“Hockey is back” has been a common term around social media over the past week, and the NHL regular season is creeping ever closer. The Anaheim Ducks participated in their first preseason game of the exhibition season on Sunday afternoon, when they headed to Ontario, CA, home of the AHL’s Ontario Reign, to take on the Los Angeles Kings in what’s become the annual “Empire Classic.”

The Ducks squad, mostly an inexperienced and/or AHL lineup, was highlighted by 2024 third-overall pick Beckett Sennecke, talented sophomore Cutter Gauthier, and newly-acquired Ryan Poehling.

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The Ducks fell by a score of 3-1, following a tight-checking affair, which included allowing a short-handed goal in the critical third period and a late empty net tally.

Ducks forward Jansen Harkins left the game with an upper-body injury and left the arena with his arm in a sling.

While this is the first preseason game on the schedule, and there were a few nuggets to take away, every observation should be taken with a grain of salt, as the team’s new systems are just beginning implementation, chemistry is nearly nonexistent, and competition levels are inconsistent.

Ville Husso started in net for the Ducks and stopped 30 of 32 shots. He was opposed by 19-year-old 2024 second-round pick, Carter George, who saved 22 of 23.

Here are my takeaways from this game:

Beckett Sennecke: Sennecke entered camp needing to perform and persuade the Ducks' front office beyond a reasonable doubt that he’s NHL-ready if he’s to stick with the Ducks all year. He was comfortable and confident with the puck on his stick and was able to create some dangerous looks in tight while making some quality off-puck reads on the defensive end.

However, the one-on-one defensive habits need some polishing, as he tends to watch the puck instead of engaging the opponent’s body, and he tried to force some optimistic passes, forgoing the simple options, which didn’t connect at critical moments.

Rush Offense: Puck possession is the clear priority this season, with the hiring of Joel Quenneville and his new coaching staff. Breakouts that often ended with stretch passes and were then tipped deep in the offensive zone have now become opportunities to hold onto pucks, gain entry, and allow players to utilize their skills and instincts to create dangerous offense.

Rather than a hard-forechecking mandate, when puck carriers didn’t have numbers or options, they elected to chip pucks to areas where their teammates could either skate into them or at least create a 50/50 battle.

Ville Husso: Husso performed very well behind a somewhat scattered defensive structure, as players adjust to new teammates and systems. He was especially true to his angles and remarkably calm when there was a scramble in front of him. He managed the game well in this one.

The Ducks will host the newly-named Utah Mammoth on Monday night at Honda Center to open their home exhibition schedule and will likely ice a completely different roster.

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The Montreal Canadiens might have fired Claude Julien in 2021, but the former bench boss had a significant impact on one current Hab last year. After taking some time off, once he was let go by the Sainte-Flanelle, Julien accepted an assistant coach role with the St. Louis Blues, and that’s where he got to work with Zack Bolduc.

According to RDS’s report, the assistant coach met with Bolduc every two or three games to conduct video sessions and explain how he could improve his play. The Trois-Rivieres native and former first-round pick at the 2021 draft enjoyed working with the experienced coach:

I had the opportunity to work with Claude a lot last season. On things I focused on last year that made me a more defensively sound player. I loved working with Claude. He’s been in hockey for so long, and he knows what it takes.

- Bolduc on Claude Julien

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Bolduc wasn’t a defensive specialist in Missouri, though; he made a tangible impact on the Blues’ power play, and the Canadiens definitely took notes on that. On Sunday, in Brossard, judging by the power play units formed in Group A, it seems likely that in Group B, Bolduc will get an opportunity to play on a power play unit that will include Nick Suzuki, Cole Caufield, Juraj Slafkovsky, and Lane Hutson.

Does that mean it will be the same once the puck drops on the regular season? Not necessarily. Looking at the Groups on the ice in Brossard on Sunday, it’s clear that Martin St-Louis has made a point to create two balanced groups with the same number of NHL players. That split was done with even-strength lines in mind, since those are the trios that will be used most often.

We’ll see as the preseason progresses and cuts are made how the groups evolve, but even if his spot with the top line on the man-advantage may not be meant to be permanent, he has a chance to impress and show what he can do in that company.

In St. Louis, he played in the slot on the power play with talented players like Robert Thomas and Pavel Buchnevich, and it paid off.. 12 of his 36 points were scored on the power play, including seven goals. That’s definitely worth looking into for the Canadiens, and the preseason is the right time to do it.

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Ottawa Senators general manager Steve Staios has often said that an NHL team can never have too many right-shot defensemen. That depth on the right side could prove critical to start this season, especially if Nick Jensen isn’t ready for opening night. But after Sunday's potential setback, it’s the left side of the blue line that suddenly looks more vulnerable.

Tyler Kleven left the Sens' preseason opener against the Toronto Maple Leafs after going awkwardly into the end boards during the third period of Ottawa’s 4-3 loss at Canadian Tire Centre. Initially, based on replays, it appeared to be a possible ankle or leg issue. But during a conversation on the bench with athletic therapist Dom Nicoletta, their concern seemed to be Kleven’s right shoulder. He eventually departed down the tunnel and did not return.

Head coach Travis Green had no details on the nature or extent of the injury immediately after the game, but suggested that the reason for Kleven's exit was “more than just precautionary.”

That uncertainty raises a pressing question: if Kleven is sidelined for any length of time, who fills the gap?

Ottawa is still solid at the top of the left side with Jake Sanderson and Thomas Chabot anchoring the top four. But after Kleven, NHL experience is thin. When you add up the combined NHL experience of all the left-shot defensemen in the organization after Kleven, it totals just two games – and both of them belong to Donovan Sebrango, the most likely candidate to fill in.

Other left-shot options in the system include Jorian Donovan, Tomas Hamara, and Matthew Andonovski — all of whom are younger than Sebrango and remain completely untested at the highest level.

If the Senators prefer a more proven option, they'd also consider shifting a right-shot defenseman over. Kleven's current D partner through most of camp so far, Jordan Spence, stands out as a strong candidate, given his puck skills. Being slick and nimble is always an asset, but it's especially important for players who play the opposite side, where they often have to receive, retrieve or distribute pucks in less familiar body positions.

If they went that route, that could have an interesting ripple effect on the right side.

Suppose both Spence (or another righty) is forced to the left, and Jensen isn’t ready to open the season. In that case, it might accelerate an opportunity for 2024 first-rounder Carter Yakemchuk or 2019 first-rounder Lassi Thomson to break camp with the NHL roster, filling out the right side with Artem Zub and Nicolas Matinpalo.

And of course, there's always the NHL waiver wire. Left defense is easier to find, and the Sens have kept a decent amount of cap room to bring in another body if they find someone they believe is an upgrade on Sebrango. When training camps end, there's always an intriguing name or two that teams would like to keep in their organization but just don't have room for on their NHL roster.

Naturally, this is premature Monday morning spitballing, and it could all be rendered moot if (fingers crossed) Kleven's injury isn't serious. But it does highlight one fact: after so many years of concern about right-side depth, it's the Sens left side that's now the shallower end of the pool.

By Steve Warne
The Hockey News Ottawa

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ELMONT, NY -- New York Islandersdefense prospect and Long Island native Marshall Warren was excited pregame to skate in his first-ever preseason game after not getting the chance last training camp.

Long Island Native, Islanders Fan Marshall Warren About To Live Out A DreamEAST MEADOW, NY -- Long Island native Marshall Warren is about to live out a dream when the New York Islanders host the Philadelphia Flyers for their first preseason game. 

However, even with all the excitement, the Laurel Hollow native couldn't have expected what would happen in front of his parents, his sister, friends, and family on Sunday night. 

After laying a big hit in his own zone in the second period, Warren jumped up on the rush with forward Mathew Barzal, creating a 2-on-1 chance.  From the high slot, Barzal sent a cross-seam pass to Warren, who caught the puck in the left circle before roofing the rubber for the 2-1 go-ahead tally:

WHAT A SHOT. pic.twitter.com/ZmmtzLXMeT

— New York Islanders (@NYIslanders) September 22, 2025

"Yeah, it was cool," Warren told The Hockey News. "I would have loved to get the win, but...it didn't really feel that surreal, honestly. It felt like a normal day, like playing hockey. But, yeah, it's cool."

Warren is always cool, calm, and collected in interviews. But we can tell you that he was grinning ear to ear while chatting with us. 

When asked if that goal sequence defined him as a player: "I'm a two-way defenseman, so it's good to show I can make hits and also make plays. So that's the biggest thing, just going forward, just being able to showcase the abilities I have. So yeah, I think it was a good game, but obviously we didn't win."

In the 11-round 3-2 shootout exhibition loss to the Philadelphia Flyers, Warren recorded one assist, two shots, and three hits in 16:45 minutes of action, skating alongside Cole McWard. 

"I was happy for him. I mean, he had a really good camp last year, and I thought he had a great game today," head coach Patrick Roy said. "I mean, he scored that second goal for us and jumps in the rush. And I was very impressed with him. I thought he had a really good game."

As mentioned, Warren did not get into a preseason game last year. He was brought to Philadelphia, took warmups, but did not get into the game. He had to earn it. 

In his first full season in Bridgeport -- he did suffer an injury -- Warren recorded 17 points (four goals, 13 assists) in 53 games.

His growth from last season to this season, when it comes to his decision-making, is what stood out to Roy and what ultimately gave him a preseason opportunity this time around. 

"I feel like he's free out there in a way that he's not afraid," Roy said. "Last year, there was maybe a bit of hesitation in jumping in on the rush, which is normal. You're a young guy, but I felt like today, the goal that he scored, it's an example. He was not afraid. He just said, "Well, I'm going there, and I want to create that 2-on-1 on with Barzy.'

"What I love is the check he made in that first period. That was a great hit. I liked the way that he defended, the way that he moves the puck. I could see, in general, how good he feels out there and how confident he is. And I think the year in the AHL last year was really good for him."

Here's the hit by Marshall Warren on Lane Pedersen in case someone else wanted to see it. Looked pretty clean, although Cal Clutterbuck comments that he might have got a little helmet from the live look and Pedersen was bleeding.

Warren was definitely noticeable out there. pic.twitter.com/BkGlzeWKZa

— Thomas Ryan (@ThomasR11650050) September 22, 2025

Warren won't be making the Islanders out of training camp. But, he does have a tremendous opportunity to be a leader down in Bridgeport, play big minutes and hey, you never know. 

Look at Isaiah George last season, who, due to injury got a chance at the NHL level, a chance that lasted 33 games. While the call-up was more out of necessity due to injury as George had only played in four total professoinal hockey games, his play in preseason last year is what gave the Islanders confidence that he could be an option.

Hopefully, Warren continues to do the same as training camp and preseason action continue. 

Stay updated with the most interesting Islanders stories, analysis, breaking news and more! Tap the star to add us to your favorites on Google News to never miss a story.

The key piece in the trade that sent winger JJ Peterka to Utah just before the NHL Draft was defenseman Michael Kesselring, who the Buffalo Sabres are depending on to be an effective physical blueline partner to Owen Power, but the Sabres also will need to get something from winger Josh Doan, who had two impressive seasons in the AHL and a quick start to his NHL career close to his hometown of Scottsdale, AZ, but the 23-year-old struggled in his sophomore campaign and is hoping to recapture his scoring touch. 

"It's been a couple years now, where I've had a little bit of success here, and it's taken a bit, In Tucson, I kind of found my offensive stride." Doan said on Saturday. "At the end of the day, this league is really skilled, and you're getting an opportunity to produce with no matter who you're on the ice with. I've worked on a lot this off season, watching videos of guys like (Sam) Reinhart, or (Sam) Bennett, for those guys who are good around the net and scoring goals, and kind of taking a queue from them and hope to produce a little bit more this year."

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The son of Arizona Coyotes legend and current Toronto Maple Leafs Special Assistant to the GM Shane Doan has shown a scoring touch at all levels, with the Chicago Steel of the USHL, in two years at Arizona State University, in two seasons with the AHL’s Tucson Roadrunners, and in his brief stint at the end of the 2024 season with the Coyotes, where he scored five goals in 11 games. Last season, his numbers dipped to seven goals in 51 games in Utah. In Buffalo, head coach Lindy Ruff is looking for the 6’2”, 198 lb. winger to step up his physical play and work ethic to create more opportunities for himself.  

"That's something you got to take pride and something that, as a kid, it was kind of preached to me, is, no matter what happens, you're going as hard as you can, and it's something that I can look back on since I was five or six years old." Doan said. "There's still parts of my game that I wanted to grow in, but that's something that no matter what I'm working on, it is going to be something that's built into me and who I am." 

Follow Michael on X, Instagram  @MikeInBuffalo

ELMONT, NY --New York Islanders' 17th overall pick in this past draft, Kashawn Aitcheson, left Sunday's preseason game against the Flyers in the third period after being on the receiving end of a center-ice check by Noah Juulsen. 

Rob Taub (@RTaub_) on XHere is the hit on Kashawn Aitcheson that knocked him out of the game

Aitcheson had to be helped off the ice by the trainers with 7:39 to go in the game and did not return.

Everyone feared the worst but Roy allowed the fan base to breath. 

"He is fine. He's gonna be day to day, and it's a lower body injury. He'll be fine."

Even though the hit wasn't late, it looked like a knee-on-knee -- that's what head coach Patrick Roy thought -- so we'll see if anything comes of it from NHL Player Safety, but you shouldn't expect anything. The referees didn't call it a penalty on the play.

Reminder: Even if the referees don't call a penalty, the hit is still reviewable by NHL Player Safety. 

DeAngelo on the Juulsen hit:

"Juulsen makes a good read, makes a fine hit. No big deal. We just got to stick up for each other [...] tough kid. Played a really good game."#Isles

— Stefen Rosner (@stefen_rosner) September 22, 2025

Aitcheson has had a very strong training camp and played solid in his 18:03 minutes on Sunday night. He skated the puck up the ice often. He got shots through, recording four, and made some strong defensive plays. 

Hopefully, Aitcheson feels good enough to go following a day off. 

Exclusive: Islanders’ First-Rounder Kashawn Aitcheson Talks Physical Edge, Leadership & DevelopmentEAST MEADOW, NY -- During Day Two of New York Islanders Rookie Camp, it was hard not to notice No. 17 overall pick Kashawn Aitcheson.  His cross-overs were sharp. His shot was on the money. And you could see his excitement once the physical drills were introduced. 

Aitcheson will be returning to the OHL's Barrie Colts whenenver his time at training camp is complete. 

NHL Network has revealed rankings No. 30 to No. 21 for their latest Top 50 Players Right Now List over the weekend, and two New York Rangers stars have made the cut: Artemi Panarin and Igor Shesterkin.

Panarin was given the No. 27 spot this year by the NHL Network. This was after the 33-year-old winger recorded 37 goals, 52 assists, and 89 points in 80 games with the Rangers during the 2024-25 season. With this, he produced at an over a point per game pace for the eighth season in a row. 

However, Panarin dropped on the NHL Network's list compared to last year. This is because Panarin was ranked as the 15th best player in the NHL by them ahead of the 2024-25 season. This was after he set career highs with 49 goals and 120 points in 82 games with the Rangers in 2023-24. 

Heading to the Big Apple for #⃣2⃣7⃣ on our Top 50 Players Right Now list! @NYRangers | #NHLTopPlayerspic.twitter.com/FS86DRvqEs

— NHL Network (@NHLNetwork) September 22, 2025

Shesterkin, on the other hand, was given the No. 26 spot on the NHL Network's list. In 61 games this past season for the Rangers, he recorded a 27-29-5 record, a 2.86 goals-against average, and a .905 save percentage. 

Like Panarin, Shesterkin had a better ranking in the NHL Network's previous Top 50 Players Right Now list. This is because he was ranked at the No. 6 spot last year. 

Igor Shesterkin makes it back-to-back Blueshirts on our Top 50 Players Right Now list! @NYRangers | #NHLTopPlayerspic.twitter.com/F7pGuelmE7

— NHL Network (@NHLNetwork) September 22, 2025

The Florida Panthers opened their 2025 preseason slate with their annual doubeleader against the Nashville Predators.

This year, the Cats and Preds faced off at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, and with the NHL shrinking its preseason schedule to two games next season, it could very possibly be the final time we see the twin billing.

Florida opened training camp last week with an eye-popping 72 players on the roster, and with many of the unsigned prospects expected to return to their respective junior teams in the coming days and weeks, it was mostly those younger guys who made the trip to Nashville.

The idea is to give those players a taste of NHL hockey, and boy did they get it on Sunday.

Florida may have been playing their younger, inexperienced players, but Nashville apparently did not get that memo.

Steven Stamkos, Jonathan Marchessault, Ryan O’Reilly Juuse Saros and Roman Josi were all among the players who suited up for Nashville as they swept the doubleheader from the Panthers, taking the first game 5-0 and the nightcap 5-3.

“I thought these were very difficult games to play in for young players to play in, because there are some NHLers on the other side,” said Panthers Head Coach Paul Maurice. “And they’re all brand new, right? There’s no line combinations out there.

“I thought in the first (game), you get to young players’ instincts,” he continued. “They haven’t been here long enough for systems or any kind of idea of that, but you get to see their individual instincts. The second game, there was a little more continuity to that group, they had spent some time together. It’s good we stayed in the battle and found our way to fight back in a game. It’s a difficult thing to do in this league.”

Brett Chorske gave Florida a 1-0 lead during the opening frame of game two, then Mike Benning scored a pair of third period goals that brought the Panthers back within a goal of the host Predators, who had jumped out to a 4-1 lead.

O’Reilly deposited the puck into an empty net during the game’s final minute to seal the victory for the home team.

“It took a little bit to get used to it, but the guys found it in the last little bit there and made a push, but we came up short,” said Benning.

Florida will continue their preseason schedule on Wednesday when they face the Carolina Hurricanes at Lenovo Center in Raleigh.

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Photo caption: Sep 19, 2025; Fort Lauderdale, FL, USA; Florida Panthers head coach Paul Maurice speaks to his players during training camp at Baptist Health IcePlex. (Sam Navarro-Imagn Images)

Although it wasn't perfect, the Philadelphia Flyers started off their preseason with a 3-2 shootout win over the New York Islanders, with key players like Trevor Zegras standing out exactly like they needed to.

Zegras, 24, made his Flyers debut against the Islanders on Sunday night, and while he didn't score a goal or pick up an assist, he was arguably the most impressive player on the ice.

Much has been made of whether or not Zegras can play center again at the NHL level full-time, and the Flyers' big trade acquisition passed the early test with flying colors.

Zegras made a number of defensive plays on the evening, coming way down low in his own zone to support puck battles and even stripped Mat Barzal of the puck from behind on a breakaway in overtime.

I've long believed that the idea that Zegras cannot play center is just a narrative-driven myth, and while the questions about his defensive game are legitimate, he showed well in the exhibition game.

Overall, Zegras was a +1 in his Flyers debut with four shots on goal and a penalty and went 4/9 on faceoffs (a solid 44.4%) in 23:09.

Zegras's two linemates, Nikita Grebenkin and Matvei Michkov, were also effective players, even if the trio as a whole understandably lacked chemistry.

Grebenkin was his typical effective self in the corners and below the goal line, holding onto pucks and showing off his creativity with some of his pass selections.

Flyers Forward Exits Islanders Matchup InjuredThe Philadelphia Flyers have announced that Lane Pederson will be out for the remainder of the club's preseason matchup against the New York Islanders after suffering an upper-body injury.

Michkov tied the game for the Flyers at 2-2 with just over a minute left in the third period, burying a Jamie Drysdale rebound with an empty net.

Michkov was also perhaps unfortunate to have not received a penalty shot in overtime, but star Islanders rookie Matthew Schaefer was able to cleanly disrupt him from behind without committing a foul.

The 20-year-old Russian did also score for the Flyers in the shootout and looked to have won it, only for Barzal to go down the other way and score on his attempt to keep the game going.

Other forwards who stood out to me include Denver Barkey and Jack Nesbitt, who each played a bit of power play and penalty kill as well.

Barkey's size and lack of experience may limit his chances, but he's looked really good to the point where I would consider him in the picture for an NHL roster spot.

I find him more versatile than an Alex Bump in terms of being able to play in a bottom-six role in addition to playing in a scoring role. Now might not be the time, but Barkey is going to be a player for the Flyers sometime soon.

Nesbitt still struggles with his skating at times, but his hockey IQ and puck skills are top notch. He forced a neutral zone turnover that ultimately led to Rodrigo Abols's first-period goal, giving Nesbitt his first unofficial assist as a Flyers player.

Flyers Training Camp: Potential Defensive Changes Could Be for the BestIf the first few days of training camp are anything to go by, the Philadelphia Flyers could have a new-look defense under first-year head coach Rick Tocchet.

My only knock of Nesbitt's performance is his lack of success in the faceoff dot; he went 3/10, though he, Zegras, and Noah Cates were all average at best in that regard.

Defensively, Spencer Gill looked like he belonged, and Jamie Drysdale and Emil Andrae were in command all night long. Adam Ginning also massively improved on his dire preseason performance last year and was remarkably steady on a pairing with the inexperienced Gill.

Noah Juulsen was probably the least effective of the Flyers defensemen, though he did open some eyes with a big hit on Kashawn Aitcheson late in the game. We'll see how Helge Grans performs in the next preseason game with the other group of players, but Juulsen's stock is definitely trending down early in camp.

On the date of Bernie Parent's tragic passing, goalies Aleksei Kolosov and Carson Bjarnason were outstanding for the Flyers in goal, combining for 32 saves on 34 shots in the shootout win.

Both Islanders goals came against Kolosov, but the first came on a rebound that wasn't cleared, and the second came on a 2-on-1 when Juulsen was unable to prevent the cross-ice pass from making it across the ice to the shooter.

Bjarnason stopped all 17 shots he faced and locked it down in the shootout, allowing only three goals on the 11 attempts that came his way.

It was an encouraging start for the Flyers' presumed AHL goaltending tandem, and for the Flyers as a whole. The Rick Tocchet era is so far off to a flawless start.

What - Preseason Game 1
When - 7 p.m., Monday, Sept. 22
Where - Lenovo Center; Raleigh, NC
How to Watch - hurricanes.com (only viewable in the local TV viewing area) 

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The Carolina Hurricanes will play in their first "game" of the 2025-26 season tonight after a long summer off.

The Canes are opening up their preseason slate, the first of six games, with a game against the Tampa Bay Lightning.

The Hurricanes will play each of the Lightning, Nashville Predators and Florida Panthers twice, both home and away, before the start of the regular season.

Carolina is going to be icing a roster consisting primarily of AHL guys, with a few PTOs and NHL regulars sprinkled in as well.

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Streaks

• N/A

Milestone Watch

• N/A

Game Notes

• Oliver Kylington, Kevin Labanc and Givani Smith will all be playing in their first "games" in a Hurricanes sweater. The trio all signed PTOs with the team for training camp hoping to showcase their skills and potentially land a roster spot somewhere.
• Other first timers include Gavin Bayreuther, Cayden Primeau and Joel Nystrom.

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Key Matchups

Projected Starting Goalies

• Cayden Primeau: 2-3-1, 0.836 Sv%, 4.70 GAA (NHL) / 21-2-3, 0.927 Sv%, 1.96 GAA (AHL)

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Hurricanes Projected Lineup

Taylor Hall - Logan Stankoven - Jackson Blake
Givani Smith - Tyson Jost - Kevin Labanc
Bradly Nadeau - Justin Robidas - Felix Unger Sorum
Josiah Slavin - Skyler Brind'Amour - Noel Gunler

Alexander Nikishin - Charles-Alexis Legault
Gavin Bayreuther - Oliver Kylington
Domenick Fensore - Joel Nystrom

Cayden Primeau
Ruslan Khazheyev

Injuries and Scratches: Shayne Gostisbehere, Jalen Chatfield, Mike Reilly, Jordan Staal, Ryan Suzuki, K'Andre Miller, Sebastian Aho, Seth Jarvis, Sean Walker, Nikolaj Ehlers, William Carrier, Andrei Svechnikov, Aleksi Heimosalmi, Jordan Martinook, Ivan Ryabkin, Eric Robinson, Juha Jaaska, Dominik Badinka, Bryce Montgomery, Gleb Trikozov, Jaccob Slavin, Mark Jankowski, Jesperi Kotkaniemi, Ronan Seeley, Frederik Andersen, Pyotr Kochetkov, Amir Miftakhov, Nikita Quapp

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Lightning Projected Lineup

*Not yet provided

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On Thursday, the Pittsburgh Penguins officially opened training camp for the 2024-25 season. And through three days, there has been a lot of action.

There has already been an injury, as forward Kevin Hayes went down in Friday's practice with an upper-body injury and will miss the start of the regular season. There is a new coaching staff that is starting to make its mark on the team and the direction. And there are some young players already poised to make decisios tough for GM and POHO Kyle Dubas and company.

Here are five observations from the first three days of training camp.

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Dan Muse and his staff are vocal... very vocal

Sidney Crosby: "It was pretty loud out there. There was a lot of stick banging, that sort of thing."

Kris Letang: "You could feel it. The energy is through the roof."

Bryan Rust: "The energy out there was great. It was contagious. [The coaches] were all very vocal, they were all banging their sticks, they were all trying to motivate guys, trying to get guys going."

Evgeni Malkin: “This [Friday] is the second day. Really hard. But I like it. I feel fine."

If there was one consistent theme throughout the first three days of camp - and something that seems as though it's going to stick - it's that new head coach Dan Muse and the rest of his staff are loud. Very, very loud. 

Dan Muse's voice has gotten more hoarse since yesterday, when it was already hoarse. It may be gone completely by tomorrow or, at least, down to a scratchy whisper.

That should tell you all you need to know about how vocal and high-energy he is with this group. #LetsGoPens

— Kelsey Surmacz (@kelsey_surmacz4) September 19, 2025

Muse barely had a voice left for all three media availabilities at the end of each day. Assistant coach Mike Stothers was yelling left and right and banging sticks up against the glass not-so-lightly, halfway frightening the fans in attendance on the other side. Muse even joked Saturday that we all may have to play a guessing game at the beginning of every practice to predict how many sticks Stothers will break that day.

But the "loudness" and vocality of practice isn't for naught. There is a noticeable intensity and energy that has, honestly, been a bit lacking over the last several years of camp. The pace is constantly pushed. Guys are tired. The coaching staff is making them work and work very hard.

'The Energy Is Through The Roof': Competition The Focus In Dan Muse's First NHL Training CampBy the time day one of Pittsburgh Penguins' training camp concluded, new head coach Dan Muse had nearly lost his voice. 

And it's contributing to a big energy that's palpable both when witnessing practice and when entering the locker room.

"That's what you want," Crosby said. "You want the enthusiasm and passion. I thought the pace of practice was really good, and a lot of competition within that, so that's what you expect from training camp."

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Ville Koivunen has been the standout

It's hard to argue who has been the standout through three days at training camp. 

Ville Koivunen has consistently been skating on a line with Crosby and Justin Brazeau, and he looks good. Really good. His skating looks much-improved from the end of last season, as his first step is giving him an extra boost to stay one step ahead of defenders. He's cutting through people like a knife, scoring goals left and right, and displaying seamless and effortless chemitry with Crosby. 

The injury to Rutger McGroarty is an unfortunate one, as he was more than likely going to be Koivunen's main competition as far as the young guys at camp. But, with the way Koivunen is performing up to this point, I'm not sure him being in the picture would have mattered much.

He very much seems primed to secure a spot on this roster. Quite frankly, if he can show up this way in the exhibition games, too, I'd be surprised if he's left off this roster at the end of camp. He's been impressive.

Penguins' Training Camp: Observations From Day ThreeGroup C kicked off Saturday's training camp session, and there wasn't as much systems work compared to Friday's session. Instead, we got to see a fair amount of line rushes and a lot of odd-man rush opportunities. 

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Filip Hallander could replace Kevin Hayes

With the injury to Hayes, the Penguins aren't just down a veteran. They're also down a center.

There is a little bit of center depth on the roster as-is. Tommy Novak has good two-way prowess. Blake Lizotte has been a solid fourth-line center for the Penguins. Noel Acciari is capable of manning the middle, and even Rickard Rakell was forced to play center at one point last season. 

But don't count out Filip Hallander. 

#LetsGoPens center Filip Hallander continues to work with Bryan Rust and Rickard Rakell on day three of training camp. pic.twitter.com/7fSz3dTlTm

— Kelsey Surmacz (@kelsey_surmacz4) September 20, 2025

Hallander, 25, is on his second stint in the Penguins' organization after being named SHL Forward of the Year in the Swedish Hockey League (SHL) last season with 26 goals and 53 points in 51 games. He has a reputation for his solid two-way play, and he has potential as a third-line center at the NHL level.

He's consistently centered a line with Bryan Rust and Rickard Rakell as his wingers, and he has been able to keep up with both of them in practice. He will not be in the lineup against the Montreal Canadiens in the first pre-season matchup of the season Monday, which could bode well for him in terms of, perhaps, getting to skate with some of the bigger guys in the following games. 

Keep an eye on him. Aside from Koivunen, he probably has the most inside track to make the roster as a younger player - especially after crossing an ocean this summer to sign back with the Penguins.

Penguins Announce Roster For First Preseason Game Against CanadiensThe Pittsburgh Penguins announced their roster for their first preseason game against the Montreal Canadiens on Monday. 

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Sergei Murashov is the real deal

Honestly, it's hard to evaluate goaltending outside of exhibition games in training camp. 

But, one thing is for certain: Sergei Murashov has, far and away, been the best goaltender at this year's camp so far.

I have said before that I am, by no means, a goaltending expert. But I have eyes. And Murashov's talent is clear as day. He doesn't panic. He's ridiculously athletic and moves post-to-post quicker than I've seen any Penguins' goaltender in recent memory - maybe since the legend who signed a PTO to retire a Penguin. He makes simple saves look like clockwork and difficult saves look effortless. 

And when he does have to make a gargantuan effort due to a rogue rebound or fast-unfolding play in front of him? He rarely loses those battles, too.

'The Young Guys Are Coming': 3 Observations From Dubas's Pre-Season Press ConferenceOn Thursday, the Pittsburgh Penguins opened their 2025 training camp with a few words from general manager and president of hockey operations Kyle Dubas. 

Arturs Silovs and Tristan Jarry have been solid, too, and they likely have the inside track at the NHL roster despite Dubas's declaration at the beginning of camp that the two goaltending spots were up for grabs. Joel Blomqvist has looked fine enough, and he will be the other goaltender - along with Murashov - against Montreal. 

Realistically, Murashov needs a full season under his belt at the AHL level, where he dominated in a stint last season. But I am curious to see how he looks in exhibition games. If he looks anywhere close to how he does in practice, he might make the Penguins rethink a few things if Dubas's words are to be taken at face value.

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The deployment of Owen Pickering and Harrison Brunicke says a lot

Reading too much into lines, pairings, and deployment on the first three days of training camp is often a futile exercise. There are three teams with clear NHL veterans and roster locks spread across them, and a lot changes as the rosters get cut and the teams get reduced.

That said, it's not a nothing burger that Owen Pickering and Harrison Brunicke have remained a pairing throughout camp - and it's not a coincidence who they've been sharing their five-on-five reps with.

Pickering and Brunicke - both of whom have looked pretty solid in camp so far, Pickering especially - have consistently seen ice time with Crosby, Koivunen, and Brazeau, which may not seem like much on the surface. 

Except that known offensive play-driving, future Hall-of-Fame defenseman Erik Karlsson is in the same group and is always tasked with defending against them, and vice versa.

Same fivesome as yesterday with Crosby, Koivunen, Brazeau, Brunicke, and Pickering. #LetsGoPenspic.twitter.com/bNk5dlixDX

— Kelsey Surmacz (@kelsey_surmacz4) September 20, 2025

Within each group, there is - to some extent - a "these guys probably won't make the roster" group on one end of the ice and a "these guys will either make it or come close to making it" group on the other end. It speaks volumes that Pickering and Brunicke are given the minutes with Crosby - not even against him - and that Brunicke, in particular, has often been tasked with shutting down Karlsson one-on-one.

There's a high likelihood that both players will stick through the end of camp until final cuts, even if their chances of cracking the roster may be slim due to the defensive logjam, especially on Brunicke's right side. And it's possible that the Penguins keep Brunicke around as long as possible to see if the AHL/CHL rule change allowing one 19-year-old CHL player to play in the AHL gets a last-minute green light for the 2025-26 season, as he is likely to be assigned to the AHL in that case.

Regardless, the Penguins clearly see potential in this pairing. And they absolutely should. Both look like they belong, and both will have the chance to prove that in game action starting Monday in Montreal.

Top-20 Penguins' Prospects 2025: Defenseman Exceeds Expectations, Eyes NHL Roster SpotHeading into the 2025-26 season, the Pittsburgh Penguins have shifted the focus to youth and development.

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Pittsburgh Penguins defensive prospect Quinn Beauchesne is one of the Penguins' 2025 NHL Draft picks participating in this year's training camp. 

Beauchesne, picked in the fifth round of the draft, is a brilliant skater and showcased that skill during development camp, and especially the Prospects Challenge earlier this month. He also showed that he has some snarl and was a goal away from getting a Gordie Howe hat trick in one of the Prospect Challenge games. 

He's participating in Group C during training camp, and is getting to learn from some longtime NHL veterans, including Bryan Rust and Rickard Rakell. Beauchesne has had a lot of fun at camp thus far, but knows he has a lot to prove going forward.

"I've got a lot to prove," Beauchesne said. "Obviously, not being necessarily a high-round draft pick, just trying to put everything into every single day, every practice, every game. I don't look too far ahead, but yeah, obviously, the main goal is trying to get signed, trying to make the team coming out of here. I think I have abilities to play in the NHL, whether that's soon or in a couple of years down the road, but just trying to do absolutely everything I can."

His skating is definitely NHL-caliber, and he has a good first-pass coming out of his own zone. If he can add a little more offensive tools to his game, there's a chance he could be a well-rounded defenseman once he potentially comes up to the NHL. 

Beauchesne is set to spend the 2025-26 season with the OHL's Guelph Storm, and it will be his third season with them. He finished the 2024-25 season with six goals and 24 points in 49 games. 

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The annual Red & White game for the Detroit Red Wings was played in a non-traditional location this time around, as it was moved from Center I.C.E. Arena in Traverse City, where the Red Wings hold Training Camp, to Van Andel Arena in Grand Rapids, the home of their AHL affiliate Grand Rapids Griffins. 

It was a prime opportunity for multiple young players within the Red Wings system to play in a game environment against NHL players, albeit their potential future Detroit teammates. 

The performance of forward Elmer Söderblom, who initially made the Red Wings roster to begin the 2022-23 NHL season but has spent the majority of his time since then with the Griffins, was what especially stood out on Sunday afternoon.

Söderblom scored twice for Team White in front of a sellout crowd of just over 10,000 fans in what was the first Red Wings game in the venue since 2011. It's also a building that he knows well from his time with the Griffins.

🚨 ELMER SODERBLOM 🚨 pic.twitter.com/WtudedqO9Q

— Grand Rapids Griffins (@griffinshockey) September 21, 2025

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

Söderblom was thrilled to be back on the ice in Grand Rapids, noting the rocking atmosphere.

"It was real fun, it was fun to see all the fans here, a full crowd and it was unbelievable," a grinning Söderblom said afterward.

Following an intense three days of Training Camp in Traverse City, Söderblom feels that the team as a whole is shaking off the rust from the several months of the offseason.

"It feels like I've been ramping up a bit and the pices are coming together more and more," he said. "Always a little rusty from the summer with, game-wise, habits and stuff. That's why I think it's important for us to scrimmage and get some games going, I think that will really help the guys get into the habits again." 

"For me personally, it feels like it's getting better and better." 

It was Söderblom who scored his first career NHL goal on Opening Night in October 2022 with his parents in attendance at Little Caesars Arena; the goal also happened to be the first tally of the Red Wings' season. 

He'll remember this forever! It's Elmer Soderblom scores not only the first @DetroitRedWings goal of the year, but his first career NHL goal! #LGRW I @ThinkFordFirstpic.twitter.com/A7pDmunPgf

— FanDuel Sports Network Detroit (@FanDuelSN_DET) October 15, 2022

A 2019 Draft selection (159th overall) by the Red Wings, Söderblom signed two-year, $1.125 million extension with Detroit on July 2. He scored four goals with seven assists in 26 games with the Red Wings last season after being called up from the Griffins.

"Unbelievable Atmosphere": Red Wings Play In Front of Sold Out Crowd in Grand Rapids The annual Detroit Red Wings Red & White game, which is typically played at Center I.C.E. Arena in Traverse City, Mich., was moved to Van Andel Arena in Grand Rapids, Mich. for the first time since 2011.

Naturally, he's looking forward to making more of an impact this season. 

"It felt really good to play some games last year and show what I can do, so coming into this year feels a little bit more (knowing) what I should do, and know my role and what I can bring to the team," he said. "I'm just trying to bring my game, do the things that I do good, and just make an impact that way." 

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The San Jose Sharks hosted the Vegas Golden Knights in their first preseason action of the 2025-26 season on Sunday night.

In the first period, we got our first look at head coach Ryan Warsofsky’s special teams units. Egor Afanasyev was sent to the penalty box for tripping at 5:20, and the penalty kill held strong. There were a few interesting names getting time as well. Sam Dickinson got a shot on the blue line, while Michael Misa and Will Smith were paired together on the penalty kill as well.

Alex Nedeljkovic made a phenomenal save while shorthanded as well, denying Raphael Lavoie on a cross-crease attempt. Misa was tripped up by Cole Schwindt at 8:14 in the first period, making a nice falling pass and drawing a penalty. Quentin Musty had a great chance off a pass from Dickinson as the penalty expired, but was denied by the Golden Knights’ 22-year-old goalie, Carl Lindbom.

One play that stood out to me early was off of an offensive zone turnover by the Sharks. Vegas attempted to break out of their defensive zone, and Pavol Regenda pulled off a perfectly timed stick lift to dispossess the Golden Knights and regain the puck in a dangerous area.

Warsofsky specifically said he was interested in seeing what Anthony Vincent brought to the table after the non-game group’s morning skate, and it was clear why. He was making smart plays and creating some chances off the rush early on. With that being said, he did make a major error in the second period and was less noticeable as the game went on.

After the first period, it was still a 0-0 deadlock, but the Golden Knights led 9-4 in shots.

Early in the second period, there were a couple of defensive plays that certainly stood out. Nick Leddy’s speed is still dangerous, as he rushed back and closed out a Golden Knights zone entry attempt, allowing the Sharks to regain possession. Dickinson also had a great poke-check denying a rush attempt by Vegas forward Brett Howden.

Afanasyev drew a penalty just over seven minutes into the second period, and it didn’t take long for the Sharks power play to take advantage. Michael Misa won the faceoff to Tyler Toffoli, who found John Klingberg on the point. Klingberg fired it and found the back of the net through a screen, breaking the deadlock and giving the Sharks a 1-0 lead.

Vegas made a goaltending change shortly after the first goal in an attempt to split time between Lindbom and Jesper Vikman. Lindbom played a total of 31:29 before Vikman took over in the crease.

Jeff Skinner was a major standout in the second period. He created space for himself early in the period and was denied on a rush opportunity. He then scored right before the end of the period, when Will Smith made a great backhand pass to the slot. It landed on Dickinson’s stick, who found Skinner in front of the net, making it 2-0 for the Sharks. It’s important to note that right before getting the secondary assist, Smith was hauled down in the defensive zone and drew a penalty.

Misa took a tripping penalty 11:52 into the second period. Near the end of the penalty, the Sharks were called for too many men, giving the Golden Knights a short 5-on-3 opportunity. The San Jose penalty kill would prevail, and Vegas remained without a goal through two periods.

Toffoli toe-dragged around the Vegas defense early in the third, but after walking in, he was denied by Vikman on the backhand attempt.

Zack Ostapchuk was called for interference with 7:31 remaining in regulation, giving Vegas a golden opportunity to get back in the game. That opportunity would be wasted though, as the Sharks' penalty kill improved to 4-for-4 on the night. 

Despite a late push by the Golden Knights, the Sharks were able to maintain the shutout and, after an empty net goal by Toffoli, they walked away with a 3-0 victory to kick off the preseason. 

Nedeljkovic was tested quite a bit early on, but that faded away in the latter half of the game. He made quite a few key saves including a late-game breakaway by Alexander Holtz. So far, he has looked like a solid addition for the Sharks. Considering there’s still uncertainty about how well Yaroslav Askarov will play this season, Nedeljkovic seems like he’ll certainly add some stability in the crease.

Philipp Kurashev also looked very solid, making smart plays throughout the night, and overall being in the right spot at the right time. 

Quentin Musty was noticeably faster, and his offseason work was paying dividends. Misa was another prospect who definitely didn't look out of place, he's adapting to the professional game very quickly and seems primed to have a strong rookie season if what we've seen so far continues into the regular season. Dickinson is in a similar situation, as he looked very good as well. 

The Sharks will have their second preseason game of the season on Friday, as they once again face the Golden Knights. 

Macklin Celebrini and Cam Lund Return to Training CampAhead of tonight’s preseason matchup against the Vegas Golden Knights, Macklin Celebrini and Cam Lund both returned to the ice this morning at Sharks Ice. The Hockey News Sunday Recap: San Jose Sharks` - Sunday Sept. 21stHappy Sunday, San Jose Sharks fans. Sharks Announce Broadcast Schedule for 2025-26 SeasonOn Saturday morning the San Jose Sharks announced their broadcast schedule for the upcoming 2025-26 season.