The Hockey News Big Show breaks down the opening day of the NHL season and more big storylines.

Who's The Most Interesting Pending NHL UFA Left? by The Big Showundefined

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

01:05: Chicago Blackhawks @ Florida Panthers reaction

03:15: New York Rangers @ Pittsburgh Penguins reaction

06:55: Colorado Avalanche @ Los Angeles Kings reaction

10:50: Who were surprising names on the NHL’s opening day rosters?

14:00: Which youngster who made an opening day roster could make a big impact?

17:40: What are the expectations for Maple Leafs prospect Easton Cowan, who was called up?

21:00: The Maple Leafs claimed Sammy Blais and Cayden Primeau off waivers. Yay or nay?

22:10: Reacting to Alex Pietrangelo being on season-ending long-term injured reserve

24:30: Thoughts on Kyle Connor’s eight-year contract extension with the Winnipeg Jets?

27:45: Who’s the most interesting player left in contract extension talks?

32:50: How much pressure does Connor McDavid's contract put on other star players to leave money on the table to try and win?

37:40: Thoughts on Mattias Ekholm’s three-year contract extension with the Edmonton Oilers?

39:50: Stanley Cup predictions

43:00: Is Sidney Crosby the greatest captain of all-time?

45:20: Thoughts on the Boston Bruins going captainless to start the season?

46:50: Reacting to the Los Angeles Kings’ new third jerseys

48:30: Is Gavin McKenna already the real deal in the NCAA?

Watch the full episode here 

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

Former Philadelphia Flyers forward Cam Atkinson is officially calling it a career. 

The Columbus Blue Jackets announced that they are signing Atkinson to a one-day contract on Oct. 16 so he can retire as a member of the organization.

Forever a Jacket! 💥

After an incredible career, Cam Atkinson will sign a one-day contract on October 16th and officially retire from the @NHL as a Columbus Blue Jacket!

📝 https://t.co/Y8TkW06TDUpic.twitter.com/gjLzqWWylv

— Columbus Blue Jackets (@BlueJacketsNHL) October 8, 2025

Seeing Atkinson retire as a member of the Blue Jackets is entirely understandable. The 36-year-old had the most success of his NHL career with Columbus, as he recorded 213 goals, 402 points, and a plus-17 rating in 627 games over 10 seasons as a Blue Jacket. This included him setting career highs with 41 goals, 28 assists, and 69 points in 80 games during the 2018-19 season. 

The Flyers acquired Atkinson from the Blue Jackets during the 2021 NHL off-season in exchange for forward Jakub Voracek. In 143 games over two seasons with the Flyers following the move, Atkinson posted 36 goals, 42 assists, and 78 points. 

Atkinson's time with the Flyers ended when he was bought out by the Metropolitan Division club during the 2024 NHL off-season. From there, he signed with the Tampa Bay Lightning and played his final NHL season as a Bolt in 2024-25. 

The St. Louis Blues have signed goaltender Georgi Romanov to a one-year, two-way deal.

The signing comes just days after the Blues lost goaltender Colten Ellis to the Buffalo Sabres on waivers. The Blues were very high on Ellis, but without space on the NHL roster, the only move was to place him on waivers and hope he makes it through.

Unfortunately, he was claimed, but the Blues organization are happy he gets a chance in the NHL, even if it isn't with St. Louis.

Romanov, Ellis' replacement, has played 10 NHL games in two seasons, recording an .888 save percentage and a 3.53 goals against average with the San Jose Sharks.

In 50 AHL appearances, the 25-year-old posted .904 SP and a 3.12 GAA. According to the Blues, Romanov will report to the Springfield Thunderbirds in the AHL.

Prior to his North American career, Romanov was a standout performer in the Russian junior leagues. He's struggled since making the transition, but the Blues require a third goaltender due to the shortened schedule because of the Olympics, and Romanov can move up and down from the minors and hopefully provide stability. 

Romanov attended the New Jersey Devils training camp on a PTO but did not agree to a deal with the Devils.

The Reading Royals announced Wednesday that forward Nolan Burke has been signed to an ECHL contract with the club for the 2025-26 season.

The 22-year-old is entering his third professional season after a 55-game 2024-25 campaign, where he registered 31 points (13g-18a), 17 PIM and a +10 rating with the Wichita Thunder.

A native of Peterborough, Ontario, the 6-foot-3, 200-pound, left-shot forward was a Tryout Invite to the Lehigh Valley Phantoms 2025 Training Camp, on which he skated in two of Lehigh Valley's three pre-season games.

Across 103 professional career games, 102 of which coming in the ECHL between Atlanta (2023-24) and Wichita (2024-25), Burke has totaled 46 points (18-28-46) and 49 PIM. He made his lone American Hockey League game appearance with the Milwaukee Admirals on April 21st, 2024 at Grand Rapids.

Burke signed a three-year NHL Entry Level Contract with the Nashville Predators on Nov. 12, 2022 after parts of five seasons in the Ontario Hockey League with the Sarnia Sting. During his time with Sarnia, he accumulated 154 points (90-64-154) in 177 games.

At the time of his NHL signing in 2022, Burke was leading the OHL with 15 goals through 16 games. He finished the 2022-23 campaign with the second most goals in the OHL (50).

Additionally, Burke was teammates with the Philadelphia Flyers sixth overall selection in the 2025 NHL Entry Draft, Porter Martone, at Sarnia that season.

The Royals 2025 Training Camp roster now totals 28 players, including 17 forwards, eight defensemen and three goaltenders.

All fans can attend Training Camp practice in the seating bowl area beginning at 10 Am on Thursday, Oct. 9. Fans must enter Santander Arena through the Lions's Den Team Store entrance on Penn St. and must depart Santander Arena through the Lion's Den Team Store following the conclusion of Training Camp practice at 12 Pm.

The Royals will host the Adirondack Thunder for their lone pre-season game on Friday, Oct. 10 at 7 Pm at Santander Arena.

The Carolina Hurricanes are already dealing with a potential goalie injury and the season hasn't even officially started yet.

Netminder Pyotr Kochetkov's status is now up in the air for the season opener on Thursday after missing practice on Wednesday.

"He got nicked up the other day," said Hurricanes coach Rod Brind'Amour. "Got through the game fine and so I'm not sure if it was in practice or what. I'm not sure what his status will be."

The Russian goalie missed various days of practice throughout training camp, but played in the team's final preseason game Saturday in Nashville.

As Brind'Amour inferred, the 26-year-old goaltender looked to be fine coming out of that game and practiced with the team following it, but it appears something new is now bothering him.

If he does miss time, the team will be relying pretty much solely on Frederik Andersen until he returns. 

The 36-year-old goalie is heading into his 13th NHL season and fifth in Carolina. 

The team would love to not have to to do that, as the Dane has dealt with a plethora of injuries throughout his career, most recently having had knee surgery after playing just four games into the 2024-25 season.

And if Kochetkov can't go, Andersen will have to have a new backup as well, which would be Brandon Bussi, who the Canes acquired off of waivers from the Florida Panthers.

"He looks good," Brind'Amour said after getting Bussi onto the ice with the main group for the first time. B"ig guy. Hopefully we're not going to be relying on that, but if we do, we have a lot of confidence in him."

Bussi has no prior NHL experience, but the 6-foot-5 netminder has 111 games of AHL experience, where he posted a 63-31-13 record with a 0.915 save percentage and eight shutouts.

The plan heading into the year was to have Cayden Primeau as the third, but he too was claimed off of waivers by the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Said the organization got input from goalie coach Paul Schonfelder, goaltending development coach Jason Muzzatti and even former goalie Cam Ward on the claim.

"We trust them."

— Ryan Henkel (@RyanHenkel_) October 8, 2025

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The Toronto Maple Leafs haven't played a game in the regular season yet. But if there's anything we know about the team already, it's that they're the heaviest in the NHL.

Ahead of the opening of the regular season on Tuesday, the NHL released its annual 'By The Numbers' list, which features the average weight, height, and age, among other things, of all 32 teams in the league.

The Maple Leafs rank fifth (technically the third oldest) in the league for age (29.4 years old), only behind the Los Angeles Kings (29.7), Florida Panthers (29.7), Vegas Golden Knights (29.7), and Winnipeg Jets (29.8).

There are 21 teams tied for the highest average height (6-foot-2) in the league, including the Maple Leafs. The remaining 11 NHL teams — Montreal Canadiens, Buffalo Sabres, San Jose Sharks, Minnesota Wild, Detroit Red Wings, Utah Mammoth, Seattle Kraken, Edmonton Oilers, Pittsburgh Penguins, and Winnipeg Jets — each have an average height of 6-foot-1.

Why Easton Cowan Won't Be In The Maple Leafs' Home-Opening Lineup Vs. CanadiensDespite Easton Cowan being on the ice for the Toronto Maple Leafs' optional morning skate on Wednesday morning, he will not be in the lineup for the home opener against the Montreal Canadiens.

When it comes to weight, Toronto is two pounds heavier than the Boston Bruins, who sit in the second spot, with an average weight of 208 pounds. Dakota Joshua (218 pounds), whom the Maple Leafs acquired in an offseason trade, weighs the third-most on the team, only behind Steven Lorentz (219 pounds) and Matthew Knies (232 pounds).

Joshua believes that Toronto being heavier than the rest of the NHL can help grind away their opponents.

"If everyone's playing to their capability, we should wear teams down and grind the other teams down in a full 60-minute game if everyone's doing their job," Joshua said. "You've got to use it to your advantage and make sure you're using it the right way."

‘You Always Try To Find A Happy Medium’: Maple Leafs’ Auston Matthews Shares Contract Philosophy Following Connor McDavid's Extension With OilersConnor McDavid shocked the NHL by signing a two-year extension with the Edmonton Oilers for what is universally perceived to be a massive discount in pay. The star forward signed for an average of $12.5 million per year, the same average annual value as the eight-year contract he is finishing at the end of the 2025-26 season.

The Maple Leafs were also the heaviest team in the NHL last season, averaging a weight of 207 pounds. That means the team gained an average weight of three pounds over the offseason. Toronto was the fifth-oldest — with an average age of 28.8 years old — and tied with 12 other clubs for the tallest (6-foot-2) in the league last year.

Latest stories:

Why Easton Cowan Won't Be In The Maple Leafs' Home-Opening Lineup Vs. Canadiens

Maple Leafs Set For Regular Season Opener Against Canadiens, Lineups, And Where To Watch

‘You Always Try To Find A Happy Medium’: Maple Leafs’ Auston Matthews Shares Contract Philosophy Following Connor McDavid's Extension With Oilers

Former St. Louis Blues captain Alex Pietrangelo has been placed on the season-ending long-term injury reserve by the Vegas Golden Knights. 

The 35-year-old announced during the off-season that he would be stepping away from hockey to deal with a hip injury. During media availability in September, Pietrangelo mentioned that his body was responding well to the rehab and that he wouldn't close the door on returning this season.

Ultimately, a decision by both the organization and player was agreed upon to place him on the season-ending LTIR. Pietrangelo is now ineligible to return for the regular season and the playoffs, but the Golden Knights are eligible for full relief on his $8.8 million cap hit.

Pietrangelo has spent the last five seasons with the Golden Knights, having signed a seven-year, $8.8-million contract in the 2020 off-season. The right-handed defender went on to win his second Stanley Cup, his first coming with the Blues.

Prior to his Golden Knights career, Pietrangelo was the Blues' captain and led them to a Stanley Cup in 2019.

Originally drafted fourth overall by the Blues in 2008, Pietrangelo recorded 109 goals and 450 points in 758 games with the Blues. 

It's unknown if the Blues legend will return to the NHL. He'll have one year remaining on his contract when the 2025-26 season concludes.

Sharks opt for five alternates over naming 2025-26 NHL season captain originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

Editor’s note: Sheng Peng is a regular contributor to NBC Sports California’s Sharks coverage. You can read more of his coverage on San Jose Hockey Now, listen to him on the San Jose Hockey Now Podcast, and follow him on Twitter at @Sheng_Peng.

The Sharks will not have a captain.

San Jose announced On Wednesday that forward Tyler Toffoli, forward Barclay Goodrow, center Macklin Celebrini, defenseman Mario Ferraro and center Alex Wennberg will be their alternate captains for the 2025-26 NHL season.

Introducing your 2025-26 Alternate Captains. 👏

— San Jose Sharks (@SanJoseSharks) October 8, 2025

Toffoli will wear an “A” in every game; Goodrow and Celebrini will be alternate captains for home games, while Ferraro and Wennberg will be alternates for road games. Toffoli is taking Ferraro’s role as regular alternate captain.

Celebrini will wear a letter for the first time in his young career. The 19-year-old was the San Jose Sharks’ No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 NHL Draft and is seen as the future face of the franchise.

Read the full story on San Jose Hockey Now

Download and follow the San Jose Hockey Now podcast

Sharks opt for five alternates over naming 2025-26 NHL season captain originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

Editor’s note: Sheng Peng is a regular contributor to NBC Sports California’s Sharks coverage. You can read more of his coverage on San Jose Hockey Now, listen to him on the San Jose Hockey Now Podcast, and follow him on Twitter at @Sheng_Peng.

The Sharks will not have a captain.

San Jose announced On Wednesday that forward Tyler Toffoli, forward Barclay Goodrow, center Macklin Celebrini, defenseman Mario Ferraro and center Alex Wennberg will be their alternate captains for the 2025-26 NHL season.

Introducing your 2025-26 Alternate Captains. 👏

— San Jose Sharks (@SanJoseSharks) October 8, 2025

Toffoli will wear an “A” in every game; Goodrow and Celebrini will be alternate captains for home games, while Ferraro and Wennberg will be alternates for road games. Toffoli is taking Ferraro’s role as regular alternate captain.

Celebrini will wear a letter for the first time in his young career. The 19-year-old was the San Jose Sharks’ No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 NHL Draft and is seen as the future face of the franchise.

Read the full story on San Jose Hockey Now

Download and follow the San Jose Hockey Now podcast

Welcome back to The Hockey News' NHL power rankings, where we rank all 32 teams based on their weekly performance.

The 2025-26 season is now underway with a busy Thursday approaching with 14 games. The campaign kicked off with a successful title defense for the Panthers with a season-opening win against the Blackhawks in a game they dominated even without their captain.

With depth forward Jesper Boqvist scoring the winner, it does beg the question: who’s going to step up?

This week’s NHL power rankings features one player on each team that could make a very big difference this season.

1. Florida Panthers (1-0-0, +1 goal differential. Previous Rank: 1)

Anton Lundell and Sam Bennett split duties with both centers playing over 19 minutes, but it was Bennett’s line that played more minutes at 5-on-5. Bennett’s line with Brad Marchand – what a nightmare duo to play against – and Carter Verhaeghe generated 25 shot attempts and allowed only six. Bennett is in the first year of a lucrative eight-year deal and must provide full value for the Panthers to have a chance at a three-peat. 

2. Edmonton Oilers (0-0-0, even. PR: 2)

Connor McDavid’s short-term bargain deal means the clock is officially ticking because there’s no chance he does the same in 2028. I’m cheating on my own criteria here, but the biggest difference maker is GM Stan Bowman, and it’s up to him to figure out what to do with the extra cap space. It is absolutely Cup or bust for the Oilers.

3. Dallas Stars (0-0-0, even. PR: 3)

The easy pick is Mikko Rantanen, but I actually think it’s Thomas Harley because the Stars aren’t nearly as deep on the blueline as they are up front. It’s a contract year for Harley, and he’ll take a load of pressure off their top matchup pair with Miro Heiskanen and Esa Lindell. 

4. Vegas Golden Knights (0-0-0, even. PR: 5)

Mitch Marner has a chance to write the ultimate revenge story if he can help Vegas win another Cup. Marner and Jack Eichel might be the most dangerous center-right winger combo in the entire NHL.

5. Carolina Hurricanes (0-0-0, even. PR: 4)

The most important player is whoever can be the best No. 2 center behind Sebastian Aho, and right now, that’s Logan Stankoven. He’s already signed a big extension, and it’s a hole the Canes have been desperate to fill.

6. Winnipeg Jets (0-0-0, even. PR: 6)

Depth might be a problem for the Jets, and their best path to success still lies in the hands of Connor Hellebuyck. They need regular-season Hellebuyck to show up in the playoffs. 

7. Toronto Maple Leafs (0-0-0, even. PR: 7)

We know Auston Matthews has the potential to score at least 60 goals, but the question is if he can do it all himself. The Leafs captain has all the spotlights in Toronto on him now.

A Healthy Auston Matthews Is Prepared To Guide The Maple Leafs And Prove Last Year Was An OutlierAs they move into the post-Mitch Marner era, the Toronto Maple Leafs need a big year out of star center and captain Auston Matthews.

8. Colorado Avalanche (1-0-0, +3. PR: 8)

Gabriel Landeskog suits up for a regular-season game for the first time since March 10, 2022, and the Avs had so much respect for him that they never named anyone to take his place in the interim. No matter how many games he plays this season, his comeback story has been remarkable. 

9. Washington Capitals (0-0-0, even. PR: 9)

The chase is not yet over. Alex Ovechkin is three goals away from 900 as he enters the final year of a five-year contract. Does he continue beyond 2025-26 in Washington?

10. Minnesota Wild (0-0-0, even. PR: 10)

Kirill Kaprizov has the league’s richest contract and now has one goal remaining: win the Cup. Let’s dial it back a little, however, as the Wild need to win one playoff series first. 

11. Tampa Bay Lightning (0-0-0, even. PR: 12)

I still think the biggest difference-maker is captain Victor Hedman, who’s showing no signs of slowing down. However, the Lightning's Cup-winning core is another year older, and they’re getting further and further away from Cup contender status.

12. Los Angeles Kings (0-1-0, -3. PR: 11)

In Anze Kopitar’s last season, this is the season where Quinton Byfield needs to show he can take over the No. 1 role full-time. The Kings looked uncharacteristically disorganized in their season-opening loss. 

13. St. Louis Blues (0-0-0, even. PR: 13)

In an Olympic year, this is Jordan Binnington’s chance to prove he can lead the Blues and Team Canada. He has two seasons remaining on his contract with the very capable Joel Hofer ready to take over at any time.

14. New Jersey Devils (0-0-0, even. PR: 14)

Jack Hughes really needs to stay healthy because he’s got MVP potential. On paper, the Devils look like they could contend, but there are a few question marks regarding their injury history and consistency, and also too many bodies on their blueline. 

15. Ottawa Senators (0-0-0, even. PR: 15)

Can the Sens count on Linus Ullmark for 50 games? He was very good for them last season and went 13-3-1 down the stretch to make the playoffs, but can he be a bona fide starter, or is he a 1A option in need of an experienced backup to support him?

16. Montreal Canadiens (0-0-0, even. PR: 16)

Centers are difficult to find, and the Habs are hoping Kirby Dach can be the answer. The third overall pick in 2019 has size and skill but has also missed 129 of 246 games (52 percent) over the last three seasons.

17. Utah Mammoth (0-0-0, even. PR: 17)

Karel Vejmelka is coming off a surprisingly good season where he won 26 games in 55 starts, and he now enters the first year of a five-year deal. The Mammoth can score, and they have promising young defenders, but can Vejmelka come up big in net again this season?

The NHL's Opening Week Is Packed Of Exciting StorylinesThe new NHL regular season begins Tuesday, and there is no shortage of storylines for fans to keep their eye on.

18. Columbus Blue Jackets (0-0-0, even. PR: 18)

I think we’re past the point of believing Elvis Merzlikins can be a reliable No. 1, which means Jet Greaves and his 7-2-2/1.91 GAA/.938 SP performance last season offers a glimmer of hope. Columbus coach Dean Evason has remained mum on who his starter will be for Thursday’s season opener

19. Vancouver Canucks (0-0-0, even. PR: 20)

It’s all on Elias Pettersson now with J.T. Miller in New York. If he cannot regain his superstar form, and despite Quinn Hughes’ best efforts, the Canucks’ offense may collapse because of their lack of quality depth down the middle. Oh, by the way, have you heard that Quinn wants to play with his brothers? 

20. Calgary Flames (0-0-0, even. PR: 21)

It’s not necessarily about who can make a difference for the Flames but what GM Craig Conroy has up his sleeve. The Flames have to decide if they want to continue with this current core – 35-year-old Nazem Kadri has three more years on his deal – or fully hand the reins over to Matt Coronato, Samuel Honzek, Zayne Parekh and Dustin Wolf. 

21. Detroit Red Wings (0-0-0, even. PR: 22)

The Red Wings are again one of the most intriguing teams entering the 2025-26 season as we enter the next phase of the Yzerplan after acquiring John Gibson and bringing in rookies Emmitt Finnie, Nate Danielson, Michael Brandsegg-Nygard and Axel Sandin-Pellikka. Finnie, in particular, will be interesting to watch as a seventh-round pick who will start the season on the top line with Dylan Larkin and Lucas Raymond. Did they just find another Zetterberg?!

22. New York Rangers (0-1-0, -3. PR: 19)

That was ugly. The Rangers debuted a new coach, a new captain and even new jerseys in their centennial season but ironically lost to their new coach’s former team and their former assistant coach. It was another listless showing reminiscent of last year, and again, it was only close because of Igor Shesterkin.

23. Anaheim Ducks (0-0-0, even. PR: 24)

Joel Quenneville is supposed to bring forth a philosophical change and bring out the best of Anaheim's young core. It’s the first time he’s coached an NHL game in four years. 

24. New York Islanders (0-0-0, even. PR: 23)

The Isles nip around the edges of their roster looking for marginal improvements every season, this time bringing in Maxim Shabanov, Emil Heineman and Jonathan Drouin, but the player to watch is future franchise defenseman Matthew Schaefer, who definitely earned his spot during camp.

25. Buffalo Sabres (0-0-0, even. PR: 25)

Recent waiver claim Colten Ellis has me raising my eyebrows, especially after Alexandar Georgiev was signed following news of Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen’s injury, only to waive him in favor of Ellis. The former QMJHL star will get his first chance to prove himself in the NHL after winning 22 games with a .922 SP in the AHL last season. 

26. Seattle Kraken (0-0-0, even. PR: 26)

Here’s hoping a trio of young players – Ryan Winterton, Jani Nyman and 2024 eighth overall pick Berkly Catton – can create a little more excitement around the Kraken with full-time roles. The Kraken are desperately trying not to be mid anymore with their third coach in three seasons. 

27. Pittsburgh Penguins (1-0-0, +3. PR: 29)

Will Arturs Silovs singlehandedly ruin my prediction of the Pens landing Gavin McKenna at the next draft? The AHL playoff MVP was acquired for a song from the Canucks and made good with a 25-save shutout win in coach Dan Muse’s debut, who made a surprising decision – but ultimately the right one – to start him over incumbent Tristan Jarry. 

28. Philadelphia Flyers (0-0-0, even. PR: 27)

It’s not just about one player, but a pairing: Trevor Zegras and Matvei Michkov. The two puck wizards will play on separate lines but join forces like Goku and Vegeta on the power play, and we got a little taste of it in the pre-season. Even if the Flyers don’t win many games, can they at least make the highlight reels?

29. Boston Bruins (0-0-0, even. PR: 28)

Jeremy Swayman allowed the most goals in the league last season, and I doubt that repeats itself. He’s had a full camp in Boston, and the prospect of being named to the U.S. Olympic team should help him be one of the NHL’s top bounce-back players.

30. Nashville Predators (0-0-0, even. PR: 30)

Starting 18-year-old Brady Martin as your potential top center is certainly… a choice. I have no doubt this is a let’s-see-what-happens type of early-season move, but this is a fascinating decision by the Preds on a team with Ryan O’Reilly, Fedor Svechkov, Erik Haula and sometimes-center Steven Stamkos. 

31. San Jose Sharks (0-0-0, even. PR: 31)

The Sharks are doing through a rebuild on speed run, with Sam Dickinson and 2025 second overall pick Michael Misa making the team. They may not, however, suit up for the season opener, which makes keeping them around an interesting decision. Young players need to play, period, no matter the league. 

32. Chicago Blackhawks (0-1-0, -1. PR: 32)

Frank Nazar, Spencer Knight, Oliver Moore and, obviously, Connor Bedard… there’s no shortage of young players to watch on the Blackhawks, but I think the least heralded is Sam Rinzel. He looked excellent after leaving the University of Minnesota late last season and played 25:18 in the season opener, nearly seven more minutes than all other Hawks defenders.

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The Chicago Blackhawks are a young team trying to find its footing in the National Hockey League. With that in mind, they are not short of veteran leadership always around to help them do the right thing. 

Speaking of leaders doing the right thing, you can always count on Captain Nick Foligno. On Wednesday, New York Islanders rookie Matthew Schaefer, who was the number one pick in the 2025 NHL Draft, told the press about a special message he received from Foligno. 

Ahead of the draft, Schaefer was open about his story. He lost his mom to cancer. It has been a difficult road to the NHL due to this tragedy, but his face lights up when speaking about his mother. 

The Islanders' rookie was asked if anyone reached out to him ahead of his NHL debut, which will take place on Thursday against the Pittsburgh Penguins, and his answer was Nick Foligno. 

"I became close with him," Schaefer said of Foligno. "He lost his mom due to cancer at a young age, too, so he reached out to me, and I was talking to him about stuff like that. He's been awesome, he's a character for sure. He's a great guy, too." 

Whenever you think of classy in the NHL, Nick Foligno is near the top of the list. He has been a captain or leader in the room at multiple NHL spots for a reason. The young players in the Blackhawks organization are fortunate to have him as a resource, as well as the young men around the league. 

Due to their personal circumstances, Schaefer and Foligno have a connection that bonds them. With Foligno having been through it longer, he is willing to share wisdom that can help with something so difficult. 

You know that Foligno is rooting for Schaefer to succeed from afar, just maybe not when they are matched up against each other. It is comforting to know that the elder NHL players, who have had similar experiences to the younger players, are still willing to help them. Sometimes, small gestures like this go a long way both on and off the ice. 

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