The Eagles get a late touchdown from Trent Mosley to beat the Monarchs for the first time since 2013 and remain in the hunt for the Trinity League title.
Youth Movement Cultivating Fresh Identity For Penguins
On Thursday night against the New York Islanders, Pittsburgh Penguins' rookie defenseman Harrison Brunicke became the first teenager to score a goal for the Penguins since Daniel Sprong in 2015.
On the surface, this doesn’t seem all that crazy. After all, teenagers playing in the NHL, period, is a bit of a rarity, and it’s something that certainly doesn’t happen on a yearly basis for most teams. But when considering the tendency of the Penguins to have largely favored veterans for a large chunk of the last decade, true youth populating the roster seemed like something that happened a lifetime ago.
This season, things are different.
Of course, there are a few reasons for that. It’s important to distinguish the fact that - prior to the 2025-26 season - the Penguins had simply lacked legitimate youth talent in their system for a long while. Years of winning championships, 16 consecutive postseason appearances, and going all-in at the trade deadline does that to an organization.
But because Pittsburgh has missed the playoffs for three consecutive seasons, they have already shifted into rebuild mode, and they’re focused on collecting high-value assets and infusing talent into their system. As a result, there are better young players and, therefore, more legitimate opportunities for those young players - such as Brunicke and 18-year-old center Ben Kindel - to populate the NHL roster.
However, the mere existence of young players isn’t the only factor. New head coach Dan Muse - hired this summer - along with the rest of his staff that is focused on development, is also giving the kids some runway to show what they can do at the NHL level. That kind of leeway wasn’t as easy for former head coach Mike Sullivan and his staff to grant while the organization was still prioritizing making the playoffs.
The prevailing sentiment heading into this season was that the Penguins would likely be a pretty far cry from playoff contention. Yet - two games into the 2025-26 season - something about this team simply feels different. Feels rejuvenated. Energized.
Now, getting too far ahead of anything would be foolish. To declare the Penguins a playoff hopeful after two regular season games is unrealistic, especially since most people have them finishing in at least the bottom-10 this season. On top of that, GM and POHO Kyle Dubas himself said at the end of the 2024-25 season that the Penguins making the playoffs this season would be “an accomplishment.”
That said, there is a certain energy - and structure - around this team that has been lacking in recent years. The team is playing faster. Smarter. Tighter. More risk-averse. In the two games so far this season - both wins against each team from New York - they were the better team in the final 20 minutes of play, generally doing a good job of limiting opposing chances, controlling play, and shutting things down, as they haven’t allowed a third-period goal.
And it’s not as if the youth on their team is sitting back and letting the veterans do all the work. Yes, Evgeni Malkin has five points in two games. Justin Brazeau has three goals in two games. Sidney Crosby has a goal and an assist as well.
But Kindel has been driving play on the third line, both in the offensive zone and in his own zone. The work of his line led to Brunicke’s goal on Thursday, and Brunicke himself has been quarterbacking the second power play unit and helping to generate offense in transition and off the rush.
Filip Hallander has six points in six games dating back to the pre-season. Ville Koivunen does not have a point yet, but fans and the organization got a glimpse of what Koivunen and Rutger McGroarty - currently on injured reserve - are capable of at the end of last season.
The kids are providing a spark and an energy that this team has desperately needed. They have, so far, proven capable of playing with NHL competition, even if there are some bumps along the way with their development and learning curve. They have given a dead-in-the-water team some new life - a new identity - and it’s translating into team performance.
Muse said that the goal of the coaching staff - and the biggest thing that they want to see out of this 23-man unit - is for the team to play “connected.” And, so far, that’s exactly what has happened. They have played well within structure, they have developed chemistry in a short period of time, and they have shown that they have a lot to play for, even if outside noise says otherwise.
That "connectedness" is, in essence, their identity. And the mix of youth and experience on the roster is cultivating a perfect environment for that identity to thrive.
There is no telling how this season will unfold. The Penguins could certainly still use improvement in some areas, and there are going to be some tough roster decisions to make as veterans Bryan Rust and Kevin Hayes work their way back from injury. With a current roster at full capacity, some players will need to go.
But one thing is for certain: The kids are alright. And they’re giving some much-needed life to a team - and a fanbase - that craves a strong dosage of hope for the future.
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Alex DeBrincat Reflects on Missed Chances in Red Wings' Loss to Canadiens
The ultimate fate of an NHL team during any given contest can sometimes come down to a series of bounces and what some fans would simply refer to as good or bad luck.
Such was the case for Detroit Red Wings forward Alex DeBrincat on Thursday evening during his team's Home Opener loss to the Montreal Canadiens at Little Caesars Arena.
He had multiple prime scoring chances that were denied by goaltender Jakub Dobes, or as was the case early in the second period, by the post.
DeBrincat's ringer off the left post came just minutes before the Canadiens grabbed a 4-1 stranglehold over the Red Wings; had the puck been literally an inch to the right, it would have been a 3-2 hockey game.
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"It seemed like I missed both of those, and then they went down and scored shortly after, so it could have been a whole different game if those went in," DeBrincat said on Friday. "Sometimes those are the bounces, that first one hit his shoulder and then the post. I hit my spot, and sometimes they go in, sometimes, they don't."
Like McLellan, DeBrincat reiterated that the setback against the Canadiens wasn't the result of any single player but by the team getting away from the fundamentals.
"Letting in five, we shot ourselves in the foot," DeBrincat said of the loss. "We gave up too many chances, and they're a skilled team so they're going to convert on those. Everything they got, we kind of gave to them. It was unfortunate."
"We Earned Those": Todd McLellan Says Red Wings Deserved Fan Boos After 5-1 Loss Throughout his first Training Camp as head coach of the Detroit Red Wings, Todd McLellan emphasized the importance of mental fortitude and responding the right way when things inevitably go wrong over the course of an 82-game season.
"I think we talk about these things of how we're going to play and the systems, and we have our blueprint; we just didn't follow it," he continued. "We knew what they were going to do, we knew from the start of the game. We just didn't execute on defense and gave them too many chances."
DeBrincat was Detroit's leading goal scorer last season with 39 tallies, and it wouldn't be surprising to see him reach a similar number this season. Speaking of offensive firepower, the Toronto Maple Leafs still boast no shortage of said despite the offseason trade of Mitch Marner.
In order for the Red Wings to avoid a similar collapse like what they experienced against the Canadiens, the key will be tightening up defensively.
"Staying above them, playing on the defensive side of the puck," DeBrincat said on how to defend against the Maple Leafs. "Just in general, forechecking hard. We did a little bit of that yesterday, but not enough. If we want to win games, we're going to need to get more opportunities, and give up less."
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Belleville Senators Sign Harrington, Veteran Of 255 NHL Games
The Belleville Senators announced on Friday that defenseman Scott Harrington has signed a two-year American Hockey League contract with the club.
Harrington, 32, brings a wealth of NHL experience to Belleville. Originally drafted by the Pittsburgh Penguins in the second round of the 2011 NHL Draft, the Kingston, Ontario native has suited up for 255 NHL games, most of them with the Columbus Blue Jackets. He's also suited up for Pittsburgh, Toronto, San Jose, and Anaheim, along with 247 career AHL appearances.
“We’re excited to welcome Scott to the Belleville Senators family,” Belleville Sens GM Matt Turek said in a team press release. “Scott’s impressive NHL career, character and leadership ability will all be keys in helping our group to take the next step. As a native of Kingston, growing up just down the 401 from CAA Arena, he'll be a fantastic representative of the Senators and 613 Country.”
Outside of the NHL, Harrington has shown a knack for winning. He captured an OJHL championship with the Kingston Voyageurs, followed by back-to-back OHL titles with the London Knights, where he served as captain in 2012–13.
On the international stage, Harrington represented Team Canada at multiple levels, earning gold at the Ivan Hlinka Memorial Tournament, silver at the World Under-17 Championship, and bronze at the World Junior Hockey Championship. He's represented Canada twice at the World Juniors.
Harrington's last NHL season was 2022-23, when he got some looks as Erik Karlsson's D partner in San Jose before being included in the blockbuster Timo Meier trade that season with the New Jersey Devils. The Devils waived Harrington the day after the trade, and Anaheim claimed him.
Seven years earlier, Harrington was part of an even bigger trade when Phil Kessel was traded from Toronto to Pittsburgh. Harrington came back the other way, and unlike the Meier deal, Harrington was a much bigger piece in this one. In fact, he made the Leafs' opening night roster for the 2015–16 season.
Two seasons ago, Harrington tried his hand in Switzerland. He was injured for much of that season but returned with Zurich for the 2024 playoffs, and he won yet another championship, skating alongside former Senators Rudolfs Balcers and Derek Grant.
After Harrington returned to North America last season and signed a one-year deal with AHL Springfield last season and now returns for another AHL tour of duty with the B-Sens.
More Sens Headlines From The Hockey News Ottawa:
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Jordan Spence: A Healthy Scratch For Ottawa Senators Season Opener
Travis Green Says Senators Are 'Headed In the Right Direction'
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Fantasy Basketball 2030: Projecting the top 25 players of the future
Figuring out where to rank players is difficult enough in any particular season. But how about doing it with an eye towards what the NBA may look like in five years? That's the point of this exercise, with Rotoworld basketball writers Raphielle Johnson and Noah Rubin combining to put together their top-25 fantasy list for 2030. While the list is primarily populated with players currently in the NBA, there are a few who have yet to play an official NBA game.
Some players, whether in the NBA now or yet to reach that point, will break through by 2030. Here's our top 25, and it should not be surprising who leads the way.
Your one-stop-shop for Rotoworld’s fantasy basketball draft coverage.
1. C Victor Wembanyama, San Antonio Spurs
Age (as of October 10): 21
After taking the NBA by storm as a rookie, Wembanyama's impact was muted last season due to a blood clot that sidelined him from the All-Star break onward. The 7-foot-3 phenom has been given a clean bill of health and is poised to usher in a new era in the NBA. Before his season-ending injury in February, Wembanyama averaged 24.3 points, 11.0 rebounds, 3.7 assists, 1.1 steals, 3.8 blocks and 3.1 three-pointers per game with 47.6/35.2/83.6 shooting splits.
2. F Cooper Flagg, Dallas Mavericks
Age: 18
Flagg has yet to play in an official NBA game, but the incoming rookie is deserving of being high on any list that's looking ahead to five years from now. He won't turn 19 until just before Christmas, making it possible (likely, even) that the Mavericks forward still will not have reached his prime by 2030. He's got all the skills a franchise could want in a cornerstone, which is a void the Mavericks need to fill after trading Luka Dončić to the Lakers.
Cooper Flagg was EVERYWHERE during his preseason debut
— NBA (@NBA) October 7, 2025
10p/6r/3a/1b in 14 minutespic.twitter.com/p8CGp8A6mF
3. G Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Oklahoma City Thunder
Age: 27
Gilgeous-Alexander, who won NBA Most Valuable Player and NBA Finals MVP honors while leading the Thunder to their first title last season, is still not 30 years old. Yet it feels like he's been around for far longer than that, with the Canadian point guard being the 11th overall pick in the 2018 draft. Who knows how many titles and individual accolades he'll have on his résumé by the time 2030 rolls around, but SGA should remain one of the best assets in fantasy basketball.
4. G Cade Cunningham, Detroit Pistons
Age: 24
Cunningham's production has increased in each of his four NBA seasons, with the 2024-25 campaign being the one in which his growth coincided with that of the franchise he leads. Appearing a career-best 70 games, Cunningham averaged 26.1 points, 6.1 rebounds, 9.1 assists, 1.0 steals, 0.8 blocks and 2.1 three-pointers. The Pistons point guard recorded career-high averages in points, assists, blocks and three-pointers with a 46.9/35.6/84.6 shooting split. If Cunningham can keep the turnovers in check, as he averaged 4.4 per game last season, he'll be an even better player to have rostered in fantasy leagues.
5. G Luka Dončić, Los Angeles Lakers
Age: 26
Like many who follow basketball, Dončić was stunned when the Mavericks traded him to the Lakers in late January. He appeared in a career-low 50 games in 2024-25, appearing in 60 or more in each of his first six seasons. While LeBron James remains active currently, the Lakers have already made it clear that the franchise has begun the "Dončić Era," and this summer, he signed an extension that runs through the 2028-29 campaign. As long as Luka is healthy, he'll be one of the best players in fantasy basketball in 2030.
6. F/C Evan Mobley, Cleveland Cavaliers
Age: 24
Mobley's fourth NBA season was his best, with the Cavaliers forward/center averaging 18.5 points, 9.3 rebounds, 3.2 assists, 0.9 steals, 1.6 blocks and 1.2 three-pointers per game. His role on the offensive end of the floor expanded in the first season of Kenny Atkinson's tenure as head coach, and there's still plenty of room for growth. The only question is what will Cleveland's frontcourt look like in 2030. Will Mobley continue to share the court with another big man, as he currently does with Jarrett Allen? Or will he shift to center full-time?
7. G Anthony Edwards, Minnesota Timberwolves
Age: 24
Like Mobley, Edwards' position could change by the time the year 2030 rolls around. Current Timberwolves starting point guard Mike Conley turns 38 on October 11, meaning there could come a point in the near future where Edwards is either sharing the backcourt with Rob Dillingham or being utilized as an uber-athletic scoring point guard. Whatever is decided, Ant-Man has the skill needed to be a cornerstone for his franchise and fantasy rosters.
8. C Alperen Şengün, Houston Rockets
Age: 23
Şengün, who led Türkiye to a silver medal at EuroBasket this past summer, turned 23 in late July. While his scoring average decreased by two points compared to his 2023-24 number, the Rockets center earned his first All-Star Game appearance last season and averaged a double-double for the first time in four NBA seasons. Şengün's all-around skill set makes him a center who should be highly valuable in fantasy leagues five years from now, especially if he were to develop a more reliable perimeter shot.
9. G/F Amen Thompson, Houston Rockets
Age: 22
After taking on a supplementary role as a rookie, the versatile Thompson figured more prominently in the Rockets' rotation last season. And with Fred VanVleet sidelined by a torn ACL, the 2025-26 season could be a preview of what's to come for Thompson. Compared to his rookie season, the 6-foot-7 wing's averages improved in all major categories while shooting nearly 56 percent from the field. Like Şengün, Thompson is in a position where things could get truly scary if he's able to develop a consistent perimeter shot over the next five years.
10. F/C Chet Holmgren, Oklahoma City Thunder
Age: 23
The biggest concern for Holmgren is the injuries. After sitting out the entire 2022-23 season with a foot injury, he was limited to 32 games last season by a broken hip. Sandwiched in between those two seasons was a 2023-24 campaign in which Holmgren did not miss a game. When on the floor, he's a gifted frontcourt player who can be used at power forward or center, and that versatility will serve Holmgren well over the next five years.
Victor Wembanyama is clearly the most valuable player in dynasty leagues.
11. F Jalen Johnson, Atlanta Hawks
Age: 23
Like Holmgren, availability has been an issue for Johnson during the early stages of his NBA career. He's appeared in more than 60 games just once and is coming off a 2024-25 campaign in which he was limited to 36 appearances. However, Johnson did finish last season with career-high averages in points, rebounds, assists, steals and blocked shots while shooting 50 percent from the field. As long as he stays relatively healthy, the tools are there for Johnson to be a highly impactful fantasy player in 2030.
12. G Darryn Peterson, Kansas Jayhawks
Age: 18
Peterson is the first of three players on this list who have yet to play a college game, much less enter the NBA. But the Kansas freshman is that good. A combo guard who can play on or off the ball, the 6-foot-5 Peterson is on the short list of many regarding the top draft-eligible prospects for 2026. Winner of the 2025 Naismith Trophy Boys School Player of the Year award, Peterson was also a McDonald's All-American this past season.
High praise from Coach B
— Naismith Awards (@NaismithTrophy) October 6, 2025
Our 2011-12 @Werner_Safety Naismith Men’s College COY shares how impressed he is with incoming Freshman Darryn Peterson. pic.twitter.com/YZrxWsxzZM
13. G Tyrese Maxey, Philadelphia 76ers
Age: 24
Maxey, who will turn 25 in early November, has averaged 25.9 and 26.3 points per game over the last two seasons. While there are significant questions regarding teammate Joel Embiid's injury history, the 2024-25 campaign was the first in which Maxey failed to play at least 60 games. In five years' time, he should be the cornerstone in Philadelphia and an elite player worthy of first-round consideration, regardless of league format.
14. F Cameron Boozer, Duke Blue Devils
Age: 18
The 6-foot-9 Boozer, whose father Carlos enjoyed a 13-year NBA career, was a two-time winner of the Gatorade National Player of the Year award while in high school. The combination of build, athleticism and skill set makes the younger Boozer a player capable of playing anywhere in the frontcourt, and that versatility tends to make for an excellent fantasy option. Like Peterson and another player a little further down on this list, Boozer is projected to be among the top draft-eligible talents for 2026.
15. G Tyrese Haliburton, Indiana Pacers
Age: 25
While it remains to be seen how Haliburton's recovery from a ruptured Achilles tendon will go, he's already one of the best players in fantasy basketball when healthy. Last season, he averaged 18.6 points, 3.5 rebounds, 9.2 assists, 1.4 steals, 0.7 blocks and 3.0 three-pointers per game while leading the Pacers to their first NBA Finals appearance since 2000. He'll miss the entire 2025-26 campaign, but Haliburton should remain one of the best players in fantasy basketball in 2030.
16. F Franz Wagner, Orlando Magic
Age: 24
After three seasons in which he played at least 70 games, Wagner suffered an oblique injury that limited him to 60 appearances last season. However, he was excellent when on the floor, providing fourth-round value in eight- and nine-cat formats. A healthy Wagner can be an even greater asset, regardless of league format, because of his efficiency and versatile game. Like a few of the players above him on this list, Wagner needs to improve his perimeter shot, as he's shot 28.1 and 29.5 percent from three over the past two seasons.
Rotoworld basketball analysts Cole Huff, Noah Rubin, Raphielle Johnson and Zak Hanshew pick their “guys” for the upcoming fantasy season.
Raphielle Johnson17. F Jalen Williams, Oklahoma City Thunder
Age: 24
The reigning champion Thunder have three players on this list, and none are over 27 years old. Williams can be plugged in just about anywhere within a lineup; that's how versatile his game is. Due to injuries, he even spent some time at the center position last season. Williams' averages have increased in each of his three NBA seasons, and he earned third-team All-NBA and second-team All-Defense honors in 2024-25. He won't be 30 years old until the latter stages of the 2030-31 regular season and still has not begun his athletic prime.
18. F Jayson Tatum, Boston Celtics
Age: 27
Like Haliburton, Tatum is recovering from a ruptured Achilles tendon suffered during last season's playoffs. However, the Celtics star's recovery will be interesting to watch, as he has not been officially ruled out for the 2025-26 season. Will Tatum attempt to return? And how would that impact the next five years of his NBA career? Tatum already has eight NBA seasons under his belt, but he has the skill set that can make him a serious factor in fantasy basketball when 2030 rolls around.
19. F AJ Dybantsa, BYU Cougars
Age: 18
The third and final current collegian on this list, Dybantsa will also be in contention to go first overall in next summer's draft if he declares. The 6-foot-10 forward will be the biggest story in the state of Utah this season, especially with the Jazz in the midst of a rebuild. Dybantsa was the top-ranked prospect in the Class of 2025 and is a three-time FIBA gold medalist. Dybantsa's explosive athleticism and varied skill set make him a player who can have a significant impact in fantasy basketball by the time 2030 rolls around.
AJ Dybantsa made his BYU debut tonight at Marriott Madness @MarchMadnessMBBpic.twitter.com/yGdZqWHRBz
— B/R Hoops (@brhoops) October 10, 2025
20. G Dylan Harper, San Antonio Spurs
Age: 19
The second overall pick in the 2025 draft, the 6-foot-6 Harper can be used anywhere on the perimeter. During his lone season at Rutgers, he spent most of his time on the ball but can also take on an off-ball role. On a Spurs roster that includes Wembanyama, De'Aaron Fox and Stephon Castle, that may be something Harper has to do early on, but he's capable of progressing into a lead playmaker role over the next five seasons.
21. F Paolo Banchero, Orlando Magic
Age: 22
The 6-foot-10 Banchero has recorded increased points and rebounds averages in each of his three NBA seasons, but turnovers have limited his impact in fantasy basketball, especially in category leagues. However, that should not be the case in 2030, when Banchero may be beginning his athletic prime. Five years from now, this spot on the list may prove to be egregiously low for Banchero.
22. G LaMelo Ball, Charlotte Hornets
Age: 24
Despite his age, Ball has already played five NBA seasons. However, while production has not been an issue for the Hornets' point guard, staying on the court has. The 2021-22 season is the only one in which Ball has played at least 60 games; he's appeared in 47 or fewer in each of the last three. The injury concerns have knocked Ball down many fantasy draft boards; hopefully, that won't be an issue five years from now.
23. C Nikola Jokić, Denver Nuggets
Age: 30
Jokić is the only player on this list aged 30 years or older. However, the skill set and elite production cannot be ignored, especially for a player whose game is not reliant on "jump out of the gym" athleticism. The Joker has been the top-ranked player in fantasy basketball in per-game value in four of the last five seasons, and no lower than second in totals in six straight. Will Jokić still be in the NBA in five years' time? We'll see, but the track record of excellence is why he has to be on this list.
Nikola Jokić headlines Rotoworld’s Preseason Top 200, but key injuries across the league make this one of the most unpredictable fantasy seasons in years.
24. F Scottie Barnes, Toronto Raptors
Age: 24
After earning his first All-Star Game appearance in 2023-24, Barnes recorded similar numbers last season. And he's capable of doing more, provided he becomes a more consistent shooter. Barnes shot 27.1 percent from three last season and is a career 30 percent shooter from deep on 3.6 attempts per game. He doesn't have to turn into the next Stephen Curry, but consistent shooting would improve Barnes' fantasy profile, given what he can already do as a playmaker and defender.
25. G Trae Young, Atlanta Hawks
Age: 27
Young has played 73 games or more in three of the last four seasons, and most recently, he led the NBA in assists. Having averaged a points/assists double-double each of the last three seasons, the Hawks' point guard can remain a fantasy force for years to come. Something to watch is how young players like Jalen Johnson and Dyson Daniels progress, as their development may benefit Young in the turnover category. He's averaged at least four per game each of the last six seasons, lowering Young's value in nine-cat formats.
Adversity Already Striking Sabres And Star Center Norris
The Buffalo Sabres are just one game into the 2025-26 regular season, and already the adversity is starting to pile up. After being without defenseman Owen Power and goalie Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen for the first game of the year Thursday against the New York Rangers, the Sabres released some ominous-sounding inormation about star center Josh Norris, as well as an injury to winger Zach Benson, although the injury to Benson may prove to be far less significant that they injury to the often-injured Norris.
When the Sabres acquired Norris from the Ottawa Senators last season, the book on Norris was he was a talented player, but one who was unfortunate on the health front. In five NHL seasons, the most Norris has played in a single season was 66 games, and he's only played 60 or more games twice in that span. Clearly, it's reasonable to be worried about Norris' durability.
And now, it's possible -- emphasis on "possible" -- that Norris could miss significant time. That would be devastating for the Sabres' Stanley Cup playoff hopes. But that was the tone Buffalo coach Lindy Ruff struck in describing Norris' health status.
"I know that he's not dealing with (the injury) very good," Ruff said of Norris. "(H)e's pretty disappointed with where he's at with this injury."
Sabres' Schedule Is Punishing Out Of The Gate -- And It Could Be Why Buffalo Misses Playoffs For 15th Straight SeasonThe Buffalo Sabres’ 2025-26 regular-season is here at last, and the Sabres would certainly like to win their first game – a home game against the New York Rangers Thursday night – an analysis of their schedule tells Sabres fans they need to buckle down and get ready for a true test of this team, right out of the starting block.
Let's be clear: if you're Norris and you have a minor injury, you're not feeling disappointed. You're feeling fortunate if the injury is only minor. So Ruff's choice of words says a lot about the likelihood that Norris will be back anytime soon. Again, that would seriously hamper Buffalo's playoff aspirations.
Sure, Norris' absence opens up an opportunity on the top line for one of Buffalo's other centers. But it will take a minor miracle for any youngster to power the Sabres to a playoff berth in the hyper-competitive Atlantic Division.
Will Sabres Have Any Individual Award-Winners This Season?Full disclosure: the Buffalo Sabres aren't particularly interested in the NHL's individual awards. But who's kidding who -- you always like to perform well, and that's somthing the league de facto acknowledges by handing out end-of-season honours.
And while poor luck health-wise will be an excuse if Buffalo misses the playoffs for a 15th straight season, it won't matter a lick to exhausted Sabres fans. All they'll know is the bottom line, and the bottom line could once again show the Sabres simply don't make the right roster choices to be a consistent playoff team.
Canucks Prospects Who Could Make Their NHL Debuts In 2025–26
On October 9, Vancouver Canucks first-round draft pick, Braeden Cootes, made his NHL debut less than half a year after being selected by the team. The 18-year-old carved out a path for himself on Vancouver’s roster after a strong showing during training camp and his pre-season games. Which other Canucks prospects could follow Cootes’ steps and make their NHL debuts this season?
Tom Willander
Willander is arguably the prospect Canucks fans are most excited to watch this season. The defenceman will be starting the season with the Abbotsford Canucks, as he was one of the final players cut from Vancouver’s main roster at the end of the pre-season. With Vancouver’s D-core set for the time being, it’s unlikely that Willander makes his NHL debut any time within the first few weeks of the season. However, in the event that Vancouver faces injury issues or an early end to their season, Willander would be a favourite to earn his first call-up and play in his first ever NHL game.
Danila Klimovich
Klimovich, a 2021 second-round draft pick, is entering his fifth season in the Canucks organization but has yet to make his NHL debut. A few factors have resulted in the forward not quite making the cut, such as injury-riddled seasons and struggles with consistency. To his credit, Klimovich has been able to round things out a little more in the past season or so, though the goal-scorer still has a little more work to do. It will probably take quite a bit for the forward to make his NHL debut this season, but a hypothetical early end to the Canucks’ season could help that.
Vilmer Alriksson
One of the most intriguing names in the Canucks organization is Alriksson, who is known for his skills as a hulking forward who can effectively move the puck. 2025–26 is his first pro season, as he previously spent two years in the OHL. Whether he can make the push for an NHL debut will depend on how his game transitions to AHL play, though based on his performance during the prospects showcase, fans have lots to look forward to from him.
Chase Stillman
The key piece that came back to Vancouver in the Artūrs Šilovs trade back in July, Stillman is preparing to start his third professional season in the AHL. As a 22-year-old, the forward has yet to make his NHL debut, but is looking to change that this season. He’ll be a prime candidate to fill in as a depth bottom-six forward if injuries chip away at the Canucks’ forward core.
Make sure you bookmark THN's Vancouver Canucks site and add us to your favourites on Google News for the latest news, exclusive interviews, breakdowns, and so much more. Also, don't forget to leave a comment at the bottom of the page and engage with other passionate fans through our forum. This article originally appeared on The Hockey News.
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Rick Tocchet's Debut as Flyers Coach Didn't Check All the Boxes
Just one game into the season, and Rick Tocchet's tenure as the head coach of the Philadelphia Flyers, fans can already say they've seen this movie before.
The Flyers lost a close 2-1 contest to the Florida Panthers on Thursday night, and, generally, it can be argued that keeping the back-to-back Stanley Cup champions within range the whole night is in achievement in itself.
But, these were the champs without Aleksander Barkov and Matthew Tkachuk, and the Flyers were at full strength with the exception of Cam York. Tocchet's appointment, for better or for worse, is going to be defined by results--wins and player development--and not moral victories.
It may seem harsh, yes, but that's the reality. And I'm not here to pass judgment one way or another after one measly game.
But, we've seen this before, right?
The Flyers wasted a superb goaltending performance from Dan Vladar, gave the Panthers five power play opportunities, and recorded just 20 shots on goal. Low-event hockey was a criticism that Tocchet had in Vancouver, and it showed up in his first game in Philadelphia.
Fired Flyers Coach John Tortorella Resurfaces as NHL AnalystSeven months after being fired by the Philadelphia Flyers, longtime NHL head coach John Tortorella has resurfaced, joining ESPN as an NHL analyst for the 2025-26 season.
Things can change, especially with altered line combinations, quickly. As reported by PHLY's Charlie O'Connor, Tocchet got to work quickly on that point, seemingly preparing to insert Jett Luchanko and Nikita Grebenkin into the Flyers' lineup while changing up some ineffective lines.
One of those ineffective lines was that of Christian Dvorak, Sean Couturier, and Matvei Michkov. For all Michkov's talents, he's not necessarily a creator of offense with his legs like a Connor McDavid or Nathan MacKinnon.
For whatever reason, Michkov was paired up with two support players who have the same issues in their respective games.
And, for Dvorak, a dependable vet and strong faceoff taker like him attempted only two faceoffs (winning one), took two penalties, and played fewer minutes on the penalty kill than Noah Cates, Travis Konecny, Couturier, Garnet Hathaway, and even Owen Tippett.
His role didn't make much sense, but a reunion with Trevor Zegras should be beneficial with both players.
Flyers Reportedly 'Open' to Trading Emil AndraeAfter Emil Andrae failed to make the Philadelphia Flyers roster out of training camp, the team is reportedly open to moving on from the undersized defenseman.
As for Luchanko and Grebenkin, Tocchet is wisely leaning towards replacing Nick Deslauriers and Rodrigo Abols with the two prospects.
Abols and Deslauriers played 8:05 and 7:31, respectively, so, given that they hardly played, it really ended up being a waste of two spots in the lineup. Even if Grebenkin and Luchanko had gotten 12 minutes or so, it's valuable experience to open up your season against the defending champs and see the pace and level at which they play.
Fortunately, the Flyers play the Panthers again on Monday, and they'll have the Metropolitan Division rival Carolina Hurricanes in Raleigh on Saturday night.
Tocchet isn't going to be a miracle-worker by any means with the state of the defense, but he should be aspiring to get more out of the forwards after some of these combinations looked dreadful, even in the preseason.
Fortunately, it seems the first-year Flyers coach is making progress immediately, which should be at least modestly refreshing.
Jonathan Drouin Suspended One Game For Cross-Check On Penguins Forward Connor Dewar
New York Islanders forward Jonathan Drouin scored in the Islanders' 4-3 loss to the Pittsburgh Penguins on Thursday, but was also assessed a five-minute major.
He got assessed the major penalty with less than 30 seconds left in the third period after he cross-checked Penguins forward Connor Dewar in the face. Drouin had a phone hearing with the NHL's Department of Player Safety on Friday and was suspended one game for the play.
NY Islanders’ Jonathan Drouin has been suspended for one game for cross-checking Pittsburgh’s Connor Dewar. https://t.co/3rcDFarEdk
— NHL Player Safety (@NHLPlayerSafety) October 10, 2025
Drouin's cross-check gifted the Penguins a power play to end the game, and they were able to run the clock out (for the most part). Mathew Barzal got a late shorthanded chance on Tristan Jarry, but the latter was able to come up with the save.
Drouin will miss the Islanders' next game against the Washington Capitals on Saturday before he's eligible to come back against the Winnipeg Jets on Monday.
The Penguins will try and get to 3-0-0 this season when they play the New York Rangers again on Saturday. They already beat the Rangers in Madison Square Garden on Tuesday, 3-0.
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Maple Leafs-Red Wings Game Changes Start Time To Avoid Overlap With MLB's ALCS
The NHL has announced that Monday’s game between the Detroit Red Wings and Toronto Maple Leafs at Scotiabank Arena will be pushed from a 4 p.m. ET start time to 2 p.m. ET.
The league made this scheduling tweak to allow fans to tune into Game 2 of the ALCS, when the MLB’s Toronto Blue Jays will be hosting either the Detroit Tigers or the Seattle Mariners at Rogers Centre.
Not only will fans of the Maple Leafs get to watch the Blue Jays, but if the Tigers advance, Red Wings fans will also get to experience that game without any crossover from the NHL and MLB.
MLSE president and CEO Keith Pelley played a part in making this scheduling adjustment possible.
“The Blue Jays playoff excitement has captured the entire city and we want to help make sure that fans don’t miss a pitch,” Pelley said in a statement.
“We greatly appreciate the cooperation by the NHL and Amazon Prime to make this time change possible and we all look forward to cheering on both the Leafs and the Blue Jays on Monday afternoon and evening.”
The start time for Game 2 of the ALCS involving the Blue Jays is yet to be determined. However, it’s known that the first pitch on Monday will either come at 5:03 p.m. ET or 8:08 p.m. ET, depending on whether the Milwaukee Brewers advance to the NLCS.
Since the game between the Red Wings and Maple Leafs has been pushed up by a couple of hours, fans will be allowed to remain in Scotiabank Arena to watch the Blue Jays game on the videoboard.
The Maple Leafs allowed fans to hang back at Scotiabank Arena in their home opener on Wednesday to watch the Blue Jays advance to the ALCS in a 5-2 win over the New York Yankees. The Leafs fans also chanted “Let's go Blue Jays” during the game.
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Star PG Russell Westbrook, Kings reportedly share ‘strong mutual interest'
Star PG Russell Westbrook, Kings reportedly share ‘strong mutual interest' originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area
Will Russell Westbrook sign with the Kings? That certainly appears to be an option as the 2025-26 NBA season inches closer.
There is notable mutual interest between Sacramento and the nine-time All-Star, ESPN’s Shams Charania reported Friday on “NBA Today.”
“I’m told there is strong mutual interest between Russell Westbrook and the Sacramento Kings,” Charania said. “The Kings have a need for a reserve point guard. They were 29th in bench points, 29th in bench assists last season. Russell Westbrook helps with that and he has got relationships across that organization. Domantas Sabonis, he’s close with, played with him.He played with Dennis Schröder as well.
“DeMar DeRozan, Zach LaVine, they have LA ties as well. B.J> Armstong, the new assistant general manager there. He knows B.J. Armstrong from the agency side and he does have respect with Scott Perry, their new general manager and Doug Christie, their new head coach. We’ll see if a deal gets done before the season or during the upcoming year.”
Westbrook’s decorated resume speals for itself, with an NBA MVP and two scoring titles to his name. While the 37-year-old guard is a ways removed from his prime, Westbrook appears to still have plenty left in the tank after serving as a vital cog in the Denver Nuggets’ rotation during the 2024-25 NBA season.
Westbrook averaged 13.3 points, 4.9 rebounds and 6.1 assists per game in 75 appearances for Denver in his last campaign, shooting 44.9 percent from the floor and 32.3 percent from deep.
The Kings signed Schröder to a three-year contract that likely slots him into Sacramento’s starting point guard role, but the addition of Westbrook could prove to be a vital step in insulating the team’s backcourt for the marathon that is the NBA season.
Sacramento opens the regular season on the road against the Phoenix Suns on Oct. 22. Whether or not Westbrook will be in a Kings jersey by then remains to be seen, but it certainly is something to keep an eye on going forward.
Maple Leafs Move Thanksgiving Monday Game Earlier To Prevent Conflict With Blue Jays ALCS Game 2
The Toronto Maple Leafs are set to host the Detroit Red Wings on Monday in a holiday matinee game. The start time will now be moved up by two hours.
The Leafs announced on Friday that the game, originally scheduled for 4 p.m. ET , will now drop the puck at 2 p.m. in an effort to avoid a conflict with Game 2 of the American League Championship Series (ALCS), hosted by the Toronto Blue Jays.
“The Blue Jays playoff excitement has captured the entire city and we want to help make sure that fans don’t miss a pitch,” Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment President Keith Pelley said in a statement. “We greatly appreciate the cooperation by the NHL and Amazon Prime to make this time change possible and we all look forward to cheering on both the Leafs and the Blue Jays on Monday afternoon and evening”.
'I Heard Them Early In My Career In A Negative Way': Maple Leafs React To Blue Jays-Fueled Fans At Scotiabank ArenaWhen Toronto Blue Jays closer Jeff Hoffman struck out New York Yankees left-fielder Cody Bellinger to win the ALDS, Maple Leafs fans — who were still inside Scotiabank Arena — let out a huge roar. So did whoever was controlling the Toronto Maple Leafs' goal horn.
The Maple Leafs defeated the Montreal Canadiens 5-2 in their regular season opener on Wednesday. That game competed directly with the Blue Jays' series-clinching victory over the New York Yankees in the American League Division Series. While the conflict created some memorable moments—with fans of both NHL clubs chanting “Let’s Go Blue Jays” and being permitted to stay in the building to watch the end of the ballgame —a conflict-free night is certainly preferred by all Toronto sports fans.
Let’s Go Blue Jays chant. pic.twitter.com/sM2gylqjbZ
— David Alter (@dalter) October 9, 2025
Toronto sports fans can rejoice. If the Detroit Tigers end up advancing to meet the Blue Jays in the ALCS, Red Wings fans will be happy about the change, too.
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3 observations after Sixers drop 1st home game of preseason vs. Magic
3 observations after Sixers drop 1st home game of preseason vs. Magic originally appeared on NBC Sports Philadelphia
The Sixers moved a step closer to meaningful basketball Friday night.
They also stayed winless in the preseason, falling to a 128-98 loss to the Magic in their first exhibition game at Xfinity Mobile Arena.
VJ Edgecombe sat because of left hip soreness. He took part in the Sixers’ morning shootaround and is considered day-to-day, according to a team official.
Other absences included Joel Embiid (left knee), Paul George (left knee), Trendon Watford (right hamstring) and Jared McCain (right thumb). Quentin Grimes was inactive two days after his first practice of the season.
The Sixers will hold their annual Blue-White scrimmage Sunday and finish their four-game preseason next Friday vs. the Timberwolves. Here are observations on the team’s loss to Orlando:
Maxey, Barlow shine in 1st quarter
Tyrese Maxey and Dominick Barlow were early standouts.
The Sixers’ first basket came on a Maxey transition three-pointer. To no one’s surprise, Maxey came out aggressively. He fired up nine shots in under seven minutes and played with tons of speed and confidence. Maxey poured in 17 first-quarter points and watched the rest of the game.
Barlow scored the Sixers’ next bucket on a put-back layup. He did strong work on the offensive boards in his third straight start and had 12 points and nine rebounds over 29 minutes. Barlow has a 7-foot-3 wingspan and good athletic tools, and he’s rebounded the way those on-paper traits would suggest.
Notably, the Sixers plan to be a guard-heavy team and know they must improve their rebounding. Barlow’s boosted his case for minutes with his preseason showing on the glass. Well done for a 22-year-old on a two-way contract.
Pros and cons for Bona
Not for the first time, Adem Bona had a rough start on the foul front. He committed two personals in under two minutes, including on a Wendell Carter Jr. and-one jumper.
Of course, the other side of Bona’s ball-hungry defensive style is that he’s often rewarded with rejections. His bounce and rim-protecting instincts popped as usual. Bona swatted Desmond Bane, Paolo Banchero and Anthony Black layup attempts in the first half.
Andre Drummond continued to play behind Bona. The highlights of Drummond’s night were a pair of corner three-pointers. Drummond made three long-range jumpers and missed 17 last season. He’s 18 for 140 (12.9 percent) in his career.
Challenges for rookies off the bench
Hunter Sallis received first-quarter minutes and got an and-one runner to drop against fellow rookie guard Jace Richardson. The Wake Forest product tallied seven points and three assists in 34 minutes.
The Sixers used a five-man bench in the first half of Sallis, Drummond, Kennedy Chandler, Jabari Walker and Johni Broome. Emoni Bates and Malcolm Hill checked in after halftime.
Broome (six points, three steals) played at both power forward and center. He had some tough moments defensively against players like Banchero and Carter. Banchero tried to drive baseline past Broome and throw down a powerful slam. Broome stopped him with a clear-cut foul.
The 23-year-old lefty’s physicality and shot blocking were strengths in college. It’s an open question how he’ll adapt to NBA-level size, quickness and leaping.
Chandler was the Sixers’ lead ball handler for much of the game and had a 16-point, five assist, four-steal night. Sixers head coach Nick Nurse has given him significant minutes in all three of the team’s preseason contests.
“He’s played very well,” Nurse said following the Sixers’ practice Thursday. “He’s got pretty good feel for running and organizing the team. He’s also got some juice to get by people and get to the basket. And he’s also a very good shooter.
“He didn’t shoot as much from three in those games as he’s been doing in practice. He’s a legit threat from three. … I’ve been impressed with his knowledge of the game, the way he’s picked things up and the way he’s transferred that to keeping the team fairly organized.”
Hug a Philadelphia sports fans today. They've been through more than you know — again
Philadelphia sports fans have a bit of a reputation for not always being the most upstanding of citizens.
If you're wondering why, just ask the kid who had a home run ball snatched from his glove and given to the woman not-so-affectionately known as "Phillies Karen."
You could also ask former Dallas Cowboys receiver Michael Irvin.
Or some Pennsylvania State Police horses.
Or Santa Claus.
All that said, though, it's hard not to feel a teensy bit bad for Philly fans after what they endured Thursday night.
Read more:Plaschke: A wild finish propels the Dodgers into NLCS and past their toughest playoff test
The Phillies suffered a season-ending playoff loss (pausing here for L.A. fans to respectfully compose themselves — you've had plenty of time to celebrate after the Dodgers won 2-1 in 11 innings on a shocking throwing error by Philadelphia relief pitcher Orion Kerkering).
Then over in the NFL, the reigning Super Bowl champion Eagles were dominated by NFC West rival New York Giants 34-17 on "Thursday Night Football." And in the NHL, the Flyers lost their season opener 2-1 to the Florida Panthers.
For any other city's fan base, that might be considered the worst day ever. But believe it or not, Philly fans had to endure a similarly disheartening day nearly 42 years ago, according to sports statistician Greg Harvey.
Cities in history to have their NHL team lose, NFL team lose & MLB team lose in the playoffs & be eliminated all on the same day:
— Greg Harvey (@BetweenTheNums) October 10, 2025
Philadelphia - Today
Philadelphia - 10/16/1983
That’s it. pic.twitter.com/6dPYMGYN4g
Harvey pointed out on X that Oct. 16, 1983, was the only other time in history that one city's MLB team team suffered a season-ending loss in the postseason while its NFL and NHL teams lost as well. And that unlucky city was Philadelphia.
That was the day that the Phillies, nicknamed the "Wheeze Kids" that season for all the veteran players on the roster, fell 5-0 to the Baltimore Orioles to lose the World Series four games to one.
Meanwhile, the Eagles were off to a 4-2 start to their season before losing that day to the Dallas Cowboys 37-7. It was the start of a seven-game losing streak for the Eagles, who wound up finishing the season 5-11.
Read more:Shaikin: Are these the real Dodgers? Why a 'whole other level' could emerge in the NLCS
The Flyers suffered their first loss of that season — 5-4 to the New York Rangers — after starting the year with five straight wins. Months later, they ended up finishing third in the Patrick Division before being swept out of the first round of the Stanley Cup playoffs by the Washington Capitals.
So maybe, just maybe, you might want to take it easy on the Philadelphia sports fans in your life — at least until the next time one or more them does something that makes the rest of us cringe.
And hopefully those fans extend the same courtesy to Kerkering. Maybe he'll end up being the one person who can tell Santa Claus and the others that Philly fans aren't all that bad after all.
This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Jalen Brunson reportedly 'untouchable' in Knicks' Giannis Antetokounmpo talks with Bucks
Talks in August between the Knicks and Bucks about a Giannis Antetokounmpo trade never gained real traction. That shouldn't be a real surprise. If the Bucks are forced to trade one of the five best players walking the face of the earth — and they would only do so if Antetokounmpo demands it — they will want back a massive haul of first-round draft picks and promising young players, two things the Knicks do not have.
One other thing that shouldn't be a surprise out of those talks: Knicks point guard Jalen Brunson was "untouchable in these talks," something Sam Amick reported at The Athletic. Not only is Brunson an All-NBA player on a favorable contract, but he is also a fan favorite and hero in New York. Trading him would anger the fan base, even if it was for Antetokounmpo.
One of the financially cleanest trade options between the Knicks and Bucks is Brunson and Josh Hart for Antetokounmpo, those salaries come within about $300,000 of each other and work under the salary cap restrictions. It's also a non-starter for both sides — the Knicks aren't giving up Brunson, while the Bucks want picks and young players to jump-start a rebuild, not veterans. Any eventual Knicks offer likely involves Karl-Anthony Towns and a player such as OG Anunoby or Mikal Bridges (who can't be traded until Feb. 1 and has a massive new contract kicking in).
A mid-season trade of Antetokounmpo and his $54.1 million salary — to the Knicks or any team — is highly unlikely. Things get interesting if Antetokounmpo says he does not intend to sign the four-year, $260 million extension the Bucks can offer next offseason. If that happens, there would be a massive line of teams that would want in on an Antetokounmpo deal and many of them — Houston, San Antonio, Chicago and others — have the young players and picks Milwaukee would be seeking in a deal. Likely the only way Antetokounmpo ends up in New York is if he forces his way there, telling teams he will only sign an extension with the Knicks, and if these other teams trade for him, he will be a rental. Even then, like Toronto did with Kawhi Leonard in 2018, those teams still may be willing to take the gamble.
For now, everyone wants to see how this season plays out. The Knicks rightfully see themselves as a team that can come out of the East. The Bucks want to see what Antetokounmpo and Myles Turner look like together. Houston with Kevin Durant, San Antonio with its young backcourt, and just about every other team wants to see how things look before making a massive move like trading for Antetokounmpo. Which is why it's likely there is no action until next offseason.
That's not going to stop the chatter and rumors.