Anybody hoping Kirill Marchenko might provide clarity about his desire to play for the Blue Jackets beyond this season should temper those hopes.

In fact, go ahead and shelve them for the foreseeable future. The Jackets' top goal scorer isn't interested in explaining why either agent Dan Milstein or somebody who works for Milstein told ESPN studio analyst Kevin Weekes on June 26 during the NHL draft that Marchenko isn't interested in signing a long-term extension with Columbus.

Marchenko, 26, met with reporters after practice Sept. 18 at Nationwide Arena.

Facing a line of questions requesting insight on why Marchenko appears to want a change of scenery, the jovial Russian forward rolled out a song-and-dance routine the likes of which hadn't been seen around the building since Artemi Panarin launched into a similar one with the help of a translator provided by Milstein in 2018-19.

"I forget all English ... in Russia," Marchenko said, smiling. "I know only words about hockey right now. Let's go."

OK, so where you do want to play hockey?

More: Columbus Blue Jackets open camp with Kirill Marchenko's future hazy

Kirill Marchenko was asked if he wants to play hockey in Columbus.

“I want to play hockey. It’s all I can say right now.”

Video below. #CBJpic.twitter.com/XRiO6Adv1e

— Mark Scheig (@mark_scheig) September 18, 2026

"Whoa ... on the ice," Marchenko said. "On the ice, where I can play. On the ice. Puck, not ball. Puck hockey. Ice hockey, and, we'll see."

Asked about the ESPN report at the draft, Marchenko tried to play coy.

"Really?" he said. "I didn't see that."

The smile he flashed a second later begged to differ.

"No, guys, it's ... I don't know, my goal, I told you, I play hockey," Marchenko said. "I can talk only about hockey. It's not my side. Business side, it's on [Blue Jackets president/general manager Don Waddell] and Dan [Milstein], and they figure out everything. My goal [is] to be ready, on the ice."

After agreeing that ultimately he makes the call about where he'll play, Marchenko again deflected a direct question about whether he wants to play in Columbus.

"It's too many good questions right now," he said. "I want to play hockey. That's what I can say right now, and I don't want to give you guys a lot of things. I just love [my] teammates, I love to enjoy the practices and enjoy the hockey. It's my favorite thing in the world, and I just do my job."

Dispatch Blue Jackets/Crew reporter Brian Hedger can be reached at bhedger@dispatch.com

This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Kirill Marchenko dodges questions about future with Columbus Blue Jackets

The San Jose Sharks kicked off their 2026 Training Camp on Thursday, and didn't wait long to make a major announcement. Yesterday afternoon, the Sharks announced that they have signed head coach Ryan Warsofsky to a multi-year contract extension, but didn't elaborate any further.

Warsofsky was heading into the final season of his current contract and his status has been a major topic of debate on social media over the summer. Now, the Sharks have committed their future to the 38-year-old bench boss. Of course, as we saw with the Edmonton Oilers, there's little job security for an NHL head coach as they relieved Kris Knoblauch of his duties before his new contract even started. While the Sharks made it clear they think Warsofsky is their guy, results will be as important as ever moving forward.

Through 164 games as an NHL head coach, Warsofsky has a record of 59-85-20 for 138 points of a possible 328. 

The Chicago Blackhawks were on the ice for day two of training camp on Friday. They continued to keep the NHL group separated from the non-NHL group.

They are also starting to get some strategies in order ahead of their first preseason game, which will come on Saturday night when they take on the Minnesota Wild at Grand Casino Arena. 

One of those things that they worked on was the power play. Chicago struggled in this department in 2025-26, but they added a handful of players who will be able to help them with the man advantage. 

The first unit to get reps was the exact unit that you'd expect to see, knowing that Connor Bedard can't be a part of it due to his continued recovery from shoulder surgery. 

Tyler Bertuzzi 

Patrick Kane - Roman Kantserov - Anton Frondell

Bowen Byram

A few weeks ago, the Blackhawks started to hint at the idea of Kantserov getting some time at center. Well, he hasn't played the position yet at even strength in practice, but he is getting chances there on this top power-play unit. 

Tyler Bertyzzi is the net-front man, as he was elite at it last year; Bowen Byram is operating the point, and Patrick Kane and Anton Frondell are working the half-walls. Kane is a lot more creative with the puck when he has the time and space, but Frondell has a wicked one-time blast that he can bring from the dot. 

When Bedard comes back, either Roman Kantserov or Anton Frondell will come off and move to the second unit, which will likely feature guys like Nick Lardis, Frank Nazar, Ryan Donato, and Teuvo Teravainen, amongst others. The depth that this team is capable of having on the power play should give their overall percentage a boost. 

Although the new additions up front (Kane and Kantserov) are nice, it is Bowen Byram who will make the biggest difference. A puck-moving defenseman with his skills should open things up for every other player on the ice in that man-advantage situation. This is also his first opportunity to quarterback a number one unit in the NHL regularly, so there is motivation there.

The non-NHL group will travel to Minnesota, so this unit will have to wait to get some game action, but expect to see them at the United Center on Monday.

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

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With a new Vancouver Canucks season coming soon, it is time for the prospects to show off the skills they developed in the off-season. While these players are most likely headed to the AHL, it shouldn't be long before they make their way to the NHL. Here is a list of AHL-bound prospects to watch during the 2026-27 season.  

Braeden Cootes  

Braeden Cootes impressed the organization last season, becoming the first 18-year-old to play for the Canucks on opening night since 1990. As the 15th overall pick in the 2025 draft, Cootes came on strong. With a pre-season goal against the Seattle Kraken, Cootes made his mark early on. After a few pointless games, he was sent back to the WHL to keep working on his craft.

A year later, Cootes has the chance to remind the organization why they selected him for the opening-night roster in 2025. The chance to play for the Abbotsford Canucks can provide more professional minutes and better insight into what is expected of a top-calibre prospect. Ultimately, Cootes could be set for an impressive campaign. 

Ty Mueller  

Ty Mueller is another young player looking to break into the NHL. He made his NHL debut against the Minnesota Wild in 2025. During the game, he played over 10 minutes and recorded a shot on goal.

With so many injuries in Vancouver last season, Mueller was called up for six regular-season games. With a pass from former teammate Curtis Douglas, Mueller got his first NHL goal on April 16 against the Edmonton Oilers. He ranked third in goals for Abbotsford, with a career-high 16 goals. If Mueller keeps this momentum, he could become an important call-up for the Canucks and possibly a regular for the 2026-27 season. 

Kirill Kudryavtsev  

Kirill Kudryavtsev has now established himself as a solid defenseman with the AHL Canucks. With 20 points in 44 games last season, the young defender is beginning to feel at ease on the ice. He suited up for Vancouver three times in 2025-26 and recorded his first two career assists.

During his call-up, Kudryavtsev looked confident on the blue line. He must keep delivering smooth passes to his teammates, poke-checking to win the puck back, and closing lanes to force opponents into mistakes. Kudryavtsev has the skills to impress the organization, making him an excellent choice for the Canucks to call up throughout the campaign.  

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CRANBERRY TOWNSHIP, Pa. (AP) — Evgeni Malkin remains as passionate as ever about hockey as his 21st season with the Pittsburgh Penguins begins.

Whether it's his last, be it in Pittsburgh or anywhere else, only his body knows. And right now, it's not telling the 40-year-old Russian star anything.

“I mean it’s a hard question,” Malkin said Friday. “We see what’s going on during the season, you know. And right now I won’t say yes.”

He also won't say no, though he has one very clear metric that will play a massive role in whatever happens beyond this season.

“If I not feel hundred percent, I’m not playing,” Malkin said, adding that if he's not helping the team to win, “I'm retired.”

Malkin was able to turn the clock back a bit last year, posting 19 goals to go with 42 assists despite missing time with injuries. He averaged over a point per game for the first time since 2019-20 and seemed fueled by the desire to prove to Penguins general manager Kyle Dubas he was still worth the investment.

Dubas played his cards close to the vest until after Pittsburgh's first-round playoff exit to Philadelphia. He praised Malkin's effort and about a month later, negotiations that appeared a little tense outwardly resulted with Malkin signing a one-year deal to remain with the club where he's won three Stanley Cups, two scoring titles and an MVP during a career that will almost certainly end in the Hall of Fame.

The deal also extended the partnership between Malkin, captain Sidney Crosby and defenseman Kris Letang to 21 years and counting, the longest three teammates have ever played together in major North American professional sports history.

Though Malkin believes it's production, not nostalgia, that has kept them together.

“It’s not we're just here because we win three Cups, you know,” he said. “I hope we’re here because we still play good.”

The Penguins are banking on it. Pittsburgh largely kept together the roster that finished a surprising second behind Carolina in the Metropolitan Division, including re-signing forward Egor Chinakhov, a Russian who blossomed while playing alongside Malkin after being acquired in a trade with Columbus.

There are now four Russians on the team, allowing Malkin the chance to serve as a mentor in the same way former Penguins defenseman Sergei Gonchar did for him two decades ago.

“Any advice, any like ‘Go to dinner,’ you know, we just do it. “I'm the old guy here and I just have the experience.”

Malkin begins the year with 1,407 career points, just 14 shy of surpassing Hall of Fame center Adam Oates to climb into the top 20 on the NHL's all-time list.

He's done it while serving as the emotional ‘yin’ to Crosby's more reserved ‘yang.’ If Malkin had ended up somewhere else, maybe he'd had been the face of the franchise. He's long made peace with the trade-off. If this is his final season, it's been a great ride. But he's not quite ready to head off into the sunset just yet.

“I think last year I showed my good games, and I am excited to be here,” he said. “And again, like, I’m here to win.”

___

See AP’s full NHL coverage here

New York Islanders prospect Victor Eklund has the best chance of any youngster to crack the opening-night lineup.

He dominated during rookie camp, but the big question is how he'll look in main camp. 

Not only does he look the part, but after scoring in day two's scrimmage, Eklund has now scored in every game.

In the first rookie showcase game against the New Jersey Devils at the Prudential Center, he rifled a slingshot high blocker side.

In the second rookie showcase game, also against the Devils, Eklund hopped on a loose puck in front of goal.

And his latest was a beauty, as he knocked down a Matthew Schaefer point shot before scoring on Vitek Vanecek, who had been sliding to stop the initial shot.

He played in Friday's scrimmage alongside Jean-Gabriel Pageau and Emil Heineman, which has been his linemates over the first two days of training camp. 

"Well, he looks good," Islanders head coach Pete DeBoer said. "You don’t want to get out in front of it too far. I think we’ve still got a lot of runway here, and he’s going to play some exhibition games against NHL teams, which is important.

“But he’s scored in every game that we’ve stuck him in — the two rookie games, today in the scrimmage — so he’s just got to continue on that path. But again, it’s early, and that’s what you want. You want young players to make those decisions as tough as possible.”

Eklund will likely play in at least three of the four preseason games, starting with Sunday afternoon against the Devils at The Rock. 

The Calgary Flames have brought Brennan Othmann back into the fold, signing the forward to a one-year, two-way contract extension.

Signed, sealed, and delivered!

We have signed forward Brennan Othmann to a one-year, two-way contract with an AAV of $975,000!

📄: https://t.co/gBEer791Jopic.twitter.com/1sGGAjBE1M

— Calgary Flames (@NHLFlames) September 18, 2026

Othmann joined the Flames late in the 2025-26 season after Calgary acquired him from the New York Rangers on March 6. The 23-year-old appeared in two games with the Flames, picking up two points, while also playing 14 games with the Calgary Wranglers.

The Pickering, Ontario native spent the early portion of last season moving between the Rangers and their AHL affiliate, the Hartford Wolf Pack, before the trade sent him to Calgary.

Contract Details

• Position: Left Wing

• Contract: One year, two-way

• AAV: $975,000

• Drafted: 16th overall by the New York Rangers in the 2021 NHL Draft

MARYLAND HEIGHTS, Mo. -- When Cam Fowler stepped to the podium last week, there was no sugar-coating. There was no hiding from what he considered the harsh reality of facts.

“Last year it’s no secret, it was a difficult season for me personally,” the 34-year-old defenseman said succinctly. “I’ll be the first one to say that I wasn’t anywhere near the player that I expect to be.”

This is a player with 16 years’ worth of experience and 1,124 regular-season NHL games. You take him at his word for it. And you wouldn’t expect anything less than the honest truth, but watching a step back, Fowler isn’t off with his assessment.

When the St. Louis Blues acquired him from the Anaheim Ducks on Dec. 14, 2024 for minor league defenseman Jeremie Biakabutuka and a second-round pick in the 2027 NHL Draft, it was a steal of a deal. Fowler came to St. Louis and made an immediate impact.

After having just four assists in 17 games with the Ducks, he flourished with 36 points (nine goals, 27 assists) and a plus-19 in 51 games for the Blues, helping them go on a tear and reach the Stanley Cup playoffs to face the Presidents’ Trophy-winning Winnipeg Jets, and Fowler had 10 points (two goals, eight assists) in a seven-game series ultimately won by Winnipeg.

The Blues were so impressed with the return they got from a player that thrived playing with Colton Parayko, they signed him to a three-year extension at $6.1 million average annual value that carries a full no-trade clause until Jan. 29, 2027, to which it becomes a 15-team NTC.

Fowler played in all 82 games last season, but there was something missing; he did finish with 30 points (four goals, 26 assists) but was a minus-11 averaging 21:05 time on ice per game after averaging 21:42 the previous season.

“I went home this summer, reflected on a lot and really just got back to basics,” Fowler said. “I really had an emphasis on working hard this summer and making sure that I’m ready to go, and that’s mentally as much as it is physically. They know what they’re getting from me. I’m happy to slot into the lineup wherever they feel is the best opportunity for me. I’m looking forward to getting back to some competitive hockey and getting back to the player that I know I can be because I just felt like I let a lot of people down last year in that regard. I don’t want that to happen again.”

At the outset, the Blues are pairing Fowler with fellow veteran Brandon Carlo, acquired from the Toronto Maple Leafs on the second day of the 2026 draft for two 2026 third-round picks. It looks like it could be a good match, but in order to get the Fowler of old back into the fold, Blues coach Jim Montgomery likely paired Carlo with Fowler to put a reliable, stable, defensive-minded guy there so that Fowler can get back to doing what he does best: jump into the offense and make his mark there.

“It’s a guy that’s taking the puck and skating,” Montgomery said of Fowler’s best attributes. “He was in a 4-on-2 and a 3-on-2 today. He almost tipped in a backdoor pass. It’s him getting in and out and it’s him dictating plays going north. When he’s playing on his toes offensively, the rest of the game takes care of itself.”

Perhaps adding a familiar face should help Fowler get back to his top-end game again with the addition of former Ducks coach Greg Cronin, who the Blues hired as an assistant that will work with the defensemen and who coached Fowler in Anaheim in 2023-24 and 24-25 prior to being traded here.

“Obviously I have a good relationship with ‘Crow,’ playing for him in Anaheim,” Fowler said. “I think anyone that spends time with him knows he’s a hard-nosed guy that demands a lot but also is fully transparent with his players and wants us to be the best version of ourselves. He’s going to push us every day. I think he wants us to be uncomfortable in the things that we’re doing to help push us to be better players, but he does have a soft side to him. He really does care about us as people and our families. I’m looking forward to getting the opportunity to working with him again.”

Perhaps making a veteran feel uncomfortable may be the best medicine Fowler can get, and get him back to the 2024-25 Blues version.

“It was definitely something that was unique for me the first time I met (Cronin), some of the things that we were working on in training camp there in Anaheim,” Fowler said. “I can honestly say the way that he approaches the game, especially from a defensive mindset and working with the ‘D’, that stuff, if we get more and more comfortable with it will help us defensively as a team and individually. There are times, if you guys are watching, you’ll see some of the things that we’re doing, it’s definitely unique to hockey but it’s a lot about body position, making sure that our shoulders are staying square and that we’re in between the player and the net and making sure that we’re not giving up easy opportunities. Those are big, key factors for him and something that we’ll really be working on in training camp.”

A more well-polished Fowler and Carlo third pairing behind Philip Broberg and Logan Mailloux along with Parayko and Theo Lindstein can really balance out this Blues defensive unit.

“We understand that there’s going to be wins and losses along the way but it’s about the approach that we have and the process of what we’re doing that’s most important to us,” Fowler said. “I don’t feel like we did a good enough job of that last year and that’s everyone, myself included. There’s definitely an emphasis on that this coming season.”

Blues Open Training Camp With In-Season Mode Drills Due to Shortened, More Compacted ScheduleJim Montgomery divides up players to resemble one that looks more like an NHL roster, one that has veterans competing for limited roster spots'I Want To Be Here ... I Love This City' -- Jimmy Snuggerud Wants To Be Part Of Long-Term Future With St. Louis Blues2022 first-round pick didn't sign maximum eight-year extension by Tuesday's CBA deadline before new one kicked in that allows max contracts to be seven years, feels process will work itself out when time is rightRyan Reaves, A St. Louis Blues 2005 Draft Pick, Announces Retirement From The NHLFifth-round pick in the 2005 NHL Draft was one of top enforcers in game during his 16-year career, of which first seven years was spent with BluesTen St. Louis Blues Players To Keep An Eye On As 2026-27 Training Camp Opens ThursdayFrom Mason McTavish to Connor McMichael to Robert Thomas to Jordan Binnington to Adam Jiricek, plenty of storylines to unfold with the Blues looking to get back into the Western Conference playoff mix

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When the Pittsburgh Penguins' 2025-26 season came to a disappointing close after a first-round loss to the rival Philadelphia Flyers, there was a plethora of questions the Penguins faced heading into the offseason.

Would they try to go "big-game hunting" as was suspected? Would they re-sign some key restricted free agents? Would Sidney Crosby and Erik Karlsson extensions be a priority? What direction would the team take in 2026-27 after an unexpected playoff berth?

And, finally, would Evgeni Malkin have a future with the Penguins?

Luckily, that last question was answered relatively quickly, as Malkin was inked to a one-year, $5.5 million extension on May 26. The decision for him to return to Pittsburgh for another year was probably made easier for both parties after he registered 19 goals and 61 points in 56 games at age 39. 

Now 40, Malkin is the fourth-oldest active player in the NHL. But, when speaking with the media during day two of training camp Friday, he made it known that he still feels great.

"I just try to be my best," Malkin said. "I feel healthy."

Even if Malkin signed for another year, there is still, of course, uncertainty about his future beyond this season. Even for this season, he is eligible to submit a three-team trade list on Jan. 1, which adds an element of uncertainty for him, especially if the Penguins end up taking a step back this season.

However, Malkin isn't thinking about any of that right now. Like Crosby - who clarified the situation with his extension Tuesday - he is in a holding out pattern to see how his body feels and where his level of play is at before he comes to a determination on the extent of his hockey future. 

'It's New For All Of Us': Penguins Presented With New Challenges In Shortened Training CampPittsburgh, like all other NHL teams, are navigating fresh pre-season rules with the new Collective Bargaining Agreement.

While there is a high degree of certainty that Crosby will play beyond 2026-27, though, the same can't be said for Malkin. 

"We'll see what's going on through the season," Malkin said. "Right now, I won't say 'yes,' but we'll see how my body feels. I still love the game, you know, why I'm here 21 years. You know, I'm excited every shift, practice... I see guys around, you know, have fun.

"But, again, most important is how your body feels. I'm, like, [a] person, if I'm not feeling 100 percent, I'm not playing because I want to be on my top level. I don't like to just spend time, you know, just do nothing. That's not my game. If I'm at the top if my game, help the team to win, I will. But, if not, I'm retire."

And him being able to hit the same level he did last season could largely depend on the company he keeps throughout the season. At this point, it appears that Malkin has fully transitioned to the wing, which is something that doesn't really faze him. After all, he saw a lof of success there last season, and that was in large part thanks to the arrival of Egor Chinakhov from the Columbus Blue Jackets mid-season.

every malkin to chinakhov goal is so beautiful i could watch this for hours pic.twitter.com/iKFLhZhttI

— ilene ❀ (@genomeep) February 27, 2026

Malkin and Chinakhov showed a high degree of chemistry when paired together last season, mainly with Tommy Novak down the middle. Of Malkin's seven assists on Chinkahov's goals last season, six were primary assists, and Chinakhov very likely did not suddenly forget how to shoot the puck over the summer.

He got an extension of his own in restricted free agency, committing to three more years with the Penguins at $6.25 million average annual value. The Penguins - and Malkin - are counting on Chinakhov to keep building on the 18 goals and 36 points he registered in 43 games with the team last season, as they believe the 25-year-old could be a key piece of their future. 

 "I know he's worked hard all summer," Malkin said. "And I hope, and I believe, that he'll show [his] best game because he have everything, like speed, shots... and I try to do the same. Like, my best [when] when we play together. I try to give him as much as possible, and I look. He will be one of our best forwards next season."

And so, too, will Malkin, if he continues to stay healthy and remain a fixture on Pittsburgh's second line. What his future is beyond the immediacy, though, will become more and more clear as his 21st NHL season rolls on.

Could Egor Chinakhov Help Extend Malkin's Career?There has been a whole lot going right for the <a href="https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/pittsburgh-penguins">Pittsburgh Penguins</a> during the 2025-26 season, and much of it can be credited to the work of general manager and president of hockey operations Kyle Dubas.&nbsp;

---

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After spending last season with the Detroit Red Wings, Cam Talbot has signed a one-year, $950,000 contract with the Columbus Blue Jackets.

The former Wild netminder enters Columbus as the team's backup to Jet Greaves. With Elvis Merzlikins failing his physical and out to start the year, Talbot will be the Blue Jackets backup.

Talbot, 39, is 278-204-53 with a 2.69 goals-against average, .911 save percentage and 33 shutouts in 567 regular-season games (533 starts) for the New York Rangers, Edmonton Oilers, Philadelphia Flyers, Calgary Flames, Minnesota Wild, Ottawa Senators, Los Angeles Kings and Red Wings.

In 82 games with the Wild from 2020-21 to 2021-22, Talbot posted a 51-20-9 record, a .913 save percentage, a 2.71 goals-against average, and five shutouts.

He is 16-18 with a 2.75 goals-against average, .915 save percentage and six shutouts in 36 Stanley Cup Playoff games (34 starts).

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The Montreal Canadiens recently re-signed defenseman Arber Xhekaj to a one-year prove-it deal. 

Now that Xhekaj has gotten his contract signed, it is clear that he must have a hot start to the 2026-27 season for the Canadiens.

While Xhekaj has gotten his new deal, his long-term future with the Canadiens is still not set in stone. Because of this, he will need to prove to the Canadiens that he can be a mainstay on their blueline. This is especially so when noting that other defensemen like Jayden Struble, Adam Engstrom, and David Reinbacher will be competing for playing time. 

Furthermore, with Kaiden Guhle sidelined for the start of the season, Xhekaj has an opportunity to show the Canadiens that he warrants more consistent playing time. If he does, it will help his chances of sticking in Montreal's lineup once Guhle is fully healthy and returns.

It is going to be very intriguing to see if Xhekaj can start the season off on the right foot for Montreal. It is a crucial year for the rugged defenseman, so time will tell if he can put together a strong campaign. 

In 65 games last season for Montreal, Xhekaj posted one goal, four points, 116 penalty minutes, and 178 hits. 

The Calgary Flames will have a new voice in the broadcast booth this season.

Former NHL forward Kevin Sawyer is joining Sportsnet’s Flames broadcast team as the club’s colour commentator, replacing longtime analyst Kelly Hrudey as Calgary prepares for its final season at the Scotiabank Saddledome.

Sawyer brings nearly a decade of experience in the broadcast booth with the Winnipeg Jets, where he worked as a regional game analyst before making the move west to Calgary.

Welcome to #yyc, Kevin!@KevinSawyer1 has been named the #Flames@Sportsnet game analyst and colour commentator, joining @AbbsPxP and @BParkerTV on broadcasts!

Full 2026-27 broadcast schedule: https://t.co/OFaHgRdSjupic.twitter.com/0HR3j80rA4

— Calgary Flames (@NHLFlames) September 17, 2026

The 52-year-old also brings a perspective shaped by nearly a decade spent playing professional hockey.

Sawyer appeared in 110 NHL games over parts of six seasons, suiting up for the St. Louis Blues, Boston Bruins, Phoenix Coyotes and Mighty Ducks of Anaheim between 1995 and 2003. He finished his NHL career with three goals and six points, along with 403 penalty minutes.

His NHL career was built largely around his physical style of play. Sawyer spent his final three seasons with Anaheim, appearing in 97 games and recording 336 penalty minutes. He scored his first NHL goal during the 2001-02 season, when he played a career-high 57 games for the Mighty Ducks.

That experience will again translate to the other side of the game as Sawyer joins Jon Abbott and Brendan Parker for Calgary’s regional broadcasts.

This offseason, the Kings made monumental changes to their team. Is it enough to surpass the defending western conference champions?

Why the Kings Will Be Better

Although the Knights were the better team last season, that could change entirely this year. That is in large part due to Los Angeles being the better defensive team.

Last season, the Kings only allowed 2.9 goals per game while the Knights allowed 2.95 goals. Los Angeles also held a .899 save percentage, while Vegas had a .884 save percentage.

Defensively, the Kings should still remain competent and that could benefit from the new system. Coach Peter Laviolette is expected to elevate the Kings offense to its full potential.

If the offense of the Kings can take a step up, then that will pair tremendously with the top 10 defense from last year. Los Angeles has the better defense than Vegas, which could lead to them dethroning the West Champs this season.

Why the Knights Will Be Better

Speculation is only a part of the debate between the Kings and the Knights; the other part is results. When it comes to consistent seasons between these two teams, that heavily favors the Knights for this upcoming season.

Aside from the Knights making the Stanley Cup in 2026, they’ve had consistent playoff success. The Knights have made the second round three of the last four seasons and have won a Stanley Cup in 2023.

On the other hand, Los Angeles hasn’t made it to the second round since they won the Stanley Cup in 2014. The Kings haven’t won a playoff series in over a decade, let alone been a true title contender.

Vegas has proven to consistently be one of the best teams in the NHL while Los Angeles hasn’t. The Knights are expected to be contenders in 2027, while it’s a question if the Kings can take the next leap.

Overall Verdict 

When it comes down to whom the best team will be in 2027, the clear answer is Vegas. The Knights have the more potent offense but can also step up on defense when it matters most.

During the playoffs, the Knights had a .907 save percentage and allowed 2.82 goals per game. Along with both defensive categories being improvements from the regular season, the offense was better in the playoffs too.

In the regular season, the Knights scored 3.22 goals per game, which ranked 14th in the league. During the postseason, Vegas scored 3.45 goals per game, which ranked 4th amongst playoff teams.

Regardless if it’s offense or defense, the Knights have shown to play at their best when it matters most. The Kings have not shown to play at their best in pivotal moments, hence why they brought in a new coach for better results.

Both offensively and defensively, the Knights have executed better than the Kings in crunch time. Therefore, Vegas is a more well-rounded unit and should be a better team than Los Angeles in 2027.