Category: Sports News

During a virtual Q&A with selected season ticket members, New York Islanders general manager Mathieu Darche stated that he didn't have any plans to bring in any players on a PTO. 

Two notes from Mathieu Darche’s chat with STH’s earlier:

1. Doesn’t plan on bringing in any PTOs for training camp

2. Implored to him amateur staff that he didn’t just want skill guys for the draft, wanted competitors (called out Eklund, Aitcheson, Prohkorov)#Isles

— Rob Taub (@RTaub_) August 7, 2025

So, if the Islanders aren't going to bring in any players on PTOs, then we have the list of players who will be battling out this fall at training camp.

PTO stands for Professional Tryout, which is when a franchise brings in a player, usually a veteran, on a trial period.

We saw this happen with the Islanders last season when Matt Martin, now a special assistant to Darche, came to camp on a PTO. Due to injuries, Martin was then signed to a one-year deal.

Darche Isn’t Lou — And That’s The Point, Especially When It Comes To Coaching PhilosophyOn Wednesday, New York Islanders general manager Mathieu Darche joined Jeff Marek on Daily Faceoff's "The Sheet".

Here's the Islanders' depth chart when it comes to NHL options for 2025-26:

C: Bo Horvat, Mathew Barzal, Calum Ritchie (waiver exempt), Jean-Gabriel Pageau, Casey Cizikas, Kyle MacLean

LW: Jonathan Drouin, Anders Lee, Anthony Duclair, Emil Heineman, Pierre Engvall

RW: Kyle Palmieri, Simon Holmstrom, Maxim Shabanov (waiver exempt), Maxim Tsyplakov, Marc Gatcomb

LD: Alexander Romanov, Adam Pelech, Matthew Schaefer, Isaiah George (waiver exempt)

RD: Tony DeAngelo, Ryan Pulock, Scott Mayfield, Adam Boqvist, Ethan Bear

G: Ilya Sorokin, Semyon Varlamov (IR), David Rittich

I*f Varlamov isn't ready, Rittich will serve as the backup.

We listed 27 players, with NHL rosters maxing out at 23, which means four players from this list will not be making the club this fall.

As of right now, the extra forwards are MacLean, Engvall, and Gatcomb.

If Ritchie wins a job—whether that's as a starting center (which would be tough unless the Islanders decide to keep Barzal on Horvat's wing or move a player like Cizikas to the wing, a place he played a lot last season)—that could push MacLean out of the NHL picture.

MacLean, who is entering the second season of a three-year deal worth $775,000 annually, will need to have a big camp after struggling in 2024-25.

It doesn't make much sense for Ritchie to make the team as an extra, since the club could send him down to Bridgeport and let him develop under Rocky Thompson, serving as the first call-up if there's an injury to the forward group.

So, if Ritchie starts in Bridgeport, that could mean MacLean still has a spot.

With the way Gatcomb played last season, he is kind of a perfect extra forward to have on this roster and will be gunning for a fourth-line gig. He signed a one-year deal worth $900,000 as an RFA.

Engvall is one of the more intriguing players entering training camp. He no question had a strong finish to the season, but his inconsistencies make him a tough player to rely on. Yes, he has five seasons left on his deal at $3 million annually, but that cap hit didn't stop the Islanders from waiving him following last year's camp and again during the season, before ultimately recalling him.

If in Bridgeport, the Islanders can bury $1.15 million of the $3 million, leaving Engvall on the books at $1.85 million.

When it comes to the extra defenseman, it seems like Schaefer and George will be battling out for the final left-side spot. 

That doesn't mean if Schaefer makes the team out of camp, there's no value in him being an extra—we saw the Islanders go that route with Noah Dobson. If George doesn't make the team, he will be playing top minutes in Bridgeport.

On the right side, Boqvist is likely making the team, whether that's as the bottom-pairing right-side defenseman or as the club's seventh defenseman. Boqvist, who signed a one-year extension, will have to beat out Scott Mayfield for the bottom-pairing gig, something he did last season following the NHL's 4 Nations Face-Off.

Bear, who signed a one-year, two-way deal worth $775,000, is trying to prove that he is an NHL-quality defenseman and will be gunning for a role.

So, to sum up the roster spot battles, it's the following:

Defense: Schaefer vs. George & Boqvist vs. Bear (any could serve as the extra defenseman if they don't win a starting spot)

Forwards: Engvall vs. Gatcomb, Ritchie vs. MacLean

Goaltenders: Varlamov vs. injury

When it comes to the actual starting lineup, there's more competition.

The only thing known at this time about the lineup is that Drouin will be playing with Horvat. We can project the starting lineup, but there are countless configurations that head coach Patrick Roy will need to figure out:

Drouin - Horvat - Palmieri

Lee - Barzal - Holmstrom

Duclair - Pageau - Shabanov

Heineman - Cizikas - Tsyplakov

Romanov - DeAngelo

Pelech - Pulock

Schaefer - Mayfield

Sorokin

Rittich

This will be an enormous camp for Duclair, who is under contract for three more seasons at $3.5 million. He walked away from the team with eight games to go after trying to get back to his game following an early-season groin injury.

If he can show that his strides are back to where they need to be, he's certainly an option to play with Barzal, which was the thought when he was signed to his deal last July.

For Shabanov, this will be his first taste of the NHL game, and it wouldn't be a shock to see him begin his career in the bottom six before working his way up, if he earns more playing time.

Maxim Tsyplakov, who signed a two-year extension worth $2.25 million annually, went through the growing pains of the NHL this past year and should have more of an understanding of how he has to play to be most effective on the ice.

Shabanov coming over, along with Drouin, certainly pushes Tsyplakov down the forward depth chart. But given Tsyplakov's hockey IQ, physicality, and ability to dish the puck and score, he could be a player who sees time in the middle six.

Simon Holmstrom, who signed a two-year extension worth $3.625 million annually, proved last season that he has the potential to be a true top-six forward after a few seasons of being a third-line shutdown forward.

He probably isn't a top-line winger, so Barzal's wing certainly makes a ton of sense.

If the Islanders have Lee, their captain, in a bottom-six role this season, that's a good sign, as it would mean that Drouin and Duclair are both providing the offense needed for their respective potential roles.

Whether it's for the final roster spots or starting minutes, training camp this fall will be a competitive one. So, buckle up, as we are about a month and a half away.

Along with the NHL 26 reveal trailer EA SPORTS NHL released a full list of new features.

The most touted new addition is a revamped Be A Pro mode that includes new challenges, the ability to play in the World Juniors, and new cutscenes. 

NHL 25's big addition ICE-Q has been upgraded to ICE-Q 2.0 which will not incorporate real time stats from NHL EDGE, the NHL's stat and positioning tracking data. This should help inform players skill attributes and help AI. 

NHL 26 will come with 28 X-Factors that, "amplify superstar abilities with unique playstyle animations and gameplay outcomes." 

These X-Factors will likely replace the 42 from NHL 25. Players having individualized abilities based on X-Factors is a good way to emphasize skills and should help users get a different feeling when using star players. 

In the portion of the trailer that shows gameplay from Be A Pro mode there is an animation where the pro scores a goal on a one-handed shot, perhaps a sign of new shot animations and an expansion of the X-Factors. 

A new Goalie Crease Control system was announced that is set to improve responsiveness and goaltender positioning. 

HUT Seasons is the newest addition to Hockey Ultimate Team that adds new team building, ranked matches, and offline ways to earn rewards. 

There were no mentions of major Franchise Mode changes of the re-introduction of GM Connected. 

NHL 26 is set to release Sept. 12, those who pre-order the deluxe edition get access Sept. 5. 

We will dive into each mode as more news becomes available. 

For more NHL Gaming news make sure you bookmark The Hockey News Gaming Site or follow our Google News Feed.  

Photo Credit: EA SPORTS NHL

New York Islanders No. 1 overall pick Matthew Schaefer is working hard this summer to crack the big squad this fall. 

Former NHLer Mark Giordano is his trainer and has been working alongside Islanders veteran defenseman Adam Pelech as well as Islanders forward Bo Horvat. 

Potential No. 1 Pick Matthew Schaefer On Islanders Bo Horvat, Adam Pelech & Mathieu DarcheLOS ANGELES -- Matthew Schaefer is not a member of the New York Islanders organization just yet, but all signs are pointing to that with the 2025 NHL Draft just a day away. 

There could be another Islanders player who joins Schaefer, and that's Casey Cizikas.

"I talked to Bo Horvat quite a bit. I was gonna train with him. And Pelech comes back to my gym," Schaefer said. "Cizikas may come back.

"I've talked to a lot of guys, and I can't wait to start working with them."

Jumping from the OHL to the NHL will be a gigantic step for Schaefer.

While he's a confident kid with a tremendous amount of hockey skill, Schaefer will need a support system in place to help him overcome obstacles that come his way.

The fact that he's trained this summer with not only NHLers but future teammates will go a long way toward Schaefer feeling comfortable in the room as quickly as possible.

While Pelech and Schaefer will not be a pair given that they both play the left side, there could be times during a game when Schaefer and Pelech are on the ice together. So, it's good for Schaefer to learn Pelech's tendencies and vice versa.

Building chemistry with forwards is ultra important, especially given the two-way style Schaefer plays.

Mathew Barzal made a comment about how he quickly built chemistry with defenseman Mike Reilly when it came to breakout passes.

So, for Schaefer, he's building chemistry with Horvat and, hopefully, Cizikas before it's time to head back to Long Island for training camp.

Don't forget Bonk, a Flyers prospect that will ‘aim high' as he turns pro originally appeared on NBC Sports Philadelphia

Oliver Bonk won’t elicit all the hype and hoopla that Matvei Michkov did a year ago.

For various reasons, the defenseman has flown under the radar a bit when it comes to Flyers prospects. He was the other first-round pick from the draft that yielded the Flyers a massive talent in Michkov.

With 2024 first-rounder Jett Luchanko tasting the NHL last season, rising prospect Alex Bump nearing his debut and 2025 sixth overall pick Porter Martone now in the picture, the fanfare around Bonk isn’t as loud.

But he could be as important as anyone in the Flyers’ long-term picture, a 20-year-old piece that will be realizing his future at the pro level this season. While he’s projected to open with AHL affiliate Lehigh Valley, he’s not settling for the Phantoms when training camp arrives next month. His goal will be the Flyers’ roster.

“Go in with the expectation that you’re going to make the team,” Bonk said last month at development camp. “You can’t be aiming that you’re going to go to the [AHL] because then you will be going to the [AHL].

“If you’ve already set that bar — I don’t want to say low, but lower than it should be — you’re going to end up there. I think for every guy at this camp, it should be playing in the NHL. Most of the guys, it is. Some people will say it’s not really realistic, but I think it is. You’ve got to aim high.”

Bonk is coming off a highly successful career at the junior ranks. He helped lead London to the OHL championship series three times in four seasons and won the last two.

The righty shot punctuated his run with the Knights in June by winning the Memorial Cup. He did it alongside Flyers prospect Denver Barkey, who captained the top team in Canadian major junior hockey.

“I can definitely tell you that him and Bonk walk around with some pretty good swagger in the locker room after doing what they did,” Flyers director of player development Riley Armstrong said last month.

Bonk and Barkey were both drafted by the Flyers in 2023. After parts of four seasons as teammates in London, they’re turning pro together, as well.

“It’s really cool for us, just to watch each other grow over the years has been special,” Barkey said last month. “To continue to play together and hopefully play together for the rest of our lives, it’s cool to play alongside one another and just have a familiar face around. It has made it a lot easier.”

Over his final two regular seasons with the Knights, Bonk put up 107 points (35 goals, 72 assists) and a plus-65 rating through 112 games. He had a career plus-51 mark in the playoffs. The 6-foot-2, 210-pounder has a game that’s all about doing the subtle things to keep the puck out of his team’s net.

Now he’s set to test himself against pros. What will be the biggest challenge?

“Get physically ready,” Bonk said. “I think mentally, I’m there. I understand what’s happening out there, I’m not lost. But I think physically this summer, you’ve got to get a lot bigger, put on some weight, get heavier because you’re not playing against 16-year-olds anymore that are just young and light. You’re playing against some heavy guys, so it’s going to be important.”

The Bridgeport Islanders have signed defenseman Sean Day to a one-year deal, it was announced earlier this week.

Day, a 2016 third-round pick of the New York Rangers, spent the 2024-25 season with HV71 in the SHL, scoring two goals and adding nine assists for 11 points in 45 regular season games. With HV71 having played in six games in a relegation round, Day collected an assist. 

Having turned pro at the beginning of the 2018-19 season, Day has appeared in two NHL games for the Tampa Bay Lightning, going pointless in the process. Across his pro career, he has also seen time in the ECHL and AHL. 

With Day now returning to North America, he joins the New York Islanders organization that has a few familiar faces amongst the crowd, including former Lightning AGM Mathieu Darche. Although Day may not have been able to establish himself in the NHL, he will still provide solid leadership and play at both end of the ice for Bridgeport.

The Montreal Canadiens’ performance against teams from their division was a significant part of the reason why they were able to qualify for the playoffs last season, and that included their winning record against the Tampa Bay Lightning. While Jon Cooper and his men are no longer the reigning Stanley Cup champs they were in 2020 and 2021, they are still a contending team every year.

The Habs took on the Bolts three times last season and won two of the three duels, outscoring the Florida outfit 11-9 in the season series, showing character and determination.

Canadiens: When Will The Action Resume?
Canadiens: Former Habs Are Back In Town Again
Canadiens Steamrolled The Champions

The first duel between the two teams came on December 29, just the second game after the Christmas break. Fresh off a 4-0 win over the Florida Panthers, the Canadiens triumphed 5-2 over the Lightning in the second game of a back-to-back. After seeing his backup blank the Cats, Samuel Montembeault put on a strong display, saving 21 of the 23 shots he faced, making key stops when needed. It was a win acquired by the veterans as Christian Dvorak, Jake Evans, Joel Armia, and Brendan Gallagher all found the back of the net after Alex Newhook opened the score in the first period.

A month later, at the Bell Center, the Canadiens showed character coming back from behind to snatch a 3-2 win after Tampa Bay had taken a 2-0 lead. Montembeault was instrumental in the win, making 33 saves as his teammates only tested Andrei Vasilevskiy 22 times. Patrik Laine got a pair of assists, including one at even strength on the game-tying goal, while Jake Evans scored the game-winning goal with 2:15 left in the third.

The Lightning came back strong in the last duel of the season on February 9, posting a 5-3 win while the Canadiens were in the midst of an awful sequence. They were 3-6-1 in their last 10 games and were hoping to bounce back before the 4 Nations Face-Off break. Tampa Bay’s best players stood tall on the night, with Jake Guentzel, Brandon Hagel, Victor Hedman, and Anthony Cirelli all picking up a pair of points.

The secret of the Habs’ success against Tampa last season was their ability to keep the Bolts’ best players in check. In the three games of the series, Guentzel, Hagel, and Cirelli only had three points, meaning they all had only one across the first two games. Hedman and Nikita Kucherov could only manage a pair of points in the season series. The fact that Vasilevskiy only had a .889 save percentage also helped.

Montreal’s team effort and depth scoring were also key since the Bolts blanked both Cole Caufield and Nick Suzuki in the season series. Armia, Dvorak, and Gallagher all played significant roles in those wins, and if the Canadiens are hoping to have the same kind of results against Tampa this season, their best players will have to step up. Armia and Dvorak will no longer be there to provide veteran leadership and depth scoring. Newcomers Noah Dobson and Zachary Bolduc won’t be the solution since they had moderate success against the Bolts; Dobson was blanked, and Bolduc had one point in two games. Ivan Demidov could potentially make a difference; however, if the Canadiens find a way to put him in winning conditions, on a second line that manages to develop chemistry.

Tampa Bay didn’t make huge moves this offseason; they didn’t really need to, but they did sign recently reacquired forward Yanni Gourde to a six-year contract extension. The veteran generally does well when playing against the Canadiens; he has 15 points in 21 games. The Bolts' most significant move this offseason probably was to move Isaac Howard, who had let it be known he wouldn’t sign with them, to the Edmonton Oilers for Sam O’Reilly, a Memorial Cup Champion with the London Knights.

The bottom line, however, is that if the Canadiens intend to become contenders, they will need to keep on performing well against teams that know how to win, like Tampa. To win against those teams when it matters the most, you also need to get top performances from your key players. Caufield and Suzuki need to play their usual key role against this team as well.

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The energy of the Vegas Golden Knights won’t just be lighting up T-Mobile Arena this season, now it’s taking flight! Knight Flights, a new partnership with Cirrus Aviation, provides the opportunity for the most die-hard fans to travel in VIP fashion. 

“Bringing Knight Flights back this season was a strategic decision rooted in our long-standing partnership with the Vegas Golden Knights and our belief in the power of experiential travel,” said Eric Grilly, President of Cirrus Aviation Services. “We saw an opportunity to reimagine how fans experience away games by offering something more immersive and elevated. The idea of combining private aviation, exclusive access, and game-day energy just made sense—and aligned perfectly with what Cirrus stands for. Since announcing the return of Knight Flights, the early momentum has been strong, and we’re seeing real enthusiasm from fans who are eager to travel in style and support their team on the road.” 

This experience is the first-of-its-kind. Each curated getaway includes round-trip private jet travel aboard a Cirrus Challenger 850, seating just 15 guests for an ultra-exclusive feel, bespoke in-flight hospitality, premium lower bowl tickets putting fans right in the heart of the action, and white-glove ground transportation provided by Kaptyn, ensuring a seamless ride throughout the duration of the day. 

“Every detail of the Knight Flights experience is curated with the fan in mind,” Grilly said. “We’re fortunate to work with trusted partners like Kaptyn, who share our standard of service, and with the Golden Knights organization, who help us bring this vision to life. Internally, our operations and guest services teams obsess over the details—because for us, it’s not just about the flight, it’s about making every touchpoint feel exceptional.” 

The Knights are entering their ninth year in the NHL, and with that comes the ongoing effort to sustain the strong bond between the team and its fans. The players feed off the energy and support that fans bring. Their 82-game schedule is certainly demanding, so this partnership benefits not only the fans but the players putting in the work on the ice as well. 

“We live, play and work in Vegas - the Sports and Entertainment Capital of the World - so we aspire to be five-star in everything we do,” said Matt Lenio, Vice President of Partnerships for the Vegas Golden Knights. “The Golden Knights are proud to align with brands who share our mission to be champions both on and off the ice, value community, and provide fans with benefits and opportunities that other teams may not. Cirrus Aviation Knight Flights fit directly into the team's profile of being innovative and creative in finding new ways our fans can follow their passions.”  

While fans can always stream the games from home, nothing compares to the thrill and unforgettable memories of experiencing the action live. 

“Knight Flights is an easy and convenient way to arrange travel to a VGK game, and it minimizes the work of planning travel arrangements,” Lenio said. “Furthermore, it provides an elevated experience at an affordable rate to help create a memorable and stress-free trip. Walking away from a game or event with a positive view is crucial to fan loyalty, and so are unique experiences where fans can feel like they’re part of something bigger than themselves. Through this partnership, Cirrus Aviation is helping the Golden Knights build long-term relationships with their fans to further improve the connection they have to Vegas and beyond.”  

2025-2026 Knight Flights Schedule

• 10/9/2025— Vegas Golden Knights vs San Jose Sharks 
• 11/20/2025—Vegas Golden Knights vs Utah Mammoths
• 11/22/2025— Vegas Golden Knights vs Anaheim Ducks
• 11/24/2025— Vegas Golden Knights vs Utah Mammoths
• 1/1/2026— Vegas Golden Knights vs San Jose Sharks 
• 1/14/2026— Vegas Golden Knights vs Los Angeles Kings
• 2/1/2026—Vegas Golden Knights vs Anaheim Ducks
• 2/25/2026—Vegas Golden Knights vs Los Angeles Kings

With select dates already released and up for purchase, Cirrus Aviation continues to have playoff games and other tentpole moments on their radar and plan to announce additions as the season progresses. 

“You can feel the energy onboard these flights—people are excited, united, and proud to represent their team on the road,” Grilly said. “It’s more than just a trip; it’s a shared experience that turns strangers into community. As for what fans can look forward to—we’re just getting started. Whether it’s new destinations, surprise onboard activations, or special guest appearances, we’re committed to pushing the envelope and delivering even more moments that fans will remember long after the final buzzer.”

Seats are limited — visit the Knight Flights page to secure your top-tier fan experience like never before!