The Montreal Canadiens have made plenty of moves this off-season, but it is fair to argue that they should not be done yet. When looking at their roster, it is apparent that they could use another forward.

One of the Canadiens' biggest needs is an upgrade at the second-line center position. The problem is that there are not too many notable names available at this point in the summer. Marco Rossi, who was a restricted free agent (RFA), recently re-signed with the Minnesota Wild on a three-year deal. Top RFA Mason McTavish would be a fantastic addition for the Canadiens, but the feeling is that Anaheim wants to keep him around, rather than moving him. 

Canadiens: Friedman On Offer SheetsWhile there are many ways in which a team can improve in the offseason, none is more controversial than taking the offer sheet route. This Summer, many had hoped that promising young forwards like Marco Rossi and Mason MacTavish would be targeted; the latter, in particular, was the one most Montreal Canadiens fans had their heart set on, but neither received any.

However, there is an unrestricted free agent (UFA) still available who could be a very good player for the Canadiens to take a chance on: Jack Roslovic.

Roslovic, 28, is the best UFA left and would have the potential to be a solid addition to the Canadiens' roster if they brought him in. While he is not necessarily a big-name player, he would create more competition for players like Kirby Dach and Alex Newhook when it comes to the Canadiens' second-line center spot. 

Yet, Roslovic's versatility allows him to play right wing, so he could help boost the Canadiens' depth at that position. too. Furthermore, due to his offensive skill, he could work well on the Canadiens' second power-play unit if they signed him. 

Roslovic is coming off a solid season with the Carolina Hurricanes, posting 22 goals and 39 points in 81 games. He has also recorded at least 22 goals and 44 points twice in his career, so he has the ability to chip in well offensively.

Overall, on an affordable short-term deal, Roslovic could be a very good player for the Canadiens to bring in to boost their forward group. It will be interesting to see if they end up targeting him from here. 

3 Canadiens Ranked Among Best NHL Players Born In 2000sRecently, the NHL Network ranked the top 25 players born in the 2000s. With the Montreal Canadiens being one of the NHL's most promising young teams, it is not surprising in the slightest that three of their players have made the cut.

Recently, TheHockeyNews.com has taken a gander at wingers, defensemen and goaltenders who seem set for a full-time NHL role next season.

Now it’s time to take a look down the middle.

Much like the skater lists before, players considered must have been either AHL or NCAA regulars last season, still eligible for the Calder Trophy and are at least 20 years old.

With that, here are five breakthrough centers for the 2025-26 NHL season.

Fraser Minten, Boston Bruins

Fraser Minten caught some eyes in 2023 when the then 19-year-old centerman made the Toronto Maple Leafs out of camp just one year removed from his early second round selection, even if he only stayed around for four games. Last season, a high-ankle sprain in training camp derailed the start to his first official professional season, however, Minten was able to quickly return to form, appearing in 15 games with the Leafs before being traded to the Boston Bruins as a piece of the Brandan Carlo trade at the deadline.

Since the trade, his production in the AHL improved, and he also joined the main team in Boston for a cup of tea – six games to be exact. Now, Minten seems set to finally make that jump for the young, rebuilding Bruins. Minten does everything coaches want out of a bottom-of-the-lineup player already: defends well, blocks shots and works hard. He also boasts NHL-ready offensive and transitional tools, including the ability to break the puck up the ice, his solid net-front play and his shot.

All-in-all, Minten seems NHL-ready and the Bruins’ center depth is ready to see a player like him make that jump. Minten is ranked as the No. 3 center on the Bruins depth chart in the 2025-26 edition of The Hockey News’ Yearbook.

Ryan Leonard, Washington Capitals

With college linemate Will Smith’s departure to the San Jose Sharks, the Washington Capitals’ 2024 ninth-overall pick Ryan Leonard was moved to center for what would be his final NCAA season. Despite the transition, Leonard succeeded in droves, scoring 30 goals through just 37 games. After helping lead Boston College to a Hockey East championship, Leonard jumped to the NHL, where in every area but the score-sheet, Leonard looked at home.

Does Leonard need to bulk up a bit more physically to be as imposing in the NHL as he was at the NCAA level? Sure. Is two points through 17 NHL games not great? Yes. However, Leonard showed flashes of high-end vision, playmaking and a hard shot, he’ll just need to get better at finishing his chances and building his frame.

Given that the Capitals had played Leonard exclusively on the wing, Leonard is ranked as the team’s No. 3 right winger in The Yearbook. However, given his crash-the-net tendencies, willingness to engage physically, and decent face-offs, do not be surprised if he plays center now and again once the Caps face injuries down the middle.

Oliver Kapanen, Montreal Canadiens

While Oliver Kapanen’s 18-game stint with the Montreal Canadiens last season left something to be desired, with only two points, his play in the SHL and the AHL in the playoffs showed promise of a player suitable for regular NHL minutes. The former 2021 second-rounder boasts solid top-end speed, is good on the draws and is extremely defensively responsible.

Despite being a natural C, it’s unlikely that Kapanen will break into the Habs roster full-time as a centerman, given the players ahead of him down the middle, including Nick Suzuki, Kirby Dach, Alex Newhook, and Jake Evans. With Dach’s injury issues and struggles down the middle, there might be opportunities to get those minutes should Dach get moved to the wing. However, as of right now, Kapanen ranks as the fifth-best right winger on the Habs.

Stephen Halliday, Ottawa Senators

It took until Stephen Halliday’s final season of eligibility before he was drafted to the NHL, getting nabbed in the fourth round by the Ottawa Senators in 2022, and it certainly wasn’t because he lacked skill. Nicknamed ‘The Disher’, Halliday set the franchise records for the USHL’s Dubuque Fighting Saints in both points (181) and assists (123)  thanks to an explosive 95-point campaign in 2021-22. The issue that held him out of two drafts and held him back from being taken earlier in 2022 was his skating, which EliteProspects gave a nearly unheard of 3 out of 9 at the time.

Three seasons since his draft, he’s transcended the NCAA, reaching the AHL and is coming off a strong first professional season, showcasing that trademark playmaking skill and good defensive engagement. His skating has taken strides, too, improving his acceleration and speed. It seems as though the Sens are prioritizing his development and making his game more suitable for the bottom-six, with him receiving one-on-one time with new Sens player development coach Sam Gagner and the Sens director of player health and performance, Matt Nichol.

This adjustment, alongside continued improvements in skating form, should fast-track him to the NHL, with the potential to jump up the lineup in the coming years. The Hockey News lists Halliday as the Sens’s fifth-ranked centerman ahead of the 2025-26 season.

Colton Dach, Chicago Blackhawks

There’s another Dach in the Windy City. The younger brother of Kirby, Colton, sniffed his first 25 games of NHL action with the Chicago Blackhawks last season after dominating the AHL in just his second professional season. With Chicago being the land of opportunities, the former 2021 62nd-overall pick is in a prime position to make the full-time jump to the team’s bottom-six.

Dach boasts a 6-foot-4 frame, which he uses to physically dictate play alongside a good shot and work ethic. Skating and processing issues will limit his upside at the next level, preventing him from reaching his brother’s peak, and a slump to end the season might also make the Hawks second-guess his NHL readiness. 

However, Dach is well-positioned, sitting as the 4C on the Blackhawks’ depth chart in THN’s 2025-26 Yearbook.

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Longtime NHL players have nearly endless options once they retire from the pro game.

Many former players transition into broadcasting or coaching roles. Sometimes, they join the front office of an NHL team and work their way upward.

That said, some paths stand out for being different or quite impressive. Here is a short list of six former NHL players who have taken on an interesting path beyond their careers.

Zdeno Chara

During his time in the NHL from 1997 to 2022, Zdeno Chara was one of the most feared defensemen in the league. At 6-foot-9, the Slovakian mutant dominated the ice from the back end.

However, when he retired from the NHL after the 2021-22 season, he continued his ways of being a physical force, but not on the ice. 

Chara has participated in a number of marathons following his retirement. He had run in multiple Boston marathons, the London marathon (six days after his second Boston marathon), and the New York marathon.

Most recently, the 48-year-old completed the Czech Republic Iron Man triathlon. The challenge consisted of a 1.2-mile swim, a 56-mile bike and a 13.1-mile run. He completed the triathlon in an impressive 4:56:47.

Joe Pavelski

Joe Pavelski, who retired from the NHL just last summer, wasted no time seeking glory in the next chapter of his life.

In mid-July, Pavelski participated in the American Century Championship, a celebrity golf tournament consisting of several athletes, actors, comedians and more. This was Pavelski’s ninth attempt at the championship in Edgewood Tahoe Resort, Nev.

The 41-year-old came close to winning the tournament several times in previous years, including a runner-up finish in 2024.

However, he finally took home the American Century Championship title, and in dramatic fashion. On the 18th hole, the former San Jose Sharks and Dallas Stars center connected on a walk-off eagle to win the tournament.

JOE PAVELSKI. WALK-OFF EAGLE TO WIN IT. 🦅 pic.twitter.com/Clze1Z375h

— NBC Sports (@NBCSports) July 13, 2025

Chris Phillips

Chris Phillips holds the record for most games played by an Ottawa Senator. The former defenseman played 17 seasons for the Sens, but in the meantime, he opened up a brewery and restaurant.

In 2012, Big Rig Brewery was born and co-owned by Phillips. The Brewery is named after him – Big Rig was his nickname during his playing career.

Just one year later, Big Rig was recognized as the New Brewery of the Year in Ontario, awarded by the Ontario Brewing Awards.

In 2014, his brewery and restaurant became the fastest-growing microbrewery in Ottawa, according to the Ottawa Citizen. 

In addition to the quick success and demand for Big Rig beers, the company has an impressive resume when it comes to the quality of its product. In the 2016 Ontario Brewing Awards, Big Rig took home five medals, including four gold medals in the Hefeweizen, Dark IPA, Scotch Ale and Doppelbock categories.

Ken Dryden

Once a legendary goaltender for the Montreal Canadiens between 1970 and 1979, Ken Dryden took his talents to the House of Commons and became a member of Parliament, elected in 2004.

The six-time Stanley Cup champion was a member of several committees, including National Defence, Library of Parliament, Health, Human Resources, Social Development and the Status of Persons with Disabilities. Furthermore, he was a Minister of Social Development from 2004 to 2006.

In 2013, Dryden was made an officer of the Order of Canada, the highest level of distinction in the Canadian Honours System. He earned this status for his contributions to Canadian life as a hockey player, lawyer and public servant.

Stu Grimson

After 14 seasons in the NHL across seven different teams, Stu Grimson is spending his retirement as a lawyer. 

Grimson, known as ‘The Grim Reaper,’ has accumulated 2,113 penalty minutes during his NHL career. Following his retirement in 2003, the former enforcer returned to school, completing his undergraduate studies in economics and earning his law degree at the University of Memphis.

Since then, he’s worked as a labor lawyer for the NHLPA’s union and later became a defense attorney at Kay Griffin PLLC.

Now, Grimson is the vice president of business development for the company ‘ThirdHome’ and is a member of its corporate counsel.

In addition, he is a hockey analyst for the NHL Network, and has a biography book published called The Grim Reaper: The Life and Career of a Reluctant Warrior.

Randy Gregg

Randy Gregg, a former defenseman for the Edmonton Oilers and the Vancouver Canucks from 1982 to 1992, has transitioned into a physician. 

Gregg, now known as Dr. Gregg, is a primary care physician at the Lifemark Sport Institute in Edmonton. The Canadian-based company offers multidisciplinary rehabilitation services. 

Dr. Gregg specializes in evaluating sports-related injuries, specifically musculoskeletal injuries and has done so for over 25 years.

The former D-man played 474 games in the NHL, scoring 193 points while contributing to five Stanley Cup victories as a member of the Oilers.

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The Philadelphia Flyers can kick their rebuild into overdrive by making a play for Vegas Golden Knights star Jack Eichel next offseason.

Eichel, 28, will be an unrestricted free agent at the end of the 2025-26 season, and while the former No. 2 overall pick is eligible to negotiate a contract extension with the Golden Knights, there are no guarantees of that happening.

Mitch Marner just signed an eight-year, $96 million ($12 million AAV) contract with Vegas, and captain Mark Stone has two years remaining on his deal at a $9.5 million cap hit.

It's also worth considering that veteran defenseman Alex Pietrangelo may not play again due to severe injury, and he's got two years remaining on his contract at an $8.8 million cap hit as well.

Basically, the older and more beat up the Golden Knights get, the less likely they are to continue to contend for Stanley Cups.

And if Eichel gets the contract one NHL insider thinks he can get, the task gets that much harder for Vegas.

"We're talking mega primo money for Jack Eichel and the Vegas Golden Knights, and, man, I don't know how they can go without him. I don't know how they could move on from him, but, when looking at their cap table, it's hard to wedge in a really big extension and what that looks like relative to the rest of true market value," NHL insider Frank Seravalli said in a recent livestream for Bleacher Report.

Flyers Should Pull the Plug, Trade Ryan Ellis's Contract NowThe Philadelphia Flyers have officially reached the point where they can't afford to hold onto the rotting contract of Ryan Ellis any longer.

"I think what you're talking about with Jack Eichel is a $15+ million AAV deal. He's been that good. I think then all of a sudden, you crunch some numbers and take out your calculator if you're looking at the Vegas Golden Knights cap situation, which is never easy, and you go, 'How do they do this?'"

For the Flyers, the 2026 offseason will be the perfect time to pounce on Eichel, or any other big ticket free agent.

Players like Christian Dvorak, Nick Deslauriers, Ivan Fedotov, Jamie Drysdale, and Egor Zamula will all be off the books, and Rasmus Ristolainen and Ryan Ellis, worth a combined $11.35 million against the cap, will be in the final years of their respective contracts.

If the rebuild is to go anywhere productive, the Flyers must accelerate their efforts to add talent over the next 365 days.

Eichel, one of the very best centers in the game, is coming off a career-best 94-point season, adding 28 goals and getting docked for just eight penalty minutes.

The 6-foot-2 forward has struggled with injuries in the past, yes, but that just means more opportunities for young players like Jett Luchanko, Jack Nesbitt, and, potentially, Trevor Zegras in his stead, all while raising the overall ceiling of the Flyers as a team.

Flyers' Travis Konecny Has to Clear One Big Hurdle to Reach True StardomThe Philadelphia Flyers don't quite have a true star player just yet, but a few adjustments from Travis Konecny could do the trick.

Then, from a cap perspective, the Flyers will be able to afford Eichel, even at a $15 million price point, quite comfortably.

Assuming players like Nikita Grebenkin, Alex Bump, Oliver Bonk, and Helge Grans establish themselves as NHLers, the Flyers will have a war chest of funds to spend on auxiliary upgrades, such as at the goalie position or on defense.

The continually rising salary cap further benefits the Flyers, too, as Matvei Michkov and Tyson Foerster will be due for new contracts the following offseason.

Add a seasoned Porter Martone to the equation, and the Flyers can quickly change their fortunes with Jack Eichel leading the way.

It was Game 3 of the second round, and the Florida Panthers were back on home ice, down two games to zero to the Toronto Maple Leafs. The Maple Leafs were the better team in the first two games and jumped out to a 3-1 lead early in the second period. 

But the Panthers did what they do best, stayed persistent and worked their way back into the game. The Panthers scored three unanswered goals to take a 4-3 lead in the second period, but a goal by Morgan Rielly at the halfway mark of the third period tied the game, sending it to overtime.

The Maple Leafs and Brad Marchand have a long history dating back to his time with the Boston Bruins, and the overtime frame added to it. 

It was a back-and-forth overtime stanza, but a fortunate bounce from a shot by Marchand got the Panthers back into the series.

“I think there was always a little pressure, but I got to say, somehow we were so confident that we were going to turn the series over because we felt like in every game, we were the better team, but we lost. So we believed that in seven games, we should be able to win four,” Anton Lundell said to Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman and Kyle Bukauskas for 32 Thoughts: The Podcast during the European NHL Player Media Tour in Milan, Italy.. 

“Obviously, they were such a good team, like, it was a hard series. I mean, they were up in Game 3, 3-1 in the second or something, and when we won that game, that was the game-changer. We were like, ‘Okay, now it’s our time to press the gas, now we go.’ But I got to say, if we were to lose that game, it could’ve been a different series for sure.”

Lundell finished the series against the Maple Leafs with two goals and five points, playing difficult minutes against both Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner as well as John Tavares and William Nylander. 

Although the series wouldn't have been over if the Maple Leafs had won Game 3, it's extremely difficult to envision the Panthers winning four consecutive games against a Leafs team that looked that confident. The Game 3 loss changed things mentally for both the Leafs and the Panthers. 

That mental edge is why the Panthers are in a situation where they can chase a three-peat. When speaking to Friedman and Bukauskas, Lundell said that winning the third will be the toughest task, mentioning that an even bigger target will be on their back.

Can Florida Panthers' Anton Lundell Take The Next Step If One Really Doesn't Exist?Florida Panthers' Anton Lundell has continued to improve and is one of the NHL's better two-way centers, but he's almost stuck as a third-line center despite deserving a larger role. 

By Anthony Carbone, The Hockey News intern

Mitch Marner is no stranger to the National Hockey League spotlight. But after eight seasons under Toronto’s unforgiving microscope, his move to the Vegas Golden Knights offers something he’s never truly had: a clean slate and a chance to lead without the noise. And maybe, just maybe, it sets the stage for an MVP-caliber season.

Marner offensively has become one of the league's best, increasing his point total every year since his rookie campaign. This past season, he hit the 100-point mark for the first time in his career. Marner’s value has always extended outside of the box score. He is an elite playmaker, a top penalty killer and a great defensive forward, a rare triple threat in today’s NHL. In Vegas, Marner won’t just be another player – he’ll likely be the center point of this team's success.

Whether he’s playing alongside Jack Eichel, Mark Stone or anchoring his line, Marner will be in a system that rewards speed, structure, and two-way commitment, a tailor-made environment for his style. And unlike in Toronto, he won’t carry the burden of saving a franchise. He joins a roster that knows how to win and knows how to let stars shine. Facing less pressure from the fans in Vegas could unlock a new version of Marner that might take over the NHL.

Marner is leaving the Maple Leafs with a legacy of elite playmaking, unmatched vision, and defensive responsibility, but also the weight of unmet playoff expectations. Now, he enters a Vegas roster with a proven championship core, a deep forward group, and a coaching staff that thrives on structure, speed, and opportunistic offense. For Marner, it’s the perfect storm.

The Golden Knights play a system that demands buy-in on both ends of the ice, a system that Marner thrives in. His defensive awareness, active stick, and transition speed make him a natural fit on both the penalty kill and at 5-on-5. But it's the offensive upside that’s most intriguing.

Slot Marner next to a finisher like Jack Eichel or Mark Stone, and suddenly he’s not just the facilitator, he's the engine of a line that could dominate possession, punish on the rush and break down teams with surgical precision. The Golden Knights are not looking for a savior, they just want him to play his game with freedom, combined with the support of a heavily playoff-based roster, which could unlock a new version of Marner that the NHL has yet to see.

Marner has often been viewed as Robin to Auston Matthews’ Batman, the setup man for Matthews, but now with his move to the Golden Knights, he can reshape the story. In a Western Conference filled with MVP talent like Nathan Mackinnon, Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, Marner could get the recognition for his type of game. If he can put up 100-plus points leading a top line to charge, special teams and driving Vegas into Stanley Cup contenders, there is no doubt that he should be in the Hart Trophy conversation.

Marner’s move to the desert is more than just a change of places, it is a huge turning point in his career. No longer in the shadows of Matthews and no Toronto media on his case after every bad game, he has a chance to redefine what elite looks like. The Golden Knights didn’t just add another star – they added a player who is entering his prime with all the tools necessary to become one of the league's best players. Betting on Vegas has worked out before. Betting on Marner? That's a gamble worth taking.

 Get the latest news and trending stories by following The Hockey News on Google News and by subscribing to The Hockey News newsletter here. And share your thoughts by commenting below the article on THN.com.

 

The Pittsburgh Penguins are currently in the middle of a retool/rebuild. Because of this, one of their primary goals from here should be to continue to improve their prospect pool. This will only help their future as they look to become a playoff team again. 

With the Penguins needing more youngsters, one trade candidate who they should seriously consider targeting is Boston Bruins prospect Fabian Lysell.

Lysell, 22, has been the subject of trade rumors this off-season, and it is not necessarily surprising. The Gothenburg, Sweden native has had trouble cracking the NHL lineup with the Bruins, and he could use a change of scenery at this point. With the Penguins needing more youth and skill, Lysell could be a good prospect for the Metropolitan Division club to take a shot on. 

Lysell played in his first 12 career NHL games this past season with the Bruins, where he posted one goal and three points. While he had a quiet start to his NHL career in 2024-25, he has shown good promise at the AHL level. For example, in 2023-24 with the Providence Bruins, he posted 15 goals and 50 points in 56 games. While his offense went down a bit last season with Providence, his numbers in 2023-24 show that there is some upside there. 

Overall, if Lysell could be had for a reasonable price, he would have the potential to be a good, low-risk addition to the Penguins' prospect pool. The potential for him to still become at least a top-nine NHL forward is there, and it will be interesting to see if the Penguins pursue the former first-round pick because of it. 

Penguins Should Give Exciting Prospect Big ChancePittsburgh Penguins prospect Ville Koivunen is easily one of the team's most promising youngsters. The 22-year-old forward had a strong start to his NHL career this past season with Pittsburgh, as he recorded seven assists in eight games. He also performed well down in the AHL with the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins in 2024-25, posting 21 goals and 56 points in 63 games. 

The Columbus Blue Jackets have 50 days until opening night at Nationwide Arena. Today we look at the history of jersey #50. There weren`t many that used the number, but at least one had a pretty good career. 

Let's take a look. 

Joakim Lindström - 2006 - Lindström was drafted by Columbus in the 2nd round of the 2002 NHL Entry Draft. 

Lindström made his North American debut in the last pasty of the 04-05 season for the Syracuse Crunch, the CBJ's AHL team. In the 05-06 season, he would make his Blue Jackets and play in three games. In 2008, after playing just 37 games, Lindström was traded to the Anaheim Ducks.

He finished his CBJ career with 8 points, but it was his AHL career that paid his bills. In his four seasons with the Crunch, he played in 176 and had a total of 159 points. 

He returned to Europe in 2009 and bounce back and forth between the NHL and Europe until he retired in 2023. 

Antoine Vermette - 2009-12 - Vermette was traded to Columbus by Ottawa for Pascal Leclaire and Columbus' 2nd round pick (Robin Lehner) in 2009 NHL Draft, March 4, 2009.

He played 241 games in Columbus and totaled 152 points.

Vermette was traded to Phoenix by Columbus for Curtis McElhinney, Ottawa's 2nd round pick (previously acquired, later traded to Philadelphia -- Philadelphia selected Anthony Stolarz) in 2012 NHL Draft and Phoenix's 4th round pick (later traded to Philadelphia, later traded to Los Angeles -- Los Angeles selected Justin Auger) in 2013 NHL Draft, February 22, 2012.

Vermette retired on January 31, 2019, after 14 NHL seasons. Vermette retired with a 56.6 career faceoff win percentage, which was the ninth best among all players since the NHL began tracking the stat in 1997.

Eric Robinson - 2018-24 - Robinson was undrafted out of Bellmawr, New Jersey and signed with Columbus as a free agent on March 27, 2018.

Robinson known for his blazing speed, played in 266 games for the Blue Jackets before being traded to Buffalo by Columbus for a conditional pick in the 2025 NHL Draft, December 6, 2023. He totaled 82 points for Columbus.

On July 1, 2024, Robinson signed with the Carolina Hurricanes to a 4-year, $6,800,000 contract. In his first season with the Hurricanes, he set career highs in goals, assists, and points. 

Who was your favorite player to wear #50. 

Stay updated with the most interesting Blue Jackets stories, analysis, breaking news, and more!

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

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

#19 - Victor Neuchev – Left Wing (Rochester – AHL)

Neuchev was the Sabres third-round pick at the 2022 NHL Draft in Montreal (74th overall) after scoring 40 goals in the junior-level MHL of the Avtomobilist Yekaterinberg system. In 2022-23, he was promoted and played in the KHL full time and had 12 points (4 goals, 8 assists) in 57 games. 

Buffalo signed the 6’2”, 165 lb. winger to an entry-level contract and brought Neuchev over to North America. Starting in a depth role with Rochester, the winger encountered some stretches of offensive success in his first pro season, but also had some struggles.

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In 57 games, Neuchev had 28 points (11 goals,17 assists), and an assist in two playoff games.  Last season, the 21-year-old was on pace to eclipse his rookie totals, with 22 points (7 goals, 15 assists) in 39 games, but suffered a shoulder injury in mid-February and was shut down for the season. The young forward is entering the final year of his entry-level contract, and undoubtedly, the Sabres are looking for a sign of significant progress in his third pro season. 

Follow Michael on X, Instagram, and Bluesky @MikeInBuffalo

On Aug. 22, the Chicago Blackhawks signed forward Frank Nazar to a seven-year extension worth $6.59 million annually. The 21-year-old, a former 13th overall pick in 2022, just completed his rookie season, scoring 12 goals with 14 assists for 26 points in 53 games.

While that's not a ridiculous point total, the Blackhawks saw enough to know that Nazar is going to play a critical role in returning the franchise to greatness.

When we look at the NHL Draft—and every sports draft—a lot of it is luck, as prospects are hit and miss all the time, especially outside of the lottery picks (1–10).

Daniil Prokhorov Interview New York Islanders prospect Daniil Prokhorov stole the show at the club's Blue & White scrimmage during development camp week. The second-round pick was clearly excited to be there and loved the fans. 

When it came to Nazar, he was actually someone the Islanders could have potentially had back in 2022.

For those that don't remember, the New York Islanders held the 13th overall pick in that draft but elected to move that selection to the Montreal Canadiens in exchange for defenseman Alexander Romanov.

The Islanders also received Montreal's 2022 fourth-round pick, using the 98th overall selection to draft Isaiah George, who has already proven that he could be a catalyst on their blue line after getting a taste of NHL action this past season.

The Canadiens, however, didn't hold onto the Islanders' first-round pick for long, sending it to the Blackhawks in exchange for forward Kirby Dach, with the hope that he could be a difference-maker in their lineup.

Flash forward to now, and Dach has struggled mightily to stay healthy and be the guy they expected. The Canadiens did make the playoffs this past season, losing in the first round to the Washington Capitals—their first postseason appearance since the 2020–21 season, when they lost in the Stanley Cup Final to the Tampa Bay Lightning.

So, they've overcome the Dach debacle.

For the Islanders, Romanov's physicality and aggressiveness were rewarded with an eight-year extension worth $6.75 million annually this past summer.

What Romanov Extension Means About Islanders Mentality Under Darche EAST MEADOW, NY -- The New York Islanders have signed 25-year-old defenseman Alexander Romanov to an eight-year extension worth $56 million with an average annual value of $6.25 million. 

Over his three seasons on Long Island, he's emerged as a top-pairing defenseman for the club and could be viewed as the team's No. 1 defenseman heading into the 2025–26 season with Noah Dobson now a member of the Canadiens.

Nazar and the Blackhawks still have a ways to go to get back to relevancy, but with Connor Bedard and a young group, hopefully it won't take too long for them to return to being a playoff team.

As the NHL has grown as a business, the league has slowly, steadily been improving its global footprint with regular-season games in Europe. And at the NHL’s European Media Tour continued this week, league deputy commissioner Bill Daly said it’s only a matter of time before the league expands its market overseas – and he specifically mentioned two countries that would be hosting regular-season action.

“I would put Germany on that list for sure,” Daly told NHL.com. “Switzerland potentially on that list, too. There are places we want to hit, and will hit, moving forward.”

To be sure, it’s a good thing that hockey’s top league is continuing to expand their product beyond North America. From both financial and good-of-the-game perspectives, an NHL that extends its influence can only be a positive.

In addition to the NHL's participation in the 2026 Winter Olympics, Daly also discussed the progress of the 2028 World Cup of Hockey, specifically regarding the staging of the World Cup games. And Daly indicated the league has been inundated with proposals from Europe and North America to do just that.   

"We're well along in the first stage of identifying potential host cities both in North America and Europe,” Daly said. “The interest level was very, very high. We hope to complete that process and be in a position to make announcements on markets and venues hopefully before the end of the regular season, if not before. It's a good process so far."

That sounds like the NHL is raring to pounce when it comes to staging games in Europe. And if the league is really creative, they’d do what some have mentioned and stage an outdoor game in a place like Switzerland. Imagine the possibilities. The picturesque mountains, the snow-capped backgrounds – the visual product would be unlike anything the league has seen.

But even if we’re talking about games in arenas with roofs, the NHL still benefits greatly by investing in European games. It means something for German fans to see native son and Edmonton Oilers star forward Leon Draisaitl play at home. It means something for Swiss fans to see native son and Nashville Predators star defenseman Roman Josi play at home. The marketing possibilities are many. 

As far as this writer is concerned, the more global the NHL product, the better. There are millions of potential NHL fans out there on a different continent, just waiting to be engaged with,

The league’s deep connections to Europe should be capitalized on. And after Daly’s comments, it definitely seems like we’ll soon be seeing more NHL action across the Atlantic Ocean.

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Pittsburgh Penguins prospect Ville Koivunen is easily one of the team's most promising youngsters. The 22-year-old forward had a strong start to his NHL career this past season with Pittsburgh, as he recorded seven assists in eight games. He also performed well down in the AHL with the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins in 2024-25, posting 21 goals and 56 points in 63 games. 

After a season like this, there is no question that Koivunen has created more hype surrounding him. With the Penguins retooling, Koivunen is certainly one of the prospects who they will be hoping can become a big part of their future.

Due to this and the way Koivunen played this past season, the Penguins should seriously consider giving him a chance to play in their top six for an extended period of time this season. His offensive skill and upside could make him a great fit in Pittsburgh's top six. Furthermore, playing on a line with a veteran center like Sidney Crosby or Evgeni Malkin could do wonders for Koivunen's development.

Ultimately, with the potential Koivunen has, the Penguins should not be afraid to give him a real shot in their top six next season. It will be intriguing to see if they end up doing just that from here. 

Penguins Forward Named Top Breakout Candidate The Pittsburgh Penguins are entering this upcoming season with plenty of players to keep an eye on. With the team in the middle of a retool, they will be hoping that some of their players will hit new levels for them this upcoming campaign.

Did you miss anything from the past week at The Hockey News - Columbus Blue Jackets? If you did, we have you covered with the Sunday Recap. Click on each card below to read the stories from the past week. 

From Ex-players to current players and everything in between, we've got you covered. 

Heinze has a very recognizable last name, and because of this, he wanted to wear #57 while in Boston but was refused by the Bruins GM who denied it because, "Only Ray Bourque could wear an unorthodox number (77)." The Columbus Blue Jackets were happy to honor his request and gave him the now iconic #57. 

57 Days Until Opening Night At NWA: Steve HeinzeThe Columbus Blue Jackets have 57 days until the home opener at Nationwide Arena. Today, we talk about Columbus Blue Jackets Original Steve Heinze.

In 2014, when this piece was written, the Columbus Blue Jackets had around 184k Twitter followers. Fast forward to 2025, and now the Blue Jackets have just over 528k followers on what is now called X. Even with their small market status, the Blue Jackets are pretty popular. No, not as "popular" as Canadian teams or O6 teams, but inside Ohio, people are starting to take notice. 

From The THN Archive: “Fan Rankings” The Hockey News has released its archive to all THN subscribers: 76 years of history, stories, and features.

Fasching, 30, played 43 games with the New York Islanders last season, recording two goals and two assists for four points. His career-best production came in 2022-23 when he posted 19 points in 49 games with the Islanders.  

Blue Jackets Sign Ex-Islander Hudson FaschingThe Columbus Blue Jackets have announced that they signed forward Hudson Fasching to a one-year, two-way contract.

Daňo made his NHL debut in 2014 and played 35 games. He scored 8 goals and totaled 21 points and was a plus-12 in his first NHL season. It seemed that Marko Daňo had arrived and was ready to be a good player for Columbus. That was until the following season. 

56 Days Until Opening Night At NWA: Marko DaňoThe Columbus Blue Jackets have only had one player wear #56 in their history. That player is Marko Daňo, and we will talk about him today. 

Recently, Bleacher Report released their version of 'Every NHL Team's Mount Rushmore of the Quarter Century,' and it got me thinking about who Jason Newland and I would put on the Columbus Blue Jackets' Mount Rushmore.

On that mountain, there are four spots. Bleacher Report went with a goalie, a defenseman, and two forwards. For the sake of this, I’ll stick with the same setup. Since the Blue Jackets are only entering their 25th year in the NHL, it means we can choose from any player in their history so far.

Columbus Blue Jackets' Quarter Century Mount RushmoreRecently, Bleacher Report released their version of 'Every NHL Team's Mount Rushmore of the Quarter Century,' and it got me thinking about who Jason Newland and I would put on the Columbus Blue Jackets' Mount Rushmore.

Fedorov was traded to Columbus in November of 2005. He played 185 games for the Jackets and totaled 113 points. 

On February 28, 2008, he was traded to the Washington Capitals, and he would retire in from the NHL in 2009. 

Fedorov is probably the greatest player to have ever worn the Union Blue. For his career, he scored 483 goals, had 696 assists, and totaled 1,179 points. 

Former Blue Jackets Forward Sergei Fedorov's Number To Be Retired By Red WingsThe Detroit Red Wings have announced that former CBJ forward Sergei Fedorov''s #91 will be retired by the Wings. The ceremony will be held on January 12, 2026. 

Ole-Kristian Tollefsen - Drafted out of Norway in 2002, Tollefsen was known for his heavy fists. In his first season with Columbus, he played in 70 games and had a whopping 123 PIMs. His second season he played in 51 games and had 111 PIMs. After those two years, he would only play another 19 games for Columbus and another 18 for the Philadelphia Flyers. He returned to Europe in 2010 and retired in 2017. Tollefsen is now the head coach for the Norway U20 team.

55 Days Until Opening Night At NWA: The History Of Jersey #55With 55 days until opening night at NWA, we look at the jersey history of #55. Who was your favorite player to have worn #55? Let us know in the comments below. 

Don Waddell says of Smith, "Brendan Smith is an experienced, physical blueliner that competes hard and is sound in the defensive zone,” said Waddell. "He is a veteran presence with great character and professionalism, and we are excited to have the opportunity to bring him to camp.”

Blue Jackets Sign Brendan Smith To A PTOThe Columbus Blue Jackets have signed long time veteran Brendan Smith to a PTO today. 

Gloucester Catholic has announced that the upcoming Gaudreau Family Scholarship Golf Outing is scheduled for this Friday, August 22nd, at Ron Jaworski’s Running Deer Golf Course in Pittsgrove, NJ.

The event will honor the legacies of John & Matty Gaudreau while supporting a meaningful cause within the Gloucester Catholic community. John and Matty often shared that this golf outing was their favorite event, always filled with fun and camaraderie. 

Gaudreau Family Scholarship Golf Outing Set For Friday, August 22The legacy of Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau continues to live on. 

The Columbus Blue Jackets' defensemen Zach Werenski has been officially invited to the Team USA Men’s Olympic Orientation Camp. 

Today, there were 44 players invited to the camp, which will run from Aug. 26-27 in Plymouth, Michigan, and will consist of an administrative and team-building event. There will be no one-ice activities, and it will not be open to the public to come and watch. 

Blue Jackets' Zach Werenski Invited To Team USA Olympic CampThe Columbus Blue Jackets' defensemen Zach Werenski has been officially invited to the Team USA Men’s Olympic Orientation Camp. 

Scott Harrington - Harrington played 185 games for the Blue Jackets after being traded to Columbus by Toronto with a conditional pick in the 2017 NHL Draft for Kerby Rychel on June 25, 2016. Those 185 games would be spread out over six seasons, with 2018-19 being the year he played the most games at 73. He scored 7 goals and totaled 37 points in his career with Columbus, with the 18-19 season being his most productive with 17.   

54 Days Until Opening Night At NWA: The History Of Jersey #54The Columbus Blue Jackets have only had two players wear #54, and none since 2019. 

And, make no mistake, things turned out just fine for Adamo Giuliano Fantilli, last season’s excruciating playoff miss with the Blue Jackets notwithstanding. At 20, Fantilli has a 30-goal NHL season to his credit and has become the No. 1 center Columbus has coveted, well, forever. (Or at least since the fan base was begging for someone who could get the puck to Rick Nash.) Prior to that, Fantilli won a USHL championship in 2020-21, and then he was the best player in college hockey and won gold medals at the world juniors and World Championship, all in the same 2022-23 season. He’s big and talented, and when he learns that he doesn’t have to try to win the game on every shift, he’ll be an elite player in the NHL.  

From The THN Archive: Adam's EveThe Hockey News has released its archive to all THN subscribers: 76 years of history, stories, and features.

Josh Anderson - "The Andy Man" wore #53 when he first started playing games in Columbus. Anderson played a total of 267 games for the Blue Jackets spread over six seasons. He scored 65 goals and totaled 115 points during his time with Columbus.   

53 Days Until Opening Night At NWA: The History Of Jersey #53There are 53 days until opening night at Nationwide Arena, and today we look at the jersey history of #53. There have only been two players wear that number for the Jackets. 

Everything is the same for Geoff Sanderson in many ways, even though he’s 45 and his NHL career ended nine years ago. And in other ways, everything couldn’t be more different.

He still spends hour after hour working on his shot, honing his accuracy. He still spends his winters at the rink. He still goes to work every day with Brendan Morrison, an old Vancouver Canucks teammate.

From The Archive: Blazing The WayThe Hockey News has released its archive to all THN subscribers: 76 years of history, stories, and features.

It was reported last week by Henrik Sjöberg of HockeyNews.se that Bemström will return to Europe. But he won't be playing in his home country of Sweden as many people would expect him to do.  

Former Blue Jackets & Penguins Forward Emil Bemström Leaving North AmericaIt seems Emil Bemström’s time in North America has come to an end.

Let's rewind all the way back to the 2017-18 NHL season, when former Columbus Blue Jackets forward Jussi Jokinen accomplished a very rare feat of playing on four different teams in the same season.  

How Former Blue Jacket Jussi Jokinen Ended Up On 4 Teams In One SeasonLet's rewind all the way back to the 2017-18 NHL season, when former Columbus Blue Jackets forward Jussi Jokinen accomplished a very rare feat of playing on four different teams in the same season.

Adam Foote - 2006-08 - Foote was the first player to wear #52 for the Blue Jackets in their history. In August of 2005, Adam Foote signed a 3-year contract with the Columbus Blue Jackets. At the time, it seemed like a wonderful thing. A long-time star chose to sign with a young expansion team, and things were looking up. He would be joining a team with guys like Rick Nash, Sergei Federov, Todd Marchant, and Geoff Sanderson. After just a few months, Foote was given the C after Luke Richardson stepped down as the captain.    

52 Days Until Opening Night At NWA: The History of Jersey #52The Columbus Blue Jackets have 52 days until opening night at Nationwide Arena. Today we look at the history of jersey #52. Almost every player on this list has a bad reputation of some sort. 

Kunin, 27, recorded 11 goals and seven assists for 18 points in 75 games last season with the San Jose Sharks and Columbus Blue Jackets. He was acquired by Columbus at the 2025 NHL Trade Deadline as the team pushed to make the playoffs.

Former Blue Jackets Forward Signs With PanthersFormer Columbus Blue Jackets forward Luke Kunin has signed with the Florida Panthers on a one-year contract.

Andrew Delmore - 2006-07 Season - Undrafted out of LaSalle, Ontario, Delmore spent most of his career in the NHL before being claimed off of waivers by Columbus on October 4th, 2005, from the Detroit Red Wings.   

51 Days Until Opening Night At NWA: The History Of Jersey #51The Columbus Blue Jackets have 51 days until opening night at Nationwide Arena. Today we look at the history of jersey #51. There weren`t many that used the number, but at least one had a pretty good career. 

Ruutu was hired by former GM Jarmo Kekäläinen in 2015 as a European Development Coach. Per the Blue Jackets, "In his role, Ruutu primarily works with young players throughout the organization, assisting in the development of prospects playing in professional leagues and various major junior leagues across Europe." 

Jarkko Ruutu Leaves Columbus OrganizationLong-time NHLer and 10-year scout for the Columbus Blue Jackets is leaving the organization, according to an interview he did with Tommi Koivunen. 

But this is all different. Playing behind Sergei Bobrovsky in the Columbus organization, waiting to find a regular turn at the NHL level was kind of like Waiting for Godot. In his and the Blue Jackets’ first season of Life After Bob, both are learning that the only way to really learn whether you’re a No. 1 goalie in the NHL is to be a No. 1 goalie in the NHL.  

From The Archive: What About Joonas?The Hockey News has released its archive to all THN subscribers: 76 years of history, stories, and features.

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When Team USA announced the 44 players invited to its orientation camp at the end of August, there was one glaring omission that didn’t go down well with the Montreal Canadiens fanbase: Lane Hutson. The reigning Calder Trophy winner was not one of the 16 blueliners the American brass decided to invite.

According to RG media, the fact that the young defenseman declined to play for his country at the World Championship following the Habs' elimination was part of the reason why he didn’t receive an invite. Marco D’Amico’s source goes on to say that the Canadian and American teams have such a deep talent pool to choose from that they feel they can use that as a criterion.

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The 16 defensemen who got the call are Brock Faber (Minnesota Wild), Quinn Hughes (Vancouver Canucks), Luke Hughes and Brett Pesce (New Jersey Devils), Ryan McDonagh (Tampa Bay Lightning), Brady Skjei (Nashville Predators), Adam Fox (New York Rangers), Seth Jones (Florida Panthers), Jacob Slavin (Carolina Hurricanes), Noah Hanifan (Vegas Golden Knights), Jackson Lacombe (Anaheim Ducks), Neal Pionk (Winnipeg Jets), Alex Vlasic (Chicago Blackhawks), Charlie McAvoy (Boston Bruins), Jake Sanderson (Ottawa Senators) and Zach Werenski (Columbus Blue Jackets).

From that group, Lacombe, Skjei, and Vlasic were part of the gold-winning Team USA squad at the last World Championship co-hosted by Sweden and Denmark in May. The orientation camp will not include any on-ice activities and isn’t a selection camp; no one will be cut on that occasion, and Hutson’s absence from the event does not mean the door is completely shut on him making the Olympic squad, but it’s still not ideal.

Chances are the snub will be a huge motivational factor for the Canadiens’ blueliner, just like it was for captain Nick Suzuki when he wasn’t invited to represent Canada at the 4 Nations Face-Off. If Hutson has a great start to the season, he could still force the American brass to give him a call for the Olympics, but even then, that’s not guaranteed.

Anyone who watched Team USA at the 4 Nations knows how much it bet on physicality and intimidation, and those are not Hutson’s forte. As previously written, a best-on-best tournament is not an All-Star Game, and as such, the decision process cannot focus solely on offensive production. As good and spectacular as Hutson is right now, he hasn’t yet reached Hughes’ (Quinn) level on the blueline, and nobody will argue on that point. Since the Canucks captain is already undersized in the American brass’s eyes, they may just feel like they have no room for a player of Hutson’s frame.

While this is understandable, should Hughes be injured like he was for the 4 Nations, Hutson would remain a good potential replacement if Team USA wanted to make up for the possible loss of offensive production. This is why the omission is puzzling, but it seems the Americans might have wanted to send a message to Hutson. If he wishes to represent his country at the most significant event in the future, it would be ill-advised to refuse to do so at the World Championship.

In his post-season media availability at the start of May, Hutson had told the media that he had yet to decide on whether he’d play in the World Championship, but he eventually chose not to go. Given how much hockey the youngster has played over the season, it wasn’t a shocking decision. After all, the rearguard is so dedicated to the game that he tends to forego his days off and get on the ice even if he’s the only player there. At times, the Canadiens had to force him to take a day off.

It will be interesting to see how the youngster reacts to the snub on the ice when training camp opens and when the puck drops on the regular season. While the defenseman has been eligible to sign a new contract since the start of July, nothing has happened on that front yet, and he will possibly be playing the last year of his ELC without having a new deal. If that’s the case, the stakes will be high for the youngster who will hope to build on his record-setting rookie season and avoid the “sophomore jinx”.

Even though he wasn’t invited to orientation camp, it’s safe to say that the Americans will be monitoring his performances closely, much like the Habs’ brass, if a contract extension is not signed by then.

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