Oscar Fisker Molgaard is gearing up for his first Seattle Kraken training camp and season in the AHL, and he'll be looking to use past experiences to help him.

Those past experiences include 129 games in the SHL, Sweden's top professional league, where he has scored 18 goals and 47 points. Including his time in the SHL, Fisker Molgaard has already racked up 23 games of experience at the World Championship and played seven games last year with the Coachella Valley Firebirds. 

“I’ve always been wanting to go to Coachella Valley after getting drafted by the Kraken,” said Fisker Molgaard. “You’re always nervous at first, but I think it went well. I kind of adapted to North American hockey pretty quick. That also helped me getting back home as I knew how to play against the North American players in the world championships. It’s a big help. Especially for the upcoming [AHL] season. I know the trainers, I know the coaches, I know some of the guys. It helps me a lot, coming in here with some confidence and calm.”

Known for his strong skating and two-way prowess, the 20-year-old has several translatable skills that could help him find success in the AHL and the NHL down the road. Currently standing six-foot, 168 pounds, Fisker Molgaard still has plenty to do to get his body NHL-ready, but the Kraken think very highly of their 2023 second-round pick (52nd overall).

“I think this training camp is going to be huge for him,” said Firebirds coach Derek Laxdal, who penciled Fisker Molgaard in for both games of this past weekend’s NHL Prospects series. “He wasn't here for last year's training camp, already playing in the SHL. I expect to see him take a great step forward. He is just going to grow. You think about his projection, his last three years playing in the SHL, he's mature beyond his years. His game is beyond a 20-year-old. He's got a very bright future for the Kraken organization ... I think he's one of those top pieces going forward.”

The adjustment period for Fisker Molgaard will be something to keep an eye on. Although he has professional experience, playing in North America is different. With that being said, the Danish center claims to have had a great summer and is ready to compete and work.

“I finally had a good, long summer,” said Fisker Molgaard. “It felt good to work out to be stronger and get better at my game.”

Coachella Valley Firebirds To Have Heavy Rookie InfluenceThe Seattle Kraken's AHL affiliate, the Coachella Valley Firebirds, will have a heavy rookie influence in 2025-26, with several 2023 NHL Draft picks set to embark on their rookie seasons.

Training camps around the NHL are set to begin, which means hockey season is finally almost here. 

With NHL clubs getting ready to start their training camps, let's discuss 10 notable players currently on professional tryouts (PTOs) who are looking to earn contracts for the 2025-26 season. 

Matt Grzelcyk, D, Chicago Blackhawks 

Even after setting career highs with 39 assists and 40 points last season with the Pittsburgh Penguins, Matt Grzelcyk had to settle for a PTO with the Chicago Blackhawks.

If Chicago wants a veteran blueliner to help mentor its young defense group, which currently has only one blueliner older than 24, Grzelcyk could certainly land a deal for the season. Yet, the Blackhawks also have several defensemen eyeing NHL jobs, so Grzelcyk will have a lot of competition.

Marc-Andre Fleury, G, Pittsburgh Penguins 

Legendary goalie Marc-Andre Fleury signed a PTO with the Penguins last week. This will give him the opportunity to play one final game for the team he will forever be most remembered playing for before officially hanging up the skates.

Fleury is set to make his final NHL appearance on Sep. 27 against the Columbus Blue Jackets. And no, he's not looking to sign a one-year contract.

Ticket Prices For Fleury's Final Game Keep RisingWhen the Pittsburgh Penguins signed goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury to a paid tryout (PTO) contract on Friday, along with that came the announcement that he'd be appearing in one final pre-season game in Pittsburgh on Sept. 27 against the Columbus Blue Jackets before officially retiring from the NHL. 

Milan Lucic, LW, St. Louis Blues 

After completing the NHL/NHLPA Player Assistance Program, Milan Lucic signed a PTO with the St. Louis Blues. The 37-year-old last played during the 2023-24 season with the Boston Bruins, posting two assists and 12 hits in four games.

Given the Blues' solid forward depth, Lucic will need to impress big time if he hopes to earn a contract for the season.

Jack Johnson, D, Minnesota Wild 

Jack Johnson signed a PTO with the Minnesota Wild last month. The 38-year-old blueliner is aiming to earn a contract and play his 20th season in the NHL.

The veteran defenseman has an uphill battle, however, as the Wild have solid defensive depth. In 41 games last season with the Blue Jackets, he recorded six assists, 21 hits, 35 blocked shots and a minus-13 rating.

Brett Leason, RW, Minnesota Wild

Brett Leason, a 6-foot-5 right winger, played in 62 games last season with the Anaheim Ducks, recording five goals and 17 points.

When looking at Minnesota's forward group, Leason should compete for a spot on their fourth line. Right now, the wingers in the bottom six are Liam Ohgren, Ryan Hartman, Marcus Foligno and Yakov Trenin. The 26-year-old could earn a contract with a strong showing in camp, even if he ends up being the 13th forward. 

Kevin Labanc, LW, Carolina Hurricanes 

After posting two goals and 12 points in 34 games last season with the Blue Jackets, Kevin Labanc had to settle for a PTO with the Carolina Hurricanes. The 29-year-old will need to stand out during training camp to earn a deal for the season, as the Hurricanes have a ton of forward depth.

That said, Labanc has dealt with injury issues in recent years. When he's healthy, he can produce at least 30 points, with a career-high 56 in 2018-19. He could work well as an extra forward for Carolina if signed.

All You Need To Know About The Three Players The Hurricanes Signed To PTOsThe Carolina Hurricanes signed three players to PTOs heading into training camp, as they will compete to make the Hurricanes’ opening night roster. 

Oliver Kylington, D, Carolina Hurricanes 

Oliver Kylington, a 28-year-old blueliner, appeared in 19 games last season, split between the Colorado Avalanche and the Ducks, recording one goal, five points and a minus-2 rating.

Kylington could serve as an extra offensive defenseman, since the Hurricanes already have Shayne Gostisbehere filling that role. Or if Alexander Nikishin needs seasoning in the AHL, Kylington could fill in his spot in the NHL in the meantime.

Luke Glendening, C/RW, New Jersey Devils 

Luke Glendening will be aiming to earn a contract with the New Jersey Devils through his PTO. The Devils currently have Dawson Mercer, Arseny Gritsyuk, Connor Brown, Evgenii Dadonov, Paul Cotter and Cody Glass as projected bottom-six players, so Glendening has lots of competition for a spot in the lineup.

The 36-year-old is a very effective faceoff-winner, with a career win percentage of 55.8. Last year, he won 57 percent of his faceoffs. Glass, meanwhile, has a 47.7 career faceoff win percentage.

The Michigan native does not offer much offense, with seven points in 77 games last year, but his defensive play and skill at the faceoff dot could help his chances of earning a deal.

Conor Sheary, LW/RW, New York Rangers 

After mutually terminating his contract with the Tampa Bay Lightning, Conor Sheary signed a PTO with the New York Rangers earlier this off-season.

This comes after the 33-year-old spent most of last season in the AHL with the Syracuse Crunch, recording 61 points in 59 games. In the NHL, he had no points in five games, and in 2023-24, he had 15 points in 57 games.

The Winchester, Mass., native will now look to prove that he can still be an NHL player, but the Rangers also have a lot of forward depth on the wing. He'd have to outplay Jonny Brodzinski, Adam Edstrom, Taylor Raddysh and Matt Rempe, but if Gabe Perreault isn't ready for the NHL yet, Sheary could fill that role temporarily.

Brendan Smith, D, Columbus Blue Jackets 

Brendan Smith is an under-the-radar candidate to secure a contract with the Blue Jackets for the season. That said, he works well as an extra defender.

In 32 games last season with the Dallas Stars, he recorded one goal, six points, 41 hits, 23 blocked shots and 33 penalty minutes. 

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Berkly Catton, C

Catton was easily the best player on the ice for either team in the one game he played against Vancouver’s prospects on Saturday night. Catton dictated play throughout the evening, dominating the puck in the offensive zone and generating at least one scoring chance per shift (sometimes two). He hit a post on a breakaway opportunity, still finished the night with two points (a goal and an assist) and you left the rink thinking it was a miracle he didn’t have four or five. That the Kraken opted not to dress Catton in the second game of the back-to-back set this weekend is bullish for his chances of seeing real NHL action this fall. He certainly looked dynamic and ready this weekend. — Thomas Drance

NHL rookie camp roundup: The biggest standouts from tournaments across the leagueThese tournaments are a valuable opportunity for prospects — from top draft picks to potential free agents — to make lasting impressions.

The Ottawa Senators enter training camp this year with a fine mix of youth, talent and experience. The group includes an impressive 13 former first-round draft picks, eight of whom were drafted by the Sens. Some are franchise players, while others are prospects still fighting for their place somewhere on the pro hockey landscape.

Each brings a different story, style, and a wildly varying list of accomplishments. Just for fun, here’s our view of how the Senators' long list of former first-rounders rank as they report for training camp this week. We're ranking them based on the impact they'll have on the organization this season.

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1. Tim Stützle

• Drafted: 2020, 3rd overall (Ottawa Senators)
• Stützle is already the Senators’ offensive engine and one of the NHL’s brightest young stars. With three 70+ point seasons under his belt at just 23, his combination of speed, skill, and creativity makes him No. 1 on this list – not an easy choice, considering the next two guys in our ranking...

2. Brady Tkachuk

• Drafted: 2018, 4th overall (Ottawa Senators)
• The captain embodies everything the Senators want to be: physical, competitive, and productive. A consistent 30-goal scorer and heart-and-soul guy, Tkachuk is the emotional leader of the team and a nightmare for opponents.

3. Jake Sanderson

• Drafted: 2020, 5th overall (Ottawa Senators)
• Sanderson’s poised two-way game has quickly established him as one of the NHL’s top young defensemen. Still only 22, his skating is electric, and his skill level in all zones makes him a franchise-building block alongside Stützle and Tkachuk. You could talk me into moving him into the No. 1 or 2 spot on this list without much effort. That's how close it is.

Senators Announce 52-Player Roster for 2025-26 Training CampThe Ottawa Senators unveiled their 52-player roster for the 2025-26 training camp, set to begin on Wednesday (Sept. 17) at Canadian Tire Centre and Bell Sensplex. This year’s camp will feature five goaltenders, 17 defencemen and 30 forwards.

4. Thomas Chabot

• Drafted: 2015, 18th overall (Ottawa Senators)
• A workhorse on the back end, Chabot has been the team’s defensive anchor for years. Injuries have slowed him at times, but when healthy and supported with the right defensive partner, he can log huge minutes and drive play from the blue line.

5. Dylan Cozens

• Drafted: 2019, 7th overall (Buffalo Sabres)
• The Senators’ big deadline day addition, Cozens brings size, speed, and secondary scoring as the new second-line centre. And unlike his predecessor, the Workhorse from Whitehorse has rarely missed time due to injury. Still just 24, Cozens has already proven he can score 30 goals and 60 points in the league.

6. Claude Giroux

• Drafted: 2006, 22nd overall (Philadelphia Flyers)
• At 37, Giroux’s best years are behind him, but he remains an elite playmaker and leader. His professionalism and hockey IQ are invaluable to Ottawa’s young core, and he's still more than capable of a 50-60 point season.

7. Ridly Greig

• Drafted: 2020, 28th overall (Ottawa Senators)
• Greig is a pain-in-the-ass competitor who may be tough to keep in the bottom six for much longer. His grit and energy give him an edge, and he’s shown flashes of offensive upside that could push him higher in future rankings. When it comes to "Ferda," Greig gives Tkachuk a run for his money, ready to do anything fer da team..

8. David Perron

• Drafted: 2007, 26th overall (St. Louis Blues)
• Perron brings championship experience and scoring touch. A Stanley Cup winner with St. Louis, he’s still dangerous on the power play, strong on the boards, and gives Ottawa much-needed veteran depth on the wing.

10. Lars Eller

• Drafted: 2007, 13th overall (St. Louis Blues)
• A proven two-way veteran, Eller has carved out a long NHL career as a reliable depth center. At 36, his role will be more limited, but his Stanley Cup pedigree and defensive awareness remain valuable. If needed, he can move up and still chip in with some offence.

9. Carter Yakemchuk

• Drafted: 2024, 7th overall (Ottawa Senators)
• The Senators’ 2024 first-rounder, Yakemchuk is an offensive-minded defenseman with size, reach, and a booming shot – not to mention a sick forehand-backhand move. He’s still just starting his pro career, but his ceiling is high.

11. Xavier Bourgault

• Drafted: 2021, 22nd overall (Edmonton Oilers)
• Bourgault brings skill and offensive instincts, but unlike others on this list, he’s unproven at the big-league level. Now fully healthy and still only 22, he's going to do some damage in the AHL this season.

12. Lassi Thomson

• Drafted: 2019, 19th overall (Ottawa Senators)
• Once seen as a key defensive prospect, Thomson played in Sweden last season. As Lassi comes home, it will be interesting to see if his big minutes and success with Malmo will translate into North American success. The guy is still only 24, skates well, and has a terrific shot.

13. Tyler Boucher

• Drafted: 2021, 10th overall (Ottawa Senators)
• Boucher’s development has been stunted by injuries. While he plays with physicality and has some offensive tools, he has yet to – quite obviously – live up to his top-10 billing. He just needs a full, injury-free season in Belleville – only then can we get back to evaluating his future potential.

In both hockey and love, you never forget your firsts. 

By Steve Warne
The Hockey News-Ottawa Site Editor

This article first appeared at The Hockey News-Ottawa

More Sens Headlines From The Hockey News Ottawa:
Senators Announce Full Roster for Main Training Camp
Ranking the Senators' 10 Best Prospects
Xavier Bourgault Is "Best Player At Sens Rookie Camp"
Report: Alex Formenton's NHL Eligibility To Be Restored On December 1st
Senators GM Steve Staios On Why He Brought Back The Same Group
Can The Senators Still Avoid Losing Their 2026 First Round Pick?
Sens Radio Play-By-Play Team Won't Travel To Road Games This Season

Efforts by Sidney Crosby and his agent, Pat Brisson, to downplay trade rumors dogging the 38-year-old Pittsburgh Penguins superstar instead stoked the speculation.

Some pundits mused over what Crosby and Brisson truly meant while pondering possible trade destinations such as the Colorado Avalanche and Montreal Canadiens.

Crosby didn't mince words when speaking with reporters during a season-ticket drive on Monday.

“This is where I want to be,” he said. “I can't keep having to answer the same questions over again because of these narratives. If people want to write about that or say that, that's fine. I can't really control that.”

“I don't take those rumors or some of those things lightly. Like I said, this is where I want to be,” Crosby said. “It's a special place, and it's something that is hard to put into a soundbite, but it means a lot.”

Crosby may have put this speculation to rest for now, but don't be surprised if it resurfaces should the Penguins struggle again this season.

Meanwhile, Crosby's teammates, Bryan Rust and Rickard Rakell, remain the focus of persistent trade conjecture.

Matt Vensel of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazettewondered how much longer the two forwards will remain with the Penguins. He believes GM Kyle Dubas set a high asking price, which would explain why both players are still in Pittsburgh as training camp opens this week.

Vensel anticipates one or both could be moved before the March 2026 trade deadline or at some point down the road. However, Dubas isn't under pressure to peddle them during this season.

Rust and Rakell are under contract through 2027-28. Dubas can remain patient and wait for the right offers.

In Vancouver, meanwhile, Canucks management could be feeling the heat entering this season.

Patrick Johnston of The Province suggested changes could be coming to the front office if the Canucks fail to bounce back from last season's disappointing performance, when they finished with 19 fewer points than in 2023-24.

Johnston believes that puts additional pressure on hockey operations president Jim Rutherford and GM Patrik Allvin. A source close to the situation told him that those changes could come by Christmas if the team hasn't improved by then.

For action-packed issues, access to the entire magazine archive and a free issue, subscribe to The Hockey News at THN.com/free. Get the latest news and trending stories by subscribing to our newsletter here. And share your thoughts by commenting below the article on THN.com.

EAST MEADOW, NY -- This past week at rookie camp, the New York Islanders had three goaltending prospects on the ice each day: Tristan Lennox, Henrik Tikkanen, and Burke Hood.

Now, none of these goaltenders will be winning an NHL spot for the 2025-26 season, as the Islanders have depth with the addition of free agent David Rittich and Marcus Hogberg, entering the final season of his two-year deal.

Here’s what I noticed about the rookie camp trio:

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Tristan Lennox

The 22-year-old goaltender was the strongest of the three at rookie camp. He is the most compact and seems to have this “come at me” attitude when it comes to the way he positions himself and attacks the shooter.

He isn’t ultra-aggressive in terms of his positioning in the crease, and his movement is sharp, especially when in the butterfly. Very few times was he caught off his angle, playing very calmly and composed, while making sure to keep his arms out in front of him.

He was fueled this summer after not only returning from a major knee injury but also getting pulled five minutes into his NHL debut after allowing one goal on two shots against the New York Rangers in late April.

• Drafted: 2021, Rd. 3, No. 93
• Bridgeport stats: 6 GP, 4.12 GAA, .853 SV%
• Projected spot for 2025-26: Bridgeport

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Henrik Tikkanen

The 6’8, 24-year-old certainly knows how to use the entirety of his length, especially while down on the ice. For a tall goaltender, that opens the door for more five-hole goals, but he has really strong stick placement, which makes a world of difference.

He certainly leads with his legs, exploding toward the shooter. He does a strong job getting his hands out in front, but he tends to drop both hands and get really low, which opens the area above the shoulder.

• Drafted: 2020, Rd. 7, No. 214
• Bridgeport stats: 30 GP, 4.12 GAA, .865 SV%
• Worcester stats: 7 GP, 2.42 GAA, .918 SV%
• Projected spot for 2025-26: Worcester

---

Burke Hood

The 18-year-old was taking part in his first rookie camp. Unlike the other two, Hood has never played professional hockey, just completing his first WHL season with the Vancouver Giants.

It was understandable why he may have struggled early in camp, as he had to adjust to the speed and skill of the prospects he was going up against. He improved as the camp progressed, with stronger rebound controls and more saves.

What puts Hood at a disadvantage — he wouldn’t say this — is that he cannot rock a cat-eye given the CHL rules. That’s the cage on the helmet that doesn’t have bars, and it impacts his vision. For goalies, it makes a world of difference.

• Drafted: 2025, Rd. 6, No. 170
• Junior stats with WHL’s Vancouver Giants: 42 GP, 3.39 GAA, .910 SV%, 3 SO, 2 A
• Projected spot for 2025-26: Vancouver Giants

ST. PAUL, Minn - Just about a week ago Kirill Kaprizov was offered a 8-year contract extension worth $128 million. He rejected the offer which would've made him the highest paid player in the NHL.

REPORT: Minnesota Wild’s Kirill Kaprizov Turns Down Contract ExtensionAfter a long offseason of Kirill Kaprizov contact talks and rumors, NHL insider Frank Seravalli weighs in.

Since then, reports and rumors have come out that the Wild are looking to trade their superstar after the rejected offer. Some suggest the Wild have asked Kaprizov for a list of teams he'd be willing to be traded to.

Kaprizov, 28, has a full no movement clause. Which means the Wild can't trade him without his permission. Hence why you would ask for a list of teams he'd be open to be traded to.

A recent report from The Athletic's Pierre LeBrun says the Wild have not asked for a trade list and do not plan on trading Kaprizov.

Wild training camp opens on Thursday. We will hear from Kaprizov and General Manager Bill Guerin. Things can change before then but Thursday we will get more clarity on the situation. So, stay tuned.

For action-packed issues, access to the entire magazine archive and a free issue, subscribe to The Hockey News at THN.com/free. Get the latest news and trending stories by subscribing to our newsletter here. And share your thoughts by commenting below the article on THN.com.

Recent Minnesota Wild Stories

Is It Time To Panic: Kirill Kaprizov Contact Extension SituationST. PAUL, Minn - With training camp right around the corner and captain practices starting, the Minnesota Wild and Kirill Kaprizov's camp has started contract extension negotiations.

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- Marc-Andre Fleury Signs Professional Tryout With The Pittsburgh Penguins.

- Former Minnesota Wild Forward Inducted Into U.S. Hockey Hall Of Fame.

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- Minnesota Wild To Have 16 Games On National Television.

The Columbus Blue Jackets have 26 days until opening night at Nationwide Arena. Today, we look at the history of jersey #26. 

Let's take a look.

Andrej Nedorost - 2002-2003 - Drafted by Columbus in 2000.

Nedorost played 28 games for Columbus from 2001 to 2004. He also played parts of three seasons with the Syracuse Crunch. After his time with Columbus, he would never play another NHL game.

He left for Europe in 2004, where he began playing in Russia. He also played in Czechia, Sweden, Slovakia, Ukraine, Kazakhstan, and Poland. His last professional season was 2015. 

Todd Marchant - 2004-2006 - Drafted by the New York Rangers in 1993.

Marchant played 95 games for Columbus and totaled 43 points after signing in 2003.

Marchant refused to waive his no-trade clause, which would have allowed Columbus to send him to Anaheim as part of the Sergei Fedorov trade. After trading for Fedorov, Columbus placed Marchant on waivers in order to circumvent his no-trade clause. Anaheim picked Marchant up on waivers on November 21, 2005, to make him a Mighty Duck.  

Derek MacKenzie - 2008-2009 - Drafted by the Atlanta Thrashers in 1999. 

MacKenzie played 279 games over the course of seven seasons for Columbus. He signed in Columbus in 2007 and made his debut in December of that year. 

He left for the Florida Panthers in 2014 and would play there until he retired in 2019. Later that year, he was named an asst. coach for Florida. He's spent the last two seasons as an asst. coach for the Nashville Predators. 

Samuel Påhlsson - 2010-2012 - Drafted by the Colorado Avalanche in 1996. 

Påhlsson signed with Columbus in 2009 and played a total of 222 games. He was traded to the Vancouver Canucks in 2012, which would be his last NHL season.

He made a move to Europe in 2012 to play in Sweden. He played three seasons before retiring on April 16, 2015.

Corey Tropp - 2014-2015 - Drafted by the Buffalo Sabres in 2007.

Tropp was claimed off waivers from the Buffalo Sabres on November 27, 2013. He would play a total of 105 games with Columbus, including 61 in 2014-15. On June 30, 2015, Tropp was traded to the Chicago Blackhawks in the deal that brought Brandon Saad to Columbus. 

After spending three straight seasons in the AHL with the San Diego Gulls, Tropp left for Europe. He played a season in Germany and one in Poland before retiring. 

Kyle Quincey - 2017 - Drafted by the Detroit Red Wings in 2003. 

Quincy played 20 games with the Jackets after being traded to Columbus from New Jersey on March 1, 2017. He would play one year in Minnesota before leaving for Finland to play one more season. He retired after that one season in LIIGA. 

Thomas Vanek - 2018 - Drafted by the Buffalo Sabres in 2003. 

Vanel was traded to the CBJ on February 26, 2018, from the Vancouver Canucks. He played a total of 19 games and had 15 points. 

He signed a one-year deal with Detroit in 2019. That would be his final season in pro hockey. He is now the Hockey Operations Advisor for the San Jose Sharks. 

Zac Dalpe - 2021 - Drafted by the Carolina Hurricanes in 2008.

The former Ohio State Buckeye forward played 25 games for the Jackets and had 4 career points. Where Dalpe made his money was in the AHL, playing for six different franchises, including five with the Cleveland Monsters.

Dalpe played in 133 games for the Monsters and had 100 points. For his career, he played 574 games and totaled 393 points. On July 7, 2025, Dalpe retired from hockey and was hired by the Seattle Kraken as a Development Coach. 

There are 26 days until opening night at NWA. 

Next up is training camp, which kicks off on Wednesday, Sept. 18. Camp will run until the pre-season begins and then transition directly into the full pre-season schedule. Here’s what the Blue Jackets have lined up so far.

After the first few days of camp, most rookies who received an invite will be cut and sent back to their junior teams. From there, the cuts will come more often as pre-season play gets underway.

The pre-season schedule is as follows:

Sunday, Sept. 21 vs. St. Louis Blues, 5 p.m. ET

Monday, Sept. 22 vs. Buffalo Sabres, 7 p.m. ET

Tuesday, Sept. 23 at Buffalo Sabres, 7 p.m. ET

Wednesday, Sept. 24 vs. Pittsburgh Penguins, 7 p.m. ET

Saturday, Sept. 27 at Pittsburgh Penguins, 7 p.m. ET

Tuesday, Sept. 30 vs. Washington Capitals, 7 p.m. ET

Saturday, Oct. 4 at Washington Capitals, 7 p.m. ET

* Games in bold are home games * 

After that, the Blue Jackets will open the regular season on the road against the Nashville Predators at Bridgestone Arena.

There are 26 days left until opening night at Nationwide Arena.

Let us know what you think below.

Stay updated with the most interesting Blue Jackets stories, analysis, breaking news, and more!

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More from THN Columbus

Blue Jackets Dealing With Injuries At The Start Of CampThe Columbus Blue Jackets held their annual preseason media day yesterday with GM Don Waddell, HC Dean Evason, Boone Jenner, Sean Monahan, Zach Werenski, and Adam Fantilli.  Blue Jackets' 2025-26 Training Camp Scheduled ReleasedYesterday afternoon, the Columbus Blue Jackets released their 2025-26 training camp schedule. 27 Days Until Opening Night At NWA: The History Of Jersey #27Kevin Dahl - 2001 - Drafted by the Montréal Canadiens in the 1988 draft.

Hockey is officially back as the Vancouver Canucks are about to begin their 2025 Training Camp. This year's training camp will take place in Penticton from September 18-21. Overall, there are many questions heading into training camp, including which players from last year's Abbotsford Canucks have the most to gain with a strong performance.

With plenty of talent in the AHL, there will be some fights for roster spots both in Abbotsford and Vancouver. There will also be some internal competition to determine which players get called up if injuries occur at the NHL level. While a strong training camp doesn't guarantee a call-up during the year, it can help leave a lasting positive impression with both Canucks management and the coaching staff. 

Arshdeep Bains

Arshdeep Bains is at the point in his career where he needs to establish himself as a full-time NHLer. The 24-year-old has already played 21 NHL games, but hasn't been able to produce enough to justify a permanent spot in the bottom-six. After playing a key role in helping Abbotsford claim the 2025 Calder Cup, the hope is that Bains has developed to the point where he can be a reliable third or fourth liner in the NHL. 

The big question for Bains is if he has rounded out his game enough to be an efficient bottom-six player at the NHL level. This includes getting in on the forecheck, playing a physical game and being defensively responsible on a consistent basis. If Bains comes into camp and can prove he is very difficult to play against, it could help his chances of landing a spot on the opening night roster. 

Max Sasson

Max Sasson has proven to be a free agent steal for Vancouver over the past few seasons. The 25-year-old played 29 games with the Canucks before becoming a key piece in Abbotsford's championship run. A versatile player who can play on the wing or at center, Sasson will be in the conversation for a spot on the fourth line this year. 

Latest From THN’s Vancouver Canucks Site: 

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Sasson is the perfect example of a player whom coaches love. He has continued to develop since leaving the NCAA and, in just his second full season with the organization, was wearing a letter in the AHL. While Sasson will most likely start the year in the AHL, a strong camp could mean he is back in Vancouver sooner rather than later. 

Jonathan Lekkerimäki

The 2025-26 season is a massive one for Jonathan Lekkerimäki. Not only does he need to dominate the AHL, but he also needs to impress Adam Foote and the Canucks staff so they have confidence to play him in the top six once he is called up. It is clear that Lekkerimäki is a skilled player; now he needs to demonstrate that he can have success at the pro level. 

Who Lekkerimäki will be partnered with at camp will be something to keep an eye on. While his line placement isn't a direct indicator of where he will start the year, it does give insight into what management and the coaching staff are at least thinking. Regardless of who his linemates are, Lekkerimäki needs to make an impact both on and off the ice while in Penticton. 

Victor Mancini

How Vancouver manages Victor Mancini this year will be intriguing. The Canucks could send him back to the AHL to play 20+ minutes a night, or keep him on the roster as a seventh defenceman who can jump into the lineup when an injury hits. With Mancini still waiver-eligible, the most likely option is another season with Abbotsford despite the fact that he looks ready to play third-pair minutes in the NHL at least. 

Ultimately, Mancini will be battling with Pierre-Olivier Joseph, Kirill Kudryavtsev and Tom Willander during training camp and the pre-season. The winner will get the seventh defenceman spot in the NHL, while the other three will start the season in the AHL unless injuries occur. Overall, the battle for the seventh defenceman spot will be intriguing with Mancini being one of the favourites to land it heading into training camp. 

2025 Training Camp Schedule:

Thursday, September 18, Doors Open 9:00 am

Friday, September 19, Doors Open 9:00 am

Saturday, September 20, Doors Open 9:00 am, Scrimmage TBA

Sunday, September 21, Doors Open 8:30 am

Make sure you bookmark THN's Vancouver Canucks site and add us to your favourites on Google News for the latest news, exclusive interviews, breakdowns, and so much more. Also, don't forget to leave a comment at the bottom of the page and engage with other passionate fans through our forum. This article originally appeared on The Hockey News.

After the two games played this weekend against the Toronto Maple Leafs and Winnipeg Jets hopefuls at the Bell Centre, there were only 17 players left at the Montreal Canadiens' rookie camp for the last practice session.

On Wednesday, the main camp will kick off with the medical and physical tests for everyone, including the veterans. Before then, the coaching staff put the 17 remaining kids through their paces. PTO Kevin Mandolese joined the group to act as the second goaltender since Arseni Radkov and Mikus Vecvanags were sent back to their junior teams, leaving Jacob Fowler as the sole goaltender remaining at rookie camp.

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After the cuts, only three defensemen remained: David Reinbacher, Adam Engstrom, and Owen Protz, whose impressive play over the weekend earned him an invite to the main camp. Up front, Matthew Wang was the only player cut after the prospect challenge, meaning that 13 forwards remained at camp: Owen Beck, Ivan Demidov, Will Dineen, Joseph Dunlap, Mark Estapa, Egor Goriunov, Oliver Kapanen, Filip Mesar, Israel Mianscum, Vinzenz Rohrer, Tyler Thorpe, Luke Tuch, and Florian Xhekaj.

Everyone was on the ice 15 minutes before the practice was meant to start, so the coaches hit the ground running with a session that lasted about an hour. They warmed up the players with simple shooting drills to start, before moving on to the two-on-two or three-on-three sessions at each end of the ice, in about three-quarters of the defensive zone.

They then worked on the transition game, with the defenseman tasked with making a good first pass, and the forwards trying to get a good shot on net while screening the goaltender. The next drill focused on zone entries two-on-two, followed by a bit of three-on-three on half the rink to wrap up the practice.

Speaking after the practice, coach Pascal Vincent was pleased with how the camp went:

I learnt to know some of our young players. We also got to see the physical progression of some of our players, like Xhekaj, who took a lot of volume. I thought Owen Beck was playing with a lot of purpose; there was always a reason behind his decisions. Of course, results are secondary this time of the year. We wanted to evaluate the players individually, and many of them performed well.

- Vincent on the rookie camp

Vincent also had kind words for the scouting staff:

I think Nick Bobrov and Martin Lapointe have donee some phenomenal work, the quality of not only the players but the individuals and the diversity in the picks as well, there are physical players, offensive ones, defensive ones, there are players who can play a plethora of different roles, it’s exciting for the coach, I can only imagine that it can be for fans as well.

- Vincent on the work accomplished by the scouting department

During the Prospect Showdown, the physical play of Owen Protz, a fourth-round pick (102nd overall at the 2024 draft), stood out, and when asked about the youngster, Vincent explained why he had earned the right to stay for the main camp:

He showed an interesting physical side; he had a presence on the ice, and management decided to keep him for the main camp, which was thoroughly deserved. He’s a young man who we brought up with us [with the Laval Rocket] during the playoffs to see how it would go, and he was working hard during practices. I think he knows who he is; he doesn’t try to be someone else on the ice. That may seem trivial or simple, but that’s not always the case. Players often struggle to make the transition from junior, college, or European hockey to professional hockey because they sometimes have to adjust their role, but he knows who he is. I loved the way he played, his first pass, and the physical aspect was impressive.

- Vincent on Protz

Asked about Protz, former blueliner Francis Bouillon agreed:

I loved the way he played. We aim to play to his strengths, considering the reasons behind our draft. The players we draft must know why we drafted them. Sometimes when guys go back to junior, they all try to be scorers or offensive guys. Still, what he showed this weekend —playing with a lot of physicality and making good first passes —is precisely what we expect of him. I spoke to him after the second game, and I think he deserves his spot at the main camp.

- Bouillon on Protz

At 19 and with a crowded blueline, it’s evident that Protz won’t find his way in the lineup right now. Still, when he is sent back down to junior, he will have a tremendous experience to build on and a camp that will no doubt be a significant building block for him and a motivational factor.

It must have been quite an experience for the blueliner on Saturday night to have the crowd react as it did when he set the tone for the game with a bone-crushing hit, the kind of experience he’ll remember for the rest of his life, no matter what happens in his career.

With the rookie camp now out of the way, things are about to ramp up in Brossard, and we’ll have all the happenings for you in the coming days and weeks. Stay tuned!

Kirby Dach is putting in the work on that knee, skating with an elastic holding him back #GoHabsGo@TheHockeyNewspic.twitter.com/5qLL7B2YNe

— Karine Hains (@KarineHains) September 16, 2025

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Follow Karine on X @KarineHains Bluesky @karinehains.bsky.social and Threads @karinehains.

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The Florida Panthers are back in Fort Lauderdale.

This week, the two-time defending Stanley Cup Champions will kick off their annual training camp at the Baptist Health IcePlex.

Excitement couldn’t be higher as many experts are looking at the Panthers a possibility to be the league’s first back-to-back-to-back champs in over 40 years.

As the players prepare to hit the ice, THN Florida is going to through Florida’s roster and give you one word for each player as they prepare to open the 2025-26 season.

We’ll start with the forwards.

Sasha Barkov: Legacy

The first Finnish NHL captain to hoist Lord Stanley’s Cup has carved out quite a spot for himself in hockey lore over the past several seasons. The Stanley Cup’s and Selke Trophies are starting to stack up. If he stays on this path, Barkov could soon be leading the conversation of greatest Finnish hockey players of all time.

Sam Reinhart: Special

Teams, that is. I mean, yeah, Reinhart is an exceptionally special hockey player. Since arriving in South Florida during the summer of 2021, Reinhart has racked up 160 goals and 324 points. It probably wouldn’t surprise you to hear that more than half of his goals (82) and about one-third of his assists (56) have come on special teams. Reinhart has become an integral part of Florida’s power play and penalty kill, which in turn are big keys to their continued postseason success.

Matthew Tkachuk: Wolverine

Tkachuk is going to miss the first several months of the season while recovering from surgery after he played through a torn hip abductor and sports hernia during Florida’s latest Stanley Cup run. Hopefully, he can channel his inner-Wolverine (the X-Men member whose mutant power is superhuman healing) and get himself back to 100% in time for the winter Olympics in February and the run to the playoffs that will follow. Tkachuk very much wants to play for his country in Milan, so the sooner he’s healed, the easier the transition back to high-level hockey and lesser chance of any kind of setback.

Sam Bennett: Moderation

Bennett has proved over the past few years that his style of play within the Panthers systems is perfect for playoff hockey. However, playing at that kind of physically intense level for 82 regular season games just doesn’t make sense if he wants to be at 100%, or as close to it as possible, for Florida’s next playoff run.

Carter Verhaeghe: Precision

One of the most clutch players in the NHL saw his shooting percentage drop significantly last season, resulting in a decrease in goal-scoring. The rest of Verhaeghe’s game remained the same as the guy with the endless motor continued to provide quality minutes inside Florida’s top six. Once he starts picking those corners again, expect the goal total to pop right back up to the 30-40 range.

Anton Lundell: Twenty

Lundell is going to turn 24 years old a few days before Opening Night. This will already be his fifth season in the NHL, and it’s going to be his first where he cracks the 20-goal mark. The growth in his game has been apparent, but expect that to go up a notch this season.

Evan Rodrigues: Unsung

Rodrigues plays all over the lineup, wherever he’s asked, and bring the same consistency regardless of his linemates or ice time. His name was also the first to come up when trade rumors began swirling due to Matthew Tkachuk going on LTIR. To his credit, Rodrigues just keeps smiling and plugging away, and his coaching staff adores him for it.

Brad Marchand: Twilight

No longer feeling the pressures of being the face of an Original 6 franchise, Marchand can now enjoy the rest of his career much as he did Florida’s playoff run from last season. He’s still playing at an elite level, and his tenacious brand of hockey fits in quite well with the Panthers’ style of play.

Mackie Samoskevich: Experienced

I know, I know, Samoskevich is still just 22 years old with all of two pro seasons under his belt. But he’s also now been to two NHL training camps and played a full season with the Panthers that included a Stanley Cup victory. Samoskevich should have an excellent understanding of what it takes to succeed at the game’s highest level, and that knowledge should help him prepare for, endure and ultimately thrive in his sophomore season with the Cats.

Tomas Nosek: Steady

Centering Florida’s fourth line can be tricky because you never quite know what group you’ll be matched up against or when your number will be called. A defensive zone draw against a top six group could happen just as easily as an o-zone start after an icing against a tired checking line. Nosek proved that he can remain stable and sturdy regardless of the situation, a trait that endeared him to Paul Maurice and co.

Jonah Gadjovich: Established

Between the second half of last season and the playoffs, Gadjovich found himself playing regular minutes on Florida’s line. It was a unit that Paul Maurice praised multiple times and utilized in crucial situations during their latest Stanley Cup run. We’ll see if that can translate to Gadjovich establishing himself as an everyday player for an entire season.

A.J. Greer: Fun

The spotlight isn’t on Greer very often, but if you just zero in on him during a shift, get ready to see a guy who looks like he’s having the time of his life while giving 110% every second he’s out there. It’s just plain fun watching Greer do his thing, especially on a team like Florida, where combining skill and muscle will go a long way.

Jesper Boqvist: Build

That’s exactly what Boqvist needs to do following a strong first season with the Panthers. A career high in goals and games played led to Boqvist earning a two-year extension from Florida that carries a higher AAV than he was given on any of his previous deals. It will be very interesting to see how Florida’s lineup shakes out if Boqvist continues to impress the coaching staff, as he did last year.

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Photo caption: Apr 14, 2025; Sunrise, Florida, USA; Florida Panthers center Carter Verhaeghe (23) celebrates with center Aleksander Barkov (16) and defenseman Dmitry Kulikov (7) after scoring against the New York Rangers during the second period at Amerant Bank Arena. (Sam Navarro-Imagn Images)

The Chicago Blackhawks are bringing veteran defenseman Matt Grzelcyk to training camp on a PTO. He will be one of the oldest players, 31, on the blue line. 

Connor Murphy is 32 years old, which makes him the true elder on the team, but every other defenseman expected to be on the roster is 24 years old or younger. Whether it's Alex Vlasic, Ethan Del Mastro, Sam Rinzel, Artyom Levshunov, Nolan Allan, Louis Crevier, Wyatt Kaiser, or Kevin Korchinski, there are going to be young players playing early and often. 

Having a veteran like Grzelcyk around would be great for these young players. A lot of them are looking to become full-time NHL defensemen while gaining valuable experience, so having someone there to look up to will help them. 

Grzelcyk is also a solid player. It is odd to see a player like him make it this far without anything other than a PTO. On a lousy Pittsburgh Penguins team in 2024-25, Grzelcyk only scored one goal, but he had 39 assists for 40 points.

Those 40 points would have led the Blackhawks' defensemen by 10. Vlasic led the blue line with 30 points on four goals and 26 assists.

Even Seth Jones, who was traded by the Chicago Blackhawks to the Florida Panthers and played a huge role in them winning the Stanley Cup, had fewer regular-season points than Grzelcyk. 

More ice time for Alex Vlasic, Sam Rinzel, and Artyom Levshunov could raise their point totals, but Grzelcyk is someone who could lead the team in points by a defenseman if he were to make the team. He can play a solid defensive game while being a good puck distributor in all three zones in all situations (power play, penalty kill, etc). 

Forwards on the team, if Grzelcyk makes the roster and plays to his capabilities, would benefit from it as well. The likes of Connor Bedard, Frank Nazar, Ryan Donato, and Teuvo Teravainen would love the addition of another puck-moving defenseman on the team. 

If the Blackhawks did sign him and he played a fair amount of games, he could play with Sam Rinzel or Artyom Levshunov to help bring them along (the other would play with Alex Vlasic), or he could be on an all-veteran pair with Connor Murphy. Jeff Blashill would have options there. 

Grzelcyk would certainly have to make an impression during training camp and the preseason to make the team, but the tools are there, and he's only 31 years old. There are leadership qualities and offensive abilities there that make him worthy of consideration. 

Visit The Hockey News Chicago Blackhawks team site to stay updated on the latest news, game-day coverage, player features, and more.

When the Pittsburgh Penguins signed goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury to a paid tryout (PTO) contract on Friday, along with that came the announcement that he'd be appearing in one final pre-season game in Pittsburgh on Sept. 27 against the Columbus Blue Jackets before officially retiring from the NHL. 

And given how much Pittsburgh is anticipating Fleury's return, the price of admission should come as a surprise to no one. 

As of Wednesday, the cheapest ticket available to Fleury's final game on Ticketmaster is more than $175, with the lowest price on Stubhub going for more than $170. Other retailers like Gametime and SeatGeek are selling at similar clips.

For comparison's sake? The Penguins' first pre-season home game against the Detroit Red Wings on the night before - a Friday night - are selling for as low as $18.

Fleury, 40, was selected by the Penguins first overall in 2003 and remained with the club through the end of the 2016-17 season, helping the team win three Stanley Cup Championships in that time. He was the first player drafted by the Vegas Golden Knights in the 2017 NHL Expansion Draft, and he stayed there for four seasons before moving on to the Chicago Blackhawks for a half season and the Minnesota Wild for the last four of his NHL career.

If anything, these ticket prices show just how much Pittsburgh loves its legendary netminder and how him coming back to Pittsburgh is a full-circle moment, something that Fleury expressed Tuesday. 

“I wanted to go back where it all began," Fleury told NHL.com. "I see it as a wink to my past. I’ll wear the Penguins jersey one last time, and I’ll see some old teammates and friends again. It’s a way to come full circle."

For Fleury And The Penguins, A Storybook Ending Is In StoreWhen a young netminder from Sorel, Quebec made his NHL debut on Oct. 10, 2003, it's difficult to imagine that folks in Pittsburgh, Pa. knew what was in store for the next decade and a half. 

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Devils Training Camp 2025–26: Key Storylines to Watch

The New Jersey Devils open training camp for the 2025–26 season later today.

With puck drop on the new season just weeks away, several players stand out, some entering the organization for the first time, others looking to build on strong campaigns.

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Prospect Challenge Standouts

The Devils’ prospects competed in the annual Prospect Challenge in Buffalo, New York, beginning September 10. They finished the tournament with a 2–1 record, showing promise across the roster. A handful of players made a strong impression heading into camp.

Defenseman Seamus Casey played in just one game before sitting out, preserving his energy for the season ahead. The move wasn’t surprising given his NHL experience last year and his impressive showing in camp. Casey is pushing for a full-time roster spot with the Devils this season.

Forwards Tag Bertuzzi and Mikael Diotte both collected three points in the tournament. While cracking the NHL roster may be unlikely, their performances earned them attention heading into camp.

Another player to watch is Shane Lachance, acquired from the Edmonton Oilers in March 2025 as part of the three-team deal that sent Trent Frederic out of New Jersey. The 21-year-old defenseman, a sixth-round pick in 2021, spent the past two seasons at Boston University. In Buffalo, he played two games and collected three points. At 6-foot-5 with strong two-way play, Lachance has drawn notice heading into camp. 

From BU to Buffalo: Lachance Impresses Ahead of Devils Training CampThe New Jersey Devils’ prospects wrapped up three games at the 2025 NHL Prospect Challenge in Buffalo this past week, finishing the tournament with a 2–1 record.

Lenni Hämeenaho also impressed. The 20-year-old winger, listed at 6-foot-1 and 185 pounds, contributed in both of the Devils’ victories. Drafted 58th overall in 2023, Hämeenaho has spent recent seasons playing professionally in Finland. He will hit the ice today aiming to push for NHL minutes.

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Three Devils Named to NHL Network’s Top 50

NHL Network released its list of the league’s top 50 players, and three Devils cracked the top 45. 

2 Devils Stars Ranked Among NHL's Best PlayersIt is no secret that the New Jersey Devils have two star centers leading their forward group in Jack Hughes and Nico Hischier. Both players are major difference-makers, and they have now been rewarded because of it. 

• Jesper Bratt ranked 45th, ahead of stars such as Alex Ovechkin and Brady Tkachuk. Bratt, 27, is coming off an 88-point season in 81 games and was also ranked 12th on NHL Network’s list of the league’s top 20 wingers. Drafted 162nd overall in 2016, Bratt is entering the third year of his eight-year, $63 million contract.

New Jersey Devils Player Earns High Praise in NHL Network’s Winger RankingsNew Jersey Devils winger Jesper Bratt has been ranked the 12th-best winger in the NHL right now by NHL Network.

• Nico Hischier landed at 40th overall. The 26-year-old captain was also recognized as one of the NHL’s top 20 centers. Last season, he scored a career-high 35 goals with 69 points in 75 games, showcasing not just offensive touch but also defensive reliability and leadership.

Nico Hischier Represents Devils at NHL/NHLPA European Player Media TourThe NHL/NHLPA European Player Media Tour is underway this week in Milan, Italy, bringing together 26 NHL stars for an international showcase. Representing the New Jersey Devils and his home country of Switzerland was none other than Devils captain Nico Hischier.

• Jack Hughes ranked 31st after recording 27 goals and 43 assists for 70 points in 62 games during the 2024–25 season. If healthy, the 24-year-old remains the cornerstone of the Devils’ playoff hopes.

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Injury Watch: Jonathan Kovacevic

Defenseman Jonathan Kovacevic will not be ready for training camp following season-ending surgery on May 8.

Kovacevic became a key part of New Jersey’s blue line last year, appearing in 81 games and setting career highs with 16 assists and 17 points. Acquired in June 2024 in exchange for a 2026 first-round pick, he signed a five-year, $20 million extension with the Devils in March 2025.

His eventual return is highly anticipated, though his timeline remains uncertain. 

Johnathan Kovacevic Injury Leaves Opening on Devils’ Blue LineJohnathan Kovacevic is one of the key names in the New Jersey Devils organization as the 2025-26 season approaches. On July 2, the team announced that the defenseman would miss part of the regular season due to knee surgery performed on May 8. Team reporter Amanda Stein confirmed that he will also miss training camp.

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Luke Hughes Contract Situation

One notable absence today will be Luke Hughes, who remains unsigned. The restricted free agent was expected to finalize a deal before training camp, but negotiations continue. With less than a month until the season opener, New Jersey still has time, but the clock is ticking.

Pittsburgh Penguins' training camp is officially only two days away, and there will be many storylines to watch this year.

There will be legitimate battles to keep an eye on for every positional group. There is a new coaching staff in town that will implement some foreign systems and act as fresh sets of eyes on everyone at camp. 

And there will be a few dark horse prospect candidates to watch out for, too. 

Of course, most eyes will be on higher-profile prospects such as Ville Koivunen, Rutger McGroarty, Owen Pickering, and Harrison Brunicke. But there are a few others who should push for NHL roster spots as well right out of the gate.

Here are four of them.

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Filip Hallander

Many people are focusing the forward discussion on Koivunen and McGroarty, and rightfully so. Both players made an impression at the end of the 2024-25 season.

But Hallander, 24, also made quite the impression last season in the Swedish Hockey League (SHL).

Hallander was originally selected by the Penguins in the second round (58th overall) of the 2018 draft. After an underwhelming two AHL seasons with Wilkes-Barre/Scranton (WBS) from 2021-23, the organization non-tendered him as a restricted free agent, and he opted to play in the SHL.

In 2024-25 - his second season after initially departing the Penguins' organization - he took home the SHL's Forward of the Year honors by registering 26 goals and 53 points in 51 games with Timra HK. His season with Timra earned him a second chance with the Penguins, and they signed him to a two-year NHL contract. 

Between Hallander finding his footing as far as production and his strong two-way game as a center, he should push pretty heavily for a roster spot. As with every other player on this list, it will be an uphill climb. But if he performs anything like he did last season, he will make decisions very difficult for Penguins' brass.

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Emil Pieniniemi

It has been mentioned several times over that the left defensive battle this season is as wide-open as they come.

Of course, new signees in Parker Wotherspoon and Alexander Alexeyev were brought in to be part of that battle. Carryovers from the roster last season in Ryan Shea and Ryan Graves will likely have inside tracks to roster spots. Pickering had a 25-game NHL stint last season and is well-positioned to grab a roster spot with a good camp.

But don't count out Pieniniemi, either. 

The 20-year-old blueliner hailing from Kuopio, Finland put together an impressive season with the Kingston Frontenacs of the OHL last season - his first on North American soil. He recorded 10 goals and 60 points in 60 games and four goals and 10 points in 11 playoff games, and he finished seventh in scoring among OHL defensemen.

His ability to run a power play, his physicality, his skating ability, and two-way prowess make him an intriguing prospect with upside. With a good camp, his name should be in consideration for an NHL roster spot as much as guys like Pickering and Alexeyev.

And with a good start to his professional career in the AHL, don't be surprised to see him at some point this season, even if he doesn't break camp.

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Avery Hayes

Hayes was just covered by us earlier Tuesday, and for good reason. Between dominating Prospects Challenges and scoring big goals in big moments, he seems to have a few things figured out. 

Hayes, 22, put up 23 goals and 42 points in 60 AHL games last season and earned himself a two-year entry-level NHL contract as a result. Undrafted, the WBS Penguins originally signed him to a two-year AHL deal prior to his 2023-24 campaign, which was marred with injuries and inconsistency.

But ever since the 2024 Prospects Challenge, Hayes has done nothing but impress. He is an effective player in all three zones, is feisty, forechecks well, drives the net... and he can finish. He scored four goals in three Prospects Challenge games this year, and he looked out of place in the best way during the event.

Out of all the names on this list, Hayes could very well make the biggest push. His game seems translatable to the NHL level, and he is someone who has the ability to fight his way up a lineup and into heavier minutes. His work ethic is hard to top, and he plays the game the right way.

Don't count this guy out in terms of breaking camp. He's been that good for the Penguins this past year.

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Tristan Broz

It may be a stretch to call Broz, 22, a "dark horse" at this point, and that's only because he has grown so much and impressed in all facets even though he faced a fair amount of adversity last season.

Despite missing nearly two months of the 2024-2025 season with mononucleosis, the young American forward grew into the center position and established himself as a reliable two-way forward. He had two goals and nine points in the final 10 games of the season as well as a goal and three points in two playoff games, and - even with his setback - he still recorded 19 goals and 37 points in 59 games during his first season in professional hockey.

But his ability on both ends of the ice is really what stands out about Broz. He is a smart, responsible player in all three zones, he has the ability to disrupt plays and excel in transition, and - like Hayes - he can put the puck in the back of the net. 

Because of Broz's setback, starting the season in the AHL certainly wouldn't hurt him, and there is still a lot of room for him to grow. But a lot of the details are already ironed out for him, and he plays a very mature game - something that may give him a leg-up if he shows well in training camp.

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