Adrian Kempe and his status as a pending UFA without a contract extension have been the talk of the town for the Los Angeles Kings. Further, after visiting the giant hockey markets Montreal Canadiens and Toronto Maple Leafs, you can expect some extra media coverage and reports on the matter.

Sure enough, that’s exactly what happened.

Also, it so happens that Kempe’s agent, J.P. Barry, is located in Toronto, leaving an opportunity for Kings GM Ken Holland to have another conversation with him regarding negotiations for signing Kempe to a contract extension.

On the 32 Thoughts podcast, Elliotte Friedman reported that the two sides aren’t necessarily there yet.

“I do believe, as I said many times, that the player wants to stay and the team wants to keep him,” Friedman said. “But, I still think there’s a gap.”

He noted that on another Sportsnet radio show, hosted by Nick Kypreos and Justin Bourne, Kings president Luc Robitaille was brought on as a guest and was asked about current negotiations with Kempe’s camp.

Friedman thought it was interesting because, while he believes there is still work to do, in terms of finalizing a deal for Kempe, Robitaille sounded relatively optimistic regarding the process.

Former Kings GM Rob Blake Has ‘No Regrets’, And Is Eyeing An NHL Return In The FutureFormer Los Angeles Kings GM talks about his tenure, as well as seeking a new role in the league or with the NHL in the near future.

The Sportsnet insider and reporter pointed out that Barry has been an in-season negotiator before. Other clients, such as Boston Bruins’ David Pastrnak and Vancouver Canucks’ Filip Chytil, were signed to contract extensions in March 2023.

Pierre LeBrun of The Athletic had further reports on these contract discussions.

He spoke to Kempe ahead of Los Angeles’ 4-3 overtime win on Thursday in Toronto.

“It’s not weighing on me,” Kempe told The Athletic. “My focus right now is just playing. Like I said before, I’m not trying to think about it too much. I’m just focused on the game and let them do the job. My intention is to stay. I love it (here).”

Report: Los Angeles Kings Not In Adrian Kempe’s Ballpark As Negotiations Are Back OnThe Los Angeles Kings and Adrian Kempe have reportedly resumed contract talks. However, it still seems that the two parties are on the same level just yet.

Holland was also asked about getting a deal done with Kempe soon. The veteran GM doesn’t seem to be fazed or worried about the intentions of both parties. 

“Certainly we want to keep him,” Holland told LeBrun. “I certainly believe he wants to be a King. I don’t think it’s been acrimonious or there’s been any ill-will.”

This is Kempe’s final year under his four-year, $5.5-million contract. LeBrun noted that Martin Necas’ recent contract extension, which saw him ink an eight-year deal at $11.5 million per season, is a key comparable in these extension talks.

Why Adrian Kempe Will Not Earn Less Than Martin Necas On His Next ContractWhat is Adrian Kempe worth following the contract extension of Martin Necas? Looking at the facts, Kempe shouldn't be signing anything less than what Necas received.

“My sense is that the range being discussed for Kempe is $9.5 million to $11.5 million per year on a long-term deal,” LeBrun wrote.

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Nov 14, 2025; Stockholm, SWEDEN; Nashville Predators center Steven Stamkos (91) in action in front of Pittsburgh Penguins goaltender Arturs Silovs (37) in a Global Series ice hockey game at Avicii Arena. Per Haljestam-Imagn Images

After getting a few days of rest and taking in the sights of Stockholm, the Nashville Predators got back to work against the Pittsburgh Penguins Friday afternoon at Avicii Arena for the 2025 NHL Global Series.

Nashville came into Friday owning a 3-1-0 record in games hosted in Europe or Asia. That magic was present on Friday, as Filip Forsberg tied the score 1-1 at 18:50 of regulation and Steven Stamkos netted the game-winner in overtime for a 2-1 triumph.

The victory snapped a five-game losing skid for the Preds. The game was scoreless until Evgeni Malkin scored for Pittsburgh at 13:49 of the second period for a 1-0 Pittsburgh lead.

After Juuse Saros went to the bench for the extra attacker, Filip Forsberg finally lit the lamp for the Preds at 18:50 of regulation, in his home country, no less.

Just 44 seconds into overtime, Steven Stamkos potted the golden goal, giving Nashville something to celebrate for the first time in six games.

“There was a lot of excitement,” Forsberg told reporters after the game. “I’m not going to lie, it's been a big day."

Saros was once again solid in goal, stopping 16 of 17 shots for the win. Arturs Silovs was tested often, saving 28 of 30 in the loss.

There were few penalties in the game; the Preds went 0-for-1 on the power play, while the Penguins failed to convert its two chances with the man advantage.

Stamkos was named player of the game and was gifted with a watch, presented to him following the game by former NHLer Mark Streit.

Here are three takeaways from the game.

A solid effort finally pays off.

The Preds tried the alignment of 11 forwards and seven defensemen for their opener in Stockholm. For most of the game, it didn't appear to matter who was on the ice; the net remained closed and the bounces went against Nashville.

The Penguins' lone goal came on such a bounce. Malkin’s tally, his fourth of the year, was set up by Matt Dumba, and the 39-year-old Russian center banked a shot from behind the net that ricocheted off Michael McCarron’s stick and then off Juuse Saros to put the Penguins on the scoreboard first.

“I think the last few days, our group had a lot of time together, enjoyed each other, and re-energized a little bit,” Preds head coach Andrew Brunette said during media availability following the game. “I thought our last two games were a little bit leaky, because we kind of got back to our identity a little bit. Tonight, I'm really happy that it worked out."

Meanwhile, Nashville had its share of chances. After serving a high-sticking penalty in the second period, Justin Barron went on a breakaway. He had Penguins goalie Arturs Silovs dead to rights, but couldn’t get the shot to go in.

Spencer Stastney had a great look, as did Erik Haula during a penalty kill. Early in the third period, Luke Evangelista appeared to have scored, but the goal was immediately waved off without a review after failing to cross the line.

Finally, Forsberg tied things up after some deft passing by Ryan O'Reilly and Stamkos, who took just 44 seconds to get the game-winner.

"We were on the verge, made it a little more interesting than we wanted to, but we played a solid game and kind of talked about, in the past, maybe letting it slip away and not sticking to it," Stamkos said. "Tonight, obviously we did it right down the wire and filled a huge hole, and then to get one in overtime was big."

STAMMER IS YOUR @ENERGIZER OT WINNER!!! 🌟🌟 #NHLGlobalSeriespic.twitter.com/w791qZyxtF

— NHL (@NHL) November 14, 2025

If ever there was a time when the Predators needed a break, they finally got one in Sweden, with a little Forsberg magic thrown in.

Saros outduels Silovs.

Both netminders kept their respective teams in the game, although Arturs Silovs had the bigger test through the first 40 minutes. The Preds had a 20-10 shots advantage during that span.

The third period was more even, with the Preds holding an 8-7 advantage. Nashville got off the only two shots in overtime, including the one that counted most.

The Preds' defense, which had been guilty of some major lapses in recent games, played solid Friday, giving Saros the type of support he's been lacking even when he is at his best.

Filip Forsberg reaches a milestone in his home country.

What a treat that Filip Forsberg scored his 700th career NHL point in his homeland, and it was a game-tying tally to boot. The script couldn't have been written better.

Forsberg's goal makes him the 12th Swedish player to score a goal in an NHL regular-season game in his home country; only two have scored multiple: Kristian Huselius (2-1—3 in 2 GP) and Lucas Raymond (2-0—2 in 2 GP).

Forsberg was named the game's second star. When asked by reporters about the potential of scoring the game-winner in overtime in a movie-script scenario, he quipped, "I think that would have been too much."

The 31-year-old Swede isn't done with personal marks. He will skate in his 800th career NHL game Sunday morning when the Preds and Penguins wrap up the Global Series in Stockholm.

The best part of Friday's milestone is that it came with a Preds win. Another win Sunday would be the perfect way to end the story in Sweden.

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FREE GIFT ISSUE + 12 ISSUES + FREE DIGITAL ARCHIVE + FREE SHIPPING*** Canada Post Strike update - as of October 15, 2025 -  Please be aware that Canada Post is now in a rolling strike.  While they are accepting mail, delivery times could be longer than expected.  US orders are not impacted. WHAT'S INCLUDED IN YOUR PRINT & DIGITAL ARCHIVE SUBSCRIPTION > FREE GIFT ISSUE* of your

Riding a three-game win streak to start their seven-game road trip, the New York Islanders will take on the Utah Mammoth for the first time since the franchise adopted its new name.

Utah head coach André Tourigny -- who has been with this group of players since he was appointed head coach of the Arizona Coyotes ahead of the 2021-22 season -- joked about his friendship with Islanders head coach Patrick Roy:

Brogan Houston (@houston_brogan) on XI asked Tourigny how much he looked up to #Isles coach Patrick Roy as a player. “Could not hate him more.” He explained that he grew up as a Quebec Nordiques fan. Roy, of course, played for the Montreal Canadiens. When Tourigny became a GM in the QMJHL in 2003, he got to know

Tourigny, who is from Trois-Rivières, Quebec, grew up during Patrick Roy’s reign as hockey’s greatest goaltender, and his childhood team, the Quebec Nordiques, were the biggest rivals of Roy’s Montreal Canadiens.

As coaches, the two went head-to-head throughout the 2000s in the QMJHL before joining forces for two years on the Colorado Avalanche's bench for the 2013-14 and 2014-15 seasons when Roy was head coach.

While Tourigny later joined the Ottawa 67's for four seasons before returning to the NHL, he still has great respect for Roy:

#UtahHC Andre Tourigny, who was on Patrick Roy's staff with #GoAvsGo, spoke about going up against his friend tonight:

"He's a great coach. He's a very good competitor. He's always intense. Patty and I connect on a regular basis and we always kept a good relationship."#Isles

— Stefen Rosner (@stefen_rosner) October 10, 2024

Roy has faced Tourigny just twice as New York's head coach, first falling 5-4 in overtime in the Islanders 2024-25 season opener on October 10, 2024, before defeating Utah 2-1 on January 11, 2025 in the team's first ever trip to Utah.

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The old adage that one person’s misfortune is another’s opportunity would be applicable two recent additions to the Buffalo Sabres, who have been playing in the minors and are finally getting their chance at significant ice time in the NHL. 

Prior to their recent call-up, first-rounders Isak Rosen and Noah Ostlund have been relegated to fourth line duty, but with Zach Benson, Josh Norris, Jiri Kulich, and Jason Zucker out, head coach Lindy Ruff has been forced to play the Rochester Americans duo in roles they are more suited for,

Rosen has led the Sabres AHL affiliate in scoring, but has managed only one assist in 15 NHL games the last two seasons. Ostlund in his first full season in North America had 36 points (19 goals, 17 assists) in 45 games and earned an eight-game stint with the Sabres, but went scoreless. 

Other Sabres Stories

Six Former Sabres Who Signed Elsewhere

Norris Out Eight Weeks At Least

The Swedish duo has been partnered with winger Jack Quinn and has had some offensive success. Rosen scored a pair of goals in the 5-2 loss to Utah on Wednesday, while Ostlund has three points (1 goal, 2 assists) in his last five games. 

The advantage the rookies have is that they have been linemates and familiarity with each other. That may help paying off, as both Rosen and Ostlund are likely to be in Buffalo for awhile, with Zucker, Norris, and Kulich’s injury/illness situations expected to be long-term. 

Follow Michael on X, Instagram @MikeInBuffalo

The Edmonton Oilers have been navigating a challenging season riddled with injuries, but as key players return, the competition for roster spots is intensifying. In a recent development, defenseman Troy Stecher was placed on waivers Friday. Serving primarily as Edmonton’s seventh defenseman, Stecher could find a larger role elsewhere, and the team had explored potential trade options before making the move, according to Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman.

Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) on XStecher (EDM) on waivers David Kampf clears and contract can be terminated

Stecher, 31, brings a dependable two-way game to the ice. He previously played for the Detroit Red Wings before being traded to the Los Angeles Kings in March 2022 for a seventh-round pick. A return to Detroit could be mutually beneficial. The Red Wings have struggled defensively at times this season, allowing 40 goals over their last 11 games, which ranks them seventh-worst in the NHL over that span. Stecher would be an upgrade over Travis Hamonic on the bottom pairing and could stabilize the rotation alongside Jacob Bernard-Docker.

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

There’s a strong likelihood Stecher would be open to rejoining the Red Wings. He originally signed with Detroit as a free agent in 2020, and the team’s solid start to the season could make the reunion even more enticing. The organization is already familiar with his work ethic and reliable play, which could allow him to slot back into the blue line seamlessly.

Detroit Red Wings (@DetroitRedWings) on XTroy Stecher! #LGRW

Stecher brings valuable postseason experience as well as part of Edmonton’s recent Stanley Cup Final run, which the team facilitated by acquiring him and a fourth-round pick from the Arizona Coyotes in exchange for a seventh-rounder. While he didn’t record a point in eight playoff games, he finished with a +2 rating and delivered steady minutes in high-pressure situations. His playoff experience also extends to the Kings, where he tallied two goals and two assists in four games after arriving from Detroit.

For the Red Wings, claiming Stecher would provide both experience and stability to a defensive unit in need of reinforcement. At a cap hit of just $787k and with ample space available, Detroit could make a low-risk, high-reward move that bolsters the blueline and strengthens their playoff aspirations.

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American defenseman and right winger Luke Witkowski, 35, has signed a contract to play the remainder of the current season for Brynäs IF, the Gävle-based SHL club announced on Thursday.

It is the former NHLer’s second Swedish club in as many years and third straight season playing in Europe.

“I’m very grateful to have another opportunity to play in the SHL,” Witkowski is quoted in the club’s announcement. “I had a very good time here last season so I’m happy to come back … I believe that we have every chance to be a winning team and that is something I want to be a part of.”

Brynäs is off to a relatively slow start this season with 20 points in 19 games and currently sits 11tho out of 14 SHL teams. However, the team is coming off a season where it finished first in the regular season before losing in the finals, and has many big names on its roster, including ex-NHLers Nicklas Backström, Jakob Silfverberg, Johan Larsson, Robert Hägg, Oskar Lindblom, Michal Kempný, Christian Djoos, Kieffer Bellows, Mattias Norlinder and goaltenders Collin Delia and (injured) Erik Källgren. It also contains Anaheim Ducks prospects Lucas Pettersson and Damian Clara.

Nicklas Bäckström Ready for a New Chapter in the SHLNicklas Bäckström continues his preparations for the SHL opener on Saturday. On Tuesday, the SHL held its annual media day, where Bäckström was in the spotlight.

“Luke is a big physical defenseman and his strengths lie in his defensive game – that, in combination with his character and experience, will be a good addition to our back end,” said Brynäs sports director Johan Alcén. “The positive impact he had on Skellefteå when he arrived last year is something that appeals to us. The desire to play for Brynäs has been great from Luke’s side and we look forward to seeing him in our colors.”

A native of Holland, Mich. and a graduate of Western Michigan University, Witkowski was chosen in the sixth round, 160th overall, by the Tampa Bay Lightning in the 2008 NHL Entry Draft.

Detroit Red Wings Prospect Eddie Genborg Strikes AgainJacob Smeds recaps SHL action as NHL prospects Eddie Genborg (Red Wings), Viggo Björck (draft-eligible), Victor Eklund (Islanders), Anton Frondell (Blackhawks) and Noah Steen (Lightning) impress across Sweden.

Between 2014 and 2022, Witkowski played 132 NHL regular-season games for the Lightning and the Detroit Red Wings, both as a defenseman and as a winger, scoring two goals and adding 11 assists and 162 penalty minutes. He also played two playoff games for Tampa Bay in 2016.

His first season in Europe was 2023-24 in Finland with Tappara Tampere, where he recorded six assists and 88 penalty minutes in 52 games, helping Tappara to its third straight Liiga title. 

Last season, Witkowski recorded four points and 48 minutes in 36 SHL regular-season and playoff games for Skellefteå.

SHL Prospect Roundup: Isles’ Victor Eklund ScoresThe Hockey News International recaps Thursday’s SHL action, as Islanders prospect Victor Eklund scores his first goal, Ivar Stenberg continues to shine, and several NHL prospects impress across Sweden.

Friday’s NHL schedule is compact with four games, loaded with excitement and the promise of fast-paced action, dramatic finishes, and plenty of highlight-reel moments. 

One of the most compelling games of the night features two teams trending in different directions as the Vancouver Canucks travel to Raleigh to play the Carolina Hurricanes. Once again this season, Vancouver has been a media circus with an increasing number of injuries and lackluster play from stars like Elias Pettersson, all contributing to four losses in their last six games. They will clash with one of the best teams in the East on Friday as the Hurricanes look to rebound from a troubling 4–1 loss to the Washington Capitals on Tuesday.

For those following our Pad Stack challenge, we began with a $10 bankroll and aim to grow it through smart, data-driven picks. Past runs have turned small stakes into triple-digit profits, and tonight’s focus is the Canucks–Hurricanes matchup, which offers another strong opportunity to build momentum.

Our bankroll reached as high as $264.60 before a setback earlier this season. After a successful bet on the Red Wings outlasting the Ducks on Thursday, our current bankroll is close to that previous high, now standing at $136.79, and we are ready to reach a new season high for the challenge.

All betting lines are from BetMGM Sportsbook and are subject to change. Hockey is a difficult sport to predict so please gamble responsibly. 

Sign up with BetMGM, make a deposit, and place your first wager on any game using your First Bet Offer token. If that bet with the token applied loses, you’ll get your original stake paid back in Bonus Bets, up to $1,500! Get in the game today with BetMGM.

Bank On Islanders Staying Hot Versus MammothIslanders surge continues as hot offense meets struggling Utah defense. Bo Horvat and rookie Schaefer ignite New York's scoring spree.

Picks: Canucks +2.5 & Over 4.5 Goals (-114)

The Canucks have managed to stay competitive against some of the league’s top teams this season. Notably, they forced overtime against the league-leading Colorado Avalanche and tallied three goals in a close loss to the Winnipeg Jets this past Tuesday. Despite this, many expect the Carolina Hurricanes to dominate on Friday, especially with the home team coming off three days of rest and looking to rebound from their recent loss to the Capitals. This matchup marks the 88th meeting between the two clubs, with Vancouver historically holding the edge with a 42-32-11-2 record.

Recently, this trend has persisted, as the Canucks have claimed victory in three of their last five games against Carolina, though the Hurricanes have won the last two matchups. Vancouver still appears capable of keeping Friday’s game competitive, boasting a 7-5 record against the spread as an underdog this season, along with five outright wins. 

Offensively, the Canucks have been strong, scoring 23 goals over their last seven games, ranking them in the NHL’s top ten over that stretch. Defense, however, remains the team’s primary weakness. 

During the same seven-game span, Vancouver has allowed 30 goals and has shown little improvement. Adding to the concern, captain and defensive cornerstone Quinn Hughes is listed as questionable for Friday’s game. He did, however, play the full game against Winnipeg on Tuesday, suggesting he should be available.

Injuries have also hampered Vancouver, affecting players like Filip Chytil, Nils Hoglander, Derek Forbort, Teddy Blueger, and starting goaltender Thatcher Demko, who has struggled with injuries over the past several seasons. The Canucks had hoped for stability with backup Kevin Lankinen, but overuse has impacted his confidence, mirroring situations like the Toronto Maple Leafs with Anthony Stolarz. 

Lankinen has struggled to start the season, posting a 3-5-1 record, 3.57 goals-against average, and a .885 save percentage in nine starts. He is slated to start again on Friday, carrying a 3-3-2 record, 3.85 goals-against average, and .886 save percentage in eight appearances versus the Hurricanes.

If the Canucks want to win this one or remain within striking distance, they'll need to backup their play with some offense of their own and should make this a relatively sweat-free over in goals.  A wager on the Canucks and the over at -114 odds with an $136.79 bankroll would return a profit of $120.38, for a total payout of $257.17 in return.

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The Montreal Canadiens have announced that forward Alex Newhook will be out for the next four months after undergoing surgery for a fractured ankle.

In addition, the Canadiens shared that defenseman Kaiden Guhle will be out for another eight to 10 weeks after undergoing surgery on a partially torn adductor muscle. 

Newhook was injured during the Canadiens' Nov. 13 matchup against the Dallas Stars, where he was limited to only 5:54 of ice time. Now, with this update, the Canadiens are expected to be without Newhook until at least mid-March. 

This is such unfortunate news for Newhook, as he has been having a strong season for the Canadiens. In 17 games this season, he has recorded six goals, 12 points, and a plus-7 rating. 

Mises à jour médicales au sujet d’Alex Newhook et de Kaiden Guhle

Medical updates on Alex Newhook and Kaiden Guhle pic.twitter.com/ohzSNVbuuG

— Canadiens Montréal (@CanadiensMTL) November 14, 2025

Guhle has not played since the Canadiens' Oct. 16 matchup against the Nashville Predators. Now, with this latest update, the Habs will not have the key defenseman back until at least early January.

In five games this season for the Canadiens, Guhle has posted one goal, one assist, seven penalty minutes, and a plus-1 rating. 

The Edmonton Oilers placed defenseman Troy Stecher on NHL waivers and sent rookie left winger Isaac Howard to the AHL’s Bakersfield Condors.

Stecher, 31, has played six games for the Oilers this season but hasn’t made an appearance since Oct. 30 in a 4-3 overtime loss to the New York Rangers.

With that, the right-handed defenseman has been averaging 13:37 under coach Kris Knoblauch this season, the lowest average ice time in his 10-year NHL career.

Stecher has played parts of three seasons with the Oilers. Last year was when he made the most appearances for Edmonton, featuring in 66 contests and scoring three goals and seven points, averaging 13:52 of ice time.

If no team puts in a claim for the veteran blueliner, he will be assigned to the Condors in the AHL. Stecher has played only four career AHL games, dating back to his first pro campaign in 2016-17.

In addition to the waiver activity, center David Kampf cleared waivers, and his contract with the Toronto Maple Leafs has officially been terminated. The 30-year-old is now a UFA.

As for Howard, the rookie doesn’t require waivers to be sent down to the minors. The 21-year-old has played 17 games this season, recording two goals and one assist while averaging 9:30 of ice time.

This roster transaction is reportedly to make space for left winger Zach Hyman, who is expected to return from injury this weekend.

Hyman, 33, still awaits his season debut after suffering an upper-body injury during the early stages of the pre-season. He's been on the long-term injured reserve, allowing the Oilers to exceed the salary cap ceiling by up to his $5.5-million cap hit. They have about $3.24 million in cap space right now with Hyman on LTIR, according to PuckPedia.

Last season, Hyman scored 27 goals and 44 points in 73 games. In the playoffs, he registered five goals and 11 points in 15 contests before being sidelined with a different injury.

The Oilers are taking on the Carolina Hurricanes on Saturday, and it’s expected that Hyman will make his season debut then.

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Before the season started, the goaltender pipeline looked something like this: MacKenzie Blackwood, the bona fide starter with his five-year contract extension; Scott Wedgewood, the reliable backup for this season and maybe an extension if he plays well; and finally, Ilya Nabokov, heading over to North America with his ELC signed. Probably the backup next season, but that has all changed to start this season.

Blackwood is starting to come back from an injury he sustained this training camp, and while he's only played a couple of games, he still looks a bit rusty. Nabokov, after having a tremendous rookie and sophomore years with Metallurg Magnitogorsk, is off to a rough junior year. The most surprising of all is how Wedgewood has been one of the best goaltenders in the league. This now puts the future of Colorado Avalanche goaltending into question next season.

Quality Goaltending Being Shown

Many thought that when Nabokov signed his ELC, he would join the Colorado Eagles in the AHL and compete with Trent Miner for the team's starting position. It would be a good way to have him acclimate to the North American style of hockey without throwing him into the NHL fire and placing unreasonable expectations on him to carry the team. However, he was loaned back to the KHL for another season, as management must have had good faith in their goaltenders this season, and that faith is being shown.

Both the Avalanche and the Eagles are the number one teams in the league, with the Avalanche at 12-1-5 and 29 points, and the Eagles at 11-2-0-1 and 23 points. Wedgewood is leading the way with a record of 10-1-2, a .913 SV%, and a 2.26 GAA. He leads the league in wins, SV%, and is third in GAA among goalies who have played more than 10 games. Isak Posch has been the guy for the Eagles, posting a 7-1-1 record, a .918 SV%, and a 1.89 GAA.

This is all with Blackwood playing only two games this season and boasting a 2-0-0 record, a .870 SV%, and a 3.28 GAA. Blackwood is rusty, and head coach Jared Bednar has stated in two games that he needs to be better. So if we do get Blackwood back to the form he showed last season with Wedgewood's improved play, how come the Avalanche doesn't run this tandem back for another season?

Bednar’s Tough Love Puts Blackwood on NoticeJared Bednar made it very clear that Mackenzie Blackwood needs to step up his game.

Roles Being Changed?

This has been the case recently, with Wedgwood signing a one-year extension. The team recognizes his play and, instead of waiting until free agency, when other teams will offer more money, sign him now and enjoy the fruits of his labour as he continues to play out of his mind. Though this now raises the question of Nabokov's role within the Avalanche if both spots on the main roster are taken.

Wedgewood Signs One-Year Extension With Avalanche Through 2026-27 After Stellar StartScott Wedgewood is sticking around for at least another trip around the sun.

From his first two seasons in the KHL, I thought Nabokov could come over to the Avalanche and fill the backup role, like Wedgewood did. Get into 15-20 games, start maybe 10, and be a great backup to Blackwood. Get the opportunity to grow, develop, and learn the ropes of what a full NHL season is like without being forced into the starter role, but now? A good year in the AHL might be the way.

This season hasn’t been what he has been used to seeing from Nabokov. Despite an 8-2-0 record, he boasts a .893 SV% and a 2.63 GAA with 14 games played. It is early in the season, as he finished both previous seasons with over 40 games played, so he has time to improve on those stats, but it's definitely something to keep an eye on.

A Good Problem to Have

I know, despite being on top of the league with a 12-1-5 record with 29 points, I’m still finding something to complain about, and of all things, it's goaltending? After everything this team has been through with Alexander Georgiev, we finally get quality goaltending, and we were complaining? No, just an interesting thing to look into next season, with arguably the Avalanche's top prospect being involved in this situation. Since Calum Ritchie was moved to acquire Brock Nelson, Nabokov is now the number one guy to keep an eye on, but it's hard since he plays in the KHL, and it's hard to watch games in North America, or even to remember to keep track of the scores and stats.

Goaltending has been a significant issue with the team since the 2021-22 Stanley Cup-winning team. Management has finally found/built a system where they have more than reliable goaltending to win them a Stanley Cup, but prospects in their system that continue to grow, hopefully to use one day, and that being Nabokov for one.

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https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/colorado-avalanche/latest-news/necas-throws-a-marty-party-avalanche-offense-off-the-chartsNečas Throws a Marty Party: Avalanche Offense Off the ChartsThis could be a historic season for Colorado on a number of fronts.

ST. LOUIS – Hunter Skinner was all smiles, and why not?

The defenseman will make his NHL debut for the St. Louis Blues (6-8-3) on Friday when they host the Philadelphia Flyers (8-5-3) at 7 p.m. (FDSNMW, ESPN 101.1-FM).

The 24-year-old, who will have his parents Steve and Michele as well as a brother and sister in attendance for the game, was acquired from the New York Rangers on Feb. 9, 2023 in the deal that sent Vladimir Tarasenko and Niko Mikkola to Broadway.

“Since I was a little kid,” Skinner said. “It’s a dream-come-true. I’m super-excited for tonight. Took last night and this morning to prepare for it, but I’m super-excited about it.”

Skinner will play on the third defensive pairing with Matthew Kessel.

Making his NHL debut tonight, Hunter Skinner, leads the stretch. #stlbluespic.twitter.com/DMYEhCRUyK

— Lou Korac (@lkorac10) November 14, 2025

“If this is not the greatest day in his life, it’s in his top three,” Blues coach Jim Montgomery said. “Everybody remembers their first game, you dream of it. There’s nothing like your first game in the NHL. Bright lights, big city. St. Louis Blues against the Philadelphia Flyers, legendary teams. It’s awesome that you get to have that experience. But he’s someone that over time can be a Blue.

“I got to know him in training camp really for the first time and he has energy, loves playing hockey. You can tell it pours through his pores. … What we’re wanting to see is he has poise with the puck, but he’s hard too. He plays the game with physicality and emotion, which our team can use.”

Skinner has toiled with Springfield of the American Hockey League since his arrival to the Blues organization, playing in 147 games before finally getting the chance to perform on the big stage. It never deterred him from continuing to put the work in.

“No, not really,” he said. “Just trust in the process, just the path that I’m on. God put me here for a reason.

“Just putting the work on, trying to be as consistent as possible, keep my head down, grinding every day, not worrying about the future, just going day by day.”

Skinner said he found out, “(Wednesday) at practice, I kind of got a little nod and mostly this morning. Once I walked in and I saw the board, I was super-excited.”

Having his family here will be important.

“Parents, brother, sister, grandparents have passed away so they’re not here, but I’ll be playing for my grandma for sure and my grandpa,” Skinner said. “I haven’t really talked to (his parents) over the phone yet. I just shot them a text. I’m pretty sure they’re ecstatic, as ecstatic as I am.”

Skinner impressed the coaches during his run in training camp and wants to keep that momentum going.

“I felt good. I felt like I put my best foot forward. Hopefully it led to me getting to this point. I’m just excited about it.

“Playing simple, just be physical, hard to play against, tight gaps, getting my shot through. I think using my feet.

I played with (Kessel) and I played with ‘Tucks’ quite a few times. I’m pretty excited. Two Michigan boys.”

- - -

Skinner will replace Tyler Tucker, who along with Nick Bjugstad will be healthy scratches for the first time this season.

“It is a reset, yeah,” Montgomery said of Tucker. “I’m seeing him give up more time and space than he did last year. Last year it was consistent that he didn’t give it up, this year it’s been inconsistent. We had a good talk about it. I know when he gets back in, he’s going to be the aggressive, physical … even in the offensive zone, he’s not as aggressive as he was last year.”

Bjugstad will sit for Mathieu Joseph, who returns after missing Tuesday’s 3-2 win against the Calgary Flames with a lower-body injury.

“Defensively I think he’s done a lot of good things even in the last 2-3 games,” Montgomery said of Bjugstad, who has four goals and one assist in 17 games. “He’s just not having the same impact he was having. I don’t mean scoring, I mean building the team game, building momentum for our team. A lot of times when we talk about a good shift, it’s what you leave for the next guys going on the ice, it’s not what you actually did. You can have a great shift, two scoring chances and then you play five seconds in your D-zone and you have a bad change, I’m not leaving good ice. That’s how you want to try and build, good changes, good rhythm for the game.”

- - -

The Blues are 3-1-1 the past five games and after Friday, host the Vegas Golden Knights on Saturday before heading out on a big five-game road trip starting Tuesday.

“There’s signs, but we’ve got to see consistency coming out the right way,” Montgomery said. “I liked the way we came out and started the game last game. We didn’t put them on their heels, but we played intelligently.”

- - -

Blues forward Jake Neighbours was on the ice for the morning skate, his first time with the team since blocking a shot Oct. 25 against the Detroit Red Wings.

Neighbours, who leads the Blues with six goals, started skating this past Sunday on his own and is still on target to be reevaluated in the five-week timeframe the team gave.

We have a Jake Neighbours sighting for the morning skate #stlblues    ... pic.twitter.com/5K7u3dPqX7

— Lou Korac (@lkorac10) November 14, 2025

- - -

Blues Projected Lineup:

Pavel Buchnevich-Robert Thomas-Jimmy Snuggerud

Dylan Holloway-Dalibor Dvorsky-Jordan Kyrou

Brayden Schenn-Pius Suter-Mathieu Joseph

Alexey Toropchenko-Oskar Sundqvist-Nathan Walker

Philip Broberg-Colton Parayko

Cam Fowler-Justin Faulk

Matthew Kessel-Hunter Skinner

Jordan Binnington will start in goal; Joel Hofer will be the backup.

Healthy scratches include Nick Bjugstad, Alexandre Texier and Tyler Tucker. Jake Neighbours (leg) is out.

- - -

Flyers Projected Lineup:

Matvei Michkov-Sean Couturier-Travis Konecny

Owen Tippett-Christian Dvorak-Trevor Zegras

Tyson Foerster-Noah Cates-Bobby Brink

Garnet Hathaway-Rodrigo Abols-Nicolas Deslauriers

Cam York-Travis Sanheim

Nick Seeler-Jamie Drysdale

Emil Andrae-Noah Juulsen

Samuel Ersson will start in goal; Dan Vladar will be the backup. 

Healthy scratches include Nikita Grebenkin, Adam Ginning and Egor Zamula. Rasmus Ristolainen (triceps) is out.

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The Buffalo Sabres are continuing to struggle big time, as they fell to the Colorado Avalanche by a 6-3 final score in their last game on Nov. 13. With this, the Sabres are now sporting a five-game losing streak and have a 5-8-4 record on the season. They are also at the bottom of the Atlantic Division standings.

With the Sabres looking to snap their 14-year playoff drought, having a start like this to the season is undoubtedly concerning. The clock is ticking for them turn their season around, but things are undoubtedly looking bleak right now.

Given the way this season is going for the Sabres, it is very likely that teams are already keeping an eye on Buffalo star winger Alex Tuch. The pending unrestricted free agent (UFA) is exactly the kind of player that contenders love to add, and he should generate a ton of interest if the Sabres do not improve and he still does not have a contract extension near the deadline. 

While the Sabres are having a bad start to the year, Tuch is not. In 17 games this season, the 2014 first-round pick has recorded six goals, nine assists, 15 points, and an even plus/minus rating. With this, he is certainly chipping in offensively for the Sabres. 

It will be interesting to see what happens with the Sabres and Tuch, but interest in his services should be very high as the season carries on. 

Nov 8, 2025; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Nashville Predators left wing Filip Forsberg (9) moves the puck as Dallas Stars goal tender Jake Oettinger (29) covers the goal during the third period at Bridgestone Arena. Alan Poizner-Imagn Images

As he prepares for an important two games against the Pittsburgh Penguins in Stockholm, Sweden, Nashville Predators forward Filip Forsberg still found time to make an impact off the ice while visiting his home country.

The National Hockey League Players’ Association, the NHL and Forsberg are teaming up to make donations of ice hockey and street hockey equipment to Forsberg’s hometown club, Leksands IF Youth Hockey. The donation is part of the NHL and NHLPA’s ongoing efforts to support grassroots hockey worldwide and coincides with the 2025 NHL Global Series Sweden presented by Fastenal.

NHLPA Goals & Dreams and Forsberg are making a donation of 20 full sets of ice hockey equipment, at a cost of $15,000, to the Sweden-based organization.

The NHL, through its Street Hockey initiative, will provide 120 sets of ball hockey equipment to Leksands IF to provide fun, accessible and inclusive opportunities for children to experience the game and learn fundamental skills of the sport, fit for newcomers and hockey fans alike.

“It all started for me in Leksand,” Forsberg said in a statement released by the NHL Friday morning. “That’s where I fell in love with hockey, in the same arenas these kids skate in now. To be able to give back with NHLPA Goals & Dreams and NHL Street Hockey to help more kids experience that same feeling, that same opportunity, means a lot. This is what the game is about.”

New York Islanders winger Emil Heineman, also from Leksand, wrote a reference letter for the program to endorse the donation.

“Sweden has always held a special place in the history of NHLPA Goals & Dreams,” Marty Walsh, NHLPA Executive Director, stated. “It’s a country where the love for hockey runs deep, and where players like Filip Forsberg show what it means to give back. This is the true spirit of NHLPA Goals and Dreams and the Global Series – connecting the global game to the local rink.”

This contribution will be formally recognized during the 2025 NHL Global Series in Stockholm, where 12 children from Leksands IF Youth Hockey will represent NHLPA Goals & Dreams in the on-ice pregame ceremony prior to Friday’s game between the Penguins and Predators. The initiative will also be acknowledged in-arena, celebrating the ongoing efforts of NHL players giving back to communities around the world.

On Saturday, NHLPA Goals & Dreams, the NHL and Forsberg will welcome 100 guests from Leksand, including 63 youth hockey players, to watch Nashville’s open practice in Stockholm. Each child will receive a commemorative NHLPA-licensed Filip Forsberg t-shirt designed by 500 Level, an autographed photo, and the opportunity to meet Forsberg in person.

The following day, 16 additional children representing Fritidsbanken Sweden – a past NHLPA Goals & Dreams recipient – will participate in the on-ice pregame ceremony, highlighting NHLPA Goals & Dreams’ deep connection to the growth of grassroots hockey in Sweden.

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FREE GIFT ISSUE + 12 ISSUES + FREE DIGITAL ARCHIVE + FREE SHIPPING*** Canada Post Strike update - as of October 15, 2025 -  Please be aware that Canada Post is now in a rolling strike.  While they are accepting mail, delivery times could be longer than expected.  US orders are not impacted. WHAT'S INCLUDED IN YOUR PRINT & DIGITAL ARCHIVE SUBSCRIPTION > FREE GIFT ISSUE* of your

After the Dallas Stars obliterated the Montreal Canadiens on Thursday night at the Bell Centre, Martin St-Louis had set a practice at 11:30 on Friday morning for his men. Still, at 10:00, two players were already jumping on the ice. No, they weren’t Lane Hutson and Ivan Demidov but Brendan Gallagher and Jake Evans.

Offensive production has been harrowing to come by so far this season for the two veterans, and they joined Adam Nicholas on the ice for some skills coaching. With both nets put together at the same end of the ice, the players had to practice their saucer passes above a row of pucks and then take backhand shots. Clearly, the row of pucks filled in for a goaltender’s stick aimed to recreate an in-game scenario.

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Then, one of the two goals was put flat on the ice in front of the other, and one of the two players was dishing out passes from behind the net, while Nicholas was putting some shots on the net of the cage that was laid flat on the ice to simulate rebounds from the goalie. Obviously, the second player was in front, trying to score on both the passes and the makeshift rebounds.

Finally, with the nets remaining in the same position, one of the two players moved to the blueline, taking wrist shots from far out, while the other had to tip them past the goal that was lying flat on the ice. Each of the mini drills lasted around 10 minutes and given that Gallagher is still looking for his first goal of the season, while Evans has only two lamplighters (one was an empty net). The alternate captain is in the second-to-last year of his contract and has 239 goals in 851 career games, the 15th-highest total in Canadiens history. He’s only four goals away from Mats Naslund, who’s 14th with 243. Having played every game this season so far, Gallagher remains on target to play 1,000 games with the Canadiens in the last game of the 2026-27 season, providing he stays healthy, of course. -net goal), the extra work may come in handy.

As for Evans, he’s in his first year of his new four-year contract with a $2,85 million cap hit, and so far, this season, the coach has yet to find a perfect fit for his fourth line. Joe Veleno doesn’t seem like the right man to skate with Evans and Josh Anderson, but who is? With Gallagher currently playing with Kirby Dach and Zachary Bolduc, technically, he’s out of the running. Still, everything could change with Alex Newhook’s injury, since the coach will be forced to go back to the drawing board.

The only other players who skated at the optional skate were Hutson, IDemidov, Oliver Kapanen and Zachary Bolduc. The rest of the team did off-ice training, and at the time of writing, there was no news on Newhook's injury or a call-up from the Laval Rocket. 

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