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6-Foot-9 Forward Makes NHL Debut As Senators Begin New Season In Tampa

Now... where were we?

After ending an eight-year playoff drought last spring, the Ottawa Senators begin a brand new season Thursday night, easing oh, so gently into the new campaign with two road games against heated division rivals and perennial powerhouses. 

No biggie.

It’ll be a visit to Tampa tonight against the Lightning, then Sunrise on Saturday to take on the Panthers. The two Florida teams ended their preseasons in ornery fashion — trying to settle old scores and beat the tar out of each other – so as far as compete-level goes, they're both wide awake to open a new year, and looking to make a good impression on their fans.

As the Senators contend with all that, they'll also be without Drake Batherson and Tyler Kleven, both still nursing injuries. If not for their absence, Ottawa’s lineup would look almost identical to the one that bowed out in six games to the Toronto Maple Leafs last May.

But with Batherson sidelined and Adam Gaudette signing in San Jose over the summer, two free agent signings slip into the forward mix and make their Sens debuts tonight. Lars Eller will, of course, be an everyday player in the bottom six, and it looks like Olle Lycksell will slot in tonight as the 12th forward. 

On defense, Kleven’s absence means Donovan Sebrango draws in on the third pair beside Nikolas Matinpalo.

That leaves newcomer Jordan Spence, a right shot, on the outside looking in — at least for opening night. Earlier today, THN's Graeme Nichols wrote about Spence starting his Sens career in the press box.

Jordan Spence: A Healthy Scratch For Ottawa Senators Season OpenerJordan Spence: A Healthy Scratch For Ottawa Senators Season OpenerThe acquisition of Jordan Spence in the offseason was a move that garnered a lot of praise around the nation's capital because of the shortcomings the Senators had last season with their right-shot depth.

There was some discussion about Spence playing his wrong side in Kleven’s place, but the Sens opted for Sebrango, the natural lefty, who has just two career NHL games under his belt.

If there’s an upside to the 5-foot-11, 188-pound Spence sitting out, it’s that he won’t have to retrieve pucks in the corner against a Tampa forecheck that will include 6-foot-9, 242-pound Curtis Douglas. The 25-year-old Chara-sized forward was claimed off waivers from Utah earlier this week and is expected to make his NHL debut tonight.

Ottawa Senators Projected Lineup vs Tampa Bay

Forwards
Tkachuk – Stützle – Zetterlund
Perron – Cozens – Amadio
Greig – Pinto – Giroux
Cousins – Eller – Lycksell

Defense
Sanderson – Zub
Chabot – Jensen
Sebrango – Matinpalo

Goaltenders
Ullmark (starter)
Meriläinen

Tampa Bay Lightning Projected Lineup

Forwards
Guentzel – Point – Kucherov
Hagel – Cirelli – Goncalves
Bjorkstrand – Gourde – Chaffee
Geekie – Holmberg – Douglas

Defense
Hedman – Raddysh
McDonagh – Cernak
Lilleberg – Crozier

Goaltenders
Vasilevskiy
Johansson

As for last season, Tampa finished seventh overall in the NHL last season, just five points ahead of Ottawa, their expansion cousins. The two clubs split their four-game season series, 2-2. The game plan remains relatively simple. Keep Tampa's top line in check, and you give yourself a chance. But if they go off, as they often do, it's lights out. No Ottawa player last season had more points than Jake Guentzel (80), Brayden Point (82) and Nikita Kucherov (121).

The Sens went 3-3 in preseason while Tampa finished 6-1, which head coach Jon Cooper put zero stock in.

"I've seen teams in the league that have gone undefeated in the preseason and didn't make the playoffs that year. So you take parts of your game out of the preseason, but the win-loss record is kind of irrelevant, to be honest."

That all changes tonight, as things get real. Faceoff is 7 pm on TSN5.

More Sens Headlines From The Hockey News Ottawa:
Travis Green Says Senators Are 'Headed In the Right Direction'
Senators Send Yakemchuk To The Minors, Place Batherson And Kleven On IR
Sens Land A True NHL Heavyweight In A Deal With The Devils
More Senators Broadcast Changes: Marc Methot Out At TSN
Brady Tkachuk On Starring In Prime Video Show: 'I'm An Open Book To Begin With'
Broadcast Frustrations Resurface For Senators Fans

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Lyon The Latest Opening Game Goalie For The Sabres

The Buffalo Sabres embark on their 2025-26 regular season on Thursday against the New York Rangers at KeyBank Center with a certain amount of uncertainty between the pipes, as veteran Alex Lyon will step in for injured starter Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen. The lower-body issues that Luukkonen suffered before training camp and during the Sabres preseason home finale last week has his status in limbo, which means that head coach Lindy Ruff will lean heavily on Lyon in the month of October. 

The Sabres are hoping to seize on a home-heavy schedule in October, as they start the campaign with six of their first eight games at KBC, and only one back-to-back contest. Lyon has carried the ball before in the American Hockey League, but could never earn a starter’s role in Philadelphia, where he spent four seasons. The 32-year-old played down the stretch for Florida three years ago, helping the Panthers win the final Eastern Conference playoff spot by a point over the Sabres. 

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Lyon turned that opportunity into a two-year deal with Detroit, where he was the primary starter in 2024 and split duties with Cam Talbot last season. The signing with Buffalo gave the Sabres a capable Plan B in case Luukkonen regressed as he did last season, since the Sabres clearly do not want to continue to recall and demote Devon Levi multiple times and allow him to develop in AHL Rochester. 

The interesting note is that tonight the Sabres will have a different goalie starting the season opener for the fourth straight season. In 2022-23, veteran Craig Anderson started and the Sabres beat the Ottawa Senators 4-1. In 2023, 22-year-old Devon Levi was given the net to start the season and lost three of first four starts, including the opener to the Rangers 5-1. Last season, after playing well in the second-half of 2024, Luukkonen started the opener of the Global Series in Prague, losing 4-1 to the Devils. 

There is a great deal of pressure on the Sabres to get off to a good start and a lot of that will depend on Buffalo playing better defensively, which has been the mantra of training camp, and Lyon being up to the task of being the starter while Luukkonen is out of action.     

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Islanders Hire Kelly Cheeseman As New President Of Business Operations & Alternate Governor

PITTSBURGH, PA -- The New York Islanders have hired Kelly Cheeseman as President of Business Operations and Alternate Governor, adding to what's already been a brand-new era of hockey on Long Island. 

Cheeseman joins the organization after an impressive resume over at AEG Sports with the Los Angeles Kings, LA Galaxy (MLS), and Eisbaren Berlin (DEL, Germany’s highest level of professional ice hockey), where he worked in all facets of the business side, including youth hockey, facility management and development, and revenue generation. 

Cheeseman will be in charge of leading all revenue, fan-facing, and administrative operations for the New York Islanders and UBS Arena, while working closely with Oak View Group (OVG) to deliver a “best-in-class” fan experience and drive bookings at Belmont Park.

"This is an exciting moment for our organization and, more generally, the Belmont Park campus. We have the unique opportunity to blend sports, entertainment, music, and fashion with unmatched hospitality in New York. Kelly’s experience in championship-winning organizations, as well as AEG’s vast sports, entertainment, and real estate business, makes him the right commercial leader for us right now," operating partner John Collins said. 

Cheeseman is excited about his new role, which officially begins on November 1.  

“Joining the New York Islanders and UBS Arena is an extraordinary opportunity to help shape the next chapter in one of the NHL’s most passionate markets," Cheeseman said. "I’m incredibly excited for what lies ahead for this team, this arena, and this community, and I want to thank the entire ownership group and organization here in New York for their trust and partnership. I’m also deeply grateful to Mr. and Mrs. Anschutz, Dan Beckerman, Luc Robitaille, and everyone at the LA Kings and AEG for their years of guidance, support, and friendship—it has been an incredible journey.”

It's a new age for the Islanders and Cheeseman now plays ain integral role as the organization continues to take strides into becoming one of the strongest sports franchises around. 

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Barrage Of Groundbreaking Contract Extensions Puts Pressure On Rangers To Sign Artemi Panarin

 Brad Penner-Imagn Images

The 2026 free-agent class might not be as strong as originally anticipated, and that puts pressure on the New York Rangers to sign Artemi Panarin to a contract extension. 

Given all of the contracts the Rangers have dumped over the past year, on top of the fact that Artemi Panarin’s seven-year, 81.5 million deal is set to expire after the 2025-26 season, it seemed as if the Rangers were positioning themselves to be major players in the free-agent market this upcoming summer. 

The 2026 free-agent market was supposed to feature multiple superstar caliber players, including Connor McDavid, Kirill Kaprizov, Jack Eichel, and Kyle Connor. 

However, the landscape of the 2026 offseason has drastically changed. 

Over the past couple of weeks, McDavid signed a contract extension with the Edmonton Oilers, Kaprizov signed a contract extension with the Minnesota Wild, Eichel signed a contract extension with the Vegas Golden Knights, and Connor signed a contract extension with the Winnipeg Jets. 

All of these moves simply shift leverage in contract negotiations from the Rangers to Panarin.

According to Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman, the Rangers wanted Panarin to take a team-friendly deal during the summer, but the two sides were unable to agree. 

“I understand, at some point in the off-season, the Rangers had that kind of conceptual conversation with Panarin: ‘Is there a way you could do for the Rangers what Kopitar did for the Kings?’” Friedman said. “Obviously, at this point and time, it hasn’t happened. I don’t know where that’s going to go, I don’t know if that’s going to be a possibility, but I do know the two sides had the conversation and, obviously, at this point, Panarin is unsigned.”

While the Blueshirts seem reluctant to commit to Panarin on a long-term basis, Rangers president and general manager Chris Drury is handcuffed in this situation. 

Essentially, all of the players the Rangers could have replaced Panarin with who were set to hit the open market are no longer available. 

Injuries Still Impacting J.T. Miller and Artemi Panarin As They Both Look To Get Back To Regular FormInjuries Still Impacting J.T. Miller and Artemi Panarin As They Both Look To Get Back To Regular FormBoth J.T. Miller and Artemi Panarin had to shake off some rust during the New York Rangers’ season opener on Tuesday night against the Pittsburgh Penguins. 

Despite already being 33 years old, Panarin continues to show he has a lot left in the tank, and as of last season, he was still playing at an all-star caliber level. 

Panarin is gaining an upper edge on the Rangers the longer these negotiations take, and with all of these groundbreaking contract extensions getting finalized. 

The Rangers are not in a rebuild by any means and remain committed to a win-now mentality, and Panarin is their main offensive catalyst. 

Without a feasible backup plan in place, it may be time for the Rangers to sign Panarin to a contract extension once and for all.

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Meet The New Guys: Detroit's Trio Of Rookies

The Detroit Red Wings will open their 100th season on Thursday by ushering in a new era, as top prospects Emmitt Finnie, Michael Brandsegg-Nygård, and Axel Sandin-Pellikka make their NHL debuts in key lineup roles.

Thursday’s home opener for the Detroit Red Wings will carry special significance, marking not only the beginning of a new season, but also the franchise’s 100th year and the possible dawn of a new era in Detroit hockey.

In a decisive move, the Red Wings will ice three top prospects in forwards Emmitt Finnie and Michael Brandsegg-Nygård, along with defenseman Axel Sandin-Pellikka, all set to make their NHL debuts. Each earned a roster spot after strong preseason showings, highlighted by consistent effort and several standout performances that convinced the coaching staff they were ready for full-time roles.

Exclusive: Red Wings Prospect Emmitt Finnie Talks NHL Aspirations, Bond with Nate DanielsonExclusive: Red Wings Prospect Emmitt Finnie Talks NHL Aspirations, Bond with Nate DanielsonRed Wings breakout prospect Emmitt Finnie breaks down off-season plans, future goals and growing up with fellow prospect Nate Danielson in an exclusive interview with The Hockey News.

Finnie emerged as a coach’s favorite during training camp and the preseason, showcasing a tenacious forechecking game, strong puck movement for a 20-year-old, and playmaking instincts that already exceed the AHL level. The Alberta native was selected 201st overall in the seventh round of the 2023 NHL Entry Draft and signed his entry-level contract with Detroit in March 2024. 

This past season, Finnie was sensational playing for the Kamloops Blazers in the Western Hockey League, putting up 84 points in 55 games (37 goals, 47 assists). He played just ten games with the Grand Rapids Griffins in the AHL and impressed his coaches during the limited stint. When speaking with Griffins head coach Dan Watson, he praised Finnie as a player with a relentless work ethic off the ice that shows as he progresses more and more up until the point that he is now on an NHL roster.

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

Detroit used a first-round pick on Brandsegg-Nygård, taking him 15th overall in 2024, making him the first Norwegian-born player ever selected in the first round. He spent the 2024-25 season with Skellefteå AIK in the Swedish Hockey League (SHL), recording 11 points in 42 games (5 goals, 6 assists). In the postseason, he added 6 points in 11 playoff games.  

Like Finnie, Brandsegg-Nygård saw limited time in the AHL but quickly made his presence felt during a standout preseason with Detroit. His two-goal performance against the Maple Leafs highlighted his scoring ability, while recording three or more hits in five of seven preseason games demonstrated his physical edge and versatility. Brandsegg-Nygård proved he can impact the game in multiple areas of the ice. 

Sandin-Pellikka, drafted 17th overall by Detroit in 2023, has quickly become the centerpiece of the Red Wings’ prospect pool and a fan favorite. The Swedish defenseman dominated the SHL in 2024–25 as the league’s top under-21 blueliner, recording 29 points in 46 regular-season games and adding eight more in the playoffs. The previous year, he helped lead Skellefteå to an SHL Championship with 25 total points between the regular season and playoffs.

"A Dream Come True": Axel Sandin-Pellikka Thrilled For Red Wings' Debut The day has arrived for the Detroit Red Wings, who officially begin their centennial campaign on Thursday against the Montreal Canadiens at Little Caesars Arena. 

Often compared to Shayne Gostisbehere for his offensive instincts and power-play potential, Sandin-Pellikka now has the opportunity to begin fulfilling those lofty expectations as he makes his NHL debut Thursday in a Red Wings uniform. 

The coaching staff will be deploying Finnie on the top line alongside Dylan Larkin and Lucas Raymond, an aggressive bet on the rookie’s scoring pace to complement veteran play. Brandsegg-Nygård will skate on a middle-six unit with J.T. Compher and Andrew Copp, offering a mix of youth energy and physical edge. On defense, Sandin-Pellikka will be paired with Simon Edvinsson, giving the back end a youthful look.

On special teams, both Sandin-Pellikka and Brandsegg-Nygård will be given roles on the second power play unit. Sandin-Pellikka is expected to anchor the point, while Brandsegg-Nygård provides flexibility up front. The Red Wings’ decision to commit significant minutes to these three in their NHL debut underlines their belief that these rookies are ready to contribute right away.

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Mets reliever Reed Garrett undergoes Tommy John surgery

As expected, Mets relieverReed Garretthas undergone Tommy John surgery.

The surgery was performed on Thursday, and is expected to keep Garrett out for the entire 2026 MLB season.

Garrett, 32, will be entering his first season of arbitration in 2026 and is under team control through 2028.

He is expected to earn roughly $1.4 million this coming season if he is offered arbitration.

Garrett's season ended on Sept. 18, when he was placed on the IL due to an elbow sprain.

He had a solid year in 2025, posting a 3.90 ERA and 1.31 WHIP while striking out 64 batters in 55.1 innings over 58 appearances -- a rate of 10.4 per nine.

Since joining the Mets, Garrett has a 4.10 ERA and 1.34 WHIP in 129.2 innings in three seasons.