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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.

Latest stories:

Easton Cowan Adds Size, Reveals What It Will Take To Make Maple Leafs Roster Out Of Training Camp

'It's A Big Year For Me': Maple Leafs Prospect Ben Danford Ready For Fresh Start After Missing Last Year's Prospect Tournament

Easton Cowan Renting Former Maple Leafs Prospect Fraser Minten's Place For First Season In Toronto

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.

The Standard Edition of EA SPORTS NHL 26 is available now for those with PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S.

Big changes were made to Be A Pro and Hockey Ultimate Team, along with several gameplay innovations.

Gameplay wise the L2/LT glitch, hip check, and reverse hitting have had their power reduced and can no longer be exploited.

The number of X-Factors have been drastically reduced and it is now easier to see when an ability is active. 

Over 80 new goalie animations have been added along with new player reactions. 

ICE-Q 2.0 looks to incorporate real-life tendencies into the game using NHL EDGE data. 

Changes to Be A Pro include the introduction of the World Junior Championship, the ability to be sent down to the AHL, new cutscenes , cinematics, and voice acting, and more impactful conversations. 

Changes to HUT include the introduction of a new ranked ladder system, offline Cup Chase, new UI, more content and more rewards. 

#NHL26 IS NOW AVAILABLE WORLDWIDE.
REPOST + COMMENT #NHL26 FOR A CHANCE TO WIN A COPY. pic.twitter.com/V5X4cmfJpt

— EA SPORTS NHL (@EASPORTSNHL) September 12, 2025

Those looking to try the game before purchasing can buy one month of EA Play and get a 10 hour trial of NHL 26. 

A complete NHL 26 review is coming from The Hockey News in the coming days. 

For more NHL Gaming news make sure you bookmark The Hockey News Gaming Site or follow our Google News Feed.    

Berkly Catton is entering his second rookie camp and training with the Seattle Kraken, but this time around, his intentions are greater, hoping to earn a roster spot. 

It will be a challenging task for Catton, as the Kraken lineup appears to be fairly set, but the 19-year-old has a skillset rivalled by few players. 

Last year at training camp, Catton had hopes of making the team, but knew it was a long shot and was trying to take everything in, watching and picking the brains of several veterans on the roster. This year, he's put in real work in the off-season, with serious intentions of being on the Kraken's opening night roster.

"Last year with the draft and all that stuff, it's a really short summer, it goes by quick," said Catton when asked what a successful September would look like. "There's not as much time to just settle down and work on getting a little stronger and a little bigger. I think this past summer, I spent lots of time doing that and working on little aspects of my game. I'm feeling really confident. Coming into this September, it's just about putting my best foot forward and showcasing myself the best that I can."

The eighth overall pick of the 2024 NHL Draft stands 5-foot-10, 179 pounds. Although it can be considered undersized in today's game, Catton is aware of the need to be stronger. Adding muscle to his frame will allow him to improve on elements outside of his skating and puck skills.

"It kind of just ties into winning stick battles and stuff like that," said Catton. "I think this summer I was skating with lots of NHL guys, so it's a different kind of breed going into the corner with an older guy versus a guy in the Western League, so I think just learning how to use my body properly and the strength I have gotten. Use that in the corners and come out with the puck."

Those aspects of Catton's game are always important, but now, possibly more than ever, are they important to the Kraken. Coach Lane Lambert is proud of his defensive system and his ability to get his players to buy into it. Lambert won't care if Catton was a top 10 pick or went undrafted; effort on the defensive end is a must. Avoiding being physically outmatched by his opponents will go a long way for him.

Catton went on to mention that he skated with Calgary Flames' Connor Zary, New York Rangers' Braden Schneider, as well as fellow top prospects Brayden Yager and Kevin Korchinski. 

The confidence with the puck and in his body to compete with NHL players are key factors, but Catton now feels like there isn't an adjustment period heading into camp. The Saskatoon, Sask. native felt star-struck sitting next to players like captain Jordan Eberle, but now, he's looking at them as peers. 

"I think the first time when you see all the NHL guys, it's kind of like a wow factor, your idols like Jordan Eberle and all of a sudden you're sitting beside him before a game, so I think this year, that kind of aspect is ruled out a little bit," said Catton. "I understand what it's going to be like, I know the guys a little bit more, so I think there's more confidence in that sense."

Catton will play the 2025-26 season in the NHL or back with the Spokane Chiefs in the WHL. Catton feels that he's proved everything he needs to in the Western Hockey League and is ready for the next step in his career, but earning that right will be no small feat. 

Apr 14, 2025; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Utah Hockey Club goaltender Matt Villalta (31) blocks a shot by Nashville Predators right wing Matthew Wood (52) during the third period at Bridgestone Arena. Steve Roberts-Imagn Images

It may not count in the standings, but there's a hockey game Friday afternoon.

Following a practice on Thursday, rookies from the Nashville Predators traveled to Tampa Bay and will face the Lightning in the first game of the NHL Prospect Tournament Friday afternoon at AdventHealth Center Ice.

There's no such thing as getting your feet wet for the 24 Predators prospects who reported to rookie camp Wednesday. After today's game, they will face the Florida Panthers and Carolina Hurricanes over the next four days.

As in previous years, the coaching staff of the Predators' AHL affiliate, the Milwaukee Admirals, will lead the prospect camp. Ads head coach Karl Taylor heads the group, along with assistants Greg Rallo and Matt Donovan. Predators general manager Barry Trotz will be on hand to observe.

While winning may not be the ultimate objective in these games, it's certainly a part of the competitive nature of these young players as they hope to turn heads and make a good impression on the Predators' brass.

"The first 10 minutes are probably going to be a gongshow out there,but you never want to lose," defenseman Andrew Gibson told reporters following Thursday's practice. "I've been competitive my whole life, no matter what it is. I always want to win. So, it's going to be a big factor going into this weekend, and hopefully, we win all three."

Two of Nashville's three first-round picks in this year's NHL Draft are competing in the tournament: fifth overall pick Brady Martin and defenseman Cameron Reid (21st overall). Ryker Lee, Jacob Rombach and Jack Ivankovic, who were also selected in the 2025 Draft, committed to play in the NCAA this season and are not in attendance.

Forwards Matthew Wood and Joakim Kemell, along with defenseman Ryan Ufko, made their NHL debuts in 2024-25 and are competing in the tournament. Each is hoping to grab a roster spot in 2025-26.

"I know there's a lot of guys going down to Tampa that really want to make the team, and I’m definitely one of them," Wood, who skated in six games for the Predators last season, said Thursday. "It's going to be a lot of fun.”

Teams will dress a total of 20 players during the tournament, including 18 skaters and two goaltenders. Each game will feature three 20-minute periods, with a five-minute, 3-on-3 overtime if the score is tied. A shootout consisting of five playrs will conclude each contest regardless of the final score.

This is the 10th time in the last 11 years that a team of rookies is taking part in a tournament. In 2024, the Predators hosted the tournament at Ford Ice Center Bellevue. It marked the third time Nashville hosted the showcase after doing so in 2017 and 2019 at Ford Ice Center Antioch.

Puck drop for Friday's game against the Lightning is set for 4 Pm CT, and the game will be streamed on NashvillePredators.com.

Due to the state of the franchise during his tenure with the team, Marc-Andre Fleury didn't do much winning with the Chicago Blackhawks. 

Fleury played with Chicago for just a tick over half a season. He played 45 games in 2021-22 before being traded to the Minnesota Wild at the deadline. During those games, he went 19-21-5 with a .908 save percentage and 2.95 goals against average. Had they not had Fleury that year, their place in the standings might have been even lower. 

The Blackhawks and Wild, along with the Vegas Golden Knights, are the three teams to have Fleury since his departure from the Pittsburgh Penguins, where he became a legendary goalie. 

While with Pittsburgh, Fleury was a part of three Stanley Cup championships, and formed an all-time great core with Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, Kris Letang, and Chris Kunitz. To be a good team-guy, Fleury waived his no-move clause so the Vegas Golden Knights could select him in the 2017 Expansion Draft. 

Since Fleury retired at the end of last season, he hasn't had the chance to have a proper send-off from the Pittsburgh Penguins. On Friday, however, the Penguins announced how they plan to rectify that. 

Pittsburgh Penguins (@penguins) on XWelcome home, Flower. The black and gold missed you 🖤💛 Read more: https://t.co/oZr416yko9

Fleury has signed a PTO with the Penguins, and he will play in one pre-season game for them. That will take place in Pittsburgh on September 27th, when they take on the Columbus Blue Jackets. It is sure to be a special night for the franchise that selected Fleury first overall in the 2003 NHL Draft. 

The Chicago Blackhawks were a very small part of Fleury's journey in the NHL, but everyone in the organization who had a chance to know him and learn from him is better for it. Now, all hockey fans will get to witness a very special moment later this month.

You don't see an honoring like this very often, where they get to actually suit up, which adds to the intrigue. Fleury deserves all of his "flowers". 

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

Pittsburgh Penguins fans are getting their wish to see Marc-Andre Fleury one more time in Pittsburgh.

The Penguins signed Fleury to a professional tryout on Friday, allowing him to retire as a Penguin. He will come into town at the end of the month and practice with the team on September 26 before playing in part of the Penguins' preseason game against the Columbus Blue Jackets on September 27. 

“The entire Penguins organization is honored to welcome Marc-Andre Fleury back to the ice in Pittsburgh," Penguins general manager and president Kyle Dubas said in a statement. "This past year, everyone witnessed how beloved and respected Marc is in the game of hockey, but the adoration goes beyond his accolades and career. Marc means so much to our team, our fans, and the City of Pittsburgh because of the person he is and the example he set. The Penguins feel he and his family are most-deserving of this opportunity to celebrate this full-circle moment back where it all started in front of the black and gold faithful."

This news comes on the heels of the Penguins putting out a cryptic tweet on Thursday, showcasing some "Fleury Flakes" cereal. 

Fleury spent the first 13 seasons of his career with the Penguins and helped them win three Stanley Cups before he spent time with the Vegas Golden Knights, Chicago Blackhawks, and Minnesota Wild.

He's one of the best goaltenders in NHL history and will get to have one final moment with Penguins fans before riding off into the sunset. 

---

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

All eyes are on Easton Cowan as he heads to the Toronto Maple Leafs’ rookie tournament in Montreal this weekend. The prospect will play professional hockey for the first time this season. His performance this weekend and at the Leafs’ upcoming training camp will determine if he plays in the NHL with the Leafs or in the AHL with the Toronto Marlies.

If Cowan doesn’t make the Leafs roster, however, it won’t be because of his size. Toronto’s first-round pick (28th overall) in the 2023 NHL Draft has brought his weight up to 190 pounds and stands at almost six feet tall.

Cowan spent his summer working out in London and recently joined the Leafs at their practice facility over the last three weeks, and his teammates have noticed.

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.

“He’s maybe not the tallest guy but I feel like he’s a pit bull,” Maple Leafs prospect Ben Danford said. “When he has the puck he’s low on the ice and hard to knock off”.

Cowan is coming off yet another successful season with the London Knights, helping the team win the 2025 Memorial Cup, where he was named tournament MVP.

Toronto Marlies head coach John Gruden, who is leading the prospects to Montreal for rookie games against the Montreal Canadiens and Ottawa Senators, is impressed with how Cowan has found time to add strength after a long junior season including the 2025 World Juniors.

“You gotta understand like he was with Team Canada, their development camp all those times playing at the Memorial Cup two years in a row, winning it. It's a lot on a young man,” Gruden said.

The path for Cowan to the NHL will be tough, and he will need to show he can keep up with the defensive demands of hockey’s highest level.

“I just gotta be a worker, gotta be a hound, get pucks in, get pucks out, play simple because me and the Leafs organization know that if I do that my offense will take over. So just focus on defense first and the offense will come,” Cowan said.

Latest stories:

'It's A Big Year For Me': Maple Leafs Prospect Ben Danford Ready For Fresh Start After Missing Last Year's Prospect Tournament

Easton Cowan Renting Former Maple Leafs Prospect Fraser Minten's Place For First Season In Toronto

Ex-Maple Leafs Prospect Fraser Minten To Participate In Bruins Rookie Tournament Despite Ending Last Season In NHL

There’s been lots of attention on Nicklas Bäckström’s SHL comeback this upcoming season. Behind him, Magnus Hellberg is looming as one of the biggest signings ahead of the season.

Hellberg returns to Sweden and Djurgården after thirteen years abroad. During that time, he played 7 games in the NHL and 259 games in the AHL. He also spent several seasons in the Russian KHL, where he made 169 appearances over the years.

Djurgården’s sporting director Niklas Wikegård is pleased to bring in such an experienced goaltender. In an interview with the club’s own media channels, he shared his thoughts on Hellberg and what he believes he can add to the team this coming season.

“We’re bringing in one of the most experienced goaltenders in the country, with many years of playing abroad at a very high level. Magnus has represented some of the top clubs in the KHL and been close to the top clubs in the NHL, and on top of that he has produced strong results in the AHL in recent years,” said Niklas Wikegård.

In addition to Hellberg, Djurgården has the talented Hugo Hävelid in goal. Hävelid is undrafted but has represented Sweden at the junior international level. Here’s what sporting director Wikegård said about Hellberg as a complement to Hävelid.

“Magnus will be an extremely important piece for us to bring home. He is a goaltender we feel secure with and who upgrades us, together with the defensive line we are putting together. We are also creating a very exciting goalie duo with 21-year-old Hugo, who can get fantastic training from Magnus over the coming years,” says Wikegård.

Hellberg followed Djurgården from a distance last season and, like so many others, was impressed by the club’s fan support. Djurgården won the second-tier HockeyAllsvenskan last season and earned promotion to the SHL.

“I followed the team very closely last season and am very impressed by the journey, with the fans’ support and help. A full Hovet or Avicii Arena with all the awesome tifos and atmosphere and the pressure that comes with it is something I look forward to sharing with you. I’m super excited to come home, help Djurgården win hockey games and create great memories together with all of you,” says Magnus Hellberg.

In addition to Hellberg, Djurgården has several other players with NHL experience. Most notably, they have Marcus Krüger, who won two Stanley Cups with Chicago during their dynasty years. They also have Jacob Josefsson, formerly with the New Jersey Devils, who has made a comeback and adds further experience to the team.

When it comes to young players, Djurgården also has a strong group. Among them are two 17-year-old prospects, Marcus Nordmark and Viggo Björck. The team also features 2025 NHL Draft first-round picks Victor Eklund and Anton Frondell.

Marc-Andre Fleury is playing one last game with the Pittsburgh Penguins this pre-season.

Fleury, who announced last season would be his final in the NHL, signed a professional tryout with the Penguins, GM Kyle Dubas announced Friday.

The 40-year-old will practise with the Penguins on Friday, Sept. 26, before playing in parts of Pittsburgh's exhibition game against the Columbus Blue Jackets on Saturday, Sept. 27, in front of the home fans at PPG Paints Arena.

The Penguins drafted Fleury first overall in 2003, and together, they won three Stanley Cup championships. He last played for them in 2017 before getting claimed in the Vegas Golden Knights' expansion draft, then later playing for the Chicago Blackhawks and Minnesota Wild.

After finishing his NHL season with the Wild, he reunited with Penguins captain Sidney Crosby on Team Canada at the World Championship.

"The entire Penguins organization is honored to welcome Marc-Andre Fleury back to the ice in Pittsburgh," Dubas said in a news release. "This past year, everyone witnessed how beloved and respected Marc is in the game of hockey, but the adoration goes beyond his accolades and career. Marc means so much to our team, our fans and the City of Pittsburgh because of the person he is and the example he set.

"The Penguins feel he and his family are most-deserving of this opportunity to celebrate this full-circle moment back where it all started in front of the Black and Gold faithful."

Fleury spent 13 of his 21 NHL seasons with the Penguins and set franchise records along the way.

He leads all Penguins netminders, past and present, with 691 games played, 375 wins and 44 shutouts. As for goalies with at least 100 games played on the team, Fleury's 2.58 goals-against average ranks first, and his .912 save percentage is tied for second behind Matt Murray (.914).

As for playoff numbers, Fleury's 115 games played, 62 wins and 10 shutouts also rank first in Penguins history.

Fleury also won the Vezina Trophy and William M. Jennings Trophy, but it came in 2020-21 with the Golden Knights, four seasons after he last played for the Penguins.

That said, Fleury's more than a goalie.

"It was so apparent in October when Minny came to Pittsburgh (for Fleury's final game against Pittsburgh), just what he means to people," Dubas told The Athletic in May. "Not just the staff or the players. I’m talking more about the fans, the reaction they had to him. It was incredible."

Known for his many high-effort pranks and funny personality, Fleury's also known for his charitable efforts. With the Penguins, he received two Edward J. Debartolo Community Service Awards.

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The Boston Bruins head into the 2025-26 season unburdened by the expectations that have always been on them in the NHL’s salary cap era.

Many pundits (this one included) don’t see the Bruins as being a Stanley Cup playoff team this season, but veteran Boston defenseman Charlie McAvoy believes his team can stop its playoff drought at just one season.

“We got everything to prove,” McAvoy told Sportsnet this week. “This the first time in my career that we’re going into this year probably not being a playoff team by a lot of people's metrics. We're a playoff team every day of the week, in my mind… We have everything we need. We have more than enough on this roster to be (a playoff team).”

It’s undeniable the Bruins have some key components – McAvoy and star right winger David Pastrnak, in particular – but the drop-off in skill from the top of Boston’s roster to its bottom is pretty steep.

Besides Pastrnak, who had an impressive 106 points last year, Boston's next-leading scorer is Morgan Geekie, who had just 57 points. Elias Lindholm and Pavel Zacha had 47 points. These are not playoff-quality numbers up top, and depth forwards Casey Mittelstadt, Tanner Jeannot, Viktor Arvidsson haven't been producing like they used to.

On defense, McAvoy and Hampus Lindholm make a strong first pairing, and it was a huge struggle for Boston to adapt when they were injured last year. Having them healthy will help a lot. Mason Lohrei shows promise, while Nikita Zadorov is a notable defensive defenseman. But Andrew Peeke doesn't provide as much two-way play as Zadorov does, and Henri Jokiharju had 10 points in 60 games last season.

Let’s give McAvoy the benefit of the doubt – we’ll slot in the Bruins for a wild-card berth, but which team do you take out of the playoff equation to open that slot for Boston? The Ottawa Senators? Nope, their team is clearly deeper than the Bruins, with better special teams and more effective goaltending last season. The Montreal Canadiens? They're probably closer to Boston in overall talent, but still, we’d say Montreal is a better team than Boston. 

The Detroit Red Wings may be another story, and same with the Buffalo Sabres. Eighth place in the Atlantic Division isn’t a sure thing for Boston. That said, BetMGM's odds of the Bruins making the playoffs are at 4.75 (+375). The Sabres are at 3.75 (+275), and the Red Wings are at 3.30 (+230), according to BetMGM.

Predicting The NHL's Atlantic Division Rankings In 2025-26The NHL’s Atlantic Division might well be the league’s most competitive division. And in this short THN.com series, we’re predicting how it will look at the end of the 2025-26 regular season.

You can't feel good about taking a hunch on this Bruins team, which appears destined for tougher conversations about its direction next summer. But for now, we don't agree with McAvoy that Boston has all the tools. Some tools? Sure. All of them? No.

The changes Boston did make this summer certainly don’t make them significantly more skilled. Instead, they focused on grittier veterans to make the team a tougher team to play against, but not necessarily an offensive threat when Pastrnak's not on the ice. This is why few people are picking the Bruins for a big turnaround.

So much has to go right, including good health, a quick adjust to the systems of new coach Marco Sturm and bounce-back years from veterans, such as Elias Lindholm and goaltender Jeremy Swayman. 

If they don’t get all those things, it could prove to be a long season. Even if Boston veterans are setting a higher bar than that.

“(O)ur standards don't deviate, regardless of what people think we may or may not be.” McAvoy said. “We went out and got (newcomers including Arvidsson, Jeannot and Sean Kuraly) that are going to make us a tough team to play against. So, I think we're going to buy into that as best we can, and we’re going to be a tough out.”

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The Florida Panthers are leading the way with camp invitations, signing center Josh Lopina and winger Daniel Walcott to professional try-outs.

The Panthers have now invited wingers Noah Gregor and Tyler Motte, as well as defenseman Ben Harpur, bringing their number of PTOs up to five.

Lopina, 24, was a fourth-round pick of the Anaheim Ducks in 2021 who has spent the last three seasons in the AHL with the San Diego Gulls. Lopina has scored 20 goals and 44 points in 203 games, including a career high of 14 goals and 23 points in the 2023-24 season. 

Standing 6-foot-2, 208 pounds, Lopina won a National Championship with UMass in 2021. 

Walcott, 31, is a long-time veteran in the AHL, playing in 495 games. The former 2014 fifth-round pick of the New York Rangers has scored 56 goals and 147 points with the Syracuse Crunch, the Tampa Bay Lightning's AHL affiliate. Walcott has skated in one NHL game in his career, which was against the Panthers during the 2020-21 season, where he recorded a fight against defenseman Kevin Connauton.

Lopina and Walcott would be long shots to make the Panthers roster, but could be signed to AHL or two-way contracts to increase the depth within their farm team, the Charlotte Checkers. After three long seasons, the Panthers would like to dress their veterans for as few games as possible in pre-season. Signing players to PTO's will allow them to dress different lineups and keep them fresh.