With a little over a week until the start of the NHL season, the Nashville Predators have made a significant addition off waivers. 

It was announced on Wednesday that Carolina Hurricanes forward Tyson Jost has been claimed off waivers by the Predators. The veteran forward split time between the Hurricanes and their AHL affiliate, the Chicago Wolves, last season. 

Jost scored nine points (four goals and five assists) and logged 33 penalty minutes in 39 NHL games last season. 

Jost was a regular on the Colorado Avalanche and Buffalo Sabres' rosters from 2019 to 2023, but he has seen his play decline in the last two seasons. In December 2023, he was placed on waivers by the Sabres and went unclaimed, playing 25 games with the Rochester Americans. 

He signed as a free agent with the Carolina Hurricanes in the 2024 offseason, but played only 39 games with the Hurricanes before being assigned to the Chicago Wolves.

Despite his decline over the last few seasons, the 27-year-old has played 495 NHL games, scoring 61 goals and 88 assists for 149 points. In the playoffs, Jost has played in 46 games, scoring 10 points. 

Jost's best season came during the 2018-19 season with the Colorado Avalanche, where he scored 26 points in 70 games. He was drafted 10th overall in the 2016 NHL Draft by the Avalanche out of the Penticton Vees of the British Columbia Hockey League. 

The Predators are taking on a one year, $775,000 contract in claiming Jost. 

In addition to claiming Jost, the Predators have also placed defenseman Andreas Englund on waivers. He spent last season with the Los Angeles Kings and Predators.

Englund scored a point in 11 games with the Kings before he was placed on waivers and claimed by Nashville. He played 24 games with the Predators, scoring two points. 

With Englund now on waivers and Jost claimed, the Predators' training camp roster remains at 28 players. 

The Philadelphia Flyers have made another roster move, as they have placed forward Lane Pederson on waivers, PuckPedia reports. 

Pederson became a Flyer this off-season after he signed a one-year deal with the Metropolian Division club in free agency. This was after he recorded five goals, seven assists, and 12 points in 18 games with the Edmonton Oilers' American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate, the Bakersfield Condors, this past season. 

Pederson last played at the NHL level during the 2022-23 season. In 27 games that season split between the Vancouver Canucks and Columbus Blue Jackets, the 6-foot-1 forward recorded three goals, three assists, six points, and a minus-1 rating. 

In 71 career NHL games over three seasons split between the Arizona Coyotes, San Jose Sharks, Canucks, and Blue Jackets, Pederson has recorded four goals, seven assists, 11 points, and 38 penalty minutes. 

If Pederson clears waivers, the Flyers will be able to send him down to the AHL to play for the Lehigh Valley Phantoms. If he does start the year with the Phantoms, he will be a key veteran forward on their roster.

The New Jersey Devils have been ranked 11th among all NHL franchises in Sportico’s latest team valuation report, coming in at $2.06 billion.

According to Sportico, the average NHL team is valued at $2.1 billion. The Toronto Maple Leafs top the list at $4.25 billion, while the Columbus Blue Jackets sit last at $1.3 billion. Collectively, the league’s 32 franchises are worth $67.1 billion.

Sportico’s rankings are based on multiple factors, including team revenue (sourced from public records, interviews with owners, and industry insiders), as well as valuations of related businesses and real estate holdings. Their breakdown includes:

• Total Value: Enterprise value of the team plus related businesses and real estate.
• Team Value: Fair market value of the franchise itself, derived from hockey-specific revenue metrics.
• Team-Related Businesses & Real Estate: Additional assets such as practice facilities, AHL affiliates, and arena-related properties.

The Devils’ valuation represents a 21% year-over-year increase, placing them just behind the Detroit Red Wings and ahead of the Vegas Golden Knights.

Top 15 NHL Team Valuations (Sportico 2025)

1. Toronto Maple Leafs – $4.25B (↑16%)
2. New York Rangers – $3.65B (↑12%)
3. Montreal Canadiens – $3.3B (↑13%)
4. Boston Bruins – $3B (↑12%)
5. Los Angeles Kings – $2.96B (↑18%)
6. Edmonton Oilers – $2.76B (↑15%)
7. Chicago Blackhawks – $2.74B (↑12%)
8. Philadelphia Flyers – $2.66B (↑16%)
9. Washington Capitals – $2.3B (↑24%)
10. Detroit Red Wings – $2.11B (↑14%)
11. New Jersey Devils – $2.06B (↑21%)
12. Vegas Golden Knights – $2.02B (↑14%)
13. Dallas Stars – $1.94B (↑18%)
14. New York Islanders – $1.93B (↑15%)
15. Carolina Hurricanes – $1.92B (↑49%)

The full rankings of all 32 franchises are available on Sportico.

The Detroit Red Wings announces flurry of moves on Wednesday as they narrow down their roster before heading into their preseason-ending series versus the Maple Leafs. 

With the regular season fast approaching, the Detroit Red Wings made a series of roster moves on Wednesday aimed at streamlining their lineup and maximizing flexibility.

Forwards Austin Watson, Dominik Shine, John Leonard, Sheldon Dries, Alex Doucet, Jakub Rychlovsky, Eduards Tralmaks, Carson Bantle, and Gabriel Seger, as well as defensemen Ian Mitchell, William Lagesson, Alex Kannok Leipert, and Jacob Truscott were assigned, released from their professional tryout or returned to the Grand Rapids Griffins, Detroit’s AHL affiliate.

The moves reflect the organization’s efforts to open roster spots, manage the salary cap, and maintain depth at both the NHL and AHL levels. By placing these players on waivers, Detroit not only opens up opportunities for younger or more versatile players to step into the lineup but also ensures that, if unclaimed, these veterans can be assigned to their AHL affiliate in Grand Rapids, maintaining experienced depth in the system

Austin Watson 

The former longtime Nashville Predators winger has been a frequent shuttle between Detroit and Grand Rapids. In the 2024–25 season, he appeared in just 13 NHL games for the Red Wings, scoring three goals and logging 17 penalty minutes as a known gritty player. In the AHL with the Grand Rapids Griffins, Watson was a difference maker with 19 goals and 23 assists for the third-most points on the team with 42 and leading the team with 112 penalty minutes.

Red Wings Reveal Centennial Jersey Night ScheduleThe 2025-26 NHL season is set to be a historical one for the Detroit Red Wings, who are celebrating their centennial campaign. 

Dominik Shine

Shine enters the final season of a two-year, two-way deal with the Red Wings and has spent the last two seasons as an integral role as part of the Griffins leadership group in the AHL. With a team full of young prospects, the 32-year-old veteran has remained a steady producer, notching 14 goals and 32 assists for 46 points during the 2024–25 season. His return to Grand Rapids will see likely see the Michigan native be named an assistant captain for the third straight season. 

Ian Mitchell

Mitchell had his moments during the preseason with some standout defensive plays as well as a surprising amount of offense with a pair of assists and five shots on goal through three preseason games. In recent years, Mitchell has split time between the Boston Bruins and Chicago Blackhawks organizations, appearing in 110 NHL games and tallying four goals and 15 assists for 19 points. He’s found more success at the AHL level, where he’s posted 23 goals and 70 assists for 93 points in 156 games. Still just 26, Mitchell has time for a late breakout, but he'll need to keep proving himself in the AHL to earn another shot at the NHL. 

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John Leonard

Leonard had a standout AHL season in 2024–25 with the Charlotte Checkers, leading the club with 36 goals and 61 points (36 goals, 25 assists) and adding a +21 rating in 72 games. He continued his hot stretch into the preseason scoring both of Detroit's goals in their 3-2 preseason loss to the Pittsburgh Penguins last Friday. At 27, Leonard may get another shot at NHL minutes in the future but his best chance is being a late career breakout after playing 70 NHL games in his career so far with the San Jose Sharks, Nashville Predators and Arizona Coyotes and failed to put up impressive numbers with six goals and 11 assists for 17 points. Leonard will be a player to monitor but probably no more than an AHL contributor.

That's ✌️ for Leonard pic.twitter.com/8KJSrJMV17

— Detroit Red Wings (@DetroitRedWings) September 26, 2025

William Lagesson 

The 29-year-old journeyman defenseman has long been a depth defenseman toggling between the NHL and AHL. Lagesson played just a pair of games for Detroit last season while spending most of his time in the AHL. In 2024–25, he posted three goals and six assists for nine points and a +13 rating in 23 AHL games. Lagesson’s journey through the NHL has included stops with the Edmonton Oilers, who drafted him in the fourth round of the 2014 NHL Draft, as well as the Toronto Maple Leafs and Anaheim Ducks. 

Latest Valuation Sees Red Wings Franchise Value Doubled Over Last Four SeasonsA new valuation from Sportico has the Red Wings team value having doubled over the last four seasons, ranking ahead of notable sports teams. 

Sheldon Dries

Dries has spent the bulk of his career in the AHL, gradually carving out a role as a reliable depth forward. In 2024–25, he notched 19 goals and 27 points with a +6 rating over 48 games for Grand Rapids, generating strong interest within the Red Wings organization.  The year prior, while part of the Vancouver Canucks system, he tallied an impressive 29 goals and 23 assists for 52 points in 55 games with their AHL affiliate in Abbotsford. Though primarily an AHL presence, Dries has seen NHL action in a fourth-line role, appearing in 122 NHL games but contributing just 26 points.

Alex Doucet

Doucet was a prolific scorer in junior, ranking among QMJHL leaders in 2022–23 with 45 goals in 58 games, 44 assists (89 points), a league‑leading 26.9% shooting percentage, eight shorthanded goals, and 11 power‑play goals. In his first pro season, he split time between the AHL and ECHL: with Toledo of the ECHL, he posted 41 points in 52 games (19 goals, 22 assists) and a +19 rating, while in six appearances with Grand Rapids he logged two penalty minutes and a −2 rating. 

Jakub Rychlovský

Rychlovský arrived in Detroit’s system after a jump season in the Czech Extraliga, where he led the league with 26 goals and added 20 assists for 46 points in 51 games, along with a +8 rating, nine power‑play goals, three shorthanded goals, and five game‑winners. In his first AHL season with Grand Rapids (2024–25), he appeared in 38 games, recording 3 goals and 5 assists for 8 points, with 12 penalty minutes and a −1 rating. He missed 27 of the final 29 contests while rehabbing an upper-body injury.

Red Wings Reveal Centennial Jersey Night ScheduleThe 2025-26 NHL season is set to be a historical one for the Detroit Red Wings, who are celebrating their centennial campaign. 

Eduards Tralmaks

Tralmaks signed a one‑year, two‑way deal for 2025–26 after leading the Czech Extraliga in scoring in the 2024–25 season, tallying 23 goals and 28 assists (51 points) in 48 games. In prior AHL stints, he registered 22 goals and 41 total points in 87 career AHL contests. He also had a brief stretch in the ECHL, collecting 4 goals and 7 points in 3 games. 

Carson Bantle

Bantle had shown offensive promise in the ECHL before his tryout. In 15 games with Toledo prior to being recalled, he recorded 10 goals (10 points) and 13 penalty minutes. He made his AHL debut on October 26 against Lehigh Valley and saw limited action in six AHL games (0 points, 6 PIM) before being reassigned. He also scored his first AHL goal in January 2025 during a victory over Rockford. 

Gabriel Seger

Seger is a less-publicized forward, but according to league stats, he appeared in 59 games for Grand Rapids’ organization and recorded 10 goals, 7 assists, and 17 points, along with 10 penalty minutes. His relatively modest totals suggest he is still developing consistency and adjusting to the pro ranks.

Sniped: Michael Brandsegg-Nygård Powers Red Wings To Win Over Blackhawks The winless streak of the Detroit Red Wings in pre-season play came to a halt on Tuesday night in the Windy City, and once again, an intriguing young prospect played a key role in the victory.

Alex Kannok-Leipert

Kannok Leipert, a 2018 6th-round NHL draftee, most recently played in the AHL for Bakersfield in 2024–25, posting 11 points (4 goals, 7 assists) in 59 games, along with 93 penalty minutes and a −1 rating. Before that, he spent three seasons with the Abbotsford Canucks (123 games, 12 points total, 140 PIM, +10 rating) and appeared in 2 Calder Cup Playoff games (1 assist). In junior (WHL with Vancouver Giants), he compiled 83 points (21 goals, 62 assists) in 219 games plus a +47 rating.

Jacob Truscott

Truscott is a defenseman who played collegiate hockey at the University of Michigan. Over his Michigan career, he had modest offensive output: one goal and four assists in 26 games as a freshman, followed by 2 goals and 15 assists in 40 games as a sophomore. He was drafted 144th overall by the Vancouver Canucks in 2020 and began his professional journey in 2025 with the Grand Rapids Griffins.

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According to PuckPedia, the New York Rangers have placed defenseman Casey Fitzgerald on waivers. 

Fitzgerald spent all of the 2024-25 season with the Rangers' American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate, the Hartford Wolf Pack. In 66 games with the AHL squad on the year, the right-shot defenseman recorded five goals, 16 assists, 21 points, and 75 penalty minutes. Overall, the Massachusetts native proved to be a solid part of the Wolf Pack's blueline this past campaign.

If Fitzgerald clears waivers, he will once again be expected to be a key part of the Wolf Pack's defensive group this season. 

Fitzgerald signed a two-year contract with the Rangers during the 2024 NHL off-season but has yet to make his regular-season debut with the Original Six club. He last played at the NHL level during the 2022-23 season, where he posted zero points, three assists, 12 blocks, 35 hits, and a minus-2 rating in 27 games split between the Buffalo Sabres and Florida Panthers. 

There was a lot of rough stuff in the game between the Montreal Canadiens and the Ottawa Senators on Tuesday night in Quebec City. Martin St-Louis' plan was to ice a near complete lineup at the Bell Centre on Saturday but given how the match went on Tuesday, should he alter his plan?

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The Nashville Predators claimed Tyson Jost off NHL waivers on Wednesday.

Jost, 27, leaves the Carolina Hurricanes after one season. He recorded four goals and nine points in 39 games last year while also playing 14 games with the AHL's Chicago Wolves.

This pre-season, the center had one assist, 10 shots on goal and 12 penalty minutes in four outings.

The Predators pick up Jost's one-year, two-way contract worth $775,000 in the NHL.

The other 21 players who were on waivers cleared.

On Wednesday, the Boston Bruins, Colorado Avalanche, Detroit Red Wings, Florida Panthers, Los Angeles Kings, Predators, New York Rangers, Philadelphia Flyers, San Jose Sharks, Tampa Bay Lightning, Utah Mammoth, Washington Capitals and Winnipeg Jets put 37 players on NHL waivers. Here's that list, according to PuckPedia.

• Boston: Billy Sweezey
• Colorado: Wyatt Aamodt, Danil Gushchin
• Detroit: Sheldon Dries, William Lagesson, John Leonard, Ian Mitchell, Dominik Shine, Austin Watson
• Florida: Mackenzie Entwistle, Nolan Foote, Wilmer Skoog
• Los Angeles: Samuel Bolduc, Logan Brown, Martin Chromiak, Pheonix Copley, Glenn Gawdin, Cole Guttman, Joe Hicketts, Andre Lee, Akil Thomas, Taylor Ward
• Nashville: Andreas Englund
• NY Rangers: Casey Fitzgerald
• Philadelphia: Lane Pederson
• San Jose: Patrick Giles
• Tampa Bay: Nick Abruzzese, Boris Katchouk, Jakob Pelletier
• Utah: Jaxson Stauber
• Washington: Louie Belpedio, Graeme Clarke, Henrik Rybinski, Bogdan Trineyev
• Winnipeg: Jaret Anderson-Dolan, Kale Clague, Samuel Fagemo

The Columbus Blue Jackets also placed defenseman Christian Jaros on unconditional waivers for mutual contract termination.

For each player, the other 31 NHL teams can submit a claim for them before 2 p.m. ET on Thursday.

Gushchin, 23, joined Colorado in a trade with the Sharks in July. He put up an assist in 12 NHL games last season and had a goal and assist in three pre-season contests. The player who went the other way in the trade, Oskar Olausson, cleared waivers on Wednesday.

Watson, 33, has played 528 career NHL games between the Predators, Ottawa Senators,  Lightning and Red Wings. He had three goals and 17 penalty minutes in 13 games with the Wings last year while adding 42 points in 60 AHL games. Of Detroit's batch on the wire, 27-year-old Leonard put up the most pre-season points, with three in three games.

Entwistle, 26, played 67 games with the Chicago Blackhawks in 2023-24, recording five goals and 11 points. After the Panthers signed him ahead of last season, he played just seven AHL games due to injury issues, but he returned to post three points in eight AHL playoff contests. He had a goal in three pre-season games.

Brown, 27, was a first-round pick in 2016 but has 99 career NHL games. He last played in the NHL with the St. Louis Blues in 2022-23, when he had six points in 30 contests. He had 29 points in 33 AHL games last season. He recorded one shot in a pre-season game.

Englund, 29, has 197 games of NHL experience, including 24 last year in Nashville. He had two assists and 36 penalty minutes. He was a minus-1 with one shot in two pre-season games.

Pelletier, 24, played 49 NHL games last season between the Calgary Flames and Flyers, recording 19 points. The 2019 first-rounder signed with Tampa Bay this past off-season and scored twice in three games this pre-season.

Anderson-Dolan, 26, has played 134 career NHL games but also featured in five playoff games for the Jets last spring, putting up a goal and assist. He had one assist in three matches this pre-season.

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Tyson Jost is no longer a member of the Carolina Hurricanes organization as the forward has been claimed off of waivers by the Nashville Predators.

Jost, 27, spent last season with the organization after signing a one-year deal in the summer of 2024. 

Jost split time that year between the Chicago Wolves of the AHL, where he started the season, and the Hurricanes, where he ended up appearing in 39 games, registering four goals and nine points in that span.

The versatile forward played center as well as on both wings and was a great depth piece for the Canes.

He signed a one-year extension to remain with Carolina this summer, but after going on waivers yesterday, he'll now be moving on to his fifth organization.

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Former Philadelphia Flyers defenseman Erik Johnson has officially retired from professional hockey, as announced by the Colorado Avalanche. 

Johnson was one of the most notable unrestricted free agents (UFAs) left with the regular season almost here. However, with this news, he is now hanging up the skates instead of playing his 18th NHL season. 

Erik Johnson, you are one of a kind.

Thank you for all that you've done in burgundy and blue, and congrats on your retirement. pic.twitter.com/eePT6ox09G

— Colorado Avalanche (@Avalanche) October 1, 2025

Johnson was acquired by the Flyers from the Buffalo Sabres at the 2024 NHL trade deadline. From there, he played in 39 games with the Flyers over two seasons, where he recorded three goals, three assists, six points, 43 blocks, and 90 hits. 

Johnson's time with the Flyers ended this past season when he was traded back to the Avalanche at the 2025 NHL trade deadline. 

In 1,023 career NHL games split between the St. Louis Blues, Sabres, Flyers, and Avalanche, Johnson recorded 95 goals, 253 assists, 348 points, 1,695 hits, and 1,717 blocks. The 2006 first-overall pick also won the Stanley Cup with the Avalanche back in 2022. 

The 2025-26 NHL season is set to be a historical one for the Detroit Red Wings, who are celebrating their centennial campaign. 

Not only will the season feature new centennial-themed merchandise, food options at Little Caesar’s Arena, and special events, but the Red Wings have already commemorated the campaign with a brand new jersey design that borrows elements from their previous looks over the years, beginning with their founding as the Detroit Cougars in 1926.

The jerseys will be worn on select dates during the season, and it was already announced that the Red Wings will be wearing them for the first time when they drop the puck on the new campaign against the Montreal Canadiens on Oct. 9.

Bookmark The Hockey News Detroit Red Wings team site to stay connected to the latest news, game-day coverage, and player features. 

Now, the full schedule in which Red Wings fans can expect to see the players wear the new look has been released.

In the spirit of the celebration, it’s not surprising that many of the dates are against Original Six opponents. 

October

• Oct. 9 vs. Montreal Canadiens
• Oct. 11 vs. Toronto Maple Leafs

November

• Nov. 7 vs. New York Rangers
• Nov. 9 vs. Chicago Blackhawks
• Nov. 26 vs. Nashville Predators

December

• Dec. 2 vs. Boston Bruins
• Dec. 21 vs. Washington Capitals
• Dec. 27 vs. Toronto Maple Leafs

January 

• Jan. 31 vs. Colorado Avalanche

March

• Mar. 6 vs. Florida Panthers
• Mar. 19 vs. Montreal Canadiens
• Mar. 21 vs. Boston Bruins
• Mar. 28 vs. Philadelphia Flyers

April

• Apr. 11 vs. New Jersey Devils

Sniped: Michael Brandsegg-Nygård Powers Red Wings To Win Over Blackhawks The winless streak of the Detroit Red Wings in pre-season play came to a halt on Tuesday night in the Windy City, and once again, an intriguing young prospect played a key role in the victory.

Last month, the Red Wings released a special video unveiling the new look featuring former players Darren McCarty, Vladimir Konstantinov, and Mickey Redmond, along with current forward Patrick Kane.

Detroit Red Wings (@DetroitRedWings) on XIT’S HERE AND IT’S BEAUTIFUL!

The Red Wings have won the Stanley Cup 11 times, the most of any NHL franchise based in the United States.

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The Hockey News Big Show is here to preview the 2025-26 NHL season by giving their expectations for each team in the Atlantic and Central Divisions.

NHL Atlantic And Central Division Expectations by The Big Showundefined

Stay tuned for Friday’s episode of The Wraparound, which will preview each team in the Pacific and Metropolitan Divisions

Here’s what Katie Gaus, Michael Traikos and Ryan Kennedy discussed in this episode:

00:50: Reacting to Kirill Kaprizov signing an eight-year, $136-million contract with the Minnesota Wild

04:20: The New Jersey Devils signed Luke Hughes to a seven-year deal with a $9-million cap hit.

07:00: What does Aleksander Barkov’s injury do to the Florida Panthers’ three-peat hopes?

10:50: What are the Toronto Maple Leafs’ expectations in their first season since losing Mitch Marner and Brendan Shanahan?

14:45: How long can the Tampa Bay Lightning remain a legit Stanley Cup contender?

17:10: What has to happen for the Ottawa Senators to jump from fringe playoff team to legit contender?

20:40: What do the Montreal Canadiens need to break through and make noise in the Atlantic Division race and the playoffs?

23:00: What's more likely in Detroit: the Red Wings break through and make a playoff run or more of the same and we see drastic moves?

26:10: After losing another young player, JJ Peterka, what are the general expectations for the Buffalo Sabres?

28:20: Do the Boston Bruins have what it takes to get back to the playoffs, or is this a team with an impending rebuild?

31:15: Do the Winnipeg Jets need to trust the process and hope to break through, or are there changes that need to be made?

33:30: What do the Dallas Stars need to do to get through the Western Conference final?

35:20: Are the Colorado Avalanche still legit Stanley Cup contenders going into their first full year post-Mikko Rantanen?

37:40: What other moves do the Minnesota Wild need to make to move into a more competitive position after securing Kaprizov?

39:50: What are the expectations for the St. Louis Blues going into the first full season with Jim Montgomery?

41:00: What are realistic expectations for the Utah Mammoth going into Year 2?

42:10: What are the expectations for the Nashville Predators, given the age of some of their players?

44:00: What has to happen in Chicago for Connor Bedard to reach his full potential?

45:40: Which NHL rookies will stay for just nine games into the regular season, and which rookies will be around for longer?

46:45: Who are the top five Stanley Cup contenders from the Atlantic and Central Divisions?

47:30: How many points will Gavin McKenna record this season at Penn State?

Watch the full Episode here 

Subscribe to The Hockey News Big Show on your preferred platform.

Announced on Wednesday, October 1, long time tenured defenseman Erik Johnson has announced his retirement from the NHL

Forever our Condor 🦅 pic.twitter.com/2vbDq14wis

— Colorado Avalanche (@Avalanche) October 1, 2025

Johnson drafted first-overall by the St Louis Blues in the 2006 NHL Entry Draft, played his first three years there before being acquired by the Avalanche in a four team trade on Feb. 19, 2011.

During this 14-year tenure with the Avalanche, Johnson played 731 games, scoring 69 goals and 179 assists for 248 points, including one goal and four assists for five points in the 2021-22 playoffs to help the Avalanche win the Stanley Cup.

He currently sits in Avalanche history as eighth in all-time games played (731), eighth in shots (1491), and second in Defensive Point Shares (33.1). He finished his career ranked fourth all-time among Colorado/Quebec defenders in goals and sixth in points. 'The Condor' owns the franchise record for career blocked shots (1,373) and ranks third overall and first among defensemen in hits (1,288).

The Pittsburgh Penguins will play their penultimate preseason game against the Buffalo Sabres in Buffalo on Wednesday. 

It's the first of two preseason games against the Sabres this week. The two teams will reconvene in Pittsburgh on Friday. 

The Penguins are once again fielding a young lineup in this preseason game, as they are giving these players a chance to try and secure spots on the opening-night roster. Top prospect Benjamin Kindel is set to play in his fifth preseason game and continues to look more comfortable in each game he suits up in. 

Kindel will be on a line with Ville Koivunen and Avery Hayes again after that trio dominated the Detroit Red Wings on Monday. Koivunen and Hayes are two other young players trying to win full-time spots and have also had great training camps and preseasons. 

Filip Hallander, Tristan Broz, Danton Heinen, and Philip Tomasino are a few other forwards who will be in this lineup. Defensively, fans will see Owen Pickering paired with Harrison Brunicke again, which has been a staple throughout camp and the preseason. 

According to head coach Dan Muse, goaltender Arturs Silovs will play the full game, following fellow goaltender Tristan Jarry's full game appearance on Monday. Silovs is competing for the backup goaltender job for this season. 

The Sabres will ice some of their veteran players in this game, including Tage Thompson, Rasmus Dahlin, Alex Tuch, Jason Zucker, and Michael Kesselring. Kesselring was acquired in the JJ Peterka deal earlier this year and will play big minutes for them on the blue line. 

Wednesday's game will start at 7 p.m. ET and fans can watch the game on SportsNet Pittsburgh+ or listen to it on 105.9 'The X.'

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With the 2025-26 NHL season shortly underway, some minor leagues have already started for some Colorado Avalanche prospects. Their prospect pool might not be as "promising" with the recent regular season success of the Avalanche and drafting at the end of rounds, and them trading away their remaining prospects and draft picks to try and win another Stanley Cup, they still have some key names you should keep an eye on this season.

Max Curran (C/LW), Edmonton Oil Kings (WHL)

Drafted 161st overall in the fifth round of the 2024 NHL Entry Draft, Curran’s draft year was his rookie season with the Tri-City Americans in the WHL, where he finished with five goals and 27 assists for 32 points in 40 games, and did not make the playoffs. Last year, he experienced a significant surge in production, finishing with 22 goals and 52 assists for 74 points in 65 games, leading the team in assists and points and ranking third in goals. He helped the Americans secure a playoff spot but lost in the first round to the Victoria Royals in five games, during which he scored one goal and two assists for three points in the series.

This summer, he was traded to the Edmonton Oil Kings and is expected to join NHL prospects, including Blake Fiddler (Kraken), Adam Jecho (Blues), and Miroslav Holinka (Leafs). At 6-foot-3, 187 pounds, Curran's playmaking ability is what really stands out in his game.  He is capable of playing both center and wing, but has spent most of his career at the center position.  His intelligence on the ice is arguably his greatest asset. He possesses an elite hockey IQ, distributes the puck exceptionally well, and has an underrated shot when given enough time to take it. In his season debut, he already recorded one assist.

Linus Funck (D), London Knights (OHL)

Drafted in the fourth round of the 2025 NHL Entry Draft, Linus Funck was coming off his second season with Lulea HF J20 in the J20 Nationell Swedish league. He finished with five goals and 23 assists for 28 points, leading all defense on his team in assists and points and sixth on his team in points.

“Funck uses his reach to kill rushes on top of the blue line and creates breakups along the wall with his physical presence. He is also highly effective on retrievals, mostly through smart first-touch passes." - EliteProspects 

The London Knights in the OHL signed Funck to an OHL Scholarship and Development Agreement. He now gets the chance to play with some notable prospects like Sam O’Reilly (Lightning), Sam Dickinson (Sharks), Henry Brzustewicz (Kings), and potentially Easton Cowen (Leafs). He has already played in two games, registering one goal and one assist.

Christian Humphreys (RW/C), Kitchener Rangers (OHL)

After being drafted in the seventh round of the 2024 NHL Entry Draft, Humphreys joined the University of Michigan after playing with the USNTDP Juniors, but struggled, only producing one assist in ten games. He would turn his year around by signing with the OHL Kitchener Rangers on an OHL Scholarship and Development Agreement. Joining the team late into the season, Humphreys still managed to finish with 11 goals and 22 assists for 33 points in 28 games. 

"Humphreys is always positioned in the right spot. He racks up the touches by staying inside space in the offensive zone and perfectly timed reloading routes in transition. He meticulously breaks down opposing defences by slowing down, deceiving, and waiting for his target to pop free before connecting with a precise long-range pass. A disruptive defensive game and steals on the forecheck round out his game."- EliteProspects

Heading into his second season now with the team and returning prospects like Jack Pridham (Blackhawks), Cameron Reid (Predators), and Luca Romano (Islanders), Humphreys looks to have a productive full season. He has already started hot, producing three assists in his first two games.

Mikhail Gulyayev (D),  Avangard Omsk (KHL)

The second of two first-round picks the Avalanche had in the 2023 NHL Entry Draft, Gulyayev has been improving his game in the KHL over the past three seasons. Last season, he finished with seven goals and eight assists for 15 points in 67 games, setting new career highs in goals and points. 

"Man, can Mikhail Gulyayev fly out there. You give him an inch, and he’s sprinted a mile past you with about as effortless and clean a stride as you’ve ever seen. It’s the defining characteristic of his game; the foundation on which every other part rests. Every bit as comfortable a defensive skater, Gulyayev gaps up early, often attacks puck carriers on an arc, and always takes away the middle of the ice with his stick." - EliteProspects

The most significant factor for Gulyayev’s game is to see a notable increase in his point production. For an offensive defenseman, the intangibles are there: the skating, the puck movement, and an underrated shot. However, production would preferably be higher if you ask many. In nine games to start this season, he has one assist so far.

His contract is up this year, and it will be interesting to see how they handle signing him. He’s already 20 and turns 21 on April 26, so he is eligible to play in the AHL with the Colorado Eagles if they bring him over either at the end of his current season or at the start of next year. Alternatively, they could sign him and loan him back to the KHL for a year or two. 

Sean Behrens (D), Colorado Eagles (AHL)

What was supposed to be a big season for Behrens last year, after he finished his final season at the University of Denver, was cut short when he suffered a brutal knee injury during Colorado’s Eagle camp, causing him to miss the entire season. The second round pick in the 2021 NHL Entry Draft continued to show a great show of skill and development during his time at Denver University, and now back and healthy for this year's development camp and training camp, he looks to put his name back into the eyes of many and show what he can do.

"He surfs backwards with the perfect posture, a nice blend of risk-mitigating footwork and graceful crossunders on the backwards stride, and a good sense of when to close. He scans regularly off of the puck. He cuts opponents off at the hands, always from a low centre of gravity. He ties up loose sticks. He mitigates risk with his positioning. His motor never stops running." - EliteProspects

Joining the Eagles this year should be an excellent position for Behrens, as there could be a lot of opportunity to facilitate the offense from the blueline. Other defensemen, such as Alex Gagne, Saige Weinstein, or Wyatt Aamodt, or really any other defense on the roster, don’t possess the same level of skills and strategies that Behrens does. Therefore, expect a lot of offense to come from both on the 5-on-5 and the power play. 

Colorado Avalanche Rookie Squad Splits Their Two Rookie Showcase AppearancesHighlands Ranch, Colo. - An exciting weekend for hockey fans showcased three teams, each with shining stars fully capable of playing at a higher level. The Vegas Golden Knights came away as the brightest squad, winning their first game 8-1 over the Utah Mammoth and their second 3-2 over the Colorado Avalanche. What’s Ahead for Samuel Girard and the Colorado Avalanche This Season?Heading into the offseason and examining the defense pairings, Samuel Girard's name has stood out to many fans and insiders as one that could or should be moved. Based on his cap hit and recent play, what should the Avalanche do this season with Girard?

Oct. 1, 2025, marks a whopping 78 years since Ken McKenzie and Will Cote published the first edition of The Hockey News.

Before "The International Hockey Weekly" began, McKenzie and Cote had met and discussed their mutual interest of the sport at a Royal Canadian Air Force camp in Calgary during the Second World War.

After staying in touch, the NHL hired them in Montreal following the war. They received approval from NHL president Clarence Campbell to launch the publication, and they sent out a circular detailing The Hockey News' plans and subscription rates.

The Hockey News: It All Began On This Date in 1947Co-founders Ken McKenzie and Will Cote planned for years before publishing their first edition – and we’re still going strong

"Most people would laugh and say, 'Ken, you'll lose your shirt,' but I believed in it so much that with little financial help, I had to get going," McKenzie told legendary CBC broadcaster Dick Irvin Jr. in 1978. "I couldn't wait to get out of the Canadian Air Force to get it started in 1947.

"The first press run was 5,000 (copies), and we finished the year with a circulation of approximately 20,000."

Please enjoy this archived video footage of McKenzie's interview with Irvin as The Hockey News enters its 79th season.

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