The Buffalo Sabres were hit with some bad news on Thursday, as Patrick Kane signed with the Chicago Blackhawks. The Sabres were heavily linked to Kane before this, but now they will need to explore their options for forward help elsewhere.
When noting that the Sabres moved on from Alex Tuch this off-season, there is no question that they should add another forward to their roster before the start of the season. However, with it now being more than three weeks since the start of NHL free agency, there are not a ton of notable UFA forwards available.
Although this is the case, one UFA winger who could make sense for the Sabres to pivot to after missing out on Kane is Eeli Tolvanen.
It is somewhat surprising that Tolvanen is still a free agent at this point in the off-season. He is only 27 years old, chips in offensively, and plays a heavy game. With these qualities, he could be a solid addition to the Sabres' forward group if signed.
If the Sabres signed Tolvanen, he would have the potential to be a strong addition to their top nine. Furthermore, due to his solid two-way play, he would give them another option to work with on their penalty kill.
In 78 games during this past season with the Seattle Kraken, Tolvanen posted 12 goals, 24 assists, 36 points, and 187 hits. This was after he scored a career-high 23 goals and recorded 35 points in 2024-25 with Seattle. He also threw over 200 hits in both 2023-24 and 2024-25.
Overall, on a short-term deal, Tolvanen could be worth taking a flier on for the Sabres. It will be interesting to see if they make a push for him from here.
The Chicago Blackhawks announced on Thursday morning that Patrick Kane was going to come back to their team on a two-year deal. They are paying him $8 million, which is a lot for a 37 year old who's best years are behind him, but some of that money is for the things he will do to help their young players.
Throughout his NHL career, which includes multiple championships and individual accolades, Kane has done a great job helping others reach the next level. The list is long, but stars like Alex DeBrincat and Artemi Panarin come to mind right off the bat.
Now, they are hoping that he can have that magic in him one more time. There are a handful of young stars on the team who have the talent to become high-end NHL snipers, and Kane is just the man to help them.
Not only has Kane scored over 500 goals in the NHL himself, but he's also one of the greatest playmakers to ever don a hockey sweater.
Young players on the Blackhawks like Connor Bedard, Anton Frondell, and Frank Nazar are all centers who will be interested in playing with Kane. However, pure snipers like Nick Lardis and Roman Kantserov would love to get ice time with the man who will best find them in the right areas.
Kane may not be a game-breaker of the highest level anymore, but he knows how to draw in defenders and take eyes off his teammates. He had 41 assists last year at 37 years old for a reason.
Kantserov led the KHL in goals in 2025-26 while Lardis played at a 20-goal NHL pace one year removed from scoring 71 goals in the OHL. The ceiling is bright for both of them as goal scorers.
Even after Kane is gone, players like Lardis, Kantserov, or any of the young centers can take things that they learned from him and apply them to their own careers. That type of mentorship (on and off the ice) goes a long way.
Patrick Kane can't play with everybody on the roster at once, but he will get different looks as the 82-game odyssey goes along. Whether it's at even strength or on the power play, all of these young snipers will be better in the long-term of their careers.
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The Pittsburgh Penguins have added many new players on their roster this off-season after their successfuly 2025-26 season. However, when looking at their current group, it is fair to argue that they should not be done making moves yet.
The Penguins could use another left-shot defenseman to solidify their blueline. Because of this, they should strongly consider signing the best UFA defenseman left: Logan Stanley.
If the Penguins signed Stanley they would be bringing in 28-year-old, 6-foot-7 defenseman who would provide their blueline with more size and grit. When noting that they moved on from two left-shot defensemen in Ryan Shea and Parker Wotherspoon this off-season, it would make sense if they brought in Stanley for more depth.
If the Penguins signed Stanley, he could be a strong fit on their bottom pairing and penalty kill. However, he could also even compete for second-pairing minutes if signed by Pittsburgh. In either scenario, the Metropolitan Division club's defensive group would get strong from a Stanley signing.
In 76 games last season split between the Winnipeg Jets and Buffalo Sabres, Stanley recorded nine goals, 17 assists, 26 points, 110 hits, and 128 penalty minutes.
The moment that Pittsburgh Penguins fans feared would never happen took place Sept. 5 in a packed Mellon Arena media room, when Mario Lemieux stepped to the podium and presented 20-year-old Russian hockey star Evgeni Malkin with a No. 71 Penguins jersey.
Malkin, the team’s first round draft pick (second overall) in 2004, could not contain his smile as he draped the jersey over his button-down shirt.
“I am really happy to be here today,” he said through his interpreter, Olga McQueen. “It was my dream to come here and play for the Pittsburgh Penguins.”
The Penguins’ new marketing slogan – “Experience the Evolution” – might have to be changed to “Experience the Russian Evolution” in the wake of Malkin’s incredible odyssey. In early August, he abandoned his hometown team, Metallurg Magnitogorsk, at the Helsinki Airport. He’d just signed a one-year deal with the club, but said he did so under extreme pressure from team management. He quickly realized his mistake.
One month and a few dramatic twists later, he arrived in Pittsburgh, via Los Angeles, on the night of Sept. 4. Local television stations were there to greet him, and the Penguins were ready with open arms. Malkin spent that first night dining on steak and lobster at Lemieux’s suburban mansion. New teammates Sergei Gonchar and Sidney Crosby, plus GM Ray Shero, also were among those present for the first supper.
“His dream was to come to Pittsburgh and start his career in the NHL, and he had to go through a lot in the last couple of weeks to achieve that,” said Lemieux, a player to whom Malkin has been likened.
“It’s always difficult when you’ve got a different country and a different language, and it will be tough for him for the next few months.”
Malkin immediately moved in with Gonchar, his teammate on the 2006 Russian Olympic team. The coaching staff plans to ease Malkin into the system.
Said coach Michel Therrien: “We’re going to be there to help him and make sure he’s comfortable in the city and comfortable with his teammates and the coaching staff so he’ll be able to perform well on the ice.”
It will take Pittsburghers a while to get to know Malkin, but a few things seem obvious. He’s clearly strong-minded and courageous, or he wouldn’t have fled his Russian club knowing it would cause massive resentment among team officials and fans.
“Not much flusters him,” said J.P. Barry, the agent who hid out with Malkin for five days in Helsinki as Malkin awaited his visa. “He has this ability to deal with pressure. He has a sense of humor, but he’s generally very serious.”
During those days in seclusion, Malkin, a big Internet surfer, tracked what people back in Russia were saying. He knew they weren’t pleased. That is why Barry arranged an interview with the Russian daily Sport-Express as soon as Malkin arrived in Los Angeles.
“He’s very proud to be a member of the Russian national team,” Barry said. “So he was glad to be able to openly tell his side of the story. At the end of the day, that went a long way with public sentiment. (Fans) realized the (Metallurg) team was using, let’s say, old Russian tactics.”
In Los Angeles, Malkin trained with several current and former NHL players. One was Alexander Mogilny, who picked up Malkin at his hotel each day and shared stories of his defection from the Soviet Union many years earlier.
Once in Pittsburgh, Malkin was thrilled to meet Lemieux, saying, “To tell the truth, I was a bit nervous.”
Malkin signed the same entry-level contract the man picked ahead of him in 2004, Alex Ovechkin, signed with Washington last year, Barry said. The three-year deal is worth $984,200 annually in base salary, plus bonuses that could top $2 million.
Malkin is confident things have settled down at home.
“I was always open in my desire to come to North America and become one of the best here,” he said. “My friends understood me and I am very grateful for their support.”
He’s also confident his parents are free from harassment, despite reports they might flee Magnitogorsk because of fan displeasure and pressure from team general director Gennady Velichkin.
“I definitely was a little concerned,” Malkin said. “But, knowing Velichkin for so many years, I had to believe he wouldn’t go for any harsh measures toward me. After I had my visa obtained, I called my parents and informed them everything was fine and I was doing great. They contacted Mr. Velichkin and actually now they are doing well and Mr. Velichkin doesn’t have any hard feelings against me.”
Therrien spoke for every hockey fan in the city when he said, “I can’t wait to see him on the ice.”
For parts of three decades, the New Jersey Devils were set in goal with Martin Brodeur. He is the NHL's all-time leader in games, wins, and shutouts, and is considered to be one of the greatest who ever lived.
Following Brodeur was Cory Schneider, who was incredible for a couple of years, but the team around him was mostly lousy and didn't take advantage of his ability. Following the decline of Schneider, the Devils haven't been able to lock it down since.
Mackenzie Blackwood looked like he could have been that guy, but injuries forced him to bounce around before he finally got healthy with the Colorado Avalanche.
The Devils tried to bring in a veteran with Jacob Markstrom, but he didn't work out well either. Now, after trading him to the Florida Panthers, they are heading down a path of a goalie rotation in 2026-27.
It isn't likely what Sunny Mehta really wants to do in net, but Jake Allen, Nico Daws, and David Rittich are all under contract and expecting to play.
Mehta did make some moves this off-season that suggest he wants them to get back to their winning ways, which makes sense because they have multiple great young players in their prime.
If he wants to make the goaltending situation less of a gamble, there are two out there who have been difference makers in the past.
First, you have Winnipeg Jets goalie Connor Hellebuyck, who has been on the trade block since the beginning of the off-season.
Hellebuyck, to put it truthfully, has been one of the best goalies in NHL history. Ahead of backstopping Team USA to its first Olympic Gold Medal in 46 years in February, he won the Vezina Trophy 3 times and even has a Hart Trophy as league MVP.
If you put Hellebuyck on this Devils team, their odds to win the division and make a deep run in the playoffs will skyrocket. It would take a lot to make a trade like this, but a goalie like him is worth it all.
It seems like the Jets are for sure going to deal him before training camp begins, but a lot of teams are interested in his talents.
There is also St. Louis Blues goalie Jordan Binnington. There is some risk in acquiring him, as he is older and definitely not as good as Hellebuyck, but he'd be an upgrade over what New Jersey currently has.
There is also the idea that playing on a winning team again revitalizes him. When he was playing for Team Canada at the Olympics as their main starter, he was as good as he needed to be. It took that brilliant Jack Hughes goal in overtime to beat him.
Binnington's performance at the Olympics also came one year after winning the 4-Nations Face-Off with Canada one year prior. His Stanley Cup-winning experience (2019 with the Blues) helped him in that tournament, and it would certainly help him if he were to be traded to the New Jersey Devils.
If the Devils let their current situation roll into the season and it doesn't work out, they may need to circle back and evaluate the position. If these two are off the board by then, they will need to pivot, so why not try now?
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The Calgary Flames are rebuilding, which means that over the past couple of seasons, they have drafted high and found some great prospects at the podium or through trades. Arguably one of the best prospects to come through the system recently is star goalie Dustin Wolf, who is one of the cornerstones of the franchise's future championship plans.
Recently, The Athletic's Scott Wheeler released his rankings of the NHL's Top 100 Drafted Prospects, and the Flames had seven skaters on the list, the second most of any club besides the Chicago Blackhawks, who had eight. Today, we take a look at those players and what they are up to for the 2026-27 season.
Flames Prospects All Over The Athletic's Top 100 Rankings
One of Calgary's brightest prospects is defenseman Zayne Parekh, who ranked 6th overall, behind Gavin McKenna (Toronto), Ivar Stenberg (San Jose), Peter Martone (Philadelphia), Michael Misa (San Jose), and Chase Reid (Seattle). Drafted with the 9th overall pick in 2024, Parekh tore up the OHL before making his NHL debut on April 17, 2025.
Last year, he played 37 NHL games, collecting nine points with five more in four AHL games. Heading into the new season, Parekh will be on the Flames' blueline and a key player in the team's push to avoid the NHL Draft Lottery.
The only other Calgary player to crack the Top 25 was defenseman Carson Carels, ranked 11th, who has yet to debut in the NHL but recently committed to the University of North Dakota for the 2026-27 season. Over the previous three years in the WHL with the Prince George Cougars, he tallied 111 points in 125 games.
Interestingly, the next two Flames prospects rank in the 30s, with Matvei Gridin at 31st and Cole Reschny at 38th. Last year, Gridin played almost a full year of professional hockey, skating 37 games with the Flames and scoring 20 points, while dressing for 37 games with the Calgary Wranglers and scoring 30 points. At this point, he's a lock to remain in Calgary and split time again between the Flames and Wranglers.
Meanwhile, Reschny is 19 and slated to play his second season with the University of North Dakota, teaming up with Carels, who just transferred. In 2025-26, Reschny scored six goals and 35 points in 36 games, collecting another five points at the recent U20 World Juniors.
Outside of the Top 75, three Flames prospects rounded out the list, including Cullen Potter, ranked 86th overall, Hunter Brzustewicz, ranked 90th overall, and the last prospect on the list, Ethan Wyttenbach, ranked 100th overall.
Of course, Calgary fans will always associate Potter with Jonathan Huberdeau and Matthew Tkachuk, as he was the first-round pick attached to their blockbuster deal in 2022. Also at 19, he's about to begin his third season in the NCAA, switching schools from Arizona State University to Michigan State University for the upcoming season.
Instead of taking a step forward after his first professional hockey season in 2024-25, Brzustewicz kinda stumbled through the previous campaign, scoring just seven points in 34 games with the Flames and 13 points in 34 games with the Wranglers. After outstanding campaigns in the OHL, he produced 32 points in 70 games as an AHL rookie two years ago.
Finally, 2025 fifth-round pick Wyttenbach found himself on the list after back-to-back 20-goal campaigns in the USHL and NCAA. He's currently committed to Quinnipiac University for the 2026-27 season, hoping to improve on a 59-point campaign as an 18-year-old.
As mentioned in the opening, the Flames are rebuilding, and The Athletic believes they are headed in the right direction based on how many of the club's prospects are in the rankings. Even though Calgary came close to a playoff spot two years ago, they spent most of 2025-26 near the bottom of the standings, a place they could be next season too. However, if the fanbase can remain patient, success is just around the corner.
The Buffalo Sabres got bad news on Thursday, as Patrick Kane signed a two-year, $8 million AAV contract with the Chicago Blackhawks. Kane was the Sabres' top target, but he has decided to head back to Chicago.
After not landing Kane, the Sabres would be wise to explore their options elsewhere. They should be looking to bring in another winger before the start of the season.
Because of this, let's look at two remaining UFA forwards who the Sabres should consider signing after missing out on Kane.
Vladimir Tarasenko
With Kane off the board, it would make sense if the Sabres targeted Tarasenko. The 34-year-old winger is now the best UFA on the market and would have the potential to be a strong addition to Buffalo's roster. In 75 games last season with the Minnesota Wild, he recorded 23 goals and 47 points. With numbers like these, the six-time 30-goal scorer could be a solid addition to Buffalo's top nine if signed.
Patrik Laine
Patrik Laine is another UFA forward who could make sense for Buffalo to bring in. He could likely be had at a cheaper price than Tarasenko, as he played just five games last season for the Montreal Canadiens. With this, Laine could be a good player for Buffalo to sign to a cheap one-year, prove-it deal. The 28-year-old's injury trouble is concerning, but there is no question that he has made a major impact with his goal-scoring in the past.
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The Buffalo Sabres are looking to build on their 2025-26 momentum.
And, now that the 2026-27 schedule has been released, we know the path Rasmus Dahlin and co. will have to take to pull off another impressive campaign.
Just a few of the most notable contests on the Sabres’ itinerary this year include fall/winter 2026 home showdowns at the KeyBank Center against Conor Bedard’s Chicago Blackhawks (Oct. 3), former captain Jack Eichel’s Vegas Golden Knights (Nov. 8), Igor Shesterkin’s New York Rangers (Nov. 25), Sidney Crosby’s Pittsburgh Penguins (Nov. 27) and a rematch with the Montreal Canadiens — who, as you likely recall, ousted them in the playoffs — on Dec. 18.
Come 2027, they’ll host the Stanley Cup champion Carolina Hurricanes (Jan. 9), Nathan MacKinnon’s Colorado Avalanche (Jan. 14), No. 1 pick Gavin McKenna’s Toronto Maple Leafs (Feb. 27), a second “Battle of the QEW with the Maple Leafs (March 25) and the season finale against the Detroit Red Wings (April 10).
If you’d like to be there to catch the team that shocked the world with their first postseason appearance since 2011 last year, tickets are available for all upcoming games.
At the time of publication, the lowest price we could find on seats for any one Sabres regular season game was $40 including fees on SeatGeek (that’s for the Oct. 6 game against the Wild).
Other games start anywhere from $45 to $150 including fees.
Make sure to use promo code NYPOST10 for $10 off purchases over $250 at checkout (Editor’s Note: this discount is only valid for users’ first purchase on SeatGeek).
Over the offseason, General Manager Jarmo Kekäläinen traded for Capitals forward David Kämpf, Blackhawks defenseman Louis Crevier, Ducks defenseman Olen Zellweger, let Devon Levi go and locked up Zach Benson for seven years.
We can’t wait to see how it all shakes out.
For more information, our team has everything you need to know and more about grabbing tickets for Buffalo Sabres’ 2026-27 home games at the KeyBank Center below.
What do tickets cost to see the Buffalo Sabres at the KeyBank Center in 2026-27?
A complete calendar including all upcoming Buffalo Sabres preseason and regular season home game dates at the KeyBank Center, start times, opponents and links to tickets can be found here:
September 2026
Buffalo Sabres September 2026 home game dates
Ticket prices start at
Columbus Blue Jackets vs. Sabres Tuesday, Sept. 22 at 7 p.m. Preseason game
$16(including fees)
Pittsburgh Penguins vs. Sabres Saturday, Sept. 26 at 3 p.m. Preseason game
$22(including fees)
October 2026
Buffalo Sabres October 2026 home game dates
Ticket prices start at
Chicago Blackhawks vs. Sabres Saturday, Oct. 3 at 7 p.m.
$150(including fees)
Minnesota Wild vs. Sabres Tuesday, Oct. 6 at 8 p.m.
$40(including fees)
Dallas Stars vs. Sabres Thursday, Oct. 8 at 7 p.m.
$45(including fees)
Utah Mammoth vs. Sabres Saturday, Oct. 10 at 7 p.m.
$69(including fees)
Florida Panthers vs. Sabres Monday, Oct. 12 at 1 p.m.
$51(including fees)
Philadelphia Flyers vs. Sabres Wednesday, Oct. 21 at 7:30 p.m.
$50(including fees)
November 2026
Buffalo Sabres November 2026 home game dates
Ticket prices start at
Ottawa Senators vs. Sabres Wednesday, Nov. 4 at 7:30 p.m.
$50(including fees)
Columbus Blue Jackets vs. Sabres Friday, Nov. 6 at 7 p.m.
$66(including fees)
Vegas Golden Knights vs. Sabres Sunday, Nov. 8 at 3:30 p.m.
$64(including fees)
Tampa Bay Lightning vs. Sabres Wednesday, Nov. 11 at 7:30 p.m.
$81(including fees)
New York Rangers vs. Sabres Wednesday, Nov. 25 at 7 p.m.
$91(including fees)
Pittsburgh Penguins vs. Sabres Friday, Nov. 27 at 8 p.m.
$109(including fees)
December 2026
Buffalo Sabres December 2026 home game dates
Ticket prices start at
Edmonton Oilers vs. Sabres Thursday, Dec. 10 at 7 p.m.
$66(including fees)
Anaheim Ducks vs. Sabres Saturday, Dec. 12 at 7 p.m.
$89(including fees)
Calgary Flames vs. Sabres Tuesday, Dec. 15 at 7 p.m.
$56(including fees)
Montreal Canadiens vs. Sabres Friday, Dec. 18 at 7 p.m.
$113(including fees)
Los Angeles Kings vs. Sabres Sunday, Dec. 20 at 6 p.m.
$65(including fees)
New Jersey Devils vs. Sabres Saturday, Dec. 26 at 7 p.m.
$119(including fees)
Detroit Red Wings vs. Sabres Monday, Dec. 28 at 7 p.m.
$115(including fees)
January 2027
Buffalo Sabres January 2027 home game dates
Ticket prices start at
Winnipeg Jets vs. Sabres Monday, Jan. 4 at 7:30 p.m.
$58(including fees)
Carolina Hurricanes vs. Sabres Saturday, Jan. 9 at 7 p.m.
$96(including fees)
New Jersey Devils vs. Sabres Tuesday, Jan. 12 at 7 p.m.
$53(including fees)
Colorado Avalanche vs. Sabres Thursday, Jan. 14 at 7 p.m.
$65(including fees)
Nashville Predators vs. Sabres Saturday, Jan. 16 at 7 p.m.
$100(including fees)
Montreal Canadiens vs. Sabres Monday, Jan. 18 at 1 p.m.
$88(including fees)
Seattle Kraken vs. Sabres Thursday, Jan. 21 at 7 p.m.
$78(including fees)
February 2027
Buffalo Sabres February 2027 home game dates
Ticket prices start at
New York Islanders vs. Sabres Wednesday, Feb. 3 at 7 p.m.
$55(including fees)
Carolina Hurricanes vs. Sabres Thursday, Feb. 18 at 7 p.m.
$67(including fees)
Ottawa Senators vs. Sabres Friday, Feb. 26 at 7:30 p.m.
$88(including fees)
Toronto Maple Leafs vs. Sabres Saturday, Feb. 27 at 7 p.m.
$127(including fees)
March 2027
Buffalo Sabres March 2027 home game dates
Ticket prices start at
Pittsburgh Penguins vs. Sabres Tuesday, March 2 at 7 p.m.
$65(including fees)
St. Louis Blues vs. Sabres Thursday, March 4 at 7 p.m.
$67(including fees)
New York Rangers vs. Sabres Saturday, March 6 at 3 p.m.
$90(including fees)
Vancouver Canucks vs. Sabres Tuesday, March 9 at 7 p.m.
$69(including fees)
San Jose Sharks vs. Sabres Monday, March 15 at 7 p.m.
$69(including fees)
Washington Capitals vs. Sabres Thursday, March 18 at 7 p.m.
$69(including fees)
Florida Panthers vs. Sabres Saturday, March 20 at 1 p.m.
$94(including fees)
Toronto Maple Leafs vs. Sabres Thursday, March 25 at 7 p.m.
$113(including fees)
April 2027
Buffalo Sabres April 2027 home game dates
Ticket prices start at
Boston Bruins vs. Sabres Thursday, April 1 at 7:30 p.m.
$69(including fees)
Tampa Bay Lightning vs. Sabres Monday, April 5 at 7 p.m.
$69(including fees)
Boston Bruins vs. Sabres Wednesday, April 7 at 7 p.m.
$68(including fees)
Detroit Red Wings vs. Sabres Saturday, April 10 at 6 p.m.
$103(including fees)
Want to see the Sabres on the road? A complete 2026-27 calendar including all New York Rangers away games can be found here.
About the Buffalo Sabres 2025-26 season
In 2025-26, Buffalo blossomed.
After a 15-year playoff drought, the Sabres came to life and won the Atlantic Division, catapulting them into the postseason.
Once there, the club took down the Boston Bruins 4-2 in the first round. The last time they’d advanced to the Eastern Conference Semifinals was way back in 2007.
After that, their luck ran out in a tough seven-game series with the Montreal Canadiens who beat them in a cutthroat seven games. Game 7 was particularly tough as Buffalo fell 3-2 in overtime.
“I thought we played hard all year to get to this point,” Tage Thompson added. “I don’t think anyone in this room felt like we were done yet. Just disappointed. It sucks.”
For more about the team, you can read all of the New York Post’s coverage of the Buffalo Sabres here.
Huge 2026 concert tours
Before the Sabres officially kick off the season, many of the biggest names in music will be playing at arenas and stadiums all over Buffalo.
Here are just five we’re most excited about headed your way these next few months.
• Bryan Adams with Pat Benatar (Aug. 14)
• Zac Brown Band with Brothers Osborne (Nov. 5)
• TobyMac with Third Day (Nov. 13)
• sombr with Dove Cameron (Nov. 14)
• Andrea Bocelli (Dec. 11)
Who else is headed upstate? Take a look at this calendar that includes all upcoming events at the KeyBank Center from now up until 2027.
This article was written by Matt Levy, New York Post live events reporter. Levy stays up-to-date on all the latest tour announcements from your favorite musical artists and comedians, as well as Broadway openings, sporting events and more live shows – and finds great ticket prices online. Since he started his tenure at the Post in 2022, Levy has reviewed a Bruce Springsteen concert and interviewed Melissa Villaseñor of SNL fame, to name a few. Please note that deals can expire, and all prices are subject to change.
On Wednesday, the Montreal Canadiens’ social media posted an exclusive interview with the director of hockey development, Adam Nicholas. While it’s a short read, it’s an interesting one not only for how he assesses some of the players he has had the opportunity to work with since joining the organization, but also for how he fits into the Canadiens’ organigram.
Throughout the season and the offseason, players like Lane Hutson and Ivan Demidov receive high praise for their work ethic and for showing up to the rink early, but Nicholas should definitely also be mentioned in that conversation. The former Toronto Maple Leafs skills development consultant is never far behind when they get on the ice; often, he’s even ahead of them. While he’s there to teach first and foremost, he brings in an energy that is highly motivating for the players, and he’s had quite an impact on the team since he was hired
Nicholas doesn’t work in a vacuum, though; he explains that he has tentacles with both the coaching staff and the analytics and sports science departments. Essentially, he uses all the information at his disposal to make sure the players are as suited as can be to the Canadiens’ brand of hockey, which has dramatically changed since the arrival of Jeff Gorton, Kent Hughes and Martin St-Louis. He uses the information he gets from the sports science department to help players improve off the ice as well.
Speaking about the coach, Nicholas praises his emotional intelligence, which he describes as just right; he knows how to deliver his message clearly and concisely and isn’t solely focused on the Xs and Os. That’s a definite plus considering how much of the Canadiens’ system relies on reads and decision-making on the spot rather than implementing a precise schema on the ice. The director of hockey development also likes the way he empowers people and asks for their opinion, but he’s his own man and won’t necessarily take all suggestions.
Over the coming months, it will be interesting to see how much of a role new associate coach Derek Lalonde will have, and how much of an influence he’ll have on the bench boss. His experience may just come in very empty when it’s time to change things up in the playoffs. In the Eastern Conference Final against the Carolina Hurricanes, at times, it looked like St-Louis was out of answers or ideas to turn the tide on the series.
Nicholas also commented on Cole Caufield saying that what makes him such an elite goalscorer is his short-term memory, he doesn’t get stuck in the past, in bad games and mistakes. That should come in handy this season since the snipper didn’t perform as well as he would have like in the postseason.
As for captain Nick Suzuki, he recalls labelling him “The Cognition King” a couple of years ago because of how well he processes information, recalls patterns and executes at a high level while still being predictable- not for the opponents, but for his teammates- making their job that much easier. He also adds that Suzuki knows what’s coming when he's on the ice; that’s a quality that has always made great players.
Finally, he says that what separates Lane Hutson is his work ethic. He explains that many players have his kind of skills, but he is relentless in honing his craft, which gives him such an important edge. That quality, combined with a high-level hockey IQ, makes him a winner. Thankfully for the young defenseman, in the Habs’ organization, he’s found a skills coach as relentless as he is, a match made in heaven.
July 23, 2021, will be remembered by Vancouver Canucks fans as the day the organization made one of the worst trades in franchise history. Then GM Jim Benning agreed to a deal with the Arizona Coyotes that saw Vancouver acquire Oliver Ekman-Larsson and Conor Garland from the Arizona Coyotes for Loui Eriksson, Jay Beagle, Antoine Roussel, a 2021 first-round pick, a 2022 second-round pick, and a 2023 seventh-round pick. Here is a look at the trade five years later.
Before diving into the trade, it is important to add some context. The Canucks were coming off a disappointing season in which the organization missed the playoffs. For Benning, it was a chance to potentially upgrade not just the defence, but also add a scoring winger to the lineup.
Unfortunately for Benning and the organization, this trade turned into one of the biggest swings and misses in franchise history. Starting with Ekman-Larsson, he struggled for two seasons before being bought out in the 2023 off-season. Due to his long-term deal and significant cap hit, Vancouver was hit with a dead cap penalty, which will continue until the 2031 off-season.
As for Garland, he produced 221 points in 371 games over his five years. He also played a crucial role in the Canucks' 2024 playoff run. Five years later, however, Garland is no longer with the organization, as he was dealt to the Columbus Blue Jackets last season.
While Garland was at least productive in a Vancouver jersey, he is not at the level of the player the Coyotes selected with the first-rounder in 2021. That player was Dylan Guenther, who has developed into one of the NHL's brightest stars. The 23-year-old has 183 points in 227 games so far in his career, and his coming off his first career 40-goal season.
Even if the Canucks did not take Guenther in that spot, there are a handful of NHL regulars who would have been available at ninth overall in 2021. Some other notable names include Cole Sillinger and Matthew Coronato. Instead, Vancouver missed the chance to once again draft in the first round as they had to wait until 41st overall to make a selection.
In the end, this trade led to a trifecta of negativity for the Canucks. The deal caused one of the biggest buyouts in NHL history, led to significant problems in the locker room and forced fans in Vancouver to watch a high-end prospect thrive in another market. While it isn't the worst deal in Canucks history, the Ekman-Larsson/Garland trade remains near the top of the list five years later.
Jan 31, 2026; Vancouver, British Columbia, CAN; Vancouver Canucks forward Conor Garland (8) pursues Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Oliver Ekman-Larsson (95) in the second period at Rogers Arena. Mandatory Credit: Bob Frid-Imagn Images
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Kane, the No. 1 overall pick of the Blackhawks in 2007, previously played for Chicago from 2007-23, scoring 446 goals and 1,225 points in 1,161 regular-season games. He ranks second in franchise points behind Stan Mikita and third in goals behind Bobby Hull and Mikita.
Here are the winners and losers on Patrick Kane's return to the Chicago Blackhawks:
They haven't made the playoffs since 2020 and have finished last in the Central Division the past four seasons. That isn't likely to change, especially considering Bedard's early absence. But bringing back a franchise icon will pump up the fan base and Kane can still produce, with 57 points in 67 games last season, when he passed Mike Modano to become the top U.S-born leading scorer. Kane can help with the offense while Bedard is out.
Connor Bedard
Could the new face of the franchise play alongside the franchise's No. 2 overall scorer? Their styles would be a good fit. Plus, Kane would serve as a mentor. Bedard talked about the possibility of a Blackhawks reunion with Kane during a recent media availability.
"That would be incredible to get to play with him and learn from him," he said. "It would make us a way better team. He's still an amazing player."
Patrick Kane
Kane cashes in with an $8 million average annual value contract after three smaller deals. He had signed a $2.75 million deal with the Detroit Red Wings in 2023-24 after he recovered from hip surgery, then re-signed for one-year deals of $4 million and $3 million with performance bonuses. According to puckpedia.com, he gets an $8 million signing bonus and a $6 million one the second year, with annual $1 million salaries.
Kane was born in Buffalo but chose a different kind of homecoming by signing with the Blackhawks. The Sabres lost free agent Alex Tuch to the Washington Capitals in a sign-and-trade deal but haven't replaced his 33 goals. Kane had 20 or more goals in his first two seasons in Detroit. The Sabres will face Kane and the Blackhawks in their home opener on Oct. 3.
Detroit Red Wings
The Red Wings gave Kane a chance after his hip surgery and he spent three seasons there, totaling 163 points in 189 games. Though former general manager Steve Yzerman said he wanted to re-sign Kane, Detroit wasn't on his top two list, according to Chelios. That's another blow in a tumultuous offseason that has seen Yzerman give up the general manager role and captain Dylan Larkin ask for a trade.
Blackhawks youngsters
This is more a winner than a loser because they will benefit from having the veteran around, but Kane will assume a big role on the team and younger players will have to wait for their opportunity.
Looking back on the 2023 NHL Draft, the Philadelphia Flyers were arguably lucky to have drafted Matvei Michkov in the first place, and in a new do-over, they are not as fortunate this time around.
The Athletic prospect expert Scott Wheeler just released his 2023 re-draft, three years on from what has shaped up to be, so far, a pretty decent class, especially at the top.
There are no real surprises to start off: Connor Bedard, Leo Carlsson, Adam Fantilli, and Will Smith each go to their respective, current teams with the first four picks.
Then the re-draft truly begins at Pick 5, where Matvei Michkov goes to the Montreal Canadiens, two spots ahead of where he originally fell to the Flyers three years ago.
"It’s easy to forget that we’re only a season removed from him having 63 points in 80 games as a rookie, the Flyers’ second-leading scorer, and the fourth-place finisher in Calder Trophy voting, but last year some of his issues caught up with him. It’s now on him to get his game right in some important areas," Wheeler said of Michkov.
"I still think he has point-per-game, first-line wing offense, but he was closer to the few names behind him here for me than the few names in front of him — and remains a complicated risk-reward slotting."
Ok, so with Michkov off the table, going where many had expected (or hoped), who do the Flyers end up drafting instead? Stylistically, this player is a direct replacement.
With the seventh overall pick in 2023, Wheeler has the Flyers drafting New York Rangers winger Gabe Perreault, who was originally drafted 23rd, with Michkov off the board.
Ironically, the Flyers had the chance to draft Perreault much later than the seventh pick a few years back, but they opted to go with defenseman Oliver Bonk with the 22nd pick instead.
Wheeler originally ranked Perreault seventh in his final rankings in 2023, and in those rankings, he was given quotes such as: “He’s likely going to be the fourth player from the national program picked because his game is believed to be less projectable. I’m less and less convinced of that," “He’s a better skater than he gets credit for," and "There might not be a player in this draft class who thinks the game offensively at his level.”
"Those are direct from my final draft ranking in 2023, and they hold true today. I don’t write a 'prospects I was right about' piece opposite my 'prospects I was wrong about' but … I’m going to be right about Perreault," Wheeler asserted. "I nailed this one, and I’m proud of it. If you watched some of his games late in the year with the Rangers, you’ll know."
Perreault, 21, played 49 games for the rival Rangers last season, scoring 12 goals, 15 assists, and 27 points with an even plus-minus rating of 0, all while recording just 10 penalty minutes and scoring at a 16.4% clip.
Purely in terms of hockey sense and the way he sees the game offensively, Perreault is up there with Michkov, and in Wheeler's do-over, the Flyers do well securing their alternative with Michkov off the board to the Canadiens.
And as for the Flyers' second first-round pick in this re-draft, Bonk does not make an appearance in the top-32 for Wheeler.
Instead, with the 22nd pick, the Flyers actually go with one of their own, drafting goalie Egor Zavragin 65 slots earlier than they had in the real thing.
Also notable: Denver Barkey moves all the way up to 31, where Colorado takes him. That would be a nightmare if it had happened in real life.
Scanlin, who played three seasons at the University of Nebraska-Omaha, signed with the New York Rangers organization following the conclusion of the 2021-22 collegiate season.
Over his five years with the Islanders' cross-town rivals, Scanlin has played in 255 AHL regular season games. He did play one NHL game with the Rangers during the 2023-24 season.
Chicago Blackhawks' Patrick Kane celebrates after scoring his goal against the Minnesota Wild during the third period in Game 1 of an NHL hockey second-round playoff series in Chicago on Friday, May 2, 2014.
In a year full of negatives, Blackhawks fans finally have something to smile about Thursday.
Patrick Kane is back.
The team announced Wednesday that Kane agreed to a two-year deal with an average annual value of $8 million.
Patrick Kane #88 of the Chicago Blackhawks juggles the puck during warm-ups prior to an NHL game against the Calgary Flames on Jan. 28, 2014 in Calgary. Getty Images
The 37-year-old is a Blackhawks legend, winning three Stanley Cups with the team after being selected with the first pick in 2007.
Kane spent 16 seasons with the Blackhawks and was the heart and soul of a team that made the postseason nine straight times.
He’s second all-time in points (1,225) for the team behind Sam Mikita, has the third most goals (446) in franchise history and has played in the third-most games (1,161).
The winger also racked up several awards during his first Blackhawks stint, including the Hart Memorial Trophy in 2016, Conn Smythe Trophy in 2013 and Calder Memorial Trophy in 2008.
After the Blackhawks entered a rebuild in 2023, Kane was traded to the Rangers, where he scored five goals in 19 games.
He then spent the last three seasons with the Red Wings, tallying 57 goals and 106 assists.
Blackhawks general manager Kyle Davidson said he didn’t foresee the team bringing back Kane in 2024, but changed his opinion on the situation before signing him this week.
“We’ll await his decision, but he knows our door is always open,” Davidson said on the radio show OverDrive on TSN 1050 Toronto. “He’s a Blackhawk at heart for life, even if he’s not wearing our jersey. We’ve got a great deal of reverence, respect, and love for Patrick Kane, so we’ll leave him to that decision, and we’ll see where he ends up when that day comes.”
Kane’s decision was in fact the Blackhawks, and he joins a rebuilding team coming off a 29-39-14 season.
He will also play with rising star Connor Bedard for the first time after Bedard was drafted by the Blackhawks in 2023.
Chicago Blackhawks’ Patrick Kane celebrates after scoring his goal against the Minnesota Wild during the third period in Game 1 of an NHL hockey second-round playoff series in Chicago on Friday, May 2, 2014. AP
“I can’t imagine his first game back at the [United Center], just the reaction he’d get and how much juice that would bring not only to our team but our fans as well,” Bedard told reporters of Kane. “That would be incredible to get to play with him and learn from him.”
The Blackhawks may be in for another rebuilding year, but fans will at least get to see Kane possibly end his career with the team it all started with.
The Pittsburgh Penguins have released the jersey numbers for all of the new players they brought in during the offseason.
Defenseman Kaedan Korczak will wear No. 6, while forward Andrei Kuzmenko will wear No. 10. Forward David Gustafsson will wear No. 13, and Nick Robertson will wear No. 14.
Forward Hendrix Lapierre will wear No. 22, and defenseman Tomas Galvas will wear No. 32. Galvas is still expected to return to Czechia for the 2026-27 season unless the Penguins' plans for him change. Galvas was selected by the Penguins in the second round of the 2026 NHL Draft.
Finally, defenseman Trevor van Riemsdyk will wear No. 57 and fellow defenseman Declan Carlile will wear No. 72.
