The Vegas Golden Knights announced goaltender Carter Hart will be joining the organization.

Hart was one of the five members of Canada’s 2018 world juniors team who were found not guilty of sexual assault in a trial that took place earlier this year in London, Ont. The other players are Michael McLeod, Alex Formenton, Dillon Dube and Cal Foote.

Since being acquitted, the NHL announced on Sept. 11 it will reinstate the five former NHLers. Oct. 15 was the first day they could officially sign with new teams, but The Athletic's Chris Johnston and Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman reported Hart is on a tryout with Vegas for now.

"Following the reinstatement decision agreed on by the National Hockey League and the National Hockey League Players’ Association, goaltender Carter Hart will be joining the Vegas Golden Knights organization," the team said in a statement Thursday. "The Golden Knights are aligned with the process and assessment the NHL and NHLPA made in their decision. We remain committed to the core values that have defined our organization from its inception and expect that our players will continue to meet these standards moving forward."

Hart and any of the other four players who sign contracts won’t be able to begin conditioning with their teams until Nov. 15 or play in the NHL until Dec. 1.

With that in mind, Hart can officially make his Golden Knights debut as early as Dec. 2 when Vegas hosts the Chicago Blackhawks.

The 27-year-old hasn’t played an NHL game since Jan. 20, 2024. He made 25 starts in what was his sixth season for the Philadelphia Flyers in 2023-24.

In that season, he registered a 2.80 goals-against average, .906 save percentage, one shutout and 12-9-3 record before stepping away from the team.

As for Vegas’ goaltending situation, starting netminder Adin Hill suffered a lower-body injury during their game against the Calgary Flames on Tuesday. He didn’t return after the first period, and backup goaltender Akira Schmid subbed in to play the final two periods. The length of Hill’s injury is yet to be announced.

All Five Former World Junior Players Found Not Guilty In Hockey Canada Sexual Assault TrialWarning: coverage of the Hockey Canada trial includes details of alleged sexual assault that may be disturbing to readers.

When the NHL announced it would reinstate Hart, McLeod, Formenton, Dube and Foote, the league called the events that led to sexual assault allegations after a 2018 Hockey Canada gala were "deeply troubling."

"The league expects everyone connected with the game to conduct themselves with the highest level of moral integrity," the league said at the time. "And, in this case, while found not to have been criminal, the conduct of the players involved certainly did not meet that standard."

The NHLPA said it was pleased the players were reinstated.

"The players co-operated with every investigation," the players union said. "Upon their full acquittal by Superior Court Justice Maria Carroccia, we initiated discussions with the NHL regarding the players' return to work. To avoid a protracted dispute that would cause further delay, we reached the resolution that the league announced (on Sept. 11). We now consider the matter closed and look forward to the players' return."

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Coming off their first regulation loss of the season, the Nashville Predators are looking to bounce back against the Montreal Canadiens on Thursday at 6 p.m. CST at the Bell Centre. 

The Predators kept pace with the Toronto Maple Leafs on Tuesday, but saw the Maple Leafs pull away in the third period for a 7-4 win. The result is not indicative of the score,as Toronto scored two empty-net goals. 

Here is what you need to know ahead of the Predators road matchup in Montreal. 

Game day 

Who: Nashville Predators (2-1-1) at Montreal Canadiens (3-1-0) 

Where: Centre Bell, Montreal, QC, Canada 

When: 6 p.m. CST 

TV: FanDuel Sports Network South

Radio: 102.5 The Game 

Betting line (via BetMGM): Nashville +1.5 Montreal -1.5. Over/under: 6 (-105/-115) 

Starters: Nashville - Juuse Saros; Montreal - Jakub Dobes 

New line changes, potential scratches 

The Predators mixed up three of their four forward lines during morning practice on Thursday. 

Ryan O'Reilly is now centering Filip Forsberg and Steven Stamkos on the first line. Fedor Svechkov is centering Tyson Jost and Luke Evangelista on the second line. Michael McCarron is center Cole Smith and Ozzy Weisblatt on the fourth line. 

Brady Martin and Joakim Kemmel are the extra forwards. Nick Blankenberg is the extra defenseman. 

The third line combination of Jonathan Marchessault, Erik Haula and Michael Bunting remained the same. 

It seems that the Predators' focus remains on getting Stamkos going, as he has one point in four games and no goals. The second line has struggled to find its groove, but now having a veteran player like Jost in the mix may spark something. 

Martin has not played on this road trip, which is part of developing him and spreading out his first nine games, according to Predators head coach Andrew Brunette. He could potentially be scratched again on Thursday. 

Kemell didn't play in the Predators' last game against the Maple Leafs and logged just 9:46 minutes in Nashville's 4-1 win over Ottawa on Monday. 

Andrew Brunette Addresses Nashville Predators Center Brady Martin's Healthy ScratchesThe Nashville Predators head coach discusses the 18-year-old's development and back-to-back healthy scratches.

Juuse Saros playing critical role early on 

Saros has been one of the things that has been keeping the Predators afloat as they try to figure out their offense and even their defense. 

The Predators starter has made 89 saves on 94 shots in three games, posting a 2-0-1 record. The loss to Toronto, where Justus Annunen played the entire game, proved that Saros is making up for the Predators' defensive lapses early on. 

A lot of what Annunen gave up in the loss to the Maple Leafs could be pinpointed back to defensive mistakes and their inability to get back in time. 

Saros will start on Thursday and may continue to prove how much of a force he has been this season. 

Nashville Predators defense struggled to support Annunen in loss to Maple Leafs Aside from two empty net goals in the third period, the<a href="https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/nashville-predators"> Nashville Predators'</a> defense struggled to support goalie Justus Annunen in their <a href="https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/nashville-predators/game-day/takeaways-nashville-predators-fall-in-hard-fought-fashion-to-maple-leafs">7-4 loss to the Toronto Maple Leafs </a>on Tuesday.&nbsp;

Scouting Montreal 

After losing their first game of the season, the Canadiens have rattled off three straight wins, most recently upending the Seattle Kraken, 5-4, in overtime on Tuesday at home. 

Nick Suzuki has jumped out as one of the top playmakers in the league early on, with six assists in four games. Cole Caufield also has three goals and two assists for five points in four games.

Montreal is also the sixth highest scoring team in the NHL, averaging 3.75 goals a game.  

Similar to the Predators, the Canadiens power play is also struggling with 17.6% efficiency. 

Canadiens: Taking On The PredatorsEverything you nee to know about the Montreal Canadiens' game against the Nashville Predators tonight at the Bell Centre.

Inactive players 

Nashville: Nicolas Hague (upper body) 

Montreal: None 

The Ottawa Senators have made a move to bolster their forward depth, recalling left winger Arthur Kaliyev from the Belleville Senators. The recall comes after the Sens placed Brady Tkachuk (hand/wrist) on injured reserve, and as the Sens prepare to host the Seattle Kraken on Thursday night at Canadian Tire Centre.

Kaliyev signed a one-year, two-way contract with the Sens on July 2, reuniting with a hockey operations team that's familiar to him. He spent three seasons in the OHL with the Hamilton Bulldogs, a junior career that provided Sens GM Steve Staios, who used to run the Bulldogs, with a clear opinion of the player's skill set and character.

But the 24-year-old has not yet been able to replicate his junior numbers in the pro ranks. His 95 goals over two seasons in Hamilton are nothing more than a distant memory.

Kaliyev enters the recall with 202 NHL games under his belt, putting up 75 points (38 goals, 37 assists) during stints with both the Kings and the New York Rangers. 

Kaliyev failed to make the Sens out of training camp but collected two assists in his first two games with Belleville. The Sens are hoping his shooting ability might be able to provide an offensive spark, particularly on their power play, utilizing one of the best releases in the game. After winning their opener, Ottawa has lost three games in a row.

Last season, Kaliyev was derailed by two separate clavicle fractures. The first injury occurred in training camp; after returning in January with the Kings, he was placed on waivers and claimed by New York. In his 14 games with the Rangers, he logged three goals and one assist before suffering a second fracture in the same shoulder, forcing him to end his season prematurely.

He acknowledged that joining Ottawa may give him one of his best opportunities: “Ottawa knows me well … To come here, this was my best option.”

There's no word yet on whether he'll suit up on Thursday night or not, but Ottawa probably represents the last chance for Kaliyev to prove he can still be an NHL asset.

As for Tkachuk, the move to injured reserve isn't a surprise. The club has already said he'll miss at least four weeks with what's believed to be a wrist or hand injury suffered in the Nashville game on Monday. The only question now is whether he'll need surgery.

If he does, the timeline for recovery could be anywhere between 2-5 months. It all depends on the nature and severity of the injury, which is information we should be getting in the next day or two.

More Sens headlines at the Hockey News Ottawa:
Senators Lose Sebrango, Claimed Off Waivers By Florida
An Early Glance At The Senators' Goaltending Pipeline
Brady Tkachuk Likely To Miss A Month Of Action (At Least)
Another Tough Break For Josh Norris, A Player Ottawa Still Roots For
Yakemchuk Reflects On Playing First Pro Game Saturday

You never get a second chance at a first impression, and a handful of NHL rookies didn't waste theirs.

We have seen some really encouraging performances for first time NHLers, and there have been guys who are fighting to get into the lineup. 

Teams are deploying development plans for some youngsters, looking to control their workload and give them a ramp-up period to playing full-time pro hockey. It’s an interesting time of year as we are starting to have the conversations around whether some rookies will be getting the nine-game trial or if they are going to stick around full-time. 

While some players, such as Ivan Demidov and Sam Rinzel, gave us their impressions late last season, we’re getting a look at so many NHL rookies for the first time. Let’s look at some of the first impressions from around the league. 

Matthew Schaefer, D, New York Islanders

The first overall pick in the 2025 draft came as advertised.

Schaefer's mobility and puck skill have been so entertaining, but they’ve also been incredibly effective at the NHL level. The 18-year-old's defensive game has had some hiccups, but he has been pretty solid overall. 

His first NHL goal went in exactly how we all expected it to – crashing the net and banging it in! Sarcasm aside, Schaefer’s injury issues from his draft season are in the rearview mirror, and the competitive, skilled young defender looked every bit of a first overall pick. 

Schaefer's Calder Trophy odds on BetMGM: 4.40 (+340)

Michael Misa, C, San Jose Sharks

With just one NHL game under his belt, Misa has 15:06 of action to go off of.

There were moments when the 18-year-old made some really nice plays, pulling the puck off the wall or supporting the breakout. It wasn’t some sort of fantastic game, but he wasn’t given much of an opportunity to do anything fantastic.

Hopefully, we get to see Misa in a more offensive role and he sticks around the NHL because he doesn’t have much left to prove in the OHL.

Misa's Calder Trophy odds on BetMGM: 31.00 (+3000)  

Easton Cowan, RW, Toronto Maple Leafs

It has only been two games, but the Leafs' 20-year-old rookie has been pretty impressive.

Cowan has the opportunity of a lifetime, playing alongside Auston Matthews and Matthew Knies, and he’s making the most of it. He has just one assist through two games, but he’s found a way to consistently make excellent plays. His intelligence and playmaking have been on full display. 

His underlying stats are impressive, as he leads the Leafs at 5-on-5 in shot share, scoring chance percentage and expected goals percentage, according to naturalstattrick.com. If he can continue to play even close to this level, he will find himself not only in the NHL for the rest of the season but on the top line the whole time.

Cowan's Calder Trophy odds: 51.00 (+5000)

Alexander Nikishin, D, Carolina Hurricanes

We did get a small glimpse of Nikishin in last year’s playoffs, but this has been our real first impression of him.

It’s been a long few years as Canes fans watched Nikishin, 24, evolve into one of the KHL’s best overall defenders, but the wait was well worth it. He’s shown off his physicality, crushing guys along the boards and in open ice. He’s shown intelligent tracking in his own end, and he’s done an excellent job of killing play on the cycle. 

The biggest question about Nikishin when he came over to North America was whether his offensive numbers would translate. We’re seeing him move the puck quite well, though, and he’s picked up three assists so far. Nikishin hasn’t found the back of the net with his big shot, but he’s come as advertised for the most part.

Nikishin's Calder Trophy odds: 26.00 (+2500)

Zeev Buium, D, Minnesota Wild

Just like Nikishin, we had a brief glimpse of Buium last post-season, but he has truly shown what he’s capable of to begin this campaign.

Buium's offensive game has been unreal, racking up five points through four games while quarterbacking the power play. The 19-year-old’s skating and puck skill are excellent, silencing any doubters about whether he could produce at the NHL level.

That said, his defensive game remains a work in progress. Much like Lane Hutson in Montreal last season, Buium came out of college and leaned into what makes him special while working on the defensive side of things. If there is progress throughout the year similar to Hutson last season, we could be looking at a Calder Trophy candidate.

Buium's Calder Trophy odds: 11.00 (+1000)

Five Rookies Who Scored Their First NHL Goal On The WeekendThis season, there has been a notable number of young, talented players who are entering their rookie season.

Beckett Sennecke, RW, Anaheim Ducks

With two goals and two assists through three games, Beckett Sennecke's arrival has been quite impressive for the Ducks.

His offensive skill is on full display. There are still moments of questionable decisions or trying to skill his way out of problems, but Sennecke, 19, has been a breath of fresh air in Anaheim. 

The Ducks probably won't be very good this year, so allowing Sennecke to work through some issues at times won't be an issue. Seeing him play with the kind of speed and skill the Ducks have lacked gives them a replacement for the wow factor that Trevor Zegras provided before he fell out of favor with the team. Now, they'll hope Sennecke can develop into a well-rounded player.

Sennecke's Calder Trophy odds: 17.00 (+1600)

Arseny Gritsyuk, RW, New Jersey Devils

Gritsyuk's KHL highlights tantalized Devils fans over the last few years, and now, they get to see him up close.

Gritsyuk is a slick playmaker who has lived up to every bit of hype and more. There were questions about whether his skill would translate because he was so reliant on it, but he’s been fantastic. 

The 24-year-old has stepped into the Devils' lineup and looked great with anyone he’s played with. This is the kind of depth scoring the Devils have needed, and he could be a big difference-maker. He is a point-per-game player through three games, but even though that’s likely to slow down, he looks great so far.

Gritsyuk's Calder Trophy odds: 31.00 (+3000)

Emmitt Finnie, LW, Detroit Red Wings

The surprise of the pre-season, Finnie not only made the Wings roster but ended up playing alongside Dylan Larkin and Lucas Raymond.

Finnie, 20, is a meat-and-potatoes kind of player, but as a seventh-round pick in 2023, there was no thought to him making the opening night lineup until he forced his way onto the roster. 

He has two assists in his first four games, and his hard-nosed game in the corners and around the net have been the perfect complement on the top line. Finnie might not be a star, but sometimes, you need someone who connects plays and fills the gaps of the skill players.

Finnie's Calder Trophy odds: 81.00 (+8000)

NHL Rookies Who Made Opening Day Lineups In The West: Sennecke, Misa, Savoie And MoreThe new NHL season brings a new crop of rookies.

Ben Kindel, C / Harrison Brunicke, D, Pittsburgh Penguins

Kindel and Brunicke were surprise additions to the Pens roster to open the season, and the team seems to have a development plan for the rookie duo going forward. Brunicke sat out Tuesday's game.

Kindel was drafted 11th overall this past June, and there was no expectations that the 18-year-old was going to make the roster. Brunicke, 19, is a year removed from his draft, but he was fully expected to play one more year in the WHL. With a weak blueline and a strong camp, Brunicke entered the NHL lineup. 

We may not see insane point totals from either of these players, but if they can get a full season of NHL experience under their belt at this age, they will be better for it.

Kindel has all of the playmaking skill and energy you want from a middle-six center, so while he could be destined for the nine-game trial, he could easily solidify himself in the top nine for the year.

Brunicke has all of the physical tools you want to see from a blueliner, and he’ll just have to continue making good decisions to stay in the NHL.

Kindel's Calder Trophy odds: 67.00 (+6600)

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 or creating your own post in our community forum.

Former Rochester Americans forward Brett Murray has signed a contract with the DEL's Nürnberg Ice Tigers, the team announced Thursday. 

Murray finished tied for 13th in the AHL with 27 goals last year and was second on Rochester with 49 points in 66 games while serving as an assistant captain. 

The 27-year-old attended Pittsburgh Penguins training camp on a PTO but did not earn a contract.

A fourth round selection of the Buffalo Sabres in 2016, Murray has 100 goals and 206 points in 325 career AHL games and two goals and six points in 26 career NHL games, all with the Sabres/Americans organization. 

Murray is a prime example of why the AHL's veteran rule needs to be revamped. A 27-year-old who finished 13th in goal scoring should be someone teams are aiming to keep around and is the type of player the league should be incentivizing to keep in North America.  

 For more AHL news keep an eye on The Hockey News' Google News feed. 

Easton Cowan is loving life as a rookie in the NHL with the Toronto Maple Leafs.

The 20-year-old has played two games alongside Auston Matthews and Matthew Knies on Toronto's top line. He registered his first NHL point on Tuesday night against the Nashville Predators on a goal from Matthews.

Cowan has looked strong on the ice and very comfortable playing with Matthews and Knies. Part of that is because of the skill he possesses to play that high in the lineup. Another side of it, however, is his teammates allowing him to feel comfortable in what's a big career moment.

Brandon Carlo joked on Tuesday about Cowan having an eye-opening experience during one of the team dinners. "It was pretty funny because there was a lot of things where he was like, 'I've never had this before', 'I've never had this before', and I remember being in that same position," he smiled.

'I Remember Being In That Same Position': Maple Leafs' Brandon Carlo Shares Funny Story About Easton Cowan's Early Days In NHL<a href="https://x.com/nickbarden/status/1977860208614391957">Easton Cowan</a> is enjoying life up in the NHL with the Toronto Maple Leafs.

"Yeah, obviously, the dinner is very good food, nice hotels, so just being grateful for each and every day," added Cowan. But yeah, it's called the never hungry-league for a reason, and I haven't really been hungry that much, I've been eating a lot, lots of good food, so I've been very grateful for that."

Cowan also revealed that he's been pranked by a few of the older players on the team.

"We were out for dinner, and I was sitting with the younger guys on the team, I'd say, and the waiter came over and handed me a bill," Cowan grinned.

"I thought I was going to have to pay for it, but it was just (Max Domi and Auston Matthews) playing a prank on me. So, it was definitely nice, finding out you didn't have to pay for that, but just little jokes like that, that are funny and go a long way, and it's just cool they can joke around, and you got to be able to take it."

What did the rookie think when the waiter placed the bill on the table?

"Pretty nervous, but (Matthew Knies) helped me out, looked at the bill, made sure it was fake. So yeah, definitely nervous for sure though."

Going back to that tuna tartare Cowan tried — what did he think of it?

"It was okay. Not a big fish guy," he said. "It was okay, but I don't think I'll go back to it."

'He Always Has Good Feedback': Maple Leafs' Craig Berube Details What Conversations Are Like With William NylanderIf there's anyone on the<a href="https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/toronto-maple-leafs/latest-news/maple-leafs-2025-26-season-opening-roster-revealed"> Toronto Maple Leafs</a> who can come out on the good side of adversity, it's William Nylander.

Chris Tanev recalls a time during his rookie year when he was handed the bill after a team dinner. The veteran defenseman didn't reveal much about what occurred that night, aside from it being in Minnesota.

What he did reveal, though, was his welcome to the NHL moment off the ice.

"I think maybe the first time I had sushi. I never had sushi until I played in the NHL, so it was probably a 'what's going on right now' (moment)," Tanev said.

"Or going to a nice steakhouse. I never really went to those growing up as a kid, so you sort of get thrown into a whole different life than you're really accustomed to."

'If You Stick With It, Good Things Will Come': What Easton Cowan Will Remember About His NHL Debut With Maple LeafsAs Easton Cowan <a href="https://x.com/nickbarden/status/1977789417462083825">skated onto the ice ahead of his NHL debut</a>, the crowd started cheering. Within all the noise, a song blared inside Scotiabank Arena: "Save a Horse (Ride a Cowboy)".

These stories, of course, are comedic, but they highlight an important aspect of rookies playing in the NHL. The older players want to welcome the younger players into the league — and when they can make someone feel comfortable, they're going to do it for the betterment of the player and the group.

"It just makes you feel comfortable. It makes you feel welcomed," Tanev said. "We know how hard he's working on the ice and off the ice and he's a really good player. So anything we can do to make him feel comfortable and welcomed, we'll do."

Latest stories:

What Caused Maple Leafs Prospect Matthew Hlacar To Get Suspended Six Games In OHL

Maple Leafs Reportedly Talking to Clubs About Possibly Trading Nick Robertson

Did Cayden Primeau Show Enough In His Maple Leafs Debut To Instil Confidence As An NHL Backup?

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Toronto Maple Leafs prospect Sam McCue has announced his commitment to play in the NCAA for Bowling Green State University upon completion of his OHL career. The Brantford Bulldogs forward is in his last year of OHL eligibility. The expectation is that he will head over to Bowling Green for the start of the 2026-27 season. 

4 ⭐️ '05 Sam McCue has committed to Bowling Green! The Brantford Bulldogs forward is a Toronto Maple Leafs draft pick and has 4 points in 7 games to kick off the season. pic.twitter.com/bVw4Ggr6gn

— Puck Preps (@PuckPreps) October 15, 2025

McCue was selected 216th overall in the seventh round of the 2024 NHL Draft by the Maple Leafs. As part of Toronto’s new scouting philosophy under GM Brad Treliving and Director of Amateur Scouting Mark Leach, McCue’s physical abrasiveness, north-south playstyle, and goal-scoring touch made him appealing to the Leafs brass. 

The Sudbury, Ontario, native is entering his fourth season in the OHL. He’s also on his fourth OHL team, having been traded three times in his junior career. McCue had a career year last season, recording 36 goals and 55 points in 55 games, split between Owen Sound and Flint. 

Through seven games this season with the Bulldogs, McCue has recorded four points (2 goals, 2 assists) in seven games. He started the season playing in Brantford’s top six, but has recently been pushed down to the third line, playing alongside Luca Testa and Layne Gallacher. 

Despite announcing his NCAA commitment, there is still the possibility that he signs an NHL contract with Toronto and heads to the AHL to play for the Toronto Marlies instead of the 2026-27 season. 

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Make sure you bookmark THN's OHL site for the latest news, exclusive interviews, breakdowns, and so much more. Also, be sure to leave a comment at the bottom of the page and engage with other passionate fans through our forum.

Latest OHL News:

Potential 2027 #1 Pick Jaakko Wycisk Highlights OHL's U17 World Hockey Challenge RosterPotential 2027 #1 Pick Jaakko Wycisk Highlights OHL's U17 World Hockey Challenge RosterToronto Maple Leafs Prospect Suspended Pending Review For Late Blindside Hit The <a href="https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/toronto-maple-leafs">Toronto Maple Leafs</a> took a flyer on Kitchener Rangers’ enforcer forward <a href="https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/toronto-maple-leafs/latest-news/fight-breaks-out-at-maple-leafs-development-camp-between-matthew-hlacar-and-rhett-parsons">Matthew Hlacar</a> when they selected him 217th overall in the seventh round of the 2025 NHL Draft. A new philosophy has been adopted in the way Toronto drafts under Brad Treliving compared to former GM Kyle Dubas, and the selection of Hlacar further exemplifies that.&nbsp; Heartwarming Support: Former OHL Teammates Celebrated Maple Leafs Prospect's Debut on the Big StageThe <a href="https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/toronto-maple-leafs">Toronto Maple Leafs</a> may have lost their Thanksgiving Monday matinee game against the <a href="https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/detroit-red-wings">Detroit Red Wings</a>, but one former OHL MVP, a two-time OHL champion, and a Memorial Cup champion experienced a special moment after spending the first two games of the season in the press box.

The Colorado Avalanche will aim to extend their winning streak when they face Charlie Coyle and the Columbus Blue Jackets on Thursday at Nationwide Arena, a matchup that will also feature a significant individual milestone the moment the puck drops. 

The Avalanche’s matchup with the Blue Jackets will mark Cale Makar’s 400th career NHL game—an extraordinary milestone that cements his standing among the sport’s elite. Over his first 400 appearances, Makar has already carved out a place in history: only Paul Coffey (475) and Bobby Orr (508) have tallied more points in that span, while just four defensemen—Ray Bourque (124), Denis Potvin (128), Coffey (148), and Orr (150)—have scored more goals. Anything short of a victory would feel like a letdown, but Colorado (3-0-1) enters with strong momentum and a prime opportunity to extend its winning streak to two games against Columbus (1-2). 

Top Line Is Soaring 

Through four games, the duo of Nathan MacKinnon and Martin Nečas has amassed a combined 16 points. In Monday’s 3-1 win over the then-winless Buffalo Sabers, MacKinnon scored twice and nearly missed out on recording a hat-trick, while Nečas recorded a pair of assists. The pair came close to adding more to their total, but an offside review nullified a beautiful third period goal from Nečas.

There’s a lot of concern from Avs fans and rightfully so about Nečas’ contract status. He’ll become an unrestricted free agent at the end of the season and given how things worked out with Mikko Rantanen last spring, it only seems natural to be on edge about re-signing star players. But if there’s anything that should give Colorado fans hope, it’s what Nečas told The Gazette’s Evan Rawal over a week ago about MacKinnon. 

While with the Carolina Hurricanes, Nečas closely analyzed players across the league, searching for elements he could incorporate into his own game. One player stood out from the rest: MacKinnon 

“I was watching his game a lot, playing a little bit similar when I was in Carolina,” Nečas told Rawal. 

When you look at it from that perspective, does this sound like a guy who really wants to leave Colorado as was falsely claimed during the offseason? All signs are pointing towards a contract extension. Sometimes the best deals are made in private. And with MacKinnon and Nečas combining for four points per game through four games, there’s no reason to break them apart.  

Following their win over Buffalo, MacKinnon praised Nečas but also said their early success wouldn’t happen without Artturi Lehkonen. 

“Obviously Lehky makes it all possible with his routes, his net presence,” he told reporters. “We can’t have three guys buzzing around the outside, we need someone in the paint, and that’s what Lehky’s doing.” 

Inconsistent Power Play 

Colorado’s power play has experienced its share of highs and lows through the first four games, but Columbus may offer a prime opportunity for the unit to build some momentum. The Blue Jackets’ penalty kill has struggled early in the season, most notably in Monday’s 3–2 loss to the New Jersey Devils, when it surrendered two power-play goals that ultimately decided the game. Perhaps the most damning statistic: both goals were allowed within five seconds of the respective power plays ending. 

In boxing, when a fighter suffers a setback, they often take what’s known as a “soft touch”—a comparatively easy opponent intended to rebuild confidence before returning to top-tier competition. In a similar vein, if Colorado’s power play has yet to meet expectations, facing a team with a struggling penalty kill could serve as the perfect remedy to restore rhythm and efficiency. 

Will Miner Get The Start? 

Scott Wedgewood has arguably never looked sharper. Following his trade from the Nashville Predators, he posted a 13–4–1 record over 19 appearances last season for the Avalanche, accompanied by career-best numbers: a 1.99 goals-against average and a .917 save percentage. Through the first four games of the current campaign, Wedgewood appears on track to surpass those marks, compiling a 3–0–1 record with a 1.72 goals-against average and a .935 save percentage. 

However, it is still early in the season, and at some point, Wedgewood will inevitably require a night off. That could open the door for 24-year-old Trent Miner to make the start. Miner is coming off one of the finest seasons of his career with the Colorado Eagles, posting a 22–10–9 record over 38 games, along with a 2.12 goals-against average and a .918 save percentage. Many expected him to draw the start against Buffalo, particularly after Wedgewood’s uneven performance against Dallas, though Wedgewood ultimately met expectations in the 2–1 victory over the Sabers. 

Defensive lapses have been a recurring issue early in the campaign, yet Wedgewood has largely compensated, most notably in the October 9 win over the Utah Mammoth—a game that could easily have swung the other way. The pressing question for Avalanche fans is whether Miner would be capable of the same level of intervention if similar defensive breakdowns occur. Time will tell. 

The Ottawa Senators and Buffalo Sabres both entered Wednesday night's fourth game of the season searching for answers.

For the Senators, it was a chance to rebound from back-to-back losses to Florida and Nashville. For the Sabres, it was about finding any sign of life after an 0–3 start that had some fans in Buffalo wearing paper bags over their heads and calling for their GM's firing.

So Sens fans hoped this game would be a slump-buster. It was, but not for Ottawa.

The Sabres exploded for eight goals — four times more than they'd scored in their first three games combined — in an 8–4 home win over the Senators. Eight different Sabres recorded multi-point nights, with Zach Benson leading the way with four assists and Cobden native Jack Quinn scoring twice.

For Ottawa, it was their third straight loss, dropping them to 1–3–0 on the young season. As they began life without injured captain Brady Tkachuk for a good long while, the team has now allowed 18 goals during their 3-game funk.

The game’s weird tone was set early. Playing his first game as Ottawa’s full-time backup, Leevi Meriläinen was victimized early by the flukiest of goals — a puck that missed the net by a mile, bounced off the end boards, floated over the crossbar, and banked in off his back.

Meriläinen finished with 19 saves in a rough introduction to the new season.

Sens head coach Travis Green was able to find some silver linings.

“It definitely did not feel like an 8-4 hockey game,” Green told the media after the game. “We spent a lot of time in their zone. Some weird goals went in tonight. When you lose a game like that, you hate to say that your team played pretty well. But we did a lot of good things tonight.

"I thought there were a few moments in the game that we got a little loose with our puck play. They got a little momentum on a couple of those goals, especially the short-handed one. And yeah, we've got to stick with the process, though."

The Senators showed flashes of pushback. Shane Pinto continued his hot start with his fifth goal of the season, while Jordan Spence added three assists in another strong performance. But every Ottawa rally was short-lived — undone by defensive lapses and ridiculous bounces.

“There’s some good and some not so good,” said Thomas Chabot. “We got momentum back in the third, scored two big goals, and then right after their timeout, we allow one. That just can’t happen. But a lot of it is our own mistakes — things we can fix as a team.

"It’s frustrating, but we’ve got to stay together and battle through this.”

The Sabres have now won five straight games against the Senators — their longest active streak against any opponent, according to NHL.com.

Drake Batherson, playing in his first game since last spring’s playoffs, admitted that the team was frustrated but focused on moving forward.

“We were outshooting them, outplaying them there for a while,” Batherson said. “But I’ll give them credit — they’ve got some skill, and we gave up some odd-man rushes. And they've got the skill to put it in the back of the net.

"I think any time you lose big like that, it's better when you play the next day, I think. You can kind of forget about it quicker. So we're excited. Get home. And yeah, the best thing is playing the next day and getting right back at it."

That’s exactly what the Sens will have to do when they host the Seattle Kraken on Thursday. Because if Wednesday’s loss to a desperate Sabres team was any indication, the Senators’ own desperation needs to show up fast. 

The Pittsburgh Penguins have had an up-and-down start to the 2025-26 NHL season.

They won their first two games against the New York Rangers and New York Islanders in impressive fashion before losing to the Rangers and the Anaheim Ducks to start the annual California road trip. They had a chance to start the season with a 3-1 record, but blew a lead to the Ducks on Tuesday night. 

Some players, including forwards Justin Brazeau and Evgeni Malkin, have had great starts to the season, while others are struggling to get going. Here's a look at a few players whom the Penguins need more from right now. 

Tommy Novak

Novak was limited to only two games with the Penguins last year after they acquired him from the Nashville Predators before the trade deadline. He got banged up against the Vegas Golden Knights and wasn't able to return before the season ended in mid-April. 

He has played in all four games to start the 2025-26 season, but hasn't looked comfortable yet. He's been on a third line with 2025 first-round pick Benjamin Kindel, but he has only one point in four games. The point came during the Penguins' home-opener against the Islanders when he poked a puck ahead to forward Filip Hallander before Hallander delivered a nice pass to rookie defenseman Harrison Brunicke, who beat goaltender Ilya Sorokin with a nice shot for his first NHL goal.

Yes, it's a super small sample, but he has still looked a step slow during a lot of his shifts. This is a player who is usually a really strong playmaker and has an underrated release, but the Penguins have yet to see much of either quality so far. When he's on, he can be a true difference-maker in the top nine. 

Philip Tomasino

Tomasino has played in only two games this year, opening night against the Rangers and Tuesday against the Ducks. He was fine against the Rangers and got a couple of scoring opportunities, but wasn't able to cash in. However, he was mostly invisible against the Ducks. 

There was one sequence during Tuesday's game when he came in on an odd-man rush and looked to have a good goal-scoring opportunity, but fired the puck well over the net. It was his first game back in the lineup after he was scratched for the previous two games. 

He was acquired by the Penguins during the 2024-25 season and finished with 11 goals and 24 points in 61 games. There were stretches during last year when it looked like he was starting to turn a corner until inconsistency plagued him. He'd put up some points in bunches before going pointless for several games at a time. 

If he doesn't start getting more consistent, he could find himself out of the lineup for even more games going forward. 

Penguins' Big Forward Off To Hot StartA hulking new Penguins' forward is netting goals and leveraging size alongside Evgeni Malkin and Anthony Mantha, and his unexpected start to the season is elevating the team's offense.

Kris Letang

Letang had a great opening-night game against the Rangers, but has been a bit lackluster in the three games that have followed that one. He was especially poor against the Ducks and made some brutal decisions, including one that led directly to a goal against. 

The Penguins were up 2-1 late in the first period when Letang turned the puck over in his own zone, which led directly to the game-tying goal from forward Cutter Gauthier. His skating never looked up to par, either, which was also an issue last year.

Letang was questionable heading into the game after suffering an injury against the Rangers last Saturday, and never looked healthy during Tuesday's contest. 

Letang will obviously go down as one of the greatest players (and the best franchise defenseman) to ever play for the team, but the Penguins need more from him in a second-pairing role, especially when he gets healthy. 

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The Penguins will play their second game of their annual California trip on Thursday in Los Angeles against the Kings. They'll conclude their three-game trip against Macklin Celebrini and the San Jose Sharks on Saturday before coming home for a date with the Vancouver Canucks on October 21. 

Puck drop for Thursday's game is set for 10 p.m. ET on SportsNet Pittsburgh. 

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The annual U17 World Hockey Challenge (WHC) is just a little over two weeks away. The event will take place in Truro, Nova Scotia, from November 2-8. Five nations take part in this tournament: USA, Finland, Sweden, Czechia, and Canada, which brings two teams (Canada White & Canada Red). 

The U17 WHC serves as an important event for NHL scouts, providing them with an initial opportunity to evaluate the promising young talent that will be competing for selection in the NHL draft in a couple of years.

Hockey Canada announced its rosters for their two squads. Out of the 44 CHL players picked, 17 come from the OHL, with the WHL having narrowly beaten them out with 19 representatives. Additionally, seven OHL members in a hockey operations role have been named to the event. 

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Below are the OHL representatives who will be at the upcoming event. 

Team Canada White

F, Kaden McGregor - Peterborough Petes
F, Jaakko Wycisk - Guelph Storm
F, Brock Chitaroni - Ottawa 67’s
F, Brenner Lammens - Sarnia Sting
F, Aleks Kulemin - Kingston Frontenacs
F, Sam Roberts - Oshawa Generals
F, Ryan Hanrahan - Saginaw Spirit
D, Matthew Henderson - Kingston Frontenacs
D, Alexander Forrest - Kitchener Rangers
D, Kaden Aucoin - Sarnia Sting
D, Cooper McAslan - London Knights

Hockey Operations

Dylan Seca - Director of Operations (Sarnia Sting)
Scott Barney - Head Coach (Sudbury Wolves)
Andrew Mercer - Goalie Consultant (Ottawa 67’s)
Alex Darling - Video Coach (Peterborough Petes)
J.R. Grant - Equipment Manager (Windsor Spitfires)

5 Rookies Who Could Dominate The OHL Rookie Of The Year RaceOwen Sound Attack forward <a href="https://thehockeynews.com/ohl/players/owen-sound-attacks-rookie-sensation-has-truly-stepped-up-his-game-positioning-himself-as-a-strong-contender-for-rookie-of-the-year">Pierce Mbuyi</a> was awarded the Emms Family Award as <a href="https://chl.ca/ohl/video/attacks-pierce-mbuyi-earns-emms-family-award-as-ohl-rookie-of-the-year/">OHL Rookie of the Year</a> last season after recording an incredible 29 goals and 52 points in 63 games. He set a new single-season points record by a 16-year-old Owen Sound rookie.&nbsp;

Team Canada Red

F, Max Delisle - Owen Sound Attack
F, Charlie Murata - Flint Firebirds
F, Camryn Warren - North Bay Battalion
F, Ryerson Edgar - Niagara IceDogs
F, John McLaughlin - Windsor Spitfires
D, Peter Green - Brampton Steelheads

Hockey Operations

Dave Drinkill - Director of Operations (Saginaw Spirit)
Brendan Taylor - Assistant Coach (Soo Greyhounds)
Dave Pandolfi - Athletic Therapist (Niagara IceDogs)

Regarding just OHL players, all eyes will be on the first overall pick, Kaden McGregor. His highly anticipated debut came a little late due to an injury, and it has been a slow start for the Jack Ferguson Award winner. 

Following McGregor, scouts will eagerly watch the 2025 second-overall pick, Jaakko Wycisk, from the Guelph Storm, along with the 10th overall pick, Ryerson Edgar, from the Niagara IceDogs, who currently leads all U17 OHL players in points with nine.

Wycisk is the star of the show in my eyes. His game-breaking, star-studded capabilities make him incredibly entertaining to watch. His ability to navigate through traffic with such poise and confidence with the puck on his stick to create scoring chances is remarkable for a player at his stage of development. In my eyes, he has a real good shot at being a top five pick for the 2027 NHL Draft, potentially even being the first to hear his name called. 

Notable 2025 first-rounders who were not announced to either roster include: Noah Laus (Sault Ste. Marie, 7th overall), Brayden Bennett (Sudbury, 11th overall), Jake Murray (Erie, 12th overall), Keaton Ardagh (Brampton, 15th overall), Alexander Sementsov (Barrie, 18th overall), David Buchman (Brantford, 20th overall), and Alex Campeau (London, 23rd overall). 

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Make sure you bookmark THN's OHL site for the latest news, exclusive interviews, breakdowns, and so much more. Also, be sure to leave a comment at the bottom of the page and engage with other passionate fans through our forum.

Latest OHL News:

Toronto Maple Leafs Prospect Suspended Pending Review For Late Blindside Hit The <a href="https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/toronto-maple-leafs">Toronto Maple Leafs</a> took a flyer on Kitchener Rangers’ enforcer forward <a href="https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/toronto-maple-leafs/latest-news/fight-breaks-out-at-maple-leafs-development-camp-between-matthew-hlacar-and-rhett-parsons">Matthew Hlacar</a> when they selected him 217th overall in the seventh round of the 2025 NHL Draft. A new philosophy has been adopted in the way Toronto drafts under Brad Treliving compared to former GM Kyle Dubas, and the selection of Hlacar further exemplifies that.&nbsp; Heartwarming Support: Former OHL Teammates Celebrated Maple Leafs Prospect's Debut on the Big StageThe <a href="https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/toronto-maple-leafs">Toronto Maple Leafs</a> may have lost their Thanksgiving Monday matinee game against the <a href="https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/detroit-red-wings">Detroit Red Wings</a>, but one former OHL MVP, a two-time OHL champion, and a Memorial Cup champion experienced a special moment after spending the first two games of the season in the press box. From OHL to NHL: A Brotherhood Unites with the Montreal CanadiensThe <a href="https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/montreal-canadiens">Montreal Canadiens</a> beat the <a href="https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/pittsburgh-penguins">Pittsburgh Penguins</a> 2-1 in a shootout in their pre-season opener Monday night. However, Tuesday night, the Habs faithful got to see the Xhekaj brothers, Arber and Florian, suit up in the same jersey for the first time.&nbsp;

The Buffalo Sabres are off to a stumbling start, going 0-3-0 through the opening week of the season before thumping the Ottawa Senators 8-4 on Wednesday.

It doesn't help matters that Josh Norris is currently sidelined with an upper-body injury, leaving them in need of depth at center.

Matthew Fairburn of The Athletic recently looked at several options for the Sabres to address that issue. One could be looking for help in the trade market.

Fairburn suggested the Sabres pursue Rickard Rakell. The 32-year-old Pittsburgh Penguins forward has been a winger for much of his NHL career, but he has played center in the past. He's signed through 2027-28 with an average annual value of $5 million, and had a career high of 35 goals and 70 points in 81 games last season with the struggling Penguins.

Rakell frequently surfaced in trade rumors during the off-season and pre-season. He carries an eight-team no-trade list, which Fairburn acknowledged could be a problem for the Sabres.

The Sabres should consider other trade targets. According to Seth Rorabaugh of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, Rakell is happy with the Penguins and wants to remain in Pittsburgh.

In Toronto, Nick Robertson's ongoing struggle to earn a larger role with the Maple Leafs has again made him the subject of trade conjecture.

Robertson initially surfaced in the rumor mill during the summer of 2024 when he requested a trade from the Leafs before eventually signing a one-year contract. This summer, he and the Leafs avoided arbitration as he agreed to a one-year, $1.825 million deal.

TSN's Darren Dreger reports the Maple Leafs' depth at forward makes it difficult for Robertson to move up into a top-six role. He said that GM Brad Treliving has spoken with several clubs that may have an interest in the 24-year-old left winger.

Treliving could use Robertson as a trade chip to address any roster issues that arise during this season. However, they might have to bundle him with a draft pick or a prospect to get something worthwhile in return.

Meanwhile, Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman said the Calgary Flames could be looking at upgrading their backup goalie position. During Monday's episode of 32 Thoughts: The Podcast, he indicated that they were talking to other clubs about a goaltender.

Friedman stated that the Flames intend to give Devin Cooley a fair shot to establish himself as Dustin Wolf's understudy. If they add another netminder, they would have four on one-way contracts. He claimed that the teams the Flames have spoken with want an incentive to take one of those extra goalies in return.

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Former Flyers goalie Carter Hart joins West contender in second NHL shot originally appeared on NBC Sports Philadelphia

Carter Hart has his next NHL opportunity.

He officially joined the Golden Knights organization Thursday, the team announced. According to a report by TSN’s Darren Dreger, Hart has signed a professional tryout offer, which will eventually convert into an NHL deal.

Wednesday was the first day Hart and four other players involved in the Hockey Canada sexual assault trial were eligible to sign with an NHL club. The former Flyers goalie will be eligible to play for Vegas on Dec. 1. The Golden Knights are a consensus Stanley Cup contender this season.

Vegas visits the Flyers on Dec. 11 (7 p.m. ET/NBCSP) and then the clubs meet again Jan. 19 on the West Coast (8 p.m. ET/NBCSP+).

Hart, Michael McLeod, Dillon Dube, Cal Foote and Alex Formenton were found not guilty in July almost a year and a half after being charged with sexual assault, stemming from a June 2018 incident in London, Ontario.

Danny Briere said in September that Hart’s agent contacted the Flyers and pretty much ruled out the possibility of a reunion between the club and goaltender. It’s uncertain if the Flyers had interest in bringing Hart back.

“In light of everything that happened in the last year and a half with Carter, they felt and Carter felt that it was better for them to look for a fresh start,” the Flyers general manager said then. “That’s where it’s at and it’s the only comment I’m going to make on it.”

The Flyers cut ties with Hart in June 2024 when they didn’t issue him a qualifying offer, turning his restricted free-agent status into unrestricted. He had been away from the team since January 2024 after being granted an indefinite leave of absence.

The 27-year-old started in five straight season openers for the Flyers from 2019-20 to 2023-24. He played parts of six seasons for the club.

For Edmonton Oilers forward David Tomášek, every shift right now feels like both a test and a dream come true. The 29-year-old Czech forward, who spent his career in Europe before signing with Edmonton this summer, is making the most of an unexpected chance to showcase himself — including time on the Oilers’ lethal power play with Zach Hyman sidelined.

“It’s a really great group of guys,” Tomášek said after practice. “You can tell we have a really good team. I’m just trying to get in the best way I can with the system and what the coach wants.”

Tomášek has been a staple early in the season on Edmonton's top power play unit, getting prime ice time with Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, and Evan Bouchard. A new NHL player can't ask for a better opportunity to score, which Tomasek has yet to do.

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He admitted that it's been a bit stressful not to pot one of his many dangerous looks -- particularly in the second game of the season at home versus the Vancouver Canucks -- but he's still grateful to be there and he knows the chances will keep coming.

Having never played the net-front on a power play in his hockey career, he admits that it brings its own kind of pressure. Having said that, he's sticking with his game and is focused on playing his style while complementing the Oilers’ superstars. “Help him [McDavid] in any way I can, but also play my game,” he explained. “We had some good looks last night and again in practice, so hopefully we can build on that.”

"I like that I just get the chance to be there."

David Tomasek talks about maximizing his opportunity on the #Oilers power play.@Enterprise | #LetsGoOilerspic.twitter.com/1D8XmgEk1R

— Edmonton Oilers (@EdmontonOilers) October 15, 2025

The adjustment to North American ice and the NHL pace hasn’t been easy, but Tomášek is grateful for the opportunity — and the reception from his teammates. “It’s not easy to come over, but the guys have been amazing,” he said. “They’ve made everyone feel welcome, and that helps a lot when you’re trying to get comfortable.”

As for his debut, Tomášek called it “a special moment” and something he’ll never forget. Now, with added power-play reps and growing confidence, he’s intent on earning a more permanent role. At the very least, he wants to be a person the Oilers can call on as Plan B for when Hyman returns in November. 

“I just try to do my best job possible, help out the guys, and enjoy it,” he said. “Every game, I want to get a little more comfortable and make plays that help us win.”

The Oilers didn't get any looks on the power play in a 2-0 win over the New York Rangers on Tuesday. They play the New York Islanders Thursday night and the chances the team goes two games in a row without the man advantage feels like a long shot. Tomasek will get another opportunity, perhaps potting his first NHL goal and cashing in when the Oilers are up a man. 

Tomasek Getting First Line Minutes?

** Update: Tomasek looks like he'll be on the top line at 5-v-5 when the Oilers take on the Islanders.  The Oilers lines and pairs at practice ahead of Thursday's game are as follows:

Mangiapane-McDavid-Tomasek

RNH-Draisaitl-Roslovic

Podkolzin-Frederic-Kapanen

Howard-Henrique-Savoie

Janmark-Philp-Lazar

Ekholm-Bouchard

Nurse-Walman

Kulak-Emberson

Stecher

Skinner

Pickard

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A new roster update is live in NHL 26. 

The second roster update since the 2025-26 NHL season has begun, this new roster includes players that have made their NHL debuts in the past week.

Players that have been added or moved to NHL rosters include: Dmitri Simashev, Beckett Sennecke, Brandon Bussi, Matt Grzelcyk, Emmitt Finnie, Oliver Kapanen, Adam Wilsby, Harrison Brunicke, Michael Misa, Curtis Douglas, Cayden Primeau, and Easton Cowan. 

The new roster can be downloaded in the active roster section. It is dated Oct. 14 and was available Oct. 15.

A roster update is live in #NHL26

Players who made their NHL debut over the weekend have now been added to their teams roster. pic.twitter.com/oXojiVGvej

— EA SPORTS NHL (@EASPORTSNHL) October 15, 2025

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