Category: Ice Hockey

After a strong training camp and preseason with the New Jersey Devils, rookie defenseman Ethan Edwards was assigned to the American Hockey League (AHL) to begin the 2025-26 season with the Utica Comets. 

The 23-year-old made his AHL debut last season, playing in the Comets' final 10 games. Before his re-assignment to Utica on Oct. 5, Edwards left a positive impact in New Jersey after what Comets General Manager Dan MacKinnon called a tremendous training camp.

"I would describe him as an elite, powerful skater, even at the NHL level," MacKinnon said. "He is not necessarily an offensive defenseman as an NHL prospect; he is a highly competitive, mobile, two-way defenseman who can end plays, but also mobilize the puck." 

With his college degree in sports management from the University of Michigan in hand, Edwards will now focus on developing his game and transitioning into a full-time NHLer. 

"I want to be in the (NHL) and will do whatever it takes," he told The Hockey News during camp. "I feel like my game can adapt to any role, and they can put me in any situation. I am just trying to do my best to stick around." 

When the Comets open their regular season on Friday, against the Cleveland Monsters at Adirondack Bank Center, expect Edwards to take on an elevated role on the blue line. 

"What we want to see from him is going to Utica and giving us what we call monster minutes," MacKinnon said. "20-plus minutes a night at even strength, penalty kill, and defensive zone starts. He probably will get some power-play time, but not necessarily power-play one.

"It is more about the minutes he is going to play as a rookie in the American Hockey League," he continued. "It is going to be a tremendous opportunity to show and say, 'Hey, I can handle this load and excel in this role.'" 

During the preseason, fans saw glimpses of Edwards on the penalty kill. The 23-year-old was credited with more than 12 blocked shots and was not afraid to throw his body around with seven hits over his first two appearances. 

"It is something I have always taken pride in," he said of the penalty kill. "You know, it is adapting to a role here, and maybe it is not going to be running the first power play. It is taking control of what I can and doing my best in that role." 

Edwards will make up the Comets' blue line along with Calen Addison, Colton White, Austin Strand, Topias Vilen, and Dmitri Osipov. 

Throughout the season, all eyes will be on Edwards as he seeks to make his mark, despite not knowing, at this moment, what that may entail.

"I think my game can adapt to any role, so looking forward to seeing what that role is."

Make sure you bookmark THN's New Jersey Devils site for THN's latest news, exclusive interviews, breakdowns, and so much more.

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LAS VEGAS -- On the eve of their season-opener against the Los Angeles Kings, the Golden Knights announced a contract signing

Not the one everyone has been anticipating - Jack Eichel's extension - however, as the team signed forward Alexander Holtz to a two-year contract through the 2026-27 season worth an average annual value of $837,500.

Holtz, 23, appeared in 53 games and registered 12 points (4 goals, 8 assists) for Vegas last season.

Holtz also saw action in Henderson, playing 16 games with the organization's AHL squad in nearby Henderson, the Silver Knights.

The forward recorded 13 points (7 goals, 6 assists) with the Silver Knights.

The Stockholm native has played in 163 NHL games during his career, posting 46 points (23 goals, 23 assists) with both Vegas and New Jersey combined.

Holtz - who was acquired by Vegas in June of 2024 from New Jersey, along with goaltender Akira Schmid - had a career-high 28 points (16 goals, 12 assists) in 82 NHL games with the Devils during the 2023-24 season.

The Florida Panthers honored a former goaltender and a longtime season ticket holder during Opening Night on Tuesday.

During the first TV timeout of the game, the Panthers honored current Chicago Blackhawks goalie Spencer Knight with a video going through some of the great times had during his tenue with the Cats.

Florida drafted Knight in the first round of the 2019 NHL Entry Draft.

He played the first 80 games of his career with the Panthers before being a key piece in a Trade Deadline deal that brought Seth Jones to South Florida.

Now, Knight is the goaltending backbone of the Blackhawks’ rebuild.

Panthers honor former goaltender Spencer Knight during the season’s first TV timeout. pic.twitter.com/kSfaVIu1ZD

— David Dwork (@DavidDwork) October 7, 2025

Later in the period during another TV timeout, Florida played a touching tribute video to fan Steve Elario.

A well-known yacht broker, Elario was extremely popular with Panthers fans for years.

Elario, with long silver hair and a big smile, resembled wrestling legend Ric Flair and every time the Panthers would put Elario on the jumbotron, it would elicit loud ‘WOOOs!’ from fans.

Sadly, Elario passed away in early September.

It was a touching moment inside Amerant Bank Arena as fans reacted to the tribute video with a chorus of ‘WOOs’ and cheers.

The Panthers also asked fans to come together for a collective ‘WOO’ after the tribute, and you can check out video of it in the X post below:

A touching tribute from the Panthers and their fans to Steve Elario, a massive Cats fan who sadly passed away last month.

WOOOOO! pic.twitter.com/l7O4Xx7Y5R

— David Dwork (@DavidDwork) October 7, 2025

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In case you haven't heard, the Pittsburgh Penguins play hockey Tuesday night against the New York Rangers. 

And that means the 2025-26 regular season is underway.

Well, we've already provided you with some regular predictions for the upcoming season, but what about some bold ones?

Are they realistic? Probably not. But, hey, they're not impossible, either. 

Here are eight bold predictions for the 2025-26 season.

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1. Erik Karlsson is in prime form and turns in a point-per-game season
Karlsson showed that he is still capable of being that game-changing, generationally talented offensive defenseman during the 4 Nations Face-off for Team Sweden last season. With another opportunity to vie for Team Sweden's roster on the line - Karlsson has not yet been named to Sweden's 2026 Olympic team - as well as the potential to be dealt to a Stanley Cup-contending team before the trade deadline, Karlsson has a lot to play for.

And I do believe Karlsson will be dealt to a contender at the deadline in the Carolina Hurricanes.

2025-26 Season Predictions: THN Penguins' EditionIt’s a new NHL season, and that means it’s time for a new THN - Pittsburgh Penguins season prediction piece!

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2. Evgeni Malkin also returns to point-per-game this season and earns himself another contract
Malkin has not been point-per-game since the 2022-23 season, when he recorded 27 goals and 83 points. But, since then, he has also had a rotating carousel of linemates.

This season? That should not be the case. He's starting the season with Anthony Mantha and Justin Brazeau, but once Bryan Rust returns from injury and the kids - like Rutger McGroarty and Tristan Broz - start to populate the roster, he'll have the talent around him to give him that boost.

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3. Ville Koivunen wins the Calder Trophy for Rookie of the Year
Demidov who?

It's hard to argue against Ivan Demidov taking home the Calder before the season even begins. But a full season of Koivunen alongside Sidney Crosby and Rickard Rakell? 

Sure, his seven points in eight games to end the 2024-25 season is going to be hard to replicate, but if he's always next to Crosby or Malkin, why can't he replicate it? Why can't he sniff point-per-game alongside one of the greatest players of all time and one of the league's best goal-scorers?

After all, these are bold predictions... so let's shoot high!

Ville Koivunen's Rookie Year Starts On Sidney Crosby's WingPittsburgh Penguins forward Ville Koivunen will be on the top line for Tuesday's regular-season opener against the New York Rangers.

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4. Sidney Crosby hits the 100-point mark for the first time since 2018-19
Crosby has been hovering around 90 points for what seems like forever, and recently, he's had slow starts to seasons. 

Well, what if that slow start never happens this year? There's no reason to believe that the longest-tenured captain in NHL history can't make up 8-10 points in that time. And he'll have some young talent to play with this season, too.

Crosby Set To Tie Prestigious NHL Record This SeasonBy now, Pittsburgh Penguins' captain Sidney Crosby approaching NHL records is a relatively regular occurrence. 

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5. Ben Kindel stays the entire season and registers more than 40 points
Many - myself included - have rookie defenseman Harrison Brunicke outlasting his nine-game NHL trial and Kindel going back to the Calgary Hitmen of the WHL after his.

Kindel already surprised everyone by his performance in training camp. Why can't he do it again?

Hey, never say never. I'd say it would require Kindel blowing everyone out of the water during his nine games in order to be kept around. 

I say he blows everyone out of the water.

Top Prospects Brunicke, Kindel Confirmed To Make NHL Debuts In Penguins' Season OpenerEven though rosters were trimmed to 23 on Saturday, there was no guarantee that the Pittsburgh Penguins were going to carry those exact 23 players into their season opener against former head coach Mike Sullivan and the New York Rangers at Madison Square Garden on Tuesday.

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6. Sergei Murashov is the starting goaltender by season's end
To be honest, I'm not really even sure that this is a "bold" take. But, it's a take nonetheless, and we'll run with it.

Murashov, 21, was the best goaltender in Penguins' training camp. He also dominated the AHL level last season. Arturs Silovs is slated to start game one for the Penguins against the New York Rangers. Tristan Jarry was waived last season and will likely have a short leash.

If Murashov dominates the AHL again - and one of the NHL goaltenders falters - how long before Murashov simply takes the net for himself?

My bet is that it happens this season. Murashov is the real deal.

'Inspiring': Penguins' Top Goaltending Prospect Reflects On Fleury, Game To Remember Marc-Andre Fleury's final game in Pittsburgh was an unforgettable experience for many, fans and longtime teammates alike. 

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7. Harrison Brunicke is the top-pair right defenseman by season's end
If Karlsson is dealt at the deadline - and Brunicke stays the entire season - it's reasonable to suggest that he will be the best defenseman on the Penguins' roster at that point, even if that bar is low.

Of course, Kris Letang is the best defenseman in Penguins' history and could very well have himself a bounceback campaign. But, it's possible that Brunicke - although young and unrefined - will have an even better season.

Bold? Maybe. But, with Karlsson out of the picture, it's certainly not impossible.

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8. The kids will push the Penguins into the playoffs
Ah, the "P" word. 

That may make some Penguins' fans quake in their boots given the shiny prize for the winner of the draft lottery next summer. But, if the Penguins' roster truly does go young - and the Penguins can acquire a young left defenseman or see a decent one emerge in their system - how far can the kids take them?

There is talent in the system. Murashov, Koivunen, Brunicke, and McGroarty could all be on the roster at some point this season, and they're not the only ones. This team is a better one with the kids on it, and - maybe, just maybe - they can provide enough of a spark to squeak this team into a wild spot.

For better or for worse, of course.

Dan Muse And Mike Sullivan Set To Begin New Chapters On Opposite SidesThe Pittsburgh Penguins will open their 2025-26 campaign against the New York Rangers on Tuesday night, and the game will hold extra significance for the head coaches on both sides. 

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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!   

Apr 17, 2024; Tempe, Arizona, USA; Edmonton Oilers assistant coach Glen Gulutzan against the Arizona Coyotes at Mullett Arena. Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

The 2025-26 NHL regular season is finally here, with Opening Night on Tuesday.

Final rosters for all 32 teams were submitted Monday. The ECHL has 60 players on NHL opening-day rosters, marking the 24th season in a row with more than 50 former ECHL players in that category.

The Premier ‘AA’ Hockey League, the ECHL has a player or coach on each of the 32 teams and has affiliations with 30 of the 32 teams in the NHL, marking the 29th consecutive season that the league has had affiliations with at least 20 teams in the NHL.

There are 57 coaches with an ECHL background working behind the benches of teams in the NHL including Colorado Avalanche head coach Jared Bednar, Dallas Stars head coach Glen Gulutzan, San Jose Sharks head coach Ryan Warsofsky, Vegas Golden Knights head coach Bruce Cassidy and Washington Capitals head coach Spencer Carbery. All previously were ECHL head coaches.

In addition, Nashville Predators head coach Andrew Brunette is a former ECHL player. It is the 15th consecutive season that there have been 30 or more coaches with an ECHL background working in the NHL.

Last season, Carbery became the third former ECHL coach to win the Jack Adams as NHL Coach of the Year, joining Cassidy (2019-20) and Bruce Boudreau (2007-08).

In the 2022-23 season, Cassidy became the third former ECHL head coach to lead his team to a Stanley Cup title, joining Laviolette (Carolina, 2006) and Bednar (Colorado, 2022).

In 2021-22, Bednar became the first coach to lead teams to championships in the ECHL (South Carolina, 2009), AHL (Lake Erie, 2016) and NHL (Colorado, 2022).

The NHL’s 2025-26 regular season is underway, so it’s a perfect time to make a stand and put out this writer’s pre-season prediction of who will make the Stanley Cup final – and who will win.

Earlier this summer, we made our predictions for who would win their respective divisions this year: 

- Atlantic Division
- Metropolitan Division
- Central Division
- Pacific Division

Now, we’re making an educated guess as to which two teams will win their conference and who will win the 2026 Stanley Cup championship.

Eastern Conference champion: Toronto Maple Leafs

Western Conference champion: Colorado Avalanche

Stanley Cup champion: Colorado Avalanche

The Breakdown: For our conference final winners, we’re going with two teams that didn’t make it out of the second round last season. But in today’s parity-filled NHL, it’s entirely possible that a team can struggle one season and then go on a long playoff run the next. 

With that in mind, we think the Maple Leafs will have unheard-of modern-day success in the post-season this year.

With the Florida Panthers suffering major injuries to star forwards Aleksander Barkov and Matthew Tkachuk, the door is wide open for Toronto to repeat as Atlantic Division champions.

Now that Toronto GM Brad Treliving has changed the makeup of his team with the additions of gritty forwards Nicolas Roy and Dakota Joshua, the Leafs are much better built for playoff hockey than they were in the Mitch Marner Era.

The Maple Leafs' odds of winning the Eastern Conference are 8.50 (+750) on BetMGM. Their odds of winning the Cup are `17.00 (+1600).

In the Western Conference, the Avalanche have failed to get beyond the second round in the last three seasons since they won a Cup in 2022. But last season’s seven-game first-round loss to the Dallas Stars could’ve gone either way, and Colorado’s experience, superstar power and tremendous depth will serve the Avs well this season as they try to navigate their way through Western powerhouses in Dallas, Edmonton and Vegas.

The Avalanche have the in-house know-how to power them through three playoff rounds and into the Cup final. So long as they stay healthy, the Avs have what it takes to win the fourth Cup in franchise history. Having a full year with veteran forwards Gabriel Landeskog and Brock Nelson will help Colorado earn home-ice advantage next spring – a feat the Avalanche couldn’t muster this past year, but a crucial element that they’re likely to benefit from this season.

The Avalanche have 5.25 (+425) odds of winning the West and 9.50 (+850) odds of winning the Cup on BetMGM.

Why The NHL's Stanley Cup Favorites Could Or Couldn't WinEntering a new NHL season, all 32 teams begin with the same record, but each of them has different goals.

If the Maple Leafs do win their first three rounds, their key players will be experiencing the Cup final for the first time.

Toronto has indeed added players with Cup-winning experience – including center Nicolas Roy, left winger Steven Lorentz, defenseman Oliver Ekman-Larsson and goaltender Anthony Stolarz.

But the difference between the Leafs and Avalanche is that Colorado’s core star players – Landeskog, center Nathan MacKinnon and defensemen Cale Makar and Devon Toews – all know what it takes to win a championship.

You can’t say the same about Maple Leafs stars Auston Matthews, William Nylander and John Tavares, and that’s why we’re ultimately going with the Avs beating the Leafs in the Cup final.

Leafs fans will be thrilled if Toronto wins three rounds next spring, but that may make it all the more painful if they fail to finish the job and once again don’t come away with a Cup win. Still, a long Leafs run will feel like manna from heaven for Leafs Nation.

It’s nearly impossible for teams to repeat as Cup champs – a fact that makes the Panthers a major long shot to do that for the third straight season. The door is open for a different Cup winner this year, and you can do much worse than putting your chips behind the Leafs to win the East and the Avalanche to win the West and the Cup final. 

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.

Opening Night of the 2025-26 NHL season began Tuesday in South Florida.

That’s where the league’s back-to-back defending champions reside, and where a celebration of sorts was held prior to the start of the new season.

Tuesday at Amerant Bank Arena, the Florida Panthers, for the second time in as many years, raised a Stanley Cup Champions banner to the rafters.

The ceremony was not anything particularly special, which is perfectly fine.

Florida’s players skated onto the ice, followed by alternate captain Aaron Ekblad, who was carrying the Stanley Cup.

With the players lined up along the blue line, the 2025 Stanley Cup Champions banner went up.

For the night, it’ll hang right above Sergei Bobrovsky’s goal crease.

By Thursday night, when Florida hosts the Philadelphia Flyers, it should be in its new permanent location, a couple parking spots down from the team’s 2024 Stanley Cup Champions banner.

Below you can see a video of the ceremony:

Panthers raise their second Stanley Cup Championship banner pic.twitter.com/INvRHprLhn

— David Dwork (@DavidDwork) October 7, 2025

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The Vegas Golden Knights have announced that they have re-signed former New Jersey Devils forward Alexander Holtz to a two-year contract that comes with an average annual value (AAV) of $837,500. 

Holtz was still a restricted free agent (RFA) with the 2025-26 regular season just about here. Yet, the Golden Knights have now gotten him signed with this cheap bridge deal. 

✍️ The Golden Knights have signed Alexander Holtz to a two-year contract!! 🙌 #VegasBornhttps://t.co/3b7ptO3AbZ

— Vegas Golden Knights (@GoldenKnights) October 7, 2025

Holtz was traded by the Devils with goaltender Akira Schmid to the Vegas Golden Knights this past off-season in exchange for forward Paul Cotter. Holtz is coming off a bit of a quiet year with the Golden Knights, as he recorded four goals, eight assists, and a minus-3 rating in 53 games. This was after he set career highs with 16 goals, 12 assists, and 28 points in 82 games with the Devils in 2023-24.

Holtz was selected by the Devils with the seventh-overall pick of the 2020 NHL Entry Draft. In 110 games over three seasons with the Devils, the former top prospect posted 19 goals, 15 assists, and 34 points. 

Holtz will now look to put together a breakout season with the Golden Knights after signing this new two-year contract from here. 

Pittsburgh Penguins forward Ville Koivunen will be on the top line for Tuesday's regular-season opener against the New York Rangers.

Koivunen made the opening night roster out of camp after he was one of the Penguins' best players in practices and preseason games. He picked right up from where he left off at the end of the 2024-25 season when he got a taste of NHL action and compiled seven points in eight games. 

He got time with both Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin, and even got to spend time on the top power play unit. He's now set for his full NHL season and likes the chemistry that he has with Crosby and Malkin.

"Yeah, of course," Koivunen said at the end of training camp. "I know how they play and what they want to do on the ice, so that's helped a lot."

He'll get the first crack with Crosby on Tuesday night and the two had some good underlying numbers when they were on the same line together last year. In 51 minutes of 5v5 icetime, the two had a 52.3% shot attempts rate, a 50.8% scoring chances for rate, and were on the ice for two goals for and one goal against. The sample size was small, but he fit in right away and will try to keep that momentum going into Tuesday. 

He's a strong playmaker and has great vision, especially in the offensive zone. His skating has also continued to get better and looked faster during training camp and preseason games. If he can give the Penguins around 30-40 points this year, that would be a big win for the team. 

Puck drop for Tuesday's Penguins-Rangers game will be at 8 p.m. ET.

(Data via Natural Stat Trick). 

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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!   

Jun 27, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman announces Brady Martin is selected as the fifth overall pick to the Nashville Predators in the first round of the 2025 NHL Draft at Peacock Theater. Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

When the final roster for Opening Night is submitted and a player finally realizes his dream of making the NHL, it’s human nature to be awed by the experience. After all, he’s watched many of these same teammates and opponents growing up.

Brady Martin is no exception to this rule. The 18-year-old Nashville Predators fifth overall pick in the 2025 NHL Draft may have shown superhuman qualities throughout the summer, but he’s human enough to feel the rush of excitement that comes with knowing he has defied the odds and made the team’s final roster out of camp.

Once that initial high has receeded, however, Martin also knows he needs to put aside the wow factor and prove head coach Andrew Brunette and general manager Barry Trotz made the right call.

“It’s a different level,” the 6-foot, 187-pound Martin told reporters Monday of playing in the NHL. “You get to play on the ice with them, it’s pretty cool. You get to take it all in. You gotta have the want, though, to be there. You can’t just be wowed to be there, you gotta get out there and work hard and compete.”

Martin recorded two goals and an assist for the Preds during the pre-season. It's been the little things, however, that have made the difference in his making the team out of camp.

When Joakim Kemell delivered a devastating hit to Carolina Hurricanes forward Andrei Svechnikov in Saturday’s 3-2 overtime win, Martin was right there to collect the loose puck. All throughout camp, he has shown a confidence that speaks of a maturity level beyond his 18 years. He hasn’t shied away from taking faceoffs, and goes to the net with the poise of a more experienced player.

In an Oct. 1 practice, Martin drove wide with the puck for a scoring chance, only to be denied by backup goalie Justus Annunen. He went bar down on Juuse Saros on another play during that same practice.

Brady Martin drives wide to create a great scoring chance but is robbed by Justus Annunen @1025TheGamepic.twitter.com/d86Vz4eDs6

— Max Herz (@MaxHerzTalks) October 1, 2025

It hasn’t hurt that Martin has played with veterans Filip Forsberg and Ryan O’Reilly on the top line during the pre-season. Forsberg has even taken Martin under his wing, letting the rookie stay at his house and get to know his family.

“I think we’ve had some pretty good chemistry throughout the pre-season,” Brunette said Monday of the O’Reilly-Forsberg-Martin line. “(Brady is) such a big piece in this organization. Moving forward, we want to put him in the best spot possible to show his abilities. So far, he’s done that.”

Martin’s path to Opening Night hasn’t been without some hiccups. Brunette acknowledged he felt the rookie’s game slipped a little in the Predators’ loss to the Tampa Bay Lightning earlier in the pre-season. He’s played a lot of hockey over the past year: 62 OHL games with the Soo Greyhounds including the post-season, the World Juniors Summer Showcase, NHL Prospects Tournament and pre-season.

It’s been a whirlwind year, to be sure, but Martin understands that life in the NHL is just as hectic, if not more so.

“A lot of things have happened,” Martin said. “It’s been fun, I’ve enjoyed it. The work I’ve put in has got me here, so just taking it day by day and seeing what’s going to happen.”

Another 18-year-old, No. 1 overall pick Matthew Schaefer, also cracked the New York Islanders’ Opening Night roster, so Martin is in good company.

How long he stays at the NHL level will depend on several factors. The Predators could send him back to the OHL for another season of major junior after nine games, or pay Martin to remain on the roster.

Obviously, Martin needs to continue producing and improving. Even if his goal-scoring doesn’t come right away, the more chances he can create for himself and his teammates, the better. Martin has also shown promise on the power-play, so providing spark for a unit that finished 18th in the NHL last season could also keep him around.

The roster will almost certainly undergo some changes once defenseman Nicolas Hague (upper body) and forward Matthew Wood (lower body) come off the injured list.

How well the Predators play as a team to begin the season could also play a role in Martin’s status. If he’s playing well and the team gets off to a fast start, it would be difficult for the club to send him back to the OHL. A poor start by either could see Martin going back to juniors for more seasoning.

No matter what happens, Martin is eager to get the season underway.

“It’s very exciting,” Martin said. “With the work I’ve put in here, I think I’ve proved I’m worthy to play with the guys here. I’m just looking forward to Thursday (Opening Night) and see what happens.”

EL SEGUNDO, CA — The Los Angeles Kings enter the 2025–26 season at a crossroads. With franchise icon Anze Kopitar set to retire at the end of the year, the team's identity sits squarely between eras. The roster has the depth and experience to surely be a playoff contender, but the question remains: can they take the next step, or will they once again become a stepping stone for a more star-laden opponent come playoff time?

Here are three bold predictions for the Kings' upcoming season and one realistic outlook on where it all might end.

1. Andrei Kuzmenko Scores 30 Goals

Kuzmenko's arrival in Los Angeles midway through last season not only boosted the team's secondary scoring but also injected creativity into an offense that often lacked unpredictability. After a rocky tenure in Vancouver and an adjustment period following multiple trades, Kuzmenko found chemistry with the Kings' top line, flashing the dynamic skill set that made him an upper-echelon goal-scoring threat in 2022–23.

Now settled and familiar with the Kings and Jim Hiller's system, Kuzmenko has the potential to reach his former level again. His shot release, deceptive edgework, and ability to score around the net could make him a 30+ goal scorer again. With the Kings embracing a five-forward power-play unit under Hiller, Kuzmenko hitting these goals could be less bold than it is realistic.

Everyone shooting 20% or better in the 2020s decade (min. 50 games):

— Shane Wright
— Andrei Kuzmenko
— Leon Draisaitl

The consensus 3 best scorers in hockey. pic.twitter.com/bLNihPc3zY

— Big Head Hockey (@BigHeadHcky) September 10, 2025

For a team that's struggled to find consistent finishing beyond Adrian Kempe and Kevin Fiala, a 30-goal Kuzmenko would change the complexion of the Kings' offense.

2. Kevin Fiala Leads the Team in Points (83)

Kevin Fiala has long been the Kings' most creative offensive player, capable of dazzling with speed, vision, puck-handling, and some ill-timed penalties. However, it wasn't until last season that the Kings found a permanent center for the Swiss forward to thrive with. As much as it's Fiala as a dynamic player, he's slated to be with the rising star of the franchise for a full season, with Quinton Byfield.

Without the constant line shuffling and potential for the five-forward power play, Fiala is poised to lead the Kings in points, potentially eclipsing the 80-point mark for the first time in Los Angeles.

Expect Fiala to continue to drive controlled entries, where his ability to turn zone possession into high-danger chances sets him apart. If he can find sustained chemistry with Byfield, the Kings could finally have a consistent point producer who rivals the elite playmakers in the West.

3. Anze Kopitar Wins the Selke Trophy to Close His Career

If storylines wrote themselves, this one would top the list.

Kopitar, the face of the franchise for nearly two decades, enters his final season with an opportunity to etch one last line into his Hall of Fame résumé. The two-time Selke winner remains one of the league's smartest defensive centers, even at age 38. With the Kings likely managing his minutes to preserve his effectiveness (potentially off the kill), Kopitar could find himself in the perfect position for a farewell season that turns heads leaguewide.

Statistically, his defensive metrics have remained elite, as he consistently ranks near the top in expected goals against per 60 minutes and faceoff win percentage. More importantly, he continues to handle tough matchups, mentoring Byfield while still neutralizing opposing top lines.

Suppose Los Angeles finishes strong and maintains its defensive identity. In that case, it's not far-fetched to imagine Kopitar taking home a third Selke Trophy, a fitting capstone to one of the greatest two-way careers in NHL history.

Anze Kopitar has announced that he will be retiring from the NHL after this season. 👑

✔️ The first player from Slovenia to play in the NHL
✔️ 2 Stanley Cups
✔️ 2 Frank J. Selke Trophies
✔️ 3 Lady Byng Memorial Trophies
✔️ 1 Mark Messier Leadership Award
✔️ 5 All-Star Game… pic.twitter.com/zR0zPmKWwG

— NHL (@NHL) September 18, 2025

The Realism Take: The Kings Hit 102 Points, Then Fall in Round One—Again

The bold predictions are fun, but the realistic scenario is one Kings fans know all too well.

Despite offseason improvements and a roster built to compete now, Los Angeles remains in the NHL's most unforgiving conference. The Kings could very well exceed expectations in the regular season, posting 100-plus points despite projections in the mid-90s and looking like one of the league's most balanced teams.

But when the playoffs arrive, the same ghosts could reappear.

The Kings' structure and discipline often crumble against teams with transcendent star power, such as Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl in Edmonton, Jack Eichel in Vegas, or Nathan MacKinnon in Colorado. Without a true superstar of their own, Los Angeles risks being "good, not great" once again.

This isn't a failure of effort or system; it's a limitation of the ceiling. The Kings' strength lies in depth, balance, and defensive reliability, but come playoff time, superstars decide series. Until Los Angeles finds its own game-breaking forward, they may continue to be the team that plays well enough to lose to a better one.

But the truth lies somewhere between optimism and realism. The Kings can—and likely will—be good enough to compete with anyone in the West. Whether they can finally beat them when it matters during a seven-game series is a different story.

Until that day comes, Los Angeles remains hockey's version of a glass ceiling contender: dangerous, disciplined, and one piece away from something greater.

The Alexandar Georgiev era has ended in Buffalo before it even started. After claiming goalie Colten Ellis from the St. Louis Blues on Monday, the Sabres have placed the 29-year-old Georgiev on waivers.  The former Rangers, Avs, and Sharks goalie started strong allowing no goals in two periods against Columbus last month, but allowed 11 goals in three games against Detroit and Pittsburgh, including three goals late in the third period and overtime against the Penguins last Friday. 

Sabres head coach Lindy Ruff said that Georgiev did everything that he was asked, but that the club could not pass up on the opportunity to claim Ellis.  If the veteran clears on Wednesday, he can be demoted to the Rochester Americans of the AHL to join Devon Levi and Scott Ratzlaff. 

"When Ellis became available, he's someone that, as an organization, we felt really highly about," Ruff said. "I like his puck play. I watched a good part of his games yesterday, the calmness about him, so there's I can understand why he's been kind of on the radar." 

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 The 25-year-old Ellis was a 2019 third round pick of the Blues and has spent five years in the ECHL and AHL. Last season, Ellis had an excellent campaign with AHL Springfield, where he posted a 22-14-3 record, 2.63 GAA and .922 save percentage. 

"It's definitely a whirlwind. but (at) the same time I'm just trying to live in the moment. It's my first time experiencing all this, so just trying to soak it all in, take it day by day and learn as much as I can." Ellis said after practicing with his new teammates on Tuesday.  "I just kind of got everything organized in Springfield, and drove here, it only ended up only being five and a half hours, so was able to get in here last night."

The Sabres schedule is forgiving in that they have only one series of back-to-back games in October, against division rival Toronto on October 24th and 25th, which would allow the club to lead heavily on defacto starter Alex Lyon. Ruff indicated that injured goalie Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen is feeling better after suffering an unspecified lower-body injury, but did not provide a timetable for the starter’s return.  

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Jets prospects Nikita Chibrikov and Parker Ford are getting a major opportunity to prove themselves at the NHL level, as injuries have opened the door for them to showcase their talents heading into the new season. 

The Winnipeg Jets will open the season with a reshuffled lineup, as a wave of injuries has sidelined several key players. Forwards Adam Lowry, Cole Perfetti, and Jonathan Toews (who could return as early as Thursday), along with defenseman Dylan Samberg, will all miss the start of the campaign.

Opening day roster is IN ✅

▶️ https://t.co/NUbQAaJEc4pic.twitter.com/oaBxffaXM6

— Winnipeg Jets (@NHLJets) October 7, 2025

In their absence, the Jets will turn to youth, giving a couple of prospects a chance to step into the spotlight. Forwards Nikita Chibrikov and Parker Ford are expected to crack the opening lineup with Chibrikov stepping in for Perfetti, while Ford will center the fourth line, marking the biggest NHL opportunity yet for both players.

Still Slept On: League-Best Jets Defense Snubbed Despite Back-to-Back Elite SeasonsJets’ league-best defense highlights how the team as a whole continues to be discounted, despite back-to-back seasons of elite defensive dominance.  

Chibrikov has been known to be a boom-or-bust player so far in his career as he's shown flashes of elite upside like his four points through five career NHL games but he's also shown his downside with some defensive lapses in preseason with the Russian import making costly mistakes that would lead to scoring chances. 

The hope is that he thrives while skating alongside high-caliber linemates like Vladislav Namestnikov or Jonathan Toews and veteran winger Gustav Nyquist. By making an early impact on the scoresheet, growing into the role, and fully seizing the opportunity, he can prove that his skillset warrants more NHL time even after Perfetti returns. 

Ford, on the other hand, is set to make his NHL debut Thursday, with Toews' injury keeping him out of the lineup. The Providence College product has already validated the Jets’ decision to sign him out of the NCAA, as the Rhode Island native has consistently made an impact at the AHL level in multiple facets of the game.

With 66 points over 121 games with the Moose, Ford has been a reliable 40-point player with high-end forechecking ability that could be impactful on an NHL fourth line. Although he may not turn out to be an impact college player like Toronto's Matthew Knies, Ford can still carve out a role at the NHL level by playing in a gritty bottom six role and will have the chance to show his worth if given the chance to play at the start of the season. 

It'll be refreshing for Winnipeg fans to see young prospects finally get their chance at meaningful roles after being talked about for some time. It can set the stage for what the future holds when even more bright prospects make their way up to a opportunity like what Chibrikov and Ford have in front of them with names like Brayden Yager, Colby Barlow and Kieron Walton among others waiting for their shot.

New Reports of Salary Cap Surge Could Be What Winnipeg Needs to Stay a ContenderNHL Insider Elliotte Friedman reports the salary cap could rise more than expected in coming seasons, giving the Winnipeg Jets, who need cap flexibility more than most teams, much-needed room for future roster moves.

Welcome to the new NHL season. The Wraparound is back to tackle the league and other hockey topics in rapid-fire segments.

Bounce-Back Candidates, Cup Picks And More NHL Predictions by The Wraparoundundefined

Here's what Emma Lingan, Michael Augello and Jack Williams discussed in this episode:

0:00: Which rebuilding NHL teams will push for playoff spots this season?

5:41: Which playoff team from the 2024-25 season is most likely to miss the playoffs this year?

8:24: Will Gavin McKenna be the third 18-year-old to win the Hobey Baker Award?

11:09: Which rookie will end up being most valuable to their team this season?

14:35: Which big-name pending UFA will not finish the season with their current team?

18:35: Which under-the-radar defenseman has the best chance of having a breakout offensive year?

21:05: Breaking down the top candidates for bounce-back seasons

24:35: Sharing our Stanley Cup final predictions

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

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The New Jersey Devils took a calculated risk earlier this week when they placed goaltender Nico Daws on waivers.

The move came with some risk, as any NHL team could have claimed him. However, the Devils had no choice; Daws needed to clear waivers to remain within the organization. Fortunately for New Jersey, he went unclaimed and will now report to the AHL’s Utica Comets.

That raises two questions: why did the Devils do this, and what would it have meant if he had been claimed?

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Goaltending Depth Creates Tough Decisions

The Devils currently boast one of the deeper goaltending pools in the league. With Jacob Markstrom established as the starter and Jake Allen re-signed this offseason to serve as the backup, the top two roster spots are set.

That left Daws as the odd man out. In order to keep him in the organization and send him to the AHL, the team had to expose him to waivers.

Surprisingly, no other club took a chance on the 24-year-old netminder, a fortunate outcome for the Devils, who can now retain him as reliable depth.

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Daws’ Track Record

Daws is no stranger to AHL assignments. He has spent most of the past few seasons developing in Utica while filling in at the NHL level when needed.

Over 52 career NHL games with the Devils, Daws has posted a 22-23-1 record, along with a .898 save percentage, 2.98 goals-against average, and one shutout.

Last season, he appeared in four NHL games, going 3-1-0 with an impressive .939 save percentage and 1.60 GAA.

Those numbers highlight why it was somewhat surprising that no team claimed him; he’s proven capable of stepping up when called upon.

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What Comes Next

Daws was placed on waivers alongside Mike Hardman, Jonathan Gruden, Nathan Légaré, and Calen Addison as the Devils trimmed their roster before opening night.

While his waiver status limited the team’s options, clearing waivers allows New Jersey to reassign him safely to the AHL while retaining his rights.

Had another team claimed him, the Devils’ goaltending depth would still have been stable, with Mikhail Yegorov and PTO signee Georgi Romanov available as additional options.

For now, keeping Daws in the organization is a win, but as his contract situation evolves, a future trade could be on the table.

For the moment, though, Nico Daws remains a Devil, and he is ready to step up when the opportunity comes again.