What makes sports, and hockey specifically, unique and intriguing are storylines. In the NHL, it's the off-ice drama, milestone-chasing and pursuit of the Stanley Cup.

NHL players enter each season thinking it could be their best one yet. Sometimes, it is, but for others, it's a real struggle.

The struggles or shortcomings of these players put pressure on them to bounce back and prove to critics they are better than what they previously showed. 

Here are five NHL centers who have the most to prove in the 2025-26 season. 

Elias Pettersson, Vancouver Canucks

The 2024-25 campaign was one to forget for the Canucks' Swedish star.

Pettersson finished the season with just 15 goals and 45 points in 64 games, and the 26-year-old looked lost offensively at times, looking unsure with what to do with the puck and lacking confidence when given the puck in advantageous situations. His shot rate dropped 1.7 per game from 2.52 in 2023-24 and 3.21 in 2022-23, and his shooting percentage also fell to 13.8 percent from 16.4 the year prior.

Pettersson dealt with a lot of off-ice issues, primarily coming from J.T. Miller, who is now with the New York Rangers. Pettersson received somewhat of a pass for his poor performance last year due to those issues and a couple of injuries, but he undoubtedly still faced a lot of heat.

If he can't bounce back this season, serious questions will need to be asked about his future in Vancouver, even though the full no-move clause on his contract kicked in this summer and runs through 2031-32 with an $11.6-million cap hit. 

Pettersson possesses a deep offensive toolkit, as well as great defensive instincts, which give him all the makings of a No. 1 center. He's shown he could do it before, but he must prove it once again.

Elias Pettersson's Revenge Year Is Nigh With Vancouver CanucksVancouver Canucks star center Elias Pettersson is hungry for a season to be happy about.

Mathew Barzal, New York Islanders

First things first: Barzal needs to stay healthy.

He's missed a large chunk of games in three of his first eight seasons in the NHL, which makes it incredibly difficult to remain consistently productive. In 2024-25, Barzal played in only 30 games and notched just six goals and 20 points.

The previous season, the 28-year-old netted 23 goals and 80 points in 80 games, scoring at a point-per-game pace for the first time since his stunning 85-point rookie season.

Barzal's speed and playmaking make him a threat each time he steps on the ice. Forming a duo with Bo Horvat as the Islanders' top two centers should allow Barzal to take advantage of easier matchups while Horvat takes on the opponent's top line. 

Barzal has seemingly been written off of Canada's Olympic roster, but a strong start to the season could put him back in contention.

Matty Beniers, Seattle Kraken

Like Barzal, Beniers has struggled to regain the form he had in his rookie season.

Beniers took home the Calder Trophy just three seasons ago, scoring 24 goals and 57 points in 80 games. Since then, Beniers has notched 37 and 43 points.

The 22-year-old has steadily improved on the defensive side of the puck, becoming one of the better two-way centers in the NHL. Playing under coach Lane Lambert should only enhance that aspect of his game.

What Beniers needs to do is start scoring again. The Kraken depend on him and Shane Wright to produce like top six centers, and if they are both scoring at just over 0.5 points per game, the Kraken's rebuild will be at a standstill for a long time. 

Beniers signed a seven-year contract worth $7,142,857 annually that he needs to live up to, and the 2025-26 season is a prove-it year for the 2021 second overall pick. 

Connor Bedard, Chicago Blackhawks

For anyone who considers Bedard's first two seasons in the NHL as poor, they might want to take another look.

The 20-year-old has eclipsed the 20-goal and 60-point mark in each season, playing with players who are far below his talent level. 

While there are some valid concerns about skating speed and underlying numbers that took a dip in Year 2, Bedard's talent is always apparent, and as he matures, the chances he creates will become goals.

With that being said, it is time for those chances to start becoming goals. It's not uncommon for highly drafted players like Bedard to break out in their third season in the NHL, as Jack Hughes, Aleksander Barkov, David Pastrnak and many others have. If Bedard shows out in the first half of the season, he could very likely find himself on Canada's Olympic roster.

Connor Bedard Is Ready To Become An NHL Superstar In His 20sEveryone in the hockey community will be wishing Chicago Blackhawks star Connor Bedard a happy birthday on Thursday. 

Auston Matthews, Toronto Maple Leafs

Besides playoff success, there isn't much for Matthews to prove. He's won three Rocket Richard Trophies, a Hart Trophy, Ted Lindsay and a Calder Trophy. Matthews has also finished as a finalist for the Selke Trophy. Besides the Art Ross, Matthews has won it all in the regular season.

What's different this year is that he's expected to come into the season healthy and prepared to play without Mitch Marner. While the Maple Leafs' superstar has proven to be a play driver in short stints without Marner, he'll need to do it throughout an 82-game season.

The 27-year-old will also need to step up in the playoffs. He's done so before, but far too often, he hasn't taken a series by the reins and dominated, especially later in each round. If he can do both of those things this season, he'll have proven that he truly is among the greats. 

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EDMONTON – The Edmonton Oilers know the importance of goaltending.

Despite reaching the Stanley Cup Final in back-to-back years, the hunger is stronger than ever to win the ultimate prize. This past year’s run in particular could have had better goaltending.

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That’s why there is speculation of the Oilers being interested in Carter Hart, despite his standing with the league. The Oilers have also been connected to others, such as Michael DiPietro of the Boston Bruins and Tristan Jarry of the Pittsburgh Penguins.

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With Stuart Skinner and Calvin Pickard guarding the twine in the big leagues, the organization has elected to shake things up elsewhere. Primarily, they brought in Matt Tomkins to be the veteran presence with the Bakersfield Condors. 

The other goalie with the Condors has yet to be determined, because the Oilers did not offer an extension to Olivier Rodrigue. Now, he has agreed to terms with a KHL team.

«Барыс» заключил односторонний контракт с Оливье Родригом, соглашение рассчитано на один сезон до 31 мая 2026 года. pic.twitter.com/3BcYCj8aqV

— ХК «Барыс» (@AstanaBarys) August 14, 2025

Rodrigue and Barys Astana have agreed to a one-year contract.

Rodrigue spent the last three seasons grinding in the AHL full-time. Last year, he had an 18-16-6 record, a 3.12 goals against average (GAA), an .897 save percentage (SV%), and one shutout.

The 25-year-old netminder was drafted 62nd overall by the Oilers in 2018. The 6-foot-1 Rodrigue played in two NHL games, collected a 3.10 GAA and a .862 SV%.

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Oilers Goalie Signs In Kazakhstan Canadian goaltender Olivier Rodrigue, 25, has signed a one-year contract with Barys Astana, the Kazakhstan-based KHL club announced on Thursday.

The New Jersey Devils have racked up 1,125 wins in franchise history, placing them 17th in the NHL’s all-time wins list. For a team established in 1982, that’s not a bad spot.

Earlier this month, the NHL shared a chart ranking all 32 teams by total franchise wins. On the surface, it’s fun to see where the Devils land, right in the middle of the pack, but the list doesn’t tell the whole story.

The top spots are dominated by the Original Six: the Montreal Canadiens, Boston Bruins, Toronto Maple Leafs, Detroit Red Wings, New York Rangers, and Chicago Blackhawks. Naturally, they tower over newer franchises in total wins; they’ve had decades more games to play. That’s why total wins alone are a flawed metric for comparing franchises.

While the Devils may appear “average” on this list, the reality is they’re anything but. Despite recent struggles, making the playoffs just nine times in the past 10 seasons, they remain one of the NHL’s most successful franchises since joining the league.

New Jersey has won three Stanley Cups (1995, 2000, 2003), tying them for 11th in Cup wins alongside the Colorado Avalanche and Tampa Bay Lightning. That’s ahead of older franchises like the Vancouver Canucks and Buffalo Sabres, both of whom entered the league in 1970–71 and have never hoisted the Cup. Five other franchises, the San Jose Sharks, Ottawa Senators, Nashville Predators, Columbus Blue Jackets, and Minnesota Wild, are still chasing their first.

This paints a far more accurate picture of the Devils’ place in NHL history. They may not crack the top tier in total franchise wins, but when measuring by championships, resilience, and impact, New Jersey stands tall among the league’s elite.

Detroit AHL coach Brian Lashoff believes Red Wings have tools to fix defensive woes from last season.

The Red Wings enter next season with multiple areas of their game that they would like to improve upon with one of them being their defence. Detroit finished bottom 12 in goals against average last season with no improvement since bringing on a defensive minded coach like Todd McLellan in late December. During that span, the Red Wings were still bottom 13 in goals against average and signaled that a change needed to be made. 

The Hockey News recently caught up with Brian Lashoff, Assistant Head Coach of the Grand Rapids Griffins, Detroit’s AHL affiliate, who shared compelling insights into the system and scheme adjustments being introduced ahead of next season by the Red Wings coaching staff. According to Lashoff, it's important for a team that struggled in a particular area the previous year to reset and establish a new “standard” for their style of play moving forward.

“You see the structure they're putting in place, the details that they're focusing on, and I think those types of things are going to give them success in the long run,” Lashoff explained “I think the start of the season is going to be the biggest thing and I think that's a great thing about their staff, and is setting a standard right away, and then holding the team to that standard.”

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Lashoff is no stranger to the Red Wings organization, having played 136 NHL games over seven seasons with Detroit, including a notable NHL debut in which he scored his first career goal from the blueline. However, the bulk of his career was spent in the AHL, where he logged 629 games over 14 seasons with the Griffins, serving as team captain in his final years. In 2023, he transitioned from player to coach, joining the Griffins’ coaching staff. While the shift came with its challenges, Lashoff credited the strong support from the staff around him for making the adjustment much smoother.

“From the start, I've felt like things have gone well, I've been given responsibility right off the bat, I think that's been huge for me to kind of learn and learn from Dan Watson and Steph Julian, two guys that I really respect who have had success as coaches,” Lashoff claimed “I've learned a ton from them, they helped me get my feet wet and get going right away my first year, and then last year continue to roll through things being a coach.”

Lashoff has played with several of the Red Wings current blueliners during his time with the Griffins like Moritz Seider, Simon Edvinsson and more meaning he can truly speak to the talent of the players after seeing it every day. He firmly believes with the new adjustments and some of the younger defencemen taking a step forward that their blueline can make a step forward this season despite making no significant changes. 

“I think defensively, it's a team that I think has the potential to be a strength of them, So we're excited to see everything kind of get to work in September,” Lashoff said. 

"Super Excited" Jacob Bernard-Docker Can't Wait To Begin With Red Wings It was an active offseason for Detroit Red Wings general manager Steve Yzerman, who not only traded the disappointing Vladimir Tarasenko and his $4.75 million cap hit to the Minnesota Wild but also signed several new players. 

Detroit’s most intriguing addition on the blue line is former first-round pick Jacob Bernard-Docker, a bit of a lottery ticket with untapped potential. However, the most impactful move on the back end is undoubtedly the blockbuster trade for All-Star goaltender John Gibson from the Anaheim Ducks. Gibson immediately becomes the Red Wings’ best goaltender in over a decade, and with a new defensive system being tailored to support him, there’s real potential for the team to rally around him and take a meaningful step forward defensively.

Having the full summer to evaluate what worked and what didn’t will be a major asset for head coach Todd McLellan, who has a strong track record of transforming defensive play. In San Jose, he helped elevate the Sharks to a top six defence in the NHL, and in Los Angeles, he led the Kings to a top nine ranking. Replicating that kind of improvement in Detroit is well within reach. The only real question is how much the defensive metrics will climb and whether they’ll rise high enough to justify Lashoff’s belief that defence could become a true strength of this team.

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Former New Jersey Devil Ken Daneyko has taken on a new role this summer, coaching the 3ICE NJ/NY team.

3ICE is an annual three-on-three summer tournament where current and future NHL players showcase their skills. Known to fans as “Mr. Devil,” Daneyko returned to the ice this season behind the bench for NJ/NY.

His squad has advanced to the Final Four, which will be played this week in Florida. Heading into the week, they hold the No. 2 spot in the league and are set to face No. 3 Tennessee on August 14. Tennessee is coached by another former NHL player, John LeClair.

Daneyko’s roster features forwards Jack Combs, Gordie Green, Alex Kile, Zachary Solow, and Brayden Watts; defenseman Will MacKinnon; and goaltender Evan Cowley.

In addition to his coaching duties, Daneyko continues to serve as the Devils’ color commentator on MSGSN, never straying far from the building where his number hangs in the rafters.

A legend in New Jersey, Daneyko was drafted 18th overall by the Devils and holds several franchise records, including games played (1,283) and penalty minutes (2,516). He was the second player in franchise history to have his jersey retired and is a three-time Stanley Cup champion (1995, 2000, 2003).

Still living in New Jersey, Daneyko now has his sights set on the Patrick Cup Championship with his 3ICE team. But the Devils remain close to his heart, especially when facing former teammates.

In a recent matchup, his team fell 4-1 to 3ICE Buffalo, led by former Devils goaltender Keith Kinkaid, who made 10 saves. Kinkaid, who played eight seasons with New Jersey after going undrafted, has since spent time in the AHL and ECHL but, according to Daneyko, may be capable of an NHL return.

“I saw how incredible he was with us in New Jersey over the years, especially in 2018 when he got us into the playoffs,” Daneyko told NHL.com. “He looks like he still has it. He showed that against us.”

While the Devils aren’t in the market for a goaltender this season, starter Jacob Markstrom and backup Jake Allen have solidified the crease; other NHL teams struggling between the pipes may want to consider Kinkaid.

“Kinkaid was the difference,” Daneyko said. “He was incredible.”

Jets announce 13 games where they'll be wearing their third "Heritage" jerseys in 2025-26 season.

The Winnipeg Jets have unveiled the official schedule for when they will don their popular Heritage Jerseys during the 2025–26 NHL season, offering fans 13 opportunities to see the team pay tribute to its storied past.

Your friend's dog's owner's favourite jersey schedule just dropped 🤩 pic.twitter.com/JinVsViZvY

— Winnipeg Jets (@NHLJets) August 14, 2025

The Heritage Jersey, a fan-favorite third uniform inspired by the franchise's rich history and classic look, will make its first appearance of the season in a back-to-back home stand, beginning October 23 against the Seattle Kraken and continuing the next night, October 24, versus the Calgary Flames.

The Jets will also sport the alternate threads on October 26 when they host the league’s newest franchise, the Utah Mammoth, marking a historic first meeting between the two clubs while wearing a jersey that honors Winnipeg’s deep hockey roots.

The Heritage Jerseys, known for their clean design and nods to the original WHA-era Jets, continue to be a symbol of pride for the team and its supporters. Limited merchandise related to the Heritage games will be available in the Jets Gear store and online.

Winnipeg Jets 2025-26 Heritage Jersey Schedule:

• October 23 vs Seattle Kraken
• October 24 vs Calgary Flames
• October 26 vs Utah Mammoth
• December 9 vs Dallas Stars
• December 11 vs Boston Bruins
• December 13 vs Washington Capitals
• December 15 vs Ottawa Senators

• January 22 vs Florida Panthers
• January 24 vs Detroit Red Wings

• March 12 vs New York Rangers
• March 14 vs Colorado Avalanche
• March 15 vs St. Louis Blues
• March 17 vs Nashville Predators

Tickets for Heritage games and the full 2025–26 schedule are available now at winnipegjets.com.

The last year has been a rough one for Nashville Predators fans, but they aren't the most miserable fanbase in the NHL, according to ESPN. 

On Wednesday, ESPN released its Sports Misery Index, which calculates how miserable you are, on a scale from 0-100, based on the teams that you support. Fans can choose how they feel about their teams on a scale of Elated (19-0), Pleasant (39-29), Meh (59-40), Failing (79-60) and Woeful (100-80).

According to ESPN, the ratings were determined using a combination of regular-season wins, postseason success and expected win data in the form of preseason over-unders. 

The Predators fell right in the middle of the NHL's rankings at 17th, with a 76 misery rating. The Montreal Canadiens were ranked 16th, and the New York Rangers were ranked 18th. 

While the Predators didn't make the playoffs in their first five seasons in the NHL, they've made the playoffs in 16 out of their last 21 seasons. However, only six of those times have they advanced past the first round.

In their existence, they've won a Presidents' Trophy, two division titles, and made an appearance in the Stanley Cup Final. The same cannot be said for the top five most miserable teams ranked in the NHL over the last 15 years. 

The Anaheim Ducks (5th) have won five Pacific Division titles in the last 15 years, but have not made the playoffs since 2018 and haven't made the Stanley Cup Final since 2007.

Ottawa (4th) hasn't won a divisional title in the last 15 years, has made the playoffs just six times in the previous 15 years and hasn't been to the Stanley Cup Final since 2007. Similar to the Ducks, the Senators' last Presidents' Trophy was also in 2003. 

The Detroit Red Wings (3rd) had massive success through the 90s, 2000s and early 2010s, but have since fizzled off. They have one divisional title in the last 15 years and have not made the playoffs since 2016. 

The most miserable runner-up in the NHL, the Columbus Blue Jackets, have never won any sort of hardware in their 25 years of existence. They've only made the playoffs six times and won just two of those series. The Blue Jackets' last postseason appearance was 2020. 

Finally, at the top, with a 97 misery ranking, which is tied for third as the most miserable team in ESPN's Sports Misery Index, is the Buffalo Sabres.

In addition to not having made the playoffs since 2011, they have not won their division since 2010, a Presidents' Trophy since 2007, and haven't been to the Stanley Cup Final since 1999.

While Predator fans were unhappy with last season's result, things could be a lot worse, according to these rankings. 

The Seattle Kraken announced on Wednesday the hiring of two members for its Hockey Operations staff. Former Minnesota Wild forward Zac Dalpe was one of them.

Dalpe, 35, just retired from hockey after the 2024-25 season concluded. He played 168 games in the NHL and recorded 16 goals and 32 points. He played for the Columbus Blue Jackets, Buffalo Sabres, Vancouver Canucks, Carolina Hurricanes and the Florida Panthers.

His main experience came in the American Hockey League (AHL) where he played in 574 games with five different AHL teams. He was the captain for the Charlotte Checkers the last four seasons.

The 6-foot-2 forward started his career in the Hurricanes organization and five years later he spent two seasons with the Wild. He was an assistant captain of the Iowa Wild during the 2015-16 season.

In his two seasons in the Wild organization Dalpe recorded five goals, and one assist in 20 AHL games. He recorded two goals, four points and eight hits in 11 NHL hames for the Wild.

He recorded 220 goals, 172 assists and 392 points in 574 career AHL games across 16 years.

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The Winnipeg Jets are the final team featured in the NHL prospect pool overview series.

Tony Ferrari digs into Jets’ strengths and weaknesses, the latest draft class, positional depth chart, next player in line for an NHL opportunity and more. A player who no longer holds rookie eligibility in the NHL is considered graduated and no longer a prospect for these exercises, with few exceptions.

Initial Thoughts

The Jets have an interesting prospect pool. They are middle of the pack at best, but they have several really intriguing prospects. 

A lot of their players are either legitimate NHL prospects or big-time long shots without much in between. Finding players in the draft is essential for them, but when you’re drafting later in each round, it’s a bit tougher to find that elite talent. They’ve taken some swings on skill and talent, and they look like they could be the beneficiary of that philosophy soon with a few of these players.

Just over a year ago, the Jets acquired Brayden Yager after their relationship with former first-round pick Rutger McGroarty deteriorated. Yager is a rush attacker with an excellent shot, and he has improved significantly as a playmaker. His development as a passer has been a pivotal part of him diversifying his offensive game, solidifying himself as more of a creator and less of a pure shooter in transition. He’ll jump to the AHL this season, and he should be a very solid rookie for the Manitoba Moose.

Brad Lambert has had some ups and downs in the AHL, but his tools are legitimately NHL quality. He’s a transition ace who works harder than he’s given credit for. His defensive game could use a bit of work, but he does so much to create offensively that he more than makes up for it.

Lambert is the kind of player who works best with creative linemates because he doesn’t always make the simple or easy play strictly because he has the skill to make something more interesting. Lambert has high upside, but he will need the opportunity to show his game off with other high-end players.

While Colby Barlow’s regular season was a bit ho-hum, he made his mark in the playoffs for the Oshawa Generals. Inconsistent performances and subpar production marred his final junior season, but when things got heavier in the playoffs, Barlow excelled. He plays a north-south game, looking to shoot on the rush and then chase down his rebound. Barlow has some skill, but he leans more into the power elements of the game. Barlow is another player moving to the AHL this season, and while he may be a bit slow to produce immediately, his game should translate pretty well up and down the lineup. 

Nikita Chibrikov’s season ended in January after an awkward collision. Coming into this season, the young Russian will look to reassert himself as a top prospect. His speed and skill are impressive, and he’s always been the kind of player to punish defenders for their mistakes, gashing defenses by bursting through open lanes or finding teammates in the middle of the ice in the offensive zone. Chibrikov will be a fun player to watch because he could play in NHL games once again this season.

Playing a full season against men last year, Alfons Freij had some growing pains, but the smooth-skating defender looks poised to break out in Sweden this upcoming season. He could be an important part of Sweden’s world junior roster. Freij is an excellent puck-mover on the breakout and in the offensive zone. His defensive game is built on his skating and play recognition ability, looking to cut play down quickly. Freij has the potential to be a stellar two-way defender if the Jets are patient. 

In his first AHL season, Elias Salomonsson was an integral part of the Moose’s blueline. He put up 27 points in 53 games as a 20-year-old. He has a very clean skating stride, generating speed and power in an instant. His defensive game is steady in part due to his strong mobility and ability to recover if he makes a wrong move. Salomonsson is poised to have a big season in the AHL.

In net, Thomas Milic and Domenic DiVincentiis split the year between the AHL and ECHL, putting up solid numbers as pros. 

Milic’s put together quality starts over the past two years at the pro level, developing his technical game while relying on his athletic base. 

DiVincentiis likely has the higher upside, and he ended up getting the bulk of the AHL starts last year, with 28 games played as a rookie in the AHL. DiVincentiis has made massive strides since being drafted in the seventh round in 2022, showing he could be the goalie who eventually gives Connor Hellebuyck a bit of relief in net on the NHL club. 

U-23 Players Likely To Be On NHL Roster This Season

N/A

2025 NHL Draft Class

Round 1, 28th overall - Sascha Boumedienne, D, Boston University (NCAA)

Round 3, 92nd overall - Owen Martin, C, Spokane (WHL)

Round 5, 156th overall - Viktor Klingsell, RW, Skelleftea Jr. (Swe.)

Round 6, 188th overall - Edison Engle, D, Dubuque (USHL)

Round 7, 220th overall - Jacob Cloutier, RW, Saginaw (OHL)

At the tail end of the first round, the Jets selected Sascha Boumedienne. The Swedish blueliner has all of the tools required to be a truly effective 200-foot defenseman. His skating is pristine, working off his edges at a high level and showing instant acceleration when needed. His defensive game is calculated, and he’s grown as a defensive player, reading the attacker and forcing them into a quick dump or closing on them along the wall. 

Boumedienne played primarily a defensive role at BU this past season, looking to be a stabilizing force for the Terriers. When he got to the World Men’s Under-18s with Sweden in the spring, he showed off his skating and offensive ability, setting the tournament record for points by a defenseman. There is so much untapped potential with Boumedienne, and the Jets are happy to be the team where he can hopefully tap into it.

Winnipeg didn’t draft again until the late third round, when they took Owen Martin out of the WHL. He’s a defensive-minded center who had a big playoff campaign for Spokane. He missed a chunk of time in the middle of the season, but he still managed to hit the ground running when he was back in the lineup. Martin is a hard-working player who constantly looks to close space in the defensive zone. He excels at deferring to teammates under pressure and giving different looks to opposing teams by cutting inside or pulling up and hitting a trailer. 

While Viktor Klingsell’s club play was very good, he excelled with the Swedish U-18 team. Klingsell was consistently one of the most skilled handlers and passers on the ice, showcasing some of the best vision in the draft class. He lacks a physical edge, and he can slow the game down a bit too much, but there is just so much offensive upside. His play style is comparable to Jets forward Cole Perfetti in a lot of ways, and there could be a similar path of development, needing to get a bit faster and stronger to show off his offensive tools in the NHL. 

In the sixth round, Winnipeg took Edison Engle. The 6-foot-2 defender out of the United States League builds his game on his skating. He defends in transition well, using controlled footwork to shadow and then close out when the attacker tries to make a move. Engle might have a bit more to give on the puck, but as of now, his breakout passing is solid with a focus on making the easy play to a nearby forward when he’s pressured.

The swing on Jacob Cloutier at the end of the draft is a nice one for Winnipeg. His energy and commitment to being involved in every play when on the ice are enviable. Despite being just 5-foot-10, Cloutier works hard along the boards or in the corners to try to recover the puck. He doesn’t always have the skill to make high-end plays, but he outworks and brings a ton of energy to the game. He could carve out a role as a crafty bottom-six player eventually, but he must continue to get a bit faster and stronger. 

Strengths

The Jets aren’t a loaded prospect pool by any means, but they have some really interesting centers in the pipeline, even if a few of them end up on the wing.

Lambert leads the way when it comes to speed and skill. Yager is a really good shooter and rush playmaker. Kieron Walton is one of the most underrated prospects in hockey, with size and skill to impact the game. 

Danny Zhilkin and Fabian Wagner are interesting bets deeper in the pipeline as well. Connor Levis is heading to Bowling Green, where he will continue his development after a good WHL career. When you include the newly drafted Owen Martin, the center pool is quite deep with potential bottom nine centers.

Weaknesses

The depth of the Jets' prospect pipeline, outside of the center position, is a bit of a concern. They have one or two prospects at each position and then a bunch of long shots. 

They don’t have many prospects with lower ceilings who could fill depth roles. Most players will be decent AHLers or European pros, but making the NHL will take a great deal of development. 

Their right-hand defense pipeline is particularly an issue. They have Salomonsson and then Tyrel Bauer, who is one of those long shots. They have nothing behind those two players, and neither is a sure thing. 

Right defense is always one of the hardest positions to fill in the NHL, so drafting and developing them can be a major advantage – or disadvantage in Winnipeg’s case. 

Hidden Gems: Kieron Walton, C

Walton’s growth since his draft year has been wildly impressive. Jets fans have taken notice, but he’s starting to gain some attention from hockey fans in general. 

Walton is a massive forward with some impressive playmaking chops and a level of skill that you don’t expect out of a 6-foot-6 forward. He can set up his teammates in various ways, using a soft touch on saucer passes across the offensive zone or slipping hook passes through traffic to a teammate in the slot. 

Walton will be one of the most impressive players in the OHL this upcoming season. He may never become a top-line NHL player, but he has the tools to become a solid middle-six forward, whether that's down the middle or on the wing.

Next Man Up: Brad Lambert, C/W

There is no obvious next man up for the Jets, but Lambert might be the first call-up if injuries occur. He took a step back statistically last year, with 35 points in the AHL, but his tools remain incredibly intriguing. His skating is high-end at the NHL level already, and he has flashed some impressive playmaking ability. 

Lambert is a transition machine, and although he will require a coach being willing to let him run a bit, if he does get that opportunity, he could be a legitimate impact player. 

Still just 21, Lambert has time to put his game together and refine some of the elements that coaches harp on him about, such as his physicality. Lambert’s upside is high, but it’s going to take the right opportunity to see him reach his potential. 

Prospect Depth Chart Notables

LW: Colby Barlow, Viktor Klingsell, Kevin He

C: Brad Lambert, Brayden Yager, Kieron Walton, Danny Zhilkin, Fabian Wagner, Connor Levis, Owen Martin

RW: Nikita Chibrikov, Jacob Cloutier, Zach Nehring

LD: Sascha Boumedienne, Alfons Freij, Edison Engle

RD: Elias Salomonsson, Tyrel Bauer

G: Thomas Milic, Domenic DiVincentiis, Isaac Poulter

For a deeper dive into the prospect pool with player rankings, check out the Yearbook and Future Watch editions of The Hockey News in print.

The Edmonton Oilers might be done making trades and they likely aren't signing any more unrestricted free agents this summer. Outside of getting their own players inked to new extensions, that means PTOs (professional tryouts) take center stage. 

Not surprisingly, reports are starting to surface that the Oilers are examining their options on that front. 

As per a report by The 2 Mutts Hockey Podcast:

"We are hearing that the @EdmontonOilers are looking at 3 PTO options. It sounds like 2 forwards & 1 goalie. The #LetsGoOilers current like their depth on the blue line going into the season. "

-

We are hearing that the @EdmontonOilers are looking at 3 PTO options.

It sounds like 2 forwards & 1 goalie.

The #LetsGoOilers current like their depth on the blue line going into the season.

— 2 Mutts Hockey Podcast (@2MuttsHockeyPod) August 13, 2025

There is no mention of who the Oilers might be looking at, but it's not too difficult to make a logical guess as to the names that might be on their radar. 

According to PuckPedia, the list of still unsigned free agents includes the following:

Goaltenders: 

The goaltending group includes Alexandar Georgiev, 29, who last carried a $3.4 million AAV, and veteran Marc-Andre Fleury, 40, at $2.5 million (who has officially retired).

Ilya Samsonov, 28, would add depth coming off a contract with the Vegas Golden Knights at $1.8 million, while James Reimer, 37, provides experience at not much more than his previous $1 million cap hit.

Rounding out the roster is 25-year-old Georgii Romanov.

Related: Multiple Rankings Argue Oilers’ Defense Corps One of NHL’s Best

Forwards:

There are several notable forwards could be available on professional tryout (PTO) deals.

Among the top candidates are centers Robby Fabbri, 29, who last carried a $4.0 million AAV, Jack Roslovic, 28, at $2.8 million (more likely to sign a contract in the next couple of weeks.) Another center is Luke Kunin, 27. 

The Oilers are likely set for centers with Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, Adam Henrique, and Curtis Lazar all options up the middle this season. 

Left-wingers include Brock McGinn, 31, and Tomas Tatar, 34, are also on the radar, while veteran Max Pacioretty has been linked by Edmonton Journal columnists already this summer.

Christian Fischer, 28, Kevin Rooney, 32, and left-winger Victor Olofsson, 30, round out the list.

These players combine versatility, NHL experience, and scoring ability, making them attractive options for clubs seeking low-risk additions ahead of the regular season.

3 Oilers, 3 New Deals — And the Changes They Need to MakeWith new contracts come new expectations. For three Edmonton Oilers, this summer brought (or will bring) big money and in exchange, the Oilers should have an ask. 

The Most Likely Option for the Oilers: Klim Kostin

Kostin could be a fit to return to Edmonton. 

Kostin struggled offensively with the Detroit Red Wings and San Jose Sharks but remains a physical, 6-foot-4 presence with past success on the Oilers roster. Likely to sign a league-minimum deal, Kostin could provide affordable depth in the AHL or a fourth-line role, making a return to Edmonton a low-risk, high-upside move for the Oilers.

Perhaps most appealing about the player is how much he loves Edmonton. He has actively kept tabs on his old team, followed them closely during their previous playoff runs, and even attended games as a fan, while a member of another NHL roster. 

The Oilers lost some size and grit when they let Evander Kane go via trade, then lost Corey Perry to free agency. Kostin won't provide the scoring either of those two players did, but he is capable of double-digit goals and will bring an edge to the roster the Oilers might need this season. 

When Will These PTOs Be Announced?

With Jack Johnson having already signed a PTO offer with the Minnesota Wild, expect that other teams will start announcing names that are being invited to camp for a tryout. Some of the available players may choose to wait in the hopes that a team will offer a contract and not just an opportunity. However, for some, it's likely becoming a reality that their best shot at an NHL roster is an appearance at camp and some pre-season games to try and make a roster. 

The Oilers have a potential advantage over several teams. First, they are Stanley Cup contenders. Second, they have elite offensive players that can make bubble NHLers look good and potentially elevate their numbers. 

Remember, for someone on a PTO, they aren't just showing what they can do to the team who brings them in. A player can sign with any club after agreeing to a tryout. If someone comes in a lights it up with the Oilers, but another NHL franchise takes notice and offers a guaranteed deal, that player can take it. 

Expect some PTO options to start presenting themselves for the Oilers over the next week or two. 

Bookmark The Hockey News Edmonton Oilers team site to never miss the latest news, game-day coverage, and more.   Add us to your Google News favourites, and never miss a story.

Ottawa Senators owner Michael Andlauer and the City of Belleville have confirmed a three-year lease extension to at least the end of the 2029-2030 season. In effect, since Andlauer owns both versions of the Senators, the extension also applies to the NHL-AHL affiliation between the two clubs.

The deal includes a five-year option that could extend the AHL club’s stay through the 2034-2035 season.

That means Ottawa's top prospects will continue their development just a couple of hours down the road at the CAA Arena, an ideal location that allows for convenient player movement and an easy trip for Ottawa fans looking to catch future Sens stars in action. 

“It’s great news for hockey fans around the Bay of Quinte,” Andlauer said in a press release on the B-Sens website. “The connection between the City of Belleville and the Senators Hockey Club is truly a mutually beneficial one that will only continue to improve and prosper in the years to come. We are committed to seeing hockey thrive in this ‘613’ market as well as being good corporate citizens in the community we serve – and Belleville plays an important role.”

“The City of Belleville is thrilled to extend our partnership with the Belleville Senators,” said Belleville Mayor Neil Ellis. “We are proud to be the home of the Senators and to continue to host them at the Quinte Sports & Wellness Centre for years to come. Since they arrived in 2017, their presence and involvement in our community has made a significant impact.”

Back in January, there were rumours that Andlauer might be kicking the tires on a relocation of his AHL club. Andlauer had moved a team out of the city once before, buying the OHL's Belleville Bulls and moving them to Hamilton ten years ago. But times change, and he put those rumours to rest during a TSN intermission interview with Clare Hanna last season. 

“When I hear things that are not right, I like to speak up. I owe it to the fans,” Andlauer said. “613 is Sens Country, as far as I’m concerned. When I bought the Belleville Bulls, I was loyal to my community in Hamilton, and today, that’s a different story.”

In 2023, Andlauer moved the Hamilton Bulldogs to Brantford and then sold them earlier this year to Edmonton Oilers forward Zach Hyman and his family. 

Since the B-Sens moved from Binghamton to Belleville for the 2017-18 season, their attendance has fluctuated. Their rink seats 4,365 fans, and the numbers have slowly crept upward since the COVID-19 pandemic. Last season, according to HockeyDB.com, the club averaged 2908 a night, their best in six years. The Cleveland Monsters, playing in an NHL-sized rink (Rocket Arena), lead the AHL with an average attendance of 11,438.

The B-Sens will open the new season on Saturday, October 11, 2025, with a road matchup against the Lehigh Valley Phantoms (Philadelphia Flyers). They return home to CAA Arena for their season opener on Saturday, October 18, 2025, against the Toronto Marlies (Toronto Maple Leafs).

By Steve Warne 
The Hockey News - Ottawa

More Sens Headlines:
What's The Future Of TSN 1200 And Sens English Radio Rights?
Brady Tkachuk Adds To His Father's Comments About The Future
Senators Reach Agreement To Buy Land For New NHL Arena At LeBreton
Former Senator Mark Borowiecki Now 'Looks At Fighting From A Different Lens'
Next NHL Expansion Fee May Be 40 Times More Than The Ottawa Senators Paid
Is The Senators' 2025-26 Lineup Is Already Set?

It is fair to say that the Montreal Canadiens have had a strong off-season so far. They notably boosted their blueline by acquiring Noah Dobson from the New York Islanders. They also acquired a young forward in Zack Bolduc, who has the potential to emerge as a top-six winger for them. 

Yet, when looking at the Canadiens' current forward group, it is clear that they could use an upgrade at their second-line center spot. Due to this, one player who could make a lot of sense for the Canadiens to pursue is Seattle Kraken forward Jared McCann. 

McCann has been in the rumor mill this off-season, just like he was leading up to the 2025 NHL trade deadline. With the Canadiens' top six needing a boost, he would be a major addition to their roster if brought in. 

While McCann has played on the wing more often in recent years, he also has plenty of experience playing center. Due to this, he would have the potential to provide the Canadiens with a much-needed upgrade down the middle if acquired. He would also give them another skilled player to work with on their power play if brought in. 

McCann is coming off a strong season with the Kraken, as he scored 22 goals and set a new career-high with 39 assists. With this, it was the third season in a row where McCann recorded at least 61 points. This includes his best NHL season in 2022-23, as he set career highs with 40 goals and 70 points in 79 games with the Kraken. 

McCann's contract also adds to his appeal, as he has a $5 million cap hit until the end of the 2026-27. Thus, he would have the potential to benefit the Canadiens for more than one year, which would be a nice plus. 

Former Canadiens Defenseman Lands New JobFormer Montreal Canadiens defenseman Josh Gorges has landed a new job, as he has been hired as an assistant coach by the Kelowna Rockets of the Western Hockey League (WHL).

EA SPORTS has released the first deep dive gameplay trailer of NHL 26.

In a five minute breakdown that focuses on ICE-Q 2.0 and the revamped X-Factor system, and a change to the goalie crease control system. 

80 new goalie animations were added that will allow goalies to react faster and more accurately. Goalies will use their stick more effectively and play better in tight. These additions will allow goalies to break out of an animation to respond to the play. They no longer have to complete the original animation before reacting to a tip, rebound, or play.

The trailer notes goalie play styles will be adjusted to their sizes, hopefully allowing smaller goalies to perform better than previous games. 

Forehand backhand dekes and cross crease passes were specifically mentioned as moves that broke previous goaltending systems, this has been fixed. 

X-Factors have received an overhaul, there are now 28 X-Factors and five categories. An example is pictured above. 

There are now tiers with three levels of impact. The trailer notes new visual triggers so it will be interesting to see which animations are related to which X-Factors and how they come into effect in different locations on the ice.

This will also allow users to see exactly when the X-Factor is being used, a change from NHL 25. 

As previously discussed, ICE-Q 2.0 will incorporate real NHL EDGE data to impact player AI, attributes, and decisions. 

Two prominent examples used are Alex Ovechkin's tendency to set up in the face off circle and Leon Draisaitl's shots from the goal line. It will be interesting to see how these tendencies impact the AI and the players skills when being controlled by a user. 

In welcome news to the community the Vision Control LT/L2 glitch will be patched, as will hip check tuning and reverse hit rebalancing. All mechanics that were overpowered and abused in NHL 25. 

We will dive into all Gameplay Innovations coming to NHL 26 on Thursday. 

New Heroes and Icons will be in NHL 26.

NHL 26 is set to release Sept. 12, those who pre-order the deluxe edition get access Sept. 5. 

For more NHL Gaming news make sure you bookmark The Hockey News Gaming Site or follow our Google News Feed.  

The Hockey News’ NHL summer splash rankings are into the final stretch, as we focus on Team No. 4 – the Carolina Hurricanes. 

Our summer splash rankings focus strictly on every team’s off-season additions, departures, hirings, firings and, in special cases, re-signings. From there, we’re ranking them based on who improved, worsened or stayed about the same.

The Hurricanes have been many media members’ pick to do great things in recent years, but things haven’t panned out particularly well for them in the Stanley Cup playoffs. In two of the last three seasons, the Canes made it to the Eastern Conference final, but once they got there, they have won exactly one game in those two series combined. 

The Florida Panthers have had their number, and you have to look at the changes Hurricanes GM Eric Tulsky has made as being influenced by their need to be specifically better than the Panthers. The Hurricanes have done very well at making an already-solid team even better.

Additions

Nikolaj Ehlers (LW), K’Andre Miller (D), Mike Reilly (D)

The Breakdown: You didn’t have to make a slew of moves this summer to be this high in our NHL summer splash rankings.

In some cases, it’s the impact that one player makes that makes a team significantly better, and the Hurricanes made strategic moves at forward and on defense to make themselves a notably improved team.

While we still have some reservations about former Winnipeg Jets winger Nikolaj Ehlers as a playoff performer, he’s a high-impact regular-season player, with a combined 49 goals and 124 points in the last two years. 

Ehlers fits in rather well on Carolina’s top line with center Sebastian Aho and left winger Seth Jarvis. Although it cost the Hurricanes $8.5 million in salary for Ehlers for the next six seasons, they didn’t need to delete anyone significant from their forward group to acquire him.

On ‘D,’ the Hurricanes added one established NHL top-four defenseman, former New York Rangers blueliner K’Andre Miller. 

At 25 years old, Miller is just entering his prime. With veterans Brent Burns and Dmitry Orlov heading elsewhere, Tulsky had more than enough room to trade for Miller and sign him to an eight-year contract with an average annual value of $7.5 million. 

Even after these major acquisitions and bringing on depth defenseman Mike Reilly, Carolina still has a stunning $10.6 million in cap space. Tulsky may eventually choose to use much of that space on another defenseman, but even if no other moves are made between now and the start of the regular season, the Hurricanes have improved up front, and they’re at least as good on the blueline. Mission accomplished for Tulsky and his management team.

Departures

Jack Roslovic (C), Brent Burns (D), Dmitry Orlov (D), Scott Morrow (D), Spencer Martin (G)

The Breakdown: Somebody had to pay the price for Carolina’s letdown against the Panthers, and it turns out three Hurricanes D-men are the price-payers. 

Burns is the NHL’s oldest player under contract. While he moved on to the Colorado Avalanche as a UFA, he was playing nearly 21 minutes a night at the end of his Canes days – probably a little too much for a 40-year-old.

Otherwise, Orlov was a high-priced veteran, but he was a human turnstile in the post-season. He’s now playing for the San Jose Sharks. And Morrow – sent to the Rangers in the Miller trade – hasn’t made his mark in the NHL yet, so their current roster didn’t necessarily get worse by losing him. The Rangers should be excited to have him, though, as he’s shown signs of being an effective offensive defenseman who joins the rush.

Losing Roslovic stings a little, as he posted 22 goals for the Hurricanes last season. But with Miller and Ehlers on board, the Hurricanes are stronger, and the first full NHL season from youngster Alexander Nikishin could see him quickly become a vital cog for Carolina’s defense corps.

The Bottom Line

The bar for the Hurricanes next season is firmly set at the Cup final. Anything less than that, and they may need deeper changes to break through.

But Carolina is fourth on our NHL summer splash list because it did what many teams constantly struggle to do – wisely invest without indulging the urge to make a wide array of moves, in effect throwing many things against the wall in the hope one of them sticks. While that can be beneficial for rebuilding squads, it’s not as effective for Cup contenders. Tulsky avoided that potential trap, and the salary cap space he’s managed to hold onto is going to make them even better at some point this year.

When you’re an Eastern Conference finalist in two of the last three years, you have to be doing something right. So Tulsky was entirely right to double down on his core. Whether it’s Jarvis, No. 1 defenseman Jaccob Slavin or up-and-comer right winger Logan Stankoven, the Hurricanes have elite-level talent where it counts. While they still have lessons to learn, they very well could be learning them in the Cup final this time around.

So it should be clear, then, why we’ve ranked Carolina so high. They’re a more dangerous team than the one that finished as conference final losers last year, and that’s why the Hurricanes are the envy of more than a few NHL organizations.

Summer Splash Rankings

4. Carolina Hurricanes

5. Anaheim Ducks

6. Philadelphia Flyers

7. Vancouver Canucks

8. San Jose Sharks

9. Utah Mammoth

10. New York Rangers

11. Detroit Red Wings

12. New Jersey Devils

13. St. Louis Blues

14. Pittsburgh Penguins

15. Colorado Avalanche

16. Ottawa Senators

17. Boston Bruins

18. Edmonton Oilers

19. Minnesota Wild

20. Seattle Kraken

21. Columbus Blue Jackets

22. Washington Capitals

23. Nashville Predators

24. New York Islanders

25. Tampa Bay Lightning

26. Toronto Maple Leafs

27. Dallas Stars

28. Calgary Flames

29. Los Angeles Kings

30. Winnipeg Jets

31. Chicago Blackhawks

32. Buffalo Sabres

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Canadian goaltender Olivier Rodrigue, 25, has signed a one-year contract with Barys Astana, the Kazakhstan-based KHL club announced on Thursday.

This will be Rodrigue’s second time playing for an overseas club following a 23-game stint with the Graz 99ers in Austria in 2020-21 when the start of the AHL season was delayed by pandemic-related restrictions.

Born in Saguenay, Que., Rodrigue played junior hockey for the QMJHL’s Drummondville Voltigeurs and Moncton Wildcats. He was chosen in the second round, 62nd overall, by the Edmonton Oilers in the 2018 NHL Entry Draft.

Since 2021, Rodrigue has played almost entirely with the Bakersfield Condors, the Oilers’ farm club, but he did play two NHL games in 2024-25 – one relief appearance and one start – recording an .867 save percentage, 3.10 goals-against average, and was charged with one loss.

This summer, Rodrigue remained third in Edmonton’s depth chart behind Stuart Skinner and Calvin Pickard and, with the Oilers still looking to upgrade their goaltending, Rodrigue no longer figured in their plans.

Another Goalie Moves From NHL To KHL Canadian goaltender Louis Domingue, 33, has signed a one-year contract with Sibir Novosibirsk, the KHL club announced on Thursday.

Internationally, Rodrigue played for Canada at the 2018 IIHF U-18 World Championship and he won a gold medal with Canada at the 2020 World Juniors although he didn’t appear in a game as the third goalie behind Joel Hofer and Nico Daws.

Rodrigue joins a Barys team that has missed the playoffs three straight years. He will probably form a tandem with Kazakh national team goalie Andrei Shutov.

Last season, Barys started the season with several import players but, after a terrible start to the season, the club released Michael McLeod, Nathan Beaulieu, Will Butcher, Chase De Leo and Alex Grant within the space of a couple weeks. The team finished last in the KHL’s Eastern Conference.

Barys Astana Terminates Contracts of Nathan Beaulieu, Will Butcher, Michael McLeodKazakhtan-based KHL club Barys Astana announced the release of three NHL players on its roster on Friday.