The Philadelphia Flyers are reportedly scouring the NHL trade market for much-needed defensive reinforcements, but which players are actually going to be worth their while?

After the Ryan Ellis trade, the Flyers have $6.64 million in cap space, which allows them the opportunity to target virtually any player they want as far as salary goes.

We know that Egor Zamula had a poor preseason, which resulted in Adam Ginning overtaking him in the Flyers' lineup. Next to Ginning could be Zamula, Noah Juulsen, or Dennis Gilbert--it's really anyone's guess this early into the season.

That said, it's been reported that the Flyers are going to exhaust their external options at the position.

"Not sure we’re going to see much trade action too early, but Philadelphia is definitely checking what’s out there on defence," NHL insider Elliotte Friedman briefly reported in his "32 Thoughts" column on Tuesday.

We can already comfortably say that the Flyers aren't going to be trading assets for an older player, nor will they add a smaller, offensive-minded defenseman to the fold.

It's not in their team-building philosophy, and that's why, evidently, Emil Andrae was left off the Flyers' roster in favor of inferior options like Zamula and Gilbert.

The problem for the Flyers is that good teams usually look for defensemen around the playoffs and NHL trade deadline, so they'll be reduced to striking a deal for a younger player, and likely one in need of opportunity and/or a change of scenery.

I could see some interest in a player like Emil Lilleberg in Tampa Bay, a 6-foot-2 bruiser who scored 19 points in 76 games last year while racking up 105 penalty minutes but has since fallen out of favor.

Would there be mutual interest in an Emil-for-Emil trade that swaps Andrae and Lilleberg? It could work for Tampa Bay if they want some extra offensive juice and puck-carrying from the blueline from players not named Victor Hedman and J.J. Moser.

Bowen Byram has been floated again, and the Flyers have been linked to him before, but he's no defensive stalwart. Byram could excel with first-unit power play time, but that would mean less opportunities for Cam York and Jamie Drysdale by default, and the Flyers are still invested in the success of those players.

Rising stars like Thomas Harley and Philip Broberg are in the last years of their respective contracts and are due for big raises, but it's unlikely that either player is dealt by teams aspiring for the postseason in St. Louis and Dallas.

Shai Buium, the older brother of Zeev, is playing in the AHL with the Grand Rapids Griffins after playing his first pro season last year. There's also Jordan Harris, a formerly promising Montreal Canadiens prospect who made the Boston Bruins as the presumptive seventh defenseman.

NHL Waiver Wire: Flyers Should Take a Chance on Recently Cut 11th Overall PickWith perpetuated struggles on defense, the Philadelphia Flyers must keep an open mind towards their options, internally and externally, at the position.

Like Friedman noted, the Flyers aren't likely to find many willing dance partners before they even play Game 1, but they have plenty of options, especially when it comes to low-risk, high-reward choices.

Byram could be a big swing for the Flyers, but I'm not overly optimistic about the fit in Philadelphia given the way the team's roster is currently constructed. And, no, New Jersey is not trading Simon Nemec to a division rival.

The Flyers should be actively working the phones moving forward, but don't expect an immediate resolution to the issue that is the team's defense, which was only further exacerbated by York's new injury.

There was a lot going on around Florida Panthers before the puck ever dropped on Opening Night.

That’s life when you’re the Stanley Cup Champs.

A lavish championship ring ceremony and a Stanley Cup Champions banner raising were on the checklist of things to get done ahead of actual hockey being played.

Once the Cats got to the game, though, they picked up right where they left off last season, picking up a solid 3-2 victory over the visiting Chicago Blackhawks.

It was the Blackhawks who picked up the game’s opening goal, and it came right after the visitors killed off the night’s first power play.

Speedy sophomore Frank Nazar got behind Florida’s defense and beat Sergei Bobrovsky on his stick side to give Chicago a 1-0 lead just past the midway point of the opening period.

It was a lead that lasted all of 63 seconds.

With Florida’s fourth line putting on some post-goal pressure, a point shot from Gus Forsling was stopped by Knight through a screen, but A.J. Greer was waiting at the doorstep to bang home the rebound and quickly tie the game.

Just 3:01 later, Florida took their first lead of the game.

Blackhawks defenseman Artyom Levshunov was called for his second minor penalty of the period, and this time Florida cashed in when Carter Verhaeghe found himself with the puck on his stick and all kinds of time and space to the left of Spencer Knight.

Verhaeghe’s first of the season made it 2-1 Florida with 5:52 left in first period.

Florida held a 17-3 shot advantage after the opening period, but it took the Blackhawks all of 69 seconds to log two shots and a goal once the middle frame began.

Connor Bedard was stopped by Bobrovsky on a breakaway, but moments later Teuvo Taravainen finished off a great feed from Nazar on a 2-on-1 to knot the score at two.

Soon after, with the Blackhawks on the power play, Evan Rodrigues needed help getting off the ice after blocking a point shot with the inside of his right knee.

Fortunately for the Panthers, both Rodrigues and Sam Reinhart, who left the ice after taking a Seth Jones backhand clearing attempt off the face, were back on the ice later in the period.

The game remained deadlocked at two until the 9:40 mark of the third period.

Mackie Samoskevich chased down a puck dump in the corner to the left of Knight and sent a backhand feed to the front of the net.

Flying down the slot, Jesper Boqvist choked up on his stick and batted the puck out of midair and into the net to give the Cats a 3-2 lead.

Florida continued to put the pressure on, but couldn’t solve Knight, who came up with big save after big save.

It was all good for the Panthers, as they earned the big two points on Opening Night.

On to the Flyers.

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Photo caption: Oct 7, 2025; Sunrise, Florida, USA; Florida Panthers left wing A.J. Greer (10) celebrates after scoring against the Chicago Blackhawks during the first period at Amerant Bank Arena. (Sam Navarro-Imagn Images)

The Golden Knights are just favored to win the Stanley Cup at BetMGM, as a computer simulation of the NHL season run 100 times has Vegas as the overwhelming favorite to hoist its second Stanley Cup in four years.

The Knights, who opens its 2025-26 campaign Wednesday at home against the Los Angeles Kings, made the playoffs 89 times in the 100 simulations, and won the title 42 times - 16 more than the next team, the Dallas Stars.

The study, conducted by RotoWire.com, was run through ChatGPT to simulate the entire 2025-26 NHL season 100 times, to see how often each team would advance to the playoffs and predict who would win the most Stanley Cups.

Vegas is the co-favorite to win the Cup, along with Edmonton, both at 8-to-1 at BetMGM Sportsbook.

The defending Stanley Cup champion Florida Panthers made the playoffs a league second-highest 95 times, one less than the Tampa Bay Lightning, but were predicted to three-peat just two times.

Two-time Western Conference champion Edmonton made the playoffs 89 times during the simulation, but was predicted to win the title just three times.

Every team in the NHL was predicted to make the postseason at least twice, but only seven won the Stanley Cup a minimum of two times: Vegas (42), Dallas (26), Carolina (20), Tampa Bay (5), Edmonton (3), Florida (2) and Winnipeg (2).

Per the site: "Anyone trying the same experiment likely would get different results; your mileage may vary depending on the query that's fed into the system."

Also, according to the website, the Golden Knights "have been one of the best franchises in the league since the day they started in 2017-18. That season, the expansion Golden Knights stunned the hockey world by winning eight of their first nine games in their debut season and they kept steamrolling all the way to the Stanley Cup final before losing to the Washington Capitals."

It wouldn't surprise many if Vegas advanced to the postseason, as it's made the playoffs in seven of the eight seasons it's been a part of the NHL, winning the Stanley Cup in 2022-23.

Vegas has added firepower to this year's team when it traded for 100-point forward Mitch Marner just before free agency, to join forces with top-tier center Jack Eichel.

Realistically, Connor McDavid could have asked for $17.5 million and gotten it without anyone blinking an eye. That number ($500K over Kirill Kaprizov) was a number many thought was realistic before the Edmonton Oilers' captain signed a two-year, $12.5 million extension on Monday. When asked why that number, McDavid responded, "Gives us a chance to extend our window here in Edmonton."

The urgency it creates in Edmonton to now use those savings wisely is a "good byproduct" of his deal, said McDavid. What he was really doing was giving the Oilers a chance to keep the core and add to it, using that $5 million elsewhere. 

Where will GM Stan Bowman use it and what will he spend it on?

Not Much Will Change This Season

Because McDavid's new deal doesn't kick in until next season, Bowman did admit, “Right now, we’re focused on the opening game, seeing how our team looks, and making adjustments. The number affects next summer more than this year.” The Oilers were already going to be aggressive this season. That went without saying. This summer and in seasons to come, expect the Oilers to be extremely aggressive. 

As for who and what players might be available with the savings McDavid offered the organization, there's a lot to consider. 

First, as the cap rises, finding players worth $5 million or less is becoming increasingly complex. Edmonton will likely be looking at players already under contract, unless the plan is to move on from some of the current roster pieces. McDavid made it clear on Tuesday-- without explicitly saying as much -- that there are some untouchables on this team. 

Young RFAs are commanding much higher salaries than $5 million per season. Pending UFAs might look at discounts in Edmonton, but $5 million might be asking a lot considering the changing NHL salary landscape. 

McDavid Welcomes Urgency That Comes With His Fresh ExtensionWhy did Connor McDavid sign the deal he did, when he did? There are many ways to answer that question. The Oilers' captain dug into it a bit on Tuesday.

3 Players The Oilers Might Want to Look At

Let's focus on teams that aren't likely playoff contenders. Let's also look at players who aren't rentals and are under contract on fairly reasonable deals. Let's exclude players who are older, since the Oilers are prioritizing getting younger. Finally, let's look at players who can actually help the Oilers. 

That limits the list. 

Teuvo Teravainen - Chicago Blackhawks

Teuvo Teravainen already has a goal in the 2025-26 NHL season and this is a player who might not stick with the Chicago Blackhawks if they don't start turning things around. Teravainen has two seasons remaining on his current deal at $5.4 million. Asking the Blackhawks to retain $400K-$1 million is not much of an issue. 

We're tied up at two thanks to Teuvo Teravainen! ✌️ #NHLFaceOff

📺: @espn ➡️ https://t.co/m0LyTCHYnHpic.twitter.com/c12RtEyg08

— NHL (@NHL) October 7, 2025

Teravainen has steadily produced points in the NHL. He's a top-six NHL winger who is teetering on the edge of being a bit too old (31), but is still productive. He scored 58 and 53 points in his previous two seasons and has scored 20-plus goals in four seasons. 

Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen - Buffalo Sabres

If the Oilers prioritize grabbing a new goaltender, there is one in Buffalo making just the right amount of money and locked into a deal at the right age that he can be a difference-maker for years to come. 

Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen is just 26 years old and signed to a contract with the Sabres that pays him $4.75 million until the 2028-29 season. There's no reason for the Sabres to move their starter, but the Sabres are a bit of anomaly. Despite their best efforts, that organization fails to make ground every season and they move on from players most teams wouldn't dare trade. 

The netminder has mixed results when it comes to his numbers, but some of his seasons have been solid, with some consideration being given to the fact he's playing in Buffalo. 

He's played 55 and 54 games in each of the previous two seasons.

Jared McCann - Seattle Kraken

If the Oilers want to add a top-six goal scorer, Jared McCann is an ideal option out of Seattle. He scored 22 goals last season and 29 the season before. However, in 2022-23, he scored 40. 

There's been unconfirmed speculation that the Kraken might be open to moving McCann. If they are -- and that would assume they aren't headed toward the playoffs -- the Oilers should take a look. 

Edmonton doesn't have a lot to offer in terms of a return, but the Oilers are all in, so moving future picks is not out of the question. That's the kind of return Seattle might be looking for if they move the 29-year-old who has two seasons (including this one) left on his contract. 

McCann has a limited no-trade list that allows him to exclude 10 teams. It seems unlikely that a contender like the Oilers would be on that list. McCann makes exactly $5 million per season. 

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ST. PAUL, Minn - The Minnesota Wild open the 2025-26 season on Thursday and have already made some roster moves. 

Hunter Haight was recently sent down because center Nico Sturm was healthy and practiced again after playing in the final preseason game.

But the Wild placed Sturm on the opening season injured reserve (IR) so Haight was recalled from the Iowa Wild of the American Hockey League (AHL) to replace Sturm on the roster and lineup.

Haight, 21, was the Wild's 47th overall pick from the 2022 NHL Draft. He recorded 20 goals, 14 assists and 34 points in 67 games with the Iowa Wild in his rookie season in the AHL.

The 5-foot-10 center joins fellow 2022 NHL Draft picks Liam Ohgren (19th overall) and Danila Yurov (24th overall) on the Wild's opening night roster.

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Recent Minnesota Wild Stories

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After a strong training camp and preseason with the New Jersey Devils, rookie defenseman Ethan Edwards was assigned to the American Hockey League (AHL) to begin the 2025-26 season with the Utica Comets. 

The 23-year-old made his AHL debut last season, playing in the Comets' final 10 games. Before his re-assignment to Utica on Oct. 5, Edwards left a positive impact in New Jersey after what Comets General Manager Dan MacKinnon called a tremendous training camp.

"I would describe him as an elite, powerful skater, even at the NHL level," MacKinnon said. "He is not necessarily an offensive defenseman as an NHL prospect; he is a highly competitive, mobile, two-way defenseman who can end plays, but also mobilize the puck." 

With his college degree in sports management from the University of Michigan in hand, Edwards will now focus on developing his game and transitioning into a full-time NHLer. 

"I want to be in the (NHL) and will do whatever it takes," he told The Hockey News during camp. "I feel like my game can adapt to any role, and they can put me in any situation. I am just trying to do my best to stick around." 

When the Comets open their regular season on Friday, against the Cleveland Monsters at Adirondack Bank Center, expect Edwards to take on an elevated role on the blue line. 

"What we want to see from him is going to Utica and giving us what we call monster minutes," MacKinnon said. "20-plus minutes a night at even strength, penalty kill, and defensive zone starts. He probably will get some power-play time, but not necessarily power-play one.

"It is more about the minutes he is going to play as a rookie in the American Hockey League," he continued. "It is going to be a tremendous opportunity to show and say, 'Hey, I can handle this load and excel in this role.'" 

During the preseason, fans saw glimpses of Edwards on the penalty kill. The 23-year-old was credited with more than 12 blocked shots and was not afraid to throw his body around with seven hits over his first two appearances. 

"It is something I have always taken pride in," he said of the penalty kill. "You know, it is adapting to a role here, and maybe it is not going to be running the first power play. It is taking control of what I can and doing my best in that role." 

Edwards will make up the Comets' blue line along with Calen Addison, Colton White, Austin Strand, Topias Vilen, and Dmitri Osipov. 

Throughout the season, all eyes will be on Edwards as he seeks to make his mark, despite not knowing, at this moment, what that may entail.

"I think my game can adapt to any role, so looking forward to seeing what that role is."

Make sure you bookmark THN's New Jersey Devils site for THN's latest news, exclusive interviews, breakdowns, and so much more.

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LAS VEGAS -- On the eve of their season-opener against the Los Angeles Kings, the Golden Knights announced a contract signing

Not the one everyone has been anticipating - Jack Eichel's extension - however, as the team signed forward Alexander Holtz to a two-year contract through the 2026-27 season worth an average annual value of $837,500.

Holtz, 23, appeared in 53 games and registered 12 points (4 goals, 8 assists) for Vegas last season.

Holtz also saw action in Henderson, playing 16 games with the organization's AHL squad in nearby Henderson, the Silver Knights.

The forward recorded 13 points (7 goals, 6 assists) with the Silver Knights.

The Stockholm native has played in 163 NHL games during his career, posting 46 points (23 goals, 23 assists) with both Vegas and New Jersey combined.

Holtz - who was acquired by Vegas in June of 2024 from New Jersey, along with goaltender Akira Schmid - had a career-high 28 points (16 goals, 12 assists) in 82 NHL games with the Devils during the 2023-24 season.

The Florida Panthers honored a former goaltender and a longtime season ticket holder during Opening Night on Tuesday.

During the first TV timeout of the game, the Panthers honored current Chicago Blackhawks goalie Spencer Knight with a video going through some of the great times had during his tenue with the Cats.

Florida drafted Knight in the first round of the 2019 NHL Entry Draft.

He played the first 80 games of his career with the Panthers before being a key piece in a Trade Deadline deal that brought Seth Jones to South Florida.

Now, Knight is the goaltending backbone of the Blackhawks’ rebuild.

Panthers honor former goaltender Spencer Knight during the season’s first TV timeout. pic.twitter.com/kSfaVIu1ZD

— David Dwork (@DavidDwork) October 7, 2025

Later in the period during another TV timeout, Florida played a touching tribute video to fan Steve Elario.

A well-known yacht broker, Elario was extremely popular with Panthers fans for years.

Elario, with long silver hair and a big smile, resembled wrestling legend Ric Flair and every time the Panthers would put Elario on the jumbotron, it would elicit loud ‘WOOOs!’ from fans.

Sadly, Elario passed away in early September.

It was a touching moment inside Amerant Bank Arena as fans reacted to the tribute video with a chorus of ‘WOOs’ and cheers.

The Panthers also asked fans to come together for a collective ‘WOO’ after the tribute, and you can check out video of it in the X post below:

A touching tribute from the Panthers and their fans to Steve Elario, a massive Cats fan who sadly passed away last month.

WOOOOO! pic.twitter.com/l7O4Xx7Y5R

— David Dwork (@DavidDwork) October 7, 2025

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In case you haven't heard, the Pittsburgh Penguins play hockey Tuesday night against the New York Rangers. 

And that means the 2025-26 regular season is underway.

Well, we've already provided you with some regular predictions for the upcoming season, but what about some bold ones?

Are they realistic? Probably not. But, hey, they're not impossible, either. 

Here are eight bold predictions for the 2025-26 season.

---

1. Erik Karlsson is in prime form and turns in a point-per-game season
Karlsson showed that he is still capable of being that game-changing, generationally talented offensive defenseman during the 4 Nations Face-off for Team Sweden last season. With another opportunity to vie for Team Sweden's roster on the line - Karlsson has not yet been named to Sweden's 2026 Olympic team - as well as the potential to be dealt to a Stanley Cup-contending team before the trade deadline, Karlsson has a lot to play for.

And I do believe Karlsson will be dealt to a contender at the deadline in the Carolina Hurricanes.

2025-26 Season Predictions: THN Penguins' EditionIt’s a new NHL season, and that means it’s time for a new THN - Pittsburgh Penguins season prediction piece!

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2. Evgeni Malkin also returns to point-per-game this season and earns himself another contract
Malkin has not been point-per-game since the 2022-23 season, when he recorded 27 goals and 83 points. But, since then, he has also had a rotating carousel of linemates.

This season? That should not be the case. He's starting the season with Anthony Mantha and Justin Brazeau, but once Bryan Rust returns from injury and the kids - like Rutger McGroarty and Tristan Broz - start to populate the roster, he'll have the talent around him to give him that boost.

---

3. Ville Koivunen wins the Calder Trophy for Rookie of the Year
Demidov who?

It's hard to argue against Ivan Demidov taking home the Calder before the season even begins. But a full season of Koivunen alongside Sidney Crosby and Rickard Rakell? 

Sure, his seven points in eight games to end the 2024-25 season is going to be hard to replicate, but if he's always next to Crosby or Malkin, why can't he replicate it? Why can't he sniff point-per-game alongside one of the greatest players of all time and one of the league's best goal-scorers?

After all, these are bold predictions... so let's shoot high!

Ville Koivunen's Rookie Year Starts On Sidney Crosby's WingPittsburgh Penguins forward Ville Koivunen will be on the top line for Tuesday's regular-season opener against the New York Rangers.

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4. Sidney Crosby hits the 100-point mark for the first time since 2018-19
Crosby has been hovering around 90 points for what seems like forever, and recently, he's had slow starts to seasons. 

Well, what if that slow start never happens this year? There's no reason to believe that the longest-tenured captain in NHL history can't make up 8-10 points in that time. And he'll have some young talent to play with this season, too.

Crosby Set To Tie Prestigious NHL Record This SeasonBy now, Pittsburgh Penguins' captain Sidney Crosby approaching NHL records is a relatively regular occurrence. 

---

5. Ben Kindel stays the entire season and registers more than 40 points
Many - myself included - have rookie defenseman Harrison Brunicke outlasting his nine-game NHL trial and Kindel going back to the Calgary Hitmen of the WHL after his.

Kindel already surprised everyone by his performance in training camp. Why can't he do it again?

Hey, never say never. I'd say it would require Kindel blowing everyone out of the water during his nine games in order to be kept around. 

I say he blows everyone out of the water.

Top Prospects Brunicke, Kindel Confirmed To Make NHL Debuts In Penguins' Season OpenerEven though rosters were trimmed to 23 on Saturday, there was no guarantee that the Pittsburgh Penguins were going to carry those exact 23 players into their season opener against former head coach Mike Sullivan and the New York Rangers at Madison Square Garden on Tuesday.

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6. Sergei Murashov is the starting goaltender by season's end
To be honest, I'm not really even sure that this is a "bold" take. But, it's a take nonetheless, and we'll run with it.

Murashov, 21, was the best goaltender in Penguins' training camp. He also dominated the AHL level last season. Arturs Silovs is slated to start game one for the Penguins against the New York Rangers. Tristan Jarry was waived last season and will likely have a short leash.

If Murashov dominates the AHL again - and one of the NHL goaltenders falters - how long before Murashov simply takes the net for himself?

My bet is that it happens this season. Murashov is the real deal.

'Inspiring': Penguins' Top Goaltending Prospect Reflects On Fleury, Game To Remember Marc-Andre Fleury's final game in Pittsburgh was an unforgettable experience for many, fans and longtime teammates alike. 

---

7. Harrison Brunicke is the top-pair right defenseman by season's end
If Karlsson is dealt at the deadline - and Brunicke stays the entire season - it's reasonable to suggest that he will be the best defenseman on the Penguins' roster at that point, even if that bar is low.

Of course, Kris Letang is the best defenseman in Penguins' history and could very well have himself a bounceback campaign. But, it's possible that Brunicke - although young and unrefined - will have an even better season.

Bold? Maybe. But, with Karlsson out of the picture, it's certainly not impossible.

---

8. The kids will push the Penguins into the playoffs
Ah, the "P" word. 

That may make some Penguins' fans quake in their boots given the shiny prize for the winner of the draft lottery next summer. But, if the Penguins' roster truly does go young - and the Penguins can acquire a young left defenseman or see a decent one emerge in their system - how far can the kids take them?

There is talent in the system. Murashov, Koivunen, Brunicke, and McGroarty could all be on the roster at some point this season, and they're not the only ones. This team is a better one with the kids on it, and - maybe, just maybe - they can provide enough of a spark to squeak this team into a wild spot.

For better or for worse, of course.

Dan Muse And Mike Sullivan Set To Begin New Chapters On Opposite SidesThe Pittsburgh Penguins will open their 2025-26 campaign against the New York Rangers on Tuesday night, and the game will hold extra significance for the head coaches on both sides. 

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Bookmark THN - Pittsburgh Penguins on your Google News tab  to follow the latest Penguins news, roster moves, player features, and more!   

Apr 17, 2024; Tempe, Arizona, USA; Edmonton Oilers assistant coach Glen Gulutzan against the Arizona Coyotes at Mullett Arena. Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

The 2025-26 NHL regular season is finally here, with Opening Night on Tuesday.

Final rosters for all 32 teams were submitted Monday. The ECHL has 60 players on NHL opening-day rosters, marking the 24th season in a row with more than 50 former ECHL players in that category.

The Premier ‘AA’ Hockey League, the ECHL has a player or coach on each of the 32 teams and has affiliations with 30 of the 32 teams in the NHL, marking the 29th consecutive season that the league has had affiliations with at least 20 teams in the NHL.

There are 57 coaches with an ECHL background working behind the benches of teams in the NHL including Colorado Avalanche head coach Jared Bednar, Dallas Stars head coach Glen Gulutzan, San Jose Sharks head coach Ryan Warsofsky, Vegas Golden Knights head coach Bruce Cassidy and Washington Capitals head coach Spencer Carbery. All previously were ECHL head coaches.

In addition, Nashville Predators head coach Andrew Brunette is a former ECHL player. It is the 15th consecutive season that there have been 30 or more coaches with an ECHL background working in the NHL.

Last season, Carbery became the third former ECHL coach to win the Jack Adams as NHL Coach of the Year, joining Cassidy (2019-20) and Bruce Boudreau (2007-08).

In the 2022-23 season, Cassidy became the third former ECHL head coach to lead his team to a Stanley Cup title, joining Laviolette (Carolina, 2006) and Bednar (Colorado, 2022).

In 2021-22, Bednar became the first coach to lead teams to championships in the ECHL (South Carolina, 2009), AHL (Lake Erie, 2016) and NHL (Colorado, 2022).

The NHL’s 2025-26 regular season is underway, so it’s a perfect time to make a stand and put out this writer’s pre-season prediction of who will make the Stanley Cup final – and who will win.

Earlier this summer, we made our predictions for who would win their respective divisions this year: 

- Atlantic Division
- Metropolitan Division
- Central Division
- Pacific Division

Now, we’re making an educated guess as to which two teams will win their conference and who will win the 2026 Stanley Cup championship.

Eastern Conference champion: Toronto Maple Leafs

Western Conference champion: Colorado Avalanche

Stanley Cup champion: Colorado Avalanche

The Breakdown: For our conference final winners, we’re going with two teams that didn’t make it out of the second round last season. But in today’s parity-filled NHL, it’s entirely possible that a team can struggle one season and then go on a long playoff run the next. 

With that in mind, we think the Maple Leafs will have unheard-of modern-day success in the post-season this year.

With the Florida Panthers suffering major injuries to star forwards Aleksander Barkov and Matthew Tkachuk, the door is wide open for Toronto to repeat as Atlantic Division champions.

Now that Toronto GM Brad Treliving has changed the makeup of his team with the additions of gritty forwards Nicolas Roy and Dakota Joshua, the Leafs are much better built for playoff hockey than they were in the Mitch Marner Era.

The Maple Leafs' odds of winning the Eastern Conference are 8.50 (+750) on BetMGM. Their odds of winning the Cup are `17.00 (+1600).

In the Western Conference, the Avalanche have failed to get beyond the second round in the last three seasons since they won a Cup in 2022. But last season’s seven-game first-round loss to the Dallas Stars could’ve gone either way, and Colorado’s experience, superstar power and tremendous depth will serve the Avs well this season as they try to navigate their way through Western powerhouses in Dallas, Edmonton and Vegas.

The Avalanche have the in-house know-how to power them through three playoff rounds and into the Cup final. So long as they stay healthy, the Avs have what it takes to win the fourth Cup in franchise history. Having a full year with veteran forwards Gabriel Landeskog and Brock Nelson will help Colorado earn home-ice advantage next spring – a feat the Avalanche couldn’t muster this past year, but a crucial element that they’re likely to benefit from this season.

The Avalanche have 5.25 (+425) odds of winning the West and 9.50 (+850) odds of winning the Cup on BetMGM.

Why The NHL's Stanley Cup Favorites Could Or Couldn't WinEntering a new NHL season, all 32 teams begin with the same record, but each of them has different goals.

If the Maple Leafs do win their first three rounds, their key players will be experiencing the Cup final for the first time.

Toronto has indeed added players with Cup-winning experience – including center Nicolas Roy, left winger Steven Lorentz, defenseman Oliver Ekman-Larsson and goaltender Anthony Stolarz.

But the difference between the Leafs and Avalanche is that Colorado’s core star players – Landeskog, center Nathan MacKinnon and defensemen Cale Makar and Devon Toews – all know what it takes to win a championship.

You can’t say the same about Maple Leafs stars Auston Matthews, William Nylander and John Tavares, and that’s why we’re ultimately going with the Avs beating the Leafs in the Cup final.

Leafs fans will be thrilled if Toronto wins three rounds next spring, but that may make it all the more painful if they fail to finish the job and once again don’t come away with a Cup win. Still, a long Leafs run will feel like manna from heaven for Leafs Nation.

It’s nearly impossible for teams to repeat as Cup champs – a fact that makes the Panthers a major long shot to do that for the third straight season. The door is open for a different Cup winner this year, and you can do much worse than putting your chips behind the Leafs to win the East and the Avalanche to win the West and the Cup final. 

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Opening Night of the 2025-26 NHL season began Tuesday in South Florida.

That’s where the league’s back-to-back defending champions reside, and where a celebration of sorts was held prior to the start of the new season.

Tuesday at Amerant Bank Arena, the Florida Panthers, for the second time in as many years, raised a Stanley Cup Champions banner to the rafters.

The ceremony was not anything particularly special, which is perfectly fine.

Florida’s players skated onto the ice, followed by alternate captain Aaron Ekblad, who was carrying the Stanley Cup.

With the players lined up along the blue line, the 2025 Stanley Cup Champions banner went up.

For the night, it’ll hang right above Sergei Bobrovsky’s goal crease.

By Thursday night, when Florida hosts the Philadelphia Flyers, it should be in its new permanent location, a couple parking spots down from the team’s 2024 Stanley Cup Champions banner.

Below you can see a video of the ceremony:

Panthers raise their second Stanley Cup Championship banner pic.twitter.com/INvRHprLhn

— David Dwork (@DavidDwork) October 7, 2025

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The Vegas Golden Knights have announced that they have re-signed former New Jersey Devils forward Alexander Holtz to a two-year contract that comes with an average annual value (AAV) of $837,500. 

Holtz was still a restricted free agent (RFA) with the 2025-26 regular season just about here. Yet, the Golden Knights have now gotten him signed with this cheap bridge deal. 

✍️ The Golden Knights have signed Alexander Holtz to a two-year contract!! 🙌 #VegasBornhttps://t.co/3b7ptO3AbZ

— Vegas Golden Knights (@GoldenKnights) October 7, 2025

Holtz was traded by the Devils with goaltender Akira Schmid to the Vegas Golden Knights this past off-season in exchange for forward Paul Cotter. Holtz is coming off a bit of a quiet year with the Golden Knights, as he recorded four goals, eight assists, and a minus-3 rating in 53 games. This was after he set career highs with 16 goals, 12 assists, and 28 points in 82 games with the Devils in 2023-24.

Holtz was selected by the Devils with the seventh-overall pick of the 2020 NHL Entry Draft. In 110 games over three seasons with the Devils, the former top prospect posted 19 goals, 15 assists, and 34 points. 

Holtz will now look to put together a breakout season with the Golden Knights after signing this new two-year contract from here. 

Pittsburgh Penguins forward Ville Koivunen will be on the top line for Tuesday's regular-season opener against the New York Rangers.

Koivunen made the opening night roster out of camp after he was one of the Penguins' best players in practices and preseason games. He picked right up from where he left off at the end of the 2024-25 season when he got a taste of NHL action and compiled seven points in eight games. 

He got time with both Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin, and even got to spend time on the top power play unit. He's now set for his full NHL season and likes the chemistry that he has with Crosby and Malkin.

"Yeah, of course," Koivunen said at the end of training camp. "I know how they play and what they want to do on the ice, so that's helped a lot."

He'll get the first crack with Crosby on Tuesday night and the two had some good underlying numbers when they were on the same line together last year. In 51 minutes of 5v5 icetime, the two had a 52.3% shot attempts rate, a 50.8% scoring chances for rate, and were on the ice for two goals for and one goal against. The sample size was small, but he fit in right away and will try to keep that momentum going into Tuesday. 

He's a strong playmaker and has great vision, especially in the offensive zone. His skating has also continued to get better and looked faster during training camp and preseason games. If he can give the Penguins around 30-40 points this year, that would be a big win for the team. 

Puck drop for Tuesday's Penguins-Rangers game will be at 8 p.m. ET.

(Data via Natural Stat Trick). 

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Jun 27, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman announces Brady Martin is selected as the fifth overall pick to the Nashville Predators in the first round of the 2025 NHL Draft at Peacock Theater. Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

When the final roster for Opening Night is submitted and a player finally realizes his dream of making the NHL, it’s human nature to be awed by the experience. After all, he’s watched many of these same teammates and opponents growing up.

Brady Martin is no exception to this rule. The 18-year-old Nashville Predators fifth overall pick in the 2025 NHL Draft may have shown superhuman qualities throughout the summer, but he’s human enough to feel the rush of excitement that comes with knowing he has defied the odds and made the team’s final roster out of camp.

Once that initial high has receeded, however, Martin also knows he needs to put aside the wow factor and prove head coach Andrew Brunette and general manager Barry Trotz made the right call.

“It’s a different level,” the 6-foot, 187-pound Martin told reporters Monday of playing in the NHL. “You get to play on the ice with them, it’s pretty cool. You get to take it all in. You gotta have the want, though, to be there. You can’t just be wowed to be there, you gotta get out there and work hard and compete.”

Martin recorded two goals and an assist for the Preds during the pre-season. It's been the little things, however, that have made the difference in his making the team out of camp.

When Joakim Kemell delivered a devastating hit to Carolina Hurricanes forward Andrei Svechnikov in Saturday’s 3-2 overtime win, Martin was right there to collect the loose puck. All throughout camp, he has shown a confidence that speaks of a maturity level beyond his 18 years. He hasn’t shied away from taking faceoffs, and goes to the net with the poise of a more experienced player.

In an Oct. 1 practice, Martin drove wide with the puck for a scoring chance, only to be denied by backup goalie Justus Annunen. He went bar down on Juuse Saros on another play during that same practice.

Brady Martin drives wide to create a great scoring chance but is robbed by Justus Annunen @1025TheGamepic.twitter.com/d86Vz4eDs6

— Max Herz (@MaxHerzTalks) October 1, 2025

It hasn’t hurt that Martin has played with veterans Filip Forsberg and Ryan O’Reilly on the top line during the pre-season. Forsberg has even taken Martin under his wing, letting the rookie stay at his house and get to know his family.

“I think we’ve had some pretty good chemistry throughout the pre-season,” Brunette said Monday of the O’Reilly-Forsberg-Martin line. “(Brady is) such a big piece in this organization. Moving forward, we want to put him in the best spot possible to show his abilities. So far, he’s done that.”

Martin’s path to Opening Night hasn’t been without some hiccups. Brunette acknowledged he felt the rookie’s game slipped a little in the Predators’ loss to the Tampa Bay Lightning earlier in the pre-season. He’s played a lot of hockey over the past year: 62 OHL games with the Soo Greyhounds including the post-season, the World Juniors Summer Showcase, NHL Prospects Tournament and pre-season.

It’s been a whirlwind year, to be sure, but Martin understands that life in the NHL is just as hectic, if not more so.

“A lot of things have happened,” Martin said. “It’s been fun, I’ve enjoyed it. The work I’ve put in has got me here, so just taking it day by day and seeing what’s going to happen.”

Another 18-year-old, No. 1 overall pick Matthew Schaefer, also cracked the New York Islanders’ Opening Night roster, so Martin is in good company.

How long he stays at the NHL level will depend on several factors. The Predators could send him back to the OHL for another season of major junior after nine games, or pay Martin to remain on the roster.

Obviously, Martin needs to continue producing and improving. Even if his goal-scoring doesn’t come right away, the more chances he can create for himself and his teammates, the better. Martin has also shown promise on the power-play, so providing spark for a unit that finished 18th in the NHL last season could also keep him around.

The roster will almost certainly undergo some changes once defenseman Nicolas Hague (upper body) and forward Matthew Wood (lower body) come off the injured list.

How well the Predators play as a team to begin the season could also play a role in Martin’s status. If he’s playing well and the team gets off to a fast start, it would be difficult for the club to send him back to the OHL. A poor start by either could see Martin going back to juniors for more seasoning.

No matter what happens, Martin is eager to get the season underway.

“It’s very exciting,” Martin said. “With the work I’ve put in here, I think I’ve proved I’m worthy to play with the guys here. I’m just looking forward to Thursday (Opening Night) and see what happens.”