The Ducks’ opening night roster is set. With a full 23-man slate, 19-year-old Beckett Sennecke, the third overall pick in the 2024 NHL Draft, makes the team along with goaltenders Petr Mrázek and Ville Husso.

Sennecke’s inclusion on the opening night roster comes after he played in six of Anaheim’s seven preseason games, collecting two points (both goals). While it’s still unclear if he’ll stick with the big club full-time, he’ll at least be given an extended chance to make his mark.

If he can’t stick with the Ducks, Sennecke’s only other option is to return to the OHL. Due to age and being under contract, he cannot play in the AHL or transfer to the NCAA. But, if he is a healthy scratch for five consecutive NHL games, he can be sent on a two-week conditioning loan in the AHL.

“I see him being like a wild card where you can use him in all situations, and he can play with anybody,” head coach Joel Quenneville said. “You’re sitting there if you’re playing in that role, in that line. You think that he’s not going to get enough ice time. But I still think he’s useful in other ways where he can play with top players and be a threat and be productive as well. He’s a good asset for us and I think the way he trained in training camp, he gave us a lot of options as a coach.”

“I feel like I keep getting better every game,” Sennecke said. “You get more comfortable the more games you play and I think that’s just kind of the trajectory I’m on.”

Sennecke found himself in many different roles throughout training camp, mirroring the “wildcard” moniker that Quenneville alluded to. He was out there for power plays, penalty kills (briefly) and played on all four lines at one point or another during preseason.

More recently, he’s been on the fourth line with summer trade acquisition Ryan Poehling and bruising winger Ross Johnston. While Sennecke’s game is centered around offense, he said that he has the same hard forechecking element that Poehling and Johnston have.

“I can kind of play that role as well,” Sennecke said. “Those guys are fun to play with because you get the puck back pretty fast because they forecheck hard, so it's fun.”

Another move that stands out from Anaheim’s opening night roster is the presence of three goaltenders. Lukáš Dostál is entrenched as the new No. 1 after signing a five-year deal this past summer, but neither Mrázek nor Husso has put a foot wrong throughout preseason while competing for the backup role.

Mrázek was acquired from the Detroit Red Wings this past June in the John Gibson trade while Husso was acquired last season—also from the Red Wings—and given a new contract just a day after the Gibson-Mrázek trade.

With teams always looking for goaltending help before the start of the season, perhaps the worry from the Ducks’ end comes from one of Mrázek or Husso being scooped off of waivers. The former has one year remaining on his contract ($4.25 mil AAV) while the latter has two years ($2.2 mil AAV).

Teams may be less willing to take on a goaltender with term (Husso), but potentially losing an asset that was recently acquired (Mrázek) to waivers would be a much worse look.

The San Diego Gulls’ goaltending squad is quite full already, with Tomáš Suchánek, Calle Clang and Vyacheslav Buteyets all present, though Buteyets and Suchánek could be loaned to the ECHL if one of Mrázek or Husso makes it down to the AHL.

After Tearing ACL, Tomáš Suchánek Is Happy to Be BackIt's been a long journey for goaltender Tomáš Suchánek, who tore his ACL a little under a year ago during a summer workout.

The Ducks’ opening night roster does not include a seventh defenseman, a role which was briefly filled by Ian Moore before he was reassigned to the Gulls on Monday.

The Ducks may have felt that they do not yet need an extra defenseman with the team, with their first four games coming on the West Coast. A five-game, seven-day road trip follows that set of games, which will likely require a defensive call-up.

Nikita Nesterenko and Sam Colangelo figure to be the two remaining healthy scratches with one of Mrázek or Husso, although Nesterenko may have the upper hand if Sennecke comes out of the lineup.

Nesterenko had been filling the role of faux center during recent practices in light of Jansen Harkins’ long-term injury and has shown to be a useful penalty killer throughout preseason. His versatility could give him the edge versus the more offensive-minded Colangelo.

With their first game of the regular season on Thursday in Seattle, the Ducks will practice twice more before jetting off to the Pacific Northwest on Wednesday.

Related articles:

Ducks’ Jackson LaCombe on his Contract Extension

Ducks GM Pat Verbeek on LaCombe Extension

Comparing Mason McTavish's Contract to Similar Young NHL Players

All 32 NHL teams submitted their rosters for opening night, but not every player on a tryout earned a contract.

While Chicago's Matt Grzelcyk, Carolina's Givani Smith and the New York Rangers' Conor Sheary did earn contracts, most veterans on tryouts didn't.

With that in mind, here are three notable players that had been on PTOs this fall but were released and now have to try to earn a contract elsewhere or call it quits.

Jack Johnson, D, Minnesota Wild

Career stats: 1,228 GP, 77 G, 265 A, 342 PTS
2025-26 pre-season stats: 3 GP, 1 A, plus-2, 2 S

It feels like the tryout was the last chance for 38-year-old Johnson, a 19-year veteran who won the Stanley Cup with the Colorado Avalanche in 2021.

The Wild – a deep team on defense – ultimately didn’t have a place for Johnson, and it’s highly unlikely a team takes a chance on him now that his PTO didn’t get him the job he was looking for.

At best, Johnson can be seen as a third-pair, low-event, low-reward blueliner. Can he hang with veteran greybeards Brent Burns and Drew Doughty as an accomplished veteran who still has something to offer at the NHL level? Minnesota didn’t think so, but there may be a team willing to bring Johnson aboard if they run into health concerns on the back end. Otherwise, Johnson’s playing career may well be at an end.

James Reimer, G, Toronto Maple Leafs

Career stats: 525 GP, 225-187-65, 2.89 GAA, .910 SP, 31 SO
2025-26 pre-season stats: 1 GP, 7.36 GAA, .857 SP

Reimer is 37, and while it’s an accomplishment for him to have made 525 appearances in hockey’s top league, the fact the Maple Leafs chose to pick up Carolina Hurricanes goalie Cayden Primeau off the waiver wire tells you all you need to know about Reimer coming up short in training camp.

Reimer did not play well in the pre-season, allowing four goals on 28 shots in about 33 minutes of action. His choice to return to Toronto may be the chapter to bookend his NHL career.

The netminder was alright at the end of last season with the Buffalo Sabres, posting a 10-8-2 record, 2.90 goals-against average and .901 save percentage. But unless an NHL team suffers an injury to one of their netminders, there simply may not be another NHL opportunity for him.

Five NHL Veterans Who Cleared Waivers Years After Their Last AHL GameA handful of NHL veterans found themselves on the other side of the waiver wire in the past week.

Robby Fabbri, LW, Pittsburgh Penguins

Career stats: 442 GP, 106 G, 110 A, 216 PTS
2025-26 pre-season stats: 4 GP, 1 G, 2 A, 3 PTS, 6 S

Only two years ago, Fabbri tied a career-best 18 goals and 32 points in 68 games with the Detroit Red Wings, but his totals fell to eight goals and 16 points in 44 games this past season.

For Fabbri’s $4-million cap hit, those numbers were a significant overpayment, and when free agency came calling this summer, there were few takers for the 29-year-old. While three points in four games are pretty decent, the Penguins want to play younger players, so Fabbri just wasn't a fit.

If Fabbri can't get a contract here, his best move may be to play professionally in a European league this season. He doesn’t have much, if any leverage contractually, and even the Penguins didn’t see a job opening for him right now. Beggars can’t be choosers, so Fabbri may ultimately choose a more significant payday in Europe than the best (or only) one he can get in the NHL.

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Apr 14, 2025; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Nashville Predators center Ryan O'Reilly (90) celebrates his goal with his teammates against the Utah Hockey Club during the first period at Bridgestone Arena. Steve Roberts-Imagn Images

With Opening Night just three days away for the Nashville Predators, the final roster coming out of training camp is set.

Nashville’s active roster consists of 22 players – 13 forwards, seven defensemen and two goaltenders. Four of the players are rookies including Brady Martin, the Predators’ fifth overall pick in the 2025 NHL Draft. Forwards Joakim Kemell and Ozzy Wiesblatt, along with defenseman Adam Wilsby, are the other rookies to claim spots out of camp.

General manager Barry Trotz announced following Saturday’s pre-season overtime victory over the Carolina Hurricanes that the team has placed forward Matthew Wood (lower body) and defenseman Nicolas Hague (upper body) on injured reserve.

Forward Luke Evangelista, who signed a two-year, $6 million contract late Friday, has been designated as a non-roster player as he awaits immigration. This puts the Predators’ roster at 22 players, so Evangelista can be added once his immigration status clears.

The Opening Night roster will undergo its share of changes as the season progresses. Predators head coach Andrew Brunette will have more decisions to make once Wood and Hague come off injured reserve.

That scenario will create an interesting situation particularly with three rookies at forward. Martin can play nine games before either going back to the OHL for another season of major junior, or stay on the roster.

Wood was having a solid camp before taking a fall during the second period of the Predators’ Gold Star Showcase intrasquad scrimmage.

The complete roster is as follows:

Forwards (13)

Michael Bunting, Filip Forsberg, Erik Haula, Tyson Jost, Joakim Kemell, Jonathan Marchessault, Brady Martin, Michael McCarron, Ryan O’Reilly, Cole Smith, Steven Stamkos, Fedor Svechkov, Ozzy Wiesblatt

Defensemen (7)

Justin Barron, Nick Blankenburg, Roman Josi, Nick Perbix, Brady Skjei, Spencer Stastney, Adam Wilsby

Goaltenders (2):

Justus Annunen, Juuse Saros

Injured Reserve (2)

Nicolas Hague, Matthew Wood

Non-Roster (1):

Luke Evangelista (awaiting immigration)

The Predators start their 2025-26 regular season this Thursday at home against the Columbus Blue Jackets. Puck drop is set for 7 Pm CT.

With final NHL rosters submitted and the pre-season officially coming to a close, the Pittsburgh Penguins will be an interesting team to watch for a plethora of reasons in 2025-26. 

For starters, they are having two teenagers in Harrison Brunicke and Ben Kindel debut on their NHL roster for the first time since 2006. They are also in the midst of a rebuild with an uncertain timeline and with some veterans on the brink of retirement. And, of course, they have a few players in contention for Olympic spots at the Milan games in 2026.

So what are some of the biggest storylines that figure to follow the Penguins in 2025-26?

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1. Who will be the first trade domino to fall?

It's no secret that three Penguins in particular - defenseman Erik Karlsson and forwards Bryan Rust and Rickard Rakell - are garnering a lot of attention in the trade market. That has been the case since the trade deadline last season, and it will - more than likely - continue to be the case into the season. 

With Rust on the shelf for now with a lower-body injury - and Dubas seemingly most hesitant to deal the veteran forward - it stands to reason that, if a big player is to be dealt by the Penguins this season, it will probably be one of the other two first.

Karlsson enjoyed a healthy, solid pre-season and camp, and Rakell has been experimented with at the center position and on the penalty kill - seemingly showcasing his versatility. They're also both vying to play for Team Sweden in Milan, and they will actually have the opportunity to play in Sweden with the Penguins as part of the NHL Global Series on Nov. 14 and 16.

Will one of them go, or will the Penguins continue to hold out?

Update On Penguins' Rumor Mill - Community PostTHN's Lyle Richardson provides an update on where things stand as far as the rumor mill and the Pittsburgh Penguins.

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2. Will the youth push affect the Penguins' standings position?

The opening night NHL roster is indicative of the Penguins beginning to usher in a youth movement. And, depending on what happens on the injury front, that could be even more true as the season bores on. 

With Brunicke, Kindel, and Ville Koivunen - as well as Filip Hallander - beginning the season in Pittsburgh, it's fair to wonder how far the young guys can take them. They also have guys like forwards Avery Hayes and Tristan Broz, defenseman Owen Pickering, and goaltender Sergei Murashov waiting in the wings at the AHL level and likely first in line for a mid-season call-up. Rutger McGroarty is also out indefinitely with an upper-body injury and figures to return at some point. 

Will the young guys make this team better, should they stick around? Do Kyle Dubas and the Penguins continue to hold out on most of their youth this season in hopes of a long Calder Cup run at the AHL level? Or do the young guys populate the roster more and more as the season goes on, potentially providing a spark of energy?

No one expects much from the Penguins this season, and with a generational talent waiting in the wings for the 2026 NHL Draft, it will be interesting to see how much runway the Penguins give their talented but unproven young guns.

Top Prospects Brunicke, Kindel Confirmed To Make NHL Debuts In Penguins' Season OpenerEven though rosters were trimmed to 23 on Saturday, there was no guarantee that the Pittsburgh Penguins were going to carry those exact 23 players into their season opener against former head coach Mike Sullivan and the New York Rangers at Madison Square Garden on Tuesday.

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3. Is this it for Evgeni Malkin?

Among all the noise this season will be a bittersweet storyline for Penguins' fans - and everyone across the NHL - to follow. And that concerns the future of Penguins' legend Evgeni Malkin.

Malkin, 39, is entering the final season of the four-year deal he signed in the summer of 2022. His production has been declining for the past two seasons, and last year, he posted just 16 goals and 50 points in 68 games - which, for a player of Malkin's stature, is underwhelming.

Dubas said that the Penguins will reconvene with Malkin over the Olympic break to discuss plans for his future and whether or not he plans to play another season. In an interview during training camp, Malkin indicated that he is still undecided in that department, and he also reiterated that he wishes to finish out his career in Pittsburgh - even if a player like Brad Marchand won another Cup after being dealt by his longtime employer. 

“I hope I stay here,” Malkin said. “Like Sid, Tanger, Penguins forever, for sure. I hope we play great. I want to stay here, for sure.”

Even if the ball is entirely in Malkin's court on whether or not he finishes his career in Pittsburgh, the season he ends up having could determine whether or not 2025-26 is his farewell tour. It will certainly be a storyline to keep an eye on as the season progresses, and Penguins' fans will just have to wait and see whether the future Hall-of-Famer has anything left in the tank.

Evgeni Malkin Makes Feelings Known About Staying In Pittsburgh - Community PostOn Friday, Pittsburgh Penguins' veteran center and future Hall-of-Famer Evgeni Malkin spoke with the Pittsburgh media about how, when, and where he envisions his career coming to an end.

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The NHL fined the Tampa Bay Lightning and coach Jon Cooper for their actions in Saturday's fight-filled friendly against the Florida Panthers.

Tampa Bay was fined $100,000, while Cooper was fined $25,000.

The money from these fines go to the Club Fine Fund to be used for charitable purposes, the NHL said.

These fines come after the NHL Department of Player Safety handed out more punishments to Lightning players.

Right winger Scott Sabourin was suspended for four games for delivering an ungloved sucker punch to the head of Panthers defenseman Aaron Ekblad less than three minutes into the game. He received a match penalty at the time.

In the department's video explanation, Sabourin initially delivered a clean bodycheck.

"Sabourin makes no effort to locate the puck or return to the play and instead engages Ekblad again with a high shove," the video said. "He then immediately continues to go after Ekblad, dropping his gloves and stick, grabbing Ekblad and delivering a forceful, ungloved punch directly to Ekblad's face that causes him to fall back to the ice." 

After a telephone hearing with Sabourin and the Lightning, NHL Player Safety determined Sabourin's actions were intentional with the purposes of retribution and message-sending. The teams had played two days earlier and combined for 186 penalty minutes.

J.J. Moser was also suspended for two games for boarding Panthers center Jesper Boqvist later in the first period. He was assessed a major penalty and game misconduct at the time.

While Boqvist changed his speed slightly to play the puck, Moser kept his speed and delivered a forceful, reckless check from behind that drove Boqvist into the boards, the video said.

On Sunday, Lightning teammates Roman Schmidt and Gage Gonclaves were fined the maximum allowable under the collective bargaining agreement for separate cross-checks.

Schmidt cross-checked Carter Verhaeghe in the first period and received a major penalty and game misconduct. NHL Player Safety fined him $2,098.52.

Gonclaves cross-checked Evan Rodrigues in the second period and also received a major penalty and game misconduct. He was fined $3,125.

The money from those fines go to the Players' Emergency Assistance Fund, the league said.

In the 7-0 win for Florida over Tampa Bay, only four Lightning players didn't receive penalties, while the Panthers had six. Both teams combined for 322 penalty minutes. If it was a regular-season game, it would rank ninth for the most penalty minutes in a game between two teams.

Lightning forward Oliver Bjorkstrand also received a match penalty on Saturday night, but he avoided supplemental discipline. The Panthers' Verhaeghe was ejected for boarding in the first period, but he also appears to have avoided a fine or suspension.

The first time Florida and Tampa Bay face off this regular season is on Nov. 15 in Sunrise.

For action-packed issues, access to the entire magazine archive and a free issue, subscribe to The Hockey News at THN.com/free. Get the latest news and trending stories by subscribing to our newsletter here. And share your thoughts by commenting below the article on THN.com.

Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman J.J. Moser has been suspended for two games for boarding Florida Panthers forward Jesper Boqvist in Saturday's final pre-season game, and Scott Sabourin has been suspended four games for roughing Aaron Ekblad. 

The 25-year-old Moser was given a game misconduct 13:58 into the first period. Moser was an important piece of the Lightning's blueline last year, averaging 18:51 of ice time playing alongside captain Victor Hedman. In 54 games, Moser netted two goals and 14 points.

Boqvist was fortunately uninjured on the play and continued after the hit. He finished the game with two shots on goal and one hit in 21:40 of ice time. 

The 26-year-old played in 78 games last year, scoring 12 goals and 23 points. Although he didn't feature in many playoff games, recording two goals and five points in 13 games, Boqvist will play a more crucial role with the Panthers this year than he may have expected.

With Aleksander Barkov, Matthew Tkachuk and Tomas Nosek injured, Boqvist is skating on the third line with Mackie Samoskevich and Evan Rodrigues. 

Coach Paul Maurice wants to see his third line play with speed and use their feet to put pressure on their opponents. He understands the line lacks size and physicality, but believes they can be effective in other ways. 

Penalties consume Panthers preseason-ending win over Tampa; Aaron Ekblad leaves game earlyThe Florida Panthers and Tampa Bay Lightning wrapped up their respective preseasons on Saturday night in Sunrise.

Sabourin is expected to play in the AHL with the Syracuse Crunch, but featured in the Lightning's final pre-season game as a physical force. The 33-year-old has played 47 games in his NHL career, notching two goals and eight points.

Ekblad was forced to leave the game after the altercation, but was a full participant in practice and is expected to play in the season opener tomorrow against the Blackhawks.

Former Red Wings goaltender James Reimer was released from his professional tryout with the Toronto Maple Leafs, ending his bid to return to the team that originally drafted him.

James Reimer’s attempt at reviving his NHL career with the Toronto Maple Leafs has come to an end. On Monday, Toronto announced it has released the veteran goaltender from his professional tryout agreement.

Reimer signed the tryout deal with the Leafs on September 26, looking to earn a spot with the organization that originally drafted him. The move came in response to Joseph Woll’s personal leave, which opened up temporary depth in net. However, Toronto claimed goaltender Cayden Primeau off waivers earlier in the day, signaling a shift in their goaltending plans. Primeau joins Anthony Stolarz and Dennis Hildeby on the depth chart, leaving no room for Reimer.

Official: Multiple Rookies Make Red Wings’ Final CutDetroit Red Wings fans who wanted to see more of a youth movement in the upcoming 2025-26 NHL campaign, which officially begins for them on Thursday, have gotten their wish.

James Reimer! 🚫

His 38-save shutout last night is our @xfinity 10G game-changing moment! pic.twitter.com/dS8C92uSgf

— Detroit Red Wings (@DetroitRedWings) February 18, 2024

Reimer played for the Red Wings during the 2023-24 season, where he appeared in 25 games and posted an 11-8-2 record along with a 3.11 goals-against average and a .904 save percentage. Serving as the backup to Alex Lyon, Reimer brought consistency and experience to the crease, helping the team stay competitive throughout the season.

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

Although his time in Detroit was limited to one season, Reimer made an impact in the locker room as a respected veteran and mentor. His professionalism and calm presence were valuable assets to the younger players on the roster.

The opportunity in Toronto marked a potential full-circle moment for Reimer, who was selected by the Maple Leafs in the fourth round of the 2006 NHL Draft. He made his NHL debut with the team in the 2010-11 season and became a fan favorite during his time there. One of the highlights of his tenure came in 2012-13 when he helped Toronto reach the playoffs for the first time in the salary cap era, finishing the season with a .924 save percentage.

Since leaving Toronto in 2016, Reimer has played for six different NHL franchises, including San Jose, Florida, Carolina, Anaheim, Buffalo, and Detroit. He has appeared in over 500 NHL games and holds a career goals-against average of 2.88 with a .910 save percentage.

Final Form? Red Wings Hint At Opening Night Lines During PracticeThe Detroit Red Wings were back at practice this morning at Little Caesars Arena, and the lines they skated with could give a good indication as to what things could look like on Opening Night this coming Thursday.

In 2024-25, Reimer split time between Anaheim and Buffalo, recording a 10-10-2 record with a 3.04 GAA and a .897 save percentage. After going unsigned during the offseason, he was hoping to extend his NHL career with the Maple Leafs but now finds himself back on the market. While his future remains uncertain, Reimer’s contributions in Detroit and throughout his career have left a lasting impression.

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With injuries to key forwards, Winnipeg Jets prospect Nikita Chibrikov lands the best opportunity of his career with a top-six role to start the season. 

The Winnipeg Jets have been making headlines as of late but not for the right reasons. After a glowing 2024-25 season, the hopes were that they can build upon and second round exit and finally make a push towards the Stanley Cup. It'll be challenging to position themselves to start the season however, as they've lost three key players to the injury reserve. 

It has already been known for some time that captain Adam Lowry would be sidelined with several injuries after last seasons playoff run but joining him unexpectedly is key blueliner Dylan Samberg, who is slated to be out for nearly two months and top-six forward Cole Perfetti, who was labelled by Jets head coach Scott Arniel as week-to-week. Both players have vital roles on the team and replacing them with be tough. The Jets defense has finished top of the league for two straight seasons so the loss of Perfetti on the offense is a more serious loss. 

Jets Cut Ville Heinola Again - Former First Round Pick Dangled on WaiversThe Winnipeg Jets are nearing final cuts. 

Stepping in for now is prospect Nikita Chibrikov, who made a strong first impression by scoring in his NHL debut. He built on that momentum the following season, adding three points in four more NHL appearances while continuing his development in the AHL. With a near point-per-game pace over five games, it's hard not to be intrigued by the kind of player Chibrikov could become. He’ll get a prime opportunity with top-six minutes, skating alongside high-end veterans Jonathan Toews and Gustav Nyquist, both of whom can bring out the best in young talent. 

Chibrikov, 22, signed a two-year extension on Monday with the Jets at a cap hit of $875,000 over the next two seasons, meaning if Winnipeg can have him breakout while operating in his new role near the top of the lineup, he could be an exceptional bargain. The Russian import has a real opportunity to make an impact and establish himself as a key contributor, even with Cole Perfetti expected to return to the lineup. If he can take advantage of this chance, he may be able to earn a regular spot.

Still, it's been difficult to get a true sense of what kind of player Chibrikov can be at the NHL level. With limited minutes and only brief preseason appearances, his full potential remains unknown, making him a possible boom-or-bust case. During the preseason, he showed flashes of his offensive skill, including a goal and an assist in a 4-2 win over the Flames. However, there were also defensive lapses, like intercepted passes that led to chances against, raising continued questions about whether he's fully ready for a regular NHL role. 

There's added pressure with several Jets prospects like Brad Lambert, Parker Ford, Brayden Yager, and Colby Barlow continuing to rise and inch closer to NHL roles. They are likely eyeing the opportunity Chibrikov has been given and If he gets off to a slow start or fails to find his footing, it could mark the end of his time with the team at this level, as there are simply too many players ready to pass him by.

With the Manitoba Moose, Chibrikov was an immediate impact player as a rookie with 47 points in 70 games with his NHL debut later that season. He followed it up last season with 18 points in 30 games before being sidelined with injuries. Chibrikov is being given the chance now and whether he pops off or flames out will be answered quickly as the Jets take on the Dallas Stars in their season opener on Thursday.

New Reports of Salary Cap Surge Could Be What Winnipeg Needs to Stay a ContenderNHL Insider Elliotte Friedman reports the salary cap could rise more than expected in coming seasons, giving the Winnipeg Jets, who need cap flexibility more than most teams, much-needed room for future roster moves.

A major storyline to follow this upcoming summer will be Cale Makar’s availability for a contract extension. Currently in the second-to-last year of his six-year, $54 million contract, which carries a cap hit of $9 million per season, his upcoming extension could break records based on his performance during his current contract.

Sportsnet Insider and Co-Host of the “32 Thoughts The Podcast” Elliotte Friedman discussed on “FAN Hockey Show” about how the Avalanche are preparing for this upcoming extension and how it could play out.

“Elliotte Friedman: Re Cale Makar extension: Colorado's been preparing for this, that's one of the reasons the Rantanen situation unfolded the way it did, is because they were looking into the future at Makar's money"- FAN Hockey Show (9/30/25)

Most notable of this topic is the recent issues the Avalanche had with trying to extend Mikko Rantanen. With a plethora of news and rumors surrounding his camp, the Avalanche’s management and more discussed the “internal cap”, how much the Avalanche was willing to sign him, and how much Rantanen and his camp were asking. This ultimately led to him being traded to the Carolina Hurricanes for a package centered around Martin Necas. Rantanen was moved once again from the Hurricanes to the Dallas Stars for a package centered around Logan Stankoven.

Ideally extending Rantanen would have been great for the organization but recently this team has struggled getting their depth lines to contribute offensively, feeling like if the top-line doesn’t contribute night in and night out, they struggle to get anything else going, thats why it was essential to use the pieces and the cap space from the Rantanen trade to flush out a deep roster.

Have the Colorado Avalanche Improved Their Bottom-Six Lineup Enough?With Brock Nelson signing his extension this summer, the top six is basically set to start the season and, on paper, has looked its best since the 2021-22 championship season. However, is the bottom six deep enough? There haven't been any signings in free agency; instead, there have been re-signings. With Logan O’Connor out to start the season, does the bottom-six need more work to be done before the season begins?

An issue that needs to be addressed before Makar is available for an extension is Martin Necas, whom they acquired from the Hurricanes in the Rantanen deal. In his final season with a $6 million cap hit, what is his asking price? With the cap continuing to rise significantly over the coming seasons, there will be more room for Makar's new contract. However, going from a $6 million cap hit to a $9-$10+ cap hit will have a greater impact on the team, considering how much Makar will be eligible for.

The biggest question is what Makar is going to ask for and how high the Avalanche are willing to go. In his four years under his current contract, he has scored 96 goals and recorded 238 assists for 334 points, finishing as a finalist in Norris Trophy voting all four years and winning it twice, making four all-star appearances, and earning two All-NHL First-Team selections.

Top Colorado Avalanche Prospects to Watch in 2025–26With the 2025-26 NHL season shortly underway, some minor leagues have already started for some Colorado Avalanche prospects. Their prospect pool might not be as "promising" with the recent regular season success of the Avalanche and drafting at the end of rounds, and them trading away their remaining prospects and draft picks to try and win another Stanley Cup, they still have some key names you should keep an eye on this season. Colorado Avalanche Stalwart Erik Johnson Announces RetirementAnnounced on Wednesday, October 1, long time tenured defenseman Erik Johnson has announced his retirement from the NHL

A handful of NHL veterans found themselves on the other side of the waiver wire in the past week.

As NHL teams trimmed their rosters ahead of opening night on Tuesday, players who haven’t appeared in the AHL in more than five years could end up back there for games.

Here are five of those veterans who cleared NHL waivers during the pre-season.

Ryan Graves, D, Pittsburgh Penguins

NHL career stats: 433 GP, 32 G, 86 A, 118 PTS
2025-26 pre-season stats: 4 GP, 0 PTS, 8 PIM, 9 S

In 2022-23, Graves recorded more than 25 points for the third time in four seasons and at least 150 blocked shots for the second time.

At his best, Graves plays an effective defensively focused game at even strength against top competition and on the penalty kill.

On July 1, 2023, in one of his first moves as the Pittsburgh Penguins’ president of hockey operations, Kyle Dubas signed Graves to a six-year contract worth $4.5 million per season.

In the third year of that contract, with a 12-team no-trade list, the 30-year-old Graves cleared waivers.

Last season, he had four points in 61 games, with 73 blocked shots and an average ice time of 14:48. He did have a 50.77 expected goals percentage at 5-on-5 while starting just 36.14 percent of his shifts in the offensive zone, according to naturalstattrick.com. That suggests he still has value on defense, but Pittsburgh seems set to start the season with Parker Wotherspoon, Ryan Shea and Caleb Jones on the left side.

Graves last played in the AHL in 2018-19.

Erik Gustafsson, D, Detroit Red Wings

NHL career stats: 515 GP, 47 G, 193 A, 240 PTS
2025-26 pre-season stats: 3 GP, 0 PTS, 5 S

Gustafsson is an offensive-minded defenseman who drew attention in 2018-19 when he posted a whopping 60 points in 79 games with the Chicago Blackhawks.

The 33-year-old has featured on the power play in each of his nine NHL seasons, recording 73 points on the man advantage.

Last season, Gustafsson recorded nine power-play points in 60 games. His 18 points overall were a 13-point drop from his 31 with the New York Rangers in 2023-24 and a 24-point decrease from his 42 in 2022-23 between the Washington Capitals and Toronto Maple Leafs.

In the second season of a two-year contract worth $2 million annually, Gustafsson could end up playing AHL games for the first time since 2017-18. But he did make the Detroit Red Wings’ opening-night roster on Monday.

Wherever Gustafsson ends up, he will look to prove he can still be an effective depth producer on defense in the NHL.

Justin Holl, D, Detroit Red Wings

NHL career stats: 396 GP, 13 G, 82 A, 95 PTS
2025-26 pre-season stats: 3 GP, 0 PTS, plus-1, 2 S

On July 1, 2023, Holl signed a three-year contract with the Red Wings that carries a $3.4-million cap hit and a 10-team no-trade list. Before that time, Holl once averaged at least 20 minutes of ice time with the Maple Leafs while getting around 20 points and handling difficult assignments.

In the last two seasons, Holl’s had 13 points in 111 games, including eight points in 73 outings last year. He averaged 14:48 of ice time and blocked 78 shots.

Holl actually led Detroit’s defensemen in expected goals percentage at 5-on-5 last season at 51.65 percent, meaning the Wings produced higher-quality chances than their opponents when he was on the ice, according to naturalstattrick.com. That said, he started nearly 59 percent of his 5-on-5 shifts in the offensive zone, compared to 36.88 percent with Toronto in 2022-23.

With Red Wings GM Steve Yzerman adding Travis Hamonic and Jacob Bernard-Docker in free agency, the team assigned the 33-year-old Holl to AHL Grand Rapids on Monday. The last time he played AHL games was in 2017-18.

NHL Waivers: Leafs Claim Former Habs As Sabres And Lightning Add PlayersThree teams claimed players off NHL waivers on roster cutdown day.

David Kampf, C, Toronto Maple Leafs

Career stats: 536 GP, 48 G, 95 A, 143 PTS
2025-26 pre-season stats: 2 GP, 1 A, plus-2, 2 S

Kampf, 30, is a penalty-kill specialist, logging at least two minutes of PK time per game in six of his eight career seasons.

In his first two seasons with Toronto, Kampf put up a then-career-high 26 points in 2021-22 and then got 27 points in 2022-23.

Last year, Kampf had 13 points while averaging a career-low 12:24 of ice time, and he only played in one playoff game.

Toronto has other options for their fourth line and penalty kill, even with Scott Laughton injured, including Calle Jarnkrok and Steven Lorentz. If they want someone to produce offense in a depth role, Nick Robertson averaged more points per game than Kampf last season at 0.32 to 0.22. The Leafs even claimed winger Sammy Blais off waivers on Monday.

Kampf is in the third season of a four-year contract with a $2.4-million cap hit and a 10-team no-trade clause. He last played in the AHL in 2017-18.

Danton Heinen, LW, Pittsburgh Penguins

Career stats: 566 GP, 96 G, 145 A, 241 PTS
2025-26 pre-season stats: 4 GP, 0 PTS, minus-2, 3 S

Heinen, has been on three NHL teams in the last two seasons: the Boston Bruins, Vancouver Canucks and Penguins.

The 30-year-old signed a two-year contract with the Canucks on July 1, 2024, with a $2.25-million cap hit and 12-team no-trade clause. He was coming off a 36-point season in his second stint with the Bruins. During his first stint with Boston, which drafted him 116th overall in 2014, he put up a career-high 47 points in his rookie campaign in 2017-18.

In 51 games with Vancouver, the British Columbian put up six goals and 18 points. Vancouver included him in a trade package to the Penguins in exchange for Marcus Pettersson and Drew O’Connor on Feb. 1. He finished the season with 11 points in 28 games for Pittsburgh.

With 29 points in 79 games last season, Heinen can still be a depth scorer if any team wants to absorb that cap hit this season. But the Penguins are focused on shifting toward a youth movement, which didn’t leave room for Heinen. That means he could play an AHL game for the first time since 2017-18.

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