Former Sabres Superstar Has Big Game

Jack Eichel (© Timothy T. Ludwig-Imagn Images)

Former Buffalo Sabres star Jack Eichel has had a strong start to the 2025-26 season with the Golden Knights, and that is only continuing to be the case as the campaign rolls on. 

During his most recent appearance on Nov. 20 against the Utah Mammoth, Eichel scored two goals and recorded an assist in the Vegas Golden Knights' 4-1 win over the Central Division. With this, Eichel was certainly a notable reason for the Golden Knights' victory over Utah in this contest. 

With this latest big game for the Golden Knights, Eichel has now recorded 10 goals, 17 assists, 27 points, and a plus-7 rating in 20 contests this season. With this, there is no question that the former Sabre is having a very good start to the campaign with the Golden Knights. This comes after he posted 28 goals and set new career highs with 66 assists and 94 points in 77 games for Vegas in 2024-25. 

In 375 games over six seasons with the Sabres from 2015-16 to 2020-21, Eichel recorded 139 goals and 355 points. 

Nashville Predators Prepare For Hockey Fights Cancer Night On Saturday

Apr 4, 2024; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; A hockey fights cancer ambassador holds the puck during the ceremonial puck drop with Nashville Predators defenseman Roman Josi (59) and St. Louis Blues center Brayden Schenn (10) before the game at Bridgestone Arena. Christopher Hanewinckel-Imagn Images

Amid the noise of on-ice struggles and rumors of roster changes involving the Nashville Predators, a battle of a completely different nature is taking place every day, all over the world: the fight against cancer.

Each season, the NHL and its teams hosts a Hockey Fights Cancer night – typically in November – to raise awareness and funds for their local cancer community.

Now in its 27th season, Hockey Fights Cancer unites the global hockey community through storytelling and meaningful events to fundraise for cancer research, to educate and empower more fans to learn about cancer risk factors and to take action to get screened for certain cancers.

The Nashville Predators Foundation will host its first of two Hockey Fights Cancer nights this season on Saturday, when the Preds take on the Colorado Avalanche at Bridgestone Arena at 7 Pm CT.

The Foundation is looking to build off the support seen during its Hockey Fights Cancer efforts last season, which raised $229,365.25 for the 365 Pediatric Cancer Fund.

“We are excited to host our first Hockey Fights Cancer Night of the 2025-26 season,” Nashville Predators Vice President of Community Relations Rebecca King said in a news release. “These nights are incredibly impactful for our organization as we use our platform to support cancer patients and their families. We are asking SMASHVILLE to join us in the fight against cancer through bidding in our silent auction or donating directly to the 365 Fund. Every dollar we raise goes straight to pediatric cancer research at Vanderbilt."

The Predators organization has had cancer affect members of its family over the past several years. Last July, Erin Daunic, wife of current Preds play-by-play television voice Willy Daunic, passed away at 54 from the illness. Lexi Rogers, the daughter of the team’s equipment manager Pete Rogers, was diagnosed with cancer earlier this year. Sheila Crisp, wife of former broadcaster Terry Crisp, was also diagnosed several years earlier. Equipment manager Craig “Partner” Baugh is a prostate cancer survivor.

Since its inception during the 2013-14 season, the 365 Fund, created by former Predators legends Pekka Rinne and Shea Weber, has raised over $4 million in donations and in-kind contributions to advance pediatric cancer research efforts at Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt.

Saturday night’s game will feature six patient ambassadors from Monroe Carell who will take part in various in-game activities including: High-fiving the team as they take the ice for warm-ups; meeting with the game’s referees pre-game as part of the NHL Officials Association’s Zebras Care initiative; joining the team on-ice for the starting lineup and national anthem; participating in a ceremonial puck drop; riding the Zambonis; and welcoming the team back to the ice for the second period as the Mayor of SMASHVILLE.

During practice this past Wednesday, Preds goalie Juuse Saros wore a custom mask honoring the four in the Preds family affected by cancer. Saros will wear the mask on Saturday.

“A lot of people are involved, unfortunately, with cancer within the last couple years,” Saros said Wednesday. “I thought I would honor all those people by fighting against it.”

Fans can bid on the mask in the Preds Foundation’s Hockey Fights Cancer auction by texting PREDS to 76278. The auction will close at the start of the third period of Saturday's game. Vaughn Hockey donated the mask, and David Gunnarsson of DaveArt donated the paint job.

To help make a bigger difference, the Preds Foundation is calling on SMASHVILLE to support Hockey Fights Cancer, the 365 Fund and the imperative cancer research taking place at Monroe Carell. There are a number of ways fans can get involved: wearing lavender to Saturday’s game; bid on silent auction items; and donate to the 365 Pediatric Cancer Fund.

The goal is to raise $36,500 through these donations.

"We are so very grateful for the long-standing support of the Nashville Predators and the 365 Pediatric Cancer Fund that spans well over a decade and that truly has made a difference in the lives of children and their families," Meg Rush, MD, MMHC, President of Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt, said in a statement. "Each season, we look forward to the Hockey Fights Cancer games that highlight our partnership with the Nashville Predators, raise support for childhood cancer efforts and also celebrate our pediatric cancer patients. I absolutely love to see the joy and hope that the Nashville Predators and Hockey Fights Cancer bring to our patients and families during these events."

Hockey Fights Cancer is a joint initiative of the NHL and NHL Players’ Association and powered by the V Foundation for Cancer Research presented by AstraZeneca.

The Predators’ second Hockey Fights Cancer Night will take place on Thursday, Feb. 26, 2026, during their game against the Chicago Blackhawks.

Five Surprising NHL Teams In A Playoff Spot At The Quarter Mark

The NHL’s 2025-26 season has reached the quarter mark, and the playoff race is already intense.

It’s a great time to look at which teams are surprisingly in a playoff spot heading into Friday's games. Here are five of them in alphabetical order. 

Anaheim Ducks

The Ducks were believed to be a team on the rise, but few believed they were going to rise to the top of the Pacific Division or even near it.

But after 21 games, Anaheim has a 13-7-1 record, including a 7-2-1 home mark. They've played one more game than the Vegas Golden Knights, but with a one-point lead, Anaheim is first in the Pacific. That’s a huge positive surprise for a franchise that has been one of the league’s worst for many years now.

The Ducks have been thriving in no small part due to their high-octane offense, which sits third in the NHL with 3.57 goals-for per game. Leo Carlsson is tied for fifth in NHL scoring, with 28 points, and Cutter Gauthier, Troy Terry and the injured Mikael Granlund are also averaging at least a point per game.

Anaheim’s defense needs work, but this is a young Ducks team that is still learning how to compete at both ends of the ice. When they get to that point, Anaheim is going to be one of the NHL’s most dangerous squads.

BetMGM's odds of Anaheim making the playoffs: 1.53 (-189)

Chicago Blackhawks

Like the Ducks, the Blackhawks have been stuck in the unfortunate part of the competitive cycle. But thanks to young stars, such as centers Connor Bedard and Frank Nazar, Chicago has put together a 10-6-4 record, good for fourth place in the Central Division and a wild-card spot entering Friday's action.

Bedard has 29 points in 20 games, and goaltender Spencer Knight has been exceptional, with a .922 save percentage and 2.47 goals-against average. He leads all NHL netminders in goals saved above expected, with 14.2, according to moneypuck.com.

The Hawks still need time to flesh out their roster, which isn’t deep enough for this team to be considered a legitimate Cup threat. But for the first time since the Patrick Kane and Jonathan Toews Era, the Hawks aren't an easy out.

BetMGM's odds of Chicago making the playoffs: 5.75 (+475)

Bo Horvat (Jerome Miron-Imagn Images)

New York Islanders

Coming off a season in which they finished 12th in the Eastern Conference, the Islanders looked like they needed a rebuild more than anything. Now, they're looking like a retool could suffice.

The Isles have been a competitive group, with a 12-7-2 record and a 7-2-1 mark in their last 10 games. That’s put them into third place in the Metropolitan Division – a lofty place few thought they’d be.

With 2025 No. 1 draft pick Matthew Schaefer as a foundational talent, the Islanders have been blessed by the hockey gods. But Bo Horvat has been outstanding, with 14 goals and 25 points in 21 games. Their second-leading scorers are Kyle Palmieri and Mathew Barzal, with 16 points. And off-season acquisitions Emil Heineman and Jonathan Drouin have 15 and 14 points, respectively.

Goaltender Ilya Sorokin had a rough start to the season. But after the team switched goalie coaches on Oct. 22, he's had a 5-2-2 record, .924 SP and 2.07 GAA.

The Islanders are still likely to need more time and talent to grow into a top team in the league, but they are feisty and intent on demonstrating the road back to relevancy will be fast-tracked.

BetMGM's odds of the Islanders making the playoffs: 2.15 (+115)

Pittsburgh Penguins

Few, if any, pundits had the Penguins as anything other than an also-ran team this season.

Instead, the Pens have been in a playoff spot right out of the gate, holding the first wild-card spot in the East on Friday. While they’ve cooled off of late, going 4-3-3 in their last 10 games, Pittsburgh has played well enough to quieten trade rumors involving stars Evgeni Malkin, Kris Letang, Erik Karlsson, Bryan Rust and Rickard Rakell.

The Penguins’ defense – second-best in the league at 2.47 goals against per game – is their biggest surprise. Last year, they ranked 29th in that category. Goaltender Tristan Jarry has bounced back, although he's currently injured, and trade acquisition Arturs Silovs has a .917 SP and 2.44 GAA.

While there may be some regression ahead for Pittsburgh in the days and weeks ahead, the Pens’ strong start means their fans may get to enjoy one more playoff run with Crosby, Malkin and Letang.

BetMGM's odds of Pittsburgh making the playoffs: 3.40 (+240)

Five Most Intriguing NHL Odds To Make Or Miss The PlayoffsFive Most Intriguing NHL Odds To Make Or Miss The PlayoffsBurning questions surround five NHL teams with playoff odds that are worth a closer look.

Seattle Kraken

The Kraken took a step backward last season, finishing 13th in the Western Conference with a 35-41-6 record. But after making a few roster tweaks – and after hiring Lane Lambert to be their coach – Seattle has surged up the standings, posting a 10-5-5 record to sit in third place in the Pacific.

They're scoring by committee, with eight players posting at least 10 points. And the Kraken have the league’s sixth-best defense at 2.70 goals against per game.

They’re going to need more time to stock their roster with high-end talent, but Seattle’s start ensures that they’re likely to stay in the playoff race all season long.

BetMGM's odds of Chicago making the playoffs: 3.40 (+240)


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Canadiens Recall Florian Xhekaj From AHL

Florian Xhekaj (© David Kirouac-Imagn Images)

After extending their losing streak to five games following their 8-4 loss to the Washington Capitals, the Montreal Canadiens have made a notable roster move. 

The Canadiens have announced that they have recalled forward Florian Xhekaj from their AHL affiliate, the Laval Rocket. In addition, the Canadiens announced that forward Joshua Roy will remain on the NHL roster, after initially stating that he was heading back to Laval. 

Xhekaj is a prospect who many fans have been wanting to see get his first chance on the Canadiens' roster, and it is now coming to fruition. The 6-foot-4 forward has appeared in 16 games this season with Laval, where he has recorded two goals, four points, and 44 penalty minutes. This is after he recorded 24 goals, 35 points, and 175 penalty minutes in 69 games this past season with Laval.

With Xhekaj being called up, the Canadiens will be adding more bite and toughness to their lineup.

As for Roy, he has recorded zero points, two shots, and an even plus/minus rating in three games this season with the Canadiens. Down in the AHL with Laval this season, he has posted four goals, seven points, and a plus-4 rating in 10 contests. 

Report: Ottawa Senators Place Swedish Winger On Waivers

The Ottawa Senators reportedly made a roster move on Friday. According to Postmedia's Bruce Garrioch, the Senators have placed 26-year-old Swedish winger Olle Lycksell on waivers for the purpose of reassignment. Lycksell was recently placed on injured reserve with a concussion, but now he's apparently ready to return, and if he clears, he's likely headed back to Belleville for the second time this season.

Lycksell cleared waivers coming out of training camp but made Ottawa's roster to open the season. The Sens sent him to Belleville 12 days later (Oct. 17), but brought him back on Oct 21. He's played just six games in Ottawa this season, scoring one goal, and two games in Belleville, where he's been held pointless.

In 51 career NHL games with the Senators and Philadelphia Flyers, Lycksell has tallied two goals and 10 assists. But he's been an elite AHL player the past three seasons, putting up 128 points in 136 games with the Lehigh Valley Phantoms. That intrigued the Senators enough to sign him to a one-year two-way contract on July 1.

With Lycksell ready to play, the Senators had the option on Friday of sending Stephan Halliday back down, a forward who's waivers-exempt. But after his nice NHL debut on Thursday night in Anaheim, including a fine setup on Shane Pinto's tying goal, it appears the Sens are keen to book a little more Halliday time until either Ridly Greig or Brady Tkachuk is ready to return.

On that note, Tkachuk hopes to return (and come off IR) within the week. Greig is said to be day-to-day with an undisclosed injury, but with Senators' head coach Travis Green being so consistently cloak-and-dagger with his roster and/or injury information, who knows?

If he clears waivers, Lycksell is expected to immediately join the AHL's Belleville Senators. The B-Sens are in Laval this weekend, where they play on Friday night and Saturday afternoon.

By Steve Warne
The Hockey News/Ottawa

This article was originally published at The Hockey News Ottawa. Read more:

NHL Insider Says Senators Are 'Looking To Hit A Home Run' On The Trade Market
Former Senators Defenseman Returns To Ottawa In Monday Trade With Philadelphia
Arthur Kaliyev Heating Up, Now Third In AHL Goal Scoring
Senators Have Big UFA Contract Decisions In Next Few Years (Who Stays And Who Goes?)
Four More Years: Shane Pinto Signs Four-Year Extension

Jets goalie Hellebuyck to undergo arthroscopic procedure on his knee and miss 4 to 6 weeks

NHL: Winnipeg Jets at Calgary Flames

Nov 15, 2025; Calgary, Alberta, CAN; Winnipeg Jets goaltender Connor Hellebuyck (37) makes a save against the Calgary Flames during the second period at Scotiabank Saddledome. Mandatory Credit: Sergei Belski-Imagn Images

Sergei Belski-Imagn Images

WINNIPEG, Manitoba — Winnipeg Jets goaltender Connor Hellebuyck will undergo an arthroscopic procedure on his knee and be out four to six weeks, the team said Friday.

Jets coach Scott Arneil said Friday that Hellebuyck, a three-time Vezina Trophy winner as the NHL's top goalie, had been trying to play through a knee injury, and the timing is right to get it taken care of.

“Obviously, he’s, what is it, 10 years, he’s been pretty healthy,” Arniel said. “And this has kind of been nagging on him here since training camp. It’s something we’ve kind of known about, he was trying to play through it, would be good days, bad days, just something that, timing’s right, get it done now.

“A lot of schedule ahead of us, so that was really just the thinking. Sat down, talked to him, obviously the medical staff, everybody, agent. This was the time to do it.”

The surgery comes less than three months before the start of the Olympic men’s hockey tournament in Milan, Italy.

Hellebuyck is 8-6-0 with a 2.51 goals-against average and .913 save percentage this season for the Jets (12-7-0), who entered a game Friday against Carolina in third place in the Central Division.

The 32-year-old Hellebuyck won his first Hart Trophy as NHL MVP and his second straight - and third career -Vezina Trophy in 2024-25, helping the Jets to the best regular-season record in the NHL. He also won the award as top goalie in 2019-20.

Hellebuyck, from Commerce, Michigan, was not included in the first group of six players announced for the United States’ Olympic preliminary roster, but was widely expected to be added to the team.

Eric Comrie is expected to take the Jets starting role in Hellebuyck’s absence. He is 4-1 with a 2.60 GAA and .908 save percentage this season.

In a corresponding move, the Jets called up goaltender Thomas Milic from the American Hockey League’s Manitoba Moose.

“Obviously we’ve been really fortunate to have Helly be healthy and available," Jets defenseman Josh Morrissey said. "His durability is something to marvel at. Obviously now without him, you can’t replace a guy like that.

“But we’re super confident in Coms and Milly and our defensive game. But definitely, we’ve been fortunate to not have him out of the lineup for a whole lot of years.”

Hellebuyck, who last played on Nov. 15 in a victory over Calgary, was 47-12-3 last season. He has a career record of 330-191-44 with a 2.56 GAA and .918 save percentage and 45 shutouts.

Flames' Ugly Start Has A Big Bright Spot In Net

Things are not going well for the Calgary Flames so far this season.

The Flames are at the bottom of the NHL standings with a 6-13-3 record and 15 points. This is after they just missed out on the playoffs last season, finishing the year with a 41-27-14 record and 96 points. They even had more points than the New Jersey Devils and Montreal Canadiens, which made the playoffs in the East.

A crucial part of Calgary's success last year was the play of rookie Dustin Wolf. He started the season splitting the starts with then-backup Dan Vladar, then gradually got more assignments as he played exceptionally well for a rookie netminder. He finished as a finalist in the Calder Trophy race.

Now, Wolf has had some ups and downs this season as he's taken on more responsibility, with an .892 save percentage, 3.08 goals-against average and one shutout.

But while the Flames are struggling immensely early on, another goaltender – Devin Cooley – has been a big bright spot for them.

After spending all of last season in the AHL with the Calgary Wranglers, Cooley beat out free-agent signing Ivan Prosvetov for the Flames' backup job out of training camp. And he quickly dismissed questions about whether Calgary needed a proven NHL veteran to give Wolf the type of backup support that Vladar gave.

In fact, Cooley's been excellent.

While he has a 1-2-1 record, he leads all NHL goaltenders who have played six or more games with a .935 save percentage and a 1.80 goals-against average. He also has six goals saved above expected, according to moneypuck.com.

With numbers like these, there is no question that Cooley is playing some very strong hockey right now. He is also showing no signs of slowing down as the season continues, either. In his most recent appearance against the Buffalo Sabres on Nov. 19, he stopped 28 out of 30 shots, which equates to a .933 save percentage. 

Cooley has also shown great consistency early on, as he has had a .921 save percentage or better in five out of his six appearances this season with the Flames.

When noting that the 28-year-old Cooley had only six games of NHL experience before this season, which were all with the San Jose Sharks in 2023-24, him playing this well with the Flames is undoubtedly impressive. It will be interesting to see if the Los Gatos, California, native can continue to stay hot for the Flames, but he has been a fun story early on in 2025-26. 


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Red Wings Still Can't Budge With Andrew Copp Situation

A quarter of the way into the NHL season, the Detroit Red Wings find themselves in unfamiliar but welcome territory: sitting atop the Atlantic Division with a winning record, a wave of rookies making meaningful strides, and milestone moments piling up faster than they have in over a decade. It has been, by nearly every measure, a season to remember.

But amid the glowing storylines and energized fan base, a handful of concerns continue to simmer beneath the surface. At the center of the quiet discontent is a respected veteran who has long been considered part of the team’s leadership core in forward Andrew Copp.

Copp, 31, entered the season looking for a rebound year as his production has dropped every season since his first with the Red Wings when he recorded nine goals and 33 assists for 42 points. He's continued to be a two-way player with a stabilizing presence in the locker room and a key contributor on special teams. Yet his offensive production has again dipped, this time to an alarming level. 

Through 21 games, Copp has recorded just one goal, an empty-net tally, and seven assists for eight points. He is currently on pace for just four goals, which would mark the lowest total of his NHL career, while his projected 30 points would fall fairly in line with his last two seasons but remains well short of expectations for a player carrying a $5.625 million cap hit.

With Detroit fans growing increasingly vocal about their frustrations with general manager Steve Yzerman and several of his personnel decisions, Copp has become one of the most heavily scrutinized names. Certainly not because of his character, as he remains one of the most beloved players in the dressing room and has even worn the "A" at times with the organization, but because of what his contract means for a team trying to take the next step.

Complicating matters even worse is Copp has a modified 10-team no-trade clause, which limits Detroit’s flexibility. Even if the Red Wings wanted to move him, the combination of his cap hit, declining scoring touch and lack of trade candidates would make any deal difficult to execute.

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Yet Detroit’s coaching staff continues to lean on Copp in critical moments, largely because of his role on the top penalty-kill unit. Though now skating on the fourth line, he still averages over 14 minutes per game because of his work on Detroit's penalty kill, that has transformed the unit for from the worst in the NHL last season to a respectable 13th overall this year. 

Still, internal pressure is on the horizon as the Red Wings are continuing to get surging young talent pushing upward from the AHL’s Grand Rapids Griffins, with several prospects eager for NHL minutes. Among them is Carter Mazur, who was nearing an NHL look before suffering an injury. Once healthy, Mazur could force Detroit’s hand, or at least apply the pressure necessary to spark improvement from Copp.

League insiders suggest the Red Wings have quietly explored their options regarding Copp, though no imminent move appears realistic. With the salary cap expected to rise next season, Copp’s contract may feel less burdensome over time but for now, Detroit is likely tied to him for the next two years.

For a team finally emerging from its rebuild, the Copp conundrum is less a crisis and more a stubborn complication. The Red Wings know what he brings as a leader, penalty killer, and steadying on-ice presence. They also know they are not getting the level of offensive production they are paying for and will continue to nag at fans until things turn around. Until then, the Red Wings may simply have to make the best of the situation, trusting that Copp’s intangible value and the rising cap environment will ease the sting over time.

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Canadiens Need Ice-Cold Forward To Heat Back Up

Zack Bolduc (© David Kirouac-Imagn Images)

During the 2025 NHL off-season, the Montreal Canadiens acquired forward Zack Bolduc from the St. Louis Blues in exchange for defenseman Logan Mailloux. This was after Bolduc had a solid breakout year for the Blues in 2024-25, posting new career highs with 19 goals, 17 assists, and 36 points in 72 games. 

Bolduc started off his Canadiens tenure on fire, recording three goals and four points in his first three games. However, since then, he has only posted one goal and two assists over his last 17 games. This included him going without in nine straight games from Oct. 28 to Nov. 17. 

Bolduc broke his pointless streak in the Canadiens' most recent matchup against the Washington Capitals on Nov. 20, as he recorded an assist on Nick Suzuki's second-period goal. Now, the Canadiens will be hoping that Bolduc can build off this and get his offense going again. 

If Bolduc can regain his early-season form, it would be big news for a Canadiens club that is dealing with serious injury trouble right now. It will be interesting to see if he will heat back up for the Canadiens from here. 

NHL Trade Rumors: Should Blackhawks Target Jets Top Prospect?

Brad Lambert (© James Carey Lauder-Imagn Images)

According to NHL insider Frank Seravalli, the Winnipeg Jets have granted top prospect Brad Lambert permission to seek a trade. 

With the Chicago Blackhawks being a team on the rise and Lambert being a young forward with high potential, should the Original six club consider pursuing him? 

Lambert has shown signs of promise early on during his career at the American Hockey League (AHL). His top season was in 2023-24 with the Manitoba Moose, as he posted 21 goals, 34 assists, and 55 points in 64 games. However, he did see his offensive numbers drop this past season with Manitoba, as he finished the year with 35 points in 61 games. 

Lambert also showed off his offensive talent during the 2022-23 season in the Western Hockey League (WHL) with the Seattle Thunderbirds, as he recorded 17 goals and 38 points in 26 regular-season games. He also had six goals and 26 points in 17 playoff games for the Thunderbirds that year. 

Lambert is still looking to cement himself as a full-time NHL player, but he has played in some games for the Jets. In 10 games over three games with Winnipeg, he has recorded one goal and three points. However, with the Jets having such a deep forward group and being in win-now mode, Lambert has had trouble landing a permanent role with them. 

While this is the case, there is no question that Lambert still has the potential to become a top-six forward due to his skill. With this, he could be a very interesting player for a young team like the Blackhawks to take a chance on. At 21 years old, he could be a long-term option for the Blackhawks if he took that next step, which also adds to his appeal. 

Former Philadelphia Flyers Forward Hits Waivers

Olle Lycksell (© David Banks-Imagn Images)

According to Postmedia's Bruce Garrioch, the Ottawa Senators have placed former Philadelphia Flyers forward Olle Lycksell on waivers. 

Lycksell joined the Senators this off-season after signing a one-year, two-way contract with the Atlantic Division club in free agency. He has played in six games this season with Ottawa, where he has recorded one goal, two hits, three blocks, and a minus-2 rating.

However, Lycksell has not played for the Senators since their Nov. 8 contest against the Flyers, as he was in concussion protocol. 

With Lycksell being placed on waivers, this indicates that the former Flyer is ready to return to action. If he clears waivers, the Senators will then be able to assign him to their American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate, the Belleville Senators. 

Lycksell was selected by the Flyers with the 168th overall pick of the 2017 NHL Entry Draft. In 45 games with the Flyers over three seasons from 2022-23 to 2024-25, he posted one goal, 10 assists, 11 points, and a minus-6 rating. He also had 52 goals, 76 assists, and 128 points in 134 games with the Flyers' AHL affiliate, the Lehigh Valley Phantoms. 

Sabres Forward Sent Down To AHL

Mason Geertsen (© Gerry Angus-Imagn Images)

The Buffalo Sabres have announced that they have assigned Mason Geertsen to their American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate, the Rochester Americans.

Geertsen was placed on waivers on Nov. 20 and went through them unclaimed. Due to this, the Sabres were able to send him down to Rochester, where he should now be a solid part of the AHL squad's roster. 

Geertsen has played in five games this season with the Sabres, where he has posted zero points, one shot, eight hits, and 12 penalty minutes. His most recent appearance for the Sabres was on Nov. 4 against the Utah Mammoth, where he had 3:49 of ice time.

Geertsen spent this past season exclusively in the AHL with the Henderson Silver Knights, where he recorded five assists, 77 penalty minutes, and a plus-3 rating. In 447 career AHL games over 10 seasons, Geertsen has recorded 19 goals, 69 points, and 840 penalty minutes. 

Alexandre Texier Clears Waivers, Assigned To AHL

Alexandre Texier cleared waivers on Friday and has been assigned to Springfield of the American Hockey League.

The 26-year-old was designated a non-roster player on Thursday when the St. Louis Blues activated Jake Neighbours off injured reserve and needed a roster spot for him.

The next step for Texier, who is in the final year of a two-year, $4.2 million contract he signed after being acquired from the Columbus Blue Jackets on June 28, 2024 for a 2025 fourth-round pick, is to either report to the Thunderbirds or come to a mutual agreement with the Blues to terminate his contract and become a free agent.

Texier played in just eight games this season and had one assist and 31 games last season in which he had six goals and five assists.

“For ‘Tex,’ he's an outstanding young man and just didn't find any kind of path this year to consistently stay in the lineup,” Blues coach Jim Montgomery said on Thursday.

The Blues also assigned defenseman Hunter Skinner, who made his NHL debut in a 6-5 shootout loss to the Philadelphia Flyers on Nov. 14, to Springfield on Friday but made no corresponding move to bring anyone else up.

Observations From Blues' 3-2 Overtime Loss Vs. FlyersObservations From Blues' 3-2 Overtime Loss Vs. FlyersBlues have lacked killer instinct all season, another example on Thursday; fifth two-goal lead turns into lost points; Faulk putting in results offensively; critical mistake late in second period allows Flyers back into game; creating chances, not finishing is haunting this team at the momentImage

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