The National Hockey League career of former Detroit Red Wings enforcer Givani Smith is being extended after he successfully earned a contract during his professional tryout agreement with the Carolina Hurricanes. 

Smith, who was the 46th pick in 2016 by the Red Wings, is now officially under contract with the Hurricanes after inking a one year, two-way deal worth $775,000 at the NHL level and $140,000 at the AHL level; $250,000 is guaranteed. 

"Givani came to camp as a PTO and proved that he deserved a role in the organization," said Hurricanes general manager Eric Tulsky. "His size and physicality make him a good fit to add depth to our forward group."

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In just four pre-season games, Smith scored twice for the Hurricanes while adding an assist, tying for third overall in team scoring. Additionally, he also racked up 28 penalty minutes, leading the team. 

Smith began his career with the Red Wings organization by appearing in three games in 2016-17 with the Grand Rapids Griffins after having played several seasons in the OHL with the Guelph Storm and Kitchener Rangers. 

He then appeared in 67 games with the Griffins in 2018-19, tallying eight goals with nine assists along with 86 total penalty minutes.

Smith bounced back and forth between the Red Wings and the Griffins, racking up 108 penalty minutes alone in just 46 games with Detroit in 2021-22. Detroit then traded him to the Florida Panthers in December 2022, where he appeared in 34 games. 

Since then, Smith has played with the San Jose Sharks and Colorado Avalanche, and was also part of the trade by Colorado to the Philadelphia Flyers for defenseman Erik Johnson; Smith never appeared for the Flyers, skating instead for the AHL affiliate Leigh Valley Phantoms. 

Smith has skated in 168 total NHL games, and has scored nine goals with 13 assists while also racking up 268 penalty minutes. 

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Just prior to the onset of training camp, Pittsburgh Penguins' general manager and president of hockey operations Kyle Dubas took to the podium and made a declaration of sorts. 

And, truthfully, the words shouldn't have come as a shock to anyone who pays attention to the current situation with the team.

"The message to the veteran guys is that, with where we're at, the young guys are coming. They're going to get opportunity, they're going to have to earn everything... but it's been very clear to them what the expectation is," Dubas said. "And it's up to them to hold onto their jobs and hold onto their spots and their places with the Penguins and in the NHL."

He also said this: "If [the young guys] continue to push all the way - and it's very clear that they should be on the team - they'll make the team, and we'll deal with whatever the ripple effects of those are on some of the more veteran guys."

If that wasn't a clear message that youth would truly be pushing for the NHL roster this time around, I don't know what is. This pre-season has not been akin to pre-seasons past, as there is legitimate talent at every position making strong cases to be included on the NHL roster for the opener against the New York Rangers on Oct. 7. 

So who has made that strong case for themselves? Last season, the list had two names on it in forward Rutger McGroarty and defenseman Harrison Brunicke - only one of whom made the roster. This season, that's not what has transpired.

'The Young Guys Are Coming': 3 Observations From Dubas's Pre-Season Press ConferenceOn Thursday, the Pittsburgh Penguins opened their 2025 training camp with a few words from general manager and president of hockey operations Kyle Dubas. 

- Brunicke has, once again, proven that he is already one of the Penguins' six best defensemen. And, honestly, "six" is a stretch. He is probably one of their three best defensemen - with the other two being semi-obvious future Hall-of-Famers. His skating is a marvel to witness, and his hockey sense is very advanced for a blueliner at 19 years of age. 

- Ville Koivunen has left no doubt that he should and will be included on the final 23-man roster, and he has proven that his seven points in eight NHL games to close out the season last year were no fluke. His vision is unmatched among Penguins' prospects - and nearly among Penguins' skaters, period - and he has consistently been working alongside Sidney Crosby.

- Tristan Broz's versatility - and ability to put the puck in the back of the net - have been on full display all throughout camp, and he is such a responsible player. The level of maturity in his game is something that can't be taught, and he's someone who can thrive in an NHL bottom-six role without it being hindrance to his development.

- Avery Hayes has shown a knack for always being in the right place at the right time to make something happen, as he can create offense off the forecheck and generate chances around the net-front. His tenacity and work ethic are also hallmarks of his game, and his style of play is remniscent of Bryan Rust's in the early years.

Penguins Make Wave Of Roster Cuts, Place Six Players On WaiversWith each passing day, the Pittsburgh Penguins' roster is coming more and more into focus. 

- Filip Hallander is showcasing his two-way prowess and his playmaking smarts, which were both evident last season in the SHL, when he put up 23 goals and 53 points in 51 games. He is another player with offensive upside who can be effective in a bottom-six role, and he's making the most of his second chance with the organization in camp.

- Sergei Murashov has been - without a smidgen of a doubt - the best goaltender in camp, and he is leaving very little doubt that he may very well be NHL-ready now. Of course, there's no sense in rushing a young netminder with his ceiling and potential, but goaltenders have a tendency to tell you when they're ready - and his agility, quickness, athleticism, poise, and performance have all indicated that he may not need AHL seasoning after all.

- Owen Pickering may not be having the most flashy training camp on the Penguins' blue line, but he's showing an ability to keep things simple and steady, which is something that blue line needs. He may not be in mid-season form quite yet, but a 25-game sample size last season, his performance in camp, and the Penguins' less-than-ideal left side certainly work in his favor.

- Finally, there's Ben Kindel - the Penguins' 11th overall pick in 2025 - who has been the story of the pre-season. He's played in six pre-season games, is riding a three-game point streak, and hasn't looked out of place at all. It's safe to say that no one expected Kindel to be in the roster conversation, but he's forced his way in there by being the best player on the ice most nights. Size be darned, that nine-game trial is looking like something he has flat-out earned.

Should Ben Kindel Get The Nine-Game Trial? The Case For And AgainstThere are a lot of stories coming out of Pittsburgh Penguins' training camp this year. Many of them involve young players making an impression and pushing for the NHL roster.

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This isn't a case where there are two players pushing for the NHL roster but barely - if at all - outperforming veterans. Nope. In this case, all eight of these players are outperfoming veterans within their positional battles. 

So, if Dubas and the Penguins' organization actually want to follow through on what they said about the young guys coming, there should be no doubt that, at least, most of these guys will be on the NHL roster come Oct. 7. It's not reasonable to expect all of them to make it, but it's absolutely reasonable to expect five or six of them to make it, right?

It seems pretty straightforward. But, for some reason, it still feels like there is a certain degree of inevitability to veterans - once again - getting the benefit of the doubt in battles that aren't really even 50-50.

For example, what is the sense in Ryan Shea, Ryan Graves, or Caleb Jones - none of whom figure to be part of the bigger picture going forward or have put together remarkable camps - making the roster over Pickering or Brunicke, both of whom do figure to be part of the big picture and have shown a degree of readiness high enough to have earned a spot? 

Observations from Thursday's Penguins PracticeThe Pittsburgh Penguins practiced on Thursday, and the players were split into two groups. The first one consisted of many players who are expected to be in the AHL this year, while the second was the main NHL group. 

What about the fact that Broz, Hayes, and Kindel have all worked their rears off - and have the results to prove it - to earn a spot on the roster, while veterans like Blake Lizotte, Tommy Novak, and Noel Acciari have not replicated the same energy or output? 

The goaltending situation may the only one that makes sense, should Tristan Jarry and Arturs Silovs be the final two. Even if Murashov has been the best of the three, development is paramount for goaltenders, and the Penguins cannot afford to screw that up with Murashov. Jarry and Silovs have performed well enough to earn their way onto the roster, too. 

The right call is - without a shred of a doubt - to reward young players for standout camps by following through on what was stated from the beginning. What kind of message does it send to younger players if they're not rewarded for their efforts? When the organization does not follow through on Dubas's pre-camp declaration?

Maybe there is a timeline to consider. It's not a stretch in the least to assume that the Penguins may be a better team this season if they let the kids play, which may not be what the goal is or what is deemed in the best interest of the organizational rebuild. Keeping them around also kicks off their respective entry-level contracts, which may be something to consider as well. 

If the Penguins opt for a veteran roster, that's a pretty clear indication of what they're trying to - or, perhaps, not trying to - accomplish this season. Maybe a top-10 pick in the 2026 draft is paramount to the trajectory and success of the rebuild.

But, the young guys are just that: young. There are going to be mistakes and growing pains. It's not as if keeping them around guarantees that the team will finish higher in the standings, as performing immediately is an unfair expectation for young players. 

What's the cost of holding the young guys back if they are ready? Does the need to ensure a very precise timeline outweigh that cost? Does the incentive for fans to see an imperfect but, at least, hopeful product on the ice outweigh catering to the season's expectations?

The Penguins have until Monday to submit final rosters for the start of the NHL season. If there are not at least four of these names on that list, they're - quite simply - doing it wrong. 

Penguins' Pre-Season: Final 23-Man Roster Prediction EditionA few days ago, we had our Mailbox Monday, and I gave my final predictions for the Pittsburgh Penguins' final 2025-26 roster.

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Nashville Predators fans can finally breathe a sigh of relief as forward Luke Evangelista has signed a new contract.

Friday it was reported by Frank Seravalli that Evangelista signed a two-year, $6 million contract, ending a three-month-long saga between the two parties. He was one of three restricted free agents left in the league that had not signed a contract for the upcoming 2025-26 season.

Evangelista has been seen as the Predators "future" according to Trotz. Last season, the 23-year-old scored 32 points in 68 games, a second straight season where Evangelista rattled off 30 plus points.

His production has climbed over the last three seasons and is poised for a breakout year. Evangelista was drafted 42nd overall in the 2020 NHL Draft out of the London Knights (OHL). 

In July, Evangelista was extended a qualifying offer, but did not sign before the original offer had expired on July 15. Trotz said on July 1 that both parties were trying to determine the term of the contract, as the Predators wanted to extend it longer and Evangelista did not. 

There were no updates until the start of training camp when Trotz said that trading Evangelista was is "not even a thought." Evangelista did not report to training camp due to the contract disputes and ended up going back home to Toronto. 

Throughout training camp, reports came forward that both parties with still far a part as the start of the regular season drew closer and closer.

However, both parties were able to reach an agreement at the eleventh hour. Despite the delay, this is a big confidence booster for the Predators' front office to keep Evangelista in Nashville. 

The Predators kick off the regular season on Oct. 9 against the Columbus Blue Jackets at Bridgestone Arena at 7 p.m. CST. 

Apr 16, 2025; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Nashville Predators goaltender Juuse Saros (74) blocks the puck against the Dallas Stars during the second period at Bridgestone Arena. Steve Roberts-Imagn Images

There were many factors that contributed to the Nashville Predators’ disappointing 2024-25 season: underwhelming performances by their big-splash free agent signings prior to last season, lack of chemistry and an aging roster, just to name a few.

One area that was especially noteworthy was the team's penchant for getting off to sluggish starts, both record-wise and in games.

General manager Barry Trotz acknowledged this when he addressed the media during the first day of training camp last month.

"We've got to get off to a good start," Trotz said. "You can never, you never make the playoffs in the first month, but you can miss them in the first month."

How true. But one of the biggest reasons for the Predators’ 38-44-8 record was their inability to take leads, particularly heading into the third period.

The Preds lost 37 games when trailing after 40 minutes, 35 of those coming in regulation. The only time they were worse in that department was in 1998-99, their expansion season.

Stumbling Out Of The Gate

As they prepare for the 2025-26 season, the Predators can ill afford the kind of sluggish start that saw them drop their first five contests to open last season before finally notching their first victory over the Boston Bruins.

The sluggishness in the first two periods played a major role in the 0-5 start, and it didn’t take long for that trend to develop.

In their Oct. 10 season opener against the Dallas Stars, Nashville fell behind 4-1 after two periods before a furious comeback in the third fell short, resulting in a 4-3 defeat.

In four of those first five losses, the Predators were down by at least a goal heading into the second intermission. The only exception was against the Seattle Kraken, when the two teams were tied 3-3 in a back-and-forth affair.

Seattle exploded for four unanswered goals in the third for a 7-3 victory to drop Nashville’s record to 0-3.

In their next game against Edmonton, the Predators actually struck first on a Filip Forsberg tip-in midway through the first period, but the Oilers maintained a 3-2 lead going into the third before adding another tally for a 4-2 win.

There were notable comebacks, of course. After trailing 5-1 early in the second period to the San Jose Sharks Jan. 21, the Preds exploded for six unanswered goals to pull out the victory 7-5.

Seven different Predators lit the lamp, and Forsberg notched his 300th career goal to tie the game. It was the first four-goal comeback in franchise history.

In an Apr. 8 home game against the New York Islanders, the teams were tied 4-4 at the end of two, but the Isles scored two goals less than a minute apart late in the third period for a 6-4 lead.

The Preds fought back with two goals of their own in the final 2:07 of the period to send the game into overtime. Fedor Svechkov sealed the comeback with a wrister at 1:56 of overtime for a 7-6 victory.

Finishing strong is as important as starting fast, something Predators forward Steven Stamkos addressed to reporters following that game.

“We talked about finding a way to finish strong and trying to build on it,” Stamkos said. “That’s where we are. It’s a [tough] situation, but you want to feel good about yourself each and every night.”

The Numbers Don't Lie

Indeed, finishing strong proved to be elusive for the Predators most of the season. They posted a paltry 4-35-2 record when trailing after two periods, compared to 21-2-1 when in the lead. Opponents outscored them 102-75 in the middle frame, 95-69 in the third and 8-4 in overtime. Interestingly, all four of Nashville’s goals in OT came at Bridgestone Arena.

When the Predators managed to grab the lead going into the first intermission, their record was 14-7-5 overall. If opponents had the lead, the mark was 3-18-1. Other teams outscored the Preds 69-64 in the first period.

There isn’t just one thing the Predators can point to regarding what went wrong last season. A lot will need to go right in 2025-26 if they hope to clinch a playoff berth.

Maintaining high quality play through 60 or more minutes night in and night out is tough to do. But faster starts will go a long way in determining whether the Preds can turn things around.

“I think we dug ourselves a hole,” Predators alternate captain Ryan O’Reilly told reporters following the team’s final regular-season game. “We wanted to deviate. At times, we got kind of on our own page, and tried to do it our own way, and as you can see, it doesn't work. You can't build anything when we're all going different directions.”

The Vancouver Canucks' 2025 pre-season is almost complete. All that is left is one final home game against the Edmonton Oilers, which is scheduled for October 3. With this in mind, here is a look at four Canucks to watch during the final game of the 2025 pre-season. 

Braeden Cootes

After a strong pre-season, it appears that Braeden Cootes will start the year in the NHL. The 18-year-old has been one of the most impressive players on Vancouver's roster over the past few weeks, recording two goals and an assist in three games. With strong projected linemates in Evander Kane and Jonathan Lekkerimäki, the Canucks are putting Cootes in a position to succeed to start his NHL career. 

Tom Willander

Friday's game is Tom Willander's final opportunity to show he deserves a place on the opening night roster. The 20-year-old has had a strong pre-season, recording two assists in three games. If Willander can win his matchups against what looks like the Oilers' opening night lineup, it could solidify his spot at the NHL level to start the season.

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Arshdeep Bains

Arshdeep Bains is being given a great opportunity to show that he can play a middle-six role for Vancouver. Based on morning skate, he will be playing on the second line with Filip Chytil and Conor Garland. If Bains can develop some chemistry with his linemates while also producing on the scoresheet, it will go a long way in helping him nail down a permanent NHL roster spot.  

Evander Kane

Something to keep an eye on in this game is how Evander Kane plays. The 34-year-old has only played once in the pre-season, which came a week ago when the Canucks took on the Seattle Kraken at Rogers Arena. Kane is projected to see a healthy amount of minutes both at even strength and on the power play as he looks to shake off the rust ahead of the 2025-26 regular season. 

Vancouver wraps up its 2025 pre-season on October 3 versus Edmonton. The Canucks are 3-2-0 so far in the pre-season, with one of their losses coming against the Oilers. Game time is scheduled for 7:00 pm PT and will be broadcast on Sportsnet. 

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.

The Chicago Blackhawks still have decisions to make with their defensemen. Alex Vlasic is currently injured, but the expectation is that he’ll be ready for opening night. After him, Sam Rinzel, Connor Murphy, Wyatt Kaiser, and Artyom Levshunov are locks to make the team. 

That leaves two spots (6th and 7th defenseman) for four players (Louis Crevier, Ethan Del Mastro, Nolan Allan, and Matt Grzelcyk). Kevin Korchinski was sent to the Rockford IceHogs camp earlier in the week. 

The thing about Matt Grzelcyk is that he's on a PTO. The Blackhawks will either sign him after the preseason or release him, allowing him to try and join another team. 

Korchinski, Del Mastro, and Allan are all waiver-exempt. Louis Crevier is not. The Blackhawks may be wise to consider him the 7th defenseman for that reason alone. 

Crevier would likely get claimed at this point in the season. We are seeing players getting taken on waivers every day. Teams are trying their best to add depth in any way they can. 

NHL Waivers: Three Players Claimed As Leafs' Kampf And More Hit The Wire On Oct. 3The Colorado Avalanche, Florida Panthers and Minnesota Wild claimed players off NHL waivers on Friday. The Hockey News (@TheHockeyNews) on XThe Avalanche claimed Ilya Solovyov from the Calgary Flames, Florida brought back former prospect Cole Schwindt from the Vegas Golden Knights and Minnesota claimed Daemon Hunt from the Columbus Blue Jackets: https://t.co/6X2ARspEwL

Crevier has shown that he can come in and play well after a handful of days as a healthy scratch. Losing him would take away from the depth that the team has on the blue line. In the event of another injury, they may need a guy like Crevier. 

If they keep him, they will decide who rounds out the group. It isn't an easy decision to make. The rest of camp and preseason will be the deciding factor. 

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

Approximately one month after he was arrested for allegedly driving while intoxicated outside of Rochester, N.Y., Buffalo Sabres director of player development and former NHL player Adam Mair was no longer working for the team, the Sabres said Friday.

Mair had been on administrative leave from the Sabres after he was arrested Sept. 4. Mair was charged with violating "Leandra’s Law" -- a New York state initiative that toughens penalties for driving while intoxicated or impaired by drugs with a passenger 15 years old or younger -- for having three juvenile passengers in his vehicle during the arrest.

Mair had been serving as Buffalo's director of player development since the 2021-22 season. Prior to that, he 46-year-old Canadian native was a development coach for the Sabres from 2015-20. He was also an assistant coach for the American League’s Rochester Americans in 2020-21.

In his playing days, Mair spent the majority of his NHL time with the Sabres. He also spent time with the Toronto Maple Leafs, Los Angeles Kings and New Jersey Devils.

Ilya Solovyov was claimed off waivers by the Colorado Avalanche on Friday.

While it closed the book on the young defender’s time with the Calgary Flames, it feels like a move that could benefit both sides.

For Solovyov, the appeal is obvious: a clearer NHL path. In Calgary, he’d fallen down the depth chart behind younger prospects like Yan Kuznetsov and Hunter Brzustewicz, both of whom carry higher ceilings and are trending up. Cracking the Flames’ blue line was only getting tougher. In Colorado, he projects as a depth or third-pairing option — a role that seemed out of reach here.

The 24-year-old spent four seasons in Calgary’s system, putting up 69 points (18g, 51a) over 229 games with the Wranglers in the AHL, while also appearing in 15 NHL contests and notching four assists. His steady play at the minor-league level showed he could be a reliable piece, but breaking through to a full-time NHL role never quite materialized.

From the Flames’ perspective, losing a prospect stings, but the timing actually makes sense. Solovyov’s departure clears room in the AHL for Calgary’s next wave of blueliners to take on heavy minutes. Kuznetsov, Artem Grushnikov, and Etienne Morin now have the chance to log top-pairing minutes with the Wranglers, which is critical for their development.

So while Calgary loses a prospect they spent many years developing, both sides gain something valuable. Solovyov gets a legitimate chance to stick in the NHL, and the Flames free up space for their next generation of defencemen to grow.

A former Philadelphia Flyers forward is on the move, and he is heading to one of the team's division rivals. 

The New Jersey Devils have acquired former Flyer Zack MacEwen from the Ottawa Senators in exchange for Kurtis MacDermid.

MacEwen spent each of the last two seasons with the Senators organization before this trade. In 51 games with the Senators from 2023-24 to 2024-25, the 6-foot-4 forward recorded four goals, two assists, 78 penalty minutes, 104 hits, and a minus-4 rating. 

MacEwen played in 21 games with Ottawa in 2024-25, recording two goals, three points, and 49 hits. He also recorded seven goals, nine assists, and a minus-3 rating in 23 games with Ottawa's American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate, the Belleville Senators. 

MacEwen joined the Flyers ahead of the 2021-22 season after the Metropolitan Division club claimed him off waivers from the Vancouver Canucks. Following this, the 29-year-old posted seven goals, 11 assists, 18 points, 164 penalty minutes, and 289 hits in 121 games over two seasons with the Flyers. 

MacEwen's time with the Flyers ended ahead of the 2023 NHL trade deadline, as he was traded to the Los Angeles Kings in exchange for Brendan Lemieux and a 2024 fifth-round pick. 

Now, after being traded to the Devils, MacEwen will be looking to earn a spot on their NHL roster. It will be interesting to see what happens on that front from here. 

After a lopsided 5–0 loss to the Montreal Canadiens on Tuesday night — a game that featured some one-sided brawls — Senators general manager Steve Staios wasted little time making a move this week.

On Friday, the club announced it had acquired rugged forward Kurtis MacDermid from the New Jersey Devils in exchange for winger Zack MacEwen. 

At 6-foot-5 and 233 pounds, MacDermid is considered one of the NHL’s best fighters. One of his most memorable moments came in April 2024, when he squared off with New York Rangers enforcer Matt Rempe during a notorious line brawl that broke out before the opening faceoff between the Devils and Rangers.

Rempe And McDermid Ignite MAYHEM At The Garden 🥊Watch NHL Games Live 🇨🇦 https://sportsnetplus.ca#NHL #Hockey #shorts #NHLshorts #NHLhighlights #Rangers #Devils #NewYorkRangers #NYRangers #NewJerseyDevils...

Rempe had been running around in the previous game against New Jersey, and the Devils head coach at the time wasn't happy about it.

That coach was Travis Green.

"None of this would have happened, though we all know why it did happen tonight," Green said after that game. "None of it would have happened if something had happened in the game before."

Green was referencing the previous game, where Rempe refused MacDermid’s offer to fight. In that game, Rempe knocked Devils defenceman Jonas Siegenthaler out of the game with a high elbow and was subsequently suspended for four games.

So now Green has MacDermid at his disposal again as his Senators prep for a rematch in Montreal on Saturday night. 

McDermid appeared in 23 games for New Jersey last season, getting in just four fights. Part of that modest total is, we're guessing, because so few players have much interest in tangling with him. Not many are in his weight class.

Previously, while MacEwen was always willing to answer the bell, Ottawa's best option to counter someone like Montreal’s Arber Xhekaj was probably Brady Tkachuk. That was a problem, because when they both suited up, the two alphas inevitably found each other, smacked each other around for a bit and then got sent off, which was a horrible trade-off for the Sens.

MacDermid now gives the Senators a fighter capable of standing toe-to-toe with the league’s most imposing enforcers. He can play when he's needed and eat popcorn in the press box when he's not.

There's no question that views about true enforcers vary. Some people think that having a nuclear deterrent on your side can send a wave of confidence through a room. Others contend that it's a waste of a roster spot.

Here's the tale of the tape from the Sens press release:

MacDermid, 31, has played in 288 NHL games in his career. The 6’5’’, 233 lbs skater has scored 11 goals, collected 20 assists and 391 penalty minutes. Undrafted, he made his debut with the Los Angeles Kings during the 2017-18 season. He joined the Colorado Avalanche at the start of the 2021-22 season before ending up in New Jersey in March 2024.

MacEwen, 29, spent the last two seasons with the Senators organization. He played 51 games with Ottawa and 33 games with Belleville.

The Senators and Canadiens meet again Saturday night in Montreal in their preseason finale — and after the vibe from Tuesday's game, it's hard to believe MacDermid won't be in uniform for the Senators... just in case.

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Givani Smith's hard work paid off as he's turned a professional tryout into an NHL contract.

The Carolina Hurricanes announced on Friday that they have agreed to a one-year, two-way contract with Smith that will pay him $775,000 at the NHL level and $140,000 at the AHL level, with a guarantee of $250,000.

“Givani came to camp as a PTO and proved that he deserved a role in the organization,” said Carolina GM Eric Tulsky in a press release. “His size and physicality make him a good fit to add depth to our forward group.”

Smith had a strong preseason, appearing in four games and scoring two goals, three points while also being a strong physical presence with 17 hits and two fights.

"In the four games he's played, he's done a pretty good job," said Hurricanes coach Rod Brind'Amour before the signing. "So no reason to not keep him around and give him another look."

Smith brings another look to a Hurricanes lineup that has missed that physical presence and even if he doesn't played too much, having that depth option is still valuable for the Canes.

The 27-year-old Toronto native has appeared in 168 NHL games across four organizations. He has nine goals and 22 points in that span along with 268 penalty minutes.

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The Wraparound is here to preview the NHL's Metropolitan Division teams ahead of the 2025-26 season.

Previewing The NHL's Metropolitan Division In 2025-26 by The Wraparoundundefined

Here's what Emma Lingan, Michael Augello and Jonathan Bailey discussed in this episode:

0:00: With Luke Hughes extended, is the New Jersey Devils’ defensive core good enough to contend?

5:28: Can Zach Werenski carry the Columbus Blue Jackets to the playoffs?

9:10: Did the Carolina Hurricanes make too many changes in the off-season?

13:11: Can Mike Sullivan unlock a new level of offense for the New York Rangers?

17:43: Will Mathieu Darche push the New York Islanders towards the playoffs or sell off the team’s core pieces?

21:47: Which stars will be left on the Pittsburgh Penguins roster by the end of the season?

25:40: Will the Washington Capitals prove that last season’s success wasn’t just a one-off?

29:04: Will Rick Tocchet rely on the Philadelphia Flyers youngsters to play big roles this season?

See below for where to subscribe to the show for future episodes. Watch the Big Show for previews in the other divisions as well.

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With the Regular season less than a week away, some Kings players are fighting for a roster spot during the preseason. 

So far, the Kings have played 6 preseason games, and they have a record of 4-2, which is the second-best in the Pacific Division. While many may think that the preseason is for players to shake off the rust and get ready for the regular season, for some, that is true. However, for others, it is a chance to prove why they belong on the Kings' roster. Here are some players who are performing well and some who are underperforming, as well as a recap of the Kings' preseason news. 

 Jeff Malott

The young forward played in 12 games with the Kings last season, registering 1 point. However, Malott has been electric for the Kings so far this preseason, scoring 2 goals and adding 3 assists for 5 points in 4 games. According to PuckPedia, Malott is on the 4th line alongside Turcotte and Armia. Malott has proven himself to be a player who can provide depth value with the Kings. With his stellar play in the preseason, he is only making himself look better and better with each game. 

Liam Greentree

After being drafted by the Kings 26th overall in the 2024 NHL draft, many fans thought Greentree could crack the opening roster, and his preseason play helped make a case for why he should. In the four preseason games Greentree played, he registered four assists for four points. While many wanted to see Greentree play in a Kings jersey, he was sent back down to the Windsor Spitfires in the OHL. The Kings' decision to send Greentree back down was the smart move, as the Kings' organization did not want to rush his development.  

Preseason News

While there were not many players who were disappointing during this preseason, the Kings have had moments that have set them back heading into the regular season. The first is the Corey Perry injury which has him sidelined 6-8 weeks. Perry is a new siging from this past offseason and the Kings will be without him for the first month of the season. The Kings alos lost Phoenix Copley to waivers after they decided to use the goaltending tandem of Darcy Kempur and Anton Forsberg. Lastly, another top prospect for the Kings , Henry Brzustewicz , was sent back to the London Knights, drafted 31st overall in the 2025 draft. Kings fans are excited to see what the young defenseman can do. But simular to Liam Greentree the Kings elected that it would be better for Brzustewiczs development if he were to return to the London Knights. 

The preseason has been busy for the Kings, but the moves they have made have benefited both the 2025-26 season and their future with their top prospects. 

Former St. Louis Blues star winger T.J. Oshie has joined ESPN as an NHL studio and game analyst for the 2025-26 season.

Oshie announced his retirement from the NHL after 16 seasons spent with the Blues and the Washington Capitals. 

The 38-year-old was drafted 24th overall by the Blues in the 2005 NHL draft. He went on to play 443 games with the Blues, scoring 110 goals and 210 points. Oshie recorded a career-high in points with 60, just a year before he was traded to the Capitals.

The deal shocked hockey fans and Oshie as well, who had stated previously that he was taken aback by the deal. The deal saw Troy Brouwer, Pheonix Copley, and 2016 third-round pick come to St. Louis in exchange for Oshie. 

Oshie went on to enjoy his time in Washington, winning a Stanley Cup in 2018, recording 192 goals and 385 points, while setting a career high in goals of 33 in the 2016-17 season.

The later part of his career, mainly post-2021, was ravaged by injuries, so much so that he didn't play a game in the 2024-25 season.

Now, post-career, Oshie will be taking his talents onto the screen, working as an analyst. The news to join ESPN comes after Oshie also signed on as a contributor to local Capitals broadcasts with Monumental Sports Network this season. 

“I’m hoping I get into some broadcasts,” Oshie said in September. “I will be doing things with the Caps on a part-time basis. I want to be linked with them for as long as I possibly can, because I love the organization so much, them and Monumental.”

My dad fell asleep to @SportsCenter almost every night of my childhood. He would have loved this! Can’t wait to get started at @espnhttps://t.co/F8vOnD2S9l

— TJ Oshie (@TJOshie77) October 2, 2025

Oshie had his chance to make an impression on ESPN during the Western Conference Finals last year and clearly impressed, earning a consistent role with the network.

It usually makes sense for developing elite young hockey players to develop in the AHL instead of starting in small roles at the NHL level.

In fact, there’s a reason most NHLers need time in the ‘A’. When you’re still finding out who you are as a professional athlete, many times it’s safer to grow into major-league responsibilities than have them foisted upon you right out of the gate.

But for every rule, there are exceptions to the rule.

Enter Easton Cowan of the Toronto Maple Leafs, who has two assists, seven shots and a plus-4 rating in four  pre-season games.

In the case of the 20-year-old right winger, we think it makes more sense for the Maple Leafs to deploy Cowan on the fourth line than it does to stash him away with the AHL’s Toronto Marlies.

Now, you can definitely make the case that an AHL stint would best-serve the interests of Cowan and the Leafs organization, as Michael Augello explored last week. It’s also true that the Maple Leafs have precious-few Grade-A prospects, so it matters that they don’t screw it up and fail to develop Cowan into a long-term piece of their puzzle.

But here’s why we think Cowan should be fast-tracked into an NHL job: we’d rather have him around NHL-caliber talent day-in and day-out, rather than him facing sub-NHL players as a member of the Marlies.

We already know what that picture looks like after Cowan’s dominance at the major junior level. He's not the next great Leafs icon, but practicing and playing with Maple Leafs players on a daily basis does have its own benefits. In Cowan’s case, we can see how someone with his vision and creativity could more quickly adapt to the NHL game even if he’s only on the fourth line.

'I Played Some Of My Best Hockey': Has Easton Cowan Done Enough To Make The Maple Leafs Out Of Training Camp?If this was the final game of Easton Cowan's training camp with the Toronto Maple Leafs, he should be proud of himself.

Putting Cowan on the fourth line would also open up Leafs winger Nick Robertson to be traded. And if Cowan is getting reps on the fourth line rather than Robertson, it’s beyond clear that it’s time for Robertson to be traded. 

Now, you can say the Maple Leafs already have far too many experienced NHL forwards – Robertson, David Kampf, Michael Pezzetta, and Calle Jarnkrok – as well as Cowan for only two job openings. Only Cowan is waiver-exempt out of that group.

That said, the Leafs placed Kampf on waivers on Friday, even while Scott Laughton is injured, and there are clearly enough players to go to if someone gets claimed.

Leafs coach Craig Berube has praised Cowan’s growth in camp this year. You want to reward that, and you don’t do that by sending him to the ‘A’. Cowan is a different kind of player who deserves the benefit of the doubt.

Besides, if Cowan doesn’t play well as a fourth-liner to start the season, you can always demote him a few weeks from now. But he’s had a good camp, and he’s a better player than anyone else they’ve got in that part of the depth chart. By keeping him around, you may infuse him with confidence he uses to further climb the NHL depth chart and maybe even see time on the Leafs’ second power-play unit.

Maple Leafs' Best Interest Is To Let Easton Cowan Develop In AHLAs of Sunday, the Toronto Maple Leafs have not made a significant roster cut to get closer to the 23-man roster limit. They'll need to trim the roster down before their regular-season opener on Oct. 8 against the Montreal Canadiens.

There’s still got to be a meritocracy when it comes to Toronto’s job opportunities, but if Cowan had looked out of place in training camp, he already would’ve been sent to the Marlies. The fact he’s still in camp at this advanced stage of camp tells you a lot about where Cowan sits in the Maple Leafs’ pecking order.

Thus, Cowan should finish up camp this year as a member of the Leafs instead of the Marlies. He’s done all that’s been asked of him so far in his brief pro playing days. And from here, the rest is up to him.

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