The Pittsburgh Penguins have a few spots open in their forward lineup for this season, which will make training camp a lot of fun to follow when it starts in a few weeks. 

Kevin Hayes is one of the forwards who will be jockeying for one of the spots after finishing the 2024-25 season with 13 goals and 23 points in 64 games. He was a healthy scratch at some points last season and was also banged up at times, but still put up decent numbers in a bottom-six role. It was his first season with the Penguins after they acquired him, along with a second-round pick, from the St. Louis Blues on June 29 of last year. He was excited about the move to Pittsburgh because he felt he didn’t play his best hockey with St. Louis during the 2023-24 season. 

"I felt like last year, I couldn't really find a role in St. Louis and didn't play my best hockey,” Hayes said last year, via THN’s Lou Korac.

Although Hayes didn't win with the Penguins last year, as they missed the playoffs for a third consecutive season, he still demonstrated his ability to play in the NHL. It was his 11th season in the league, and he has now played for the New York Rangers, Philadelphia Flyers, Winnipeg Jets, the Blues, and the Penguins. In 777 career NHL games, Hayes has compiled 181 goals and 438 points. 

Hayes even got to spend some time on the top power play unit with the big guns last season, including team captain Sidney Crosby. Four of his 13 goals came on the man-advantage, along with three of his ten assists, and he finished the year with 118 minutes on the PP. It was the sixth straight year that Hayes finished with 100+ minutes on the man-advantage. Former head coach Mike Sullivan, who is now the head coach of the Rangers, liked using Hayes on the PP due to his vision and how big he is around the net. 

At 5v5 last year, Hayes’s most common linemates were Philip Tomasino and Drew O’Connor (before O’Connor got dealt to the Vancouver Canucks with defenseman Marcus Pettersson). Tomasino will also be back for the Penguins next year after re-signing with them on July 1, so he and Hayes could get some minutes together again if Muse likes what he sees during training camp and the preseason. He could also potentially get some minutes with fellow veteran forward Justin Brazeau, whom the Penguins just signed as a free agent in July. They appreciate the skill Brazeau demonstrated and think he will be a good fit after finishing last year with 11 goals and 22 points in 76 games. 

When it comes to a role for Hayes, he will be seen as someone who can chip in at times for the Penguins, but he will still have to earn his minutes. He will be competing against veterans and younger players who want to make the jump and be full-time NHLers. He’s best served for a bottom-six role but can also play further up in the lineup for a few games if injuries occur. Hayes also has the flexibility to play center and wing after spending time at both positions last year. If he’s not playing, his impact will definitely be felt in the locker room. He’ll be someone that some of the other players can rely on as a leader. 

Top-20 Penguins' Prospects 2025: Don't Sleep On This Russian WingerHeading into the 2025-26 season, the Pittsburgh Penguins have shifted the focus to youth and development.

Hayes is one of several Penguins players who will be an unrestricted free agent after the 2025-26 season. Considering where the Penguins are in their rebuild, they could flip him to a contender at the trade deadline if he produces well enough. Stanley Cup contenders are always looking for more scoring at the deadline since you need four scoring lines if you want to win it all. There will be nights when the stars don’t have it, and the depth pieces have to carry the load. 

Not many fans expected much from Hayes last season, but he went out and had himself a fine season. It would benefit the Penguins if he can repeat that success this year when their 2025-26 season starts on October 7 against the Sullivan's Rangers. 

(Data via Dobber's Frozen Tools and Natural Stat Trick). 

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When Steve Yzerman returned to the Detroit Red Wings in April 2019 to take over the role of general manager, he didn’t have much to work with in terms of enticing prospects, but since then he has built one of the most highly regarded prospect pools in the NHL. 

One of the prospects that has already begun making a considerable impact for the Red Wings is forward Marco Kasper, whom Yzerman made Detroit's Round 1 selection in 2022. 

While Kasper began the 2024-25 NHL season in the American Hockey League with the Grand Rapids Griffins, he would eventually be called up to the team in late October 2025. Naturally, there was a learning curve for him stepping into the most talented League on the planet. 

Soon, Kasper was showing that he belonged in the NHL, and his production began to especially take off once the Red Wings hired Todd McLellan in place of Derek Lalonde, who was relieved in late December. 

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Starting on January 10 through the end of the season, Kasper's 17 goals led all first-year NHL players. What's more, he finished fifth overall in total rookie scoring during that time. 

Tic-tac-GOAL!

Marco Kasper's 13th of the season. #LGRWpic.twitter.com/RdEpZw4sJa

— Detroit Red Wings (@DetroitRedWings) March 16, 2025

Thanks to his accomplishments in his rookie season, Kasper was named the club's Rookie of the Year by the Detroit Sports Media. 

Kasper the Friendly ROTY. 👻

More » https://t.co/nGdvj2ra8lpic.twitter.com/LUnlvylAKj

— Detroit Red Wings (@DetroitRedWings) July 10, 2025

Kasper spent the majority of the season's second half centering Detroit's second line alongside future Hall of Fame forward Patrick Kane and Alex DeBrincat. 

“I personally feel like I had a pretty good year, but it’s going to be really hard to come back and do just like that and even improve what I want,” Kasper said of his rookie season. “I always talk about how I’m trying to get better every day. It’s something I’m going to focus on this summer.”

Kasper also skated for his native Austria in the 2025 World Championship, ultimately tying for the team lead in goals with four during the tournament. 

The 20-year-old sophomore forward will likely begin the upcoming 2025-26 NHL season once again flanked by Kane and DeBrincat on his wings.

“It’s a skill to be able to play with top players and go to the net and score around the net and he’s scored a lot of his goals in the blue paint, a huge way to create offense in this league,” Kane said in April of Kasper's play. “He pushes the pace up the middle. Great skater, good both ways. And when you get to the net like that, you’re going to get rewarded.”

The Red Wings are less than a month from gathering in Traverse City, Mich. for Training Camp, which will be followed by their annual Red & White Game. This time, the game will be played at Van Andel Arena, the home venue of the Griffins, on Sunday, Sept. 21.

From that point on, Kasper and the Red Wings will begin the exhibition portion of their schedule against the Chicago Blackhawks on Sept. 23 at Little Caesars Arena. 

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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. 

For No. 12, we put the spotlight on Mikhail Ilyin, a prospect who - if they're not already doing so - fans should certainly be keeping an eye on. 

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#12: F Mikhail Ilyin

It's easy to get mesmerized from time to time when watching Ilyin play hockey.

He can dance. He can dangle. He can outsmart and outthink his largely older competition in the KHL, and he uses those playmaking smarts to his advantage.

Selected in the fifth round (142nd overall) by the Penguins in 2023, Ilyin, 20, signed a three-year entry-level contract with the Penguins this summer. But he will return to the Severstal Cherepovets of the KHL next season, where he has shown some flashes of brilliance in his three seasons.

Top-20 Penguins' Prospects 2025: Forward Looks To Capitalize On Second-Chance OpportunityHeading into the 2025-26 season, the Pittsburgh Penguins have shifted the focus to youth and development.

Last season, Ilyin registered seven goals and 30 points in 64 games, and he saw a lot of time on Severstal's top line with Daniil Aimurzin and Kirill Pilipenko. This followed a 12-goal, 29-point campaign in 2023-24. Even if that production doesn't jump out, the fact that Ilyin was a teenager playing on the top line - and on one of the KHL's best lines - says a lot about the kind of potential and maturity that's present in his game. 

Ilyin has been working on his skating, and it's something that is still going to require notable improvement before he can hope to become a regular at the NHL level. But his ability to think the game at a high level makes up for a bit of that deficit. 

Mikhail Ilyin with the sneaky goal off the goalie’s back. A play that represents his ability on the ice.
1 goal and 1 assist for him in his 2nd preseason game! pic.twitter.com/kWs5Ti6Xt5

— Pens Prospects (@pensprospects_) August 22, 2025

His passing is calculated and precise, and even if his footspeed isn't the greatest, he is able to use his frame to work his way around opponents and his poise to skate smoothly. There is not much panic in Ilyin's game, and hopefully - at another year older - his production begins to catch up to the level of his playmaking.

There is a lot of potential and intrigue to Ilyin's game, which makes him an exciting prospect. He already has a lot of the details in his game down to a tee, so if he can put it all together, he could very well make an impact in the Penguins' future middle-six.

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The list so far:

- No. 13 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

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

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The NHL’s 2025-26 season is nearly upon us, and at THN.com’s Buffalo Sabres site, we’re examining each Buffalo player and the expectations on them next year. Each Sabres player has the pressure to get this Buffalo team into the playoffs for the first time in 15 years, but every player’s outlook is at least a little bit different. 

We began the series with this look at Sabres presumptive starting goalie Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen; yesterday, we looked at newcomer goalie Alex Lyon, and today, we’re wrapping up the goalie area with a look at youngster Devon Levi. The 23-year-old has been solid in the minor leagues, but sustained NHL success has been elusive for him in a short sample size.

Let’s look at what Levi’s role is likely to be this coming season, and where he fits into the Sabres’ plans.

Player Name: Devon Levi

Position: Goaltender

Age: 23

2024-25 Key Statistics: Nine appearances, 2-7-0 record (NHL), 872 save percentage, 4.12 goals-against average; 25-13-4 record (AHL), .919 SP (AHL), 2.20 G.A.A. (AHL)

2025-26 Salary:$812,500

2025-26 Expectations: Levi has been the Sabres’ goalie-of-the-future for a while now, and like many young goalies, he’s struggled to be consistent at the NHL level. The truth is, between veterans Luukkonen and former Sabres journeyman James Reimer, the Sabres’ starting job has been there for the taking for Levi. 

Sabres 2025-26 Player Expectations: Newcomer Lyon Signed To Serve In Supporting Role In NetThe NHL’s 2025-26 season is just around the corner, and here at THN.com’s Buffalo Sabres site, we’ve committed to analyzing every Sabres player and the expectations on them next season. Every Buffalo player has the pressure to get this Sabres team into the playoffs for the first time in a decade-and-a-half, but every player’s outlook is at least a little bit different. 

But he’s put up a sub-.900-level SP in both of his two relatively-brief NHL seasons, and one of the reasons the Sabres went out and signed veteran Lyon this summer was to get goalie insurance in case Luukkonen struggled yet again and Levi wasn’t ready for the physical and mental toll of the NHL.

That doesn’t necessarily mean that Levi isn’t going to get a look at the NHL level this year. To the contrary – if one of Luukkonen and Lyon are injured, Levi can be the American League recall and get into a handful of games. Same goes for underwhelming performances. If Lyon doesn’t get the job done, Sabres GM Kevyn Adams may waive and demote him in favor of Levi.

Levi’s strong AHL numbers last year suggest he hasn’t lost the ability to tend goal just because he hasn’t thrived at the NHL level. He’s going to need time to develop, and the Sabres don’t need to put the weight of the world on his shoulders as Buffalo makes a desperate push for the playoffs next season. That means more patience with him and more understanding of him.

Sabres 2025-26 Player Expectations: What's In Store For Goalie Luukkonen The NHL’s 2025-26 season is now only a handful of weeks away, so it’s as good a time as any for THN.com’s Buffalo Sabres site to break down expectations for every Sabres player next year.

If they play their cards right with Levi, the Sabres could have a No. 1 netminder for the next decade or more. But this is a delicate balance, weighing Levi’s interests on one side, and the Sabres’ immediate needs on the other side. And Buffalo can't afford to make a developmental mistake with a talent that could prove extremely valuable to them for a long time to come.

Levi showed at the AHL level he’s a beast. The challenge now for him is to make those dominant skills translate at the NHL level. He’s not anywhere close to losing ground in the Sabres’ goalie ranks, but Levi needs to show he’s ready, willing and able to stick with Buffalo at the next chance he gets. 

EDMONTON – Goalies haven’t had the best time playing for the Edmonton Oilers lately.

Stuart Skinner and Calvin Pickard have had their moments of struggle (with Skinner struggling more than Pickard). Goaltending and defensive play are the backbone of a Stanley Cup Champion team.

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It’s true, the Oilers came close to winning it twice. But, close is fine when it comes to horseshoes and hand grenades - not hockey.

The Boston Bruins, New Jersey Devils, and Detroit Red Wings all have a prospect goaltender (or two) who could boost the Oilers' depth at the goalie position. Michael DiPietro, Nico Daws, Sebastian Cossa, and Trey Augustine have all been connected to the Oilers at one point or another.

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Of those options, Daws has the most NHL experience. However, this hasn’t stopped other hockey pundits from suggesting otherwise.

Allan Mitchell of The Athletic has identified DiPietro as a trade target for the Oilers. In a piece penned earlier in August, Mitchell makes the statement that DiPietro is “the best inexpensive goaltender available.”

With only three games of experience, it takes gusto to make that claim. Daws has better results in a much bigger sample size, while Cossa’s draft pedigree has earned him a longer leash than DiPietro.

The lack of NHL experience gives this writer pause. Given the other options available in Cossa and Daws, DiPietro should only be considered an option for the Oilers if they strike out elsewhere.

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Former Detroit Red Wings forward Sergei Fedorov, one of the greatest and most dynamic players to ever wear the Winged Wheel, will be appropriately honored by having his iconic No. 91 jersey raised to the rafters at Little Caesars Arena in the upcoming season. 

Fedorov, who defected to Detroit from the Soviet Union at great personal risk to himself, played a pivotal role in the Red Wings' Stanley Cup victories in 1997, 1998, and 2002. During his time in Detroit, he scored exactly 400 goals and won numerous awards, including the Hart Trophy in 1994 as the NHL's Most Valuable Player. 

“My Heart Beat Faster”: Sergei Fedorov Recaps Finding Out Of Jersey Retirement NewsThe iconic No. 91 jersey of former Detroit Red Wings forward Sergei Fedorov will soon be taking its rightful place in the rafters of Little Caesars Arena, and will be displayed alongside the eight previously retired numbers that include his teammates Steve Yzerman and Nicklas Lidstrom.

Fedorov's longtime teammate Darren McCarty, who was a part of all three of the aforementioned Stanley Cup wins as well as a fourth in 2008, couldn't be happier for him. 

"This was just right," McCarty said during a recent Woodward Sports segment. "If you ask me straight up if I ever thought it would happen while certain things were in palce, no. But this is where we're at." 

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Noting the struggles of the Red Wings to return to the Stanley Cup Playoffs, McCarty said that he felt this is one of the things that fans of the club can look to in terms of the culture that continues to be a work in progress. 

"It's one of those things that it feels like the world has settled back into place, at least for the Red Wings," he said. "What are we looking for with the Winged Wheel culture right now? There's not a lot of things to really put your hat on, but this is one of them." 

"I couldn't be happier for my friend and teammate, someone who is one of the best to ever do it, and I know it means a lot to him, too." 

Fedorov's countless accomplishment during his time with the Red Wings was overshadowed by his controversial holdout following the 1997 Stanley Cup win, during which he infamously signed a front-loaded offer sheet from the Carolina Hurricanes in early 1998. 

While the Red Wings matched the offer sheet, the relationship between the two sides appeared irreparable when Fedorov reportedly rejected a five-year, $50 million contract offer in 2003 and later signed for less money with the Mighty Ducks of Anaheim. 

It was especially startling, considering the Mighty Ducks had just swept Detroit in the opening round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs months earlier. 

Upon Fedorov's return to Detroit in December 2003 for the first time wearing opposition colors, he was heavily booed by the sellout crowd at Joe Louis Arena. 

Thankfully, the relationship between Fedorov and the organization as well as the fans has been mended in recent years, and he'll rightfully take his place alongside other franchise legends like Steve Yzerman, Nicklas Lidstrom, Gordie Howe, Ted Lindsay, and others this January. 

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The Montreal Canadiens have plenty of young players who fans should pay close attention to in 2025-26. Canadiens defenseman Arber Xhekaj is certainly one of them.

Xhekaj just completed his third NHL season with the Canadiens, and it was a bit of an up-and-down year for the 6-foot-4 blueliner. In a career-high 70 games, he recorded one goal, five assists, 118 penalty minutes, 180 hits, and a minus-13 rating. Overall, he had some growing pains like many young defensemen do, but he also showed signs of improvement at the same time. 

With Xhekaj being just 24 years old, it would not be surprising in the slightest if we see the left-shot defenseman take a notable step forward with his development in 2024-25. It can take defensemen some time to truly break out, and this could very well end up being the case with Xhekaj. 

The potential for Xhekaj to blossom into a steady stay-at-home defenseman who can play big minutes is certainly there, and it will be intriguing to see if he can become just that for the Canadiens next season. If the hard-nosed defenseman does hit another level with his play, it would be huge for a Canadiens club looking to continue to trend in the right direction. 

3 Canadiens Ranked Among Best NHL Players Born In 2000sRecently, the NHL Network ranked the top 25 players born in the 2000s. With the Montreal Canadiens being one of the NHL's most promising young teams, it is not surprising in the slightest that three of their players have made the cut.

The Pittsburgh Penguins are essentially two different teams. The first Penguins team is a veteran-laden squad featuring star forwards Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin, and star defensemen Kris Letang and Erik Karlsson. And the second Pittsburgh team is the one that’s actively being planned for the future, featuring youngsters and prospects including wingers Rutger McGroarty and Ville Koivunen, and defensemen Owen Pickering and Harrison Brunicke.

Indeed, Pens GM Kyle Dubas has spoken out about his team’s dual focuses at this time. He talked to NHL.com in late April and made it clear he’s got Pittsburgh’s best experienced players and players-of-the-future in mind as he moves the team forward.

“It's going to be continuing to maximize the prime or the end of careers of some of the players that we have,” Dubas said of the team’s direction, adding it's also going to be about  “expeditiously developing some of the young players that have already come onto the roster, that are about to come onto the roster.”

Big Update On Evgeni Malkin's Penguins Future RevealedAccording to The Athletic's Josh Yohe, Evgeni Malkin will play his final season as a member of the Pittsburgh Penguins in 2025-26 because the team is not expected to offer the star forward a new contract once his deal comes to an end after next season.

There’s no question there’s excellent talent in Pittsburgh’s veteran core. And at the same time, there are young Pens players who need to draw into NHL action to learn on the job. But making players like Crosby and Malkin wait for the Penguins’ youngsters to develop into elite NHL contributors is a gamble that doesn't seem like a wise one for Dubas.

And one thing’s very likely – at some point in the next regular season, it will make sense for the Penguins to convince Malkin to waive his no-move clauses in his current contract and become the top rental player we’ll see in the NHL next year.

Now, we know Malkin has expressed his desire to retire as a Penguin, telling The Athletic, “I retire with Pittsburgh. The Penguins are my team. I love this team. When I retire it's here.”

That said, what if the Penguins are all but eliminated from Stanley Cup playoff contention by the 2026 NHL trade deadline or sooner? Is Malkin going to be content to play out the string with a meaningless number of games to end the year? Or will his competitive juices begin to stir as the season plays on and he starts considering being a rental for a handful of weeks and going out on a high note? 

Penguins GM Kyle Dubas Has A Plan - And He Knows What He's DoingFor GM Kyle Dubas and the Pittsburgh Penguins, a new organizational direction is clear - if you've been paying attention

In answering those questions we have to say we’re absolutely not sure Malkin is a lock to stay in Pittsburgh through the end of next season. He’s got full control over his NHL destiny, but the opportunity to play on an elite team for a month or two and chase another Cup is an opportunity not all stars receive. If Malkin wants to retire as a Penguin, sign a one-day contract next summer and retire as a Pen that way. That’s how another Russian star forward went out, with Pavel Datsyuk signing a one-day deal with the Detroit Red Wings before hanging up his skates.

To be sure, Malkin doesn’t have anything to prove to anyone. He’s got three Stanley Cups to his credit, as well as a Hart Trophy as regular-season MVP, and a Conn Smythe Trophy as playoff MVP. You don’t often see players with that Hockey Hall-of-Fame-caliber resume being available on the trade market.

But imagine what Malkin could do for the Penguins’ future if he accepted a trade to a Cup contender this coming season. The return the Pens could get for Malkin would accelerate their rebuild and help stock Pittsburgh’s shelves with high-end draft picks and prospects. It will hurt in some ways to see Malkin in another team’s jersey for a short span, but it also would greatly contribute to the Penguins becoming a legitimate long-term Cup contender sooner than later.

The Pittsburgh Penguins Should Have Extra Motivation For The Next Two YearsThe Pittsburgh Penguins have a slew of players who are either in the final or second-to-last year of their contract. 

If he did accept a trade, Malkin would underscore his contributions to the Penguins one last time by giving back to the franchise as a result of being moved out of town. And you have to know teams would be lining up to make a major bid on Malkin’s services. 

For those reasons, Dubas would be wise to go to Malkin and persuade him to be moved. It makes sense for the Penguins as an organization to move on from him, and it makes sense for Malkin as a competitor to move on. 

It may not happen until the trade deadline, but if the season ends with Malkin still a Penguin, a great opportunity will be lost. There’s going to be a white-hot market for his services, and Dubas needs all the help he can get in building the future Pens. And that can happen if Malkin green-lights a deal and gives back something of great value to Pittsburgh one more time.

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The Montreal Canadiens have made plenty of moves this off-season, but it is fair to argue that they should not be done yet. When looking at their roster, it is apparent that they could use another forward.

One of the Canadiens' biggest needs is an upgrade at the second-line center position. The problem is that there are not too many notable names available at this point in the summer. Marco Rossi, who was a restricted free agent (RFA), recently re-signed with the Minnesota Wild on a three-year deal. Top RFA Mason McTavish would be a fantastic addition for the Canadiens, but the feeling is that Anaheim wants to keep him around, rather than moving him. 

Canadiens: Friedman On Offer SheetsWhile there are many ways in which a team can improve in the offseason, none is more controversial than taking the offer sheet route. This Summer, many had hoped that promising young forwards like Marco Rossi and Mason MacTavish would be targeted; the latter, in particular, was the one most Montreal Canadiens fans had their heart set on, but neither received any.

However, there is an unrestricted free agent (UFA) still available who could be a very good player for the Canadiens to take a chance on: Jack Roslovic.

Roslovic, 28, is the best UFA left and would have the potential to be a solid addition to the Canadiens' roster if they brought him in. While he is not necessarily a big-name player, he would create more competition for players like Kirby Dach and Alex Newhook when it comes to the Canadiens' second-line center spot. 

Yet, Roslovic's versatility allows him to play right wing, so he could help boost the Canadiens' depth at that position. too. Furthermore, due to his offensive skill, he could work well on the Canadiens' second power-play unit if they signed him. 

Roslovic is coming off a solid season with the Carolina Hurricanes, posting 22 goals and 39 points in 81 games. He has also recorded at least 22 goals and 44 points twice in his career, so he has the ability to chip in well offensively.

Overall, on an affordable short-term deal, Roslovic could be a very good player for the Canadiens to bring in to boost their forward group. It will be interesting to see if they end up targeting him from here. 

3 Canadiens Ranked Among Best NHL Players Born In 2000sRecently, the NHL Network ranked the top 25 players born in the 2000s. With the Montreal Canadiens being one of the NHL's most promising young teams, it is not surprising in the slightest that three of their players have made the cut.

Recently, TheHockeyNews.com has taken a gander at wingers, defensemen and goaltenders who seem set for a full-time NHL role next season.

Now it’s time to take a look down the middle.

Much like the skater lists before, players considered must have been either AHL or NCAA regulars last season, still eligible for the Calder Trophy and are at least 20 years old.

With that, here are five breakthrough centers for the 2025-26 NHL season.

Fraser Minten, Boston Bruins

Fraser Minten caught some eyes in 2023 when the then 19-year-old centerman made the Toronto Maple Leafs out of camp just one year removed from his early second round selection, even if he only stayed around for four games. Last season, a high-ankle sprain in training camp derailed the start to his first official professional season, however, Minten was able to quickly return to form, appearing in 15 games with the Leafs before being traded to the Boston Bruins as a piece of the Brandan Carlo trade at the deadline.

Since the trade, his production in the AHL improved, and he also joined the main team in Boston for a cup of tea – six games to be exact. Now, Minten seems set to finally make that jump for the young, rebuilding Bruins. Minten does everything coaches want out of a bottom-of-the-lineup player already: defends well, blocks shots and works hard. He also boasts NHL-ready offensive and transitional tools, including the ability to break the puck up the ice, his solid net-front play and his shot.

All-in-all, Minten seems NHL-ready and the Bruins’ center depth is ready to see a player like him make that jump. Minten is ranked as the No. 3 center on the Bruins depth chart in the 2025-26 edition of The Hockey News’ Yearbook.

Ryan Leonard, Washington Capitals

With college linemate Will Smith’s departure to the San Jose Sharks, the Washington Capitals’ 2024 ninth-overall pick Ryan Leonard was moved to center for what would be his final NCAA season. Despite the transition, Leonard succeeded in droves, scoring 30 goals through just 37 games. After helping lead Boston College to a Hockey East championship, Leonard jumped to the NHL, where in every area but the score-sheet, Leonard looked at home.

Does Leonard need to bulk up a bit more physically to be as imposing in the NHL as he was at the NCAA level? Sure. Is two points through 17 NHL games not great? Yes. However, Leonard showed flashes of high-end vision, playmaking and a hard shot, he’ll just need to get better at finishing his chances and building his frame.

Given that the Capitals had played Leonard exclusively on the wing, Leonard is ranked as the team’s No. 3 right winger in The Yearbook. However, given his crash-the-net tendencies, willingness to engage physically, and decent face-offs, do not be surprised if he plays center now and again once the Caps face injuries down the middle.

Oliver Kapanen, Montreal Canadiens

While Oliver Kapanen’s 18-game stint with the Montreal Canadiens last season left something to be desired, with only two points, his play in the SHL and the AHL in the playoffs showed promise of a player suitable for regular NHL minutes. The former 2021 second-rounder boasts solid top-end speed, is good on the draws and is extremely defensively responsible.

Despite being a natural C, it’s unlikely that Kapanen will break into the Habs roster full-time as a centerman, given the players ahead of him down the middle, including Nick Suzuki, Kirby Dach, Alex Newhook, and Jake Evans. With Dach’s injury issues and struggles down the middle, there might be opportunities to get those minutes should Dach get moved to the wing. However, as of right now, Kapanen ranks as the fifth-best right winger on the Habs.

Stephen Halliday, Ottawa Senators

It took until Stephen Halliday’s final season of eligibility before he was drafted to the NHL, getting nabbed in the fourth round by the Ottawa Senators in 2022, and it certainly wasn’t because he lacked skill. Nicknamed ‘The Disher’, Halliday set the franchise records for the USHL’s Dubuque Fighting Saints in both points (181) and assists (123)  thanks to an explosive 95-point campaign in 2021-22. The issue that held him out of two drafts and held him back from being taken earlier in 2022 was his skating, which EliteProspects gave a nearly unheard of 3 out of 9 at the time.

Three seasons since his draft, he’s transcended the NCAA, reaching the AHL and is coming off a strong first professional season, showcasing that trademark playmaking skill and good defensive engagement. His skating has taken strides, too, improving his acceleration and speed. It seems as though the Sens are prioritizing his development and making his game more suitable for the bottom-six, with him receiving one-on-one time with new Sens player development coach Sam Gagner and the Sens director of player health and performance, Matt Nichol.

This adjustment, alongside continued improvements in skating form, should fast-track him to the NHL, with the potential to jump up the lineup in the coming years. The Hockey News lists Halliday as the Sens’s fifth-ranked centerman ahead of the 2025-26 season.

Colton Dach, Chicago Blackhawks

There’s another Dach in the Windy City. The younger brother of Kirby, Colton, sniffed his first 25 games of NHL action with the Chicago Blackhawks last season after dominating the AHL in just his second professional season. With Chicago being the land of opportunities, the former 2021 62nd-overall pick is in a prime position to make the full-time jump to the team’s bottom-six.

Dach boasts a 6-foot-4 frame, which he uses to physically dictate play alongside a good shot and work ethic. Skating and processing issues will limit his upside at the next level, preventing him from reaching his brother’s peak, and a slump to end the season might also make the Hawks second-guess his NHL readiness. 

However, Dach is well-positioned, sitting as the 4C on the Blackhawks’ depth chart in THN’s 2025-26 Yearbook.

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Longtime NHL players have nearly endless options once they retire from the pro game.

Many former players transition into broadcasting or coaching roles. Sometimes, they join the front office of an NHL team and work their way upward.

That said, some paths stand out for being different or quite impressive. Here is a short list of six former NHL players who have taken on an interesting path beyond their careers.

Zdeno Chara

During his time in the NHL from 1997 to 2022, Zdeno Chara was one of the most feared defensemen in the league. At 6-foot-9, the Slovakian mutant dominated the ice from the back end.

However, when he retired from the NHL after the 2021-22 season, he continued his ways of being a physical force, but not on the ice. 

Chara has participated in a number of marathons following his retirement. He had run in multiple Boston marathons, the London marathon (six days after his second Boston marathon), and the New York marathon.

Most recently, the 48-year-old completed the Czech Republic Iron Man triathlon. The challenge consisted of a 1.2-mile swim, a 56-mile bike and a 13.1-mile run. He completed the triathlon in an impressive 4:56:47.

Joe Pavelski

Joe Pavelski, who retired from the NHL just last summer, wasted no time seeking glory in the next chapter of his life.

In mid-July, Pavelski participated in the American Century Championship, a celebrity golf tournament consisting of several athletes, actors, comedians and more. This was Pavelski’s ninth attempt at the championship in Edgewood Tahoe Resort, Nev.

The 41-year-old came close to winning the tournament several times in previous years, including a runner-up finish in 2024.

However, he finally took home the American Century Championship title, and in dramatic fashion. On the 18th hole, the former San Jose Sharks and Dallas Stars center connected on a walk-off eagle to win the tournament.

JOE PAVELSKI. WALK-OFF EAGLE TO WIN IT. 🦅 pic.twitter.com/Clze1Z375h

— NBC Sports (@NBCSports) July 13, 2025

Chris Phillips

Chris Phillips holds the record for most games played by an Ottawa Senator. The former defenseman played 17 seasons for the Sens, but in the meantime, he opened up a brewery and restaurant.

In 2012, Big Rig Brewery was born and co-owned by Phillips. The Brewery is named after him – Big Rig was his nickname during his playing career.

Just one year later, Big Rig was recognized as the New Brewery of the Year in Ontario, awarded by the Ontario Brewing Awards.

In 2014, his brewery and restaurant became the fastest-growing microbrewery in Ottawa, according to the Ottawa Citizen. 

In addition to the quick success and demand for Big Rig beers, the company has an impressive resume when it comes to the quality of its product. In the 2016 Ontario Brewing Awards, Big Rig took home five medals, including four gold medals in the Hefeweizen, Dark IPA, Scotch Ale and Doppelbock categories.

Ken Dryden

Once a legendary goaltender for the Montreal Canadiens between 1970 and 1979, Ken Dryden took his talents to the House of Commons and became a member of Parliament, elected in 2004.

The six-time Stanley Cup champion was a member of several committees, including National Defence, Library of Parliament, Health, Human Resources, Social Development and the Status of Persons with Disabilities. Furthermore, he was a Minister of Social Development from 2004 to 2006.

In 2013, Dryden was made an officer of the Order of Canada, the highest level of distinction in the Canadian Honours System. He earned this status for his contributions to Canadian life as a hockey player, lawyer and public servant.

Stu Grimson

After 14 seasons in the NHL across seven different teams, Stu Grimson is spending his retirement as a lawyer. 

Grimson, known as ‘The Grim Reaper,’ has accumulated 2,113 penalty minutes during his NHL career. Following his retirement in 2003, the former enforcer returned to school, completing his undergraduate studies in economics and earning his law degree at the University of Memphis.

Since then, he’s worked as a labor lawyer for the NHLPA’s union and later became a defense attorney at Kay Griffin PLLC.

Now, Grimson is the vice president of business development for the company ‘ThirdHome’ and is a member of its corporate counsel.

In addition, he is a hockey analyst for the NHL Network, and has a biography book published called The Grim Reaper: The Life and Career of a Reluctant Warrior.

Randy Gregg

Randy Gregg, a former defenseman for the Edmonton Oilers and the Vancouver Canucks from 1982 to 1992, has transitioned into a physician. 

Gregg, now known as Dr. Gregg, is a primary care physician at the Lifemark Sport Institute in Edmonton. The Canadian-based company offers multidisciplinary rehabilitation services. 

Dr. Gregg specializes in evaluating sports-related injuries, specifically musculoskeletal injuries and has done so for over 25 years.

The former D-man played 474 games in the NHL, scoring 193 points while contributing to five Stanley Cup victories as a member of the Oilers.

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The Philadelphia Flyers can kick their rebuild into overdrive by making a play for Vegas Golden Knights star Jack Eichel next offseason.

Eichel, 28, will be an unrestricted free agent at the end of the 2025-26 season, and while the former No. 2 overall pick is eligible to negotiate a contract extension with the Golden Knights, there are no guarantees of that happening.

Mitch Marner just signed an eight-year, $96 million ($12 million AAV) contract with Vegas, and captain Mark Stone has two years remaining on his deal at a $9.5 million cap hit.

It's also worth considering that veteran defenseman Alex Pietrangelo may not play again due to severe injury, and he's got two years remaining on his contract at an $8.8 million cap hit as well.

Basically, the older and more beat up the Golden Knights get, the less likely they are to continue to contend for Stanley Cups.

And if Eichel gets the contract one NHL insider thinks he can get, the task gets that much harder for Vegas.

"We're talking mega primo money for Jack Eichel and the Vegas Golden Knights, and, man, I don't know how they can go without him. I don't know how they could move on from him, but, when looking at their cap table, it's hard to wedge in a really big extension and what that looks like relative to the rest of true market value," NHL insider Frank Seravalli said in a recent livestream for Bleacher Report.

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"I think what you're talking about with Jack Eichel is a $15+ million AAV deal. He's been that good. I think then all of a sudden, you crunch some numbers and take out your calculator if you're looking at the Vegas Golden Knights cap situation, which is never easy, and you go, 'How do they do this?'"

For the Flyers, the 2026 offseason will be the perfect time to pounce on Eichel, or any other big ticket free agent.

Players like Christian Dvorak, Nick Deslauriers, Ivan Fedotov, Jamie Drysdale, and Egor Zamula will all be off the books, and Rasmus Ristolainen and Ryan Ellis, worth a combined $11.35 million against the cap, will be in the final years of their respective contracts.

If the rebuild is to go anywhere productive, the Flyers must accelerate their efforts to add talent over the next 365 days.

Eichel, one of the very best centers in the game, is coming off a career-best 94-point season, adding 28 goals and getting docked for just eight penalty minutes.

The 6-foot-2 forward has struggled with injuries in the past, yes, but that just means more opportunities for young players like Jett Luchanko, Jack Nesbitt, and, potentially, Trevor Zegras in his stead, all while raising the overall ceiling of the Flyers as a team.

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Then, from a cap perspective, the Flyers will be able to afford Eichel, even at a $15 million price point, quite comfortably.

Assuming players like Nikita Grebenkin, Alex Bump, Oliver Bonk, and Helge Grans establish themselves as NHLers, the Flyers will have a war chest of funds to spend on auxiliary upgrades, such as at the goalie position or on defense.

The continually rising salary cap further benefits the Flyers, too, as Matvei Michkov and Tyson Foerster will be due for new contracts the following offseason.

Add a seasoned Porter Martone to the equation, and the Flyers can quickly change their fortunes with Jack Eichel leading the way.

It was Game 3 of the second round, and the Florida Panthers were back on home ice, down two games to zero to the Toronto Maple Leafs. The Maple Leafs were the better team in the first two games and jumped out to a 3-1 lead early in the second period. 

But the Panthers did what they do best, stayed persistent and worked their way back into the game. The Panthers scored three unanswered goals to take a 4-3 lead in the second period, but a goal by Morgan Rielly at the halfway mark of the third period tied the game, sending it to overtime.

The Maple Leafs and Brad Marchand have a long history dating back to his time with the Boston Bruins, and the overtime frame added to it. 

It was a back-and-forth overtime stanza, but a fortunate bounce from a shot by Marchand got the Panthers back into the series.

“I think there was always a little pressure, but I got to say, somehow we were so confident that we were going to turn the series over because we felt like in every game, we were the better team, but we lost. So we believed that in seven games, we should be able to win four,” Anton Lundell said to Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman and Kyle Bukauskas for 32 Thoughts: The Podcast during the European NHL Player Media Tour in Milan, Italy.. 

“Obviously, they were such a good team, like, it was a hard series. I mean, they were up in Game 3, 3-1 in the second or something, and when we won that game, that was the game-changer. We were like, ‘Okay, now it’s our time to press the gas, now we go.’ But I got to say, if we were to lose that game, it could’ve been a different series for sure.”

Lundell finished the series against the Maple Leafs with two goals and five points, playing difficult minutes against both Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner as well as John Tavares and William Nylander. 

Although the series wouldn't have been over if the Maple Leafs had won Game 3, it's extremely difficult to envision the Panthers winning four consecutive games against a Leafs team that looked that confident. The Game 3 loss changed things mentally for both the Leafs and the Panthers. 

That mental edge is why the Panthers are in a situation where they can chase a three-peat. When speaking to Friedman and Bukauskas, Lundell said that winning the third will be the toughest task, mentioning that an even bigger target will be on their back.

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