Swiss club HC Davos has signed three of its key
forwards to three-year
contract extensions – Czech
Filip Zadina, 25, Canadian
Adam Tambellini, 30,
and Swede Simon Ryfors, 27.
“We
are delighted that Simon, Filip, and Adam have so clearly committed
to HCD and are planning their future with us,” said
club sports director Jan Alston. “All three are hungry for
more, and we expect a high level of play from them over the next
three years.”
It’s interesting
that Zadina chose to sign long-term in Davos after last summer, when
the Czech winger was reportedly close to signing with his hometown
club Dynamo Pardubice, but a sticking point was term – the club
wanted a multi-year deal but Zadina, then 24, wanted to keep his NHL
options available and chose the shorter-term offer from Davos.
Presumably, this contract contains an opt-out in case he receives an
NHL offer.
Last season, Zadina
had 43 points in 53 National League regular-season and playoff games.
He also had four points in three games in the
Spengler Cup, which Davos hosts annually.
In addition to
Tambellini and Ryfors, Zadina’s teammates in Davos this season will
include ex-NHLers Joakim Nordström, Brendan
Lemieux, Rasmus
Asplund and Klas Dahlbeck.
Originally from Pardubice, Czechia, Zadina went
overseas at age 17 to play junior hockey
for the QMJHL’s
Halifax Mooseheads. After winning the
league’s rookie-of-the-year award and making the first all-star
team, he was drafted sixth overall by the Detroit
Red Wings in the 2018 NHL Entry Draft.
Between 2018 and 2024, Zadina played 262 NHL
games for the Wings and
San Jose Sharks, recording 91 points and 40 penalty minutes. In
2023-24, his last NHL campaign to date, Zadina hit career highs in
games played (72) and goals (13).
Internationally, Zadina performed brilliantly for the Czechs at
the 2018 IIHF World Junior Championship in Buffalo, recording eight
points in seven games as the Czechs finished fourth. In his only
senior-level World Championship to date in Riga in 2021, Zadina had
four points in eight games.
Explaining the story behind Detroit's 'Hockeytown' slogan and how it could return for the Red Wings Centennial season.
The Detroit Red Wings are celebrating their 100th anniversary with some new Centennial themed things heading into the next season like new jersey patches, events for fans and most notably a potential change back to a historic centre ice logo.
Fans will remember the historic run of Detroit dominance when the Red Wings were winning Stanley Cups with the famous "Hockeytown" across the winged wheel at centre ice. Detroit had become the hub of hockey excellence and just as the Red Wings on the rise back to hopeful Stanley Cup contention, the franchise asked the fans if they want to have their signature slogan back on home ice.
The term “Hockeytown” became synonymous with Detroit and the Red Wings, but its origins are more recent than people may believe. The Red Wings first introduced “Hockeytown” as a marketing slogan in 1996, a pivotal time when the team was building toward Stanley Cup contention like they are today.
The branding campaign was created to rally the fanbase and solidify Detroit’s image as the top hockey city in the country. The phrase quickly gained traction among fans and the hockey world alike as the Red Wings entered a dominant era, led by several legends.
Sources indicate that the slogan was first prominently painted at center ice during the 1996–97 NHL season, the same year the Red Wings won their first Stanley Cup since 1955, cementing the truth of the name that Detroit indeed was the home of hockey. It became a defining visual of Detroit hockey throughout the late 1990s and 2000s.
The “Hockeytown” branding remained at centre ice in famous Joe Louis Arena for over two decades, through the Red Wings’ multiple Stanley Cup wins in 1997, 1998, 2002, and 2008. When the team transitioned to the newly built Little Caesars Arena in 2017, they initially kept the tradition alive by incorporating the same branding at center ice for the arena’s debut season.
However, by the summer of 2018, just before the 2018–19 season, leaked photos showed that “Hockeytown” was no longer part of the ice design. The organization confirmed the change, stating they wanted to “debut a fresh, new look” at center ice with the decision drawing criticism and confusion from long-time fans.
The Red Wings never officially abandoned the term publicly, but they quietly distanced themselves from the formal branding. The trademark for “Hockeytown” was listed as cancelled in 2018, according to records and reports published on Detroithockey.net and The Comeback, signaling a notable shift in the franchise.
Despite its removal from center ice, the identity of “Hockeytown” never truly disappeared. It remains deeply embedded in the culture of Detroit and is still featured prominently in merchandise, team videos, and local landmarks like the Hockeytown Café.
The name persists not just as a marketing slogan but as a badge of honor that reflects Detroit’s generational passion for hockey.
As the team enters their 100th season, the Red Wings asked fans whether the “Hockeytown” logo should return to center ice. Whether or not the logo returns to centre ice, the meaning of “Hockeytown” remains very much alive in the hearts of Detroit fans.
Never miss a story by adding us to your Google News favorites.
The NHL is set to release the 2025-26 season schedule on Wednesday, July 16th, but we’ve seen a copy of the Montreal Canadiens’ schedule already, and a few comments come to mind.
As is often the case, the Canadiens will kick off their season on the road, starting with an Original Six back-to-back against the Toronto Maple Leafs and Detroit Red Wings on October 8th and 9th, followed by a Saturday night game in Chicago against the Blackhawks.
The Canadiens’ first home game is scheduled against the Seattle Kraken on Tuesday, October 14th, followed by a match-up with the Nashville Predators on Thursday, and a visit from the New York Rangers on Saturday, the 18th. With all due respect to the Kraken, this is hardly the most exciting opening night opponent. Kudos for the three original matchups on the road; however, that’s an interesting start to the season. Montreal will only host four home games in October, the final one being against the Buffalo Sabres on the 20th. Then, the Habs will wrap up the month with a western trip with halts in Calgary, Edmonton, Vancouver, and Seattle.
The Canadiens will have eight home games in the following two months, the November schedule featuring a first game against old rivals, the Boston Bruins, and a duel with last year’s first-round opponents, the Washington Capitals, in Montreal on November 20th. The month will also end with a road trip, this one featuring battles with the Utah Mammoth, the Vegas Golden Knights, and the Colorado Avalanche.
December will start with a home back-to-back against the Ottawa Senators and the Winnipeg Jets. Zach Bolduc will get to face his former St. Louis Blues teammates on December 7th, and Canadiens fans will welcome Sidney Crosby and the Pittsburgh Penguins on December 20th. Montreal will then spend Christmas on the road, as is the tradition.
January will be the busiest month with 17 games crammed in in readiness for the quiet month of February, when the NHL will shut down to allow the players to take part in the Milan Cortina Olympics in Italy. The Canadiens will play only four games that month, two on the road against the Minnesota Wild and the Jets, and two at home against Noah Dobson’s former team, the New York Islanders, on the 26th, followed by a visit from the Caps on the 28th.
March will be a busy month with 15 games, and the Canadiens will wrap up their season on April 12th. However, they’ll still play seven games in the month with a final home stretch of four games, which will wrap up on April 11th, meaning the Habs will finish their season with a back-to-back, challenging circumstances if they are fighting for a playoff spot. Although by then, they should be used to it, since they will be taking part in no less than 17 occurrences of two games in two nights. This is an intense schedule to say the least, but it was to be expected with the Olympic Games break. It will be interesting to see if all teams have as many back-to-backs.
Photo credit: Russell LaBounty-Imagn Images
Canadiens stories, analysis, breaking news, and more! Tap the star to add us to your favorites on Google News, never to miss a story.
With every day that passes, it becomes ever so slightly more likely that the Montreal Canadiens will start the 2025-26 season with Kirby Dach as their second-line center. So far, he hasn’t been a successful option, but he remains the most likely option.
The free agency class was thin at center, experienced veteran Matt Duchene elected the re-sign with the Dallas Stars just like John Tavares chose to stay with the Toronto Maple Leafs, comeback “kid” Jonathan Toews decided to go home and sign with the Winnipeg Jets, Mikael Granlund landed with the Anahem Ducks and Pius Suter with the St. Louis Blues. There were so few options down the middle that Christian Dvorak, who the Canadiens didn’t retain, signed a contract with a $5.4 M cap hit with the Philadelphia Flyers.
When asked about the fact that they were unable to sign a second-line center, the Habs brass replied that it was never going to come from a free agent signing. That seems to indicate two things: they agreed the free agency class wasn’t very deep, and they might have had a target on the trade market, but they were unable to get them…yet in any case.
Could the answer be just to be a little bit more patient? After all, there will be another free agency class after the upcoming season. The UFA class does include some huge names: Edmonton Oilers’ Connor McDavid, Vegas Golden Knights’ Jack Eichel, and Los Angeles Kings’ Anze Kopitar highlight the class.
Realistically, however, could the Canadiens manage to pry McDavid away from the Oilers? It’s hard to imagine the Oilers standing idly by while the best player in the world slips through their fingers. That being said, they’ve not done much to improve their contending team, and as things stand, if they made the Cup Final for a third time in a row, it’s hard to see how it could play out differently.
Eichel is a different story, though. Vegas has been known to go from one flashy new toy to another, and if they don’t make any progress this coming season, they might be tempted to replace Eichel with an upgrade, especially if McDavid hits the market.
As for Kopitar, he will be nearly 39 years old and has never worn another uniform than the Kings'. I struggle to see how he could decide to up and leave, having won two Cups already. Evgeny Malkin is also set to hit the market; he was Ivan Demidov’s favourite player growing up, but he will be nearly 40 years old and is injury-prone.
There will be some interesting names when it comes to RFAs, but would Hughes be ready to deal with what they entail? I’m not sure; while offer sheets are legal, they tend to lead to bad blood, and it’s not something you need. Making trades is already complicated enough.
Still, the class could include Martin Necas, Connor Bedard, Logan Cooley, and Leo Carlsson, to name a few, if they don’t get extended before then. As harsh as it may sound, whether the free agency class is good or not, landing a player with such a significant role is not easy. The best course of action might be to draft and develop them internally, which, again, requires patience and luck for the prospects to turn out as hoped. There’s no secret recipe or magic beans.
Right now, the Canadiens have Oliver Kapanen and Owen Beck with the Laval Rocket, who will be pushing for a job this season, but on paper, neither is suited to a top-six role. Vinzenz Rohrer can also play center, but he’s only 5-foot-10 and 161 pounds; it would be surprising if he could fill that role.
As things stand, the Canadiens better hope that Michael Hage turned into what their scouting report suggested he could be. Or could it be that Zach Bolduc can, in fact, play center?
Photo credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images
Canadiens stories, analysis, breaking news, and more! Tap the star to add us to your favorites on Google News, never to miss a story.
There is no doubt that many Toronto Maple Leafs fans miss having a forward like Nazem Kadri around. The Calgary Flames center has been at the center of rampant speculation as Toronto looks to add another top-six forward, and while a reunion might be a perfect fit, there doesn’t appear to be anything on the front burner in terms of an actual deal.
Still, that hasn’t stopped the rumor mill swirling, and Kadri has definitely heard the chatter. Speaking at The 12th Annual Nazem Kadri Charity Golf Classic, the London, Ontario, native took the time to speak with Mike Stubbs and Kyle Grimard on ‘The Knight Shift’ – a podcast centered around the OHL's London Knights. In the podcast, Stubbs brought up some of the chatter in Ontario that has surrounded the player.
“Unless I live in a box, I think I would hear it. I've certainly heard lots of speculation for sure,” Kadri admitted. “It's happened quite often. Over the last couple of months, so it's a bit bizarre just scrolling around and seeing your face and name pop up. Obviously, the rumor mill is pretty strong, especially around these parts, and a lot of the time, these rumors can catch fire, and that fire turns into bigger fires.”
Drafted seventh overall by the Maple Leafs in the 2009 NHL Draft, Kadri scored 161 goals and added 196 assists in 561 games over 10 seasons with the club. Kadri dealt with similar speculation when the Leafs had sought to move him, first blocking a trade to the team he plays for now before Toronto sent him to the Colorado Avalanche in a deal for defenseman Tyson Barrie and forward Alex Kerfoot. Kadri ended up winning a Stanley Cup with the Avalanche in 2022.
As Toronto looks for players who thrive under the pressure of playing in the spotlight, especially in the wake of star forward Mitch Marner’s departure to the Vegas Golden Knights, Kadri is clearly a player unperturbed by the noise, and the speculation didn’t appear to bother him in the interview.
“You know what? And why not? I mean, there's not a whole lot in terms of sports going on right now,” Kadri said. “I think it's definitely a topic to talk about, and hey, why not talk about it?”
MUST LISTEN!
Nazem Kadri was interviewed on the Knight Shift podcast and this is what he said when asked about the rumours of coming back to the #LeafsForever :
“It’s definitely a topic to talk about so why not talk about it”
Current Maple Leafs GM Brad Treliving is the one who signed Kadri to a seven-year $49 million contract in the summer of 2022. Treliving became GM of the Leafs one year later in a departure that hasn’t been the smoothest since leaving Calgary, as he left for a job with Toronto before his contract officially expired. Toronto was forced to keep Treliving away from the NHL Draft floor until the Flames made their first-round selection, as part of the agreement for him to join the Leafs.
Korolnek and Feschuk discuss the possibility of the Maple Leafs getting in the mix to construct a deal for Kadri in Toronto.#LeafsForeverpic.twitter.com/1cLTOma7yV
Given that Kadri plays the role of 1C in Calgary and is coming off a career-high 35 goals, it’s hard to see any deal being consummated from a realistic standpoint.
The Chicago Blackhawks have one of the best farm systems in the National Hockey League. That comes as a result of being in the basement of the league for a handful of years in a row and making lots of trades to acquire more high-end draft picks.
Guys like Connor Bedard, Frank Nazar, and Alex Vlasic don’t count as true prospects anymore due to the number of games played at the highest level. Even without them, however, the Blackhawks still have a pipeline that ranks amongst the best.
Of all the players that they have working toward becoming full-time NHL players, this is the top 25 based on where they’re at in their development, how close they are to making it to the NHL roster, and their overall skill:
1. Sam Rinzel
After a great year at the University of Minnesota, Sam Rinzel looked like he could be a number one defenseman in the NHL during his short end-of-season stint. Nobody improved their stock more in 2024-25. He comes in at number one as a result.
2. Anton Frondell
The Blackhawks just selected Swedish forward Anton Frodnell with the third overall pick in the 2025 NHL Draft. He has his eyes set on being just like Aleksander Barkov, but for now, he'll have to settle for the second-best Chicago Blackhawks prospect.
3. Artyom Levshunov
Artyom Levshunov, the second overall pick in the 2024 NHL Draft, was excellent in his first year pro. Whether it was for the Rockford IceHogs or the Chicago Blackhawks, he was noticeable. If he's healthy, Levshunov will play more than a quarter of the NHL season.
4. Sacha Boisvert
Sacha Boisvert was one of the best college freshmen in 2024-25. At the University of North Dakota, he showed that he's an impressive two-way player who can bring high-end skill in all three zones. He has transferred to Boston University, where he will develop even further on a team that has a chance to win the National Championship.
5. Kevin Korchinski
A couple of defensemen have passed Korchinski up on this list, but that doesn't take anything away from the overall talent that he possesses. He is still working on the defensive side of the game, which is always hard for young offensive guys, but there is no denying his elite puck skills. Expect more opportunities for him in the NHL going forward.
6. Nick Lardis
Nick Lardis scored 71 goals during his 2024-25 season in major junior. Now, he’s ready to turn pro. Like Rinzel, his stock improved by a wide margin due to his play last year. It won’t be long before he’s scoring goals in the NHL. His shot should translate quickly.
7. Oliver Moore
Oliver Moore is a very talented player. His speed may be the best of any prospect in the organization. He had four assists over his short NHL stint following his year at the University of Minnesota. He may start 2025-26 in the AHL, but being a middle-six forward in the NHL may come sooner than later.
8. Roman Kantserov
Roman Kansterov had a great year in Russia as a young player. He will return in 2025-26 and then play in North America in 2026-27. With more development under his belt next year, he should gain what he needs to become an impactful player in the NHL.
9. Ethan Del Mastro
Ethan Del Mastro is a solid defenseman who isn't far from being removed from this list, as he played 24 games last year. He isn't elite at anything, but he's solid at everything. His skating, stick work, and offensive awareness should allow him to have a long NHL career as a middle pair guy.
10. Drew Commesso
It's hard to rank Drew Commesso higher than ten because he's currently the third guy in the organization. Spencer Knight and Arvid Soderblom will likely be the duo that has the net in 2025-26, but Commesso is on the come-up. In the second half of last season, he went on a tear that went into the Calder Cup playoffs. Commesso has a great shot at becoming a full-time NHL goalie shortly.
11. Mason West
Some may have the football quarterback turned hockey player ranked lower, but there is no denying his overall talent. Mason West skates like the wind, has incredible puck skills, and can see the ice as well as any young player. Once he fully commits to hockey after his senior year at Edina High School, the Blackhawks are hoping that these skills allow him the chance to become a great player. If he does pan out, Kyle Davidson will look like a genius for taking the risk on him.
12. Colton Dach
Colton Dach is a little bit like his brother Kirby in terms of their ability to be plagued by injuries. He will be allowed to become an NHL player if he plays well in training camp and the preseason. He is a lot grittier than a lot of the players in the organization, which is something they need on the roster.
13. Ryan Greene
Ryan Greene is never going to have 40 goals or 100 points. However, he is a very reliable bottom-six forward who can bring some offensive jam here and there. Greene made his NHL debut at the end of last season, and he is likely to be on the team out of camp.
14. Marek Vanacker
Kyle Davidson took a chance when he traded back into the first round of the 2024 NHL Draft to select Marek Vanacker. He was injured to begin the 2024-25 season, which slowed down his progression. He didn't have the year he wanted to have, but he finished strong. With almost certainty that he will go back to the OHL's Brantford Bulldogs, he is preparing to keep those good vibes going and have a much better season.
15. Vaclav Nestrasil
The Blackhawks surprised some people when they selected Vaclav Nestrasil in the first round (25th overall) of the 2025 NHL Draft. It became clear that they were going for size up front, which they will have in the 6-foot-5 Nestrasil. He will attend UMass in 2025-26.
16. Nolan Allan
Nolan Allan found himself playing in 43 NHL games last season. Although he had to go back to Rockford due to his play combined with other players coming up, he should be happy with how much he got to develop. Look for Allan to come out strong with his defensive game at the start of next year, whether it's with Rockford or Chicago. You can never have enough depth at this position.
17. AJ Spellacy
AJ Spellacy made people think that he would make the Blackhawks' opening night roster with his play during camp and the preseason last year. Instead, they stayed the course and sent him back to the OHL, where he was just okay. After attending the World Junior Summer Showcase, Spellacy will give it his all when it comes to trying to make it to the NHL.
18. Samuel Savoie
In a different way than Colton Dach, Samuel Savoie is a physical player who knows how to infuriate players he's going against. He won't come to the NHL and tear it up offensively. He couldn't even do that in the AHL (22 points in 72 games played). What he can do, though, is impact the game in a way that allows others to create offense.
19. John Mustard
John Mustard is a very fast player who will go back to Providence, play for a good team, and look to develop into a pro.
20. Jack Pridham
Jack Pridham, as a Kitchener Ranger, was so good and fit in so well that he decided not to attend Boston University in favor of going back there for another year.
21. Martin Misiak
Martin Misiak was a second-round pick by the Blackhawks in 2023, so they have high hopes for him. After a decent season with the Erie Otters, but nothing special, he hopes that the pro game (likely with the Rockford IceHogs) will help him move along in his career.
22. Nathan Behm
Nathan Behm was a third-round pick, 66th overall, by the Blackhawks in 2025. He is a long-term project, but has skills that could allow him to become a full-time player in the NHL one day. He's not close to that pro level yet, however, so he finds himself at 22 for now.
23. Gavin Hayes
Gavin Hayes, like Behm, was the 66th overall pick. His selection came in 2022. After a strong career in the OHL, he started to play pro in 2024-25 with the IceHogs. He'll make his NHL debut at some point, but he needs to be noticeable to stick around.
24. Aidan Thompson
Aidan Thompson, also a third-round pick from 2022, had an outstanding year at Denver, where he came very close to another NCAA title. After having 55 points in 44 games played, he is ready for pro hockey. He played in four AHL games last year after the NCAA season ended, but a full season awaits him in 2025-26.
25. Taige Harding
Taige Harding is a massive 6-foot-7 defenseman who played college hockey at Providence College in 2024-25. He will look to bring that size and skill to the IceHogs next year. His size alone gives him a chance to become an NHL player one day, but his development curve would need to continue pointing up.
It’s no secret that the Florida Panthers are a unique team.
Over the past several seasons, Florida has morphed into a team that utilizes just as much physicality as they do skill.
They are something of a hybrid, combining quite a bit of high-end talent with a gritty, in-your-face style that teams across the NHL have yet to come up with an answer to.
It’s led to a good amount of conversation and debate, including a story that was featured on The Hockey News.
Longtime hockey journalist Sam Carchidi, who knows a thing or two about covering teams who played with a chip on their shoulder, took a look at teams who have done two things in the same season.
Those things are win the Stanley Cup and lead the league in penalty minutes.
Florida certainly qualified for that honor this year, leading the NHL during the regular season with 853 PIMs and then again during the playoffs, with another 370.
Would you believe that the Panthers are only the fifth team over the past 50-plus years to pull of this feat?
Even more impressive is that Florida did it without dropping the gloves a ton, earning only the tenth most fighting majors in the NHL last season.
You can check out Sam’s full story, including how Florida stacks up against the other penalty-leading Cup winners, by clicking here.
Photo caption: Jun 9, 2025; Sunrise, Florida, USA; A fight breaks out during the third period between Florida Panthers and Edmonton Oilers in game three of the 2025 Stanley Cup Final at Amerant Bank Arena. (Jim Rassol-Imagn Images)
The 2025 NHL free agent market was not one conducive to the Philadelphia Flyers saving money or driving bargains, but, historically, the Flyers haven't negotiated favorable contracts anyway.
Based on contract data and player performance put together by Dom Luszczyszyn of The Athletic, the Flyers rank below NHL average in average discounts on contracts signed over the last five years.
According to Luszczyszyn's information, the Flyers pay an extra $0.5 million on average, which ranks 19th in the NHL. Just three (Pittsburgh, Calgary, and Vancouver) of the 12 teams that saved money on average over the last five seasons missed the playoffs last year.
In fairness to the Flyers, they have negotiated quite a few decent contracts in recent months. For example, the Tyson Foerster and Cam York contracts were extremely team-friendly and allow for plenty of flexibility, both now and in the future.
On the other hand, contracts given to Joel Farabee (traded), Owen Tippett, Sean Couturier, Travis Konecny, Rasmus Ristolainen, Ivan Fedotov, and Christian Dvorak all fit the timeline criteria and have left room for debate to different degrees.
Dvorak hasn't played a game for the Flyers yet, but the online consensus seems to largely be that his one-year, $5.4 million deal was an overpay for an older, bit part player.
These are the types of contracts that push the Flyers towards the bottom of the league.
To nobody's surprise, Florida and Vegas, two states with no income tax, top Luszczyszyn's model, but also towards the top are the New Jersey Devils.
New Jersey is one of the most punishing states in terms of taxes, and many of its players reside in expensive parts of North Jersey outside of Newark.
It makes for an interesting dynamic given that a good number of Flyers players also reside in New Jersey, in towns like Haddonfield and Cherry Hill, for example, and have to play by the same rules.
The Devils, as a young but more exciting team overall, benefit from having drafted Nico Hischier, Jack Hughes, and Jesper Bratt and signed them all early.
It makes them an attractive destination for free agents (Dougie Hamilton, for example) looking to win and be part of something long term.
With the recent additions of Trevor Zegras, Porter Martone, Matvei Michkov, and Jamie Drysdale, the Flyers are hoping the project they're building can have the same effect.
But only time will tell if these players can bond together on the ice and/or reach their full potential in the NHL.
The Boston Bruins made the wise decision to stockpile prospects and draft picks by trading away veteran players at the 2025 NHL trade deadline in March.
The Bruins were able to add some talented players in the 2025 draft, including first-round pick James Hagens. And after drafting four centers, the Bruins now have a lot of depth at that position in their prospect pool. This is an encouraging development for the franchise because it currently does not have a true top-six center on its NHL roster, with the possible exception of Elias Lindholm.
That said, the overall level of talent in Boston’s prospect pool remains fairly weak. The Athletic ranked the Bruins’ prospect pool No. 30 out of 32 teams in its annual rating in January. Even after the most recent draft, the Bruins likely would still rank in the bottom third.
Drafting and developing has not been one of the Bruins’ strengths over the last 10 years. That needs to change if the franchise is going to be a Stanley Cup contender in the next three to five years.
Let’s take an updated look at the top 10 prospects in the Bruins organization. (Only players 23 years old and under were considered for this list, which excludes players like Georgii Merkulov and Michael DiPietro.)
10. Chris Pelosi, Center
Age: 20
Team: Quinnipiac (NCAA)
It took Pelosi a little while to adjust from playing in the USHL to playing for Quinnipiac last season, but he found his stride in the second half of the season and finished with a very respectable 24 points (13 goals, 11 assists) in 38 games as a freshman. He had 19 points (11 goals, eight assists) in the final 23 games of the campaign.
He also was among the final cuts for Team USA ahead of the 2025 World Junior Championships.
Pelosi has a good two-way skill set, and he plays physical without taking bad penalties. A Year 2 jump at Quinnipiac could vault Pelosi much higher on this last at this time in 2026.
9. Frederic Brunet, Defenseman
Age: 21
Team: Providence (AHL)
Brunet is a good skater and not afraid to jump into the rush and crash the net. His playmaking ability really improved in Providence this past season, evidenced by his career-high 20 assists (double his previous high).
Overall, Brunet tallied 25 points (five goals, 20 assists) in 69 games with the P-Bruins, earning himself the team’s award for best defenseman. He made his NHL debut in the final game of the 2024-25 season versus the New Jersey Devils.
"I worked hard for it…the first call is always special."
On an all-new #BruinsAcademy, we catch up with #NHLBruins defense prospect Frederic Brunet to look back on his NHL debut.
Brunet likely will start the 2025-26 campaign in Providence, but if Boston’s blue line depth is tested due to injuries, the Quebec native would be one of the best candidates to call up.
8. Philip Svedeback, Goaltender
Age: 23
Team: Providence College (NCAA)
Svedeback is the best 23-and-under goalie prospect in the Bruins’ system. He went 14-8-4 with a .911 save percentage and a 2.42 GAA for Providence last season. He has posted a .909 save percentage or higher in three of his first four years with the Friars.
Checked in with Philip Svedeback, heading into his senior year in the PC net
He's excited about the way this year's team is shaping up and he was talking up the 30 Swedes selected in the NHL Draft
With Jeremy Swayman signed long term, Joonas Korpisalo signed for three more years, and Michael DiPietro ready to compete for a backup job in the NHL, it might be difficult for Svedeback to climb up the organizational depth chart. But he’s a pretty talented goalie, and the Bruins’ depth at this position will allow them to take their time with Svedeback and let him develop at the best pace.
7. William Moore, Center
Age: 18
Team: Boston College (NCAA)
The Bruins took Moore with the No. 51 overall pick in the second round of the 2025 NHL Draft. Some experts had Moore ranked as a top-35 prospect in this class, so the Bruins were fortunate to get him in the middle of Round 2.
Moore ranked second on the U.S. Under-18 Team with 59 points (27 goals, 32 assists) in 64 games. He needs to get a little stronger and add some muscle to his 6-foot-2 and 175-pound frame, but there’s a lot to like about his offensive skill set.
Moore will play for Boston College as a freshman next season, like several other B’s prospects on this list.
6. Dean Letourneau, Center
Age: 19
Team: Boston College (NCAA)
The Bruins took Letourneau with the No. 25 pick in the first round of the 2024 NHL Draft. He has tremendous size at 6-foot-7 and 220 pounds. He plays a physical, power forward-type of game. Unfortunately for Letourneau, the jump to college hockey was a difficult one for him last season. He scored zero goals with three assists in 36 games for the Eagles.
He told reporters at Bruins Development Camp last week that he had a broken hand in the first half of the season. Not being able to impact the game as much as you want offensively can be frustrating for a young player, but Bruins player development coordinator Adam McQuaid liked the way Letourneau dealt with the adversity.
“He honestly handled it really well,” McQuaid told reporters on June 30. “There were days of disappointment where he felt like he could and wanted to impact more. We were preaching smaller details like protecting pucks and being physical, and he started to get a little bit of time on the penalty kill. He got much better with his stick — just little details.
“He took all that in stride but was still like, ‘I wanna do more, I wanna impact more. I believe I can do more.’ Those are all positive things. At the end of the year, he was like, ‘I’m going back to BC. I’m going to compete for a spot.’
“Nothing’s going to be given to you. He knows that, and it says a lot about him. So I learned a lot about his character. Adversity at a young age — a lot of these guys haven’t seen it. So for him to go through it now, there’s always going to be some critics and adversity faced. And for him, being here in Boston probably magnifies it a little bit. He’s handled it really well.”
With a year of experience, and several BC forwards having recently graduated or left for the NHL, Letourneau has a tremendous opportunity to make a huge sophomore leap with the Eagles in 2025-26.
Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports
Dean Letourneau was the No. 24 overall pick in the 2024 NHL Draft.
5. Will Zellers, Left wing
Age: 19
Team: North Dakota (NCAA)
The Bruins acquired Zellers — a 2024 third-round pick — from the Colorado Avalanche as part of the Charlie Coyle back in March.
Zellers doesn’t have tremendous size (5-foot-10 and 175 pounds), but he has a very impressive offensive skill set, including a great shot and plenty of speed. His 44 goals were the most of any USHL player last season, and his 71 points ranked third.
Two years ago, Will Zellers scored in his USHL debut. This season? He shattered Green Bay's goal record, led the league in scoring, and was named USHL Player of the Year.
Now, he's the Dave Tyler Junior Player of the Year.
Zellers will play at the University of North Dakota as a freshman next season. He is one prospect Bruins fans should keep a close eye on.
4. Dans Locmelis, Center
Age: 21
Team: Providence (AHL)
Locmelis arguably improved more than any Bruins prospect last season. He tallied a career-high 33 points (eight goals, 25 assists) in 40 games for UMass-Amherst, and then he played six regular season games for the Providence Bruins and dominated with 12 points (three goals, nine assists).
Locmelis also starred for Latvia at the World Championships.
The 2022 fourth-round pick probably will start next season in Providence, but he’s definitely a candidate to push for an NHL roster spot if he impresses during training camp and the preseason. It would be surprising if he doesn’t make his Boston debut at some point in 2025-26.
3. Fraser Minten, Center
Age: 21
Team: Boston Bruins (NHL)
Minten was a 2022 second-round pick of the Toronto Maple Leafs and was acquired by the Bruins as part of the Brandon Carlo trade in March. He should be in the mix for Boston’s third-line center competition during training camp and the preseason thanks to his two-way skill set. He’s a smart, reliable player with decent offensive upside.
Minten didn’t score a ton in the AHL with the Toronto Marlies, but he did tally seven points (three goals, four assists) in 11 games for the Providence Bruins after the trade.
Minten played six games in Boston toward the end of the season and held his own defensively. He has 25 games of NHL experience overall.
2. Matt Poitras, Center
Age: 21
Team: Providence (AHL)
Poitras’ impressive rookie season in 2023-24 was cut short due to a shoulder injury that required surgery. He began last season with the Bruins but struggled with one goal and three assists in his first 14 games. The Bruins sent Poitras to Providence in November as a result.
Poitras ended up playing 19 more games in Boston from Jan. 14 through March 6 and scored zero goals with seven assists during that span. He spent the final portion of the season in the AHL, finishing with 41 points (17 goals, 24 assists) in 47 games for Providence overall.
Poitras is a skilled playmaker with slick hands and a good shot. He needs to be a little stronger on pucks and improve in the faceoff circle, but he definitely has the potential to be a useful middle-six forward for the Bruins. Similar to Minten, Poitras should be among the candidates vying for the third-line center role.
Poitras has shown flashes of his potential in the NHL. Whether he can be a consistent offensive player at that level remains to be seen.
1. James Hagens, Center
Age: 18
Team: Boston College (NCAA)
The Bruins were very fortunate that Hagens — once considered the top prospect in the 2025 draft class — fell to them with the No. 7 overall pick in last month’s draft.
Hagens has No. 1 center potential as an elite playmaker, a gifted skater and the ability to score goals in a variety of ways. From a skill set and size perspective, he plays a lot like New Jersey Devils star center Jack Hughes.
Hagens tallied 37 points (11 goals, 26 assists) as an 18-year-old first-line center for the Eagles last season. He also was one of Team USA’s best players at the World Junior Championship and scored in the gold medal game.
Another year of development at BC would be the smartest route for Hagens to take. The Bruins shouldn’t rush Hagens’ ascent to the NHL. He is their only elite prospect.
The Pittsburgh Penguins weren't big spenders during free agency last year and took a similar approach this year. They signed players to short-term contracts with the hope of giving them good value before potentially trading them to a contender at the trade deadline.
One of the players they brought in on July 1 was defenseman Parker Wotherspoon. He was signed to a two-year, $2 million contract.
Penguins general manager/president of hockey operations Kyle Dubas really hammered home during multiple media sessions that he wanted to improve the left side of the defense going into next season, and he hopes that Wotherspoon can be part of the solution.
He spent the previous two seasons with the Boston Bruins after starting his NHL career with the New York Islanders in 2022-23. Wotherspoon has played in 108 games, compiling one goal and 16 points. Offense isn't his specialty, but he's a good skater and can defend his own zone well. Those two things are what the Penguins will be looking for from him since they weren't good in their own zone last year.
As it stands, the defense as a whole isn't very good but Wotherspoon is still an upgrade on the left side over some of the options they had at their disposal last year.
Some of the greatest players in NHL history have donned the Winged Wheel, and over the years, Red Wings fans have been able to count themselves as some of the most fortunate in professional sports.
After all, there are multiple fan bases who would do just about anything to witness their team win the Stanley Cup just once in their lifetimes, let alone four times in 11 years like the Red Wings did from 1997 to 2008.
It could have been five in 12 years had the outcome of a certain Game 7 in June of 2009 at Joe Louis Arena gone a different way, but that's a topic for another day.
Several of those aforementioned legends of the game were drafted by and spent their entire NHL careers with in Detroit. Names like Steve Yzerman, Nicklas Lidstrom, Pavel Datsyuk, and Henrik Zetterberg never played a game in the NHL for any team other than the Red Wings.
But there were also plenty of other legendary figures who were part of multiple Stanley Cup-winning editions of the Red Wings who got their starts elsewhere.
While there are multiple players who fit that bill, here are the first four we'll look back on.
Brendan Shanahan
One of the most clutch goal scorers the Red Wings boasted in the last 30 years, Shanahan originally began his career on the East Coast after being selected by the New Jersey Devils with the second overall pick in 1987.
He would eventually sign with the St. Louis Blues in 1991, and his goal scoring began to take off. In his second and third seasons with the Blues, he scored 52 and 51 goals, respectively. And after a brief tenure with the Hartford Whalers, the Red Wings decided to make one of the most impactful deals in their history.
Shanahan was obtained on October 9, 1996 after the Red Wings had already started the 1996-97 season. Detroit sent future Hall of Fame defenseman Paul Coffey along with forward Keith Primeau back to the Whalers, and Shanahan would arrive at Joe Louis Arena literally minutes before the Red Wings hit the ice for warmups in their 1996 home opener against the Edmonton Oilers.
The rest, as they say, is history. Shanahan scored 47 goals in his first season with the Red Wings and would play an integral part of their 1997, 1998, and 2002 Stanley Cup-winning teams. During his time in Detroit, he scored 309 goals in regular season play and 33 playoff goals.
While he would depart Detroit after the 2005-06 season after saying he felt was more identified with the team's past instead of the future, he would later be inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame as a member of the Red Wings.
Larry Murphy
By the time the Red Wings acquired Murphy from the Toronto Maple Leafs at the 1997 NHL Trade Deadline, he was in the midst of his 17th season and had already won the Stanley Cup twice in a row as a member of the Pittsburgh Penguins in 1991 and 1992, the latter of which was under future Detroit coach Scott Bowman.
Murphy began his career with the Los Angeles Kings, who made him the fourth overall pick in the 1980 NHL Draft. He later played for the Washington Capitals and Minnesota North Stars before arriving with the Penguins in a 1990 trade.
Murphy was in his second season with the Maple Leafs when he was essentially rescued by the Red Wings, as the Maple Leafs were one of the worst clubs in the League at the time. Murphy was immediately paired with fellow future Hall of Fame defenseman Nicklas Lidstrom, and won the Stanley Cup in consecutive seasons for the second time in his career.
He retired in 2001 after 1,615 career games played, and he was inducted into the Hall of Fame in his first year of eligibility.
Kris Draper
One of the least expensive acquisitions in NHL history, Draper was traded from the Winnipeg Jets to the Red Wings in 1993 for literally $1.
Draper was originally selected by the Jets in the 1989 NHL Draft with the 62nd overall pick, and he had a modest 20 games of NHL experience by the time he arrived in the Motor City.
He would go on to be one of the key elements of Detroit's famous "Grind Line" with Kirk Maltby and Darren McCarty, and would get his name on the Stanley Cup four times by the time he retired from the NHL in 2011.
Draper now works for the Red Wings as their director of amateur scouting and assistant general manager under his longtime teammate, Steve Yzerman.
Igor Larionov
One of the smartest players to ever lace up the skates in the NHL, Larionov began his professional hockey career in his native Russia before he helped to lobby (with his future Detroit teammate, Slava Fetisov) for the defection of Soviet players to the NHL.
Larionov, who was selected by the Vancouver Canucks in the 1985 NHL Draft with the 214th overall pick, was finally allowed to relocated to North America and joined the Canucks in 1989.
He would eventually claimed by the San Jose Sharks in the 1992 NHL Expansion Draft, and would ironically be part of the 8th seeded Sharks club that stunned the Red Wings with a seven-game series win in the opening round of the 1994 Stanley Cup Playoffs.
Larionov was then traded to the Red Wings in the 1995-96 season, and would become part of Detroit's famed "Russian Five". He played an integral role in helping the Red Wings win the Stanley Cup consecutively in 1997 and 1998, but would leave the Red Wings to sign with the Florida Panthers in the 2000 offseason.
His time in Florida was brief, as he would be traded right back to Detroit in late December of 2000, where he would play for another two and a half seasons, which included another Stanley Cup win.
Larionov scored one of the most famous overtime goals in Red Wings postseason history in triple overtime of Game 3 of the 2002 Stanley Cup Finals against the Carolina Hurricanes. His goal after nearly two full games worth of playing time gave the Red Wings the series lead for good.
After one final NHL season with the New Jersey Devils in 2003-04, Larionov retired and would be inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2008.
Never miss a story by adding us to your Google News favorites!
This move comes less than two weeks after the Penguins sent netminder Alex Nedeljkovic to the San Jose Sharks in a trade for a 2028 third-round pick. When that trade happened, it appeared that the Penguins were finally aiming to address their organizational goaltending logjam in order to give some younger guys their chance to stick on the NHL roster.
Now, the acquisition of Silovs - who is signed through the end of the 2025-26 season at $850,000 - once again, complicates things.
Silovs, 24, is still pretty young and relatively inexperienced at the NHL level. He appeared in 10 NHL games for Vancouver in 2024-25, posting an .861 save percentage and a 3.65 goals-against average. And, for his career, he is 8-8-2 in 19 appearances with an .880 save percentage and a 3.13 goals-against average.
While his NHL numbers might not jump out on the stats sheet, it’s his ability to step up in big games that has shone through. In the 2025 Calder Cup playoffs for the Abbotsford Canucks - Vancouver’s AHL affiliate - Silovs went 16-7-0 with five shutouts, a .931 save percentage, and 2.01 goals-against average, leading Abbotsford to its first-ever Calder Cup championship and taking home AHL playoff MVP honors at the end of it all.
In other words, the Penguins acquired a young goaltender much like some of the prospects they already have in their system in Joel Blomqvist, Taylor Gauthier, Filip Larsson, and Sergei Murashov: a netminder with potential that has seen stretches of inconsistency but could be a big part of the NHL roster looking ahead.
While more goaltending depth certainly isn’t a bad thing for the Penguins - as they have struggled in that department for the better part of the last decade - it also raises questions about what their plan between the pipes is heading into the 2025-26 season.
Although the Penguins carried three goaltenders for a near-month-long stretch early last season, it’s unlikely that will be the case barring injury concerns. Gauthier, 24, and Larsson, 26, are both signed to AHL contracts, while Blomqvist, 23, and Murashov, 21, are both signed to their entry-level contracts.
The latter two are the two goaltending prospects with the most promise for the Penguins, but both Larsson and Gauthier have shown flashes of brilliance in the Penguins’ system. Larsson started last season in Wilkes-Barre/Scranton on a high note, but an injury in the back half of the season set him back, and he struggled in the games to follow. Gauthier took home ECHL Goaltender of the Year honors in 2023-24 with a .923 save percentage and 2.23 goals-against average only to best those numbers last season, as he finished with a .928 save percentage and a 2.06 goals-against average.
Gauthier was rewarded with an AHL contract for the 2025-26 season, and Larsson has one year remaining on his two-way contract. Blomqvist will be an RFA following the 2025-26 season, and Murashov is signed through 2026-27.
And all of the conjecture concerning prospects doesn’t even account for Tristan Jarry, who is still committed to the Penguins for three more years at $5.375 million and who has struggled to find consistency over the last two seasons for Pittsburgh.
BREAKING: Abbotsford Canucks Win 2025 Calder Cup After a magical playoff run filled with standout performances, the Abbotsford Canucks have officially won the 2025 Calder Cup. This is Abbotsford’s first Calder Cup win in franchise history and their first time making it out of the second round since their inaugural season in 2021. They clinched the Calder Cup after a 3–2 Game 6 win against the Charlotte Checkers in the Calder Cup Finals. The last time the Vancouver Canucks’ AHL affiliate made it to the Calder Cup Finals was when the Utica Comets did so in 2015.
So, Silovs’s acquisition begs the question of whether or not the Penguins have another move up their sleeve.
Of course, Silovs is - by no means - a negative acquisition. He has upside, and he should have a chance to prove he belongs at the NHL level. But his presence also creates a logjam at the AHL level, as all four of the aforementioned goaltenders should probably be playing against AHL-level competition instead of getting buried in the ECHL.
Unless the Penguins either plan to move on from Jarry at some point before the season starts or package one of their young goaltending prospects in a potential trade, this move doesn’t seem to make much sense. While a good, low-risk move in terms of value, it will only risk stunting the development of four other goaltending prospects if a subsequent move isn’t made to clear that logjam again.
There is a lot of trade speculation surrounding three Penguins in Erik Karlsson, Rickard Rakell, and Bryan Rust. It’s conceivable to think that the Penguins could package one of their young goaltenders in a larger trade involving one of those players to net a higher return - and, possibly, net a young NHL player in return, which is what GM and POHO Kyle Dubas has suggested is a priority.
Or, maybe, a team like the Edmonton Oilers would poke around at Jarry for the right price, and the Penguins are exploring that option.
Whatever the case may be, if the Penguins truly want to look ahead to the next generation and the future of this franchise, they would be wise not to hold back any of their young goaltenders from playing at the level they should be playing at. There was a path to that happening prior to the Silovs trade.
Now, the path just got a bit murkier. And it’s up to Dubas and the Penguins to navigate that path forward for the 2025-26 season.
The Montreal Canadiens have several promising young players in their system. Oliver Kapanen is undoubtedly among them, as the young forward has the tools to blossom into an impactful player for the Canadiens as he continues to adjust to the NHL level.
Kapanen played in his first 18 NHL regular-season games this past season with the Canadiens, where he posted two assists. He also played in three playoff games for Montreal this spring, posting one assist and an even plus/minus rating. Overall, it was a bit of a quiet start to his NHL career, but he also demonstrated promise.
Kapanen spent most of this season with Timra IK of the Swedish Hockey League (SHL), as he played with the SHL squad from November to early April after being loaned there by the Canadiens. He would later be returned to the Canadiens on April 2 for the final portion of the year.
While with Timra IK, Kapanen showed off his high potential, recording 15 goals and 35 points in 36 games. Overall, it was a strong season overseas for the 2021 second-round pick, and it is hard not to feel optimistic about him heading into 2025-26 because of it.
With how well Kapanen performed this season in the SHL, he is certainly standing out as a prime breakout candidate for the Canadiens. The potential for the young forward to emerge as a key forward on Montreal's roster is there, and it would not be surprising in the slightest if he takes a notable step forward next season with the Original Six club. It will be fascinating to see if he does just that from here.
The Buffalo Sabres should be in the market for an impact top-six forward after dealing winger JJ Peterka to the Utah Mammoth for defenseman Michael Kesselring and winger Josh Doan, but the opening weeks of free agency did not provide GM Kevyn Adams with an opportunity to replace Peterka’s production, either in a swap for defenseman Bowen Byram, or for a package of younger players, prospects, and/or draft picks.
Adams may be relying on the return for Byram to bring back the replacement for Peterka, but if the Sabres choose to keep the restricted free agent blueliner, can they put together a deal for the player they need that would be attractive to another club?
Two-time Stanley Cup winner Bryan Rust is likely to be one of the next victims of Pittsburgh GM Kyle Dubas’ purge of the Penguins to improve their chances to finish dead last and have the best chance of winning the lottery and selecting presumptive top pick Gavin McKenna next June. Dubas is expected to try moving out forward Rickard Rakell as well, potentially Sidney Crosby, and what is left of the Penguins championship core group.
The 33-year-old winger has spent all 11 seasons with the Penguins, and posted a career-high in goals (31) and points (65) last season. The two aspects that have to make Rust an extremely enticing target for Adams is the three years in term remaining at an AAV of $5.125 million, and that he does not have any no-trade protection. Unlike the Dallas Stars, who are undoubtedly looking for NHL players in return for winger Jason Robertson, the Penguins would be looking for young prospects for Rust. That makes the Sabres and Pittsburgh an excellent fit for a potential trade.
What Would It Cost?
The issue for Adams is not a lack of attractive pieces that Dubas would be interested in, it will be that half the league will be in competition with him for Rust. Youngsters like Zach Benson or Jack Quinn, who have two or more years of NHL experience under their belt would have to be part of the package, along with a secondary prospect like Isak Rosen or Noah Ostlund, or a lottery-protected first round pick.
Follow Michael on X, Instagram, and Bluesky @MikeInBuffalo
While we're still approximately two months away from the start of Training Camp for the upcoming 2025-26 NHL season, there remain several free agents in all three position groups who are still waiting for a call for a contract.
Among the players that are hoping to land a new deal are several former Red Wings who suited up as recently as this past season, or who departed from the team in recent years.
Perhaps the most noteworthy figure that Red Wings fans are still well familiar with is Robby Fabbri, who played last season with the Anaheim Ducks after being traded by Detroit last July in exchange for goaltender Gage Alexander and a conditional 2025 fourth-round pick; his three-year, $12 million contract that he signed in 2022 expired this offseason.
As has unfortunately been the case for much of his NHL career, injuries limited Fabbri's availability with the Ducks. He played in just 44 games, scoring eight goals with eight assists. In November, he underwent arthroscopic knee surgery, while he was later placed on Injured Reserve with an upper-body ailment in February.
Fabbri was an underrated addition to the Red Wings by GM Steve Yzerman during their rough 2019-20 season, acquired from the St. Louis Blues in November 2019 for checker Jacob de la Rose; his 14 goals were fourth-most on the team.
Among the other players who are still looking for their next contracts that played for the Red Wings this most recent season are forwards Tyler Motte and Craig Smith, the latter of which was acquired in March (along with Petr Mrazek) from Chicago in the Joe Veleno deal.
Motte, who was signed to a one-year contract, scored four goals with five assists in 55 games played, while Smith registered two assists in the 19 games he played after being acquired.
Daniel Sprong, who scored 18 goals for the Red Wings in 2023-24, was well traveled last season. He began the season with the Vancouver Canucks, but was traded after only nine games to the Seattle Kraken, where he had previously played before signing with Detroit. After being waived by the Kraken and playing in the American Hockey League, he was eventually traded to the New Jersey Devils.
Sprong ultimately played in only 30 combined NHL games in 2024-25, but scored only twice while adding five assists.
Luke Glendening, who is now 36 years old and played the first eight seasons of his NHL career with the Red Wings, has since split his time between the Dallas Stars and Tampa Bay Lightning. Last season in Tampa Bay, he scored four goals with three assists in 77 games.
Additional former Red Wings players that fans are still familiar with include Brendan Smith, Jakub Vrana, and Klim Kostin.
Never miss a story by adding us to your Google News favorites!
Rasmus Asplund Leaves Florida Organization For Switzerland
Swedish forward Rasmus Asplund, 27, has signed a
two-year contract with HC Davos, the
National League club announced on Tuesday.
CONFIRMED: Jesse Puljujärvi Signs Multi-Year Contract in Switzerland
Finnish winger Jesse Puljujärvi, 27, has signed a
two-year contract with Genève-Servette, the National League
club announced on Tuesday. 
Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports
