The Buffalo Sabres have been considered to have one of the deepest prospect pools in the NHL, which is in part due to them selecting high in recent drafts because of their not qualifying for the playoffs. The Sabres have displayed an eye for talent, but the organization’s developmental model has not yielded enough results. 

Leading up to the opening of training camp in mid-September, we will look at the club's top 40 prospects. All are 25 years old or younger, whose rights are currently held by the Sabres or are on AHL or NHL deals, and have played less than 40 NHL games. 

Other Sabres Stories

Projecting Sabres Trade Cost - Lawson Crouse 

Six Former Sabres Who Signed Elsewhere

#3 - Devon Levi  - Goalie (Rochester - AHL, Buffalo - NHL) 

The Montreal native was a 2020 seventh-round pick of the Florida Panthers and was acquired by the Sabres in July 2021 in the deal that sent Sam Reinhart to the Sunshine State and brought back a 2022 first-round pick that turned into center Jiri Kulich.

The 23-year-old's list of accomplishments includes winning the top goaltender at the 2021 World Junior, making Team Canada for the 2022 Beijing Olympics, and winning the Mike Richter Award for best NCAA goaltender twice at Northeastern University before turning pro and signing with Buffalo late in the 2022-23 season.

Levi played well in a seven-game stint at the end of the season, which convinced the Sabres hierarchy that he was ready to be their starter, but after going 1-3 in four straight starts at the start of last season, the weight of being the go-to guy appeared to be too much, too soon.

After posting a 10-8-2 record with a sub-900 save percentage in the first half, Buffalo decided it was best for the youngster to play regularly in the AHL, with Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen getting most of the starts with the Sabres. The decision paid dividends, as Levi went 16-6-4, with a 2.42 GAA and .927 save %, and had a positive experience with the Amerks.

Last season, Levi started as a backup for Luukkonen after Anaheim claimed veteran James Reimer, but the youngster went 1-4-0 in his first five starts. After Reimer was reclaimed, the Sabres took advantage of Levi’s waiver exemption and chose to have him play regularly in the AHL. In 42 games, Levi compiled an impressive 25-13-4 record, 2.20 GAA, and .919 save percentage, but the Amerks lost to Laval in the second round of the Calder Cup Playoffs.

The path to playing in the NHL this season is in question, with Luukkonen likely to remain the workhorse in Buffalo and the club adding veteran Alex Lyon on a two-year free agent deal. Levi signed a two-year extension at $812,500 per season in July, but still being waiver-exempt means it is likely that he remains in Rochester at the start of the 2025-26 campaign.   

Follow Michael on X, Instagram, and Bluesky @MikeInBuffalo

Andrei Markov skated in 990 NHL games, all of them wearing the Montreal Canadiens’ colours, but his association with the team ended abruptly when he couldn’t reach a new agreement with then GM  Marc Bergevin. After the 2016-2017 season, both Markov and fellow Russian Alex Radulov left the team after the famous "If you want loyalty, get a dog" quote from the GM. While Markov headed back home to play in the KHL, Radulov signed a five-year contract with the Dallas Stars.

Nearly 10 years later, and with Bergevin being long gone, the organisation has announced that on Wednesday, December 3, the game against the Winnipeg Jets will serve as the former defenseman’s homecoming.

Canadiens: Hutson’s Agent Sets The Record Straight
Canadiens Sign New Goalie To PTO
Canadiens: Behind The Scenes At The Draft
Pierre LeBrun Brings Up The Canadiens To Crosby

Expect a celebration similar to the ones Saku Koivu had in 2014 and P.K. Subban received in 2023. While his 16 seasons in Montreal would make him worthy of the Ring of Honour in my opinion, he won’t be added there since that honour is reserved for former Canadiens’ players who have been inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame. Does it make sense for Pierre Turgeon to be on the Bell Centre’s wall while Markov isn’t? The answer seems obvious to me, but there we are.

It will be interesting to see how Markov reacts to being under the spotlight since it’s not something he’s ever really relished. Given the ovation he received as a spectator at a game last season, he should expect a very warm welcome.

In his 990 career games, the General gathered 572 points, including 119 goals and 453 assists. Despite being plagued by a serious knee injuries, the rearguard never lost a step, and while his mobility might have gone down somewhat, he always found a way to make up for it with his hockey IQ. His 572 points put him in third place for points by a defenseman in franchise history (Guy Lapointe has the same number of points, but played fewer games, so he gets second place behind Larry Robinson, who recorded 883 in 1202 games), and that alone is more than worthy of celebration.

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Red Wings prospect Axel Sandin-Pellikka mentioned in controversial prospect rankings list made by NHL Network. 

On Wednesday, NHL Network released their top 25 prospects in the league with some notable omissions that caught the eyes of many. The Detroit Red Wings only had one name on the list with defenseman Axel Sandin-Pellikka at 21st overall. 

It's time to take a look at the next generation of stars!

Introducing our list of the Top 25 Prospects! pic.twitter.com/1W9xS23R14

— NHL Network (@NHLNetwork) September 9, 2025

The list was curated by the Network's Research Department, which seems a bit confusing as most of the players on the list are pulled from this last year's draft mixed in with the same few names that every NHL prospect expert or insider has mentioned over the past few years. There's more players in the AHL and farm systems that are starting to show promise of being an impact player at the NHL level and are neglected for recency bias.

Detroit has several players in their prospect pipeline that were drafted higher, have better numbers at the junior level and have already shown more promise in their early development than some of the mentioned players. An example of this is Jacob Fowler over Red Wings prospect Trey Augustine. 

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

3 Red Wings Prospects That Could Make NHL Debut This SeasonExploring three Detroit Red Wings prospects that could make the jump to the NHL in the 2025-26 season.

The numbers of the Boston College netminder in Fowler are certainly impressive with a 57-13-3 record and a 1.90 goals against average. However, Augustine has routinely been Team USA's choice for a starting netminder in world tournaments as he's been on four different national teams compared to Fowler's one appearance in which he was outplayed by Augustine and started less games. Augustine was also taken ahead of Fowler in the same draft class, going 41st overall to the Red Wings while Fowler wasn't picked until the third round at 69th overall by the Montreal Canadiens. 

Another example could be Nate Danielson, who was the ninth overall pick in the 2023 Draft and is already pushing for a main roster spot this upcoming season. He's significantly further into his development and has shown signs of being an impact player with his seamless transition to pro hockey this past season. 

Putting up nearly 40 points as a rookie isn't easy and yet he remains off the list while Nashville's Brady Martin is at the 25 spot. It's hard to predict Martin's future as a young 18-year-old that has only played two seasons of junior hockey, Meanwhile, at 18 years old, Danielson put up 78 points compared to Martin's 72 last season. 

There are still plenty of question marks surrounding younger players especially when it comes to potential regression or not living up to expectations, even for top-five picks. Martin, for example, was drafted early largely due to his playing style, which drew comparisons to Florida’s Sam Bennett. With Danielson, there’s little left to question as he’s proven himself to be a high-end prospect, ready to compete for an NHL spot this season, and based on how smoothly he transitioned to the AHL, he could make an immediate impact. 

There are other names besides Danielson and Augustine that have been held off the list with the majority of the hockey community on X questioning it's legitimacy. Some are calling it just a graphic to help entertain hockey fans as the regular season nears with others calling the rankings "rage bait" meaning the post was just to incite a reaction out of viewers. The controversial rankings have certainly been effective in generating off-season conversation.

Red Wings’ Alleged Interest in Former Norris Trophy Winner Refuses to Go AwayWhile the Detroit Red Wings were among the more active teams in free agency this summer, none of their acquisitions can realistically be considered a major addition. 

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Two former New York Rangers players have landed professional tryouts (PTOs) with the same team.

According to NHL insider Frank Seravalli, Tyler Motte and Ben Harpur have signed PTOs with the Florida Panthers. 

A few PTOs to share, with training camps closing in:#GoHabsGo G Kevin Mandolese#FlaPanthers F Tyler Motte#FlaPanthers D Ben Harpur

— Frank Seravalli (@frank_seravalli) September 10, 2025

Motte spent this past season with the Detroit Red Wings, where he posted four goals, nine points, 72 hits, and a minus-11 rating in 55 games. Now, he will be looking to impress during his PTO with the Panthers to help his chances of landing a contract for the season.

Motte had two brief stints with the Rangers as a trade deadline rental, where he posted five goals, 10 points, 57 hits, and a plus-1 rating in 33 games. 

Harpur, on the other hand, spent each of the last two seasons exclusively with the Rangers' American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate, the Hartford Wolf Pack. In 29 games with the AHL club in 2024-25, he posted one goal, five points, and 48 penalty minutes. 

Harpur last played at the NHL level with the Rangers during the 2022-23 season, where he recorded one goal, six points, 57 blocks, 63 hits, and an even plus/minus rating. 

Recent Rangers News 

Rangers Have Interesting PTO Target To Consider 

Rangers Should Give Soaring Forward Big Opportunity 

Rangers: Big Year Ahead For Artemi Panarin 

The key to being a successful team in the big leagues is depth in all positions. One of the most crucial and effective positions is the center position. They facilitate the offense, they play on both sides of the ice, and they’re in the dot for faceoffs.

Last season, the AHL saw a handful of centers stand out, and they likely caught the attention of their NHL clubs. Here are a few AHL centers with a chance to make it to the NHL next season. 

Luca Del Bel Belluz, Cleveland Monsters

Luca Del Bel Belluz has played parts of two seasons with the Columbus Blue Jackets and the Cleveland Monsters. In the AHL last season, he saw a big jump in offensive production. 

In his first year in Cleveland, he scored nine goals and 31 points in 58 games, finishing sixth on the team in scoring. Last year, the 21-year-old registered 27 goals and 53 points in 61 appearances, good enough for third-best on the Monsters’ roster.

Despite playing 16 NHL games across those two years, Del Bel Belluz has played his way into the conversation of playing even more games with the Blue Jackets next year.

Alex Steeves, Providence Bruins

Alex Steeves has been a top player in the AHL for several seasons now. Since signing with the Toronto Maple Leafs organization in 2021, he has played four seasons with the Toronto Marlies. 

In each of those seasons, Steeves has been a top-three scorer on his team. Last year was his best, as he scored 36 goals and 62 points in 58 games, finishing second in the AHL in goals and eighth in points. In addition, Steeves became the Marlies’ all-time leader in goals (105) and points (216).

With those accolades and consistency, Steeves should be destined to get a full NHL season with the Boston Bruins, who signed him in free agency to a one-year deal. 

Bradly Nadeau and Ryan Suzuki, Chicago Wolves

Bradley Nadeau and Ryan Suzuki are both in a similar position when it comes to where they stand for the Chicago Wolves and their chances with the Carolina Hurricanes. 

These centers, who are also capable of playing the wing, finished one point away from each other last season in the AHL. Nadeau scored 32 goals and 58 points in what was his rookie season, while Suzuki recorded 12 tallies and 59 points, leading the Wolves in scoring.

One distinguishable attribute between these two players is that Nadeau, 20, is far younger than Suzuki, 24. If either of these players gets an honest look in the NHL, it could all depend on how management sees the situation. One could be called up because they have more experience, or the other may get that opportunity because they have shown more promise at a younger age.

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

Former Detroit Red Wings forward Cross Hanas has made a surprise appearance at the Dallas Stars’ training camp, reportedly attending on a professional tryout (PTO) agreement. The 23-year-old winger, once considered a promising prospect in the Red Wings organization as a second round pick in the 2020 NHL Draft, is now looking to earn a spot in Dallas after becoming an unrestricted free agent this summer.

His name is Cross Hanas and we will miss him 🥺🫶 pic.twitter.com/FjLkK93kR7

— Grand Rapids Griffins (@griffinshockey) September 10, 2025

Hanas spent the 2024–25 season with the Grand Rapids Griffins, Detroit’s AHL affiliate, where he tallied 9 goals and 8 assists over 58 games. While his production showed flashes of skill and playmaking ability, it wasn’t enough to secure a long-term commitment from Detroit. The Red Wings declined to extend him a qualifying offer as a pending restricted free agent, making him available to other teams.

Now in Dallas, Hanas is aiming to reignite his career in a new environment. The Stars, known for giving young players a shot, could offer the change of scenery he needs. Whether he earns a contract remains to be seen, but his presence in camp signals both a second chance for him and a low-risk look at untapped potential for Dallas.

On Wednesday, the Pittsburgh Penguins announced their rosters for the 2025 Prospects Challenge in Buffalo, which takes place Sept. 11-15.

And there is one particularly notable omission from the roster. 

Forward prospect Rutger McGroarty - who was acquired from the Winnipeg Jets last summer and debuted with Pittsburgh last season - will not participate in the Prospects Challenge due to an undisclosed injury. 2025 draftees Bill Zonnon and Peyton Kettles will also miss the Challenge because of injury.

McGroarty, 21, missed the last few games of the NHL season as well as the remainder of the AHL season and playoffs due to a lower-body injury sustained in a game against the Chicago Blackhawks on Apr. 8. It is not known whether or not his current injury is an extension of the one he sustained previously.

The injury statuses of McGroarty, Zonnon, and Kettles will be updated by GM and POHO Kyle Dubas prior to the onset of training camp.

The roster for the Prospects Challenge includes 24 players (14 forwards, eight defensemen, two goaltenders), with some returning players and eight 2025 draft picks. Forwards Ville Koivunen and Tristan Broz as well as defensemen Owen Pickering and Harrison Brunicke are a few of the players returning, while draftees such as goaltender Gabriel D'Aigle, forward Ben Kindel, and defenseman Quinn Beauchesne will be making their Prospects Challenge debuts.

Top-20 Penguins' Prospects 2025: Young Forward Keeps Getting Better And BetterHeading into the 2025-26 season, the Pittsburgh Penguins have shifted the focus to youth and development.

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Here is the full roster for the Prospects Challenge:

Forwards:
- Tristan Broz
- Atley Calvert
- Jordan Charron
- Kale Dach
- Brayden Edwards
- Max Graham
- Avery Hayes
- Travis Hayes
- Ben Kindel
- Gabe Klassen
- Ville Koivunen
- Ryan Miller
- Nolan Renwick
- Carter Sanderson

Defensemen:
- Quinn Beauchesne
- Harrison Brunicke
- Finn Harding
- Daniel Laatsch
- Brady Peddle
- Owen Pickering
- Emil Pieniniemi
- Chase Pietila

Goaltenders:
- Gabriel D'Aigle
- Sergei Murashov

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4 Penguins Who Could Surprise In 2025-26It’s no secret that the expectations for the Pittsburgh Penguins aren’t exactly sky-high this season. The team is somewhere in the midst of a rebuild, and there is uncertainty regarding the futures of several players on the roster.

The Penguins are one of five teams participating in the annual event, with the others being the Buffalo Sabres, Columbus Blue Jackets, New Jersey Devils, and Boston Bruins. They will play in three games, including their first against the Bruins on Friday at 3:30 p.m. and their second against the Blue Jackets on Sunday at 3:30 p.m.

Pittsburgh will conclude the challenge - same as last season - against Buffalo on Monday, Sept. 15 at 12:00 p.m. The Penguins will look to follow up on their performance in last season's challenge, when they were the only team to finish a clean 3-0. 

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ST. LOUIS -- The St. Louis Blues announced their roster and training camp schedule, which is slated to get started with on ice sessions on Thursday, Sept. 18.

Practices will be held at Centene Community Ice Center and run through Friday and Saturday before beginning the 2025 preseason schedule with a road game against the Dallas Stars on Saturday, Sept. 20.  

Ice times for the first three days of camp and the full 2025 preseason schedule can be found below.  All camp practice sessions will be free and open to the public. 

Blues 2025 Training Camp On-Ice Schedule (practice times subject to change)

Thursday, September 18 & Friday, September 19

Early Group

9:30 a.m. (USA Rink)

10 a.m. (NHL Rink)

Late Group

11:30 a.m. (NHL Rink)

Noon (USA Rink)

Saturday, September 20

Non-Playing Groups

9:30 a.m. (Group A – NHL Rink, Group B – USA Rink)

10:15 a.m. (Scrimmage – NHL Rink)

Game Group

11:30 a.m. (NHL Rink)

6 p.m. – Blues at Stars

Blues 2025 Preseason Schedule (all times central)

September 20: Blues at Stars – 6 p.m. 

September 21: Blues at Blue Jackets – 4 p.m.

September 27: Blues vs. Blackhawks – 6 p.m.

September 30: Blues vs. Stars – 7 p.m.

October 2: Blues vs. Senators – 7 p.m.

October 4: Blues at Blackhawks – 6 p.m.

Training Camp Roster:

Isaac Howard (Ike) has arrived in Edmonton and is now on the ice and skating with the rest of his new Edmonton Oilers teammates. 

Captain's skates began last week with informal skates continuing this week. Howard was not on the ice with the Oilers prior to Tuesday, only because he was at the NHL/NHLPA’s Player Orientation Program as the Oilers representative.

Ike Howard has arrived for #Oilers informal skates! pic.twitter.com/GoDJ23PJDk

— Edmonton Oilers (@EdmontonOilers) September 9, 2025

The Oilers are hoping for big things out of Howard this season. He was acquired in a trade with the Tampa Bay Lightning over the summer and he'll be inserted into the lineup right away. Whether he plays in the top six or top nine is unclear, but his elite release and ability to score is something the Oilers are hoping shows itself right away. 

Is Connor McDavid Prepared To Shake Up The Entire NHL?

As one fan on X.com (Twitter) wrote, "Has there ever been more pressure, on two rookies. In the history of the NHL? Go deep into the playoffs, or lose McDavid and start a rebuild."

NHL Officially Closes LTIR Investigation Into OilersAccording to Michael Russo of The Athletic, the Edmonton Oilers are off the hook for whatever it was the NHL was looking into regarding Evander Kane and the team's use of LTIR last season. 

To say that Howard's success will determine whether McDavid stays or go is hyperbole. There are many factors that McDavid will consider as he determines the length of term on his next deal with the Oilers. That said, Howard is a key part of what the Oilers hope is a very bright future beyond this season. 

If Howard can score 15-20 goals and 40 or more points, that's a great sign for the Oilers, who would love for some youth and energy to join their elite, but aging veterans. 

Matt Savoie is another player the Oilers are counting on, but he's an old pro at camps by now. Having spent time in the Sabres and Oilers system, Savoie will be making the jump to the NHL as well this season, but he's used to the grind of getting prepared and hoping to make an NHL roster. 

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

When it comes to gold medal talent, Team USA's projected Olympics roster seems to check all the right boxes.

They've got Matthew Tkachuk, who just won back-to-back Stanley Cup championships. They've got Auston Matthews, who is two years removed from scoring 69 goals. They've got a deep and mobile defense, led by former Norris Trophy winners Quinn Hughes and Adam Fox.

And in Connor Hellebuyck, who is the reigning Vezina and Hart Trophy winner, they've got arguably the best goaltender in the world.

What they don't seem to have is experience. Or, put differently, they don't have anyone who was participated the last time NHLers participated in the Olympics.

In fact, Brock Faber was only 12 years old when Team USA finished fourth at the 2014 Olympics in Sochi.

There is no Sidney Crosby, who scored the golden goal in 2010 and won gold again in 2014. No Drew Doughty, who was won gold at the 2010 and 2014 Olympics . There's not even a Brad Marchand or Mark Stone, who are in their late 30s. On a team that skews young, the Americans have too many millennials and not a single Gen X.

That could change if Patrick Kane works his way onto the team.

Despite Turnover And Uncertainty, Sidney Crosby Remains Loyal To The Penguins For NowYou can say many things about NHL icon Sidney Crosby.

The 36-year-old Kane, who turns 37 in November, was one of the 44 players who attended to the U.S. Team's orientation camp last month. If he makes the team, he would be participating in his third Olympics. But having been left off Team USA at the 4 Nations Face-Off, the veteran winger is considered a long shot. 

Still, the idea of capturing gold to go along with his two Stanley Cups is something that is motivating him as he begins what could be his final NHL season.

“The one thing that’s kind of missing is a gold in best-on-best, right?” Kane told NHL.com at the United States Men’s Olympic orientation camp. “It would be fun to have that opportunity.”

Having Kane around at the Olympics, even as a 13th forward, could be more than just a sentimental gesture.

The Olympics is not just some random hockey tournament. This is a global event, where the pressure far exceeds playing for a World Cup or even a Stanley Cup. The U.S. team is young, with only six players on NHL.com's projected roster aged 30 or older. Compare that to Team Canada, where 11 players are 30 or older.

While age is not always a determining factor in skill, the lack of international experience could be an area of concern, especially as pressure ramps up.

Patrick Kane's Last Chance At Hockey Glory May Come With Team USA, Not The Red WingsNo matter how dominant they may be, veteran NHL players rarely, if ever, get to end their playing careers on a perfect note.

Kane, who combined for three goals and nine points in 12 games at the Olympics, is obviously not the same player he was back in 2010 or even 2014. But he is coming off a decent season where he scored 21 goals and 59 points in 72 games for the Detroit Red Wings.

With 492 goals and 1,343 points, he is 31 points away from surpassing Mike Modano as the all-time scoring leader among U.S. born players.

"Obviously a tremendous impact," NHL deputy commissioner Bill Daly said of Kane at Tuesday's NHL/NHLPA Player Media Tour in Las Vegas. "He’s been a great player. He came in very, very young. Certainly, he’s matured as a player professionally over that time and he’s one of the greatest U.S. players of all time. I don’t think anyone can argue that."

NHL Anticipates Eligibility Update On Hart, Formenton, Dube, Foote And McLeod In 'Near Future'Nearly seven weeks have passed since the five players involved in the 2018 Hockey Canada sexual assault trial were found not guilty on all charges. And yet, Carter Hart, Alex Formenton, Michael McLeod, Cal Foote and Dillon Dube continue to remain ineligible to return to the NHL.

The question is whether Kane is still one of the greatest American players.

Does he belong on a team with Tkachuk and Matthews? Does he warrant a look, even if it means knocking someone younger like Matt Boldy or Cole Caufield off the team?

If you're basing the decision on offensive production, the answer is probably no. But if you're looking at all the intangibles, having Kane's experience could be the final X-factor that helps the U.S. team win gold.

"I don’t want that to be a thing, either, where you’re getting selected for the team because of all that stuff,” Kane told NHL.com. “You want to be selected for the player you are and what you can bring to the team.”

The Montreal Canadiens are inviting another goalie to their training camp.

According to NHL insider Frank Seravalli, the Canadiens have signed goaltender Kevin Mandolese to a professional tryout (PTO). 

A few PTOs to share, with training camps closing in:#GoHabsGo G Kevin Mandolese#FlaPanthers F Tyler Motte#FlaPanthers D Ben Harpur

— Frank Seravalli (@frank_seravalli) September 10, 2025

Mandolese, 25, spent the entirety of this past season in the American Hockey League (AHL) with the Colorado Eagles. In 19 games with the AHL squad, he posted an 11-6-0 record, a .903 save percentage, and a 2.87 goals-against average. This was after he had a 10-9-2 record, a 3.07 goals-against average, and a .901 save percentage in 23 AHL games with the Belleville Senators in 2023-24. 

Canadiens: Hutson’s Agent Sets The Record Straight

Pierre LeBrun Brings Up The Canadiens To Crosby

Canadiens: 4 Centers To Target Right Now

Mandolese has made three appearances at the NHL in his career, with all of them coming during the 2022-23 season with the Ottawa Senators. During them, he posted a 1-2-0 record, a .916 save percentage, and a 3.29 goals-against average. 

Overall, there is no harm in the Canadiens adding Mandolese to a PTO. If he successfully lands a contract for the season, he would give the Habs another experienced goalie to work with at the AHL level. 

On Wednesday morning, New York Islanders forward Marc Gatcomb joined Jonny Lazarus and Colby Cohen on Morning Cuppa Hockey. 

Gatcomb, 26, just completed his rookie season, recording eight goals with one assist for nine points through 39 games. The undrafted free agent signed a one-year extension worth $900,000 and, alongside No. 1 overall pick Matthew Schaefer, at the 2025 NHLPA Upper Deck Rookie Showcase back in August. 

Islanders Sign Forward Marc Gatcomb To One-Year Deal; Avoid Salary ArbitrationThe New York Islanders and restricted free agent forward Marc Gatcomb have come to terms on a one-year deal worth $900,000.

The undrafted forward out of the University of Connecticut shared some awesome stories, but one of the funnier ones was about when he made his NHL debut back on Jan. 14 against the Ottawa Senators at UBS Arena. 

Jean-Gabriel Pageau was battling an illness, so after skating in Bridgeport in the morning, he had to hop in the car and head right to the Belmont. 

But, he had to make a quick stop first at the barber shop:  

 With Darche now at the helm, the Islanders no longer have their hair and beard policies, so this shouldn't happen to another rookie unless they just want to look their best before their NHL debut. 

Check out our Morning Cuppa Hockey, Monday through Thursday, from 9-10 am, on YouTube. 

Morning Cuppa HockeyJonny Lazarus and Colby Cohen know their hockey, but they don't always agree on it. Having played at multiple levels throughout their careers, they have expe...

According to Frank Seravalli, the Florida Panthers have reportedly signed winger Tyler Motte and defenseman Ben Harpur to professional try-outs.

Yesterday, Jason Gregor reported that the Florida Panthers had signed winger Noah Gregor to a PTO, but that has not been confirmed by the team just yet. Today, Seravalli has informed fans that a pair of 30-year-old veterans will attend the Panthers' training camp.

Motte had skated in 455 career games, recording 53 goals and 99 points. Listed at just 5-foot-10, Motte isn't the most physically imposing forward, but he remains tenacious in his pursuit of the puck and provides defensive versatility. 

Motte skated in 55 games last season with the Detroit Red Wings, averaging 11:19 of ice time while scoring four goals and nine points. Throughout his NHL career, Motte has played for the Chicago Blackhawks, Columbus Blue Jackets, Vancouver Canucks, New York Rangers, Ottawa Senators, Tampa Bay Lightning and the Red Wings. 

Harpur is the near-complete opposite of Motte. The 30-year-old defender stands 6-foot-8 and 235 pounds and prides himself on his ability to use his body to his advantage.

Although his physical tools are great, it's been a challenge for Harpur to play in the NHL. Harpur last skated in an NHL game on April 6, 2023, playing just 36 AHL games with the Hartford Wolfpack in the last two seasons. 

Throughout his NHL career, Harpur has notched two goals and 21 points in 198 games, playing for the Senators, Nashville Predators and the Rangers. 

Winnipeg Jets top prospects neglected in NHL Network's ranking of league's top 25 prospects.

The Winnipeg Jets have several prospects on the rise heading into the upcoming season with names like Brayden Yager, Brad Lambert, Colby Barlow and Nikita Chibrikov. However, when the NHL Network released their top 25 prospects in the league, not one Jets prospect was mentioned.

It's time to take a look at the next generation of stars!

Introducing our list of the Top 25 Prospects! pic.twitter.com/1W9xS23R14

— NHL Network (@NHLNetwork) September 9, 2025

The list has garnered some controversy as 2025 first overall pick Matthew Schaefer sits a top the list of prospects ahead of established names like Ivan Demidov and Zeev Buium.  

The list is certainly disjointed from a glance as most of the selections are recent draft choices that are still quite fresh and we won't know their true upside for quite some time. NHL Network's Research Development Team is the reported curator of the list and it's not surprising to see the Winnipeg Jets neglected on another front of the NHL media. 

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

Nikita Chibrikov vs Jimmy Snuggerud

Chibrikov is one of the most neglected of them all as he was a second round pick back in 2021 and has shown over two seasons now that he can handle an NHL role. With four points over his first five NHL games, he doesn't get mentioned in the same conversation as other talent getting the same opportunity like Snuggerud, who put up stellar numbers in the NCAA while Chibrikov has been producing solid numbers at a pro level for two seasons now. Both players have the potential to be top six forwards throughout their career. 

Colby Barlow vs Brady Martin

Before Brady Martin was selected in the top five of the 2025 NHL Draft, a player with a nearly identical build and similar point production, Colby Barlow, has already been developing since being picked 18th overall in 2023. Barlow stands an inch taller and carries a bit more weight than Martin, but he may not possess the same creative and savvy play style. 

What he does have, however, is an elite shot that helped him score 46 goals at the same age Martin is now. While Martin still has a year or two before making the jump to pro hockey, Barlow is beginning that transition this season. The two are close but Barlow could very well be a better player at the end of the day. 

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Brad Lambert vs Isaac Howard

The NCAA is a hard league to find comparable for as the league used to featured older players that played a more physical style of game while the CHL had their leagues operate as a better training ground for developing players. This has changed however as the American schools are catching up thanks to name, image and likeness deals that allow their players to get paid. Still prior to this adjustment, Howard was a solid colligate player with 105 points over 108 games. 

While in Finland, Lambert played in a more advanced league in Liiga, the highest league in the country and one of the top pro hockey leagues in the world. His numbers weren't as impressive as Howard's but when joining the Seattle Thunderbirds in the WHL, Lambert torched the league for 38 points in just 26 games. He helped the Thunderbirds go on a lengthy playoff run in which he recorded another 26 points over 17 games. 

He continued his success into pro hockey and has been a force in the AHL. Howard is expected to get a top nine role with the Oilers due to their lack of depth, while Lambert is going to be vying for a Jets main roster spot at training camp. The two may get to face off and see who performs better as early as September 23rd when the Jets take on the Oilers in pre-season action. 

Brayden Yager vs Sam Rinzel

Despite being drafted higher, producing at a stronger rate in Juniors, and putting up better numbers in international competition, Sam Rinzel is ranked inside the top nine prospects while Brayden Yager is notably absent. Rinzel recorded just one point with Team USA, while Yager produced five points in as many games representing Canada. Over two NCAA seasons, Rinzel averaged under a point per game, whereas Yager posted 332 points in 265 WHL games.

Yager also has more overall game experience despite being a year younger, and he has shown greater upside. His potential was high enough to be involved in a major trade for another top prospect, Rutger McGroarty. Rinzel does hold a significant physical advantage with four extra inches in height and 20 additional pounds, but once Yager begins developing in his first pro season with the Manitoba Moose, their prospect stock could quickly become comparable.

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The Minnesota Wild re-signing Marco Rossi on Aug. 22 and the Calgary Flames inking Connor Zary (Sept. 5) have put more attention toward the contract negotiations of Anaheim Ducks center Mason McTavish and New Jersey Devils defenseman Luke Hughes.

Like Rossi and Zary, both players are RFAs coming off their entry-level contracts. McTavish is eligible to sign an offer sheet, but Hughes is not. So far, there's no indication the Ducks center will get an offer from a rival club.

Teams in the market for a second-line center have been linked to McTavish, including the Carolina Hurricanes, Chicago Blackhawks, Detroit Red Wings, Montreal Canadiens, Philadelphia Flyers and Vancouver Canucks. However, recent reports claim the Ducks remain intent on signing him.

On Friday, Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman reported the Ducks could attempt to sign McTavish to a bridge deal. However, he's heard that management prefers a long-term contract.

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Meanwhile, the Devils have just over $6 million in salary-cap space, leading some observers to suggest they must shed some salary to re-sign Hughes. Sportsnet's Luke Fox believes that's why left winger Ondrej Palat and defenseman Dougie Hamilton have been mentioned as trade candidates.

On Aug. 29, NJ.com's Ryan Novozinsky reported that the Devils sought a three-year bridge contract or an eight-year deal, but Luke wants his next contract to end in 2030, the same year that his brother and teammate, Jack Hughes, will have his deal expire.

As for salary, Fox suggested Quinton Byfield of the Los Angeles Kings as a comparable for McTavish. Byfield is in the second season of a five-year contract with an average annual value of $6.25 million. Meanwhile, the Devils could seek something for Hughes along the lines of Brock Faber's $8.5-million cap hit on his eight-year deal with the Minnesota Wild.

The Hockey News' Adam Proteau believes the two clubs are under pressure to get these two talented RFAs under contract as soon as possible.

Proteau considers Hughes to be the difference between the Devils securing home-ice advantage for the 2026 playoffs or competing for a wild-card berth. Meanwhile, the rebuilding Ducks need all hands on deck (including McTavish) to end their post-season drought.

Hughes could end up signing before McTavish. Friedman observed that the Ducks have shown a willingness to wait until they get the deal they want, even if it means negotiations drag through training camp.

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