Canadiens To Honour Former Blueliner Andrei Markov

Andrei Markov skated in 990 NHL games, all of them wearing the Montreal Canadiens’ colours, but his association with the team ended abruptly when he couldn’t reach a new agreement with then GM  Marc Bergevin. After the 2016-2017 season, both Markov and fellow Russian Alex Radulov left the team after the famous "If you want loyalty, get a dog" quote from the GM. While Markov headed back home to play in the KHL, Radulov signed a five-year contract with the Dallas Stars.

Nearly 10 years later, and with Bergevin being long gone, the organisation has announced that on Wednesday, December 3, the game against the Winnipeg Jets will serve as the former defenseman’s homecoming.

Canadiens: Hutson’s Agent Sets The Record Straight
Canadiens Sign New Goalie To PTO
Canadiens: Behind The Scenes At The Draft
Pierre LeBrun Brings Up The Canadiens To Crosby

Expect a celebration similar to the ones Saku Koivu had in 2014 and P.K. Subban received in 2023. While his 16 seasons in Montreal would make him worthy of the Ring of Honour in my opinion, he won’t be added there since that honour is reserved for former Canadiens’ players who have been inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame. Does it make sense for Pierre Turgeon to be on the Bell Centre’s wall while Markov isn’t? The answer seems obvious to me, but there we are.

It will be interesting to see how Markov reacts to being under the spotlight since it’s not something he’s ever really relished. Given the ovation he received as a spectator at a game last season, he should expect a very warm welcome.

In his 990 career games, the General gathered 572 points, including 119 goals and 453 assists. Despite being plagued by a serious knee injuries, the rearguard never lost a step, and while his mobility might have gone down somewhat, he always found a way to make up for it with his hockey IQ. His 572 points put him in third place for points by a defenseman in franchise history (Guy Lapointe has the same number of points, but played fewer games, so he gets second place behind Larry Robinson, who recorded 883 in 1202 games), and that alone is more than worthy of celebration.


Canadiens stories, analysis, breaking news, and more! Tap the star to add us to your favorites on Google News, never to miss a story.  

Follow Karine on X @KarineHains Bluesky @karinehains.bsky.social and Threads @karinehains.

Bookmark The Hockey News Canadiens' page for all the news and happenings around the Canadiens.

Join the discussion by signing up to the Canadiens' roundtable on The Hockey News.

From tots to taters, Harrison Bader has thrived in the pressure cooker of Philadelphia pennant race

PHILADELPHIA — From tots to taters, Harrison Bader has thrived in the pressure cooker of a Philadelphia pennant race.

With enthusiasm and elite defense, Bader became an instant fan favorite when the Phillies acquired the Gold Glove outfielder from Minnesota at the July 31 trade deadline.

The “Bader Tots” T-shirts zipped off team merchandise store shelves faster than Bader can rip off hits this season against the rival New York Mets.

With NL batting leader Trea Turner sidelined with a hamstring injury, Bader was bumped up to the leadoff spot against the Mets and rewarded the Phillies with a solo homer — a tater, in home run slang — and his second straight three-hit game in a 9-3 win.

As for the tots?

Well, Bader’s homer into the left-field seats landed not far from the concession stand on the outfield concourse that unveiled Bader Tots on the menu before he could even dig in at the plate.

At the baseball home of cheesesteaks and crab fries, the tots come like the heart of the Phillies’ order: loaded. They’re topped with American cheese sauce, crumbled bacon, Cheddar Jack cheese, sour cream, and scallions.

Only embattled reliever Jordan Romano this season is responsible for so much agita in Philly.

A game after Bryce Harper went 0 for 4 in his leadoff stint, manager Rob Thomson turned to Bader against left-hander Sean Manaea. Bader won’t be the regular leadoff hitter, especially against right-handers, but the move paid off. Bader, who had three hits against the Mets a night earlier and entered 12 for 21 against his former team this season, followed Otto Kemp’s solo homer in the second with his 16th homer of the year for a 4-0 lead.

“I just try to be like Trea and shoot the ball all over the place, run as fast as I can, not get thrown out between first and second, not get thrown out by catchers,” Bader said. “Just try to play my game.”

His game has been about as good as it gets since he joined the NL East leaders.

Bader slashed .320/.389/500 in his first 32 games with the Phillies after he was acquired for two minor leaguers.

There is just one drawback to batting first.

“I’ve got to sprint down a little faster after the top of the first,” he said with a laugh.

Bader found himself in the thick of an apparent dispute over a home run ball he hit last week in Miami against the Marlins.

Bader hit a solo homer into the left-field stands in the fourth inning at loanDepot Park. Several fans scrambled for the ball before a man came up with it and walked over and gave it to a boy and hugged him. Both were wearing Phillies gear, and it was the boy’s birthday.

Moments later, a woman, also wearing Philadelphia apparel, approached and appeared to shout at the man, who then grabbed the ball from the boy’s glove and gave it to her.

The boy ended up going home with a signed bat from Bader, who met with him outside the Phillies’ clubhouse after the game.

Bader’s homer against the Mets didn’t seem to ignite any fireworks in the stands — just crooked numbers on the scoreboard.

“He’s really improved over the years, and he’s got all kinds of power, and it comes out every once in a while,” Thomson said. “I think we all know how good of a defender he is, how good a thrower he is, but I think that the offensive side is impressive.”

Steve Borthwick urged by club coaches to rest England’s Lions during autumn internationals

  • Players could be rested for matches on welfare grounds

  • Lions squad mandated 10 weeks off after summer tour

Steve Borthwick has been urged to consider resting British & Irish Lions players during England’s autumn internationals campaign on welfare grounds by Prem Rugby head coaches.

Players who appeared on the Lions tour in Australia over the summer were mandated 10 weeks off, ensuring they will miss the first two rounds of the new season and be available for three before England begin their November campaign against the Wallabies.

Continue reading...

Sandin-Pellikka Ranked 21st in Controversial NHL Network Top 25 Prospects List

Red Wings prospect Axel Sandin-Pellikka mentioned in controversial prospect rankings list made by NHL Network. 

On Wednesday, NHL Network released their top 25 prospects in the league with some notable omissions that caught the eyes of many. The Detroit Red Wings only had one name on the list with defenseman Axel Sandin-Pellikka at 21st overall. 

The list was curated by the Network's Research Department, which seems a bit confusing as most of the players on the list are pulled from this last year's draft mixed in with the same few names that every NHL prospect expert or insider has mentioned over the past few years. There's more players in the AHL and farm systems that are starting to show promise of being an impact player at the NHL level and are neglected for recency bias.

Detroit has several players in their prospect pipeline that were drafted higher, have better numbers at the junior level and have already shown more promise in their early development than some of the mentioned players. An example of this is Jacob Fowler over Red Wings prospect Trey Augustine. 

Bookmark The Hockey News Detroit Red Wings team site to stay connected to the latest newsgame-day coverage, and player features

3 Red Wings Prospects That Could Make NHL Debut This Season3 Red Wings Prospects That Could Make NHL Debut This SeasonExploring three Detroit Red Wings prospects that could make the jump to the NHL in the 2025-26 season.

The numbers of the Boston College netminder in Fowler are certainly impressive with a 57-13-3 record and a 1.90 goals against average. However, Augustine has routinely been Team USA's choice for a starting netminder in world tournaments as he's been on four different national teams compared to Fowler's one appearance in which he was outplayed by Augustine and started less games. Augustine was also taken ahead of Fowler in the same draft class, going 41st overall to the Red Wings while Fowler wasn't picked until the third round at 69th overall by the Montreal Canadiens. 

Another example could be Nate Danielson, who was the ninth overall pick in the 2023 Draft and is already pushing for a main roster spot this upcoming season. He's significantly further into his development and has shown signs of being an impact player with his seamless transition to pro hockey this past season. 

Putting up nearly 40 points as a rookie isn't easy and yet he remains off the list while Nashville's Brady Martin is at the 25 spot. It's hard to predict Martin's future as a young 18-year-old that has only played two seasons of junior hockey, Meanwhile, at 18 years old, Danielson put up 78 points compared to Martin's 72 last season. 

There are still plenty of question marks surrounding younger players especially when it comes to potential regression or not living up to expectations, even for top-five picks. Martin, for example, was drafted early largely due to his playing style, which drew comparisons to Florida’s Sam Bennett. With Danielson, there’s little left to question as he’s proven himself to be a high-end prospect, ready to compete for an NHL spot this season, and based on how smoothly he transitioned to the AHL, he could make an immediate impact. 

There are other names besides Danielson and Augustine that have been held off the list with the majority of the hockey community on X questioning it's legitimacy. Some are calling it just a graphic to help entertain hockey fans as the regular season nears with others calling the rankings "rage bait" meaning the post was just to incite a reaction out of viewers. The controversial rankings have certainly been effective in generating off-season conversation.

Red Wings’ Alleged Interest in Former Norris Trophy Winner Refuses to Go AwayRed Wings’ Alleged Interest in Former Norris Trophy Winner Refuses to Go AwayWhile the Detroit Red Wings were among the more active teams in free agency this summer, none of their acquisitions can realistically be considered a major addition. 

Never miss a story by adding us to your Google News favorites!

2 Former Rangers Land PTOs With Same Team

Tyler Motte (© Danny Wild-Imagn Images)

Two former New York Rangers players have landed professional tryouts (PTOs) with the same team.

According to NHL insider Frank Seravalli, Tyler Motte and Ben Harpur have signed PTOs with the Florida Panthers. 

Motte spent this past season with the Detroit Red Wings, where he posted four goals, nine points, 72 hits, and a minus-11 rating in 55 games. Now, he will be looking to impress during his PTO with the Panthers to help his chances of landing a contract for the season.

Motte had two brief stints with the Rangers as a trade deadline rental, where he posted five goals, 10 points, 57 hits, and a plus-1 rating in 33 games. 

Harpur, on the other hand, spent each of the last two seasons exclusively with the Rangers' American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate, the Hartford Wolf Pack. In 29 games with the AHL club in 2024-25, he posted one goal, five points, and 48 penalty minutes. 

Harpur last played at the NHL level with the Rangers during the 2022-23 season, where he recorded one goal, six points, 57 blocks, 63 hits, and an even plus/minus rating. 

Recent Rangers News 

Rangers Have Interesting PTO Target To Consider 

Rangers Should Give Soaring Forward Big Opportunity 

Rangers: Big Year Ahead For Artemi Panarin 

Ex-Maple Leaf Alex Steeves Among AHL Centers To Make The NHL Next Season

The key to being a successful team in the big leagues is depth in all positions. One of the most crucial and effective positions is the center position. They facilitate the offense, they play on both sides of the ice, and they’re in the dot for faceoffs.

Last season, the AHL saw a handful of centers stand out, and they likely caught the attention of their NHL clubs. Here are a few AHL centers with a chance to make it to the NHL next season. 

Luca Del Bel Belluz, Cleveland Monsters

Luca Del Bel Belluz has played parts of two seasons with the Columbus Blue Jackets and the Cleveland Monsters. In the AHL last season, he saw a big jump in offensive production. 

In his first year in Cleveland, he scored nine goals and 31 points in 58 games, finishing sixth on the team in scoring. Last year, the 21-year-old registered 27 goals and 53 points in 61 appearances, good enough for third-best on the Monsters’ roster.

Despite playing 16 NHL games across those two years, Del Bel Belluz has played his way into the conversation of playing even more games with the Blue Jackets next year.

Luca Del Bel Belluz (Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images)

Alex Steeves, Providence Bruins

Alex Steeves has been a top player in the AHL for several seasons now. Since signing with the Toronto Maple Leafs organization in 2021, he has played four seasons with the Toronto Marlies. 

In each of those seasons, Steeves has been a top-three scorer on his team. Last year was his best, as he scored 36 goals and 62 points in 58 games, finishing second in the AHL in goals and eighth in points. In addition, Steeves became the Marlies’ all-time leader in goals (105) and points (216).

With those accolades and consistency, Steeves should be destined to get a full NHL season with the Boston Bruins, who signed him in free agency to a one-year deal. 

Bradly Nadeau and Ryan Suzuki, Chicago Wolves

Bradley Nadeau and Ryan Suzuki are both in a similar position when it comes to where they stand for the Chicago Wolves and their chances with the Carolina Hurricanes

These centers, who are also capable of playing the wing, finished one point away from each other last season in the AHL. Nadeau scored 32 goals and 58 points in what was his rookie season, while Suzuki recorded 12 tallies and 59 points, leading the Wolves in scoring.

One distinguishable attribute between these two players is that Nadeau, 20, is far younger than Suzuki, 24. If either of these players gets an honest look in the NHL, it could all depend on how management sees the situation. One could be called up because they have more experience, or the other may get that opportunity because they have shown more promise at a younger age.

Check out our AHL to KHL signing tracker and AHL Free Agency signing tracker.

England v South Africa: first men’s T20 international – as it happened

South Africa won by 14 runs (DLS) on a wet and wild evening at Sophia Gardens

“Shame (but very predictable) about the current weather,” says Alfie Sparrow, although his email is actually about something else. “I’ve just moved into London, living in Tooting with some old uni mates. I was wondering if any readers have local cricket club recommendations? Played alongside Bas de Leede growing up in the Netherlands, winning 3 national titles in our age group. Wish I could say I was still near his quality but that’s far from the case – just after a friendly club for next summer.” Hope you find one.

My girlfriend has very tentatively started to get into cricket,” reports Charles Aspden. “And we discussed potential telly programmes which would further entice her in. In true Alan Partridge fashion, she wants to see ‘Tea with Amol Rajan,’ a show somewhere between Bake Off and Grandstand. Amol travels the country to try the best and worst teas around the village, county and international grounds, interviewing the local eccentrics and giving tea ladies up and down the country some of the plaudits they deserve.”

Continue reading...

NCAA bans 3 college basketball players for betting on their own games at Fresno St, San Jose St

The NCAA banned three Division I college basketball players by permanently revoking their eligibility on Wednesday, saying they had bet on their own games at Fresno State and San Jose State and were able to share thousands of dollars in payouts. The NCAA said the three bet on one another’s games and/or provided information that enabled others to do so during the 2024-25 regular season; two of them manipulated their performances to ensure certain bets were won.

Former Red Wings Prospect Attends PTO With Dallas Stars

Former Detroit Red Wings forward Cross Hanas has made a surprise appearance at the Dallas Stars’ training camp, reportedly attending on a professional tryout (PTO) agreement. The 23-year-old winger, once considered a promising prospect in the Red Wings organization as a second round pick in the 2020 NHL Draft, is now looking to earn a spot in Dallas after becoming an unrestricted free agent this summer.

Hanas spent the 2024–25 season with the Grand Rapids Griffins, Detroit’s AHL affiliate, where he tallied 9 goals and 8 assists over 58 games. While his production showed flashes of skill and playmaking ability, it wasn’t enough to secure a long-term commitment from Detroit. The Red Wings declined to extend him a qualifying offer as a pending restricted free agent, making him available to other teams.

Now in Dallas, Hanas is aiming to reignite his career in a new environment. The Stars, known for giving young players a shot, could offer the change of scenery he needs. Whether he earns a contract remains to be seen, but his presence in camp signals both a second chance for him and a low-risk look at untapped potential for Dallas.

Penguins Announce Prospects Challenge Roster, McGroarty Out

On Wednesday, the Pittsburgh Penguins announced their rosters for the 2025 Prospects Challenge in Buffalo, which takes place Sept. 11-15.

And there is one particularly notable omission from the roster. 

Forward prospect Rutger McGroarty - who was acquired from the Winnipeg Jets last summer and debuted with Pittsburgh last season - will not participate in the Prospects Challenge due to an undisclosed injury. 2025 draftees Bill Zonnon and Peyton Kettles will also miss the Challenge because of injury.

McGroarty, 21, missed the last few games of the NHL season as well as the remainder of the AHL season and playoffs due to a lower-body injury sustained in a game against the Chicago Blackhawks on Apr. 8. It is not known whether or not his current injury is an extension of the one he sustained previously.

The injury statuses of McGroarty, Zonnon, and Kettles will be updated by GM and POHO Kyle Dubas prior to the onset of training camp.

The roster for the Prospects Challenge includes 24 players (14 forwards, eight defensemen, two goaltenders), with some returning players and eight 2025 draft picks. Forwards Ville Koivunen and Tristan Broz as well as defensemen Owen Pickering and Harrison Brunicke are a few of the players returning, while draftees such as goaltender Gabriel D'Aigle, forward Ben Kindel, and defenseman Quinn Beauchesne will be making their Prospects Challenge debuts.

Top-20 Penguins' Prospects 2025: Young Forward Keeps Getting Better And BetterTop-20 Penguins' Prospects 2025: Young Forward Keeps Getting Better And BetterHeading into the 2025-26 season, the Pittsburgh Penguins have shifted the focus to youth and development.

Here is the full roster for the Prospects Challenge:

Forwards:
- Tristan Broz
- Atley Calvert
- Jordan Charron
- Kale Dach
- Brayden Edwards
- Max Graham
- Avery Hayes
- Travis Hayes
- Ben Kindel
- Gabe Klassen
- Ville Koivunen
- Ryan Miller
- Nolan Renwick
- Carter Sanderson

Defensemen:
- Quinn Beauchesne
- Harrison Brunicke
- Finn Harding
- Daniel Laatsch
- Brady Peddle
- Owen Pickering
- Emil Pieniniemi
- Chase Pietila

Goaltenders:
- Gabriel D'Aigle
- Sergei Murashov


4 Penguins Who Could Surprise In 2025-264 Penguins Who Could Surprise In 2025-26It’s no secret that the expectations for the Pittsburgh Penguins aren’t exactly sky-high this season. The team is somewhere in the midst of a rebuild, and there is uncertainty regarding the futures of several players on the roster.

The Penguins are one of five teams participating in the annual event, with the others being the Buffalo Sabres, Columbus Blue Jackets, New Jersey Devils, and Boston Bruins. They will play in three games, including their first against the Bruins on Friday at 3:30 p.m. and their second against the Blue Jackets on Sunday at 3:30 p.m.

Pittsburgh will conclude the challenge - same as last season - against Buffalo on Monday, Sept. 15 at 12:00 p.m. The Penguins will look to follow up on their performance in last season's challenge, when they were the only team to finish a clean 3-0. 


Bookmark THN - Pittsburgh Penguins on your Google News tab  to follow the latest Penguins news, roster moves, player features, and more!  

Blues Announce 2025 Training Camp Roster, Opening Days Of Schedule

The St. Louis Blues will open training camp on Thursday, Sept. 18 at Centene Community Ice Center. (St. Louis Blues photo)

ST. LOUIS -- The St. Louis Blues announced their roster and training camp schedule, which is slated to get started with on ice sessions on Thursday, Sept. 18.

Practices will be held at Centene Community Ice Center and run through Friday and Saturday before beginning the 2025 preseason schedule with a road game against the Dallas Stars on Saturday, Sept. 20.  

Ice times for the first three days of camp and the full 2025 preseason schedule can be found below.  All camp practice sessions will be free and open to the public. 

Blues 2025 Training Camp On-Ice Schedule (practice times subject to change)

Thursday, September 18 & Friday, September 19

Early Group

9:30 a.m. (USA Rink)

10 a.m. (NHL Rink)

Late Group

11:30 a.m. (NHL Rink)

Noon (USA Rink)

Saturday, September 20

Non-Playing Groups

9:30 a.m. (Group A – NHL Rink, Group B – USA Rink)

10:15 a.m. (Scrimmage – NHL Rink)

Game Group

11:30 a.m. (NHL Rink)

6 p.m. – Blues at Stars

Blues 2025 Preseason Schedule (all times central)

September 20: Blues at Stars – 6 p.m. 

September 21: Blues at Blue Jackets – 4 p.m.

September 27: Blues vs. Blackhawks – 6 p.m.

September 30: Blues vs. Stars – 7 p.m.

October 2: Blues vs. Senators – 7 p.m.

October 4: Blues at Blackhawks – 6 p.m.

Training Camp Roster:

Image