The Wraparound is back to discuss NHL and hockey topics in rapid-fire segments.

Should The NHL Be Concerned About The Ice For The Olympics? by The Wraparound

Here's what Emma Lingan, Michael Augello and Jim Parsons discussed in this episode:

0:00: With Kent Hughes and Jeff Gorton extended, what’s the next step in the Montreal Canadiens’ organizational journey?

4:37: Can the New Jersey Devils stay competitive without Jacob Markstrom in their lineup for the next few weeks?

7:43: Will the Florida Panthers' injury struggles begin to catch up to them?

11:35: Could Zeev Buium help the Minnesota Wild become an elite offensive team?

15:20: Should Jimmy Snuggerud be the early favorite for the Calder Trophy?

18:55: Should the NHL be concerned about the untested ice for the upcoming Olympics?

22:40: Does Easton Cowan’s early success with the Toronto Maple Leafs create some urgency for a Nick Robertson trade?

29:10: How will the Edmonton Oilers organize their forward group with Zach Hyman returning?

See below for where to subscribe to the show for future episodes.

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The Pittsburgh Penguins will play their second game of the California road trip on Thursday night against the Los Angeles Kings. 

The Penguins started the California trip in Anaheim on Tuesday and jumped out to a 2-0 lead before losing by one goal, 4-3. The game was tied with less than two minutes to go in the third period when Penguins defenseman Parker Wotherspoon took a delay of game penalty by sending the puck over the glass. 

It only took seven seconds for the Ducks' power play to cash in, thanks to forward Chris Kreider. He scored from about 15 feet out to give the Ducks the lead before they bled the rest of the clock. It was a brutal break for the Penguins, who were about to get at least a point out of the game. 

They've now lost their last two games after starting the season with a 2-0-0 record. They'll try to snap that losing streak against a Kings' team that has historically been very stingy in their own end, but are off to a slow start this year, losing three of their first four games (1-2-1 record). 

The Penguins conducted a morning skate before Thursday's game, and it didn't take long to notice that first-round pick Benjamin Kindel wasn't participating in line rushes. That's because he will be a healthy scratch for this game, per Penguins head coach Dan Muse. That shouldn't be too much of a surprise after Muse spoke earlier this week about their plans for both Kindel and fellow rookie Harrison Brunicke.

Here are the lines:

Forwards

Rakell-Crosby-Rust

Mantha-Malkin-Brazeau

Hallander-Novak-Tomasino

Dewar-Lizotte-Acciari

Defensemen

Wotherspoon-Karlsson

Shea-Letang

Jones-Brunicke

Goaltenders

Arturs Silovs

Tristan Jarry

---

Muse confirmed after the skate that Silovs will start in goal after Jarry played against the Ducks. Muse has been rotating the goalies between starts thus far. 

Puck drop is set for 10 p.m. ET on SportsNet Pittsburgh. 

---

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The Vancouver Canucks were one of the better road teams in the NHL last season, racking up a record of 21–14–6 and 48 points (seventh in NHL). 26 of these 41 road games were spent as part of five of the team’s longer-term road trips, each spanning more than four games. With the Canucks now embarking on their first five-game road trip of the 2025–26 season, let’s take a look at how they performed in their five 4+ road game road trips during 2024–25. 

October 15 to 22: 3–1–0 

Most of Vancouver’s road success came at the start of the 2024–25 season. Against the Tampa Bay Lightning, Florida Panthers, Philadelphia Flyers, and Chicago Blackhawks, the team collected six of eight potential points during this week-long road trip. They had an overall positive goal differential, scoring 13 against all four teams combined and allowing only nine against. 

As a whole, the Canucks recorded more shots on net (122) than shots against (115), as they only recorded less than 30 shots once and did not have less than 25. Vancouver also converted on three of six power play opportunities provided and killed 12 of 14 penalties taken. 

November 23 to December 3: 5–1–1

Vancouver continued their road success into early December, helping Kevin Lankinen set a new NHL record. Granted, only two of the teams they played ended up making the playoffs in the spring (Ottawa Senators and Minnesota Wild), though the other teams they played (Boston Bruins, Pittsburgh Penguins, Buffalo Sabres, Detroit Red Wings) put up a fight, with five of these six games being separated by only a one-goal margin. 

In terms of shots on goal versus shots faced, the Canucks allowed more (179) than what they produced (151). Their most productive period was the third, during which they put up a total of 55. The penalty kill remained at around 80%, while their power play capitalized on six of 18 chances. 

January 6 to 14: 1–2–2

The month of January often becomes a make-or-break month for Vancouver. In 2023–24, the team went on a five-game road winning streak to help put them at the top of the Pacific Division by the end of the season. 

2024–25 was a different story. 

In five games against the Montréal Canadiens, Washington Capitals, Carolina Hurricanes, Toronto Maple Leafs, and Winnipeg Jets, Vancouver registered only one win and lost the remaining four (two in overtime). They only recorded 107 shots on net throughout these five games, including a 14-shot game against the Hurricanes, and scored only nine goals total. They went two-for-12 on the power play, but continued their solid shorthanded efforts by killing 12 of 15 penalties. 

February 22 to March 1: 1–4–0

As poor as their January road trip was, it was nowhere near as negative as their first long road trip after the 4 Nations Faceoff break. Vancouver lost four of their five games against the Vegas Golden Knights, Utah Mammoth, Anaheim Ducks, and Seattle Kraken, with their lone win coming in overtime against the Los Angeles Kings. 

Shot-wise, Vancouver had yet another poor performance, registering only 122 in five games. Two of these matches included less than 20 shots throughout the whole game for the Canucks. In contrast, Vancouver allowed 142 shots against. 

The Canucks continued their special teams patterns, going two-for-12 on the power play yet again but registering their best penalty-killing percentage of these road trips with a success rate of 93.3%. They scored eight even-strength goals in five games. 

March 20 to 30: 2–2–2

By the time their final 4+ game road trip of the season rolled around, Canucks players were dropping like flies. Vancouver was without both centers Filip Chytil and Elias Pettersson by March 24, though they still remained eligible to qualify for a playoff spot. 

During this road trip, Vancouver put up 171 shots in six games against the St. Louis Blues, New York Rangers, New Jersey Devils, New York Islanders, Columbus Blue Jackets, and Jets, including a 39-shot game against the Rangers, who only posted 12. This was their first time putting up more shots than shots allowed (159) since their first long road trip at the start of the season. They also recorded their season-high in shots per period during 4+ game road trips with 64 recorded during second periods of this trip. 

Vancouver’s special teams continued their usual run. They recorded a 16.7% power play rate for the third straight 4+ game road trip, but put up a penalty-killing percentage of 86% over 14 opportunities. 

The Canucks begin the first of five 4+ game road trips this season tonight, as they take on the Dallas Stars at 5:00 pm PT. Tomorrow, they’ll face the Blackhawks at 5:30 pm PT. Vancouver will then take on the Capitals, Penguins, and Nashville Predators before returning to Rogers Arena for three games. 

Make sure you bookmark THN's Vancouver Canucks site and add us to your favourites on Google News for the latest news, exclusive interviews, breakdowns, and so much more. Also, don't forget to leave a comment at the bottom of the page and engage with other passionate fans through our forum. This article originally appeared on The Hockey News.

Latest From THN’s Vancouver Canucks Site: 

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Vancouver Canucks Gameday Preview #4: Starting A Road Trip Against The Dallas Stars

What The Analytics Say About The Vancouver Canucks After Their First Three Games Of The 2025-26 Regular Season

According to David Pagnotta of The Fourth Period, as discussed on Wednesday’s episode of the Daily Faceoff Rundown, the Detroit Red Wings are actively looking to add another center into the lineup and have been for quite some time. 

David Pagnotta: Re Red Wings: This is a team that's been looking for offence, this is a team that's been looking at the center position as well; but there is some talk that the Wings are looking at and open to moving some of their defensemen - DFO Rundown (10/15)

— NHL Rumour Report (@NHLRumourReport) October 16, 2025

This would make sense as they are likely looking for more options up the middle as J.T. Compher has had a lackluster start to the season with no points and a -1 rating through a heavy 17 minutes per game and is losing more often than not on the face-off dot with a 38.7 winning percentage on draws. He mixes in with forward Andrew Copp, who is having a better start to the season with a goal and an assist through four games but is also suffering on draws with a worse 37.5 success rate. 

Now face-offs aren't the most important aspects of Compher and Copp's game but the two can both switch out to the wing and allow a new third line center to enter the fold. This would also give the team flexibility if top line center Dylan Larkin or second line option Marco Kasper go down with an injury. 

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

If we look to contending teams like the Edmonton Oilers, they have soild depth with Trent Frederic or Adam Henrique able to draw into the role or the Vegas Golden Knights, who have a former 43-goal scorer in William Karlsson as their third line center. If the Red Wings want to keep up with the big dogs, they'll need to shift players like Compher or Copp into less meaningful roles like onto the fourth line and add another center in the same tier as a Karlsson or Henrique. 

The Red Wings would have more than enough cap space at $11.8 million to facilitate any sort of deal they'd want to make when it comes to adding a depth center and have plenty of assets like draft capital and high-end prospects they could pick from to bring in an impactful player that will help Detroit in their chase for a playoff spot. 

"Not A Crazy Recipe": Mason Appleton Keeps Things Simple Amidst Goal StreakDetroit Red Wings forward Mason Appleton now has three goals in his last two games, including a pair of goals in Detroit's 4-1 win over the Florida Panthers on Wednesday.

Potential Options

A sensible target for the Red Wings could be Calgary Flames captain Mikael Backlund. As he enters the final year of his contract, Backlund represents a potential low-cost rental with plenty to prove. Playing alongside strong linemates like Andrew Copp and J.T. Compher could help him thrive offensively.

Backlund is a reliable center, currently leading the league with 55 faceoff wins and boasting an impressive 59.1% success rate. He’s also a key contributor on the penalty kill which Detroit needs to strengthen after finishing with the league’s worst unit last season. Backlund is an older 36 years old and may not offer significantly more scoring than Copp or Compher. However, his defensive awareness and two-way metrics make him an appealing short-term addition as an affordable rental option for Detroit as they push for a playoff spot.

Another option could be New York's Jean-Gabriel Pageau as a consistent 40-point scorer that is very strong on the face-off dot with a 63.6 winning percentage, which is top ten among centers that have taken 30 or more draws this season.

Pageau, like Backlund, plays meaningful minutes on the penalty kill and even plays for the top unit compared to Backlund, who mans the second. Pageau is also a rental option on the final year of his six-year pact with the Islanders but at 32 years old, he could be brought back for a few more years if the fit is a good one in the Motor City.

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Carter Hart signed a professional tryout with the Vegas Golden Knights today, and the timing couldn't be more telling. He won't be eligible to suit up until December 1st due to disciplinary measures from the league. And yet, Vegas is betting on a goaltender who hasn't played meaningful hockey in nearly two years to potentially solve their crease issues.

Meanwhile, the Edmonton Oilers are watching from a distance, likely grateful they never went down that road.

Hart has been absent from the NHL for nearly two years, not because of injury, but because he was facing sexual assault charges stemming from the 2018 World Juniors incident. That's not a normal absence. That's time spent dealing with legal proceedings, public scrutiny, and the mental toll that comes with being at the center of such a case.

Let's be clear about something: the Oilers were rumoured to have interest in Hart at various points. When goaltending questions plagued Edmonton's playoff runs, Hart's name came up in speculation. But the moment the World Juniors sexual assault case became public and Hart was charged, that interest evaporated. And rightfully so. Regardless of the not guilty verdict that came on July 24, 2025, the reality is that this case brought massive scrutiny, public attention, and questions that no team trying to win a Stanley Cup needs hanging over their locker room.

Hart has a career .906 save percentage with six career shutouts and a 96-93-29 record over six seasons with the Philadelphia Flyers. Those are middling numbers for a starting goaltender. But the bigger issue isn't the statistics—it's the baggage.

The not guilty verdict on July 24, 2025, cleared him legally, but it doesn't erase the reality of what happened. Hart was suspended by the NHL on January 29, 2024, and hasn't played since. He was one of five players charged in connection with an alleged sexual assault involving the 2018 Canadian World Junior team.

The case dominated headlines for months. Even after the not guilty verdict, questions remain about judgment, character, and whether a team wants to deal with the constant media attention and public opinion that comes with signing him.

Then there's the injury history. Hart's injury history during his six-year career with the Flyers is "about as long as a CVS receipt," as Hannah Kirkell put it. Durability matters for a starting goaltender, especially on a team with championship aspirations. The Oilers can't afford a goaltender who's frequently unavailable or playing through issues that affect performance.

The Oilers have Stuart Skinner and Calvin Pickard as their goaltending tandem, and with Connor McDavid's team-friendly $12.5 million AAV extension, they suddenly have cap flexibility to explore adding a third goaltender or upgrading the position without having to move out existing pieces. McDavid leaving money on the table was specifically designed to give the Oilers options like this.

The idea that Edmonton should have pursued Hart—a 27-year-old coming off a nearly two-year absence, with all the public scrutiny that it entails—was never realistic. Why tie up resources and create controversy when McDavid's contract gives them the flexibility to pursue other options?

Did Oilers Get An Official Trade Offer For Connor McDavid?Before Connor McDavid signed his extension in Edmonton, teams were eager to see what he'd do. Did the Oilers ever get an official trade offer?

Vegas is in a different situation. Adin Hill sustained a lower-body injury recently, creating immediate need. They can afford to take a flyer on Hart with a professional tryout because their goaltending situation is uncertain. But even for Vegas, this is a gamble. Hart isn't eligible to play until December 1st, and it's going to take six weeks for him to get back into NHL game shape. That means Vegas is banking on a goaltender who won't be ready until potentially mid-to-late December, and even then, there's no guarantee he'll be the player he was before he left.

The Oilers don't have the luxury of gambling on maybes. Connor McDavid just signed a two-year extension that says "win now." Leon Draisaitl is in his prime. The cup window is compressed and urgent. Bringing in a goaltender with Hart's question marks would have been the opposite of what this team needs—which is reliability, consistency, and someone who can handle the pressure of playoff hockey.

The Golden Knights released a statement saying they're "aligned with the process and assessment the NHL and NHLPA made in their decision" and remain "committed to the core values that have defined our organization".

That's PR language acknowledging they know this signing comes with complications.

The potential fan and media uproar in Edmonton would have been immediate and intense. Bringing in Carter Hart, regardless of the not guilty verdict, would have sparked outrage from significant portions of the fanbase who don't separate legal outcomes from personal judgment about character and values.

Skinner Redeems Himself At MSG, For NowStuart Skinner needed this one. After the scrutiny, the criticism, the endless questions about whether he's capable of being the starting goaltender for a cup-contending team, he walked into Madison Square Garden and delivered a 30-save shutout in a 2-0 win over the New York Rangers.

The Oilers operate in a Canadian market where everything gets amplified. Scrutiny is relentless. Fans have strong opinions and aren't shy about expressing them. The organization's public image matters, especially when you're trying to sell tickets, maintain sponsorships, and present yourself as a championship-calibre franchise that represents the community.

Bringing in Hart after everything that's happened would have created backlash that no team chasing a Stanley Cup needs.

Vegas can absorb that attention differently than Edmonton can. The Golden Knights operate in a different media environment with different expectations and a fanbase that doesn't have the same emotional investment. The Oilers don't have that luxury.

The reality is that Hart might work out for Vegas. He might rediscover his form, stay healthy, and become a useful piece for them. The not guilty verdict means he's legally cleared to play, and the NHL's decision to allow him back means the league has made its mind up.

But even if Hart succeeds in Vegas, it doesn't mean the Oilers made a mistake by staying away. Edmonton's situation is different.  And here's the thing: the Oilers don't need to take that risk. McDavid's team-friendly contract gives them cap space to explore other goaltending options without creating controversy. They can keep Skinner, keep Pickard, and still have flexibility to add or upgrade if needed. Why would they burn that goodwill and create unnecessary problems when they have other paths available?

Oilers' Head Coach Kris Knoblauch Reaches New MilestoneEdmonton Oilers head coach Kris Knoblauch continues to rise in the standings of all-time winning coaches for the franchise.

Stuart Skinner just showed what he's capable of at MSG. Calvin Pickard has looked confident in his opportunities. The Oilers have a goaltending situation that, while not perfect, is functional and improving. And thanks to McDavid's contract, they have the cap space to add to that position without damaging their public image.

Adding Hart to that mix would have created more problems than solutions, more controversy than clarity, more damage to the organization's reputation than any on-ice benefit he might provide.

Did the Oilers dodge a bullet? Absolutely. Not just because of Hart's on-ice questions or the nearly two-year layoff, but because of the fan and media uproar that would have followed, the damage to the organization's public image, and the perception that the Oilers valued winning over values.

The not guilty verdict clears him legally, but it doesn't erase how signing him would have been received in Edmonton. When your championship window is three years and your captain just took a discount to give you cap flexibility, you can't afford to burn goodwill and create unnecessary controversy when other options exist.

Vegas is taking a gamble. The Oilers chose to stay away entirely. Smart teams know when the risk isn't worth the potential reward. So no, the Oilers didn't dodge a bullet with Carter Hart—they made the right call by never putting themselves in that situation to begin with.

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The San Jose Sharks claimed defenseman Vincent Iorio off NHL waivers from the Washington Capitals on Thursday.

The 22-year-old was the only player placed on waivers on Wednesday, but he's the second player to get claimed in the past two days. The Florida Panthers claimed D-man Donovan Sebrango from the Ottawa Senators on Wednesday.

Iorio made Washington's opening day roster after logging an assist in four pre-season games, but he didn't see any regular-season action. He last played in the NHL in the 2023-24 post-season, and he has a total of 10 career games played across the regular season and playoffs.

At 6-foot-4 and 220 pounds, Iorio brings size to puck battles, and his skating and vision have improved in the past few years, according to The Hockey News' Sammi Silber.

Iorio is in the third and final year of his entry-level contract with a cap hit of $814,167, according to PuckPedia.

San Jose has nine active defensemen on the NHL roster, including Iorio. Seven of them have played, with Sam Dickinson getting two of three games and Shakir Mukhamadullin playing once. Vincent Desharnais has not yet played.

Nobody was added to NHL waivers on Thursday.

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The Chicago Blackhawks are starting to heat up, as they won have each of their last two games. This includes an impressive 8-3 win over the St. Louis Blues in their last contest on Oct. 15. 

Blackhawks forward Ilya Mikheyev has been a notable reason for the Blackhawks' ongoing winning streak, as the 31-year-old has been red-hot during it. Over his last two games, the 6-foot-2 winger has recorded three goals and four points. 

Mikheyev's hot streak started against the Utah Mammoth, as he scored twice in the Blackhawks' 3-1 win. Then against the Blues, Mikheyev scored the game-opening goal at the 3:02 mark of the first period and then recorded an assist on Ryan Donato's third-period goal that gave Chicago a 6-2 lead. 

With this, there is no question that Mikheyev is playing some wonderful hockey right now. The Blackhawks will be hoping that the veteran forward can keep this kind of play up. If he does, it would be great news for the Blackhawks. 

It will now be interesting to see how Mikheyev builds on his strong play from here. There is no question that he has been a great fit for the Blackhawks since his arrival. 

The Vegas Golden Knights announced goaltender Carter Hart will be joining the organization.

Hart was one of the five members of Canada’s 2018 world juniors team who were found not guilty of sexual assault in a trial that took place earlier this year in London, Ont. The other players are Michael McLeod, Alex Formenton, Dillon Dube and Cal Foote.

Since being acquitted, the NHL announced on Sept. 11 it will reinstate the five former NHLers. Oct. 15 was the first day they could officially sign with new teams, but The Athletic's Chris Johnston and Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman reported Hart is on a tryout with Vegas for now.

"Following the reinstatement decision agreed on by the National Hockey League and the National Hockey League Players’ Association, goaltender Carter Hart will be joining the Vegas Golden Knights organization," the team said in a statement Thursday. "The Golden Knights are aligned with the process and assessment the NHL and NHLPA made in their decision. We remain committed to the core values that have defined our organization from its inception and expect that our players will continue to meet these standards moving forward."

Hart and any of the other four players who sign contracts won’t be able to begin conditioning with their teams until Nov. 15 or play in the NHL until Dec. 1.

With that in mind, Hart can officially make his Golden Knights debut as early as Dec. 2 when Vegas hosts the Chicago Blackhawks.

The 27-year-old hasn’t played an NHL game since Jan. 20, 2024. He made 25 starts in what was his sixth season for the Philadelphia Flyers in 2023-24.

In that season, he registered a 2.80 goals-against average, .906 save percentage, one shutout and 12-9-3 record before stepping away from the team.

As for Vegas’ goaltending situation, starting netminder Adin Hill suffered a lower-body injury during their game against the Calgary Flames on Tuesday. He didn’t return after the first period, and backup goaltender Akira Schmid subbed in to play the final two periods. The length of Hill’s injury is yet to be announced.

All Five Former World Junior Players Found Not Guilty In Hockey Canada Sexual Assault TrialWarning: coverage of the Hockey Canada trial includes details of alleged sexual assault that may be disturbing to readers.

When the NHL announced it would reinstate Hart, McLeod, Formenton, Dube and Foote, the league called the events that led to sexual assault allegations after a 2018 Hockey Canada gala were "deeply troubling."

"The league expects everyone connected with the game to conduct themselves with the highest level of moral integrity," the league said at the time. "And, in this case, while found not to have been criminal, the conduct of the players involved certainly did not meet that standard."

The NHLPA said it was pleased the players were reinstated.

"The players co-operated with every investigation," the players union said. "Upon their full acquittal by Superior Court Justice Maria Carroccia, we initiated discussions with the NHL regarding the players' return to work. To avoid a protracted dispute that would cause further delay, we reached the resolution that the league announced (on Sept. 11). We now consider the matter closed and look forward to the players' return."

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Coming off their first regulation loss of the season, the Nashville Predators are looking to bounce back against the Montreal Canadiens on Thursday at 6 p.m. CST at the Bell Centre. 

The Predators kept pace with the Toronto Maple Leafs on Tuesday, but saw the Maple Leafs pull away in the third period for a 7-4 win. The result is not indicative of the score,as Toronto scored two empty-net goals. 

Here is what you need to know ahead of the Predators road matchup in Montreal. 

Game day 

Who: Nashville Predators (2-1-1) at Montreal Canadiens (3-1-0) 

Where: Centre Bell, Montreal, QC, Canada 

When: 6 p.m. CST 

TV: FanDuel Sports Network South

Radio: 102.5 The Game 

Betting line (via BetMGM): Nashville +1.5 Montreal -1.5. Over/under: 6 (-105/-115) 

Starters: Nashville - Juuse Saros; Montreal - Jakub Dobes 

New line changes, potential scratches 

The Predators mixed up three of their four forward lines during morning practice on Thursday. 

Ryan O'Reilly is now centering Filip Forsberg and Steven Stamkos on the first line. Fedor Svechkov is centering Tyson Jost and Luke Evangelista on the second line. Michael McCarron is center Cole Smith and Ozzy Weisblatt on the fourth line. 

Brady Martin and Joakim Kemmel are the extra forwards. Nick Blankenberg is the extra defenseman. 

The third line combination of Jonathan Marchessault, Erik Haula and Michael Bunting remained the same. 

It seems that the Predators' focus remains on getting Stamkos going, as he has one point in four games and no goals. The second line has struggled to find its groove, but now having a veteran player like Jost in the mix may spark something. 

Martin has not played on this road trip, which is part of developing him and spreading out his first nine games, according to Predators head coach Andrew Brunette. He could potentially be scratched again on Thursday. 

Kemell didn't play in the Predators' last game against the Maple Leafs and logged just 9:46 minutes in Nashville's 4-1 win over Ottawa on Monday. 

Andrew Brunette Addresses Nashville Predators Center Brady Martin's Healthy ScratchesThe Nashville Predators head coach discusses the 18-year-old's development and back-to-back healthy scratches.

Juuse Saros playing critical role early on 

Saros has been one of the things that has been keeping the Predators afloat as they try to figure out their offense and even their defense. 

The Predators starter has made 89 saves on 94 shots in three games, posting a 2-0-1 record. The loss to Toronto, where Justus Annunen played the entire game, proved that Saros is making up for the Predators' defensive lapses early on. 

A lot of what Annunen gave up in the loss to the Maple Leafs could be pinpointed back to defensive mistakes and their inability to get back in time. 

Saros will start on Thursday and may continue to prove how much of a force he has been this season. 

Nashville Predators defense struggled to support Annunen in loss to Maple Leafs Aside from two empty net goals in the third period, the<a href="https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/nashville-predators"> Nashville Predators'</a> defense struggled to support goalie Justus Annunen in their <a href="https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/nashville-predators/game-day/takeaways-nashville-predators-fall-in-hard-fought-fashion-to-maple-leafs">7-4 loss to the Toronto Maple Leafs </a>on Tuesday.&nbsp;

Scouting Montreal 

After losing their first game of the season, the Canadiens have rattled off three straight wins, most recently upending the Seattle Kraken, 5-4, in overtime on Tuesday at home. 

Nick Suzuki has jumped out as one of the top playmakers in the league early on, with six assists in four games. Cole Caufield also has three goals and two assists for five points in four games.

Montreal is also the sixth highest scoring team in the NHL, averaging 3.75 goals a game.  

Similar to the Predators, the Canadiens power play is also struggling with 17.6% efficiency. 

Canadiens: Taking On The PredatorsEverything you nee to know about the Montreal Canadiens' game against the Nashville Predators tonight at the Bell Centre.

Inactive players 

Nashville: Nicolas Hague (upper body) 

Montreal: None 

The Ottawa Senators have made a move to bolster their forward depth, recalling left winger Arthur Kaliyev from the Belleville Senators. The recall comes after the Sens placed Brady Tkachuk (hand/wrist) on injured reserve, and as the Sens prepare to host the Seattle Kraken on Thursday night at Canadian Tire Centre.

Kaliyev signed a one-year, two-way contract with the Sens on July 2, reuniting with a hockey operations team that's familiar to him. He spent three seasons in the OHL with the Hamilton Bulldogs, a junior career that provided Sens GM Steve Staios, who used to run the Bulldogs, with a clear opinion of the player's skill set and character.

But the 24-year-old has not yet been able to replicate his junior numbers in the pro ranks. His 95 goals over two seasons in Hamilton are nothing more than a distant memory.

Kaliyev enters the recall with 202 NHL games under his belt, putting up 75 points (38 goals, 37 assists) during stints with both the Kings and the New York Rangers. 

Kaliyev failed to make the Sens out of training camp but collected two assists in his first two games with Belleville. The Sens are hoping his shooting ability might be able to provide an offensive spark, particularly on their power play, utilizing one of the best releases in the game. After winning their opener, Ottawa has lost three games in a row.

Last season, Kaliyev was derailed by two separate clavicle fractures. The first injury occurred in training camp; after returning in January with the Kings, he was placed on waivers and claimed by New York. In his 14 games with the Rangers, he logged three goals and one assist before suffering a second fracture in the same shoulder, forcing him to end his season prematurely.

He acknowledged that joining Ottawa may give him one of his best opportunities: “Ottawa knows me well … To come here, this was my best option.”

There's no word yet on whether he'll suit up on Thursday night or not, but Ottawa probably represents the last chance for Kaliyev to prove he can still be an NHL asset.

As for Tkachuk, the move to injured reserve isn't a surprise. The club has already said he'll miss at least four weeks with what's believed to be a wrist or hand injury suffered in the Nashville game on Monday. The only question now is whether he'll need surgery.

If he does, the timeline for recovery could be anywhere between 2-5 months. It all depends on the nature and severity of the injury, which is information we should be getting in the next day or two.

More Sens headlines at the Hockey News Ottawa:
Senators Lose Sebrango, Claimed Off Waivers By Florida
An Early Glance At The Senators' Goaltending Pipeline
Brady Tkachuk Likely To Miss A Month Of Action (At Least)
Another Tough Break For Josh Norris, A Player Ottawa Still Roots For
Yakemchuk Reflects On Playing First Pro Game Saturday

You never get a second chance at a first impression, and a handful of NHL rookies didn't waste theirs.

We have seen some really encouraging performances for first time NHLers, and there have been guys who are fighting to get into the lineup. 

Teams are deploying development plans for some youngsters, looking to control their workload and give them a ramp-up period to playing full-time pro hockey. It’s an interesting time of year as we are starting to have the conversations around whether some rookies will be getting the nine-game trial or if they are going to stick around full-time. 

While some players, such as Ivan Demidov and Sam Rinzel, gave us their impressions late last season, we’re getting a look at so many NHL rookies for the first time. Let’s look at some of the first impressions from around the league. 

Matthew Schaefer, D, New York Islanders

The first overall pick in the 2025 draft came as advertised.

Schaefer's mobility and puck skill have been so entertaining, but they’ve also been incredibly effective at the NHL level. The 18-year-old's defensive game has had some hiccups, but he has been pretty solid overall. 

His first NHL goal went in exactly how we all expected it to – crashing the net and banging it in! Sarcasm aside, Schaefer’s injury issues from his draft season are in the rearview mirror, and the competitive, skilled young defender looked every bit of a first overall pick. 

Schaefer's Calder Trophy odds on BetMGM: 4.40 (+340)

Michael Misa, C, San Jose Sharks

With just one NHL game under his belt, Misa has 15:06 of action to go off of.

There were moments when the 18-year-old made some really nice plays, pulling the puck off the wall or supporting the breakout. It wasn’t some sort of fantastic game, but he wasn’t given much of an opportunity to do anything fantastic.

Hopefully, we get to see Misa in a more offensive role and he sticks around the NHL because he doesn’t have much left to prove in the OHL.

Misa's Calder Trophy odds on BetMGM: 31.00 (+3000)  

Easton Cowan, RW, Toronto Maple Leafs

It has only been two games, but the Leafs' 20-year-old rookie has been pretty impressive.

Cowan has the opportunity of a lifetime, playing alongside Auston Matthews and Matthew Knies, and he’s making the most of it. He has just one assist through two games, but he’s found a way to consistently make excellent plays. His intelligence and playmaking have been on full display. 

His underlying stats are impressive, as he leads the Leafs at 5-on-5 in shot share, scoring chance percentage and expected goals percentage, according to naturalstattrick.com. If he can continue to play even close to this level, he will find himself not only in the NHL for the rest of the season but on the top line the whole time.

Cowan's Calder Trophy odds: 51.00 (+5000)

Alexander Nikishin, D, Carolina Hurricanes

We did get a small glimpse of Nikishin in last year’s playoffs, but this has been our real first impression of him.

It’s been a long few years as Canes fans watched Nikishin, 24, evolve into one of the KHL’s best overall defenders, but the wait was well worth it. He’s shown off his physicality, crushing guys along the boards and in open ice. He’s shown intelligent tracking in his own end, and he’s done an excellent job of killing play on the cycle. 

The biggest question about Nikishin when he came over to North America was whether his offensive numbers would translate. We’re seeing him move the puck quite well, though, and he’s picked up three assists so far. Nikishin hasn’t found the back of the net with his big shot, but he’s come as advertised for the most part.

Nikishin's Calder Trophy odds: 26.00 (+2500)

Zeev Buium, D, Minnesota Wild

Just like Nikishin, we had a brief glimpse of Buium last post-season, but he has truly shown what he’s capable of to begin this campaign.

Buium's offensive game has been unreal, racking up five points through four games while quarterbacking the power play. The 19-year-old’s skating and puck skill are excellent, silencing any doubters about whether he could produce at the NHL level.

That said, his defensive game remains a work in progress. Much like Lane Hutson in Montreal last season, Buium came out of college and leaned into what makes him special while working on the defensive side of things. If there is progress throughout the year similar to Hutson last season, we could be looking at a Calder Trophy candidate.

Buium's Calder Trophy odds: 11.00 (+1000)

Five Rookies Who Scored Their First NHL Goal On The WeekendThis season, there has been a notable number of young, talented players who are entering their rookie season.

Beckett Sennecke, RW, Anaheim Ducks

With two goals and two assists through three games, Beckett Sennecke's arrival has been quite impressive for the Ducks.

His offensive skill is on full display. There are still moments of questionable decisions or trying to skill his way out of problems, but Sennecke, 19, has been a breath of fresh air in Anaheim. 

The Ducks probably won't be very good this year, so allowing Sennecke to work through some issues at times won't be an issue. Seeing him play with the kind of speed and skill the Ducks have lacked gives them a replacement for the wow factor that Trevor Zegras provided before he fell out of favor with the team. Now, they'll hope Sennecke can develop into a well-rounded player.

Sennecke's Calder Trophy odds: 17.00 (+1600)

Arseny Gritsyuk, RW, New Jersey Devils

Gritsyuk's KHL highlights tantalized Devils fans over the last few years, and now, they get to see him up close.

Gritsyuk is a slick playmaker who has lived up to every bit of hype and more. There were questions about whether his skill would translate because he was so reliant on it, but he’s been fantastic. 

The 24-year-old has stepped into the Devils' lineup and looked great with anyone he’s played with. This is the kind of depth scoring the Devils have needed, and he could be a big difference-maker. He is a point-per-game player through three games, but even though that’s likely to slow down, he looks great so far.

Gritsyuk's Calder Trophy odds: 31.00 (+3000)

Emmitt Finnie, LW, Detroit Red Wings

The surprise of the pre-season, Finnie not only made the Wings roster but ended up playing alongside Dylan Larkin and Lucas Raymond.

Finnie, 20, is a meat-and-potatoes kind of player, but as a seventh-round pick in 2023, there was no thought to him making the opening night lineup until he forced his way onto the roster. 

He has two assists in his first four games, and his hard-nosed game in the corners and around the net have been the perfect complement on the top line. Finnie might not be a star, but sometimes, you need someone who connects plays and fills the gaps of the skill players.

Finnie's Calder Trophy odds: 81.00 (+8000)

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

Ben Kindel, C / Harrison Brunicke, D, Pittsburgh Penguins

Kindel and Brunicke were surprise additions to the Pens roster to open the season, and the team seems to have a development plan for the rookie duo going forward. Brunicke sat out Tuesday's game.

Kindel was drafted 11th overall this past June, and there was no expectations that the 18-year-old was going to make the roster. Brunicke, 19, is a year removed from his draft, but he was fully expected to play one more year in the WHL. With a weak blueline and a strong camp, Brunicke entered the NHL lineup. 

We may not see insane point totals from either of these players, but if they can get a full season of NHL experience under their belt at this age, they will be better for it.

Kindel has all of the playmaking skill and energy you want from a middle-six center, so while he could be destined for the nine-game trial, he could easily solidify himself in the top nine for the year.

Brunicke has all of the physical tools you want to see from a blueliner, and he’ll just have to continue making good decisions to stay in the NHL.

Kindel's Calder Trophy odds: 67.00 (+6600)

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Former Rochester Americans forward Brett Murray has signed a contract with the DEL's Nürnberg Ice Tigers, the team announced Thursday. 

Murray finished tied for 13th in the AHL with 27 goals last year and was second on Rochester with 49 points in 66 games while serving as an assistant captain. 

The 27-year-old attended Pittsburgh Penguins training camp on a PTO but did not earn a contract.

A fourth round selection of the Buffalo Sabres in 2016, Murray has 100 goals and 206 points in 325 career AHL games and two goals and six points in 26 career NHL games, all with the Sabres/Americans organization. 

Murray is a prime example of why the AHL's veteran rule needs to be revamped. A 27-year-old who finished 13th in goal scoring should be someone teams are aiming to keep around and is the type of player the league should be incentivizing to keep in North America.  

 For more AHL news keep an eye on The Hockey News' Google News feed. 

Easton Cowan is loving life as a rookie in the NHL with the Toronto Maple Leafs.

The 20-year-old has played two games alongside Auston Matthews and Matthew Knies on Toronto's top line. He registered his first NHL point on Tuesday night against the Nashville Predators on a goal from Matthews.

Cowan has looked strong on the ice and very comfortable playing with Matthews and Knies. Part of that is because of the skill he possesses to play that high in the lineup. Another side of it, however, is his teammates allowing him to feel comfortable in what's a big career moment.

Brandon Carlo joked on Tuesday about Cowan having an eye-opening experience during one of the team dinners. "It was pretty funny because there was a lot of things where he was like, 'I've never had this before', 'I've never had this before', and I remember being in that same position," he smiled.

'I Remember Being In That Same Position': Maple Leafs' Brandon Carlo Shares Funny Story About Easton Cowan's Early Days In NHL<a href="https://x.com/nickbarden/status/1977860208614391957">Easton Cowan</a> is enjoying life up in the NHL with the Toronto Maple Leafs.

"Yeah, obviously, the dinner is very good food, nice hotels, so just being grateful for each and every day," added Cowan. But yeah, it's called the never hungry-league for a reason, and I haven't really been hungry that much, I've been eating a lot, lots of good food, so I've been very grateful for that."

Cowan also revealed that he's been pranked by a few of the older players on the team.

"We were out for dinner, and I was sitting with the younger guys on the team, I'd say, and the waiter came over and handed me a bill," Cowan grinned.

"I thought I was going to have to pay for it, but it was just (Max Domi and Auston Matthews) playing a prank on me. So, it was definitely nice, finding out you didn't have to pay for that, but just little jokes like that, that are funny and go a long way, and it's just cool they can joke around, and you got to be able to take it."

What did the rookie think when the waiter placed the bill on the table?

"Pretty nervous, but (Matthew Knies) helped me out, looked at the bill, made sure it was fake. So yeah, definitely nervous for sure though."

Going back to that tuna tartare Cowan tried — what did he think of it?

"It was okay. Not a big fish guy," he said. "It was okay, but I don't think I'll go back to it."

'He Always Has Good Feedback': Maple Leafs' Craig Berube Details What Conversations Are Like With William NylanderIf there's anyone on the<a href="https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/toronto-maple-leafs/latest-news/maple-leafs-2025-26-season-opening-roster-revealed"> Toronto Maple Leafs</a> who can come out on the good side of adversity, it's William Nylander.

Chris Tanev recalls a time during his rookie year when he was handed the bill after a team dinner. The veteran defenseman didn't reveal much about what occurred that night, aside from it being in Minnesota.

What he did reveal, though, was his welcome to the NHL moment off the ice.

"I think maybe the first time I had sushi. I never had sushi until I played in the NHL, so it was probably a 'what's going on right now' (moment)," Tanev said.

"Or going to a nice steakhouse. I never really went to those growing up as a kid, so you sort of get thrown into a whole different life than you're really accustomed to."

'If You Stick With It, Good Things Will Come': What Easton Cowan Will Remember About His NHL Debut With Maple LeafsAs Easton Cowan <a href="https://x.com/nickbarden/status/1977789417462083825">skated onto the ice ahead of his NHL debut</a>, the crowd started cheering. Within all the noise, a song blared inside Scotiabank Arena: "Save a Horse (Ride a Cowboy)".

These stories, of course, are comedic, but they highlight an important aspect of rookies playing in the NHL. The older players want to welcome the younger players into the league — and when they can make someone feel comfortable, they're going to do it for the betterment of the player and the group.

"It just makes you feel comfortable. It makes you feel welcomed," Tanev said. "We know how hard he's working on the ice and off the ice and he's a really good player. So anything we can do to make him feel comfortable and welcomed, we'll do."

Latest stories:

What Caused Maple Leafs Prospect Matthew Hlacar To Get Suspended Six Games In OHL

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Toronto Maple Leafs prospect Sam McCue has announced his commitment to play in the NCAA for Bowling Green State University upon completion of his OHL career. The Brantford Bulldogs forward is in his last year of OHL eligibility. The expectation is that he will head over to Bowling Green for the start of the 2026-27 season. 

4 ⭐️ '05 Sam McCue has committed to Bowling Green! The Brantford Bulldogs forward is a Toronto Maple Leafs draft pick and has 4 points in 7 games to kick off the season. pic.twitter.com/bVw4Ggr6gn

— Puck Preps (@PuckPreps) October 15, 2025

McCue was selected 216th overall in the seventh round of the 2024 NHL Draft by the Maple Leafs. As part of Toronto’s new scouting philosophy under GM Brad Treliving and Director of Amateur Scouting Mark Leach, McCue’s physical abrasiveness, north-south playstyle, and goal-scoring touch made him appealing to the Leafs brass. 

The Sudbury, Ontario, native is entering his fourth season in the OHL. He’s also on his fourth OHL team, having been traded three times in his junior career. McCue had a career year last season, recording 36 goals and 55 points in 55 games, split between Owen Sound and Flint. 

Through seven games this season with the Bulldogs, McCue has recorded four points (2 goals, 2 assists) in seven games. He started the season playing in Brantford’s top six, but has recently been pushed down to the third line, playing alongside Luca Testa and Layne Gallacher. 

Despite announcing his NCAA commitment, there is still the possibility that he signs an NHL contract with Toronto and heads to the AHL to play for the Toronto Marlies instead of the 2026-27 season. 

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Latest OHL News:

Potential 2027 #1 Pick Jaakko Wycisk Highlights OHL's U17 World Hockey Challenge RosterPotential 2027 #1 Pick Jaakko Wycisk Highlights OHL's U17 World Hockey Challenge RosterToronto Maple Leafs Prospect Suspended Pending Review For Late Blindside Hit The <a href="https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/toronto-maple-leafs">Toronto Maple Leafs</a> took a flyer on Kitchener Rangers’ enforcer forward <a href="https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/toronto-maple-leafs/latest-news/fight-breaks-out-at-maple-leafs-development-camp-between-matthew-hlacar-and-rhett-parsons">Matthew Hlacar</a> when they selected him 217th overall in the seventh round of the 2025 NHL Draft. A new philosophy has been adopted in the way Toronto drafts under Brad Treliving compared to former GM Kyle Dubas, and the selection of Hlacar further exemplifies that.&nbsp; Heartwarming Support: Former OHL Teammates Celebrated Maple Leafs Prospect's Debut on the Big StageThe <a href="https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/toronto-maple-leafs">Toronto Maple Leafs</a> may have lost their Thanksgiving Monday matinee game against the <a href="https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/detroit-red-wings">Detroit Red Wings</a>, but one former OHL MVP, a two-time OHL champion, and a Memorial Cup champion experienced a special moment after spending the first two games of the season in the press box.

The Colorado Avalanche will aim to extend their winning streak when they face Charlie Coyle and the Columbus Blue Jackets on Thursday at Nationwide Arena, a matchup that will also feature a significant individual milestone the moment the puck drops. 

The Avalanche’s matchup with the Blue Jackets will mark Cale Makar’s 400th career NHL game—an extraordinary milestone that cements his standing among the sport’s elite. Over his first 400 appearances, Makar has already carved out a place in history: only Paul Coffey (475) and Bobby Orr (508) have tallied more points in that span, while just four defensemen—Ray Bourque (124), Denis Potvin (128), Coffey (148), and Orr (150)—have scored more goals. Anything short of a victory would feel like a letdown, but Colorado (3-0-1) enters with strong momentum and a prime opportunity to extend its winning streak to two games against Columbus (1-2). 

Top Line Is Soaring 

Through four games, the duo of Nathan MacKinnon and Martin Nečas has amassed a combined 16 points. In Monday’s 3-1 win over the then-winless Buffalo Sabers, MacKinnon scored twice and nearly missed out on recording a hat-trick, while Nečas recorded a pair of assists. The pair came close to adding more to their total, but an offside review nullified a beautiful third period goal from Nečas.

There’s a lot of concern from Avs fans and rightfully so about Nečas’ contract status. He’ll become an unrestricted free agent at the end of the season and given how things worked out with Mikko Rantanen last spring, it only seems natural to be on edge about re-signing star players. But if there’s anything that should give Colorado fans hope, it’s what Nečas told The Gazette’s Evan Rawal over a week ago about MacKinnon. 

While with the Carolina Hurricanes, Nečas closely analyzed players across the league, searching for elements he could incorporate into his own game. One player stood out from the rest: MacKinnon 

“I was watching his game a lot, playing a little bit similar when I was in Carolina,” Nečas told Rawal. 

When you look at it from that perspective, does this sound like a guy who really wants to leave Colorado as was falsely claimed during the offseason? All signs are pointing towards a contract extension. Sometimes the best deals are made in private. And with MacKinnon and Nečas combining for four points per game through four games, there’s no reason to break them apart.  

Following their win over Buffalo, MacKinnon praised Nečas but also said their early success wouldn’t happen without Artturi Lehkonen. 

“Obviously Lehky makes it all possible with his routes, his net presence,” he told reporters. “We can’t have three guys buzzing around the outside, we need someone in the paint, and that’s what Lehky’s doing.” 

Inconsistent Power Play 

Colorado’s power play has experienced its share of highs and lows through the first four games, but Columbus may offer a prime opportunity for the unit to build some momentum. The Blue Jackets’ penalty kill has struggled early in the season, most notably in Monday’s 3–2 loss to the New Jersey Devils, when it surrendered two power-play goals that ultimately decided the game. Perhaps the most damning statistic: both goals were allowed within five seconds of the respective power plays ending. 

In boxing, when a fighter suffers a setback, they often take what’s known as a “soft touch”—a comparatively easy opponent intended to rebuild confidence before returning to top-tier competition. In a similar vein, if Colorado’s power play has yet to meet expectations, facing a team with a struggling penalty kill could serve as the perfect remedy to restore rhythm and efficiency. 

Will Miner Get The Start? 

Scott Wedgewood has arguably never looked sharper. Following his trade from the Nashville Predators, he posted a 13–4–1 record over 19 appearances last season for the Avalanche, accompanied by career-best numbers: a 1.99 goals-against average and a .917 save percentage. Through the first four games of the current campaign, Wedgewood appears on track to surpass those marks, compiling a 3–0–1 record with a 1.72 goals-against average and a .935 save percentage. 

However, it is still early in the season, and at some point, Wedgewood will inevitably require a night off. That could open the door for 24-year-old Trent Miner to make the start. Miner is coming off one of the finest seasons of his career with the Colorado Eagles, posting a 22–10–9 record over 38 games, along with a 2.12 goals-against average and a .918 save percentage. Many expected him to draw the start against Buffalo, particularly after Wedgewood’s uneven performance against Dallas, though Wedgewood ultimately met expectations in the 2–1 victory over the Sabers. 

Defensive lapses have been a recurring issue early in the campaign, yet Wedgewood has largely compensated, most notably in the October 9 win over the Utah Mammoth—a game that could easily have swung the other way. The pressing question for Avalanche fans is whether Miner would be capable of the same level of intervention if similar defensive breakdowns occur. Time will tell.