Now that the media has had some time to take a closer look at the NHL schedule, Daily Faceoff podcast co-host Jason Gregor has pointed out an interesting tidbit. Out of the Montreal Canadiens’ 84 games, 19 will be played against opponents who are playing the second game of a back-to-back sequence. That’s the most of any team in the league. The Anaheim Ducks are second with 18 duels against opponents on the tail end of a back-to-back, and the Detroit Red Wings and St. Louis Blues share third place with 16 such confrontations. At the other end of the spectrum, the Toronto Maple Leafs and the Winnipeg Jets will only be facing an opponent on the second game of a back-to-back five times.
On paper, it may mean the Habs’ opponent will be tired after playing a second game in as many days, but games are played on the ice, not on paper. It’s also worth noting that in four of those 19 games, the Canadiens will also be playing in the second game of a back-to-back, which means that they may be fresher in 15 of the 19 duels.
Number of games NHL teams have when they face an opponent on the second half of a back-to-back. Quite the difference from MTL to TOR and WPG. pic.twitter.com/yxoKwDaTrE
Playing the second game of a back-to-back isn’t always a disadvantage, though. For instance, last season, the Habs played 16 back-to-back sequences, and their record in the second game of those back-to-back sequences was 9-5-2. Four other teams had nine wins in those circumstances, joining the Canadiens as league leaders in that department: the Buffalo Sabres (9-1-3), the Ottawa Senators (9-3-2), the Columbus Blue Jackets (9-5-2), and the New York Islanders. Which team had the worst record in those circumstances? The New York Rangers (2-10-1), the Red Wings (3-7-3), and the Utah Mammoth (3-7-1).
After skating in 16 back-to-backs last season, the Canadiens will play only 10 this season, which is not far from the fewest; the Calgary Flames and the Vegas Golden Knights have only 8, while Winnipeg has 9. The Pittsburgh Penguins get the short end of the stick with 15. Of course, the fact that there are no Olympics this season helps make the schedule somewhat lighter, and no one will complain about that.
Will the 19 duels against opponents on the tail end of a back-to-back favour the Canadiens? We’ll have to wait and see…
PITTSBURGH - MAY 21: Fans unable to get tickets watch the game on a jumbotron outside of the stadium as the Pittsburgh Penguins take on the Carolina Hurricanes during Game Two of the Eastern Conference Finals of the 2009 Stanley Cup Playoffs on May 21, 2009 at Mellon Arena in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/NHLI via Getty Images) | NHLI via Getty Images
Attendance across the NHL was up last season to record levels across the board. A rebound year on the ice meant improvements in Pittsburgh to fill the arena to 94% capacity in 2025-26, up from 91.5% in 2024-25.
That 94% figure still ranks near the bottom of the league, with only six teams in the NHL filling less of their buildings (Anaheim, Calgary, Ottawa, Columbus, Winnipeg and San Jose). 13 teams reported 100% or more by selling standing room tickets without a seat attached. The upturn in performance by the Pens gave a boost at the box office for a team that was once 31st in attendance during the season before selling more seats as the season went along.
There could be good news along the way on that front – the Penguins are reportedly slightly lowering prices on most season tickets from last year according to this research.
Season Ticket prices for the Washington Capitals, Pittsburgh Penguins, and Philadelphia Flyers for the 2026-27 NHL season, showing % change per game from the 2025-26 season. All data from each team's official site. pic.twitter.com/F304UWLWmS
— iceburgh in superhell (@katielatenight) July 16, 2026
On the business side of operations, it will be interesting to see how pricing factors into attendance next season. The Penguins will benefit from snapping their previous three season stint of not making the playoffs and prices will be a little lower. That benefit is subject to fade depending on future performance. It’s a good sign that area construction around the arena has also subsided (though of course, Pittsburgh being Pittsburgh will not ever go away completely) and at least the completed project across the street that reduced the area to gridlock will abate. A lot of the shine has worn off for having a new building and a team that was a true championship contender from a decade ago, but better performance on the ice gave fans more of a reason to come and watch in person last year.
Despite the team’s performance going down during the 2020’s, under ownership from Fenway Sports, ticket prices dramatically increased in recent years. Premium areas like the relatively new Casamigos club have opened new revenue streams for the team to increase revenue despite the decrease in total attendance. The Pens lost a 633-game sellout streak that lasted 14 years in October of 2021 but can remain viable by drawing money (and making a ton of overall revenue) despite a lack of recent sellouts.
Based on the information above, season tickets to the Penguins are much more of value for similar seats in Washington and Philadelphia, two division rivals in larger markets. Those teams continue to raise prices for 2026-27, the Penguins have taken a different tactic in order to attempt and draw back in fans that may have felt priced out in recent years.
The Calgary Flames may have done most of their heavy lifting this offseason, but don't mistake the silence for inactivity.
General manager Craig Conroy isn't finished listening.
After reshaping much of Calgary's roster over the past several months, the Flames remain one of the NHL's most intriguing teams to watch on the trade market. According to David Pagnotta, rival clubs continue to check in regularly, with center Morgan Frost and defenseman Zach Whitecloud among the names drawing the most interest.
"Morgan Frost's name still out there. They have others they're willing to listen on. There are teams interested in Whitecloud still, and so on and so on. So this is going to be an interesting summer."
For Conroy, there's little incentive to force another move.
Calgary has already transformed its future by dealing Rasmus Andersson to the Vegas Golden Knights, MacKenzie Weegar to the Utah Mammoth, Nazem Kadri to the Colorado Avalanche, and longtime leader Blake Coleman elsewhere. Those trades left the organization with an enviable stockpile of draft capital, including 30 selections over the coming years and two first-round picks in each of the next three drafts.
As The Hockey News previously reported, that puts the Flames squarely in the driver's seat. Conroy can afford to be patient, wait for the market to develop, and only make another move if the return genuinely strengthens Calgary's long-term outlook.
Frost has become one of the more logical trade candidates on Calgary's roster.
The 27-year-old is entering the final year of his contract after producing a career-best 22 goals and 43 points last season. Centers are always in demand around the league, and a productive middle-six forward on an expiring deal naturally attracts attention.
Earlier this summer, Frost's name also surfaced among Avalanche fans as a potential trade target if the club had been unable to reacquire Kadri. Once Kadri returned to Denver, however, that speculation quickly disappeared.
Acquired from the Philadelphia Flyers alongside Joel Farabee during the 2024-25 season, Frost has settled into Calgary's middle six while quietly raising his value around the league.
Zach Whitecloud has barely unpacked in Calgary, yet trade speculation has followed him ever since he arrived in the Andersson deal.
The 29-year-old right-shot defenseman checks a lot of boxes for playoff contenders. He plays a physical, reliable game, can comfortably handle top-four minutes, owns a Stanley Cup ring from Vegas' 2023 championship run, and carries an affordable $2.75 million cap hit through the 2027-28 season.
According to The Win Column, the Anaheim Ducks remain one of the teams showing significant interest as they continue searching for help on the right side of their blue line following the departures of John Carlson, Jacob Trouba, and Radko Gudas.
That's exactly why Calgary has no reason to rush. Whitecloud is cost-controlled, experienced, and fills a premium position. Unless another club presents an offer that clearly outweighs his value, the Flames can comfortably keep him in the lineup.
Jonathan Huberdeau's name has occasionally surfaced in trade conversations this offseason, but that's largely speculation more than anything grounded in reality.
The veteran winger carries a $10.5 million cap hit, is coming off major surgery, and still has significant term remaining on his contract. Simply put, this isn't the time to expect Calgary to move him. Finding a team willing—and able—to absorb that contract under those circumstances would be extraordinarily difficult, making a trade highly unrealistic at this stage.
With the free-agent market beginning to dry up and more teams turning toward trades to address roster needs, Calgary's phone is likely to keep ringing throughout the summer.
The difference is that Conroy doesn't have to answer with a deal.
Armed with one of the NHL's deepest collections of draft assets and no pressure to shed salary, the Flames can continue listening while holding firm on their asking prices. If another team gets desperate, Calgary is perfectly positioned to capitalize. If not, there's little downside to standing pat until the right opportunity presents itself.
Tij Iginla isn't shying away from the expectations that come with being a top draft pick.
After finally putting together a healthy season and taking another big step in his development, the Utah Mammoth prospect believes he's ready for the next challenge. With training camp a couple of months away, Iginla said his focus is simple: earn a spot in the NHL.
"It was great to be back for a full season and be healthy," Iginla said during Utah's development camp. "You never want to go through injuries, but hopefully that's behind me. I felt like it was a good season, and I got a lot better. That's always been my mentality, just to keep getting better and growing every day."
The 19-year-old isn't pointing to one major change that's elevated his game. Instead, he says it's been the accumulation of little things.
Iginla has spent part of his offseason skating with projected first-overall pick Gavin McKenna, paying close attention to the small details that can separate good players from great ones.
"Sometimes getting better isn't about something big," Iginla said. "It's picking up little things, whether it's a change of direction or another movement that a player does well. I'm just trying to keep adding those little details to my game."
Asked if he feels ready to play in the NHL after two years in Utah's system, Iginla didn't hesitate.
"I do," he said. "I think I'm ready. I'm looking forward to a big summer of training and pushing myself hard in the gym, but I feel ready."
That confidence comes from more than just his own progress. Watching players around his age make an impact in the NHL has only reinforced his belief that he belongs in that conversation.
"I believe in the work I've put in and how much I've improved," Iginla said. "You see some of the young guys around the league, whether it's teammates from World Juniors or guys you've played against, having success. It makes you feel like that could be you too."
Iginla isn't interested in sharing every goal he's written down for next season, but he had no problem revealing the biggest one.
"My goal is definitely to make the team," he said.
Before training camp arrives, he'll spend another week around many of the organization's top prospects during development camp, something he says has become one of his favorite parts of the summer.
"It's super fun to see the guys," Iginla said. "This is my third year now, so I know most of them, and it's great welcoming the new draft picks. You get to compete, learn from each other and have some fun away from the rink too."
The week was also memorable away from hockey. Just one day before speaking with reporters, Iginla watched his younger brother hear his name called at the NHL Draft.
"We were all really excited for him," Iginla said. "He's worked really hard, and it was great to see him have that moment."
Richards was charged with misdemeanor battery/domestic violence and unauthorized use of 911 services. He is currently being held at Broward County Jail in Fort Launderdalle, Florida.
A bond amount was not listed on the Broward County Clerk of Courts website.
Richards is also an equipment manager for USA Hockey, where he served on the gold-medal winning U.S. men's team at the 2026 Milano-Cortina Winter Olympics. He also worked with the team at the 2026 IIFH World Championship and the 2025 4 Nations Face-Off.
The Panthers released the following statement after acknowledging Richards’ arrest: "Effective immediately, he will be suspended from all team activities and facilities pending investigation.”
Richards has spent over a decade working in the NHL and has been with the Panthers since the 2016-17 season. He was the equipment manager for the team when they won consecutive Stanley Cup titles in 2024 and 2025. He also worked with the Pittsburgh Penguins during the 2015-16 season in the first of their back-to-back Stanley Cup championships.
At some point, the Philadelphia Flyers need their power play to be better than one of the worst, if not the very worst, in the entire NHL, and they can only change systems and coaches so many times before coming to a different conclusion.
Through the offseason thus far, the Flyers have missed out on several players who would have otherwise helped bolster their unit.
The offer sheet attempt on Leo Carlsson was an excellent idea, but Anaheim, obviously, matched the sheet and shut down the move.
Defenseman John Carlson preferred to go to a contender and got his wish with a deal in Tampa Bay.
Flyers legend Claude Giroux considered an offer tabled by his good friend and former teammate Danny Briere, but ultimately opted to remain with the Ottawa Senators for one more year.
Ultimately, the Flyers were forced to walk away from NHL free agency, thus far, with veteran fourth liner Noel Acciari and a host of AHL/NHL tweeners, like Nolan Foote, Jack Studnicka, and Zach Aston-Reese.
In lieu of acquiring a No. 1 center just not being a reliable or realistic option at this time, the Flyers still can, however, find a reasonably effective power play quarterback on the quickly thinning market.
More than two weeks on from the start of free agency, former star defenseman John Klingberg remains an unrestricted free agent, who leads the remaining crop of available defensemen with his 27 points in 55 games last season.
Klingberg, 33, isn't the same player he was in 2017-18, when he scored a career-high 67 points in 82 games for the Dallas Stars, but he can still contribute to a power play on a good team.
Injuries have been a factor for the Swede, too, as a hip injury decimated his 2023-24 and 2024-25 seasons, limiting him to a total of just 25 regular season games between stints with the Toronto Maple Leafs and Edmonton Oilers.
Klingberg did return mostly healthy in the 2025-26 season for the San Jose Sharks, but was not always included in the lineup by head coach Ryan Warsofsky.
Still, the former Stars ace averaged 20:28 in the games he did play, scoring five goals and nine total points on the power play, accounting for a third of his total point production.
At his best, Klingberg was a player capable of producing double-digit power play points regularly, and nearly did so again this past season despite his advanced age and having missed nearly two full seasons worth of time.
As illustrated in the JFresh player card above, Klingberg has always been average to bad defensively, but a positive influence offensively.
Fortunately, the Flyers would not be signing the Swede for his defensive prowess, or lack thereof, and Klingberg would serve more as a mentor and rotational piece who could be used to protect someone like David Jiricek or Oliver Bonk from suboptimal matchups as they get their feet wet at the NHL level.
If all goes well, Jiricek would be the Flyers' power play quarterback of the future, but the team cannot guarantee that off rip.
By signing Klingberg, the Flyers can get themselves some veteran insurance while ensuring they do not rush Jiricek along before he is ready, or before they feel comfortable giving him an every-night role.
Of note, too: Klingberg and newcomer Simon Benoit played as a defensive pairing in Anaheim in 2022-23, so there is an element of familiarity there. The advanced analytics were as bad as you'd expect, but we can also argue that the Flyers employ a better structure with better personnel to insulate them.
Klingberg played the last season for the Sharks on a one-year, $4 million deal; the Flyers currently have just under $14 million in cap space available after re-signing Jamie Drysdale and Trevor Zegras.
Financially, there is little risk for the Flyers to chase after the best remaining power play specialist, and Klingberg could build himself enough appeal for a trade to a contender later in the season if he straps up his boots and does a tidy job for the Flyers early on.
John Meore/The Journal News / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
On Wednesday, Alberts Šmits signed his three-year, entry-level contract with the New York Rangers.
What does this new development mean for Šmits’ immediate future?
Šmits is considered to be one of the most pro-ready defensemen in the 2026 NHL draft class, which is likely a reason the Rangers decided to take him over other blueliners, including Chase Reid and Keaton Verhoeff, with the fifth overall pick.
Playing at the Olympics, World Championship, and Liiga this past season, Šmits showed his maturity on the ice and cemented his status as a top prospect.
Now that he signed his entry-level contract with the Rangers, the 18-year-old defenseman will join the team for training camp starting in September, with the hopes of earning an opening-night roster spot.
He won’t have an easy path to make the Rangers’ roster due to the additions of Sean Durzi and Marcus Pettersson, as well as the re-signing of Braden Schneider.
There’s a scenario in which Šmits spends his entire rookie campaign in the American Hockey League with the Hartford Wolf Pack.
When speaking about Šmits, Rangers president and general manager Chris Drury emphasized that the team will do what’s in Šmits’ best interest in terms of his long-term development.
“We're gonna do right by him and the long-term health and well-being of him as a Ranger,” Drury said of Šmits. “This is not a sprint for him. We hope he's a rock-solid defenseman for the Rangers for the next 15 years. We're not going to put him in positions or situations that he can't handle. So excited to add him, but again, not going to do anything that's not in the best interest long term for him.”
Even if Šmits starts the season in Hartford, there’s always potential for him to be recalled over the course of the year if his play warrants it or if injuries occur.
At the very least, we’ll see Šmits at training camp, as he has a real opportunity to make an immediate impact for the Blueshirts.
NHL salary arbitration hearings don't start until next week and more than half of the players have already reached a settlement.
Philadelphia Flyers defenseman Jamie Drysdale was the ninth player out of 15 to settle, agreeing to a four-year contract averaging $6.5 million a year on Friday, July 17.
He was scheduled for a hearing on Monday, July 20. Teammate Trevor Zegras agreed to a four-year deal with a $9.125 million average on Wednesday.
Also settling early (details below) are St. Louis Blues forward Connor Michael, Montreal Canadiens forward Kirby Dach, Winnipeg Jets forward Cole Perfetti, Buffalo Sabres forward Payton Krebs, New York Rangers defenseman Braden Schneider, Pittsburgh Penguins forward Nick Robertson and Ottawa Senators prospect Xavier Bourgault.
Settling early is typical during the salary arbitration hearing season, which runs from July 20 to Aug. 1 in Toronto. Both sides try to work out deals before the hearings.
This year, 15 restricted free agents filed to have an independent arbitrator determine their next contract. Both sides file salary requests and the arbitrator can award either number but often does something between.
The most interesting case is Dallas Stars winger Jason Robertson, who made $7.75 million in his last deal and is due a big raise after a 96-point season. The record arbitration award was $7.5 million to future Hall of Famer Shea Weber in 2011. Robertson is the brother of Nick Robertson.
Here are the salary arbitration dates, settlements and results, per puckpedia.com:
Monday, July 20
Jamie Drysdale, Philadelphia (settled, four years, $6.5 million average)
Cole Perfetti, Winnipeg (settled, five years, $6 million average)
Wednesday, July 22
Trevor Zegras, Philadelphia (settled, four years, $9.125 million average)
Thursday, July 23
Jet Greaves, Columbus
Saturday, July 25
Xavier Bourgault, Ottawa (settled, one year, $850,000)
Jason Robertson, Dallas
Connor McMichael, St. Louis (settled, six years, $6.75 million average)
Monday, July 27
Cole Sillinger, Columbus
Tuesday, July 28
Nick Robertson, Pittsburgh (settled, two years $3.5 million average)
Wednesday, July 29
Braden Schneider, N.Y. Rangers (settled, one year, $5.5 million)
Ronan Seeley, Carolina
Thursday, July 30
Alex Jefferies, N.Y. Islanders
Kirby Dach, Montreal (settled, one year, $3.6 million)
He gets a four-year, $26 million deal, up from a $2.3 million average. He had a career-best eight goals last season, and his 32 points matched a career high. Drysdale scored two power play goals in the playoffs.
He gets a one-year, $3.6 million deal, a slight bump from his previous $3,362,500 average. The key is he gets a one-way deal that pays him the same if he goes to the minors. He had been offered a deal that pay him less in the minors.
He gets a six-year, $40.5 million contract, a big increase from his previous $2.1 million average. He's joining the Blues this season after coming over in the Jordan Kyrou trade. He had 46 points last season with the Capitals.
He gets a four-year, $36.5 million contract, up from a $5.75 million average in his last contract. He becomes the Flyers' top-paid player after scoring a career-best 67 points following his trade from the Ducks.
He gets a five-year, $30 million contract, up from a $3.25 million average in his last contract. He dropped from 50 points to 32 as he dealt with injuries but he also averaged a career-best 15:37 per game.
Robertson came over from Toronto in a July 1 trade. His two-year $6.5 million contract is a raise from the $1.85 million he made in his final Maple Leafs contract. He has a career-high 16 goals and 32 points last season.
The defenseman gets one year at $5.5 million, up from a $2.2 million average in his last two-year contract. Schneider averaged about three more minutes a game last season.
The forward averages $4.5 million in his new contract, a bump from his previous $1.45 million cap hit. Krebs had his first 82-game season and set career bests in goals (12), assists (27) and points (39).
There have only been two players in the history of the San Jose Sharks to wear the number 76 at the NHL level. The most notable player to wear the number was Jonathan Dahlen, who played 61 games for the team in teal roughly half a decade ago.
Dahlen's NHL journey began when he was selected in the second round of the 2016 NHL Draft by the Ottawa Senators. Before he even signed his entry-level contract though, he was traded to the Vancouver Canucks in a trade that saw veteran forward Alex Burrows going to Canada's capital city.
Dahlen then signed his first NHL contract with the Canucks and spent two seasons with their American Hockey League affiliate at the time, the Utica Comets. He was then traded to San Jose in 2019 with Linus Karlsson heading north of the border.
After playing just seven games with the San Jose Barracuda during the 2018-19 season, he returned to his native Sweden for the next two years. He then returned to North America for the 2021-22 season and played in his only career NHL games to date. In 61 games with the Sharks, he scored 12 goals and tallied a total of 22 points.
At the end of the season, Dahlen returned to Timra IK in Sweden, where he remained until this summer when he signed with the SCL Tigers of the Swiss National League.
The only other player to wear the number 76 for the Sharks was Eriah Hayes.
RALEIGH, NORTH CAROLINA - MAY 04: Jamie Drysdale #9 of the Philadelphia Flyers skates during the second period against the Carolina Hurricanes in Game Two of the Second Round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Lenovo Center on May 04, 2026 in Raleigh, North Carolina. (Photo by Josh Lavallee/NHLI via Getty Images)
NHLI via Getty Images
PHILADELPHIA — The Philadelphia Flyers have agreed to terms with defenseman Jamie Drysdale on a four-year contract worth $26 million.
Drysdale will count $6.5 million against the salary cap through the 2029-30 NHL season.
“We’re excited to have Jamie remain a key part of our organization for years to come,” Flyers general manager Daniel Briere said in a statement on Friday. “Since we acquired him, Jamie has worked extremely hard and taken big steps in his development, and has established himself as a reliable piece on our back end with the ability to impact the game in all situations. We believe his best hockey is still ahead of him, and he’s going to play an important role in strengthening our blue line as we continue to build.”
The 24-year-old Drysdale had a career-high eight goals, including three game-winners, and matched his career best with 32 points in his second full season with Philadelphia. He averaged more than 21 minutes of ice time over 78 regular-season games to help the Flyers make the playoffs.
Drysdale became the fifth defenseman in franchise history to score in his first postseason game and finished with two goals and two assists in 10 games.
Drysdale has 25 goals and 77 assists in parts of six NHL seasons with Philadelphia and Anaheim.
PHILADELPHIA (AP) — The Philadelphia Flyers have agreed to terms with defenseman Jamie Drysdale on a four-year contract worth $26 million.
Drysdale will count $6.5 million against the salary cap through the 2029-30 NHL season.
“We’re excited to have Jamie remain a key part of our organization for years to come,” Flyers general manager Daniel Briere said in a statement on Friday. “Since we acquired him, Jamie has worked extremely hard and taken big steps in his development, and has established himself as a reliable piece on our back end with the ability to impact the game in all situations. We believe his best hockey is still ahead of him, and he’s going to play an important role in strengthening our blue line as we continue to build.”
The 24-year-old Drysdale had a career-high eight goals, including three game-winners, and matched his career best with 32 points in his second full season with Philadelphia. He averaged more than 21 minutes of ice time over 78 regular-season games to help the Flyers make the playoffs.
Drysdale became the fifth defenseman in franchise history to score in his first postseason game and finished with two goals and two assists in 10 games.
Drysdale has 25 goals and 77 assists in parts of six NHL seasons with Philadelphia and Anaheim.
Right when he was hired, Montreal Canadiens’ GM Kent Hughes explained that he wouldn’t be the kind of GM who buys high and sells low. He explained that he was a firm believer that players, once in the NHL, aren’t finished products and can keep improving. We’ve seen it with the likes of Cole Caufield, who has improved by leaps and bounds since graduating to the NHL and working under Martin St-Louis; the same can be said for Nick Suzuki, whose point production has skyrocketed without sacrificing his defensive game, which has improved as well.
One player who hasn’t improved, though, and that may mainly be down to injuries, is Kirby Dach. When Hughes sacrificed Alexander Romanov at the 2022 draft to get the first-round pick he flipped to the Chicago Blackhawks to acquire Dach, he was hoping that the Habs’ coaching staff could make him reach his full potential and become a big-bodied second-line center. That hasn’t happened; far from it.
Dach had a tough start to the playoffs; he was responsible for the Canadiens failing to take a 2-0 lead in the series and faced serious online backlash after that icing. With fans and media alike suggesting that he should be scratched from the lineup, St-Louis came out and stood by him, saying he would never give up on a player that hadn’t given up on himself. Dach had a great bounce-back game, but by the end of the playoffs, he was on the wing of the fourth line.
With his injury history and his struggles on the ice at the end of the playoffs, Dach’s value is at an all-time low. Not only has he failed to show he’s a center in the NHL, but at times he looks nonchalant on the ice. He’s not playing a hard game; he doesn’t come into the corners with speed to finish his checks and get the puck back. Even if he was a third-overall pick full of potential once upon a time, the last four years have taken the shine off him. While there’s a belief that there’s always a GM out there who thinks they can turn things around for a player, after all, Alex Galchenyuk had a second chance with six other teams after the Canadiens (he even had two kicks at the can with the Arizona Coyotes), it doesn’t seem to be the case for Dach, not right now. It must be said that Galchenyuk didn’t have Dach’s injury history, however.
At this stage, the forward is not only a player who has failed to reach his potential but also one who is injury-prone. He needs to prove that he can stay healthy and be a good player on the ice. Those are not great selling points. Right now, Dach is a throw-in for a larger deal; he cannot be the main piece to land a needle-moving player.
Given the fact that Hughes has been unable to strike a big deal to improve his roster, it’s not surprising that Dach is still a member of the Canadiens, but he has been given a stern warning. The fact that he was presented with a qualifying offer for a two-way contract speaks volumes about where he is in the organization right now, and so does the fact that he signed only a one-year contract.
While it’s not clear which of the two camps wanted a one-year deal, it doesn’t smell good. If the Canadiens only wanted to give him a one-year pact, it suggests they are getting ready to cut their losses on the player. They’re willing to pay him this year when his rights are still under team control, but unless things change dramatically, they don’t see him as a part of the team long-term. If Dach was the one who pushed for the one-year term, it suggests that he might have had his feathers ruffled by the two-way contract offer and will want to move on from the Canadiens once he becomes a UFA.
At the end of the 2024-25 season, in his exit interview, he was told that the organization wasn’t pleased with the physical form he showed up in at the start of camp and that he needed to do better. The qualifying offer he received means that the team wasn’t pleased with him this past season either, but it wasn’t ready to just let him walk away after investing assets to acquire him.
If he’s still with the Canadiens when the puck drops on the season, the Habs’ brass will simply be hoping that he can stay healthy and play in a way that will see him regain some value on the trade market. If the fact that he’ll be playing for a new contract and attempting to prove to the NHL that he belongs doesn’t motivate Dach to play well on both sides of the puck, I don’t know what will.
Per industry sources, while this new one-year contract carries the same NHL salary that his qualifying offer would have, at $850,000, his minor league salary would only have been $82,500.
Instead his camp got his minor league salary bumped up to $130,000.
Tikkanen went 17-9-1, with a 2.65 GAA and an .897 SV% in 29 games for Bridgeport in 2025-26.
The Winnipeg Jets won't receive too many built-in scheduling advantages during the 2026-27 season, but they also won't be faced with a heavier travel/rest calendar either.
According to data compiled by Sports 1440/Daily Faceoff's Jason Gregor, the Jets are scheduled to play in just nine back-to-back sets this season, which is tied for the seventh-fewest in the NHL.
Photo by Terry Lee/USA Today
Only the Calgary Flames and Vegas Golden Knights have fewer such situations (eight back-to-backs), while the Pittsburgh Penguins lead the league with a whopping 15 back-to-backs. The Boston Bruins, Buffalo Sabres, Florida Panthers, Ottawa Senators and Washington Capitals will each play 14 back-to-backs. (Jason Gregor on X – Back-to-back totals)
The lighter workload also compares favourably within the Central Division. Dallas will navigate 13 back-to-back sets, St. Louis 12, Nashville 11, and both Colorado and Minnesota 10, leaving Winnipeg with fewer consecutive-game situations than every division rival except Utah, which is also scheduled for 10.
The flip side, however, is that the Jets also won't have as many opportunities to capitalize on tired opponents.
Gregor's stats also show Winnipeg will face an opponent playing the second half of a back-to-back just five times this year, which is tied with Toronto for the fewest in the NHL. By comparison, the Montreal Canadiens will enjoy that advantage 19 times, while Anaheim will do so 18 times.
Number of games NHL teams have when they face an opponent on the second half of a back-to-back. Quite the difference from MTL to TOR and WPG. pic.twitter.com/yxoKwDaTrE
Although that means the Jets won't receive many built-in rest advantages, the overall picture still points towards a rather balanced schedule, overall. Winnipeg has a few back-to-backs of its own, while also avoiding many games where amount of rest is a major factor.
Last season, the Jets had no serious issue with games on back-to-back dates. Despite its overall record, Winnipeg went a decent 6-3 in the second test of a back-to-back, earning wins in 67 percent of its nine tests.
Although the sample size is relatively small, it ranked among the league's stronger performances and indicates the club has generally handled those situations well.
The Jets' schedule overall will boast a relatively favourable balance. Sure they will get some tired opponents, but will not need to play on back-to-back nights very often. That, combined with their success in back-to-backs last year, consecutive games should not be a major hurdle for what most are expecting to be a stronger regular season performance this season.
New York Post may be compensated and/or receive an affiliate commission if you click or buy through our links. Featured pricing is subject to change.
100 short years ago, the New York Rangers entered the NHL.
In the inaugural 1926-27 season, the Broadway Blueshirts finished first in the “American Division” and went 25-13-6. Their expansion campaign came to an end when they lost to the Bruins in the semifinals.
Now, one short century later, we know what Mike Sullivan’s club’s 100th year in existence — not 100th season due to the 2004-05 lockout — looks like now that the team’s 2026-27 schedule has been released.
After kicking off the season on the road against the Boston Bruins (who they really have been playing for a century), Igor Shesterkin and co. will play their first home game at Madison Square Garden against the Tampa Bay Lightning on Thursday, Oct. 1.
Other notable contests at MSG in ’26 include showdowns with Vincent Trocheck’s Utah Mammoth (Oct. 4), their crosstown rivals New York Islanders (Oct. 6), Connor McDavid’s Edmonton Oilers (Nov. 1), the reigning Stanley Cup champion Carolina Hurricanes (Nov. 22) and their longtime foes, the New Jersey Devils (Dec. 7).
Following the annual ball drop in Times Square, Connor Bedard’s Chicago Blackhawks (Jan. 7), Matthew Tkachuk’s Florida Panthers (Jan. 27), the surprisingly strong Buffalo Sabres (Feb. 15), Alexander Ovechkin’s Washington Capitals (Feb. 26) and Sidney Crobsy’s Pittsburgh Penguins (March 20) will all visit the Garden.
Although not confirmed, 2026-27 may be Ovi and Sid the Kid’s final season.
If you’d like to be there, tickets are available for all 42 regular season NY Rangers home games.
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).
Coming into this 100th year, the Rangers have a lot to prove.
The team underperformed last season and ended up with a dismal 34-39-9 record, which put them in last place in the Metropolitan Division below the Islanders and Devils.
In an effort to make sure they’re more well-equipped for the coming run, GM Chris Drury snagged winger Pavel Dorofeyev from the Western Conference champion Vegas Golden Knights, acquired defenseman Marcus Pettersson and traded for Utah Mammoth stars Seaon Durzi and Cole Beaudoin.
Fingers crossed everything goes according to plan in this special anniversary seson.
For more information, our team has everything you need to know and more about the New York Rangers’ 2026-27 home schedule at MSG below.
When do the New York Rangers play at Madison Square Garden in 2026-27?
A complete calendar including all upcoming NY Rangers preseason and regular season home game dates at MSG, start times, opponents and links to tickets can be found below.
September 2026
New York Rangers September 2026 home game dates
New York Islanders vs. RangersTuesday, Sept. 22 at 7 p.m. Preseason game
New Jersey Devils vs. RangersThursday, Sept. 24 at 7 p.m. Preseason game
October 2026
New York Rangers October 2026 home game dates
Tampa Bay Lightning vs. RangersThursday, Oct. 1 at 7 p.m.
Utah Mammoth vs. RangersSunday, Oct. 4 at 6 p.m.
New York Islanders vs. RangersTuesday, Oct. 6 at 7 p.m.
Vancouver Canucks vs. RangersSunday, Oct. 11 at 6 p.m.
Tampa Bay Lightning vs. RangersTuesday, Oct. 13 at 7:15 p.m.
Anaheim Ducks vs. RangersMonday, Oct. 19 at 7 p.m.
Los Angeles Kings vs. RangersMonday, Oct. 26 at 7 p.m.
November 2026
New York Rangers November 2026 home game dates
Edmonton Oilers vs. RangersSunday, Nov. 1 at 6 p.m.
St. Louis Blues vs. RangersTuesday, Nov. 3 at 7 p.m.
Philadelphia Flyers vs. RangersThursday, Nov. 5 at 7 p.m.
Montreal Canadiens vs. RangersMonday, Nov. 16 at 7:30 p.m.
Carolina Hurricanes vs. RangersSunday, Nov. 22 at 1 p.m.
Calgary Flames vs. RangersSaturday, Nov. 28 at 7 p.m.
Carolina Hurricanes vs. RangersMonday, Nov. 30 at 7 p.m.
December 2026
New York Rangers December 2025 home game dates
San Jose Sharks vs. RangersThursday, Dec. 3 at 7 p.m.
Colorado Avalanche vs. RangersSaturday, Dec. 5 at 7 p.m.
New Jersey Devils vs. RangersMonday, Dec. 7 at 7 p.m.
Columbus Blue Jackets vs. RangersSunday, Dec. 13 at 6 p.m.
Nashville Predators vs. RangersFriday, Dec. 18 at 7 p.m.
New Jersey Devils vs. RangersTuesday, Dec. 22 at 7 p.m.
Detroit Red Wings vs. RangersTuesday, Dec. 29 at 7 p.m.
January 2027
New York Rangers January 2027 home game dates
Columbus Blue Jackets vs. RangersSunday, Jan. 3 at 6 p.m.
Chicago Blackhawks vs. RangersThursday, Jan. 7 at 7 p.m.
Boston Bruins vs. RangersSaturday, Jan. 16 at 12 p.m.
Dallas Stars vs. RangersSunday, Jan. 17 at 6 p.m.
Philadelphia Flyers vs. RangersTuesday, Jan. 19 at 7 p.m.
Seattle Kraken vs. RangersMonday, Jan. 25 at 7 p.m.
Florida Panthers vs. RangersWednesday, Jan. 27 at 7:30 p.m.
February 2027
New York Rangers February 2027 home game dates
Winnipeg Jets vs. RangersWednesday, Feb. 3 at 7:30 p.m.
New York Islanders vs. RangersFriday, Feb. 12 at 7 p.m.
Buffalo Sabres vs. RangersMonday, Feb. 15 at 3 p.m.
Washington Capitals vs. RangersFriday, Feb. 26 at 7 p.m.
March 2027
New York Rangers March 2027 home game dates
Boston Bruins vs. RangersWednesday, March 3 at 7 p.m.
Vegas Golden Knights vs. RangersSunday, March 7 at 6 p.m.
Ottawa Senators vs. RangersTuesday, March 16 at 7 p.m.
Toronto Maple Leafs vs. RangersThursday, March 18 at 7 p.m.
Pittsburgh Penguins vs. RangersSaturday, March 20 at 8 p.m.
Washington Capitals vs. RangersSunday, March 21 at 7 p.m.
Minnesota Wild vs. RangersMonday, March 29 at 7 p.m.
April 2027
New York Rangers April 2027 home game dates
Florida Panthers vs. RangersSaturday, April 3 at 12 p.m.
Pittsburgh Penguins vs. RangersTuesday, April 6 at 7:30 p.m.
Toronto Maple Leafs vs. RangersSaturday, April 10 at 7 p.m.
Want to see the Rangers on the road? A complete 2026-27 calendar including all New York Rangers away games can be found here.
How can I watch and/or stream Rangers games on TV?
There is no shortage of ways to watch Rangers games live from the comfort of your own home this season.
You can find Sullivan’s stacked squad on the MSG Network via cable providers like Xfinity, Spectrum, and Optimum.
For those who prefer to stream, DIRECTV is your best bet, with regional sports channels included in base packages.
About the New York Rangers 2025-26 season
In 2023-24, the Rangers went an impressive 55-23-4 and won the President’s Cup before squandering their season in a rough-and-tumble six-game Eastern Conference Championship series against the eventual Stanley Cup champion Florida Panthers.
The past two years have quite been the same.
Last season, the club was marred by a rough stint with newly-appointed catain J.T. Miller never commanding the locker room, a slow start where they were shut out in their first three home games and injuries. Miller, Matt Rempe and Adam Edstrom all sat more than expected leading to an underwhelming campaign across the board.
For more about the team, you can read all of the New York Post’s coverage of the New York Rangers here.
Huge 2026 concert tours
Before the Rangers officially kick off the season, many of the biggest names in music will be playing at arenas and stadiums all over New York.
Here are just five we’re most excited about headed your way these next few months.
• Bon Jovi (July 17-26)
• Phish (July 22-27)
• RUSH (July 30 through Aug. 3)
• J. Cole (Aug. 2, 4)
• Mumford and Sons (Aug. 11-13)
Who else is headed to the Garden? Take a look at this calendar that includes all upcoming events at MSG 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.
