CRANBERRY TOWNSHIP, Pa. (AP) — Evgeni Malkin remains as passionate as ever about hockey as his 21st season with the Pittsburgh Penguins begins.

Whether it's his last, be it in Pittsburgh or anywhere else, only his body knows. And right now, it's not telling the 40-year-old Russian star anything.

“I mean it’s a hard question,” Malkin said Friday. “We see what’s going on during the season, you know. And right now I won’t say yes.”

He also won't say no, though he has one very clear metric that will play a massive role in whatever happens beyond this season.

“If I not feel hundred percent, I’m not playing,” Malkin said, adding that if he's not helping the team to win, “I'm retired.”

Malkin was able to turn the clock back a bit last year, posting 19 goals to go with 42 assists despite missing time with injuries. He averaged over a point per game for the first time since 2019-20 and seemed fueled by the desire to prove to Penguins general manager Kyle Dubas he was still worth the investment.

Dubas played his cards close to the vest until after Pittsburgh's first-round playoff exit to Philadelphia. He praised Malkin's effort and about a month later, negotiations that appeared a little tense outwardly resulted with Malkin signing a one-year deal to remain with the club where he's won three Stanley Cups, two scoring titles and an MVP during a career that will almost certainly end in the Hall of Fame.

The deal also extended the partnership between Malkin, captain Sidney Crosby and defenseman Kris Letang to 21 years and counting, the longest three teammates have ever played together in major North American professional sports history.

Though Malkin believes it's production, not nostalgia, that has kept them together.

“It’s not we're just here because we win three Cups, you know,” he said. “I hope we’re here because we still play good.”

The Penguins are banking on it. Pittsburgh largely kept together the roster that finished a surprising second behind Carolina in the Metropolitan Division, including re-signing forward Egor Chinakhov, a Russian who blossomed while playing alongside Malkin after being acquired in a trade with Columbus.

There are now four Russians on the team, allowing Malkin the chance to serve as a mentor in the same way former Penguins defenseman Sergei Gonchar did for him two decades ago.

“Any advice, any like ‘Go to dinner,’ you know, we just do it. “I'm the old guy here and I just have the experience.”

Malkin begins the year with 1,407 career points, just 14 shy of surpassing Hall of Fame center Adam Oates to climb into the top 20 on the NHL's all-time list.

He's done it while serving as the emotional ‘yin’ to Crosby's more reserved ‘yang.’ If Malkin had ended up somewhere else, maybe he'd had been the face of the franchise. He's long made peace with the trade-off. If this is his final season, it's been a great ride. But he's not quite ready to head off into the sunset just yet.

“I think last year I showed my good games, and I am excited to be here,” he said. “And again, like, I’m here to win.”

___

See AP’s full NHL coverage here

New York Islanders prospect Victor Eklund has the best chance of any youngster to crack the opening-night lineup.

He dominated during rookie camp, but the big question is how he'll look in main camp. 

Not only does he look the part, but after scoring in day two's scrimmage, Eklund has now scored in every game.

In the first rookie showcase game against the New Jersey Devils at the Prudential Center, he rifled a slingshot high blocker side.

In the second rookie showcase game, also against the Devils, Eklund hopped on a loose puck in front of goal.

And his latest was a beauty, as he knocked down a Matthew Schaefer point shot before scoring on Vitek Vanecek, who had been sliding to stop the initial shot.

He played in Friday's scrimmage alongside Jean-Gabriel Pageau and Emil Heineman, which has been his linemates over the first two days of training camp. 

"Well, he looks good," Islanders head coach Pete DeBoer said. "You don’t want to get out in front of it too far. I think we’ve still got a lot of runway here, and he’s going to play some exhibition games against NHL teams, which is important.

“But he’s scored in every game that we’ve stuck him in — the two rookie games, today in the scrimmage — so he’s just got to continue on that path. But again, it’s early, and that’s what you want. You want young players to make those decisions as tough as possible.”

Eklund will likely play in at least three of the four preseason games, starting with Sunday afternoon against the Devils at The Rock. 

The Calgary Flames have brought Brennan Othmann back into the fold, signing the forward to a one-year, two-way contract extension.

Signed, sealed, and delivered!

We have signed forward Brennan Othmann to a one-year, two-way contract with an AAV of $975,000!

📄: https://t.co/gBEer791Jopic.twitter.com/1sGGAjBE1M

— Calgary Flames (@NHLFlames) September 18, 2026

Othmann joined the Flames late in the 2025-26 season after Calgary acquired him from the New York Rangers on March 6. The 23-year-old appeared in two games with the Flames, picking up two points, while also playing 14 games with the Calgary Wranglers.

The Pickering, Ontario native spent the early portion of last season moving between the Rangers and their AHL affiliate, the Hartford Wolf Pack, before the trade sent him to Calgary.

Contract Details

• Position: Left Wing

• Contract: One year, two-way

• AAV: $975,000

• Drafted: 16th overall by the New York Rangers in the 2021 NHL Draft

MARYLAND HEIGHTS, Mo. -- When Cam Fowler stepped to the podium last week, there was no sugar-coating. There was no hiding from what he considered the harsh reality of facts.

“Last year it’s no secret, it was a difficult season for me personally,” the 34-year-old defenseman said succinctly. “I’ll be the first one to say that I wasn’t anywhere near the player that I expect to be.”

This is a player with 16 years’ worth of experience and 1,124 regular-season NHL games. You take him at his word for it. And you wouldn’t expect anything less than the honest truth, but watching a step back, Fowler isn’t off with his assessment.

When the St. Louis Blues acquired him from the Anaheim Ducks on Dec. 14, 2024 for minor league defenseman Jeremie Biakabutuka and a second-round pick in the 2027 NHL Draft, it was a steal of a deal. Fowler came to St. Louis and made an immediate impact.

After having just four assists in 17 games with the Ducks, he flourished with 36 points (nine goals, 27 assists) and a plus-19 in 51 games for the Blues, helping them go on a tear and reach the Stanley Cup playoffs to face the Presidents’ Trophy-winning Winnipeg Jets, and Fowler had 10 points (two goals, eight assists) in a seven-game series ultimately won by Winnipeg.

The Blues were so impressed with the return they got from a player that thrived playing with Colton Parayko, they signed him to a three-year extension at $6.1 million average annual value that carries a full no-trade clause until Jan. 29, 2027, to which it becomes a 15-team NTC.

Fowler played in all 82 games last season, but there was something missing; he did finish with 30 points (four goals, 26 assists) but was a minus-11 averaging 21:05 time on ice per game after averaging 21:42 the previous season.

“I went home this summer, reflected on a lot and really just got back to basics,” Fowler said. “I really had an emphasis on working hard this summer and making sure that I’m ready to go, and that’s mentally as much as it is physically. They know what they’re getting from me. I’m happy to slot into the lineup wherever they feel is the best opportunity for me. I’m looking forward to getting back to some competitive hockey and getting back to the player that I know I can be because I just felt like I let a lot of people down last year in that regard. I don’t want that to happen again.”

At the outset, the Blues are pairing Fowler with fellow veteran Brandon Carlo, acquired from the Toronto Maple Leafs on the second day of the 2026 draft for two 2026 third-round picks. It looks like it could be a good match, but in order to get the Fowler of old back into the fold, Blues coach Jim Montgomery likely paired Carlo with Fowler to put a reliable, stable, defensive-minded guy there so that Fowler can get back to doing what he does best: jump into the offense and make his mark there.

“It’s a guy that’s taking the puck and skating,” Montgomery said of Fowler’s best attributes. “He was in a 4-on-2 and a 3-on-2 today. He almost tipped in a backdoor pass. It’s him getting in and out and it’s him dictating plays going north. When he’s playing on his toes offensively, the rest of the game takes care of itself.”

Perhaps adding a familiar face should help Fowler get back to his top-end game again with the addition of former Ducks coach Greg Cronin, who the Blues hired as an assistant that will work with the defensemen and who coached Fowler in Anaheim in 2023-24 and 24-25 prior to being traded here.

“Obviously I have a good relationship with ‘Crow,’ playing for him in Anaheim,” Fowler said. “I think anyone that spends time with him knows he’s a hard-nosed guy that demands a lot but also is fully transparent with his players and wants us to be the best version of ourselves. He’s going to push us every day. I think he wants us to be uncomfortable in the things that we’re doing to help push us to be better players, but he does have a soft side to him. He really does care about us as people and our families. I’m looking forward to getting the opportunity to working with him again.”

Perhaps making a veteran feel uncomfortable may be the best medicine Fowler can get, and get him back to the 2024-25 Blues version.

“It was definitely something that was unique for me the first time I met (Cronin), some of the things that we were working on in training camp there in Anaheim,” Fowler said. “I can honestly say the way that he approaches the game, especially from a defensive mindset and working with the ‘D’, that stuff, if we get more and more comfortable with it will help us defensively as a team and individually. There are times, if you guys are watching, you’ll see some of the things that we’re doing, it’s definitely unique to hockey but it’s a lot about body position, making sure that our shoulders are staying square and that we’re in between the player and the net and making sure that we’re not giving up easy opportunities. Those are big, key factors for him and something that we’ll really be working on in training camp.”

A more well-polished Fowler and Carlo third pairing behind Philip Broberg and Logan Mailloux along with Parayko and Theo Lindstein can really balance out this Blues defensive unit.

“We understand that there’s going to be wins and losses along the way but it’s about the approach that we have and the process of what we’re doing that’s most important to us,” Fowler said. “I don’t feel like we did a good enough job of that last year and that’s everyone, myself included. There’s definitely an emphasis on that this coming season.”

Blues Open Training Camp With In-Season Mode Drills Due to Shortened, More Compacted ScheduleJim Montgomery divides up players to resemble one that looks more like an NHL roster, one that has veterans competing for limited roster spots'I Want To Be Here ... I Love This City' -- Jimmy Snuggerud Wants To Be Part Of Long-Term Future With St. Louis Blues2022 first-round pick didn't sign maximum eight-year extension by Tuesday's CBA deadline before new one kicked in that allows max contracts to be seven years, feels process will work itself out when time is rightRyan Reaves, A St. Louis Blues 2005 Draft Pick, Announces Retirement From The NHLFifth-round pick in the 2005 NHL Draft was one of top enforcers in game during his 16-year career, of which first seven years was spent with BluesTen St. Louis Blues Players To Keep An Eye On As 2026-27 Training Camp Opens ThursdayFrom Mason McTavish to Connor McMichael to Robert Thomas to Jordan Binnington to Adam Jiricek, plenty of storylines to unfold with the Blues looking to get back into the Western Conference playoff mix

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When the Pittsburgh Penguins' 2025-26 season came to a disappointing close after a first-round loss to the rival Philadelphia Flyers, there was a plethora of questions the Penguins faced heading into the offseason.

Would they try to go "big-game hunting" as was suspected? Would they re-sign some key restricted free agents? Would Sidney Crosby and Erik Karlsson extensions be a priority? What direction would the team take in 2026-27 after an unexpected playoff berth?

And, finally, would Evgeni Malkin have a future with the Penguins?

Luckily, that last question was answered relatively quickly, as Malkin was inked to a one-year, $5.5 million extension on May 26. The decision for him to return to Pittsburgh for another year was probably made easier for both parties after he registered 19 goals and 61 points in 56 games at age 39. 

Now 40, Malkin is the fourth-oldest active player in the NHL. But, when speaking with the media during day two of training camp Friday, he made it known that he still feels great.

"I just try to be my best," Malkin said. "I feel healthy."

Even if Malkin signed for another year, there is still, of course, uncertainty about his future beyond this season. Even for this season, he is eligible to submit a three-team trade list on Jan. 1, which adds an element of uncertainty for him, especially if the Penguins end up taking a step back this season.

However, Malkin isn't thinking about any of that right now. Like Crosby - who clarified the situation with his extension Tuesday - he is in a holding out pattern to see how his body feels and where his level of play is at before he comes to a determination on the extent of his hockey future. 

'It's New For All Of Us': Penguins Presented With New Challenges In Shortened Training CampPittsburgh, like all other NHL teams, are navigating fresh pre-season rules with the new Collective Bargaining Agreement.

While there is a high degree of certainty that Crosby will play beyond 2026-27, though, the same can't be said for Malkin. 

"We'll see what's going on through the season," Malkin said. "Right now, I won't say 'yes,' but we'll see how my body feels. I still love the game, you know, why I'm here 21 years. You know, I'm excited every shift, practice... I see guys around, you know, have fun.

"But, again, most important is how your body feels. I'm, like, [a] person, if I'm not feeling 100 percent, I'm not playing because I want to be on my top level. I don't like to just spend time, you know, just do nothing. That's not my game. If I'm at the top if my game, help the team to win, I will. But, if not, I'm retire."

And him being able to hit the same level he did last season could largely depend on the company he keeps throughout the season. At this point, it appears that Malkin has fully transitioned to the wing, which is something that doesn't really faze him. After all, he saw a lof of success there last season, and that was in large part thanks to the arrival of Egor Chinakhov from the Columbus Blue Jackets mid-season.

every malkin to chinakhov goal is so beautiful i could watch this for hours pic.twitter.com/iKFLhZhttI

— ilene ❀ (@genomeep) February 27, 2026

Malkin and Chinakhov showed a high degree of chemistry when paired together last season, mainly with Tommy Novak down the middle. Of Malkin's seven assists on Chinkahov's goals last season, six were primary assists, and Chinakhov very likely did not suddenly forget how to shoot the puck over the summer.

He got an extension of his own in restricted free agency, committing to three more years with the Penguins at $6.25 million average annual value. The Penguins - and Malkin - are counting on Chinakhov to keep building on the 18 goals and 36 points he registered in 43 games with the team last season, as they believe the 25-year-old could be a key piece of their future. 

 "I know he's worked hard all summer," Malkin said. "And I hope, and I believe, that he'll show [his] best game because he have everything, like speed, shots... and I try to do the same. Like, my best [when] when we play together. I try to give him as much as possible, and I look. He will be one of our best forwards next season."

And so, too, will Malkin, if he continues to stay healthy and remain a fixture on Pittsburgh's second line. What his future is beyond the immediacy, though, will become more and more clear as his 21st NHL season rolls on.

Could Egor Chinakhov Help Extend Malkin's Career?There has been a whole lot going right for the <a href="https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/pittsburgh-penguins">Pittsburgh Penguins</a> during the 2025-26 season, and much of it can be credited to the work of general manager and president of hockey operations Kyle Dubas.&nbsp;

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After spending last season with the Detroit Red Wings, Cam Talbot has signed a one-year, $950,000 contract with the Columbus Blue Jackets.

The former Wild netminder enters Columbus as the team's backup to Jet Greaves. With Elvis Merzlikins failing his physical and out to start the year, Talbot will be the Blue Jackets backup.

Talbot, 39, is 278-204-53 with a 2.69 goals-against average, .911 save percentage and 33 shutouts in 567 regular-season games (533 starts) for the New York Rangers, Edmonton Oilers, Philadelphia Flyers, Calgary Flames, Minnesota Wild, Ottawa Senators, Los Angeles Kings and Red Wings.

In 82 games with the Wild from 2020-21 to 2021-22, Talbot posted a 51-20-9 record, a .913 save percentage, a 2.71 goals-against average, and five shutouts.

He is 16-18 with a 2.75 goals-against average, .915 save percentage and six shutouts in 36 Stanley Cup Playoff games (34 starts).

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The Montreal Canadiens recently re-signed defenseman Arber Xhekaj to a one-year prove-it deal. 

Now that Xhekaj has gotten his contract signed, it is clear that he must have a hot start to the 2026-27 season for the Canadiens.

While Xhekaj has gotten his new deal, his long-term future with the Canadiens is still not set in stone. Because of this, he will need to prove to the Canadiens that he can be a mainstay on their blueline. This is especially so when noting that other defensemen like Jayden Struble, Adam Engstrom, and David Reinbacher will be competing for playing time. 

Furthermore, with Kaiden Guhle sidelined for the start of the season, Xhekaj has an opportunity to show the Canadiens that he warrants more consistent playing time. If he does, it will help his chances of sticking in Montreal's lineup once Guhle is fully healthy and returns.

It is going to be very intriguing to see if Xhekaj can start the season off on the right foot for Montreal. It is a crucial year for the rugged defenseman, so time will tell if he can put together a strong campaign. 

In 65 games last season for Montreal, Xhekaj posted one goal, four points, 116 penalty minutes, and 178 hits. 

The Calgary Flames will have a new voice in the broadcast booth this season.

Former NHL forward Kevin Sawyer is joining Sportsnet’s Flames broadcast team as the club’s colour commentator, replacing longtime analyst Kelly Hrudey as Calgary prepares for its final season at the Scotiabank Saddledome.

Sawyer brings nearly a decade of experience in the broadcast booth with the Winnipeg Jets, where he worked as a regional game analyst before making the move west to Calgary.

Welcome to #yyc, Kevin!@KevinSawyer1 has been named the #Flames@Sportsnet game analyst and colour commentator, joining @AbbsPxP and @BParkerTV on broadcasts!

Full 2026-27 broadcast schedule: https://t.co/OFaHgRdSjupic.twitter.com/0HR3j80rA4

— Calgary Flames (@NHLFlames) September 17, 2026

The 52-year-old also brings a perspective shaped by nearly a decade spent playing professional hockey.

Sawyer appeared in 110 NHL games over parts of six seasons, suiting up for the St. Louis Blues, Boston Bruins, Phoenix Coyotes and Mighty Ducks of Anaheim between 1995 and 2003. He finished his NHL career with three goals and six points, along with 403 penalty minutes.

His NHL career was built largely around his physical style of play. Sawyer spent his final three seasons with Anaheim, appearing in 97 games and recording 336 penalty minutes. He scored his first NHL goal during the 2001-02 season, when he played a career-high 57 games for the Mighty Ducks.

That experience will again translate to the other side of the game as Sawyer joins Jon Abbott and Brendan Parker for Calgary’s regional broadcasts.

This offseason, the Kings made monumental changes to their team. Is it enough to surpass the defending western conference champions?

Why the Kings Will Be Better

Although the Knights were the better team last season, that could change entirely this year. That is in large part due to Los Angeles being the better defensive team.

Last season, the Kings only allowed 2.9 goals per game while the Knights allowed 2.95 goals. Los Angeles also held a .899 save percentage, while Vegas had a .884 save percentage.

Defensively, the Kings should still remain competent and that could benefit from the new system. Coach Peter Laviolette is expected to elevate the Kings offense to its full potential.

If the offense of the Kings can take a step up, then that will pair tremendously with the top 10 defense from last year. Los Angeles has the better defense than Vegas, which could lead to them dethroning the West Champs this season.

Why the Knights Will Be Better

Speculation is only a part of the debate between the Kings and the Knights; the other part is results. When it comes to consistent seasons between these two teams, that heavily favors the Knights for this upcoming season.

Aside from the Knights making the Stanley Cup in 2026, they’ve had consistent playoff success. The Knights have made the second round three of the last four seasons and have won a Stanley Cup in 2023.

On the other hand, Los Angeles hasn’t made it to the second round since they won the Stanley Cup in 2014. The Kings haven’t won a playoff series in over a decade, let alone been a true title contender.

Vegas has proven to consistently be one of the best teams in the NHL while Los Angeles hasn’t. The Knights are expected to be contenders in 2027, while it’s a question if the Kings can take the next leap.

Overall Verdict 

When it comes down to whom the best team will be in 2027, the clear answer is Vegas. The Knights have the more potent offense but can also step up on defense when it matters most.

During the playoffs, the Knights had a .907 save percentage and allowed 2.82 goals per game. Along with both defensive categories being improvements from the regular season, the offense was better in the playoffs too.

In the regular season, the Knights scored 3.22 goals per game, which ranked 14th in the league. During the postseason, Vegas scored 3.45 goals per game, which ranked 4th amongst playoff teams.

Regardless if it’s offense or defense, the Knights have shown to play at their best when it matters most. The Kings have not shown to play at their best in pivotal moments, hence why they brought in a new coach for better results.

Both offensively and defensively, the Knights have executed better than the Kings in crunch time. Therefore, Vegas is a more well-rounded unit and should be a better team than Los Angeles in 2027.

Martin Necas spent last season answering questions about whether he could become the player the Colorado Avalanche believed they were acquiring.

He answered them with 100 points.

Now comes the harder part: proving it wasn't a one-time breakthrough while dealing with everything that comes with becoming one of the NHL's most dangerous offensive players.

Nearly two months ago, The Hockey News examined the heightened pressure facing Necas as he prepared to enter his first full season with the Avalanche. At the time, the pressure centered largely around expectations. Colorado had acquired Necas to be a difference-maker, and after arriving midway through the previous season, he was finally going to have a full campaign to establish himself in an Avalanche uniform.

He did considerably more than that.

Necas delivered the best offensive season of his career, reaching the 100-point mark and establishing himself among the NHL's elite. But with that achievement comes a new reality: The target on his back has grown considerably.

The league has a way of humbling players who reach that level. One season can elevate a player into the conversation among the game's best; the next can bring an entirely different level of scrutiny. Jonathan Huberdeau is one example of how quickly circumstances can change after a career year.

For Necas, however, the challenge extends beyond simply maintaining his production. He is a dynamic offensive force with explosive speed, exceptional puckhandling ability and the creativity to make something happen whenever the puck is on his stick. But there has long been one vulnerability in his game: Necas can leave himself exposed to open-ice contact.

That tendency followed him from his days with the Carolina Hurricanes and remained an issue last season in Colorado. Last year, Necas absorbed several heavy hits, including Mikey Anderson's open-ice hit in Game 1 of the Avalanche's Stanley Cup Playoff series against the Los Angeles Kings.

Now, coming off a 100-point campaign, Necas is going to command even more attention from opposing teams.

And that means the hits are coming, too.

When a player establishes himself as one of the league's most dangerous offensive threats, opponents naturally look for ways to disrupt him. For Necas, protecting himself without sacrificing the speed, creativity and aggressiveness that make him so effective could become one of the most important challenges of his next chapter.

If the footage that surfaced during the offseason is any indication, Necas appears to understand that as well.

A video showed the Avalanche forward working out alongside Calgary Flames defenseman Adam Klapka and, perhaps more notably, Vegas Golden Knights forward Tomas Hertl.

Hertl is the same player who delivered a devastating hip check on Necas in Game 4 of the Western Conference Final, sending him down the tunnel and leaving Colorado without one of its most important offensive weapons as the Avalanche were ultimately swept out of the series.

Perhaps that experience helped reinforce something Necas already knew: At his level, being able to withstand the physical demands of an NHL season is just as important as being able to produce offensively.

And judging by how Necas spent his summer, it appears he put an emphasis on that side of his game.

When asked at training camp about his offseason preparation, Necas said he spent the summer working on his strength and power while also trying to become faster.

“Try to work a little on my strength, on my power, and, you know, get a little faster, get a little stronger,” Necas told reporters. “Lots of work on the ice.”

That makes the footage of Necas working out alongside Klapka and Hertl all the more intriguing. At 6-foot-8, Klapka is an imposing physical presence and the kind of player who immediately stands out on the ice. He is also the same defenseman who delivered a late-season hit on Cale Makar that sent the Avalanche star into the boards and left him with an upper-body injury.

Hertl, meanwhile, has built his career around a powerful, difficult-to-defend style, making the trio an especially interesting group to see training together.

Necas isn't suddenly going to become Superman, nor is he going to turn into the next Ivan Barbashev. That's not what this is about. But adding more strength and power to an already dangerous skill set could give Necas another weapon when opposing players try to close off his space, battle him along the boards or disrupt his ability to create with the puck.

Necas also said he felt good coming into camp after what he described as a “great summer,” adding that he was excited to return and “move myself a little higher again.”

That mentality is important. Necas isn't satisfied with reaching 100 points and stopping there.

He wants to get better.

And getting better may mean more than simply finding another level offensively. After establishing himself as one of the NHL's most dangerous forwards, Necas is going to have to deal with a different level of attention every time he touches the puck.

The open ice won't be as forgiving. The hits may come a little harder. Opponents will have even more incentive to make sure Necas doesn't have the time and space to dictate a game.

The 100-point season changed his status.

Now, Necas has spent his summer preparing for what comes with it.

The next step is showing that he can handle everything that comes with being one of Colorado's most important players — including the physical price that may come with it.

The Chicago Blackhawks are going to be without Connor Bedard for at least a little while longer. He is progressing well, but neither side wants to rush things and risk making it worse at any point. 

For now, it seems Frank Nazar will center the top line alongside Patrick Kane and Roman Kantserov in Bedard's place. For both Nazar and Kantserov, playing with a legend like Patrick Kane is an incredible opportunity early in their careers. 

As far as Patrick Kane is concerned, playing with youth is a great way for him to stay fresh as well. We've seen plenty of aging superstars keep it going for longer than they otherwise would have because they played on lines with younger players. 

After the first training camp practice, Kane spoke about what he is seeing from both Frank Nazar and Roman Kantserov, starting with the former: 

"I think he's a competitive kid," Kane said of Nazar. "He wants to win; he wants to do well; he wants to win games in practice; he wants to do well as a line, score goals, have that presence of mind, be in the moment, especially in practice." 

For Kane, playing with a centerman like Nazar will be a treat. Nazar is not afraid to backcheck or get to the dirty areas in the offensive zone, and, like Kane, he is not afraid to pass or shoot. Both of them will be hard to defend because of their unpredictability. 

"[I'm] excited to play with him and develop chemistry with him," Kane said. "[We're going to] have a good year."

Although neither Kane nor Nazar is afraid to shoot, they would both be considered pass-first types, which is why Roman Kantserov is the perfect young player to put on the other side of the line. He was one of the best KHL goal scorers last year and is trying to bring that ability to the NHL in his rookie season. 

"I think he's got a lot of skill," Kane said of Kantserov. "He's very smooth. He speaks very good English; he wants to communicate too. He wants to know certain things about the game, the drills we're doing, or what I'm seeing on the ice." 

Patrick Kane has been on some incredible lines throughout his career. He didn't play with Jonathan Toews at even strength much (outside of one season), but he had incredible years with guys like Artemi Panarin, Brandon Saad, Brandon Hagel, Alex DeBrincat, and many others. Now, he wants that for this line. 

"As a line, we got more and more chemistry as the day went on," Kane said. "Things got better and better. I'm excited to keep building with them."

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The Vegas Golden Knights possess championship-caliber top-end talent with Jack Eichel, Mitch Marner and Mark Stone, but a projected total of 103.5 points demands more than star power. It requires Vegas to produce sustained regular-season excellence with one of the NHL’s oldest and most injury-sensitive cores.

Stone remains highly productive when available, delivering 73 points in only 60 games last season, but his recurring injury history makes projecting a full campaign dangerous. Vegas must also carefully manage veterans such as Alex Pietrangelo and William Karlsson, while Eichel, Marner and Tomas Hertl will be asked to carry an enormous offensive burden. It may take only one extended absence from that group to turn several regulation victories into overtime losses—or wins into losses.

Last Season’s Record Creates a Warning Sign

The Golden Knights finished 39-26-17 with 95 points last season, despite winning the Pacific Division and advancing to the Stanley Cup Final. Their 17 overtime and shootout losses were the most in franchise history, showing how often Vegas struggled to finish close games in regulation.

That postseason run may now be inflating the market’s evaluation of a team that was far less dominant throughout the regular season. Vegas caught fire following its late coaching change, closing 7-0-1 under John Tortorella before carrying that momentum deep into the playoffs. Replicating that short-term surge across an entire 82-game schedule is a much more demanding assignment.

Clearing 103.5 would require at least 104 points—a nine-point improvement from last season. That is a considerable jump for an aging roster entering another transition under Ryan Craig, who must establish his system, manage veteran workloads and maintain the urgency that followed Tortorella’s arrival.

Scoring Depth and Goaltending Remain Concerns

Vegas must also replace Pavel Dorofeyev’s team-leading 37 goals. Losing that production creates a significant hole beyond the established stars, particularly if Stone, Eichel or Hertl misses time. The Golden Knights should remain dangerous on the power play, but their five-on-five depth could become a problem when the schedule compresses or injuries force younger players into larger roles.

Goaltending presents another source of volatility. Vegas allowed 250 goals last season and lacked a clearly established No. 1 capable of consistently stealing games. Average goaltending may be enough for this roster to qualify for the playoffs, but surpassing 103.5 points likely requires above-average performance in net and better results in the numerous one-goal games that defined last season.

The Pacific Division should also offer fewer soft landing spots. Edmonton remains a contender, Los Angeles is difficult to play against, and improving teams in San Jose and Anaheim should reduce the number of seemingly automatic divisional points available to Vegas. A deeper conference also makes it harder to survive ordinary stretches without surrendering valuable ground.

The Golden Knights can finish approximately 47-28-7 for 101 points, comfortably reach the playoffs and remain a legitimate Stanley Cup threat while still cashing the Under. That projection already represents a six-point improvement over last season.

This is not a bet against Vegas’ postseason ceiling. It is a wager against an older, injury-sensitive roster improving by at least nine points while replacing its leading goal scorer, adjusting to another coach and receiving more dependable goaltending over six demanding months. The Golden Knights may again become extremely dangerous in April, but asking them to produce 104-plus points before then is setting the regular-season bar too high.

The Connor Hellebuyck trade saga took another turn Thursday, as it was reported that the Carolina Hurricanes remain interested in acquiring the star goaltender, according to The Athletic's Pierre LeBrun. 

Per the report, Carolina has offered a package built around a first-round pick and standout young defenseman Alexander Nikishin, and that offer could still be on the table. Nikishin's situation adds an intriguing wrinkle to any potential deal. 

The 24-year-old Russian defenseman remains unsigned as a restricted free agent and did not attend the first day of Hurricanes training camp after requesting a trade from Carolina this offseason, following a diminished role as the Stanley Cup playoffs wore on. 

A former third-round pick in 2020, Nikishin wasn't considered a can't-miss prospect on draft day, and that history may be part of what's giving Winnipeg pause. He flashed real upside this past season, on pace for 30-point production, but the question for the Jets is just how low his floor could be if that offensive game doesn't translate consistently at the NHL level.

ALEXANDER NIKISHIN SCORES HIS FIRST @ENERGIZER OVERTIME GOAL‼️ pic.twitter.com/O99ZgQoGWS

— NHL (@NHL) March 21, 2026

Speaking to reporters Thursday, Jets general manager Kevin Cheveldayoff made clear he isn't in any rush to finalize a deal, saying "I just want to get this right."

He also didn't shut the door on a potential Hellebuyck return to Winnipeg.

"Look, no doors are closed," Cheveldayoff said. "In my estimation, he's a player that's under contract for five years, but at the end of the day, that'll be his choice."

Cheveldayoff went a step further, reiterating that the organization still views Hellebuyck as one of their own regardless of how the situation unfolds.

"Connor Hellebuyck is a part of our family until he's not a part of our family," Cheveldayoff explained.

On paper, Nikishin is an appealing add as a six-foot-three, left-shot defenseman, who just finished seventh in Calder Trophy voting, but a top-four defenseman isn't necessarily what Winnipeg is looking for.

The Jets have consistently been among the league's best defensive teams in recent years, and their more pressing need is on the other side of the puck, specifically a top-six forward, a hole that's existed since they lost Nikolaj Ehlers to Carolina in free agency last offseason.

With five years remaining on Hellebuyck's contract, a resolution that keeps him in Winnipeg is still very much in play. But if Hellebuyck continues to push for a trade out of town, the Nikishin package is one that Cheveldayoff and the rest of Jets management are said to be discussing seriously.

There's also a secondary piece that could sweeten the pot for Winnipeg in goaltender Brandon Bussi. The late-career breakout at 28 years old, who recently signed a team-friendly three-year extension carrying a $1.9 million cap hit also has no trade protection. If Bussi were attached to a deal alongside Nikishin, it could make the return significantly more appealing for a Jets team weighing its options in net and along the back end.

For now, the situation remains fluid, with Cheveldayoff signaling patience while acknowledging that all avenues, including one that sends Hellebuyck to the defending Stanley Cup champions, remain open.

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