Category: NHL

The Toronto Maple Leafs can take a moment to exhale.

During the third period of Saturday's game against the Pittsburgh Penguins, Oliver Ekman-Larsson went to the dressing room with an upper-body injury and didn't return. Despite several people saying he'd be alright after the game, there were still questions about whether Toronto would lose another defenseman to injury.

It wasn't only that; Ekman-Larsson's first-period goal against the Penguins put him one game closer to Maple Leafs history. He has tallied a point in nine straight games for Toronto and is one game away from tying the franchise record for the longest point streak by a defenseman.

The record was set by Tom Kurvers, who had points in 10-straight games during the 1989-90 season.

So there was a bit of relief when the defenseman stepped onto the ice for practice on Monday afternoon in Florida. He returned to the same spot he played on Saturday night, alongside Morgan Rielly on the top defense pairing.

#Leafs lines at practice Dec. 1/25

Knies-Matthews-Domi
Cowan-Tavares-Nylander
Joshua-Roy-McMann
Lorentz-Laughton-Robertson
Extra, Maccelli, Jarnkrok

Rielly-OEL
McCabe-Stecher
Benoit-Myers
Mermis

Woll
Hildeby @BodogCApic.twitter.com/wg2LHgzz0S

— David Alter (@dalter) December 1, 2025

"Nothing major," Ekman-Larsson said when asked what kept him out of the third period against Pittsburgh. "Yeah, I'm not giving much there, but I'm fine. I'm feeling good. So just taking care of the body and making sure that it was all good."

Ekman-Larsson has been one of Toronto's top-producing players this season. The 34-year-old has registered four goals and 16 assists through 25 games this season, all while averaging 20:46 of ice time.

His 20 points are tied with Rielly for the most among Maple Leafs defensemen. Even at his age, Ekman-Larsson is playing a strong two-way game.

"Yeah, he's got a full package that way," said Maple Leafs head coach Craig Berube.

"He likes to be physical and get involved. And obviously, he has the ability to shoot pucks and make plays, which he has. He's done a great job for us. Like I talk about, he's a selfless player. He does what we ask of him, where to play, right side, left side. He does a lot, and it's been very good for a while now."

'That's What Happens When You Get Scratched': Max Domi Responds With Big Game Vs. Penguins After Maple Leafs' BenchingDomi's two points came in the back half of Toronto's lopsided win over the Penguins.

Not only is he among the top in points for Maple Leafs defensemen, but Ekman-Larsson is also first for points among Swedish-born defenders. The second spot belongs to Calgary Flames defenseman Rasmus Andersson, who has five goals and 18 points in 27 games.

Ekman-Larsson chalked up his strong start to the season to shooting the puck more and moving his legs. He added that the number of points he puts up doesn't creep into his mind much and that much of his focus is on helping the Maple Leafs win hockey games.

But did Ekman-Larsson know on Monday that he was one game away from a franchise record, and that he could do it against his former Florida Panthers teammates?

"No, I didn't know that. Thanks for telling me," he laughed. "No pressure."

Latest stories:

Maple Leafs' Brandon Carlo Returns To Toronto 'To Get Looked At By Doctor' After Injury Setback

'Nothing You Need To Worry About': William Nylander Shines In Return After Illness, Deflects Questions On Absence

Oliver Ekman-Larsson Approaches Maple Leafs Record But Exits With Upper-Body Injury vs. Penguins

Sometimes, an NHL player can have a hot week despite their team being on a cold streak and vice-versa.

Take Utah Mammoth center Logan Cooley, for example. He had seven points in four games this past week despite the team going 1-3-0 and suffering a lower-body injury against the St. Louis Blues on Saturday.

Dylan Strome, meanwhile, had an assist in four games this past week, while the Washington Capitals had a perfect 4-0-0 week.

But for these players featured in this week's edition of who's hot and cold in the NHL, they played important roles in their squad's successes or struggles since Nov. 24.

Hot: Nikita Kucherov, RW, Tampa Bay Lightning

The Lightning are third in the NHL after starting the season 1-4-2. Kucherov's reliable heaps of offense lead the way.

In four games over the past week, Kucherov generated a league-leading nine assists and 10 points. He's on a five-game multi-point streak and a nine-game point streak, totalling 17 points since Nov. 15. The 32-year-old's season stats now include 21 assists and 32 points in 23 games.

You can see, then, why Kucherov is so crucial to Tampa Bay's blueprint for success. When he's feeling it, Kucherov can be a threat as a goal-scorer as easily as he can be a threat as a playmaker. He supplies exactly what's asked of him, even when what's asked of him is quite a lot. 

Cold: Brady Skjei, D, Nashville Predators

Two seasons ago with the Carolina Hurricanes, Skjei posted 13 goals and 47 points in 80 games. This year, with the sad-sack Predators, the 31-year-old blueliner has been largely invisible – including this past week, when he generated zero points and a minus-2 rating in four games. 

Skjei has only six points and a minus-16 rating in 25 games this year. Those are hardly the numbers the Preds wanted from him when they signed him to a seven-year contract worth $7 million per season two summers ago. But going through five percent of the season without even a secondary assist has to be particularly concerning for Nashville management.

Hot: Wyatt Johnston, C, Dallas Stars

The Stars have gone 8-1-1 in their past 10 games, and they're on a four-game win streak.

In the past week, Johnston put the team on his back. On Sunday against the Ottawa Senators, he recorded a hat trick and his second four-point game of the week to give him five goals and nine points in four games.

The 22-year-old Johnston – who began a five-year contract worth $8.4 million annually – now has 16 goals and 30 points in 26 games, putting him in a tie with star Jason Robertson as the top goal-scorer on the Stars. 

Johnston is well on his way to surpassing his career highs of 33 goals and 71 points, set last season. And although Robertson and star right winger Mikko Rantanen have more points than Johnston, the youngster is establishing himself as one of Dallas' most dangerous producers.

Cold: Cam Talbot, G, Detroit Red Wings

The Red Wings have done well with Talbot for most of this year, as he began the past week with a 9-2-0 record.

But since then, Talbot has gone 0-2-1, allowing 11 goals on 67 shots for a 3.69 goals-against average and a .836 save percentage. His save percentages in his three games were .800, .821 and .895. In that third game, a 3-2 shootout loss to the Boston Bruins on Saturday, Talbot had 0.44 goals saved above expected, according to moneypuck.com, but in the two starts before that, that stat was in the negatives.

The 38-year-old Talbot isn't in danger of losing playing time to veteran John Gibson, whose numbers this season are considerably worse than Talbot's. But the Wings do need Talbot and their defense to ratchet up their games if they're to withstand the competition in the Atlantic Division and hang onto a playoff berth. 

Hot: Andrei Vasilevskiy, G, Tampa Bay Lightning

Not only did Kucherov have an outstanding week, but Vasilevskiy did as well for the Lightning. He had a 3-0-0 record, .955 SP and 1.33 GAA since Nov. 24, when he shut out the Philadelphia Flyers. 

Vasilevskiy stopped 85 of 89 shots he saw this week, and it doesn't get much better than that for a goalie. The Lightning have a workhorse and a dynamic force in net who ranks fifth in goals saved above expected, at 13.6. While his stats weren't immune from the Lightning's rough start to the season, his 2.32 GAA and .918 SP make it seem like it never happened.

---

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 Pittsburgh Penguins will start December with a game against one of their biggest rivals. 

They're set to play the Philadelphia Flyers in Philadelphia on Monday. This is a Flyers team that has won three in a row and five of six. They recently beat the New Jersey Devils 5-3 on Saturday. 

The Flyers have gotten great goaltending from Dan Vladar this season, and he is set to start in this game. He is 10-4-1 with a 2.43 goals-against average and a .912 save percentage. 

The Flyers have also gotten some great play from forward Trevor Zegras. He has nine goals and 24 points in 24 games after the Flyers acquired him from the Anaheim Ducks during the offseason. He has been everything they have needed and then some. 

Travis Konecny has also been good to start the year, racking up five goals and 19 points. Owen Tippett, who is tied for second on the Flyers in goals with Matvei Michkov, has also played well. 

The Penguins will be making a few lineup changes for Monday's game after they sent Tristan Broz and Danton Heinen back to Wilkes-Barre/Scranton on Sunday. They recalled Rutger McGroarty and Boko Imama before the morning skate on Monday, and head coach Dan Muse confirmed after the skate that both players will be in the lineup. 

McGroarty was skating on the "kids" line with Ben Kindel and Ville Koivunen, and Imama was skating on the fourth line with Connor Dewar and Blake Lizotte. 

Tristan Jarry will start in goal after another stellar performance against the Columbus Blue Jackets on Friday.

Connor Clifton looks likely to replace Matt Dumba after he skated on the third pair with Ryan Graves.

Here's what the full lines looked like during the morning skate:

Forwards

Hayes-Crosby-Rust

Novak-Malkin-Mantha

McGroarty-Kindel-Koivunen

Dewar-Lizotte-Imama

Defense

Wotherspoon-Karlsson

Shea-Letang

Graves-Clifton

---

Puck drop is set for 7 p.m. ET on SportsNet Pittsburgh and NHL Network. You can also listen to the game on 105.9 'The X.'

---

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

It is hard to stick out as a prospect in the Chicago Blackhawks organization. There have been so many good ones over the last handful of years, and many of them are already making their mark on the NHL roster. 

Down in the AHL, Nick Lardis is doing everything he can to earn his first career NHL call-up. After scoring 71 goals for the Brantford Bulldogs of the OHL last season, he came into this year looking to translate that success to pro hockey. 

Lardis was impressive in training camp and during the preseason, but due to his status in the organization, combined with the limited roster space, he was assigned to the AHL to start the year with the Rockford IceHogs. 

The questions of his success in major-junior translating to pro hockey have been answered. He has been incredible with the Hogs. After his three-point performance against the Milwaukee Admirals on Sunday, he now has 11 goals and 11 assists for 22 points in 20 games played. 

When down 1-0, Lardis made a great play that led to Joey Anderson tying the game. That 1-1 score held into the third period. It was then Nick Lardis who scored a power play goal to give the Hogs their first lead of the game. He later scored his second of the game to make it 3-1. 

Milwaukee added a second goal before the game was over, but Rockford held on to win 3-2. Lardis decided to take over again and lead his team to victory. 

Watch Every Nick Lardis Point

Lardis & Anderson putting on the pressure to tie the game 😤 https://t.co/ULdCxzLjPNpic.twitter.com/lrBHI1yM5m

— Rockford IceHogs (@goicehogs) November 30, 2025

Not to be dramatic but this is a must see power play goal 😳 https://t.co/wAKzRYUfNnpic.twitter.com/vbueNdxj6Q

— Rockford IceHogs (@goicehogs) December 1, 2025

We’ll take that, thank you!! https://t.co/lva6O41SRNpic.twitter.com/yPnP8JxlTn

— Rockford IceHogs (@goicehogs) December 1, 2025

Next Up For Nick Lardis

Nick Lardis and the Rockford IceHogs take on the Colorado Eagles on Friday, December 5th at 7 PM CT. This will take place at the BMO Center in Rockford. Eventually, especially if he keeps up his point-per-game pace, Lardis will get to make his NHL debut with the Chicago Blackhawks. 

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

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.

Grand Rapids Griffins goaltender Sebastian Cossa has been named the AHL Player of the Week after a flawless three-start stretch that helped the team extend its record-setting season start to 16-1-0-1.

Cossa posted a 1.33 goals-against average, a .945 save percentage, and a shutout against the Iowa Wild last Sunday, cementing his impact between the pipes. The 15th overall pick by the Detroit Red Wings in the 2021 NHL Draft has been sensational this season, boasting an 8-1-0 record with two shutouts, a 1.56 GAA, and a .942 save percentage in nine appearances.

Brick Wall Award: Accepted 👊‼️ #GoGRG

DETAILS | 🔗 https://t.co/SxdkN8Fkr1pic.twitter.com/YAm4W8bPR3

— Grand Rapids Griffins (@griffinshockey) December 1, 2025

He leads the AHL in both goals-against average and save percentage and ranks among the top in wins and shutouts. This marks the second time in his career he has earned Player of the Week honors, previously doing so in February 2024.

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

Cossa reached a major milestone earlier this season against the Texas Stars, notching his 50th career win as a Griffin and joining an elite group of eight goaltenders in franchise history to reach that mark. He also recorded a career-high five-game win streak from October 10 to November 19 and is currently on a three-game winning streak.

Over four AHL seasons, Cossa has posted a 52-26-14 record with five shutouts in 93 games, alongside a 2.43 GAA and .912 save percentage. Last season, he made his first AHL All-Star Classic and ranked among league leaders in minutes, games played, goals-against average, and save percentage, finishing with a 21-15-6 record.

“I’ll take that” - Cossa 🤣🥅 pic.twitter.com/ywsDV6AbKN

— Grand Rapids Griffins (@griffinshockey) December 22, 2024

Cossa’s hot play has put him on the radar for an NHL call-up, especially as Red Wings veterans John Gibson (3.59 GAA, .865 save percentage) and Cam Talbot (2.88 GAA, .887 save percentage) struggle this season. He has already proven he can handle the NHL stage, making his debut last December in Buffalo with a 6-5 victory, stopping 12 shots and three in the shootout.

With Cossa in net, the Griffins’ historic start shows no signs of slowing, and the young goaltender continues to make a strong case for his future at the NHL level.

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

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.

Four of five players acquitted of sexual assault in this year's Hockey Canada trial have pro contracts as their NHL suspensions end.

A judge in London, Ont., found Michael McLeod, Carter Hart, Alex Formenton, Dillon Dube and Cal Foote not guilty of sexual assault in July. They were initially charged in connection with allegations stemming from the aftermath of a 2018 gala celebrating that year's Canadian world junior team.

All of them but Dube now have a contract after Foote signed with the AHL's Chicago Wolves on Monday.

The NHL announced in September the five players were suspended until Dec. 1, but they were eligible to sign contracts as of Oct. 15. The league's investigation concluded that while the players' conduct wasn't criminal, it did not meet the "highest level of moral integrity."

Here's the latest on each player.

Carter Hart, G, Vegas Golden Knights

Hart, 27, signed a two-year contract worth $2 million annually with the Vegas Golden Knights in late October.

In preparation for his return to NHL action, Hart played three games for the AHL's Henderson Silver Knights. He went 1-2-0 in his three starts, posting a 3.07 goals-against average and .839 save percentage. He last played on Friday, stopping 12 of 16 shots.

Vegas recalled Hart from his conditioning stint on Sunday. The team faces the Chicago Blackhawks on Tuesday at home before embarking on a five-game road trip against five Metropolitan Division squads.

Cal Foote, D, Chicago Wolves (AHL)

Foote, 26, joined the Wolves on an AHL contract. The Wolves are the AHL affiliate of the Carolina Hurricanes, but Foote would have to sign an NHL contract to be eligible for a call-up.

Foote last played in 2024-25 for Liptovsky Mikulas in the top-tier league in Slovakia, finishing third on the team in scoring with 30 points in 38 games. He last played in the AHL in 2023-24 before taking a leave of absence. That season, he had nine points in 24 games for the Utica Comets.

Alex Formenton, LW, Ambri-Piotta (Sui.)

Formenton, 26, signed with Swiss National League club HC Ambri-Piotta in September. The contract runs through the international break at the end of December and carries an option through the end of the season.

In 20 games, Formenton has five goals, nine points and 36 penalty minutes.

Formenton remains an RFA whose NHL rights belong to the Ottawa Senators. If he doesn't sign a contract by 5 p.m. ET on Monday, he cannot play in the NHL this season.

The Ottawa Citizen's Bruce Garrioch reported the Senators have tried to trade Formenton's rights elsewhere in exchange for a draft pick. Senators GM Steve Staios and Formenton's agent, Darren Ferris, agreed over the summer that the player's best bet was a change of scenery.

As of Monday morning in Ottawa, there is "virtually no chance" a trade will happen, Garrioch reported.

Michael McLeod, C, Omsk (Rus.)

McLeod, 27, returned to Avangard Omsk in the KHL this season after playing part of the 2024-25 campaign with them.

In 17 games, McLeod has five goals and seven assists for 12 points. He ranks eighth on the team in scoring.

Last season, McLeod had six points in 16 games for Barys Astana in the KHL before joining Omsk and posting 13 points in 19 games. He added eight points in nine playoff matches.

While he, Hart, Formenton, Dube and Foote faced one charge each of sexual assault, McLeod faced an additional charge of party to the offense. He was found not guilty of both counts.

Dillon Dube, C, Unsigned

Dube, 27, has not played for a pro hockey team this season so far.

He last played for the KHL's Dinamo Minsk in 2024-25, recording four goals and 11 points in 42 games. He went without a point in four post-season games as well.

Dube played six season for the Calgary Flames, recording 127 points in 325 NHL games.

In September, Calgary Flames GM Craig Conroy said at that point, the team was not interested in signing the UFA.

---

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 Charlotte Checkers announced they have signed free agent forward Robby Fabrri to a professional tryout (PTO).

Fabbri attended Pittsburgh Penguins training camp on a PTO but was released after suffering an injury.

The 29-year-old recorded eight goals and 16 points in 44 games with the Anaheim Ducks last season.

Originally a first round selection of the St. Louis Blues in 2014,  Fabbri has 106 goals and 216 points in 442 career NHL games with the Blues, Ducks, and Detroit Red Wings. He won the Stanley Cup with the Blues in 2019. 

The Mississauga, Ont., native has six points in six career AHL games, he last played in the league with the San Antonio Rampage in Oct. 2018.

The Checkers have signed forward Robby Fabbri to a professional tryout (PTO).

➡️https://t.co/5mhKlShCmXpic.twitter.com/5z1zEYjTOW

— Charlotte Checkers (@CheckersHockey) December 1, 2025

A gold medal winner with Team Canada at the 2015 World Junior Championship, Fabbri's offensive ability will be nice boost to an already strong Charlotte team as he looks to work his way back to the NHL.

The Florida Panthers AHL affiliate, the Charlotte Checkers, have signed veteran winger Robby Fabbri to a professional tryout.

The 29-year-old has played in 442 games in the NHL, scoring 106 goals and 216 points. His nine NHL seasons have been spent with the St. Louis Blues, Detroit Red Wings and the Anaheim Ducks. He was originally selected by the Blues in the first round (21st overall) in the 2014 NHL draft. 

Fabbri has little AHL experience, skating in just six games, but the skilled winger has found it increasingly difficult to lock down spots on NHL lineups. Last season with the Ducks, Fabbri scored just eight goals and 16 points in 44 games. 

He's played more than 60 games just twice in his NHL career. Although he hasn't had the individual success many thought he could achieve, he's won at multiple levels. He was part of the Blues' 2019 Stanley Cup win, won gold with Team Canada at the world juniors and won an OHL championship with the Guelph Storm. 

He hasn't played any professional hockey games since pre-season, when he was on a PTO with the Pittsburgh Penguins, so it may take a little while for Fabbri to get his legs under him, but he should be a top-end contributor on the Checkers once he does get back into game shape. 

The Checkers currently sit in fifth place in the Atlantic Division and are just three points back of third place despite playing three fewer games. The Checkers have struggled to score goals this season, and Fabbri should help the team improve offensively. 

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 Winnipeg Jets have yet to confirm whether rookie goaltender Thomas Milic will start Monday night against the Buffalo Sabres as the situation mirrors last week when the team waited until the last moment to announce he would be making his NHL debut.

Milic’s first appearance in the league delivered a mixed but encouraging performance for fans. The 22-year-old from New Westminster, British Columbia stopped 30 of 34 shots and played a significant role in keeping the Jets competitive during difficult stretches. He made eight saves in the first 11 minutes and helped shut down four Carolina power plays throughout the game, showing poise in high-pressure situations.

His debut also included a few rookie moments as one power play opportunity for the Hurricanes resulted from Milic misplaying the puck behind the net, although he recovered and made important stops during the penalty kill. Defensive breakdowns in front of him led to three of the goals against, beginning with the opener when Shayne Gostisbehere carried the puck deep and found Winnipeg-born forward Seth Jarvis uncovered in the high slot. Jarvis released a low wrist shot that slipped past Milic for the game’s first goal.

Traffic in front of the crease remained a problem for Milic and the Jets throughout as the second goal against came in the second period, when Logan Stanley and William Carrier battled for position and Jordan Martinook snapped a shot through a crowd. Minutes later, Jarvis struck again from the high slot, uncovered while Josh Morrissey slightly drifted into Milic’s line of sight as the shot sailed over the rookie’s glove.

Jarvy does it again 👊 pic.twitter.com/I1zbQwyXur

— Carolina Hurricanes (@Canes) November 29, 2025

All of the goals to that point beat Milic on the glove side, a concern as the Jets prepare for a Sabres team that features elite shooters in Alex Tuch and Tage Thompson. The most troubling moment for Milic came in the final seconds when defenseman Alexander Nikishin fired a point shot from the boards that beat Milic clean on the blocker side.

The Jets hope Milic can build on the experience and deliver a stronger performance if he gets the call against Buffalo. The matchup would typically be considered a step down in difficulty since Milic is coming off a game against the top team in the Eastern Conference. The Sabres, however, have surged with five wins in their last eight outings while averaging 3.63 goals per game during that run, which ranks sixth in the NHL over the same span.

Winnipeg will need to tighten its defensive structure regardless of who starts in goal, but additional support would be especially valuable for a rookie still adjusting to NHL speed. The Sabres and Jets will take center stage as the featured game on Amazon’s Monday Night Hockey.

Jets Aim To Build Momentum Versus Surging SabresThe Jets look to build on their skid-snapping win and regain momentum as they take on a surging Sabres team that has won five of their last eight 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 or creating your own post in our community forum.

The St. Louis Blues have recalled center Aleksanteri Kaskimaki amid injury news to Jimmy Snuggerud and Alexey Toropchenko.

Snuggerud will be re-evaluated in six weeks following surgery to repair his left wrist, and Toropchenko has been given a week-to-week timeline after sustaining scalding burns to his legs in a home accident.

Amidst the injury news, Kaskimaki is earning his first call-up to the NHL and is likely to skate in his first career NHL game. The 21-year-old is participating in his second AHL season with the Springfield Thunderbirds and has scored four goals and seven points in 16 games. 

Kaskimaki is on pace for 17 goals and 30 points in 69 games, which would be in and around his rookie season totals of 11 goals and 34 points in 63 games. 

The Espoo, FIN native skated in three pre-season games this season, scoring a goal in his final outing against the Chicago Blackhawks. 

The Blues host the Anaheim Ducks tonight, and it has yet to be confirmed whether Kaskimaki will be in the lineup. Pius Suter was held out of the lineup with a lower-body injury on Saturday, but his current status is questionable. If he is unable to play, the Blues' third-round pick (73rd overall) in the 2022 NHL Draft will make his NHL debut. 

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.

After sending Danton Heinen and Tristan Broz to Wilkes-Barre/Scranton on Sunday, the Pittsburgh Penguins recalled two players from WBS on Monday.

They recalled Rutger McGroarty and Boko Imama ahead of Monday's game against the Philadelphia Flyers. McGroarty has been one of the best players in WBS, compiling four goals and seven points in five games since coming back from an undisclosed injury. 

Imama had a gorgeous goal on a penalty shot this past week and has forechecked really nicely throughout the season. He's also not afraid of being physical and can also bring some snarl to the lineup. 

Boko Imama on the penalty shot with ease😮‍💨@WBSPenguins | #WBSvsHERpic.twitter.com/C2o84NyduZ

— American Hockey League (@TheAHL) November 27, 2025

Both players figure to be in the lineup against one of the Penguins' biggest rivals. 

Puck drop for Monday's contest is set for 7 p.m. ET. 

---

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

It was only a few weeks ago when things felt like they were turning a corner for the Florida Panthers.

They were returning from another long road trip and showing some signs of real positivity, playing three straight solid games away from home, an area they’d struggled mightily to that point of the young season.

After dropping five of their first six road games, including an embarrassing 7-3 affair in Anaheim to kick off that most recent trip, the Cats played quite well in Los Angeles, San Jose and Vegas, only dropping the middle matchup thanks to an incredible effort in goal by the Sharks’ top goaltending prospect Yaroslav Askarov.

Returning to home ice, where the Panthers were set to play 10 of their next 11 and where they’d gotten off to a 5-1-1 start on the year, was only supposed to increase Florida’s growing momentum after their strong end on the road.

Unfortunately for the Cats, things haven’t followed on that projected path.

After starting the home stretch with three wins in four games, defeating Washington, Vancouver and New Jersey but losing to Tampa Bay, Florida has since dropped each of their past three games at Amerant Bank Arena.

“I think everyone wants to beat us, that’s always the case” said Panthers defenseman Gus Forsling, referencing the team’s consecutive Stanley Cup wins. “They get one goal, and they get some energy, and things like that happen in the games.”

“We want to get back to defending,” he added.

Indeed, Forsling and the Panthers are surely frustrated with the defeats.

In each of the previous two – a 4-2 loss to Philadelphia and a 5-3 loss to Calgary – Florida jumped out to a 2-0 lead both nights.

All three saw the Panthers surrender late goals, but in different, exasperating ways.

Edmonton scored a pair of empty-net goals that came almost immediately after Daniil Tarasov vacated his crease, never allowing the Cats a chance to try and push for a tying score with an extra attacker.

The Flyers game…well, it was tied entering the final minute, they won the game by two and didn’t score an empty-net goal.

Two nights later against Calgary, Florida’s early two-goal lead was gone by the first intermission, and they entered the final frame down by a pair. Still, it took a Flames’ ENG to seal the win, but it was an exclamation point on an extremely unsatisfying week on home ice that was supposed to be the exact opposite.

“It’s a game of inches,” said Panthers forward A.J. Greer. “When we put ourselves in some bad positions, whether that’s defensively or just in general with certain mistakes that we know we shouldn’t make, the other teams have been capitalizing on them.”

This homestead was when the injury-filled Panthers were going to piss off the rest of the league and reel off a bunch of wins, leapfrogging teams in the tightly-packed Eastern Conference playoff race and setting themselves up for another strong spring, when most of Florida’s injured players should be returning to the lineup, if not already back.

Alas, Florida’s ‘one step forward, two steps back’ routine has come at a bad time.

The standings aren’t so constricted anymore.

Tampa Bay is now four points clear of second-place Boston for the top spot in the Atlantic Division, with Florida nine points back and only ahead of Toronto and Buffalo in the conference.

The Panthers are only four points back of the second Wild Card spot, but there are five teams between Florida and Pittsburgh, the current final playoff position holder.

The good news?

Well first off, it hasn’t been all gloom and doom for the Panthers lately.

In addition to the continued scoring surplus from the likes of Sam Reinhart and Brad Marchand, several of Florida’s long-slumbering offensive weapons are starting to show serious signs of life.

The recently-created line of Sam Bennett centering Greer and Carter Verhaeghe has ignited all three players, but if Bennett and Verhaeghe can get back to producing at the levels they’ve come to expect of themselves in recent years, it will go a long way toward the Cats getting back on a successful track.

Additionally, Florida still has decent amount of meat on the bone in terms of their homestand, and two of their upcoming four games in Sunrise are against teams in that five-team mix between the Panthers and the playoffs.

Starting Tuesday, the Cats will host Toronto, Nashville, Columbus and the Islanders this week. Four games in six nights.

Toronto and Nashville are two of the few teams below Florida in the standings, and the Blue Jackets and Islanders are teams that, like the Panthers, are chasing that final playoff spot.

It’s a great opportunity for the Cats to put a rough week behind them and turn things back in a very positive direction before getting back on the road.

Will they take advantage?

Stay tuned.

LATEST STORIES FROM THE HOCKEY NEWS - FLORIDA

Three takeaways: Strong start may have doomed Panthers, who left way too much meat on the bone

Panthers can't build on quick start, lose 5-3 to suddenly surging Flames

Panthers continue season-long homestand against lowly Flames

Aaron Ekblad Avoids Injury; Will Suit Up On Friday For Panthers

Three takeaways: Panthers can't build on strong start against Flyers, Carter Verhaeghe starting to turn a corner

Photo caption: Oct 11, 2025; Sunrise, Florida, USA; Florida Panthers head coach Paul Maurice looks on during the third period against the Ottawa Senators at Amerant Bank Arena. (Jim Rassol-Imagn Images)

Recent reports claimed that the Vancouver Canucks are open to offers for some of their veteran players, especially those eligible to become UFAs next summer.

That has raised rumors about which players could be available and the cost of acquiring them.

Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman reported Saturday that teams such as the Minnesota Wild, Boston Bruins and Philadelphia Flyers could be interested in some of the Canucks' pending UFA players. However, the Canucks intend to take their time and evaluate the trade market.

Most of the early focus is on Kiefer Sherwood. The feisty 30-year-old left winger is UFA-eligible next July. He leads the Canucks with 12 goals, carries an affordable $1.5-million cap hit, and lacks no-trade protection. His physical style is well-suited for the grind of post-season hockey.

RG.Org's James Murphy cited an NHL source claiming the Bruins had contacted the Canucks about Sherwood and right winger Conor Garland. He said the New York Islanders, Buffalo Sabres and Detroit Red Wings also had an interest in Sherwood. Garland, however, might not be available as he has a six-year contract extension that begins next July.

TSN's Chris Johnston observed that Jim Rutherford, the Canucks president of hockey operations, has a reputation for making moves well ahead of the annual trade deadline. However, he suggested it might be best if the Canucks wait on moving Sherwood until closer to the March 6 deadline, when he might fetch a first-round pick.

Sherwood could land a first-rounder if he maintains his current level of production. However, Rutherford might prefer a young NHL-ready player who would have a more immediate impact.

Three Potential Trade Fits For Canucks' Kiefer SherwoodKiefer Sherwood is among the Canucks' top trade candidates, and these three teams should consider trying to acquire the hard-hitting forward.

Stefen Rosner of The Hockey News mused over whether Canucks defenseman Filip Hronek might be available. The 28-year-old blueliner has six seasons left on his contract with an average annual value of $7.25 million and a full no-movement clause.

Rosner felt Hronek would be a good fit on the Islanders' blueline alongside rookie star Matthew Schaefer. Given Hronek's contract, the Canucks aren't likely to move him unless he asks to be traded. So far, there's no indication that he wants out of Vancouver.

Meanwhile, some observers wonder what effect the Canucks' plans to become a seller will have on captain Quinn Hughes' future in Vancouver.

The 26-year-old superstar defenseman is signed through 2026-27, and questions have been raised in the rumor mill about whether he'll sign an extension next summer. Speculation has linked him to the New Jersey Devils and a reunion with his brothers, Jack and Luke Hughes.

NHL insider Frank Seravalli suggested the Flyers as a destination for Hughes, where he'd be reunited with former Canucks coach Rick Tocchet. Flyers beat writer Kevin Kurz of The Athletic claimed he hasn't heard any indication that the club would pursue the Canucks' star but doesn't rule out management trying to acquire a player that would accelerate their rebuilding process.

---

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.

After winning six of seven games on their road trip, the New York Islanders have lost four of their first five games to start their seven-game homestand.

While the game outcomes tell one story, head coach Patrick Roy remains confident in his squad, which is still 13-10-3 and tied with the Pittsburgh Penguins for the second wild card spot.

“Sometimes after games there's nothing to be said,” said Roy.

“And I think today is an example. We did everything right. We had a lot of shots and we had a lot of chances. We just came up short. We could find excuses. I get it. I mean, the standard of our team is to win hockey games and do the right thing, but sometimes we just need to continue to play the way we are and believe that things will go our way.”

Stefen Rosner asked Roy if he's noticed anything different from the way they've played on their recent road trip to how they are playing right now.

"I feel like we played pretty much the same way," Roy said. "Actually, we might give more shots on the road than at home, but other than this, I feel like we've been playing the same kind of hockey. I really do. Did the puck bounce our way, maybe a little more on the road, maybe, yes -- obviously, we score more goals. But I mean, I felt like we played really well defensively. I thought on the trip where we won, what six out of the seven, I mean, the game that we lost was the game we played our best. And we've been playing some good hockey, and unfortunately, we don't win."

There is no doubt the Islanders' finishing has struggled in their recent stretch, shooting at just a 3.49% rate, but is the rest of their game there?

During the first five games of their home stand, the Islanders have had 69.1 shot attempts per 60 minutes, 12.39 of which from higher-danger areas. Both of these metrics are significantly higher than their road trip, where they had 50.23 and 9.57, respectively, according to Natural Stat Trick. 

At 5v5, the numbers are closer: 63.02 to 48.39 in shot attempts and 10.98 to 9.27 in high danger shot attempts.

Natural Stat Trick's expected goals model also has the Islanders generating 3.8 expected goals per 60 minutes at all strengths during the home stand, as opposed to 2.9 on the road trip. 

However, the Islanders have scored just 1.16 goals per 60 minutes amid this stretch, while they scored 3.38 on the road trip.

Roy said himself, following the Islanders' 3-1 loss to the Boston Bruins in their third game of the homestand on Nov 26, that the shot quality had to improve, and this is something expected goals models struggle to pick up as they track location on the ice but not the location on the net.

#Isles HC Patrick Roy:

"We were the better team on the ice, but the quality of our shots is onna have to improve, find ways to bear down on our chances [...] we're going to win more games than we're going to lose if we play that way."

— Stefen Rosner (@stefen_rosner) November 27, 2025

Fortunately for the Islanders, the chances are there, and at the very least, the defense has been much improved.

During the homestand, the Islanders have conceded just 18.19 shots per 60 minutes compared to 29.13 on the road trip -- an over 10 shot improvement. 

They have also conceded 5.81 fewer high danger shot attempts per 60 minutes, down to 9.1 from 14.91.

On the season, the Islanders are shooting 9.75% -- the sixth lowest in the NHL -- yet this is still over 6% higher than their stretch on the homestand.

Roy has said himself that there are no moral victories and the goal remains to win hockey games, but fans and the team should hold optimism that, at the very least, the data is promising.