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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Bookmark THN - Pittsburgh Penguins on your Google News tab  to follow the latest Penguins news, roster moves, player features, and more!  

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.

Montreal Canadiens star Nick Suzuki had a fantastic year for the Original Six club in 2024-25. In 82 games during the campaign, the 2017 first-round pick scored 30 goals and set new career highs with 59 assists, 89 points, and a plus-19 rating. With numbers like these, he was certainly a big reason why the Canadiens snapped their playoff drought. 

Now, Suzuki has been rewarded for his strong 2024-25 campaign, as he has made Sportsnet's top 50 players list for the 2025-26 season. 

Suzuki secured the No. 29 spot on Sportsnet's list. With this, he was ranked ahead of other notable NHL stars like Brandon Hagel (Tampa Bay Lightning), Andrei Vasilevskiy (Lightning), Sebastian Aho (Carolina Hurricanes), and Josh Morrisey (Winnipeg Jets).

Given the year Suzuki just had, it is entirely understandable that he has been ranked among the NHL's best players by Sportsnet. He only seems to be getting better with each season that passes by, and it will be fascinating to see what kind of year he has in 2025-26 from here. 

One of the bright spots in the Chicago Blackhawks’ exhibition loss to the Detroit Red Wings was the play of forward Colton Dach. He scored a goal and continued to bring a physical presence to the team, something he’s been doing all preseason. 

Dach scored a goal by driving hard to the net and depositing it. The Blackhawks don’t have many power forwards who can come up with this kind of tally, so they are likely to keep a player who has that in his arsenal. 

There is nothing pretty about the way Dach plays, which makes him perfect for the overall makeup of the lineup. At this point, it is fair to assume that he is going to make the team because he keeps impacting games in different ways.  

“The last two games, I thought I did pretty good showcasing my physical side," Dach said after the loss. "I wanted to come over here tonight and showcase some other aspects of my game.”

Dach set out to be a difference maker in other ways beyond his physicality, and he did. Not only did he score the nice goal, but he also generated a handful of chances for himself and his teammates. A lot of these chances came late when the Blackhawks were trying to get back in it, which shows his ability to stay engaged until the very end. 

Currently, it appears safe to say that Dach is likely to make the team. There are a handful of forwards fighting for the final few spots, but few have made the impact during games that Dach has, including some of the veteran roster locks. With that in mind, he knows he must keep working and proving himself to make sure he's with the NHL team on opening night. 

"I think every day it's the same, just come in, work hard, try and make it - try and prove to them that I belong."

Dach, despite knowing his current status in the organization, has confidence in himself. He credits being around everyone more over the last year as a reason that he feels good. Whether it was in the NHL or AHL, he developed well during 2024-25, which has set him up for success this year. 

"I think playing last year, kind of getting familiar with the guys, getting to know the staff, the trainers, everything. You just feel more comfortable in the locker room."

Coming out of major junior hockey and turning pro is difficult for a lot of young players who have NHL potential.

Dach was no different, but there were things that he did to improve his game and his mentality, which allowed him to get to this point. He talked about working on his consistency over the last two years, which is something that needs to exist if you are going to live in the NHL. 

"I think the consistency factor," Dach said postgame when asked about what he's worked on to reach this level. "I think that was my biggest thing going into the AHL two years ago, and then last year, the same thing, just trying to play consistent, trying to show them that I can be an NHLer every day."

Dach is going to be relied on to play a certain role for the Chicago Blackhawks in 2025-26. A lot is made about the skilled guys at the top of the lineup, like Connor Bedard, Frank Nazar, and Teuvo Teravainen. There isn't much "nasty" or "mean" in any of their games, though.

Tyler Bertuzzi can bring some of that, but Dach's future with the team has a lot more runway. Dach can be a successful player of this type for the Blackhawks over the course of many years.

If he keeps working on his offensive productivity, his physical game, and being a leader in the locker room, he will hold tremendous value for a long time.

When the lineup card comes out next week, expect Dach to be on it with the intentions of being an impact player. 

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

After months of rumors about an NHL return, Evgeny Kuznetsov is back in Russia.

The ex-NHL star signed a one-year contract with Metallurg Magnitogorsk of the KHL, the team announced Wednesday.

Kuznetsov, 33, is coming off an injury-riddled 37-point, 39-game campaign with SKA St. Petersburg. It was his first season back in Russia after a 12-season NHL career spanning 743 games. Kuznetsov amassed 575 points and won the Stanley Cup along the way.

The 6-foot-2 center left the NHL following a 2023-24 campaign that saw the once point-per-game player put up just 24 points through 63 games between the Washington Capitals and Carolina Hurricanes. Signing a four-year deal with St. Petersburg that off-season, it had appeared as though Kuznetsov’s NHL career ended.

However, after a season in which the Chelyabinsk, Russia, native suffered a concussion and upper-body injury, the two sides came to a mutual contract termination in April 2025. 

“The coach didn’t use him the way Evgeny would’ve liked,” Kuznetsov’s agent, Shumi Babaev, told RG.org in late June.

RG.org’s report in June mentioned 10 NHL teams had shown interest in the four-time 20-goal scorer, and that he was only negotiating with NHL teams, according to his agent. 

“Not because there are no offers from Russia – there are,” Babaev said. “And honestly, he’d still be one of the best players in the KHL. But right now, the focus is on returning to the NHL.”

As recently as Sept. 27, Kuznetsov was linked to the Toronto Maple Leafs and the Florida Panthers. His agent also disclosed that at that point, a move to Metallurg was “just a rumor” and that he had denied any talks with the team regarding a move.

A big sticking point that may have led to Kuznetsov’s KHL return could be that his agent made it clear in June that Kuznetsov would not consider any tryout offers, saying there’s no need to test him.

With an NHL return for Kuznetsov likely out of the question for 2025-26, the ex-Capitals star may have already played the final game of his decorated NHL career.

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.

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.

Michael Brandsegg-Nygård, who already scored in last week's victory over the Buffalo Sabres at Little Caesars Arena, fired home his second tally of the pre-season on a one-timed shot from the slot that some fans could have some fans reminiscing of the days of Brendan Shanahan and Brett Hull. 

Larks to MBN. 🤌 pic.twitter.com/3BYuGUMvBl

— Detroit Red Wings (@DetroitRedWings) October 1, 2025

The goal eventually stood up as the game-winner as part of the 3-1 Red Wings win, moving them back to the .500 mark in pre-season play. 

Preseason win in Chicago ✔️

🚨: Compher, MBN, Raymond pic.twitter.com/SQitQzPG1q

— Detroit Red Wings (@DetroitRedWings) October 1, 2025

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

Last week, Red Wings head coach Todd McLellan touted Brandsegg-Nygård's release, calling him "a hell of a shooter". 

"The information I've received is that he's a hell of a shooter, and I watched the one playoff game in Grand Rapids last year and I thought he set himself up to shoot all the time," McLellan said last week of Brandsegg-Nygård'. "If someone gets him the puck, he's ready to shoot. I think it's a big part of his game, he has that heaviness and all those other things but for me, the shot isn't a surprise. I've been told it and I've witnessed it." 

The Red Wings found the back of the net first thanks to Elmer Soderblom stealing the puck from Chicago's Connor Bedard and eventually setting up J.T. Compher, who tallied his first pre-season goal.

Jonatan Berggren, who was inked to a one-year extension during the offseason, helped set up Lucas Raymond's second period goal that extended Detroit's lead to 3-0 by outmuscling Sam Rinzel for a loose puck and feeding a pass to Raymond at the goal mouth. 

Ok Bergy! Ok Razor! pic.twitter.com/w6OVzidKax

— Detroit Red Wings (@DetroitRedWings) October 1, 2025

Goaltender Cam Talbot, who is entering his second season with the Red Wings and will be paired with newcomer John Gibson as a tandem, stopped all but one of the 28 shots that the Blackhawks fired his way.

The Red Wings' win over the Blackhawks was their second win over former head coach Jeff Blashill, who was lured away from his job as an assistant coach with the Tampa Bay Lightning to take over the head coaching responsibilities in Chicago this offseason. The Red Wings also beat the Blackhawks by a 3-2 final score on Sept. 23 in Detroit. 

The pre-season is winding down for the Red Wings, who have only a pair of games remaining - both of them against the Toronto Maple Leafs, before they begin the regular season by hosting the Montreal Canadiens at Little Caesars Arena on Oct. 9. 

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On Saturday, Mason McTavish and the Anaheim Ducks ended their elongated contract dispute and agreed on a six-year contract that carries an AAV of $7 million.

McTavish (22) missed the first nine days of the Ducks' 2025-26 training camp, and as he reported on Monday, he will have had 11 days of camp by the start of the regular season.

The Ducks have a brand new coaching staff behind their bench, led by Joel Quenneville, who, to this point in camp, has run high-intensity skating-based on-ice sessions. Missing nine days of a camp like that under a new coach is anything but ideal, and the Ducks will have to monitor how hard they push McTavish to integrate him without risking injury.

Anaheim Ducks Training Camp: Tyson Hinds, Potential Front Runner for Role as Seventh Defenseman

Mason McTavish on His New Contract

Anaheim Ducks Training Camp: Drew Helleson Breakout Key to Unlocking Blueline

We’ll soon find out if missing that much time will hinder McTavish out of the gates, a slow starter as it is to this point in his career, and if extending negotiations into camp will be worth the headache.

The Ducks spent their highest draft pick in eight years when they selected McTavish (3rd overall in 2021) in the NHL Draft four years ago. Playing for two coaches who are no longer coaching in the NHL and in less-than-ideal environments, McTavish, with a substantial amount of runway left, has already evolved into a quality second-line center in the NHL.

He has one of the highest motors in the league, never giving up on battles and frequently extending or killing plays with extra efforts. He utilizes his 6-foot-1, 218-pound frame to protect pucks below the faceoff dots and along the boards, drawing defenders toward him and finding teammates in dangerous spots on the ice.

He has some wrinkles in his game to iron out, like defensive zone coverage, where he’d already improved in 2024-25, but will now be in a system more catered to his strengths. His skating and transition offense could use a boost as well, but to a lesser extent.

When comparing McTavish’s contract to similar ones (signed by players in similar circumstances), league-wide, it’s hard to argue the Ducks didn’t get tremendous value for their current and future second-line center.

$7 million represents 7.3% of the current $95.5 million NHL salary cap ceiling. McTavish has played 229 career games and tallied 140 points (60-80=140), a .61 points-per-game pace. He scored 52 points (22-30=52) in 76 games in 2024-25 (.68 ppg) and 2.16 points per 60 minutes at 5v5.

With his six-year term, the Ducks bought two yers of McTavish’s UFA status.

To put his numbers into perspective, a glance at similar deals would be beneficial:

Frank Nazar-Seven Years, $6.6 Million AAV(6.3% of cap)

Nazar just wrapped up his first full professional season, playing 21 games in the AHL with the Rockford Ice Hogs and 53 for the Chicago Blackhawks, where he notched 26 points (12-14=26).

Nazar has played only 56 career games and has scored at a .48 PPG pace, including .49 PPG and 1.36 P/60 at 5v5 in the 2024-25 season.

The Hawks are betting that Nazar will continue to improve, as he did in the latter stretch of the 2024-25 season. Though Nazar is signed for a year longer and will make $600k per year less than McTavish, McTavish’s greater production over a larger sample size might make his contract look more desirable as of now.

Matthew Knies-Six Years, $7.75 Million AAV(8.1% of cap)

Knies had a spectacular breakout season for the Toronto Maple Leafs in 2024-25, where, mostly on a line with Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner, he tallied 58 points (29-29=58) in 78 games. The Leafs will be relying on him more heavily, considering his raise and the departure of Marner this offseason.

Through 161 career games, Knies has scored at a .58 PPG pace. In 2024-25, he scored at a .74 PPG pace and 1.93 P/60 at 5v5.

Despite Knies scoring seven more goals last season, McTavish tallied points at a higher rate, in a less ideal environment, and at a more premium position (center v wing), again perhaps rendering McTavish’s contract more favorable.

Quenton Byfield-Five Years, $6.25 Million AAV(7.1% of cap)

Byfield is potentially the most similar to McTavish of this group in terms of contract, production, and draft pedigree. The 2020 second-overall pick scored 54 points (23-31=54) in 81 games last season and, with his skating and tenacity, was a 200-foot menace.

Byfield is 260 games into his NHL career and has scored at a .55 PPG clip. Last season, he scored .67 PPG and 2.00 P/60 at 5v5.

Byfield will likely always have a greater defensive impact than McTavish and will hope to take his production to an even higher level as soon as this season. With a five-year term, the Los Angeles Kings only bought one year of Byfield’s UFA status, but they’re saving $750k more per year than the Ducks are with McTavish.

Which contract is preferable between the two is in the eye of the beholder, but it will be very enjoyable to all to watch these two battle for the foreseeable future in Southern California.

Other Comparables: Logan Stankoven (Eight Years, $6 million AAV), Matt Coronato (Seven Years, $6.5 million AAV), Wyatt Johnston (Five Years, $8.4 million AAV), Alexis Lafreniere (Seven Years, $7.45 million AAV), Matty Beniers (Seven Years, $7.14 million AAV).

Ducks Sign Mason McTavish to Six-Year Extension

Ducks GM Pat Verbeek on McTavish Extension

Anaheim Ducks Training Camp: Lukas Dostal an Underrated Benefactor of New Coaching Staff

While Ivan Demidov shone brightly on the Videotron Centre ice last night, Mascouche-based company Memorable Authentic announced that it would be holding a public signing with the Montreal Canadiens rookie on October 19 at its office, located at 3305, local 120 Av. de la Gare, Mascouche.

Even though Demidov is an exclusive AJ Sports athlete, the company was able to strike a deal with them, which will allow the Russian wonder to meet his fans and make their day by signing autographs.

Canadiens: Big Battle In Quebec
Canadiens: Kicking Things Off In Quebec
Canadiens: Suzuki On Never Offside

To attend the event, you must purchase tickets in advance. We recommend not delaying, as they are selling quickly. Getting a regular item signed, such as a puck or an 8x10 photo, will cost $99, while a premium item, like a jersey, will cost $199. There are also VIP packages available. For $750, you can receive an autographed Fanatics Premium red jersey, an exclusive 11x14 autographed photo montage (limited to 25 copies), a photo of yourself and Demidov at the event taken by a professional event photographer, a fast track ticket, which will allow you to jump the queue, and a $50 discount coupon on framing. 

For the second year in a row, Canadiens fans will be enjoying a fantastic season watching a superstar in the making plying his trade in Montreal. After being dazzled by Lane Hutson’s play last season, the Sainte-Flanelle faithful will be able to watch Demidov learn the NHL ropes. Judging by his play so far in the preseason, the Habs have another Calder Trophy candidate on their hands.

A wind of change is blowing in Montreal for a generation of fans that grew up marvelling at Carey Price’s saves but who were offensively starved. Gone are the days when the team was putting all its eggs in the goaltender’s basket and hoping for the best. The Canadiens are now competing at both ends of the ice, and Demidov will be one of the headliners of this new look Montreal team for years to come.

Ivan Demidov à Patrik Laine, une phrase qu’on risque d’entendre souvent cette saison ! 🥱#GoHabsGo c. #GoSensGo sur RDS 📺 pic.twitter.com/HRsg6vNPWy

— RDS (@RDSca) October 1, 2025

So far this preseason, the youngster has shown just how shifty he is and how he can fool the best players into thinking he’ll go one way before heading for an entirely different direction. He’s also a playmaking ace who can thread the needle and produce lightning-fast, picture-perfect feeds from one side of the ice to the other. It’s been years since the Tricolore has had that kind of offensive performer in its ranks. The Bell Centre crowd hasn’t responded to a Canadiens’ forward that way since, well, ever. The last time the Montreal crowd had such a talented forward on its hands, the Habs were still playing at the Forum.

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The Columbus Blue Jackets have 12 days until opening night at Nationwide Arena. Today, we look at the history of jersey #12. 

Let's take a look.

Ted Drury - 2001 - Drafted by Calgary in 1989.

Drury played a single game for the Jackets during the 00-01 season. He never played another NHL game after Columbus and would retire in 2007 after playing five seasons in Germany.

Ted is the brother of former New York Rangers Captain and current President and General Manager of the Rangers, Chris Drury.

Sean Pronger - 2002 - Drafted by Vancouver in 1991. 

The brother of Hall of Famer Chris Pronger played 104 games in Columbus and had 17 points. He retired in 2005 after playing in Germany.

The brother of Hall of Famer Chris Pronger played 104 games in Columbus and had 17 points. He also attended Bowling Green State University in Ohio. 

After his two seasons in Columbus, he played for Vancouver and then left for Germany, where he played one season before retiring. 

Mathieu Darche - 2003 - Undrafted out of Saint-Laurent, Quebec.

Darche played 24 games for the CBJ over their first three seasons, totaling two points. Darche played until 2012, retiring with the Montreal Canadiens. 

He is now the Assistant General Manager and Director of Hockey Ops for the Tampa Bay Lightning. He started with Tampa Bay in 2019 and has held various positions. 

Jiří Novotný - 2008-2009 - Drafted by Buffalo in 2001. 

Novotný played 107 games for the Jackets and had 29 points. He never played another NHL game and left for Europe where he played until 2023.

Novotný spent time in Russia, Czechia, and Switzerland until he retired. He is now the Sports Manager for HC Motor České Budějovice.

Elite Prospects said about Novotný "Novotný is a center with a sound two-way game. With good vision and passing ability, he is more of a playmaker than a shooter. Handles the puck and skates well, too. Can kill penalties and win faceoffs."

Mike Blunden - 2010-2011 - Drafted by Chicago in 2005. 

Blunden played 41 games with the Jackets and totaled 4 points.

He retired in 2020 after playing the last two years of his career in Germany and Italy. He finished his NHL career playing in 127 games. Blunden has been a Pro Scout for the Tampa Bay Lightning for the last four season. 

Ryan Craig - 2014-2015 - Drafted by Tampa Bay in 2002. 

Craig played 8 games for the Jackets and had zero points. He was also the Captain of both the Springfield Falcons and the Cleveland Monsters. He retired in 2017 and went into coaching for the Vegas Golden Knights. He is currently the head coach of the AHL's Henderson Silver Knights. 

Owen Sillinger - 2025 - Undrafted out of Regina, Saskatchewan. 

Sillinger has played one career NHL game and has zero points. The older brother of Cole has spent his career playing for the AHL's Cleveland Monsters. In parts of four seasons, he has a total of 114 points. 

Owen will be looked at as a vet on an otherwise very young Monsters team. Expect Sillinger to be called up should the CBJ need him. 

One scouting report said of Sillinger. "Sillinger is a pure sniper. He might be the best shooter in this draft class. His wrist shot is powerful and accurate. He has quick hands and is able to get the shot off quickly. Sillinger also does a good job of changing the angle on his shot, fooling goaltenders. His snapshot is also very good and features a similar quick release. Sillinger also has a knack for getting open for a one-timer, especially on the power play. His slap shot is also very good. He can even score with a good backhand. Sillinger has the hands to get deflections and pounce on rebounds in front of the net. His lateral agility and hands allow him to move laterally to open up shooting lanes."

Another scouting report said of his defensive game, "Sillinger also needs work in his own end of the ice. He can become too focused on the puck away from the play, losing his man and getting out of position. He also seems to take risks at times, leaving the zone early and trying to create offence. Sillinger could improve by using his size and strength to help contain in the cycle game but is not always committed to working down low in the defensive zone. These are areas where he will need some strong coaching in helping out his defense."

There are 12 days left until opening night at Nationwide Arena. 

The pre-season schedule is as follows:

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

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

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The Iowa Heartlanders announced that 19 players with Heartlanders ties will attend 2025 Iowa Wild training camp. The Wild are AHL affiliates of the Iowa Heartlanders.

Of the 19 players, 10 are signed to 2025-26 contracts with the Heartlanders. The other nine are former Heartlanders signed to AHL contracts with the Iowa Wild or NHL contracts with the Minnesota Wild.

The Heartlanders will begin their training camp next Monday, Oct. 6. They open the team’s fifth season at Xtream Arena on Friday, Oct. 17 vs. the Tulsa Oilers.

Here are the players attending Wild training camp with Heartlanders ties.

Goaltenders (3)

Samuel Hlavaj (played with Heartlanders in 2024-25)

Dante Giannuzzi (ECHL contract with Heartlanders)

William Rousseau (AHL contract, played with 2024-25 Heartlanders)

Defensemen (8)

Mike Koster (AHL contract, played with 2024-25 Heartlanders)

Will Zmolek (AHL contract, played with 2024-25 Heartlanders)

Thomas Stewart (ECHL contract with Heartlanders)

Elliott McDermott (ECHL contract with Heartlanders)

David Spacek (NHL contract, played with 2023-24 Heartlanders)

Lordanthony Grissom (ECHL contract with Heartlanders)

Carter Allen (ECHL contract with Heartlanders)

Kyle Masters (NHL contract, played with Heartlanders 2023-25)

Forwards (8)

Matthew Sop (AHL contract, played with Heartlanders 2024-25)

Ryan McGuire (AHL contract, played with Heartlanders 2024-25)

Isaac Johnson (ECHL contract with Heartlanders)

Ryan Sandelin (AHL contract, played with Heartlanders 2024-25)

Jaxon Nelson (ECHL contract with Heartlanders)

Keltie Jeri-Leon (ECHL contract with Heartlanders)

Jack O'Brien (ECHL contract with Heartlanders)

Adam Capannelli (ECHL contract with Heartlanders)

The Buffalo Sabres practiced at KeyBank Center on Tuesday, and while the club got back center Jiri Kulich after he sat out for a week with a muscle tweak, the club was still without four regulars, as defenseman Owen Power joined forward Jordan Greenway, and defensemen Bowen Byram and Mattias Samuelsson on the sidelines.  

"Owen just strained something yesterday, and so we held them out today," Ruff said. 

Power was described as being day-to-day, but it is in question whether the Sabres will risk putting him in the lineup for the first of their final home-and-home preseason games against the Pittsburgh Penguins on Wednesday. Byram was injured in the Sabres 5-2 victory over Detroit on Saturday and has not practiced the last two days, but did skate prior to practice according to Ruff. 

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Kulich and goalie Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen will play on Wednesday, although it is not certain that the Sabres goalie will play the entire game since it is his first action of the season. Greenway has not taken part in any camp workouts after he suffered an recurrence of the mid-body injury that he had surgically repaired over the summer, but has started to ramp up his work on the ice. 

 "(Jordan) skated at Harborcenter. He's progressing nicely and (it's) just probably a short period of time before he joins us in practice." Ruff said. "(We're) just trying to do the right thing, but he's feeling good."

Without Power or Byram, the Sabres top pairing at practice was Rasmus Dahlin and Michael Kesselring, Ryan Johnson partnered with Conor Timmins, and 2025 first-rounder Radim Mrtka partnered with Vsevolod Komarov. 

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