Category: Ice Hockey

The Chicago Blackhawks have a lot of great young players in the organization. Some of them have made their NHL debut already, and some of them are still looking for that opportunity. 

One of the players who has made his NHL debut, Oliver Moore, is going to represent the Blackhawks at the NHLPA Rookie Showcase, which will take place in Arlington, Virginia. 

Moore will be joined by other notable NHL rookies like Ryan Leonard (Washington Capitals), Zeev Buium (Minnesota Wild), Matthew Schaefer (New York Islanders), and Gabe Perreault (New York Rangers). 

When Moore returns to the organization, he will have a chance to make the NHL team. There is a chance he sees some AHL ice throughout the year, too. The Blackhawks will do what they must to develop him properly. 

Moore was a standout player at the University of Minnesota before playing nine games to conclude the 2024-25 season with the Chicago Blackhawks. In those nine games, he had four assists but is still looking for his first career NHL goal. 

Moore's speed, motor, and skill should allow him to be a solid middle-six forward at the NHL level. Anything more would be a big reward for the Blackhawks for taking a chance on him and developing him properly. 

The Rookie Showcase will take place on September 3, 2025. 

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EDMONTON – The Edmonton Oilers should be interested in a Minnesota Wild goaltender.

Unfortunately, Marc-André Fleury is retired, and acquiring Filip Gustavsson is a pipe dream. That leaves the Swedish protege, Jesper Wallstedt.

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Wallstedt was drafted 20th overall in the 2021 Entry Draft. The 6-foot-3, 214 lb goaltender has not sailed through smooth waters recently.

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The 2024-25 season was a down year for him, which is why the Oilers need to buy low and acquire a goalie who could be impactful under proper tutelage.

Peter Aubry’s mentoring of Kevin Lankinen and Arvid Soderblom should instill confidence that he can help simplify Wallstedt’s game to become an effective NHL player. 

Wallstedt’s NHL numbers aren’t great at this point in his career. A 3.44 goals against average (GAA) and .877 save percentage (SV%) don’t scream “future number 1 goalie” to me. However, he’s only 22-years-old and isn’t even close to scratching the surface of his NHL potential.

By acquiring him, they would rectify Ken Holland’s draft day blunder, the one where he traded down to add another draft pick to their collection and select Xavier Bourgault 22nd overall.

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Star Philadelphia Flyers forward Matvei Michkov has been ranked among the 25 best players born since 2000, though he could still use more respect around the NHL.

In the list, compiled by NHL Network, Michkov, 20, ranked 23rd amongst the 25 players born on this side of 2000, though some of the players who placed ahead of him are questionable at best.

Some of those names include Anaheim forward Leo Carlsson, who hasn't scored 50 points in his young career yet, and Los Angeles forward Quinton Byfield, who has back-to-back 50-point seasons but has yet to reach his potential in four seasons as a regular contributor.

Michkov, on the other hand, scored 63 points in his rookie season with the Flyers, leading all rookies in goals with 26. His 63 points ranked second amongst all newcomers, tying him with Macklin Celebrini and trailing Calder Trophy winner Lane Hutson by three.

What are your thoughts on our Top 25 Players Born in This Quarter Century list? pic.twitter.com/3ryM33RMDU

— NHL Network (@NHLNetwork) August 25, 2025

This, of course, was all while dealing with the NHL's worst goaltending, healthy scratches, benchings, and a coaching change by the end of the year.

Curiously, 2023 draft classmate Connor Bedard, who has now had two seasons similar to Michkov's rookie campaign, ranked all the way up at No. 8.

Cole Caufield, who just scored 30 goals and 70 points for the first time at age 24 on a playoff team, placed 12th.

These players are all deserving, to be clear, but the actual rankings are disproportionate to Michkov's talent, value, and performance in the 2024-25 season.

It's not the first list Michkov has been disrespected on this summer, either; he joined Porter Martone in that category on a list of the projected best NHL players in 2030, five years from now.

It’s the season of weddings, especially in the NHL, as this summer has seen a new batch of players tie the knot with their brides.

Here are 15 of those NHL players who got married this summer.

Leon Draisaitl, C, Edmonton Oilers

Leon Draisaitl invited some current and past teammates to the south of France for his wedding, such as Connor McDavid, Darnell Nurse and Evander Kane. He married Celeste Desjardins, who is an actress from Sudbury, Ont.

Between the vows and the alcohol, the Edmonton Oilers superstar was sure to fit in a celebratory dart, sparking an iconic image that surfaced on the internet.

Matthew Tkachuk, LW, Florida Panthers

It’s been the summer of a lifetime for the Florida Panthers’ Matthew Tkachuk. It all started with the Panthers securing their second straight Stanley Cup win in June to kick off the festivities.

Later in mid-July, the left winger exchanged “I do” with his new wife, Ellie Connell, a luxury travel advisor. The couple married in Tkachuk’s hometown of St. Louis.

That wasn’t the end of his summer, as just a couple of days later, it was his turn with the Stanley Cup. Not to mention, in early August, it was revealed that he would be the cover athlete of EA Sports NHL 26. His brother, Brady, and father, Keith, will join him on the cover of the deluxe edition of the game.

Amazing summer for Matthew Tkachuk gets even better with joyful wedding, Stanley Cup dayMatthew Tkachuk is having one heck of a summer.

Miro Heiskanen, D, Dallas Stars

Miro Heiskanen brought his loved ones to Rome for his wedding to his wife, Julia Taka-Aho. Heiskanen was not only in Italy for his wedding, but also for the European media tour in Milan.

The wedding was a black-and-white affair with Heiskanen’s former and current Dallas Stars teammates rocking the black tie dress code, such as Jamie Benn, Mikko Rantanen, Radek Faksa and John Klingberg.

Zach Werenski, D, Columbus Blue Jackets

The Columbus Blue Jackets nearly qualified for the post-season, thanks to an incredible season by Zach Werenski. While he didn’t get to play hockey in May, He tied the knot with his new wife, Odette Peters. The Werenskis exchanged vows at the New Albany Country Club in Ohio. 

Detroit Red Wings captain Dylan Larkin was one of Werenski’s groomsmen. Larkin and Werenski were teammates for youth team Belle Tire, the University of Michigan and Team USA at the 4 Nations Face-Off and World Championship.

Nick Suzuki, C, Montreal Canadiens

Montreal Candiens captain Nick Suzuki is one of at least four Habs players to get married this off-season. He and his new wife, Caitlin Fitzgerald, met in about 2016 or 2017, Fitzgerald told NHL.com. Both of them are from London, Ont., and met in high school.

Aside from the Suzukis getting married, his longtime teammate and linemate, Cole Caufield, was the star of the show. Throughout the wedding, the right winger carried around a mug that resembled the back of Suzuki’s jersey, including his name and No. 14 on it.

Canadiens Celebrate The Captain's Wedding It may be the dog days of Summer, but this is peak wedding time, and this weekend, there were plenty of Montreal Canadiens players and former Habs in town. Everyone had gathered to celebrate the union of team captain Nick Suzuki and his longtime girlfriend, Caitlin Fitzgerald. The couple is from both London, Ontario, and first met in high school.

MacKenzie Weegar, D, Calgary Flames

Calgary Flames defenseman MacKenzie Weegar married his wife, Maggie Wallace, at the Cartier Theatre in Montreal. The venue was very formal, as the Cartier Theatre - formally known as St. Vincent de Paul church - was built in 1928. Flames teammates Jonathan Huberdeau, Nazem Kadri, Blake Coleman, Matt Coronato, Ryan Lomberg and Dustin Wolf, along with former teammate Jakob Pelletier, were among those at the wedding.

Later at the party, the Weegars set up a late-night snack bar, stocked with McDonald’s burgers, fries and other snacks, topped off with an upside-down neon McDonald’s sign.

Noah Dobson, D, Montreal Canadiens

In Newport, R.I., Noah Dobson married Alexa Serowik, who is a NASCAR reporter and a former rinkside reporter and host for the AHL’s Providence Bruins.

The Canadiens acquired Dobson from the New York Islanders during the NHL draft, just days before the wedding on July 1. Dobson had a bunch of former Islanders teammates at the wedding, such as Matt Martin, Mat Barzal, Anthony Beauvillier, Bo Horvat, Ryan Pulock, Kyle Palmieri ad Scott Mayfield. 

Patrik Laine, RW, Montreal Canadiens

Yet another member of the Canadiens married this off-season, right winger Patrik Laine. He and his new wife, Jordan Smith, married in Palm Beach, Fla. The nuptials were held at Breakers Resort, and the dinner was at The Colony Hotel. Aleksander Barkov, Adam Boqvist, Adam Fantilli, Ivan Provorov, Ivan Demidov and Jakub Dobes were among those in attendance.

Together, the Laines founded an online mental health platform called ‘From Us to You’, to help promote awareness, as well as an inclusive community where people can communicate and share their experiences.

Filip Chytil, C, Vancouver Canucks

Vancouver Canucks center Filip Chytil got married to his new wife, Nikol. The newlyweds rang the wedding bells in his home country, Czechia.

The 25-year-old had to make a big move and life adjustment earlier in the year when he was traded to Vancouver from the New York Rangers, as part of the J.T. Miller deal.

Speaking of Canucks players, there are reports that center Elias Pettersson quietly got married to Katelyn Byrd this summer as well.

Samuel Montembault, G, Montreal Canadiens

Sam Montembeault got hitched to Daryanne Ayotte at the Four Seasons hotel in Montreal.

As the fourth Hab on the list to get married in the summer, the Canadiens have had a boat-load of festivities in this off-season.

Nicolas Roy, C, Toronto Maple Leafs

Nicolas Roy, one of the newest members of the Toronto Maple Leafs, married his wife, Laurie. The couple celebrated this life milestone at the Manoir Montpellier in Montpellier, Que.

The Vegas Golden Knights traded Roy to Toronto on July 1 as part of the Mitch Marner sign-and-trade.

Nicolas Roy Gets Married To Wife, Laurie, Ahead Of First Season With Maple LeafsA month and a half after being traded to the Toronto Maple Leafs, Nicolas Roy and his family celebrated a huge life milestone.

Braden Schneider, D, New York Rangers

Rangers defenseman Braden Schneider tied the knot with his longtime girlfriend, Josee, at Fairmont Banff Springs in Banff, Alta., with a beautiful view.

The 23-year-old had teammates Vincent Trocheck and Alexis Lafreniere at the event, as well as former Rangers D-man Ryan Lindgren.

Jalen Chatfield, D, Carolina Hurricanes

Carolina Hurricanes defenseman Jalen Chatfield, 29, married his longtime partner, Drew, in late July.

The couple said “I do” at the Merrimon Wynne House in Raleigh, followed by the reception at the AC Hotel North Hills.

Kasperi Kapanen, RW, Edmonton Oilers

Edmonton Oilers right winger, Kasperi Kapanen, married Matleena in Helsinki, Finland. Not long after their wedding on Aug. 1, the Finnish couple travelled to Greece for their honeymoon.

Kapanen was claimed off waivers on Nov. 19 by the Oilers. Since that day, he became engaged with Matleena on Dec. 24, and played in the Stanley Cup final in June.

Steven Lorentz, C, Toronto Maple Leafs

Maple Leafs center Steven Lorentz got married to Erin with an outdoor wedding and reception at Braestone Farm, about 150 kilometers north of Toronto.

Lorentz wrapped up his first season with his hometown Maple Leafs. This off-season, he earned a three-year contract, the longest deal he’s signed since his entry-level contract.

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Red Wings recent 2025 5th-round pick Nikita Tyurin Talks Development, KHL Debut, and Championship Mindset.

As one of the newest additions to the Red Wings' pipeline is 2025 fifth-round pick 18-year-old defenseman Nikita Tyurin, who is already making a name for himself in Russia and his rapid development hasn’t gone unnoticed in Detroit.

Tyurin recently reflected on a standout season in Russia that saw him shine at both the junior and professional levels. The 18-year-old defenseman capped his rookie campaign in Russia's Junior Hockey League (JHL) with a Kharlamov Cup championship, a KHL debut, and a gold medal at the Challenge Cup, all while establishing himself as one of JHC Spartak’s top young players.

Red Wings Select Nikita Tyurin With 5th-Round PickThe Detroit Red Wings selected defenceman Nikita Tyurin with their fifth-round pick in the 2025 NHL Draft. Detroit Red Wings (@DetroitRedWings) on XWelcome to Detroit, Nikita!

Tyurin recorded 20 points (4 goals, 16 assists) in 50 games for Spartak, finishing as the team’s second-highest scoring defenseman. The Moscow native averaged 18 minutes of ice time per game, displaying poise beyond his years and earning a call-up to the senior Spartak roster in the KHL.

In a recent interview with the official JHL website, Tyurin shared insight into his offseason development, his experience transitioning to pro hockey, and the mentality that has driven his progress. He started off by saying how quickly he was back in the gym working on conditioning as he returned just a week after last season ended. 

“I have participated in a development camp and the first team’s training camp. I continue to prepare for the season, and devote my free time to getting rested. It would be nice to make the KHL team’s roster and I have been doing my best for that to happen,” Tyurin said, discussing his preparation for 2025–26. 

Focused on taking the next step in his career, Tyurin has put in serious work on his physical strength. After watching the Florida Panthers showcase why hockey is dominated by physicality and strength once again rather than finesse, it's a good omen that Tyurin is focusing on adding weight like most young players should.

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

“I want to be a tougher player, I have gained five kilos of muscle compared to the weight I had in the 2024/25 season. My current weight is 85 kilos and I want to increase it up to 90," Tyurin explained. 

While Tyurin continues to grow physically, his maturity on the ice was already evident in his KHL debut last season. He explained in the interview how nervous he was in his first game but over time he started to understand and get into the flow of things. 

“First, I had been brought into the lineup for the game against CSKA, but I hadn’t played that night. Then I was dressed for the game against SKA and made my debut in the second period. I had some fear, but after the first shift things became much better," Tyurin said “I tried to play simple: receive the puck and quickly pass it up to the forwards. There was some hesitation at one point, but everything was good in general."

Red Wings Prospect Emerging as Top Talent After Impressive KHL Pre-SeasonRussian prospect for the Red Wings dazzles with three goals through KHL pre-season. 

He continued by explaining that the size of the other players was evident and solidified the idea of needing to add more muscle mass. Tyurin explained that he was having a hard time winning puck battles as he would need to predominantly use his stick and not his undersized body for checking. 

Tyurin closed off the interview by explaining that he wants to be an "interesting player" and that he wants to take creative risks on the ice. Some of the successful attempts were admired by his coaching staff but failures were heavily scrutinized. Tyurin made it clear that he wants to develop into a two-way blueliner that can move the puck and make plays. 

When asked about his goals for the season, Tyurin echoed a mindset shared throughout the Red Wings organization: win when it matters, win in the playoffs and ultimately win championships. He also aims to secure a full-time spot on a KHL roster, a significant step in his development. Playing in one of the world’s most competitive leagues will allow him to test himself against elite talent just a step below the NHL. If his rapid progression continues, Tyurin could emerge as a late-round steal for the Red Wings in the coming years.

NHL Insider Says Gavin McKenna Factored Into Detroit Skipping McTavish Offer SheetDetroit's trade talks with Anaheim for RFA Mason McTavish likely stalled due to pending first overall pick says NHL Insider. 

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Ben Danford will have one final stop before Toronto Maple Leafs training camp.

The 19-year-old, who’s currently participating in Oshawa Generals training camp, is one of 31 prospects invited to the Upper Deck/NHLPA rookie showcase in Washington, D.C. next week. 

Among the other invites are 2025 first-overall pick Matthew Schaefer (New York Islanders), Ryan Leonard (Washington Capitals), Brayden Yager (Winnipeg Jets), Carter Yakemchuk (Ottawa Senators), and Tij Iginla, son of NHL Hall of Famer Jarome Iginla (Utah Mammoth).

Danford’s coming off a strong season with the Generals, where he captained the club to the OHL Championship series against Easton Cowan and the London Knights. Oshawa was only able to win one game in the series, with London taking home the OHL title and the Memorial Cup a few weeks later.

Danford scored five goals and 20 assists in 61 games with the Generals last season. Although his point total was lower than the year prior, the defenseman became stronger in several areas of his game, including his puck distribution.

“He just kills plays,” said Toronto 2025 third-round pick Tyler Hopkins, who’s battled against Danford several times in the OHL. 

“Once you hit that blue line, he’s coming at you, and he’s coming at you fast. And he has a really good stick as well, which makes it a lot harder for a player trying to get by and not turn that puck over at the blue line.”

Danford missed the entirety of Toronto’s NHL training camp last year after suffering a concussion before the Prospect Showdown against the Montreal Canadiens in early September. He was on the receiving end of a hit from free agent invitee Marshall Finnie in rookie camp before heading to the two-day evetn

Once the 2024 first-rounder was cleared to play, he was loaned back to the Generals and stepped back into the lineup right away. Danford was named captain of Oshawa two days after he was returned to the OHL club.

The defenseman was invited to Team Canada’s World Junior Summer Showcase in July and hopes to play in his first World Juniors later this year. However, first, he’ll need to attend Maple Leafs training camp, where he knows the competition will be a step up from what he’s used to.

“Who knows when I’m going to make the jump to pro, but I think I need to get bigger and stronger and faster,” said Danford. “The way (NHL players) can move and stuff and how strong they are on pucks, that’s a really big eye-opener, so I feel like that’s something that I can really get better at.”

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One of the most significant turning points last season for the Colorado Avalanche was the acquisition of Scott Wedgewood from the Nashville Predators and, most importantly, Mackenzie Blackwood from the San Jose Sharks. Both completely turned around the team's goaltending situation for the better, earning the “Lumberyard” nickname from the fans. With their first season down, what does this tag team look like heading into the season, and how can they help the Avalanche get a better start this season?

The Lumberyard 🪵 https://t.co/RKjEGgsslB

— Colorado Avalanche (@Avalanche) December 28, 2024

After Darcy Kuemper left for the Washington Capitals in 2022 Free Agency, the Avalanche had to make a quick pivot in their goaltending situation. Acquiring Alexandar Georgiev from the New York Rangers to be their starting goaltender. His debut season was great, finishing with career highs across the board now that he was given the reins to the starting position and not behind Igor Shesterkin. In 62 games, he finished with a record of 40-16-6, a .918 save percentage (SV%) and a 2.53 goals against average (GAA). Among the entire NHL, he was tied for first in wins with Linus Ullmark, eighth in SV%, and third in games played.

It was an excellent start for the goaltender and the organization. He had some flaws, but he showed that with a great supporting cast in front of him, he could help win you games. However, asking for a goaltender in 60+ games was a lot, and the sudden announcement of Pavel Francouz's retirement made things even more challenging. It was up to rookie Justus Annunen to step up and help Georgiev in relief.

Though the 2023-24 season started to show some of the more minor flaws Georgiev showed in his debut season. He still finished with 38 wins because the team in front of him was so talented, but his stats started to drop. A .919 SV% into a .897 SV%, a 2.53 GAA into a 3.02 GAA. Those trends continued into the 2024-25 season. In just 18 games, he had a .874 SV% and a 3.38 GAA. It was clear that his game had diminished, and given the team's current state, it needed a new face in net.

It started with Wedgewood, a long-time NHL veteran, in hopes of strengthening the backup position, sending Annunen back. Hoping he can come in relief and help Georgiev get his mind right if he struggles a bit, and that is what happened. Wedgewood took over the net due to his outstanding performance and forced Georgiev into a backup position. 

As much as Wedgewood was great, he has never been a true “starter” in the NHL. His most extensive playing time was 32 games during the 2022-23 season with the Dallas Stars. It wouldn't be until December that General Manager Chris MacFarland had found his starter in Blackwood.

What was supposed to be the goalie for the future for the New Jersey Devils, taken 42nd overall in the 2015 NHL Entry Draft, was moved to San Jose and now given another chance for a contending team, and he did just that. Being “his favorite team growing up”, Blackwood went 8-1-1 with a .940SV% to start his tenure with the Avalanche and finished the season with a 22-12-3 record with a .913SV% and a 2.33 GAA.

"This was my favorite team growing up," Mackenzie Blackwood Speaks to Colorado Media For the First Time Since TradeMackenzie Blackwood appeared in front of the media for the first time since his trade to the Colorado Avalanche. Availability followed morning skate, which marked Blackwood's first appearance with the team.

The biggest factor that led us to this point is the Avalanche's start. In their first 27 games of the season, they had a record of 14-13-0, with a -13 goal differential. The bad start especially doesn't help when, after acquiring both new goaltenders, they finished the season 32-15-4 and went from last in the Central Division to pushing for the top spot, but since they dug themselves too big of a hole in the beginning, they were stuck in third place for most of the season, near the end. 

They were four points behind the Stars, who finished the regular season on a seven-game losing streak and 14 points behind the Winnipeg Jets for first, who, besides being in first for most of the season, had a little stumble near the mid-season but caught themselves and finished strong.

This is where the “Lumber Yard” comes into play. Say the Avalanche started the season 14-6-7, or something similar to that record, and finished the regular season how they did. Those games where they blew a lead late or were blown out from the beginning, imagine if they were wins or overtime losses just for the individual point. Those add up and show at the end of the season that could have determined whether they fought for home ice against the Stars in Round 1 or for top spot in the division against the Jets to face a wildcard opponent instead.

When the Avalanche won the Stanley Cup with Kuemper and Francouz, as much as the team in front of them was otherworldly great, the goalies still stood tall. Kuempers' .921 SV% and 2.54 GAA in the regular season turned into a .902 SV% and a 2.57 GAA. Even when Francouz had to step in for a few games when Kuemper went down with an eye injury, he still finished with a .906 SV% and a 2.81 GAA in ten games, seven of which he started.

The Avalanche aren’t asking the two to be world beaters in cases like Andrei Vasilevskiy with the Tampa Bay Lightning or Sergei Bobrovsky with the Florida Panthers. Just a strong last line of defense, where if the offense isn’t clicking in one game, they can help keep them in it for as long as they can, so the elite talent in front of them can win them the game.

---

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Avalanche Storylines to Watch: 2C Locked InHeading into the 2025-26 NHL season, the Colorado Avalanche finally have something that they haven’t had since the 2021-22 season: a true second-line center that's under contract for the next couple of seasons. Avalanche Storylines Heading Into the 2025-26 Season: Valeri Nichushkin’s PerformanceAs we approached the 2024-25 season, a question on everyone's mind was Valeri Nichushkin's return after a six-month suspension. Despite the hurdles, the 'Chu-Chu Train' has shown remarkable resilience, scoring 21 goals and 13 assists for 34 points in 43 games. His journey is a testament to the power of determination. What more can we expect from him this season?

The Columbus Blue Jackets have 48 days until opening night at Nationwide Arena. Today we look at the history of jersey #48. 

Let's take a look.

Marc Methot - 2006-12 - Methot was drafted by the Blue Jackets in the 6th round of the 2003 NHL Draft.

Methot played six years and 275 games for the CBJ, totaling 51 points on the Columbus blue line. He was the definition of a defensive defenseman. 

On July 1, 2012, he was traded to the Ottawa Senators for future CBJ Captain Nick Foligno. After the trade to Ottawa, he would play another 349 NHL games. 

He retired during the 2018-19 season after playing 9 games. 

Cody Goloubef - 2011-18 - Goloubef was drafted in the 2nd round of the 2008 NHL Draft. 

Goloubef played 5-plus years in Columbus and totaled 96 games. The defenseman totaled 18 points in those 96 games. He spent most of his time playing in the AHL for the Springfield Falcons and Cleveland Monsters. He totaled 77 points playing for the Columbus AHL organizations. 

Columbus traded him to Colorado for Ryan Stanton, November 28, 2016. From there, he would bounce around the NHL until leaving for Europe in 2022. He is signed to play for the Dundas Real McCoys of the Allan Cup Hockey League, a league that plays in Ontario. 

Calvin Thürkauf - 2019-20 - Thürkauf was a fourth round pick in 2016.

Calvin Thürkauf played a total of three NHL games in 2020 and had zero points. He played 514 for the Monsters across three seasons.

He left for Europe in 2020 after COVID and never returned. He has spent the last three years as the Captain of HC Lugano.

Who was your favorite #48?

More From THN Columbus

On This Date In 2016: Jared Bednar Is Hired By ColoradoOn this date in 2016, the Colorado Avalanche hired Jared Bednar away from the Columbus Blue Jackets organization.  From The Archive: Sophomore Slump? How About A BumpThe Hockey News has released its archive to all THN subscribers: 76 years of history, stories, and features. Blue Jackets Could Look To Flip Charlie Coyle At 2026 NHL Trade DeadlineJust hours before the 2025 NHL Draft, the Columbus Blue Jackets and Colorado Avalanche came together and worked out a deal that sent Charlie Coyle and Miles Wood to Columbus.

Jimmy Snuggerud will represent the St. Louis Blues at the 15th annual NHLPA Rookie Showcase, hosted by the National Hockey League Players’ Association and Upper Deck, on Wednesday, Sept. 3 at MedStar Capitals Iceplex in Arlington, Virginia.

Over 30 NHL prospects and rookies are scheduled to attend.

This event provides Upper Deck – the official trading card partner of the NHLPA and the NHL – with an opportunity to capture photographs and videos of many of the game’s top young prospects and rookies in their official NHL team uniforms.

The content collected will be used by Upper Deck to create the players’ first NHL and NHLPA licensed rookie trading cards, as well as additional promotional materials throughout the season and beyond.

Snuggerud, a first-round pick in the 2022 NHL Draft (No. 23 overall), joined St. Louis late last season and had four points (one goal, three assists) in seven games, before adding seven points (two goals, two assists) in seven games during the Stanley Cup playoffs against the Winnipeg Jets.  

Other attendees include Frederic Brunet (Boston Bruins), Zeev Buium (Minnesota Wild), Berkly Catton (Seattle Kraken), Trevor Connelly (Vegas Golden Knights), Ben Danford (Toronto Maple Leafs), Sam Dickinson (San Jose Sharks), Karsen Dorwart (Philadelphia Flyers), Jordan Dumais (Columbus Blue Jackets), Jack Finley (Tampa Bay Lightning), Marc Gatcomb (New York Islanders), Konsta Helenius (Buffalo Sabres), Quinn Hutson (Edmonton Oilers), Tij Iginla (Utah Mammoth), Joakim Kemell (Nashville Predators), Ryan Leonard (Washington Capitals), Oliver Moore (Chicago Blackhawks), Alexander Nikishin (Carolina Hurricanes), Jani Nyman (Kraken), Zayne Parekh (Calgary Flames), Gabe Perreault (New York Rangers), Francesco Pinelli (Los Angeles Kings), David Reinbacher (Montreal Canadiens), Axel Sandin-Pellikka (Detroit Red Wings), Gracyn Sawchyn (Florida Panthers), Matthew Schaefer (Islanders), Beckett Sennecke (Anaheim Ducks), Cam Squires (New Jersey Devils), Matthew Wood (Predators), Brayden Yager (Jets), Carter Yakemchuk (Ottawa Senators).

New St. Louis Blues Jerseys To Go On Sale SoonThe St. Louis Blues announced on Monday that the online presale for the team’s new primary home and away jerseys will begin on Wednesday, September 3, at 10 a.m. at STLAuthentics.com.   Blues' Thomas Comes In At No. 12 On NHL Network's Top 20 List Of Centers For 2025-26 - Community PostSt. Louis Blues center Robert Thomas has been fulfilling his obligations as the top center for the team, and the 26-year-old is also earning every bit of the eight-year, $65-million contract he signed July 13, 2022.

It looks like Matthew Knies will be adding to the cut-resistant equipment he currently wears during hockey games. The Toronto Maple Leafs forward was wearing a hockey baselayer shirt from Warroad, which showed off an attached neck guard in an Instagram video shared by the company last week.

“It’s nice, I haven’t tried the neck guard one, this is the first time,” Knies said as he skated around in the shirt. “(I) don’t really feel it much, which is a good thing. It feels comfortable all around, and it's loose in the body, so it’s easy to wear”.

Warroad was co-developed by recently retired NHLer T.J. Oshie. Knies also explained why he appears to be making the change this year. “It’s nice to know that I’m wearing something that can prevent all that and keep me safe on the ice,” Knies said. “I owe it to my parents and my friends around me to be as safe as possible out there”.

There’s been more awareness around the need for neck protection in hockey since Adam Johnson was killed in a game in England after his neck was lacerated by Matt Petgrave in an on-ice collision. Following the incident, Maple Leafs defenseman Simon Benoit began wearing a neck guard. Last season, former Leafs forward Pontus Holmberg began wearing a neck guard after then-teammate Ryan Reaves’ skate hit him in the chest.

The growing emphasis on safety has even influenced official policy. This summer, the NHL and NHLPA announced a new four-year extension to their collective bargaining agreement. Beginning in the 2026–27 season, all new players in the NHL will be required to wear one. Players who were in the NHL before that season are not required to wear one.

Knies, who is entering his fourth season with the Maple Leafs, signed a new six-year contract extension worth an average of $7.75 million per season after scoring 29 goals and adding 29 assists during the 2024-25 NHL season.

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Cleveland Monsters forward Jordan Dumais has been invited to the 2025 NHLPA Rookie Showcase, which is hosted by the NHLPA and UPPER DECK.

Dumais played in 21 games for the Monsters and had 11 points last season. 

Per the NHLPA, 

The National Hockey League Players’ Association and Upper Deck will host the 15th annual NHLPA Rookie Showcase on Wednesday, Sept. 3 at MedStar Capitals Iceplex in Arlington, Virginia, with over 30 NHL® prospects and rookies scheduled to attend. This unique event provides Upper Deck – the official trading card partner of the NHLPA and the NHL – with an opportunity to capture photographs and videos of many of the game’s top young prospects and rookies in their official NHL team uniforms. The content collected will be used by Upper Deck to create the players’ first NHL and NHLPA licensed rookie trading cards, as well as additional promotional materials throughout the season and beyond.

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2025 NHLPA Rookie Showcase Scheduled Attendees:

Frederic Brunet (BOS), Zeev Buium (MIN), Berkly Catton (SEA), Trevor Connelly (VGK), Ben Danford (TOR), Sam Dickinson (SJ), Karsen Dorwart (PHI), Jordan Dumais (CBJ), Jack Finley (TB), Marc Gatcomb (NYI), Konsta Helenius (BUF), Quinn Hutson (EDM), Tij Iginla (UTA), Joakim Kemell (NSH), Ryan Leonard (WSH), Oliver Moore (CHI), Alexander Nikishin (CAR), Jani Nyman (SEA), Zayne Parekh (CGY), Gabe Perreault (NYR), Francesco Pinelli (LA), David Reinbacher (MTL), Axel Sandin-Pellikka (DET), Gracyn Sawchyn (FLA), Matthew Schaefer (NYI), Beckett Sennecke (ANA), Jimmy Snuggerud (STL), Cam Squires (NJ), Matthew Wood (NSH), Brayden Yager (WPG), Carter Yakemchuk (OTT)

The Blue Jackets have had a few prospects go to this event the last few years. In 2023, Denton Mateychuk and Stanislav Svozil attended, and in 2024 Gavin Brindley participated as well. 

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Welcome to The Hockey News - Vancouver Canucks site’s player preview series for the 2025–26 season. In these articles, we’ll preview the players who are expected to play for the Canucks in the 2025–26 season. Today, we’ll be looking at Vancouver and Abbotsford Canucks centre Nils Åman. 

Åman’s 2024–25 Season 

Åman has consistently been a solid depth player for the Canucks, though he has yet to play in a full NHL season. He played for both Vancouver and Abbotsford this season, scoring one goal and five assists in 19 NHL games. In the AHL, he posted seven goals and 23 assists in 36 games. Despite being on the Canucks at the start of April, Åman’s season was cut short after he took a scary fall into the boards during practice. He was also unable to join Abbotsford for their 2025 Calder Cup Playoff run. 

Åman’s 2024–25 Letter Grade

For his efforts during the 2024–25 season, The Hockey News - Canucks site gave Åman a C. While he was solid in his role as a fourth-line forward, he didn’t particularly stick out — which can be both a good and bad thing. Even so, playing this type of game has provided him with success in the past, as he has played in at least 15 NHL games since joining the Canucks in the 2022–23 season.

Åman’s 2025–26 Predictions 

As a center who doubles as a winger on occasion, Åman’s situation will be interesting come training camp as Vancouver has yet to determine who will fill the fourth spot down the middle of their lineup left by Pius Suter’s departure. Åman has been a consistent call-up for the Canucks when injuries come knocking, and has even stuck in the lineup over other Abbotsford players at times. However, there are many other players who also look primed to take a spot on the Canucks, particularly in that fourth-line center role. 

In the event that Åman does make the main roster out of training camp, it’s likely that he’ll continue his usual style of play — simple and solid with a little bit of offence on occasion. If he ends up back in Abbotsford at the start, he’ll be one of the AHL Canucks’ top point-getters. 

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Mathieu Darche’s first offseason as general manager of the New York Islanders has been action-packed, led by a first overall selection, three total first-round selections, a blockbuster Noah Dobson trade, and more.

His biggest addition outside the draft was Jonathan Drouin, a 30-year-old free agent winger he inked to a two-year deal worth $8 million ($4 million AAV).

Drouin, who spent the past two seasons with the Colorado Avalanche, had 37 points (11 goals, 26 assists) in 43 games.

Jonathan Drouin On Why He Signed With IslandersOn Thursday night, New York Islanders forward Jonathan Drouin spoke on NHL Tonight about why he signed a two-year deal worth $4 million with Long Island.

When speaking about his additions, Darche made clear why Drouin was brought in:

“He really fits what we need right now. We need a guy who can move the puck on the power play, a guy that can play top six with guys like Bo Horvat, who is a guy who likes to shoot. [Jonathan] is a great passer, so he fits our need right now and will help us right away.”

At 5v5, Drouin played almost exclusively alongside Nathan Mackinnon, a former teammate on his junior team, the Halifax Mooseheads of the QMJHL.

Playing alongside a superstar like Mackinnon will make anyone’s life easier, and Drouin was no exception. 

In nearly 500 minutes together in 2024-25, Drouin and Mackinnon outscored opponents 46-2, a +25 goal differential. In Drouin’s 284 minutes without Mackinnon, the Avalanche outscored opponents 22-18, a +4 goal differential. 

One area where the duo especially thrived was on the power play.

While the Avalanche struggled overall on the power play – an issue that led to the departure of assistant coach Ray Bennett, who oversaw the unit and later joined Patrick Roy’s staff this offseason – Drouin and MacKinnon still thrived.

Bennett had been with Colorado for seven seasons, overseeing the power play since the 2017-18 season while winning the 2022 Stanley Cup.

In 126 minutes together, the duo scored 24 goals, a rate of 11.39 goals per 60 minutes. For comparison, the Winnipeg Jets scored the most goals per 60 minutes as a team on the power play with 11.06. The Avalanche, without Drouin and Mackinnon, scored just 4.78, and the Islanders scored 4.1. 

Individually, Drouin scored 12 power-play points (three goals, nine assists), which would have tied the Islanders' leader, Dobson, while outpacing any Islander forward.

Of course, Drouin played around half of Colorado’s games, and Dobson is now a Montreal Canadien.

Notably, Drouin played 95.8% of his power play time alongside Mackinnon, so there is really no way to tell how he would have performed without the established superstar, but historically, he has been a dominant power play force. 

2024-25 was the fifth time Drouin recorded double-digit power-play points in a season, previously posting a career-high 26 power-play points in 2016-17 with the Tampa Bay Lightning.

At all strengths, Drouin’s role was as an offensive forward, so the defensive metrics were not great, but he has all the tools to make a positive defensive impact.

He ranked in the 87th percentile in top skating speed in 2024-25 (23.07), according to NHL Edge, and has historically been labelled an agile skater with elite vision.

Final Verdict: N/A

Drouin wasn’t even an Islander last season, so it would be a bit weird to give him a grade.

However, he was effective in his role, so had he not missed 39 games, his outlook would have been even more promising.

Looking ahead, getting a healthy Drouin in 2025-26 will be vital for the Islanders' playoff aspirations.

In 2023-24, Drouin played 79 games, but before that, he hadn’t played in over 80% of his team’s games since 2018-19, when he suited up in 81.

A Drouin and Horvat duo could be a great fit, as Drouin’s playmaking, vision, speed, and creativity should pair well with Horvat’s shot and IQ.

The third line member is to be determined, but Kyle Palmieri could be a great fit.

He excels at driving the net, is a consistent goal scorer, and a great skater, rounding out a line with a little bit of everything while solidifying an established trio within the Islanders' top six.

Given his power play success, one would assume Drouin will join the top unit, potentially as the bumper or set-up man by the right faceoff dot.

Even if his production declines, his prior success will go a long way in leading the Islanders' power play closer to league average.

All things considered, Drouin’s 2025-26 outlook is a bit of a question mark, but if he stays healthy, he will likely land in the 10-15 goal, 40-55 point range, with 10-14 of those points coming on the power play. 

CoreNHL’s model projects Drouin to provide an estimated $3.4 million of value in 2025-26.

Michael Ostrower wrote this story. 

American winger Zach Sanford, 30, has signed a one-year contract with HC Lugano, the National League club announced on Monday.

After a nine-year pro career in North America, this is Sanford’s first contract to play in Europe.

“Zach Sanford brings a lot of experience to our team – he’s a very versatile forward that can play on the wing and at center,” said Lugano GM Janick Steinmann. “He’s also used to playing different roles on the power play and is strong on the penalty kill. He will bring our team lots of stability and quality in all aspects of the game. The coaches will have lots of different options down the line up. I’m very happy that Zach decided to join our club and help our team this season.”

A native of Salem, Mass., Sanford was a second-round pick, 61st overall, of the Washington Capitals in the 2013 NHL Entry Draft. After a year in the USHL and then two years at Boston College, he signed with Washington in 2016.

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Between 2016 and 2024, Sanford played 334 NHL regular-season games for the Capitals, St. Louis Blues, Ottawa Senators, Winnipeg Jets, Nashville Predators, Arizona Coyotes and Chicago Blackhawks, recording 104 points and 144 penalty minutes. He also had eight points in 25 playoff games – all for St. Louis – and was a member of the Blues’ 2019 Stanley Cup championship team.

He spent the entire 2024-25 season in the AHL for the Rockford IceHogs, where he tallied 51 points in 77 regular-season and playoff games.

Sanford joins a Lugano team that is trying to rebuild its roster after missing the playoffs last season. The team has also added former NHLers Rasmus Kupari, Connor Carrick and Brendan Perlinithis off-season.

Former First-Rounder Rasmus Kupari Signs In Switzerland Finnish forward Rasmus Kupari, 25, has signed a two-year contract with HC Lugano, the National League club announced on Tuesday.

A former third-round pick by the Montreal Canadiens at the 2015 NHL draft, Lukas Vejdemo spent three seasons playing in North America, splitting his time between the Habs and their farm club, the Laval Rocket. After playing in just six NHL games in the 2021-22 season, he elected to go back home to Sweden.

Since the 2023-24 season, he’s been plying his trade with Leksands IF in the Swedish Hockey League, and he’s one of their most experienced forwards. Unfortunately for the left-shot center, however, a few days ago, he took a puck to the head in practice, and nothing has been the same for him since then.

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According to an article published by Viggo Ekebjar on Falu-Kuriren, the former Hab doesn’t hear anything at all in the ear on the side where he received the puck. The forward is hoping the situation will resolve itself, but surgery could be necessary.

Last season, Vejdemo put up 16 points in 48 games and was an alternate captain for his SHL side on top of playing a couple of games internationally for the Tre Kronor. Given the fact that the NHL players are now back at the Olympics, it’s doubtful that Vejdemo could have a spot on the roster, even if he had remained healthy.

2015 wasn’t a great year for the Canadiens in the draft; they picked Noah Juulsen in the first round, and while the defenseman is still in the NHL with the Philadelphia Flyers, he only played 44 games with the Canadiens before being claimed by the Florida Panthers on waivers. The added Vejdemo in the third round, Matthew Bradley in the fifth, Simon Bourque in the sixth, and Jeremiah Addison in the seventh.

Hopefully, Vejdemo makes a full recovery and can rejoin his team sooner rather than later. The regular season is fast approaching in Sweden as the SHL kicks off its season on September 13.

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