Author: NHL Hockey News, Scores, Standings, Rumors, Fantasy Games

After Saint-Boniface won the Kraft Hockeyville contest, the NHL set up camp in Trois-Rivières on Monday, where the Montreal Canadiens will face the Ottawa Senators at 7:00 PM. While there was some talk that the lineups may not be up to par because of the new CBA rules, which provide that veterans who have played over 100 games of professional hockey cannot play more than two exhibition games, it has now been clarified that today’s festivities do not count as a regular exhibition game but rather as a special NHL event.

At 8:00 AM, the first group of Sens arrived at the Colisee Videtron parking lot, and a significant crowd was already assembled to see who had made the trip from Ottawa. Tim Stutzle, William Eklund, Samuel Blais, Drake Batherson, Nick Cousins, Dylan Cozens, Andre Burakovsky, and Jake Sanderson all made the trip. The Sens greeted the fans when they arrived, but nearly the entire crowd wore some sort of Canadiens merch, and it was clear that Ottawa was the appetizer before the main course.

Second batch of Sens players arrive #GoSensGo@thehockeynews#THNpic.twitter.com/RBL1VMwPq4

— Karine Hains (@KarineHains) September 21, 2026

Canadiens: There Were Some Big Changes At The Bell Centre
Getting Ready For The Senators And Kraft Hockeyvillle
Canadiens’ B Squad Causes Big Surprise In Toronto

The Habs were scheduled to arrive around 9:00 AM, but they didn't get there until 9:45; maybe they wanted to be fashionably late, or maybe to keep fans from going into the building to cheer the Senators on during their morning skate. Whatever the reason, though, the wait was worth it. Captain Nick Suzuki followed coach Martin St-Louis out of the bus along with Cole Caufield, Juraj Slafkovsky, Ivan Demidov, Oliver Kapanen, Samuel Montembeault, Jakub Dobes, Zach Bolduc, Alexandre Texier, the Xhekaj brothers, David Reinbacher, Noah Dobson, Lane Hutson, Alex Newhook, Jayden Struble, Kirby Dach, Adam Engstrom, Brett Berard and Sasha Pastujov.

The Habs are here and it’s going to be a star studded lineup judjing by who’s here #GoHabsGo@thehockeynews#THNpic.twitter.com/OCESDndZvz

— Karine Hains (@KarineHains) September 21, 2026

While the lines and pairings haven’t been released yet, the Canadiens will ice a star-studded lineup tonight. Beyond the established players, Trois-Rivières fans will get a look at Reinbacher, who had a statement first game Saturday night and clearly wants to make the team this season. Up front, they’ll see the “young Xhekaj.” Florian also had a solid game in Toronto, and while it would be shocking to see him get a spot in the lineup this season, there are just too many players on NHL contracts. He plays the kind of game fans love to watch: hard-hitting, just like his brother.

The 4,390-seat arena is sure to be sold out tonight, and the fans should be treated to a great time.

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For Colorado Avalanche fans, Sunday night offered a little bit of everything — established NHL regulars, intriguing prospects and perhaps a glimpse at what the next generation of the organization could eventually look like.

And while the veterans naturally command most of the attention, it was the kids who stole the show.

Beckett Hamilton, the 18-year-old third-round pick, scored in his preseason NHL debut. So did Taylor Makar, the younger brother of two-time Norris Trophy winner Cale Makar, giving both prospects a memorable first taste of preseason NHL action.

Gavin Brindley, who is at least a fringe contender for a spot on the opening-night roster, provided another highlight, finishing off a scintillating 2-on-1 rush after Nazem Kadri found him for one of the easiest backdoor tap-ins he may ever have.

Then there was Ilya Nabokov.

The highly touted goaltending prospect out of Russia made his North American debut and stopped 16 of 17 shots after taking over for Mackenzie Blackwood, who opened the game by stopping all seven shots he faced.

Colorado's youngest players repeatedly gave Avalanche fans something to watch and it certainly did not go unnoticed by head coach Jared Bednar.

Brindley, in particular, was impossible for Bednar to miss. The young forward immediately caught the Avalanche head coach's eye and remained one of Colorado's most noticeable players throughout the night.

"I noticed (Gavin Brindley) right away — the competitiveness, the speed of the game, his skating," Bednar said, via Avalanche beat reporter Jesse Montano. "He's quick all over the ice. He was relentless on pucks."

Those same qualities were evident in Makar, who Bednar grouped alongside Brindley after seeing both young forwards make an immediate impact.

"I put Taylor Makar in that same category," Bednar said. "Funny, they both end up scoring too because of the same type of thing — quickness, effort, competitiveness."

Bednar also singled out T.J. Hughes for his work on the power play, where the young forward has displayed impressive vision and timing to consistently create offensive opportunities, something he has showcased throughout optional skates and training camp.

"He kind of stood out, especially on the power play," Bednar said. "Smart, just moves it apart, you know, with great timing to the right guy, made a bunch of offensive plays."

Nabokov rounded out an impressive night for Colorado's young players, making several key saves after taking over in net and showing Bednar plenty to like in his first North American appearance.

"Nabakov was great in goal too," Bednar said. "No chance on the first one, makes a big save. The rebound comes to him after, like, a couple turnovers and an extended, tired group out there."

Blackwood, meanwhile, quietly did exactly what the Avalanche needed to open the game, stopping all seven shots he faced before the goaltending change.

"Blackwood was really good too," Bednar said. "For the first half, he wasn't tested that much, but made a couple huge saves right before he got, uh, before we made the switch."

The performance was particularly interesting considering where Colorado's young talent has landed in preseason prospect evaluations.

The Avalanche entered the season with one of the NHL's least-regarded prospect pools. Corey Pronman's pipeline rankings for The Athletic placed Colorado 32nd out of 32 teams, while Utah was ranked fifth by Daily Faceoff in its 2026-27 prospect pool rankings.

One preseason game obviously does not erase an organizational ranking, nor should it. But Sunday provided an encouraging glimpse at a group that has been questioned throughout the offseason.

The Columbus Blue Jackets have 10 days until opening night at Nationwide Arena. Today, we look at the history of jersey #10. 

Let's take a look.

Serge Aubin - 2001-2002 - Drafted by Pittsburgh in 1994.

Aubin played 154 games for the Jackets and had 60 points.

He left for Europe in 2006 and played in Switzerland and Germany until he retired in 2012. 

He's currently the head coach for SC Bern of the Swiss National League. 

Trevor Letowski - 2004-2006 - Drafted by Phoenix in 1996. 

Played 154 games for the Jackets and had 60 points.

He finished his career by playing two seasons in the KHL. He is currently an assistant coach for the Montréal Canadiens, where he's been since 2021. 

Duvie Westcott - 2007-2008 - Westcott was undrafted and signed by the CBJ in 2001.

Wescott played in 201 games for the Blue Jackets from 2001 to 2008. He scored 11 goals and totaled 56 points. Wescott was described as "a gritty defenseman with a solid all-around game. Has good passing ability and power-play skills." 

After playing for Columbus, Wescott went to Europe and played the next seven seasons in the KHL, DEL, and Swiss National League. He retired in 2015. 

Kris Russell - 2009-2012 - Drafted by Columbus in 2005.

Russell played 288 games in Columbus and had 79 points. He was traded to the St. Louis Blues on November 11, 2011, in exchange for Nikita Nikitin. 

He went on to play 912 NHL games and total 254 points. After playing 6 seasons with the Edmonton Oilers, Russell retired in 2022. 

Marián Gáborík - 2013-2014 - Drafted by Minnesota in 2000. 

Gáborík played only 34 games as a Jacket and had 22 points. He was traded to the LA Kings on March 5, 2014, in exchange for Matt Frattin. He officially retired in 2021 after playing 1,035 career games.

One scout said of Gáborík, "One of the best skaters in the world, Gáborík is known for his explosive speed. He is a highly offensive winger and, thanks to good hands and an extremely sharp shot, an excellent finisher. On the downside, Gaborik doesn't always think team-first and has also had issues with commitment to defensive play."

Mark Letestu - 2013 - Undrafted out of Elk Point, Alberta.

Letestu was traded to Columbus by Pittsburgh for Columbus's 4th-round pick on November 8, 2011. He played in 255 games in two different stints with the CBJ, scoring 44 goals and totaling 102 points. He also played 64 games for the Cleveland Monsters during the 2018-19 season, where he scored 50 points. He would play his last NHL game on October 13th, 2019, for the Winnipeg Jets.

In 2021, he was hired as an Assistant Coach by the Monsters, where he served until 2025. In the Summer of 2025, he was hired by the AHL's Colorado Eagles to be their head coach. For this upcoming season, he has joined the Vegas Golden Knights as an asst. coach. 

Jack Skille - 2015 - Drafted by Chicago in 2005. 

Skille played 61 games for Columbus and had 12 points. On July 6, 2013, Skille was signed as a free agent by the CBJ, but the following summer, he left in free agency. On October 5, 2014, Skille was claimed off waivers by Columbus, where he would play in 45 games. He left Columbus again and would play a season in Colorado and a season in Vancouver. 

In 2017, he left for Europe, where he played in Russia, Switzerland, Germany, and Austria. He retired in 2021 and went into coaching. He was the skills coach and the Director of Skills Development for the ECHL's Utah Grizzlies franchise. 

He's currently an asst. coach for the Schwenninger Wild Wings of the DEL. 

Alexander Wennberg - 2017-2020 - Wennberg was drafted in the 1st round of the 2013 NHL Draft as the 14th overall draft pick.

Wennberg came to North America and made his NHL Debut in 2014. After having three decent seasons, including a 59-point year in 2016-17, Wennberg was signed to a six-year deal on September 1st, 2017. 

Tom Wilson would seemingly derail Wennberg's career in the 2018 playoffs when he laid a devastating check on him. The next two seasons, Wennberg would only total 47 points. In October of 2020, the CBJ would buy Wennberg out, making him a free agent. The Jackets are finally about to make the final buyout payment to Wennberg this year. 

In addition to playing with the Florida Panthers since leaving Columbus, He's played for the Seattle Kraken, New York Rangers, and San Jose Sharks. After the 59-point season he had in 2016-17, Wennberg hadn't scored more than 38 points in a single season until last year's 55. 

Jordan Schroeder - 2018 - Drafted by Vancouver in 2009.

Schroeder played 21 games as a Jacket and had two points. He left for Europe in 2019 and retired after playing in Sweden in 2025. 

Dmitri Voronkov - 2024-2026 - Drafted by Columbus in 2019. 

The big Russian forward played 211 games and has 113 points in his first three seasons. 

He will be looking to add on to that this season if he can stay healthy. He was challenged to come into camp this year and be in better shape. All indications are that he did just that. He will be counted as one of the young players to take another big step this season to help the Jackets into the playoffs. 

There are 10 days until opening night at NWA. 

Mike and Dan return for Season 11 to run through some summer news on and off the ice, the Islanders’ first preseason game, and their super specific predictions for the season. Mike and Dan return for Season 11 to run through some summer news on and off the ice, the Islanders’ first preseason game and their super specific predictions for the season.

From the outside, it didn’t look like the Islanders did much this offseason. But sickos like us know that’s not the case. There’s a new captain, a new assistant GM, a new minority owner, a new (actual human) winner of the third jersey design contest, and a new streaming home for the team with the worst name we’ve ever heard. There’s also a “luxury item” the team might be able to see again this season. Sadly, the news isn’t all good, as Mat Barzal will miss most of camp with inflammation. At least, that’s what we think this weirdly-worded release says. We also say good bye to a guy we talked about A LOT last season. Uh, good luck to everyone involved.

In the second half, we “recap” the Islanders 2-1 preseason loss to the Devils and get used to Pete DeBoer’s plainspoken pressers, which are a welcome change. We also look at some recent articles featuring Matthew Schaefer being awesome and the Islanders getting a fair, if realistic shake from an outlet that usually doesn’t. Finally, we give some predictions on games, moves, awards, celebrities and other stuff we see happening around the Islanders and the NHL this season. We also pay our respects to late NHL coach and broadcaster Barry Melrose.

Thank you all so much for listening all these years. We’re lucky and grateful that our show has now passed the decade mark, which is rarified air for podcasts. We’re looking forward to bringing you our offbeat observations about this team for a long time.

REFERENCES:

• Islanders Name Horvat Captain (Isles)
• Gold Hired As Assistant General Manager And General Manager Of Hamilton Hammers (Isles)
• Islanders agree to sell minority stake in team to venture capitalist David Shuman (Newsday)
• Isles Day-to-Day: Mathew Barzal Training Camp Update (Isles. So weird!)
• Semyon Varlamov Opens Up About Injury and Recovery (Isles)
• The Meaning Behind The Navy Lighthouse Jersey Design (Isles)
• MSG Partners With DAZN As New Streaming Home For Islanders Games (Isles)
• Fare thee well, Carson Sushi. (Twitter)
• NHL superstar poll: Rule changes, Texas expansion, fan culture (ESPN)
• New York Islanders projections: How far can they go with Schaefer and DeBoer? (The Athletic)
• Hockey player and coach-turned-broadcaster Barry Melrose dies at age 70 (AP)

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• Visit Lighthousehockey.com for the most up-to-date Islanders news and discussion.
• Islanders Anxiety podcasts are part of the Fans First Sports Network (@FansFirstSN).

Theme song: “Morning Haze” by Family Dinner. Hear more of their music on Spotify.

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Colorado Avalanche News

• Brett Kulak excited for stability with Avalanche after ‘tough’ year. [Col Hockey Now]

• Brent Burns debuts new look ahead of 23rd NHL season. Avalanche defenseman brings clean-shaven beard, new teeth into training camp. [NHL]

• Joe Sakic to remain as Avs’ GM on full-time basis. [TSN]

• Should Nazem Kadri play wing for the Colorado Avalanche? [DNVR]

• Mackenzie Blackwood enters the second year of his $26.25 million contract with something to prove after Scott Wedgewood’s breakout season turned Colorado’s goaltending situation into one of the team’s biggest questions. [The Hockey News]

• The $21 million decision that changed everything. When the New York Rangers tried to pry Joe Sakic away from Colorado in 1997, the Avalanche faced a decision that would alter the franchise’s future. [Sports Illustrated]

News Around the League

• Jets’ Skinner the anti-Hellebuyck. [Winnipeg Sun]

• ‘Want to get this right’: Cheveldayoff not rushing Hellebuyck situation. [Sportsnet]

• Where are the players from the Hockey Canada scandal after acquittal? [Toronto Star]

• Parents of NHL prospect hospitalized after collapse at team workout say he’s a ‘fighter’. [CBC]

• Is hockey still Canada’s sport? [Macleans]

• Germany’s hockey league upset at the NHL’s plan to play games there. [TSN]

• One player for 17 picks: how family and finances forced hockey’s Biggest trade. [The Athletic]

• One prospect to watch in the preseason from every NHL team. [The Score]

NHL insider Darren Dreger reports that the Edmonton Oilers were not the only team interested in forward Alex Formenton. In fact, he was likely offered a contract instead of a professional tryout (PTO) because at least two other teams were prepared to offer him a guarantee.

Dreger was a guest on The Nielson Show and said: "There were other teams that wanted to sign Alex Formenton: Carolina Hurricanes, Vegas Golden Knights, I was told, had considerable interest in Formenton, and Edmonton."

Why did he choose the Oilers? Of all his options on the table, why did Formenton choose to go to a Canadian team where the market would undoubtedly push back on the signing?

Dreger says it was about friendship.

"So, Formenton chose Edmonton mostly because of his history with Evan Bouchard. They are really good buddies, and more obviously, the time he spent with D.J. Smith when D.J. was in Ottawa." 

Formenton was aware that him landing with an NHL team would cause a stir. It would land even more loudly in Canada, where he was part of a 2018 Hockey Canada team that was acquitted of sexual assualt. Still, he wanted to be around people he knew, people that would support him as he navigated that would come with the challenges of rejoining the NHL. 

Oilers Roll Past Jets 5-2 in Preseason Opener, Babcock Praises Favorite LineEvan Bouchard’s playmaking and Ryan Shea’s sparkling debut ignited Edmonton's offense, while Alex Formenton impressed coach Mike Babcock in a dominant, high-scoring display against Winnipeg.

That support was on display early: the first time Formenton met with the media, Bouchard stood off-camera in the background, watching the entire interview. 

Had Formenton gone to Vegas -- who had previously signed another member of the 2018 team in Carter Hart -- or Carolina, where they were Cup winners but don't have the most passionate hockey market, his signing would have made the news, but not like it did when he came to Edmonton. Formenton chose a support system and a chance to win over his other options. 

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ST. PAUL, Minn. — Carson Lambos isn't one of the youngest players at Minnesota Wild training camp anymore.

The 23-year-old defenseman has spent the last two seasons developing in Iowa, made his NHL debut last season and has now reached a different stage of his career. He wants to establish himself as an NHL player.

And Lambos knows this is an important camp to show he is ready for more.

"I'm definitely not in that group of super young players anymore," Lambos said. "So, I think I can be more assertive with my game, make more plays, and yeah, really make an impact out there."

There is another wrinkle this time around. Lambos, Minnesota's first-round pick (No. 26) in the 2021 NHL Draft, would need to clear waivers to be assigned to Iowa.

That gives the Wild a decision to make, but coach John Hynes was specific about what he wants to see from Lambos as he attempts to prove he belongs at the NHL level.

"I think Lambo is a very good skater. He's very competitive. I think he defends well," Hynes said. "I think it's the puck play, just making sure that he goes back. He's efficient with his puck movement, efficient with the puck play, good decisions with the puck."

Hynes said he wants to see Lambos' skating become a factor, along with physicality, defending and particularly his puck movement.

Those areas align with how Lambos evaluates his own game.

"There's feedback, and then there's like a self-analysis as well," Lambos said. "And I just think I got to make a bigger impact in different ways, whether that's physically, but also when I get the puck offensively, trying not to let the play die on my stick, or getting up the ice and supporting that way.

"Keeping close gaps, and just being, you know, I've said it a few times here, but like assertive is a big word for me, just trying to do that."

The word assertive came up repeatedly when Lambos described the player he wants to become.

His role in Iowa has expanded significantly over the past two seasons. Lambos has played heavy minutes, faced opponents' top lines and received difficult defensive-zone assignments. He believes those responsibilities have helped mature a game that was once built heavily around his skating and offensive ability.

"Playing lots of minutes, facing top lines, a lot of D zone draws, that kind of thing, I think it matured my game a little bit," Lambos said. "Just trying to be more assertive. Winning battles, killing plays, and being someone that is leading in all facets of the game."

But Lambos doesn't believe becoming a more dependable defensive player means the offensive part of his game has disappeared.

"I don't think that's something I've lost," Lambos said. "There's a lot of times where you've been defending a lot, and that's just something you're forced to do. I don't think it's something I've lost. I haven't died or quit on that part of my game, and I think I'm looking to grow it here at the pro level a little bit."

Lambos finally got his first taste of the NHL last season, appearing in one game for Minnesota.

It was an important milestone, but not one he spent the summer celebrating.

"It was definitely a great experience to have, but at the end of the day, it's one game, and I want a lot more than that," Lambos said. "The mentality and mindset stays the same regardless of how much I do or don't play. I think I'm still just trying to strive to get to this level on a full-time basis."

That's the opportunity in front of him now.

With a shorter training camp and fewer preseason opportunities, Lambos knows there isn't much time to slowly work his way into form. Each practice and preseason appearance carries additional importance.

"It's more about the mentality going into every game, like not wasting a day, and every game is so huge," Lambos said. "I'm just trying to really do whatever I can, and at the same time not doing too much.

"I think just sticking within my game and what I know I'm good at, but also trying to drive the play a little bit and being a prominent force out there."

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Former Rangers forward Kevin Hayes, the two-way center who spent four-plus years on Broadway at the start of his career, retired after just five games in the KHL, he announced in a statement posted by the league Monday.

“I have decided to end my hockey career,” Hayes, 34, said in the statement. “I can no longer play at the level I am capable of because my body does not allow me to perform at my best. And I cannot accept not being in top form.”

After logging 28 games in Pittsburgh last year, Hayes inked a deal with AK Bars Kazan in August. Less than a month later, he retired without recording a point in his five games.

He skated 13:10 during the team’s most recent game on Sept. 18, and AK Bars Kazan’s next game was set for Monday night.

Hayes was an All-Star in the 2022-23 season with the Flyers, and he had stints with the Jets, Flyers, Blues and Penguins after the Blueshirts sent him to Winnipeg in 2019.

Throughout the early stages of his career, though, Hayes carved out a key role with the Rangers after originally getting drafted by the Blackhawks — No. 24 overall in 2010 — but signing his entry-level deal with the Blueshirts instead.

Hayes collected 87 goals and 216 points across 361 regular-season games with the Rangers, along with another two goals and 10 points in 34 playoff games. 

He delivered plenty of vintage moments, too. As a rookie, his overtime winner in Game 4 of his first postseason series gave the Rangers a 3-1 series lead over the Penguins.

In the next round, his game-tying goal on the power play in the second period of Game 7 paved the way for Derek Stepan’s heroics against the Capitals.

But Hayes, a former Boston College star, was ultimately sent to the Jets at the deadline in 2019 in exchange for a first-round pick, Brendan Lemieux and a conditional fourth-round pick that never amounted to anything — since the Jets didn’t win the Stanley Cup that year.

Hayes went on to skate in 861 total games across his NHL career, finishing with 193 goals and 470 points.

For two periods Sunday night, the Utah Mammoth looked like the team in control.

Utah dictated the pace for much of the preseason matchup, spending long stretches with the puck and keeping the Colorado Avalanche from finding much rhythm offensively. But a few costly mistakes in the third period changed everything, turning what had been a competitive game into a 4-1 Avalanche victory.

The Mammoth entered the final period tied 1-1, having done plenty to keep one of the NHL’s deeper lineups in check.

Colorado opened the scoring in the second period when Beckett Hamilton found the back of the net, but Yegor Borikob answered to keep the game even heading into the final 20 minutes.

The Avalanche received solid goaltending throughout the night. Mackenzie Blackwood stopped all seven shots he faced before yielding the crease to highly touted prospect Ilya Nabokov, who turned aside 16 of the 17 shots he saw.

Utah’s Sebastian Cossa matched that effort early, looking composed in his first preseason appearance with the Mammoth. He tracked the puck well, handled traffic in front of him and consistently directed dangerous rebounds away from the middle of the ice.

The Mammoth also got encouraging performances from several of their young skaters.

Caleb Desnoyers looked comfortable in his first preseason action, playing a responsible game at both ends of the rink and winning 66% of his faceoffs. The fourth-overall pick from the 2025 NHL Draft also showed his willingness to compete physically and make plays away from the puck.

Gabe Smith’s line was another bright spot for Utah. The group repeatedly created pressure in the offensive zone, held onto possession and generated several chances throughout the night. Smith scored Utah’s lone goal.

Then the game began to slip away.

Gavin Brindley put Colorado ahead early in the third period before Brock Nelson added another, giving the Avalanche breathing room as Utah struggled to regain the control it had enjoyed for much of the night.

Taylor Makar, the younger brother of Avalanche superstar Cale Makar, added the final blow to seal the 4-1 victory.

The score ultimately favored Colorado, but the night offered plenty for Utah to take away. The Mammoth controlled the puck for much of the game and showed flashes from several young players. Once the mistakes started piling up, however, the Avalanche were more than happy to make them pay.

On Sunday, the Florida Panthers announced four new members of their Hockey Operations staff.

Among those hires were Josef Boumedienne, who will join the club as Vice President of Hockey Operations; Josh Burke, Hockey Operations Data Engineer; Brooks Christensen, Amateur Scout; and Killian Hamilton, Strength and Conditioning Coach.

Throughout the off-season, the Panthers lost several members in different departments. Leading up to the season the Panthers have made additions to ammend those losses.

Boumedienne joins the Panthers after serving as the GM of Sweden’s men’s national ice hockey team for the past two seasons, including at the 2026 Winter Olympic Games and the 2025 4 Nations Face-Off.

The 48-year-old was a former NHL defenseman with the New Jersey Devils, Tampa Bay Lightning, and Washington Capitals, playing 47 games while scoring four goals and 16 points.

Following his NHL career, Boumedienne worked as the director of European scouting for the Columbus Blue Jackets for nine seasons.

Another notable name is Christensen. In July, the Everett Silvertips of the WHL announced that Christensen would leave the organization to join the Panthers, but Florida recently announced the move. 

Christensen served as the Silvertips' director of scouting for two seasons and won a WHL championship. Before that, he worked as the GM of the Salmon Arm Silverbacks in the BCHL. 

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Four days and one preseason game into training camp, the Baby Islanders do not look one iota out of place.

Based on Sunday’s 2-1 preseason loss to the Devils, it is some of the veteran Isles who ought to be a little bit more worried about making the 23-man roster, for the more Victor Eklund plays, the more he looks like someone who belongs.

And though Cole Eiserman and Kashawn Aitcheson are unlikely to make the final roster, both have at least done their part in challenging the assumption that it is a fait accompli.

“I thought I played pretty well,” Eiserman said after scoring his team’s only goal on a power-play one-timer from the right-hand dot. “A few moments I thought I could learn from, but obviously that’s the game. I’m gonna be watching film and seeing what I can do.”

Eiserman was on the second line with Matthew Highmore and Pierre Engvall, but his minutes got a boost thanks to the Islanders spending 7:05 on the power play.

Eklund was off the scoresheet, but he made what might have been the game’s most impressive play, a silky-smooth feed to Cal Ritchie for a grade-A chance in the slot, and proved his mettle along the boards.

With both teams the Islanders and Devils playing rosters largely made up of prospects, it is hard to make real judgments. But if the question is whether Eklund outplayed his teammates with whom he is competing for a roster spot — namely Engvall, Ondrej Palat and Mitchell Chaffee, out of the group on the ice Sunday — the answer is a resounding yes.

“He’s just a real good hockey player,” coach Pete DeBoer said of Eklund. “Can play in any situation. Dog on a bone on the puck out there. If he continues to do what he’s doing, he’s gonna make us have to make some really tough decisions.”

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Vladimir Dravecky continued to impress, as the fifth-round pick skated 18:39 and picked up an assist.

“We threw him right in running the first power play,” DeBoer said. “A lot of ice time for, that’s his first real pro hockey game. He’s probably the youngest kid on the ice or one of them for sure. Thought he did a great job. He’s had a great camp.”

Marshall Warren was on the ice for both goals against and turned the puck over, leading to Connor Brown’s decider.

The Penguins’ preseason roster for their first of just four games has an intentional element to it. There are some veterans getting into the action – you wouldn’t see Bryan Rust or Kris Letang play the first preseason game in the past – but the key area is a level below for all the candidates to win a job on the fourth line or just stay on the roster at all.

Puck drops tonight at 7pm on @SNPittsburghpic.twitter.com/GVIsS1pAAY

— Dan Potash (@DanPotashTV) September 21, 2026

Aside from Rutger McGroarty and Ville Koivunen, almost every other fringe forward is getting a chance to play tonight in a very visible area to try and make their case. In recent days Filip Hallander has settled into practicing with Hendrix Lapierre and Justin Brazeau. In the last practice on Sunday, Elmer Soderblom skated with Tristan Broz and Connor Dewar.

If those two lines stay united for tonight’s game, that is the primary area to watch as far as which players might rise to the occasion and make a name for themselves. That includes Avery Hayes, who has been mostly on the periphery so far in camp, yet is a player the team knows they might have a little something in as a potential difference-maker from the fourth line with his speed and ability to chip in goals that he has showcased at the NHL level in the past.

It would be poetic, though perhaps not helpful for the final decision, if a player like Hayes ends up showing out tonight and makes a crowded picture even more jumbled. There’s already so many candidates in the mix and it would serve to stand as a reminder that clarity isn’t always gained from a single preseason game.

That said, let’s see how the PK splits go and which players get turns there. What is the path for players like Lapierre and Broz at center, considering conventional thought would be the last available center spot in the lineup belongs to Blake Lizotte (who is not playing tonight)? What to do at wing, where Dewar’s looking to hold onto a spot but there are no small number of potential contenders to slide into the fourth line (Hallander, Brazeau, Soderblom, Hayes, from the players dressing tonight and saying nothing of McGroarty and Koivunen)?

Lots of questions, perhaps some answers will start to sort themselves out tonight via game performances. Or maybe not. It’s always worth wondering just how much one single data point will mean in the larger focus of how to sort out the lineup, but there are only a small handful of these exhibition opportunities, so they now have a heightened importance.

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As far as the opponent, some quick thoughts on Buffalo. As a visiting team early in the preseason, they aren’t bringing a ton of talent to measure up against. Only Conor Sheary and Jiri Kulich (who like Hallander is working back after a blood clot knocked him out for much of last season) are bonafide NHL level forwards, though some others like Tyson Kozak and Justin Danforth played enough games in recent seasons to count as veterans.

The Sabres are also bringing Aidan McDonough tonight, who they signed to an NHL contract this summer. McDonough, 26, was among Wilkes-Barre’s better players last season, working on AHL contract. He actually led the team in regular season scoring since a good bit of that team (McGroarty, Koivunen, Hayes, Broz) either missed time AHL to injury or from being on the NHL roster at different times during the year. McDonough will surely be motivated to show out against many familiar faces. Buffalo is also bringing Jack Rathbone, once briefly a WBS player. Those two, along with Sheary, make up the former Penguins involved tonight.

Sheary, 34, by the way, signed a one-year, one-way contract worth the league minimum ($850k) with Buffalo for the 2026-27 season. He had a so-so year with the Rangers last season (seven goals and 11 assists in 62 games) which was good enough to get another contract and hang on for one more year.

Overall though, the Buffalo lineup is a dud. Sheary’s 17 points last year is by far their highest scorer. Almost their whole NHL team is not making the trip to Pittsburgh tonight. It would be tough to bring less talent and still hit the eight ‘veteran’ players that the league mandates for a preseason game. Buffalo gets there thanks to players like Kozak, Metsa but it’s barely anyone worth noting for the immediate future in the NHL.

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Another key area worth watching will be in net, as both young AHL goalies who are trying to become NHL goalies this season are dressing for the game. As mentioned above, it’s not like Buffalo brought an incredible amount of talent for them to face. The Pens are dressing Trevor van Riemsdyk and Letang, plus potentially the very good pair of Owen Pickering and Harrison Brunicke, so maybe the Pittsburgh defense will look alright tonight? One would have to hope for that based on the team strengths on paper, anyways. It’s a big opportunity for Sergei Mursahov and Joel Blomqvist tonight to get out there and do their thing in net.

—

Along those lines, while the vast fourth line competition will eat up a lot of oxygen, it’ll be fun to see what the presumed line of Kuzmenko-Kindel-Rust can do in a game. It’s an exhibition and most will be moving with 75-85% intensity, but the Pens are certainly dabbling in giving Kindel some pretty good wingers at the start of preseason. Rust is only one quick decision away from going back to his regular spot on Sidney Crosby’s line, but can this group show some chemistry and reason to stay united in the near future? It’ll be interesting to watch. Based on the lineups, you’d think they’ll get the lion share of any power play looks too.

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The game starts at 7:00pm will be broadcast on Sportsnet Pittsburgh+ and is on the radio on 105.9 the X, as well as the Penguins’ app. I looked in ESPN+ and saw this game already in the preview section, so it looks like it will be streaming there for out of market viewers.

NEWARK, NY -- On Sunday, the New York Islanders let goaltender Vitek Vanecek, who they signed to a one-year, $1 million deal this summer, play the entirety of their 2-1 preseason loss to the New Jersey Devils. 

He made 18 saves on 20 shots. 

"I thought Vanacek played well," Islanders head coach Pete DeBoer said. "He gives us some good goalie depth in the organization."

Vanecek, who won a Stanley Cup with the Florida Panthers in 2024-25 before joining the Utah Mammoth for the 2025-26 season, was brought in as an insurance policy for veteran netminder Semyon Varlamov, whose future was still in the air as he worked his way back from two partial knee replacements. 

With Varlamov looking sharp but having yet to face the trials and tribulations of an NHL season since November of 2024, are the Islanders considering going with a three-goalie system to start this season?

"It's been discussed," DeBoer said. "But it does handcuff you [roster-wise]. That's all going to depend on how Varly's doing and how he's feeling and things like that. In talking with Mathieu [Darche], I don't think that we want to go there, but it's on the table if we have to."

Varlamov full participant at Islanders camp after partial knee replacements | NHL.com38-year-old goalie ‘wasn’t ready to retire,’ in competition for backup role

If the Islanders don't go that route, Vanecek will need to clear waivers before reporting to Hamilton of the American Hockey League. 

There won't be much risk of Vanecek being claimed if he's sent on waivers as part of the final cuts, which usually occurs 24 hours before NHL teams must be cap compliant. 

During that time, teams are shedding cap, not adding to it.

If the Islanders held on to Vanecek to start the season and then sent him down through waivers later, they'd run a much greater risk of him being claimed. 

As DeBoer said, a Vanecek decision is all about how Varlamov is doing.

Varlamov is expected to get at least one full preseason game later in the week, and he may get half a game on Tuesday against the New York Rangers -- we shall see. 

Here are your links for today:

Devils Links

Sunny Mehta: “Any step that we take from last year is going to be considered a ‘success.’ But I guarantee you that unless we win a Stanley Cup, no matter what happens, I’m probably going to be disappointed.” [NHL.com]

“A look at 4 New Jersey Devils who could take a step back in 2026-27 and one who may be due for positive regression.” [Devils on the Rush ($)]

“On paper, the Devils lineup has re-shifted toward being a rush-oriented team, which is the driving factor in why they were so successful in 2022-23. The acquisitions of Evan Rodrigues, Jesper Boqvist, and Amadeus Lombardi give their bottom-six some much needed speed and skill. Luke Evangelista and Anthony Mantha, meanwhile, provide a boost to the top-six. The only question mark, then, is the Devils’ coaching staff.” [Infernal Access]

We have hockey! Connor Brown and Ryan Schmelzer scored on Sunday as the Devils took a 2-1 win over the Islanders in the first preseason game. [Devils NHL]

Hockey Links

“NHL training camps are getting underway, and the new wave of rookies expected to play impactful roles is very notable. Three of the top 10 picks from the 2026 draft could see significant NHL time this season. And for the first time in a while, a goaltender makes an appearance on a preseason watch list. Add in a few players who signed at the conclusion of the 2025-26 NCAA season and there is more than enough talent for an intriguing Calder Trophy race.” [ESPN]

Who will win the Hart Trophy? Who will win the Vezina? The Norris? Predicting this season’s award winners in the NHL: [The Hockey News

“Connor McDavid is a perfect 10. McDavid is No. 1 on TSN’s 2026-27 list of the projected Top 50 NHL players. That makes it 10 straight years – a full decade – for the sublimely skilled Edmonton Oiler, beginning in 2017.” Here’s TSN’s full ranking: [TSN]

Ryan Reaves heads to retirement:

"You can rest easy knowing the corners are a little safer today.

Mic drop, gloves drop.

Reavo out."

Ryan Reaves' full statement on his Instagram, announcing his retirement. pic.twitter.com/Lg2rUvn6OB

— TSN (@TSN_Sports) September 16, 2026

Feel free to discuss these and any other hockey-related stories in the comments below.

The 2026 playoff field saw major turnover from 2025 as the Buffalo Sabres ended a record 14-season playoff drought, the Anaheim Ducks returned after seven years out and four other teams made the playoffs after missing a year earlier.

Among the six team that dropped out were the Toronto Maple Leafs, who tumbled after a nine-season playoff run. The Florida Panthers' back-to-back championship run also ended as major injuries kept them out of the playoffs.

A six-team turnover might be a little ambitious this year, but plenty of teams showed improvement during the offseason.

Here's a look at five 2025-26 non-playoff teams that could have a chance to clinch a postseason berth this season:

Florida Panthers

The 2024 and 2025 Stanley Cup championship dropped out last season because captain Aleksander Barkov missed the entire season after ACL surgery and Matthew Tkachuk was out until close to the Olympics. Both are available now, which alone helps their chances. The team added Brady Tkachuk and other gritty players. The strength of the goaltending is in question, though, after Sergei Bobrovsky left in free agency and the team traded for Jacob Markstrom.

Washington Capitals

The Capitals brought in three-time 30-goal scorers Alex Tuch and Jordan Kyrou and structured a bonus-laden deal to bring back record-setting goal scorer Alex Ovechkin. Boone Jenner is another solid addition and Vincent Desharnais can help Washington deal with a long-term injury to Rasmus Sandin.

San Jose Sharks

The Sharks missed the playoffs by four points to extend their drought to seven seasons. But Macklin Celebrini is on the rise, the Sharks added big veterans on defense and Mason Marchment brings pesky play to the franchise where his father played. Ivar Stenberg was a solid draft pickup after the team won the second lottery drawing. It's no guarantee the Sharks make it, but the Kings do seem like they could slip.

New Jersey Devils

New general manager Sunny Mehta added scoring on the wing with 33-goal scorer Mantha and Luke Evangelista. Versatile forwards Evan Rodrigues and Jesper Boqvist came back in the Markstrom trade. Jack Hughes will need to stay healthy and will the goaltending be strong enough?

Toronto Maple Leafs

Bobrovsky and 22-goal defenseman Darren Raddysh were added, and new GM John Chayka rearranged the bottom six forward group. If No. 1 overall pick Gavin McKenna performs as promised, the Maple Leafs' playoff absence could end at one year.

Other teams to watch

Nashville Predators: They missed the playoffs by four points. New GM Chris MacFarland traded for some of his former Avalanche players, plus Mavrik Bourque. They need better seasons from Juuse Saros and Jonathan Marchessault.

St. Louis Blues: They also finished four points out of a spot. They got steady Connor McMichael back in the Kyrou trade, and Mason MacTavish could benefit from new surroundings.

New York Islanders: They get a full season from coach Peter DeBoer, a late-season hire. Matthew Schaefer showed he's a special player.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Which NHL teams could make postseason after missing last season?