The Pittsburgh Penguins released their Prospects Challenge roster for this weekend's games in Buffalo on Wednesday.

The roster is headlined by 2025 first-rounder Ben Kindel, 2024 second-rounder Harrison Brunicke, 2022 fourth-rounder Sergei Murashov, 2022 first-rounder Owen Pickering, and 2021 first-rounder Ville Koivunen, who came over in the Jake Guentzel trade and made his NHL debut back in March.

Pickering also made his NHL debut this past season and appeared in 25 games, compiling one goal and three points. 

This is an excellent opportunity for each prospect to keep developing since the 2025-26 season is just around the corner. With that in mind, let's look at four prospects that fans should have their eyes on during these games. 

Ben Kindel

Kindel is one of three prospects that the Penguins selected in the first round of the 2025 NHL Draft. He was taken with the 11th overall pick in the draft, and he has a lot of skill. He was one of the best players in the WHL last year, finishing with 35 goals and 99 points in 64 games. 

Kindel has a great release and doesn't need a lot of time to utilize it. He also showed improvement as a playmaker and has a great motor. He can really win the 1v1 battles along the boards and has a strong Hockey IQ. 

He isn't ready for the NHL right now and will go back to the Calgary Hitmen for another season, but this is a perfect chance for him to show that he is arguably the top prospect in the Penguins' system. 

Quinn Beauchesne

Beauchesne was picked in the fifth round of the 2025 NHL Draft by the Penguins and showcased his strong skating ability as a defenseman last season with the Guelph Storm, compiling six goals and 24 points in 49 games. It was his second season with the Storm, and he'll return to them for a third season this year as an alternate captain.

He appeared at development camp back in July and also showcased his skating ability each day before the scrimmage took place on the final day. He created space each time he had the puck. 

The Penguins took four defensemen in the 2025 NHL Draft, and there's a chance Beauchesne has the highest ceiling of them all if he keeps developing. 

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

Kale Dach

Dach is the perfect under-the-radar player for fans to watch this weekend. He was picked in the seventh round of the 2025 NHL Draft and lit up the BCHL last season, finishing with 22 goals and 87 points in 54 games. 

He will take things up a notch this season when he plays for the WHL's Calgary Hitmen with Ben Kindel. Those two will likely get quite a bit of ice time together this season, and fans could get a glimpse of that over the next few days. 

Dach has some raw offensive skill and even got to showcase some of it in the scrimmages during development camp. He had a nasty between-the-legs cross-ice pass for a good scoring chance, but the puck didn't find the back of the net. 

It's never a bad bet to take a late-round chance on a player who has some good traits. 

Sergei Murashov

Murashov is one of two goaltenders who will play with the other Penguins' prospects, joining Gabriel D'Aigle, who was selected in the third round of this year's draft. Murashov came over from Russia last year and was too good for the ECHL, finishing the season with a 2.40 goals-against average and a .922 save percentage in 26 games. 

He also got time with the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins and made history by winning his first 10 starts. It's the longest winning streak in WBS history for a goalie in his rookie season. He finished the year with a 2.64 goals-against average and a .913 save percentage.

The WBS starting goaltender job is wide open for this upcoming season, and he's going to do everything in his power to win it. He's not ready for the NHL yet, but his time is coming. The key is to make sure the Penguins don't rush his development. Murashov's side-to-side movement is excellent, and he actively challenges shooters at the top of the crease. 

We'll see how many of the three games he starts when the Penguins start playing on Friday, September 12.

Speaking of that, the Penguins will open the Prospects Challenge against the Boston Bruins on Friday at 5:30 p.m. ET before playing the Columbus Blue Jackets on Sunday, September 14, at 3:30 p.m. ET. They'll end the challenge against the Buffalo Sabres, who are hosting the tournament, on Monday, September 15, at Noon ET. 

All games will be available to watch on the Penguins' official website. 

---

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

One of the biggest storylines in the NHL took an interesting turn on Wednesday.

While the Edmonton Oilers wait on Connor McDavid to find out what it is exactly he needs to see to sign an extension with the team, Kirill Kaprizov, his closest comparable in terms of expected annual average salary, turned down $128 million from the Minnesota Wild. 

Sources say #mnwild superstar Kirill Kaprizov’s camp turned down an extension offer believed to be 8-years, $128 million in a meeting on Tuesday in Minnesota that would have made him the highest-paid player in #NHL history in both AAV ($16 million) and total dollars.

— Frank Seravalli (@frank_seravalli) September 10, 2025

Reports are that Kaprizov turned down an eight-year deal for $16 million per season. That would have put him right beside McDavid's rumored ballpark number on an extension, and it's more money than insiders were projecting Kaprizov would get.

Much like the Oilers don't really know why McDavid is hesitating in signing his contract, the Wild are trying to find out what Kaprizov is looking for. 

Michael Russo of The Athletic writes:

"They need to determine if this is agent Paul Theofanous playing hardball because he thinks more money than $16 million is waiting in free agency for Kaprizov next summer, or if this is the beginning of the end of Kaprizov in Minnesota. Either way, the decision will be pivotal in determining the path of this franchise for the next decade."

-

If Kaprizov wants money and the Wild give in, what will that mean for McDavid and other top-end elite NHL talent set to hit free agency?

It's a $16 million question that no one can seem to answer. 

Perhaps this Kaprizov news means nothing when it comes to McDavid. After all, these two superstars might not be looking at what the other is making when it comes to negotiating their respective deals. Both are elite-level talents, and their motivations and situations are different. 

At the same time, that's a lot of money for Kaprizov to turn down, and most would agree that McDavid holds more value on the open market than Kaprizov does. As good as the winger is, McDavid should be paid more. 

Kaprizov Is Looking For "Something" In His Next Deal

The most logical explanation for this Kaprizov shocker is that he a) wants a shorter term or b) wants to play elsewhere. 

Seravalli’s report has been contested by other sources, including Rob Reinhart, who called the story “completely fabricated." Other trusted reporters, like Russo, seem to think there's something to this, and he is about as connected as anyone when it comes to the Wild. He believes this could get nasty if the Wild can't uncover what's motivating Kaprizov. Russo said, "If Kaprizov won’t entertain a contract extension by the Wild, it could be incumbent on Guerin to get a handful of teams Kaprizov would consider a trade to."

Wild GM Bill Guerin said the two sides are still talking and played down the urgency of the negotiations, taking what appears to be a sideways turn. He said later in the day on Wednesday, "I know two things: that info didn’t come from us, and it didn’t come from Kirill’s agent. I don’t know where it came from."

McDavid Is Still Contemplating His Next Move

The potential $16 million mark is notable because it is right in line with what many insiders thought McDavid might be making on his next contract.  The Oilers' captain is currently taking his time to go through his process, figure out what he wants to do with an extension, and then he'll sign, if and when he's ready to. 

Is Connor McDavid Prepared To Shake Up The Entire NHL?Connor McDavid’s pending contract with the Edmonton Oilers is more than just a story about one player's tough decision and how it will affect him and his family. This is potentially a story about the dominoes that fall after McDavid makes his extension preference clear.

Like the Wild, the Oilers say they aren't panicking. They're being patient and believe it's less about money for McDavid. He wants to win, and it sounds like he's willing to take less to do so, assuming he feels confident the Oilers will be good beyond this season and for many seasons after that.

McDavid knows that to build a contender, he's going to need to leave a little on the table. Some thought he might take less than $16 million to ensure the Oilers could add other pieces. 

One has to wonder if this Kaprizov news will make McDavid wonder if $16 million is too big a discount. 

Meanwhile, other big-name unrestricted free agents across the league are waiting and watching McDavid’s negotiations closely before making long-term commitments.

How Will This Impact the NHL's Top Tier Salaries?

Even without waiting to see McDavid’s final contract, Kaprizov seems prepared to push Minnesota to the limits to maximize his earning potential. If he refuses to sign, the team could be forced to explore trade options to avoid losing their star for nothing.

“Is This Real?” Insider Says McDavid’s Comments Has NHL on Alert

Frankly, if Kaprizov doesn't think $16 million is enough, the Wild have a choice to make. And, if they budge and pay him more than that, what is the domino effect across the league?

If the NHL salary cap rises to $120 million within a few years, Kaprizov could theoretically command upwards of $20 - $24 million per season, making any $16 million deal today appear comparatively modest. Is this the kind of thing that is also running through McDavid's mind? 

Is this what players like Jack Eichel, Kyle Connor, Artemi Panarin, and others are thinking?

Once Kaprizov or McDavid sets the market, it becomes the marker for agents and players to start negotiating. 

And, if for some reason McDavid winds up going to market, teams that just heard Kaprizov turned down $128 million now know they'll need to pony up and make a ton of cap space available for a player who is better and should be paid more in McDavid. 

People thought $16 might be the high mark. That appears to no longer be the case. 

Bookmark The Hockey News Edmonton Oilers team site to never miss the latest news, game-day coverage, and more.   Add us to your Google News favourites, and never miss a story.

A pair of depth players have departed the Detroit Red Wings organization in as many days to seek other opportunities. 

Just as 2020 Draft selection forward Cross Hanas (55th overall, 2nd round, 24th pick) signed a professional tryout agreement with the Dallas Stars, defenseman Brogan Rafferty (undrafted, signed as a UFA in July 2023) has also departed.

The West Dundee, Illinois native has taken his career overseas and signed a two-year contract with the Vaxjo Lakers of the Swedish Hockey League.

Växjö Lakers förstärker backsidan – vi hälsar den amerikanske rightbacken, Brogan Rafferty varmt välkommen till klubben. Backen som kommer att spela i tröjnummer 11 har skrivit på ett tvåårskontrakt och ansluter till laget under kommande vecka ✍️ https://t.co/wbtsHhOKiK

— Växjö Lakers (@VLHlive) September 6, 2025

He was highly regarded by the club as evidenced by comments made by Vaxjo general manager Henrik Evertsson, saying that the team had coveted him for some time. 

“Brogan is a defender we have had our eye on for a few years,” he said. “With his exceptionally good passing game, he fits really well into our style of play."

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

Rafferty was never drafted into the NHL, and instead officially entered the League when he was signed by the Vancouver Canucks in 2019 to a one-year entry level contract.

He had previously played for the Quinnipiac University Bobcats, and was also extended a pair of invitations by the Chicago Blackhawks and New York Rangers as a Training Camp invitee, though he ultimately fell short of claiming a roster spot with both clubs. 

Following a stint with the Coachella Valley Firebirds, the American Hockey League affiliate of the Seattle Kraken, Rafferty signed with the Red Wings as a free agent with a two-year, two-way contract in July 2023. 

He spent the majority of his time with the Grand Rapids Griffins, scoring 13 goals with 16 assists in 62 games in his first campaign with the organization, followed by six goals and 13 assists in 52 games played last season. 

Sergei Fedorov’s Mentorship Helps Boost Former Red Wing Daniel SprongThe tenure of former Detroit Red Wings forward Daniel Sprong was relatively short, lasting only a single season. He played a role in Detroit's offensive attack by scoring 18 goals in 76 games, the second-highest total of his career in a single season. 

While he was called up to the Red Wings at various points during his tenure, he ultimately never saw the ice in regular season play in a Detroit uniform. 

Follow Michael Whitaker On X

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

The belief is that Sam Rinzel will be on the roster for the Chicago Blackhawks come opening night of the 2025-26 season. He only played nine games to end last season after his year with the University of Minnesota ended, but he immediately looked like he belonged in the NHL. 

He could produce offense, eat minutes, and properly position himself so that he would defend at a high level. The tools are there for him to be a top-pair defenseman. 

On Wednesday, the Blackhawks held their first prospect practice as they prepare for the 2025-26 Tom Kurvers Prospect Challenge. Rinzel, of course, made the roster and will participate in the event. 

After the first practice, a very physical one at that, was complete, Rinzel was one of the players to speak to the media. He was adamant that he wasn't a lock to made the team. 

"I gotta earn it, just like everyone else," Rinzel said when talking about making the team. That is the attitude to have when you've only played a short amount of games, despite playing well in them. If he gives the effort needed to make the team, he will. 

He talked about the things that he's been working on, including improving his shot, getting bigger and stronger, and being harder to play against in his own end. 

"I think being able to just change the angle," Rinzel said on improving his shot. "Being able to find little holes at the point." 

If Rinzel can become a goal-scoring defenseman by improving his shot, that will make him even more valuable to his team. His first goal in 2025-26 will be his first career NHL goal. 

As far as getting bigger and stronger, Rinzel said he played at 180 pounds last season and is up to 195 right now. He claims that drinking shakes helped him gain that weight. "It's always easier to drink the calories."

When the Blackhawks drafted Rinzel in the first round back in 2022, Kyle Davidson believed that he had the tools to become a great NHL player. Now, he's seeing the reward of taking that chance. 

Look for Rinzel to be one of the key Blackhawks players during this event, while giving him a really good chance to make the NHL team out of camp. 

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

The NHL’s 2025-26 season is nearly upon us, and here at THN.com’s Buffalo Sabres site, we're continuing our player-by-player series in which we break down expectations for each Sabres player this season. We've looked at Buffalo's goalies and defensemen, and in this latest column, we're turning our attention to veteran winger Jason Zucker.

This year, Zucker is entering the first season of a two-year contract extension. He obviously did enough last year to warrant his return to the Sabres, but even at a slight cut in salary, Zucker can still be a valuable contributor as Buffalo tries to end its 14-year Stanley Cup playoff drought. 

Let's look at Zucker's impact last year, and what is fair to expect from him in '25-26:

Player Name: Jason Zucker

Position: Left Wing

Age: 33

2024-25 Key Statistics: 73 games, 21 goals, 53 points

2025-26 Salary: $4.75-million

2025-26 Expectations: Zucker has never been the most spectacular performer, but after a down season that saw him produce only 14 goals and 32 points in 2023-24, Zucker put up. 21 goals and 53 points in 73 games last year. For the mid-tier salary of $5-million, Zucker provided the secondary scoring the Sabres need from their veterans.

And this year, given that he's taken a $250.000-pay cut to come back to Buffalo, you have to give him credit for putting his chips behind a Sabres team that direly needs a strong year in 2025-26.

Sabres 2025-26 Player Expectations: Entering Contract Year, Star Winger Tuch Will Be Feeling The HeatThe NHL’s 2025-26 season is almost here, and it’s a great time on THN.com’s Buffalo Sabres site to continue our player-by-player series in which we analyze expectations for every Sabres player in 2025-26.

Zucker did get some no-trade protection in his contract extension with the Sabres, but for both seasons of his new two-year deal, Zucker will be able to veto a trade to only five teams of his choice. That leaves 26 teams Zucker can be traded to. So he's hardly going to be able to stomp his feet and demand to stay in Buffalo if things don't work out well.

Indeed, if the Sabres do fall out of the playoff picture once again -- and so long as Zucker continues producing at a 20-goal pace -- there will be a market for Zucker's services. But that's a worst-case scenario for him. The best-case is that he stays in Buffalo, the Sabres do rebound, and Zucker gets to 25 goals and 60 points. 

Sabres 2025-26 Player Expectations: Buffalo Center McLeod Has New Contract, Heightened Bar To ClearThe NHL’s 2025-26 season is close at hand, and here at THN.com’s Buffalo Sabres site, we're continuing our player-by-player series in which we analyze expectations for each Sabres player this coming year.

If Zucker can be a thriving contributor on a Buffalo team that, against all odds, becomes a playoff team next year, the gamble the Sabres took on Zucker will be regarded as well worth it. But if by this time next year Buffalo is playing without Zucker, it will be because the experiment ended and Sabres management tried to make the most of him as a hockey asset and get a return for the future.

Zucker will almost assuredly be a 15-goal-scorer next season. But it's that next level of five-to-10 goals that is separating Zucker from cementing his status in Buffalo from being on the move once again when the Sabres move in a different direction.

The Providence Bruins announced they have signed forward Jacob Perreault to a one-year deal for the 2025-26 AHL season. 

Perreault went pointless is in six games with the Laval Rocket and notched five points in five ECHL games before being dealt to the Bakersfield Condors where he picked up three goals and 14 points in 31 games.

A first round pick of the Anaheim Ducks in 2020, Perreault has 36 goals and 107 points in 218 career AHL games with the Rocket, Condors, and San Diego Gulls. He is pointless in one career NHL game with the Ducks. 

The 23-year-old has flashed high-end offensive skills at different points throughout his AHL career and looks to become a more consistent producer with a good Providence team. 

📰 PROVIDENCE BRUINS SIGN JACOB PERREAULT TO AHL CONTRACThttps://t.co/eDqv5PJpAf

— Providence Bruins (@AHLBruins) September 10, 2025

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