Heading into the 2025-26 season, the Pittsburgh Penguins have shifted the focus to youth and development.

With more talent in the system than Pittsburgh has had in years - and 13 picks in the 2025 NHL Draft - top prospects lists are becoming more competitive and more difficult to discern. Since the prospect pool is deepening, The Hockey News - Pittsburgh Penguins takes a look at the top-20 prospects in the organization. 

This may be subjective, but it does seem like the Penguins have a pretty clear-cut top-three at this point in time. Really, any one of them could be Nos. 1, 2, or 3, and that is reflected on a lot of Penguins' prospect rankings.

For THN - Pittsburgh's No. 3, we have Rutger McGroarty, who has made significant strides since his acquisition last summer - and who figures to be a key part of the Penguins' future plans.

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#3 F Rutger McGroarty

About those other Penguins' prospect rankings? To be honest, many of them still have McGroarty at No. 1, and for good reason. 

The 21-year-old forward was acquired from the Winnipeg Jets in August of 2024, and it cost the Penguins their top prospect at the time in Brayden Yager. The price was high for McGroarty - even if he wanted out of Winnipeg - and many were a little bit wary of how that trade would pan out for the Penguins.

Of course, it's still early, and both McGroarty and Yager will, hopefully, have long NHL careers ahead. But the Penguins probably got the better prospect out of the deal, and he's the kind of player that every contending team would want to have in their top-six.

What Are Realistic Expectations For McGroarty And Koivunen This Year?The Pittsburgh Penguins have a pretty decent forward group entering the 2025-26 season, especially if they don’t make any trades between now and October 7, when they open the regular season against the New York Rangers. 

McGroarty actually broke the NHL roster out of training camp last season due to a strong showing and some circumstantial factors with injuries. He played in only three games before being re-assigned to the AHL, and in those three games, he looked a step behind in his skating and in his reads.

Then, he wasn't NHL-ready. He also had a relatively slow start to his AHL career, and things didn't pick up for him down in Wilkes-Barre/Scranton (WBS) until the second half. Although it was building up to something all season long, it was in his final stretch of AHL games - when he recored eight goals and 18 points in his last 19 games - that McGroarty earned another look at the NHL level. 

And it was brief, but he did not disappoint.

Playing alongside Sidney Crosby before a lower-body injury - resulting from a blocked shot - ended his season, McGroarty put up a goal and three points and displayed natural chemistry with the Penguins' captain. His skating and first step was much-improved, he made some ridiculous and instinctual passes, and he was counted upon late in games when the Penguins had it all on the line.

Pittsburgh Penguins (@penguins) on XSidney Crosby has TEN goals and 18 points over his 12-game point streak 🔥

He passed with flying colors the second time around, and his performance in those last five games should - barring a disastrous training camp - earn him a permanent spot on the NHL roster next season. McGroarty seems to have so many details and intangibles already interwoven in his game, and he has a hockey sense that one simply can't teach. He's also a natural leader and locker room presence, which isn't something often said about a young guy just breaking into the league.

It's hard to say exactly how high McGroarty's ceiling is. The Jets' 14th overall pick in 2022 certainly has offensive upside, and it may take a few seasons for him to really hit his full potential. That said, his 200-foot game is already well-rounded. He doesn't shy away from contact, he excels in transition with his vision, and he anticipates on both ends of the ice. 

At the very least, he should be a very effective third-line winger for the Penguins going forward, but it's completely justifiable to expect him to exceed that. The fact that he meshed so well so instantly with one of the smartest - if not the smartest - players in hockey history says a lot, and if he continues to get top-six deployment with either Crosby or Evgeni Malkin in Pittsburgh, the sky is the limit. 

McGroarty may not be a franchise cornerstone piece, but he figures to be a very important complementary piece of the puzzle going forward for the Penguins. Hopefully, he only continues to build on what has already been an impressive start to his professional career. 

Top-20 Penguins' Prospects 2025: First-Round Pick Has Star PotentialHeading into the 2025-26 season, the Pittsburgh Penguins have shifted the focus to youth and development.

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The list so far:

- No. 5: G Sergei Murashov
- No. 6: D Owen Pickering
- No. 7: F Tanner Howe
- No. 8: G Arturs Silovs
- No. 9: G Joel Blomqvist
- No. 10: F Tristan Broz
- No. 11: F Will Horcoff
- No. 12: F Mikhail Ilyin
- No. 13 F Filip Hallander
- No. 14: F Bill Zonnon
- No. 15: F Melvin Fernstrom
- No. 16: D Emil Pieniniemi
- No. 17: F Avery Hayes
- No. 18: F Cruz Lucius
- No. 19: D Finn Harding
- No. 20: D Peyton Kettles

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It’s no secret that the expectations for the Pittsburgh Penguins aren’t exactly sky-high this season. The team is somewhere in the midst of a rebuild, and there is uncertainty regarding the futures of several players on the roster.

But even if much isn’t looking up for the Penguins this season, there could be a few players who could exceed expectations.

Here are four Penguins’ players who could surprise in 2025-26. 

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Tommy Novak

Novak, 28, was acquired from the Nashville Predators prior to the 2025 trade deadline as part of the deal that sent forward Michael Bunting the other way. Unfortunately, Novak only played in two games post-deadline for the Penguins until a lower-body injury ended his season.

Now, he has the chance to carve out a pretty important role in the lineup. 

Novak has amassed 49 goals and 117 points in 203 career NHL games, and he is a reliable two-way presence. The Penguins have long-needed a third-line center, and Novak could fit that bill. He could even skate alongside Evgeni Malkin and bring some defensive conscientiousness to that line as well as some playmaking ability.

Either way, there is some potential for Novak to break out offensively in a bigger way this season. His best NHL season was 2023-24 with Nashville, when he recorded 18 goals and 45 points in 71 games. Don’t be too surprised to see Novak hit career-highs in production, especially if he skates alongside Malkin.

Under-The-Radar Penguins To Watch In 2025-26The Pittsburgh Penguins enter the 2025-26 season having gone three straight seasons without qualifying for the playoffs, and it appears likely to become four unless they exceed expectations. 

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Parker Wotherspoon

Wotherspoon was signed to a two-year, $2 million free agent contract this summer. Previously with the Boston Bruins, the 28-year-old blueliner has done a fairly good job in a bottom pairing role through parts of three NHL seasons, routinely shutting down the opposition and occasionally throwing punches.

Yes, that has been in mostly bottom-pair, sheltered minutes. But Wotherspoon will have a real chance at fitting into a bigger role in Pittsburgh, which could help or hurt him.

Although it’s fair to wonder whether playing minutes that he’s not accustomed to or built for will minimize his effectiveness and expose flaws in his game, it’s just as fair to wonder whether he can take full advantage of icing those minutes and unlocking more from his game - especially if he is going to be playing alongside the likes of high-risk defensemen in Erik Karlsson or Kris Letang.

The 2025-26 season is a big test for Wotherspoon, so it will be interesting to see if he can take the reins and become a reliable top-four shutdown presence for the Penguins.

Penguins New Defenseman Is Intriguing AdditionThe Pittsburgh Penguins have had themselves a busy 2025 NHL off-season. They have brought in several new players to their roster this summer as they continue their retool. 

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Arturs Silovs

Perhaps no battle in training camp - or during the regular season - will be quite as interesting as the one between the pipes.

With Alex Nedeljkovic traded to the San Jose Sharks this summer, it looked for a minute as if Tristan Jarry and rookie Joel Blomqvist would jockey for the NHL starting position. But then, the Penguins went out and acquired Arturs Silovs from the Vancouver Canucks, and all of that changed.

Up to this point, his NHL career has been a bit rocky. Silovs, 24, has appeared in 19 NHL games and has posted a 3.13 goals-against average and an .880 save percentage. He did have a gutsy run in the playoffs for the Canucks in 2023-24, though, but his 2025 Calder Cup run in the AHL is really what got people talking.

The 6-foot-4, 203-pound Latvian netminder went 16-7 with five shutouts, a 2.01 goals-against average, and a .931 save percentage to lead the Abbotsford Canucks to their first-ever Calder Cup this season. Silovs was dominant, and it continued the narrative of him being able to come up big when the games matter most.

And, boy, do the Penguins ever need that guy in net. Silovs may just be the starting goaltender by season’s end, and he has a chance to separate himself from everyone else for now - including some talent between the pipes in the Penguins’ farm system. 

Top-20 Penguins' Prospects 2025: New Penguins' Goaltender On Verge Of BreakoutHeading into the 2025-26 season, the Pittsburgh Penguins have shifted the focus to youth and development.

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Connor Dewar

Let's not stretch the truth too much here. But Dewar could, potentially, be a really solid bottom-six player for the Penguins.

The 26-year-old left wing was brought over from the Toronto Maple Leafs - along with defenseman Conor Timmins, who was dealt to the Buffalo Sabres on draft day this summer - and did far more in 17 games with the Penguins last season than he did in 31 games with the Leafs.  He registered four goals and seven points after recording just three assists with the Leafs, and he found himself in different spots in the Penguins' lineup.

Dewar isn't going to be an overly productive player. That's just not who he is. But Penguins' fans were already a bit enamored with Dewar in a short sample size last season, and even if he doesn't score at that same pace, he does a lot of other things away from the puck that make him valuable. And that's why GM and POHO Kyle Dubas brought Dewar back after non-tendering him as an RFA. 

He's speedy, he's tenacious, he's relentless, and he drives the net. The Penguins need this kind of energy guy in their lineup, and he could very well attach a bit more offense to his already-strong defense this season depending on where he's deployed.

What Will The Penguins' Bottom-Six Look Like This Season?If one thing is for certain when the Pittsburgh Penguins open training camp a month from now, it’s that they have a whole lot of players in the mix for precious few spots on the roster.

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As thoroughly detailed in Part 1 of this piece, we have taken many twists and turns to get where we are today in the Evgenii Dadonov case, with the Ottawa Senators on the verge of surrendering their 2026 first-round pick. The question Sens fans are eager to pose is, can there still be an exit off this highway and a reasonable justification to have the penalty reduced?

While some may believe the team has been simply delaying the inevitable by deferring the punishment as long as they are able to, owner Michael Andlauer does not appear to have shifted his stance since the time of the initial ruling in November 2023. That stance is: the penalty is too harsh, no one involved is a part of the organization anymore, and there is precedent for the NHL reducing a first round pick penalty to a team.

Let’s look at each of these elements individually:

A first-round pick is too harsh a penalty for this particular offence

While the NHL is within its rights to levy any kind of penalty it wishes in disciplinary matters, this particular ruling does appear to be fairly arbitrary. Docking a team a first-round pick is not something the NHL does lightly and in fact, we have to go back 15 years to find the last time they did it (we’ll be revisiting that case shortly). Especially considering the league did conduct an initial investigation which determined zero punishment was warranted, it seems they went from 0 to 100 in the subsequent re-opening of the case.

Andlauer would be certain to point out that in previous cases with a first round pick penalty, the league determined that there was active malicious intent in attempting to skirt league rules (ie for cap circumvention purposes etc).

What would have had to be determined as part of this investigation is whether the Senators (represented by Dorion) knew of the presence of this list and outright misled Vegas as to its existence, or whether their messaging was a result of internal miscommunication.

In other words, was this a result of malicious intent or simple incompetence?

While we don’t know the answer publicly, we do know that the full trade details had been worked out at the time of the trade call. Vegas was aware the 10-team clause was in the original contract and only wanted clarification on if they were on it or not and a confirmation they would be getting it.

At that point, there was zero benefit in Dorion misleading them; if he had truly known the list had been submitted, the trade had already been worked out. Vegas almost certainly was not anticipating at that time that they would be trading Dadonov later that same season. That is not an easily movable contract, so the presence of a fairly pedestrian 10-team no-trade clause would not have been disqualifying for them.

So, it would be fairly safe to assume that this was all caused by the Senators' front office being incompetent in their internal record keeping and communication, not them actively misleading another team as part of a transaction. We can all agree both are bad but the latter is certainly worse.

Furthermore, in the time since this ruling, the league has reportedly re-evaluated their policy on how no-trade lists are stored and there is now a lever where the league is involved in the receipt of these annual lists. This would appear to be a tacit acknowledgment that this was perhaps not the best system and could lead to these types of problems.

No one involved in the incident is with the Senators’ organization anymore

The Sens owner at the time of the trade is deceased. The assistant GM left the organization during the investigation and the GM is no longer here with the new owner stating this incident was the primary reason why. The man directly accountable for the entire debacle (Pierre Dorion) has already received the most severe consequences for his part in it. As Andlauer would surely note, the previous case where a first-round pick was involved (I swear we’re getting to this momentarily) was re-evaluated in part because new ownership had taken over the team being punished.

Andlauer has an especially strong case here because of the due diligence period of his purchase period mentioned in the Part 1 timeline where Senators representatives indicated that they considered the investigation a “non-issue”. As he stated afterwards, “I don’t know if a first-rounder is a non-issue to you guys, but it is (an issue) to me”.

The timing of when the ruling was rendered was suspicious to Andlauer. The interviews with both front offices were conducted nearly 10 months prior. He could certainly speculate that the league held off on a public issuance of their decision so as not to muddy the waters during the team sale period and then only dropped it on his lap after the deal was done. If Andlauer was serious about pursuing it, this could open up legal avenues to the Senators sale representatives and even the league which is something the NHL would obviously wish to avoid.

There is precedent for the NHL reducing a first-round pick penalty

Now we will talk about Ilya Kovalchuk, but only briefly as this is only to provide the example of the similarities involved that Andlauer could look to leverage. In short, in 2010 the New Jersey Devils signed Kovalchuk to a wild 17-year contract (back before there were contract term limits) that would take him into his mid-40’s.

The league correctly identified this as cap circumvention, voided the contract and punished the Devils with a $3 million fine, loss of a third-round pick, and a future first-round pick which (like the Senators) they could choose to have applied in any of the next four seasons. The Devils (like the Senators) deferred the first-round pick to the final option year, but then in March 2014, prior to the draft, officially asked for an appeal. Their case for appeal was that the Devils were under new ownership, but more importantly, Kovalchuk had retired from the NHL and left for the KHL which changed the circumstances materially of the punishment. The NHL agreed and reduced the punishment by cutting the fine in half and issuing the Devils the last pick in the first round (as opposed to their own).

While there are similarities in both cases, there are differences as well. The Devils leaned on the fact that Kovalchuk’s retirement did impact their cap and financial situation in a way that was unforeseen and this was a case primarily about cap circumvention as opposed to a team misleading other teams as part of a player transaction. But what it does indicate is a willingness for the league to reconsider their initial penalty if they feel something has changed in the interim since their ruling.

It should be said that the last time commissioner Gary Bettman was asked about this case roughly a year ago, he did not seem especially inclined to change his mind. “I haven’t had that discussion in a way I think would be appropriate for me to comment publicly, but my inclination would be no,” was what he said at the time.

The question would be this: how would the NHL feel if Andlauer and the Senators officially asked for an appeal and a chance to make their case the way the Devils did with Kovalchuk? That has not happened to this point and it may never happen, but if we use the Kovalchuk case as a guideline, at any point during this season, this is certainly a request the Senators could make leading up the draft.

In deferring the punishment for as long as they’ve been able, it also makes the wound less fresh for Vegas, who most likely got what they wanted out of the ruling (public exoneration of their role in the incident). It does seem like a compromise could at least be proposed. For example, I'm sure a reduction to the loss of a second-round pick would be acceptable for the Sens.

Time will tell whether this gets pursued any further or if the Senators are resigned to their fate, but until Andlauer says otherwise, there’s still potential for this to be re-evaluated. I’ll be certain to update the article if and when anything develops. In the meantime, the Sens have a Cup to win this season, so we’ll be certain to shift our focus there as the season gets underway.

More Sens Headlines at THN:
Former Ottawa Senators Winger Alex Formenton Returns To Pro Hockey
Ottawa Senators Radio Play-By-Play Team Won't Travel To Road Games This Season
Senators Captain Brady Tkachuk: 'We Want More'
Four Major Storylines This Month At Ottawa Senators Training Camp
Staios: 'We're Not Dismissing That Yakemchuk Makes Our Team Out of Camp'
Ottawa Senators: Ranking The Six Best At Each Position

Dylan Larkin carries the weight of the Detroit Red Wings on his shoulders as team captain, embodying the hopes of a success-starved fan base. There is arguably no one on the ice more determined to bring playoff hockey to Little Caesars Arena for the first time.

As a 19-year-old rookie on the last Red Wings team to reach the Stanley Cup Playoffs in 2015–16, Larkin has since faced difficult questions night after night as the team’s leader and endured several challenging seasons, none of which were more trying on the ice than the 2019–20 campaign.

Through it all, which have included some off-ice challenges, Larkin has persevered and grown into a man in front of our eyes. Not only did he recently marry, but he's now the father of a newborn baby girl, Lennyn Marie Larkin, born in May. 

When the Red Wings do ultimately break their lengthy playoff drought, you can bet that Larkin's spirit will be lifted in ways he didn't think possible. 

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

Following his fourth straight campaign of scoring no less than 30 goals, Larkin landed into the No. 41 slot on NHL.com's recent rankings of the best 50 players in the League today, besting the likes of Alex Ovechkin, Jake Guentzel, and Brady Tkachuk. 

Our Top 50 Players Right Now list kicks off with 50 to 41!@NHL | #NHLTopPlayerspic.twitter.com/MbqrDoS7rT

— NHL Network (@NHLNetwork) September 8, 2025

While attending a Detroit Tigers game at Comerica Park last week, Larkin expressed optimism for the upcoming season, citing the steady influx of young talent onto the roster.

"We're going to have some guys who will come up and impress, and hopefully solidify themselves as roster players for a bright future in their careers and for our team," he continued. "I'm really excited for the group and the possibilities of what can happen over the next 82 games for us."

It won't be long before Larkin and the rest of his Red Wings teammates hit the ice in Traverse City for Training Camp, which officially begins on Sept. 18. This will be followed by the beginning of pre-season play against the Chicago Blackhawks on Sept. 23 at Little Caesars Arena. 

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LAS VEGAS – The NHL's annual Players' Tour is on right now in Vegas, where many of the league's stars go through the media car wash as we prep for the upcoming season.

And while it's only been the first of three days, Ottawa Senators goaltender Linus Ullmark put himself in the running for quote MVP. Ullmark had some very interesting thoughts on a number of issues, beginning with extra overtime and therefore fewer shootouts.

"There should be a change," he said. "We've already changed the offensive game a lot in general, with 3-on-3 and overtime. My two cents, we should add five more minutes of overtime like at the 4 Nations. Because it comes down more to play.

"From the perspective of a goaltender, you can go out and play the best game of your life and have a shutout – and the other goalie can play phenomenal as well – then you go out there and let in three (shootout goals), and you feel like the worst goalie ever. That's just how it is, plain and simple. And I think a lot of other goalies feel the same way.

"At the same time, I always enjoy shootouts. It's a love-and-hate. When you save all three and win, it's such a rush, and you're so happy because it's on the line, you and the shooter. You get that vibe. But when you're the reason you lose, it sucks."

Ullmark also had an interesting suggestion for the NHL war room:

"I would add a specific goal watcher/referee in Toronto who has the perspective of goaltenders to really put it down in black and white what is goaltender interference and what is not," he said.

"A lot of times, you look at a goal from the eyes of a goaltender and say, 'Oh, that shouldn't be a goal,' but through the eyes of a player, they see it as a goal. You have all these reasonings back and forth. That's an issue, where you don't know when to call a video challenge. It's like a gamble. I would like it to be very clear-cut, like it is with offside."

That potential vagueness on a play – or even just how something is perceived – is something the Sens netminder would like to see vanquished, or at least fleshed out more.

"It really comes down to inches and perspective sometimes," Ullmark said. "The goalie is outside of his crease trying to get back, but he gets jumbled up (with an opponent). In the rulebook, it says if you're outside the crease, technically it shouldn't be interference. But he's trying to get back, and he's not able to get there. I'd like it to get away from the grey zone."

Ullmark was fantastically chatty at the Players' Tour, and he has earned the reputation of being a great talker in NHL media circles. As it turns out, his outgoing personality is something he hopes can help those around him – and sometimes himself, as well.

"I've always been a very talkative, open guy," he said. "I realized pretty early that if I contain all that inside of myself, it would take a toll on me. So it's a way for me to stay sane. You play 82 games plus playoffs. I always thought it was more fun to be around people who are more talkative, so I try to be like that.

"It's not just positive things, it can be negative things, too. I try to stay open. Some days I'm grumpier or sad – we all have those days. And if I can show more emotions, hopefully people feel more safe and secure talking to me about things. I want to be a teammate you can go to at any point of the day or always call. It's something I've worked on with my wife, as well. To be more open in good and bad times."

Canadian NHL Team Power Rankings: Who Looks The Strongest Heading Into 2025-26?The NHL’s 2025-26 season is officially a month away for the league's Canadian squads.

In his first season with the Senators, Ullmark helped Ottawa break through and make the playoffs. For Year 2, he wants his team to head into the battle with the confidence that they can do it again, but also the humility that comes in knowing that making the post-season is very difficult.

At the least, Ottawa fans can rest assured that Ullmark will bring his elite skills and excellent dressing room attitude into that battle every game.

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The NHL’s 2025-26 season is officially a month away for the league's Canadian squads.

After six American teams face off on Oct. 7, the Montreal Canadiens and Toronto Maple Leafs duel on Oct. 8, followed by the Calgary Flames and Edmonton Oilers later that evening. Talk about a red-hot start to the campaign.

The Ottawa Senators, Winnipeg Jets and Vancouver Canucks start their seasons on Oct. 9.

Most Canadian teams made notable changes this summer. It's time to rank them in order from most competitive to least.

1. Winnipeg Jets

Major additions: Jonathan Toews, C; Gustav Nyquist, LW; Tanner Pearson, LW

The Lowdown: The Jets were the NHL's regular-season champions last year. While they lost a valuable piece in left winger Nikolaj Ehlers, their overall offense might not be worse off.

Why? Because of the signing of veteran Chicago Blackhawks center Jonathan Toews.

The 37-year-old hasn’t played since April 2023, and though that time off may work against Toews, having him as its second-line center could prove to be one of the best off-season coups of any team if we see some vintage Toews.

The Jets also have the NHL’s best goalie and most valuable player in Connor Hellebuyck and a stacked lineup in front of him, including Mark Scheifele, Kyle Connor, Josh Morrissey, Gabriel Vilardi and Cole Perfetti. Even summer acquisition Gustav Nyquist is only two seasons removed from a 75-point campaign before recording 28 points last year. If he bounces back somewhat, he could be a great secondary scorer.

Winnipeg GM Kevin Cheveldayoff still has $3.9 million in salary cap space. Even if he doesn’t make any other additions, he’s constructed and maintained one of the NHL’s most dangerous squads. They’ll begin the season as Canada’s biggest Stanley Cup threat.

2. Edmonton Oilers

Major additions: Andrew Mangiapane, LW; Isaac Howard, LW

The Lowdown: The Oilers won the Western Conference for the second straight playoffs, but they also lost the Cup final to the Florida Panthers each time.

Change was inevitable for Edmonton, and it was most noticeable in the Oilers’ group of forwards.

Gone are veteran wingers Evander Kane, Viktor Arvidsson, Corey Perry, Connor Brown and Jeff Skinner. In their place are wingers Andrew Mangiapane, Isaac Howard, David Tomasek and center option Curtis Lazar. Matt Savoie could also graduate to the NHL.

So while Edmonton has taken a step back overall in terms of experience, Mangiapane provides steady two-way play, and Howard and Savoie could even give the Oilers more skill in the bottom six. Tomasek, who led the Swedish League in points last year, can demonstrate versatility, whether it's providing depth scoring or using his size to defend.

That said, the Oilers are Canada’s second-highest-rated team on this list because they have two of the top five players on the planet in centers Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, and their defense corps is as strong as it has been in recent memory.

Ultimately, Edmonton’s goaltending is inferior to Winnipeg’s, which is why we put the Jets ahead of the Oilers here. But in the NHL’s weakest division, the Pacific Division, Edmonton should feast on its opponents and easily secure home-ice advantage by season’s end. After that, it’s up to their veterans to make the final competitive step.

As the year begins, the Oilers have an embarrassment of riches, and they deserve to be near the top of any list of Canadian teams.

3. Toronto Maple Leafs

Major additions: Nicolas Roy, C; Matias Maccelli, RW; Dakota Joshua, LW

The Lowdown: The Maple Leafs suffered arguably the biggest roster hit of any NHL team with the departure of superstar Mitch Marner to the Vegas Golden Knights.

While there are some Chicken Littles out there moaning about the sky falling on Toronto, the truth is the Leafs finished first in the hyper-competitive Atlantic Division last season. The changes they have made – bringing in rugged winger Dakota Joshua from the Vancouver Canucks, playmaking right winger Matias Maccelli from the Utah Mammoth and acquiring two-way center Nicolas Roy from Vegas – are almost assuredly going to keep the Leafs in the hunt for top spot in the division.

The other areas of the Leafs’ roster haven’t changed, most notably, in terms of their deep defense corps and the excellent goaltending tandem of Anthony Stolarz and Joseph Woll. So while Toronto may not make as many highlight reels without Marner, this remains a well-above-average group that can do some damage in the regular season and potentially beyond.

4. Vancouver Canucks

Major additions: Evander Kane, LW; Pierre-Olivier Joseph, D; Adam Foote, coach

The Lowdown: Putting the Canucks ahead of two teams that made the playoffs last season isn’t so much a comment on the changes Vancouver has made this summer as much as it is about GM Patrik Allvin re-signing star right winger Brock Boeser to a contract extension.

Adding edgy left winger Kane from the Oilers will help make Vancouver a tougher team. But if they stay healthy, we’re betting the Canucks will get bounce-back seasons from key veterans, including star center Elias Pettersson and goalie Thatcher Demko.

There’s more than enough depth and skill on the Canucks for Vancouver to challenge not only for a playoff spot in 2025-26 but to also battle for home-ice advantage.  

5. Ottawa Senators

Major additions: Jordan Spence, D; Lars Eller, C

The Lowdown: The Senators had a breakthrough last season, finishing fourth in the Atlantic and getting into the playoffs for the first time since 2017.

While their first-round exit at the hands of the arch-rival Maple Leafs was a measurement of how far this Sens team still has to go before they can be considered a front-runner to win the Cup, Ottawa’s core of young players is only getting better. That should keep a playoff berth well within reach in 2025-26.

Ottawa’s additions have changed the periphery of their lineup, but the Senators have the foundation to be a playoff team once again and improve their play once they get there. And although they’re not yet on a level with the Jets, Oilers and Leafs, they're not that far off from that level, either. 

6. Montreal Canadiens

Major additions: Noah Dobson, D; Zack Bolduc, LW; Joe Veleno, C; Sammy Blais, LW

The Lowdown: The Canadiens were ranked No. 1 in THN.com’s Summer Splash rankings of every team’s off-season because they added a No. 1 defenseman in former New York Islanders blueliner Noah Dobson, as well as dynamic young winger Bolduc in a trade with the St. Louis Blues. They didn’t have to create roster holes to bring in either of the two.

The Habs unexpectedly made the playoffs last year, but expectations have now increased for them. It won’t be easy to get back into the playoffs this coming year, but Montreal's competitive bar has been raised, and their fan base should expect to see them get to the next step in their competitive trajectory.

7. Calgary Flames

Major additions: none

The Lowdown: In the eyes of more than a few observers, the Flames overachieved last season – and even then, they failed to make the playoffs. That may be the same fate for them in 2025-26, especially given that Flames GM Craig Conroy made no changes of consequence this summer.

This isn’t to say that Calgary doesn’t have important building blocks for the long-term. Certainly, goalie Dustin Wolf is a star on the rise, and proud veterans, including center Nazem Kadri and left winger Jonathan Huberdeau, will exhibit a professionalism that will serve their youngsters well. But the Flames are very much a work in progress. Until they demonstrate they should be higher on this list, Calgary will be the Canadian team with the furthest to go to be a true Cup threat.

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Welcome to this edition of "From The Archive". In this recurring series, we open The Hockey News' vault and display some of the top WHL-related articles from the past. Today's article comes from May 1, 2007, where Rob Vanstone wrote about Calgary Hitmen defenceman Karl Alzner.

Subscribe now to view the full THN Archives here and read the full issue here.

Crowning King Karl, Draft Preview 2012, May 1, 2012

KARL ALZNER’S OWN NHL DRAFT PREVIEW preceded this publication by a year. The Calgary Hitmen defenseman attended last year’s proceedings in Vancouver, even though he was not draft-eligible until 2007.

“It was at GM Place and that’s 15 or 20 minutes away from my house, so I zipped over there and watched all my buddies walk up there and saw how they went through it,” recalled Alzner, who hails from Burnaby, B.C.

In the process, Alzner got a taste of the butterflies.

“I even felt nervous sitting there.” said Alzner, who was born nine days after the 2006 draft eligibility cutoff of Sept. 15, 1988. “You still get a bit giddy and jumpy and anxious.”

Alzner isn’t likely to experience an extended period of anxiety before being chosen. The 6-foot-2, 205-pounder was eighth overall in mid-season rankings of North American-based skaters appraised by NHL Central Scouting. He typically plays 35 to 40 minutes per game

“It’s automatic to put him out there in any situation,” said Hitmen coach-GM Kelly Kisio. “He never says no. He never says he’s too tired. He just keeps going back out.”

Kisio expects Alzner to become a bulwark in the big leagues – but when? Asked if Alzner could crack an NHL lineup at 19, Kisio chuckled and said: “Only if you want to give me a heart attack.” A more likely scenario, as outlined by Kisio, calls for Alzner to spend another year in the WHL before proceeding to the pro minors.

“He’s going to be a great pro, just the way he carries himself,” Kisio said. “I don’t see why he won’t be a 15-year pro and put those kind of numbers up as far as ice time in the NHL. He’s a great skater and his capacity for work is huge.”

Now he needs to expand his repertoire.

“A lot of times, he just wants to make the safe play and sit back instead of joining the rush and creating some offense that way,” Kisio said. “If he can put himself out of that comfort zone and get a little crazy once in a while, I think it’ll help him down the road.”

Alzner became more of a factor in his third WHL season, registering eight goals and 47 points in 63 games, but he still espouses a defense-first philosophy.

“It’s the way I’ve grown up,” he said. “I’ve always played hockey really safe.”

It is not safe to assume Alzner is a passive player despite this season’s modest penalty-minute total (32).

“He’s an aggressive player, but he plays within the rules,” one NHL scout said. “He has good positioning so he’s not going to take penalties like hooking and holding. He’s one of those players you don’t want fighting and taking penalties because you want him on the ice. He doesn’t do anything exceptionally well, but he’s good at everything. (Although) he moves the puck out of his end, he’s not flashy and he’s not going to go end-to-end, but at the end of the night he’ll have a couple of assists because he makes good decisions.”

He also makes for a good teammate. He is as quick to interact with both rookies and veterans.

“I think I’m super-easy to approach and talk to,” Alzner said. “I never shun anybody.”

Nor does he get shunned. He even chatted with Joe Sakic, who is also from Burnaby, when the Colorado Avalanche visited Calgary. Such are the perks of playing junior in a big-league facility like the Saddledome.

“You see Iginla, Sakic, Gretzky all these guys, “Alzner marvelled. “You’re really star-struck at first, but it’s kind of cool that they’re one level above where we are right now.”

He’s a great skater and his capacity for work is HUGE

Alzner is about to move one important step closer.

“I’ve been waiting for this for years and years,” Alzner said of the draft. “I’m happy now that I finally get my chance. It couldn’t come quickly enough.” 

Make sure you bookmark THN's WHL site and add us to your favourites on Google News for the latest news, exclusive interviews, breakdowns, and so much more. This article originally appeared on The Hockey News.    

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The Philadelphia Flyers have a loaded roster for their upcoming rookie camp and rookie series against the rival New York Rangers, which should make the competition a breeze for them.

On Monday, the Flyers announced a rookie camp roster headlined by first-round picks Oliver Bonk, Jett Luchanko, and Jack Nesbitt, as well as a few players who already have NHL experience, like Karsen Dorwart, Jacob Gaucher, Devin Kaplan, and Nikita Grebenkin.

Add in some other top prospects like Alex Bump, Denver Barkey, Hunter McDonald, Spencer Gill, and Carson Bjarnason, and it makes for an exciting watch.

Plus, this will also be our first chance to see recent trade acquisition Tucker Robertson play with his fellow Flyers prospects and future Lehigh Valley Phantoms teammates.

3 Flyers Prospects with the Most to Prove at 2025 Training CampIf the Philadelphia Flyers are to make any noise in the 2025-26 season, some up-and-coming prospects will need to steal the spotlight and show some progress.

As for the Rangers on the other side of things? It's far less impressive and exciting for the Blueshirts.

The Rangers' rookie camp roster is spearheaded by first-round picks Brennan Othmann and Gabe Perreault, with offseason trade additions Scott Morrow (K'Andre Miller trade) and Carey Terrance (Chris Kreider trade) debuting for New York.

Aside from them, though, the roster is more or less complemented by older players and late-round draft picks, many of whom being 22 years old are older.

This is why the Flyers have such a big advantage heading into the weekend.

Philadelphia is younger, faster, and more talented across the board. The bar isn't very high compared to a Rangers team that's spent the last handful of seasons competing for a Stanley Cup, tossing draft capital aside for roster players, but that also doesn't mean the Flyers haven't done a good job themselves.

Prospects like Luchanko, Bonk, Dorwart, Kaplan, Grebenkin, and Bump should all be in the conversation for an NHL roster spot by the end of training camp, while the Rangers can only really say that about Othmann, Perreault, and, potentially, Morrow.

Not all of these players will stick with the Flyers this season, to be clear, but the internal competition alone should be cause for excitement, even if the fruits don't immediately manifest.

The Flyers are, understandably, giddy about the group they've assembled, and they'll take the ice together soon enough.

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

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

Other Sabres Stories

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Six Former Sabres Who Signed Elsewhere

#5 - Isak Rosen - Right Wing (Rochester - AHL, Buffalo - NHL) 

Rosen was selected 14th overall in the 2021 NHL Draft following the Sabres selection of Owen Power first overall. The speedy forward played mostly at the junior level for Leksands in his draft year. After short stints in junior and the second-level Allsvenskan, Rosen played 28 SHL games and had four goals for Sweden at the IIHF World Juniors in 2022. The Sabres then chose to bring him to North America to play with the Rochester Americans.

The 6’0”, 174 lb. winger started slowly in his first season with the Amerks but improved as the season went along, posting 37 points (14 goals, 23 assists) in 66 games. He also made an impact in Rochester’s comeback first-round victory against Syracuse, scoring four points in two of their victories, and eight points in 14 playoff games in their run to the Calder Cup Eastern Conference Final.

The 22-year-old in his second AHL season finished with 50 points (20 goals, 30 assists) in 67 games, and earned an NHL promotion, playing seven games with the Sabres in late November and early December. Last season, Rosen set a career-high with 28 goals in 61 games and led the Amerks with 55 points, but despite the Sabres struggling most of the season, Rosen was not given a chance at significant playing time in the NHL, playing mostly a bottom-six role in eight NHL games.  

There continues to be a question of whether Rosen will ever get a legitimate chance to earn an NHL roster spot in Buffalo, or if that only happens if he is traded by the Sabres. 

Follow Michael on X, Instagram, and Bluesky @MikeInBuffalo

Kick off a new week with rapid-fire hockey topics in The Wraparound.

Breaking Down The NHL's Divisional Favorites by The Wraparoundundefined

Here's what Emma Lingan, Michael Augello and Kelsey Surmacz discussed in this episode:

0:00: Did the Calgary Flames get a good deal with Connor Zary’s extension?

3:58: How will the Montreal Canadiens use their cap space after trading Carey Price’s contract?

8:15: Reflecting on the life and NHL career of Ken Dryden

12:20: How will the Winnipeg Jets handle missing Adam Lowry for the start of the season?

16:20: Does Kirill Kaprizov deserve to be the highest-paid NHL player ever?

21:05: Will Connor McDavid score 60 goals this season?

25:26: Breaking down the divisional favorites for the upcoming NHL season

30:10: Rearranging the NHL’s top 50 players list

34:35: Will Connor Bedard or Macklin Celebrini have more points this season?

See below for where to subscribe to the show for future episodes.

Apple Podcasts

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With the NHL's Goalie Week coming to a close, let's take one last moment for the "tendys" and shed some light on my take of the Kraken's all-time goalie list.

1. Joey Daccord

Daccord has solidified himself as the #1 goalie in Seattle, starting in 55 games for the Kraken last season. Selected in the Expansion Draft from the Ottawa Senators, Daccord excelled in AHL play with the Charlotte Checkers and the 2022-23 AHL Western Conference Champions, the Coachella Valley Firebirds. He was brought up to the Kraken full-time for the 2023-24 season and has been a light in the Kraken lineup ever since. Among his Kraken accolades, he has put himself into contention to represent the United States in the 2026 Olympic Games after a strong showing in the recent IIHF World Championships.

2. Philip Grubauer

Grubauer is the Kraken's winningest goaltender with 57 wins in 156 games played. He was signed as a free-agent by the Kraken in July 2021 following the expansion draft. He will be entering his 5th year of his 6-year contract this season, and will expectedly be sharing the crease with Daccord. Grubauer has at times left a lot to be desired after the Kraken brought him in from the Colorado Avalanche where he posted career bests 39 wins and 7 shutouts in the season prior, however, he has had stretches of brilliance and clutch play with his most memorable performance coming in Game 7 of the first round of the 2022-23 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs where he defeated his former team, and defending Stanley Cup Champions, the Avalanche.

3. Martin Jones

After a solid career as the starter with the San Jose Sharks, Martin Jones was signed to the Kraken for the 2022-23 season. Initially expected to be the team's backup, Jones ended up leading the team in games started with 42 and wins with 27. With his 27 wins, combined with an additional 19 wins between Grubauer and Daccord, the Kraken clinched their first and only NHL Playoffs appearance in franchise history, eventually losing to the Dallas Stars in the second round. Jones signed with the Toronto Maple Leafs in the following offseason and is currently a free agent.

4.  Chris Driedger

One of the biggest what-ifs for the Kraken is goalie Chris Driedger. Coming off of a solid season as a backup with the Florida Panthers, winning 14 games in 23 starts and posting a solid .927 save percentage, he came to the Kraken and in his lone full season with the Kraken in 2021-22, he posted a less exciting, but team leading, .899 save percentage in 27 games. He unfortunately suffered a torn ACL in the 2022 IIHF Championship Finals against Finland, forcing the Kraken to seek additional help at goalie during his recovery, which effectively closed the door on his return to a prominent role on the Kraken roster. He recently signed a 1-year contract with Traktor Chelyabinsk of the Kontinental Hockey League.

Honorable Mentions

Niklas Kokko, Victor Ostman, and Ales Stezka

All three of these goalies have suited up for the Kraken exactly one time in their careers with Stezka the lone goalie to start a game. Kokko and Osman are still in the Kraken system, and look to show off their talents in the upcoming Rookie Camp and Training Camp starting later this month.

Related

Kraken Goaltender Invited To USA's Olympic Orientation CampSeattle Kraken goalie, Joey Daccord, has been named one of the four goalies invited to the U.S. Men's Olympic Orientation Camp on August 26-27 in Plymouth, Michigan. The 2-day camp is considered to be a team-building event and the first step to creating a roster for the 2026 Milan Cortina Olympic Games.

  Exploring three Detroit Red Wings prospects that could make the jump to the NHL in the 2025-26 season.  

Read More: 3 Red Wings Prospects That Could Make NHL Debut This Season

The Detroit Red Wings have long been praised for building one of the NHL’s top prospect pools, and now, several young talents are reaching the point in their development where an NHL debut could be just around the corner.

With training camp approaching and roster spots potentially up for grabs, a handful of exciting prospects are looking to earn a shot. Amadeus Lombardi, a 2022 fourth-round pick, impressed with nearly a point-per-game pace in limited AHL action and could step in as a bottom-six center if injuries arise. Meanwhile, all eyes are on Nate Danielson, the ninth overall pick in 2023, who appears close to cracking the opening night lineup thanks to his rapid development and a relatively open competition at center. On the blue line, Shai Buium could follow a similar path to Carter Mazur, who impressed in Grand Rapids before earning his NHL debut later in the season. With Detroit’s defensive depth still in flux, Buium’s steady two-way play might make him a prime candidate for a mid-season call-up.

What do you think Red Wings fans? Who do you think is the first to get the call-up for this upcoming season? Let us know below! 👇

Exploring three Detroit Red Wings prospects that could make the jump to the NHL in the 2025-26 season.

The Detroit Red Wings are known as having one of the best prospect pools in the NHL since starting their rebuild with some players finally getting to the point where they are old enough and have been developed to a point where they have the potential to make their NHL debut.  

Whether it’s a highly touted first-rounder or a late-round gem turning heads in the AHL or overseas, the opportunity is there for fresh faces to earn a spot on the roster. With training camp around the corner and roster spots potentially up for grabs, here are three Red Wings prospects who could make their debut next season. 

Amadeus Lombardi, C

Detroit's fourth-round pick back in 2022 has found his game this past season with a near point-per-game average with the Grand Rapids Griffins. The 22-year-old Newmarket native recorded 40 points, tying for fourth on the team in points with winger Sheldon Dries. His 19 goals was also tied for third on the team with former NHLer Austin Watson. This is all with Lombardi having played just 44 games compared to the others around him that played closer to the full 72-game AHL season. If an opportunity becomes available with an injury that would require the team to call up a center for the fourth line, we can count on Lombardi getting a chance to make his debut.

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

Nate Danielson, C

The most highly anticipated prospect in the pipeline could finally make his NHL debut in 2025 as the former ninth overall pick in 2023 NHL Draft showed signs of a relatively seamless transition to pro hockey last season. After recording 12 goals and 27 assists for 39 through 71 games, it's safe to say that if he continues to develop as fast as he is, we will likely see him in a Red Wings jersey in a just a few short months. 

At least that's what EliteProspects thinks as they have the 20-year-old Alberta native projected to make Detroit's main roster for this season. The center position remains relatively open, with only Dylan Larkin, Marco Kasper, and Andrew Copp firmly ahead of him in the lineup for next season. We could see Danielson in the lineup as soon as October 9th versus the Montreal Canadiens. 

More Red Wings: After Jab At Red Wings, Klim Kostin Hopes To Play For Former Club

Shai Buium, D

This appears to be a near identical case to Carter Mazur last season. After spending less than a handful of games following the conclusion of his junior career in Grand Rapids, Mazur got accamlated to the style of play and helped him focus his training for the following season. He would go on to play his first full season and impress the Red Wings. It wouldn't be until the following season however that Mazur would get the call 20 games into the season. 

Buium has walked almost the same path as he excelled with the Griffins last season, playing big minutes and now has a full season of pro hockey under his belt. The Red Wings defense core is one of the weakest points on the team and is the most likely to see movement. If Buium can continue to impress like Mazur did in his third pro year, we can expect a call-up at some point in the season.

SHAI BUIUM FIRST PRO GOAL🚨 #LGRW#GoGRGpic.twitter.com/wOzjqWpAfm

— Red Wings Prospects (@LGRWProspects) March 4, 2025

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For the Los Angeles Kings, this season might mean more than just another year of hockey on the ice; it could be the last shot they have for a Stanley Cup title. 

After four consecutive first-round exits to the Edmonton Oilers, the Kings face a daunting challenge. Year after year, the same storyline has surrounded the Kings, with each year promising a breakthrough, only to end in disappointment. 

Again, this is still a very talented group of players that is filled with not only veterans who have playoff experience, but also young, talented stars who have the potential to be great. But there comes a moment where your window closes, not because of the talent, but from the psychological element of repeatedly falling short of expectations.

29 days until the @LAKings' home opener.

Pictured: Pheonix Copley, who is the fastest goaltender in franchise history to record 20 wins in a season, which he accomplished in 29 games in 2022-23. Copley has a record of 28-7-5 in 46 games with the #LAKings.#GoKingsGopic.twitter.com/IAsqEb6j5v

— The Kingstorian (@Kingstorian) September 8, 2025

Aging Core Nearing the End

The Kings' identity still revolves around two franchise legends: Anze Kopitar and Drew Doughty, who have been with the franchise for over a decade, with two Stanley Cup titles under their belt.    

But, given their age and attrition, it might be time to move on from both Doughty and Kopitar this season. Many die-hard Kings fans and experts have been advocating for this move to happen earlier, as they believe the young talent in LA can lead them to the promised land. Now, we just have to wait and see if the Kings will deal them at the trade deadline or next summer. 

This season could be the last where we both see them on a Kings uniform, or at least play at a solid level. Kopitar was still great, playing 81 games at age 38 with 21 goals, 46 assists, and 67 points. He can still play at a high level, but he most likely will take a step back this year, given his age, and so will Doughty, who missed time with injuries last season. 

Years of Playoff Heartbreak

The recent playoff history of the Kings is a maddening one. While they've assembled competitive rosters, Los Angeles has lost to the Oilers in the first round in four straight playoffs. Every series has uncovered the same issues: failure to close with superstar talent, infuriating up-and-down goaltending, and an inability to stop Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl.

That consecutive failure has created an impression that the Kings have remained constant. If they cannot progress this season, fans and management could expect changes to the roster.

The Goaltending Question

Goaltending has been a big question mark come postseason for the Kings in recent years. Last offseason, the Kings acquired Darcy Kuemper, bringing in his veteran experience to provide stability and strength under the net.

At 35, Kuemper is a short-term solution rather than a long-term answer. If he falters, the Kings lack a proven young goalie ready to take the reins. In a Western Conference where elite goaltending often swings playoff series, this could be the factor that determines whether the Kings finally break through. 

Why the Window Isn’t Completely Closed

Despite the concerns, Los Angeles still has reasons for optimism. Their younger core, led by Quinton Byfield, Adrian Kempe, Brandt Clarke, and Alex Turcotte, is young, elevating pieces entering their prime. 

Kings fans on Kempe's contract, Kopitar's future and more on the latest "Locked on #LAKings" podcast and YouTube show. #GoKingsGohttps://t.co/uxgXsYrHu1 via @YouTube

— Locked On LA Kings (@LockedOnLAKings) September 7, 2025

If two or three of these players take significant leaps this season, the Kings could balance their veteran leadership with youthful energy and skill.

The Pacific Division, while competitive, remains winnable. Vancouver has emerged as a contender, and Edmonton continues to be the biggest obstacle, but the Kings finished second place in the division last season and were just two games back of the first-seeded Golden Knights. 

Suppose LA has enough depth and talent to stay in the mix. A key trade deadline move could push them over the top.

The Los Angeles Kings are heading into the 2025-26 season hoping to improve on their previous campaign and finally get past the first round. One player who might be earning a professional tryout (PTO) deal somewhere in the NHL is Klim Kostin, who supposedly has had conversations with the Kings at this point. 

In a recent interview, Kostin confirmed his interest in joining the Edmonton Oilers again, considering how well he fit with them in his previous stint, but confirmed the Kings have reached out to him. The way he worded it made it sound like they had made an offer, but that's not confirmed just yet.

Kostin, who is 26 years old, played 35 games with the San Jose Sharks last season, scoring one goal and adding six assists for seven points. Throughout his career, he has played 190 games, scoring 25 goals and adding 28 assists for 53 points.

He hasn't been able to find a full-time home and has bounced around the NHL for several seasons, but his next destination could be somewhere he tries to stay and make a home for himself, and it seems as though the Kings are going to be a serious consideration for him. 

Stay tuned in with your Los Angeles Kings here at The Hockey News, as the 2025-26 season inches closer.