The Hockey News Big Show discusses pressing NHL topics as training camps kick off.

What To Expect From Alex Ovechkin, Training Camps by The Big Showundefined

Here’s what Katie Gaus, Michael Traikos and Ryan Kennedy discussed in this episode:

01:30: What is Kirill Kaprizov looking for since he reportedly turned down a contract offer from the Minnesota Wild?

05:15: What teams could potentially trade for Kaprizov if the WIld think they can’t re-sign him?

08:20: Is J.T. Miller the right choice as captain of the New York Rangers?

12:00: Will any team sign Carter Hart?

15:00: Which player missing the start of the season is the biggest blow to their team?

18:50: Who will take the Toronto Maple Leafs’ first-line right winger role?

21:20: What other players should the Maple Leafs target?

23:40: What is Leafs prospect Easton Cowan’s ceiling?

28:15: What are the expectations for Alex Ovechkin as he turns 40 this season?

31:30: What’s the most intriguing team going into training camp?

34:50: Which captain-less team will name a captain first, and who will it be?

37:20: Which opening-day matchup are you most excited to watch?

38:50: What’s your favorite outdoor venue? What stadium would you like to see host an NHL specialty game?

42:00: What’s your favorite example of a player ending their career by returning to their longtime squad?

43:20: If the NHL changed the playoff format so more teams would make it, would Buffalo make the cut?

Watch the full Episode here 

Subscribe to The Hockey News Big Show on your preferred platform.

After an offseason that featured a blockbuster trade, the first overall pick, and a few free agent additions, the New York Islanders head into training camp with some unanswered questions.

Michael Ostrower contributed to this story. 

While most of the 23-man roster looks locked in, a handful of players are still battling for NHL spots.

Islanders 2025-26 NHL Training Camp Roster Is OutAhead of Thursday, the New York Islanders have released their training camp roster. The list consists of 35 forwards, 18 defensemen, and eight goaltenders:

That said, the line combinations remain a work in progress, and head coach Patrick Roy recently offered some insight into how the top nine forwards might shake out to start camp:

Jonathan Drouin – Bo Horvat – Maxim Shabanov

Anders Lee – Mathew Barzal – Kyle Palmieri

Anthony Duclair – JG Pageau – Simon Holmstrom

Roy’s proposed lines notably put Maxim Shabanov, the 2025 offseason’s top international free agent, on the first line.

Roy’s Plan Is To Start Shabanov On Top Line At Islanders Training CampMonday morning at the New York Islanders Children's Foundation Golf Outing, Islanders' Head Coach Patrick Roy revealed his way-too-early lineup thoughts ahead of training camp. 

While the 24-year-old Russian had 67 points (23 goals, 44 assists) in 65 KHL games, finishing top three in the league in both assists and goals, his immediate placement on the top line is a stark contrast to Maxim Tsyplakov.

Tsyplakov was the top international free agent during the 2024 offseason, and while he opened the 2024-25 season on the second line alongside Brock Nelson and Kyle Palmieri, he began training camp in a depth role.

Given that Shabanov stands just 5-foot-9, 167 pounds, and his playstyle is the opposite of Tsyplakov’s, it makes sense why they view him as a top-six forward and not a bottom-six guy. 

Roy’s tentative lines provide insight into how training camp will start, but each player still has to earn their spot.

Jonathan Drouin and Bo Horvat will likely stay together to open the season, but Shabanov still has to earn the first-line, right-wing spot, with Palmieri the other suitor for the role.

Whichever of the two gets left off the first line will be a prime candidate to join Mathew Barzal and Anders Lee on the second line.

The third line is set with Anthony Duclair, JG Pageau, and Simon Holmstrom offering Roy a speedy trio capable of stretching the ice and contributing offensively.

While Roy did not comment on the fourth line, it will likely consist of Emil Heineman, Casey Cizikas, and Maxim Tsyplakov, with Kyle MacLean, Marc Gatcomb, and Pierre Engvall fighting to make the 23-man roster.

But, you can’t rule out Calum Ritchie, the Colorado Avalanche’s top prospect, who they sent to the Islanders in the Brock Nelson deal, from making the team. He looks NHL-ready and could win a job, whether that’s at center ice or on the wing. 

The Islanders' defense underwent some major changes this offseason with the departure of Noah Dobson and the addition of Matthew Schaefer, but four of the six lineup regulars appear set in Alexander Romanov, Adam Pelech, Tony DeAngelo, and Ryan Pulock.

When healthy, all four defenseman have been heavily relied on under Roy, and that is unlikely to change in 2025-26.

From there, Schaefer is the favorite to be the third left-shot defenseman in the lineup, though the Islanders will make him earn it.

His main competitor will be Isaiah George, who greatly developed his game in Bridgeport (AHL) following a 33-game NHL stint in the first half of the 2024-25 season.

Scott Mayfield is expected to be the third right-shot defenseman in the lineup, but Adam Boqvist could give him a run for his money.

Boqvist’s game offers the Islanders a higher offensive ceiling given his skating, agility, and playmaking. 

While Mayfield is signed for another five seasons, both Roy and Mathieu Darche have emphasized a desire to add speed to the lineup, and Boqvist offers just that.

In the most probable outcome where Mayfield and Schaefer make the lineup, Boqvist is the favorite to earn the seventh defenseman role since George is waiver-exempt.

Ethan Bear, a right-shot defenseman signed to a one-year, $775,000 deal this offseason, is a close friend of Barzal and is another name to consider during training camp.

The Islanders will also need to sort out which goaltender will back up Ilya Sorokin.

Semyon Varlamov underwent season-ending surgery after trying to work his way back from a lower-body injury sustained last November. We do not know his status for training camp yet.

The last thing we were told is that he was skating.

The Islanders signed veteran backup David Rittich as an insurance option in case Varlamov did not stay at full health.

Depending on New York’s confidence in Varlamov’s health, Rittich could open the season at Sorokin’s backup, or even as a third goaltender on the roster if Darche fears Rittich will be claimed on waivers.

The latter is unlikely, as multiple goaltenders similar to Rittich will be placed on waivers, but anything is on the table after last season’s goalie carousel saw the Islanders use five different netminders.

The Islanders will open training camp on Thursday, September 18th.

The NHL season is almost here. Training camp kicks off this week around the league with preseason games to follow. With training camp comes several questions for the Ducks, five of which hold higher priority than others.

When will Mason McTavish sign?

Out of all the burning questions, this one is the biggest for the Ducks. McTavish, a restricted free agent (RFA) is still currently unsigned with training camp a day away from commencing.

With Trevor Zegras now in Philadelphia, the pathway to No. 2 center behind Leo Carlsson is McTavish’s for the taking. This summer, Ducks general manager Pat Verbeek identified McTavish as a long-term piece for the organization, saying that they are fortunate to have both Carlsson and McTavish.

While that may be true, Verbeek may be in danger of repeating the same sequence from a few years ago, when contract disputes with Zegras and Jamie Drysdale dragged into training camp and both players subsequently missed time due to injuries. Both players are now no longer part of the organization, plying their trade together in Philadelphia.

Anaheim has short-term options for the second line center spot as long as McTavish remains unsigned. Free agency addition Mikael Granlund is capable of filling that role, like he did for the past couple of years in San Jose. Ryan Strome has done the same in years past, though his production is closer to that of a third line center than a true No. 2.

There’s no question though that the longer this contract dispute drags out, the more detrimental it could become. With Joel Quenneville (and almost  an entirely new coaching staff) taking charge, being present for the start of camp to learn new systems and knock the rust off is essential.

How will the forward lines shake out?

McTavish is an important part of the forward corps, but with or without him, there are still plenty of moving parts that need to be settled.

The trio of Carlsson, Cutter Gauthier and Alex Killorn may get an early look to see if they can continue the production that they had during the second half of last season.

With McTavish absent for the time being, Granlund may jump up into the no. 2 center position and be flanked by Troy Terry and fellow offseason addition Chris Kreider.

Questions Facing Each Anaheim Ducks Forward Heading into the 2025-26 SeasonThe 2025-26 season is now around the corner after a long offseason. The Anaheim Ducks have lofty goals and one major piece of business left on the table to take care of: Mason McTavish's contract extension.

The non-presence of McTavish opens up an opportunity (for the time being) for one of Anaheim’s young forwards to make a good impression and push for a roster spot. 2024 third overall pick Beckett Sennecke has been the talk of the town in Ducks land, with his options this season split between returning to the OHL or playing in the NHL.

Other youngsters like Nikita Nesterenko, Sam Colangelo and Tim Washe will be competing for bottom-6 spots. Nesterenko and Colangelo could make the full-time jump to the NHL this season after splitting time between the top tier and the AHL last season.

What will the blue line look like?

Anaheim’s defense is chock-full of youth, with Radko Gudas (35) and Jacob Trouba (31) the only elder statesmen on the backend. Jackson LaCombe (24) will look to build on his breakout sophomore campaign while fellow left-handers Pavel Mintyukov (21) and Olen Zellweger (22) should benefit from playing more regularly. That leaves one spot on the right side for likely a trio of players in Drew Helleson, Tristan Luneau and Ian Moore.

Helleson, 24, took on a bigger role upon being recalled last November and solidified himself as part of the bottom pair by the end of the season. Known more for his defensive prowess than offensive ability, he signed a two-year extension this offseason.

Ducks’ Young Blue Line Could Be Their X-Factor in 2025-26The Ducks have a lot to be excited about when it comes to this season and beyond. Despite the departure of fan favorite Trevor Zegras via trade, they added a couple of veterans with plenty of playoff experience in Chris Kreider and Mikael Granlund. They also revamped their coaching staff, giving Greg Cronin, Rich Clune and Brent Thompson the boot in favor of Joel Quenneville, Jay Woodcroft, Ryan McGill and Andrew Brewer.

Luneau, 21, had a terrific season in the AHL this past year, putting up 52 points in 59 games. A knee infection cut his 2023-24 season short and the beginning of his 2024-25 season in the NHL showed that he was not yet ready to make the jump. But with another pro season under his belt, Luneau has the opportunity to make the NHL roster out of camp once again. This time, it’s possible he may stick around.

Moore, 23, joined late last season, signing his entry-level contract (ELC) following the end of his collegiate career at Harvard. He played a few games in the AHL before coming up to the Ducks, but didn’t look too out of place in the three games that he played on. Moore was on the Ducks’ rookie faceoff roster, but did not play in either of the two games, perhaps a strong endorsement that Ducks brass already know what Moore can do.

What kind of impact will the new coaching staff have?

There’s no question that Anaheim is gunning for a playoff spot this season. It’s why Verbeek bid adieu to Cronin, Brent Thompson and Rich Clune this summer and brought in Quenneville, Jay Woodcroft, Ryan McGill and Andrew Brewer.

Ducks GM Pat Verbeek on Quenneville HiringFollowing the news conference to announce Joel Quenneville being named the 12th Ducks head coach in franchise history, Ducks general manager Pat Verbeek spoke to local media. Below is a full transcript of the media scrum (Questions and answers have been lightly edited for length and clarity):

Quenneville’s systems should benefit the young blueliners offensively while also helping create a much more cohesive unit defensively. A league-worst power play (11.76%) will get new life breathed into it by Woodcroft while McGill looks to repair a penalty kill that been near the bottom of the league for the past few seasons.

A team with stronger systems and better special teams should help take a load off of Lukáš Dostál and whoever his backup will be, whether it’s Petr Mrázek or Ville Husso.

---

Related articles: 

One Question Facing Each Former Anaheim Ducks Player Ahead of the 2025-26 Season

Chris Kreider, Jacob Trouba Highlight Angels' Ducks Night

How Much the Ducks are Projected to Improve in 2025-26 Standings

How the Ducks Could Benefit from CBA Changes

This prospect list was originally published in the The Hockey News' annual yearbook

With rookie camp in the books and the big boys set to take the ice for training camp on Thursday, here is a look at the Vegas Golden Knights' top prospects.

TOP 10 PROSPECTS

1. Trevor Connelly

Pos LW Age 19

2024-25 Providence (HE)

Makes quick reads, distributes well and dashes around the ice. Will benefit from reps at AHL level.

Expected NHL Arrival ’27-28

2. Matyas Sapovaliv

Pos C Age 21

2024-25 Henderson (AHL)

Meager point total masks great work done defensively. He’s adept at matchup game.

Expected NHL Arrival ’27-28

3. Raphael Lavoie

Pos C Age 25

2024-25 Henderson (AHL)

No doubting his offense, but he needs to develop reliability away from puck to reach next level.

Expected NHL Arrival ’26-27

4. Jakob Ihs Wozniak

Pos C Age 18

2024-25 Lulea Jr. (Swe.)

Broke scoring record for 17-year-old in Swedish junior. Consistency key to him reaching potential.

Expected NHL Arrival ’29-30

5. Lukas Cormier

Pos D Age 23

2024-25 Henderson (AHL)

Skilled puck-mover and potential power-play quarterback missed majority of 2024-25 with injury.

Expected NHL Arrival ’26-27

6. Pavel Moysevich

Pos G Age 21

2024-25 St. Petersburg (KHL)

Fought for starts with SKA last season. Regular playing time will help big, athletic keeper develop.

Expected NHL Arrival ’28-29

7. Arttu Karki

Pos D Age 20

2024-25 Assat (Fin.)

Returned to Finland to play pro. Does everything well but nothing spectacularly. A project prospect.

Expected NHL Arrival ’28-29

8. Mathieu Cataford

Pos C Age 20

2024-25 Rimouski (QMJHL)

CHL’s scholastic player of the year showcases on-ice smarts with his knack for reading play.

Expected NHL Arrival ’27-28

9. Akira Schmid

Pos G Age 25

2024-25 Henderson (AHL)

Consistency in the AHL was a challenge, but his performance behind an NHL defense was great.

Expected NHL Arrival ’25-26

10. Mateo Nobert

Pos C Age 18

2024-25 Blainville-Bois. (QMJHL)

Pass-first playmaker with good vision drives play. He will have to adjust to pace at next level.

Expected NHL Arrival ’30-31

Be sure to visit The Hockey News store for up-to-date news around the league.

As NHL training camps open across the NHL, there are unfinished contract business, lineup projections, rookies looking to earn a spot and pending signings and trades. 

In other words, there’s some front-page drama and other burning questions this week.

Here are five key storylines to watch as teams prepare for the 2025–26 season.

1. Who Fills Mitch Marner’s Wing in Toronto?

The Toronto Maple Leafs face one of the most intriguing positional questions early in camp: who will take over Marner’s right-wing spot alongside Auston Matthews? 

One of the game’s top stars was moved this off-season in a sign-and-trade with the Vegas Golden Knights. That leaves a hole in the Leafs' roster that they’ve arguably not filled. Toronto added several depth pieces, but there are questions as to how effective they’ll be. 

Trade acquisitions Matias Maccelli and Dakota Joshua could try to earn that spot. Other options include moving William Nylander away from John Tavares to play with Matthews and Matthew Knies, or they could promote Max Domi, Nick Robertson and Bobby McMann.

NHL Rumor Roundup: Kaprizov's Contract Talks Spark Trade Rumors While Zacha Chatter ContinuesLast week's report of Kirill Kaprizov rejecting an eight-year, $128-million contract offer from the Minnesota Wild garnered plenty of headlines.

2. Will Connor McDavid Or Kirill Kaprizov Be Signed?

Few assumed that just weeks before the season, two of the NHL’s biggest stars haven’t signed contract extensions. 

The Edmonton Oilers and Minnesota Wild likely figured getting extensions done for their top superstars wouldn’t be overly complicated. Things have taken an odd turn in both negotiations. 

Connor McDavid is taking his time in Edmonton, which is making Oilers fans nervous. He said he wants to win in Edmonton, but he’s talking with those close to him and keeping all options open, including the term and teams. 

While the original expectation was that this wouldn’t drag into camp or the start of the season, it’s looking more and more like that’s exactly what will happen. 

Meanwhile, things between the Minnesota Wild and Kirill Kaprizov took a turn last week when he reportedly turned down $128 million on an eight-year extension. Several insiders have weighed in. Among them, Frank Seravalli of Bleacher Report cautioned fans not to pump the brakes. 

“I have zero indication at all that Kirill Kaprizov has even thought about playing anywhere other than the Minnesota Wild,” Seravalli said. 

3. Positional Battles And Rookies To Watch

Camp is always a proving ground for young talent. Expect intense competition for roster spots, especially among rookies and players pushing for full-time roles. 

Michael Misa, the No. 2 overall pick by the San Jose Sharks, is one to watch as he tries to add more talent to an already young and hungry roster. Instead of going the NCAA route, he signed an entry-level contract, which means he’ll either be in the NHL or OHL, where he had 134 points in 65 games last season.

The Boston Bruins acquired Fraser Minten last season, and he’s ready for a bigger and more consistent role in the NHL. He could contribute on the penalty kill, power play and bottom six while trying to increase his offense. 

Montreal Canadiens right winger Ivan Demidov looks to be the NHL’s rising star this season. He will confuse opponents with his game-breaking ability.

In Edmonton, the Oilers need rookies Matt Savoie and Ike Howard to excel in the NHL right away this season. One of them should earn a role in the Oilers’ top six as well. If they can’t produce and grab an important role, Edmonton’s chances of getting back to the Stanley Cup final go down.

4. Will Mason McTavish And Luke Hughes Sign?

Two big-name NHL RFAs still haven’t signed with their respective teams: Mason McTavish and Luke Hughes.

The story in Anaheim is that McTavish and the Ducks can’t get on the same page about cap hit and term. There’s been trade speculation, although the Ducks don’t want to entertain that idea. If another team signs McTavish to an offer sheet, the Ducks have enough cap space to match it. 

Meanwhile, Luke Hughes is reportedly trying to time his contract to end when Jack Hughes’ does, which would be a five-year deal. The Devils reportedly want either a longer term or a bridge deal.

Both players are expected to play major roles in their respective organizations once deals are finalized, but this can’t keep dragging on. The idea that either can or should miss time to begin the season feels like a non-starter.

NHL Confirms It Will Reinstate Players Acquitted In Hockey Canada Sexual Assault TrialThe five players from Hockey Canada's 2018 world junior team who were found not guilty of sexual assault this summer will eventually be allowed to return to the NHL.

5. Will Any Players Acquitted In The Hockey Canada Trial Sign Contracts?

The five players found not guilty of sexual assault in July – Michael McLeod, Carter Hart, Alex Formenton, Dillon Dube and Cal Foote – have been cleared to return to the NHL in December. Each can sign contracts as early as Oct. 15. But the NHL said while the players were acquitted, the events that transpired were “deeply troubling and unacceptable.”

The question becomes: who gets the first look by NHL franchises?

There will be tough decisions coming from NHL clubs that must weigh the pros and cons of signing one of those players.

Hart, who was a starting goaltender with the Philadelphia Flyers before taking a leave of absence for the trial, has already told the team he won’t be returning. The Oilers don’t plan on signing him, either.

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.

It may be hard to believe, but the Detroit Red Wings are not only in the midst of the second longest Stanley Cup Playoff drought in the National Hockey League today, but in their team history. 

The Red Wings are celebrating their centennial season in 2025-26, marking a century of history. Yet in that time, they had never endured a playoff drought as long as their current one.

Overseeing the team through this process is beloved former team captain Steve Yzerman, one of the three greatest players in franchise history, who once helped lift the Red Wings out of the infamous “Dead Wings” era during his playing career and redefine what excellence in the NHL meant.

Because of his track record in the same role with the Tampa Bay Lightning, many fans expected Detroit’s rebuilding process to be further along by now.  

As one of the most calculated executives in professional sports, Yzerman is well aware of the growing frustration among the playoff-hungry Red Wings fan base.

"Well, we're trying to improve every year. Ultimately, the goal here is to build a team that can compete for the Stanley Cup," Yzerman explained Wednesday in a virtual press conference on the eve of Training Camp. "You can't compete for the Stanley Cup, obviously, until you makethe playoffs, but our goal, again, is to be a team that can compete for the Stanley Cup. So again, these rebuilds take time. How much time? I can't really predict, everyone's is different." 

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

Yzerman referenced the Draft Lottery, a source of bitter frustration for the Red Wings organization as a whole, as no other team has dropped more spots in the Lottery than they have over the last several seasons. In fact, the Red Wings haven’t held a top-three pick since 1990, which came just after Yzerman’s seventh season as a player.

"Where you finish, what happens in the lottery, who's available in the draft in a particular year, those things are somewhat out of our control," he said. "We'll try to run and we're going to continue to try and run a good program. We're going to continue to try and improve each season, with the goal of becoming a playoff team and a team that eventually competes for a Stanley Cup."

"So I understand the frustration, or maybe the lack of or I don't want to say patience, because I think everybody's been pretty patient, but the sense of urgency within the fan base and in our local media, I understand it, but ultimately, you know, you guys heard it when Kenny Holland was here."

"Like you want to go into a rebuild. It takes time."

There's no question that Yzerman inherited an extremely challenging situation from former GM Ken Holland when he returned to take over the GM duties in April 2019. Since then, Yzerman has built one of the more intriguing prospect pools in all of the NHL.

One of the most positive elements of Yzerman's drafting has been the selections of both Moritz Seider and Lucas Raymond, both of whom are now considered foundational cornerstones to build around. 

Other Yzerman selections like Simon Edvinsson and Marco Kasper have now become regulars in the lineup.

The Red Wings have also been on the cusp of the postseason in each of the last two seasons, but a lull in the month of March in both years ultimately spelled doom for their chances of playoff hockey.

Yzerman knows full well that patience is beginning to wear thing with passing season of not advancing to the postseason is growing, but he's clearly sticking firm to his plan of drafting and developing talent, and is steering clear of hasty and spontaneous style moves of shedding future assets for a quick fix solution. 

Red Wings’ Latest Top Prospect Turning Heads with Immediate ImpactDetroit's most recent second round pick in Eddie Genborg is making an immidate mark on the SHL just two games into the season. 

"I'm trying to build a team that competes for a Stanley Cup and can win a Stanley Cup," he said. "So, you know, again, I'm going to do what I what I think is right in, you know, with each Draft, with each free agency period, with each trade deadline, with the goal of trying to improve our team."

He also made it clear that Red Wings ownership, led by Chris Ilitch - the son of the late Mike Ilitch, who drafted Yzerman in 1983 - has endorsed his patient approach of drafting and developing.

"Chris and I have spoken and going back to when he hired me, that is going to take a long time, and we're going to be patient and and we're going to be, you know, allow our young players to develop," he said. "We're going to rely heavily on the draft that, and hopefully, over time, these young players that we draft turn into NHL players. So how many years it's supposed to take? I don't  know. Is it four? Is it five? Is it 10? Ultimately, it's ownership's decision when they feel that they're not happy with the direction of the club or the plan, that that's their decision." 

"But Chris and I have spoken about it, and he's understood the process and where we're at." 

The Red Wings are scheduled to begin Training Camp on Thursday, Sept. 18. 

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Utah Mammoth goaltender Connor Ingram will reportedly not attend the team’s training camp this week.

Ingram and the Mammoth are working together to find a new home for the goaltender, KSL Sports' Cole Bagley reported on Wednesday. This is a mutual agreement.

Bagley further reported that Utah GM Bill Armstrong said the plan is to eventually place Ingram on waivers, allowing any team to claim the 28-year-old.

Karel Vejmelka and Vitek Vanacek will be Utah’s goaltending tandem for the 2025-26 campaign.

The last time Ingram went through waivers was during the 2022-23 season, when the Arizona Coyotes picked him up from the Nashville Predators. He became an NHL regular with the Coyotes, even earning starter duties in 2023-24 while recording a 2.91 goals-against average and .907 save percentage.

Ingram is coming off his fourth NHL season. Last year, he played 22 games for Utah, registering a 3.27 GAA, .882 SP and 9-8-4 record.

In March, Ingram entered the NHL and NHLPA’s Player Assistance Program for the second time in his career. The Saskatoon, Sask., native shared at the time that he had lost his mother to breast cancer, and that affected him as a person and a player.

In 2023-24, Ingram received the Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy for being the NHL player who best exemplified the qualities of perseverance, sportsmanship and dedication to hockey. He had also sought care from the Player Assistance Program in January 2021 while dealing with obsessive compulsive disorder and lingering depression.

Ingram’s last NHL appearance was on Feb. 22 in a 5-3 loss to the Los Angeles Kings. He made 21 saves on 25 shots.

In August, the program cleared Ingram to get back to playing NHL hockey in time for the upcoming season. But he'll likely be playing the final season of his three-year contract with a $1.95-million cap hit elsewhere.

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Training camp is officially here for the Montreal Canadiens. With this, the 2025-26 regular-season is rapidly approaching.

Now that the regular-season is getting closer for the Canadiens, there are certainly some players who need to be watched. Canadiens goaltender Jakub Dobes is undoubtedly one of them.

Dobes was a nice surprise for the Canadiens this past season, as the 24-year-old took a notable step forward in his development and proved that he can handle playing in the NHL when called upon. In 16 regular-season games with the Canadiens in 2024-25, he posted a 7-4-3 record, a 2.74 goals-against average, and a .909 save percentage. He also played in three playoff games for the Habs, where he had a 1-2 record, a 2.91 goals-against average, and a .881 save percentage.

Overall, Dobes had a solid start to his NHL career this past season but now will be looking to once again earn the Canadiens' backup role for this campaign. He has some competition for the backup spot, however, as the Canadiens signed veteran goalie Kaapo Kahkonen to a one-year, $1.15 million contract in free agency. Thus, Dobes will be looking to impress at training camp from here.

It will be fascinating to see how Dobes performs during the pre-season, but there is no question that he has a bright future.

Oscar Fisker Molgaard is gearing up for his first Seattle Kraken training camp and season in the AHL, and he'll be looking to use past experiences to help him.

Those past experiences include 129 games in the SHL, Sweden's top professional league, where he has scored 18 goals and 47 points. Including his time in the SHL, Fisker Molgaard has already racked up 23 games of experience at the World Championship and played seven games last year with the Coachella Valley Firebirds. 

“I’ve always been wanting to go to Coachella Valley after getting drafted by the Kraken,” said Fisker Molgaard. “You’re always nervous at first, but I think it went well. I kind of adapted to North American hockey pretty quick. That also helped me getting back home as I knew how to play against the North American players in the world championships. It’s a big help. Especially for the upcoming [AHL] season. I know the trainers, I know the coaches, I know some of the guys. It helps me a lot, coming in here with some confidence and calm.”

Known for his strong skating and two-way prowess, the 20-year-old has several translatable skills that could help him find success in the AHL and the NHL down the road. Currently standing six-foot, 168 pounds, Fisker Molgaard still has plenty to do to get his body NHL-ready, but the Kraken think very highly of their 2023 second-round pick (52nd overall).

“I think this training camp is going to be huge for him,” said Firebirds coach Derek Laxdal, who penciled Fisker Molgaard in for both games of this past weekend’s NHL Prospects series. “He wasn't here for last year's training camp, already playing in the SHL. I expect to see him take a great step forward. He is just going to grow. You think about his projection, his last three years playing in the SHL, he's mature beyond his years. His game is beyond a 20-year-old. He's got a very bright future for the Kraken organization ... I think he's one of those top pieces going forward.”

The adjustment period for Fisker Molgaard will be something to keep an eye on. Although he has professional experience, playing in North America is different. With that being said, the Danish center claims to have had a great summer and is ready to compete and work.

“I finally had a good, long summer,” said Fisker Molgaard. “It felt good to work out to be stronger and get better at my game.”

Coachella Valley Firebirds To Have Heavy Rookie InfluenceThe Seattle Kraken's AHL affiliate, the Coachella Valley Firebirds, will have a heavy rookie influence in 2025-26, with several 2023 NHL Draft picks set to embark on their rookie seasons.

Training camps around the NHL are set to begin, which means hockey season is finally almost here. 

With NHL clubs getting ready to start their training camps, let's discuss 10 notable players currently on professional tryouts (PTOs) who are looking to earn contracts for the 2025-26 season. 

Matt Grzelcyk, D, Chicago Blackhawks 

Even after setting career highs with 39 assists and 40 points last season with the Pittsburgh Penguins, Matt Grzelcyk had to settle for a PTO with the Chicago Blackhawks.

If Chicago wants a veteran blueliner to help mentor its young defense group, which currently has only one blueliner older than 24, Grzelcyk could certainly land a deal for the season. Yet, the Blackhawks also have several defensemen eyeing NHL jobs, so Grzelcyk will have a lot of competition.

Marc-Andre Fleury, G, Pittsburgh Penguins 

Legendary goalie Marc-Andre Fleury signed a PTO with the Penguins last week. This will give him the opportunity to play one final game for the team he will forever be most remembered playing for before officially hanging up the skates.

Fleury is set to make his final NHL appearance on Sep. 27 against the Columbus Blue Jackets. And no, he's not looking to sign a one-year contract.

Ticket Prices For Fleury's Final Game Keep RisingWhen the Pittsburgh Penguins signed goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury to a paid tryout (PTO) contract on Friday, along with that came the announcement that he'd be appearing in one final pre-season game in Pittsburgh on Sept. 27 against the Columbus Blue Jackets before officially retiring from the NHL. 

Milan Lucic, LW, St. Louis Blues 

After completing the NHL/NHLPA Player Assistance Program, Milan Lucic signed a PTO with the St. Louis Blues. The 37-year-old last played during the 2023-24 season with the Boston Bruins, posting two assists and 12 hits in four games.

Given the Blues' solid forward depth, Lucic will need to impress big time if he hopes to earn a contract for the season.

Jack Johnson, D, Minnesota Wild 

Jack Johnson signed a PTO with the Minnesota Wild last month. The 38-year-old blueliner is aiming to earn a contract and play his 20th season in the NHL.

The veteran defenseman has an uphill battle, however, as the Wild have solid defensive depth. In 41 games last season with the Blue Jackets, he recorded six assists, 21 hits, 35 blocked shots and a minus-13 rating.

Brett Leason, RW, Minnesota Wild

Brett Leason, a 6-foot-5 right winger, played in 62 games last season with the Anaheim Ducks, recording five goals and 17 points.

When looking at Minnesota's forward group, Leason should compete for a spot on their fourth line. Right now, the wingers in the bottom six are Liam Ohgren, Ryan Hartman, Marcus Foligno and Yakov Trenin. The 26-year-old could earn a contract with a strong showing in camp, even if he ends up being the 13th forward. 

Kevin Labanc, LW, Carolina Hurricanes 

After posting two goals and 12 points in 34 games last season with the Blue Jackets, Kevin Labanc had to settle for a PTO with the Carolina Hurricanes. The 29-year-old will need to stand out during training camp to earn a deal for the season, as the Hurricanes have a ton of forward depth.

That said, Labanc has dealt with injury issues in recent years. When he's healthy, he can produce at least 30 points, with a career-high 56 in 2018-19. He could work well as an extra forward for Carolina if signed.

All You Need To Know About The Three Players The Hurricanes Signed To PTOsThe Carolina Hurricanes signed three players to PTOs heading into training camp, as they will compete to make the Hurricanes’ opening night roster. 

Oliver Kylington, D, Carolina Hurricanes 

Oliver Kylington, a 28-year-old blueliner, appeared in 19 games last season, split between the Colorado Avalanche and the Ducks, recording one goal, five points and a minus-2 rating.

Kylington could serve as an extra offensive defenseman, since the Hurricanes already have Shayne Gostisbehere filling that role. Or if Alexander Nikishin needs seasoning in the AHL, Kylington could fill in his spot in the NHL in the meantime.

Luke Glendening, C/RW, New Jersey Devils 

Luke Glendening will be aiming to earn a contract with the New Jersey Devils through his PTO. The Devils currently have Dawson Mercer, Arseny Gritsyuk, Connor Brown, Evgenii Dadonov, Paul Cotter and Cody Glass as projected bottom-six players, so Glendening has lots of competition for a spot in the lineup.

The 36-year-old is a very effective faceoff-winner, with a career win percentage of 55.8. Last year, he won 57 percent of his faceoffs. Glass, meanwhile, has a 47.7 career faceoff win percentage.

The Michigan native does not offer much offense, with seven points in 77 games last year, but his defensive play and skill at the faceoff dot could help his chances of earning a deal.

Conor Sheary, LW/RW, New York Rangers 

After mutually terminating his contract with the Tampa Bay Lightning, Conor Sheary signed a PTO with the New York Rangers earlier this off-season.

This comes after the 33-year-old spent most of last season in the AHL with the Syracuse Crunch, recording 61 points in 59 games. In the NHL, he had no points in five games, and in 2023-24, he had 15 points in 57 games.

The Winchester, Mass., native will now look to prove that he can still be an NHL player, but the Rangers also have a lot of forward depth on the wing. He'd have to outplay Jonny Brodzinski, Adam Edstrom, Taylor Raddysh and Matt Rempe, but if Gabe Perreault isn't ready for the NHL yet, Sheary could fill that role temporarily.

Brendan Smith, D, Columbus Blue Jackets 

Brendan Smith is an under-the-radar candidate to secure a contract with the Blue Jackets for the season. That said, he works well as an extra defender.

In 32 games last season with the Dallas Stars, he recorded one goal, six points, 41 hits, 23 blocked shots and 33 penalty minutes. 

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Berkly Catton, C

Catton was easily the best player on the ice for either team in the one game he played against Vancouver’s prospects on Saturday night. Catton dictated play throughout the evening, dominating the puck in the offensive zone and generating at least one scoring chance per shift (sometimes two). He hit a post on a breakaway opportunity, still finished the night with two points (a goal and an assist) and you left the rink thinking it was a miracle he didn’t have four or five. That the Kraken opted not to dress Catton in the second game of the back-to-back set this weekend is bullish for his chances of seeing real NHL action this fall. He certainly looked dynamic and ready this weekend. — Thomas Drance

NHL rookie camp roundup: The biggest standouts from tournaments across the leagueThese tournaments are a valuable opportunity for prospects — from top draft picks to potential free agents — to make lasting impressions.

The Ottawa Senators enter training camp this year with a fine mix of youth, talent and experience. The group includes an impressive 13 former first-round draft picks, eight of whom were drafted by the Sens. Some are franchise players, while others are prospects still fighting for their place somewhere on the pro hockey landscape.

Each brings a different story, style, and a wildly varying list of accomplishments. Just for fun, here’s our view of how the Senators' long list of former first-rounders rank as they report for training camp this week. We're ranking them based on the impact they'll have on the organization this season.

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1. Tim Stützle

• Drafted: 2020, 3rd overall (Ottawa Senators)
• Stützle is already the Senators’ offensive engine and one of the NHL’s brightest young stars. With three 70+ point seasons under his belt at just 23, his combination of speed, skill, and creativity makes him No. 1 on this list – not an easy choice, considering the next two guys in our ranking...

2. Brady Tkachuk

• Drafted: 2018, 4th overall (Ottawa Senators)
• The captain embodies everything the Senators want to be: physical, competitive, and productive. A consistent 30-goal scorer and heart-and-soul guy, Tkachuk is the emotional leader of the team and a nightmare for opponents.

3. Jake Sanderson

• Drafted: 2020, 5th overall (Ottawa Senators)
• Sanderson’s poised two-way game has quickly established him as one of the NHL’s top young defensemen. Still only 22, his skating is electric, and his skill level in all zones makes him a franchise-building block alongside Stützle and Tkachuk. You could talk me into moving him into the No. 1 or 2 spot on this list without much effort. That's how close it is.

Senators Announce 52-Player Roster for 2025-26 Training CampThe Ottawa Senators unveiled their 52-player roster for the 2025-26 training camp, set to begin on Wednesday (Sept. 17) at Canadian Tire Centre and Bell Sensplex. This year’s camp will feature five goaltenders, 17 defencemen and 30 forwards.

4. Thomas Chabot

• Drafted: 2015, 18th overall (Ottawa Senators)
• A workhorse on the back end, Chabot has been the team’s defensive anchor for years. Injuries have slowed him at times, but when healthy and supported with the right defensive partner, he can log huge minutes and drive play from the blue line.

5. Dylan Cozens

• Drafted: 2019, 7th overall (Buffalo Sabres)
• The Senators’ big deadline day addition, Cozens brings size, speed, and secondary scoring as the new second-line centre. And unlike his predecessor, the Workhorse from Whitehorse has rarely missed time due to injury. Still just 24, Cozens has already proven he can score 30 goals and 60 points in the league.

6. Claude Giroux

• Drafted: 2006, 22nd overall (Philadelphia Flyers)
• At 37, Giroux’s best years are behind him, but he remains an elite playmaker and leader. His professionalism and hockey IQ are invaluable to Ottawa’s young core, and he's still more than capable of a 50-60 point season.

7. Ridly Greig

• Drafted: 2020, 28th overall (Ottawa Senators)
• Greig is a pain-in-the-ass competitor who may be tough to keep in the bottom six for much longer. His grit and energy give him an edge, and he’s shown flashes of offensive upside that could push him higher in future rankings. When it comes to "Ferda," Greig gives Tkachuk a run for his money, ready to do anything fer da team..

8. David Perron

• Drafted: 2007, 26th overall (St. Louis Blues)
• Perron brings championship experience and scoring touch. A Stanley Cup winner with St. Louis, he’s still dangerous on the power play, strong on the boards, and gives Ottawa much-needed veteran depth on the wing.

10. Lars Eller

• Drafted: 2007, 13th overall (St. Louis Blues)
• A proven two-way veteran, Eller has carved out a long NHL career as a reliable depth center. At 36, his role will be more limited, but his Stanley Cup pedigree and defensive awareness remain valuable. If needed, he can move up and still chip in with some offence.

9. Carter Yakemchuk

• Drafted: 2024, 7th overall (Ottawa Senators)
• The Senators’ 2024 first-rounder, Yakemchuk is an offensive-minded defenseman with size, reach, and a booming shot – not to mention a sick forehand-backhand move. He’s still just starting his pro career, but his ceiling is high.

11. Xavier Bourgault

• Drafted: 2021, 22nd overall (Edmonton Oilers)
• Bourgault brings skill and offensive instincts, but unlike others on this list, he’s unproven at the big-league level. Now fully healthy and still only 22, he's going to do some damage in the AHL this season.

12. Lassi Thomson

• Drafted: 2019, 19th overall (Ottawa Senators)
• Once seen as a key defensive prospect, Thomson played in Sweden last season. As Lassi comes home, it will be interesting to see if his big minutes and success with Malmo will translate into North American success. The guy is still only 24, skates well, and has a terrific shot.

13. Tyler Boucher

• Drafted: 2021, 10th overall (Ottawa Senators)
• Boucher’s development has been stunted by injuries. While he plays with physicality and has some offensive tools, he has yet to – quite obviously – live up to his top-10 billing. He just needs a full, injury-free season in Belleville – only then can we get back to evaluating his future potential.

In both hockey and love, you never forget your firsts. 

By Steve Warne
The Hockey News-Ottawa Site Editor

This article first appeared at The Hockey News-Ottawa

More Sens Headlines From The Hockey News Ottawa:
Senators Announce Full Roster for Main Training Camp
Ranking the Senators' 10 Best Prospects
Xavier Bourgault Is "Best Player At Sens Rookie Camp"
Report: Alex Formenton's NHL Eligibility To Be Restored On December 1st
Senators GM Steve Staios On Why He Brought Back The Same Group
Can The Senators Still Avoid Losing Their 2026 First Round Pick?
Sens Radio Play-By-Play Team Won't Travel To Road Games This Season

Efforts by Sidney Crosby and his agent, Pat Brisson, to downplay trade rumors dogging the 38-year-old Pittsburgh Penguins superstar instead stoked the speculation.

Some pundits mused over what Crosby and Brisson truly meant while pondering possible trade destinations such as the Colorado Avalanche and Montreal Canadiens.

Crosby didn't mince words when speaking with reporters during a season-ticket drive on Monday.

“This is where I want to be,” he said. “I can't keep having to answer the same questions over again because of these narratives. If people want to write about that or say that, that's fine. I can't really control that.”

“I don't take those rumors or some of those things lightly. Like I said, this is where I want to be,” Crosby said. “It's a special place, and it's something that is hard to put into a soundbite, but it means a lot.”

Crosby may have put this speculation to rest for now, but don't be surprised if it resurfaces should the Penguins struggle again this season.

Meanwhile, Crosby's teammates, Bryan Rust and Rickard Rakell, remain the focus of persistent trade conjecture.

Matt Vensel of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazettewondered how much longer the two forwards will remain with the Penguins. He believes GM Kyle Dubas set a high asking price, which would explain why both players are still in Pittsburgh as training camp opens this week.

Vensel anticipates one or both could be moved before the March 2026 trade deadline or at some point down the road. However, Dubas isn't under pressure to peddle them during this season.

Rust and Rakell are under contract through 2027-28. Dubas can remain patient and wait for the right offers.

In Vancouver, meanwhile, Canucks management could be feeling the heat entering this season.

Patrick Johnston of The Province suggested changes could be coming to the front office if the Canucks fail to bounce back from last season's disappointing performance, when they finished with 19 fewer points than in 2023-24.

Johnston believes that puts additional pressure on hockey operations president Jim Rutherford and GM Patrik Allvin. A source close to the situation told him that those changes could come by Christmas if the team hasn't improved by then.

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EAST MEADOW, NY -- This past week at rookie camp, the New York Islanders had three goaltending prospects on the ice each day: Tristan Lennox, Henrik Tikkanen, and Burke Hood.

Now, none of these goaltenders will be winning an NHL spot for the 2025-26 season, as the Islanders have depth with the addition of free agent David Rittich and Marcus Hogberg, entering the final season of his two-year deal.

Here’s what I noticed about the rookie camp trio:

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Tristan Lennox

The 22-year-old goaltender was the strongest of the three at rookie camp. He is the most compact and seems to have this “come at me” attitude when it comes to the way he positions himself and attacks the shooter.

He isn’t ultra-aggressive in terms of his positioning in the crease, and his movement is sharp, especially when in the butterfly. Very few times was he caught off his angle, playing very calmly and composed, while making sure to keep his arms out in front of him.

He was fueled this summer after not only returning from a major knee injury but also getting pulled five minutes into his NHL debut after allowing one goal on two shots against the New York Rangers in late April.

• Drafted: 2021, Rd. 3, No. 93
• Bridgeport stats: 6 GP, 4.12 GAA, .853 SV%
• Projected spot for 2025-26: Bridgeport

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Henrik Tikkanen

The 6’8, 24-year-old certainly knows how to use the entirety of his length, especially while down on the ice. For a tall goaltender, that opens the door for more five-hole goals, but he has really strong stick placement, which makes a world of difference.

He certainly leads with his legs, exploding toward the shooter. He does a strong job getting his hands out in front, but he tends to drop both hands and get really low, which opens the area above the shoulder.

• Drafted: 2020, Rd. 7, No. 214
• Bridgeport stats: 30 GP, 4.12 GAA, .865 SV%
• Worcester stats: 7 GP, 2.42 GAA, .918 SV%
• Projected spot for 2025-26: Worcester

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Burke Hood

The 18-year-old was taking part in his first rookie camp. Unlike the other two, Hood has never played professional hockey, just completing his first WHL season with the Vancouver Giants.

It was understandable why he may have struggled early in camp, as he had to adjust to the speed and skill of the prospects he was going up against. He improved as the camp progressed, with stronger rebound controls and more saves.

What puts Hood at a disadvantage — he wouldn’t say this — is that he cannot rock a cat-eye given the CHL rules. That’s the cage on the helmet that doesn’t have bars, and it impacts his vision. For goalies, it makes a world of difference.

• Drafted: 2025, Rd. 6, No. 170
• Junior stats with WHL’s Vancouver Giants: 42 GP, 3.39 GAA, .910 SV%, 3 SO, 2 A
• Projected spot for 2025-26: Vancouver Giants

ST. PAUL, Minn - Just about a week ago Kirill Kaprizov was offered a 8-year contract extension worth $128 million. He rejected the offer which would've made him the highest paid player in the NHL.

REPORT: Minnesota Wild’s Kirill Kaprizov Turns Down Contract ExtensionAfter a long offseason of Kirill Kaprizov contact talks and rumors, NHL insider Frank Seravalli weighs in.

Since then, reports and rumors have come out that the Wild are looking to trade their superstar after the rejected offer. Some suggest the Wild have asked Kaprizov for a list of teams he'd be willing to be traded to.

Kaprizov, 28, has a full no movement clause. Which means the Wild can't trade him without his permission. Hence why you would ask for a list of teams he'd be open to be traded to.

A recent report from The Athletic's Pierre LeBrun says the Wild have not asked for a trade list and do not plan on trading Kaprizov.

Wild training camp opens on Thursday. We will hear from Kaprizov and General Manager Bill Guerin. Things can change before then but Thursday we will get more clarity on the situation. So, stay tuned.

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Is It Time To Panic: Kirill Kaprizov Contact Extension SituationST. PAUL, Minn - With training camp right around the corner and captain practices starting, the Minnesota Wild and Kirill Kaprizov's camp has started contract extension negotiations.

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