Kraken's Jake O'Brien Dazzles In Weekend Contest, Nets A Hat Trick

Seattle Kraken prospect Jake O'Brien is off and flying in the OHL, returning to the Brantford Bulldogs as the captain, and leading his team to a 6-0-2 record.

The Bulldogs sit atop the Eastern Conference in the OHL, posting a league-best 0.875 win percentage—one of the main reasons why is the play of O'Brien.

In six games, the 18-year-old has notched five goals and 13 points, two points back of the league leader despite playing five fewer games. The Bulldogs roster features several NHL-drafted prospects, and the top line of O'Brien, Minnesota Wild's Adam Benak and Chicago Blackhawks' Marek Vanacker is carrying plenty of the offensive load. 

The Bulldogs roster also features St. Louis Blues defenseman Adam Jiricek, Winnipeg Jets' Edison Engle, Toronto Maple Leafs' Sam McCue and top 2026 NHL Draft prospect Caleb Malhotra. 

Over the weekend, O'Brien posted a hat trick and five points in an 8-5 victory over the Ottawa 67's. 

O'Brien picked up an assist on the first of Vanacker's three goals in the first period, before notching his first goal of the game early in the middle frame. With the game tied at 5-5, O'Brien scored his second goal of the game to break the deadlock before adding his hat trick goal into the empty net. 

The Kraken's eighth overall pick in the 2025 NHL Draft is off to an electric start, and it's exactly what was required of him. O'Brien is vying for a spot on Team Canada's World Junior Championship roster and is aiming to impress the Kraken organization, with the goal of placing himself in a position to compete for a roster spot next year. Each game is an audition for both, and so far, O'Brien has been impressing. 

Detroit’s Young Trio Showing Early Promise Under Veteran-Led Success

While Detroit’s veterans have stolen the spotlight in back-to-back wins, rookies Emmitt Finnie, Axel Sandin-Pellikka, and Michael Brandsegg-Nygård are quietly proving they belong in the NHL with strong early performances. 

Despite a troubling start to the season, the Red Wings have since rebounded with two straight wins over the Maple Leafs and now find themselves in a wild card spot thanks to their 2-1-0 record. Their recent additions in veteran forwards James van Riemsdyk and Mason Appleton stole the headlines in their 3-2 win on Monday while their star players in Lucas Raymond, Patrick Kane and Alex DeBrincat did the same during the Red Wings' 6-3 victory on Saturday.

All the headlines have quickly shifted while many may be wondering how the young crop of rookies have been doing? With three rookies making the team in Emmitt Finnie and Michael Brandsegg-Nygard and Axel Sandin-Pellikka, some hardships were expected but the trio have done well so far this season. 

Lucas Raymond Exits Game Against Leafs After Taking Heavy Hit, Won't ReturnLucas Raymond Exits Game Against Leafs After Taking Heavy Hit, Won't ReturnThe <a href="https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/detroit-red-wings">Detroit Red Wings</a> can ill-afford to lose forward Lucas Raymond, who established a new career-high in points last season with 80.

Emmitt Finnie

The top-line winger has thrived in his role, recording two assists in three games and backing it up with several impressive underlying stats. The 20-year-old Lethbridge, Alberta native is averaging between 12 and 16 minutes of ice time per game, consistently generating takeaways with at least one in each game so far and tying defenseman Moritz Seider for the team lead with four.

Finnie added an extra layer of physicality to his aggressive forechecking game in Monday’s win, registering six hits to bring his season total to eight. He’s recorded at least one hit in every game so far and seems poised to maintain that pace given his energetic style of play. While he committed two giveaways on Monday, that’s often the tradeoff for a player who handles the puck frequently but he balanced out the losses with two takeaways of his own.

Finnie’s speed and work rate have stood out as well as he's averaging 10.36 miles skated per 60 minutes (92nd percentile league-wide), has reached a top speed of 21.76 mph (73rd percentile), and ranks in the 84th percentile for time spent in the neutral zone, according to NHL Edge. If he keeps playing at this pace, Finnie’s point totals should grow, and the Red Wings’ top-line experiment could prove to be a smart investment. 

Exclusive: Red Wings Prospect Emmitt Finnie Talks NHL Aspirations, Bond with Nate DanielsonExclusive: Red Wings Prospect Emmitt Finnie Talks NHL Aspirations, Bond with Nate Danielson<a href="https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/detroit-red-wings">Red Wings</a> breakout prospect Emmitt Finnie breaks down off-season plans, future goals and growing up with fellow prospect <a href="https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/detroit-red-wings/latest-news/exclusive-red-wings-prospect-nate-danielson-focused-on-cracking-nhl-roster">Nate Danielson</a> in an exclusive interview with <a href="https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/detroit-red-wings">The Hockey News</a>.

Axel Sandin-Pellikka

After being thrust into a top-four role, Axel Sandin-Pellikka has handled his first few NHL games respectably. The 20-year-old Swedish blueliner is averaging the third-most minutes on the team at 21:02 and has surpassed 22 minutes in all but one game so far this season.

Defensively, Sandin-Pellikka has been steady, tying Ben Chiarot for the second-most blocked shots on the team with five, trailing only Simon Edvinsson, who has six. According to MoneyPuck, Sandin-Pellikka and Edvinsson have logged the most time together of any Red Wings pairing at roughly 47 minutes, though the duo has yet to generate much offense. They’ve been on the ice for two goals against and have yet to record one themselves.

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

While Sandin-Pellikka remains without a point through three games, despite a prospect profile touting his offensive upside as a potential 40–50-point defenseman, he’s shown flashes of adjustment. Although he struggled with a few turnovers in Monday’s win, his ability to adapt suggests his confidence and offensive contributions will grow with experience. Sandin-Pellikka has covered 9.19 total miles this season (71st percentile) and ranks in the 78th percentile for offensive zone time, signaling mobility and active involvement in transition play, which is an area he has been strong in so far this season. We may not get the point totals we were hoping for out of Sandin-Pellikka to start the season but don't be surprised if it changes over time. 

Michael Brandsegg-Nygård 

After a strong preseason showing with four goals, expectations were high for the big Norwegian winger to emerge as the standout rookie of the group. However, through the early games, the third-line forward has yet to make a significant offensive impact. Standing at six-foot-one and 207 pounds, he’s instead used his size to his advantage, leading the team with nine hits and proving that when he’s not on the scoresheet, he’s still finding ways to influence the game physically.

The 20-year-old has also showcased his strength in other areas, recording a maximum shot speed of 83.02 mph (81st percentile league-wide) and ranking in the 68th percentile for offensive zone time. His lone high-danger scoring chance came in the season opener from a slot opportunity, but he hasn’t been able to replicate that look since.

Playing alongside seasoned veterans Andrew Copp and J.T. Compher, Brandsegg-Nygård has averaged between 11 and 14 minutes of ice time per game, registering a pair of shots in two of his three outings. While his three giveaways haven’t helped his case, his physical presence and willingness to learn from his linemates suggest progress is only a matter of time. 

Red Wings' Talbot Steals the Early Season Spotlight After Stellar Wins Over Maple LeafsRed Wings' Talbot Steals the Early Season Spotlight After Stellar Wins Over Maple LeafsVeteran goaltender Cam Talbot has emerged as the <a href="https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/detroit-red-wings">Red Wings</a>’ early-season surprise, outperforming presumed starter John Gibson and forcing coach Todd McLellan to decide whether to stick with the hot hand or rotate starts.&nbsp;

Never miss a story by adding us to your Google News favorites!

'All The People That Have Doubted Me, This Felt Really Good': Jesper Wallstedt Opens The Season Proving Haters Wrong

ST. PAUL, Minn - It has been one heck of a journey for goaltender Jesper Wallstedt. It is just one game, but there is no doubt Wallstedt is riding high after the win on Monday.

“It would have been nice if we could have kept it away from shootouts and overtime," Wallstedt said after the game. "But two points on home ice against a (conference) team, we’ll take it.”

Wallstedt, 22, was drafted as a high pick, which is rare for a goalie. He was deemed the goalie of the future when the Wild took him 20th overall in the 2021 NHL Draft.

The Wild liked him so much they made a trade with the Edmonton Oilers just to move up and take him.

But, his journey to professional hockey has not been the smoothest.

As a 19-year-old, Wallstedt had a great first season in the American Hockey League (AHL) with the Iowa Wild. He went 18-15-5 with a 2.68 goals-against average and a .908 save percentage in 38 games. He was even an all-star.

The next year Wallstedt went 22-19-4 with a 2.70 goals-against average and a .910 save percentage. Things were looking up and Wallstedt even made his NHL debut at the age of 20 during the 2023-24 season.

He went 2-1-0 with a 3.01 goals-against average and a .897 save percentage. He even picked up his first career shutout in a game against the Chicago Blackhawks that year.

Jesper Wallstedt becomes youngest goalie in Wild history to record a shutoutJesper Wallstedt becomes youngest goalie in Wild history to record a shutoutIn the Wild's game last night, Jesper Wallstedt became the youngest goalie in Wild history to record a shutout.

The following season was a struggle for Wallstedt. He posted a 3.59 goals-against average and a .879 save percentage in 27 AHL games and went 9-14-5. He was given a mental reset during the season and was even called up to the Wild just to escape the season he was having in the minors.

Wild fans and people were writing the so called "goaltender of the future" off. The Wild continued to believe in him and signed him to a two-year contract extension worth $2.2 million for a goaltender who had only played in five NHL games.

In two NHL games, Wallstedt went 0-2-0 with a 4.09 goals-against average and a .843 save percentage.

Yet through it all, Wallstedt has had a positive attitude about it.

“I think all the experience from last year. I think that comes into play," Wallstedt said after the win on Monday. "I know what it’s like losing. I know what it’s been like to have bounces go against me. I know what it’s like to break down mentally. I’ve done it now. I know what that feeling is like. I know what mindset I should have to find success instead of failure. And I felt like no matter what faced me, no matter what happened, if goals were scored or not, I felt like I always had a clean mindset and focused on the job to win the game.”

Minnesota had a 3-0 lead after two periods of play but surrendered three third period goals to the Los Angeles Kings on Monday and Wallstedt had to be sharp. 

When Matt Boldy took a penalty in overtime I think everyone in the arena clenched their teeth. A 4-on-3 power play for the Kings with 1:25 left in overtime is never a good thing. And for a young rookie goaltender, that is not easy.

But, Wallstedt stopped three shots in that span on six attempts. It was desperation mode for the Wild and when Minnesota needed its' goalie of the future the most, he stepped up and delivered.

“I said it out on the ice, as well, I felt we played a really good game defensively. We kept them most of the time on the outside, let me make the first saves and help out on the rebounds," Wallstedt said. "We blocked a lot of shots. I think we did what we needed to do in our own zone in the defensive game to win and then obviously they get some bounces and score some goals, that’s hockey. That’s going to happen. But I really liked our effort and the way our team sacrificed itself.”

Not only did he save the game in overtime, but Wallstedt stopped all four shootout attempts from the Kings and stroked Andrei Kuzmenko to end the game on the last shooter in sudden death.

“I had no idea. I like to keep it that way. A clean slate. Just go out, make the read, play off your feet and what you see," Wallstedt said on the shootout. "And then we scored I just thought to myself this is the moment you’ve been dreaming for. You have the chance to win it for your team. Just go out and make the save the same way I’ve been doing it three shots before. Obviously, that happened.”

After the win, Wallstedt let out a big celebration.

“I don’t know. I used to do it in Iowa last year the times we won in the shootout. Just ended up happening out of excitement.”

Jared Spurgeon added: “I actually didn’t see it. I’m pretty short, so I couldn’t see over the guys.”

Jokes aside, it was a huge win for Wallstedt.

“You can see by the way he plays the game, he has a lot of confidence and he made some huge saves," Spurgeon said. "For him to come up big in overtime and the shootout was great to see.”

Kirill Kaprizov added: "Yeah, he does great job, especially on the PK he had so many good saves from the seams. He played so good. We’re happy for him. He’s happy. And yeah, it’s nice."

This was more than a win for Wallstedt. It was a statement for the young goaltender. He feels it was  a chance to prove haters wrong. And after a night like that, I think he did.

“Obviously, I wanted to start the season with a win," Wallstedt said. "With everything that’s been talked about and all the people that have doubted me, this felt really good. Just proving that I can do it. I would have loved to have kept it a low-scoring game but it’s hockey. It happens. I felt like I played a well-structured game. I saw pucks. I kept them in front of me. Rebounds were good. And we won the game, which is all I care about.”

Nonetheless, it was a confidence booster for both Wallstedt but for the Wild in general. They now trust the young goaltender. Which is good. It is important to have two good goaltenders and the Wild believe they can have the best goalie tandem in the league.

“It certainly does," Hynes said on if this game gives him confidence and trust in Wallstedt. "He’s building trust and confidence in himself I think by the commitment that he made starting in the summer and coming into training camp and now I thought even his exhibition games I thought he played well and he had some different situations to handle then. No different tonight.”

For action-packed issues, access to the entire magazine archive and a free issue, subscribe to The Hockey News at THN.com/free. Get the latest news and trending stories by subscribing to our newsletter here. And share your thoughts by commenting below the article on THN.com.

Recent Minnesota Wild Stories

- Wild Place Nico Sturm On Injured Reserve.

- Wild Sign Kirill Kaprizov To An Eight-Year Contract Extension.

- Wild Claim Defenseman Daemon Hunt Off Waivers.

- Wild Sign Filip Gustavsson To A Five-Year Contract Extension.

- Wild's Mats Zuccarello Out For Two Months With Lower-Body Injury.

GAME DAY Preview: Calgary Flames vs Vegas Golden Knights (Oct. 14)

Calgary Flames centre Nazem Kadri (91) and Vegas Golden Knights defenceman Zach Whitecloud (2) battle for the puck during a game at Scotiabank Saddledome in Calgary. (Source: Sergei Belski-Imagn Images)

The Flames (1-2-0) will be hosting the defending Pacific Division champions Vegas Golden Knights (1-0-2) on Tuesday evening.

Despite a two-goal game by Matt Coronato, the Flames came up short 4-2 against the St. Louis Blues in their most recent tilt.

Their opponent on Tuesday evening, the Golden Knights, will be tough competition considering they are amongst the favorites for the Stanley Cup, as has been the case every year since the team's first season in 2017-18.

The team made headlines in the off-season by acquiring winger Mitch Marner on July 30 from the Toronto Maple Leafs in a sign-and-trade for an eight-year $96 million deal.

However, the Knights were not done dishing out lucrative contracts, as just a week ago, they signed alternate captain and forward Jack Eichel to an eight-year $108 million extension, the fifth-richest deal in NHL history.

Both Eichel and Marner scored 100 points last season.

Their first line with Ivan Barbashev has produced the most goals (2) and given up the least (0) while playing the most minutes (28:39) so far this season, as per Natural Stat Trick. So, expect Vegas to run with this again.

Mark Stone is tied with a league-high five assists and certainly doesn't lack the ability in offensive production.

His second line partners include William Karlsson, who with the exception of last season, hasn't scored less than 35 points in his eight years in Sin City.

So far, Vegas has scored 10 goals in the season. Four of those have come off the power play, all by Pavel Dorofeyev.

Dorofeyev for his credit, is also leading the league with five goals.

So, Calgary's penalty-kill needs to watch out for the 24-year-old Russian.

On defence, the biggest name that comes to mind is Shea Theodore, who is one of the league's premier offensive-minded defenceman. He received a vote in last season's Norris Trophy selection, albeit it was for fifth place.

His pairing partner this season, Brayden McNabb, pulled in a rating pf +41 last season, the highest in the league.

So far this season, the pairing of Jeremy Lauzon and Kaeden Korczak has produced the third-lowest Expected Goals Against (xGA) for pairings that have played at least 30 minutes of ice time, as per Natural Stat Trick.  

Calgary can breathe a sigh of relief as Alex Pietrangelo, a two-time Stanley Cup champion and another two-way defenceman had pulled out of the season due to an injury that will require surgery.

It will be a added, but welcomed, pressure to another *yet again* offensive-minded defenceman in Noah Hanifin.

Bottom Line

I'm not going to sugar-coat this. This Vegas team is well-balanced offensively and defensively and will be a huge test for the Flames.

If Calgary is to win, it will be a VERY ugly win, but on the bright side, they will have proven their worth to themselves and the league.

Montreal Canadiens Re-Sign GM Kent Hughes And President Jeff Gorton

The Montreal Canadiens announced five-year contract extensions for GM Kent Hughes and the newly promoted president of hockey operations, Jeff Gorton.

Gorton and Hughes were in the final year of their contracts and made significant changes to the Canadiens' roster and hockey operations department.

"Their commitment to building a world class organization has been unrelenting and will only get better as we progress in the years to come,” Canadiens owner Geoff Molson said in a news release. "I would like to thank Jeff and Kent for taking this team and organization to where it is today, full of talent, size and speed with a support structure that is second to none, an objective from Day 1. I look forward to many more years working with them."

Since the end of last season, the Canadiens acquired 25-year-old defenseman Noah Dobson to anchor the right side of the blueline on an eight-year deal, traded for right winger Zack Bolduc and re-signed Calder Trophy winner Lane Hutson to an eight-year contract extension.

Those moves followed the team making the playoffs for the first time since 2021, losing in the first round. It was the first time Hughes made the playoffs as Canadiens GM, having joined the team on Jan. 18, 2022. He quickly replaced coach Dominique Ducharme with current bench boss Martin St-Louis in 2021-22.

Gorton, who joined the team on Nov. 28, 2021, as executive VP of hockey operations, established the Canadiens' first analytics department and also hired Hughes, as well as co-director of amateur scouting Nick Bobrov and special advisor to hockey operations, Vincent Lecavalier.

"We believe our team has made significant progress, and we look forward to building on the foundation in place and competing at a high level for years to come," Gorton said in the announcement. "I would also like to acknowledge that this announcement is a reflection on the tireless work and efforts our entire staff has put in."

Juraj Slafkovsky shakes hands with Kent Hughes and Jeff Gorton at the 2022 NHL draft. (Eric Bolte-Imagn Images)

Montreal has a core group signed through at least 2030, including captain Nick Suzuki, Cole Caufield, Juraj Slafkovsky, Dobson, Kaiden Guhle and Hutson. Their young players include Ivan Demidov and prospects David Reinbacher, Michael Hage and Jacob Fowler.

As for this season, the Canadiens have about $5.7 million in cap space with one first-rounder and two second-rounders as part of their 2026 draft picks. Montreal is 2-1-0 to start the campaign.

For action-packed issues, access to the entire magazine archive and a free issue, subscribe to The Hockey News at THN.com/free. Get the latest news and trending stories by subscribing to our newsletter here. And share your thoughts by commenting below the article on THN.com or creating your own post in our community forum.

The Top 100 CHL Players To Watch In 2025-26

For years, I've done a top 100 NCAA hockey players to watch list, and for some reason, despite the fact the CHL has about the same number of teams, I always felt a major junior list would be harder.

You've got players that might stick in the NHL, others who get a nine-game tryout, imports who could be superstars or duds – it's a lot. But I'm throwing caution to the wind here and diving in.

There are so many exciting names to highlight, so for the first time ever, I'm doing a top 100 major junior hockey players to watch.

The rules are the same as with my NCAA list: it's a meritocracy, so some teams will have multiple names, and others will have none. I favor NHL prospects over veterans who might break out in their final season and, of course, players expected to go high in the 2026 NHL draft (plus a couple for 2027).

I'm excluding Matthew Schaefer and Michael Misa because I assume they're going to stick in the NHL. But because this is the beginning of the season, there are a number of players here who started off in the NHL and may or may not come back to junior after nine games. I wasn't going to wait that long to put out this list, so I'll just mark those players with an asterisk, and if they stick all year in the NHL, good for them.

With all that out of the way, let's get to it.

*1.Brady Martin, C, Sault Ste. Marie (OHL): He made Nashville's opening roster, so the Hounds might not see him, but wherever he ends up, Martin will be a play driver with surprising strength.

2.Landon DuPont, D, Everett (WHL): With Gavin McKenna in college, DuPont becomes the phenom to watch in major junior, even though the slick blueliner isn't draft-eligible until 2027.

3.Caleb Desnoyers, C, Moncton (QMJHL): He'll miss the start of the season due to wrist surgery, but once the Utah first-rounder returns, look for a dominant two-way performance each night.

4. Ryan Roobroeck, LW, Niagara (OHL): Currently the top 2026 draft prospect playing in major junior, Roobroeck is a big winger who can really put the puck in the net.

*5. Beckett Sennecke, RW, Oshawa (OHL): Power forward who can crush you with a hit or a goal. Sennecke scored in his NHL debut with Anaheim, so let's see if he sticks.

6. Tij Iginla, C, Kelowna (WHL): With the Rockets hosting the Memorial Cup, Iginla is guaranteed great experience. The Utah first-rounder is a sharp goal-scorer with power.

7. Jake O'Brien, C, Brantford (OHL): Elite, two-way center flirted with 100 points last year; let's see if the Seattle Kraken can hit triple digits on a powerhouse Bulldogs squad.

8. Justin Carbonneau, RW, Blainville-Boisbriand (QMJHL): Another young gun on a juggernaut, Carbonneau is a St. Louis Blues first-rounder with power and hockey IQ.

*9. Sam Dickinson, D, London (OHL): Had an offensively explosion with the Knights last year, but Dickinson's size and defensive play might be his calling cards in the NHL with San Jose.

10. Ethan Belchetz, LW, Windsor (OHL): An absolute monster of a teen at 6-foot-5, 226 pounds, the 2026 draft prospect has lots of skill, but he also plays with a great physical edge.

*11. Braeden Cootes, C, Seattle (WHL): Cootes was The Guy with the Thunderbirds last year, a complete player with smarts. The Vancouver Canucks agreed, grabbing him in the first round.

12. Berkly Catton, C, Spokane (WHL): Has put up a ton of points in the 'Dub' and is still eligible for the world juniors, though Catton was strong enough to make the Kraken out of camp.

13. Kashawn Aitcheson, D, Barrie (OHL): The New York Islanders first-rounder added a bunch of offense to his game last year, while maintaining the nasty, physical game he was known for.

14. Carter Bear, LW, Everett (WHL): Awesome draft year was cut short by injury, but Bear showed he's a complete player who can rack up points. He's a Detroit Red Wings first-rounder.

15. JP Hurlbert, RW, Kamloops (WHL): An early candidate for biggest surprise, the 2026 draft prospect and ex-NTDPer has been a scoring machine for the Blazers. NCAA Michigan commit.

16. Radim Mrtka, D, Seattle (WHL): Really blossomed with the Thunderbirds last year. Mrtka is a big Buffalo Sabres first-rounder who plays with an edge and has two-way abilities.

17. Alexis Joseph, C, Saint John (QMJHL): If anyone can dethrone DuPont as the No. 1 pick in 2027, it's Joseph. He's a big, powerful center who is already off to a great start in the 'Q.'

18. Ryan Lin, D, Vancouver (WHL): An absolutely dazzling offensive defenseman who skates well and handles the puck easily, Lin is one to watch for the 2026 draft.

19. Liam Greentree, LW, Windsor (OHL): The Los Angeles Kings first-rounder is coming off a 119-point season with the Spitfires and should be a great option for Canada's WJC team.

20. Lynden Lakovic, LW, Moose Jaw (WHL): After showing well at Washington Capitals camp, the first-rounder heads back to junior, where he should dominate with his size, skating and shot.

21. Aleksei Medvedev, G, London (OHL): After a nice apprenticeship, Medvedev gets the starting role in London. The Canucks pick is a big, competitive netminder.

*22. Ben Kindel, C, Calgary (WHL): It was shocking when Pittsburgh took him 11th overall, but the two-way center with a great motor then went out and made the Pens' opening night roster.

23. Bill Zonnon, C, Blainville-Boisbriand (QMJHL): Another Pittsburgh first-rounder, Zonnon got traded to the powerhouse Armada in the summer, where his intangibles will be a plus.

24. Olivers Murnieks, C, Saint John (QMJHL): The 2026 draft prospect from Latvia had a great USHL campaign with Sioux City last year and has started off his Sea Dogs career hot.

25. Adam Benak, C, Brantford (OHL): The pint-sized Minnesota Wild pick has never had a problem putting up points, whether it was in the USHL or now with the Bulldogs.

The Top 100 NCAA Players To Watch In 2025-26The Top 100 NCAA Players To Watch In 2025-26Welcome to The New, folks. Thanks to the new NCAA eligibility rules, we have one of the most highly anticipated college seasons of all-time coming up, one loaded with all your traditional kids, plus a cohort of former major junior stars heading stateside for the first time. 

26. Cameron Reid, D, Kitchener (OHL): A great skater who defends with his feet, Reid had a ton of points last year, but the Predators first-rounder projects as more of a stopper.

27. Kevin He, LW, Niagara (OHL): Began last season on a tear for the IceDogs, now the Winnipeg Jets prospect has the chance to do even more damage with his scoring prowess.

28. Terik Parascak, RW, Prince George (WHL): One of the most pleasant surprises of the 2024 draft class, the Capitals first-rounder knows how to find the scoring areas.

29. Egor Shilov, C, Victoriaville (QMJHL): Another USHL transplant (Green Bay), Shilov is a 2026 draft prospect who has already found his scoring touch with the Tigres.

30. Daxon Rudolph, D, Prince Albert (WHL): One of the top defensemen available in the 2026 draft class, Rudolph has ideal NHL size and has been a demon on the power play for P.A.

31. Cole Beaudoin, C, Barrie (OHL): A power forward who plays a complete two-way game, Beaudoin is a Utah prospect who could be valuable at the world juniors for Canada.

32. Harrison Boettiger, G, Kelowna (WHL): The former NTDP goalie has game-stealing potential, and he'll get a great challenge with the Memorial Cup hosts before heading to NCAA Denver.

33. Joshua Ravensbergen, G, Prince George (WHL): Speaking of goaltenders, Ravensbergen was one of the best in the 2025 draft class, and now, the big tender is a San Jose prospect.

34. Jack Nesbitt, C, Windsor (OHL): A big pivot just coming into his own, Nesbitt is a Philadelphia Flyers first-rounder who could put up some nasty numbers in Windsor this year.

35. Adam Jiricek, D, Brantford (OHL): The physical defender has been plagued by knee injuries, but now healthy, he'll be a difference-maker for Brantford. Jiricek is a Blues pick.

36. Xavier Villeneuve, D, Blainville-Boisbriand (QMJHL): One of the most exciting prospects for the 2026 draft, Villeneuve makes up for his lack of size with an abundance of skill.

37. Sam O'Reilly, C, London (OHL): As a veteran on the Knights, it's O'Reilly's chance to shine. He's a two-way center and a Tampa Bay Lightning prospect with two OHL titles already.

38. Mathis Preston, C, Spokane (WHL): The talented center and 2026 draft prospect will have to do the heavy lifting for the Chiefs until (or if) Catton returns. Production will not be a problem.

39. Colin Fitzgerald, C, Peterborough (OHL): Skilled and competitive, Fitzgerald got even bigger over the summer and could be a force for the Petes. He's a 2026 draft prospect.

40. Braidy Wassilyn, LW, Niagara (OHL): Another talented forward from the OHL, Wassilyn started the season on the shelf, but he's a dynamic 2026 draft prospect.

41. Haoxi ‘Simon’ Wang, D, Oshawa (OHL): Getting reps with the Gens last year was a bonus for the raw Boston U. commit. Now a San Jose prospect, Wang has upside thanks to size and skating.

42. Blake Fiddler, D, Edmonton (WHL): Second-generation talent has enviable size and projects as a defensive defenseman, though the Kraken pick will put points in junior.

43. Maxim Masse, RW, Chicoutimi (QMJHL): Big winger has been on a goal-scoring tear to start the campaign, and that's one of his strengths. He's a Ducks prospect.

44. Maddox Schultz, C, Regina (WHL): The top pick in the WHL draft isn't eligible for the NHL draft until 2028, but he'll be a key player for Regina in the 34 games he's allowed to play.

45. Emil Hemming, RW, Barrie (OHL): The Finnish national and Dallas Stars first-rounder got used to the OHL last year; now it's time for him to dominate with his big-time shot.

46. Miroslav Holinka, C, Edmonton (WHL): Had some impressive moments in the pre-season with Toronto, and now, the Maple Leafs pick has taken his quick shot back to the Oil Kings.

47. Caleb Malhotra, C, Brantford (OHL): Manny's son is off to a lightning-fast start with Brantford, where the 2026 draft prospect will cut his teeth before heading to Boston U.

48. Carter George, G, Owen Sound (OHL): One of the top goalies in the CHL, George is a Los Angeles Kings prospect who will undoubtedly return to Canada's crease for the world juniors.

49. Giorgos Pantelas, D, Brandon (WHL): A skilled defenseman who likes to get involved, Pantelas is a 2026 draft prospect who has already nearly surpassed last year's point totals.

50. Henry Brzustewicz, D, London (OHL): Well-rounded and composed, Brzustewicz will be counted on heavily by the Knights, especially if Dickinson is gone. He's an L.A. Kings pick.

2026 NHL Draft Rankings: Ryan Kennedy's Early Top 322026 NHL Draft Rankings: Ryan Kennedy's Early Top 32With the Hlinka Gretzky Cup completed, it felt like time to kick off the 2026 NHL draft race with some rankings. 

51. Charlie Elick, D, Tri-City (WHL): Big, tenacious shutdown defenseman is a point-per-gamer early on this season, which is a nice bonus for the Columbus Blue Jackets pick.

52. Cameron Schmidt, RW, Vancouver (WHL): Size is the knock, but goal-scoring is Schmidt's calling card: he had 40 last season. The Dallas pick will be crucial for the Giants.

53. Chase Reid, D, Sault Ste. Marie (OHL): Dynamic 2026 draft prospect joined Soo from the NAHL last year and took off immediately. Reid is off to a hot start this season, as well.

54. Carson Carels, D, Prince George (WHL): Another 2026 draft prospect with a ton of skill from the back end, Carels can dazzle with the puck and also brings some edge with his game.

55. Lars Steiner, RW, Rouyn-Noranda (QMJHL): Injury will rob him of the next couple months, but the Swiss import and 2026 draft prospect is strong on the puck and puts up points.

56. Ethan Czata, C, Niagara (OHL): Drafted by Tampa Bay, Czata was a two-way center last year but has exploded offensively early on this season – so maybe the ceiling is even higher.

57. Samuel Meloche, G, Rouyn-Noranda (QMJHL): The Sabres prospect is a workhorse goaltender with good size, playing for a Huskies team that's off to a solid start.

58. Trenten Bennett, G, Owen Sound (OHL): Skyscraper netminder (he's 6-foot-8) is off to a hot start for the Attack, a team with a crowded crease situation. Bennett is a New Jersey Devils pick.

59. Julius Miettinen, C, Everett (WHL): Recently signed his entry-level contract with the Kraken, Miettinen has great size and is poised for a breakout year with the Silvertips.

60. Nikita Klepov, RW, Saginaw (OHL): The 2026 draft prospect won gold with Team USA at the Hlinka Gretzky and kicked off his OHL career as the league's early points leader.

61. Gabe Smith, C, Moncton (QMJHL): Big, tough center showed off his fist-work in the pre-season with Utah; now he's back with the Wildcats in search of another title run.

62. Pierce Mbuyi, LW, Owen Sound (OHL): Won OHL rookie of the year honors and is off to an even better offensive pace early this campaign. The 2026 draft prospect is a Penn State commit.

*63. Harrison Brunicke, D, Kamloops (WHL): Great size and skating ability are Brunicke's calling cards, and he just got his first NHL goal with the Pittsburgh Penguins.

64. Kieron Walton, LW, Sudbury (OHL): Giant winger had breakout season with the Wolves last year, so let's see what he can do as an encore. Walton is a Jets prospect.

65. Adam Jecho, C, Edmonton (WHL): Another towering forward, Jecho is a Blues pick who will once again be crucial to both the Oil Kings and the Czech world junior squad.

66. Jack Pridham, RW, Kitchener (OHL): Originally committed to Boston U., Pridham elected to stay with the Rangers after joining them last season. Chicago Blackhawks pick thrived there.

67. David Lewandowski, LW, Saskatoon (WHL): Edmonton Oilers pick is a deft playmaker with pretty decent size. The German import is piling up points early for the Blades.

68. Teddy Mutryn, C, Moncton (QMJHL): Coming over from the USHL, the stocky Mutryn plays with an edge and is already providing secondary offense for the Cats. He's a San Jose pick.

69. Christian Kirsch, G, Kitchener (OHL): Another San Jose prospect, Kirsch comes to Kitchener via Switzerland and the NAHL. Big goalie is off to a nice start with the Rangers.

70. Max Psenicka, D, Portland (WHL): Big defenseman with a lot of upside was snagged by Utah in the draft this summer. Has almost surpassed last year's point totals already.

71. Everett Baldwin, D, Saint John (QMHL): Former U.S. prep schooler brings skill from the back end to Sea Dogs before he heads to Providence College. He's a Tampa Bay pick.

72. Tyler Hopkins, C, Kingston (OHL): The combination of size and skating is alluring with the Maple Leafs pick. Hopkins is in a good development place with the Frontenacs.

73. Jacob Kvasnicka, RW, Penticton (WHL): Former NTDPer has really found his stride early with the Vees as one of the league's top producers. He's an Islanders pick.

74. Lucas Beckman, G, Baie-Comeau (QMJHL): One of the league's top goaltenders last season, the Ottawa Senators pick will now have to push through a Drakkar rebuild.

75. Christian Humphreys, C, Kitchener (OHL): Came over from NCAA Michigan last year and made an instant impact. Now the Colorado Avalanche prospect is back for more.

'How Big Are His Feet?' How Hockey Scouts And Agents Predict A Teen Prospect's Growth'How Big Are His Feet?' How Hockey Scouts And Agents Predict A Teen Prospect's GrowthIt may be the dead of summer and a quiet time in the hockey world, but I've still been to the rink once a week thanks to a numberofcamps, either skills-based or for international tournaments.

76. Markus Ruck, C, Medicine Hat (WHL): The 2026 draft prospect has a great motor and has been a difference-maker for the Tigers and Team Canada during international play.

77. Liam Ruck, RW, Medicine Hat (WHL): Of course I had to put the twin brothers together. They've got that intrinsic chemistry together, and Liam is also up for the 2026 draft (duh).

78. Owen Griffin, C, Oshawa (OHL): Two-way center took off for Generals during the playoffs, and he's elevated his game even further early on this year. Columbus grabbed him in the draft.

79. Matias Vanhanen, LW, Everett (WHL): Undrafted, but already making GMs look silly. The Finnish import has awesome hockey sense and is one of the Dub's top scorers already.

80. Ben Danford, D, Oshawa (OHL): Two-way defender showed well at Maple Leafs camp, now he enters his final year of junior as captain of the Generals.

81. Luca Romano, C, Kitchener (OHL): Great at short bursts, Romano is an Islanders pick who just needs to iron out his consistency, and Kitchener is a great place to do so.

82. Peyton Kettles, D, Swift Current (WHL): An excellent skater who plays hard, Kettles is a right-shot D-man with lots of potential. He's a Penguins draft pick.

83. Ryder Cali, LW, North Bay (OHL): The 2026 draft prospect went from the OJHL to North Bay last year, and now he's back for a full OHL campaign. Nice size and skill package.

84. Brooks Rogowski, RW, Oshawa (OHL): Monster of a winger is a 2026 draft prospect who won gold with Team USA at the Hlinka Gretzky tournament and is headed to Michigan State.

85. Matthew Gard, C, Red Deer (WHL): The Flyers pick plays the game the right way and has a great frame to build on. Might be another tough year in Red Deer, though.

86. Adam Novotny, LW, Peterborough (OHL): Highly anticipated Czech import and 2026 draft prospect arrives in Peterborough, where the Petes should have the weapons to make noise.

87. David Bedkowski, D, Owen Sound (OHL): Big converted forward plays with a physical edge and has great length. Bedkowski is a Sabres pick who thrives in his own end.

88. Blake Vanek, RW, Wenatchee (WHL): Former Minnesota high schooler and son of Thomas Vanek is a Senators pick who brings a great shot and power forward game to Wild.

89. Alexey Vlasov, LW, Victoriaville (QMJHL): Another Tigres import off to a hot start, Vlasov doesn't have a lot of size, but he can ring up points. He's a 2026 draft prospect.

90. Miroslav Satan, C, Saginaw (OHL): The towering son of the former NHLer arrives in Saginaw from the USHL. He's a Capitals pick and a shutdown forward.

91. Kaden McGregor, C, Peterborough (OHL): The top pick in the OHL draft brings a lot of skill and drive to the Petes. McGregor isn't eligible for the NHL draft until 2027.

92. Maddox Dagenais, C, Quebec (QMJHL): The 2026 draft prospect is off to a promising start after a trying rookie year in the 'Q.' Dagenais has the size and pedigree to be a player.

93. Marek Vanacker, LW, Brantford (OHL): Blackhawks prospect is coming off an injury-shortened campaign, but his early numbers are already back up to his high standard.

94. Evan Gardner, G, Saskatoon (WHL): Though he doesn't have ideal size, the Blue Jackets prospect just stops pucks and in junior, that's all you can really ask for.

95. Emile Guite, LW, Chicoutimi (QMJHL): His draft year was a frustrating nightmare, but the Anaheim Ducks scooped him up anyway, and Guite is now off to a fantastic start to this season.

96. Beckham Edwards, C, Sarnia (OHL): All this kid does is produce. Edwards is a 2026 draft prospect who finished second in Sting scoring as a rookie and currently leads the team early.

97. Liam Pue, C, Regina (WHL): The Pats' other extremely young gun, Pue is a 2028 draft prospect who tore up the new JPHL out west and is now testing his skills in the Dub.

98. Nathan Villeneuve, C, Sudbury (OHL): The type of player you simply do not want to line up against, Villeneuve is a Kraken pick who plays a hard, nasty game.

99. Jan Larys, G, Drummondville (QMJHL): The 2026 draft prospect is a Czech import with size who is off to a nice start with the Volts and will play at the QMJHL's Top Prospect Game.

100. Jaakko Wycisk, C, Guelph (OHL): Big center with great hands in tight. Wycisk was the second overall pick in the OHL draft and is eligible for the NHL version in 2027.

For action-packed issues, access to the entire magazine archive and a free issue, subscribe to The Hockey News at THN.com/free. Get the latest news and trending stories by subscribing to our newsletter here. And share your thoughts by commenting below the article on THN.com or creating your own post in our community forum.

Morning skate: Everything you need to know ahead of Predators road game against Toronto Maple Leafs

It's been a reversal of fortunes so far for the Nashville Predators to open up the regular season, as they are eyeing their third win in four games against the Toronto Maple Leafs. 

At this point last season, the Predators were 0-3-0 and had been outscored 14-6. 

Here is everything you need to know ahead of the Predators Tuesday night game at Toronto. 

Gameday 

Who: Nashville Predators (2-0-1) at Toronto Maple Leafs (1-2-0) 

Where: Scotiabank Arena, Toronto, Ont., Canada 

When: 6 p.m. CST 

TV: FanDuel Sports Network South

Radio: 102.5 The Game 

Betting line (via BetMGM): Nashville +1.5 Toronto -1.5. Over/under 6.5 (-105/-115). 

Starters: Nashville - TBD; Toronto - Cayden Primeau 

Saros standing tall

The Predators' biggest player in these last three games has been their goalie, Juuse Saros. The starter has made 89 saves on 94 shots, picking up wins over the Columbus Blue Jackets and the Ottawa Senators. 

In Monday's win over the Ottawa Senators, Saros made 32 saves on 33 shots. His 1.64 goals against average ranks ninth in the league and second among goalies that have played at least three games. Only New York's Igor Shesterkin has a better GAA, playing at least three games with a .67 stat line. 

After receiving immense criticism last season for underperforming after signing a large contract extension, Saros is looking like he's having the bounce-back year that was needed. 

3 things we saw in Nashville Predators season opening win over Columbus Blue Jackets3 things we saw in Nashville Predators season opening win over Columbus Blue JacketsFor the first time since 2019, the Nashville Predators are opening an 82-game regular season with a win at home.

Second line booming 

The Predators' combination of Michael Bunting, Erik Haula and Jonathan Marchessault has been the team's best line in the early season. 

Haula and Marchessault have three points each and Bunting has two. Marchessault also scored two goals in the Predators' win over the Senators. Haula has had a point in all three of the Predators' games. 

The line developed chemistry in the preseason and has only continued to improve upon it early in the regular season. 

Takeaways: Nashville Predators Pick Up First Road Win, Down Senators 4-1Takeaways: Nashville Predators Pick Up First Road Win, Down Senators 4-1Oct 13, 2025; Ottawa, Ontario, CAN; Ottawa Senators center Dylan Cozens (24) and Nashville Predators defenseman Nick Perbix (48) track the puck following a save by goalie Juuse Saros (74) in the first period at the Canadian Tire Centre. Marc DesRosiers-Imagn Images

Imbalanced special teams 

While the Predators' penalty-killing unit is one of the best in the NHL, their power play is one of the worst. 

Down a man, Nashville has killed off 9-of-10 penalties for a 90% execution rate, which ranks ninth in the NHL. It hadn't given up a power play goal until the game on Monday. 

On the other hand, when the Predators have a man advantage, they have scored only once in their 15 opportunities this season, resulting in a low 6% execution rate. 

Despite winning, Nashville Predators power play struggles need to be addressedDespite winning, Nashville Predators power play struggles need to be addressedJonathan Marchessault has been the first Nashville Predators player to address the elephant in the Nashville Predators locker room these past three games: the power play.

Scouting Toronto 

Unlike Nashville, the Maple Leafs have struggled out the gate.

After winning their season-opening game over Montreal, 5-2, Toronto has lost back-to-back games against the Red Wings. The most recent result was a 3-2 loss on Monday in Toronto. 

Goalie Anthony Stolarz has played in all three games, owning a goals-against average of 3.05 and a save percentage of .886. Defenseman Morgan Rielly and William Nylander have led Toronto in scoring with four points apiece.

Center Calle Jarnkrok has three goals in three games. 

The Maple Leafs have also struggled on the power play this season, failing to convert on any of their six opportunities with the man advantage. 

‘That’s Unacceptable By Us: Maple Leafs Matthew Knies Says His Team Hasn’t Played A Full 60 Minutes Through 3 Games‘That’s Unacceptable By Us: Maple Leafs Matthew Knies Says His Team Hasn’t Played A Full 60 Minutes Through 3 GamesThe Toronto Maple Leafs have opened the season with a 1-2 record , including back-to-back losses to the Detroit Red Wings, a franchise that has missed the playoffs for nine consecutive seasons.

Inactive players 

Nashville: Nicolas Hague (upper body). 

Toronto: Joseph Woll (personal), Steven Lorentz (upper body), Scott Laughton (lower body).

Three Takeaways From Flyers Home Opener Win Against Panthers

For a city that’s endured a some brutal results from their sports teams in the past week or so—the Phillies’ season ending in extra innings, the Eagles falling flat against the Giants—the Philadelphia Flyers delivered something fans desperately needed: a winning performance built on structure, fight, and proof of concept.

A 5–2 victory over the defending Stanley Cup champion Florida Panthers in the home opener wasn’t just a feel-good moment. It was the most complete game of the young season—a night where systems and execution met confidence and composure.


Vladar’s Composure Changes the Game

Dan Vladar has been nothing short of a revelation. Acquired from Calgary in July, he came to Philadelphia as a goaltender with potential but uncertainty—a career backup with undeniable potential, but for a team that has been scarred by goaltending time and time again, enough uncertainty to make fans cautious.

Through two starts, however, he’s looked spectacular.

The Panthers threw 26 shots at him, and Vladar turned aside 24, many of them clean looks from dangerous areas. He tracked the puck through layers of traffic, used his size to control the crease, and stayed calm even as Florida swarmed his net.

Dan Vladar (80). (Megan DeRuchie-The Hockey News)

What’s most impressive is his ability to handle Florida’s netfront chaos. The Panthers are masters of second and third chances; they crash hard, hunt rebounds, and force goaltenders to lose structure. Vladar didn’t.

On multiple occasions, Vladar held his positioning instead of overcommitting. He made goaltending look simple, which against Florida, is anything but.

“It feels good, for a team’s success, if you get rewarded,” Vladar said postgame. “I thought, in those first couple of games, we did a good job as well…We just gotta keep going.”

It’s not hard to see why the Flyers look so much freer, more aggressive, and more ambitious across all areas of the ice—their goaltending has giving the team every chance to win.


Couturier Is the Engine Again

Sean Couturier didn’t just produce offense; he controlled the tempo of the game.

After missing nearly two full seasons due to a back injury, the 32-year-old captain finally looks like the two-way centerman who anchored Philadelphia’s best years of the past decade. His two goals and an assist were the payoff for a game played with purpose—reading plays before they developed, dictating where the puck went, and neutralizing Florida’s top threats at even strength.

And it wasn’t just that he scored. It’s how effortless he made the game look.

Rick Tocchet praised both Couturier’s leadership and his conditioning, saying:

“He wants to prove everyone wrong. The guy’s a good player. He plays a 200-foot game, and he cares. He’s a good human being. You root for guys like that, and he had a great game for us…it’s hard to find players like [him]. He trained hard this year; he came into camp in really good condition. And when your captain comes in in good condition, it helps the coach out.”

This was a captain’s game—steady, responsible, and dominant. And for players like defenseman Travis Sanheim, who have seen Couturier through his arduous injury struggles, it's extremely encouraging to be witnessing his comeback.

"[His game against the Panthers] looked like a lot of the games I saw before he got hurt, so that's a good thing for us," Sanheim said postgame. "I feel like he does seem kind of rejuvenated a little bit this year, just maybe in the mind and the body. When you take that much time off, it takes time to get all of your game back and the ability to play with the puck. I'm really happy for him where he's at, and hopefully that continues."


The Offense Found Its Rhythm

What’s most striking about this Flyers team early on is how quickly they move the puck. Tocchet’s emphasis on fast transitions and layered zone entries is starting to bear fruit.

Against Florida, Philadelphia’s puck movement in the offensive zone looked deliberate. They cycled with pace, used their defensemen intelligently, and consistently found ways to pull the Panthers’ defensive structure out of sync.

Players like Trevor Zegras thrived in that system, using their skating and timing to create interior lanes. Zegras’ deception through the neutral zone opened seams for quick-strike entries—and a magician-like assist on one of Couturier's goals. 

The biggest difference? Patience. The Flyers didn’t force plays or settle for low-percentage perimeter shots. They worked the puck low, drew coverage, and attacked the slot—exactly what Tocchet’s system demands.


Defensive Structure: Still a Work in Progress, but Effective

With Cam York still day-to-day, Emil Andrae’s season debut was one of the most intriguing subplots of the night — and he didn’t disappoint.

Andrae’s ability to move the puck under pressure and act as a fourth attacker off the rush immediately made the Flyers’ breakout cleaner. Tocchet specifically wanted him to “eat” Florida’s forecheck and create motion from the blue line, and that’s exactly what he did.

In the defensive zone, Andrae was steady and smart—using stick positioning and quick retrievals rather than brute force physicality. That ability to retrieve, turn up ice, and find the first outlet pass was what the Flyers had been missing.

Tocchet acknowledged the challenge of being thrown into that situation:

“Yeah, I mean, it’s a tough situation [for him]. I think he did a really nice job. I give the kid a lot of credit.”

Beyond Andrae, the Flyers’ blue line as a whole showed more coordination than in previous games. Travis Sanheim his usual quietly effective game, using his reach to neutralize Florida’s cycle, while Nick Seeler provided his usual blend of physicality and simple, efficient defending.

The group still has its inconsistencies, but, overall, it was a performance the team clearly felt safe and secure in—sticks in lanes, clean exits, and controlled gaps.


Penalty Discipline Still the Loose Thread

There’s one ongoing issue that continues to shadow the Flyers: they take too many penalties.

With 15 minors in their first three games, Philadelphia is giving opponents too many chances to tilt the ice. The penalty kill, to its credit, has been sharp — aggressive up ice and quick to clear the puck — but that’s not a sustainable game plan.

Tocchet didn’t dance around the topic: “We’ve got to clean that up.”

It’s a fine balance—the Flyers want to play with emotion and bite, but they can’t afford to give away momentum through unnecessary infractions. Against Florida, discipline could have been the only thing that turned a great game into a close one.


A Night That Meant Something

The Flyers have spent months talking about culture, accountability, and identity. This was the product of those words in motion: an aggressive, cohesive, hard-checking team that’s also capable of creativity and poise.

They still need to evolve. There will be tougher nights. But against a team that measures your discipline, your speed, and your will in every shift, Philadelphia passed the test.

Former Wild Forward Named Captain Of Winnipeg Jets' AHL Team

With the NHL season underway, the American Hockey League (AHL) is also underway. The Winnipeg Jets' AHL affiliate the Manitoba Moose announced its captain for the 2025-26 season.

The former Minnesota Wild forward Mason Shaw was given the 'C' for this season.

Shaw, 26, was originally drafted by the Wild with the 97th overall pick from the 2017 NHL Draft. He played in 82 NHL games with Minnesota over three seasons. He recorded eight goals, 12 assists, 20 points, 122 hits, and 118 penalty minutes in those 82 games.

The former Wild player signed a one-year contract with the Jets after the Wild let him go to free agency after the 2023-24 season. After one year in the organization last year, Shaw resigned on another one-year deal.

The former Iowa Wild captain has recorded 60 goals, 98 assists and 158 points in 271 career AHL games.

For action-packed issues, access to the entire magazine archive and a free issue, subscribe to The Hockey News at THN.com/free. Get the latest news and trending stories by subscribing to our newsletter here. And share your thoughts by commenting below the article on THN.com.

Recent Minnesota Wild Stories

Former Wild Defenseman Plays In 1,500th Career NHL GameFormer Wild Defenseman Plays In 1,500th Career NHL GameThe former Minnesota Wild defenseman Brent Burns played in his 1,500th career NHL game with the Colorado Avalanche on Saturday against the Dallas Stars.

- Wild Place Nico Sturm On Injured Reserve.

- Wild Sign Kirill Kaprizov To An Eight-Year Contract Extension.

- Wild Claim Defenseman Daemon Hunt Off Waivers.

- Wild Sign Filip Gustavsson To A Five-Year Contract Extension.

- Wild's Mats Zuccarello Out For Two Months With Lower-Body Injury.

Ilya Sorokin’s Start Isn’t Pretty — But It’s Not The Whole Story

New York Islanders goaltender Ilya Sorokin will be the first to tell you he isn't playing his best brand of hockey.

Everyone can see that, and he told me as much on Sunday afternoon before the 5-2 loss to the Winnipeg Jets.

Through three games, Sorokin has allowed 12 total goals, posting a GAA of 4.81 with an SV% of .854, numbers that don't align with his $8.25 million salary cap hit. 

Of the 12 goals, nine of which have come at 5-on-5, he's allowed five in the first and second periods, but only two in the third. Three have come on the penalty kill.  

He's been great at keeping the Islanders in games but he's also played a part in them trailing. 

Stats are what they are, a fraction of the truth. Not all of the 12 goals that have gone past him fall on his shoulders. 

Here's the breakdown:

- Four breakaways

- Three screens

- Three backdoor plays

- One five hole

- One rebound

The five-hole goal was a brutal one for the Islanders, who had scored 14 seconds prior to cut their deficit to 2-1:

The first goal allowed on the season, Sorokin couldn't cover a loose puck while the Islanders were on the penalty kill:

The other one that Sorokin likely wants to play a bit better -- it's not his fault, but positionally -- is Winnipeg's fourth goal, as he lost his crease. But a failed backcheck on the high guy by Alexander Romanov is the sole reason why Tanner Pearson was able to score one of the easiest goals of his life:

At 5-on-5, allowing nine goals, MoneyPuck says that his xGA was 7.41, meaning that his GSAE is -1.6. A goalie never wants to be in the negatives. 

Collectively, Sorokin has faced the most high-danger shots in the NHL at 34, leading the NHL with 27 high-danger saves. His high-danger save percentage of .794% ranks ninth out of 20 when it comes to goaltenders who have played in two-plus games.

Islanders Defense Breakdown Through First Three GamesIslanders Defense Breakdown Through First Three GamesThrough three games this season, the New York Islanders (0-3-0) have been outscored 13-7.

Sorokin has faced 82 shots, the seventh most, allowing 12 goals, sitting tied with Calgary Flames netminder Dustin Wolf and Ottawa Senators netminder Linus Ullmark. 

The Islanders need Sorokin to be better, especially early in games.

But the Islanders need to play better in front of him, regardless of his price tag, which is a tale as old as time. 

"I got a lot of trust in him, a lot of trust in him," Islanders head coach Patrick Roy said on Monday evening. 

Sorokin is expected to start against the Edmonton Oilers on Thursday. 

Jeff Blashill gets his first win as coach of the Chicago Blackhawks

CHICAGO — Jeff Blashill’s first three games with the Chicago Blackhawks were one-goal losses decided in the third period or overtime.

His fourth one was a long-awaited victory.

Blashill directed Chicago to a 3-1 win over Utah on Monday night for his first victory since he was hired by the Blackhawks in May.

“It was really disappointing over the first three games that we had moments of good hockey and put ourselves in position to win and didn’t,” Blashill said. “So to get the win is nice. For me personally, it’s, you know, it’s a good feeling. You want to get that first one out of the way, and hopefully there’s many more to come.”

Blashill, 51, is beginning his second stint as a head coach in the NHL after he went 204-261-72 in seven seasons with Detroit. He was an assistant with Tampa Bay for the previous three years.

The Michigan native is hoping to lead the Blackhawks out of a painful rebuilding project that had the team in last place in the Central Division in each of the previous three years.

This season just started, but there have been some encouraging signs.

“I like him as a coach and a person,” goaltender Spencer Knight said. “I really appreciate his eye for details, for building a style that is sustainable over time to win not just one hockey game in October, but to build a system that can win continuously over the course of a season and then hopefully into the postseason. That’s what really matters.”

The Blackhawks were tied at 2 after two periods in each of their first three games. They lost 4-3 in overtime at Boston on Thursday night. They dropped their home opener on Saturday on Kaiden Guhle’s goal with 15.7 seconds left, lifting Montreal to a 3-2 win.

Blashill’s team had a 1-0 lead over Utah before JJ Peterka scored for the Mammoth 1:02 into the third period. But Andre Burakovsky scored a power-play goal for Chicago at 8:55, and Ilya Mikheyev helped close it out with an empty-netter in the final seconds for his second goal of the night.

“We’ve been in this situation four times now where you know they’re one-goal games late,” Blashill said. “That’s a good thing. But you have to find ways to win. You can’t just be close in those games. You have to continue to find ways to win, which we did tonight.”

Like Knight, the 30-year-old Burakovsky also praised Blashill’s attention to details, and he said it played a role in the victory over the Mammoth.

“I think today, even though we maybe didn’t have so much puck the whole time, I think our details on the defensive side were really good,” he said. “And that’s something we’ve been working on. So good job by him to help us get through there.”

New Blackhawks Forward Is Already Impressing

Andre Burakovsky (© Matt Marton-Imagn Images)

The Chicago Blackhawks did not have the busiest of off-seasons this year, but they still did add a few players to their roster. The most notable of their newcomers is forward Andre Burakovsky. 

The Blackhawks acquired Burakovsky from the Seattle Kraken back in June in exchange for Joe Veleno. However, Veleno did not end up staying with the Kraken, as the Pacific Division club bought him out shortly after the trade. Now, Veleno is playing for the Montreal Canadiens. 

Early on this season with the Blackhawks, it is clear that Burakovsky is making an impact. In four games on the year, the 30-year-old winger has recorded two goals and one assist. This includes him scoring the Blackhawks' game-winning goal during their Oct. 13 matchup against the Utah Mammoth on the power play. 

Burakovsky also had a solid game against the Boston Bruins on Oct. 9, as he scored a goal and recorded an assist in the Blackhawks' 4-3 overtime loss. With this, Burakovsky has been giving the Blackhawks decent offensive production early on this season.

It will now be interesting to see if Burakovsky can keep this kind of play for the Blackhawks from here. So far, the 2013 first-round pick is certainly doing his job for the Blackhawks. 

Sabres Scrambling To Find Their Offensive Mojo

It may not have been possible for the Buffalo Sabres season to have gotten off to a worse start, as the club struggled to maintain any level of consistency in a 3-1 loss to the Colorado Avalanche on a holiday Monday matinee. The Sabres have started the campaign at 0-3, lost center Josh Norris to an upper body injury, and have struggled to generate any consistent offensive attack.

"The start the season is not where you want to be at all, and we've just got to find a way to win here." Sabres winger Tage Thompson said after the game.  "We're struggling to score, which in turn means we're not winning. That's what it is right now, and that's it's on me. I gotta find ways to score more and bear down, generate more chances. But that's a situation where we're in right now and we've got to find a way out."

Other Sabres Stories

Projecting Sabres Trade Cost - Lawson Crouse 

Six Former Sabres Who Signed Elsewhere

Buffalo were shutout in the season opener by Vezina winner Igor Shesterkin, but managed only a third period goal from Jason Zucker in a 3-1 loss in Boston on Saturday. On Monday, Thompson scored his first of the season, responding to Nathan MacKinnon’s opening goal in the first period, but Cale Makar and MacKinnon put the Avalanche ahead in the second period, and Buffalo showed a surprising lack of urgency in the final frame, managing only four shots on goal on Colorado goalie Scott Wedgewood. 

"I didn't like our third, I thought we were overplaying (our) top-four (defense) I don't think we got up ice enough to help our forwards out and they broke it out quicker." Sabres head coach Lindy Ruff said. "Some of our execution, leaving the zone, it wasn't near as clean as it was in the first two periods."

For the second straight home game, Sabres fans booed the club for their effort and on Monday chants for the firing of GM Kevyn Adams were heard for the first time. Buffalo four of their next five games at home and has to be hoping for a quick reversal of their fortunes, otherwise the chants for change will grow louder. 

 

Follow Michael on X, Instagram  @MikeInBuffalo

Toronto Maple Leafs Prospect Suspended Pending Review For Late Blindside Hit

Kitchener Rangers forward Matthew Hlacar. Photo credit: Natalie Shaver/OHL Images

The Toronto Maple Leafs took a flyer on Kitchener Rangers’ enforcer forward Matthew Hlacar when they selected him 217th overall in the seventh round of the 2025 NHL Draft. A new philosophy has been adopted in the way Toronto drafts under Brad Treliving compared to former GM Kyle Dubas, and the selection of Hlacar further exemplifies that. 

Hlacar plays the game in the old-fashioned style. He is aggressive, aiming to inflict pain with his hits, and is not afraid to drop his gloves and engage in a fight. This often leads him to spend time in the penalty box multiple times during a game. At times, his actions exceed acceptable limits, prompting intervention from the OHL's player safety department.

The Maple Leafs prospect finds himself in hot water already, just four games into the season. 

On October 10, Kitchener drove into Sault Ste. Marie to face off against the Greyhounds. Early in the second frame, Hlacar took a checking from behind penalty on Greyhounds’ defenseman Hunter Solomon. He was assessed a two-minute minor penalty on the play and answered the bell, shedding the gloves with Solomon’s defense partner, Spencer Evans. 

Later in that same period, Hlacar threw a blindside hit on Jakub Winkelhofer after he distributed the puck. 

The Toronto seventh-rounder was assessed a match penalty for blindsiding and kicked out of the game. Not only was the hit a clear blindside, but it also appeared to be late. Hlacar had plenty of time to let up on the hit. 

His actions have prompted the OHL’s department of player safety to suspend him indefinitely pending review. Through four games this season, Hlacar has already totaled 24 penalty minutes.


Make sure you bookmark THN's OHL site for the latest news, exclusive interviews, breakdowns, and so much more. Also, be sure to leave a comment at the bottom of the page and engage with other passionate fans through our forum.

Latest OHL News:

Heartwarming Support: Former OHL Teammates Celebrated Maple Leafs Prospect's Debut on the Big StageHeartwarming Support: Former OHL Teammates Celebrated Maple Leafs Prospect's Debut on the Big StageThe <a href="https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/toronto-maple-leafs">Toronto Maple Leafs</a> may have lost their Thanksgiving Monday matinee game against the <a href="https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/detroit-red-wings">Detroit Red Wings</a>, but one former OHL MVP, a two-time OHL champion, and a Memorial Cup champion experienced a special moment after spending the first two games of the season in the press box. Former London Knight Impressing Maple Leafs Organization & FanbaseFormer London Knight Impressing Maple Leafs Organization & FanbaseThe majority of NHL teams have kicked off their pre-season this past weekend, including the <a href="https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/toronto-maple-leafs">Toronto Maple Leafs</a>. Training camp and pre-season are opportunities for younger players in the system to impress coaches and management and make a name for themselves.&nbsp; 5 Rookies Who Could Dominate The OHL Rookie Of The Year Race5 Rookies Who Could Dominate The OHL Rookie Of The Year RaceOwen Sound Attack forward <a href="https://thehockeynews.com/ohl/players/owen-sound-attacks-rookie-sensation-has-truly-stepped-up-his-game-positioning-himself-as-a-strong-contender-for-rookie-of-the-year">Pierce Mbuyi</a> was awarded the Emms Family Award as <a href="https://chl.ca/ohl/video/attacks-pierce-mbuyi-earns-emms-family-award-as-ohl-rookie-of-the-year/">OHL Rookie of the Year</a> last season after recording an incredible 29 goals and 52 points in 63 games. He set a new single-season points record by a 16-year-old Owen Sound rookie.&nbsp;

NHL Rumor Roundup: Who Could The Rangers And Golden Knights Target Via Trade Or Free Agency?

The New York Rangers were expected to pursue one of the big-ticket players in next summer's UFA market.

However, the recent signings of Edmonton's Connor McDavid, Minnesota's Kirill Kaprizov, Vegas' Jack Eichel and Winnipeg's Kyle Connor could change their approach.

Peter Baugh of The Athletic wondered which players the Rangers could target now. He pointed out that they face a difficult decision with Artemi Panarin. The 33-year-old left winger is now the biggest name remaining in the UFA market.

Baugh noted that the Rangers have no obvious choice to replace Panarin's production if they let him go to market next July. However, signing a player who turns 34 later this month to an expensive new contract comes with risk, especially when core forwards J.T. Miller, Mika Zibanejad and Vincent Trocheck are 32 years old.

The Rangers could have several options. Baugh suggested they consider pursuing a younger UFA forward, such as Adrian Kempe of the Los Angeles Kings, Alex Tuch of the Buffalo Sabres or Martin Necas of the Colorado Avalanche. They're not elite-level stars, but one of them could help to boost the Rangers' offense.

Turning to the trade market is another possibility. Baugh mentioned Jason Robertson as an option, depending on how his contract negotiations with the Dallas Stars progress. The 26-year-old left winger is due to become an RFA with arbitration rights this summer. The Stars could peddle him next summer if they're unable to re-sign him.

Rasmus Andersson, William Karlsson and Dustin Wolf (Sergei Belski-Imagn Images)

Meanwhile, the Vegas Golden Knights could be in the market to replace Alex Pietrangelo. The veteran defenseman is sidelined for the season and the playoffs, recovering from a nagging hip injury.

Case Keefer of the Las Vegas Sunsuggested Rasmus Andersson as a trade target. The 28-year-old Calgary Flames defenseman is UFA-eligible next July and the frequent subject of trade conjecture since the spring.

The Flames could attempt to move Andersson before the March 6 trade deadline. Keefer noted that the Golden Knights are rumored to be his preferred trade destination.

Keefer pointed out that Mitch Marner was linked to the Golden Knights last season before eventually landing in Vegas. He said it'll be financially trickier for the Golden Knights to acquire Andersson but didn't dismiss the possibility.

Vegas is pressed for cap room after placing Pietrangelo on LTIR. They'll have to shed salary if they hope to acquire the remainder of Andersson's cap hit by the trade deadline.

For action-packed issues, access to the entire magazine archive and a free issue, subscribe to The Hockey News at THN.com/free. Get the latest news and trending stories by subscribing to our newsletter here. And share your thoughts by commenting below the article on THN.com or creating your own post in our community forum.