Top Philadelphia Flyers center prospect Jett Luchanko will be out for rookie camp, but his return to the ice should be imminent.

According to an update released by the Flyers Thursday, Luchanko, 19, is expected to be ready for the start of training camp next week.

The 2024 first-round pick was, however, held out of Thursday's rookie camp practice session for precautionary reasons, potentially related to the groin injury that held him out of development camp two months earlier.

Luchanko is not expected to play against the New York Rangers in the first rookie series game between the two teams Friday night, which effectively rules him out for the second game Saturday, too.

To that end, defenseman Oliver Bonk, who also didn't participate on the ice at development camp in early July, is also out against the Rangers for Friday night's game. 

It would appear that the Flyers truly are just exercising the most caution to ensure two of their recent first-round picks have every opportunity to compete for an NHL roster spot, starting with training camp next week.

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Luchanko will either have to make the NHL or return to the OHL this season, whereas Bonk will be turning pro and will be closer to home under the watchful eye of the Flyers, whether he's in the NHL or in the AHL with the Lehigh Valley Phantoms.

Watch for Luchanko to return to the ice for the Flyers within the week as training camp creeps around the corner.

Veteran goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury said that the 2024-25 season would be the last of what is surely a Hockey Hall of Fame career. So it came as somewhat of a pleasant surprise Friday when it was announced Fleury was signing a professional tryout offer with the Pittsburgh Penguins – the team with which he won three Stanley Cup championships.

Fleury intends to get one last kick at the can by playing in parts of a Sept. 27 pre-season game against the Columbus Blue Jackets – but no one should take that to mean Fleury will be on Pittsburgh’s roster when the NHL season begins.

Indeed, at 40, Fleury is long past his peak. But his choice of getting some final game action as a Penguin tells you all you need to know about where his heart is – and where he’ll likely be working in an off-ice role if and when he decides to do so.

The Pens are where Fleury had the grand majority of his success, and Pittsburgh has long been Fleury’s home. So it makes complete sense as to why Fleury wants to ride off into the sunset with the Penguins.

In some cases, NHL icons choose to sign a one-day contract with a team before retiring. Doing so Is a low-impact way to say goodbye.

In Fleury’s case, he’s going to get a little bit more of a goodbye than that. Taking the ice against the Blue Jackets will give Fleury one more game to participate in, and when it’s over, he’ll be able to say he went out on his own terms in front of the fans he's spent the most time with during his storied NHL career.

Fleury told The Athletic at the World Championship, where he reunited with Sidney Crosby, that his age has caught up to him, and he really felt it the morning after a game. So if you think there's some sliver of potential that he will return to the NHL full-time this season and give it another go, don't lose sleep over it. He won't be the solution to any goaltending issues by stepping in the crease himself.

But the good-natured Fleury earned legions of fans – in Pittsburgh. Vegas, Chicago and Minnesota, where he spent his last season – because he was always smiling, always finding the joy in the sport and always a terrific teammate. He did that from his first day until his last.

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There was no artifice, no tactical moves to get people on his side. He did that just by being his authentic self. So no one begrudges him for signing a PTO and suiting up one final time. Fleury has earned that right, and fans at that pre-season game in Pittsburgh will get a special treat on what will undoubtedly be an emotional night for Fleury and his friends, family and fans.

He’s been a dynamic netminder, a fantastic ambassador for the game and a joy to watch. When you look at everything you want a player to be – a role model, a difference-maker and an amazing teammate – Fleury checks all those boxes.

In fact, he's the type of person any team should want after his playing career as well. Whether he can impart his wisdom and advice on other netminders or become a team ambassador of some sort, Fleury has plenty of ways to be an effective part of the coaching or management crew if he wants to.

And if he does get a job to create a new chapter of his hockey life, it would be hard to imagine him being anywhere else than with the Penguins.

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The Pittsburgh Penguins have signed Brett Murray to a PTO and the Florida Panthers have signed Daniel Walcott and Josh Lopina professional tryouts, per Frank Seravalli. 

Murray notched 27 goals and 49 points in 66 games with the Rochester Americans last season, finishing second on the team in both categories.

The 27-year-old has 206 points in 325 career AHL games and six points in 26 career NHL games. 

A fourth round selection of the Buffalo Sabres in 2016, Murray would be a great veteran addition to the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins and could play NHL games for the Pittsburgh Penguins if needed.

Walcott had four goals and 12 points in 61 games with the Syracuse Crunch last season.

A respected leader, the 31-year-old served as an assistant captain with the Crunch for eight seasons and won the AHL's Yanick Dupré Memorial Award for his involvement in the community in 2024. 

A fifth round selection of the New York Rangers in 2014, Walcott has 147 points and 568 penalty minutes in 495 career AHL games and is pointless in one career NHL game with the Tampa Bay Lightning. 

Lopina recorded three goals and 13 points in 62 games with the San Diego Gulls last season.

A fourth round selection of the Anaheim Ducks in 2021, he has accumulated 44 points in 203 career AHL games. 

Murray and Walcott were named on our top remaining AHL free agents list earlier this week. 

Check out our AHL to KHL signing tracker and AHL Free Agency signing tracker.  

The Buffalo Sabres appeared to have well-stocked shelves in goal, as the signing of veteran Alex Lyon in July added a third goalie with NHL experience alongside Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen and Devon Levi, but on Thursday the club added another netminder to the fold, as the Sabres signed Alexandar Georgiev to a one-year, one way deal for $825,000. 

The 29-year-old Bulgarian is an eight-year veteran, signed as an undrafted free agent by the Rangers out of the Finnish SM-Liiga in 2017 and made his NHL debut with New York in his first season in North America. Georgiev served as the backup for Henrik Lundqvist and Igor Shesterkin on Broadway for five seasons before being dealt to Colorado in the summer of 2022. 

Georgiev was acquired by the Avalanche to be their primary starter and in his first season with Colorado made a career-high 62 starts, and set marks for wins (40), goals-against (2.51), save percentage (.919) and shutouts (6), but the following season he was overworked by head coach Jared Bednar early in the season (starting 33 games in the first half), leading to plummeting numbers and a loss of confidence from the Avs organization. 

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After a woeful start of the season (8-7-0, 3.38 GAA, .874 save %), Colorado dispatched Georgiev in December to San Jose in a deal for Mackenzie Blackwood, where he served as the workhorse for a rebuilding Sharks club. 

The signing raised questions regarding the Sabres goaltending situation. Lyon was signed to a two-year contract, presumably to be the backup for Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen. Youngster Devon Levi (who also signed a two-year extension in July) has played mostly in AHL Rochester since being sent down in January 2024, when Luukkonen became the primary starter. 

After a strong second half, the Sabres signed the big Finn to a five-year contract extension, but last season he regressed significantly, going .500 (24-24-5), with a 3.20 GAA and sub .900 save %, which led to head coach Lindy Ruff using backup James Reimer heavily in the last month. There were no indications at the time that Luukkonen’s performance or lack of action was related to an injury. 

In Friday’s Buffalo News, Rachel Lenzi reported from an NHL source that the signing of Georgiev was precipitated by an unspecified injury to Luukkonen. The injury was described as a "tweak" and no length of time was given for a potential return for Luukkonen. The 26-year-old has an extensive injury history, with hip surgery in 2021, and ankle surgery at the end of the 2022-23 season, but he has not had anything of a serious or lengthy nature the last two years. 

After the signing of Lyon, it was expected that Levi was destined to start the season with the Amerks, sharing duties with first-year pros Scott Ratzlaff and Topias Leinonen, but Luukkonen’s injury status and the addition of Georgiev have clouded the Sabres situation between the pipes.

For a second day in a row, Laval Rocket coach Pascal Vincent worked the Montreal Canadiens' rookies hard. On Thursday, his focus was on defense, but on Friday, the coaching staff had moved on to the offensive side of the game.

Just like the day before, Vincent and his assistant ran various drills that lasted between five and seven minutes and simulated game situations. There were some tow-on-two battles, but also some four-on-twos in which focus was put on net front battles.

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Some work was also done on the team’s transition game, with puck retrieval, first-pass, and quick transition to the other forward. Once again, Oliver Kapanen was centered by Florian Xhekaj on one side and Ivan Demidov on the other; the three should form the Canadiens’ top line this weekend and have already shown signs of chemistry.

While Xhekaj has shown that he is talented since being drafted by the Canadiens, the physical and gritty side of his game may very well be part of the reason why he’ll be skating alongside the Russian wonder this weekend—an insurance policy against an opponent taking liberties with the organization’s most prized prospect.

A Xhekaj, Kapanen,Demidov line is looking increasingly likely this weekend #GoHabsGo@TheHockeyNewspic.twitter.com/EADaCcjWxr

— Karine Hains (@KarineHains) September 12, 2025

Judging by the power play drills that took place on Friday morning, the line will stick together with the man-advantage and be joined by Owen Beck and David Reinbacher. As for the second unit, it will feature Adam Engstrom, Vinzenz Rohrer, Alex Tuck, Tyler Thorpe, and Filip Mesar.

Speaking about Mesar, he told the media yesterday that he was asked to play with more grit in his exit meeting last season and added today that he wanted to fight at least once this season. When coach Vincent was asked about that, he said, “Who? Mesar? That’s not what we meant by grit, but if he wants to do it…” This is a reminder that things can sometimes get lost in translation for those kids and that they often have to learn to live and work in a second language, which certainly adds to the challenge of making the NHL.

As practice was winding down, the members of the first power play unit spent some time just circulating the pucks from one another, and their opponents had better thread carefully; they do not want to give that unit too much ice time.

After they were done circulating the puck, Xhekaj parked himself in front of the net and worked on his deflection skills, as we’ve seen Brendan Gallagher do numerous times in practice over the years. With Xhekaj’s improved frame, he should cause a few headaches to both goaltenders and defensemen.

Vincent confirmed that goaltender Jacob Fowler would be getting the start against the Winnipeg Jets tomorrow night in the Prospect Showdown. The Jets will be icing a good roster highlight with Brayden Yager, the Pittsburgh Penguins’ first-round pick (14th overall) at the 2023 draft, whom they obtained for disgruntled forward Rutger McGroarty and the Jets’ own first-round pick that year, Colby Barlow.

---

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This year's NHL Calder Trophy race will be fun, and we're getting closer to the start line.

Training camps for every NHL team will be getting underway soon as we’ve begun to see players back on the ice for individual workouts or player-led practices. Rookie camps and tournaments are beginning as well.

With that, we will soon get a clearer picture of which rookies will be latching onto a roster spot and given the chance to play in the NHL this season.

There will be players just drafted this summer who get a shot, such as Michael Misa or Matthew Schaefer. Others have had a taste of NHL action already, such as Jimmy Snuggerud and Ivan Demidov.

This season will have some high-end rookies that competing for the 2026 Calder Trophy as the NHL’s rookie of the year. While Demidov may be the favorite coming into the beginning of a new season, he will have fierce competition.

It is time for to kick off a new season of the Calder Trophy Tracker. While this season opener isn't a true numbered ranking, let’s look at some of the top rookies heading into this upcoming season and their chances of winning the Calder.

The Favorite

Ivan Demidov, RW, Montreal Canadiens

Coming into the year, the hype around the Russian rookie in Montreal will be as high as we’ve seen from any player in recent years. There is good reason for it.

Demidov joined the team last last season as they were fighting for a playoff spot, and his debut was electric. He was the team’s most effective offensive player, and he looked like the difference-making talent they hoped he’d become.

While there were some ups and downs, the highs of Demidov’s game in Montreal were tantalizing. His dynamic puck skill, shifty mobility and incredible passing vision were all high-end tools at the NHL level immediately.

Demidov will be relied upon in all offensive situations, featured prominently on the power play and given plenty of offensive zone starts at even strength. He’s the favorite for a reason, and he will be very fun to watch when the season starts.

BetMGM Calder odds: 2.80 (+180)

The Top Tier

Michael Misa, C/W, San Jose Sharks

While he’s not guaranteed to make the Sharks lineup, Misa should find his way into the Calder conversation if he makes the team. He signed his entry-level contract this week.

He tore up the OHL last season, and going back there might not challenge him enough to progress his development.

Misa is an intelligent 200-foot player who is a very skilled dual threat offensive player. If he does step into the lineup, the reality is that he’s playing in the top six and working his way toward being an impact piece as a rookie.

BetMGM Calder odds: 14.00 (+1,300)

Ryan Leonard, RW, Washington Capitals

While his offense wasn’t always standing out when he stepped into the NHL late last season, his presence was constantly felt as he brought his bull-in-a-china-shop play style to the league.

Leonard throws big hits, drives to the net with his shoulder down and works his tail off in the corners. His offense should start to pop now that he’s seen what the NHL has to offer in a short stint and he’s had a summer to train.

BetMGM Calder odds: 23.00 (+2,200)

Zeev Buium, D, Minnesota Wild

Buium is a cerebral two-way defender who should find himself in opportune positions to put up points. The Wild don't have another defenseman quite as skilled as Buium.

Although he's a bit undersized, Buium uses his skating to defend at a high level, which helps him get the puck back on his stick. His puck-moving in transition and in the offensive zone are high end as well. He should find himself playing top four minutes by the end of the season.

BetMGM Calder odds: 13.00 (+1,200)

Zayne Parekh, D, Calgary Flames

If the Flames keep Zayne Parekh on the NHL roster for all of this season, he will be put in a position to succeed, which means ample power-play time and a strong lean toward offensive zone starts.

Parekh is a creator who loves to get involved offensively, and he certainly has the tools to improve a power play today. He is a lethal passer and a dangerous shooter in his own right. He will likely have more ups and downs than a typical rookie defender in his own zone, but his offensive game should cover it up.

BetMGM Calder odds: 21.00 (+2,000)

The Wild Cards

Yaroslav Askarov, G, San Jose Sharks

With an opportunity to stay in the NHL full-time this season, Askarov will try to provide steady goaltending while the young squad in front of him works through growing pains.

Askarov could play great this season, but his numbers may not tell the full story, and that could hold him back from being a true Calder contender. If he gets his stats to a respectable point (.910 save percentage?) he could be a shoe-in for a finalist nod as a netminder who played well despite the surroundings.

BetMGM Calder odds: 26.00 (+2,500)

Alexander Nikishin, D, Carolina Hurricanes

After putting up some gaudy numbers in the KHL for a young defender and collecting plenty of accolades along the way, Nikishin will look to bring his top game to North America.

The KHL is a bit of a different game stylistically, and the "shoot it hard from the point" style of offense doesn’t always work in the NHL. Nikishin must adapt a bit and bring a bit more fluidity and puck-moving to try to make up for some of the lost offense as a shooter. If he translates his game seamlessly, watch out.

BetMGM Calder odds: 17.00 (+1,600)

Matthew Schaefer, D, New York Islanders

The first overall pick usually ends up higher on this list, but we just don’t fully know what we’re going to get from Schaefer, as fantastic as he is.

His mobility, puck skill and two-way prowess are all enviable – that's why he went first overall. What is a concern though is how he will hold up over a full NHL season.

After playing in fewer than 30 games across all competition last year, making the jump to the NHL would be tough, but if anyone is going to do it, it could be Schaefer.

The Sleepers

Jimmy Snuggerud, RW, St. Louis Blues

Snuggerud stepped into the lineup and scored immediately for the Blues. He is an excellent complementary piece, and he could be among the higher-scoring rookies if given the opportunity in the top six.

Snuggerud is a really steady offensive player who plays a tactical game.

BetMGM Calder odds: 18.00 (+1,700)

Isaac Howard, LW, Edmonton Oilers

Howard's speed and dual-threat ability could make him an excellent running mate for one of the Oilers' two-headed monsters down the middle. If he can find a role with Connor McDavid or Leon Draisaitl, we could see a massive season for Howard because he’d be one of the more skilled linemates either has had recently.

BetMGM Calder odds: 16.00 (+1,500)

Artyom Levshunov, D, Chicago Blackhawks

Levshunov stepped into the lineup for a bit last season and looked OK. He had some really solid moments in the AHL as well.

Levshunov is a raw prospect, and that may result in some ups and downs, but he’s always found a way to make an impact. He could be a sneaky but solid long shot in the top rookie race.

BetMGM Calder odds: 61.00 (+6,000)

Gabe Perreault, RW, New York Rangers

Everywhere Perreault has played, he’s been a steady goal-scorer. Now, he’s taking the step into pro hockey, and the Rangers hope he can bolster their offensive attack.

Perreault is the ultimate play-connector who can advance play in transition or in the offensive zone. If he can find the right fit, he could be one of the top-scoring rookies.

BetMGM Calder odds: 36.00 (+3,500)

Bradly Nadeau, C/W, Carolina Hurricanes

Playing in the AHL last year, Nadeau was an instant impact player, and he continued to improve as the year went on.

He had a cup of coffee in the NHL and looked solid in the two games he played. The next step is playing a smart, high-paced offensive game in the NHL, and if he can, he could be the ultimate sleeper for this year’s Calder.

BetMGM Calder odds: 67.00 (+6,600)

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Sebastian Cossa made NHL history in his debut by becoming the first goalie to win in a shootout after entering in relief, stopping 12 of 14 shots as the Red Wings rallied to beat Buffalo 6-5 last December. The 6-foot-6 netminder has shown steady development, anchoring Grand Rapids in the AHL over the past two seasons and playing a key role in a franchise-record 19-game point streak.

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A first-round pick in 2021, Cossa’s junior and early pro career have been marked by success, and he’s widely seen as Detroit’s future in goal. With his continued growth and confidence, the question is no longer if but when he’ll become a full-time NHL presence.

When do you think Cossa will make the jump to Detroit's crease full time? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.

Tyler Hopkins is itching to walk out of the tunnel at the Bell Centre this weekend.

Hopkins will step onto the ice for his first Prospect Showdown game on Saturday afternoon, following a whirlwind of a summer after being selected by the Toronto Maple Leafs in the third round (86th overall) of this year’s NHL Draft.

“Being able to put the Leafs jersey on in a real game this time, in front of, hopefully — it sounded like a lot of guys were saying last year — a pretty lively crowd in Montreal, I’m excited to get into the games, feel the speed out a little bit,” Hopkins said on Friday, before getting on the bus to Montreal.

“Obviously, it’s going to be a lot faster than major junior, but just general excitement towards this game.”

Hopkins is projected to center a line with 2024 seventh-round pick Sam McCue and camp invite Alex Pharand. The Campbellville, Ontario, product has already gotten into some preseason action over the last couple of weeks with his OHL club, the Kingston Frontenacs, and he’s looking forward to going up against tough competition in Montreal.

Projected Maple Leafs Rookie Game Lines Revealed Ahead Of Weekend MatchupsThe Toronto Maple Leafs' top prospects are set to face off against the Montreal Canadiens and Ottawa Senators in a pair of rookie games this weekend. Following the team’s second day of on-ice preparation, we have a clearer sense of what the lines will look like, as reported by our own Nick Barden.

Even the play during the first two practices here in Toronto was high-paced, with a lot of physicality.

“There’s quite a few guys that are some pretty good hockey players,” Hopkins said when asked who’s stood out. “Obviously, Easton Cowan, he’s one of the guys who stands out. High-end, skilled player, really smart with the puck. (Ben) Danford as well, just really strong on the puck as well, breaks the puck out really well. Another smart defender, can kind of play in all situations.

“He’s going to be valuable for us this weekend, both of them, and valuable to this organization in the future.”

Hopkins spent a lot of the summer at the Maple Leafs’ facility. He worked closely with assistant strength and conditioning coach Trevor Bartoli, and Maple Leafs assistant GM, player development, Hayley Wickenheiser, who he says was around quite often to help with any questions he might’ve had.

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The young forward added that a couple of the Maple Leafs skated in Toronto throughout the summer, such as Morgan Rielly. However, Hopkins trained mostly with Toronto’s AHL players, which, even then, allowed him to gain more understanding of the next level.

“They’re another level ahead of me, so I think even just being on the ice with those guys, they work their butts off, so being in that environment with them, I think it pushed me a lot,” he said.

“And obviously, they’re bigger and stronger as well, which I think was good for me. The more of that I can go against older, stronger guys, I think that’s going to help push my game to the next level.”

Ex-Maple Leafs Prospect Fraser Minten To Participate In Bruins Rookie Tournament Despite Ending Last Season In NHLDespite having 25 games of NHL experience over two seasons, Fraser Minten was announced as part of the Boston Bruinsrookie tournament roster this week. Speaking to reporters at Warrior Ice Arena, Minten was asked how it came to be that he would take part in the tournament. It turns out Minten didn’t volunteer. He’s just following Bruins GM Don Sweeney’s orders.

As Hopkins takes to the ice on Saturday against the Ottawa Senators’ prospects, it’ll be the first time he wears the Maple Leaf on his chest for a game. It’ll be a full circle moment—after idolizing the team as a child—with his parents, Glen and Christie, in the crowd, cheering for him.

“My dad wouldn’t have missed it for the world. He’s pretty excited,” Hopkins smiled.

“It’s playing against the Habs. It’s been a rivalry forever, and obviously, it’s going to be the first time he gets to see me in a Toronto Maple Leafs jersey uniform, so I think that’s the general excitement for him and me.”

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Projected Maple Leafs Rookie Game Lines Revealed Ahead Of Weekend Matchups

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Cool As A Cossa - Jan. 27 2025 - Vol. 78 Issue 7 - Dillion Collins

THEY SAY YOU NEVER forget your first. For 22-year-old goaltender Sebastian Cossa, that first came in the form of a rollercoaster NHL debut in December.

The 6-foot-6 former WHL standout – who has anchored Detroit’s AHL affiliate in Grand Rapids the past two seasons – saw his fist NHL action in relief of Ville Husso against the Buffalo Sabres on Dec. 9. Cossa made 12 saves on 14 shots as the Red Wings rallied to defeat their division rivals 6-5 in a shootout.

Becoming the first goalie in NHL history to win his debut via a shootout in a relief effort, Cossa was ecstatic. “Mentally, at that level, I’m preparing like I’m playing every game just in case I have to be ready,” he said. “Buffalo had some Grade A (chances) and cashed in on a couple, and I thought I’d get ready mentally after that third one went in.”

Cossa was told during the first intermission he’d be replacing Husso to start the second period. Husso had allowed three goals on seven shots. “I was really nervous,” Cossa said. “But I was also trying to slow it down and enjoy the moment. It’s your first NHL game, and you’ll only be able to do it once.”

Combatting his nerves and excitement, Cossa got his first taste of NHL ice at the KeyBank Center and was immediately gifted with offensive support. Lucas Raymond tied the game 3-3 at 1:05 of the second frame before Nicolas Aube-Kubel and Jason Zucker scored to put Buffalo ahead 5-3 after two periods. “A little frantic I think for me in that second period,” Cossa said. “I kind of stuck around and calmed down in that second intermission and thought I had a decent third.”

Andrew Copp and Moritz Seider scored to tie the game before Raymond and Dylan Larkin tallied in the shootout to complete the Wings’ comeback. “I don’t think I could’ve written anything better,” Cossa said. “Getting that win in the shootout, we really earned it. It was a great experience and definitely one I’ll never forget.”

For Cossa, playing meaningful games has become routine. The native of Fort McMurray, Alta., was a standout at the youth level for the Fort Saskatchewan Rangers, winning a league title while earning top-goalie and MVP honors in 2016-17 before putting together a sparkling junior career in the WHL with the Edmonton Oil Kings.

In a pandemic-shortened 2020-21 season, Cossa posted a remarkable 1.57 goals-against average and .941 save percentage with a 17-1-1 record en route to becoming the first WHL goalie to be selected in the first round (15th overall) since his hero, Carey Price (fifth overall in 2005).

The following year, Edmonton cruised to the league title, with Cossa going 33-9-3 in the regular season and 16-3 in the playoffs. “I’ve been lucky to have been on some competitive teams,” he said.

Following a strong rookie pro season with ECHL Toledo in 2022-23, Cossa made an immediate impact in the AHL. In the second half of 2023-24, Cossa helped Grand Rapids to a franchise-record streak of 19 games collecting a point, with the rookie backstopping the club to the division final.

Cossa and the Griffins have been firing on all cylinders this season, holding a division lead as of early January and seeing team growth on multiple fronts. “It’s fun,” Cossa said. “You know, guys are coming to work with a good attitude and ready to put the work in.”

As for the future, Cossa is earmarked as the heir apparent to Detroit’s crease. And his heritage could lead to some intriguing international play if a long-rumored rule that would allow players with Italian heritage to play on the Italian Olympic club comes to fruition for 2026. “I have my passport and my citizenship there in Italy,” Cossa said. “My dad is fully Italian. That would be really cool, wearing those colors and maybe representing them one day.” 

The goaltender is arguably the most important position in hockey. It is believed that without a great goalie between the pipes, a team has little chance of winning silverware, let alone hoisting the Stanley Cup.

All netminders start somewhere. Some are excellent right out of the draft, but many goaltenders need time to develop before they make it to the big stage. Here is a list made up of goaltenders who had a great 2024-25 campaign in the AHL and have a decent chance of earning multiple games in the NHL in this upcoming season.

Jet Greaves, Cleveland Monsters

Jet Greaves had a stellar season with the Cleveland Monsters last season in the AHL. In 40 appearances, the 24-year-old recorded a .920 save percentage and a 2.62 goals against average. He showed out to be one of the best goalies in the league last year.

Even in the post-season, despite a second-round exit for the Monsters, Greaves put up solid numbers - a .912 SP and 2.67 GAA.

All signs point in the direction of Greaves taking on a big role with the Columbus Blue Jackets in the NHL. To conclude the 2024-25 season, he played five straight games for the Blue Jackets. The Cambridge, Ont. native finished all those contests with a save percentage of .950 or higher, including two shutouts.

Leevi Merilainen, Belleville Senators

Leevi Merilainen is another goaltender who is set to become an NHL regular this season. In the off-season, the Ottawa Senatorssigned Merilainen to a one-year deal worth $1.05 million. His brief time in the NHL last season, as well as his AHL campaign with the Belleville Senators, put him on this path.

With Belleville in his second full AHL season, Merilainen recorded a .913 SP and a 2.37 GAA, along with four shutouts. In his 12 NHL appearances, the Finnish netminder registered an 8-3-1 record, earning a 1.99 GAA and .925 SP.

Now, with former Senators goaltender Anton Forsberg with the Los Angeles Kings, Merilainen has a wide-open opportunity to become Ottawa’s full-time backup.

Matthew Murray, Milwaukee Admirals

The Milwaukee Admirals’ goaltender Matthew Murray is coming off his third full season in the AHL. He had a great campaign, recording a 2.07 GAA and a league-leading .932 SP. His performances last season should be enough to draw the attention of the Nashville Predators in his first year with the organization.

Murray, 27, has spent the previous three years in the Dallas Stars’ system before the Predators signed him to a two-year, $1.55-million contract ahead of last season. He played four total NHL games with the Stars, but hasn’t featured in The Show since his 23-save shutout against the Minnesota Wild on Jan. 8, 2024.

Justus Annunen is Nashville’s current backup goalie. He is the measuring stick for Murray, and his biggest competition if he wants to make the Preds’ lineup.

Carl Lindbom, Henderson Silver Knights

Carl Lindbom is the only netminder on this list who hasn’t featured in the NHL. Lindbom was a rookie in the AHL with the Henderson Silver Knights. The 22-year-old played 36 games, putting up a .912 SP and a 2.65 GAA.

The Vegas Golden Knights drafted the Stockholm native in the seventh round of the 2022 draft. Since then, he’s spent multiple years in his home country, playing in the Swedish League. Before last season’s campaign with the Silver Knights, Lindbom played 26 games for Farjestad, recording a 2.12 GAA and .911 SP with two shutouts along the way.

It’ll be challenging for Lindbom to sneak his way onto the Golden Knights’ roster after just one season in North America. However, Akira Schmid, who is projected to be Vegas’ backup goalie next season, also featured in the AHL last year. Schmid played 30 games, registering a .886 SP and 3.58 GAA, making Lindbom’s numbers look even better.

Check out our AHL to KHL signing tracker and AHL Free Agency signing tracker.  

The Toronto Maple Leafs' top prospects are set to face off against the Montreal Canadiens and Ottawa Senators in a pair of rookie games this weekend. Following the team’s second day of on-ice preparation, we have a clearer sense of what the lines will look like, as reported by our own Nick Barden.

Leading the way on the top line will be center Jacob Quillan, flanked by wingers Easton Cowan and Borya Valis. The Maple Leafs signed the 20-year-old Valis to a three-year entry-level contract on March 1. The right-handed shot should be an excellent fit alongside Quillan and Cowan, having posted 34 goals and 47 assists in 66 games with the Prince George Cougars of the WHL last season.

Power play units

PP1:
Quillan
Holinka-Valis-Cowan
Prokop

PP2:
Kressler
Haymes-Kirwan-Hopkins
Sharpe

— Nick Barden (@nickbarden) September 12, 2025

On the defensive end, the top pairing will feature Ben Danford skating alongside Noah Chadwick. The rookie tournament is a crucial opportunity for these young players to make a strong impression and earn a spot at the main training camp, which begins next week. The competition will be fierce, with players like Danford and Chadwick looking to prove they can play at the next level.

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.

The Maple Leafs also focused on special teams during Friday's practice. Forward Miroslav Holinka and defenseman John Prokop joined the top unit, showcasing the team's depth. Toronto signed the 19-year-old Holinka to a three-year entry-level contract after his strong performance at development camp this summer. The 23-year-old Prokop was also signed in March to a one-year deal following his season with Union College in the NCAA and even played three games with the Marlies last season.

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The New York Rangers have signed defenseman Andrej Sustr to a professional tryout contract. 

Sustr hasn’t played in the NHL since the 2021-22 season, as he has spent the last three years playing in Europe in various leagues. 

Through his eight seasons in the NHL, Sustr played for the Tampa Bay Lightning and Anaheim Ducks.

In 361-career NHL games, the 34-year-old defenseman has recorded 11 goals, 58 assists, and 69 points. 

Sustr joins forward Conor Sheary as the two players to be signed to a PTO by the Rangers. Both players will compete at training camp to make the Blueshirts’ opening-night roster.