MARYLAND HEIGHTS, Mo. -- When the puck drops on the 2025-26 season for the St. Louis Blues against the Minnesota Wild on Thursday, they will introduce what they hope are a pair of mainstays on the blue line for some time.

We already knew Tyler Tucker had introduced himself into that role last year when he found his game, but for the first time in a meaningful atmosphere, he and Logan Mailloux will be matched together.

That’s 98 games’ worth of NHL experience (90 games for Tucker, eight for Mailloux) that will get rolled out as opposed to a veteran top four of Cam Fowler (1,042 games), Justin Faulk (980), Colton Parayko (723) and Philip Broberg (149) that account for 2,894 games’ worth of experience.

OK, Broberg’s 149 isn’t exactly years of experience, but he had a whole season in the NHL last year and has more games that the aforementioned two combined, so consider that third pair the least experienced.

And that’s OK, because there’s a reason the Blues put the 25-year-old Tucker and 22-year-old Mailloux, acquired from the Montreal Canadiens for Zack Bolduc for a reason.

To grow together and complement one another.

“I’m excited,” Tucker said. “Obviously spent a week and a half now together, playing together, practicing together. I’m excited for the opportunity. I know what kind of player he can be. Just excited to go out there and play with him.

“Everyone knows that he’s a skilled D-man. I knew that. I didn’t know just how physical he can be. I didn’t really realize how physical and how much of a rat he is out there, which I like. I’m excited to share the ice with him.”

One is known as the big, physical workhorse and the other comes in an offensive defenseman pedigree.

“We complement each other’s games here pretty well,” Mailloux said. “I think we’re both looking forward to playing a physical brand back there and being tough to play against every night, kind of being out there against anyone. I think we’ve got to build the trust from the coaching staff, and I think we’re both excited.

“I kind of look at myself as an offensive guy, a two-way guy at the same time. It’s definitely something that complements my game. I really like the style here.”

The coaching staff has given the two a lot of runway, playing a plethora of minutes each time out in the preseason and have come away feeling good about it.

“I thought the game in Chicago they were excellent, they played a lot of minutes purposely and I thought they were dominant physically and at both ends of the ice,” Blues coach Jim Montgomery said of a 4-0 win over the Chicago Blackhawks last Saturday. “Now I know it wasn’t an NHL team, but regardless, they’re building the right way. Today at practice, they both looked good.”

Fowler and Parayko will be the catalysts, with Broberg and Faulk playing equally important minutes, but for Tucker and Mailloux, if they can bring up the anchor, this defensive six can be really well-balanced.

“For us to have success, that’s what we’re going to have to do,” Tucker said. “That’s what I’m excited for. He’ll do a good job with that too.”

Jim Montgomery To Reunite Most Prolific Line Down Stretch Last Season For BluesMARYLAND HEIGHTS, Mo. -- Jim Montgomery knew all along. Blues Sign Goaltender Georgi Romanov To A One-Year, Two-Way ContractThe St. Louis Blues have signed goaltender Georgi Romanov to a one-year, two-way deal. Blues Were Hoping To Keep Colten Ellis In Organization, Happy He Gets Opportunity In NHLMARYLAND HEIGHTS, Mo. -- Part of Doug Armstrong wanted to be selfish and keep goalie prospect Colten Ellis in the St. Louis Blues organization. Blues Know Jordan Binnington Is Elite, Yet Goalie Has To Prove Once Again He's One Of The BestST. LOUIS – The NHL season for 2025-26 drops the puck on Tuesday. For the St. Louis Blues, it opens Thursday at home against the Minnesota Wild.

Brady Martin may have the biggest role of any rookie in the NHL on opening night. 

The Nashville Predators' 2025 fifth overall pick, who is just 18 years old and is confirmed to play his first NHL game on Thursday against the Columbus Blue Jackets at Bridgestone Arena, will likely be centering the Predators' top line. 

Martin anchors the line of Filip Forsberg (left wing), the Predators' leading scorer from last season, and Ryan O'Reilly (right wing), Nashville's top center from last season. It's a bold choice by the Predators coaching staff, but one they are confident in. 

"I think he's [Martin] earned the opportunity to play," Predators head coach Andrew Brunette said following Tuesday's practice. Obviously, he came into camp and we weren't sure. He's a young player that we were excited for and it was hard not to have him on that line." 

"We'll reevaluate every day, but I think we're excited to have him."   

Martin started the preseason centering the second line with Forsberg and Matthew Wood. It was the Predators' second game against the Tampa Bay Lightning on Sept. 23, where Martin began to heat up, scoring two goals in a 3-2 shootout loss. 

O'Reilly played in only one of the Predators' first two preseason games, centering Steven Stamkos and Cole O'Hara against the Panthers. It was Nashville's road game against Tampa Bay on Sept. 27, where the Forsberg, Martin, and O'Reilly combination was put together, leading the team in ice time with 6:33 minutes. 

In the Predators' final game of the preseason on Oct. 4, a 3-2 overtime win over the Carolina Hurricanes, the line logged 11:37 minutes, which was the second-highest ice time among Predators lines. 

The group has yet to score, but the trio has felt comfortable with each other and so far likes the product they're putting out on the ice. 

"All three of us are strong guys," Forsberg said. "Brady [Martin] is really strong for being 18 years old, and the fact is, that's what he builds this game around and the same with me, trying to play that power game. We're similar in that style, and that's been picking up pretty quickly." 

"He's a natural center," O'Reilly said. "It's nice when we have two guys out there like that." 

Martin billed himself in the 2025 Draft as a center who is strong on the puck and possesses quality speed as well. That is precisely what he has been to the Predators in the preseason: someone who plays hard and is putting in the effort to earn an opportunity. 

Throughout training camp and now into the regular season, Martin has been frequently asked about the opportunity to play so high in the lineup, staying on the roster, and what he's doing to maintain his spot. In all that time, his answer has remained the same. 

"The work that I've put in has got me here and I'm just taking it day by day and seeing what's going to happen," Martin said.

Brady Martin: Good at hockey 😮‍💨

The kid nets his second goal in less than three minutes! pic.twitter.com/ywJHVCTGds

— Nashville Predators (@PredsNHL) September 24, 2025

While putting Martin on the top line was a decision that has caught a lot of attention around the NHL, the other was moving O'Reilly to the wing. He has played in the position before during his 16 seasons in the league, but was one of the bright spots for the Predators last season down the middle. 

It's not much of a jarring change for O'Reilly himself, as he's familiar with the wing and is enjoying having another like-minded forward on the ice in Martin. 

"A lot of my game is just winning little battles, and it's not like I'm flying up and down the sheet with the puck all the whole time," O'Reilly said. "It's a lot of little plays. That's when I'm at my best. Little touches, little battles and stuff like that. It doesn't matter really where I am on the ice." 

In addition to playing regularly alongside two veterans like Forsberg and O'Reilly, the pair has helped Martin refine his own game. They've given him tips on becoming a better player while also taking some of the pressure off him. 

"As a younger guy out there, he [Martin] may feel the need to pass us the puck playing with two guys that have been around for a long time, but I've told him he's gotta trust himself and shoot the puck on the chances there, but he's a great kid," O'Reilly said. 

"He works hard out there, and there's not much to tell him. He's doing a great job and plays with intensity." 

When it comes to the moment and pressure Martin may face, his line mates aren't worried. 

"He's obviously a very mature and very smart kid," Forsberg said. "There are certain things that he obviously will learn and needs to learn, but at the same time, just gotta let him be him and have fun and enjoy." 

The Vegas Golden Knights reportedly re-signed Jack Eichel to an eight-year contract extension.

The 28-year-old center's new contract carries a $13.5-million cap hit, the third-highest in the NHL for next season and second-highest among centers. He sits behind Edmonton Oilers center Leon Draisaitl ($14 million) and Minnesota Wild left winger Kirill Kaprizov ($17 million).

TSN’s Darren Dreger was first to report Eichel’s new contract, while he and Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman reported the average annual value. The team has not yet announced the contract.

At a total value of $108 million, Eichel's next contract is the fifth-richest in NHL history. He overtakes Sidney Crosby's 12-year, $104.4-million contract he signed in June 2012 for fifth place. Only Kaprizov ($136 million), Alex Ovechkin ($124 million), Draisaitl ($112 million) and Shea Weber ($110 million) had larger contracts in terms of total value.

This deal will take Eichel from 2026-27 to the end of the 2033-34 season. That could be his 19th NHL season, when he’ll be 37.

Eichel is entering the final year of his eight-year, $10-million contract he signed with the Buffalo Sabres in 2017. 

The 2015 second overall pick has had injury issues during his career and hasn’t played at least 80 games since his rookie season, when he had 56 points in 81 games. He's missed 122 out of a possible 384 games since 2020-21.

Nonetheless, Eichel’s proven to be a critical part of the Golden Knights as the team’s No. 1 center and an elite offensive mind. He put up 26 points in 22 playoff games when Vegas won the Stanley Cup in 2023, his second season with the team. Since then, he’s seen the post-season every year and averages more than a point per game, recording 10 goals and 43 points in 40 playoff games.

Eichel really came alive last season.

He recorded a career-high 94 points, scoring 28 goals and 66 assists in 77 games. Eichel also hit a personal best for plus-minus (plus-32) and power-play points (34).

The USA Hockey National Team Development Program and NCAA product was a top-five finisher in the voting for three NHL awards last season.

Not only was he a Lady Byng Trophy finalist, finishing third in that voting, but he also finished fifth in Hart Trophy voting as the league’s MVP and in Selke voting as the best defensive forward in the NHL.

Eichel is the latest center to sign a big deal, following Connor McDavid’s $12.5-million-per-year contract on Monday. On Tuesday, Eichel was asked about whether McDavid’s number affects his negotiations.

"Connor's got the right to do whatever he wants to do," Eichel told reporters. “I talk to (my agent) every day. He’s in communication with the team. My job as a player is to play hockey, be a good teammate and be prepared to play (Wednesday) night. The other stuff will take care of itself.”

And now, after acquiring right winger Mitch Marner in the off-season in a sign-and-trade, Vegas GM Kelly McCrimmon has the two superstars locked up in Sin City for the next eight years.

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Mark Giordano has been seen around the Toronto Maple Leafs since early July, and he now has an official role with the hockey club.

The Maple Leafs announced a string of new hires on Wednesday, including the addition of Giordano. Toronto hired Steven Reinprecht and Eric Lacroix as pro scouts, Mikael Kotkaniemi as a European amateur scout, and Giordano as a coaching advisor with the Marlies.

Reinprecht is a former NHLer with over 650 games played, split between the Los Angeles Kings, Colorado Avalanche, Calgary Flames, Phoenix Coyotes, and Florida Panthers. He was the head coach of the Düsseldorfer EG of the DEL last season, and a development coach with the Avalanche from 2019 to 2024.

Lacroix is also a former NHLer of over 450 games, with the Maple Leafs, Kings, Avalanche, New York Rangers, and Ottawa Senators. His last stint in an NHL front office was as the VP of hockey operations with the Avalanche from 2009 to 2013.

Kotkaniemi has been a head coach and assistant throughout Finland since 2006. He was the bench boss of Liiga side Ässät for a year in 2018 and was actually the head coach of Finland's under-17 and under-18 teams from 2023 to 2025.

He's also the father of Carolina Hurricanes forward Jesperi Kotkaniemi.

The Maple Leafs announced the following additions to its hockey operations department:

Steven Reinprecht and Eric Lacroix have joined the organization as Pro Scouts.

Mikael Kotkaniemi has joined the organization as a European Amateur Scout.

Mark Giordano has joined the Toronto…

— Leafs PR (@LeafsPR) October 8, 2025

Giordano's hiring comes as no surprise after Maple Leafs GM Brad Treliving said in his season-opening media availability that an announcement on his addition would be forthcoming. The Norris Trophy-winning defenseman has yet to formally retire, but was around the Maple Leafs during development camp in the summer.

Giordano was also on the bench with the club during the Prospect Showdown in Montreal and has been on the ice with the Marlies' group of players since the start of training camp.

The 42-year-old spent parts of three seasons with Toronto, scoring nine goals and 45 points in 144 games. Giordano also played a role on the Maple Leafs during their first-round series win against the Tampa Bay Lightning in 2023.

'I Know What He Expects From Me': Why Maple Leafs' Sammy Blais Is Excited For Opportunity To Play Under Craig Berube AgainSammy Blais is back playing with head coach Craig Berube.

In 1,148 games in the NHL, with the Calgary Flames, Seattle Kraken, and Maple Leafs, Giordano has 158 goals and 419 assists for 577 points.

Latest stories:

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Maple Leafs Set For Regular Season Opener Against Canadiens, Lineups, And Where To Watch

LAS VEGAS -- If history means anything, the Golden Knights will have no trouble in Wednesday's season opener at home against the Los Angeles Kings.

The Golden Knights enter the 2025-26 campaign 7-1-0 all-time in season openers, including 4-1-0 mark when opening their season at home.

Vegas has won six straight season openers, including four in a row at T-Mobile Arena.

"You come into the building and you feel the buzz, you feel the energy, you can feel that the fans have been kind of itching to get back into the building after a summer and I feel like we feed off that," said defenseman Shea Theodore, who has been with the Golden Knights since their inception into the league. "We always get good energy. I feel like it gives us that boost. ... I think just feeling off the crowd, the energy that it gives guys, you know, it's infectious."

During the winning run in season openers at home, the Golden Knights have outscored opponents, 27-16. And in their seven season-opening wins, the team owns an impressive goal differential of +18.

For coach Bruce Cassidy, opening night in his mind will last the entire month.

"I look at opening night as a stretch of probably October, 10 games," Cassidy said. "I've said this many times. I think it's easier if you don't have to chase the standings early in the year, by that I mean, get on on a bad run early so negativity creeps in and then you're constantly trying to get to that playoff spot, right?

"If you can get off to a good start pretty positive about yourself, the group. It allows you a little leeway later on. Cause nothing ever goes smooth a hole here, so you got yourself a little breathing room."

Here are three things to look for in the opener:

JACK AND MITCH

The addition of Mitch Marner to the lineup has everyone buzzing, from fans to the Knights, including linemate Jack Eichel. The two are hoping to find the same harmony Marner had with Auston Matthews in Toronto.

Marner is coming off his first career 100-point season, after scoring 27 goals and assisting on 75 others (102 points) in his final season with the Maple Leafs. Since he entered the league during the 2016-17 season, Marner has recorded the eighth-most points (741) and the fifth-most assists (520).

Eichel, meanwhile, is also coming off a career-best season, after registering 94 points (28 goals, 66 assists) along with an all-time high plus-32. Eichel finished fifth in voting for the Hart Trophy, and with Marner on his line, figures to be a candidate once again.

"I'm excited, it's gonna be great," Eichel said after morning skate. "The excitement for a new season, obviously, we bring a guy like Mitch in and we add some other pieces, there's some new faces in the room, some guys with excitement. It's great, I'm so excited for him for a lot of reasons. But, just having the opportunity to what is possibly a fresh start for him here in Vegas."

BLUE LINE

When general manager Kelly McCrimmon acquired Noah Hanifin at a bargain price, it was another example of Vegas' uncanny ability to land a sought-after player to fill a role. Heading into the season, it seems prophetic on McCrimmon's part, with the potential pressure the blue liners may feel without Alex Pietrangelo, who will miss this season. Plus, Vegas lost a key member from the blueline who helped win the organization the Cup, as Nicolas Hague was shipped to Nashville in a cost-cutting move. Nevertheless, the team has depth and experience with Theodore, Hanifin, Brayden McNabb, another charter member, and Zach Whitecloud, whose also been with the organization since it arrived but started with its AHL team. Jeremy Lauzon was part of the return for Hague, and will try to fit in as well.

"Depth is the strongest asset we have as a team," Hanifin said. "We got so many guys that can contribute in so many ways. When you lose a guy like Petro, it obviously hurts. He's a huge part of this locker. A huge piece of the team. I think it also opens the doors up for other guys to step up and try to fill that role the best they can. And we got guys in this room that are, I think, definitely ready to do that."

TOP OF THE HILL

Back as the No. 1 netminder, Adin Hill is the six-million-dollar man between the pipes and comes into the season after playing in a career-high 50 games last season. Since joining the Knights in 2022-23, Hill ranks fourth in the NHL among goaltenders who have played at least 100 games, with a 2.55 goals-against average. His save percentage in that same time frame ranks 10th, at .909.

"He's really solidified himself in that net. And as a D man in front of him, I think when we keep things to the outside, keep it simple, he's gonna make the stops. And then obviously, when there is breakdowns, it does happen in a game, he's had our back numerous times. He's a great goalie. I think in terms of his career, he's still building it. He has the potential to be a very good goalie in this league. The sky's the limit for him."

Goaltender Georgi Romanov was one of the multiple players the New Jersey Devils had at their training camp on a professional tryout (PTO). However, he has now landed a contract for the season with another team. 

The St. Louis Blues have announced that they have signed Romanov to a one-year, two-way contract for the 2025-26 season. In addition, the Blues have placed Romanov on waivers in order to send him down to their American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate, the Springfield Thunderbirds.

The Blues signing Romanov comes shortly after they lost goaltender Colten Ellis to the Buffalo Sabres on waivers. As a result of this, the Blues needed more goalie depth, and they added just that by signing Romanov. 

Romanov spent this past season with the San Jose Sharks organization. In eight games with the Sharks in 2024-25, the 25-year-old goaltender recorded a 0-6-0 record, a .877 save percentage, and a 3.89 goals-against average. He spent the majority of this past season down in the AHL with the San Jose Barracuda, however, where he posted an 11-6-3 record, a 3.10 goals-against average, and a .905 save percentage. 

The Hockey News Big Show breaks down the opening day of the NHL season and more big storylines.

Who's The Most Interesting Pending NHL UFA Left? by The Big Showundefined

Here’s what Katie Gaus, Michael Traikos and Ryan Kennedy discussed in this episode:

01:05: Chicago Blackhawks @ Florida Panthers reaction

03:15: New York Rangers @ Pittsburgh Penguins reaction

06:55: Colorado Avalanche @ Los Angeles Kings reaction

10:50: Who were surprising names on the NHL’s opening day rosters?

14:00: Which youngster who made an opening day roster could make a big impact?

17:40: What are the expectations for Maple Leafs prospect Easton Cowan, who was called up?

21:00: The Maple Leafs claimed Sammy Blais and Cayden Primeau off waivers. Yay or nay?

22:10: Reacting to Alex Pietrangelo being on season-ending long-term injured reserve

24:30: Thoughts on Kyle Connor’s eight-year contract extension with the Winnipeg Jets?

27:45: Who’s the most interesting player left in contract extension talks?

32:50: How much pressure does Connor McDavid's contract put on other star players to leave money on the table to try and win?

37:40: Thoughts on Mattias Ekholm’s three-year contract extension with the Edmonton Oilers?

39:50: Stanley Cup predictions

43:00: Is Sidney Crosby the greatest captain of all-time?

45:20: Thoughts on the Boston Bruins going captainless to start the season?

46:50: Reacting to the Los Angeles Kings’ new third jerseys

48:30: Is Gavin McKenna already the real deal in the NCAA?

Watch the full episode here 

Subscribe to The Hockey News Big Show on your preferred platform.

Former Philadelphia Flyers forward Cam Atkinson is officially calling it a career. 

The Columbus Blue Jackets announced that they are signing Atkinson to a one-day contract on Oct. 16 so he can retire as a member of the organization.

Forever a Jacket! 💥

After an incredible career, Cam Atkinson will sign a one-day contract on October 16th and officially retire from the @NHL as a Columbus Blue Jacket!

📝 https://t.co/Y8TkW06TDUpic.twitter.com/gjLzqWWylv

— Columbus Blue Jackets (@BlueJacketsNHL) October 8, 2025

Seeing Atkinson retire as a member of the Blue Jackets is entirely understandable. The 36-year-old had the most success of his NHL career with Columbus, as he recorded 213 goals, 402 points, and a plus-17 rating in 627 games over 10 seasons as a Blue Jacket. This included him setting career highs with 41 goals, 28 assists, and 69 points in 80 games during the 2018-19 season. 

The Flyers acquired Atkinson from the Blue Jackets during the 2021 NHL off-season in exchange for forward Jakub Voracek. In 143 games over two seasons with the Flyers following the move, Atkinson posted 36 goals, 42 assists, and 78 points. 

Atkinson's time with the Flyers ended when he was bought out by the Metropolitan Division club during the 2024 NHL off-season. From there, he signed with the Tampa Bay Lightning and played his final NHL season as a Bolt in 2024-25. 

The St. Louis Blues have signed goaltender Georgi Romanov to a one-year, two-way deal.

The signing comes just days after the Blues lost goaltender Colten Ellis to the Buffalo Sabres on waivers. The Blues were very high on Ellis, but without space on the NHL roster, the only move was to place him on waivers and hope he makes it through.

Unfortunately, he was claimed, but the Blues organization are happy he gets a chance in the NHL, even if it isn't with St. Louis.

Romanov, Ellis' replacement, has played 10 NHL games in two seasons, recording an .888 save percentage and a 3.53 goals against average with the San Jose Sharks.

In 50 AHL appearances, the 25-year-old posted .904 SP and a 3.12 GAA. According to the Blues, Romanov will report to the Springfield Thunderbirds in the AHL.

Prior to his North American career, Romanov was a standout performer in the Russian junior leagues. He's struggled since making the transition, but the Blues require a third goaltender due to the shortened schedule because of the Olympics, and Romanov can move up and down from the minors and hopefully provide stability. 

Romanov attended the New Jersey Devils training camp on a PTO but did not agree to a deal with the Devils.

The Reading Royals announced Wednesday that forward Nolan Burke has been signed to an ECHL contract with the club for the 2025-26 season.

The 22-year-old is entering his third professional season after a 55-game 2024-25 campaign, where he registered 31 points (13g-18a), 17 PIM and a +10 rating with the Wichita Thunder.

A native of Peterborough, Ontario, the 6-foot-3, 200-pound, left-shot forward was a Tryout Invite to the Lehigh Valley Phantoms 2025 Training Camp, on which he skated in two of Lehigh Valley's three pre-season games.

Across 103 professional career games, 102 of which coming in the ECHL between Atlanta (2023-24) and Wichita (2024-25), Burke has totaled 46 points (18-28-46) and 49 PIM. He made his lone American Hockey League game appearance with the Milwaukee Admirals on April 21st, 2024 at Grand Rapids.

Burke signed a three-year NHL Entry Level Contract with the Nashville Predators on Nov. 12, 2022 after parts of five seasons in the Ontario Hockey League with the Sarnia Sting. During his time with Sarnia, he accumulated 154 points (90-64-154) in 177 games.

At the time of his NHL signing in 2022, Burke was leading the OHL with 15 goals through 16 games. He finished the 2022-23 campaign with the second most goals in the OHL (50).

Additionally, Burke was teammates with the Philadelphia Flyers sixth overall selection in the 2025 NHL Entry Draft, Porter Martone, at Sarnia that season.

The Royals 2025 Training Camp roster now totals 28 players, including 17 forwards, eight defensemen and three goaltenders.

All fans can attend Training Camp practice in the seating bowl area beginning at 10 Am on Thursday, Oct. 9. Fans must enter Santander Arena through the Lions's Den Team Store entrance on Penn St. and must depart Santander Arena through the Lion's Den Team Store following the conclusion of Training Camp practice at 12 Pm.

The Royals will host the Adirondack Thunder for their lone pre-season game on Friday, Oct. 10 at 7 Pm at Santander Arena.