The New York Rangers have signed Conor Sheary to a professional tryout. 

The veteran forward will report to Rangers training camp in December and fight to earn a spot on the roster. 

Throughout Sheary’s 10-year NHL career, he has played for the Pittsburgh Penguins, Buffalo Sabres, Washington Capitals, and Tampa Bay Lightning. 

Sheary played under the Rangers’ new head coach Mike Sullivan, as they won a Stanley Cup together with the Penguins. 

He spent most of his time this past season with the Syracuse Crunch of the American Hockey League, where he recorded 20 goals, 41 assists, and 61 points in 59 games. 

In the last few years of Pierre Dorion's tenure as Ottawa Senators GM, fans and media would wonder during the summer if this was the year the long rebuild would finally be over. If not last year, was this the year? Is it over now?

Okay, how 'bout now?

Now?

Sens fans are thankful those days are over. Today, those questions can be replaced with: Are the Senators now a contender, ready to legitimately battle with the NHL's best?

Yes. Yes, they are.

Let's go back to July 1st. When Ottawa Senators GM Steve Staios was asked how he felt about his team for next season after his modest 2025 free agent shopping trip, the assumption was that he'd speak mainly about the acquisition of veteran NHL depth forward Lars Eller. 

"We feel good," Staios said. "Adding Lars Eller today was significant for us heading into the season."

But then he was quick to point out that the club's work at the trade deadline was part of why he feels good about the roster for next season.

"Looking back, (we also acquired) Dylan Cozens and Fabian Zetterlund (at the deadline), and Jordan Spence at the draft. We didn't have a lot to do in free agency this year as far as acquisitions. The work has actually been laid out in a bit of a slow roll."

Hearing an NHL GM who still has $4.3 million in cap space declaring that he didn't have a lot to do in free agency is an amazing show of confidence in his roster. And Staios has every right to be confident and satisfied with what he has.

Let's get ahead of the Montreal Canadiens fans who like to fill up our message board with chirps and questions, which we welcome. They're probably going to mention that the Senators were only a wild-card team last year. How can they suddenly be flirting with a roster that might be a finished product?

Well, for starters, making the playoffs will do wonders for their collective psyche. But they also weren't far from being labelled contenders last season, finishing with a record of 45-30-7. Teams with lesser records have won Cups before. The Florida Panthers, the reigning two-time Cup champs who everyone is trying to emulate right now, were just one point ahead of Ottawa.

Meanwhile, is Staios is right to include Cozens and Zetterlund as part of why he felt he didn't have much to do this summer, then the club should have been noticeably better after the deadline, right?

Oh, they were, my friends. As Everyday Sens packages up nicely, they were a lot better.

Ottawa prior to the trade deadline:
• 31-25-5 (18th)
• .549 P% (15th)
• 1.96 GF/60 (5v5)(28th)
• -2.18 Goals Above Expected

Ottawa after the trade deadline:
• 14-5-2 (2nd)
• .714 P% (4th)
• 2.61 GF/60 (5v5)(11th)
• 13.56 Goals Above Expected#GoSensGopic.twitter.com/cYQUw8jVmW

— Everyday Sens (@EverydaySens) July 19, 2025

When you consider what happened after the trades, March 7th instantly goes down in the books as one of the most successful deadline days in franchise history. Here are the standings on March 7th, the day of the deadline. The Sens were just hanging on by a thread to the final wild card.

After deadline day, the Senators totally floored it, putting up the second-best record in the NHL at 14-5-2 (.714) to close the season and run away with the Eastern wild card race. Here are the final standings.

5 on 5 scoring? That was worrisome through most of the season, but it saw a massive spike in the final quarter of the season. Goalie graveyard? Not anymore. The Sens will roll into a new season with a healthy former Vezina winner, and his new full-time backup didn't allow a goal in regulation in 4 of his 12 NHL starts last season.

Remember when the Senators' goal used to be a chance to play meaningful games at the end of the season? Last spring, they not only played in them, they thrived in them. Staios's deals at the deadline may have been the final additive that Ottawa's rebuilt engine needed to finally start purring. Spence and Eller now serve as nice bells and whistles to the final assembly.

Yes, it cannot be ignored that the Senators came out of the playoff gates slowly. But a lot of that can be chalked up to first-time jitters for the club's key young players. They've wanted it so badly for so long, and by the time they calmed down and found their poise, their room for error was gone.

Now they've experienced it. Now they've had a taste. Now they know. The Stanley Cup Playoff nets have the exact same measurements as they do back in Hickory.

I get it. It's summer. Time for golf, cottage or whatever. But Sens fans who aren't completely excited for the season ahead should probably put that on their to-do list very soon.

By Steve Warne
The Hockey News Ottawa
Image Credit: Marc DesRosiers-Imagn Images

This article orginally appeared at The Hockey News Ottawa, where you'll find all the latest Senators news:
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Croatia's NHL Trailblazer: Sens Prospect Bruno Idžan Takes NHL Road Less Travelled
Top 3 Ottawa Senators Bounce-Back Candidates For 2025-26
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Can The Senators Count On Dylan Cozens To Consistently Produce?
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The Henderson Silver Knights have re-signed defenseman Artur Cholach to a one-year deal, it was announced earlier this week. 

Cholach, a product of Lviv, Ukraine, finished his first full season of professional hockey in 2024-25, splitting time between Henderson and the ECHL's Tahoe Knight Monsters. Although he went pointless in five AHL games, Cholach scored seven goals and added 16 assists for 23 points in 54 ECHL games. 

Drafted by the Vegas Golden Knights in the sixth round of the 2021 NHL Draft, Cholach played his junior hockey in the OHL (Barrie Colts) and the USHL (Sioux Falls Stampede) before making the jump to the pro game. His best season offensively came with the Colts in 2022-23, where he put up 21 points in 60 regular season games. 

With Cholach extending for another year, he has proven he is a valuable member of the Golden Knights organization. His play should earn him a longer look in the AHL this year, and he could even snag a full-time spot before the season is over. 

Jack Studnicka and Nolan Foote, a pair of two-way forwards signed this off-season, could be valued additions to the Florida Panthers organization at both the NHL and AHL levels. 

The Charlotte Checkers have aspirations of working their way back to the Calder Cup finals. Although their top scorer, John Leonard, one of their top prospects, Justin Sourdif, and veteran Rasmus Asplund have left the organization, the team believes it possesses the depth to overcome the departures.

Jack Devine, the Panthers' top prospect, is expected to play the 2025-26 season with the Checkers, which will be a major boost. Additionally, Gracyn Sawchyn and Hunter St. Martin should provide young scoring. 

The most impactful moves may come from off-season signings. Studnicka and Foote are skilled wingers who, although they haven't translated all too well at the NHL level, have been efficient AHL producers.

Studnicka was a second-round pick (53rd overall) to the Boston Bruins in the 2017 NHL Draft. The 6-foot-1, right-handed winger has scored 57 goals and 162 points in 255 career AHL games, but has also notched six goals and 16 points in 107 NHL games. 

At the AHL level, Studnicka's skill and speed thrive, but at the NHL level, he's struggled to carve out a role. Studnicka can fit into the Panthers' bottom-six if needed throughout the season, but evidence has proven that he is better suited for the AHL game.

Foote, on the other hand, hasn't been given a real chance in the NHL yet, due to playing on a deeply skilled New Jersey Devils team. Throughout his AHL career, the 24-year-old has recorded 62 goals and 129 points in 191 games. In the NHL, he's scored six goals and nine points in 30 games. 

Foote was a first-round pick (27th overall) by the Tampa Bay Lightning in the 2019 NHL Draft. Injuries halted his development in the 2023-24 season, but there appears to be a scoring touch that hasn't been tapped into at the NHL level just yet. 

It's unlikely that Studnicka or Foote make too many appearances with the Panthers throughout the season, and when they do, their role will likely be limited. But strong AHL campaigns could earn them extensions and help the Checkers find success once again.

Panthers Prospect Pool Receives Solid Grade From Draft ExpertThe Hockey News' Tony Ferrari is currently putting together his 2025-26 prospect pool overview for each NHL team, and recently, he covered the Florida Panthers, who received a fair bit of praise.

Welcome back to another Vancouver Canucks 2024–25 report card. In this series, The Hockey News - Canucks site discusses the 2024–25 seasons of active Canucks who played at least 10 games with Vancouver. Today, we’ll be taking a look at how Elias Pettersson (D) performed in the 2024–25 season. 

Pettersson was one of the biggest surprises of the 2024–25 season for the Canucks. This season was his first with the Abbotsford Canucks, where he was expected to stay for at least the year to hone his game. The 2022 third-round pick started the season in Abbotsford, racking up two assists in his first five games with the team. 

While he did spend the first half of the season in the AHL, clearly, his NHL debut was imminent. His performance during the first few months of his career in Abbotsford earned him a spot at the 2025 AHL All-Star Challenge, though Ty Mueller skated in his place as Pettersson was busy playing with the Canucks at the time. February 15, 2025, marked his final AHL game of the season. He finished his AHL season with a goal and 12 assists in 38 games. 

Pettersson made his NHL debut on January 25, 2025, in a 2–1 home victory for Vancouver against the Washington Capitals. He recorded his first NHL point two games later against the Detroit Red Wings and scored his first NHL goal on April 5 against the Anaheim Ducks. However, what impressed people the most about Pettersson was his calm but confident demeanour on the ice — something that isn’t very common for a 21-year-old prospect who has less than 40 games worth of AHL experience. 

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Another aspect of Pettersson’s game that helped him stick in the lineup was his willingness to throw his body around and stand up for his team. Again, as a young rookie, it’s not often that players would get into skirmmishes within the first few games of their NHL career. With that being said, Pettersson stepped up to the plate even during his first couple of NHL games, making solid hits and even defending his own teammates. He even got into his first NHL fight on April 10, taking on Colorado Avalanche forward Logan O’Connor in a 4–1 win. 

By the end of the 2024–25 season, Pettersson carved himself out a full-time position within the Canucks’ D-core. His success in the NHL made Carson Soucy expendable, leading to the veteran defenceman’s trade only a day before the NHL Trade Deadline. His demeanour, style of play, and positive impression on the team have earned him an A for the 2024–25 season. 

As it stands, it looks as though Vancouver will be bringing back the same blueline that they iced in 2024–25, as Quinn Hughes, Filip Hronek, Tyler Myers, Marcus Pettersson, and Derek Forbort are all under contract with the team next year. Pettersson is an early favourite to start in the sixth and final spot on Vancouver’s blueline; however, that doesn’t mean he is without competition. Victor Mancini (right-shot) and free agent-signing Pierre-Olivier Joseph (left-shot) could also push for a spot during training camp in the fall. 

Player Review Series Articles: 

Teddy Blueger

Filip Chytil

Nils Åman

Nils Höglander

Drew O'Connor

Aatu Räty

Kiefer Sherwood

Jonathan Lekkerimäki

Marcus Pettersson

Linus Karlsson

Kevin Lankinen

Thatcher Demko

Jake DeBrusk

Filip Hronek

Brock Boeser

Tyler Myers

Conor Garland

Elias Pettersson (F) 

Quinn Hughes 

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, be sure to leave a comment at the bottom of the page and engage with other passionate fans through our forum.

As the Montreal Canadiens take the next step in their rebuild, you can expect to see a change in attitude from coach Martin St-Louis towards specific players. Last season, many fans complained that the bench boss was too harsh on Arber Xhekaj, making him pay dearly for mistakes, but that’s what happens when a team is not just looking for development but also for results.

We saw St-Louis have a similar attitude toward Patrik Laine at the tail end of the season. The big Finn wasn’t buying what the coach was selling, so he paid in ice time and opportunities—finding himself skating on the fourth line and off the first power play. Laine had had enough time to adapt, and eventually, the coach turned up the accountability setting on his account, which makes sense.

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This upcoming season, there are a couple of players who will be candidates for increased accountability. First and foremost, Juraj Slafkovsky. Why? Simply because while he is still only 21 years old, the power forward now has 200 NHL games under his belt, and it’s time to take the next step. Plus, St-Louis now has something he must have been craving for ages: options.

The arrival of Ivan Demidov means that if the big Slovak doesn’t deliver, the coach has a ready-made option to replace him on the top line. In previous years, the Canadiens didn’t have a player who could have ridden shotgun with Nick Suzuki and Cole Caufield, but now they do.

Should Slafkovsky struggle out of the gates as he has done in the past, he will be met with a very different reaction. St-Louis will be less patient with him, and that’s perfectly fine. There comes a time when a coach needs to stop shielding a player.

The Canadiens have been patient with Slafkovsky so far and have helped him develop the parts of his game they believe will be the key to his success in the NHL. He wasn’t drafted to be a points-producing machine, but to play the role of a bona fide power forward. The left winger now knows and understands this, as evidenced by his comments to the media last season about having to play more like Brady Tkachuk to be successful in the NHL.

Slafkovsky demonstrated last season that he can adapt to the team's expectations and play the way the team needs him to, but he needs to dig deep and find a way to do it consistently. If he doesn’t, Demidov will be waiting in the wings to get a chance to skate alongside Suzuki and Caufield.

Furthermore, the fans will likely start grumbling now that he will be entering the first year of his eight-year, big-money contract. We’ve seen some complain about what they considered to be an unsatisfactory points output, but the big contract will mean more intense scrutiny on what he does on the ice daily.

Kirby Dach will be another candidate for increased accountability. As the big center enters his contract year, St-Louis will be a lot less tolerant. He was last season and shielded the player by pleading with the media that patience was needed, given the fact that the pivot was coming back from a serious injury.

However, at the end of the season, when Jeff Gorton and Kent Hughes spoke to the media, it became evident that the team was not impressed with the shape he was in when he reported for camp.

Dach is now 24 and will be entering his fourth season with the Canadiens. Injuries or not, it’s time for him to deliver. While he will more than likely be given another chance at centering the second line, which he likely wouldn’t have had if the Habs had been able to find another option on the trade market, he can’t expect St-Louis to be as patient as he was in the past.

The Canadiens took a step forward last season by making the playoffs, and they’ll want to build on that. Furthermore, he will likely skate alongside Demidov on the second line, and there’s absolutely no doubt that St-Louis and company will want the rookie to be put in winning condition. Having an underperforming center is not what the Russian phenom needs.

While there wouldn’t be an option as obvious to replace Dach as there is to replace Slafkovsky, the coach would still have to make a move, be it giving Zachary Bolduc a shot at center or Oliver Kapanen a shot on the second line.

The Canadiens are improving, and with that come higher expectations. It’s perfectly normal and something players cannot be shielded from indefinitely.

Photo credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images

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On July 17, 2025, Columbus Blue Jackets forward Yegor Chinakhov requested a trade, according to a statement published by his agent, Shumi Babaev. 

Babaev posted a statement from Chinakhov on X, which read:

“I had some misunderstandings with the coach during the season. Now I would be glad to have a trade. I would like to move to a different location. Will I return to Russia? As long as I can play in the NHL, I will keep developing here.”

Yegor Chinakhov:
I had some misunderstandings with the coach during the season. Now I would be glad to have a trade. I would like to move to a different location.
Will I return to Russia? As long as I can play in the NHL, I will keep developing here @BlueJacketsNHLpic.twitter.com/DQ1qU2oHFb

— Shumi Babaev Agency (@BabayevShumi) July 17, 2025

The announcement sparked immediate speculation about where Chinakhov might land. Among the potential rumored suitors? The New Jersey Devils.

At 24 years old, Chinakhov brings size [6'1"], speed, and a high hockey IQ. His shot placement and skating ability make him an intriguing addition for any team looking to boost offensive depth, particularly on the right wing.

Of course, New Jersey isn’t the only team being floated. Chinakhov has also been linked to the Florida Panthers, Montreal Canadiens, and Toronto Maple Leafs as possible destinations.

Babaev stated that he is in active communication with Blue Jackets management and emphasized that Chinakhov’s desire to move is mutual and understood:

“I always stand by the player, especially in this case, and I understand that Yegor’s desire to be traded did not come out of nowhere.”

I always stand by the player—especially in this case—and I understand that Yegor’s desire to be traded did not come out of nowhere.

— Shumi Babaev Agency (@BabayevShumi) July 17, 2025

He followed up in a separate post:

“However, we are fully aware that there is an active contract in place, and if Yegor’s request for a trade does not materialize, he will continue to give 120 percent in fulfilling his responsibilities.”

Babaev’s player-first approach has earned him trust amongst players. He currently represents six NHL players, including two on the Colorado Avalanche, one on the Philadelphia Flyers, one on the Pittsburgh Penguins, and notably, Arseni Gritsyuk of the New Jersey Devils.

While the connection doesn’t guarantee anything, it certainly helps to have a familiar relationship between the agent and the front office when a player is exploring trade options.

Chinakhov is entering the second year of a two-year, $4.2 million contract ($2.1 million AAV). That’s a manageable number for a team like the Devils, if they can make the cap work. New Jersey is nearing the salary cap ceiling, with less than $7 million in space remaining, and they still need to sign Luke Hughes.

In the end, Chinakhov to the Devils isn’t out of the realm of possibility, but it’s also far from certain. Cap constraints and other roster needs may push the Devils to look elsewhere. Still, imagining Chinakhov in red and black raises an interesting question: how would he fit in, and could he thrive in New Jersey’s system?

Photo Credit: © Ed Mulholland-Imagn Images

Michael Pezzetta is already showing love to Toronto Maple Leafs fans.

The 27-year-old was spotted hanging out with kids from the Maple Leafs' hockey school earlier his month. Pezzetta, who grew up in the Toronto, Ontario area, spoke, took photos with the children, and even signed each of their Maple Leafs jerseys.

Pezzetta signed a two-year, $1.625 million contract with Toronto as a free agent when free agency opened up on July 1. The annual average value of his contract is $812,500. He's been with the Montreal Canadiens ever since being drafted by them in the sixth round (160th overall) of the 2016 NHL Draft.

In 200 career NHL games with the Canadiens, Pezzetta has 15 goals and 23 assists. He's likely to play a depth role with the Maple Leafs within their bottom six. Pezzetta grew up a Maple Leafs fan, idolizing players such as Mats Sundin and Curtis Joseph, among others.

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"I know my mom's super excited that I get to stay home, it's been a while. And then even all my friends and everybody's like all Leafs fans, just through and through, and they're so excited," Pezzetta said in his first media availability as a Maple Leaf.

"So many people messaged me the last day-and-a-half now, and it's just surreal. Like, to think that it's a possibility I get to put this sweater on, so I'm just really grateful for the opportunity."

Pezzetta, though, isn't the only Maple Leafs player who's visited the kids at Maple Leafs hockey school. Scott Laughton, Bobby McMann, and Morgan Rielly, each of whom is spending a lot of time in Toronto this summer, have also stopped by to take photos at the camp.

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The two-week-long event, held by the Maple Leafs' development team, is "a recreational/beginner level camp that welcomes players of all ability levels. Participants will have fun, step outside their comfort zone, learn and improve upon their hockey skills while also continuing to develop their fundamental movement skills," their website reads.

"Our program is designed to provide young athletes with an all-around professional hockey camp experience both on and off the ice. Off-ice programming includes dryland training, special guest seminars and team building activities."

Other Maple Leafs who've surprised the kids in recent years at the camp are John Tavares, Chris Tanev, Joseph Woll, and former Toronto head coach Sheldon Keefe. The organization has even had Toronto Sceptres forward Emma Maltais as a guest at the camp.

'Looking Forward To Playing A Long Time Here Like (Phil) Kessel': Why Dakota Joshua Will Wear No. 81 With Maple Leafs This SeasonWhen Dakota Joshua puts on a Toronto Maple Leafs jersey for the first time, he'll be wearing a number that many fans are familiar with.

This article originally appeared on The Hockey News: Michael Pezzetta Among Maple Leafs Spotted As Guest At Team's Hockey School This Summer

(Top photo of Pezzetta: @leafsdevelopment / Instagram)

The Colorado Avalanche announced on Friday that they have acquired forward Danil Gushchin from the San Jose Sharks in return for forward Oskar Olausson.

We have acquired Danil Gushchin from the San Jose Sharks in exchange for Oskar Olausson.

📰: https://t.co/3FRtzPimZtpic.twitter.com/67mamq9Ujk

— Colorado Avalanche (@Avalanche) July 25, 2025

Gushchin, 23, was drafted by San Jose in the 3rd round of the 2020 NHL Entry Draft, 76th overall.

He made his NHL debut with the Sharks in the 2022-23 season against the Arizona Coyotes. Since then, he's skated in 18 total NHL games, 12 of which came just last season. He cracked the Sharks' opening night roster, playing in all 9 games in October before being sent down to the San Jose Barracuda (AHL). He was called up two more times, once for one game against the Vancouver Canucks in November, then again in April for the last two games of the team's regular season. His only NHL point last season was an assist in a 5-4 OT win against the Utah Mammoth.

The Yekaterinburg, Russia native played 56 regular season games with the Barracuda and totaled 51 points (28g/23a), finishing third on the team in points and second in goals. He earned one point in the form of a goal in four GP in the 2025 Calder Cup Playoffs.

Gushchin is a smaller forward, coming into Colorado's system at 5'8", 165 lbs. 

He's a great, tenacious back checker who often almost functions as a third defenseman in transition at times. He takes smart routes to the puck on the forecheck, and he's surprisingly physical for someone his size. He sets up really well by faking a shot or a pass first and then separates by accelerating inside his movements.

- EliteProspects 2020 Draft Guide

As mentioned above, the Avalanche received Gushchin in exchange for Sweden native Oskar Olausson, who was drafted by Colorado 28th overall in the 2021 NHL Entry Draft. During his three years in the Avalanche system, he appeared in four NHL games. In 61 GP with the Colorado Eagles (AHL) this past season, he tallied 26 points (11g/15a).

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With the majority of sought-after players already signed, players are beginning to look at the possibility of joining clubs on professional tryout contract. Usually the hockey version of musical chairs begins in late August or early September with a few weeks to go before training camp opens, but the thin group of free agents may have accelerated players searching for a landing spot. 

According to Mollie Walker of the NY Post, former Buffalo Sabres forward Conor Sheary was the first to agree to a PTO this summer, agreeing to a tryout contract with the NY Rangers. The two-time Stanley Cup winner played 133 games with the Sabres from 2018 to 2020 after playing three seasons in Pittsburgh and winning consecutive championships in 2016 and 2017 under new Rangers coach Mike Sullivan. 

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The Sabres acquired Sheary along with defenseman Matt Hunwick from the Penguins for a conditional draft pick in the summer of 2018, and was traded back to Pittsburgh along with Evan Rodrigues just before the COVID shutdown for Dominik Kahun. The diminutive winger scored in double figures three straight seasons with Washington, but declined the last two years with Tampa Bay. 

Sheary scored four goals in 57 games with the Lightning two years ago, and played most of last season in AHL Syracuse, where he led the Crunch in scoring with 61 points (20 goals, 41 assists) in 59 games.

 

Follow Michael on X, Instagram, and Bluesky @MikeInBuffalo 

The Buffalo Sabres are facing massive pressure to at least qualify for the Stanley Cup playoffs for the first time in 15 years. But there's intense competition for each and every standings point teams can generate,  and the Sabres' don't benefit by playing in the Atlantic Division -- the most competitive division, in our estimation, in the league. And Buffalo is going to have to get a leg up on more than a few Atlantic rival teams, Tampa Bay included if they really intend to claim a Cup anytime soon.

In the  next day, we'll be finishing up this series on the Sabres' chances against Atlantic teams when we focus on the Toronto Maple Leafs. But in his file, we're talking about a team that is probably a playoff team, but that may find itself sliding past the Sabres in the standings -- the Tampa Bay Lightning:

What's the state of the rivalry between the Sabres and Lightning? And what's likely to happen when these two teams two teams square off this year? These are a couple key questions we've addressed below.

BUFFALO SABRES VS. TAMPA BAY LIGHTNING

NEW LIGHTNING PLAYERS: Pontus Holmberg, LW

2024-25 SERIES: Sabres 1-2-0, Lightning 2-0-1

2025-26 GAMES AGAINST EACH OTHER:  February 3 at Tampa Bay; February 28 at Tampa Bay; March 8 at Buffalo: April 6 at Buffalo

CAN THE SABRES BEAT THIS TEAM?  The Lightning played well against the Sabres in three games last season, staying undefeated in regulation time in all three games. And this will mark the second consecutive season in which the Sabres and Tampa Bay don't play each other until the second half of the regular season. 

Indeed, four games in two months near the end of the year should make for some compelling hockey. If things go well for the Sabres, they can challenge for fourth place in the Atlantic. And if things don't go well for the Lightning, they could slip out of their second-place finish last season and finish in fourth spot for the second time in three years. That may be all the regression needed by a team to allow the Sabres to vault over them and into a post-season position.

We're certainly not suggesting Tampa Bay will completely collapse next season. There's too much talent there to not be a playoff team. But again, only two years ago, the Bolts finished in fourth spot in the Atlantic with a 45-29-8 record; Tampa Bay climbed two standings spots the following season -- last season -- but they posted only two additional wins in 2024-25. And they haven't done much of anything in terms of trades or free-agency to improve their attack to begin next season.

Know. Your Enemy, Sabres Edition: Ottawa Senators Could Be Standing In Way Between Buffalo, PlayoffsThe Buffalo Sabres happen to play in the NHL's most competitive division, the Atlantic Division, Every one of the Atlantic's eight teams have designs on being a playoff team next season -- and as part of this continuing THN.com series, we're analyzing each of the Sabres' seven divisional rivals to see what chance Buffalo has against each of them.

As that reality settles in, you can see why the margin for error in this Atlantic Division is about as thin as it gets, and that if the Lightning aren't careful -- or if the injury bug tears into Tampa Bay's lineup in a major way -- the Bolts could find themselves on the outside of the playoff picture looking in.

The teams get a fourth game against each other next season, and that final game will come when the Sabres play their fifth-to-last game of the regular season. And both of the two teams' final two games against one another will take place in Buffalo, within about one month of each other near season's end, so we're looking at a few possibilities for that final game:

Possibility Number One: The Sabres Have Vaulted Over Tampa Bay

This possibility would see Buffalo fans rocking and rolling through the arena, and Tampa Bay in a place it's rarely been -- behind the Sabres in the standings. Buffalo would need to be nearly perfect to be much better than the Lightning. So we're not saying it's a probability. But a possibility? Sure.

Know Your Enemy, Sabres Edition: Will The New-Look Montreal Canadiens Edge Out Buffalo For A Playoff Spot?The Buffalo Sabres are desperate to be a playoff team next season -- but they're in the NHL's toughest division -- the Atlantic Division. And their games against Atlantic teams will be crucial to help decided whether or not they'll be a playoff team next year. As such, we're analyzing Buffalo's chances against each Atlantic team in a THN.com series; We started alphabetically with the Boston Bruins, then turned our attention to the Detroit Red Wings, followed by the defending Stanley Cup-champion Florida Panthers.

Possibility Number Two: The Sabres And Lightning Are Both Good, And Still One Of Them Aren't In The Playoffs

This possibility would also provide tons of drama. Both fan bases would have meaningful hockey to enjoy down the stretch, and they'd be raising the bar for Atlantic teams as other Atlantic teams make their own push for post-season action.

Possibility Number Three: The Lightning Are Well Ahead Of Buffalo, And The Sabres Are Basically Out Of It

Let's not focus too much on this possibility. But suffice to say, Western New York hockey fans are going to be irate if the playoff drought reaches 15 years. And that goes double if the Sabres don't even come close to challenging for a playoff berth. The potential for it getting really ugly is considerable for the Sabres, but if they can take three of four against the Lightning, suddenly they could conceivably be a team that rises higher in the standings.

The two teams won't see one another until February, but let's never forget the NHL trade deadline's impact on the standings: teams like the Bolts and Sabres could look considerably different between their games prior to the deadline and the games they play after the deadline.

Know Your Enemy, Sabres Edition: Does Buffalo Have Any Hope Of Beating The Defending Stanley Cup-Champion Panthers?The Buffalo Sabres are under massive pressure to qualify for the Stanley Cup playoffs for the first time in 15 years. To do so, they're going to have to make the most of their games with their Atlantic Division rivals. And in this continuing THN.com series, we're analyzing Buffalo's chances against each of their seven Atlantic rivals.

The Lightning have a chance to contend for top spot in the Atlantic, but if the hockey gods aren't kind to them, that could spell the difference between missing and making the playoffs. And Tampa Bay wouldn't be the first team to crumble under the weight of expectation. There's a way this all lines up in a row in the Sabres' favor to rise as high as third in the Atlantic, but it's going to take just about every element clicking at the right time. And a team like Tampa Bay will have to fall off to open up that spot in the division.

And if that doesn't happen for Buffalo, we're most likely going to see the Lightning finishing ahead of them, in the regular-season and playoffs, as is usually the case.

The Anaheim Ducks have missed the playoffs every year since 2017-18 and in doing so, have drafted in the top ten for seven consecutive seasons and procured one of the NHL’s deepest and most potent prospect pools.

Despite several young players having graduated and become full-time NHLers, such as Leo Carlsson, Cutter Gauthier, Mason McTavish, Pavel Mintyukov, and Olen Zellweger, the Ducks still have an impressive pipeline of potential impact and depth prospects yet to make the jump.

Can ‘Rangers West’ Help Get the Ducks Back Into the Playoffs?

Lukas Dostal: Increased Pressure, Journey from 'No-Name Goalie' to Paid Among NHL Elite

For this exercise, only players who haven’t lost rookie status are eligible for a ranking, and to be clear, these are my (Patrick Present) subjective rankings.

Honorable Mentions: Yegor Sidorov, Herman Traff, Tarin Smith, Lasse Boelius, Calle Clang

Top Ten:

10. Nathan Gaucher, 21, C, San Diego Gulls (AHL)

9. Ian Moore, 23, RHD, San Diego Gulls (AHL)

8. Sasha Pastujov, 22, W, San Diego Gulls (AHL)

7. Tomas Suchanek, 22, G, San Diego Gulls (AHL)

6. Eric Nilson, 18, C, Michigan State University (NCAA)

Just outside of top-five prospects in the Ducks organization, and coming at number six is a true two-way center selected in the most recent NHL Entry Draft (45th overall in 2025): Eric Nilson.

Nilson comes from an NHL family, as his father, Marcus, is a former first-round pick (20th in ’96) of the Florida Panthers who had a long professional career, playing nine years in the NHL, two in the AHL, ten in the SHL, and a year in the KHL.

“He reminds us a lot of William Karlsson at the same age,” Ducks assistant general manager and director of amateur scouting Martin Madden said of Eric Nilson. “Really smart, really competitive, great skill, great edge work, he’s also 165 pounds. So he’s got some work to do in the gym, and he understands that, and that’s why he’s taking the path to go to Michigan State.

“He wanted to get the best program off the ice. That was his focus, and we kind of agree. He’s going to a great spot for him. He’s a good two-way player. He’s the first off the bench on the PK, he’s on the first power play unit for the national team. He’s a hockey player.”

Nilson is as detail-oriented and high-motor as an 18-year-old center gets, drawing comparisons to some of the NHL’s top 200-foot centers like the aforementioned Karlsson, Jake Evans, and Mikael Backlund.

With the puck on his stick, he displays plus-vision as well as an effortlessly quick release, and away from the puck, he’s always in a fundamentally sound defensive position to win a battle should an attack break down.

He stands at only 6-foot and 165 pounds, so to this point, his ability to win board battles has come purely from technique and proper engagement with an active stick, as well as the knowledge to engage through opponents’ hands.

Nilson is an effortlessly terrific skater in small areas, utilizing perfect edges to become as shifty as possible, but could afford to gain power in his straight-line stride.

He’d played the majority of the last two seasons in Sweden’s J20 Nationell division. Most recently, in 2024-25 with Djurgardens IF, where he scored 38 points (12-26=38) in 37 games and added 13 points (6-7=13) in nine playoff games.

His hockey IQ has far exceeded that of most in his age group, but his body will need to catch up desperately. He will make the jump to North America in 2025-26 to play for loaded and young Michigan State University team in the NCAA, where a college hockey schedule should allow him to be in the gym as much as possible, as teams typically only play games on weekends and will only play roughly 35-40 in total.

Nilson is likely several years from making any impact at the NHL level. Still, his defensive prowess, shift-by-shift habits, and work ethic alone will pencil him in for at least 100 NHL games in his career, and if he hits that number, the Ducks made a tremendous selection in the second round.

Anything and everything exceeding that 100-game mark would be icing on the cake, with the smart money being on him achieving that and becoming an effective two-way middle-six forward who can become a quality penalty killer.

Ducks Sign Drew Helleson to Two-Year Extension

Ducks Sign Lukas Dostal to Five-Year Extension

Ducks Sign Clang, Myšák to One-Year Deals

Photo Credit: Derek Lee-The Hockey News

Welcome back to The Hockey News - Vancouver Canucks site’s Coaches as Players series. Last time, we looked at defensive coach Kevin Dean’s Stanley Cup and Calder Cup-winning career with the New Jersey Devils, Atlanta Thrashers, Dallas Stars, and Chicago Blackhawks. This time around, we’ll be looking at Brett McLean’s time with the Blackhawks, Colorado Avalanche, and Florida Panthers. 

Despite never playing for them at the NHL level, McLean was originally drafted by the Stars. Selected 242nd overall in 1997, the center went to the Stars in the ninth round of the draft. Originally from Comox, BC, McLean played for the Kelowna/Tacoma Rockets of the WHL for five seasons, before being moved to the Brandon Wheat Kings. He spent 1999 to 2002 with four different teams — the Saint John Flames (AHL), Johnstown Chiefs (ECHL), Cleveland Lumberjacks (IHL), and Houston Aeros (AHL). 

McLean made his NHL debut on December 10, 2002, playing for the Blackhawks against the New York Islanders in a 3–2 win for his team. His next game was a 4–3 win the day after against the New York Rangers. These were his only two NHL games of the season, however, as he spent the bulk of the year with the Norfolk Admirals of the AHL. With the Admirals, he scored 23 goals and 38 assists in 77 games. 

In the 2003–04 season, McLean carved out a more permanent spot with the Blackhawks, skating in 76 games and spending only four with the Admirals. This season indicated the start of what would be a solid, consistent NHL career (ignoring the lockout of 2004–05). He nabbed his first career NHL goal in his first game of the 2003–04 season on October 16 against the Columbus Blue Jackets. Only three games later, he posted a two-goal effort against the San Jose Sharks. McLean finished the season with 11 goals and 20 assists.

As mentioned before, due to the 2004–05 NHL lockout, McLean and the rest of the league were forced to play elsewhere. While some pushed for AHL roster spots, McLean went to Sweden, where he played with the Malmö Redhawks of Elitserien. In 38 games, he scored seven goals and six assists as well as tallied 102 PIMs. In the Kvalserien SHL (a round-robin tournament used to determine whether the club would qualify to play in the SHL the next season), McLean tallied a goal and an assist in nine games. 

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After the lockout, McLean joined the Avalanche for the first of two seasons during his career. He played a full 82-game season, scoring nine goals and 31 assists in this span of time. In Colorado’s conference semifinal loss, McLean played in eight games and tallied one assist. The season after, he scored 15 goals and 20 assists in 78 games. Since he joined the Avalanche in the 2005–06 season and left after the 2006–07 season, McLean just missed current Canucks head coach Adam Foote during his own NHL playing career. 

In 2007–08, McLean moved on to the Panthers organization. In his first year with the team, he scored 14 goals and 23 assists in 67 games played, making this his most offensively-productive NHL season in his career in terms of his average point production pace. The year after, he posted seven goals and 12 assists in 80 games played in what would be the last NHL season of his career. 

From then on, McLean headed back to Europe to round out his playing career, save for a 36-game stint with the Rockford IceHogs of the AHL in 2011–12 in which he scored seven goals and 14 assists. Aside from that, he primarily played in Switzerland with SC Bern (2009–2011) and HC Lugano (2011–2015), as well as in Austria with Black Wings Linz (2015–2017). He also represented Team Canada at the Spengler Cup five different times, winning once in 2012. 

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Okay, so the schedule has been released, and news drops have died down. Aside from a couple of signings, a few extensions, and decisions made to fill out coaching staffs, it's been a quiet summer for the Colorado Avalanche.

With that, you asked and I answered. Let's get into the mailbag:

Can we expect 30 goals from Lehkonen this year? - @partialbreakpod on X

I think if you get Artturi Lehkonen fresh out of the gate, as opposed to his season debut on November 5th last season, 30 goals is absolutely and easily attainable for him. 

He underwent shoulder surgery in the summer of '24 following an incredible 11-game postseason run, where he collected six goals and five assists.

First shift of Game 1 against Dallas, Lehkonen went to the bench in a lot of pain after this play. I remember him talking to the trainer for about three minutes. This could be where his shoulder injury occurred. pic.twitter.com/rqPa8lqqau

— Evan Rawal (@evanrawal) May 23, 2024

In saying that, not many athletes can undergo a significant offseason surgery and a rigorous rehabilitation routine, then return to put on a career season. Lehkonen did that last season, putting up a career-high 27 goals and totalling 45 points in 69 games.

Upon returning, Lehkonen immediately found a fairly permanent spot next to Nathan MacKinnon on the first line, a step up from his steady second-line presence in the 2023-24 season. Playing next to one of the best players in the NHL can work wonders for a player's numbers, and Lehkonen reaped the benefits of that last season, especially where his goal count is concerned. Based on early lineup projections, it looks like he'll be maintaining his spot on the first line this upcoming 2025-26 season.

The thing to keep an eye on here will be just exactly how many games he dresses for this season. If he can eclipse 70 games played this upcoming season, I expect Lehkonen to become a 30-goal scorer for the first time in his NHL career.

How do you see the Avs working the power play with MacKinnon and Necas both preferring to set up in the left faceoff circle? Who takes over for Mikko/Drouin on the right side? - @AvsCanesFan on X

What the Avalanche could really benefit from on their power play is a dynamic, puck-moving forward. Good thing they have two in both Nathan MacKinnon and Martin Necas.

The entire power play setup last season was incredibly stagnant, including, strangely enough, MacKinnon, who is usually known for his ability to create space and move the puck well with his speed thanks to his speedy crossovers. Necas is known for having a lot of confidence, speed, and agility in the o-zone as well.

You're a wizard, Marty 🪄#GoAvsGopic.twitter.com/dxFaLopT7Z

— Colorado Avalanche (@Avalanche) February 7, 2025

In this situation, I'm more inclined to let Nathan MacKinnon do his thing (and potentially encourage him to create a little movement on that left side) while also encouraging Necas to put his agility to use.

With Dave Hakstol taking over for former assistant coach Ray Bennett on structuring the power play this year, the hope is that they will benefit from a fresh voice on the ice. Personally, I'd be interested in seeing them take a page out of the Edmonton Oilers' book. McDavid is known as a dynamic forward with the ability to move the puck and set up his teammates from anywhere. If any player can recreate that, I'd love to see it be Necas.

 Now, in regards to who occupies the right side where Rantanen, then Drouin - and occasionally Lehkonen - usually played on PP1, they might have to get a little creative. 

As a whole, to put it bluntly, both units of the power play sucked last year, especially in the postseason. Their inability to capitalize on the man-advantage is arguably what lost Colorado their series against Dallas. If they stick to the 1-3-1 formation they've run the last few years, Nelson would be the ideal substitution here. His vision offensively mixed with his ability to hit one-timers accurately and effectively would be a lethal addition to the ideal overall vision for this first unit.

But... If I'm Hakstol, I'm also wondering if I can shake up the plan enough to give Lehkonen another shot on PP1, given the chemistry he and MacKinnon have developed on a line together in the last year. If they move away from a 1-3-1 formation, I can see his grit and prominent finishing ability making him a worthy addition to the top unit as well.

Odds that Necas walks back to Carolina (we miss him) - @josh_holdner98 on X

Josh, as much as I hate to, I might break your heart here.

In my eyes, the chances of Martin Necas heading back to the team that drafted him is slim to nil.

The main reason why: he and Rod Brind'Amour couldn't exactly see eye to eye on how he would be utilized in the lineup.

Rumors Are Circulating Around Martin Necas and a Potential TradeIt's officially summer, folks.

Necas and MacKinnon complement each other too well for the Avalanche not to explore every possible - but reasonable - avenue to hold onto him for the foreseeable future. He's no Mikko Rantanen, but for what he can provide on the ice, I think he could be a talented, affordable option for the top line, considering some of the wingers on the market come 2026 free agency who may also be looking for payraises (Jason Robertson, anybody?).

The trick is finding a number that both Necas' camp and the Avalanche front office can agree on, but that's a debate for a different article.

What exactly is going on with the [Utah] Grizzlies situation, have they renewed affiliation and what's going to happen with them being sold at the end of the upcoming season? - @darksistervis on X

On June 22nd, the Utah Grizzlies announced that due to a "period of transition" with ownership, the team is exploring a potential sale of the team, which could result in a relocation of the franchise.

A message to our devoted fans 💚 pic.twitter.com/r0IFfK5V1M

— Utah Grizzlies (@UtahGrizzlies) June 23, 2025

Based on the above press release, it seems like the team is preparing for a move in location and ownership, giving fans one last hoorah in the Maverik Center this upcoming 2025-26 season.

Now, this isn't to say that the Avalanche will lose their ECHL affiliate. The way I see it, that all depends on where the new potential buyers want to put it... and if they decide to move forward with the current ownership group and find some way to make things work in West Valley City.

This isn't to say that the Avalanche will maintain the affiliation, either, and could become one of just two teams without a deal with an ECHL club. The only other two NHL clubs that would benefit the organization moving closer to them would be the Columbus Blue Jackets and the Ottawa Senators, who each do not currently have an ECHL affiliate.

I did reach out to the organization to see if they had any updates on advancements on this, but I haven't heard anything in response at the time of publishing this. My best advice is to keep an eye on the Utah Grizzlies account on X for any official updates, my own X account, where I will report any updates, or here at The Hockey News, where any news that unfolds will break.

Are there any plans to celebrate the team’s 30th season in CO. They did cool logos and center ice designs for 10, 20, and 25 but radio silence on this year? - @iceisnice303 on X

While details are still hush-hush, I did get confirmation from the Avalanche that they WILL be celebrating their 30th anniversary this year.

From what I'm told, fans can expect an official announcement sometime in August. 

---

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For a few years now, the Carolina Hurricanes have been one of the sexy picks to win the Stanley Cup. Pundits, fans and hockey executives see Carolina as a team with a terrific core – and clearly, Hurricanes management feels the same way.

On Thursday night, Carolina GM Eric Tulsky signed Jackson Blake to an eight-year, $40.92-million contract extension. On Friday, the Hurricanes’ social media team tweeted all seven of Carolina’s players who are under contract through the 2030-31 season – a number that is the highest in the NHL through that time frame. 

The Hurricanes narrowly lead the Vancouver Canucks and Florida Panthers, which have six players signed through 2030-31. The Washington Capitals have five players signed for that long. 

This negotiating tactic is essentially a gamble by Tulsky on his core talent, and the same goes for Canucks GM Patrik Allvin, Panthers GM Bill Zito and Capitals GM Chris Patrick. There may come a time when one or more of these GMs part ways with some of the players they’ve currently signed to long-term extensions, but in these early stages of those contracts, you want players to feel secure and focused solely on playing as well as they can. And you don’t arrive at that goal if players are constantly signed to one- or two-year deals. 

The Hurricanes have handed out contracts with significant term on them. While Blake is only 21, Carolina has other youngsters under long-term contracts, including star forwards Seth Jarvis (23), Logan Stankoven (22) and right winger Andrei Svechnikov (25). But there are more experienced players also under long-term deals with the Hurricanes: star center Sebastian Aho, newcomer left winger Nikolaj Ehlers, shutdown blueliner Jaccob Slavin and newcomer defenseman K’Andre Miller all are under contract through at least ’30-31.

Tulsky has also handed out some sort of no-move or no-trade clauses to many of his players. A whopping 13 current Hurricanes have a no-move or no-trade clause of one form or another. And while that also works to make players more confident about their future, it’s likely to make it harder for Tulsky to maneuver his way through the trade market if things don’t work out to Carolina’s satisfaction in at least the next six seasons.

The Hurricanes have yet to make it out of the Eastern Conference final in four appearances over the past 19 years, so the challenge for Carolina’s core is plainly apparent: get into the Cup final, win the second Cup in franchise history and reward Tulsky for the investment he’s made in them. Playing well in the regular season matters to some degree, but it’s not nearly as crucial for this Hurricanes team as getting out of the East in the post-season.

Blake has only played 81 career regular-season games. But he’s going to get a huge raise to $5.11 million per season once his entry-level contract expires at the end of the coming season. Blake would’ve only been an RFA if Tulsky had allowed his first contract to expire without an extension. But Tulsky more or less cut out some years that would’ve paid Blake less, and in turn, Blake surrendered some of his golden years, contractually speaking, to get a bigger raise sooner rather than later.

When Blake’s new deal does expire in 2034, he’ll still be only 30 years old. By that time, he could position himself for a massive raise as a UFA, either from the Hurricanes or from another team. Eight years may feel like an eternity right now, but Blake, six of his Carolina teammates, and a growing number of young NHLers are all finding long-term security to be the preferred approach to their financial future.

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