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Ottawa Senators general manager Steve Staios has often said that an NHL team can never have too many right-shot defensemen. That depth on the right side could prove critical to start this season, especially if Nick Jensen isn’t ready for opening night. But after Sunday's potential setback, it’s the left side of the blue line that suddenly looks more vulnerable.

Tyler Kleven left the Sens' preseason opener against the Toronto Maple Leafs after going awkwardly into the end boards during the third period of Ottawa’s 4-3 loss at Canadian Tire Centre. Initially, based on replays, it appeared to be a possible ankle or leg issue. But during a conversation on the bench with athletic therapist Dom Nicoletta, their concern seemed to be Kleven’s right shoulder. He eventually departed down the tunnel and did not return.

Head coach Travis Green had no details on the nature or extent of the injury immediately after the game, but suggested that the reason for Kleven's exit was “more than just precautionary.”

That uncertainty raises a pressing question: if Kleven is sidelined for any length of time, who fills the gap?

Ottawa is still solid at the top of the left side with Jake Sanderson and Thomas Chabot anchoring the top four. But after Kleven, NHL experience is thin. When you add up the combined NHL experience of all the left-shot defensemen in the organization after Kleven, it totals just two games – and both of them belong to Donovan Sebrango, the most likely candidate to fill in.

Other left-shot options in the system include Jorian Donovan, Tomas Hamara, and Matthew Andonovski — all of whom are younger than Sebrango and remain completely untested at the highest level.

If the Senators prefer a more proven option, they'd also consider shifting a right-shot defenseman over. Kleven's current D partner through most of camp so far, Jordan Spence, stands out as a strong candidate, given his puck skills. Being slick and nimble is always an asset, but it's especially important for players who play the opposite side, where they often have to receive, retrieve or distribute pucks in less familiar body positions.

If they went that route, that could have an interesting ripple effect on the right side.

Suppose both Spence (or another righty) is forced to the left, and Jensen isn’t ready to open the season. In that case, it might accelerate an opportunity for 2024 first-rounder Carter Yakemchuk or 2019 first-rounder Lassi Thomson to break camp with the NHL roster, filling out the right side with Artem Zub and Nicolas Matinpalo.

And of course, there's always the NHL waiver wire. Left defense is easier to find, and the Sens have kept a decent amount of cap room to bring in another body if they find someone they believe is an upgrade on Sebrango. When training camps end, there's always an intriguing name or two that teams would like to keep in their organization but just don't have room for on their NHL roster.

Naturally, this is premature Monday morning spitballing, and it could all be rendered moot if (fingers crossed) Kleven's injury isn't serious. But it does highlight one fact: after so many years of concern about right-side depth, it's the Sens left side that's now the shallower end of the pool.

By Steve Warne
The Hockey News Ottawa

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ELMONT, NY -- New York Islandersdefense prospect and Long Island native Marshall Warren was excited pregame to skate in his first-ever preseason game after not getting the chance last training camp.

Long Island Native, Islanders Fan Marshall Warren About To Live Out A DreamEAST MEADOW, NY -- Long Island native Marshall Warren is about to live out a dream when the New York Islanders host the Philadelphia Flyers for their first preseason game. 

However, even with all the excitement, the Laurel Hollow native couldn't have expected what would happen in front of his parents, his sister, friends, and family on Sunday night. 

After laying a big hit in his own zone in the second period, Warren jumped up on the rush with forward Mathew Barzal, creating a 2-on-1 chance.  From the high slot, Barzal sent a cross-seam pass to Warren, who caught the puck in the left circle before roofing the rubber for the 2-1 go-ahead tally:

WHAT A SHOT. pic.twitter.com/ZmmtzLXMeT

— New York Islanders (@NYIslanders) September 22, 2025

"Yeah, it was cool," Warren told The Hockey News. "I would have loved to get the win, but...it didn't really feel that surreal, honestly. It felt like a normal day, like playing hockey. But, yeah, it's cool."

Warren is always cool, calm, and collected in interviews. But we can tell you that he was grinning ear to ear while chatting with us. 

When asked if that goal sequence defined him as a player: "I'm a two-way defenseman, so it's good to show I can make hits and also make plays. So that's the biggest thing, just going forward, just being able to showcase the abilities I have. So yeah, I think it was a good game, but obviously we didn't win."

In the 11-round 3-2 shootout exhibition loss to the Philadelphia Flyers, Warren recorded one assist, two shots, and three hits in 16:45 minutes of action, skating alongside Cole McWard. 

"I was happy for him. I mean, he had a really good camp last year, and I thought he had a great game today," head coach Patrick Roy said. "I mean, he scored that second goal for us and jumps in the rush. And I was very impressed with him. I thought he had a really good game."

As mentioned, Warren did not get into a preseason game last year. He was brought to Philadelphia, took warmups, but did not get into the game. He had to earn it. 

In his first full season in Bridgeport -- he did suffer an injury -- Warren recorded 17 points (four goals, 13 assists) in 53 games.

His growth from last season to this season, when it comes to his decision-making, is what stood out to Roy and what ultimately gave him a preseason opportunity this time around. 

"I feel like he's free out there in a way that he's not afraid," Roy said. "Last year, there was maybe a bit of hesitation in jumping in on the rush, which is normal. You're a young guy, but I felt like today, the goal that he scored, it's an example. He was not afraid. He just said, "Well, I'm going there, and I want to create that 2-on-1 on with Barzy.'

"What I love is the check he made in that first period. That was a great hit. I liked the way that he defended, the way that he moves the puck. I could see, in general, how good he feels out there and how confident he is. And I think the year in the AHL last year was really good for him."

Here's the hit by Marshall Warren on Lane Pedersen in case someone else wanted to see it. Looked pretty clean, although Cal Clutterbuck comments that he might have got a little helmet from the live look and Pedersen was bleeding.

Warren was definitely noticeable out there. pic.twitter.com/BkGlzeWKZa

— Thomas Ryan (@ThomasR11650050) September 22, 2025

Warren won't be making the Islanders out of training camp. But, he does have a tremendous opportunity to be a leader down in Bridgeport, play big minutes and hey, you never know. 

Look at Isaiah George last season, who, due to injury got a chance at the NHL level, a chance that lasted 33 games. While the call-up was more out of necessity due to injury as George had only played in four total professoinal hockey games, his play in preseason last year is what gave the Islanders confidence that he could be an option.

Hopefully, Warren continues to do the same as training camp and preseason action continue. 

Stay updated with the most interesting Islanders stories, analysis, breaking news and more! Tap the star to add us to your favorites on Google News to never miss a story.

The key piece in the trade that sent winger JJ Peterka to Utah just before the NHL Draft was defenseman Michael Kesselring, who the Buffalo Sabres are depending on to be an effective physical blueline partner to Owen Power, but the Sabres also will need to get something from winger Josh Doan, who had two impressive seasons in the AHL and a quick start to his NHL career close to his hometown of Scottsdale, AZ, but the 23-year-old struggled in his sophomore campaign and is hoping to recapture his scoring touch. 

"It's been a couple years now, where I've had a little bit of success here, and it's taken a bit, In Tucson, I kind of found my offensive stride." Doan said on Saturday. "At the end of the day, this league is really skilled, and you're getting an opportunity to produce with no matter who you're on the ice with. I've worked on a lot this off season, watching videos of guys like (Sam) Reinhart, or (Sam) Bennett, for those guys who are good around the net and scoring goals, and kind of taking a queue from them and hope to produce a little bit more this year."

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The son of Arizona Coyotes legend and current Toronto Maple Leafs Special Assistant to the GM Shane Doan has shown a scoring touch at all levels, with the Chicago Steel of the USHL, in two years at Arizona State University, in two seasons with the AHL’s Tucson Roadrunners, and in his brief stint at the end of the 2024 season with the Coyotes, where he scored five goals in 11 games. Last season, his numbers dipped to seven goals in 51 games in Utah. In Buffalo, head coach Lindy Ruff is looking for the 6’2”, 198 lb. winger to step up his physical play and work ethic to create more opportunities for himself.  

"That's something you got to take pride and something that, as a kid, it was kind of preached to me, is, no matter what happens, you're going as hard as you can, and it's something that I can look back on since I was five or six years old." Doan said. "There's still parts of my game that I wanted to grow in, but that's something that no matter what I'm working on, it is going to be something that's built into me and who I am." 

Follow Michael on X, Instagram  @MikeInBuffalo

ELMONT, NY --New York Islanders' 17th overall pick in this past draft, Kashawn Aitcheson, left Sunday's preseason game against the Flyers in the third period after being on the receiving end of a center-ice check by Noah Juulsen. 

Rob Taub (@RTaub_) on XHere is the hit on Kashawn Aitcheson that knocked him out of the game

Aitcheson had to be helped off the ice by the trainers with 7:39 to go in the game and did not return.

Everyone feared the worst but Roy allowed the fan base to breath. 

"He is fine. He's gonna be day to day, and it's a lower body injury. He'll be fine."

Even though the hit wasn't late, it looked like a knee-on-knee -- that's what head coach Patrick Roy thought -- so we'll see if anything comes of it from NHL Player Safety, but you shouldn't expect anything. The referees didn't call it a penalty on the play.

Reminder: Even if the referees don't call a penalty, the hit is still reviewable by NHL Player Safety. 

DeAngelo on the Juulsen hit:

"Juulsen makes a good read, makes a fine hit. No big deal. We just got to stick up for each other [...] tough kid. Played a really good game."#Isles

— Stefen Rosner (@stefen_rosner) September 22, 2025

Aitcheson has had a very strong training camp and played solid in his 18:03 minutes on Sunday night. He skated the puck up the ice often. He got shots through, recording four, and made some strong defensive plays. 

Hopefully, Aitcheson feels good enough to go following a day off. 

Exclusive: Islanders’ First-Rounder Kashawn Aitcheson Talks Physical Edge, Leadership & DevelopmentEAST MEADOW, NY -- During Day Two of New York Islanders Rookie Camp, it was hard not to notice No. 17 overall pick Kashawn Aitcheson.  His cross-overs were sharp. His shot was on the money. And you could see his excitement once the physical drills were introduced. 

Aitcheson will be returning to the OHL's Barrie Colts whenenver his time at training camp is complete. 

NHL Network has revealed rankings No. 30 to No. 21 for their latest Top 50 Players Right Now List over the weekend, and two New York Rangers stars have made the cut: Artemi Panarin and Igor Shesterkin.

Panarin was given the No. 27 spot this year by the NHL Network. This was after the 33-year-old winger recorded 37 goals, 52 assists, and 89 points in 80 games with the Rangers during the 2024-25 season. With this, he produced at an over a point per game pace for the eighth season in a row. 

However, Panarin dropped on the NHL Network's list compared to last year. This is because Panarin was ranked as the 15th best player in the NHL by them ahead of the 2024-25 season. This was after he set career highs with 49 goals and 120 points in 82 games with the Rangers in 2023-24. 

Heading to the Big Apple for #⃣2⃣7⃣ on our Top 50 Players Right Now list! @NYRangers | #NHLTopPlayerspic.twitter.com/FS86DRvqEs

— NHL Network (@NHLNetwork) September 22, 2025

Shesterkin, on the other hand, was given the No. 26 spot on the NHL Network's list. In 61 games this past season for the Rangers, he recorded a 27-29-5 record, a 2.86 goals-against average, and a .905 save percentage. 

Like Panarin, Shesterkin had a better ranking in the NHL Network's previous Top 50 Players Right Now list. This is because he was ranked at the No. 6 spot last year. 

Igor Shesterkin makes it back-to-back Blueshirts on our Top 50 Players Right Now list! @NYRangers | #NHLTopPlayerspic.twitter.com/F7pGuelmE7

— NHL Network (@NHLNetwork) September 22, 2025

The Florida Panthers opened their 2025 preseason slate with their annual doubeleader against the Nashville Predators.

This year, the Cats and Preds faced off at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, and with the NHL shrinking its preseason schedule to two games next season, it could very possibly be the final time we see the twin billing.

Florida opened training camp last week with an eye-popping 72 players on the roster, and with many of the unsigned prospects expected to return to their respective junior teams in the coming days and weeks, it was mostly those younger guys who made the trip to Nashville.

The idea is to give those players a taste of NHL hockey, and boy did they get it on Sunday.

Florida may have been playing their younger, inexperienced players, but Nashville apparently did not get that memo.

Steven Stamkos, Jonathan Marchessault, Ryan O’Reilly Juuse Saros and Roman Josi were all among the players who suited up for Nashville as they swept the doubleheader from the Panthers, taking the first game 5-0 and the nightcap 5-3.

“I thought these were very difficult games to play in for young players to play in, because there are some NHLers on the other side,” said Panthers Head Coach Paul Maurice. “And they’re all brand new, right? There’s no line combinations out there.

“I thought in the first (game), you get to young players’ instincts,” he continued. “They haven’t been here long enough for systems or any kind of idea of that, but you get to see their individual instincts. The second game, there was a little more continuity to that group, they had spent some time together. It’s good we stayed in the battle and found our way to fight back in a game. It’s a difficult thing to do in this league.”

Brett Chorske gave Florida a 1-0 lead during the opening frame of game two, then Mike Benning scored a pair of third period goals that brought the Panthers back within a goal of the host Predators, who had jumped out to a 4-1 lead.

O’Reilly deposited the puck into an empty net during the game’s final minute to seal the victory for the home team.

“It took a little bit to get used to it, but the guys found it in the last little bit there and made a push, but we came up short,” said Benning.

Florida will continue their preseason schedule on Wednesday when they face the Carolina Hurricanes at Lenovo Center in Raleigh.

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Photo caption: Sep 19, 2025; Fort Lauderdale, FL, USA; Florida Panthers head coach Paul Maurice speaks to his players during training camp at Baptist Health IcePlex. (Sam Navarro-Imagn Images)

Although it wasn't perfect, the Philadelphia Flyers started off their preseason with a 3-2 shootout win over the New York Islanders, with key players like Trevor Zegras standing out exactly like they needed to.

Zegras, 24, made his Flyers debut against the Islanders on Sunday night, and while he didn't score a goal or pick up an assist, he was arguably the most impressive player on the ice.

Much has been made of whether or not Zegras can play center again at the NHL level full-time, and the Flyers' big trade acquisition passed the early test with flying colors.

Zegras made a number of defensive plays on the evening, coming way down low in his own zone to support puck battles and even stripped Mat Barzal of the puck from behind on a breakaway in overtime.

I've long believed that the idea that Zegras cannot play center is just a narrative-driven myth, and while the questions about his defensive game are legitimate, he showed well in the exhibition game.

Overall, Zegras was a +1 in his Flyers debut with four shots on goal and a penalty and went 4/9 on faceoffs (a solid 44.4%) in 23:09.

Zegras's two linemates, Nikita Grebenkin and Matvei Michkov, were also effective players, even if the trio as a whole understandably lacked chemistry.

Grebenkin was his typical effective self in the corners and below the goal line, holding onto pucks and showing off his creativity with some of his pass selections.

Flyers Forward Exits Islanders Matchup InjuredThe Philadelphia Flyers have announced that Lane Pederson will be out for the remainder of the club's preseason matchup against the New York Islanders after suffering an upper-body injury.

Michkov tied the game for the Flyers at 2-2 with just over a minute left in the third period, burying a Jamie Drysdale rebound with an empty net.

Michkov was also perhaps unfortunate to have not received a penalty shot in overtime, but star Islanders rookie Matthew Schaefer was able to cleanly disrupt him from behind without committing a foul.

The 20-year-old Russian did also score for the Flyers in the shootout and looked to have won it, only for Barzal to go down the other way and score on his attempt to keep the game going.

Other forwards who stood out to me include Denver Barkey and Jack Nesbitt, who each played a bit of power play and penalty kill as well.

Barkey's size and lack of experience may limit his chances, but he's looked really good to the point where I would consider him in the picture for an NHL roster spot.

I find him more versatile than an Alex Bump in terms of being able to play in a bottom-six role in addition to playing in a scoring role. Now might not be the time, but Barkey is going to be a player for the Flyers sometime soon.

Nesbitt still struggles with his skating at times, but his hockey IQ and puck skills are top notch. He forced a neutral zone turnover that ultimately led to Rodrigo Abols's first-period goal, giving Nesbitt his first unofficial assist as a Flyers player.

Flyers Training Camp: Potential Defensive Changes Could Be for the BestIf the first few days of training camp are anything to go by, the Philadelphia Flyers could have a new-look defense under first-year head coach Rick Tocchet.

My only knock of Nesbitt's performance is his lack of success in the faceoff dot; he went 3/10, though he, Zegras, and Noah Cates were all average at best in that regard.

Defensively, Spencer Gill looked like he belonged, and Jamie Drysdale and Emil Andrae were in command all night long. Adam Ginning also massively improved on his dire preseason performance last year and was remarkably steady on a pairing with the inexperienced Gill.

Noah Juulsen was probably the least effective of the Flyers defensemen, though he did open some eyes with a big hit on Kashawn Aitcheson late in the game. We'll see how Helge Grans performs in the next preseason game with the other group of players, but Juulsen's stock is definitely trending down early in camp.

On the date of Bernie Parent's tragic passing, goalies Aleksei Kolosov and Carson Bjarnason were outstanding for the Flyers in goal, combining for 32 saves on 34 shots in the shootout win.

Both Islanders goals came against Kolosov, but the first came on a rebound that wasn't cleared, and the second came on a 2-on-1 when Juulsen was unable to prevent the cross-ice pass from making it across the ice to the shooter.

Bjarnason stopped all 17 shots he faced and locked it down in the shootout, allowing only three goals on the 11 attempts that came his way.

It was an encouraging start for the Flyers' presumed AHL goaltending tandem, and for the Flyers as a whole. The Rick Tocchet era is so far off to a flawless start.