Category: Ice Hockey

The NHL off-season is in full swing, giving us the perfect opportunity to look at each team’s prospect pools. The Anaheim Ducks are up first. 

In this prospect pool overview series, a player who no longer holds rookie eligibility in the NHL is considered graduated and no longer considered a prospect for these exercises. In this series, Tony Ferrari will dig into each team’s strengths and weaknesses, a quick overview of their latest draft class, where each team's positional depth chart stands and who could be next in line for an NHL chance.

Initial Thoughts

The Ducks are on the rise, building with an emphasis on skill and pugnacity over pure skill and finesse. That’s not to say that they don’t possess skilled players, because they certainly do.

Olen Zellweger is one of their most promising blueliners, and he stands just 5-foot-10. He is just one of two players who come in under six-feet that are projected to be on the roster come October. The trade of Trevor Zegras just further cemented the Ducks' philosophy of building with hard, heavy skill.

One player who brings the size that they love while bringing a level of finesse and pure skill is last year’s third overall pick, Beckett Sennecke. The 6-foot-4 right winger has the ability to absolutely dance defenders with the puck on his stick en route to the net. He draws pressure and makes plays out of it. He doesn’t have much to prove at the OHL level, even though he has one more year of eligibility, so there’s a possibility we see him in the NHL to start the season.

After starting this past season in the ECHL, Sasha Pastujov earned his way back onto the AHL roster, and he produced at over a point per game in 43 games with 17 goals and 28 assists. Pastujov is a tactician who slows the game down and tries to play within the pockets of space. He is going to have to find a way to increase his pace if he wants to play at the NHL level but his offensive tools are NHL caliber.

Roger McQueen, drafted 10th overall in the 2025 NHL draft, immediately becomes one of the Ducks’ top prospects. The shooting talent and puckhandling that comes in a 6-foot-6 frame is insane to think about. He isn’t the fleetest of foot, but with his length and reach, McQueen can weave his way through the neutral zone and find his spot in the offensive zone.

On the back end, the Ducks have some really nice prospects to go along with Zellweger and Pavel Mintyukov, who are already on the NHL roster. 

Tristan Luneau has developed and grown so much since being drafted. Healthy once again after a tough year the season before, Luneau played most of the year in the AHL and put up 52 points in 59 games. He should get a longer look with the big club in the fall. The question will be whether he has the room to flourish, as Mintyukov and Zellweger have the offensive capability to run the power play. 

Stian Solberg joined the San Diego Gulls at the tail end of this past season and looked quite good in the AHL. His physicality has always been the calling card, but Solberg has become more confident with the puck. He’s coming off a fantastic World Championship for Norway, and he could parlay that into a fantastic first full North American season. 

Rounding out the top names still in the pipeline, Tarin Smith plays a very solid two-way game. He was more comfortable dictating play and driving into the zone with the puck, which allowed him to use his solid shot more often. Defensively, he was reading play more effectively and using his mobility and size to kill play. He will likely be in the WHL for another year, but he should make his AHL debut after his season in Everett ends.

Key U-23 Players Likely To Play NHL Games This Season

Leo Carlsson (C), Mason McTavish (C), Cutter Gauthier (LW), Beckett Sennecke (RW), Olen Zellweger (D), Pavel Mintyukov (D), Tristan Luneau (D)

2025 NHL Draft Class

Round 1, 10th overall - Roger McQueen, C, Brandon (WHL)

Round 2, 45th overall - Eric Nilson, C, Djurgarden Jr. (Swe.)

Round 2, 60th overall - Lasse Boelius, D, Assat Jr. (Fin.)

Round 3, 72nd overall - Noah Read, C, London (OHL)

Round 4, 101st overall - Drew Schock, D, U.S. NTDP (USHL)

Round 4, 104th overall - Elijah Neuenschwander, G, Fribourg Jr. (Sui.)

Round 5, 136th overall - Alexis Mathieu, D, Baie-Comeau (QMJHL)

Round 5, 159th overall - Emile Guite, LW, Chicoutimi (QMJHL)

Round 6, 168th overall - Anthony Allain-Samake, D, Sioux City (USHL)

Round 7, 200th overall - Brady Turko, RW, Brandon (WHL)

One of the biggest questions heading into the 2025 NHL draft was where McQueen would land after playing in just 20 games because of a back injury. His puck skill and shooting talent are undoubtedly impressive. He must improve his pace and skating, and the injury is a major concern. Big, physical players who have back injuries this early in their careers are always scary. The upside is almost as massive as McQueen is, but so is the risk. 

Anaheim’s pick of Eric Nilson in the second round was one of my personal favorites at the draft. Nilson is a highly intelligent center who connects play and drives the puck positively. He plays an excellent two-way game as well, reading and cutting off play in his own zone as well as almost anyone in the draft. Nilson must bulk up and fill out his frame, but the skill, 200-foot prowess and playmaking are all evident when you watch the Swede play. 

Lasse Boelius was one of the more underrated defenders in the draft. He has decent size and high-level mobility. The base of his game comes from his skating, where he can win puck races and escape forecheckers in his own end. He shadows well, and as his reads improve, his defensive game should round out. Offensively, Boelius is more of a facilitator than a playmaker, but he isn’t a dead zone as some defenders are. His growth and development will be one of the more interesting storylines to follow among the Ducks’ draft class. 

The Ducks are banking on Noah Read to explode this upcoming season with an expanded role after playing on a loaded London squad that won the Memorial Cup. He’s a high-energy player who brings a bit of physicality. He has a good release, and the hope is he can show it off more now that London will need him to step up. 

The Ducks drafted the USA Hockey National Team Development Program’s top-scoring defender this past season, Drew Schock. Despite it being a down year for the program, Schock showed some impressive flashes of puck-moving ability on the breakout and at the offensive blueline. He must refine his defensive game and leverage his skating a bit better, but Schock is a solid project pick in the fourth round. 

Big Swiss goaltender Elijah Neuenschwander split this past season between the junior and second-level men’s leagues in Switzerland. He has excellent size, and he moves fairly well. He must refine some technical aspects, but he has the building blocks of a potential NHL netminder. Anaheim has a fairly good track record of developing netminders, so Neuenschwander could be the next in line. 

Drafting Alexis Mathieu is a bet on a mean streak that can be reined in when needed. He won’t be mistaken for a puck-mover, but his defensive game is what the Ducks hope he can build on. Mathieu’s tendency to try to put his opponents through the boards is what clearly attracted Anaheim here. Improved reads and tracking will be a necessity.

A disappointing season in the QMJHL saw Emile Guite’s point totals cut nearly in half from 57 as a rookie to just 30 this past year. Guite is a very good spot-up shooter who can find his pockets and unleash his shot, but this past year, he just didn’t have the help around him to get him the puck consistently, and he was asked to play a bigger role than his skill set would allow. Anaheim is hoping to see a return to form, and a fifth-round bet isn’t a bad time to take a risk. 

Anthony Allain-Samake is one of the youngest players in the draft, and his toolset is raw but incredibly promising. He’s got a good frame that he will need to fill out, and his mobility is quite impressive, which gives him an incredibly solid base to build from. He shows flashes of high-end play at both ends of the ice, and his upside is as high as any mid-late round pick in this draft. Allain-Samake might have been the Ducks' best value pick of the draft.

The Ducks went young with another late pick, selecting Brady Turko from the Wheat Kings in the WHL. After playing U-18 AAA hockey, he made the jump to the WHL and put up 26 points in a depth role this past season. Turko has some skill and some nice off-puck habits, and there is ample room for growth. 

Strengths

Anaheim’s prospect pipeline has quickly become one of the best in the NHL. They have depth all over and a good variety of skill sets in nearly every position. 

Their defenders range from big, physical presences to skilled puck-movers. The forward group has depth down the middle with size and skill. They have wingers who bring playmaking ability and others with great goal-scoring habits. They even have a few interesting goalies in the system. 

The strength of Anaheim’s system is that it has depth throughout with players who can play up and down the lineup. 

Weaknesses

Although this is just the first installment of our summer NHL prospect pool overview series, the Ducks will be one of the few teams deemed to have no true major weakness in their pipeline. 

You could nitpick and point out the left wing is a bit weak with no surefire studs, but with their depth of centers in the pipeline and on the roster, there will likely be a couple of them who move to the wing. The Ducks are building a very solid foundation of high-quality talent. Developing them and ensuring they are in a position to succeed is the next step. 

Hidden Gem: Herman Traff, RW

The Ducks acquired Traff in a trade with the New Jersey Devils in exchange for defenseman Brian Dumoulin at this past trade deadline. Traff is exactly the type of intense, physical forward the Ducks seem to want in their bottom six. 

Traff played most of this past season at the top men’s level in Sweden, and his offensive game was limited there, but he showed he was much more capable of using his offensive tools at the second level. The 19-year-old has plenty of runway, and he shows power-forward flashes and excellent off-puck instincts at both ends of the ice. Traff could play an important role on the third line in a couple of years.

Next Man Up: Beckett Sennecke, RW

We could have gone with Luneau here, and he may very well be an NHL player when the season opens. But with the addition of Jacob Trouba and a fairly strong defense group, it may be difficult for Luneau to gain a steady footing unless he unseats a player like Drew Helleson. As for Sennecke, there is a possibility the Ducks' top prospect joins the NHL club to start the season. 

His OHL numbers have been fantastic, putting up 86 points in 56 regular-season games, followed by 32 in 28 playoff games. Sennecke’s Oshawa Generals may take a slight step back from contender status, and the Ducks could use an infusion of the skill and pace that Sennecke brings. 

Although the Ducks just signed Mikael Granlund, they could still look to add a top-six right winger. Alex Killorn is aging and hasn’t hit the 40-point mark in a few years, while Troy Terry seems destined for a third-line role or even a possible trade. Sennecke could bring the skill element the Ducks sorely need after trading Zegras. Even if he heads back to junior after a quick nine-game stint, don’t be surprised to see Sennecke on the NHL roster to open the season. 

Prospect Depth Chart Notables

LW: Sasha Pastujov, Alexandre Blais, Lucas Pettersson, Nico Myatovic, Emile Guite

C: Roger McQueen, Eric Nilson, Nathan Gaucher, Noah Reed, Jan Mysak

RW: Beckett Sennecke, Herman Traff, Yegor Sidorov, Austin Burnevik, Brady Turko

LD: Stian Solberg, Tarin Smith, Anthony Allain-Samake, Tyson Hinds, Darels Uljanskis

RD: Tristan Luneau, Noah Warren, Ian Moore 

G: Tomas Suchanek, Elijah Neuenshwander, Damian Clara

For a deeper dive into the prospect pool with player rankings, check out the Yearbook and Future Watch editions of The Hockey News in print.

Rylan Fellinger, the Toronto Maple Leafs’ sixth-round selection (185th overall) in the 2025 NHL Draft, had a quite unique draft experience: he wasn't at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles when his name was called. Instead, the 6-foot-4, 200-pound defenseman was in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, attending his high school prom.

Fellinger recounted how he learned of his selection. He had tried not to pay attention to the draft, but his teammate and friend from their Sault Ste. Marie AAA U18 days, Hudson Chitaroni, was streaming it.

“I just wanted to clear my mind a little bit, and he was just watching it,” Fellinger recalled. “Then the Leafs were up with the next pick, and I saw my name, and I was going crazy. I couldn't even believe it. I was just running around. People, I think, might have thought I was crazy or something, but yeah, it was awesome.”

Fellinger was the first defenseman chosen by the Leafs in the 2025 NHL Draft, after Toronto made four consecutive selections at the forward spot.

'Time Will Tell': Is Maple Leafs Prospect Easton Cowan Ready For The NHL Next Season?One year ago, it was only the NHL or OHL for Toronto Maple Leafs prospect Easton Cowan. However, now, it'll be NHL or AHL for the 20-year-old.

Maple Leafs’ Director of Amateur Scouting Mark Leach described Fellinger as a big, “rangy” defenseman who uses his size to box out opponents. Leach also admitted that Fellinger will have to work on his game.

Fellinger described the rest of the day with reporters after the first day of on-ice sessions at Maple Leafs development camp at Ford Performance Centre on Thursday. He also described what it was like working with former Leafs defenseman Jake Muzzin, who is coaching some of the defensive prospects.

Q: What was the rest of the night like?

Fellinger:  Oh, it was just like, I couldn't even describe it. It was, I didn't even know what to think at that point. I was just so out of it. I was so excited. So many emotions going through my mind. I could see my family out here as well, and it was an awesome experience.

Q Did you have a date?

Fellinger: Yeah.

Q: What was her reaction?

Fellinger: Oh, I think she was crazier than me. She was going crazy. She was so happy for me and it was awesome.

'I'll Let You Know If It Works': Can Inviting A Horse To Development Camp Help Maple Leafs Prospects Overcome Pressure?There's been a lot of talk lately about how much pressure there is playing in a passionate hockey market like Toronto.

Q: When you found out that the draft and prom would coincide, were you always going to attend prom anyway?

Fellinger: Yeah, I was if, but like, I still wanted to see all my childhood friends. They've been with me since the start. They've always had my back. I really wanted to spend the day with them. They're always there for me and to celebrate with them was just an unreal experience.

Q: What's the name of the school?

Fellinger: Cora Collegiate. In the Soo.

Q: Did someone make an announcement at the prom that you'd been drafted?

Fellinger: They wanted to, but I didn't want to ruin the whole night. I didn't want to make it all about me.

'He Meant A Lot To Me': Easton Cowan On Mitch Marner Leaving Maple Leafs For Golden KnightsToronto Maple Leafs prospect Easton Cowan has followed Mitch Marner's junior footsteps, winning a Memorial Cup with the London Knights of the Ontario Hockey League, but he hasn't been in contact with the player yet since Marner joined the Vegas Golden Knights after nine seasons with the Leafs.

Q: What was the phone call like from Brad(Maple Leafs GM Brad Treliving)? He said he could hear music on in the background. Like what was that like?

Fellinger: Yeah, I tried to get away from everyone 'cause everyone was screaming and everything and uh I was I was trying to keep the calm and but people were just going crazy and I couldn't help it.

Q: Have you had a 'Welcome to the Leafs' moment yet?

Fellinger: Well, everyone has been welcoming here. Like, even my teammates, I haven't even met them, but they all feel like brothers to me. It's so unreal here. It's amazing.

Q: Who did you cheer for growing up, were you a Leafs fan

Fellinger:  Yeah, I was always a Leads fan with my dad and my grandpa, obviously. We were always cheering for them. But I was a really big big Sidney Crosby fan. I always loved to see his journey and I was definitely a big Leafs fan.

Fight Breaks Out at Maple Leafs Development Camp Between Matthew Hlacar and Rhett ParsonsWe have a fight on day one of Toronto Maple Leafs development camp.

Q: What did your dad think?

Fellinger: “He was going crazy. I haven't seen tears from that guy in so long. And just seeing that, it was such a surreal experience.

Q: And now you're here. What stood out about the first on-ice session?

Fellinger: “it's just a lot to take in. It's about learning new experiences, learning all the new coaching staff, and just the new drills that we get to see, seeing where I can improve on, and just start from there.

Q: What's it like getting tips from Jake Muzzin?

Fellinger: Ah, it's awesome. Yeah, I love that. Anything that comes from him is always is always a great experience. I love taking things from him.

Maple Leafs Prospects Easton Cowan And Ben Danford Highlight 2025 Development Camp RosterThe Toronto Maple Leafs have announced their roster for this year's development camp.

Q: What were you guys working on there at the end (of the session?

Fellinger: We were just working on boxing out guys. I think I just need to hit the hips more instead of hitting higher because it's a lot easier to just bring them onto the boards and yeah.

Q: How far back did your grandfather go as a Leaf fan? Do you know what era?

I'm not sure. Yeah, I'm not really too sure about that. Probably a long time ago, for sure.

(Photo Credit: Toronto Maple Leafs on YouTube)

'This Is For Real Now': Matthews, Tavares, Nylander Texts Help Welcome New Maple Leafs ProspectsIn the hours—and likely days—after the Toronto Maple Leafs selected Tyler Hopkins with their third-round pick in the 2025 NHL Draft, the 18-year-old sifted through all of the messages received about being selected. No New Contract From Maple Leafs Was ‘Tough,’ Says Pontus HolmbergPontus Holmberg spoke to the media on Wednesday for the first time since signing a new two-year contract worth $1.55 million per season with the Tampa Bay Lightning. Although he seemed happy to be getting a raise with his new NHL team, he did describe the emotions of the past few days that saw his former club not tender him a qualifying offer. Why Toronto-Born Michael Pezzetta Signed A Two-Year Contract With Maple Leafs: 'I Couldn't Pass Up On That'Michael Pezzetta is living his childhood dream.

NHL clubs did not hesitate in going wild in the opening week of free agency, with a number of signings that were the product of an increasing salary cap and a pool of unrestricted free agents thin on centers, top-four defensemen, and scoring forwards. One of the more prominent names still unsigned after four days is former Buffalo Sabre Jeff Skinner.

The 33-year-old was bought out of the final three years of his eight-year, $72 million contract last June and quickly signed a one-year, $3 million deal with the Edmonton Oilers. Skinner was thought to be an option for the Oilers in their top-six playing alongside either Leon Draisaitl or Connor McDavid with another former Sabre Evander Kane expected out for the entire regular season.  

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That opportunity did not come to fruition with the Oilers, as the former 40-goal scorer played mostly a secondary role in the bottom-six, and dropping from 24 goals in Buffalo to 16 with the Oilers. After playing the first postseason game of his 15-year career against Los Angeles in the first round, Skinner was replaced by Kane in the lineup and did not get back into the Edmonton lineup until the Western Conference Final against Dallas, when replaced the injured Zach Hyman.

Skinner scored his first playoff goal in the clinching game against the Stars and three of the six games in the loss to Florida in the Stanley Cup Final. There has been no indication whether the Oilers will re-sign the veteran winger, but after re-signing Trent Frederic, Kasperi Kapanen, and adding Andrew Mangiapane and Curtis Lazar as UFA’s earlier this week, Edmonton has less than $200,000 in cap space and may have closed the door on a return to Alberta.    

Follow Michael on X, Instagram, and Bluesky @MikeInBuffalo

The Wraparound has some more rapid-fire looks at NHL free agency, international and women’s hockey news and more.

Where Does Marner Fit In The Golden Knights' Lineup? by The Wraparoundundefined

Here’s what Emma Lingan, Michael Augello and Willie Ramirez discussed in this episode:

1:15: Do the Winnipeg Jets have the weapons to replace Nikolaj Ehlers?

3:36: Which NHL teams must look at next steps after missing out on Ehlers?

7:00: Where does Mitch Marner fit in the Vegas Golden Knights’ forward lineup?  

11:50: Will the Washington Capitals insert more rising prospects into the lineup next season after losing players in free agency? 

14:04: What do you think about what the Capitals have or haven’t done so far in the off-season?

16:30: The Office of the Sport Integrity Commissioner wants Hockey Canada to push for a fighting ban across all junior leagues. Agree or disagree? 

22:10: Reacting to women's hockey in North America hitting record numbers: is this growth a result of the PWHL’s visibility?

24:18: Can these rising numbers be attributed to something other than the PWHL? 

28:00: The NHL, NHLPA and IIHF reach an official agreement for NHL player participation in the 2026 Olympics. Does the USA now have an edge, thanks to the 4 Nations experience and the IIHF World Championship victory (its first since 1933)?

29:46: What will this rivalry between the USA and Canada look like at the Olympics next year? 

32:30: The Anaheim Ducks signed Mikael Granlund to three-year, $21-million contract. They had the cap space to do it, but is this an overpay for a middle-six center?

34:16: How is Granlund going to impact the Ducks roster, and what kind of noise will the team make this year? 

Watch the full episode here. 

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Promo image credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images

It's been six years since the Toronto Maple Leafs traded Nazem Kadri to the Colorado Avalanche.

The expensive addition of John Tavares in 2018 and Kadri's then-average annual value of $4.5 million made the latter an expensive third-line center. His frequent suspensions for undisciplined play in the post-season hastened his departure.

Kadri went on to help the Avalanche win the Stanley Cup in 2022 before heading to the Calgary Flames later that summer. He matured along the way, playing a more disciplined style without sacrificing his effectiveness as an agitating point producer. 

Now 34, Kadri is a core player for the Flames. However, their retooling process made him the subject of trade speculation last summer. It reached the point where Kadri told reporters last fall to “pump the brakes” on the trade chatter, insisting that he loved living and playing in Calgary. 

A year later, the speculation has resurfaced, as Terry Koshan of the Toronto Sun suggested a possible reunion for Kadri with the Maple Leafs. 

The Maple Leafs still need a top-six forward following the departure of Mitch Marner to the Vegas Golden Knights earlier this week. Koshan wondered if Leafs GM Brad Treliving would make a pitch for Kadri. 

While admitting there is nothing to suggest such a deal could happen, Koshan cited an NHL source claiming Kadri wouldn't let his no-movement clause stand in the way of a return to Toronto. However, he also noted that the one-time Leaf hasn't requested a trade, nor has he been asked to waive his NMC.

It's unlikely that the Flames are interested in moving Kadri. He was their leading scorer last season with 35 goals and 67 points, and his presence is crucial to their playoff contention hopes this season.

Even if the Flames were open to trading Kadri, they would want at least a good young NHL forward as part of the return, something the Leafs lack among their limited trade assets. 

Turning to Buffalo, Sabres defenseman Bowen Byram remains a fixture in the rumor mill. The 24-year-old defenseman is an RFA with arbitration rights, prompting conjecture that he could be traded or become a candidate for an offer sheet. 

However, Sabres GM Kevyn Adams told reporters on Wednesday he would match any offer sheet for Byram. Mike Harrington of The Buffalo News speculated a trade could still take place, pointing out the Sabres need to replace top-six right winger JJ Peterka, who was shipped to the Utah Mammoth last week. 

Harrington also corrected a TSN report earlier this week claiming Byram was a year away from UFA eligibility. He is, in fact, two years away.

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 Season 7 XP Path is officially live in NHL 25.

The reward cards are 91 overall Henrik Lundqvist, Erik Karlsson, Nicklas Backstrom, Ryan Suter, and 98 overall P.K. Subban. 

Subban can be acquired by reaching level 40 or 325,000 XP on the XP Path, previous paths required players to reach level 50 to acquire the highest rated reward. 

This XP Path is available for 35 days. 

Multiple packs, choice packs, and players can be acquired throughout the XP Path.

You can trade in five Season 7 XP Collectibles for one XP Token which can be used to upgrade one of the five 91 overall players mentioned above. 

100 collectibles total can be acquired throughout the path and can be used in sets to acquire packs. 

Check out Tuesday's and Wednesday's HUT Content. 

For more NHL 25 news make sure you bookmark The Hockey News Gaming Site or follow our Google News Feed.    

Between their additions and subtractions, the Philadelphia Flyers have been well-represented in NHL free agency this year.

Big money additions like Christian Dvorak and Dan Vladar should help the Flyers improve in the short term, while defensemen Noah Juulsen and Dennis Gilbert will serve the purpose of ensuring there is competition for the team's young blueliners.

But, what about the subtractions?

Arguably the biggest loss so far has been winger Jakob Pelletier, who was controversially not tendered a qualifying offer, only to accept a three-year, $2.23 million contract with Tampa Bay merely hours into Day 2 of free agency.

Acquired by the Flyers in the Morgan Frost and Joel Farabee trade with Calgary, Pelletier now figures to assume a bottom-six role for the Lightning next season, replacing former Flyer Cam Atkinson.

Also leaving the Flyers organization is former prospect Olle Lycksell, who could never quite grab ahold of an NHL roster spot permanently.

NHL Free Agency: Flyers Won and Lost on Day 1The Philadelphia Flyers were the one team that won as much as it lost on Day 1 of NHL Free Agency.

After 44 points in 43 AHL games this season, Lycksell has latched on with the Ottawa Senators, taking a one-year, two-way contract worth league minimum ($775k).

Former Flyers defenseman Ronnie Attard, who was traded to Edmonton for Ben Gleason in November, signed a one-year deal with the Colorado Avalanche for league minimum as well.

Speaking of Gleason, he ($800k), and AHL teammate and former Flyers goalie Cal Petersen ($775k) landed cheap one-year deals with the Minnesota Wild organization.

Ditto for ex-Flyers forward Nicolas Aube-Kubel.

Louie Belpedio, who was actually quite decent in limited action for the Flyers two seasons ago, has ultimately left the organization, getting some security with a two-year, league minimum deal with the Metropolitan Division rival Washington Capitals.

It would have been good for Belpedio to stick around with the Flyers organization longer, but the 29-year-old is ultimately making way for prospects like Oliver Bonk and, eventually, Spencer Gill in the AHL.

Among the former Flyers sticking with their current teams, Nick Cousins and Hayden Hodgson have both re-upped with the Senators, with the former landing a one-year deal and the latter two.

Flyers' Porter Martone Sets Sights on Early NHL DebutJust one day into on-ice activities at development camp, the hype around top Philadelphia Flyers prospect Porter Martone is already growing.

Oh, and Claude Giroux will be joining them and Lycksell in Ottawa for another year, too.

After receiving his qualifying offer, Frost will be with the Flames a little longer, signing a two-year, $8.75 million contract with a $4.375 million annual cap hit.

Columbus defenseman Ivan Provorov ended up setting the free agent market ablaze with his eye-watering seven-year contract extension that carries an annual cap hit of $8.5 million, and he's not even their No. 1 defender. That's Zach Werenski.

Although the Flyers did land Vladar, it would have been nice to see Alex Lyon return to Philly; the formerly undrafted netminder landed a two-year deal worth $3 million with Buffalo, with his $1.5 million cap hit coming in at less than half of Vladar's $3.275 million.

James van Riemsdyk, still kicking it at age 36, signed a one-year deal with the bumbling Detroit Red Wings for $1 million.

And, because so many were asking and wondering, Tony DeAngelo is, in fact, sticking around in the NHL after a strange and brief KHL stint last season. The enigmatic rearguard will remain in the division for the Flyers to face on a one-year, $1.75 million pact with the New York Islanders.

The Flyers won't be missing too many of these players now, no, but Lyon and Giroux would have been fun stories, especially given the team's positional needs. Better luck next time?

The Vancouver Canucks 2025 Development Camp has officially concluded. This year's week-long camp featured the entire 2025 draft class, as well as prospects who have taken part in the past. One of the players who hit the ice this week was 2023 draft prospect Aiden Celebrini, who was attending his third development camp since joining the Canucks. 

Celebrini was one of three prospects from Vancouver's 2023 class to attend this year's camp. The right-shot defender was joined by Vilmer Alriksson and Matthew Perkins, who were also participating in their third development camp. In speaking with the media, Celebrini explained how excited he was to come to this year's camp and how these training sessions have helped him develop into the player he is today. 

"Coming in for the third time, this is, this is one of the highlights of my summer, said Celebrini. "Just getting that opportunity to work with the big team and better your game and ready your game for that NHL level, I think this camp again just primed me in a lot of ways, to take that next step in my development. Feeling really excited about this second half of the year and this next season."

Development camps can be intimating for some players. Prospects want to make a strong impression as for many, it is their first time working with an NHL organization. According to Celebrini, it is also important for players to enjoy themselves, while trying to absorb as much knowledge as possible. 

"Hockey's fun. Try to have fun with it. I mean, it's always a blessing to be able to put on that Canucks jersey and learn from these legends of the game. So I think it's just take no day for granted. I know I'm putting everything I can into into developing my game and definitely taking my process seriously and kind of asking everything from myself every single day, but at the same time, you got to have fun with it because if you don't enjoy the process, then you're just spinning your wheels... "You're not getting judged. That's not what this is for. Just take this opportunity to better your game. Like, I know, probably heard it all week this week, but be a sponge, doesn't make the message any less important. Just be a sponge. Just be selfish with it. Take as much as you can out of it and use this to just take that next step."

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As one of the returning players, one of Celebrini's goals for this development camp was to be a leader. This meant helping players adjust both on and off the ice. As Celebrini explained, he knows exactly how some of the new prospects are feeling, as he experienced the same situation back in 2023. 

"Obviously, being an older guy, getting to experience what it's like coming back and seeing kind of the nerves of some of the younger guys that I had a few years ago. Going from one year of juniors to two years of college. Haven't really gotten to experience that very much. So that was really cool for me. I thought try to be a leader and try to  set the tone for the other guys here."

As Celebrini mentioned, the Canucks development staff is filled with former NHL players who are ready to help the next generation. This includes Daniel and Henrik Sedin, whom the 20-year-old defenceman watched while growing up in BC. Like many who grew up cheering for Vancouver, Celebrini views the Hall of Famers as role models not just for their on-ice work, but the type of people they are off the ice. 

"Like I said in that video last year, I had a lot of friends and family ask me about it. I mean, they're machines. At least they didn't pass me this year. But, yeah, I really look up to those guys. Not only their incredible careers, but how they approach life after their careers. You look at them, they're the most incredible human beings, and they're just, they're perfect, you know. You look at them, Grouse Grind, on the ice, they look like they can still play, and it just shows like how much care and attention, they put into their lives. They're incredible role models."

Celebrini was also able to give a scouting report on fellow Canucks defensive prospect Tom Willander, who signed his entry-level contract after the season ended. Over the past two seasons, Celebrini and Willander have played at Boston University and have become very close off the ice. According to Celebrini, fans in Vancouver should start to get excited, as he believes Willander has a bright future in the NHL. 

"I couldn't be happier for him. He's going to be a fan favourite, for sure. He's a fun guy, fun personality, and obviously a really talented hockey player. He's very smooth, very sound defensively, and you like that nice, Swedish stride. Yeah, he's a lot of fun. And gonna miss him out there with me, but hopefully I'm there with him soon."

In the end, Celebrini is an intriguing prospect whom the Canucks are hoping will turn into a draft-day steal. He is headed back to the NCAA next year and is projected to play a key role on Boston University's blue line. A standout at this year's development camp, Celebrini's on-ice play and leadership qualities could pave the way for a successful career at the pro level. 

Make sure you bookmark THN's Vancouver Canucks site and add us to your favourites on Google News for the latest news, exclusive interviews, breakdowns, and so much more. Also, be sure to leave a comment at the bottom of the page and engage with other passionate fans through our forum.

One year ago, it was only the NHL or OHL for Toronto Maple Leafs prospect Easton Cowan. However, now, it'll be NHL or AHL for the 20-year-old.

Cowan is one of 48 players at Toronto's development camp this summer. He's one of two, however—along with London Knights teammate Landon Sim—who are remaining off the ice for the entire week.

"He's played over 100 games the last couple of seasons, so it was more just allow him to have a bit of recovery time," Maple Leafs assistant GM, player development, Hayley Wickenheiser, said on Thursday.

The fact that Toronto is giving their 2023 first-round (28th overall) pick all the opportunity to rest before Maple Leafs training camp is interesting, but not surprising. They're allowing him to stay off the ice, away from the nearly two-hour ice sessions (only behind the glass), to prepare for what comes later this summer.

"He's going to have a big few months here coming up and allow him to train, more importantly off the ice right now," Wickenheiser added, "put on some of the weight that he's lost through the season, and just get some rest."

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Cowan has accomplished everything at the junior level after winning the Memorial Cup with the Knights on June 1. His 39 points (13 goals and 26 assists) in 17 games led all OHL players in playoff points, and his three goals and four assists in five games at the Memorial Cup earned him the tournament's MVP honors.

"This time last year, I wasn’t as good as I am now," Cowan said on Thursday at Maple Leafs development camp. "Just being able to manage the puck better, I’ve learned that a lot this year, and obviously with the Knights organization, they helped me out a lot.

"I felt when games got bigger, I got better. Those are the games I love to play in, when there’s a lot of people watching and there’s high stakes."

'He Meant A Lot To Me': Easton Cowan On Mitch Marner Leaving Maple Leafs For Golden KnightsToronto Maple Leafs prospect Easton Cowan has followed Mitch Marner's junior footsteps, winning a Memorial Cup with the London Knights of the Ontario Hockey League, but he hasn't been in contact with the player yet since Marner joined the Vegas Golden Knights after nine seasons with the Leafs.

Entering training camp last fall, one of the topics surrounding Cowan's game was the junior habits that he still possessed. There were moments when he looked timid, too, which ultimately led to Toronto returning him to London in October.

"I think he made a big jump this year," Wickenheiser affirmed.

"The intangibles he brings, he plays with a lot of passion, a lot of drive. But just in terms of the way he played and conducted himself as a leader and an impact player, especially in the Memorial Cup, produced, led the team, and the habits that he needs to play pro, we saw improve in the latter half of the year this year."

Cowan still needs to prove, though, that the pro habits have been expelled from his game. It's one thing to see it disappear against OHL talent. It's another to watch it vanish versus NHL competition.

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"In junior, you can get away with long shifts and lagging, not tracking back pucks, things like that, and we talk a lot with him about the things that will translate to being an everyday impactful pro player," said Wickenheiser.

"Cleaning up those areas of the ice, being able to play on the inside, to play with pace day in and day out, and just to be physically strong so that when he comes in, he can handle the grind that it is."

Cowan said that he'd ideally like to get his weight to 190 pounds by the end of this summer, adding that 187 could be the more achievable goal. "Add some more cornerweight on me and keep my speed," the forward said.

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With Wickenheiser applauding Cowan for ridding the junior habits from his game in the latter half of his OHL season, it'll be up to him to prepare for what's next: a possible NHL position with the Maple Leafs.

"I have the chance to get a job, and that’s up to me to go out there and show what I can do and play my game," Cowan said. "Still a couple months away, so I’m going to take every day day-by-day and just keep getting better."

What Toronto does in the rest of the offseason will help in determining where Cowan could end up in training camp. If the Maple Leafs acquire another top-six forward, Cowan could be battling for a bottom-six spot.

That could already be the case, though, with players like newly-acquired Matias Maccelli—plus Max Domi, who's had success playing with Auston Matthews before—potentially getting an opportunity ahead of Cowan.

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If that's indeed the case, it'll be an uphill battle for the young forward. But, we've witnessed Cowan turn heads before, so it'd be unfair to say it's unattainable this time around.

"Time will tell. I guess that's the question that we all are asking ourselves," said Wickenheiser of Cowan making the NHL roster.

"But my money's on him that he will be fit enough and prepared enough, the experience to be able to step in and play will be — we'll see probably very quickly when (training) camp starts."

(Top photo of Cowan: John E. Sokolowski / Imagn Images)

The Montreal Canadiens’ development camp wrapped up on Thursday, and on day three, fans were treated to two mini-games between Team Red and Team White. The competitive level was relatively high, and the first game ended in a 2-2 tie while the second finished 2-1 thanks to a Tyler Thorpe game-winner seconds before the end of the game.

A few players stood out for me, Thorpe being one of them, and not only because he scored a pair of goals, one in each game, but also because of his size. At 6-foot-5 and 210 pounds, the right winger moves well, and he’s not afraid to use his big frame, all the while showcasing some skills and a scoring touch.

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At the opposite end of the spectrum was LJ Mooney. At 5-foot-7 and 162 pounds, the diminutive winger still managed to stand out. He plays a solid game and isn’t easy to take off the puck; he plays with a lot of heart and determination, a bit like Brendan Gallagher, really, but the skills package he has is even more impressive. On top of shining on the ice, the youngster also went to speak to Francis Bouillon after the game and asked him what he should be doing as a small player. The development coach told him:

You are aware of your strengths and weaknesses. When I was playing, I didn’t want to allow anyone to tell me I wouldn’t play because I’d get beat one-on-one. Just focus on the right things, and work hard. It’s a player who impressed me with his speed, but also with his spirit and energy. He’s not a player who’ll stay on the outside; he goes in, goes to the net, wants to create chances.

- Francis Bouillon on LJ Mooney

During the games, he caught my eye as he seemed fearless, fearing no one and nothing.

I was also impressed by Aatos Koivu’s play. While he wants to make his own path and name, in the shootout after the game, he gave everyone who saw his father play an absolute blast from the past, recreating one of Saku’s best moves. His skating and hands were impressive during play, as were his decision-making and reaction time; he seems to have a high hockey IQ. At 6 feet and 163 pounds, he will need to put on some muscle to be able to pull the same kind of moves in the NHL, but the talent is there.

Tel père, tel fils :)

Like father, like son#GoHabsGopic.twitter.com/kyVGZhd7EG

— Canadiens Montréal (@CanadiensMTL) July 3, 2025

Koivu and Mooney are still some time away from turning professional in North America. Still, if they continue to develop in the right way, they will be very entertaining to watch.

Photo credit: David Reginek-Imagn Images

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Happy Fourth of July from THN Florida!

For the third straight summer, Florida Panthers fans have quite a bit to celebrate.

In 2023, Cats fans were elated after the team’s incredible, improbable run to the Stanley Cup Final after squeaking into the playoffs as an eight seed.

Last year, not only the Panthers get back to the Final, but they won the franchise’s first ever Stanley Cup in an unbelievable, nail-biting seven-game series against the Edmonton Oilers.

Then there was this year, when Florida returned to the championship series for the third year in a row, only to find those same Oilers waiting in the Final and looking for revenge.

Unfortunately for Edmonton, there was no revenge to be had.

This time, the Panthers took out the Oilers in six games, winning the Stanley Cup on home ice for the second year in a row.

In addition to all that winning, Panthers General Manager Bill Zito has also found a way to keep the team’s entire core intact and locked into long-term, franchise friendly deals.

That was capped off by the re-signings of Sam Bennett, Aaron Ekblad and Brad Marchand over the past couple weeks.

Overall, as we’ve been saying for a while now, it’s a great time to be a Florida Panthers fan.

From us here at THN Florida, we wanted to wish everyone a very happy and safe July 4th!

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Photo caption: Jun 17, 2025; Sunrise, Florida, USA; The Florida Panthers pose for a photo with the Stanley Cup after winning game six of the 2025 Stanley Cup Final against the Edmonton Oilers at Amerant Bank Arena. (Sam Navarro-Imagn Images)

There's been a lot of talk lately about how much pressure there is playing in a passionate hockey market like Toronto.

Toronto Maple Leafs are taking a unique approach when it comes to that issue as the club's annual development camp kicked off this week. On Wednesday, Assistant GM of Player Development Dr. Hayley Wickenheiser revealed that they had a session on Tuesday about managing pressure and performance in Toronto. Maple Leafs alumnus Wendel Clark and head coach Craig Berube also addressed the group. But there was also another rather unusual guest on the docket.

"We brought in a world-class horse trainer to spend a couple of hours. Actually, we brought in a wild colt, a wild horse, to talk about how you manage emotions and how you go through handling pressure in tricky situations," Wickenheiser said. "(They're) actually using a horse. So it's going to be interesting."

A horse trainer by the name of Jeff Davis and a horse were brought in from Oklahoma, according to Wickenheiser. It's an idea that was discussed with Leafs Director of Player Development Danielle Goyette. Maple Leafs Special Advisor Shane Doan, who grew up on a farm, was also into the idea.

'He Meant A Lot To Me': Easton Cowan On Mitch Marner Leaving Maple Leafs For Golden KnightsToronto Maple Leafs prospect Easton Cowan has followed Mitch Marner's junior footsteps, winning a Memorial Cup with the London Knights of the Ontario Hockey League, but he hasn't been in contact with the player yet since Marner joined the Vegas Golden Knights after nine seasons with the Leafs.

The horse will not be on the ice, unfortunately. 

"We all think it's a good idea, but I'll let you know tomorrow if it works or not," Wickenheiser added.

Players like Easton Cowan, who got the nickname 'Cowboy' for growing up on the form and his work ethic, should be a natural at this session. If any of the attendees knows what it's like to deal with pressure, it's the Mount Brydges, Ontario native, who will be many will be keeping an eye on to see if he's ready to make the jump to the NHL level.

(Photo credit: certifiedclinician.com)

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He was supposed to be a 'Jet for life'.

It was supposed to be, 'draft and develop'.

So what went wrong between Nikolaj Ehlers and the Winnipeg Jets?

Nothing, yet everything. 

Selected early in the 2014 NHL Draft, Ehlers bypassed the American Hockey League and jumped right into NHL play following a stellar Junior career with the QMJHL's Halifax Mooseheads. He scored his first goal against Henrik Lundqvist and the New York Rangers on October 13, 2015.

Ten seasons later and the now 29-year-old has opted to part ways with the organization that took him ninth overall.

Ehlers has since become the NHL's all-time leading scorer among Danish-born players. Over his time with Winnipeg he has shot up the rankings to the fourth position in Jets' 2.0 history in games played, goals, assists and points. 

His time with the Jets was spectacular.

Always one to provide a laugh, a raw and honest opinion, or a slow, drawn-out response in his media availabilities, Ehlers was just as loved off the ice as he was on it.

Skating in 674 games for the Jets, the Dashing Dane put up 225 goals and 520 points to go alongside 222 penalty minutes and a +106 +/- rating. He had another nine goals and 21 points in 45 postseason games.

And despite his diminutive stature, the speedy forward was never afraid to get in the face of his opponents, willingly dropping the mitts when called upon. Who could forget his spirited tilts against Ryan Getzlaf, Jamie Benn, Brad Marchand or Corey Perry? 

On Thursday, Ehlers opted to sign a six-year, $51 million contract with the Eastern Conference's Carolina Hurricanes, effectively ending his time in Manitoba. The choice came after earning the right to be an unrestricted free agent by way of years of service to Winnipeg.

Unable to sort out any sort of extension with GM Kevin Cheveldayoff and the front office staff during the past season, Ehlers let his name stand as a UFA and opted to test the waters of free agency. It took until the third day of the signing period for him to officially come to a decision, but the choice was a definitive one: he was not going back to Winnipeg.

Whether it was even an option in his mind is likely a question that will never be answered. Did Cheveldayoff offer to match the Hurricanes' offer of six years at $8.5 million per season? 

It's very possible that Chevy and Co. did not offer a dollar value of $8.5 million per season, as that is the exact number they are paying their top centre Mark Scheifele and Hart Trophy winning goaltender Connor Hellebuyck - who both signed matching extensions two seasons ago. 

If it was all about the money, Ehlers likely could have signed elsewhere for seven seasons at an even higher rate of pay, so the decision to move to Carolina likely comes as a culture shift with a hope for more effective usage and a real shot at the Stanley Cup.

Ehlers, who ranked ninth among forwards in ice time in the Jets' second round playoff matchup with Dallas finished the round as the team's point-scoring leader. Fittingly, that has been a role he has found himself in over the majority of his time with the Jets.

Whether it was under the coaching of Paul Maurice, Dave Lowry, Rick Bowness or Scott Arniel, he never could quite find a way to usurp various characters on the top line and power play unit, including Patrik Laine, Blake Wheeler, Pierre-Luc Dubois, Mark Scheifele, Kyle Connor and Gabe Vilardi - to name a few. 

His ~16 minute average of ice time per game puts him somewhere between second and third line players, despite owning speed, a skillset and hockey IQ among the very best in the league. 

Check out that time on ice stat:

“Third liner” https://t.co/Vl5RJjwR0L

— Carter Brooks (@CBrooksie84) July 3, 2025

It is with the Hurricanes where he hopes to find a new path to greatness. A strong forward corps including the likes of Andrei Svechnikov, Sebastian Aho, Seth Jarvis, Logan Stankoven, Jackson Blake, Jesperi Kotkaniemi, Taylor Hall and Jordan Staal should provide ample competition for the always passionate Ehlers. 

Will he find his Stanley Cup glory with Carolina? He sure thinks so, and has 51 million reasons to believe his new landing spot is as legitimate as they come. 

After having spent time under the watchful tutelage of recent back-to-back Stanley Cup-winning head coach Paul Maurice, Ehlers will now get to work for another champion and noted winner, Rod Brind'Amour. 

With Winnipeg in the rearview mirror, Ehlers will look to stay healthy and play six complete 82-game seasons in Carolina - something he only managed to do three out of his 10 seasons in Winnipeg. 

With the NHL schedule yet to be released for the 2025-26 season, fans will surely look to circle the lone battle at Canada Life Centre between the Jets and Hurricanes for the coming year, where Ehlers should receive a hearty hello from fans in attendance. 

Although it wasn't the ending that Jets fans had in mind, it is a change of scenery that hopefully gives a much deserving player the chance he so highly covets - that of playing meaningful minutes and winning a Stanley Cup. 

And with Carolina, he should be able to accomplish both. 

When Pittsburgh Penguins’ Prospect Development Camp began on Thursday, 48 players took the to the ice - some for the first time in black and gold, others returned to a familiar place.

Among those 48 skaters - which excludes four injured invitees in forwards Tanner Howe, Zam Plante, and Luke Devlin as well as defenseman Maleek McGowan - 16 are young defensemen. Many of these blueliners are already within the Penguins’ system somewhere, whether acquired through the draft or by college free agent signing. Some are non-roster invitees.

Whatever path they started toward the Penguins’ organization on, the goal is all the same for each of them in development camp: To prove they’re worthy of a chance to play at the NHL level someday.

“Oh yeah,” top defensive prospect Harrison Brunicke - drafted 44th overall by the Penguins in 2024 - responded to Wes Crosby of NHL.com, who asked if it was a personal goal of his to make the NHL club out of training camp. 

Brunicke turned a lot of heads during training camp in 2024, when he wowed the masses with his smooth skating, masterful puckhandling, and advanced vision, which led many to believe that - at 18 - he already wasn’t a far cry from NHL-ready. Kyle Dubas and the Penguins must have thought so, too, to an extent, as Brunicke stuck around right through the very end of training camp and nearly earned a nine-game trial at the NHL level.

Harrison Brunicke Goes Bar Down During Development Camp - Community PostPittsburgh Penguins defensive prospect Harrison Brunicke went bar down with a shot during Thursday's development camp practice. 

But not every blueliner in the Penguins’ system - in fact, probably not any of them - is going to have the same developmental path as Brunicke, and not all of them are going to turn so many heads right away. It will take time, effort, patience - and a whole lot of refinement.

That’s what development camp is all about - and small improvements are what each player is aiming for every day.

“I’m trying to pick up as much stuff as I can through development camp,” said Charlie Trethewey, 17, who was drafted in the third round (73rd overall) by the Penguins less than a week ago. “There’s a lot of great resources here, and the staff is amazing, and just looking to learn the most I can.

“Just come to the rink every day and look to get one percent better.”

Penguins Select Homegrown Defensive Prospect In Third RoundIt will be a homecoming for one of the Pittsburgh Penguins' third-round draft selections.

Trethewey is one of four defensemen who were drafted this year - the others being Quinn Beauchesne (148th overall), Brady Peddle (91st overall), and Peyton Kettles (39th overall) - to participate in development camp. The 6-foot-1, 200-pound two-way defenseman was projected by many - as of last summer - to go in the first round of the 2025 draft.

The cards fell a little differently, and - somehow - Trethewey ended up in the organization he represented and rooted for as a kid. And he - like many of his peers - knows he can learn a lot from both the coaching staff and the other players in the organization he’s surrounded by at camp.

“Obviously, there’s a bunch of great players, especially on the back end,” Trethewey said. “And it’s just awesome to watch the older guys and learn some stuff that they, kind of, picked up along the way and that I can add to my game.”

And the opportunity to learn from each other is a sentiment that was echoed throughout the locker room - especially with the Penguins’ organization in a transitional period. There is a lot of youth, a lot of talent, and a lot of competition for few roster spots. But each player knows that they can also take advantage of the opportunity to grow together within the system and through things like development camp.

“It’s been great so far to get to know some of the other prospects coming in and other guys that have signed. It’s good getting to know the staff, too,” said David Breazeale, who captained the University of Maine for two seasons before signing with the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton (WBS) Penguins this spring. “I just think it’s an awesome opportunity not only to develop throughout the week, but also to get to know everybody, understand what the culture is all about, and be able to bring that back to either the team you came from or to the organization.”

He continued: “There’s a ton you can pick up from each other. Everybody’s coming from all over the place, everybody’s had different coaches, so just talking about it, having a common language amongst each other while you’re here throughout the week… and then asking guys questions, trying to keep the locker room an open place where everybody feels like they have a voice. Even just in this week’s time, I think it’s really important.”

Finn Harding - drafted in the seventh round (223rd overall) in 2024 - is one example of a defenseman who has grown a lot since last year’s development camp. He, like many, echoed the desire to improve upon his skating - which will definitely be a point of emphasis for everyone as camp bores on - but he’s also aware of the strides he’s made in just the year he’s been with the organization. 

He came into the organization, primarily, as a defensive defenseman, but he rounded out his skillset last summer to build out his offensive game. Harding ended up finishing his 2024-25 season with the Brampton Steelheads eighth overall in scoring among OHL defensemen with 57 points in 67 games, and he is encouraged by the growth in his all-around game.

But he knows there is still a lot of work to be done, especially with the defensive prospect pool being as rich as it is. 

“It’s a great group here, and great staff… and they help us each and every day to be better and help develop as fast as we can,” Harding said. “But, obviously, it’s up to us to push the pace and come into the rink with a purpose and a plan every day and grow together, grow as fast as we can, and help this team out.”

Penguins Sign Defensive Prospect To Entry-Level ContractIt appears the Pittsburgh Penguins are rewarding one of their blossoming defensive prospects. 

Breazeale knows a thing or two about how to help this Penguins’ team get back to competitive relevance, as he led Maine to its first Hockey East title in 21 years this season. He is aware that the Penguins have high organizational expectations when it comes to winning and championship-caliber hockey.

And he believes that this group has what it takes to help get them there.

“You understand the sacrifice that you have to make to be able to win, and I know that the Penguins want to be a winning franchise again like they have in the past.,” Breazeale said. “Coming from teams who have won in places or have done well with a good, strong culture, we’re just adding pieces into the good, strong culture that’s already established here.

“So, for us, it’s just coming in here with an open mindset… ready, eager to learn, be a sponge, soak in everything that you can.”

Penguins Prospect Development Camp: Standouts From Day 1On Thursday, the Pittsburgh Penguins opened their annual Prospect Development Camp, which features 48 players both from the Penguins' system and outside of it.

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Feature image credit: Kelsey Surmacz - The Hockey News

The Pittsburgh Penguins made a surprise move on July 1, shipping backup goaltender Alex Nedeljkovic to the San Jose Sharks for a third-round pick in the 2028 NHL Draft. Nedeljkovic had been the backup for the past two seasons before Penguins general manager and president of hockey operations Kyle Dubas moved him. 

It allows Nedeljkovic to team up with Yaroslav Askarov for the 2025-26 season. He will also have the opportunity to play behind a young Sharks team that is still in the process of rebuilding. Macklin Celebrini is on track to be a star in the NHL after finishing the 2024-25 season with 25 goals and 63 points in 70 games. His production may skyrocket this upcoming season as he continues to get better. The Sharks also have other young players who may take significant steps forward next season, including William Eklund and Will Smith. 

This move allows Tristan Jarry to keep his starting job going into next season unless he gets dealt to another team that needs a goalie. It felt like the Penguins reached their breaking point with Jarry last season when he spent multiple stints with the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins. However, they called him back up to the main roster to end the season due to Joel Blomqvist’s struggles. 

The Penguins’ season was practically over when Jarry was recalled in early March, and to his credit, he played better down the stretch than he did during the first half of the year. He finished March with a .907 save percentage and had a .914 save percentage or better in five of his nine starts that month. He managed a .903 save percentage or better in three of his five starts in April. 

With him set to return and Nedeljkovic now a Shark, it opens the door for Blomqvist to win the backup job out of camp. Blomqvist looked to be the favorite for the job going into free agency last year until Dubas signed Nedeljkovic to a two-year deal. Blomqvist got a taste of NHL experience last season but still spent more time in WBS. 

If Blomqvist can win the backup gig, it would allow Sergei Murashov to compete for the starting job in WBS. That’s the next step in his development after he showed he was too good for the ECHL last season. In his first North American season with the Wheeling Nailers, he played in 26 games and finished with a .922 save percentage and a 2.40 goals-against average. He struggled in the ECHL playoffs, but that was mainly because he got no help from the skaters in front of him. 

Murashov also spent some time in WBS, playing in 16 games and finishing with a .913 save percentage and 2.64 goals-against average. He set the WBS franchise record for the longest winning streak in a rookie season (10). He is a freakish athlete and has the potential to develop into a solid NHL goalie. The trick for the Penguins will be not to rush him, even though some fans are ready to see him up with the big squad right now. 

Filip Larsson will also battle for the starting gig in WBS after a solid first season with the team. He played in 26 games, finishing with a .910 save percentage and a 2.84 goals-against average. The Penguins signed him after he put together strong seasons in Sweden, specifically in 2023-24 when he played in the SHL. In 28 games, he had a .920 save percentage and a 1.93 goals-against average. The Detroit Red Wings initially picked him in the sixth round of the 2016 NHL Draft. 

Penguins fans shouldn’t forget about Taylor Gauthier, either. WBS re-signed him to an AHL contract for next season and also sees him as a potential option in the net. He has played in 25 AHL games and has posted 10 wins, a .908 save percentage, and a 2.77 goals-against average. Gauthier is set to be in his fourth season with the Penguins organization after going undrafted. He finished a three-year entry-level deal with the Penguins before WBS signed him on July 2. 

Gauthier is too good for the ECHL as well, having put up ridiculous numbers for the Wheeling Nailers over the last three years. He was the ECHL’s Goaltender of the Year for the 2023-24 season after finishing with 24 wins, a .923 save percentage, and a 2.23 goals-against average. He improved upon the latter two numbers this past season, compiling a .928 save percentage and a 2.06 goals-against average. 

The Nedeljkovic trade doesn’t entirely solve the goalie logjam, but it provides an opportunity for some of the younger goalies to take the necessary next step in their development. Training camp will be a blast to follow when it gets underway in September. 

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Featured Image Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images