Former Carolina Hurricanes goaltender Anton Khudobin is reportedly retiring from professional hockey after a 17-year career.

Khudobin, 39, played in the NHL in parts of 14 seasons and for six different teams, most notably Dallas and Carolina.

The veteran netminder played for Carolina from 2013-2015, appearing in 70 games for the franchise.

In those games, the Russian netminder had a 27-31-7 record, but a 0.914 save percentage and 2.5 goals against average along with two shutouts.

Khudobin makes unreal diving save on KarlssonCarolina Hurricanes goalie Anton Khudobin dives across the crease to make an unreal arm save on Ottawa Senators defensemen Erik Karlsson.

The most notable accomplishment in his NHL career included a Cinderella run to the Stanley Cup Final in 2020 as a member of the Stars.

Khudobin, who had only seen action in two playoff games previously, appeared in 25 games that postseason, posting a 0.917 save percentage. He had a 0.910 save percentage in the six-game series against the Tampa Bay Lightning.

Congrats to Khudobin on his retirement.

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This past weekend, William Nylander was awarded the GuldPucken, or Golden Puck, as the best hockey player in the world from Sweden. He then did an interview with Swedish media where he spoke about the award, the recent season with the Toronto Maple Leafs and his future both on and off the ice. 

“It’s a very special feeling,” Nylander told Expressen’s Adam Johansson. “It's maybe a goal I’ve always had in the back of my mind, to try to be Sweden’s best player. I appreciate being chosen for that because we have so many good Swedish hockey players.”

As Nick Barden of THN’s Toronto page wrote today, William’s father Michael Nylander was a winner of the award. But although the elder Nylander had a lengthy career which included 15 seasons in the NHL, he never won the award. (Scroll down for a complete list of winners.)

“The season just flew by,” Nylander said about 2024-25. “The Four Nations was an incredible experience. Then came the playoffs, which was a disappointment in game seven (against the Florida Panthers). It was tough, but then I went to the World Championship. The fact that we managed to get a bronze, you have to look at that positively.”

For the third straight season, Nylander hit the 40-goal plateau, reaching a career high with 45, which was second in the league, behind only Leon Draisaitl of the Edmonton Oilers.

“I don’t know, I play with good players,” Nylander replied when asked about his scoring success. “I can’t say exactly what it is, but maybe I’ve become a little more hungry to score goals. Before, maybe I passed the puck first, but I don’t really know. It just happened, I think.”

Former First-Rounder Kieffer Bellows Signs In Sweden American left winger Kieffer Bellows, 27, has signed a one-year contract with Brynäs IF, the Gävle-based SHL club announced on Sunday.

Nylander was drafted eighth overall by the Leafs in 2014 and, since part-way through the 2014-15 season, has played continuously in Toronto, either for the Leafs or AHL Marlies. However, he returns home every summer to Stockholm. He was asked if that’s where he will put down roots when his career is over.

“Yes, 100 percent,” he confirmed about the Swedish capital. “This is home. Toronto is home in the same way. I love being in both places. I’ve considered Toronto home for 10 years – that’s the longest I’ve lived in one place in my entire life. But here in Stockholm I have all my family and friends, so I love coming back home and seeing them. And then of course I love Stockholm – a wonderful city and it’s just nice to be in Sweden.”

And although he was born in Calgary, Sweden is, of course, the country that Nylander represents internationally, which he has done on a number of times. In June, he was named one of the first six players of the Swedish team for the 2026 Winter Olympics.

Olympic Men’s Hockey Teams Name First Six Players All 12 teams that will compete in the men’s tournament of the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan, Italy have now announced their rosters.

“It’s a special feeling to get to put on that jersey and play with the best Swedes in the world. We have many incredibly talented Swedes, which makes it so exciting. 

“I’ve never been to an Olympics before, so that’ll be even more special,” he condinued. “Milan is a cool city and everything around will be really fun. I’m really excited.”

Reminded that he’s turning 30 this year, Nylander was asked about his future from a personal standpoint.

“I’ve always known that I want children and a family, but it will come when it comes,” he said. “I’m not stressed about it, but I hope it happens one day. When it happens, it happens.”

Ukrainian-Born Ex-Leaf Heads Back To KHLUkrainian-born Swedish winger Dmytro Timashov, 28, has signed a two-year contract with Admiral Vladivostok, several Swedish media outlets have reported.

Golden Puck Previous Winners:

2023–24 Gustav Forsling Florida Panthers D

2022–23 Erik Karlsson San Jose Sharks D

2021–22 Gabriel Landeskog Colorado Avalanche LW

2020–21 Victor Hedman Tampa Bay Lightning D

2019–20 Not awarded due to the COVID-19 pandemic in Sweden

2018–19 Robin Lehner New York Islanders G

2017–18 William Karlsson Vegas Golden Knights C

2016–17 Erik Karlsson Ottawa Senators D

2015–16 Erik Karlsson Ottawa Senators D

2014–15 Victor Hedman Tampa Bay Lightning D

2013–14 Joakim Lindström Skellefteå AIK C

2012–13 Jimmie Ericsson Skellefteå AIK LW

2011–12 Jakob Silfverberg Brynäs IF LW

2010–11 Viktor Fasth AIK G

2009–10 Magnus Johansson Linköpings HC D

2008–09 Jonas Gustavsson Färjestad BK G

2007–08 Stefan Liv HV71 G

2006–07 Per Svartvadet Modo Hockey C

2005–06 Kenny Jönsson Rögle BK D

2004–05 Henrik Lundqvist Frölunda HC G

2003–04 Johan Davidsson HV71 C

2002–03 Niklas Andersson Västra Frölunda HC LW

2001–02 Henrik Zetterberg Timrå IK C

2000–01 Mikael Renberg Luleå HF RW

1999–00 Mikael Johansson Djurgårdens IF C

1998–99 Daniel Sedin Modo Hockey LW

1998–99 Henrik Sedin Modo Hockey C

1997–98 Ulf Dahlén HV71 RW

1996–97 Jörgen Jönsson Färjestad BK C

1995–96 Jonas Bergqvist Leksands IF RW

1994–95 Tomas Jonsson Leksands IF D

1993–94 Peter Forsberg Modo Hockey C

1992–93 Peter Forsberg Modo Hockey C

1991–92 Tommy Sjödin Brynäs IF D

1990–91 Thomas Rundqvist Färjestad BK F

1989–90 Rolf Ridderwall Djurgårdens IF G

1988–89 Kent Nilsson Djurgårdens IF C

1987–88 Bo Berglund AIK F

1986–87 Håkan Södergren Djurgårdens IF LW

1985–86 Tommy Samuelsson Färjestad BK D

1984–85 Anders Eldebrink Södertälje SK D

1983–84 Per-Erik Eklund AIK C

1982–83 Håkan Loob Färjestad BK RW

1981–82 Patrik Sundström IF Björklöven C

1980–81 Peter Lindmark Timrå IK G

1979–80 Mats Näslund Brynäs IF LW

1978–79 Anders Kallur Djurgårdens IF W

1977–78 Rolf Edberg AIK C

1976–77 Kent-Erik Andersson Färjestad BK RW

1975–76 Mats Waltin Södertälje SK D

1974–75 Stig Östling Brynäs IF D

1973–74 Christer Abrahamsson Leksands IF G

1972–73 Thommy Abrahamsson Leksands IF D

1971–72 William Löfqvist Brynäs IF G

1970–71 Håkan Wickberg Brynäs IF C

1969–70 Leif Holmqvist AIK G

1968–69 Lars-Erik Sjöberg Leksands IF D

1967–68 Leif Holmqvist AIK G

1966–67 Bert-Ola Nordlander AIK D

1965–66 Nisse Nilsson Leksands IF C

1964–65 Gert Blomé Västra Frölunda IF D

1963–64 Nils Johansson Alfredshems IK D

1962–63 Ulf Sterner Västra Frölunda IF RW

1961–62 Anders Andersson Skellefteå AIK C

1960–61 Anders Andersson Skellefteå AIK C

1959–60 Ronald Pettersson Södertälje SK RW

1958–59 Roland Stoltz Djurgårdens IF D

1957–58 Hans Svedberg Skellefteå AIK D

1956–57 Hans Öberg Gävle Godtemplares IK LW

1955–56 Åke Lassas Leksands IF D

Multiple winners:

3 – Erik Karlsson

2 – Anders Andersson

2 – Leif Holmqvist

2 – Peter Forsberg

2 – Victor Hedman

Photo © Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images.

Victor Soderstrom Wins Borje Salming Trophy As SHL’s Top Defenseman Victor Söderström has been named the top defenseman in the Swedish Hockey League for the 2024-25 season. As a result, he has been awarded the Börje Salming Trophy.

At the 2023 NHL Entry Draft, the Montreal Canadiens selected forward Florian Xhekaj with the 101st overall pick. This was after Xhekaj posted 13 goals, 25 points, and 76 penalty minutes in 68 games during the 2022-23 season with the Hamilton Bulldogs of the Ontario Hockey League (OHL).

Xhekaj certainly created more hype surrounding him during the 2023-24 with the Brantford Bulldogs, however, as he recorded 34 goals and 65 points in 63 games with the OHL club. He also played in three games with the Laval Rocket that season, recording zero points and a minus-1 rating. 

Xhekaj just completed his first full season in the AHL with Laval, and he undoubtedly stood out. In 69 games with the AHL squad, he recorded 24 goals, 35 points, and 175 penalty minutes. With this, he certainly showed off his scoring touch and provided a ton of grit for Laval in the process. As a result, there is no question that he is one of the Canadiens' most fascinating prospects heading into the 2025-26 season.

If Xhekaj continues to improve next season with Laval, he could make a real case for himself to see time in the Canadiens' bottom six. His mix of toughness and skill is certainly encouraging, so he is a prospect who fans should not sleep on. The possibility of him becoming a nice part of the Canadiens' roster in the future is certainly there.

Canadiens' Blueline Ranked Among NHL's BestIt is no secret that the Montreal Canadiens have a strong defensive group. They only improved upon this off-season, too, as they acquired star blueliner Noah Dobson from the New York Islanders last month.

Photo Credit: © Eric Bolte-Imagn Images

Heading into the 2025-26 NHL season, the Colorado Avalanche finally have something that they haven’t had since the 2021-22 season: a true second-line center that's under contract for the next couple of seasons.

Since the departure of Nazem Kadri after winning the Stanley Cup to go and sign with the Calgary Flames in the offseason as an unrestricted free agent, the Avalanche have struggled to find the right replacement that can fill in that 2C hole the Kadri left, and have been pretty unsuccessful. 

They thought Alex Newhook could have taken that next step with increased playing time and a bigger role attached, but it didn’t work out as well as many hoped. Fourteen goals and 16 assists for 30 points in 82 games isn’t bad, but he was moved around a lot and was clear that they needed something more, especially with a faceoff percentage just over 40%. 

J.T. Compher was also slotted in at times as the 2C, and it worked well at times, but he worked his best on the wing. Finishing with 17 goals and 35 assists for 52 points and nodding some Selke Trophy votes, but again, he wasn't a “true” center, just someone they slotted in to play the position.

Enter the 2023-24 season, J.T. Compher leaves in free agency to sign with the Detroit Red Wings, and Newhook is traded to the Montreal Canadiens, leaving an even bigger hole in the 2C spot. Ross Colton was acquired in the offseason, leaving the Tampa Bay Lightning in hopes to fill that position, and did well his first season, finishing with 17 goals and 23 assists for 40 points, but again, was moved up and down a lot, still struggling to find the right piece that can stick on that second line.

This brings in the NHL 2024 Trade Deadline and the Avalanche acquiring Casey Mittelstadt from the Buffalo Sabres in exchange for Bowen Byram. Finally, someone who has shown a lot of promise in a struggling Sabres team is ready to make that next step on a contending team. He showed signs when he first came over, finishing with four goals and six assists for 10 points, but it was about a good offseason and ready for the next season to show off what he can do.

Which, as we now know, wasn't much. Finishing with 11 goals and 23 assists for 34 points in 63 games, once again bouncing up and down the lineup. It was at this point that many thought this 2C would just be a carousel of players signing or being traded to try to fill that spot, and either leaving in free agency or being traded out if they underperformed.

It wasn’t until the 2025 NHL Trade Deadline that a new chapter would be written into the books for the search for a 2C. Enter Brock Nelson, from the New York Islanders, a proven performer in both the regular season and postseason, big, physical, and heavy shot, who does come with some downsides, but the offense can outshine the flaws. 

It cost a good bit to acquire him, but he was the best they had since Kadri, and while he struggled a bit in his short span, finishing the season with six goals and seven assists for 13 points in 19 games. There was a glimpse of what he really could bring next season.

He was a pending unrestricted free agent, so many held their breath over whether he would be extended and what the cost could look like. He was extended to a three-year $22.5 million contract, a cap hit of $7.5 million per season. While it might be a higher AAV that many would like for a 33-year-old center, the Avalanche are in win-now mode. Signing Nelson is the best for this team to compete, and it ensures they don't lose everything they gave up for 19 regular-season games and seven playoff games.

The line of Gabriel Landeskog, Nelson, and Valeri Nichushkin in the playoffs was one of, if not the best, lines they had all series against the Dallas Stars. This move not only locks their top-six but allows them to work on the bottom-six in any trades or signings as the cap continues to increase drastically in the coming seasons, and focus on other pending contracts, like Cale Makar’s awaiting extension.

It's going to be a big season for Nelson, a shortened season and now a whole summer, training camp, and preseason to get further acclimated with this team and his linemates. Could he still be a 30-35 goal guy that we saw with the Islanders just a few seasons ago? He could. The supporting cast around him helps supply all the tools he needs to find spots on the ice to shoot, it's up to him to continue to be aggressive and use his teammates skills to the best of his abilities to help put the puck in the net and win hockey games, not just for this season but for the the next two following.

Should the Avalanche Pursue a Trade for Yegor Chinakhov?The Colorado Avalanche's 2025 free agency has been relatively quiet. Outside of re-signing some pending unrestricted and restricted free agents, the only actual free agent signing was Brent Burns. The Avalanche still has over $4 million in cap space to use. If the Avalanche want to make a  big splash this summer, then look no further than Columbus Blue Jackets Yegor Chinakhov. Avalanche Swap Prospects with the San Jose Sharks, Acquire Forward Danil GushchinThe Colorado Avalanche announced on Friday that they have acquired forward Danil Gushchin from the San Jose Sharks in return for forward Oskar Olausson.

By Jared Clinton, features writer

New seasons provide new opportunities, which create avenues for players to break out. The 2025-26 season will be no different, and in this article, The Hockey News take a look at the strongest candidates to make a name for themselves or ascend into stardom on the Atlantic Division teams. 

Boston Bruins: Matthew Poitras

It was a surprise when Matthew Poitras made the 2023-24 Bruins out of camp, but a mid-season shoulder injury derailed his campaign. Then, amid this season’s rocky results, Boston bumped him back to the AHL to aid his development. He fared well in Providence, posting 17 goals and 41 points in 40 games with the baby B’s, earning his way back to The Show by season’s end. The 21-year-old is primed for a middle-six NHL role in 2025-26. His playmaking and two-way game could see him help rejuvenate the big club.

Buffalo Sabres: Jiri Kulich

If the increase in ice time Jiri Kulich saw post-trade deadline is any indication, the Sabres view him as a top-six center. That alone should result in a sharp rise in production for the 21-year-old, who was among Buffalo’s most effective five-a-side scorers this year. Per 60 minutes, he ranked third on the team in goals and seventh in points. A gifted goal-scorer with a heavy shot, Kulich will be challenging for opposing defensemen to contain. A 20-goal season is the baseline expectation for him next year.

Detroit Red Wings: Marco Kasper

The patient approach Detroit takes with prospects has paid dividends, and the development system has another success story after the rookie season Marco Kasper just had. The 21-year-old made a seamless leap to life in the NHL, with his 19 goals (fourth) and 37 points (seventh) placing him top 10 in freshman scoring. If not handed the second-line center job, Kasper will at least have a chance to earn it. His blend of speed, smarts and two-way play will make him a key cog as Detroit seeks to return to the post-season.

Florida Panthers: Mackie Samoskevich

Mackie Samoskevich grew into his role in the bottom six as 2024-25 went on, but the greatest indicator that the 22-year-old is ready to take on a larger role is how he fared down the stretch. Given a top-six role – he played 17-plus minutes in eight of Florida’s final 26 games – Samoskevich turned in eight goals and 15 points. That accounted for half of his ’24-25 output. He was bumped from the playoff lineup, primarily by the incoming Brad Marchand, but Samoskevich is in position to take a middle-six spot next season.

Montreal Canadiens: Kaiden Guhle

Despite scoring goals at a career-best pace last season, the likelihood of Kaiden Guhle, 23, becoming a 40-point player is slim. Even regular 30-point years could be a stretch. But becoming a big, physical shutdown defenseman who 31 other clubs would love to get their hands on? That’s becoming a reality. Perhaps as early as next season, Guhle could become the perfect partner for Lane Hutson. That would give the Canadiens a dynamic defensive duo who can play against any foe in any situation.

Ottawa Senators: Ridly Greig

Tim Stutzle, Brady Tkachuk and Jake Sanderson lead the Senators’ revival, but the heart-and-soul style of Ridly Greig has quickly made him a fan favorite and a thorn in opponents’ sides. Greig, 22, has already proven valuable in all situations, but age and experience stand to help him grow into a more consistent offensive contributor. Greig now has two 13-goal campaigns, and he had a career-high 34 points in 2024-25. The next step is flirting with 20 goals and 40 points. Both are realistic goals in 2025-26.

Tampa Bay Lightning: Gage Goncalves

Have the Tampa Bay Lightning unearthed another gem in Gage Goncalves? The 2020 second-rounder had spent the past three seasons as a key contributor for the Syracuse Crunch and even led the AHL squad in scoring in 2023-24, but he stepped into the Lightning lineup in 2024-25 and clung to a steady bottom-six role. Even more promising for Goncalves, 24, was the post-season. His four points tied him for second in Bolts scoring, and he played his way into top-six minutes.

Toronto Maple Leafs: Nick Robertson

Cap constraints and roster reshuffling will provide chances for youngsters to step into larger roles in Toronto, and Nick Robertson is among those who should benefit most. The 23-year-old has been saddled with bottom-six minutes and limited special-teams time over the past two seasons, but his natural goal-scoring acumen makes him a prime candidate for elevation to the second power-play unit. Robertson ranked fourth on the Leafs in goals per 60 minutes of 5-on-5 ice time this season.

This article appeared in our 2025 Champions issue. Our cover story focuses on the 2025 Stanley Cup champion Florida Panthers, specifically the elite play of defenseman Seth Jones, along with a recap of each game of the Cup final. We also include features on Sharks center Will Smith and Kraken defenseman Ryker Evans. In addition, we give our list of the top 10 moments from the 2024-25 NHL season.

You can get it in print for free when you subscribe to The Hockey News at THN.com/Free today. All subscriptions include complete access to more than 76 years of articles at The Hockey News Archive.

It’s been a long time since a Florida Panthers player graced the cover of a major NHL video game.

Much like the franchise’s extended playoff drought, decades between playoff series wins and 30 years without a championship, it was another streak that was due to end.

On Monday, EA Sports and the NHL announced that Panthers star Matthew Tkachuk would be the cover athlete for NHL 26.

Thank you to the ones who believed, and the ones who didn't.

The full #NHL26 reveal hits August 6th:https://t.co/Iq8zn3ltK5pic.twitter.com/07c0GGxUqH

— Matthew Tkachuk (@TKACHUKycheese_) August 4, 2025

It’s a very logical selection.

Tkachuk has helped Florida win back-to-back Stanley Cups and the Panthers are looking like the league’s next dynasty.

His ability to play such a unique style, equally combining elite hockey skills with relentless effort and physicality while also holding a mental edge over his opponents, has made Tkachuk one of the most polarizing players in the game.

It’s the first time a Panthers player has been selected for the cover of an EA Sports NHL release since John Vanbiesbrouck on NHL 97.

A full preview for the game is set to come out on Wednesday, and the game itself is reportedly set for a Sept. 13 release.

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Photo caption: Jun 24, 2024; Sunrise, Florida, USA; Florida Panthers forward Matthew Tkachuk (19) hoists the Stanley Cup after defeating Edmonton Oilers in game seven of the 2024 Stanley Cup Final at Amerant Bank Arena. (Jim Rassol-Imagn Images)