The New Jersey Devils made a roster move ahead of their game against the Columbus Blue Jackets on Monday night.

The organization announced that veteran forward Evgenii Dadonov has been placed on the Injured Reserve list with a fracture in his hand. 

"The X-rays were negative, but he woke up and wasn't feeling much better," head coach Sheldon Keefe told NJD.TV. "They had further imaging, which did show there was a fracture in there. The extent of it, they need to look a little bit closer. He will be out for the rest of this road trip, and we will get him back home and get a better sense of what the timeline will be."

In a corresponding move, Brian Halonen was called up from the Utica Comets of the American Hockey League (AHL). The 26-year-old scored one goal in the Comets' game on Saturday afternoon against the Cleveland Monsters and was named the third star of the game. His line that included Matyas Melovsky and Xavier Parent combined for four points in Utica's 3-2 overtime loss. 

With the Comets, Halonen is a top-six player who gets time on the first power play unit. During training camp, he spoke about his different roles in Utica vs. when he plays in New Jersey. 

"Obviously, the minutes you play and the opportunities you are put in are different," he said. "There are not the same opportunities here (in New Jersey). I feel like growing up in college, I played both roles. I started off in more of a bottom-six role, and in my later years, I was in a top-six role. I feel like I have experience in both roles. 

"I just try to put my best foot forward wherever I am playing." 

In an exclusive interview with The Hockey News, Devils' Assistant General Manager/Utica Comets General Manager Dan MacKinnon spoke further about balancing competitiveness in the AHL with developing players in specific roles. 

"That has always been the nature of the American Hockey League," he said. "You are projecting prospects down there to potentially grow into a certain role at the NHL level, and that doesn't always completely align with what they are asked to do in the American Hockey League. 

"A bona fide future third or fourth line NHLer is probably, after an initial adjustment period, going to be at least a middle-six or top line AHL player. That is just the nature of the beast. 

"We believe as an organization that the best development happens when you are part of a competitive team that is getting its fair share of wins," he continued. "You want  Brian Halonen to score, and I think he can this year, 30 to 40 goals in the AHL, but the job he is competing for at the NHL level is a fourth line role where, if he ever has it full-time, and gets eight to 10 goals, I think the organization would be thrilled." 

Halonen is projected to play on New Jersey's fourth line with Paul Cotter and Luke Glendening against the Blue Jackets. 
"He is putting in his time in Utica and has been al leader down there in his play, his attitude, and work," Keefe told NJD.TV Monday morning. "When you need a guy this early in the season, there are a lot of people in the organization that go to bat for him. I think even in the short time he spent with us last season, you saw some elements in his game that with greater opportunity, you want to see how it plays out. There is a chance here now." 

The winger has played four career NHL games over the past two seasons. He has averaged 11:06 of ice time and has four shots on goal. 

Puck drop between the Devils and Blue Jackets is at 7:00 p.m. Fans can watch tonight's game on MSGSN or the Gotham Sports.

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

The Mental Side of the Game: Devils Players & Mental Skills Coach Andy Swärd Take You Behind the Scenes

Hischier's Manager Patrick Fischer: 'He's Driven to Succeed, but Not Easily

As Evander Kane of the Edmonton Oilers and Brad Marchand of the Florida Panthers went toe-to-toe in the Stanley Cup final last spring, it was learned the two players’ fathers had been junior-hockey teammates in Nova Scotia with the Dartmouth Arrows back in 1981.

It was news to the public and to Evander, even though he’s a chip off the old block. Perry Kane has been a driving force in his son’s hockey career, and in his younger days, he was a speedy winger with good hands and a tough edge, which carried over to the boxing ring. The family’s bloodline also includes Evander’s cousin Kirk Johnson, who boxed for Canada at the 1992 Barcelona Olympics and once challenged for the WBA heavyweight title.

When it came time for Perry to name his first child in 1991, his inspiration was the reigning world heavyweight champion, Evander Holyfield. “When I got drafted by Atlanta as a 17-year-old, Holyfield lived in Atlanta,” Kane said. “They brought him out to a morning skate one time, so I was able to meet him, and my dad was able to meet him.”

Fifteen years before Connor Bedard and Macklin Celebrini turned Vancouver into a youth-hockey mecca as back-to-back No. 1 draft picks, Kane was one of the brightest talents to emerge from the region.

Selected fourth overall by the Thrashers in 2009, Kane began his glittering junior career in his hometown when he made history as the youngest player ever to skate in a Memorial Cup. “When I got drafted by the Giants, I was actually a little disappointed because I wanted to go away,” Kane said. “My dad heard on the radio that I had been drafted. I was happy, but he looked at me, and he’s like, ‘Well, you better get to work now. You have an opportunity to play in the Memorial Cup as a 15-year-old.’ ”

That had never happened before, and with the Giants hosting the 2007 Memorial Cup at the Pacific Coliseum, a berth in the tournament was guaranteed. After eight regular-season games, coach Don Hay put Kane into five WHL playoff games, including Vancouver’s Game 7 double-OT loss to the Medicine Hat Tigers in the WHL final. “Earning Hay’s trust at the time was really cool,” he said.

For the start of the Memorial Cup, Kane was back on the sidelines. But Hay brought him back for two crucial games, including Vancouver’s 3-1 revenge win over the Tigers that won it all. “I was really excited and hungry to get into the lineup and try to perform,” Kane said. “What a start to my junior career.”

After making the Thrashers as an 18-year-old and playing 930 NHL games, Kane joined the Vancouver Canucks this summer following a trade from Edmonton. Fourteen years after the Thrashers moved to Winnipeg, Kane and Zach Bogosian are the last two active players to have played with Atlanta.

At 34, Kane now has four children of his own, all under the age of six.

In the eyes of Vancouver’s new coach, Adam Foote, Kane will bring an edge and a veteran presence, including 68 games of playoff experience with the Oilers the past four seasons. “I love his grit,” Foote said. “He’s hard to play against. We needed some of that sandpaper.”

Kane has a competitive fire that drives him to get under opponents’ skin every time he steps on the ice. That intensity was on full display in Edmonton’s seven-game battle against Vancouver in the second round of the 2024 playoffs. But as we often see in hockey, foes can become fast friends when allegiances change. “A guy I probably would have hated the most coming onto this team is Conor Garland,” Kane said. “I think he’d probably say the same, but we’ve gotten to know each other pretty well over training camp, and I think we’ve both enjoyed each other’s company. You find yourself on the golf course with each other, and next thing you know, it’s all good to go.”

After the Canucks stumbled to a playoff miss last season, Kane’s truculence and experience will add a fresh dimension to a dressing room that was fractured. With a beefed-up defense and a strong goaltending duo that includes a healthy Thatcher Demko, the returning players are aiming for a bounce-back campaign.

Kane heads into his first year in Vancouver sitting fifth among active players with 1,186 penalty minutes – 71 ahead of sixth-place Marchand. But he also brings nine 20-goal seasons, including two years with 30 goals.

After the Canucks finished last season in the bottom 10 in goal scoring and second-last with just 25.5 shots per game, his offensive prowess should make him a fixture in Vancouver’s top six and on the power play. “The hardest thing to do in the NHL is score goals,” Kane said. “Each and every time we step on the ice, I try to impact the game in different ways – physicality, emotion, skating, goal-scoring, whatever it may be. I have the ability to bring all that.”

He’s 70 games away from 1,000, but Kane is feeling healthy and re-energized after missing the entire 2024-25 regular season while rehabbing from surgeries to repair two torn hip adductor muscles, two hernias, two lower abdominal muscles and a knee issue.

Kane looked rejuvenated when he rejoined the Oilers for their second consecutive run to the Stanley Cup final, contributing 12 points in 21 games while averaging more than 16 minutes of ice time.

In a sport where humility and conformity are often the norm, Kane has never been afraid to stand out – whether that’s with the luxury sports cars he drives or the wardrobes that stack up favorably against the fashion-forward stars in other sports.

With the NHL’s relaxed dress-code rules kicking in this season, expect Kane’s walk-ins at Rogers Arena to be appointment viewing. “I’m going to come in looking like I’m homeless one night, then I’ll look like I’m a billionaire,” he said. “Keep people guessing.”

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This article appeared in our 2025 Goalie issue. The cover story for this issue features back-to-back Vezina Trophy winner and Winnipeg Jet, Connor Hellebuyck. We also include features on Mammoth's goaltender Karel Vejmelka, the ranking of goaltending duos and more. In addition, we take a look at the 'goaltending future' from each NHL division.

You can get it in print for free when you subscribe to The Hockey News at THN.com/Free today. All subscriptions include complete access to more than 76 years of articles at The Hockey News Archive.

New Jersey Devils head coach Sheldon Keefe has announced that Devils forward Zack MacEwen will be out for "an extended period of time" after suffering an injury during the club's last matchup against the Tampa Bay Lightning, as reported by The Hockey News' Kristy Flannery. 

In his Devils debut against the Lightning, MacEwen recorded one hit and two shots in 7:12 of ice time.

The Devils acquired MacEwen from the Ottawa Senators earlier this month in exchange for Kurtis MacDermid. This was after MacEwen posted two goals, one assist, three points, 21 penalty minutes, and 49 hits in 21 games this past season with the Senators.

MacEwen being sidelined for a decent amount of time is certainly not ideal for the Devils. They are already dealing with injury trouble elsewhere, and now they have lost another one of their experienced depth forwards with MacEwen out.

In 238 games over eight NHL seasons split between the Vancouver Canucks, Philadelphia Flyers, Los Angeles Kings, Senators, and Devils, MacEwen has recorded 17 goals, 17 assists, 34 points, 323 penalty minutes, and 524 hits.

Just two games into the season, Philadelphia Flyers defenseman Egor Zamula has already been benched for his continued struggles.

On Monday, ahead of the team's home opener against the Florida Panthers, the Flyers confirmed that Zamula, 25, was exiting the lineup.

Taking his place will be fellow defenseman Emil Andrae, who didn't make the Flyers out of training camp but had a mostly impressive 2024-25 season in addition to a strong start with the AHL Lehigh Valley Phantoms over the last few days.

The Flyers were wary of including him in the mix due to his 5-foot-9 size, and there's even been some rumors that the team would consider trading Andrae for the right offer, even though they aren't actively looking to do so.

As for Zamula, his benching was, to be blunt, a long time coming.

NHL Waiver Wire: Flyers Should Take a Chance on Recently Cut Sharks DefensemanThe Philadelphia Flyers badly need adequate reinforcements on defense, and what better way to get them than for free from the NHL waiver wire?

Flyers head coach Rick Tocchet already expressed disappointment in the defenseman's game during the NHL preseason, and there has not been much improvement in that regard in the first two games of 2025-26.

This also comes on the heels of some rather inflammatory quotes from Zamula's agent, Shumi Babaev, which indicated that the formerly undrafted Russian hasn't been able to reach his full potential with the Flyers due to a lack of opportunity.

Such opportunities had been afforded by the Flyers in the past during John Tortorella's tenure with the team, especially when it comes to the power play, but those chances paid off only sometimes.

With Adam Ginning and now Andrae overtaking him, it's fair to wonder how much longer the 25-year-old Zamula will remain in Philadelphia with the Flyers, especially considering he's in the last year of a two-year, $3.4 million ($1.7 million AAV) contract that will see him become a restricted free agent with arbitration rights at the end of this season.

Golden Knights forward Pavel Dorofeyev was named the NHL’s "First Star" on Monday, after opening the season with an offensive explosion.

Dorofeyev, who scored five goals in the team's first three games, paced the NHL in both goals (5) and power-play goals (4) while the Golden Knights opened the season with four points, going 1-0-2.

Dorofeyev opened the season with his third career hat trick, scoring all three goals in the second period, to help Vegas tie the game in their season opener against the Los Angeles Kings, who won 6-5 in a shootout on Oct. 8.

The 24-year-old scored once in both a 4-3 overtime victory at the San Jose Sharks Oct. 9 and then during a 2-1 overtime loss at the Seattle Kraken Oct. 11.

Dorofeyev, a third-round pick (79th overall) from the 2019 NHL Draft, reached career highs in goals (35), assists (17) and points (52) while playing in all 82 games for Vegas last season.

ST. PAUL, Minn - A smiley Danila Yurov sat in his stall after Monday's morning skate next to Kirill Kaprizov as the media swarmed Yurov. It came 20 minutes after Wild head coach confirmed Yurov was making his NHL debut tonight.

"He says a little nervous and he plays so many games in KHL already it should be easy for him to play his game," Kaprizov translated what Yurov said about making his debut tonight. "Just a little nervous but excited and happy to jump in play tonight."

Kaprizov has been a big help for Yurov since he has come here. He can speak English and has even answered some questions in English but he is obviously is more comfortable with Russian. Kaprizov, Yakov Trenin and Vladimir Tarasenko have all been very helpful for Yurov and have made the transition smoother.

"Three days spoke with me that my time is come and I need to be ready for this game," Yurov said in English on how much Kaprizov has helped him. "I just prepare for games, practice and finally this day start."

Yurov, 21, started as a center in training camp. He played a few games there and then towards the end of camp he shifted to the wing and played with Joel Eriksson Ek and Tarasenko. Eventually that spot was grabbed by Marcus Foligno and now Marcus Johansson.

So his NHL debut will come at the center position. Hunter Haight has played the first two games of the season and now Yurov will replace him tonight.

“When you have a younger player coming in playing their first game, it’s just reminding them there’s a reason why they’re here and just play to his identity," Hynes said. "He doesn’t have to overthink. He’s been here, he’s been through training camp, I think he’s a very smart player. He needs to play a fast game.

"I think he knows the importance of faceoffs and the intensity level in the faceoff circle and then probably the biggest adjustment for him is not that he’s not a willing combatant but there’s more puck battles all over the ice and confrontations than there is in the KHL. Be prepared for that and be ready to compete in the hard areas of the ice.”

The Wild selected Yurov with the 24th pick in the 2022 NHL Draft. He spent a few years in the KHL and his 49 points during the 23-24 season broke the KHL record for most points in a season as a 20-year-old. That record was previously held by Tarasenko.

"It was nice to play because I used to watch him on tv," Yurov said on playing with Tarasenko before. "He still has skill and it was nice to play together."

Tarasenko has talked about how cool it was that he has played with Yurov and how he broke his record. It has come full circle now and even Tarasenko has invited Yurov over for dinner and has helped him in any way he can.

Yurov will be the second Wild player to make their NHL debut this season. Zeev Buium made his regular season debut after playing four playoff games last year. He is one of five rookies on the Wild's roster. Him and Jesper Wallstedt will be the fourth and fifth rookies this year to play tonight.

Recent Minnesota Wild Stories

Minnesota Wild Vs Columbus Blue Jackets: Analytical RecapST. PAUL, Minn - I have been tracking some stats about the Minnesota Wild that I will now make available to the public. After each game I will have some analytics that I tracked. Most analytical recaps will be after home games but I may post some road ones too.

- Wild Place Nico Sturm On Injured Reserve.

- Wild Sign Kirill Kaprizov To An Eight-Year Contract Extension.

- Wild Claim Defenseman Daemon Hunt Off Waivers.

- Wild Sign Filip Gustavsson To A Five-Year Contract Extension.

- Wild's Mats Zuccarello Out For Two Months With Lower-Body Injury.

Daniil Tarasov will make his Florida Panthers and 2025-26 season debut today against the Philadelphia Flyers.

The Panthers are set to embark on a five-game road trip after sweeping a three-game homestand to start the season. Sergei Bobrovsky was in between the pipes for the first three games, posting a .925 save percentage and a 1.68 goals against average.

Tarasov will likely play twice this week, as the Panthers play a back-to-back against the Detroit Red Wings on Wednesday and the New Jersey Devils on Thursday. 

The 26-year-old recorded an. 881 SP and 3.55 GAA last season with the Columbus Blue Jackets, but the Panthers are hoping to get the 2023-24 version of Tarasov, who posted a .908 SP and 3.18 GAA. 

The Panthers and Flyers met this season already, with the Panthers defeating the Flyers 2-1 in the second game of the season. Bobrovsky wasn't a busy man in that game, turning 19 of the 20 shots he faced. Anton Lundell opened the scoring in the second period before Noah Cates tied the game later in the frame. Brad Marchand scored early in the third period, and the Panthers locked the game down, allowing just five shots on net in the final stanza. 

The Panthers are hoping for a similar end result, the two points, but are probably hoping for a bigger score line. 

Panthers kick off five-game road trip in Philadelphia against winless FlyersFresh off a strong three-game homestand in which the Florida Panthers collected all six possible points in the standings, the Cats are hitting the pavement for an extended road trip.

This season, there has been a notable number of young, talented players who are entering their rookie season.

Some are fresh from the 2025 draft, which took place in late June, or had a small taste of what the NHL experience is like, making a handful of appearances last year.

This past weekend, the NHL had all 32 NHL teams play on Saturday. It would be very challenging for fans to catch every game or moment, including several rookies who scored their first NHL goals.

Matthew Schaefer, D, New York Islanders

The first overall pick from the 2025 draft, Matthew Schaefer, wasted no time getting his first career goal on the board. Schaefer’s first NHL goal was a power-play marker that came against the Washington Capitals, in unusual fashion.

The 18-year-old defenseman was standing near the offensive blueline when there was a pileup in front of goaltender Logan Thompson. Bodies were lying down everywhere as Capitals defensemen and New York Islanders forwards scrambled for the puck.

Eventually, the puck skewed free of the pile of players, and Schaefer charged from the blueline before diving and poking the puck in the net.

Schaefer spoke about his mom, who passed away in February 2024 following a battle with breast cancer.

“She’s up there with the hockey gods,” Schaefer said after the game. “Maybe (she) slipped them a little 20 (dollar bill) to get that goal. She’s definitely there to help.”

Zeev Buium, D, Minnesota Wild

Zeev Buium of the Minnesota Wild is another defenseman who scored their first NHL goal this past weekend. Buium’s was also on the power play, a little more traditional than Schaefer’s, though. 

The 19-year-old blueliner scored his goal in the third period against the Columbus Blue Jackets, cutting their lead to 5-3. 

Buium started the play when he received the puck at the point and rapidly inched closer to the slot before firing a wrist shot that went wide of the goal. However, Minnesota center Joel Eriksson Ek picked up the puck from behind the net and found Buium in the slot, who one-timed it home.

Buium also recorded another power-play point in that period, a secondary assist on a Kirill Kaprizov goal. The young D-man now has two points in two games this season.

Gavin Brindley, C, Colorado Avalanche

Gavin Brindley scored a big goal for the Colorado Avalanche on Saturday. His first-career marker came against the mighty Dallas Stars. The Stars have seen the Western Conference final for three straight seasons and eliminated the Avalanche in the first round of the Stanley Cup playoffs last year.

At any rate, Brindley’s goal put Colorado up 2-1 over Dallas at this moment. The play started as a 2-on-2 opportunity with Brindley pushing toward the slot and left winger Victor Olofsson carrying the puck on the left flank.

Olofsson made a good move in an effort to get past Stars defenseman Thomas Harley. In the process, he created a passing lane to the front of the net for Brindley, who shoved the puck through goaltender Jake Oettinger.

Sam Rinzel, D, Chicago Blackhawks

Chicago Blackhawks defenseman Sam Rinzel secured his first goal of the season against the Montreal Canadiens. His goal was the equalizer after Canadiens right winger Cole Caufield opened the scoring less than two minutes before Rinzel’s tally.

Rinzel’s goal came off a faceoff, won by center Frank Nazar. Nazar’s draw was directed toward left winger Teuvo Teravainen, who made a drop pass to Rinzel standing at the right point. 

The 21-year-old blueliner galloped into the faceoff circle, where Nazar’s faceoff was won, and Rinzel whipped it past Habs goaltender Sam Montembeault for the first of his career.

Outside of this season, Rinzel played nine games with Chicago last season, recording five assists in that span. With this goal in the Blackhawks’ third game of the season, Rinzel has six points in 12 career NHL contests.

Ben Kindel, C, Pittsburgh Penguins

Ben Kindel has looked like a regular NHL pro in his first three career games this season. To back that up, he’s another player who bagged his first NHL goal on Saturday for the Pittsburgh Penguins. 

His goal came off the rush in a solo fashion against the New York Rangers. The 18-year-old center picked up the puck neutral zone and carried it over the blueline on the right-hand side.

As he entered the right-sided faceoff circle in the Penguins’ offensive zone, he fired the puck on the short side of goaltender Igor Shesterkin, tying the game for Pittsburgh in the second period.

Like Schaefer, Kindel is one of the few players from the 2025 draft to play this season. Only Brady Martin of the Nashville Predators and Braeden Cootes of the Vancouver Canucks join them in that category.

For action-packed issues, access to the entire magazine archive and a free issue, subscribe to The Hockey News at THN.com/free. Get the latest news and trending stories by subscribing to our newsletter here. And share your thoughts by commenting below the article on THN.com or creating your own post in our community forum.

Well, it's our first matinee game of the Colorado Avalanche regular season, folks!

We've got a bunch more of these morning/early afternoon games ahead of us, but let's focus on the now. The Avalanche are headed into this game in Buffalo coming off a devastating shootout loss to the Dallas Stars. Why is it devastating? Because it was easily their best game of the season, by far.

The third line continued to do good things, the first line finally got going on a higher level - heck, we even saw the best version of the power play so far.

The Buffalo Sabres have not gotten their first win of the season, and if last season's matchups between these two teams are any indication, they're gonna make the Avalanche work to get back into the win column.

What happened last time these two teams met?

Let's first go back to December, 3rd 2024. This current version of the Avalanche looked a lot different, namely due to the presence of Alexandar Georgiev. He started this game, the first of two during the 2024-25 season, and let in four goals in the span of 11 minutes and 49 seconds.

Enter new trade acquisition Scott Wedgewood, who the Avalanche traded for just two days before this game. Georgiev gets pulled and Wedgewood stands on his head to pave the way for Colorado's 5-goal comeback win.

The Avs and Scott Wedgewood shut the door on the Buffalo Sabres with an INSANE 5-4 comeback win.

Wedgewood's first look with the Avalanche was nothing short of impressive. This was easily his best save of the night.#GoAvsGopic.twitter.com/tyVHY4oUWR

— Bailey Curtis (@baileyycurtis) December 4, 2024

Fast forward just about a month later to January 2nd, the Avalanche host the Sabres and history repeats itself. Buffalo gets off to an early 3-0 start, snapped by a Cale Makar goal. Scott Wedgewood starts this game only to get hurt early in the third period, except the officials don't blow the play dead and Colorado goes down another goal. Mackenzie Blackwood comes in as relief and the Avalanche put on a stunning performance to force overtime, and Devon Toews eventually goes on to win the game.

Now, as much as you might love a good rollercoaster, the Avalanche could do with a straightforward game to carry on the good things they did in Saturday's game against the Stars.

When/Where/How to Find the Game

Puck Drop: 7:08 pm Mountain Time

Avalanche T.V. Broadcast: Altitude Sports Network

Avalanche Radio Broadcast: Altitude Sports Radio, 92.5 FM

Buffalo T.V. Broadcast: MSG Network

Buffalo Radio Broadcast: WGR 550 AM

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The Jets look to build on Saturday's victory in tough matchup against Islanders on Canadian Thanksgiving, while preparing to counter the impact of rookie defenseman Matthew Schaefer. 

The Winnipeg Jets look to build on their first victory of the season as they visit the New York Islanders for an afternoon matinee matchup at UBS Arena on Canadian Thanksgiving. Winnipeg held off a late push from Los Angeles in Saturday’s 4–2 win, powered by a perfect performance on the penalty kill and a strong defensive stand in the final minutes.

Scheifele Scores Twice as Jets Take Down Kings 3-2The Winnipeg Jets are back in the win column. 

The Jets’ penalty kill has been the standout story of their first week. Winnipeg opened the season in impressive fashion, scoring two shorthanded goals against Dallas, then following it up with a flawless 5-for-5 effort on the kill versus Los Angeles.

Offensively, center Mark Scheifele has been the driving force, notching two goals on Saturday and adding three assists for a total of five points in the team’s first two games. His linemate Kyle Connor, fresh off signing the largest contract in franchise history, made an immediate impact with a hat trick in the season opener and an assist on one of Scheifele’s goals against the Kings. With several key players still sidelined by injuries, the Scheifele–Connor duo will aim to carry the load once again as Winnipeg faces an Islanders team showcasing a new wave of emerging talent.

Lineup Storylines 

The Islanders dropped their home opener 4–2 to Washington on Saturday, despite outshooting the Capitals 20–6 in the third period. The biggest headline out of the game was 2025 top pick defenseman Matthew Schaefer, scored his first career goal in the loss. Not something normal for a defenseman, but the Hamilton native has proven to be a difference maker in early action with several stunning defensive efforts like multiple chasedown stops on breakaways. 

Just an absolutely insane defensive backcheck from Matthew Schaefer on Matvei Michkov 😱

In the first overall pick’s first NHL game too 😳

(via @OSulr81) pic.twitter.com/CqRBhSJOdg

— B/R Open Ice (@BR_OpenIce) September 22, 2025

The Jets will need to sharpen their focus on figuring out how to break through the 18-year-old sensation, as there’s limited footage or scouting information on his game. The rookie has already led his team in ice time through the first two contests and will look to add to the scoresheet again on Monday. 

Winnipeg's expected starter Connor Hellebuyck will need to elevate their play as the back-to-back Vezina Trophy winner has struggled against the Islanders, holding a 5-7-0 record with a 3.20 goals-against average and a .906 save percentage in 12 appearances, one of his toughest matchups statistically against any team in the league. 

The Jets will need to generate some offense of their own, but that will be a tall order as they’re missing four key players in captain Adam Lowry, top-six winger Cole Perfetti, and defensemen Dylan Samberg and Haydn Fleury. With lineup changes in place, winger Nikita Chibrikov stepping in for Perfetti and veteran defenseman Colin Miller replacing Fleury will both need standout performances if the Jets hope to stay competitive in this matchup. 

Jets Bring Up Kale Clague as Insurance Following Injury to Haydn FleuryOn Saturday afternoon, Winnipeg Jets defenceman Haydn Fleury suffered a lower body injury after blocking a shot from Los Angeles Kings forward Adrian Kempe.

Player & Betting Trends (Presented By BetMGM)

NYI ML (+105) | WPG ML (-125)

NYI +1.5 (-238) | WPG -1.5 (+190)

O/U 5.5 Goals

While the Jets rarely face the Islanders due to being in separate conferences, New York has consistently had the upper hand in this matchup, boasting a 9-2-0 record over the last 11 meetings since 2019. Despite Winnipeg’s rise to Stanley Cup contender status in recent seasons, the Islanders have continued to be a thorn in their side, winning two of the past three head-to-head games over the last two years.

For the Jets to stand a chance, they'll need the offense to have a big performance and that starts with points coming out of cold sources like veteran center Jonathan Toews. Winnipeg's big free agent add has yet to find the scoresheet and will need to start contributing soon. His history in this matchup is fairly decent with seven goals and ten assists for 17 points over his last 24 matchups against the Islanders. 

Former Jets First-Rounder Signs with Edmonton OilersWinnipeg Jets' 2015 first round pick in Jack Roslovic signed with the Edmonton mid-game on Wednesday as they Oilers were playing in the Battle of Alberta with the Calgary Flames. 

Goalie Matchup

Winnipeg: EricComrie (VS NYI: 2-1-0 record, 1.02 GAA, .963 SV% in Three Games) 

New York: Ilya Sorokin (VS WPG: 3-2-0 record, 2.03 GAA, .932 SV% in Five Games)

After a two-game road trip to begin the year, the Senators are back home, just in time for Thanksgiving. They’ll play their 2025-26 home opener on Monday afternoon at 1 pm, facing the Nashville Predators. The Sens have won their last five home openers, including last season's 3-1 win over Florida. Speaking of which...

How’s It Going?

The Senators opened the season with a split of their two games in the state of Florida. Given the perennial strength of the Lightning and Panthers, the Sens can’t be unhappy with that. But the way they were taken apart by the defending champs, 6-2 on Saturday, combined with a very sluggish effort from goalie Linus Ullmark, was a little unsettling for most fans.

The Senators’ penalty kill is more than a little unsettling; it's off to a dreadful start. They’ve allowed 5 goals on 8 penalty-killing attempts, easily the worst in the NHL to open the season. On the plus side, Shane Pinto is off to the best start of his career with 4 goals in the first 2 games. Pinto's line with Claude Giroux has been the top performing line in the first two games, combining for 8 points

The Predators are 1-0-1 to start the year after defeating the Columbus Blue Jackets, 2-1, and falling 3-2 in overtime to the Utah Mammoth. The Preds are trying to shake off a wildly disappointing 2024-25 season.

One of Nashville's new players to watch is No. 44, Brady Martin, the Predators’ fifth overall pick in the 2025 NHL Draft. The 18-year-old not only claimed a roster spot out of camp, but he’s been centring Nashville’s top line between veterans Filip Forsberg and Ryan O’Reilly.

Sens Lineup Changes

It looks like the Senators may swap out their bottom pairing D for this one. Tyler Kleven is expected to return from injury to take up his usual spot on the left side. That means Donovan Sebrango comes out, while Nikolas Matinpalo might also make way for Jordan Spence’s Senator debut.

Drake Batherson isn’t expected to play, but feels good about making his season debut on Wednesday, so the Sens will probably need to send a player down to Belleville in the next 48 hours.

Thanksgiving History

When you think back to the Thanksgiving Monday afternoon classic at Canadian Tire last year, these two clubs have an impossible act to follow, entertainment-wise. In one of the wildest Senators home games in recent memory, Ottawa defeated Los Angeles 8-7 in overtime.

Though both men play for different teams now, Zack MacEwen and Josh Norris were the heroes that day, each scoring twice for the Sens. Norris ended the emotional back and forth game with the overtime winner. MacEwen was traded to New Jersey earlier this month for Kurtis MacDermid. Norris was dealt to Buffalo in March in a deadline deal that included Dylan Cozens.

Fan Fun

Here’s an outline of the home opener pre-game party the Sens have going on, according to their website: The plaza will open at 10 a.m. with a performance from Ottawa Valley country band Rainwater Whiskey.

There will be $5 beer, soft drinks, hot dogs and sausages. There are inflatables and face painting for kids. Additionally, fans will be able to purchase the Senators third jersey from the Sens Store and online beginning at 10 a.m. Fans are encouraged to bring a non-perishable food item, as the Ottawa Food Bank will be on-site collecting donations at Gates 1, 2, and 3.

Upon entry into the building fans will receive a schedule magnet and a flashlight sticker to be used as part of the pre-game ceremony.

Your Handy Lineup Card (from NHL.com)

PREDATORS (1-0-1) at SENATORS (1-1-0)

Faceoff: 1 pm TV: RDS2, TSN5

Predators projected lineup

Filip Forsberg -- Brady Martin -- Ryan O’Reilly
Steven Stamkos -- Fedor Svechkov -- Luke Evangelista
Michael Bunting -- Erik Haula -- Jonathan Marchessault
Cole Smith -- Michael McCarron -- Tyson Jost

Adam Wilsby -- Roman Josi
Brady Skjei -- Nick Perbix
Spencer Stastney -- Justin Barron

Juuse Saros
Justus Annunen

Senators projected lineup

Brady Tkachuk -- Tim Stutzle -- Fabian Zetterlund
Ridly Greig -- Shane Pinto -- Claude Giroux
David Perron -- Dylan Cozens -- Michael Amadio
Nick Cousins -- Lars Eller -- Olle Lycksell

Jake Sanderson -- Artem Zub
Thomas Chabot -- Nick Jensen
Tyler Kleven -- Jordan Spence

Linus Ullmark
Leevi Merilainen

More Sens Headlines From The Hockey News Ottawa:

Another Tough Break For Former Senator Josh Norris
Senators Injuries: Kleven And Batherson Provide Health Updates
Yakemchuk Reflects On Playing First Pro Game Saturday
Senators Mauled By Florida 6-2, Penalty Killing Struggles Continue
Jordan Spence: A Healthy Scratch For Sens Season Opener

The Florida Panthers have made a roster move as they prepare to begin a five-game road trip.

Last Thursday, Panthers defenseman Dmitry Kulikov suffered an upper-body injury during Florida’s 3-2 win over Philadelphia.

Kulikov left the game immediately and did not return, and he has since been placed on Injured Reserve by the team.

Panthers Head Coach Paul Maurice said on Saturday morning that Kulikov and the team were still considering options on how to handle the injury and that a recovery timeline would be forthcoming.

While that information has yet to be revealed by the team, they did call up defenseman Toby Bjornfot from the AHL’s Charlotte Checkers and he will begin the road trip with the Panthers.

Bjornfot was initially claimed off waivers by Florida from the Vegas Golden Knights during March of 2024.

He played 14 games with the Panthers last season and 50 with AHL Charlotte, racking up three goals and 18 points with the Checkers.

Bjornfot, 24, has 134 games of NHL experience under his belt and is well versed in Florida’s defensive systems.

He’ll be with the team Monday night when they begin their five-game, nine-day road trip in Philly against the Flyers.

Perhaps after Florida's morning skate, Maurice will have more of an update on Kulikov. 

Stay tuned. 

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Photo caption: Sep 19, 2025; Fort Lauderdale, FL, USA; Florida Panthers defenseman Tobias Bjornfot (22) works during training camp at Baptist Health IcePlex. (Sam Navarro-Imagn Images)

The former Minnesota Wild defenseman Brent Burns played in his 1,500th career NHL game with the Colorado Avalanche on Saturday against the Dallas Stars.

Burns, 40, became the 23rd player and eighth defenseman in NHL history, as well as the only active player, to reach that milestone on Saturday.

The other seven defensemen are Zdeno Chara (1,680), Chris Chelios (1,651), Scott Stevens (1,635), Larry Murphy (1,615), Ray Bourque (1,612), Nicklas Lidstrom (1,564) and Ryan Suter (1,526).

In his 22 NHL seasons with four different teams, Burns has recorded 261 goals, 650 assists and 911 points. He has won the Norris Trophy which is given to the league's top defenseman during that season. Burns had 29 goals, 47 assists and 76 points during 2016-17 when he won it.

Burns was the 20th overall pick by the Wild in the 2003 NHL Draft. He spent seven seasons with the Wild before he was traded to the San Jose Sharks.

In his seven seasons with Minnesota, Burns recorded 55 goals, 128 assists and 183 points in 453 games.

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