The Chicago Blackhawks prospects are going to take on the St. Louis Blues prospects on Monday night at USG Center at Blackhawks Ice Center. They have had three practices to prepare for this event. 

Lines were established throughout, and it seems like their top line will feature three of the top forwards who are attending this camp. Sacha Boisvert is expected to center AJ Spellacy and Ryan Roobroeck. 

Blackhawks Prospect Camp Day 2: Lines, Defense Pairs, & What Stood OutThe Chicago Blackhawks prospects took the ice for day 2 of Prospect Camp on Saturday.

Spellacy and Boisvert are a little bit older, while Roobroeck was just selected in the 2026 NHL Draft. All three of them play a different game from one another, but the type that could compliment as a trio. 

Spellacy has already played in these prospect games and has even had some exciting preseason moments with Chicago before ultimately returning to his major junior team. Boisvert made his NHL debut at the end of last season, following a disappointing ending with Boston University. 

Both Spellacy and Boisvert are trying to make the Blackhawks out of camp, but it is more likely that they will get some seasoning in the AHL with the Rockford IceHogs. Regardless, they both have impactful NHL ceilings.

Roobroeck is getting a nice opportunity to show his tools on this line. He is going to return to the Guelph Storm no matter what, so he has a limited amount of time to make himself noticeable. He believes that being a part of this line could do that. 

"Those guys [have] a lot of experience between both of them," Roobroeck said of his linemates. "Being able to play with those guys is great. [I want to] take any information I can." 

Whether it's for the betterment of the team or everyone's long term development, this is good trio to use. They all have a certain level of physicality in their game, but they also have skills that should allow them to find the back of the net with frequency. 

"I think offensively, we will be able to produce if we play together," Roobroeck said when asked about what the line will look to accomplish.

You can also assume that there will be an emphasis on being hard to play against, based on his follow-up answer to tips he got from his linemates:

"A little bit in the defensive zone, just how the structure is and how they want to play. Just that and a little bit off the offensive rush, figuring out how they are and where they are on the ice is going to be huge." 

Down in the lineup is going to be Marek Vanacker, who can drive his own line in an event like this, which should allow the Blackhawks to keep pace with a group of Blues prospects who possess a lot of skill. 

After one of the practices, Rockford IceHogs coach Jared Nightengale (who is also running this team), confirmed that upper management created the lineup and wants to see Roobroeck, Boisvert, and Spellacy togehter. It makes sense, considering they are three of the forwards most likely to become impact pros. 

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.

There are few rewards for finishing last in the NHL, but the Vancouver Canucks are about to receive one.

After ending the 2025–26 season in 32nd place with a 25-49-8 record, Vancouver will hold the league’s highest waiver priority until November 1. If multiple clubs claim the same player, the Canucks get the player. Priority does not disappear after one use. Vancouver would remain first after making a claim, allowing General Manager Ryan Johnson to add multiple players.

The Canucks know how much unfinished talent can hide on the waiver wire. Vancouver once snuck Jacob Markström through waivers, and every team passed. The organization was fortunate. Markström developed into a starting goaltender and has since played over 550 NHL games.

Now, the Canucks are on the other side of that equation. If another organization exposes the next Markström, Vancouver gets the first opportunity to decide whether he is the player they cannot let get away.

Two Claims In Two Days

The Arizona Coyotes finished 31st before making two claims in October 2022. They claimed defenceman Juuso Välimäki from the Calgary Flames on October 9, then added goaltender Connor Ingram from the Nashville Predators the next day.

Calgary selected Välimäki 16th overall in 2017, but injuries disrupted his development. After playing nine NHL games in 2021–22, he produced four goals and a career-high 34 points in 78 games with Arizona. Although the Utah Mammoth waived him in February 2025, the franchise received nearly 200 games without surrendering an asset.

The next claim produced a greater return. Ingram became the Coyotes' starter, tied for the NHL lead with six shutouts in 2023–24, and won the Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy. In two days, Arizona found a productive defenceman and a starting goaltender. Neither required a trade.

When A Claim Becomes A Building Block

The Columbus Blue Jackets found a longer-term piece when they claimed Dante Fabbro from Nashville in November of 2024. Selected 17th overall in 2016, Fabbro received a fresh opportunity alongside Zach Werenski. That year, Fabbro recorded career highs of nine goals and 26 points in 68 games with a plus-20 rating. The Blue Jackets then signed him to a four-year, $16.5-million extension.

Columbus acquired a defenceman they valued at more than $4 million per season without surrendering an asset. Fabbro didn't meet every expectation attached to his draft position, but becoming a dependable NHL defenceman made the claim a clear success.

Eeli Tolvanen offers the offensive equivalent. The Predators waived the 30th-overall pick in December 2022 after he put up four points in 13 games. The Seattle Kraken already had a 16-8-3 record when they claimed him, meaning most teams had the first opportunity. Tolvanen went on to score 16 goals in 48 games with Seattle that season. He developed into a middle-six forward, producing three consecutive seasons with more than 35 points and scoring 23 goals in 2024–25.

The Right To Be Selective

Successful claims remain the exception.  A player normally reaches waivers because something has stalled, and a new organization cannot guarantee a different result.

There are also costs. A claimed player occupies a spot on the 23-man roster, counts against the salary cap and may force Vancouver to waive someone else.

If the Canucks later place him back on waivers, his former club could reclaim him. If they were the only claimant, they could assign the player directly to the AHL. A claim is therefore a commitment, not an easy way to build depth in Abbotsford.

The CBA limits a flip. Before trading the player that season, Vancouver must first offer him to any clubs whose original claims were unsuccessful. That selectivity should be guided by what Vancouver needs.

The Canucks scored 216 goals last season, ranking 31st, and no player reached 25 goals. A young forward with offensive upside would have an opportunity. A defenceman capable of handling a meaningful role could also strengthen a group being rebuilt around Zeev Buium.

The best opportunity may not arrive during the final training-camp cuts. Injuries, returning players and early-season cap pressure will create more decisions throughout October.

Vancouver does not need to find a star. A middle-six forward, dependable defenceman or capable goaltender would be a meaningful return on an acquisition that costs no draft capital. Välimäki, Ingram, Fabbro and Tolvanen each became valuable after another organization moved on.

The Canucks now get the first opportunity to identify the next one. Johnson does not need every gamble to work. He only needs to make sure Vancouver doesn't pass on the one that could.

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: 

3 Standouts From The 2026 Canucks Prospects Showcase

Canucks Close Out 2026 Prospects Showcase With A 5–2 Win Against The Kraken

3 Canucks To Watch During Game 2 Of The 2026 Prospects Showcase

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.

The NHL Network is currently counting down the top 50 players across the entire NHL prior to the puck dropping on the 2026-27 season in just a few weeks.

The next batch of players dropped Sunday night, continuing with the NHL Network's ongoing schedule of revealing 10 players at a time each Sunday night through September 27, when plays #10-1 will be revealed.

This week, the NHL Network revealed that New York Islanders' former-rookie, now sophomore-sensation Matthew Schaefer checks in as the 28th-best player in the league today.

Matthew Schaefer (@NYIslanders) is the only rookie to appear on NHL Network's Top 50 Players Right Now list this year!

📺: #NHLTopPlayers Sundays on NHL Network pic.twitter.com/md3LDeh3C4

— NHL Media (@NHLMedia) September 13, 2026

Schaefer, 19, will be the highest-ranked Islander on the list, joined by superstar goaltender Ilya Sorokin, whom the NHL Network placed at #35 in last week's ranking revelation.

The sensational defenseman found himself placed just ahead of established stars and 2026 Olympians Jake Sanderson and Moritz Seider, while being placed exactly one spot behind Lane Hutson.

NHL Network's Top 50 Players Right Now list rolls on with 30-21!

📺: #NHLTopPlayers on NHL Network pic.twitter.com/FzwAqXrsdk

— NHL Media (@NHLMedia) September 13, 2026

Schaefer posted 23 goals and 59 points in 82 games last season, shattering every record for scoring for an 18-year-old defenseman in NHL history. 

After rewriting the history books, Schaefer went on to win the 2026 Calder Trophy, becoming the first Islander to do so since Mathew Barzal in 2018.

Even with the record-setting year, the young phenom only wants to get, in his own words, "Bigger, Stronger, & Faster."

Colorado Avalanche News

• Colorado Avalanche youngsters shine in opening game of 2026 prospects tournament. [SI]

• ICYMI: Where have the Avalanche gone? New addresses for old friends. [MHH]

• Fabian Lysell could be a bigger addition than Avalanche expected. [Heavy]

• Do the Avalanche have the real deal in T.J. Hughes? [DVNR]

• Avalanche players give back during Youth Hockey Development Camp. Brock Nelson, Logan O’Connor, Josh Manson and Sean Behrens among guest coaches during Second Annual Camp. [NHL]
• Colorado Avalanche defenseman Devon Toews traded his hockey stick for a baseball Sunday, taking the mound at Coors Field to throw out the ceremonial first pitch before the Rockies game. [The Hockey News]

News Around the League

• NHL Draft sadly decentralized once again for 2027. [TSN]
• Best, worst scenarios for every Central Division team. [Sportsnet]
• Blues prospect Adam Jecho Enters NHL/NHLPA Player Assistance Program. [Bleedin’Blue]
• Defenseman John Klingberg retires after 700 games with six NHL teams. [USA Today]
  
• News out of the OHL: The Sudbury Wolves made a historic trade to obtain the rights to Tanner Adams. The cost? Seventeen total selections between now and 2030. [Sudbury Star]

Although a few more days separate rookie camp and the official start of training camp, top Philadelphia Flyers defense prospect Oliver Bonk is making as good of an early impression as he possibly can to bolster his chances of making the NHL roster full-time later this month.

Bonk, 21, played in the second of two Rookie Series games against the New York Rangers this weekend, drawing into the lineup alongside fellow first-round pick Maksim Sokolovskii on Sunday night.

As he should in a game like this, Bonk turned in a dominant performance at both ends of the ice, featuring on the power play in the bumper position and the penalty kill.

The former 22nd overall pick also picked up an assist to get on the scoresheet, feeding longtime teammate Denver Barkey on a 2-on-1 to give the Flyers a 1-0 lead.

All night long, it was noticeable how frequently, and how effectively, Bonk jumped in the rush to support the Flyers' offense, and he could have easily been rewarded with more than just one primary assist in the eventual 4-1 win.

"He's very smart, and he's surgical on his decisions and when he jumps up into the play. He's good at kind of hiding himself in those situations and just hitting with a burst and jumping into a spot at the right time," Lehigh Valley Phantoms head coach John Snowden said of Bonk after the game.

Flyers' Porter Martone Drawing Rave Reviews Early In Rookie Camp: 'Wants To Be A Superstar Player'Top Philadelphia Flyers prospect Porter Martone is doing all the right things and impressing his coaches as he prepares to play his first full season in the NHL.

"His transition game, he's really good at moving the puck and then just keeping his speed going and getting above the forecheck, and then it allows him to join that rush and be even more connected with it. He showed that last year, and he showed it right away again that he has that ability to really understand when to go and how to get there and how to be, I would almost say 'sneaky', finding those little dead areas that he finds."

It's more effusive praise of Bonk from Snowden, who coached the talented first-rounder for 46 games at the AHL level before his two-point NHL debut and Stanley Cup playoff debut to end the 2025-26 season.

Bonk is a player the Flyers have been high on since he was drafted with the 22nd pick back in 2023, thanks in large part to his high hockey IQ (dad Radek played over 1,000 professional games, including 969 NHL regular season games) and versatility.

In due time, Bonk, like his dad, will become an NHL regular, and some strong early performances, even in something minor like rookie camp, will only boost his chances of securing a roster spot ahead of main training camp, which kicks off on Thursday.

Here are your links for today:

Devils Links

We have a rookie camp roster:

Alright, rooks. Show us what you got. pic.twitter.com/F3PFD2mhUX

— New Jersey Devils (@NJDevils) September 11, 2026

Anton Silaev has arrived. “He’s huge, he’s massive, but he’s got really good feet, really good coordination. Which is going to help with the transition on the smaller ice sheet and faster tempo.” [Devils NHL]

Mike “Doc” Emrick, the longtime voice of the Devils, reflects:

“New Jersey is set up for a bounce-back season, especially now that they have a full offensive roster tailor-made to succeed in the same style their core players want to play. Between their top-10 defensive play and their top-10 offensive play (on paper), it should be a fun season for the Devils’ forwards.” [Devils’ Advocates]

“You certainly can’t take these things for granted, but the Devils should be buyers in the trade market this season. With that, let’s look at six players Mehta and the Devils could target to improve the team midseason.” [Devils on the Rush ($)]

Hockey Links

Mark Stone gets a two-year extension:

SET IN STONE 🗿☑️

The Golden Knights have signed captain Mark Stone to a two-year contract extension!

Full details » https://t.co/7Ofy6pNNQVpic.twitter.com/0nY1S14BWB

— Vegas Golden Knights (@GoldenKnights) September 12, 2026

Chris Kreider lands in Montreal:

The #GoHabsGo signed Chris Kreider to 1 year deal:

Salary 850K
Signing Bonus 1.3M
Performance bonuses 3.25M:
*2M @ 10 games played
*250K each @ 10/20/30 Goals scored
*500K @ 40 Goals Scored

Cap Hit 2.15M
AAV 5.4M

Includes No Move Clause

Rep’d by Matt & Ryan Keator WIN…

— PuckPedia (@PuckPedia) September 13, 2026

Zach Bolduc gets a four-year extension:

The Montreal Canadiens have re-signed Zach Bolduc to a four year contract worth $4.2M AAV, per Chris Johnston. pic.twitter.com/RsZS8YH3S8

— TSN (@TSN_Sports) September 13, 2026

Dylan Larkin loses his captaincy:

Statements from Dylan Larkin and the Detroit Red Wings. pic.twitter.com/P2sZjqp9Iz

— Detroit Red Wings (@DetroitRedWings) September 11, 2026

Feel free to discuss these and any other hockey-related stories in the comments below.

Jason Demers back for second NBC Sports California Sharks studio analyst stint originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

• Editor’s note: Sheng Peng is a regular contributor to NBC Sports California’s Sharks coverage. You can read more of his coverage on San Jose Hockey Now, listen to him on the San Jose Hockey Now Podcast, and follow him on Twitter at @Sheng_Peng.

The Sharks’ biggest addition this summer might not be trade acquisition Darnell Nurse, free agent signings Jacob Trouba and Mason Marchment, or even 2026 No. 2 overall pick Ivar Stenberg.

It might be bringing Jason Demers back to San Jose as NBC Sports California’s lead analyst on “Sharks Pregame Live” and “Sharks Postgame Live.”

The charismatic ex-Sharks defenseman, still with NHL Network and Sharks Audio Network, is ready to add his signature spice to the broadcast.

“We’re going to get wild,” Demers said. “We’re going to get zany late night in the Bay Area after a Sharks win, after two points. Stay up, because Daddy’s home, baby. Daddy’s home.”

Demers spoke more to San Jose Hockey Now about what he’s adding to studio shows, why he’s coming back to San Jose and why the Shark Tank feels like a homecoming.

This is an excerpt from a longer interview.

Sheng Peng: Why is now the right time for you to come back to regular Sharks coverage? From what I understand, you’re going to be doing 60-plus [games]?

Jason Demers: “Honestly, it was partly a family decision. I’m still going to do a lot of NHL Network stuff, probably will do the same amount of days as I’ve done the last couple years.

“Macklin’s a big part, just the team and what they’re building, and following them last year … I want to say it’s felt like back when I started [as a player] in 2010-11. You can feel that buzz in the building, and you can see it.

“When I first started my first year [doing media] with the Sharks, two or three years ago now, my first year retired, I loved it. I had a great time. [But] it just wasn’t the right time to do a lot of games because it was kind of still figuring out where I was in my career. I said yes to a lot and I kind of overextended myself. I was like, ‘Oh, I might have to move full-time to New York and do that stuff with [NHL] Network and really hone in on that.’ I wanted to get some broad coverage of the NHL and really learn a lot instead of being focused on one team. I wanted to just kind of sharpen the iron a little bit, so to speak, and get as many reps as possible.

“Last year, during the season, I was watching the [Sharks], and I got to say, I got a little bit like, I miss it. I miss the buzz of the Shark Tank every day.

“We’re on [NHL] Network, we’re talking about the Sharkies are exciting. Macklin’s exciting. I got to go to the Olympics and cover that and talk to Macklin, watch Macklin there, and also when I went on the road with the team for a couple games, I got to sit with a lot of the guys and talk to some of the younger guys and guys who have been there. Got to talk with the coaching staff. Hang out with Drew Remenda, have dinner with Randy Hahn and Dan Rusanowsky and all these just amazing people, that just brought me back to when I was playing and [where] I started.

“As people, we sometimes don’t realize where you’re appreciated the most and where you feel most comfortable is where you got to wade into.

“Sometimes, we seek out that discomfort and the uncomfortable side of things. And I did that for my first two years [retired], and not to say that I’m [not] really going to push the envelope this year because I’m going to, but it’s nice to be around, and I light up when I see everybody in that organization and people that I kind of grew up with and became a man with. I’ve told Dan a lot, and sorry for being long-winded, but I told Rusanowsky a lot, they called my first game and they called my last game, my last NHL game, that group. To then be calling with them was such an amazing, surreal moment.

“And to be in the studio, doing pre and post, I feel like that’s where I really thrive in that quick wit. We can get really creative and really kind of spice things up for Sharks fans. So in between periods, when you’re thinking about going to get a beer, or you’re thinking about going to get a glass of milk, or give a coffee to your kid because it’s an exciting game…

“No, stay up, because we are going to absolutely blow the doors off of this thing every game that I’m there, and even the games that I’m not, because we got a great lineup of guys and gals … We’re just gonna have so much fun, and that’s the important thing, that’s what I think the essence of this Sharks team is now, which it was back in 2010. It’s fun. Let’s have some fun and let’s win some hockey games and laugh while we’re doing it.

SP: You’ve actually already been covering the Sharks very heavily this summer on your YouTube channel, The Bite. Just for example, you have a video breaking down Sam Dickinson tape, could he be a No. 1 defenseman? Is that the kind of coverage, the in-depth kind of coverage that we’re going to get on Sharks pre-game and post-game?

JD: “1,000 percent.

“I really want to do some breakdown stuff. We already got some amazing new software and technology, I think that’s going to be getting used.

“And I think providing some of the best coverage in the NHL for a specific team, I think we’re going to be different. That’s the important thing with Sharks Nation and the Shark Tank, is we’re different. We’re different the way we watch hockey, the way we support hockey is different. That’s why I loved it. I was kind of a different personality, and I was embraced by Sharks fans, and it’s always felt like a second home to me.

“I love breaking down video, breaking down tape. And we’re going to do a lot of that. We’re going to try to add in some other stuff with some cool videos and maybe some on-ice stuff. And as the season goes, really give great coverage for the Sharks fans because I think they deserve it, because they’re the best fans in the game.”

Download and follow the San Jose Hockey Now podcast

After a long, hot summer, the return of Pittsburgh Penguins hockey is just days away with training set to open this Thursday at the UPMC Lemieux complex in Cranberry. There will be just three days of practice for the Penguins before preseason action opens a week from today, September 21st, against the Buffalo Sabres at PPG Paints Arena. There will the three more preseason games to follow before the regular season gets underway on September 30th with the Penguins heading across the state to take on the Philadelphia Flyers.

In preparation for the upcoming 2026-27 campaign, The Skating Penguin Network, hosted by Robbie and Snail, dusted off the microphones and recorded their first (pre) preseason episode last week, catching up on some news from around the NHL.

Robbie and Snail discussed the ongoing trade request situations coming out of Detroit and Winnipeg, touched on the prospects challenge taking place this past weekend, talked training camp and the preseason, tried to figure out where summer went, and much more.

This was their first episode since July, meaning there was a lot of ground to cover even though it was a relatively quite summer from the Penguins and most of the NHL if we’re being honest.

With hockey season coming quickly, episodes will be dropping more frequently in the run up to the 2026-27 which begins at the end of the month. Once puck drops, Robbie and Snail will be back to a regular schedule of recapping games and covering any news surrounding the Penguins or hockey in general.

Below you will find a link to the show and all episodes that will be updated as they are published. This show is the rebranded Pensburgh podcast that went independent a few years ago and we appreciate all who listen and encourage any one else to jump on board for the new season.

The Pittsburgh Penguins continued their winning ways in this year's Prospect Tournament on Sunday. 

After beating the Columbus Blue Jackets' prospects 2-1 in a shootout on Saturday, the Penguins' prospects defeated the Red Wings' prospects 4-3 in regulation on Sunday. Jordan Charron was credited with the game-winning goal after the Red Wings accidentally knocked the puck into their own net.

Carter Sanderson, Tomas Galvas, and Brayden Edwards also scored for the Penguins. 

Goaltender Xavier Wendt got credited with his first win of the tournament after Carter Casey won Saturday's game. 

This was a fun game to watch, and a few players stood out more than others. Here are three standouts from Game 2: 

Tomas Galvas

He was outstanding against the Blue Jackets on Saturday and continued his strong play on Sunday. He skated circles around the Red Wings and scored the goal of the tournament so far. 

About halfway through the second period, Galvas corralled the puck in his own zone and went to work. He went right around one Red Wings player before skating into the offensive zone and going around another. He found himself one-on-one with the goaltender and unleashed a beautiful backhand top-shelf shot. 

His goal tied the game at two. 

You're gonna want to watch this Tomas Galvas goal. We promise. pic.twitter.com/WHaWb1r6ZO

— Pittsburgh Penguins (@penguins) September 14, 2026

Galvas was once again the Penguins' best player, and it looks too easy for him. He continues to shine with his decision-making and mobility every time he's on the ice. 

He's definitely someone who fans should have their eyes on. 

Carter Sanderson

Sanderson had a fantastic summer at the World Junior Summer Showcase and has carried that momentum into this year's Prospect Tournament. 

He tied the game at one in the first period off a really nice shot that beat the Red Wings goaltender to the short side. He came in on a two-on-one and made no mistake with the puck. Markus Ruck got the assist on the goal. 

GOAL 🚨

Carter Sanderson evens the score on an assist from Markus Ruck pic.twitter.com/9CHZkaTlFb

— Pittsburgh Penguins (@penguins) September 13, 2026

Sanderson also hasn't been afraid to use his physicality this tournament. He had a great season with the USHL's Muskegon Lumberjacks last year and will try to build upon it with the WHL's Calgary Hitmen this year before heading to the University of North Dakota in 2027-28. 

Penguins' Prospect Tournament: 3 Standouts From Game 1Pittsburgh's prospects defeated Columbus's prospects, 2-1, in a shootout on Saturday.

Brayden Edwards

Edwards scored against the Blue Jackets on Saturday and added his second goal of the tournament on Sunday. He rifled a beautiful one-timer past the Red Wings goaltender to make it a 3-2 game in the second period. 

Atley Calvert got the primary assist and it was a sweet one.

Brayden Edwards gives the Penguins the lead!

Great patience by Atley Calvert to find the open teammate in the slot. Pierce Mbuyi gets the secondary assist. pic.twitter.com/sj23qkdDph

— Pens System (@PensSystem) September 14, 2026

Edwards spent most of the 2025-26 season with the ECHL's Wheeling Nailers, compiling 14 goals and 33 points in 55 games. He also racked up four goals and 12 points in 17 playoff games.

He'll have an opportunity to potentially make his mark with the AHL's Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins this season. 

The Penguins will play the Dallas Stars in their Prospect Tournament finale at 10:30 a.m. ET on Tuesday. 

---

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

The Vegas Golden Knights' rookies showed exactly the kind of fight this organization is built on, clawing back from a two-goal, third-period deficit to steal a 6-5 shootout win over the Colorado Avalanche rookies at Tech CU Arena.

It was the perfect response after Saturday's 3-0 shutout loss to the Utah Mammoth. This group could have folded. Instead, they delivered one of the more entertaining comeback efforts of the tournament.

First Period: Digging an Early Hole

Colorado jumped ahead early when Noah Jettelson found a lane through traffic to open the scoring. The Avalanche got a power play when Kalder Varga was called for slashing, but Vegas forward Mathieu Cataford made sure it didn't stay clean — dropping a hard, legal hit on Gustav Stjernberg and drawing a roughing call that evened things up to 4-on-4.

Colorado tacked on a second late in the period when Jake Chiasson buried a backhander off an offensive-zone draw, and the rookies found themselves down 2-0 early.

Second Period: Signs of Life

Vegas finally got on the board with its first goal of the entire tournament — and it was a pretty one. Mateo Nobert set up Trent Swick for a clean finish off a 2-on-1 to make it 2-1. Colorado answered right back through Chiasson's second of the night, but the Golden Knights kept pushing.

Jackson Hallum cashed in on a power play, crashing the net hard and jamming home a rebound to cut the deficit to 3-2. The physicality ramped up from there — Cataford and Stjernberg dropped the gloves, with Cataford getting the better of it, and Vegas' Jackson Hallum mixed it up again with Colorado's Rilen Kovacevic after a whistle. This group wasn't backing down from anything.

Colorado still led 3-2 through two, but Vegas had all the momentum.

Third Period: The Comeback

This is where it got fun. Vegas came out flying, with Hallum ringing one off the crossbar early, and the pressure paid off. Down 4-2 after a Colorado power-play goal, the Golden Knights refused to fade.

Swick blasted home his second of the night on the power play to make it 4-3. Then Viliam Kmec ripped a wrist shot top shelf off a faceoff draw to tie the game at four — pure filth. Colorado grabbed the lead right back on a Nikita Prishchepov breakaway, but Vegas answered again almost immediately: Nobert snapped in a power-play goal just seconds after Colorado took a penalty, tying it at 5-5 and forcing overtime.

Four separate ties or lead changes in the third period alone. That's the kind of resilience that gets you excited about this group heading into the year.

Shootout: Cataford Seals It

After a scoreless overtime, it came down to a shootout that needed four rounds to decide. Colorado's Beckett Hamilton scored first, but Alex Weiermair answered with a slick move to keep Vegas in it. Then Mathieu Cataford — who'd already made his presence felt physically all night — stepped up and buried the shootout winner to give the Golden Knights the 6-5 victory.

Trent Swick finished with a three-point night (two goals, one assist), while Cataford, Nobert, Kmec and Weiermair all played key roles in the comeback.

Follow Michael Whitaker On X

While the Detroit Red Wings prospects got off to a winning start Saturday evening against the Dallas Stars prospects, the Pittsburgh Penguins prospects handed them a setback Sunday.

The Penguins defeated the Red Wings 4-3 at the BELFOR Training Center inside Little Caesars Arena, evening Detroit’s record in the 2026 Prospect Tournament at 1-1.

Final game on Tuesday! pic.twitter.com/ouAZc40IV9

— Detroit Red Wings (@DetroitRedWings) September 14, 2026

The Red Wings were without forward Nate Danielson and defenseman Anton Johansson, both of whom played Saturday evening. They are both expected to return to the lineup for Tuesday's Prospect Tournament finale.

Detroit got on the scoresheet first, with Theo Rochette converting a pass from Carter Bear on an odd-man rush and beating Penguins goaltender Xavier Wendt.

Pittsburgh soon tied the game on a goal from Carter Sanderson, but Detroit regained the lead when a point shot from Jacob Truscott eluded Wendt through traffic.

Tomas Galvas tied the game again after cutting through the Detroit defense and beating goaltender Michal Orsulak with a backhander. Brayden Edwards then gave Pittsburgh its first lead of the game shortly afterward while the Penguins were shorthanded.

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

Late in the period, Detroit's Adam Levec jammed a loose puck across the goal line to tie the game once again. However, Pittsburgh's Jordan Charon scored in the third period to give the Penguins a lead they would not relinquish.

The Red Wings had multiple power-play opportunities late in the third period but struggled to gain the offensive zone or generate any meaningful pressure.

Orsulak stopped 29 of the 33 shots he faced, while Wendt turned aside 22 of 25 shots. Bear, Rochette, and Truscott each recorded four shots on goal.

Detroit will conclude the Prospect Tournament on Tuesday afternoon against the Columbus Blue Jackets; puck drop is scheduled for 2:00 p.m. ET. 

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.

A prospect game is typically uneventful. It’s competitive and a fun way to get back into the hockey season, yet the players are still getting into shape and finding their footing again. It’s how the prospect game between the New Jersey Devils and New York Islanders started. 

Then there was the hit by Anton Silaev at the end of the first period. It got the crowd into the game and brought some much-needed energy. Silaev’s defense partner, Seamus Casey, had quite the quote about it after the game. “I think the whole building felt it. Some people probably in Jersey City and Hoboken might have felt it, too.”

Heard that rumble across Jersey? Yeah, that was Silaev. pic.twitter.com/ZkIr8SCF91

— New Jersey Devils (@NJDevils) September 13, 2026

The hit was a glimpse into Silaev’s game and what he can become. The game showed what the Devils hope to develop him into. Likewise, it showed his deficiencies and where he must improve before he’s ready for the NHL. 

Silaev As A Bigger Bruising Defenseman 

When he’s on the ice, he’s a noticeable presence. He’s a bigger defenseman and plays like one too. For some hockey fans, he’s a throwback to a previous era, when every team had its physical presence who was eager to set the tone with a big hit (Scott Stevens was that player for the Devils during the Stanley Cup years). 

Defensemen who deliver the big hits are exciting. They also don’t last long in today’s NHL. Suspensions don’t help, but more importantly, the injuries take their toll. The Islanders, who faced the Devils on Sunday, will be quick to point to Alexander Romanov. He’s their version of Silaev and has battled injuries over the years. At 26, Romanov is already wearing down and not the same player he once was. 

New Jersey Devils Pipeline Shows Promise & Pleasant Surprises Their scrimmage against the New York Islanders provided some optimism for a team that isn’t known for its prospect pool, at least not heading into 2026-27.

It’s one reason the Devils will want Silaev to use his strength wisely. They want him to use his size and, at the same time, focus on becoming a shutdown defenseman who blocks shots and cleans up pucks in the net front. 

Silaev Ideally Becomes The Devils’ Next Shutdown Defenseman 

The Devils have their scoring defenseman, or at least they hope that Luke Hughes becomes one this season. They might add another in the near future, with the possibility of a Quinn Hughes addition on the horizon. 

They need more stay-at-home defensemen, specifically young ones, to build around for the future. While Brett Pesce, Jonas Seigenthaler, and Johnathan Kovacevic play that role, all three are 29 or older. 

Devils Fall in First Rookie Scrimmage as Cole Eiserman Scores OT WinnerOn Sunday afternoon, the <a href="https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/new-jersey-devils/latest-news/emptying-the-devils-notebook-9-things-you-may-have-missed">New Jersey Devils</a> and <a href="https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/new-york-islanders">New York Islanders</a> met inside RWJBarnabas Health Hockey House in Newark, New Jersey, for the first game action of the season.

If Silaev develops into one, it changes the Devils' outlook. Suddenly, they have a young stay-at-home option to build around who blocks shots and forces turnovers, while his defensive pairing can play more aggressively and focus on offense. Most playmaking and offensive-minded defensemen need a shutdown defenseman playing alongside them. The Devils are hoping they can develop a few with Silaev leading the way. 

Silaev Still Has Room To Improve

Silaev, like many of the Devils' young defensemen, will allow opponents to get into the dirty areas and the net front for scoring chances. Likewise, he’ll allow open looks in the high-danger areas, which was on display in the exhibition game against the Islanders. 

It’s not a knock on him. Many defensemen struggle at his age, especially coming from overseas. It’s why Silaev will likely spend this season developing with the Utica Comets in the American Hockey League. 

Anton Silaev Headlines New Jersey Devils Rookie Camp RosterIt will be a busy day at Prudential Center in Newark as the <a href="https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/new-jersey-devils/latest-news/emptying-the-devils-notebook-9-things-you-may-have-missed">New Jersey Devils</a>’ rookies report for training camp.

The plus is that the Devils have the right players around him to help, including Seamus Casey as a defensive partner and Mikael Diotte, who understands the adjustment a rookie like Silaev is going through. “He’s got everything to have a good career. So, just trust himself, move his feet, and use his body, and I think he'll have success for sure,” Diotte mentioned when asked about the advice he gives the Devils prospect. 

Silaev has made plenty of progress already, and he’s on the right track. The key for the Devils is keeping him on that track. “He's really attentive. He wants to learn. He wants feedback. He's responsive to anything that we're telling him on the bench. So, it’s been a pleasure to be working with him,” Comets head coach Ryan Parent noted after Sunday’s game. 

It's not just Parent who was excited to work with Silaev either. "Seeing how he progressed in the KHL and the player he became is kind of impressive. So, he was somebody I was looking for at this rookie camp," Diotte added. 

It’s easy to overreact to preseason hockey, especially a prospect game that doesn’t have many implications in the big picture. That’s the type of game the New Jersey Devils and New York Islanders played on Sunday afternoon at the RWJ Barnabas Health Hockey House. 

That said, the surprise of the game was that the Devils kept up with the Islanders. The Islanders have multiple elite prospects in their system, some of whom will be on the NHL roster at the start of the season. 

Devils Fall in First Rookie Scrimmage as Cole Eiserman Scores OT WinnerOn Sunday afternoon, the <a href="https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/new-jersey-devils/latest-news/emptying-the-devils-notebook-9-things-you-may-have-missed">New Jersey Devils</a> and <a href="https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/new-york-islanders">New York Islanders</a> met inside RWJBarnabas Health Hockey House in Newark, New Jersey, for the first game action of the season.

The Devils went toe to toe with the Islanders and had a 4-3 lead in the final minute before losing it in overtime. The game, while an exhibition, shined a bright light on the Devils' farm system, which has some pleasant surprises in it. 

Devils Depth Stepping Up 

The Devils found the back of the net four times, with Mikael Diotte and Matyas Melovsky particularly stepping up. Diotte is a depth defenseman who got the Devils on the board, while Melovsky found the back of the net twice. 

The hope for the Devils is that both players develop into NHLers. For Melovsky, he’s starting to hit his stride as a 22-year-old forward who has found a scoring touch. This season, he’ll make his impact in the American Hockey League but down the road, he’s someone who can fight for a bottom-six spot. 

The big name, however, in the Devils' system and on the ice Sunday afternoon was Anton Silaev. He’s not a scoring defenseman but showed flashes on the defensive end and made his biggest mark with a hit in the first period. “He’s got everything to uh to to have a good career. So, just trust himself, move his feet, and use his body, and I think he'll have success for sure,” Mikael Diotte noted after the game on what the young defenseman must do to make it to the NHL. 

Anton Silaev Headlines New Jersey Devils Rookie Camp RosterIt will be a busy day at Prudential Center in Newark as the <a href="https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/new-jersey-devils/latest-news/emptying-the-devils-notebook-9-things-you-may-have-missed">New Jersey Devils</a>’ rookies report for training camp.

The Depth The Front Office Brought In Is Changing The Culture 

The most impressive part about the Devils pipeline wasn’t on display in the Sunday game. It’s what’s happening in Utica with their AHL affiliate. First-time general manager Sunny Mehta brought in Braden Birch as the AHL GM, and the new-look front office brought in multiple borderline NHLers. It included players like Riley Tufte, Declan Chisholm, Amadeus Lombardi, and Ben Steeves. 

These players aren’t prospects per se. However, they can fill in if the injuries pile up, and the Devils won’t experience a major drop-off. They’ll also become the veterans and mentors for the prospects who are on their way to the NHL. 

It’s something that gives Utica Comets head coach Ryan Parent optimism. He’s entering his second full season behind the AHL bench and is finally getting a boost from the front office. “We talked about the organizational depth, and it's not just the guys that are in New Jersey. It's in Utica as well,” Parent noted after the prospect game, adding, “It just creates a lot of depth, and it surrounds everybody. It makes our team better and surrounds our prospects. So, we can get the most out of developing those guys.”

Mehta Wants Under-The-Radar Stars For Devils: Who Can They Be? The Devils' GM is looking for players with high upside who can develop into stars. Who are those home runs on the roster?

The Devils weren’t expected to improve their farm system overnight. It takes time to draft and develop. That said, bringing in the vets and changing the culture at the AHL level are how an NHL team moves the needle and makes progress. 

Taking The Devils Pipeline With A Grain Of Salt 

Parent said it best when trying to read into these games, even though he was talking about Silaev. “It’s a small sample size for us so far.” It’s only one exhibition game, and the 84-game season is still around the corner and more telling about this team. 

The Islanders also switched goaltenders halfway through the game, swapping Josh Kotai for Burke Hood. It’s no coincidence that all four of the Devils' goals came after the change. In games like these, it’s always important to adjust for inflation. 

It’s also worth adding that the Devils struggled defensively. Aside from allowing five goals to lose the game in overtime, they allowed the Islanders' prospects to find open looks in the net and bury second chances in the net front. 

All that being said, the game left a strong impression. The Devils, who aren’t known for their prospect pool, might have a few players to keep an eye on, even if they spend next season in the AHL. 

On Sunday afternoon, the New Jersey Devils and New York Islanders met inside RWJBarnabas Health Hockey House in Newark, New Jersey, for the first game action of the season.

As the stands filled with an energized group of fans, the Devils’ rookies took the ice, including top prospect Anton Silayev, marking the beginning of their preseason slate and the first opportunity to see the organization’s young talent on the ice.

After 60 minutes, the teams were tied at 4-4 with the home team getting goals from Mikael Diotte, Luke Wifley, and Matyas Melovsky (2). With 56.9 seconds remaining in overtime, Islanders forward Cole Eiserman scored the game-winner.

“We talked about making sure that at the end of the game we're looking back and the feedback that we were getting was that we were a competitive team, and make sure that was on the forefront,” Utica Comets head coach Ryan Parent said after the game. “I think the start of the game was as expected. There was a lot of energy, a lot of emotion, and guys were just anxious to get out there and play again. The game was a little bit choppy, but I thought the second period settled down, had a little more poise with the puck, and got some good opportunities from it, and then the compete to get back into it and make it a competitive game towards the end. I think the guys played hard.”

Devils lineup vs. Islanders 

Ben Steeves - Matyas Melovsky - Lenni Hameenaho 

Shane Lachance - Gabe Klassen - Cam Squires 

Josh Filmon - Quinn McKenzie - Jeremy Wilmer 

Cristophe Tellier - Luke Wifley - Nathan Lecompte 

Anton Silaev - Seamus Casey 

Ethan Edwards - Eamon Powell 

Etienne Morin - Mikael Diotte 

Jakub Málek

Game Notes and Observations 

— Casey, Hämeenaho, and Melovsky were the three players wearing an “A”. 

— With two minutes remaining in the opening period, Silaev laid a massive hit on Tomas Poletin below the goal line behind Malek. The Islanders naturally took exception, and a scrum ensued. Casey and Luca Romano were the two players assessed penalties on the play. 

— The Islanders took a 1-0 lead early in the second period, as Daniil Prokhorov scored his first of the two-game series. 

— It took 41 seconds for the Devils to tie and take the lead. Diotte scored his first of the scrimmage off a great play from Melovsky. Wifley potted New Jersey’s second goal with a wrist shot that beat Hood. 

— The Islanders tied the game in the opening minutes of the third period as Prokhorov scored his second of the game. 

— Diotte, known for playing a physical and emotional game, dropped the gloves, going up against Kadon McCann. By that point, he had already secured a goal and an assist. Not a bad outing for the defenseman. 

— Melovsky scored New Jersey’s third and fourth goals. He finished the afternoon with three points: “He’s a really smart hockey player; the puck doesn’t slow him down, he does a great job of supporting it in the middle”, Parent said. “He can transport the puck really well. But I think what I saw tonight was kind of where he was trending last year, getting a lot stronger and confident with the puck. There were some plays where he has three guys around him, and he can still keep it on his stick.”

— I need to see more from Josh Filmon. In the opening period, he had a prime scoring opportunity in the opening period, but missed the net. In the second period, he had another opportunity, but Islanders goaltender Burke Hood made the save. Last season he played 11 games in the ECHL with the Adirondack Thunder and 31 with the Comets.

The Devils rookie will hit the ice on Monday for a practice in Newark before traveling to Long Island to conclude their series against the Islanders. 

Make sure you bookmark THN's New Jersey Devils site for THN's latest news, exclusive interviews, breakdowns, and so much 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 below the article on THN.com or creating your own post in our community forum.

The Carolina Hurricanes came up short in the first game of the 2026 Prospects Showcase, falling 4-1 to the Nashville Predators Sunday afternoon at Lane Arena.

Despite what the final score may show, it was a fairly close game (Nashville scored two goals in the final two minutes), but in the end, wins and losses aren't necessarily the point of the showcase.

"The biggest thing we're looking for is trying to establish our style of play," said Chicago Wolves coach Spiros Anastas, who was coaching the Hurricanes prospects. "Whether they're guys we're going to see in Chicago or whether they're going to be competing for a spot here with the Canes or prospects we're going to see in the future, it's just the style of play, the habits and the expectations. Wins and losses aren't that important. We went 0-3 last year and I think both of our teams did pretty well."

The Canes were icing a roster comprised of 12 of its own draft picks and eight additional invitees, who may wind up on either the Chicago Wolves or Greensboro Gargoyles rosters, but notably there are a few key players who could very well be competing for an NHL job in less than a week.

One such player is defenseman Charles Alexis Legault, who is wearing the 'C' for Carolina in the showcase and who also made quite the impression in the game as the Hurricanes' top defender.

Legault laid a bone crushing hit on Joey Willis in the opening seconds and then a few minutes later, dropped the gloves with Kalan Lind.

"Just getting back into it," Legault said with a smirk. "I thought the best way was just to get physical. I mean, hockey's a physical game, so it turned me on and I think I played better because of it."

Charles Alexis Legault starts the Prospect Showcase with a bang! 💥 pic.twitter.com/CVS5cDQOFf

— Walt Ruff (@WaltRuff) September 13, 2026

The 23-year-old blueliner made his NHL debut last season, appearing in 12 games with the Hurricanes.

Legault is known for his physicality, but it's the growth in his overall game that has him on the precipice of really breaking into the league.

"He's becoming more of a man," Anastas said. "And it's a confidence piece too. He wants to be in the NHL and he knows he can be and we have that belief in him too."

Another two players with NHL potential close at hand are Bradly Nadeau and Felix Unger Sorum.

The two are playing on opposite wings on the Hurricanes' top line and while the two didn't connect for any goals on Sunday, you can see the way they're able to dictate play and drive offensive looks.

The lone Carolina skater who did find his way onto the score sheet though was 18-year-old Zach Lansard. 

Midway through the third period, a strong forechecking shift by the Hurricanes forced Nashville into a bad turnover and Lansard was there to send the mistake right back into the Predators' faces.

It's the 2026 draftees first trip down to Carolina and while it's been a whirlwind week for the youngster, he's been enjoying the experience before he heads back to the OHL.

"It's been great," Lansard said. "Just trying to take everything in and have a smile on my face and enjoy the week here."

The Hurricanes prospects will be back in action on Tuesday, Sept. 15 as the team takes on the Tampa Bay Lightning at 2 p.m. at Lane Arena.

---

Recent Articles

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

Carolina Hurricanes Full 2026-27 Schedule

Carolina Hurricanes Games To Be Available Through Prime Video Subscription

Meet The Carolina Hurricanes New Goaltender Tandem

Who Will Replace Seth Jarvis On Carolina's Opening Night Roster?

Former Hurricane Looks To Be Done In NHL

---

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.