Category: NHL

Former Florida Panthers first-round pick and goaltender Spencer Knight has signed a three-year extension with the Chicago Blackhawks. 

Knight's new contract will carry a $5.83 million cap hit, which will kick in next season. Knight has played just 15 games with the Blackhawks, but the franchise believed his performance in the short stint was more than enough to warrant an extension.

In those 15 games, the 24-year-old recorded an .896 save percentage and a 3.18 GAA.

“After joining the team in March, Spencer quickly cemented himself as a crucial piece of our future,” said Blackhawks General Manager Kyle Davidson. “A talented, young goaltender, he brings athleticism, sound positioning and a calm demeanor to his game, and we’re excited to watch Spencer continue to flourish in Chicago over the next four seasons.”

Knight's time as a Panther came to an end after just 80 games, due to a mix of injuries, the need to enter the NHLPA's player assistance program and the simple fact that Sergei Bobrovsky has been playing too well. As well as Knight played during his Panthers tenure, Bobrovsky left little to no space for Knight to grow, and it was time for Knight to become a No.1 goaltender. 

With those factors playing into the situation, Knight was dealt to the Blackhawks as part of the deal that sent Seth Jones to Florida. 

The former 13th overall pick in the 2019 NHL Draft now has an excellent opportunity to help a young Blackhawks team work their way back to the playoffs. 

The Panthers and Blackhawks will meet for the season opener this year when the Panthers raise their 2024-25 Stanley Cup banner.

The Philadelphia Flyers rookies stormed back from a two-goal deficit to defeat the New York Rangers 4-3 in overtime Friday night, but no two prospects had an equal performance.

This group of Flyers prospects has one more game to play Saturday night, which will feature some lineup rotation, but we can already glean some takeaways from the early goings of camp.

The Flyers fell down 2-0 to the Rangers early thanks to two non-descript goals from Rangers forwards Brennan Othmann and Dylan Roobroeck, and while there was little structure in this game, those goals weren't great ones.

Stock down: Carson Bjarnason

Carson Bjarnason is still a promising goalie prospect, and his status amongst his peers shouldn't change, but the first two goals he allowed are ones he undoubtedly wants back.

Othmann was left uncovered near the blue paint, but he managed to score with a punchy turnaround shot rather than off a crafty tap-in or snipe.

As for Roobroeck, his goal was more of a delayed catch-and-shoot effort from the right circle, but the weak wrister managed to get through Bjarnason's right arm at the far post.

Flyers Prospects Shine in Rookie Camp Day 1, Challenged to 'Make an Impression'The Philadelphia Flyers prospects took the ice Thursday to kick off rookie camp, with the top dogs gaining a big head-start and leading the way.

We can chalk it up to bad luck and be fair, but those goals have consequences in real games. Fortunately, the Flyers were able to come from behind and win, and Bjarnason settled in nicely afterwards, standing tall against Gabe Perreault on a breakaway amongst other saves.

I think Bjarnason is most likely to start the season in the ECHL with the Reading Royals, assuming that Ivan Fedotov and Aleksei Kolosov split AHL duties with the AHL Lehigh Valley Phantoms.

Stock up: Denver Barkey

Phantoms head coach John Snowden said that Denver Barkey plays like he's 6-foot-4 after Friday night's game, and for good reason.

The 20-year-old was all over the ice and constantly involved in the play, both offensively and defensively.

There was a moment where Barkey held on to an incredible Spencer Gill setup too long and over-passed where he should've shot, but his patience with the puck was remarkable and generated a ton of offense for the Flyers on the evening.

Barkey's already decent foot speed should improve as he gets bigger and his legs get stronger, and it's clear his standout junior performances with the OHL London Knights were no fluke.

Barkey's playmaking really flashed against the Rangers, and I'm bullish on my Brad Marchand comparison.

It's only one rookie game, but Flyers fans should feel really good about where this former third-round pick is headed.

Stock up: Samu Tuomaala and Jack Nesbitt

The line of Samu Tuomaala, Jack Nesbitt, and Alex Bump was phenomenal against the Rangers and basically never played defense due to their domination of puck possession.

3 Flyers Prospects with the Most to Prove at 2025 Training CampIf the Philadelphia Flyers are to make any noise in the 2025-26 season, some up-and-coming prospects will need to steal the spotlight and show some progress.

Bump is already earmarked for an NHL role and is really only needing to maintain his current trajectory at this point, so I've opted for Tuomaala and Nesbitt.

Playing as a weak-side left winger, Tuomaala used his legs effectively and was able to pressure Rangers puck-carriers all night long.

Offensively, the 22-year-old always got to the right spots to receive chances and was consistently aggressive and menacing with the puck on his stick.

Tuomaala isn't likely to have a long-term role with the Flyers as a scorer; Matvei Michkov, Travis Konecny, Owen Tippett, Tyson Foerster, and perhaps Bobby Brink are all ahead of him at this time.

He'll need to continue to adopt good defensive practices and further round out his game, like he's shown already, to establish himself.

This was just a rookie game where he was one of the most experienced professional players on the ice, but Tuomaala is off to a great start to camp. Good for him.

As for Nesbitt, he's a lot like Sean Couturier where he lumbers around the ice, but the IQ allows him to get to where he needs to go anyway.

I think Nesbitt has more offensive skills, and he didn't look out of place against the Rangers at all. As a bonus, the 2025 first-round pick was mixing it up physically as well.

If the legs can become even average, Nesbitt could be a second-line center at the NHL level and a power play contributor in some capacity.

Stock down: Ty Murchison and Andre Mondoux

No Flyers defenseman really excelled against the Rangers aside from Ethan Samson and Gill, though the latter was paired with Ty Murchison for most of the night.

Murchison wasn't bad, necessarily, but there wasn't much there in terms of making a big hit or creating offensively. The Arizona State product did block some shots and disrupted plays with his stick, but was otherwise just there.

Flyers' Jett Luchanko No Longer Guelph Storm Captain; OHL Trade Coming?In an interesting new twist, top Philadelphia Flyers center prospect Jett Luchanko is no longer the captain of his junior team, the OHL Guelph Storm.

His performance could have been greater, but he'll get another opportunity Saturday.

The same is true of camp invite Mondoux, who looked overmatched and struggled with his passing and pace of the game.

This is not a great surprise given he played only six OHL games last season, but it is a big opportunity potentially going to waste with Austin Moline and Oliver Bonk likely drawing in for Saturday's game.

For Mondoux to truly get on an NHL team's radar, a full OHL season should help him achieve that; he's simply playing from behind compared to the other players on the ice.

Stock up: Nikita Grebenkin

The Flyers are going to have a hard time leaving Nikita Grebenkin off their opening night roster if this continues.

The overtime hero scored his goal off the bench, receiving a drop pass from Karsen Dorwart, driving at the net, and using a defender as a screen to beat Hugo Ollas from the high slot.

Aside from the shot, though, Grebenkin was always in the right position to support his teammates on the cycle, and his puck protection is top notch. You almost think of Michkov sometimes.

The 22-year-old Russian isn't the most agile at 6-foot-2, but he did say that he dropped around 4 kilos (from 220-215 pounds to 210-205 pounds) this summer.

Grebenkin is moving smoother than I remember, and he played an all-around great game against the Rangers.

If Nick Deslauriers isn't going to be an every-night player for the Flyers this season, the LW4 position is Grebenkin's to lose as I currently see it.

The Buffalo Sabres opened up their 2025 Prospects Challenge on Friday with a 4-2 loss to the New Jersey Devils prospects at LECOM HarborCenter, but for those who attended to get their first look at 2025 first-rounder Radim Mrtka, the big 18-year-old defenseman put on an impressive performance. The Czech blueliner scored the Sabres opening goal in the first period and throttled a Devils player to the ice with a hard check in the third period.   

"He was great, I'll have to watch the game back, but you could argue that he was the best player out there." Amerks head coach Michael Leone said after the game.  "He plays really hard. I probably didn't realize how good he can move. His lateral movement at the blue line is really good. He just makes good decisions with the puck."

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Topias Leinonen started and went all the way for Buffalo, allowing four New Jersey goals on 27 shots, including a pair in the third period to snap a 2-2 tie. 

“I thought he was good. If you look at the the first (goal), it was a broken play in front of the net, really good play. Then you give up an odd man rush,' Leone said. "The other one was a turnover and an odd man rush, but those are 50/50, the one-on-ones. But I thought he did a really good job. He looked quick and it's I thought he gave us a chance."

Center Noah Ostlund missed the end of the game after taking a shot to the knee area. Leone indicated that he was hit in the area where there was a gap in the padding and that he thought the 2022 first-rounder would be alright, but that he did not return out of an abundance of caution. 

The Sabres take on the Columbus BLue Jackets prospects on Saturday at 7 pm. Scott Ratzlaff is expected to get the start in goal.  

Follow Michael on X, Instagram  @MikeInBuffalo

The Winnipeg Jets face off against the Montreal Canadiens and Ottawa Senators in the 2025 Prospects Showcase on Saturday and Sunday.

The Winnipeg Jets officially kick off the 2025–26 season with a pair of prospect showcase games, beginning Saturday, September 13, at the Bell Centre against the Montreal Canadiens. Winnipeg will wrap up the weekend with a matchup against the Ottawa Senators on Sunday. 

Winnipeg Jets (@NHLJets) on XHOCKEY! HOCKEY! HOCKEY! 📺: https://t.co/rSDnSZLePm

This will be the first time the Jets are ever participating in a prospects showcase and will feature a lineup that is a mix of the organization’s top prospects, along with several free agent signees and players attending on professional tryouts. 

Some of the notable names playing for the Jets will be 2023 NHL Draft first-round picks Colby Barlow and Brayden Yager, as well as three picks from the 2025 draft class in Owen Martin (third round), Edison Engle (sixth round), and Jacob Cloutier (seventh round). 

Interesting names to look out for on the opposing side of the showcase is high-end prospects in Ivan Demidov, Jacob Fowler, and David Reinbacher for the Canadiens and Carter Yakemchuk, Tyler Boucher, Blake Vanek, 2025 third round pick and the son of former NHLer Thomas Vanek for the Senators. 

The showcase kicks off Saturday night at 6:00 p.m. CT with a matchup against the Habs, followed by another 6:00 p.m. game on Sunday against the Senators. The games can be streamed on winnipegjets.com with Manitoba Moose play-by-play announcer Daniel Fink and colour commentator Jamie Thomas on the call. 

Winnipeg's Newest Top Prospect Eying Redemption After Devastating NCAA FinalsWinnipeg's 2025 first round pick Sascha Boumedienne eyes another shot at a national title following loss in last season's final. 

Winnipeg Jets Prospect Showcase Roster: 

Jets Saturday Lineup vs Habs:

Wagner-Yager-Chibrikov

He-Zhilkin-Barlow

K.Walton-Julien-Cloutier

Yoder-Martin-Newman

-

Zloty-Salomonsson

Engle-Fryer

Hamilton-Hartmann

-

DiVincentiis

Worthington

Exclusive: Jets Goalie Prospect Domenic DiVincentiis Eyes NHL Debut in 2025Winnipeg Jets prospect Domenic DiVincentiis talks season goals with AHL All-Star Game, Calder Cup and NHL Debut in new exclusive interview with The Hockey News. 

The Toronto Maple Leafs are signaling a new era by dropping their unique tradition of wearing practice jerseys during prospects games. As the club's rookies hit the ice at Bell Centre in Montreal this past weekend, they did so in their official NHL game jerseys

While this might seem like a small detail, it marks a significant departure from a policy implemented during the previous management's tenure.

Easton Cowan Headlines Maple Leafs Roster For Prospects Showdown in Montreal, Schedule Of GamesThe Toronto Maple Leafs rookie roster is set to take on the rookies of the Montreal Canadiens and Ottawa Senators at the 2025 Prospect Showdown this weekend at the Bell Centre in Montreal.

Under former General Manager Kyle Dubas the team adopted the tradition of wearing practice threads for prospects games, a policy he continued after becoming the President and General Manager of the Pittsburgh Penguins in 2023. According to sources, the reasoning behind the switch to practice jerseys was to ensure that every prospect understood they had to earn the right to wear the traditional game jersey. While the logic made sense, the on-ice look often appeared mismatched, as other teams participating in the tournaments clearly do not share that same view.

First year post Shanahan era and the #Leafs have done away with wearing just the practice jerseys at these games like they have in previous years. I like it. https://t.co/RZa2kbdjKs

— David Alter (@dalter) September 13, 2025

Now, with Dubas having departed and Brad Treliving at the helm as the new general manager, the policy has been reversed, although it took a couple of years. This change, which comes as the team prepares to open training camp next week is one of many expected with Treliving reporting directly to MLSE president Keith Pelley and Brendan Shanahan no longer serving as team president. 

With Shanahan out of the picture, Treliving's influence on the day-to-day of things has increased and this is just one example of it.

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Projected Maple Leafs Rookie Game Lines Revealed Ahead Of Weekend Matchups

The Chicago Blackhawks announced they have signed goaltender Spencer Knight to a three-year, $5.83-million per season contract extension

Knight’s contract will kick in at the start of the 2026-27 campaign. He is entering the final year of his three-year, $4.5-million deal that he signed with the Florida Panthers in September 2022.

The Darien, Conn. native is coming off his first season with the Blackhawks. He was traded to Chicago from Florida on March 1 as part of the deal that saw defenseman Seth Jones move to the Panthers.

Since joining his new team, Knight has made 15 starts, registering a 5-8-2 record. With that, he’s put up a 3.18 goals-against average and a .896 save percentage. 

The below-average numbers don’t tell the whole story, as he had six games where he recorded at least a .915 SP. That includes his impressive Hawks debut, a 41-save victory over the Los Angeles Kings.

“After joining the team in March, Spencer quickly cemented himself as a crucial piece of our future,” Blackhawks GM Kyle Davidson said. 

“A talented, young goaltender, he brings athleticism, sound positioning and a calm demeanor to his game, and we’re excited to watch Spencer continue to flourish in Chicago over the next four seasons.”

Last year was Knight’s first season back in the NHL after he voluntarily entered the NHL and NHLPA’s player assistance program to seek help and combat a case of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD).

Since joining the program in late February 2023, he transitioned back into professional hockey with one season with the AHL’s Charlotte Checkers. He played 45 games in that 2023-24 campaign, recording a 2.41 GAA and a .905 SP.

Despite all the obstacles he had to face in his personal life that ultimately affected his hockey career, he’s set to be the starter for Chicago and to cement himself as one of the better young goalies in the NHL.

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.

CHICAGO - Rookie camp is in the books for the Chicago Blackhawks. A full roster of prospects came to Chicago to prepare ahead of the Tom Kurvers Prospect Showcase. This event features the Chicago Blackhawks alongside the hosting Minnesota Wild and St. Louis Blues. 

Before traveling to Minnesota, the Blackhawks prospects had one final practice on Saturday morning for any fine-tuning ahead of the showcase. 

Throughout the week, there were a lot of noteworthy moments from players on the roster looking to get noticed by the decision makers at the top of the organization. Of every player on the prospect roster, these five stood out above the rest: 

AJ Spellacy

There wasn't a more noticeable player during the rookie camp than AJ Spellacy. He had a mediocre year in terms of production last year in the OHL, but he has the tools to be an impactful NHL player, whether he is scoring or not. 

Spellacy was not afraid to mix it up during camp, even though he was going against players who were on the same team as him. When he is competing, he is giving it his all, no matter what. 

"I think you need to have high intensity and stuff like this. It just brings everyone together. Even when you're battling against a guy, you get off the ice and you're best buddies."

Spellacy was noticeable during the preseason last year before being shipped back to the OHL, and now he is looking to take his game to the pro level one way or another. 

Sam Rinzel

It would be fair to leave off anyone who played in the NHL last season, which would apply to guys like Artyom Levshunov, Ryan Greene, Oliver Moore, and Sam Rinzel. However, Rinzel was too noticeable during camp to ignore.

He is a step above his peers around his age. Whether they are working on the power play units, even strength play, or killing penalties, he is an impact player.

This is a highly drafted, incredibly gifted player who still believes that he has to earn a spot on the team. After the way he ended last year and is starting camp, he feels like a lock to make the NHL roster. The fact that he feels he still needs to earn it tells you that the compete-level is there for him to be better than great. 

Rinzel's impact during camp suggests that he will make a difference during the Tom Kurvers Prospect Showcase, which will prepare him even further for training camp and the regular season ahead. 

Nick Lardis

Nick Lardis scored 71 goals in the OHL last season. Then he showed up to rookie camp this week and looked like one of the top snipers in the organization. As he prepared for the showcase in Minnesota, Lardis was a standout player. 

It is expected that Lardis will play with Marek Vanacker and Oliver Moore, which is the team's number one forward line. Vanacker and Moore are former first-round picks with great playmaking ability, and Lardis earned the right to play with them as the primary sniper on the line. 

"It's good. We built some chemistry over the past couple of days. It's a fast line. Those two guys are really fast. We just have to use our speed to our advantage. Our skill and playmaking will take over." 

Of every line that the Blackhawks are going to run out there, this one will be the highest octane with the most speed and skill. Expect them to follow up a big week of practice with big performances in the games, led by Nick Lardis. 

Nathan Behm

The Chicago Blackhawks selected Nathan Behm with their third-round (66th overall) pick in the 2025 NHL Draft. So far, he has made that look like a sensational pick. He was one of their most noticeable players throughout the week, and now he will be a big part of their lineup in the Tom Kurvers Prospect Showcase. 

Behm is a big player who used his size to bring physicality and skill to the group. While playing on a line with Spellacy and Martin Misiak, he scored goals during scrimmages, set up his linemates, and was hard to play against from a physical standpoint. 

You don't see big players who are as skilled or as fast as Behm come through as often. He believed that he had a good camp, based on his comments to the media following practices, and that confidence could be what he needed to continue improving his game going into 2025-26. 

Marek Vanacker

Marek Vanacker was already mentioned when talking about Nick Lardis, because they will be linemates alongside Oliver Moore. 

Vanacker, who wasn't able to participate in the Tom Kurvers Prospect Showcase last year because of an injury, showed up in a big way this time around. There were multiple instances where he drove play on that speedy line. 

The former first-round pick is going to be a net-front presence/down low forward on the power play as well, so his impact should be felt in the games as much as it was during practice. The former first-round pick has a ton of talent and is expected to be a difference-maker going forward. 

The Blackhawks will begin the showcase on Saturday night against the St. Louis Blues at 6 PM. On Sunday, they will take on the Minnesota Wild at 3 PM. 

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

On Saturday morning, not long after wrapping up rookie camp, the Chicago Blackhawks announced the extension of goaltender Spencer Knight. 

Chicago acquired Knight ahead of the 2025 NHL Trade Deadline in the deal that sent defenseman Seth Jones to the Florida Panthers. Now, they have a great young goalie locked up for a handful of years. 

This is a three-year deal worth $17.5 million with a cap hit of $5.83 million. There is a 15-team no-trade list that kicks in during the third year of the deal. Knight will play 2025-26 on his previous contract, and then the new one will kick in next year. 

“After joining the team in March, Spencer quickly cemented himself as a crucial piece of our future,” said Blackhawks General Manager Kyle Davidson. “A talented, young goaltender, he brings athleticism, sound positioning, and a calm demeanor to his game, and we’re excited to watch Spencer continue to flourish in Chicago over the next four seasons.”

If Knight plays well in a Blackhawks uniform going forward, as he did when he first arrived in 2024-25, they will begin to take steps as a franchise. The skaters in front of him are only getting better, which should lead to the rise of the team as a whole now that their goaltending is figured out. 

Being a former first-round pick, a player with his name on the Stanley Cup, and a World Junior Champion, he has a lot of big-time experience on his resume. That knowledge will go a long way in helping the players who are part of the core with him now. 

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

Jun 27, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman announces Brady Martin is selected as the fifth overall pick to the Nashville Predators in the first round of the 2025 NHL Draft at Peacock Theater. Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

It wasn’t a regular-season game, or even a pre-season contest with veterans present, but a win is a win.

The Nashville Predators prospects played their first of three games in four days in the NHL Prospect Tournament Friday afternoon and came away with a 3-2 victory over the Tampa Bay Lightning prospects at AdventHealth Center Ice in Tampa.

It was an all-around team effort, as Joakim Kemell, Andrew Gibson and Brady Martin each tallied a goal in the victory for the Preds, who hosted last year’s prospect showcase. Martin also picked up an assist for two points on the evening.

Ethan Haider started in net for Nashville before giving way to Jakub Milota just over halfway through the game. Each netminder only gave up one goal in the victory.

As expected, both teams were a bit rusty through the first several minutes. After Tampa Bay scored first on the man advantage in the opening period, Martin got the puck to Kemell at the top of the right circle. The winger from Finland didn’t miss, going top-shelf to tie the game 1-1.

“I thought a lot of guys played well, and you can see some of the younger guys were a little nervous in the first but then settled in,” Milwaukee Admirals head coach Karl Taylor told reporters after the game. “The nice part was, as the game went on, we started sticking together a little better, just supporting each other and cheering and activating on the bench.”

After Martin was prevented from completing a breakaway, the fifth overall draft pick was awarded a penalty shot. He went wide to the right before cutting back and nailing a shot from the slot to the low blocker side for a 2-1 Preds lead. That lead held up after two periods.

Brady Martin cashin' in on a penalty shot 😮‍💨 pic.twitter.com/hBQww1O9LS

— Nashville Predators (@PredsNHL) September 12, 2025

Martin, who helped Team Canada defeat the U.S. in the World Junior Showcase last month, continues to show a maturity beyond his years.

“I was kind of just coming in, and I was going to deke, but then the ice was kind of bad, so I was like, I'll just shoot it,” Martin said of his penalty shot. “And kind of just eyeballed it, I guess.”

The Lightning tied the game midway through the final period, but Gibson fired a shot from the right point that found its way through traffic and tickled the twine for what proved to be the winning goal.

The Preds held off a late push by Tampa including a penalty kill to earn the win and start off the prospect tournament on a high note.

“The guys really want to win,” Taylor said. “When you're in these scenarios, you want to do well. The guys bond together. They've been together for a while through drafts and development camps and the rest of it. So, it's a fun place to coach, and there's not a lot of pressure to it. We just want to enjoy and make sure everybody gets an opportunity.”

The Predators will play their second game of the tournament Saturday afternoon against the Carolina Hurricanes. Puck drop is slated for 1 Pm CT, and the game will be streamed live at NashvillePredators.com.

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St. Louis Blues defensive prospect Adam Jiricek has continued to add muscle to his frame and hopes to utilize that weight to compete at training camp. 

Matthew DeFranks spoke with the 19-year-old who claims he has added 25 pounds since he was drafted 16th overall by the Blues in the 2024 NHL Draft. Currently listed at 6-foot-3, 178 pounds, the added weight will do Jiricek wonders as he competes for a roster spot and for his health.

"I go to the gym, and they already have the plan ready. I’m just doing what they told me to do," said Jiricek. 

The 2024-25 campaign was marred by injuries, limiting Jiricek to just 27 games in the OHL with the Brantford Bulldogs; however, Jiricek is now healthy and ready to play hockey regularly.

"I feel great right now," Jiricek said at the Blues development camp in July. "I'm 100 percent healthy, so I enjoy coming here. I'm playing hockey, which is what I like to do."

Jiricek acknowledges that earning a spot on the Blues roster is a tall task, but he's hoping to do his best to make the decision as difficult as possible. If/when Jiricek is sent back to the Bulldogs, the Klatovy, CZE native will rejoin a Bulldogs roster that should be among the top competitors for the OHL Championship.

The Bulldogs lost Chicago Blackhawks Nick Lardis and Washington Capitals' Patrick Thomas, but the team still features Seattle Kraken 2025 top 10 pick Jake O'Brien, Blackhawks Marek Vanacker and Minnesota Wild's Adam Benak.

"I will go to camp in September and see what happens," Jiricek said. "My goal is to stay here in St. Louis, but if that's not going to happen, we'll see what's going to be next. But I will do my best to stay here. I know there is good players here, but my job is to fight to try and stay here."

Including his participation in the OHL season, Jiricek will likely play a key role on Team Czechia's World Junior Championship roster. At last year's event, Jiricek recorded five assists in seven games, leading Team Czechia in points by a defenseman. 

The 2025-26 campaign will be a vital season for Jiricek. He needs to prove that he can stay healthy, but also that despite the injuries, his development hasn't been stunted. 

Last night in the opener of the Tom Kurvers Prospect Showcase, Jiricek scored and was a difference maker from the backend. It was the formula the Blues want Jiricek to continue to replicate. 

This week's Edmonton Oilers Friday Faceoff is loaded with news as rookie camp and games begin, Hockey Canada players are reinstated, and big-name free agents make big-time decisions. 

Of course, everyone is still waiting on Connor McDavid. He's getting ready for the season and walking out with country stars at concerts in front of Edmonton fans. 

Let's get to it...

Oilers Star Leon Draisaitl Leaves Quiz Show Players Baffled

Carter Hart Nearing NHL Return, Eyes U.S. Team Over Oilers

Carter Hart is among the five Hockey Canada players the NHL and NHLPA have reinstated this season. Hart is expected to have an NHL deal in place by October 1, though he can’t officially sign until October 15, reports Chris Johnston of The Athletic.

While the Philadelphia Flyers are not an option, Hart is prioritizing a fresh start with a U.S.-based team where he can get meaningful starts and join a contender. That rules out all Canadian markets, including speculation about his hometown Edmonton Oilers. 

Hart is projected to sign a two- or three-year deal, with reinstatement terms allowing him to do conditioning stints as early as mid-November. He’s eligible to return to the NHL by early December. While Oilers fans speculated about Hart as a solution to Edmonton’s goalie concerns, if he's not prepared to subject himself to the scrutiny of playing in a Canadian market, the Oilers aren't an option. 

It was never made known that the Oilers were actually interested, with some reports saying they were not. 

Fleury’s PTO Will Spark Mid-Season Goalie Speculation With OilersThe Pittsburgh Penguins recently announced that legendary goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury will return to the organization on a professional tryout (PTO) contract. The signing and pre-season event does not mean Fleury is coming out of retirement or making an NHL comeback, but that won't stop fans of the Edmonton Oilers from making assumptions and connecting some dots.

Fleury Looks Out For the Oilers, Too

It appears Marc-Andre Fleury is also not an option for the Oilers. He signed a professional tryout (PTO)  on Friday to play an exhibition game with the Pittsburgh Penguins, seemingly done as a way to say a proper goodbye to the team and fans with whom he started his NHL career. 

If Fleury is making decisions like this and lining up his final skates, it seems he's firmly sticking with his decision to retire. The Oilers were thought of as a team that might be open mid-season for a goalie upgrade, and if Fleury wanted one last run and to come out of retirement, the fit made sense. 

Corey Perry Injured

Former Edmonton Oilers forward and now Los Angeles Kings forward Corey Perry may have suffered an injury during an on-ice workout at the Toyota Sports Performance Center in El Segundo on Friday, sources report.  

He was helped off the ice with the assistance of a wheelchair, and it's unknown how severe the injury is at this time. He’s being evaluated further and has no timetable for a return. An update may not be given until Kings' training camp opens.

Kaprizov Turns Down $16M Per Season

Kirill Kaprizov’s contract talks with the Minnesota Wild have become one of the NHL’s hottest storylines, overshadowing Connor McDavid’s pending extension. Reports, including one from NHL Trade Talk, suggest Kaprizov rejected an eight-year, $16 million-per-year deal, though GM Bill Guerin denied a formal offer or reports that Kaprizov said no. 

Sources indicate Kaprizov seeks $18–$19 million annually, aiming for 20 percent of the salary cap. His camp is waiting on McDavid’s deal to shape the market, with speculation that rival teams might pay more. The Wild remain committed to keeping him long-term, but with rising cap space and pressure from McDavid’s decision, Kaprizov’s next contract could redefine NHL superstar salaries.

Oilers Have Two Deals Ready To Go Once McDavid Signs

Edmonton Oilers insider Bob Stauffer is reporting that top-four defenseman Jake Walman could receive a six-year deal, while winger Vasily Podkolzin is expected to sign a three-year contract with the Oilers once the McDavid deal is done and officially signed. 

Walman, 29, is entering the final year of a $3.4 million contract and some thought the Oilers might go for an eight-year deal, using upcoming changes to the CBA and term lengths as leverage. But, because those changes won't come into effect until after next July 1, the Oilers can't exclusively offer Walman two extra seasons on a UFA deal.

Stauffer projects Walman’s six-year deal will fall in the “sixes,” meaning he'll get at least $6 million per season. 

Prime Minister Weighs In On McDavid Contract Drama in Edmonton

 Oilers Remain Patient on McDavid... But How Patient?

While the McDavid contract situation remains unresolved, insiders and hosts continue to chime in with their takes on what he might do. A recent take by Spittin’ Chiclets podcast host Keith Yandle this week included him saying, “I think he should wait the whole year, whether he wants to sign long-term there or not.”

Arguing that Connor McDavid has earned the right to take his time on a contract extension, Yandle believes McDavid should play out the season first. 

While many believe the Oilers could still trade McDavid at the draft if they had to, letting him get past the trade deadline feels like a non-starter for the Oilers.

Bookmark The Hockey News Edmonton Oilers team site to never miss the latest news, game-day coverage, and more.   Add us to your Google News favourites, and never miss a story.

 

Day by day, minute by minute, a new NHL season is getting closer and closer.

As the excitement continues to build, hockey news has been picking up and getting juicy, and The Hockey Show is all over it.

This week, co-hosts Roy Bellamy and David Dwork welcomed ESPN Senior NHL Writer Greg Wyshynski back on the show to dive into several hot button topics.

Kirill Kaprizov reportedly turning down the biggest offer in hockey history was something that deserved some attention, as did the possibility of Sidney Crosby leaving the Pittsburgh Penguins in order to play for a playoff team.

The future of Connor McDavid in Edmonton is always a fun thing to discuss, as this week, even the Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney chimed in on the looming national crisis.

Don't forget about the Hughes brothers potentially all joining forces in a couple of seasons if Quinn decides to leave Vancouver and head east to New Jersey. 

Also discussed was the upcoming Winter Olympics in Milan, and Wysh had a bold take on who he thinks will take home the gold medal, and why.

Hint: It’s not Canada.

This week’s wins and fails included Panthers Captain Sasha Barkov becoming part-owner of another pro sports franchise, a wise signing in Calgary, a poor effort on Jeopardy and a ‘Screaming Bear’ jersey that may or may not have fallen a little short of the mark.

You can check out this week’s episode of The Hockey Show and the extended interview with Wysh in the video’s below:

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The Columbus Blue Jackets have 30 days until opening night at Nationwide Arena. Today, we look at the history of jersey #30. 

Let's take a look at today's edition, which is all about goalies. 

Marc Denis - 2001-2006 - Drafted by Colorado in 1995. 

On June 7, 2000, Denis was traded to the Columbus Blue Jackets. Over the course of five years, he played in 266 games, going 84-146-25.  On June 30, 2006, Denis was traded to the Tampa Bay Lightning for Fredrik Modin and Fredrik Norrena. He set the then-NHL record for most minutes in a season with 4,511, playing 77 regular-season games for Columbus in 2002-03. 

After the 2008-09 season, Denis retired after playing for the Montréal Canadiens and the AHL's Hamilton Bulldogs. He is currently working as a color analyst for the Canadiens on RDS. 

Fredrik Norrena - 2007-2009 - Drafted by Tampa Bay in 2002. 

On June 30, 2006, Norrena was traded to the CBJ for Marc Denis. He would play in a total of 100 games, starting 35 of them. He finished his time in Columbus with a record of 35-45-11. 

In 2008, the Jackets put him on waivers and reported to Syracuse. On December 20, he signed a deal in the KHL and left North America for good. After playing for years in Sweden and Finland, he would retire. After retiring, he would go into coaching, where he would coach in Finland from 2014 to 2023. He is now an asst. coach for Kölner Haie in the DEL. 

Dan LaCosta - 2009 - Drafted by Columbus in 2004. 

LaCosta played a total of four NHL games for Columbus. After Columbus, he played two years for the Univ. of New Brunswick and then a year for the Cardiff Devils in the EIHL. He was also a goaltending coach for Cardiff. 

LaCosta played in four games from 2007 to 2009. He spent the majority of his time playing for the AHL's Syracuse Crunch. He also played for the Dayton Bombers of the ECHL. 

He retired in 2014 after playing a single season in England for the Cardiff Devils. He was also the goaltending coach for Cardiff.

Curtis Sanford - 2012 - Undrafted out of Owen Sound, Ontario.   

Sanford signed a one-year contract with Columbus for the 11-12 season. He appeared in 36 games, going 10-18-4. 

After his one year in Columbus, he left for Russia, playing for Lokomotiv Yaroslavl for three seasons. He would retire on March 7, 2015. He spent the last years as the goaltending coach for the Toronto Maple Leafs. 

Mike McKenna - 2014 - Drafted by Nashville in 2002. 

On July 5, 2013, McKenna signed with Columbus, appearing in four games. He spent the bulk of the year playing for the Springfield Falcons of the AHL. 

He would go on to play for the Arizona Coyotes, Florida Panthers, Dallas Stars, Ottawa Senators, Vancouver Canucks, and Philadelphia Flyers. On August 27, 2019, McKenna retired. He also spent two years as a studio analyst for the Vegas Golden Knights, and three years as a Volunteer Goaltending Coach at St. Lawrence Univ.

Curtis McElhinney - 2015-2017 - Drafted by Calgary in 2002.

McElhinney could have been listed as the player who wore #31 the best. He started 66 games for the Jackets and came in to relieve the starters another 19 times. His career record with Columbus was 26-33-8. He went on to win a pair of Stanley Cups for the Tampa Bay Lightning, backing up starter Andrei Vasilevskiy. He retired on September 25, 2021.

He was the Toronto Maple Leafs Dir. of Goaltending from 2023 to 2025. 

Jean-François Bérubé - 2022 - Drafted by the LA Kings in 2009. 

On June 27, 2018, Bérubé was traded by the Blackhawks to the Columbus Blue Jackets in exchange for Jordan Schroeder. He would play in 6 games for Columbus and go 3-2. 

He would leave Columbus after that season and play two more AHL seasons. He is not officially retired. 

Spencer Martin - 2024 - Drafted by Colorado in 2013. 

On September 29, 2023, the Columbus Blue Jackets claimed Martin off waivers from the Vancouver Canucks. He would play in 13 games and go 3-8-1. 

On January 19, 2024, he was put on waivers by Columbus and claimed by the Carolina Hurricanes. He left for the KHL's CSKA Moskva for the 25-26 season. 

With 30 days until opening night at Nationwide Arena, the anticipation for the season is in full swing. Take a look at the schedule of events below.

Blue Jackets Participate in 2025 Prospects Challenge in Buffalo

The Blue Jackets will take part in the Prospects Challenge in Buffalo from Thursday, Sept. 11, to Sunday, Sept. 14. They’ll play three games and have one day off.

The schedule looks like this:

Friday, Sept. 12 - No Game Scheduled

Saturday, Sept. 13 - 7 p.m. at Buffalo Sabres

Sunday, Sept. 14 - 3:30 p.m. at Pittsburgh Penguins

This will be the second year Columbus has participated in the Prospects Challenge. Before that, they played in the NHL Prospect Tournament in Traverse City. As for the roster, it won’t be released until closer to the tournament.

Let us know what you think below.

Stay updated with the most interesting Blue Jackets stories, analysis, breaking news, and more!

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On This Date In 2023: The Mike Babcock Allegations SurfaceOn this date in 2023, a little over two months after the Columbus Blue Jackets hired Mike Babcock, some bombshell allegations were brought to light by the Spittin’ Chiclets podcast that completely derailed the beginning of the CBJ's upcoming season.  Blue Jackets' Don Waddell Shares Latest On Yegor Chinakhov In a recent article for The Athletic, Aaron Portzline had the chance to interview Columbus Blue Jackets general manager Don Waddell. In the interview, he asked about the status of Yegor Chinakhov after the reported trade request from earlier this off-season. 31 Days Until Opening Night At NWA: The History Of Jersey #31The Columbus Blue Jackets have 31 days until opening night at Nationwide Arena. Today, we look at the history of jersey #31. 

EAST MEADOW, NY -- During Day Two of New York Islanders Rookie Camp, it was hard not to notice No. 17 overall pick Kashawn Aitcheson.  His cross-overs were sharp. His shot was on the money. And you could see his excitement once the physical drills were introduced. 

Top Four Standouts From First Two Days Of Islanders Rookie CampEAST MEADOW, NY -- The first two days of New York Islanders rookie camp haven't been anything crazy. The goal of coach Rocky Thompson, who will be entering his first season as the bench boss in Bridgeport, isn't looking at the team with his coaching lens just yet. 

Aitcheson is one of those playesr whose big open-ice hits played a monumental part in why the Islanders called his name back on June 27.

Trent Klatt, #Isles Director of Amateur Scouting on Kashawn Aitcheson:

"I have never seen anyone in my 17 years of scouting who can have open ice hits like that."

Catch Ep. 1 of "On The Island" tonight at 7 PM on Isles Youtube channel @TheHockeyNewshttps://t.co/f1JLqlu3sb

— Stefen Rosner (@stefen_rosner) September 10, 2025

"I think it was kind of always just natural," Aitcheson said about his hitting skills. "I was always a kid who took a lot of penalties when there wasn't much of hitting. And then, yeah, hitting came around, and it just worked out. It was natural."

While the physical game of hockey is extremely important at the NHL level, there are times when young players end up chasing hits, which can get them in trouble. Look no further than Islanders defenseman Alexander Romanov, who has learned when the right time is to pinch and lay a hit and when it's smarter to stay in position.

However, Aitcheson is more than just a hitter, which is likely why he doesn’t get caught trying to do too much with his frame. He scored 26 goals last season for Barrie, along with 33 assists for 59 points in 64 games — as a defenseman, mind you.

He is not just a one-trick pony.

"I want to be involved in the game in other ways. I don't just think about hitting 24/7," Aitcheson said. "I think it's just picking your spots and wanting to contribute in all aspects of the game."

Aitcheson in action. #Islespic.twitter.com/N4VFSixzYS

— Stefen Rosner (@stefen_rosner) September 11, 2025

Aitcheson had a choice as to where he'd go to further his development, electing to return to Barrie for his fourth OHL season rather than take the collegiate route.

"I just thought it was the best decision for me in my development," Aitcheson said.

OHL camp got underway before Aitcheson came back to Long Island. Unfortunately, during an OHL preseason game, he was ejected for what the OHL deemed an "illegal check to the head." The league suspended him for three preseason games — games he was going to miss anyway while at camp with the Islanders.

On paper, that's not a great look. However, here’s the reason why Aitcheson did what he did.

"I love to be a leader on the ice," Aitcheson said. "It was an unfortunate play but, when you see an older guy going after a rookie, you have to protect your teammates."

That's who Aitcheson is.

When we saw Aitcheson back during development camp, which took place immediately after the 2025 NHL Draft, he was giddy, as were all the newcomers. How could you not be, taking part in your first NHL development camp surrounded by an excited fan base?

The one "knock" on Aitcheson's game is his skating, but it looks to even be improved since we saw him a few months ago.

"I worked a lot on skating, defensive work, skills and offense," Aticheson said. "Kinda just all over the map."

While the drills so far at rookie camp aren’t drastically different from those at development camp, there is one big difference Aitcheson has noticed.

"I think just kind of the pace," Aitcheson told The Hockey News. "Everyone is intense. The competition level is so high. It's only going to raise the more you go through it. But, yeah, I think just right now, the compete level, the intensity, and how sharp everything is are the biggest differences.

"You come here, you go to development camp, it's hard," Aitcheson said. "Then you come here for rookie camp, it's harder, and each day is going to get harder. And then, obviously, hopefully, main camp. Every step you take, I think it's going to get harder. The speed is gonna get faster. It's gonna be stronger hockey, bigger men. So, yeah, I think it's just trying to grow with that and take each step at a time."

With the Islanders holding development camp for the first time in years, it allowed the prospects to get to know one another. Many stayed in touch over the last few months.

"I'm pretty close with [Calum] Richie, [Luca] Romano, [Matthew] Schaefer," Aitcheson said. "A lot of them are just great guys. Everyone is super welcoming, so it's been great."

GDT Live - Ft. Stefen Rosner (@stefen_rosner)
🏒Matthew Schaefer first looks
🏒Can Ritchie make the Islanders?
🏒Is Maxim Shabanov legit?
🏒Which Islanders rookies make the NHL

WATCH:https://t.co/w0hPpaxGdB

Presented by: @DraftKings
Code: THPN pic.twitter.com/88Tx8ETG5r

— Gameday Tarps (@GamedayTarps) September 12, 2025

Having played for Barrie, Aitcheson often battled Schaefer, who suited up for the OHL's Erie Otters.

"We had our fair share of battles at the rink. But when I first met him at the U-18 tournament for Team Canada, it was great," Aitcheson said. "We hit it off. He's a great kid, super hard working. We bring the best out of each other. And he deserves everything he's got and more."

During rookie camp, a handful of coaches are on the ice offering advice to the young players. But sometimes, it’s important to have a player to go to, and for many of the rookies, that guy has been Matthew Maggio.

The 21-year-old forward is taking part in his third rookie camp since being drafted in the fourth round back in 2022. He's been the de facto captain so far, and Aitcheson has been very appreciative of Maggio's leadership.

"He's always offering advice and is always talking to us young guys," Aitcheson said. "If we have any questions about anything, he's always there to help. He's been great for everyone."

“[Schaefer] had a little bit more rank to get No. 48 back from me."

In a funny and honest interview, #Isles Matthew Maggio opens up about his leadership role at Rookie Camp, what he thought about Shabanov, changing his number & more @TheElmontershttps://t.co/clhICWXKGs

— Stefen Rosner (@stefen_rosner) September 12, 2025

This week will be one that Aitcheson will never forget. He’ll be learning a lot about how the organization operates and what he needs to do to take his game to the next level.

It’s clear that he’s soaking it all in, and it’s also clear that the organization is excited about his future outlook. It’s too early to tell where he’ll fit in an NHL lineup, but there’s tremendous value in a two-way defenseman who can impact the game outside of what will appear on a scoresheet.

If Aitcheson does make the NHL one day, one thing is certain: he will be a fan favorite.

Canadian defenseman Brad Hunt, 37, has signed a one-year contract with Vaasan Sport, the Finnish Liiga club announced on Friday.

After playing his entire career to this point in North America, including parts of 10 NHL seasons, this is Hunt’s first contract to play in Europe.

“Brining Brad to Vaasa is fanstastic,” said club sports diractor Ari-Pekka Pajuluoma, who was told that Hunt is “an experienced and seasoned team player” by Joel Kiviranta, a former Sport forward who was Hunt’s teammate in the Colorado Avalanche organization.

“He has been a very popular person in every team he has played for, but we expect, above all, good play on the ice from Brad,” Pajuluoma continued. “His strengths lie in the game with the puck, and in addition, he has an incredible shot from the point, so we also expect him to have a role on the power play.”

Born in the Vancouver suburb of Maple Ridge, B.C., Hunt played four years of college hockey at Bemidji State University. Never drafted by an NHL team, he signed with the AHL’s Chicago Wolves in the spring of 2012.

Hentrik Zetterberg Returns Home to Timrå in the SHLDetroit Red Wings legend Henrik Zetterberg is back in hockey. The 2008 Stanley Cup and Conn Smythe Trophy winner has taken on an advisory role with his former club Timrå IK in Sweden’s SHL.

Between 2013 and 2023, Hunt played 288 NHL regular-season games for the Edmonton Oilers, St. Louis Blues, Nashville Predators, Vegas Golden Knights, Minnesota Wild, Vancouver Canucks and Colorado, recording 86 points and 52 penalty minutes. He also played five playoff games for Minnesota and Colorado, incurring one minor penalty.

He spent the entire 2024-25 season in the AHL with the Hershey Bears, recording 20 points in 43 regular-season and playoff games.

To be able to afford Hunt’s contract, the Vaasan Sport club had to raise over 90,000 euros (approx $105,000 US) from a combination of sponsors and donations from fans.

Mattias Norlinder returns to Sweden; donations raised to pay contractSwedish defenseman Mattias Norlinder, 24, has signed a two-year contract with MoDo Hockey, the SHL club announced on Wednesday. Norlinder previously played with the club from 2016 to 2020 at the U16 and U18 levels and also played 55 games in the second-tier professional HockeyAllsvenskan, where he recorded 34 points.

“Without the community's campaign, this player signing would not have been possible for us,” Pajuluoma explained. “This shows what is possible with a community pulling in the same direction, and this was good proof of how special our community in Vaasa is.”

The Liiga season has already started and Vaasan Sport has played two games, beating Kärpät Oulu 3-0 on the road and then losing its home opener 3-2 to TPS Turku on Friday. Since being promoted to the top-tier Liiga in 2014, the team has never finished better than 10th place. Last season, despite an 11th-place regular-season finish, Sport won a play-in series and advanced to the quarterfinals for the first time.

The club made big news in the off-season when it signed 20-year-old Topi Rönni, a former Calgary Flames second-round draft pick who was convicted of rape in 2024, to a two-year contract. After a strong negative response from the Finnish media and public, the contract was terminated two weeks later. Rönni signed soon thereafter with Hungarian ICEHL club Ferencvárosi TC. 

Topi Rönni’s Contract With Finnish Club Terminated Due To Public UproarFinnish center Topi Rönni, who recently signed as a free agent with Liiga club Vaasan Sport, has agreed to part ways with the club after the signing drew intense criticism from the Finnish public and media.