young Russian now that he’s in New Jersey. He’ll start in the bottom six, but expect him to find his way into scoring roles as the season goes on. 

New York Islanders

Matthew Schaefer (D), Maxim Shabanov (LW)

The first overall pick this past June is going from 26 total games spread over the OHL and international competition last season to a likely top four role in the NHL. Schaefer is a stellar two-way defender who has the mobility and intellect to jump right into the league. He could assert himself as the Isles’ best defenseman by season’s end.

Shabanov joins the Islanders as a 25-year-old rookie after a few really solid years in the KHL. Although undersized, his skill and hockey sense allow him to constantly find himself in position to make plays in the offensive end. He could be a sneaky dark horse Calder candidate.

New York Rangers

Noah Laba (C)

Despite Gabe Perreault and Brennan Othmann being expected to make the team, the Rangers seemed to shock everyone when those two were sent to the AHL and Noah Laba was the lone rookie to play for them on opening night.

Laba joined the AHL's Hartford Wolfpack last year after his junior college season and looked solid. His pre-season was very good with the Rangers, and he earned him a bottom-six center role to open his first full pro season. He must continue to earn his spot, but the Rangers may have found a sneaky addition. 

Philadelphia Flyers

Adam Ginning (D), Nikita Grebenkin (RW), Jett Luchanko (C)

After making the roster out of camp last year before getting sent back to the OHL, Jett Luchanko looks to be in a similar spot as last season. He isn’t promised a spot, and he will have to earn his role, likely in the bottom six.

He and Nikita Grebenkin appear to be healthy scratches to start the season, but we could see both of them unseat veterans on the way to full-time spots in the lineup.

Adam Ginning is a bit of a surprise to make the roster, but a weak blueline and a strong camp earned him a job on the third pair.

NHL Rookies Who Made Opening Day Lineups In The West: Sennecke, Misa, Savoie And MoreThe new NHL season brings a new crop of rookies.

Pittsburgh Penguins

Ville Koivunen (LW), Ben Kindel (C/W), Harrison Brunicke (D), Arturs Silovs (G)

The Pens are welcoming in a trio of young, talented players, headlined by Ben Kindel, the 11th overall pick in this past June’s draft. A highly talented playmaker who really seems to understand the nuances of how to generate offense, Kindel has had an outstanding training camp and earned the third-line center job. 

Ville Koivunen was acquired in the Jake Guentzel trade a couple of years ago, and he’s been gifted the opportunity to play alongside Sidney Crosby to start the season. His intelligence and tactical play could make him a perfect fit alongside the franchise legend. 

On the back end, Brunicke has found his way onto the roster a year after being drafted. His game is built around his skating and mobility. It will be interesting to see how he handles the physicality of the NHL.

Brunicke and Kindel may only see the nine games a player can see without burning a year of their entry-level contract, but it will be invaluable experience for both of them.

Tampa Bay Lightning

Jack Finley (C)

The Lightning need some young talent to play roles in their lineup as the Stanley Cup core starts to age. Finley won’t be a stud for this team, but he has been on the rise over the last couple of seasons, and now, he looks like a guy fully capable of playing minutes in the bottom six. He has been getting plenty of praise in camp for his faceoffs and his power game. 

NHL Calder Trophy Tracker: Canadiens' Demidov Leads Pre-Training Camp Rookie RaceThis year's NHL Calder Trophy race will be fun, and we're getting closer to the start line.

Toronto Maple Leafs

Easton Cowan (RW)

The Toronto Maple Leafs haven't added an impact rookie in quite some time. Easton Cowan has the potential to be that kind of player, but it might be a year early. He looks slated to play in the bottom six after looking very good alongside Steven Lorentz and Scott Laughton. With the injury to the latter, Cowan is a victim of the roster shuffle it seems as he starts as the 13th forward. If he doesn't find his way into the lineup, the AHL could be the landing place, but for now, he's on the NHL club. 

Washington Capitals

Ryan Leonard (RW)

We saw glimpses of the bull in a china shop that Ryan Leonard is at the end of last season but it never fully came together offensively for the former NTDP star. With a full summer of training and the experience of a short stint to end last season, we should see Leonard take a big step as he plays a full-time role with the Washington Capitals. His blend of physicality and skill is unbelievable at times and if he can find his groove, he’s going to be a handful. 

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The Pittsburgh Penguins will try and get to 2-0-0 this season when they host the New York Islanders on Thursday night. 

This will be the home opener for the Penguins after they defeated the New York Rangers 3-0 on Tuesday. The Penguins did a great job limiting the Rangers' offensive attack and hardly gave up any prime scoring chances. Justin Brazeau scored two goals in the win, including the game-winner at the end of the first period. Blake Lizotte also added a goal at the end of the third period to ice the game. 

There will be a couple of lineup changes for the Penguins on Thursday, including one up front. Filip Hallander is set to make his season debut on the third line with Benjamin Kindel and Tommy Novak. Philip Tomasino was rotating on the fourth line during Wednesday's practice and could be the odd-man out for Hallander. 

Tristan Jarry will also replace Arturs Silovs in goal after Silovs recorded a shutout against the Rangers on Tuesday. 

Here's a look at the expected lines and pairings:

Forwards

Koivunen-Crosby-Rakell

Mantha-Malkin-Brazeau

Novak-Kindel-Hallander

Dewar-Lizotte-Acciari

Defensemen

Wotherspoon-Karlsson

Shea-Letang

Jones-Brunicke

Goaltenders

Jarry

Silovs

The Penguins will get to go against 2025 first overall pick Matthew Schaefer in this contest. He made the Islanders' 23-man roster out of training camp and is set to play on the third pair with Scott Mayfield. 

The Islanders won three of the four meetings against the Penguins last year and have won seven of the last 10 regular season games against them. 

Puck drop for Thursday's game will be at 7 p.m. ET on SportsNet Pittsburgh. 

---

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The Columbus Blue Jackets have 4 days until opening night at Nationwide Arena. Jersey #4 is one of the more popular numbers to be worn.

Let's take a look at who wore 4, and where they are now

Lyle Odelein - 2001-2002 - Drafted by Montreal in 1986. 

The first-ever Captain of the Columbus Blue Jackets, Odelein played 146 games and had 33 points. He retired in 2006 as a member of the Pittsburgh Penguins. 

Bryan Berard - 2006-2007 - Drafted by Ottawa in 1995. 

Berard played 55 games as a Blue Jacket and had 35 points. The former #1 overall pick in 1995 had an up-and-down career and retired in 2009 after playing a year in the KHL.

Clay Wilson - 2008-2009 - Undrafted out of Sturgeon Lake, Minnesota.

Wilson played 7 games in Columbus and had three points. He retired in 2020 after playing one season in the Ukraine. 

Nathan Paetsch - 2010 - Drafted by Washington in 2001 and then drafted by Buffalo in 2003. (re-entry)

He played 10 games as a Jacket and had zero points. He never played another NHL game after Columbus and retired in 2019 after spending several seasons in the AHL. 

Sami Lepistö - 2011 - Drafted by Washington in 2004. 

Lepistö played 19 games and had 5 points. He left for Europe in 2012 and played there until he retired in 2023. 

John Moore - 2012-2013 - Drafted by Columbus in 2009.

Moore only played 86 games in Columbus and had 8 points. On April 3, 2013, Moore was included in the Derick Brassard deal with the New York Rangers that brought Marián Gáborík to Columbus. 

He last played for the Anaheim Ducks.

On March 19, 2022, Moore was involved in a trade that sent him to the Anaheim Ducks along with Urho Vaakanainen in exchange for Hampus Lindholm. The Ducks then attempted to trade both Moore and the rest of Ryan Kesler's contract to the Vegas Golden Knights in exchange for Evgenii Dadonov and a conditional second-round pick at the NHL trade deadline on March 21, 2022. However, the deal was disputed due to a no-trade clause in Dadonov's contract. On March 23, the NHL officially cancelled the trade; therefore, Moore remained in the Ducks' organization.  

Kevin Connauton - 2015-2016 - Drafted by Vancouver in 2009. 

Connauton played 81 games and has 27 points as a CBJ. He currently plays for the Tucson Roadrunners of the AHL.

Scott Harrington - 2018-2022 - Drafted by Pittsburgh in 2011

Harrington played 185 games for the Blue Jackets after being traded to Columbus by Toronto with a conditional pick in 2017 NHL Draft for Kerby Rychel on June 25, 2016. Those 185 games would be spread out over six seasons, with 2018-19 being the year he played the most games at 73. He scored 7 goals and totaled 37 points in his career with Columbus, with the 18-19 season being his most productive with 17.   

During his time in the Columbus organization, he would also play 52 games for the Cleveland Monsters, scoring 7 total points. 

Harrington would sign with San Jose in 2022 and then be traded to New Jersey in February of 2023. New Jersey would then put him on waivers a few days later, where he would be picked up by Anaheim and play 17 games. 

In 2023, Harrington would leave for Europe and play for the ZSC Lions of the Swiss League. After playing just 14 games in 23-24, he would return to North America for the 24-25 season and play for the Springfield Thunderbirds of the AHL. 

Harrington is signed to play with the Belleville Senators of the AHL for this season. 

Vladislav Gavrikov - 2023 - Gavrikov was drafted in the 6th round of the 2015 NHL Draft.

Gavrikov played 256 games for the Jackets over the course of 4 seasons. He totaled 15 goals and 73 points. Gavrikov is widely considered one of the best late-round picks to ever play for the Jackets, despite his short time in Columbus. He played great defense and would always seem to show up on the scoreboard. 

After he signed a three-year, $8.4 million contract extension with the Blue Jackets in November of 2020, former GM Jarmo Kekäläinen would make the decision to trade Gavrikov to the LA Kings in March of 2023. A decision that a lot of CBJ hated and wondered why it happened. Kekäläinen knew Gavrikov was going to want a hefty raise and didn't want to pay him. 

Gavrikov signed a two-year extension with LA just a couple months after the trade. In the summer of 2025, Gavrikov would get his big contract. He signed a 7-year. $49-million deal with the New York Rangers, which will take him into his mid-30s. 

Cole Sillinger - 2024-2025 -Drafted in the first round of the 2021 NHL Draft.

Silinger wore #34 for two years before switching to #4 before the 23-24 season. It's hard to believe that Cole Sillinger is going into his 5th NHL Season already. 

After scoring 31 points as a rookie, his second season was anything but good. Totaling just 11 points, he only played in 64 games and was demoted to AHL Cleveland. His third season was definitely a bounce-back year for young Sillinger. He would score 13 goals and total 32 points. 

Last season, even though his point total was just one better than the career-high 32 he hit the year before, it was considered a breakout year for Cole. He had 11 goals, which was 5 off of his career-high of 16, but he had 22 assists, which set a new career-high. He also set a career-high by playing 16:55 a game. He is the kind of player that Dean Evason loves. 

Sillinger is going into the final year of a two-year deal he signed a couple of years back, and then he will be an RFA. He will be looking to have another good year so that he can get a long-term deal. How many points will he get in 25-26?

He will more than likely be asked to play the wing as well as center if needed. Should he be willing to play anywhere, he could be an extremely valuable player for the Blue Jackets. 

There are four days left until opening night at Nationwide Arena. Who was your favorite #4?

Let us know what you think below.

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More From THN Columbus

Cleveland Monsters Sign Defenseman Will Butcher The Cleveland Monsters have announced that they've signed defenseman Will Butcher to a one-year AHL contract. Butcher has played 275 career NHL games.  Former Blue Jackets Forward Signs With Edmonton OilersThe Edmonton Oilers have announced that they have signed former Columbus Blue Jackets forward Jack Roslovic. Cam Atkinson To Officially Retire As A Blue JacketThe Columbus Blue Jackets and Cam Atkinson have formally announced that the forward will retire from the NHL on Thursday, October 16. He will sign a one-day contract with Columbus and thus end his NHL career. 

Former New Jersey Devil Michael McLeod has signed a three-year contract with the Kontinental Hockey League’s Avangard Omsk, the club announced Thursday.

The KHL's X account shared on October 9: “Michael McLeod is a Hawk once again!”

🇨🇦 Michael McLeod is a Hawk once again! pic.twitter.com/5DkTHoymRh

— KHL (@khl_eng) October 9, 2025

McLeod is no stranger to the KHL, having played last season with Barys and Omsk, where he recorded six goals and 13 assists in 35 games.

Before heading overseas, McLeod spent several seasons in the NHL with the New Jersey Devils, totaling 29 goals and 56 assists in 287 games.

McLeod, along with Dillon Dubé, Cal Foote, Alex Formenton, and Carter Hart, faced criminal allegations related to Hockey Canada’s 2018 World Junior team. The players took leaves of absence from their respective teams during the legal proceedings.

All were found not guilty in July 2025. Per the NHL, McLeod became eligible to officially sign an NHL contract as of October 15, though he could agree to terms effective October 1.

At 27 years old, McLeod hasn’t played in the NHL in nearly two years. While reports were suggesting he might return and sign with the Carolina Hurricanes for the 2025–26 season, it is now confirmed that he will continue his career overseas.

REPORT: Former Devil Expected to Sign with HurricanesFormer New Jersey Devil Michael McLeod is expected to join the Carolina Hurricanes this season, according to David Pagnotta of The Fourth Period.

The 12th overall pick in the 2016 NHL Draft by the New Jersey Devils will not return to the NHL this season, opting instead to continue playing internationally.

The day has arrived for the Detroit Red Wings, who officially begin their centennial campaign on Thursday against the Montreal Canadiens at Little Caesars Arena. 

They'll be doing it in style with special centennial-themed uniforms that they'll not only wear for tonight's game but also on Saturday night's tilt against another historic Original Six rival, the Toronto Maple Leafs. 

While the Red Wings will be celebrating their long and rich history all season long, 2025-26 will also mark yet another serious injection of youth into the Detroit lineup.

Rookies Michael Brandsegg-Nygård, Emmitt Finnie, and Axel Sandin-Pellikka are the latest wave of young talent drafted by GM Steve Yzerman who will now look to help take the Red Wings to the next level.

Sandin-Pellikka was one of the most talked-about players in Detroit’s system, and thanks to his strong performances during Training Camp and the preseason, he earned a spot on the Opening Night roster against Montreal. He’ll be paired with Simon Edvinsson, who is coming off his first full NHL season.

Michael Whitaker (@mwhitaker_89) on X. @DetroitRedWings rookie Axel Sandin-Pellikka officially begins his NHL career tonight, and will be paired with Simon Edvinsson, who is coming off his first full campaign in 2024-25. #LGRW

Following practice at Little Caesars Arena on Thursday morning, Sandin-Pellikka was beaming with excitement about his impending debut. 

Bookmark The Hockey News Detroit Red Wings team site to stay connected to the latest news, game-day coverage, and player features. 

"A lot of excitement, for me and my family," he said of his reaction when receiving the news that he'd made the final roster cut. "It's a dream come true. As a kid you want to play in the NHL. Just getting a chance to do it tonight is going to be very cool and I'm looking forward to it."

Just like fellow rookie teammates Brandsegg-Nygård and Finnie, Sandin-Pellikka will have multiple family members in attendance on Thursday. 

"My family is coming in with my dad and mom, my brother and sister, and my granddad and uncle," he explained. "I've got six people and it will be fun sharing it with them." 

The Red Wings have featured a wealth of Swedish-born talent throughout their history, most notably multi–Norris Trophy winner and former team captain Nicklas Lidstrom, who is widely considered the greatest defensemen in NHL history.

Sandin-Pellikka has leaned on the support from former Lidstrom teammate Niklas Kronwall, who is now a Development Coach with a focus on Swedish talent. 

"He's been helping me a lot and offered skills and video, just talking about his career and how that was," Sandin-Pellikka said of Kronwall. "It's been very helpful." 

Not only did Sandin-Pellikka prove himself worthy as a defenseman against other NHL players, but his puck-moving skills and attributes on the power-play helped make earning a roster spot possible.

Last season while playing with Skelleftea AIK, he earned himself numerous accolades, including being named the Swedish Junior Hockey Player of the Year after leading all junior SHL players in goals and points. 

A regular on the blue line during power plays in Sweden, Sandin-Pellikka is in his element on the ice when the opposition is shorthanded, and he saw multiple minutes on the power-play with the Red Wings in pre-season play. 

"It's a fun challenge for me, playing the power play," he said. "I've always done that so I hope I still have the qualities for that. I'm feeling good for that." 

"It's Special": Todd McLellan Reflects On Meaning Of Being Part of The Red Wings The 2025-26 NHL Season has officially begun for several teams, and for the Detroit Red Wings, it will commence on Thursday evening against the Montreal Canadiens at Little Caesars Arena. 

Sandin-Pellikka will begin his NHL career wearing jersey No. 44. He would have liked to have worn No. 5 as he did with Skelleftea AIK, but understandably, he knows it's unavailable.

Lidstrom wore No. 5 throughout his legendary career with the Red Wings, a tenure that included multiple Norris Trophy wins, four Stanley Cup championships, the 2002 Conn Smythe Trophy, and his induction into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2015.

His No. 5 was raised to the rafters at Joe Louis Arena in 2014 and now hangs in Little Caesars Arena. Maybe one day, No. 44 will be placed alongside Lidstrom's retired jersey banner in the rafters.

"Hopefully!" he said with a grin. 

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After a great training camp and preseason, forward Hunter Haight was sent down to the American Hockey League (AHL) with the Iowa Wild.

The Wild had 13 forwards on the roster and Nico Sturm was progressing well and seemed healthy. But on Tuesday the Wild placed Sturm on the Injured Reserve along with Mats Zuccarello.

This opened the door for Haight and the Wild recalled him from the AHL.

Haight, 21, was the Wild's 47th overall pick from the 2022 NHL Draft and played in his first season of professional hockey last year. He recorded 20 goals and 34 points in 67 games for Iowa last year.

The 5-foot-10 center will make his NHL Debut tonight on the road against the St. Louis Blues. He is expecting his parents and his girlfriend to be in attendance on Thursday.

"I feel great," Haight said. "I feel great coming into here, I think I'm ready and I'm just excited."

With Sturm out for quite some time, this has opened an opportunity to not only make his NHL debut but to make a name for himself in the NHL.

"Yeah, it's always an opportunity when you're here," Haight said on Wednesday. "I got to take full advantage of it and try and do what I can to help the team out."

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