In another surprising development for the Anaheim Ducks in the 2026 offseason, the team announced on Saturday that they signed 2026 first-round pick Nikita Klepov to a three-year entry-level contract. 

The Ducks drafted Klepov (18) with the 15th overall selection a month ago with a pick they acquired from the St. Louis Blues, along with the 29th overall pick (later to become the 28th pick, Marcus Nordmark), in exchange for Mason McTavish.

Outlook for the Anaheim Ducks Blueline, Losing Three Veteran Right Shots

Anaheim Ducks Long Term Salary Cap Outlook, How it was Impacted by Leo Carlsson's Offer Sheet

Following the first round, Ducks general manager Pat Verbeek stated that had Klepov not been available at 15, the Ducks would not have made the trade and that he felt Klepov had a “fast track” to the NHL. 

After those comments, nobody anticipated that the fast track would be quite so fast, as Klepov had previously committed to Michigan State University for the 2026-27 season. That will no longer be an option, and neither will the AHL, as he will not be 19 years old at the start of the season. He’ll either play in the NHL with the Anaheim Ducks or return to the Saginaw Spirit of the OHL.

In theory, he would be eligible to play AHL games with the San Diego Gulls on a conditioning stint should he be healthy scratched for five or more consecutive NHL games. 

In 2025-26, Klepov led the OHL in scoring with 97 points (37-60=97) in 67 regular season games to earn OHL Rookie of the Year honors and added five points (1-4=5) in four playoff games. To some, that may suggest he has outgrown the OHL and should be in the NHL come autumn. 

The Ducks’ newest Russian winger is listed at 6-foot and 186 pounds and stated that the decision to head to the NCAA was to fill out his frame and refine the details in his game. Modeling his game after Nikita Kucherov, Klepov is an offensive dynamo, as creative, skilled, intelligent, manipulative, slippery, and tenacious as anyone in his draft, with a nose for the back of the net. 

Klepov sniffs out pucks in all three zones, but is at his best when leading a cycle in the offensive zone, working low-to-high and across the top of the circles, confident and deceptive, consistently scanning for high-percentage, dangerous plays. 

The Deerfield Beach, Florida native, who grew up in Russia until 2023, is eligible to play in the 2027 World Junior Championship for the United States should the Ducks be willing to loan him out, much like the Seattle Kraken developed Shane Wright in 2022-23. 

The Ducks could also map out a rookie season as they had with Leo Carlsson in 2023-24, utilizing selective healthy scratches to maximize his off-ice training and avoid a mid-season fatigue wall. They had planned a similar rookie season for Beckett Sennecke in 2025-26, but Sennecke’s immediate impact, for all intents and purposes, forced the Ducks to play him every night. 

Ultimately, Klepov will likely have the same opportunity Sennecke had a year ago, where his games played and ice time will be in his control. If he plays well enough and is an instant success, the Ducks won’t have a choice but to play him every night. 

The Ducks will likely have some surgery to perform on their depth chart before opening night, as Cutter Gauthier remains unsigned and their cap space is limited. Troy Terry will miss the first two or three months of the regular season, and the team may need to offload a veteran forward to free some cap space, potentially opening a depth chart spot, relatively high in the lineup, for Klepov or another young forward to seize. 

5 Must-Watch Games for the Ducks’ 2026-27 Season

Report: New Information from Leo Carlsson's Agents on Offer Sheet Saga

Anaheim Ducks Match Leo Carlsson Offer Sheet, Alter Landscape for 2026-27 Season

Transitioning away from professional hockey is rarely a seamless process. For athletes who have defined their entire existence by the daily routine of rink visits, team travel, and game nights, stepping away from the sport often brings an abrupt, jarring shift in identity.  

For former Toronto Maple Leafs goaltender Jack Campbell, however, stepping off the ice hasn't meant stepping away from supporting athletes. Campbell is channeling his experiences into a brand-new calling as a mental wellness and performance coach—a career pivot that those who spent time sharing a dressing room with him say makes total sense.  

Speaking at his annual charity golf tournament at Oakdale Golf & Country Club, Edmonton Oilers forward and former Maple Leafs teammate Zach Hyman offered high praise for Campbell's new venture. Having spent years alongside Campbell in Toronto, Hyman understands the challenge of leaving the game behind, but believes Campbell’s personal qualities make him uniquely qualified for the road ahead.  

"Happy for him, excited for him," Hyman said when asked about Campbell’s career change. "It's not easy to transition from being a hockey player into doing something else. We live our whole life—since you're four years old, you put your skates on and you go play, and then oftentimes it's hard to find what your next passion is, right?"  

Campbell’s journey through professional hockey was anything but a straight line. Drafted in the first round (11th overall) by the Dallas Stars in 2010, he carried the massive weight of high expectations early in his career. After struggling to find his footing, he endured years of minor league resets before eventually reinventing himself with the Los Angeles Kings and earning a trade to Toronto in early 2020.  

In Toronto, Campbell captured the hearts of Leafs fans with his infectious positivity, raw vulnerability, and stellar play—including setting an NHL record for the longest season-opening win streak by a goaltender (11 games) during the 2020-21 campaign and earning an NHL All-Star nod in 2022. Yet, his career was also marked by deep personal accountability and open struggles with confidence during tough stretches under the intense media spotlight of a major market.  

It is precisely those real-life highs and lows that Hyman believes will resonate so strongly with athletes seeking Campbell's guidance today.  

"I think it fits his bill," Hyman explained. "Like, he's a great guy to talk to. He loves to listen. He's caring, and I think that he'll be a great mental wellness coach. I think that's what he's going for. And he's experienced a lot of ups and downs in his career, and I think he can relate to a lot of players."  

In modern professional sports, mental health and performance psychology are no longer relegated to the background; they are recognized as vital components of an athlete's overall health and longevity. Players are under more scrutiny than ever before, navigating social media noise, high-pressure contract years, and the mental toll of injuries.

"Playing in Toronto was the coolest thing in the world"

This morning on #FirstUp, former #LeafsForever goalie Jack Campbell shares what it was like to play in a Canadian market and if there was extra pressure that comes with it. pic.twitter.com/CvqxkylIWJ

— First Up (@FirstUp1050) July 22, 2026

While traditional sports psychologists offer crucial theoretical framework, Campbell brings something exceedingly rare to the table: authentic, battle-tested perspective from someone who has lived through the absolute highest peaks and lowest valleys of modern NHL goaltending.  

From being hailed as a savior in Toronto to working through difficult stretches in Edmonton and the AHL, Campbell has walked in the shoes of players struggling to find their game under intense public scrutiny.  

As Campbell turns the page on his playing days, his transition represents a meaningful next chapter. He leaves behind a legacy as one of the most genuine teammates in recent Maple Leafs memory, taking those same empathetic traits into a field where they are needed most.

See more of The Hockey News on Google — Save us as Preferred Source

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 or creating your own post in our community forum.

With it now being roughly a month since NHL free agency started, we should see teams start signing remaining UFAs to professional tryout (PTO) agreements. 

The Pittsburgh Penguins could be among the teams that add players to PTOs ahead of training camp. When looking at the current UFAs left, one player who could be interesting for the Penguins to bring in on a PTO is Matt Grzelcyk.

The Penguins know Grzelcyk well, of course, as he has spent the 2024-25 season with them. He proved to be a solid addition to their group, too, as he posted one goal and set career highs with 39 assists and 40 points. Due to his past success in Pittsburgh, there would be no harm in them taking a look at the former Penguin on a PTO.

The Penguins certainly could use more depth on the left side of their blueline, too. They traded Parker Wotherspoon to the Vegas Golden Knights and lost Ryan Shea to the Edmonton Oilers in free agency. With this, it would make sense if they gave Grzelcyk a PTO. 

Grzelcyk appeared in 69 games last season for the Chicago Blackhawks, where he recorded 12 assists and 54 blocks. 

When looking at the Buffalo Sabres' current roster, it is fair to wonder if they could consider bringing in a player on a professional tryout (PTO) agreement for training camp.

One specific UFA forward who could make sense for the Sabres to take a look at on a PTO is David Perron.

Perron is one of the top remaining UFAs still available for the taking, but he notably had a tough finish to the 2025-26 season after being traded back to the Detroit Red Wings. In 16 games with Detroit following the move, he scored three goals and did not record an assist.

However, before being traded to the Red Wings, Perron was having a solid 2025-26 season with the Ottawa Senators. In 49 games with Ottawa before the trade, he posted 10 goals, 15 assists, and 25 points. With numbers like these, he was producing offense like a solid top-nine winger.

With this and the Sabres needing more forward depth, it would not hurt for them to bring in a veteran forward like Perron on a PTO. If he impressed during training camp and earned himself a contract, he could be a solid pickup for the Sabres' bottom six. He could also be a great mentor for the Sabres' young players and give them a player who has won the Stanley Cup in the past. 

The Philadelphia Flyers have had a busy off-season. Yet, when looking at their current roster, it is fair to wonder if they will consider inviting a player or two to training camp on a professional tryout (PTO) agreement. 

When looking at the remaining UFAs still on the market, one player who would be an intriguing player for the Flyers to take a chance on with a PTO is defenseman Nick Blankenburg. 

Blankenburg is a puck-moving defenseman who showed this season that he is capable of providing a bit of offense from the point. In 61 games split between the Nashville Predators and Colorado Avalanche, he set career highs with eight goals, 16 assists, and 24 points. 

With the Flyers being in need of another offensive defenseman, there would be no harm in them taking a look at Blankenburg on a PTO. If he didn't stand out at training camp, they could simply not sign him to a contract. However, if he performed well and earned a deal, he could offer them another option for their bottom pairing or seventh defenseman role. 

In 176 career NHL games over five seasons split between the Columbus Blue Jackets, Predators, and Avalanche, Blankenburg has posted 18 goals, 40 assists, and 58 points. 

Welcome to this edition of "From The Archive". In this recurring series, we open The Hockey News' vault and display some of the top Vancouver Canucks related articles from the past. Today's article comes from Volume 78, Issue 12, where Ken Campbell wrote about the 2025 Calder Cup-winning Abbotsford Canucks.

All Aboard The Silovs Train: Volume 78, Issue 12, June 27, 2025

SHORTLY AFTER THE Abbotsford Canucks began celebrating their Calder Cup championship, a few of the players got to work. Their goalie was busy doing interviews – because he was the biggest reason they won the thing – so he didn’t see his teammates surreptitiously cutting the netting off the Canucks’ goal at Bojangles Coliseum. (Greatest arena name ever, by the way.)

By the time Arturs Silovs was finishing up his on-ice interview, his teammates had managed to remove the mesh from the iron and draped it over his shoulders. It was symbolic in a couple of ways. First, it reminded all who watched the Canucks’ playoff run that Silovs was so simpatico with his net that almost nothing got by him. Second, it was the affirmation that, as the Canucks knew all along, the net indisputably belonged to their 24-year-old Latvian goalie, who seems to have a penchant for playing out of his mind in big games.

Silovs started each of the Canucks’ 24 games during the 2025 Calder Cup playoffs, winning 16 while putting up a .931 save percentage and 2.01 goals-against average. He was also named playoff MVP. But that’s not the half of it. In the final series, the Canucks were outshot 229 to 147 by the Charlotte Checkers, an average of 13.7 shots per game over the six games. In Game 1 of the series, Silovs faced 54 shots. That’s not including the one that went past him when teammate Ty Mueller won a defensive-zone draw in overtime and pulled it directly into the Abbotsford net while Silovs was turning around after taking a drink of water. It was later ruled that Silovs was not set for the play, and the goal was called back before Danila Klimovich scored on the power play in double overtime.

More symbolism. It seemed the only time opponents could figure Silovs out was when he wasn’t ready. But when he was, his play was remarkable. Silovs posted a .934 SP in the final series. One of the key reasons the Canucks won the Calder Cup was that they never lost two straight games. They lost eight times in the playoffs, and in the games after a loss, Silovs went 8-0, tossed up two shutouts and recorded a .948 SP. “Arty’s play in those games was unbelievable,” said Canucks rookie coach Manny Malhotra.

And because of that, Silovs found himself at the top of the mountain, just months after struggling through a disastrous start to the NHL season. He entered the year having created high expectations for himself after getting the Vancouver Canucks to Game 7 of the second round of the playoffs in 2024. In 2023, all he did was lead Latvia, the little engine that could, to a bronze medal at the World Championship. For his efforts, Silovs was named the top goalie and MVP of the tournament. And when he was asked what the Calder Cup win means to him, he spoke like someone who doesn’t expect to be competing for it ever again. “You’re finishing a part of your career with a milestone,” Silovs said. “Not everyone can say they won a Calder Cup, right? I think it’s really special…and I think it’s going to help a lot in the future.”

Yeah, about that. Things are going to get interesting in Vancouver’s crease. The brilliant-but-injury-riddled Thatcher Demko has one year left on his current deal at $5 million, but while trade rumors were swirling, it appeared a contract extension was in the works. The Canucks signed 30-year-old Kevin Lankinen to a five-year, $22.5-million extension that kicks in next season. You’d have to wonder whether they would have done that if they’d known what Silovs was going to accomplish in Abbotsford. For his part, Silovs has one year left on a deal that will pay him $800,000 – whether he plays in the NHL or the minors – before he becomes an RFA with arbitration rights. But what makes all of this so intriguing is that in order to be sent to the minors in 2025-26, Silovs would have to go on waivers. That means the Canucks, if they stay status quo in net, would either have to go with a cumbersome three-goalie setup or risk losing Silovs for nothing. Hence, the Demko rumors that began circulating during the off-season.

We do know that Silovs can play. His body of work in the AHL, internationally and, at times, in the NHL has proven he’s ready to be a full-time NHL goalie. The fact that Latvia chose to name him among the first six players for their 2026 Olympic team is a testament to the faith they have in him to deliver on the world stage. And while he has had his peaks and valleys, he’s not unlike a lot of young goalies who take a few years – and in many cases, a few organizations – to find their places in the hockey world. Silovs is young for a goalie, but he’s also got a cross-section of experience and success that suggests he deserves a sustained shot at proving he can stay in the NHL.

Silovs was brilliant at times for the big club during the 2024 post-season. But when the NHL crease was his to start the regular season, he struggled – and he struggled mightily. He gave up five or more goals in three of his nine starts, and his only two wins of the season came against the Chicago Blackhawks, and we’re not even sure if those even count these days.

Brighter days are ahead, one would presume, for both Silovs and other Canucks prospects who made a push in the playoffs. For the short term, Silovs was intent on living in the moment and enjoying the accomplishment. “It’s so special,” he said. “Basically, I grew up with this team. We started with nearly everyone at the same time. We had some ups and downs, and to manage to win with the same guys is unbelievable.”

Make sure you bookmark THN's Vancouver Canucks site and add us to your favourites on Google News for the latest news, exclusive interviews, breakdowns, and so much more. Also, don't forget to leave a comment at the bottom of the page and engage with other passionate fans through our forum. This article originally appeared on The Hockey News.

Latest From THN’s Vancouver Canucks Site:

In The System: Canucks 2023 Draft Class Prospect Update

Vancouver Canucks 2025–26 Report Card: Ty Mueller

In The System: Canucks 2024 Draft Class Prospect Update

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 or creating your own post in our community forum.

Now that we are approaching August, most of this year's top UFAs have found their new homes. However, there are still some notable players who have not signed their next contracts.

When it comes to the remaining UFA goalies, a former Sabres netminder is among the most notable: James Reimer

Reimer remains a UFA after spending this past season with the Ottawa Senators. In 14 games with Ottawa in 2025-26, he posted a 7-4-2 record, an .886 save percentage, and a 2.42 goals-against average. Overall, he was a serviceable backup for the Senators, and it is fair to wonder if he could get another deal from a team looking for more goalie depth.

With the Sabres having Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen, Alex Lyon, and Colten Ellis all on their NHL roster, a reunion with Reimer is highly unlikely. However, he could be a good addition for another team that is looking for a backup or third-string goalie. 

Reimer appeared in 22 games with the Sabres during the 2024-25 season, where he posted a 10-8-2 record, an .899 save percentage, a 2.90 goals-against average, and one shutout. 

Pittsburgh Penguins captain Sidney Crosby has been a model of consistency ever since he entered the NHL in 2005. 

Crosby has played 21 NHL seasons and has scored over a point per game in all of them. He has also won everything there is to win in hockey and will go down as one of the five best players ever when he retires. 

He helped the Penguins return to the Stanley Cup Playoffs this past season and was great when he was healthy, compiling 29 goals and 74 points in 68 games. He would've been closer to hitting 90+ points for a fourth-straight season if he didn't miss time after the 2026 Winter Olympics with a sprained MCL. 

Crosby's entering his 22nd NHL season in 2026-27 and the final year of his current contract. His focus remains on getting the Penguins back to the Stanley Cup Playoffs again and trying to win a fourth Stanley Cup. 

He'll be 39 for this season, but I still see him having another point-per-game season because that's who he is. Crosby may not be able to carry the Penguins in the playoffs on his own anymore, but he's still good enough to get them there and have plenty of great performances along the way. 

He's still spectacular in all facets of his offensive game and has eyes in the back of his head, especially when he's behind the net. That place has been his office throughout his entire career, and that's not about to change. 

At 5v5, he's expected to play alongside Bryan Rust and Rickard Rakell again, assuming both are still with the Penguins when the season starts. Rust and Rakell have been in trade rumors again this offseason, but Penguins general manager/president Kyle Dubas hasn't been persuaded enough to move one of them. Crosby is super comfortable with both players, showcasing some great chemistry with them. 

When it comes to the power play, Crosby will unquestionably be on the top unit alongside some of the other Penguins' top players, including Evgeni Malkin and Erik Karlsson. 10 of Crosby's 29 goals last season came on the man-advantage, and he's still deadly as ever if opposing penalty killers give him time and space to find open players. His ability to thread the needle with passes is still absurd. 

Pittsburgh Penguins' 2026-27 Lineup Projections: GoaltendersEven if the Penguins' goaltending tandem may seem set for 2025-26, there are no guarantees - and there's certainly a lot of talent to go around.

Don't forget about some more milestones, either. Crosby became the Penguins' all-time leader in points last season when he passed Mario Lemieux and is set for even more this year. 

He ranks seventh in NHL history in points with 1,761 and is 11 points away from passing Marcel Dionne for sixth on the list. He's also only 38 points away from passing Ron Francis for fifth on the list and is only 39 away from 1,800 for his career.

There's a real chance that he could finish his career with close to 2,000 points, which would put him in the top three. Jaromir Jagr is second all-time with 1,921 points, while Mark Messier is third all-time with 1,887 points. 

Crosby is also only three assists away from passing Joe Thornton for seventh on the NHL's all-time assists list. He needs 29 more to pass Paul Coffey for sixth and 49 more to pass Jagr for fifth. Heck, he might pass all three players this season, considering that he finished last season with 45 assists in only 68 games. 

It's going to be as exciting as ever to watch Crosby suit up for his 22nd NHL season. The Penguins are the only team he has ever known, and that's never going to change. He's a Penguin for life. 

It may be a couple of months away right now, but Sept. 30 will be here before you know it.

---

Bookmark THN - Pittsburgh Penguins on your Google News tab to follow the latest Penguins news, roster moves, player features, and more!   

Follow Michael Whitaker On X

It was only days ago that former Detroit Red Wings goaltender Jack Campbell, who spent one season with the organization and played with the American Hockey League affiliate Grand Rapids Griffins, announced his retirement. 

And now, another goaltender who briefly spent time with the organization is also calling it a career. Michael Hutchinson, who spent the 2023-24 campaign under contract with the club, is retiring.

Michael Hutchinson Announces Retirement https://t.co/pbcw6VWNQr

— Pro Hockey Rumors (@prohockeyrumors) July 27, 2026

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

Hutchinson was originally selected with the 77th overall pick in the 2008 NHL Draft by the Boston Bruins, though he never saw regular season action with the club.

He would then spend 2013 through 2018 with the Winnipeg Jets, and even posted 21-10-5 record with a 2.39 goals-against average and a .914 save percentage with two shutouts in 2013-14. 

Following his time with the Jets, Hutchinson saw time with the Florida Panthers, Toronto Maple Leafs, Colorado Avalanche, Vegas Golden Knights, and Columbus Blue Jackets before being signed to a professional tryout (PTO) agreement with the Red Wings in 2023. 

While Hutchinson was released from his tryout, he opted for the same deal with the AHL affiliate Grand Rapids Griffins, and would later be signed to a one-year, two-way contract extension.

Former Red Wings Goaltender Calls It A Career Former Detroit Red Wings goaltender Jack Campbell, a Michigan native who briefly played for the organization, has decided to retire.

He appeared in one regular season game for the Red Wings in December 2023, making 33 saves in a loss to the New Jersey Devils. 

He later accepted a PTO with the Devils in the fall of 2024, but would be released, and spent his final season of professional hockey with SaiPa in the Finnish Liiga. 

Never miss a story by adding us to your Google News favorites!

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 or creating your own post in our community forum.

In Part One of our Atlantic Division offseason series, we compared the Senators to the Toronto Maple Leafs. Part Two featured the Montreal Canadiens.

Now it's time for another 106-point Atlantic Division heavyweight: the Tampa Bay Lightning.

Unlike Montreal, Tampa made some significant changes after a first-round playoff exit.

Senators Offseason Summary

The Senators' summer to-do list changed dramatically when Brady Tkachuk requested a trade and was eventually sent to Florida for the ninth and 25th picks in the 2026 draft, a 2027 second-rounder and a 2029 first-round pick.

GM Steve Staios then flipped the ninth pick to San Jose for William Eklund and prospects Kasper Halttunen and Brandon Svoboda.

Ottawa also acquired Andre Burakovsky and goalie Samuel Ersson, while re-signing Claude Giroux, Nick Cousins, Jordan Spence and Leevi Merilainen.

The biggest question remains whether Eklund and Burakovsky can replace enough of Tkachuk's offence.

Let's compare that with Tampa Bay's offseason.

Lightning Trades: Subtractions

Tampa didn't do much trading, but they did move out two familiar faces.

Pending UFA defenseman Darren Raddysh was dealt to Toronto for a fifth-round pick after a 22-goal, 70-point season. Raddysh's 70-point season in a contract year was so wildly out of step with the rest of his career that the Lightning let him walk in a sign-and-trade with the Leafs.

The Lightning also traded former Senator Nick Paul to Toronto. Paul had become a useful middle-six forward in Tampa, putting up back-to-back 20+ goal seasons, but his production dipped hard last season to 15 points in 51 games. Over a full season, that's a 23-point pace. 

Lightning Trades: Additions

There isn't much to see here.

Tampa's only notable player addition by trade was goaltender Dennis Hildeby, acquired from Toronto in the Nick Paul deal. Hildeby posted a .914 save percentage last season and will back up Andrei Vasilevskiy.

Like Ottawa, Tampa wanted better support for its number-one goalie. The Senators brought in Ersson. The Lightning brought in Hildeby.

Lightning Free Agent Signings

The Lightning replaced Raddysh with longtime Washington Capitals veteran John Carlson, who finished last year with Anaheim. The 36-year-old got a two-year contract worth $8.5 million per season, exactly what Raddysh is getting in Toronto.

Like the Senators, who grabbed Burakovsky, Tampa also had some interest in one of Chicago's mid-tier forwards. The Lightning signed UFA Ilya Mikheyev for four years at $3.85 million per season

Tough guy Jeffrey Viel, who split his time between Boston and Anaheim, was signed to a surprising five-year deal worth $2.5 million annually, a move that certainly gives Tampa a little more muscle for the Battle of Florida.

Lightning Free Agent Losses

Oliver Bjorkstrand signed with the New York Rangers, while Corey Perry moved on to Los Angeles.

Verdict 1: Who Had The Better Offseason?

The Lightning lost Raddysh, but they gained Carlson. Carlson is one of the top-scoring D in the game, and he's been that for a lot more than one season. They also lost Paul, Perry and Bjorkstrand, but they gained Hildeby, Mikheyev, and Viel.

The Sens lost Tkachuk, but added Eklund, Burakovsky, and Ersson. They also added some much-needed prospects and draft capital.

Tampa gets the nod, but not by much.

Verdict 2: Who Will Be The Better Team This Season?

Tampa Bay again.

Ottawa finished only seven points behind the Lightning last season, and there's an argument that the Senators' younger core has more room to improve.

Tim Stutzle, Jake Sanderson, Shane Pinto, Dylan Cozens and Eklund should still have some of their best hockey ahead of them.

Tampa's core is considerably older, and eventually, that will matter. But people have been waiting for the Lightning to fall off for a while now, and we're not going to predict their decline until they actually show signs of it.

The Lightning still have Nikita Kucherov, who had 130 points and won the Hart Trophy last season. Jake Guentzel scored 38 goals, Brandon Hagel had 36, while Brayden Point and Anthony Cirelli remain excellent players. 

Victor Hedman anchors the defence, Carlson now joins him, and Vasilevskiy is coming off another Vezina Trophy season. Oh yeah, and Jon Cooper is finally the reigning Coach of the Year.

For now, the Senators are still chasing them.

By Steve Warne
The Hockey News

This article first appeared at The Hockey News Ottawa. For full Senators coverage, check out one of The Hockey News headlines below.

Senators Won't Be Replacing Daniel Alfredsson On Their Coaching Staff
A Member Of The Senators 'One-And-Done' Club Announces His Retirement
20 Years Later: Three Moves That May Have Cost The Senators A Stanley Cup
Rest Is A Weapon: New NHL Schedule Leaves Senators At A Big Disadvantage

The Chicago Blackhawks have spent a lot of money this off-season. They traded for and signed Bowen Byram, added a couple of depth free agents in Ian Cole and Cole Smith, extended Connor Bedard, and signed Patrick Kane. 

Now, they can stay above the cap floor and don't have any bad money locked in their books for an extended period. In the future, as other young players are looking for big extensions, the Blackhawks should have no issue. 

They still have room to make moves to become a better team right now, and hope that it helps them continue building a winner for the future. After signing Kane, they likely aren't the front-runner for a big move between now and training camp, but if the right deal came along, they might consider it. 

Of the realistic players who may still be moved before summer is over, Kirill Marchenko of the Columbus Blue Jackets is at the top of the list. There have been reports of him wanting out, while conflicting rumors out of Columbus say that those are false. Either way, there is smoke surrounding his future. 

The favorite to land Marchenko, if he's moved, seems to be the Montreal Canadiens. However, there are other teams with a seat at the table. There is no reason to believe that the Blackhawks aren't one of them. They have cap space and assets necessary to make a big move like that. 

The Blackhawks have a lot of forwards who do the same thing: provide middle-six-level offense. Outside of Connor Bedard, there is nobody who is a lock to provide north of 70 points. Others, Patrick Kane, Frank Nazar, or Anton Frondell, may be able to, but it isn't a guarantee at this stage of their careers (for different reasons). 

If Marchenko plays 80+ games, he should have north of 70 points with ease, including the 30-goal plateau. Over the last three seasons, he has 58 goals and 83 assists for 141 points in 155 games played. That type of goal-scoring winger who also makes plays would be great for one of Chicago's top centers. 

With the surplus of NHL-ready forwards that the Blackhawks have, a few of them may have to go the other way to make room. Guys like Oliver Moore, Ryan Greene, Sacha Boisvert, and Marek Vanacker, among others, could all go in a deal like this. 

At 26 years old, Marchenko is just getting started. If he gets traded, it is because he doesn't want to stay with the Blue Jackets.

He is going to earn a lot of money, so the Blackhawks would have to decide if he's worth the payment via trade and in dollars when that time comes. Right now, it's easy to see him producing at a high rate with a center like Connor Bedard feeding him the puck. 

Visit The Hockey News Chicago Blackhawks team site to stay up to date on the latest news, game-day coverage, player features, and more.

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 on the article below on THN.com or by creating your own post in our community forum.

When the Sharks drafted Filip Bystedt with the 27th overall pick in the 2022 NHL Draft, he was a key building piece for a rebuilding team without much prospect quality. Of course, the additions of Will Smith and Macklin Celebrini in 2023 and 2024 respectively, it didn’t take long for Bystedt to fall down the depth chart. 

The odds of Bystedt playing a top-six role even in his prime were slim at that stage regardless, but with just Smith and Celebrini ahead of him on the depth chart, he still had a chance to find a spot in the bottom-six. Drafting Michael Misa in 2025, adding Zack Ostapchuk via trade, then signing veteran Alex Wennberg to an extension made center depth a major strength for the Sharks’ young core and left almost no room for Bystedt, or any other prospect, to make a jump to the NHL in the near future.

Now, more than four years after being drafted, Bystedt has yet to make an appearance at the NHL level and he’s stuck behind a major logjam of bottom-six forwards. As a result, it seems fair at this stage to question how realistic it would be for him to make the Sharks at any point in the near future.

Last season, Bystedt had his best professional season by far. He scored 20 goals, surpassing the 20 goal threshold for the first time in his career, and 60 points in 65 games for the San Jose Barracuda. Yet, even when the Sharks' roster was dealing with injuries, he never got an opportunity in the bottom-six. Instead, those opportunities were given to players like Ethan Cardwell, Patrick Giles, Pavol Regenda, and Igor Chernyshov.

With the Sharks now looking to move out of their rebuild, there will likely be even fewer chances for younger players in the near future. Players like Adam Gaudette, Ty Dellandrea, Barclay Goodrow, and possibly even Tyler Toffoli are going to be taking up space in the Sharks' bottom-six this coming season and it seems unlikely that there's any space for Bystedt to get a chance, even if there are a multitude of injuries.

While it seems likely that Sharks General Manager Mike Grier would've loved to see Bystedt succeed since he was the first draft pick of his tenure, that window has seemingly rapidly closed. If Bystedt doesn't get an opportunity this coming season, which is hard to see happening, it seems likely that it'll never come in San Jose.

It’s no secret that the Florida Panthers have evolved into one of the more disliked teams in the NHL.

The combination of playing an aggressive, physical style and doing a lot of winning while playing that style will have that effect.

Those who have been watching Florida during their ascension know that they have an impressive collection of players who can combine skill and grit, and each has played their own crucial role in Florida’s success.

One of those players has been singled out as a villain.

Don’t worry, it’s meant as a compliment. Sort of.

Over the weekend, The Athletic’s NHL staff put out an interesting piece listing an on-ice villain for every NHL team.

So basically, whichever player they believed to have tormented a team and its fans the most would be that team’s villain.

Interestingly, one Panthers player was singled out as the biggest bad guy for not one, but two different teams.

And perhaps even more interestingly, it’s not someone with the last name Marchand or Tkachuk.

No, that honor went to the man who took home the 2025 Conn Smythe Trophy while helping Florida to their second straight Stanley Cup championship: Sam Bennett.

According to The Athletic, no player has tormented either the Tampa Bay Lightning or Toronto Maple Leafs more than Bennett.

It’s a solid choice.

Bennett has shown a propensity for taking his game to another level during the playoffs, where he’s helped the Panthers win four of the six combined series against the Lightning and Leafs that he’s been a part of.

That includes four straight series wins, two against each team, in which Bennett racked up eight goals and 14 points in 19 games.

On the flip side, the player deemed most villainous to the Panthers franchise was Tampa Bay Lightning superstar Nikita Kucherov.

I mean, yeah, I guess.

He’s put up big numbers against Florida – more than a point per game in both the regular season and playoffs – but doesn’t he do that against everybody?

When thinking of a Lightning player as a villain for the Panthers, the first player that comes to mind lately is Brandon Hagel.

Now to be fair, it’s mostly for the physical elements of the game and less for his scoring contributions. While 16 points in 22 regular games against Florida is nothing to sneeze at, he’s only put up five points and a minus-8 on-ice rating in 12 postseason meetings with the Panthers.

So what do you think of these villainous choices?

Let us know in the comments if you agree, and if not, who you think should be on the list instead.

LATEST STORIES FROM THE HOCKEY NEWS - FLORIDA

Panthers Hand Out A Pair Of AHL Contracts

Panthers Prospect Named To Team Canada's World Junior Summer Showcase Roster

Brady Tkachuk Joins MMA Champions For Training Session While Preparing For First Season With Florida Panthers

Panthers Agree To 2-Year Deal With Goaltender Akira Schmid, Avoiding Arbitration Hearing

Could Panthers Assistant GM Brett Peterson Be In The Running For Red Wings GM Job?

On This Date: Panthers Acquire Matthew Tkachuk In Franchise-Altering Blockbuster Trade With Calgary

Panthers Sign Big Defenseman To Two-Way Contract

Photo caption: Nov 28, 2023;Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Florida Panthers centerSamBennett(9) fights withTorontoMaple Leafs center Max Domi (11) during the second period at Scotiabank Arena. (Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY Sports)

The Carolina Hurricanes have signed defenseman Ronan Seeley to a one-year, two-way contract extension.

The deal will pay Seeley $850,000 at the NHL level and $100,000 at the AHL level, with a guarantee of $160,000.

Seeley, 23, has spent the past four seasons primarily in the AHL, where he's collected 20 goals and 72 points in 266 games, all while being a reliable defender.

The 2020 seventh-round pick made his NHL debut at the end of the regular season, suiting up for one game for the Hurricanes.

The blueliner had previously filed for salary arbitration, but the deal comes before the set date for arbitration, so no harm, no foul.

That leaves Alexander Nikishin, Justin Robidas and Cayden Primeau as the final remaining RFAs left for the Hurricanes to deal with this summer.

---

Recent Articles

A Sum Greater Than The Parts: Carolina's Championship Was Built On Underrated Talent, Unity and Determination

Seth Jarvis Undergoes Shoulder Surgery; Will Miss Start Of 2026-27 Season

Carolina Hurricanes Full 2026-27 Schedule

Carolina Hurricanes To Launch Own Sports Network For Game Broadcasts

---

Stay updated with the most interesting Carolina Hurricanes stories, analysis, breaking news and more! Tap the star to add us to your favorites on Google News to never miss a story.

---

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 or creating your own post in our community forum.