The Martin family will be hosting Matthew Schaefer this upcoming season again whether they like it or not.
The 19-year-old NHL star made the joke on Monday during the Islanders golf outing at the Glen Oaks Club in Old Westbury when a reporter asked if Matt Martin and his family wanted him back.
“I don’t know if they want me back, but I’m going back,” Schaefer said. “I mean, I kept my stuff there and then I’m like, I’m coming back. I guess they can’t say no. I think they want me out probably sooner, but you know what? I’m like, ‘Hey, I’m planting my seed here and I’m staying here.’”
It’s doubtful that the Martin family really wants Schaefer out sooner than later, considering how big a part of their family he has become.
Martin, who played 16 seasons in the NHL, including 14 with the Islanders before becoming an executive with the organization, welcomed the teenager into his home last season, and Schaefer quickly created a bond with the family.
New York Islanders defenseman Matthew Schaefer (48) plays during the third period of an NHL hockey game against the Philadelphia Flyers on Friday, April 3, 2026, in Elmont, N.Y. The Philadelphia Flyers won 4-1. Noah K. Murray for NY Post
In particular, he has taken on a big brother role to the family’s two daughters, Winnie and Alice. Martin’s wife, Sydney, has shared a number of adorable moments involving Schaefer and the Martin kids on social media.
Earlier this month, Sydney posted on Instagram a photo of Schaefer celebrating his 19th birthday with the family.
Martin praised how Schaefer carries himself on SiriusXM last month and said that the now second-year star would be staying with him and his family again this upcoming NHL season.
New York Islanders left wing Matt Martin acknowledges fans during the third period on Tuesday, April 15, 2025, in Elmont, N.Y. The Washington Capitals won 3-1. Noah K. Murray-NY Post
“From the moment he kind of stepped in our house and met our family, before it was ever decided he was going to live with us, you just feel the type of kid he is, the type of energy he has,” Martin said in the August interview. “Kind of gravitated towards our kids and our kids gravitated towards him. It’s a really special thing for my kids.”
Schaefer is coming into this season looking to build off a monumental rookie campaign that saw him win the Calder Trophy as the NHL’s top rookie.
He recorded 23 goals and 59 points while appearing in all 82 games during the 2025-26 season.
The Oilers controlled the game offensively and came away with a 6-1 victory, while the Flames got a chance to put several of their young prospects in a game setting in front of a home crowd.
Edmonton opened the scoring on the power play in the first period.
Quinn Hutson walked into the high slot and ripped a wrist shot blocker side past Flames goaltender Arsenii Sergeev to give the Oilers a 1-0 lead.
The opening period also featured some physicality, with Maceo Phillips dropping the gloves with Weston Cameron in a spirited bout. Phillips ultimately came away with the takedown.
The Oilers added to their lead late in the opening frame. Zach Bookman sent a shot toward the net from the blue line that bounced in front of Sergeev before finding its way through the goaltender’s pads to make it 2-0.
It was a difficult one for Sergeev, who likely would have wanted another look at the goal.
Credit: Sergei Belski-Imagn Images
The Flames finished the opening 20 minutes trailing 2-0, with Edmonton holding a narrow 7-6 edge in shots.
With Kirill Zarubin taking over in net for Sergeev midway through the game as scheduled, a bouncing puck found its way into the crease. Caden Harvey was quick to react, swatting the loose puck past Zarubin to make it 3-0.
The Oilers then added another on the power play. Edmonton moved the puck quickly around the Flames penalty kill before a tic-tac-toe sequence ended with Isaac Howard redirecting the puck into the net, giving the Oilers a four-goal cushion.
Credit: Sergei Belski-Imagn Images
The Flames finally got on the board at 8:55 of the third period.
Aydar Suniev created the opportunity himself, slipping past an Oilers defender before cutting to the forehand and tucking the puck past Samuel Jonsson. Tyson Gross picked up the assist on Suniev’s goal.
Calgary couldn’t find another one, however, and Edmonton added an empty-net goal and another late tally from Kyle Heger to close out the 6-1 victory.
Jonathan Castagna stood out on the draws, particularly in the offensive zone. Winning possession off the faceoff created immediate scoring opportunities, and Castagna consistently gave the Flames a chance to start with the puck.
Iginla wears No. 88
Joe Iginla suited up for the Flames wearing No. 88, the same number his father, Jarome Iginla, wore during his time with the Los Angeles Kings. It’s a small detail, but one that didn’t go unnoticed on a night where the younger Iginla made his Saddledome debut with the Flames organization.
Gridin creates opportunities
Matvei Gridin was one of the Flames players who consistently found ways to generate offence. He created multiple quality chances, while his passing was firm and crisp throughout the game.
There was a level of poise to Gridin’s game that made him look like a more established presence than many of the players on the ice.
The Chicago Blackhawks prospects took the ice at USG Arena against the St. Louis Blues prospects on Monday night. This was the first of two meetings in the 2026 Prospect Showcase that the two organizations are participating in.
For the Blackhawks, marquee prospects like Sacha Boisvert, Marek Vanacker, AJ Spellacy, Adam Gajan, and Ryan Roobroeck all took part. The leadership group was led by captain Taige Harding and alternate captains Paul Ludwinski and Jake Furlong.
There were some notable spectators taking in the game. For one, Kyle Davidson, Jeff Blashill, and multiple executives/coaches were on hand to get a glimpse of the future. A handful of players within the organization were also in attendance, including Anton Frondell and Roman Kantserov.
The Blackhawks started with as good a top line as they could put out at this event: Sacha Boisvert, centering AJ Spellacy and Ryan Roobroeck. Adam Gajan started in goal.
After the top line created some good chances off the jump, they were forced into a penalty-kill situation. Martin Misiak, however, scored a shorthanded goal to give the Blackhawks a 1-0 lead.
The Blackhawks continued to march to the penalty box after that, and eventually, one of them caught up with them. In the latter half of the first period, Jakub Stancl scored for the St. Louis Blues to tie the game at 1. That score held through the first intermission.
It was a physical first period, and that continued into the second. Just about halfway through the middle frame, AJ Spellacy got into a little bit of a skirmish behind the St. Louis net after missing a chance. To his defense came Ashton Cumby, who fought Blues prospect Colin Ralph. He will bring another layer of physical hockey to Rockford this year.
Not long after that, the Blackhawks went to the penalty kill. It led to another Blues power play goal. Shortly (10 seconds) later, they found another to make it 3-1. At that point in the game, the Blues were in a groove.
After two periods, the Blues hung onto that two-goal lead. With under a minute remaining in the middle frame, AJ Spellacy rang one off the pipe after bursting into the offensive zone, but it wouldn't go in.
In the third period, the ice was a lot more level, but no goals were scored. The final score of 3-1 held in favor of the Blues. It was a physical battle from the opening whistle onward, but the Blackhawks took the bulk of the penalties which put them in trouble.
One more match between these two groups of prospects will take place at 4 PM on Tuesday evening at USG Arena.
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Over the last few days, RWJBarnabas Health Hockey House in Newark, New Jersey, has been filled with high energy, the sound of whistles, and the unmistakable soundtrack of hockey.
The New Jersey Devils invited 25 players to their 2026 Rookie Camp, which opened Friday, Sept. 11. The group has completed two practices and one scrimmage against the New York Islanders, falling 5-4 in overtime.
Ahead of the team’s final scrimmage, which will take place in Long Island on Tuesday, Kristy Flannery of The Hockey News emptied her notebook with some news and notes she has collected this past weekend.
Odds and Ends From Rookie Camp
— Shane Lachance referred to his first season in the pro league as a rollercoaster: “I think the beginning of the year was tough because we didn't win many games. Then I got called up, I was up for a week and then sent back down, and we started winning more. It is a long year, and I think that is the biggest change. So much happens over the course of the year that, mentally, you have to try to keep your head on straight. Coming from college into the pros, that is probably the biggest thing for me - just how long the season is.”
Lachance shared that he tries not to overthink things, but it is something he occasionally struggles with.
“I think in our job, you are always thinking, what can I do better? Did I do the right thing? Sometimes I have to tell myself to just go out there, have fun, and play the game because I am here for a reason.”
Photo credit: Kristy Flannery
— While some players have their eyes set on making the NHL rosters, other players at the Devils rookie camp hope to play in the American Hockey League full time. That is the case for 22-year-old defenseman Charles Leddy, whom New Jersey drafted in the fourth round in 2022. He spent last season at Quinnipiac University before signing an AHL contract through the 2027-28 season in March. He began his collegiate career at Boston College as a political science major, but ultimately earned his degree in international business.
— JakubMálek’s excitement for the 2026-27 season is palpable. Sitting at his stall next to Jeremy Brodeur, he smiled from ear to ear, talking about the upcoming job ahead of him: “This is the first time I [can] say that I'm excited for a season this much. I am always excited, but this is something I never felt before. I'm so excited to go to work.”
— Speaking of Málek, he finally received his goalie mask. Its delivery may have been a season too late, but he was thrilled to showcase it and share some personal touches, including nods to two of his closest friends.
#NJDevils Jakub Málek finally received the goalie mask he was supposed to wear for the 2025-26 season. It has some awesome touches, including nods to his best friends and the movie Cool Runnings. pic.twitter.com/FCdcWdWfUK
— For a second consecutive season, Málek will be living with forward Matyas Melovsky. The two are best friends and say they are always together.
— Melovskyplayed with Lenni Hämeenaho last season in Utica, and during camp, The Hockey News asked Melovsky if that chemistry instantly came back this week. He laughed and said, “Yeah, the Euro chemistry.”
Photo Credit: Kristy Flannery
— Newcomer Ben Steeves has been skating with Melovsky and Hämeenaho. After Monday’s practice, The Hockey News spoke to the 24-year-old.
THN: Coaches always say that they usually keep pairs together on a line, and the third player they may insert in and out. If you're that guy who's playing with people who already have chemistry together are there any attributes or characteristics you need as the third player coming onto a line?
Steeves: Yeah, absolutely. You hit the nail on the head. It is simplifying and being predictable for your teammates. Throughout my entire career, I have tried to be a player like that. An easy player to play with. Especially playing with these guys, it is holding on to pucks and making good flat passes. Making it easier on each other is a big thing.
THN: What was the first thing you noticed about Melovsky and Hämeenaho?
Steeves: They are smart. When they have the puck, they are always looking for the next play. There's no real time on the ice where they can't do anything with it. They always make stuff happen, so it is really cool to watch that.
Photo Credit: Kristy Flannery
— Speaking of Steeves, he was on a golf course when he received a call from Devils general manager Sunny Mehta to alert him that he was traded to New Jersey: “That was a cool moment. (Mehta) was obviously in Florida with me and brought me with him. Definitely happy to get a new opportunity here.”
— Seamus Casey has been impressed with his new D-partner, Anton Silaev: “I think he is doing incredible. He is super involved with the team. It is easy to shy away and kind of shut down, only talk to people who you can understand, that kind of thing. He is not doing any of that. I have a lot of respect for that. Obviously, we are trying to help out too, and make it easy for him.”
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While the fate of some Philadelphia Flyers prospects is already sealed in terms of where they'll play in the 2026-27 season, many of the top dogs will have plenty of opportunities to earn themselves an NHL roster spot. Training camp hasn't officially started yet, but for them it has.
Not every young Flyers prospect with something to prove is at rookie camp this week. For example, players like Hunter McDonald and David Jiricek, who aren't established NHLers, were left off the rookie camp roster.
Conversely, Denver Barkey, Alex Bump, and Porter Martone are all on the ice having to prove themselves, with each player dressing for at least one of the two Rookie Series games against the New York Rangers over the weekend.
But, even when we remove McDonald, Jiricek, Barkey, Bump, and Martone from the equation, the Flyers still have a healthy amount of competition.
On defense, Oliver Bonk and Ty Murchison will be working to make their argument for an NHL roster spot, having to compete with the likes of McDonald, Jiricek, and veteran newcomer Simon Benoit for a place on the Flyers.
By the time training camp starts on Thursday, their strong work in rookie camp this week could be a feather in their caps; the process of making a strong impression is already in motion.
"We were pretty direct in the first meeting that we had for rookie camp, is that their camp is starting now. So with the new makeup of how the training camps are now in the NHL, there's not a whole lot of time to make an impression. So, for the rookies and the guys that are coming into main camp, they got to be ready to go right from the start of this camp," Lehigh Valley Phantoms head coach John Snowden said after practice Monday with an exclamatory two-hand tap at the podium.
Bump, Barkey, Martone, Noah Powell, Cole Knuble, Devin Kaplan, Riley Thompson, Jett Luchanko, Maksim Sokolovskii, Spencer Gill, Jackson Edward, Bonk, and Murchison are the skaters participating in rookie camp who are also listed on the main training camp roster.
On Tuesday morning, they'll take the ice for their last rookie camp session. Wednesday is a team day off, and Thursday is go time.
In the eyes of Snowden and the Flyers, everything those players have done in the building over the last week can work against them or in their favor when it's time to make the important decisions.
"The message [Riley Armstrong] started our rookie camp with, and I've reiterated throughout the whole camp and our staff has reiterated throughout the whole camp, is like, you don't have time to wait around right now. You gotta go, and you gotta hit the ground running. You can't ease your way into these rookie games," Snowden continued.
"Like I said, this is their training camp. It started now. You just got to keep pushing them to make sure they understand that every single time you touch the ice, every single time you walk into the building, it's going to matter. So, make sure you carry yourself the right way, you train the right way, you practice the right way, you play the right way every single time, because everything you do when you walk into this building, it's gonna matter."
Message sent, message received for the Flyers, who have seen players like Powell, Barkey, Knuble, and Bonk crank up the intensity and speed of their play this weekend.
Powell, in particular, played with ferocity against the Rangers, standing out in a different way from the scorer types like Bump and Martone.
And he'll be one of many players with their eyes on the NHL prize when training camp kicks off in a few days.
The New York Rangers and Philadelphia Flyers faced off in a Rookie Series featuring their top prospects this weekend. The two games were at the PPL Center, the home of the Flyers' American Hockey League affiliate, the Lehigh Valley Phantoms, and it was a great way to get the rookies ready for the season while bringing hockey back to the fans.
Saturday’s game felt like a back-to-school day, not just for the players, but also for the staff, scouts, media, and the fans, who were excited to finally see hockey for the first time in months. The Flyers and Rangers aren’t the only teams having these scrimmages either.
The Montreal Canadiens, Ottawa Senators, Toronto Maple Leafs, and Winnipeg Jets had a prospect challenge in Gatineau, Quebec. The San Jose Sharks hosted a Rookie Faceoff at Tech CU Arena, the home of their AHL affiliate, and it featured six of the Western Conference teams.
The New Jersey Devils had their version as well, hosting the New York Islanders on Sunday afternoon at their practice facility, the RWJBarnabas Health Hockey House. It’s something they can and should build on, as many teams around the league have done.
The Devils Home & Home Against The Islanders
The Devils' practice facilities are connected to Prudential Center in Newark, and there isn’t a lot of seating available for fans. The intention of their exhibition game against the Islanders prospects was to get the players ready for the season; the fans in attendance were a plus.
That said, it was a surprise to see the venue was full. It shouldn’t be a surprise considering this is the first glimpse of hockey in months but for a game that has zero implications on the standings, there was still an intrigue that brought a crowd on a Sunday afternoon in early September.
There was a feeling in the building that had the fans engaged. It’s the unknown of the prospects. The Devils don’t have a top prospect pool, but there’s a curiosity surrounding the few names who might crack the NHL roster. How good is the rookie defenseman Anton Silaev? Is there a depth forward poised to impress during training camp? Which prospects are under-the-radar and can turn the Devils into a playoff team? Does the skill in this game translate at the NHL level?
It’s why the PPL Center drew a strong crowd over the weekend for the Flyers and Rangers prospects. Sure, both teams have a handful of young names ready to make an impact in the NHL. However, catching the future in person before everyone else is what will attract fans to the arena, and the Devils must take note.
It Makes Sense For The Devils To Play At Their Practice Facilities
It’s easy to look around the league at all of the showcases and wonder why the Devils and Islanders aren’t doing something bigger. Both teams can host in an AHL market or a region that doesn’t see prospects up close often and give them a chance in a competitive atmosphere.
For the Devils, their practice facilities are in Newark, and it makes sense to have a game there as well. That’s why the Islanders are doing the same on Tuesday night at the Northwell Health Ice Center on Long Island.
For both teams, it’s a trip for the prospects to head to one of their AHL markets to play a few games, especially exhibitions. The Flyers, for example, have their practice facilities in Voorhees, New Jersey, a short drive away from Philadelphia, but Allentown is 63 miles away, making it an easy commute for a game. Utica is 228 miles away from Newark.
The bottom line is that if the Devils want to do something similar to what the Flyers do, or what the Sharks are hosting, they must find an arena near both their practice facilities and the Islanders. Likewise, the arena shouldn’t be the size of Prudential Center but big enough for a gameday atmosphere, like an AHL or ECHL arena.
So, Where Could The Devils host A Prospect Showcase?
The Devils can bring their prospects to a college arena, whether it’s the Hobey Baker Memorial Rink in Princeton or ProSkate Ice Arena, which hosts the Rutgers Scarlett Knights. However, both arenas have small capacities, not enough to make them major draws for the Devils.
There are a few arenas in Upstate New York that would eagerly host an exhibition game, including Albany and Binghamton, two markets that hosted Devils AHL teams in the past. However, like Utica, both are a decent commute.
The good news is that Trenton now has an ECHL team and can host a rookie series. The bad news is that the ECHL team isn’t affiliated with the Devils, and if the Islanders are hosting, they would likely choose a place that’s closer to them.
An arena that hosted AHL games in the past but won’t this season is Total Mortgage Arena in Bridgeport, Connecticut. It’s a great place for the Devils, but the question is whether the Islanders, who moved their team from Bridgeport to Hamilton, would be on board.
Another option is for the Devils and Islanders to join the Flyers and Rangers in Allentown. In one weekend, fans can watch prospects from all four teams up close.
Do you think the Devils should host a bigger prospect showcase? If so, where do you think they should host one? Feel free to comment below!
Now a decade into his NHL career, all spent with the Vancouver Canucks, Brock Boeser is using the lessons he’s learned to help lead the next wave of Canucks stars.
Having been with the organization since he was drafted in 2015, Boeser’s seen Vancouver at various points in their contention status, from hovering at the bottom of the Pacific to claiming a spot atop the division. His lengthy tenure with the team has also ensured that he’s played with, and played for, a long list of people.
Boeser spent his rookie NHL season led by none-other than Daniel and Henrik Sedin, who are now Vancouver’s co-Presidents of Hockey Operations. He’s worked with new Canucks General Manager Ryan Johnson since his time at the University of North Dakota, and is one of the few players remaining from new Head Coach Manny Malhotra’s first go-around with Vancouver’s coaching staff as an assistant.
It’ll be these figures that help the Canucks right the ship as they plunge into the choppy waters of a rebuild.
“First off, just great people in these positions and great hockey minds,” Boeser said in a media availability on Monday. “I think they’re definitely awesome people to have in these positions. But at the same time, I know they’re gonna expect a lot out of all of us.”
Having known all of these key organizational figures for the bulk of his NHL career, Boeser knows that they’re the right people to help guide Vancouver through a rebuild.
“You can go up and have a conversation with them and just be yourself, and I think that’s really important to have that connection. And then secondly [...] they know hockey. Obviously the Sedins know hockey, RJ knows hockey, Manny, and I think it’s a great spot to be in.”
Jan 23, 2018; Vancouver, British Columbia, CAN; Vancouver Canucks left wing Daniel Sedin (22) and right wing Brock Boeser (6) and center Henrik Sedin (33) celebrates Boeser's first goal against the Los Angeles Kings during during the second period at Rogers Arena. Mandatory Credit: Bob Frid-USA TODAY Sports
The Sedin culture of the Canucks organization is something that Boeser is deeply familiar with, having gotten to witness it first-hand before seeing it be passed on to others, such as former Canucks and now-New York Islanderscaptain Bo Horvat.
“Bo learned from the Sedins, and it’s just a trickle effect. When I’d see Bo coming to the rink every day working hard, and all these guys — those guys were so great to me when I was a rookie, and they were super nice, and they helped lead. I think I was the youngest guy, kind of just me by myself, but it’s a little different these days with a lot of young guys, but we’ve got to make sure that we stick together and help lead.”
Despite only playing with them for a year, Boeser learned lots from the two Canucks legends.
“They were just such professionals, coming into the rink every day, never complained, wanted to get better each and every day, took care of their bodies. Even when they knew they were retiring and we didn’t, they still were on the bikes after games and taking care of their bodies. They’re just such great professionals, and that’s why everyone loves them, and that’s why I have faith and trust in them right now.”
That Sedin culture is something that Vancouver is going to need now more than ever. Boeser knows he’s going to have to be a key part in keeping it alive.
“You can never predict what happens in this league, and obviously, a couple tough years, but we’re in a new chapter now — that’s what I keep saying — and it’s just part of it. We’ve got to re-build this culture back up and really get it going in the right direction.”
It was only 10 years ago that Boeser was in the same situation that many of Vancouver’s young players are finding themselves in now — breaking into the league on a team that, despite what could be a promising future, looks like they could be set for a rough couple of years before they finally contend. It was players like the Sedins who helped impart their knowledge to Boeser on the ice, and figures like Johnson and Malhotra who helped mentor him off it.
As Boeser steps into a bigger leadership role to help lead a new, younger Canucks team, he’ll have the assistance of those who did-so for him 10 years before.
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Former Senators goalie Cam Talbot appears to have found another NHL home.
According to TSN hockey insider Pierre LeBrun, the 39-year-old is expected to sign a one-year deal with the Columbus Blue Jackets at some point on Monday. The Jackets haven't confirmed anything yet, but the deal is said to be worth $950,000. PuckPedia reports that the deal includes up to $700,000 in bonuses if he plays 40 games.
If it gets done, Columbus will be the ninth team of Talbot’s NHL career.
Steve Warne and Gregg Kennedy discuss Carter Yakemchuk being held out of rookie camp.
Talbot signed with the New York Rangers as a free agent in 2010 and became Henrik Lundqvist’s backup for two years. After that, his stops included the Edmonton Oilers, Philadelphia Flyers, Calgary Flames, Minnesota Wild, Los Angeles Kings, Detroit Red Wings, and, of course, the Senators.
Talbot spent the past two years in Detroit and last season posted a 12-9-6 record with a 3.19 goals-against average and an .883 save percentage over 34 appearances.
Those numbers, combined with his age, left Talbot unsigned as training camps approached, but in Columbus, Elvis had left the building.
Elvis Merzlikins' shoulder surgery last month created an opportunity for Talbot. The Jackets aren't sure yet when Merzlikins will be ready to return, but he certainly won't be ready to start the season.
Jet Greaves is expected to enter the season as Columbus’s starter, while Columbus also signed journeyman Pheonix Copley.
Talbot’s time in Ottawa was brief and probably remembered most for the ill-advised trade that brought him to the Senators.
In July 2022, the Sens acquired the veteran from Minnesota in a one-for-one deal for Filip Gustavsson, whose previous season in the capital hadn't been particularly impressive.
GM Pierre Dorion was looking for immediate stability. Instead, he watched Gustavsson provide it for the Wild, while Talbot lasted only one season in Ottawa.
At 39 and still unsigned as September arrived, Talbot has probably begun to think seriously about life after hockey. Instead, the unexpected opening in Columbus has given him at least one more kick at the can.
By Steve Warne The Hockey News
This article was first published in The Hockey News. For more Sens coverage at The Hockey News, click on one of the latest THN Ottawa headlines below:
On this day in 2018, the Detroit Red Wings announced that captain Henrik Zetterberg's career was over due to a degenerative back injury, closing the book on one of the most decorated careers in franchise history.
The announcement came at the team's training camp in Traverse City, Michigan, with general manager Ken Holland confirming that Zetterberg had made little progress in his recovery over the offseason and would not be able to play again. Zetterberg went on long term injured reserve with three years remaining on his 12 year, $73 million contract, allowing him to continue being paid while the Red Wings received salary cap relief.
Zetterberg spent his entire 15 season NHL career with Detroit after being drafted in the seventh round, 210th overall, in 1999, one of the sport's greatest late round draft gems that would go on to become a franchise cornerstone. He made his NHL debut in October 2002 and quickly established himself as one of the league's premier two way forwards.
The signature moment of his career came in 2008, when Zetterberg helped lead the Red Wings to the Stanley Cup and was awarded the Conn Smythe Trophy as playoff MVP. He was also a Selke Trophy finalist multiple times over his career for his work as one of the league's top defensive forwards.
In 2013, Zetterberg was named captain of the Red Wings, taking over from the legendary Nicklas Lidstrom, and wore the "C" for six seasons. During that stretch, he won the NHL Foundation Award in 2013 and the King Clancy Trophy in 2015, honors that recognize leadership and humanitarian contribution both on and off the ice.
On the international stage, Zetterberg was one of the most accomplished players of his generation for Sweden, becoming a member of the Triple Gold Club by winning an Olympic gold medal, a World Championship gold medal and the Stanley Cup. He won Olympic gold in 2006 and world championship titles in 2001 and 2005, adding to a resume that placed him among Sweden's greatest hockey exports.
Zetterberg finished his NHL career with 1,082 games played, tallying 337 goals and 623 assists for 960 total points, numbers that rank him among the best players in Red Wings history.
Following his retirement, the Red Wings would eventually hand the captaincy to Dylan Larkin, but Zetterberg's legacy as one of the most complete players of his era, and one of the most important figures in modern Red Wings history, remains firmly intact.
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The Florida Panthers play their first pre-season game on Sunday against the Carolina Hurricanes.
Training camp begins in the next few days, and there is plenty to watch as the organization prepares for the start of the 2026-27 season on Sept. 29.
While most of the Panthers lineup is in order, several players will compete for limited spots, looking to make their mark during practices and the four pre-season games.
Here are three intriguing storylines to follow during training camp.
Who Earns The 13th Forward Role
No role has more competition than the Panthers' 13th forward spot. With Jonah Gadjovich healthy and Garnet Hathaway in the mix as the fourth-line wingers, there really aren't any spots available. Lars Eller was brought in to be the fourth-line winger, and with Brad Marchand expected to miss time to start the season, Sandis Vilmanis could be given the runway to skate with Eetu Luostarinen and Anton Lundell.
That leaves only the 13th-place spot with a large group of players. Cole Schwindt, Cole Reinhardt, Sam Lafferty, John Beecher, and even Angus Crookshank are all worthy of serving as the 13th forward, but only one spot exists.
This will create a competitive training camp and pre-season.
Like the forward group, the Panthers' defense corps is settled, barring any injuries. The top pair will be Gustav Forsling and Aaron Ekblad, followed by Niko Mikkola and Seth Jones, with Dmitry Kulikov and Radko Gudas rounding it out. Uvis Balinskis, who was a mainstay due to injuries last year, will be the seventh defenseman to start the year.
After that, the hierarchy is murky. Donovan Sebrango, Tobias Bjornfot, and Alex Petrovic looked solid in the NHL action they received, but are all risks to be claimed off waivers. Marek Alscher, Mikulas Hovorka, and Ludvig Jansson all got NHL experience last year and will be key factors in the AHL. So, if the injury bug strikes the Panthers blueline again, who is first in line to be called up?
Pre-season and training camp might not decide that, but they can determine who gets the first call-up.
Emil Pieniniemi is another interesting name to watch. He is a 2005-born, 6-foot-3 Finnish defenseman drafted in the third round of the 2023 NHL draft, whom the Panthers acquired in the off-season from the Pittsburgh Penguins.
At this point, it seems that the Panthers' third-string goalie will be an internal player.
If so, the three options are Cooper Black, Kirill Gerasimyuk, and Tyler Muszelik.
Black is likely the best equipped and closest to NHL-ready of the three. Standing a monstrous 6-foot-8, Black posted strong numbers in 42 AHL games last year. While he still does require some development, he may need to be fast-tracked if injuries occur to Jacob Markstrom or Akira Schmid.
Gerasimyuk also posted decent results in the AHL in 2025-26, but at just 23 years old and with limited North American experience, he still needs patience.
Muszelik is the least likely option right now, but things can always change. The 22-year-old has no professional experience so far, as he was recently signed after playing four seasons in the NCAA.
Asking any of these goaltenders to step into NHL action next year is a difficult question, but with the cap restraints, they may be forced to do so. Some pre-season action will go a long way toward building familiarity against NHL-level opponents.
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On Monday, some more insight was brought to the forefront of the trade saga between the Winnipeg Jets and superstar goaltender Connor Hellebuyck.
TSN's Darren Dreger reported on the radio show First Up that he had heard about the offers the Jets were receiving from teams, calling them terrible, and said that even with the expanded trade list, it still doesn't give Winnipeg much in the way of options.
Dreger pointed out a key problem is that a lot of contending teams already have a stable solution in net, and their only use for a trade like adding a three time Vezina Trophy winner in Hellebuyck would be mainly for an upgrade.
These teams, viewing Hellebuyck as merely an upgrade, have been wanting him "at a discount price, want a bargain basement return," according to Dreger. Meanwhile, teams that would love to add Hellebuyck as a meaningful solution to their problem in net, like the Montreal Canadiens or Edmonton Oilers, are both still in Canada, adding another layer of complexity to any deal.
This past Thursday, Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman, on a new episode of his podcast 32 Thoughts, gave a large update on the situation, saying that among the teams that have sent offers was the Florida Panthers, who had made an offer for Hellebuyck.
However, several of the pieces involved have since been dealt elsewhere, including draft capital sent to Ottawa in the Brady Tkachuk trade, along with Florida's decision to move on from Evan Rodrigues to New Jersey. Florida has since pivoted to adding Jacob Markstrom in net, with that avenue appearing closed.
As for rumored landing spots, Friedman named the Buffalo Sabres, Utah Mammoth and Carolina Hurricanes as the biggest remaining contenders, while expressing uncertainty about the New Jersey Devils.
Other contenders that either don't need a goaltender or would only use Hellebuyck as an upgrade include the Tampa Bay Lightning, with reigning Vezina Trophy winner Andrei Vasilevskiy, the Dallas Stars and Jake Oettinger, the Washington Capitals and Logan Thompson, and the New York Islanders and Ilya Sorokin. Colorado and Minnesota each have a pair of stable netminders they would need to break up in a Hellebuyck trade, and while either would have a solid number one, it would require other moves rather than keeping a stable pair together.
Also on that list are the Utah Mammoth and Karel Vejmelka, the Carolina Hurricanes and Brandon Bussi, the Anaheim Ducks and Lukas Dostal, and the San Jose Sharks and Yaroslav Askarov.
Some potential options that have possibly been explored include the obvious name in the Buffalo Sabres, who almost added Hellebuyck at the trade deadline, and the Vegas Golden Knights, who have a less than stable goalie tandem with Carter Hart and Adin Hill and could have Hellebuyck as a solid number one, and would have the NHL ready pieces to facilitate a return that Winnipeg would like.
Another possibility could be the Los Angeles Kings, who will enter the season with a 36 year old expiring free agent in Darcy Kuemper and would be an easy sell to have Hellebuyck join a contender that lives in Los Angeles.
Lastly, and one of the easiest answers, is New Jersey, as the Devils have just a veteran in Jake Allen and an inexperienced backup in Nico Daws, with Hellebuyck being an easy solution for their number one spot and a move that would be closer to home for Hellebuyck and his family in Michigan.
Another complication is that no trade lists reset on July 1, and Friedman explained that some players who could've been subject to a move to Winnipeg as part of a Hellebuyck package may have since added the Jets to their no trade lists.
Friedman didn't confirm whether Buffalo Sabres goaltender Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen was one of those players who may have added Winnipeg to a five team no trade list, but he did note he's aware of players in that situation making the switch to block a potential move. He also noted the Jets still want to compete and doesn't believe they want futures coming back in a Hellebuyck deal, wanting NHL ready pieces instead.
With more and more reports suggesting the difficulty behind moving Hellebuyck, it appears the end is not in sight for Winnipeg.
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With the San Jose Sharks' portion of the 2026 Rookie Faceoff now in the past, let's take a look back at the players who participated in this year's event. While the Sharks were dominant and nobody really seemed out of place, there were some who shined more than others.
Forwards:
Ivar Stenberg: NHL ready. Not much else to say, he was exactly as advertised.
Filip Bystedt: Less of a sample size since he was a late scratch against Utah, but overall seemed fine. Not as dominant as you'd expect given his level of experience at the AHL level though despite scoring a goal.
Michael Misa: Hard to complain about a two-point night in his only outing of the tournament, but it took him some time to show signs of his skill level. Would've liked to see more out of him as he's set to compete for the Sharks' 2C job.
Igor Chernyshov: Seemed to generate a lot of chances during his time with Stenberg but struggled to do much with them. Definitely a dangerous offensive player as we've seen in both the NHL and AHL, but chemistry with Misa and Stenberg wasn't quite there.
Quentin Musty: It seems that Musty knows the likelihood of him ever earning a top-six role with the Sharks is diminishing and he's attempting to change up his game a bit to compete for a bottom-six job. Much more physical than I remember and was willing to stand up for his teammates.
Andre Gasseau: Surprisingly impressive. While he mainly stood out in the first game of the event, scoring a pair of goals and picking up an assist, he wasn't necessarily out of place between Stenberg and Chernyshov. It did seem that his linemates got him less involved against Utah though.
Carson Wetsch: Although John McCarthy said this is viewed more as a showcase and didn't really raise anyone's stock, it's hard to ignore Wetsch's contributions. Getting himself a game misconduct in the first period of a regular season game would probably be troublesome, but it showed who he is and what he's willing to do. Could be a player to watch at Training Camp.
Cam Lund: Hard to evaluate with how early he was knocked out of the game against LA. Injuries are certainly becoming a concern though, as they're going to start impacting his development heavily at this rate.
Jake Gustafson: His goal-scoring was critical to the Sharks' win over Utah, as it would've been a much different game without him on the ice. Still a few years away from being ready to turn pro, but certainly seemed to thrive in this level of competition.
Aurelio Garcia: A few good hustle plays, notably when he forced a goalie turnover behind the net against Utah. Otherwise, seemed fairly invisible throughout the weekend.
Brendan Hoffman: Seemed decent, but not a difference-maker. Could be a solid bottom-six option for the Barracuda or play a bigger role with the Thunder.
Pavel Martinu: For the most part, Martinu didn't stand out much outside of his goal against Los Angeles. Could be a solid signing for the AHL in the future, but would likely spend time in the ECHL. Seemed solid for an 18-year-old at this tournament. Could be a player who gets drafted as an overage player.
Samuel Huo: Not very noticeable overall.
Jordan Bax: Only memorable moment was when Bax took a penalty, so not overly impactful.
Defensemen:
Phillip Sinn: Had some poor decisions at times, but seemed like he could be a solid player for the Barracuda this season.
Eric Pohlkamp: Very little to complain about with his performance. He thrived on both the power play and penalty kill. His shot can make him into a valuable player at the NHL level. Should be interesting to watch at training camp.
Alexander Karmanov: His size is definitely an asset and helped him keep up with players who were much quicker than him. He helped deflect a few dangerous shots and looked better than expected for an 18-year-old seventh-round pick. Definitely a project who likely never sees the NHL, but worth keeping an eye on.
Tristan Sarsland, Thomas Messineo, Mack Oliphant: Not much to note on Sarsland, Messineo, and Oliphant but for defensemen, that's kind of a good thing. Weren't game-changers though.
Jake Boltmann: Stepped up to play forward when needed. Like the aforementioned trio he wasn't a game-changer, but was more noticeable on the ice.
Goaltenders:
Brady Knowling: Looked phenomenal in his only outing of the tournament, saving 26 of the 27 shots that he faced. Certainly some areas he can improve, but I'll leave that to the goaltending experts to breakdown later on.
Matt Davis: Solid overall, allowing just one goal while facing 16 shots. Needs a strong camp to even earn an AHL job, so he'll be a player to keep an eye on later this month.
Connor Hasley: Made some big saves after coming into the game cold. Nothing to really complain about, outside of playing the puck in some dangerous situations.
It's important to take rookie tournaments with a grain of salt, as they are often not relevant to training camp decisions in the long run. With that being said, a solid performance never hurts.
The Montreal Canadiens’ prospects didn’t exactly shine in the first game of the Prospect Challenge, and they weren’t about to do the same on Sunday. Against the Ottawa Senators, the mini Habs proved to be quite a tenacious group and came from behind to secure a 5-4 shootout win. Montreal went with the same leadership group as in Game 1, with Luke Mittelstadt wearing the C and Dillan Brentley and Tyler Thorpe wearing the As.
Much like the Winnipeg Jets on Saturday, the Sens had their fair share of high draft picks in the lineup. 32nd pick overall in the last draft, Jaxon Cover made quite an impression, with three points in the first period alone. Kasper Halttunen, who was picked 36th overall in the last draft, was also on the ice and got the first goal of the game. The Sens also had the son of former Hab Thomas Vanek, Blake Vanek, and Christian Kyrou, Jordan’s brother, on their roster.
Cover nearly had a fourth point when he took off on a breakaway early in the second, but Habs’ netminder Mikus Vecvanags made a spectacular save to keep the score at 3-1. Just like on Saturday, the Habs lacked discipline; this time it was Parker Trottier who got a prime seat in the box as the Sens deployed their power play. The Canadiens came out unscathed, however, and they even scored a second power-play goal through Josh Nadeau, who had scored in similar circumstances in the first. Mittelstadt also got an assist on each of his first two lamplighters.
The second frame saw plenty of extracurricular activity, with Wesley Roston dropping the mitts against Kaleb Dietsch and many players from both sides heading to the penalty box. It was almost like a real Montreal-Ottawa duel.
Montreal came out strong in the third, tying up the score with a shot from the point thanks to Jean-Samuel Daigneault before Nadeau completed his hat trick, once again scoring on a Mittelstadt assist.
Unfortunately for the Habs, though, Thorpe missed a hit, and it turned into a knee-on-knee collision, which sent him to the box. The Sens immediately tied up the game, with Cover getting his 4th assist of the game on Eskild Bakke Olsen’s goal. All tied up at the end of 60 minutes, the teams headed to three-on-three overtime, but nobody could break the deadlock.
Alexander Legkov pulled off a great move to give the Canadiens the lead in the shootout, and Vecvanags stood tall to stop Cover, while Parker Trottier scored as well for Montreal, giving the Habs a 5-4 win. While Ottawa had the best side on paper, the Habs were the better team on the night.
ST. PAUL, Minn. — Minnesota Wild training camp is almost here. With day one starting on Thursday, we have some questions.
The Wild announced a 48-player training camp roster that will report to TRIA Rink beginning Sept. 17, officially beginning preparations for the 2026-27 season.
Minnesota enters camp with Stanley Cup expectations, but that doesn't mean there aren't questions surrounding the roster.
From the middle of the ice to the crease, there will be plenty to watch over the next few weeks. Here are six of the biggest questions facing the Wild as training camp gets underway.
Who Will Emerge As The Wild's No. 1 Center?
This might be the biggest on-ice question facing Minnesota.
Joel Eriksson Ek, Ryan Hartman and Danila Yurov all provide coach John Hynes with options down the middle, but who will ultimately center the Wild's first line?
Eriksson Ek is probably the most natural answer. He has already shown chemistry with Kirill Kaprizov and Matt Boldy, and putting those three together would give Minnesota a legitimate loaded top line.
But doing so could also create questions farther down the lineup. We will get to the depth topic later.
Hartman has spent significant time alongside Kaprizov in recent seasons and could once again get an opportunity there. Yurov is perhaps the most intriguing option.
The 22-year-old recorded 27 points during his rookie season and spent stretches playing between Kaprizov and Mats Zuccarello. A significant step forward from Yurov could completely change the construction of Minnesota's lineup.
And then there is another possibility: What if the answer isn't currently on the roster?
General manager Bill Guerin has repeatedly shown a willingness to make significant trades when he believes they improve his team. The Wild don't necessarily have to solve their No. 1 center question during training camp, but camp should give us the first indication of how they plan to approach it.
When Quinn Hughes speaks to the Minnesota media during training camp, there is little doubt where the questions will begin.
Hughes is entering the final season of his contract and recently made it clear at the NHL/NHLPA Player Media Tour that he doesn't feel pressured into getting an extension done before camp.
"This is going to be done whenever I feel like it needs to be done," Hughes said in Las Vegas. "I don't feel backed up against a wall."
Hughes added that conversations with the Wild hadn't been extensive over the summer because he wanted an opportunity to reset, but said he expects things to "heat up" as the season gets closer.
Hughes may not reveal anything more than he did in Vegas, but every answer will be dissected. Does he sound like someone who sees Minnesota as his long-term home? Have negotiations progressed? Is there any timetable?
Until Hughes signs an extension, his contract situation will hover over everything the Wild do.
Training camp will give Minnesota reporters their first opportunity to ask him about it on home soil.
Is Jesper Wallstedt Ready To Take Over The Crease?
For Jesper Wallstedt, this isn't just another training camp.
Filip Gustavsson is expected to begin the season on injured reserve as he continues recovering from offseason hip surgery, leaving Wallstedt and offseason addition Calvin Pickard as Minnesota's NHL goaltenders entering camp.
That puts Wallstedt in position to carry a significant workload to begin the season.
The good news for Minnesota is that he has already shown he can handle NHL competition.
Wallstedt, 23, went 18-9-6 with a .915 save percentage during the 2025-26 regular season before eventually taking over the crease during the playoffs. He started 10 postseason games and helped Minnesota defeat the Dallas Stars in the opening round.
Now comes another step.
Instead of being the young goalie pushing Gustavsson for playing time, Wallstedt enters camp knowing Minnesota could need him to be its No. 1 goaltender for an extended stretch.
How he looks during camp and the preseason will be one of the biggest storylines to follow.
How Will The Wild Replace All Of The Offense They Lost?
Minnesota's forward group will look considerably different this season.
Mats Zuccarello, Marcus Johansson and Vladimir Tarasenko are all gone, leaving the Wild without three forwards who played significant offensive roles last season.
That is 53 goals and 150 points between the three of them.
Replacing that production won't fall on one player.
The Wild added Blake Coleman and Maxim Shabanov during the offseason, while Yurov and Bobby Brink could be asked to take on larger roles. Minnesota will also need continued high-end production from Kaprizov and Boldy.
Coleman brings four 20-goal seasons to Minnesota, while Shabanov is one of the most interesting wild cards on the roster after recording 18 points in 44 games with the New York Islanders last season.
The Wild may have replaced some of the departed players stylistically, but replacing their combined offensive production is another matter.
Camp will provide the first look at how Hynes plans to redistribute those minutes and opportunities.
Who Plays With Kirill Kaprizov?
For years, this question barely needed to be asked.
If Kaprizov was healthy, there was a pretty good chance Zuccarello would be next to him.
Not anymore.
Zuccarello's departure creates an opening alongside Minnesota's superstar, and there are several ways Hynes could approach it.
The easiest solution would be loading up Kaprizov, Eriksson Ek and Boldy. That trio has been dominant when used together, but separating Boldy from Kaprizov gives Minnesota another elite offensive threat capable of driving his own line.
Shabanov could also get a look alongside Kaprizov. So could Yurov. Hartman remains an option, and Hynes could spend much of camp experimenting with different combinations.
Whoever gets the opportunity will be stepping into one of the most important roles on the roster.
Finding Kaprizov's next running mate begins in camp.
Is Maxim Shabanov A Legitimate Top-Six Forward?
Perhaps no newcomer will be more interesting to watch than Shabanov.
Minnesota signed the 25-year-old forward to a one-year contract after his first NHL season with the Islanders, where he recorded five goals and 18 points in 44 games.
Those numbers don't scream top-six forward.
But the skill that made Shabanov an intriguing player coming out of the KHL hasn't disappeared, and Minnesota may provide him with a much different opportunity.
Bill Guerin told us that he identifies Shabanov as a player who could see time in the Wild's top six.
"We see him in that top-six role, but we have to see who he's going to have the best chemistry with."
Could that include playing alongside Kaprizov?
That's what makes camp so interesting.
Before making the jump to North America, the 5-foot-8 winger starred in the KHL with Traktor Chelyabinsk, posting 23 goals and 44 assists for 67 points in 65 games during the 2024-25 season, establishing himself as one of the league's most dynamic offensive players.
If Shabanov proves capable of producing in a top-six role, the Wild's forward group suddenly looks considerably deeper. If he doesn't, Minnesota may still have a hole to address.
The preseason won't answer every question about Shabanov, but we should quickly learn how the Wild view him.
And if he's skating next to No. 97 when camp begins, we'll have our first clue.
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Colorado Avalanche fans can stop wondering who will be running the front office.
Joe Sakic is staying.
After returning to the general manager position following Chris MacFarland's departure for the Nashville Predators, Sakic has decided to remain in the role, meaning the Avalanche will no longer need to begin the search for his eventual replacement.
Sakic stepped away from the GM position after Colorado's Stanley Cup championship in 2022, moving into the role of president of hockey operations. But MacFarland's departure forced the Avalanche to turn back to the man who helped build the team into a champion.
What initially appeared to be a temporary arrangement now looks much more permanent.
According to team sources who spoke exclusively to The Denver Gazette's Evan Rawal, Sakic felt “reinvigorated” by the opportunity to return to the GM chair. The Avalanche's four-game sweep at the hands of the Vegas Golden Knights in the Western Conference Final also reportedly brought his competitive fire back.
For an organization that had expected to eventually begin looking for a new general manager, the decision removes one major question heading into the 2026-27 season.
Sakic, after all, knows this team better than almost anyone.
He was the architect of the roster that eventually lifted the Stanley Cup in 2022, and while his responsibilities changed after that championship, his influence throughout the organization never really disappeared.
Now, he gets another opportunity to shape the roster himself.
The timing is particularly interesting with training camp set to open Thursday at Family Sports Center.
The Avalanche enter the season with plenty to prove after their disappointing postseason exit, but there will also be plenty of attention on what Sakic does with the roster now that he has officially decided to stay in the GM role.
There could be some changes coming behind the scenes as well.
The Hockey News has heard that the Fix-It rink inside Family Sports Center, which underwent significant upgrades over the past several months, including new ice and boards, could eventually become the Avalanche's primary practice rink.
For now, though, the biggest development is much more straightforward.
Sakic isn't going anywhere.
And after a brutal playoff loss that apparently reignited his competitive fire, the Avalanche’s Hall of Fame executive has another opportunity to lead the team he helped build back to the top of the hockey world and capture another Stanley Cup championship.
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