The Canucks made an addition late into this offseason yesterday, with winger Vitali Kravtsov signing a one-year, two-way contract valued at $775k. This is his second tenure with Vancouver, as he last played 16 games with the team after being acquired just ahead of the 2022-23 trade deadline, in a move that sent Will Lockwood and a 2026 seventh-round draft pick to the New York Rangers.

International experience

Kravtsov, hailing from the Russian city of Vladivostok on the eastern Pacific coast, spent the last two seasons playing with Traktor Chelyabinsk of the KHL. He scored 34 points (18 goals, 16 assists) in 55 games in the 2023-24 season, his first back in Russia, and was sixth in league scoring in the regular season, with 58 points (27 goals, 31 assists) in 66 games. Through 33 playoff games played over the two seasons, Kravtsov had 12 points (nine goals, three assists) and helped Traktor to the Gagarin Cup Finals last season, where they lost to Lokomotiv Yaroslavl in five games.

The 25-year-old winger has spent much of his career outside of North America within the Chelyabinsk system, having played parts of multiple seasons with Belye Medvedi Chelyabinsk and Chelmet Chelyabinsk, the junior and minor affiliates of Traktor Chelyabinsk, respectively. Kravtsov also spent multiple stints with Traktor Chelyabinsk prior to his latest move back, having spent much of his early career with the major team, and was loaned to the team for the 2021-22 season by the New York Rangers. In 2018, he set the record for most points by an 18-year-old in the KHL postseason, with 11 (six goals, five assists) through 16 games, as well as being named the league’s Best Rookie with the Aleksei Cherepanov Award. Overall, Kravtsov has 160 points (81 goals, 79 assists) in 288 KHL regular-season games across eight seasons, and 40 points (25 goals, 15 assists) in 79 playoff games across seven appearances.

Vancouver Canucks Sign Vitali Kravtsov To A One-Year ContractThe Vancouver Canucks are bringing back winger Vitali Kravtsov. Vancouver has announced that they have signed the 25-year-old to a one-year, two way contract. Now 25, Kravtsov has spent the last two seasons in the KHL, playing for Traktor Chelyabinsk. 

Kravtsov was drafted ninth overall during the 2018 NHL Entry Draft, just two picks after Canucks captain Quinn Hughes. Later that year, he played in the 2019 World Junior Championships, hosted in Vancouver, where he won a bronze medal with Russia, scoring two goals and earning four assists. He played 39 games in the 2019-20 season for the Hartford Wolf Pack, the AHL affiliate of the Rangers, scoring 15 points (six goals, nine assists) with his first experience of North American professional hockey. 

New NHL beginnings

He made his NHL debut for the Rangers on April 3, 2021, in a shootout loss against the Buffalo Sabres — his first of 20 games in the 2020-21 season for the Original Six team. Kravtsov earned his first NHL point on April 11, 2021, with an assist on a goal from Brendan Smith in an overtime loss to the New York Islanders, and netted his first NHL goal a week later on April 18, during a 5–3 Rangers win against the New Jersey Devils. He would score another goal and assist each before the season ended, and he would head back to Russia the following year after tensions with the Rangers' front office surfaced. 

Latest From THN’s Vancouver Canucks Site: 

Canucks Elias Pettersson "Learning From What Happened Last Season To Become A Better And More Mature Player For Next Year."

Vancouver Canucks 2025–26 Player Preview: Aatu Räty

Vancouver Canucks 2025–26 Season Series Preview: Chicago Blackhawks

Kravtsov returned to the NHL for the 2022-23 season, where he had six points (three goals, three assists) in 28 games with the Rangers before being traded to the Canucks, where he scored one goal and one assist. As a restricted free agent, he was extended a qualifying offer at the conclusion of the season by the Canucks, but opted to head back to Chelyabinsk, though the Canucks maintained his NHL signing rights. 

Familiar faces

The Russian winger now returns to a Canucks team that looks vastly different from the one he originally played with. Gone are big names like Rick Tocchet behind the bench and JT Miller on it alongside him, and he is reunited with his former Rangers linemate in Filip Chytil. The two spent 123 minutes together on the ice across 44 games in two separate seasons, mostly on the third line. Chytil and Kravtsov on ice together combined for a Corsi For Percentage of 57.80%, a goals for of 75% against an expected goals for of 59.09%, a shooting percentage of 8.11%, and a PDO of 1.085, above the league average of 1.00, and the 2023-24 league-leading Canucks PDO of 1.025. The last time the two played extended minutes together was on January 16, 2023, where Chytil assisted on Kravtsov’s final goal as a Blueshirt in a 3–1 win over the Columbus Blue Jackets. 

In his first tenure with the Canucks, Kravtsov spent the majority of his time on the fourth line, with 12 of his 16 games spent there. He made two appearances on the third line and two late-season appearances on the first line with Elias Pettersson as his center. On the current Canucks lineup, his highest ceiling is likely the middle six, though I would not be surprised if he spends most of his time in the bottom six, or if he is sent to Abbotsford to start the season, despite being eligible for waivers.

I’d anticipate Kravtsov working on a third or fourth line to start with Nils Åman — who he also played with twice his first time in Vancouver — or Aatu Räty as his center, assuming the team keep Chytil on as the second line center with Conor Garland and Evander Kane as his wingers. Injuries or impressive performance could lift him to the second line at some point this season with Chytil, or an elevation or trade of another center could move Chytil down to the bottom six with his former Rangers linemate. Still, he will be fighting for a spot on the big league wings come training camp against experienced Canucks like Nils Höglander, Max Sasson, Drew O’Connor, Jonathan Lekkerimäki, Arshdeep Bains, and Linus Karlsson. Overall, though, the return of Kravtsov carries a low risk, as forward depth can become an issue as the season goes on, and a league minimum deal for one year adds stability and professional experience to the Canucks winger depth chart.

Make sure you bookmark THN's Vancouver Canucks site and add us to your favourites on Google News for the latest news, exclusive interviews, breakdowns, and so much more from The Hockey News. Also, don't forget to leave a comment at the bottom of the page and engage with other passionate fans through our forum.

Michael Pezzetta is still pinching himself after signing a two-year deal with the Toronto Maple Leafs earlier this summer.

The 27-year-old, who's spent his entire NHL career thus far with the Montreal Canadiens, grew up in Toronto and was a Maple Leafs fan. A sixth-round (160th overall) pick in the 2016 NHL Draft, Pezzetta recalled sitting in his childhood room and looking at all of the posters on his wall after signing with Toronto.

"I got a big picture of Mats Sundin on my wall and a couple of pictures of CuJo (Curtis Joseph) and some other guys," Pezzetta smiled. "I get to fight for the opportunity to put this sweater on, and it's just something that I've dreamed of my whole life, and I'm just, it feels amazing."

A month after signing his two-year, $1.63 million deal, Pezzetta spoke with the NHLPA about joining his hometown club. He reminisced about a moment from his childhood when he attended an open practice at Scotiabank Arena.

Alex Nylander Returns To Maple Leafs Organization, Signing One-Year AHL Deal With MarliesAlex Nylander is returning to Toronto for another season.

"One time, when I was a little kid, our team was at Air Canada Centre [now, Scotiabank Arena] to watch the Leafs practice. I was an energetic kid, not really scared of anything, so I found my way down to the locker rooms," Pezzetta said.

"I was running around outside the locker room, and I ended up running into [former NHL defenceman] Wade Redden and one of the goalies from the Ottawa Senators. By that time, my dad realized I had taken off and came looking for me. I was running around, trying to get guys to sign stuff."

He revealed that Sundin was his favorite player growing up. The former Maple Leafs captain holds the franchise record for most points (987) and goals (420) through 981 games with Toronto.

Could William Villeneuve Earn NHL Call Up After Signing One-Year, Two-Way Contract With Maple Leafs?William Villeneuve is returning for another season in the Toronto Maple Leafs’ organization.

"I had his pictures in my room, jerseys things like that," said Pezzetta. "I remember his 500th goal, coming across the blue line and blasting a slap shot home, far side, for the overtime winner, and a hat trick. It was a great memory."

Sundin's 500th goal came on October 14th, 2006, and it was a shorthanded overtime-winner against the Calgary Flames. The Bromma, Sweden-born forward also scored 32 goals and 38 assists in 77 playoff games.

Pezzetta is entering his fifth NHL season after tallying 15 goals and 23 assists in 200 games, all with the Canadiens. Although he's likely to be a depth forward for Toronto, there's no doubt Pezzetta will bring more bite to the club's bottom six.

'They're Trying To Move Money Around': Maple Leafs Reportedly Haven't Closed Door On Signing UFA Jack RoslovicThe Toronto Maple Leafs were reportedly interested in unrestricted free agent Jack Roslovic earlier this summer, and it appears the lure may not have gone away.

"It’s the same as Montreal, it is a big market, there is pressure and expectations are high," he said. "But that makes sense and that’s what makes it so great to play in these types of cities. I’m embracing every bit of it."

This article originally appeared on The Hockey News: 'I Found My Way Down To The Locker Rooms': Michael Pezzetta Reminisces On Moments As A Young Maple Leafs Fan

(Top photo of Pezzetta: David Kirouac / Imagn Images)

The cover of EA Sports NHL 26 was revealed to be Florida Panthers’ forward Matthew Tkachuk. In their official reveal trailer on Wednesday (Aug. 6), they also revealed the deluxe edition would include his brother, Brady, and his father, Keith.

With the news in mind and it being that season of video games, where fans either complain or love the cover athlete, let’s talk about three LA Kings who should be considered next year, when NHL 27 comes out. 

Adrian Kempe

This one seems obvious. Adrian Kempe is a solid hockey player and one of the most underrated in the NHL. 

While he may not be the most flashy player in the league, selecting a player who is a bit off the board but still has the skill to deserve it, combined with the ability to reach fans who still play the game, is exactly why Kempe should be in the running.

Anze Kopitar

In what is likely his final season in the NHL, Anze Kopitar deserves a look for NHL 27. It would be a little odd to have someone who isn’t going to play in the 2026-27 season grace the cover of the video game, but why not shake things up a bit?

Kopitar is a legend and could be considered a Hall of Famer when all is said and done. Rewarding him like this is something EA Sports should consider.

Darcy Kuemper

Hear me out here. 

A goaltender gracing the cover of an NHL video game? We haven’t seen that since Martin Brodeur did it with NHL 14. Why not give a goaltender a look? It wouldn’t be the worst thing in the world to consider him as a cover athlete, but that is a long shot.

You could also consider Drew Doughty, since he is someone else who is still in the running for an Olympic run, has been a legend of the game, and is arguably one of the most popular players in the league off the ice. 

Time will tell, but it would be cool to see anyone from the Kings’ organization on the cover of the next instalment. 

Image Credit: © Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

Alex Laferriere's New Contract Given Strong Grade By Kings' PunditThe Los Angeles Kings recently signed Alex Laferriere to a new, three-year deal, and while most fans are very pleased with the deal, it's always nice to see another pundit give the contract a positive grade. Do the Los Angeles Kings Make Sense as a Fit for Rickard Rakell?The Pittsburgh Penguins could be looking to move some of their players this offseason, specifically both Bryan Rust and Rickard Rakell, and with a little money left over, do the Los Angeles Kings make sense as a potential fit for Rakell? 3 PTO Options for the LA Kings Going Into the 2025-26 SeasonWith the NHL offseason coming to a close, the Los Angeles Kings still have some cap room to play with before training camp. 

Following a new report, it would appear the Philadelphia Flyers don't have much of a chance of landing Mason McTavish in a trade with the Anaheim Ducks at all.

The reason isn't why you might think, either. Surprisingly, the reality is the reported asking price from the Ducks for McTavish starts with a player the Flyers simply do not have and cannot offer.

According to an NHL executive via Jimmy Murphy of RG, the Ducks would at least like a long-term, right-shot future top-pairing defenseman.

 "Unless you’re willing to get creative and knock [GM Pat Verbeek's] socks off with a monster offer, I don’t see him getting traded at this point. A right-shot, top-four and future top-pairing defenseman would be the starting point from what I know," the NHL executive told RG. "I don’t see the [Detroit Red Wings] moving Moritz Seider, so you’re likely talking Axel Sandin-Pellikka."

A cabal of Flyers fans have been holding out hope that Flyers GM Danny Briere has one more big move in him this offseason, particularly for McTavish, but based on the above information, there's no way that will happen.

Ironically, the closest thing the Flyers have to offer that would even remotely compare to a player like Moritz Seider or Axel Sandin-Pellikka is Jamie Drysdale, who was traded by the Ducks to the Flyers already last January.

Philadelphia Flyers Should Avoid This Potential Ducks Trade TargetThe Philadelphia Flyers are still well positioned to execute a blockbuster trade for a top center this summer, but one popular potential trade target on the Anaheim Ducks isn't worth all the hype.

Prospects like Spencer Gill and Oliver Bonk might make some sense, but neither has the draft pedigree or pro experience that Sandin-Pellikka has.

The 20-year-old Swede has already won the SHL and owns 52 points in 107 regular season games across three seasons in Sweden's top hockey league.

Bonk, on the other hand, will be playing pro for the first time this fall and saw his production drop exponentially with the OHL London Knights this past season.

Plus, Briere and the Flyers already pried forward Trevor Zegras out of Anaheim in an attempt to resolve their issues at center and inject some skill into the top-six.

How many times can these two sides realistically continue to exchange core players and key draft assets?

There is a fit for McTavish in Philadelphia with the Flyers, yes, but it's unlikely the Flyers want to continue to fork over prime assets for more players who may or may not reach their full potential.

Instead, a slow burn towards the finish line of this rebuild is the path of least resistance at this time.

On Monday, Florida Panthers superstar winger Matthew Tkachuk was announced as the EA Sports NHL 26 cover athlete, becoming the first Panther to grace the cover since John Vanbiesbrouck on NHL 97.

Following the announcement, EA Sports revealed that a full preview of the game was to come out today, on Wednesday, Aug. 6. gameplay of the game, which is set to release on Sept. 13, was shown, but it was also revealed the deluxe version of the game would feature a cover of Tkachuk, alongside his brother Brady and his father Keith. 

Brady is the captain of the Ottawa Senators, a division foe of the Panthers. The brothers have been wreaking havoc in the NHL and joined forces on Team USA's 4 Nations Face-Off roster. The 25-year-old Brady scored 29 goals and 55 points last season, but has a career high of 37 goals and 83 points. 

Keith, the father of Matthew and Brady, never won a Stanley Cup, but if his sons want to catch him in all-time goals and points, they'll have a lot of work to do. Keith played 18 seasons in the NHL, scoring 538 goals and 1065 points in 1201 games. Currently, Matthew is trailing his father by 298 goals and 429 points, while playing 559 fewer games. 

Last year's edition of the game featured the Hughes brothers, portraying Vancouver Canucks captain Quinn Hughes and New Jersey Devils stars Jack and Luke Hughes. While still following the theme, EA Sports came up with a clever switch in their marketing.

Matthew Tkachuk featured on cover of NHL 26, first Panthers player selected since John VanbiesbrouckIt’s been a long time since a Florida Panthers player graced the cover of a major NHL video game.

One of the most intriguing prospects for the Carolina Hurricanes is defenseman Alexander Nikishin. 

The 2020 third-round pick played multiple seasons in the KHL and served as the captain for SKA Saint Petersburg for two seasons. 

Nikishin signed his entry-level contract with the Hurricanes in April and played in four games through the team’s playoff run to the Eastern Conference Final. 

Now, Nikishin is entering the 2025-26 season with high expectations.

“To be able to have the game slow down as quick as it did for him [in the playoffs] is really something that attributes to just how high of a prospect he can be," Hurricanes assistant general manager Darren Yorke said via NHL.com. "The way he wants to play is exactly how the Carolina Hurricanes play. It really fits with his ability to get up in the play and be aggressive.”

The Hurricanes Have Reportedly Spent Time ‘Investigating’ The Possibility Of Trading For Erik KarlssonCould the Carolina Hurricanes be looking to trade for defenseman Erik Karlsson from the Pittsburgh Penguins?

Barring anything unforeseen, the 23-year-old defenseman should make the Hurricanes’ opening-night roster out of training camp and serve a crucial role moving forward.

Matthew, Brady, and Keith Tkachuk will grace the deluxe edition cover of NHL 26. 

A five-time All-Star and 1997 Maurice Richard Trophy winner, Keith Tkachuk will appear on the cover in a St. Louis Blues jersey. He played 543 regular season games for the Blues over parts of nine seasons and currently serves as the team's Director of Recruitment. 

The last Blues player to be on the cover was Vladimir Tarasenko in NHL 17.

A four-time All-Star and captain of the Ottawa Senators, Brady Tkachuk becomes the first Senators player to appear on the cover of an EA NHL game. Craig Anderson was available as a custom cover on NHL 14, and Jason Spezza was on the cover of NHL 2K8.

Matthew Tkachuk was announced at the standard edition cover athlete on Aug. 4.

The father-son trio have combined for 969 career goals.  

From backyard battles to the front of the game, honored to be on the#NHL26 cover with my dad and my brother.
Pre-order #NHL26 to get 7-day early access and check my game:https://t.co/maVv4hu9dspic.twitter.com/nXSc5fv2Nr

— Matthew Tkachuk (@TKACHUKycheese_) August 6, 2025

NHL 26 is set to release Sept. 12, those who pre-order the deluxe edition get access Sept. 5. 

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

Photo Credit: EA SPORTS NHL

Frank Nazar has arrived for the Chicago Blackhawks and will be in the second line center role for the foreseeable future. He broke into the NHL last season after dominating the AHL and isn't going to look back. The Blackhawks' future down the middle looks good with Connor Bedard, Nazar, and Anton Frondell, but either Bedard or Frondell are going to be the one moving over to the wing in the top-6.

Only six players drafted in the first round of the 2022 NHL Entry Draft haven't played a game in the NHL and a scattered number of players past the first round have. Amongst the top performers from the draft already is Nazar, despite being the Blackhawks' second first-round pick that year behind Kevin Korchinski.

Nazar is the eighth-highest point producer from the 2022 draft, even though the point totals aren't all that high yet. He has 27 points in the NHL, and that's pretty good for one partial season, whereas others have two to three full seasons under their belts already.

Ahead of Nazar is Juraj Slafkovsky (111), Logan Cooley (109), Lane Hutson (68), Shane Wright (51), Pavel Mintyukov (47), Cutter Gauthier (45), and Marco Kasper (37) with Matthew Poitras (26) and Jiri Kulich (24) right behind Nazar.

Some of these players have a head start on Nazar and will likely have better linemates to play with next season, but things could change pretty quickly for the Blackhawks who will continue to look to add big names in the coming years. It's almost impossible to say who will have the longest career or who will even have the most success from a close 2022 draft, but that's the fun of watching.

Nazar is just kicking off his career and can hang with almost anyone from the draft. 2025-26 will be a telling season with a number of these players already having roles in the NHL.

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

Ottawa Senators captain Brady Tkachuk had a treat for Senators fans on Wednesday afternoon. He posted on social media the new cover of EA Sports’ NHL 26 Deluxe Edition, which features the NHL-playing members of the Tkachuk family.

The cover shows Brady and his father, Keith Tkachuk, flanking his brother, Matthew, who has won the last two Stanley Cups with the Florida Panthers.

A lifetime of hockey together, now a cover we’ll never forget.
Pre-order #NHL26 to get 7-day early access and check my game: https://t.co/GnVcHVFYOopic.twitter.com/aACQXZ5t86

— brady tkachuk (@BradyTkachuk71) August 6, 2025

Brady’s caption on Twitter read: “A lifetime of hockey together, now a cover we'll never forget. Pre-order 26 to get 7-day early access and check my game.”

The link directs users to EA Sports’ website, where they can watch the official 2-minute reveal trailer, which prominently features the Tkachuks in real and virtual form.

The Tkachuks' popularity went to another level in the past few months with both Brady and Matthew playing so well at the 4 Nations Face-off in February, along with Matthew's second Cup win in as many years.

“Growing up, Matthew and I dreamed of playing just like our dad,” Brady said in an EA Sports press release on Wednesday. “Even now, his influence on how we play and prepare remains huge. It’s an honour to be featured on the cover, and having him standing alongside us makes the whole thing even better.”

Matthew agreed.

“My dad, Brady and I are all unique and play the way we want to. Sharing the cover of NHL 26 is an extension of that,” Matthew said. “I’ve always tried to bring my own style to the ice, and seeing that captured in NHL 26 makes it feel like it is really me out there.”

“I always told the boys to play hard, be smart, and never lose their personality out there,” Ketih said. “What you see now is two players with totally unique styles, and I’m proud to be sharing the cover with them.”

From the EA Sports Press Release:

Electronic Arts Inc. today unveils EA SPORTS™ NHL® 26, launching September 12, 2025, on PlayStation®5 and Xbox Series X|S with a new level of on-ice authenticity and superstar quality.

Back-to-back Stanley Cup champion, Matthew Tkachuk, graces the cover of the deluxe edition alongside his brother, Brady, and their father, Keith, in a dream lineup uniting hockey’s present and past. With real-world NHL EDGE positional data (NHL Puck and Player Tracking) powering gameplay, in partnership with the NHL, and a reimagined Be A Pro mode that immerses players in the stakes and emotions of playing at the highest level, NHL 26 delivers an immersive and intense experience for hockey fans around the world.

This year’s cover athletes challenge traditional notions of NHL superstardom. Matthew Tkachuk, known for his relentless physicality and skill, has captivated fans with a signature style that breaks the conventional playbook. Bringing together two generations of Tkachuks, the cover highlights a family that’s carved its own path with individuality, edge, and an unyielding drive to win.

The Deluxe Edition launches on September 5, with the worldwide release following on September 12.

By Steve Warne
The Hockey News Ottawa

EA SPORTS NHL 26 will officially release worldwide on Sept. 12, 2025.

This is nearly one month earlier than NHL 25 which released on Oct. 4 and is the first NHL title to receive a September release date since NHL 20.  Those who pre-order the Deluxe Edition will be able to play one week early on Sept. 5. 

The reveal trailer is available on EA SPORTS' YouTube, and more information on how to pre-order on the EA website. 

Per EA, those who pre-order the deluxe edition receive: 

• 7-day early access (starting September 5)
• 4600 NHL Points
• HUT Starter Choice Pack (83 OVR)
• HUT NHL Player Pack
• HUT Icon Choice Pack (86 OVR)
• HUT Heroes Choice Pack (84 OVR)
• Matthew Tkachuk 99 OVR item* (available immediately in NHL 25 with digital pre-order)
• World of Chel Vanity Set
• World of Chel Battle Pass XP Boost (x2)

Those who pre-order the standard edition receive: 

• HUT NHL Player Pack
• World of Chel Battle Pass XP Boost (x2)
• Matthew Tkachuk 99 OVR item (available immediately in NHL 25 with digital pre-order)

EA Play members receive 10 hours of early access beginning Sept. 5. 

We will breakdown what is new in the trailer later today. 

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

Photo Credit: EA SPORTS NHL

By Jared Clinton, features writer

New seasons provide new opportunities, which create avenues for players to break out. The 2025-26 season will be no different, and in this article, The Hockey News take a look at the strongest candidates to make a name for themselves or ascend into stardom on the Central Division teams.

Chicago Blackhawks: Spencer Knight

The state of the Blackhawks roster is such that Spencer Knight is unlikely to find himself in Vezina Trophy talks. In fact, his stats might even appear subpar. But his time as a Florida Panther provided insight into the stopper Knight can become. He offered glimpses into his upside, too, upon landing in the Windy City, including a spectacular 41-save performance in his Hawks debut. With the starting reins for the first time in his career, if the 24-year-old gives Chicago the chance to win each might, he’ll have worked wonders. 

Colorado Avalanche: Jack Drury

Jack Drury wasn’t the centerpiece of the Mikko Rantanen swap with the Carolina Hurricanes - that was Martin Necas - but it’s no surprise Colorado wanted the 25-year-old in the deal. Though his offensive numbers leave something to be desired, with Drury maxing out at eight goals and 27 points in 2023-24, he has an innate ability to be in the right place at the right time on either side of the puck. It’s only a matter of time before goals begin falling for him, particularly with an Avs team that’s more dynamic. 

Dallas Stars: Lian Bichsel

Miro Heiskanen’s injury provided a chance, and Lian Bichsel ran with it. The 21-year-old was a staple of the Stars’ blueline down the stretch and in the playoffs, and the 6-foot-7, 230-pounder made his case to start next season in Dallas. His four goals and nine points per game set offensive expectations a bit high, as he profiles as a shutdown rearguard. The Stars need to clear up cap space, and they can be confident doing so on the back end, given Bichsel is primed to assume middle-pairing minutes next season. 

Minnesota Wild: Liam Ohgren

Don’t let the meager two-goal, five-point NHL output fool you. Liam Ohgren has the offensive chops. Take his 19-goal, 37-point performance in the AHL as evidence. That performance gave Ohgren, 21, the third-best points per game among rookies to play at least half the season. Chances are Ohgren will begin the year assuming bottom-six duty with a dash of PP time, but his gifts will see him pushing for a large role by season’s end. He won’t be a top producer yet, but he’s a safe bet to be a great depth contributor.

Nashville Predators: Zachary L’Heureux

One way or another, Zachary L’Heureux will make his presence felt in Nashville next season. The 22-year-old scored, crashed and banged his way onto the Predators’ 2024-25 roster on the heels of a 19-goal, 48-point AHL campaign the year prior. He brought the same high-energy style to the big club, leading all Preds forwards with 198 hits. He plays on a razor’s edge, but he’s more than a heat-seeking forechecking missile: he chipped in 15 points and finished eighth in per-60 scoring at five-a-side for Nashville.

St. Louis Blues: Jake Neighbours

If you were to plot Jake Neighbours’ progression through the first three seasons of his career, it would follow a steady upward arc. And there’s no reason to believe the 23-year-old is going to be resting on his laurels. Neighbours posted a new career-best last season with 46 points and further established himself as a central figure in the new-look Blues offense. Only three St. Louis forwards saw the ice more in the post-season, which indicated Neighbours is a big part of coach Jim Montgomery’s plans moving forward. 

Utah Mammoth: Josh Doan (Now with the Buffalo Sabres)

When Utah demoted Josh Doan to the AHL after he’d started the season in the NHL, Doan’s confidence could’ve been shattered. But the 23-year-old put his head down and turned in a near-point-per-game performance with the Tucson Roadrunners, forcing Utah’s hand and proving himself once called back to the big club. His six goals and 17 points in the final 42 games are a promising sign, too. Doan won’t be pencilled into the top six, but he can flirt with the 40-point plateau from the third line next season.

Winniepg Jets: Nikita Chibrikov

With Adam Lowry sidelined, the Jets need to add a middler-six center, and that will have the knock-on effect of requiring cost-effective options to fill out the roster. That should allow Nikita Chibirkov to slot into a bottom-six role. The 22-year-old looked like he belonged in his five prior NHL games, and the ability to play a scrappier game will earn him chances ahead of fellow rookie Brad Lambert. There’s serious upside as well, as Chibirkov has netted 24 goals and 65 points in 100 AHL games over the past two seasons. 

This article appeared in our 2025 Champions issue. Our cover story focuses on the 2025 Stanley Cup champion Florida Panthers, specifically the elite play of defenseman Seth Jones, along with a recap of each game of the Cup final. We also include features on Sharks center Will Smith and Kraken defenseman Ryker Evans. In addition, we give our list of the top 10 moments from the 2024-25 NHL season.

You can get it in print for free when you subscribe to The Hockey News at THN.com/Free today. All subscriptions include complete access to more than 76 years of articles at The Hockey News Archive.

The Vancouver Canucks have signed former New York Rangers forward Vitali Kravtsov to a one-year, two-way contract.

In 2018, the Rangers drafted Kravtsov with the ninth overall pick in the first round.

Despite investing high draft capital to select Kravtsov, he failed to live up to expectations as he played just 64 games in three seasons for the Rangers, recording six goals, six assists, and 12 points. 

The Rangers traded Kravtsov to the Canucks in 2023, where he played 16 games before leaving the NHL to join the KHL. 

After two seasons in the KHL, the 25-year-old forward is making a return to North America with the hopes of reviving his NHL career. 

“Vitali had a strong season in the KHL and was an impact player for his team,”  Canucks general manager Patrik Allvin said. “In his two seasons in Russia, he has worked hard on his game, and we look forward to seeing where Vitali is at when he comes to training camp in Penticton.”

Adam Edström Has A Chance To Build On Success After Signing Contract ExtensionAdam Edström holds immense value for the New York Rangers. 

We will have to see if Kravtsov could still unleash his full potential that the Rangers once believed in.

The Buffalo Sabres should be in the market for an impact top-six forward after dealing winger JJ Peterka to the Utah Mammoth for defenseman Michael Kesselring and winger Josh Doan, but the opening weeks of free agency did not provide GM Kevyn Adams with an opportunity to replace Peterka’s production, and with the two-year deal signed earlier this month with defenseman Bowen Byram, Adams will have to try to acquire a scoring forward with younger players, prospects, and/or draft picks. 

Big winger Patrik Laine is not the player that some imagined when he was selected second overall at the 2016 NHL Draft in Buffalo nine years ago, but the big Finn can do one thing that the Sabres may be looking for at some point next season, and that is goal scoring. The 27-year-old has scored 20 or more goals seven times, but the reason he is currently on his third club is that he is an offense-first forward who has never shown any sort of proficiency in playing defense.  

Other Sabres Stories

Projecting Sabres Trade Cost - Bryan Rust

Six Former Sabres Who Signed Elsewhere

Montreal received a second-round pick along with Laine last August from Columbus to take the winger’s full $8.7 million cap hit. Last season, after a preseason injury kept him out until December, he still managed 20 goals in 52 games. He also had the third-worst plus/minus on the club (-14) and scored 75% of his goals on the power play.    

What Would It Cost?

There has been some chatter that the Canadiens are looking to clear out Laine’s cap hit in the final year of his deal to make room if they can acquire a second-line center to play behind Nick Suzuki, but if they cannot find that elusive pivot, the only way moving his deal out makes sense would be closer to the trade deadline if the Habs are not in the playoff race. The expectation is that Montreal will continue their upward trajectory after making the post-season and losing to Washington in the first round, but if they are not if the mix, the likely cost to a team looking for goals like Buffalo is a second-round pick or a prospect capable of playing in the NHL like Isak Rosen.  

Follow Michael on X, Instagram, and Bluesky @MikeInBuffalo

Earlier this summer, The Fourth Period reported that the Chicago Blackhawks are one of the teams linked to Florida Panthers forward Evan Rodrigues. Given the Blackhawks' need for more skilled forwards, it is understandable that the Blackhawks have been connected to a two-time Stanley Cup winner like Rodrigues.

Yet, during the latest episode of 32 Thoughts: The Podcast, Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman made it clear that he believes that Rodrigues will end up staying put with the Panthers, rather than being traded to free up cap space.

"I think that a number of fans have wondered if Florida will have to trade someone like Evan Rodrigues off their roster to make things work. I don't believe that's going to be happening," Friedman said. "First of all, they consider Rodrigues an important player, but secondly, I think we're going to find out at some point here that (Matthew) Tkachuk will miss the start of the season."

Rodrigues certainly would have had the potential to be a nice addition to the Blackhawks' roster, as he is an impactful and versatile forward with plenty of playoff experience. In 82 games this past season with the Panthers, he recorded 15 goals and 32 points in 82 games. He then followed that up with two goals, 13 assists, 15 points, and a plus-3 rating in 21 playoff games during the Panthers' Stanley Cup championship run this spring.

Overall, the idea of a Rodrigues addition for the Blackhawks would have been nice, but it appears that Chicago will need to explore other options if they hope to add to their forward group before the season is here.

NHL News: Former Blackhawks Goalie RetiresA former Chicago Blackhawks goalie is hanging up the skates, as Anton Khudobin has retired from professional hockey. 

Photo Credit:  © Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images