The Philadelphia Flyers may appear set at the goalie position at the NHL level this year, but anything can happen, and the book isn't closed on prospect Aleksei Kolosov yet.

Lamentable performances in net over the last few seasons, including from Kolosov himself, have largely doomed the Flyers to their lack of success.

An offseason addition of Dan Vladar is expected to help stabilize incumbent starter Sam Ersson and give the Flyers a reliable duo, but Ersson, too, is guilty of struggling. He's also been bedeviled by injuries, which can anecdotally be attributed to his increased workload.

Knowing that, Flyers GM Danny Briere already warned that he expects Kolosov and Russian counterpart Ivan Fedotov to be ready when called upon.

In a press conference Wednesday, Flyers president Keith Jones echoed that sentiment, advising that the book is not closed on either Fedotov or the enigmatic Kolosov.

"We had hoped their ability to adjust would occur quicker than it did. I wouldn't write off either guy, Fedotov or Kolosov," Jones said. "Kolosov is obviously younger and is an extremely athletic goaltender. And, if he can put all the pieces together in the future, he could turn into a very good goaltender."

The question, for some Flyers fans, will be about Kolosov's commitment to patience and playing his role.

NHL Suspends Ex-Flyers Goalie Carter Hart Until DecemberAccording to a report, former Philadelphia Flyers goalie Carter Hart and the four other players involved in the Hockey Canada trial will be suspended until Dec. 1.

The 23-year-old Belarusian ultimately arrived, albeit late, to training camp last year, and made his NHL debut as early as Oct. 27.

Despite that, though, Kolosov's hot start flamed out, and he was sent to the AHL Lehigh Valley Phantoms.

There were many occasions last season where the Flyers' former third-round pick sat in the press box as the third goalie in the NHL, which did his development no favors.

"He'll be here, and we're excited about that, too. He has an opportunity, just like everybody else, to come in and show what he has," Jones added. "Developmentally, we would prefer that last year he spent a little more time in the American Hockey League. It just was not in the cards. I wouldn't do it differently, but I'm excited about the depth that we have."

Jones was also sure to note that the Flyers are "happy" to have Vladar, and that Kolosov and Fedotov will have to prove they have the chops to cut it at the NHL level. For real this time.

Flyers: Where Is Egor Zavragin?Top Philadelphia Flyers goalie prospect Egor Zavragin has yet to play for his KHL club, SKA St. Petersburg, in the early goings of the 2025-26 season.

Fortunately for both, and especially the youngster Kolosov, the Flyers seem intent on giving their homegrown guys one last opportunity to carve out an NHL path.

The Florida Panthers were back on the ice in Fort Lauderdale this week.

A group of the team’s best and brightest prospects gathered in South Florida ahead of the 2025 Prospect Showcase taking place in Wesley Chapel, just outside of Tampa.

It runs from Friday to Monday, with the Panthers facing prospects from the Tampa Bay Lightning, Nashville Predators and Carolina Hurricanes in a round-robin.

Florida’s roster consists of 25 players, broken down to 15 forwards, seven defensemen and three goaltenders.

Coaching the Panthers prospects once again this year is Florida’s AHL head coach, Geordie Kinnear.

“The Rookie Tournament is a great opportunity for these guys to keep getting evaluated, but also an opportunity to get better, to get a little taste of playing competitive hockey against your peers,” Kinnear said.

On Thursday, the Panthers’ prospects gathered at the Baptist Health IcePlex in Fort Lauderdale for some practice and meetings before heading north to the Tampa area.

You can check out footage from Thursday’s practice in the video below:

Forward Gracyn Sawchyn, who Florida selected in the second round of the 2023 NHL Entry Draft, is gearing up for his first professional season after signing his entry level contract earlier this year.

“I’m a lot closer to the guys now, so it’s good to be around everybody again,” said Sawchyn.

He’s playing in his third, and ultimately last, prospect tournament.

“Every year has been a little bit different,” he said. “I think the biggest thing for me is just trying to play a mature game. Do that this weekend, and hopefully carry that on to training camp with the big guys.”

Florida’s three-game schedule kicks off on Friday afternoon against the prospects from Carolina.

Here is the Panthers schedule:

Friday, Sept. 12 at 2:00 p.m. vs. Carolina

Saturday, Sept. 13 at 5:00 p.m. vs. Tampa Bay

Monday, Sept. 15 at 12:00 p.m. vs. Nashville

All games are open to the public and free to attend, and the Panthers previously said all games would be streamed online as well.

Florida’s full 25-man roster can be seen below:

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The Pittsburgh Penguins put out a cryptic tweet regarding former goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury on Thursday. 

They tweeted a video of "Fleury Flakes" with a Fleury bobblehead next to it, along with the caption, "Starting our day with a balanced breakfast." The video also shows someone pouring milk into a bowl of cereal.

Starting our day with a balanced breakfast. pic.twitter.com/dkQeebIFz9

— Pittsburgh Penguins (@penguins) September 11, 2025

Allan Walsh, Fleury's longtime agent, has been posting cryptic tweets about that video throughout the day, including one with Fleury in a Penguins' uniform.

Who misses this? 🌸 pic.twitter.com/ioXUdr9c59

— Allan Walsh🏒 (@walsha) September 11, 2025

It doesn't seem like this is by accident since Fleury spent 13 seasons with the Penguins before spending time with the Vegas Golden Knights, Chicago Blackhawks, and Minnesota Wild. He helped the Penguins win three Stanley Cups and is one of the best goaltenders in NHL history. Fleury retired following the 2024-25 season after 21 NHL seasons.

He was a fan favorite during his time in Pittsburgh and got one heck of a standing ovation when he played his final game inside PPG Paints Arena last season. The Wild came from 2-0 down to beat the Penguins 5-3 in that contest. 

This could be about Fleury signing a one-day contract to retire as a member of the Penguins, so let's see where this goes. 

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Heading into the 2025-26 season, the Pittsburgh Penguins have shifted the focus to youth and development.

With more talent in the system than Pittsburgh has had in years - and 13 picks in the 2025 NHL Draft - top prospects lists are becoming more competitive and more difficult to discern. Since the prospect pool is deepening, The Hockey News - Pittsburgh Penguins takes a look at the top-20 prospects in the organization. 

I have already mentioned how the Penguins - by most accounts - have a pretty clear-cut top-three prospects, and it is very difficult to rank between the three. 

Forward prospect Rutger McGroarty was at No. 3, and I stayed on the forward front for this one, too. At No. 2, we have Ville Koivunen, who has already displayed some serious potential at the NHL level.

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#2 F Ville Koivunen

Apr 11, 2025; Newark, New Jersey, USA; Pittsburgh Penguins right wing Ville Koivunen (41) skates with the puck while being defended by New Jersey Devils defenseman Johnathan Kovacevic (8) during the third period at Prudential Center. Mandatory Credit: John Jones-Imagn Images" />

Again, it's worth noting that the top-three prospects for the Penguins is a really tight race right now, and any one of them could have slotted anywhere. So, at this point, a lot of this is based on pure observation, but it's also about positional need.

Even if the Penguins may have more pressing needs than top-six wingers, Koivunen is certainly one to watch as a top-six - and, likely, a top-line winger. 

Koivunen, 22, was selected in the second round (51st overall) by the Carolina Hurricanes in 2021. He was brought to Pittsburgh as the cornerstone piece of the Jake Guentzel trade ahead of the 2024 NHL trade deadline, and - up to this point - he has done nothing but live up to the expectations - even if a lot of people didn't even realize what the Penguins were getting in Koivunen at the time.

Fans were understandably devastated about losing Guentzel, a perennial 30-plus goal-scorer and near-point-per-game player - truly one of the elite left wings in the league. Even though Koivunen has big shoes to fill - and it's not fair to expect him to match Guentzel's production, especially in the goal department - he keeps getting better and better, and it's encouraging when considering what he's already done.

Penguins Should Give Exciting Prospect Big ChancePittsburgh Penguins prospect Ville Koivunen is easily one of the team's most promising youngsters. The 22-year-old forward had a strong start to his NHL career this past season with Pittsburgh, as he recorded seven assists in eight games. He also performed well down in the AHL with the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins in 2024-25, posting 21 goals and 56 points in 63 games. 

For starters, Koivunen finished his first full season in professional hockey with 21 goals and 56 points in 63 AHL games with Wilkes-Barre/Scranton (WBS). Had he not gotten the call to the NHL late last season, he likely would have finished first in AHL rookie points and in the top-three in goals. His 56 points were only four behind AHL rookie points leader Justin Hryckowian, and his 21 goals were only three behind Florian Xhekaj for third.

But Koivunen would certainly choose the NHL call over an AHL rookie scoring title. And he didn't disappoint in that stint, either.

When called up from WBS along with McGroarty in late-March, he was placed in the top-six alongside Evgeni Malkin, and he later got a stint with Sidney Crosby after an injury ended McGroarty's season prematurely. In eight NHL games, Koivunen recorded seven points - and he easily could have had himself a few goals, too.

He and McGroarty were trusted in the top-six, were on the ice at the end of games for six-on-fives, and - in Koivunen's case - even saw time in the top power play unit.

The Penguins think the world of Koivunen, and they should. The 5-foot-11, 161-pound winger may not be the biggest and certainly needs to add some size, but his hockey smarts and vision rival those of some seasoned NHL stars. He knows exactly where to go with the puck, has some deception to his release in terms of shooting and passing, and anticipates to a tee. 

He also isn't afraid to hold onto the puck, survey the ice, and find the open man, something that a lot of rookies and players his age don't have the patience to pull off.

Koivunen's playmaking ability alone is enough to indicate that he'll be an impact NHL player. He also has an underrated shot, skates well, and has many of the details that most young players need to round out already present in his game. And if he can add more of a two-way dimension to his repertoire, the sky is the limit.

Koivunen could end up being a point-per-game player at the NHL level, but even if he doesn't, he should still be an impact middle-six player at minimum, given his toolset.

Yes, there are other pieces of the Guentzel trade yet to be determined, too. But Koivunen is beginning to show that he alone may be worth the cost a few years down the road.

Top-20 Penguins' Prospects 2025: Young Forward Keeps Getting Better And BetterHeading into the 2025-26 season, the Pittsburgh Penguins have shifted the focus to youth and development.

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The list so far:

- No. 3: F Rutger McGroarty
- No. 4: F Ben Kindel
- No. 5: G Sergei Murashov
- No. 6: D Owen Pickering
- No. 7: F Tanner Howe
- No. 8: G Arturs Silovs
- No. 9: G Joel Blomqvist
- No. 10: F Tristan Broz
- No. 11: F Will Horcoff
- No. 12: F Mikhail Ilyin
- No. 13 F Filip Hallander
- No. 14: F Bill Zonnon
- No. 15: F Melvin Fernstrom
- No. 16: D Emil Pieniniemi
- No. 17: F Avery Hayes
- No. 18: F Cruz Lucius
- No. 19: D Finn Harding
- No. 20: D Peyton Kettles

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Denver, Colo. - One of the big markers of the return to hockey season is the Rookie Tournament that takes place before training camps. The Colorado Avalanche prospects officially kicked things off at Family Sports Center, the official practice facility of the Avalanche, on Thursday morning. 

The Avalanche released their rookie showcase roster on September 2nd. Of the listed names on the roster, the only skater not dressing is Taylor Makar, who is recovering from what is believed to be an injury sustained during the off-season.

The roster for Rookie Tournament is set ✅ pic.twitter.com/RP0sIMJz7m

— Colorado Avalanche (@Avalanche) September 2, 2025

Among the list of participants, Linus Funck (D), a 4th round pick in this most recent NHL Entry Draft, will play before he joins the OHL's London Knights for the upcoming 2025-26 season. 

Cooper Gay (F), a name to keep an eye on, made his professional debut with the Eagles after finishing his collegiate career at the University of St. Thomas. Once he joined the Eagles in Loveland, he tallied a single point in the form of a goal in two games played.

Gavin Brindley (F), also listed on Colorado's roster, will be a player to watch during this tournament. Brindley, acquired in the trade that sent Miles Wood and Charlie Coyle to the Columbus Blue Jackets, registered 6g/11a in 52 GP with the Cleveland Monsters (AHL) last season. While nothing spectacular on the scoresheet, he's a smaller forward, listed at 5'9", and known for his speed and skills as a two-way player, making him a valuable asset in Colorado's arsenal of prospects.

Gavin Brindley is looking extra speedy today. @MileHighHockey#goavsgo

Avs skill coach Mark Popovic told the players to “dig deeper.”

Everyone did. pic.twitter.com/gy3O499u6w

— Ryan O'Hara (@OHaraSports) September 4, 2025

Nikita Prishchepov (F), who made his NHL debut in the 2024-25 season, could be facing a positive opportunity to make a case for himself as a trusted call-up this upcoming season. He did not register any points in the 10 games he played with the Avalanche last season, but totalled 9g/14a in 59 GP with the Colorado Eagles (AHL).

This most recent NHL season saw 40+ players dress for the Avalanche amid roster management due to suspensions and, mainly, injury. A tournament like this allows players to showcase their skills on a larger stage while also receiving valuable instruction from coaching and skills staff as they move on to their respective teams for the upcoming season. While Colorado's front office has spent a lot of the organization's prospect pool in trades in recent years, there's still a lot of exciting talent to keep an eye on this upcoming weekend.

Colorado's rookies will feature in two of the three games during this tournament, the first of which will occur on Friday, September 12th, at 6:00 p.m. (Mountain Time) against the Utah Mammoth's rookies. Their second appearance will come on Sunday, September 14th, at 1:00 p.m. (Mountain Time) against the Vegas Golden Knights. Both games are set to be played at South Suburban Sports Complex in Highlands Ranch, Colorado, on Rink #2.

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For the second consecutive offseason on June 30, future Hall of Fame forward Patrick Kane signed a one-year contract extension to remain a member of the Detroit Red Wings. 

If things go according to plan, it won't be long before he overtakes former longtime Dallas Stars forward (and brief one-time Red Wing) Mike Modano for the highest-scoring player born in the United States in NHL history. 

Kane is only 32 points away from reaching the mark of 1,374 set in 2011 by Modano. He's also only 57 points away from reaching 1,400, and when he scores for the eighth time this season, it will be the 500th goal of his career. 

While speaking at the NHL/NHLPA North American Player Media Tour on Tuesday in Las Vegas, Kane looked ahead to the upcoming season and acknowledged that it's something in the back of his mind. 

"The first thing you think of is, if you play long enough, you're going to reach some of these milestones, right?" he said via NHL.com.

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

Kane's production in the first three months of last season dropped considerably, but he almost immediately began resembling his old self when the Red Wings mad the coaching change from Derek Lalonde to Todd McLellan on December 26 following a 13-17-4 start. 

After McLellan's hiring, Kane lit the lamp 16 times while adding 29 assists. 

IT'S 4-0?!?!

We're only 7:53 into this game! 😳

🇺🇸: @NHLNetwork
🇨🇦: @Sportsnet or stream on Sportsnet+ ➡️ https://t.co/4KjbdjVctFpic.twitter.com/cTZpWSe8Dz

— NHL (@NHL) January 12, 2025

"Obviously, last year I wish I would have had more production," he said. "I got off to a tough start. But I feel like I should be about a point-a-game guy. I always felt that way, so that's kind of where the bar is for me."

Have Your Say: Will Patrick Kane Reach 60 Points In 2025-26? - Community PostThe Detroit Red Wings and Patrick Kane expressed mutual interest in a contract extension at the end of last season, and it came to fruition with a one-year, $3 million deal that was finalized on June 30. 

At 36, Kane is one of the elder statesmen on the Red Wings. But if you think that he's growing tired of coming to the rink every day, think again. 

"For me, it's just the love of the game. I love being on the ice," he said. "I love practicing. I love playing. I love being in a moment where the team needs to count on you and you need to step up, right? That's the kind of thrill that drives me now. It's not necessarily the numbers."

Kane and the Red Wings will begin Training Camp in Traverse City, Mich. on Sept. 18. 

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It appears that Alex Formenton now has a potential path back to the NHL. Formenton, along with Cal Foote, Michael McLeod, Dillon Dubé, and Carter Hart—who were all found not guilty in the recent 2018 World Junior trial—will reportedly be eligible to sign with an NHL team as soon as October 15th.

According to Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman, the players won’t be eligible for NHL duty until December 1st, when their suspensions expire. As part of the agreement, they also waived their right to appeal the ruling.

Hart is considered the most attractive asset for NHL clubs, given the number of teams out there with goaltending issues. But Formenton, once regarded as one of the fastest skaters in the league, will certainly draw some interest as well. The question is whether that interest will come from the Senators, who still hold his NHL rights.

Asked about the situation on Monday at the team’s annual golf tournament, GM Steve Staios declined to comment, saying it was a league matter and noting that Formenton remains ineligible. It was a response that didn't exactly close the door on a possible reunion.

If the Senators had decided they had absolutely no interest in ever bringing Formenton back, Staios had the chance to say so directly on Monday and put the matter to rest forever. Instead, he opened up two possibilities. The first is the possibility of eventually signing him. The second is the possibility of trading his rights, and you don't get what you want in any deal if you publicly declare you have no interest in retaining the asset.

While much of the speculation surrounds Ottawa’s potential interest, it’s also unclear whether Formenton himself even wants to resume his career as a Senator. That said, the club's decision makers have changed since he left the team, and he still has several close friends in that locker room. 

Formenton signed a 3.5-month deal with his Swiss team that takes him well into December. But you'd have to think contractual accommodations were made that allow him to return to the NHL at some point this season, should a team show interest in him.

HC Ambrì-Piotta welcomed him back warmly last week. On social media, the team rolled out a Formenton highlight package, pics from his official photo shoot in uniform, and even an in-house interview—his first hockey-related interview in years.

“Yeah, it feels amazing," Formenton said. "To get back on the ice feels really good. Like I’ve said before, it feels like home here. I’m so excited to get started and play in front of these fans.”

Formenton is now the third player on the Swiss team roster with Senators ties, joining Chris Tierney and Chris DiDomenico. The team is already one game into its regular season.

“It seems like a very tight group,” Formenton said. “Everyone’s willing to fight for each other, and hopefully it’ll be a very successful season. The fans deserve it, and everyone in that room deserves it.”

Asked what he hopes to contribute, Formenton gave a predictable reply, but the real answer will only come when he gets back into game action.

“I hope to bring a high pace and a hard-working style. If that comes with scoring goals or helping on the PK—wherever I’m needed—that’s what I’ll work toward. I’m just really excited to put the jersey back on and play in front of the fans, because they’ve been very supportive.”

By Steve Warne
This article first appeared at The Hockey News-Ottawa

More Sens Headlines From The Hockey News Ottawa:
Sens Unveil Rookie Camp Roster For Games This Weekend
Senators GM Steve Staios On Why He Brought Back The Same Group
Can The Senators Still Avoid Losing Their 2026 First Round Pick?
Ottawa Senators Radio Play-By-Play Team Won't Travel To Road Games This Season
Senators Captain Brady Tkachuk: 'We Want More'
Four Major Storylines This Month At Ottawa Senators Training Camp

Mar 25, 2023; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Nashville Predators defenseman Cal Foote (52) stretches before the game against the Seattle Kraken at Bridgestone Arena. Christopher Hanewinckel-Imagn Images

On Thursday, the NHL released a statement concerning the five players who were found not guilty in the Hockey Canada sexual assault trial this summer.

Dillon Dubé, Cal Foote, Alex Formenton, Carter Hart, and Michael McLeod were each members of Hockey Canada’s 2018 National U-20 Junior Team.

According to the statement, all five players will be eligible to sign an NHL contract no sooner than Oct. 15, 2025, and eligible to play in NHL games no sooner than Dec. 1, 2025.

“Taking into account that the players have been away from the game for 20 months – including since their acquittals in July -- we have determined that the players will be eligible to sign an NHL contract no sooner than October 15, 2025, and eligible to play in NHL games no sooner than December 1, 2025, bringing their total time out of the League to nearly two years,” the statement said.

Foote, who was originally drafted in the first round (14th overall) by the Tampa Bay Lightning in the 2017 NHL Draft, played for the Predators during the 2022-23 season.

In 24 games with the club, the 6-foot-4, 225-pound right-shot defenseman totaled a goal and three assists for four points.

In 145 NHL games across four seasons with the Lightning, Predators and New Jersey Devils, Foote recorded 20 points (5-15-20). He played in Slovakia during the 2024-25 season.

Upon learning of the allegations in May 2022, the NHL commenced a third-party investigation into the conduct of the five players involved. At the trial, Justice Maria Carroccia found the players not guilty of sexual assault in Ontario Superior Court in London, Ont., on July 24. McLeod was also found not guilty of one count of being a party to the offense.

“The events that transpired after the 2018 Hockey Canada Foundation Gala in London, Ontario, prior to these players’ arrival in the NHL, were deeply troubling and unacceptable,” the League statement said. “The League expects everyone connected with the game to conduct themselves with the highest level of moral integrity. And, in this case, while found not to have been criminal, the conduct of the players involved certainly did not meet that standard.”

The NHL said it had in-person meetings with each of the acquitted men following the verdicts and acknowledged they expressed regret and remorse for their actions.

The Buffalo Sabres need all hands on deck if they're to end their `14-year Stanley Cup playoff drought. And that means everyone on the roster is going to have to pull their weight. What will expectations for every Sabres player look like? That's the focus of THN.com's Sabres site series.

We began the player-by-player evaluation process by looking at Buffalo's goalies and defensemen. And of late, we're focusing on the Sabres' forwards -- including today's focus, winger Jordan Greenway. The veteran left winger has had trouble staying healthy in recent years, but as one of the Sabres' more physical players, he can impact a game in a way few of his Buffalo teammates can.

Let's now turn the spotlight on Greenway and see what may be in the cards for him in 2025-26.

Player Name: Jordan Greenway

Position: Left Wing

Age: 28

2024-25 Key Statistics: 34 games, 3 goals, 8 points

2025-26 Salary: $4-million

2025-26 Expectations: Greenway appeared in less than half of the regular-season for Buffalo last year, and there's a definite pattern in regard to his health, as he hasn't played in more than 67 games since 2018-1`9 -- his first full season in the NHL. 

Greenway's heavy physical game takes a toll on him and his opponents, but he's being paid like a high-end third-line forward, and the most offense he's put up in the past four seasons are the 10 goals and 28 points he had for Buffalo in 2023-24.

Even as a member of the Sabres' third line, Greenway needs to do more than that to justify his salary. He's signed through this coming season and another year after that, but Greenway could be moved if Buffalo struggles and he isn't playing up to expectations. Greenway does have limited no-trade protection, but it's only a partial no-trade clause, one that allows him to veto a trade to one of five teams of his choosing.

Sabres 2025-26 Player Expectations: Veteran Winger Zucker Looked To For Cluch OffenseThe NHL’s 2025-26 season is nearly upon us, and here at THN.com’s Buffalo Sabres site, we're continuing our player-by-player series in which we break down expectations for each Sabres player this season. We've looked at Buffalo's goalies and defensemen, and in this latest column, we're turning our attention to veteran winger Jason Zucker.

That still leaves 26 teams Greenway could be traded to. But that's a line of thought for another day. For now, Greenway has to (a) stay healthy, (b) exact a physical toll from opponents, and (c) be part of a winner. If he has an issue in any of those regards, Greenway is going to hear it from Sabres fans who are rightfully exhausted by the continuing failure of this Buffalo team to be relevant.

Greenway isn't ever going to be an all-star or a difference-maker on offense. But the reason the Sabres have kept him around is because he's the type of player Buffalo needs more of -- a physical threat and a solid defender in limited minutes. 

Sabres 2025-26 Player Expectations: Entering Contract Year, Star Winger Tuch Will Be Feeling The HeatThe NHL’s 2025-26 season is almost here, and it’s a great time on THN.com’s Buffalo Sabres site to continue our player-by-player series in which we analyze expectations for every Sabres player in 2025-26.

Neither Greenway nor the Sabres can afford a step backward this year. There's so much on the line for all of Buffalo's players (and management members, for that matter). Greenway knows his role, but some good fortune on the injury front will likely go a long way toward keeping him in the lineup and doing his utmost to live up to his salary. He's earning $1-million more than he's made in the past three years, and that means he's got to produce more. It's as simple as that.

And if he can't achieve those three things, Greenway's future in a Sabres uniform will be in doubt. The rubber is meeting the road for him this season, and nothing short of a strong year will calm the cynics and keep Greenway in Buffalo for a long time to come. 

 

MARYLAND HEIGHTS, Mo. -- There was no second-guessing for Justin Carbonneau.

The St. Louis Blues first round pick (No. 19) in the 2025 NHL Draft was strong in his conviction when asked about his decision to return to junior hockey at Blainville -Boisbriand Armada of the Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League rather than go the college route to Boston College.

“Going college, I couldn’t be here today, so that’s a big thing,” Carbonneau said Thursday, a day prior to Blues prospects departing for Minnesota for the Tom Kurvers Prospect Showcase. “I wanted to spend time with the prospects, the staff, all the players. I think it’s a great opportunity for me and a lot of learning I’ll get through the camp. That’s a big thing. Also, I’ve been there for three years in Blainville, bonding with my teammates. It would have been tough for me to leave that. Two reasons why I made the decision.

“It came close. I think Boston College is a great spot for everyone who goes there, but I feel like QMJHL, they did a lot for me to play where I am today for the last three years. I owe them the opportunity that they gave me at 16 years old. I’ve been loyal to them. This year, we have a great team. We’re trying to win a Cup, the (Memorial) Cup. I think I’m in a great spot wherever I play, but I think it’s a good decision that I took.”

And let’s not forget the greatest reason: earning a spot in the NHL with the Blues this season.

Signing a three-year, two-way, entry-level contract on Thursday was the start to that process.

“I guess it’s (the) first step,” Carbonneau said. “Now it’s an opportunity for me to kind of take it and make the best out of it. It’s the first step for me, so I’m really happy.”

Carbonneau will be at main camp when things kick off Sept. 18 at Centene Community Ice Center, but first thing is first, and that’s the opportunity to play with fellow prospects at the Tom Kurvers Prospect Showcase against the Minnesota Wild on Friday and Chicago Blackhawks on Saturday, and a chance to play with Dalibor Dvorsky, the No. 10 pick in the 2023 draft, and Otto Stenberg, the No. 25 pick that same draft class.

“They’re really good,” Carbonneau said. “I’m grateful to play with them. I think both guys are really talented, a lot of talent. Good offensive guys, a lot of skating, but yeah, with my grit, my scoring abilities, I think I can complete them well. I’m real happy to play with them.”

Dvorsky added, “He’s a great player. A good guy off the ice as well. We only had one practice together, but it felt good. I’m excited to play with them the next two games.”

The Blues left Carbonneau’s decision totally up to him. They of course had their input on what they think is best for the investment they will be making in the forward, but they saw no harm in a decision one way or the other. In this case, it’s a chance to get the product up close and personable right from the start.

“When the kids choose what they want to, we’re happy for them and we support them 100 percent,” Blues assistant general manager Tim Taylor said. “He’s made a commitment to his junior team and to us and we’re excited about his future. As you see, he’s got great hands, he’s a big kid, he’s mature about his age with his strength. I think that he’s going to excel these next two games for rookie camp and looking forward what he does at main camp as well.”

The Blues have always said that should a kid or young player come into training camp, they will be doing so trying to take someone else’s job. That’s what the 18-year-old Carbonneau will be up against. He has the body (6-foot-1, 191 pounds) to do so, but lacks the experience of challenging men.

“You see your future more clear I think and you see the path that you need to take,” Taylor said. “It gives you some sort of idea where you need to get to. You see the NHL players, you’re here amongst everyone, you kind of see what you need to do to get there, and you’re excited about your future too. One doesn’t trump the other, it’s whatever is best for each individual and he’s chosen this and he feels this is the best situation for him to get to the NHL, and we believe that as well.

“… At the end of the day, kids show us where they’re supposed to be, and we’ll see at camp, see how his strength holds up to other guys. You think you’re coming in and you think you’re strong until you play against NHL players and men. I don’t know how that’s going to play out for him. He’s just a kid I’m really excited about. His future with the Blues is looking bright. We want to play it day by day and let him experience this because this is his first NHL training camp and let it play out and see where it lies.”

Carbonneau, who had 89 points (46 goals, 43 assists) in 62 games last season, will have three choices laid in front of him: make the team out of camp permanently, get nine games and then the Blues decide whether it’s NHL or junior the rest of the season, or he simply needs a full season in the QMJHL because he’s not quite ready for this level of play but gets to help fuel a run for a title at the junior level.

“One step at a time, but yeah, my goal is I have nothing to lose, right,” Carbonneau said. “I’ll go all out, I’ll try to show everything I have and try to learn from older players and guys that have played for the Blues. My goal is to play there one day and be there with them. It’s going to be a fun experience.

“I think I want to show my passion, I want to show that I care, my compete level, my grit. I think a lot of people know that I can score goals and I have offensive talent, I would say, but I’m here to show them passion about my game, I compete and all out for everything I do.”

Blues' Long-Time Play-By-Play Announcer Joins KingsThe St. Louis Blues' long-time play-by-play announcer, John Kelly, will be joining the Los Angeles Kings on their FanDuel Sports Network telecasts, filling the vacancy created by Hall of Fame announcer Nick Nickson’s retirement, the team announced on Thursday.

The five players from Hockey Canada's 2018 world junior team who were found not guilty of sexual assault this summer will eventually be allowed to return to the NHL.

Centers Michael McLeod and Dillon Dube, goaltender Carter Hart, left winger Alex Formenton and defenseman Cal Foote will be eligible to sign NHL contracts as of Oct. 15.

Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman and The Athletic's Chris Johnston and Sean Gentille initially reported the news, while the NHL confirmed the reports shortly afterward.

The players are suspended until Dec. 1. They can, however, begin conditioning with a team on Nov. 15, according to The Athletic.

Justice Maria Carroccia found McLeod, Foote, Dube, Formenton and Hart not guilty of sexual assault in Ontario Superior Court in London, Ont., on July 24. McLeod was also found not guilty of one count of being a party to the offense. They were initially charged in connection with allegations of sexually assaulting a woman in a London hotel room after a Hockey Canada gala.

The Crown reportedly decided not to appeal the verdicts. It had 30 days from July 24 to file a notice of appeal.

The NHL released a statement Thursday shortly after the initial reports.

"The events that transpired after the 2018 Hockey Canada Foundation Gala in London, Ont., prior to these players’ arrival in the NHL, were deeply troubling and unacceptable," the statement said. "The league expects everyone connected with the game to conduct themselves with the highest level of moral integrity. And, in this case, while found not to have been criminal, the conduct of the players involved certainly did not meet that standard."

The NHL said it conducted a third-party investigation into the players' conduct after learning of the sexual assault allegations. It included interviewing every player on the 2018 world junior team and other parties who were willing to meet with them, as well as examining hundreds of documents, videos and texts.

That investigation paused in January 2024 when London Police announced it charged the five men.

All Five Former World Junior Players Found Not Guilty In Hockey Canada Sexual Assault TrialWarning: coverage of the Hockey Canada trial includes details of alleged sexual assault that may be disturbing to readers.

"In relying on both our own investigation, and the conclusions reached by Justice Carroccia in her opinion, and the players’ acquittal, the league has determined that the conduct at issue falls woefully short of the standards and values that the league and its member clubs expect and demand."

The NHL said it had in-person meetings with each of the acquitted men following the verdicts and acknowledged they expressed regret and remorse for their actions.

"Nevertheless, we believe their conduct requires formal league-imposed discipline," the statement said.

The NHL decided it will bring the players' total time out of the NHL to nearly two years by delaying their eligibility of playing until December.

NHL Anticipates Eligibility Update On Hart, Formenton, Dube, Foote And McLeod In 'Near Future'Nearly seven weeks have passed since the five players involved in the 2018 Hockey Canada sexual assault trial were found not guilty on all charges. And yet, Carter Hart, Alex Formenton, Michael McLeod, Cal Foote and Dillon Dube continue to remain ineligible to return to the NHL.

Dube, Hart, McLeod and Foote have not played in the NHL since they each took a leave of absence in January 2024.

Formenton last played in the NHL in April 2022. He became an RFA. The Ottawa Senators gave him a qualifying offer to retain his rights, but Formenton was not re-signed. He played parts of two seasons for Ambri-Piotta in the Swiss National League before he was granted a leave of absence in January 2024.

Earlier in the week, Formenton signed a three-and-a-half-month contract to rejoin Ambri-Piotta.

The NHLPA released a statement as well on Thursday.

"We are pleased that Dillon Dube, Cal Foote, Alex Formenton, Carter Hart and Michael McLeod will have the opportunity to resume their NHL careers," the NHLPA said. 

"The players co-operated with every investigation. Upon their full acquittal by Superior Court Justice Maria Carroccia, we initiated discussions with the NHL regarding the players' return to work. To avoid a protracted dispute that would cause further delay, we reached the resolution that the league announced today. We now consider the matter closed and look forward to the players' return."

Senators GM Steve Staios was asked about Formenton on Monday.

"I have no comment on that. In fact, it's a league matter, and the player is ineligible to play," Staios said.

Philadelphia Flyers governor Dan Hilferty was asked on Wednesday about whether the team would consider bringing back Hart, who played six seasons for them.

"At this point, we're going to make no comment on that situation," Hilferty said. "The NHL has made it clear they'll speak first, and right now, we're not prepared to comment at all on the Carter Hart situation."

Jonathan Tovell contributed to this report.

Welcome back to Screen Shots, where we tackle three hockey topics in shorter chunks. This edition comes after the NHL and NHLPA player media tour featured three days full of intriguing quotes and news.

Without further ado, we lead off with a topic that Vancouver Canucks fans have certainly heard much of this off-season.

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New Jersey Devils star center Jack Hughes addressed the possibility of eventually playing with brother and Canucks captain Quinn Hughes.

"Honestly, I'm not afraid to say it. I would love for Quinn to, you know, eventually I'd love to play with him," Jack Hughes told reporters at the tour. "Whether that's in New Jersey or at what time that takes, at some point, I want to play with Quinn. But yeah, that's the question going around. They talk all day about it up in Vancouver, you know?"

This is sure to heighten the anxieties of Canucks fans who’ve been worried that Quinn Hughes will eventually leave Vancouver and join Jack Hughes in New Jersey.

But by the same token, and as Quinn Hughes said on Wednesday, of course, brothers would want to play with each other at some point. But you can always find brothers who’ve played entire NHL careers on different teams. 

That’s what makes the Olympics and World Cup of Hockey so compelling – you have teammates who are from the same place and same family tree. You don’t need to play on the same team at the NHL level. If the Canucks give him reason enough to stay in Vancouver, Quinn Hughes will stay. That’s what Canucks fans should be hoping for.

Jack Hughes may believe the Devils will be his only NHL home. But Quinn Hughes could believe the Canucks are his only NHL home. Truth can be stranger than fiction, so anyone who tells you how this all plays out is only taking a guess at it. We’ll have to see what the Hughes Bros. decide, because there will be interest in their future until they’re locked up for the long haul.

NHL Rumor Roundup: Crosby Addresses Trade Rumors, Quinn Hughes Reacts To Brother's CommentsThe Pittsburgh Penguins are rebuilding their roster, even though management won't admit it. Forwards Bryan Rust and Rickard Rakell and defenseman Erik Karlsson have been frequently mentioned as trade candidates throughout the off-season.

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As the media tour unfolded in Las Vegas, league deputy commissioner Bill Daly said the league is planning on shortening the time it takes to get through the first round of the NHL draft.

While Daly said the “strong majority” of NHL teams still want a decentralized draft, there will be production changes to speed up the first round, which took about an hour and a half longer than usual in 2025.

"While it wasn't as overwhelming a vote as it was the first time we asked, it was still a strong majority (of teams that) wanted to have a decentralized draft," Daly said. "It was the first time we've done it, so from a production standpoint, I think there are going to be significant changes. It's not going to be a four-and-a-half hour first round." 

That’s welcome news in a world where attention spans are shorter than ever.

As it goes with every pro sports league, the NHL worked on the storytelling of the draft that prioritized the personalities and reactions of the athletes, their families and the GMs and scouts who make the selections. But when it took that long to do it, the effectiveness of that storytelling waned because people were ready to hit the hay.

The league has come many miles in its overall draft production quality and marketing. That doesn’t mean it should be complacent. And Daly’s comments on the draft’s first round are good news, but observers will follow up on it next year.

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In some great news, the NHL, NHL Players Association and NHL Alumni Association announced plans to provide all retired players with access to health care. 

“It’s just a real great story about all of the groups coming together to make a big difference for NHL players that are the foundation of the game,” said Glenn Healy, president and executive director of the NHL Alumni Association. “This is like Christmas Day for us.”

Healy, Daly and NHLPA assistant executive director Ron Hainsey met with media in Las Vegas Tuesday to discuss the unveiling of the Retired Players Emergency Healthcare and Wellness Fund, to which the league and players association will each contribute $2 million per year through 2029-30. 

According to the memorandum of understanding, $2 million will go annually to the league and PA’s Emergency Assistance Fund, which assists NHLAA members without insurance coverage, facing catastrophic health issues without insurance coverage, and those members experiencing financial hardship. The remaining $2 million will be put towards helping provide wellness support for NHLAA members.

Healy told reporters that 787 former NHL players who didn’t have a pension will now be covered.

“Every player will have the ability to have a family doctor through Zoom, whether you played one shift or 10,000 games,” Healy said. "You have the ability to have a mental wellness professional within 30 minutes on Zoom, so if you don’t feel comfortable call me or our medical teams, you’ll have that ability…No one will walk alone.”

You have to be happy for the former NHLers who now will have some degree of security in knowing they can get help for what ails them.

There’s no competition in this sense of things – these are all players, young and old, who are trying to be there for one another. The NHL and NHLPA have done well in working with the alumni to ensure a better quality of life for athletes who have made the league what it is.

For action-packed issues, access to the entire magazine archive and a free issue, subscribe to The Hockey News at THN.com/free. Get the latest news and trending stories by subscribing to our newsletter here. And share your thoughts by commenting below the article on THN.com.

After facing their medical and physical tests yesterday, the Montreal Canadiens hopefuls were put through a challenging first practice by Laval Rocket coach Pascal Vincent. The players hit the ice at 10:00 AM sharp, and some were still on the ice at midday.

While the day started relatively easily with a few minutes of players taking breakaway shots on the goalies at both ends of the ice, the intensity soon went up after a whiteboard session in which the coach explained what they wanted the players to focus on for the day. Active sticks, poke checks, and combativity —it might just have been rookie camp drills —but for these players, a lot is riding on their performance, and it showed.

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A few players stand out, notably Ivan Demidov, who outperformed Simon Lavigne in a one-on-one drill. The Russian then cut to the inside and scored a beautiful goal on Jacob Fowler. It makes no doubt whatsoever that teams who let Demidov get a breakaway on them will regret it. He scored a few goals that showed just how skilled a player he is.

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David Reinbacher also seemed in great shape, and anyone who wondered if he would play differently after his knee injury and surgery can rest easy. The youngster is all in, and his skating is on point. Israel Mianscum can attest to that as the Austrian flew by him in a one-on-one drill.

On Wednesday, Vincent had told the media that he was eager to see how a player like Demidov could apply the defensive concepts that would be taught at camp, but that comment applied to every player, really. For quite a few drills, players had to start by dispossessing a coach with a sticklift before feeding their teammate and joining in the attack.

For those who are already lamenting coaches wanting to denaturalize an offensive talent like Demidov, this is not what that is. Any player will be much more efficient on the ice if he plays both ways. Just think of the work Martin St-Louis did with Cole Caufield, it’s just like that. No matter how talented a player is, his odds of producing get even higher if they are efficient on the other side of the puck.

Unlike last season, the rookies were forced to take a break midway through the practice to allow the Zamboni to do its job. Last year, the players went to the other rink, but that wasn’t possible this time around; the other ice was hosting the Canadiens’ veterans, who were all hard at work.

Throughout the drills, players skated with various linemates, which might indicate that Demidov, Oliver Kapanen, Florian Xhekaj, Filip Mesar, and Luke Tuch were all wearing white jerseys. At the same time, Owen Beck, Vinzenz Rohrer, and Tyler Thorpe were sporting red jerseys. It will be interesting to see if that stays true for Friday’s practice which is also scheduled at 10:00 AM at the CN Sports Complex in Brossard. 

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According to a report, former Philadelphia Flyers goalie Carter Hart and the four other players involved in the Hockey Canada trial will be suspended until Dec. 1.

NHL insider Elliotte Friedman reported Thursday that Hart, 27, Michael McLeod, Dillon Dube, Cal Foote, and Alex Formenton will be suspended by the NHL until Dec. 1.

The five players are eligible to sign with NHL teams as of Oct. 15, however.

Friedman also reports that the players will not appeal this decision.

Hart, McLeod, Dube, Foote, and Formenton were acquitted of the charges brought against them in the Hockey Canada sexual assault trial on July 24, though the NHL did not immediately reinstate them, ultimately bringing about Thursday's reports.

Previously, it was reported that the Flyers were one of multiple teams interested in Carter Hart.

Flyers governor Dan Hilferty and president Keith Jones declined comment on anything Hart-related during their press conference on Wednesday.

"It’s believed [NHL commissioner Gary Bettman] met with the players sometime in August," Friedman wrote. "NHLPA executive director Marty Walsh said during the European media tour in Milan that the not-guilty verdicts should allow the players to return to action."

Hart has not played a competitive game since his last Flyers appearance in Jan. 2024, and should he and the other players be confirmed to be suspended until Dec. 1, he will be 23 months removed from NHL action at the time of his potential return.

UPDATE: The NHL has confirmed the above reports in a statement, which reads as follows.

"The events that transpired after the 2018 Hockey Canada Foundation Gala in London, Ontario, prior to these players’ arrival in the NHL, were deeply troubling and unacceptable.  The League expects everyone connected with the game to conduct themselves with the highest level of moral integrity. And, in this case, while found not to have been criminal, the conduct of the players involved certainly did not meet that standard.

"Upon learning of the allegations in May 2022, the League commenced a third-party investigation into their conduct. This investigation was extensive, and included, among other things: interviews with every player on the team and several other relevant parties who were willing to meet with us, and examination of hundreds of documents, videos and texts.

"The League paused our process in January 2024, when prosecutors in London, Ontario, announced that Mr. Dubé, Mr. Foote, Mr. Formenton, Mr. Hart, and Mr. McLeod would be criminally charged.

"After more than one year of pretrial proceedings, the criminal trial commenced in April 2025, and lasted approximately two months, concluding on June 13, 2025. The verdicts finding each of the players not guilty were announced in a lengthy and thorough opinion by Superior Court Justice Maria Carroccia on July 24, 2025. In her decision, Justice Carroccia carefully reviewed the record presented to the court.

"In relying on both our own investigation, and the conclusions reached by Justice Carroccia in her opinion, and the players’ acquittal, the League has determined that the conduct at issue falls woefully short of the standards and values that the League and its Member Clubs expect and demand.

"The League is now confronted with how best to respond to all that has happened -- the conduct of the players, the criminal proceeding, and the acquittal of the players.

"Each of the players, based on in-person meetings with the League following the verdicts, expressed regret and remorse for his actions. Nevertheless, we believe their conduct requires formal League-imposed discipline.

"Given their conduct, we carefully evaluated the players’ acquittal in court and the time spent away from the game. Taking into account that the players have been away from the game for 20 months – including since their acquittals in July -- we have determined that the players will be eligible to sign an NHL contract no sooner than October 15, 2025, and eligible to play in NHL games no sooner than December 1, 2025, bringing their total time out of the League to nearly two years.

"The League expects and requires that, going forward, each of the players will uphold the standards required of NHL players both on and off the ice."

This is a developing story.