They signed Gustafsson to a three-year entry-level deal — which carries an average annual value of $1.575 million, according to Puckpedia — less than three weeks after the draft. Gustafsson told The Post at development camp that he planned to play for HV71 in the Swedish Hockey League again next season, and after signing his deal, that’d mark a similar route to the one that 2025 first-round pick Victor Eklund took last year.
Eklund inked his entry-level deal July 14, played for Djurgårdens IF in the SHL, skated in 11 games for AHL Bridgeport between the regular season and playoffs and then even made his NHL debut in Game 82. If Gustafsson skates in fewer than 10 NHL games next season, the first year of his entry-level deal would likewise slide and he wouldn’t burn that initial season of his deal.
Malte Gustafsson during an Islanders rookie scrimmage on July 1, 2026. Dennis A. Clark for NY Post
Plenty still has to happen for Gustafsson to reach that point, to where he’s potentially an option to help either the Islanders or AHL Hamilton. But he arrived “as advertised” to development camp, head coach Peter DeBoer told reporters earlier this month, and his blend of size, physicality and two-way ability already positioned the 18-year-old as someone who could develop into a critical piece of the Islanders’ blue line in the future.
“He’s mature beyond his years,” DoBoer told reporters after the final day of development camp, “and I thought in the game yesterday, he got better as it went on. I thought the second period of that game, I thought you started to see him get more confident. These rookie camps are tough. I can remember over the years some of the best players I had didn’t look great at rookie camp.
“So you’ve got to take them with a grain of salt sometimes, but I thought Malte came as advertised. He did a great job.”
For the first time since NHL 2001, a member of the San Jose Sharks will be on the cover of an EA Sports NHL video game.
The next generation is here. Macklin Celebrini is the youngest NHL cover athlete in history. Tune in for the #NHL27 Reveal Trailer on July 16 at 11 AM ET.
On Tuesday morning, Sharks star forward Macklin Celebrini was officially named the cover athlete of EA Sports NHL 27. While Owen Nolan was the most recent member of the Sharks to grace the cover of an EA Sports title, Joe Thornton was the most recent Shark to appear on a video game cover overall.
Thornton was the cover athlete on 2k Sports’ NHL 2k7 which was released in October 2006.
It’s fitting that Celebrini is once again passed a torch that once belonged to Thornton, as he broke Thornton’s record for most points by a Shark in a single season during his sophomore campaign and set a benchmark for the next generation of Sharks.
Celebrini is also the youngest player to ever be featured on the cover on an EA Sports NHL game.
Celebrini spoke to ESPN about the cover, stating: “I thought it was amazing. I loved it. Fairly simple process: They just sent it to me and I was just like, 'Yeah, it looks good.'"
Patrick Kane, the NHL’s all-time leading scorer among American-born players, remains unsigned this offseason.
Do the Colorado Avalanche have a realistic chance of signing him this offseason?
Probably not.
At this point, Colorado's offseason appears all but finished unless the front office finds a way to shed salary before training camp. That scenario looks increasingly unlikely. According to PuckPedia, the Avalanche are currently $445,841 over the salary cap, leaving virtually no financial flexibility. Kane would likely command somewhere between $2.75 million and $3 million, not including any potential performance bonuses.
If there's a realistic window for Colorado to pursue Kane, it would likely come closer to the NHL trade deadline. Even then, it raises an important question: Is it worth making a move for a 37-year-old winger?
There are valid arguments on both sides.
The biggest concern is the mixed message it would send. The Avalanche have emphasized getting younger, yet they signed 34-year-old center Jaden Schwartz to a three-year contract despite his lengthy injury history. Kane—who has been linked to Colorado multiple times over the past few seasons, including before signing with the Detroit Red Wings—is hardly a move that aligns with a youth movement.
On the other hand, few players can match Kane's résumé.
The former No. 1 overall pick has built one of the most accomplished careers of his generation. Kane won the Calder Trophy as the NHL's Rookie of the Year in 2007-08 before helping lead the Chicago Blackhawks to three Stanley Cup championships. He captured the Conn Smythe Trophy as playoff MVP during Chicago's 2013 title run, and in 2015-16, he put together one of the greatest seasons by an American-born player, winning the Hart Trophy as league MVP, the Ted Lindsay Award, and the Art Ross Trophy after leading the NHL in scoring with a career-high 46 goals and 106 points while appearing in all 82 regular-season games.
One criticism that's surfaced is that Kane simply isn't the 100-point player he once was.
That argument misses the bigger picture.
Yes, Kane is 37 years old, and expecting him to produce at an MVP level is unrealistic. But it's also worth remembering that he surpassed the 100-point mark only twice during his Hall of Fame-caliber career. His value has never been defined solely by gaudy point totals.
Even in the later stages of his career, Kane remains one of hockey's smartest offensive players, capable of driving possession, creating scoring chances, and producing in key moments when surrounded by elite talent.
And that final point is where Kane could potentially make sense for Colorado.
Kane has spent the last three seasons with the Detroit Red Wings, and while injuries have been part of the conversation during that stretch, he has continued to produce at a high level. Last season, he recorded 57 points in 67 games, including 16 goals and 41 assists. The year before, he finished with 59 points in 72 games.
When looking at the numbers, Kane was actually more productive on a per-game basis during the 2024-25 season.
The biggest area where Kane could help the Avalanche is on the power play.
Since Colorado traded Mikko Rantanen, finding consistency on the man advantage has been a challenge. Kane's ability to operate from the right half wall—a spot where he has made a living throughout his career—could address one of the Avalanche's biggest offensive needs.
Kane has scored 140 career power-play goals, which ranks 73rd on the NHL's all-time list, tied with former Avalanche forward Milan Hejduk and Scott Mellanby. He also scored 12 power-play goals during the 2024-25 season, although that number dropped to just two last year.
While his goal-scoring production is no longer what it was during his prime, Kane remains an elite playmaker who understands how to manipulate defenses and create opportunities for teammates.
Colorado's power play has struggled at critical moments since moving on from Rantanen. The Avalanche experienced a brief resurgence after acquiring Nazem Kadri from the Calgary Flames, but that momentum disappeared when the playoffs arrived and the man advantage failed to deliver when the team needed it most.
If the discussion is strictly about offensive skill and power-play production, Kane would be an intriguing gamble.
The concern is that his age has also brought some defensive drawbacks.
Kane has become more prone to costly turnovers, and those mistakes can create dangerous scoring chances the other way. His offensive instincts remain elite, but the margin for error becomes smaller as players get older.
That was highlighted late last season during Detroit's playoff push.
The Red Wings were fighting to keep their postseason hopes alive when they erased a 4-1 deficit against the Minnesota Wild, tying the game in the third period. Shortly after Patrick Kane scored, he was involved in a controversial sequence when his stick caught Jack Hughes' skates while he was heading toward the bench away from the play, resulting in a tripping penalty.
Minnesota capitalized, scoring with fewer than 15 seconds remaining on the power play to secure a 5-4 victory and effectively end Detroit's playoff chances.
Kane later took full responsibility for the mistake, telling reporters the penalty made him feel "maybe the worst I felt personally in my career."
From a hockey standpoint, however, Kane would still bring something Colorado cannot easily manufacture: experience.
He knows what it takes to win. He knows how to handle pressure. He knows the demands of playoff hockey.
Kane has appeared in 143 career playoff games, recording 138 points, including 53 goals and 85 assists. That type of postseason résumé would immediately add another layer of experience to an Avalanche team built around championship expectations.
But the decision is not solely about what Kane can provide on the ice.
The biggest question surrounding Kane's potential fit in Colorado may come from his time with the Chicago Blackhawks and the controversy that followed the organization’s 2010 Stanley Cup championship.
Kane was a member of the Blackhawks during that championship season when former Chicago prospect Kyle Beach alleged that he was sexually assaulted by then-video coach Brad Aldrich. Beach, who was initially identified as John Doe in legal proceedings, filed a lawsuit in May 2021 detailing the allegations.
A subsequent independent investigation examined how the Blackhawks organization handled the claims and found that members of the team's leadership became aware of the allegations during the playoffs but decided to wait until after the Stanley Cup Final before addressing the matter.
After Chicago won the championship, Aldrich was eventually given the option to resign or face termination if the allegations were substantiated. He resigned and was permitted to participate in postseason celebrations.
The fallout from the investigation extended beyond Aldrich and the organization's leadership. Beach later described the treatment he received during his time with the Blackhawks, alleging that he was “subjected to humiliating trash talking by his teammates during scrimmages where coaches were present” and was “repeatedly” targeted with gay slurs.
Beach also described an alleged incident during training camp where a teammate asked if he “missed his boyfriend Brad [Aldrich],” referring to the man Beach accused of assaulting him.
Kane, along with longtime Blackhawks captain Jonathan Toews, was one of the established players within the organization during Beach's time in Chicago. Neither player was accused of participating in the abuse, but they certainly did nothing to stop what transpired as established leaders of an elite organization
For Colorado, that history creates another factor to consider.
The Avalanche would have to evaluate not only whether Kane can still provide offensive value at 37 years old, but also whether adding him fits the culture and identity the organization wants to maintain.
Ultimately, the Patrick Kane debate comes down to risk versus reward.
On the ice, there is still plenty to like. He can create offense, elevate a power play, provide veteran leadership, and bring championship experience to a team trying to win another Stanley Cup.
But the Avalanche are also operating with limited cap space, trying to balance an aging core with a desire to get younger, and would have to weigh the off-ice considerations that come with adding one of the most accomplished—and complicated—players of his generation.
Right now, the salary cap alone makes a Kane-to-Colorado reunion unlikely.
But if the opportunity presented itself at the trade deadline, the Avalanche would face a difficult question:
Is the potential reward of adding Patrick Kane worth the risk?
The Montreal Canadiens could use another skilled forward on their roster. With it now being two weeks since the start of free agency, there are not a ton of UFA options still available for the taking. While this is the case, the Canadiens still have an intriguing potential target to consider in future Hall of Famer Patrick Kane.
When looking at the Canadiens' current roster, it is fair to argue that they could use another skilled forward in their top six. While Kane is not as dominant offensively as he was during his prime years, he would still have the potential to be a strong pickup for their second line and power play if signed.
Kane just had another solid season in 2025-26 with the Detroit Red Wings, posting 16 goals, 41 assists, and 57 points in 67 games. This was after he had 59 points in 72 games with the Red Wings in 2024-25 and 47 points in 50 games for Detroit in 2023-24. With numbers like these, he is still plenty capable of providing good offense, and he would be a nice pickup for Montreal because of it.
Kane would also be a good veteran for the Canadiens to have on their roster as they enter their Stanley Cup window. The 37-year-old is a three-time Stanley Cup champion, after all.
Nevertheless, it will be interesting to see if the Canadiens make a push for Kane. On a one-year, affordable deal, there could be a good match here.
Patrick Kane has had some incredible seasons with the Chicago Blackhawks. He has also been great in a supporting role as a member of the New York Rangers and Detroit Red Wings since leaving Chicago behind.
Kane is going to go to the Hall of Fame whenever he decides to retire. He will have his number retired by the Blackhawks, and possibly even have a statue at the United Center.
However, he has some good hockey left in the tank, maybe multiple years, and he is currently looking for his next NHL home. Of all the places that make sense for the greatest American-born player ever, these four stick out the most:
Chicago Blackhawks
The Chicago Blackhawks are in the mix. They are going to be without Connor Bedard for the first month of the season, which would make Kane a solid option during that time. When Bedard gets back, he will have a power-play specialist and another option at even strength.
Whether Kane or Bedard plays together at 5-on-5 would be a mystery, but it's a possibility. If not, Kane would be a great winger for any of the young centers that Chicago is trying to develop.
Not only would he fit in, as he knows the city, building, and organization, but he would also be an incredibly experienced player who would be a great mentor for the kids on the team.
Buffalo Sabres
The Buffalo Sabres are the other "obvious" candidate for Kane. Before making Chicago his home, Western New York was where he learned to play the game as a Buffalo native. This, much like returning to Chicago, would be a homecoming for Kane.
The Sabres are actually good for the first time in a long time, too. Before making the playoffs and winning a round in 2026, they hadn't been in the postseason since 2011. For most of Kane's career, his hometown team was an undesirable place of employment.
Now, they are a great team to join as they are hoping to be a playoff team for the second year in a row, this time getting past the second round.
The Sabres just lost Alex Tuch in free agency. Tuch is the player that Kane would mostly be looking to replace (offensively) if he chose to go to Buffalo.
Toronto Maple Leafs
The Toronto Maple Leafs are an interesting option for Kane. After winning the draft lottery and selecting Gavin McKenna first overall, they are looking to compete in 2026-27 with stars like Auston Matthews, William Nylander, John Tavares, and Darren Raddysh leading the way.
Adding Kane would give them some scoring touch in the middle of their lineup. They missed Mitch Marner's creativity last season, and although Kane won't match Marner at this stage of his career, he can bring that element back to the lineup in a smaller role.
Kane would also bring a sense of calmness to the group. Playing in Toronto is not easy with the coverage that they get nationwide, and Kane has the experience and status necessary to take on some of that responsibility.
Colorado Avalanche
If Kane wants to lock himself onto a sure playoff team that needs a dynamic winger, he'd sign with the Colorado Avalanche on a cheap deal. They have superstars in Cale Makar, Nathan MacKinnon, and Martin Necas, all of whom are good enough to lead a Cup-contending team.
If Kane were to go there, he'd for sure be a factor on one of thier power play units, which needs some help as that was one of their only weaknesses en route to a Presidents' Trophy last year.
Kane's potential fit in terms of his linemates is less important with Colorado than if he were on other teams because they are going to be a well-oiled machine regardless. Of all the truly elite teams in the league right now, if both parties are truly willing, this would make the most sense from a team success perspective.
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The Colorado Avalanche’s offseason has been pretty quiet. Aside from some day 1 signings like Jaden Schwartz and Noah Juulsen, the rest have been depth signings to bolster their roster and fill out AHL Colorado Eagles contracts. While there are still some big names left in free agency, the Avalanche have negative cap space, so it won't be hard to make room, but that leaves out many potential targets.
Though they could go bargain hunting and look to sign potential veteran maximum contracts, something similar to Brent Burns' new contract, low AAV, but with bonuses and signing bonuses to appease the player. Potentially a soon-to-be Hall of Famer looking for a short-term deal in hopes of one more Stanley Cup?
Show Time Coming To Mile High?
OnLeafs Morning Take, NHL Insider for The Fourth Period, David Pagnotta, appeared on the show, and during a discussion on what Patrick Kane’s future looks like, here is what he had to say:
“Is it [Toronto], is it Buffalo, is it back to Chicago, is it Colorado” - Leafs Morning Take (7/10)
Last season with the Detroit Red Wings, Kane finished with 16 goals and 41 assists for 57 points in 67 games, 19 of those points coming from the power play.
During the season, Kane talked about his time in Detroit, and with his contract expiring at the end of the season, what it might look like if he came back to Detroit if he wanted to.
“I think there is mutual interest for me to come back and continue my career here. It’s been a great spot for me, my family, and my son, and I’ve definitely enjoyed my time here," Kane said in April during Detroit's season-ending media availability. "But there’s no rush. I’ll talk things over with my agent and my family, and we’ll see how everything plays out.
As Pagnotta said, there are many options for where he might want to play out the remainder of his career. Does he want to re-sign with the Red Wings and see if they put something together? What about a reunion with the Chicago Blackhawks and helping mentor Connor Bedard and the rest of the prospects over there? Or he heads home to Buffalo and joins the red-hot Sabers.
All places mean something to Kane, but if he wants to join a contending team and potentially push for one more championship, the Avalanche might be the best fit.
Taking The Offense To Another Level
Despite turning 38 heading into next season, Kane has shown during his time with the Red Wings that the skills that earned him the nickname “show time” remain, though he has also shown signs of regression. Though in a system like the Avalanche, there could be ways to enhance those positives while mitigating some of the negatives.
The main aspect of Kane joining the team is the power play. Last season, it was not good at all. At times, it looked like it was progressing better, but it quickly reverted to overpassing and missing shots on net that went wide, ending up reaming all the way back to the other end of the ice. If you're looking for a better player to set up players like Nathan MacKinnon, Martin Necas, or Cale Makar to put the puck on net, it's Kane. Add Arturri Lehkonen as a net front presence and work from there.
As a right-winger who shoots left, he opens up options in the top nine for how they might want to utilize him. You could force either him or Necas to the left if you want a really dynamic top line, but we have seen Necas moved down with Brock Nelson and Valeri Nichushkin. So we could rock a line of Gabriel Landeskog, MacKinnon, and Kane, and the second line would be Lehkonen, Nelson, Necas, bumping Kadri down to the third line as a winger or center.
Steps Needed Before Signing
The biggest issue would be what Kane is asking for and for how long. I can’t imagine it's going to be a long contract, somewhere in the two-year range, but what AAV can work between Kane and management? As stated, the Avalanche are currently over the cap. If they want a contract to go through, they will need to move off some money, likely meaning Nicholas Roy, Parker Kelly, or Lehkonen going out, which is something I imagine the Avalanche don’t want to do.
As another winger, who comes out of the lineup? Is one of the recent additions, Zachary L’Heureux or Fyodor Svechkov, a casualty? While it's not the worst to replace them for Kane, you hoped they'd get playing time to really reignite and further develop their skills.
Is it likely that the Avalanche are done this offseason and are happy with the moves (or lack thereof) they made? For sure, but if there is an opportunity for Kane, I think they should 100% take that chance, given that level of talent is available every offseason. At the same time, it might not be what he showed in Chicago; it's another level this Avalanche offense can add.
The Athletic released its 2026 summer edition of their top NHL-drafted prospects, featuring four St. Louis Blues prospects.
Topping the list was unsurprisingly Gavin McKenna, the first overall pick by the Toronto Maple Leafs in the 2026 NHL draft. Following closely behind McKenna in the top tier of Scott Wheeler’s rankings were San Jose Sharks’ Ivar Stenberg, Philadelphia Flyers’ Porter Martone, and Sharks’ Michael Misa.
The four Blues players to feature in these rankings were Tynan Lawrence, Dalibor Dvorsky, Justin Carbonneau and Adam Jiricek, all of whom are first-round picks for the Blues in the past four drafts. Wheeler mentioned left winger Otto Stenberg and defenseman Theo Lindstein as some of the final cuts. He considers those players Tier 6 prospects.
In Wheeler’s rankings, he provides tiers for groups of players, their positional ranks, and blurbs about their games.
Tynan Lawrence, C
Lawrence was the highest-ranking Blues prospect, landing at 27th, good enough for Tier 2 and the 11th-highest-ranked center. The 10 centers ranked above Lawrence were Misa, Caleb Malhotra, Viggo Bjorck, James Hagens, Ilya Protas, Anton Frondell, Berkly Catton, Michael Hage, Caleb Desnoyers, and Jake O’Brien. Five of the 10 centers ranked above him have already played NHL games.
Lawrence is still just 17 years old, as he’ll turn 18 on August 3. Heading into the 2025-26 season, Lawrence was widely considered the top center in the draft, but an injury delayed the start of his season, and after dominating the USHL, he decided to make the big jump to NCAA hockey.
The transition wasn’t smooth, and his production suffered, but he still has plenty of translatable NHL qualities. He plays a sound two-way game, is a strong skater, and is creative with the puck.
He has a natural release, getting pucks off his stick quickly after an intentional move to the inside or a pass into his catch-and-release (though he can overhandle it at times). He’s a good, strong skater who plays with pace and can make plays off the rush as well as inside the offensive zone. He plays pucks into space and under sticks a ton and wants to take the play to the slot. He moves into the middle of the ice and stays around the action. - Scott Wheeler
In his rookie season, Dalibor Dvorsky showcased all the qualities that will allow him to have a long NHL career, as he ranked 37th overall, in Tier 3 and as the 15th-ranked center.
His attention to the defensive side of the puck will, without a doubt, provide him the floor to be a third-line center who can score 20 goals and be a lockdown center.
But it’s the little parts of his offensive game that, with some fine-tuning, will allow him to be a top-six center. On multiple occasions, Dvorsky displayed his lethal shot. Whether it was the one-timer on the power play or his wrist shot in transition, Dvorsky has a heavy, accurate shot.
At the moment, what seems to be holding Dvorsky back is his explosiveness with his skating. He doesn’t have the acceleration to separate himself from his defender and make plays. Dvorsky is reliant on moving the puck to teammates and working off them to find open space. It’s a trait that will allow Dvorsky to score a lot of goals in the NHL, but if he truly wants to be a star, play driving is the next step.
He uses his body to gain inside positioning on defenders and shields pucks from defenders extremely impressively. I don’t think his skating is prohibitive. He has shown more fire and competitiveness as he has developed. I see legitimate finesse skills, point-production upside and power-play tools. He can run the wall or the point on the PP, effortlessly picking coverage apart and feathering pucks through seams. He has excellent touch and weight on his passes (he’s a great saucer passer off his forehand and backhand in particular) and does a beautiful job waiting for lanes to open. - Scott Wheeler
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Justin Carbonneau, RW
By size and frame, Justin Carbonneau isn’t a true power forward, but he’s showing more than a willingness to be aggressive and physical. Coming in at the 39th spot in Wheeler’s rankings, Carbonneau lands in Tier 3 as the fifth-ranked right winger. The four right wingers ranked ahead of Carbonneau were Stenberg, Martone, Roman Kantersov, and Alexander Zharovsky.
Carbonneau was excellent in the QMJHL season once again, and when the campaign concluded, he joined the Springfield Thunderbirds in the AHL for a few playoff games. Standing 6-foot-1, 205 pounds, Carbonneau has become a high-end goal scorer with strong playmaking instincts.
Although Carbonneau has his sights set on earning an NHL roster spot during training camp, it’s more likely he’ll start the season in the AHL and continue to develop. With his NHL-ready attributes, it wouldn’t be surprising to see Carbonneau earn a call-up at some point in the season. A one-two punch of Jimmy Snuggerud and Carbonneau as the top two right wingers of the future is a strong foundation.
Carbonneau is a talented offensive-zone player with naturally quick hands, a quick release that can beat goalies from midrange and change angles on defensemen and strong athletic tools as a solid and sturdy skater, though he could get a little quicker, with a pro frame. He can challenge defenders and threaten offensively on or off the puck. He has good outside-in hands pulling pucks across his body. He has a good wall game and can make plays for himself or play in and out of give-and-gos; he does try to beat guys one-on-one a little too much, but often pulls it off. - Scott Wheeler
Adam Jiricek is often a prospect Blues fans are a bit higher on than most scouts, but it’s for good reason. Wheeler ranked Jiricek 82nd overall, landing in the fifth tier and as the 14th best right-handed defenseman. Jiricek has struggled to stay healthy, but when he is on the ice, he’s a game changer. In the 2025-26 season, Jiricek finally had that spell of good health he desperately needed, and he showed everyone exactly what he is.
In the OHL and at the World Junior Championships, Jiricek was a two-way force, routinely finding his name on the score sheet while also taking on the bulk of the top matchups. On a stacked Brantford Bulldogs team, Jiricek didn’t have to be line-matched, as that roster featured stout defenders like Ben Danford, Vladimir Dravecky, Edison Engle and Owen Protz. But at the biggest junior hockey tournament in the world, Jiricek scored five goals in seven games while logging huge minutes as Czechia won silver.
Jiricek then made the jump to the AHL when his season concluded and impressed once again, skating in six post-season games. Jiricek has the size, puck skills, skating, and defensive awareness to be a potent top-four defender in the NHL. With some more time to develop, the Blues could see a top pairing of Philip Broberg and Jiricek for a long time.
He plays the game with confidence and intention, and has shown ambition and even creativity at times against his peers. He has good four-way mobility, an active disposition — he also showed at the pro level that he could simplify and play a more effective game — and balanced shooting mechanics. Jiricek has an eye for spacing and identifying opportunities to jump on both sides of the puck, plus good skill with the puck, and spent a lot of shifts all over the offensive zone in the OHL. I like his defensive habits, and he has size and ability. He breaks up his fair share of plays in the neutral zone with good timing on surfs and close-outs, though he will occasionally get beaten by being a little overactive. He’s capable of involving himself against his peers. He projects as a No. 4 D for me. - Scott Wheeler
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The Buffalo Sabres took care of some significant business on Monday, avoiding arbitration with forward Peyton Krebs and agreeing to a four-year, $18 million contract extension, making a minor trade with the Washington Capitals (sending Tyler Kopff for Zac Funk) and announcing the addition of veteran NHL executive John Davidson as a senior advisor.
“John and I have a strong working relationship that we have developed over many years. His experience leading multiple organizations, combined with his player evaluation skills and relationships around the NHL make him a great fit for this role.” Sabres GM Jarmo Kekalainen said in a press release. “He will lend his expertise and guidance to all areas within the hockey department as we aim to continue to improve our club."
The 73-year-old has a long history with Kekalainen, who was an assistant GM in St. Louis when Davidson was hired to his first stint as an NHL executive as President of Hockey Operations with the Blues in 2006. After shifting to the same position with the Blue Jackets in 2012, the former NHL goalie fired Scott Howson and replaced him with Kekalainen as GM.
After leaving to serve as president of the NY Rangers, Davidson returned to Columbus for three seasons as president before becoming a senior advisor the last two seasons under Kekalainen and Don Waddell.
“I am excited to join the Buffalo Sabres and look forward to the opportunity to help the organization in any way I can,” Davidson said. “The momentum in Buffalo is palpable throughout the entire league and the passion from Sabres fans makes this opportunity all the more exciting. I look forward to continuing the relationships with many in the Sabres’ front office and building new ones in this role, all with the goal of contributing to a winning culture.”
This continues the transition of ex-Columbus management personnel to the Sabres, as Kekalainen brought in Josh Flynn as an assistant GM after taking over for Kevyn Adams last December. Ironically, on Tuesday the Boston Bruins announced that Adams had been hired as a senior advisor to GM Don Sweeney.
Adams was fired by the Sabres last December, which coincided with the club’s turnaround, but was later given credit for assembling the talent that finally broke through to make the playoffs for the first time in 15 years. The Bruins seem to collecting former Sabres, as Sweeney dealt a pair of first round picks to Utah for JJ Peterka, who will join Casey Mittelstadt, Henri Jokiharju, Nikita Zadorov, and Connor Clifton in Beantown.
Nicholas Robertson, who was acquired by the Penguins on Jul. 1 from the Toronto Maple Leafs for a 2028 fourth-round pick, came to terms on a two-year deal worth $3.75 million annually. In 78 games with the Maple Leafs last season, the 5-foot-9, 180-pound left wing registered 16 goals and 32 points, and he has 48 goals and 88 points in 234 NHL games dispersed across parts of six seasons.
The Penguins elected to take a chance on Robertson when he became available as an RFA trade option on Jul. 1, and they were able to get an original trade deal across the finish line. Robertson requested a trade from the Leafs two summers ago, but Pittsburgh felt now was the right time to take advantage.
"To be honest, this morning, Nick came up," Penguins' assistant general manager Jason Spezza said on Jul. 1. "And, because we had the space and we had the ability and the picks to make the move quickly, we were able to move fast on it."
Robertson, 24, is the younger brother of Dallas Stars superstar winger Jason, who has also been the subject of trade rumors involving the Penguins. Nick joins a crowded cast of forwards for the Penguins, as they have also added Andrei Kuzmenko and Hendrix Lapierre and just signed RFA forward Egor Chinakhov to a three-year extension.
Once upon a not-so-distant time, the Montreal Canadiens were all about Carey Price’s spectacular saves, but that’s no longer the case. On Monday, the NHL released an interesting graphic picturing the highest-scoring players in the league by areas on the ice, and the Habs have claimed two of the 12 areas.
Unsurprisingly, it’s captain Nick Suzuki and sniper Cole Caufield who lead the league in goals on the left side. Caufield scored five goals from the area nearer the net, where he has repeatedly shown just how good his hands can be when scoring in close this past season. As for Suzuki, he’s also scored five lamplighters from a bit higher in the zone and in close to the boards. The centre has indeed proved that he doesn’t need much of an angle to beat netminders.
The list of dominant players in all areas is a who’s who of the best players in the NHL; Suzuki and Caufield are in excellent company. On the doorstep, Tyler Bertuzzi has scored nine goals for the Chicago Blackhawks; from the slot, Dallas Stars’ Wyatt Johnston has converted 27 times; from the right in close, Pavel Dorofeyev has beaten goalies seven times with the Vegas Golden Knights. On the left, around the faceoff circle, is Nathan MacKinnon’s territory; the Colorado Avalanche leader and Rocket Richard Trophy winner has scored 10 of his goals from there.
Macklin Celebrini has ruled the high slot with the San Jose Sharks, finding the back of the net 16 times from there. Around the faceoff dot on the right was Cutter Gauthier’s stomping ground; the Anaheim Ducks RFA has beaten goalies 11 times from there, while the Tampa Bay Lightning’s Nikita Kucherov has converted seven times from near the boards.
From the blueline on the left, it’s rookie of the year and New York Islanders gem Matthew Schaefer, who’s been the most productive with three goals; around the blueline in the middle of the ice, it’s the Lightning’s defenseman Darren Raddysh, who has shown the brightest with nine goals. On the right side of the blueline, the Avs’ veteran defenseman Brent Burns dominated with five lamplighters.
Only three teams had two players on the graphic: the Habs, the Avs, and the Bolts, but only Montreal and Colorado have retained both of their players. When the puck drops on the new season, Raddysh will no longer be in Tampa; he’ll be patrolling the Toronto Maple Leafs’ blueline.
You've got to give extra attention to these players in those spots on the ice! 🚨 pic.twitter.com/OgRzo22FrS
At the 2026 NHL trade deadline, the Pittsburgh Penguins acquired forward Elmer Soderblom from the Detroit Red Wings in exchange for a 2026 third-round pick. This was after the 6-foot-8 forward had two goals and one assist in 39 games for Detroit before the trade.
While Soderblom struggled with the Red Wings before the trade, he undoubtedly changed things on that front after being dealt to the Penguins. In 20 games with the Penguins after the move, he posted five goals, 10 points, and 35 hits. With numbers like these, he proved to be a strong pickup to Pittsburgh's roster for the final stretch of the season.
Given how well Soderblom played for the Penguins following the trade, he is a breakout candidate to watch in 2026-27. He showed plenty of promise after being traded to Pittsburgh, and it would be big if he kept this kind of play up for a whole season. If he did, he would emerge as a key part of the Penguins' top nine.
With Soderblom being only 25 years old, the possibility of him hitting a new level next season should not be ruled out. It will be interesting to see what kind of season he has from here.
It is no secret that the Chicago Blackhawks have formed a very strong prospect pool as they continue their rebuild. Due to this, they have many exciting youngsters in their system.
Eight Blackhawks prospects have made Scott Wheeler's new top 100 NHL drafted prospect rankings for The Athletic. Anton Frondell, Roman Kantserov, Sam Rinzel, Nick Lardis, Oliver Moore, Kevin Korchinski, Xavier Villeneuve, and Vaclav Nestrasil made the cut.
Frondell and Kantserov each received rankings in the top 25. This is because Frondell landed the No. 18 spot, while Kantserov picked up the No. 23 ranking.
Rinzel, Lardis, and Moore each landed spots in the top 65. Rinzel was ranked No. 49, Lardis picked up spot No. 57, and Moore grabbed the No. 62 ranking on Wheeler's list.
Korchinski, Villeneuve, and Nestrasil rounded off the rankings for the Blackhawks. Korchinski picked up the No. 75 spot, Villeneuve was given the No. 79 spot, and Nestrasil just made the cut at No. 95.
Overall, it is hard not to feel excited about the Blackhawks' future when they have so many promising prospects. It will be interesting to see how they all continue to develop from here.
Nick Robertson’s has reportedly settled on a new contract.
The 24-year-old forward, who spent his entire NHL career with the Toronto Maple Leafs before being traded to the Pittsburgh Penguins on July 1, has agreed to a two-year contract worth $6.5 million ($3.25 million AAV), according to Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman. The deal comes less than two weeks after Robertson, a restricted free agent, filed for salary arbitration and just days before his scheduled July 28 hearing.
For Robertson, the agreement provides the stability he has chased since breaking into the league as a highly touted 2019 second-round pick (53rd overall). Drafted out of the OHL’s Peterborough Petes, the Pasadena, California native was long viewed as a dynamic, undersized winger with high-end skill and speed. Early stints with the Leafs were interrupted by injuries and the Maple Leafs’ crowded forward depth, sending him back to the AHL’s Toronto Marlies for extended development stretches in 2020-21 and 2021-22.
The persistence paid off. Robertson gradually carved out a more regular role, showing he could play a gritty, responsible game while chipping in offensively. Over 234 NHL games, all with Toronto, he has produced 48 goals and 88 points. His most recent campaign in 2025-26 was his most complete: 78 games, 16 goals and 32 points, numbers that reflected both increased ice time and a growing comfort level in the league’s middle six.
That production made him a logical arbitration candidate after he earned $1.825 million in 2025-26. With the Maple Leafs facing their own cap and roster decisions, Toronto shipped the pending RFA to Pittsburgh on the opening day of free agency. The move gave the Penguins a young, cost-controlled forward with NHL experience and upside, while clearing a roster spot and cap flexibility for the Leafs, while reuniting him with former Maple Leafs GM Kyle Dubas.
Now with his new club, Robertson will slot into a Penguins forward group looking for secondary scoring and energy. Pittsburgh avoided the uncertainty of an arbitration hearing by locking him in at a reasonable number that reflects his recent output and the organization’s view of his long-term fit. The deal runs through the 2027-28 season, taking Robertson to one more year of restricted free agency at the expiry of the deal.
For a player who once symbolized the Leafs’ prospect pipeline frustrations, the contract represents both validation and a fresh start. Robertson has shown he can score at the NHL level when given consistent opportunity. In Pittsburgh, with a new coaching staff and a different set of expectations, he’ll have another chance to prove it , this time with the security of a twoi-year deal in hand.
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Gustafsson, the 13th overall pick, will be playing one more season in the SHL for HV71 before coming over to join the Islanders' organization.
We'll see if that plan has changed.
The 18-year-old Swedish defenseman, standing at 6'4 and weighing 203 lbs, plays an annoying brand of hockey. For his size, he's incredibly mobile, has top-notch hockey IQ, and also has the physical ability to shut down the best players on the other team.
The 18-year-old Swedish defenseman, standing at 6'4 and weighing 203 lbs, plays an annoying brand of hockey. For his size, he's incredibly mobile, has top-notch hockey IQ, and also has the physical ability to shut down the best players on the other team.
Although Gustafsson does want to add more offense to his game, that's not his specialty.
He should be viewed as a future Adam Pelech replacement.
New Gm. New era. Time’s are changing in Utica, as well as the big club. What Devils prospects appear poised to ride the wave of change and make their NHL debuts this season? Let’s take an early look.
Anton Silayev
First, let’s address the elephant in the room. One of Sunny Mehta’s first moves was to announce the inevitable signing of LHD Anton Silayev to his ELC. Silayev is a smooth-skating 6’7 giant with offensive instincts, who after a record-setting campaign, struggled after a coaching change in Torpedo Nizhny Novgorod limited his ice time and usage last season in the KHL.
The left defense position is currently stacked at the NHL level and even if either Brendan Dillon or Jonas Siegenthaler end up moved this summer, Topias Vilen appears poised to make his case, and recent acquisitions Declan Chisholm and Vladislav Kolyachonok add to the crowded field of competition. None of these players should preclude Silayev from the NHL roster though, and while Silayev may spend some time getting acclimated in the AHL to start the season, odds are we will see the Russian giant in New Jersey soon.
Amadeus Lombardi
One of GM Sunny Mehta’s earliest moves was to acquire 23-year-old center/winger Amadeus Lombardi from the Detroit Red Wings for a fourth round pick in the 2026 draft. GM Mehta made it clear in press conferences that acquiring Lombardi was not only a depth move, but a “bet” that the player is ready for the NHL. With that high praise, Lombardi should be given every opportunity to win a spot on the Devils roster. We will know more in camp, but after 81 points in 92 games the past two seasons for the Grand Rapids Griffins of the AHL, the speedy center seems to be a bet worth taking. Time will tell if it pays off.
Jakub Malek
With the plan seemingly to run a three goalie-carousel in New Jersey between Jake Allen, Nico Daws, and newly-acquired David Rittich, the odd man out seems to be Jakub Malek, who should be earning the lion’s share of starts in Utica to start the season. But for how long? Malek, who won the Ian Anderson Award for most-improved player on the Comets this past season for his strong play down the stretch, would be the obvious choice of a replacement should one of the aforementioned netminders falter or go down with an injury. Malek has succeeded just about everywhere he has played and despite a slow start adjusting to North America, has shown flashes of brilliance at the AHL level in his first season. Sunny Mehta appears more willing than past GMs to let the dice roll with a fresh face in net. All these signs point to this being the year we get a look at Malek in New Jersey.
Matyas Melovsky
With some revamping at the center position, Matyas Melovsky has slid down the depth chart a little bit, but is still a strong candidate to earn a look at the NHL at some point this season. Listed amongst Utica Comets “prospects to watch”, Melovsky had a strong rookie showing scoring 10 goals and 16 assists in 55 games, slowly working his way up the lineup and even earning power play time towards the end of the season when the 22-year-old put up 7 points in his last 7 games. While unlikely to earn a spot out of camp, if Melovsky is able to build off that late season success, there is a good chance this defensively reliable, two-way centerman could make his NHL debut as an injury call-up.
Your Take
What do you think? Will this be the year Cam Squires breaks out? Could Ethan Edwards make a push despite a crowded field on the left side? How about newly-acquired Ben Steeves or Etiene Morin earning a look? Any other candidates for a NHL debut? Let us know in the comments below.
