Posts

Posted on

Canadiens: Wrapping Up The Rookie Camp And A Surprise Main Camp Invite

After the two games played this weekend against the Toronto Maple Leafs and Winnipeg Jets hopefuls at the Bell Centre, there were only 17 players left at the Montreal Canadiens' rookie camp for the last practice session.

On Wednesday, the main camp will kick off with the medical and physical tests for everyone, including the veterans. Before then, the coaching staff put the 17 remaining kids through their paces. PTO Kevin Mandolese joined the group to act as the second goaltender since Arseni Radkov and Mikus Vecvanags were sent back to their junior teams, leaving Jacob Fowler as the sole goaltender remaining at rookie camp.

Canadiens: Suzuki Wants To Kill Penalties
Canadiens: Business As Usual For Mike Matheson
3 Canadiens With Most To Prove In 2025-26

After the cuts, only three defensemen remained: David Reinbacher, Adam Engstrom, and Owen Protz, whose impressive play over the weekend earned him an invite to the main camp. Up front, Matthew Wang was the only player cut after the prospect challenge, meaning that 13 forwards remained at camp: Owen Beck, Ivan Demidov, Will Dineen, Joseph Dunlap, Mark Estapa, Egor Goriunov, Oliver Kapanen, Filip Mesar, Israel Mianscum, Vinzenz Rohrer, Tyler Thorpe, Luke Tuch, and Florian Xhekaj.

Everyone was on the ice 15 minutes before the practice was meant to start, so the coaches hit the ground running with a session that lasted about an hour. They warmed up the players with simple shooting drills to start, before moving on to the two-on-two or three-on-three sessions at each end of the ice, in about three-quarters of the defensive zone.

They then worked on the transition game, with the defenseman tasked with making a good first pass, and the forwards trying to get a good shot on net while screening the goaltender. The next drill focused on zone entries two-on-two, followed by a bit of three-on-three on half the rink to wrap up the practice.

Speaking after the practice, coach Pascal Vincent was pleased with how the camp went:

I learnt to know some of our young players. We also got to see the physical progression of some of our players, like Xhekaj, who took a lot of volume. I thought Owen Beck was playing with a lot of purpose; there was always a reason behind his decisions. Of course, results are secondary this time of the year. We wanted to evaluate the players individually, and many of them performed well.
- Vincent on the rookie camp

Vincent also had kind words for the scouting staff:

I think Nick Bobrov and Martin Lapointe have donee some phenomenal work, the quality of not only the players but the individuals and the diversity in the picks as well, there are physical players, offensive ones, defensive ones, there are players who can play a plethora of different roles, it’s exciting for the coach, I can only imagine that it can be for fans as well.
- Vincent on the work accomplished by the scouting department

During the Prospect Showdown, the physical play of Owen Protz, a fourth-round pick (102nd overall at the 2024 draft), stood out, and when asked about the youngster, Vincent explained why he had earned the right to stay for the main camp:

He showed an interesting physical side; he had a presence on the ice, and management decided to keep him for the main camp, which was thoroughly deserved. He’s a young man who we brought up with us [with the Laval Rocket] during the playoffs to see how it would go, and he was working hard during practices. I think he knows who he is; he doesn’t try to be someone else on the ice. That may seem trivial or simple, but that’s not always the case. Players often struggle to make the transition from junior, college, or European hockey to professional hockey because they sometimes have to adjust their role, but he knows who he is. I loved the way he played, his first pass, and the physical aspect was impressive.
- Vincent on Protz

Asked about Protz, former blueliner Francis Bouillon agreed:

I loved the way he played. We aim to play to his strengths, considering the reasons behind our draft. The players we draft must know why we drafted them. Sometimes when guys go back to junior, they all try to be scorers or offensive guys. Still, what he showed this weekend —playing with a lot of physicality and making good first passes —is precisely what we expect of him. I spoke to him after the second game, and I think he deserves his spot at the main camp.
- Bouillon on Protz

At 19 and with a crowded blueline, it’s evident that Protz won’t find his way in the lineup right now. Still, when he is sent back down to junior, he will have a tremendous experience to build on and a camp that will no doubt be a significant building block for him and a motivational factor.

It must have been quite an experience for the blueliner on Saturday night to have the crowd react as it did when he set the tone for the game with a bone-crushing hit, the kind of experience he’ll remember for the rest of his life, no matter what happens in his career.

With the rookie camp now out of the way, things are about to ramp up in Brossard, and we’ll have all the happenings for you in the coming days and weeks. Stay tuned!

Follow Karine on X @KarineHains Bluesky @karinehains.bsky.social and Threads @karinehains.

Bookmark The Hockey News Canadiens' page for all the news and happenings around the Canadiens.

Join the discussion by signing up to the Canadiens' roundtable on The Hockey News.

Posted on

1 word for every Florida Panthers player ahead of training camp

The Florida Panthers are back in Fort Lauderdale.

This week, the two-time defending Stanley Cup Champions will kick off their annual training camp at the Baptist Health IcePlex.

Excitement couldn’t be higher as many experts are looking at the Panthers a possibility to be the league’s first back-to-back-to-back champs in over 40 years.

As the players prepare to hit the ice, THN Florida is going to through Florida’s roster and give you one word for each player as they prepare to open the 2025-26 season.

We’ll start with the forwards.

Sasha Barkov: Legacy

The first Finnish NHL captain to hoist Lord Stanley’s Cup has carved out quite a spot for himself in hockey lore over the past several seasons. The Stanley Cup’s and Selke Trophies are starting to stack up. If he stays on this path, Barkov could soon be leading the conversation of greatest Finnish hockey players of all time.

Sam Reinhart: Special

Teams, that is. I mean, yeah, Reinhart is an exceptionally special hockey player. Since arriving in South Florida during the summer of 2021, Reinhart has racked up 160 goals and 324 points. It probably wouldn’t surprise you to hear that more than half of his goals (82) and about one-third of his assists (56) have come on special teams. Reinhart has become an integral part of Florida’s power play and penalty kill, which in turn are big keys to their continued postseason success.

Matthew Tkachuk: Wolverine

Tkachuk is going to miss the first several months of the season while recovering from surgery after he played through a torn hip abductor and sports hernia during Florida’s latest Stanley Cup run. Hopefully, he can channel his inner-Wolverine (the X-Men member whose mutant power is superhuman healing) and get himself back to 100% in time for the winter Olympics in February and the run to the playoffs that will follow. Tkachuk very much wants to play for his country in Milan, so the sooner he’s healed, the easier the transition back to high-level hockey and lesser chance of any kind of setback.

Sam Bennett: Moderation

Bennett has proved over the past few years that his style of play within the Panthers systems is perfect for playoff hockey. However, playing at that kind of physically intense level for 82 regular season games just doesn’t make sense if he wants to be at 100%, or as close to it as possible, for Florida’s next playoff run.

Carter Verhaeghe: Precision

One of the most clutch players in the NHL saw his shooting percentage drop significantly last season, resulting in a decrease in goal-scoring. The rest of Verhaeghe’s game remained the same as the guy with the endless motor continued to provide quality minutes inside Florida’s top six. Once he starts picking those corners again, expect the goal total to pop right back up to the 30-40 range.

Anton Lundell: Twenty

Lundell is going to turn 24 years old a few days before Opening Night. This will already be his fifth season in the NHL, and it’s going to be his first where he cracks the 20-goal mark. The growth in his game has been apparent, but expect that to go up a notch this season.

Evan Rodrigues: Unsung

Rodrigues plays all over the lineup, wherever he’s asked, and bring the same consistency regardless of his linemates or ice time. His name was also the first to come up when trade rumors began swirling due to Matthew Tkachuk going on LTIR. To his credit, Rodrigues just keeps smiling and plugging away, and his coaching staff adores him for it.

Brad Marchand: Twilight

No longer feeling the pressures of being the face of an Original 6 franchise, Marchand can now enjoy the rest of his career much as he did Florida’s playoff run from last season. He’s still playing at an elite level, and his tenacious brand of hockey fits in quite well with the Panthers’ style of play.

Mackie Samoskevich: Experienced

I know, I know, Samoskevich is still just 22 years old with all of two pro seasons under his belt. But he’s also now been to two NHL training camps and played a full season with the Panthers that included a Stanley Cup victory. Samoskevich should have an excellent understanding of what it takes to succeed at the game’s highest level, and that knowledge should help him prepare for, endure and ultimately thrive in his sophomore season with the Cats.

Tomas Nosek: Steady

Centering Florida’s fourth line can be tricky because you never quite know what group you’ll be matched up against or when your number will be called. A defensive zone draw against a top six group could happen just as easily as an o-zone start after an icing against a tired checking line. Nosek proved that he can remain stable and sturdy regardless of the situation, a trait that endeared him to Paul Maurice and co.

Jonah Gadjovich: Established

Between the second half of last season and the playoffs, Gadjovich found himself playing regular minutes on Florida’s line. It was a unit that Paul Maurice praised multiple times and utilized in crucial situations during their latest Stanley Cup run. We’ll see if that can translate to Gadjovich establishing himself as an everyday player for an entire season.

A.J. Greer: Fun

The spotlight isn’t on Greer very often, but if you just zero in on him during a shift, get ready to see a guy who looks like he’s having the time of his life while giving 110% every second he’s out there. It’s just plain fun watching Greer do his thing, especially on a team like Florida, where combining skill and muscle will go a long way.

Jesper Boqvist: Build

That’s exactly what Boqvist needs to do following a strong first season with the Panthers. A career high in goals and games played led to Boqvist earning a two-year extension from Florida that carries a higher AAV than he was given on any of his previous deals. It will be very interesting to see how Florida’s lineup shakes out if Boqvist continues to impress the coaching staff, as he did last year.

LATEST STORIES FROM THE HOCKEY NEWS - FLORIDA

Florida Panthers announce 2025 Training Camp schedule, Fan Fest

"Just An Unfortunate Incident," Leafs' Anthony Stolarz Discusses Head Injury Suffered Against Panthers

Sandis Vilmanis Continues To Impress Panthers Organization

Panthers cruise to 6-1 win over Nashville in final game of the 2025 Prospect Showcase

Schwindt, McAllister score as Panthers fall 3-2 to Tampa Bay at 2025 Prospect Showcase

Photo caption: Apr 14, 2025; Sunrise, Florida, USA; Florida Panthers center Carter Verhaeghe (23) celebrates with center Aleksander Barkov (16) and defenseman Dmitry Kulikov (7) after scoring against the New York Rangers during the second period at Amerant Bank Arena. (Sam Navarro-Imagn Images)

Posted on

Matt Grzelcyk Would Add Veteran Presence & Offensive Boost To Blackhawks Blue-Line

The Chicago Blackhawks are bringing veteran defenseman Matt Grzelcyk to training camp on a PTO. He will be one of the oldest players, 31, on the blue line. 

Connor Murphy is 32 years old, which makes him the true elder on the team, but every other defenseman expected to be on the roster is 24 years old or younger. Whether it's Alex Vlasic, Ethan Del Mastro, Sam Rinzel, Artyom Levshunov, Nolan Allan, Louis Crevier, Wyatt Kaiser, or Kevin Korchinski, there are going to be young players playing early and often. 

Having a veteran like Grzelcyk around would be great for these young players. A lot of them are looking to become full-time NHL defensemen while gaining valuable experience, so having someone there to look up to will help them. 

Grzelcyk is also a solid player. It is odd to see a player like him make it this far without anything other than a PTO. On a lousy Pittsburgh Penguins team in 2024-25, Grzelcyk only scored one goal, but he had 39 assists for 40 points.

Those 40 points would have led the Blackhawks' defensemen by 10. Vlasic led the blue line with 30 points on four goals and 26 assists.

Even Seth Jones, who was traded by the Chicago Blackhawks to the Florida Panthers and played a huge role in them winning the Stanley Cup, had fewer regular-season points than Grzelcyk. 

More ice time for Alex Vlasic, Sam Rinzel, and Artyom Levshunov could raise their point totals, but Grzelcyk is someone who could lead the team in points by a defenseman if he were to make the team. He can play a solid defensive game while being a good puck distributor in all three zones in all situations (power play, penalty kill, etc). 

Forwards on the team, if Grzelcyk makes the roster and plays to his capabilities, would benefit from it as well. The likes of Connor Bedard, Frank Nazar, Ryan Donato, and Teuvo Teravainen would love the addition of another puck-moving defenseman on the team. 

If the Blackhawks did sign him and he played a fair amount of games, he could play with Sam Rinzel or Artyom Levshunov to help bring them along (the other would play with Alex Vlasic), or he could be on an all-veteran pair with Connor Murphy. Jeff Blashill would have options there. 

Grzelcyk would certainly have to make an impression during training camp and the preseason to make the team, but the tools are there, and he's only 31 years old. There are leadership qualities and offensive abilities there that make him worthy of consideration. 

Visit The Hockey News Chicago Blackhawks team site to stay updated on the latest news, game-day coverage, player features, and more.

Posted on

Ticket Prices For Fleury's Final Game Keep Rising

When the Pittsburgh Penguins signed goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury to a paid tryout (PTO) contract on Friday, along with that came the announcement that he'd be appearing in one final pre-season game in Pittsburgh on Sept. 27 against the Columbus Blue Jackets before officially retiring from the NHL. 

And given how much Pittsburgh is anticipating Fleury's return, the price of admission should come as a surprise to no one. 

As of Wednesday, the cheapest ticket available to Fleury's final game on Ticketmaster is more than $175, with the lowest price on Stubhub going for more than $170. Other retailers like Gametime and SeatGeek are selling at similar clips.

For comparison's sake? The Penguins' first pre-season home game against the Detroit Red Wings on the night before - a Friday night - are selling for as low as $18.

Fleury, 40, was selected by the Penguins first overall in 2003 and remained with the club through the end of the 2016-17 season, helping the team win three Stanley Cup Championships in that time. He was the first player drafted by the Vegas Golden Knights in the 2017 NHL Expansion Draft, and he stayed there for four seasons before moving on to the Chicago Blackhawks for a half season and the Minnesota Wild for the last four of his NHL career.

If anything, these ticket prices show just how much Pittsburgh loves its legendary netminder and how him coming back to Pittsburgh is a full-circle moment, something that Fleury expressed Tuesday. 

“I wanted to go back where it all began," Fleury told NHL.com. "I see it as a wink to my past. I’ll wear the Penguins jersey one last time, and I’ll see some old teammates and friends again. It’s a way to come full circle."

For Fleury And The Penguins, A Storybook Ending Is In StoreFor Fleury And The Penguins, A Storybook Ending Is In StoreWhen a young netminder from Sorel, Quebec made his NHL debut on Oct. 10, 2003, it's difficult to imagine that folks in Pittsburgh, Pa. knew what was in store for the next decade and a half. 

Bookmark THN - Pittsburgh Penguins on your Google News tab  to follow the latest Penguins news, roster moves, player features, and more!    

Posted on

Draymond Green weighs in on Warriors' ongoing Jonathan Kuminga situation

Draymond Green weighs in on Warriors' ongoing Jonathan Kuminga situation originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

The Warriors’ situation with Jonathan Kuminga has become much more complex than anticipated.

But as a 13-year NBA veteran, Draymond Green understands the business side of the league.

When recently asked for his two cents on the matter, the Warriors star forward shared a forthright response on Threads.

“Negotiations are rarely easy,” Green wrote, “but they usually get done in the end.”

Well, that is the hope.

The situation has dragged out all offseason, and with training camp less than two weeks away, a resolution still is being worked out.

But one seems to be near.

Golden State upped its offer to the 22-year-old wing to three years and $75.2 million with a team option for the third season, ESPN’s Shams Charania and Anthony Slater reported Monday, citing sources. Slater shared that Kuminga and his agent, Aaron Turner, want the team option to be changed into a player option and they’ll accept the deal, which was confirmed by NBC Sports Bay Area’s Dalton Johnson.

Since Kuminga entered the league in 2021 as the No. 7 overall pick by the Warriors, Green has taken him under his wing every step of the way.

Earlier this offseason, Green was critical of the NBA and how its new CBA rules have impacted the free-agent market.

“Sadly, I sit here and watch so many players overplay the market and not understand what they are up against with the new rules,” Green wrote on Threads in early July. “Which leads me to trying to understand the [staggering] percentage of guys that has no idea of THE BUSINESS they are a part of. And I as a ‘VET’ in this league watch players mismanage their careers and before they know it, look back like DAMN, where to next?”

While his multiple-post rant raised plenty of eyebrows, Green made it clear that he wasn’t solely talking about Kuminga’s situation with the Warriors.

“Also before y’all run and make this about [Jonathan Kuminga], it isn’t,” Green wrote. “He’s 22 and will be great and make a bunch of money, so this ain’t got nothing to do with him.”

Seventy-two days after those posts, nothing about Kuminga’s situation has changed.

Regardless of the outcome, however, it’s clear that Green wants the best for his mentee.

Download and follow the Dubs Talk Podcast

Posted on

How Warriors center Quinten Post hopes to improve his game in second NBA season

How Warriors center Quinten Post hopes to improve his game in second NBA season originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

Quinten Post wants to take his game to the next level in his second NBA season.

The young Warriors center spoke exclusively with The Mercury News’ Joseph Dycus about his “busy” offseason and what he is looking to improve on after his standout rookie campaign.

After recovering from an ankle injury that sidelined him for the Warriors’ NBA Summer League slate, Post told The Mercury News that he has been working out five days a week at Chase Center and is focused on improving his strength and agility in order to become a better defender in Year 2.

“A big part for next year is guarding without fouling,” Post told Dycus. “I fouled too much, especially in situations where it wasn’t necessary, where I could just use my size to wall up and make guys take hard shots.”

Post quickly earned a role in coach Steve Kerr’s rotations as a sharpshooting big, shooting a team-high 40.8 percent from deep in 42 games (14 starts), but has made a concerted effort this offseason to improve as an all-around playmaker while not losing sight of what makes him such a unique weapon.

“On the (screen and) roll, being able to pass in those short-roll situations, and also finish versus smaller defenders is something I have worked on,” Post said.

“[Shooting] is the thing that brought me here, and I want to keep expanding on that and become a more versatile shooter.”

The Warriors reportedly are expected to sign veteran center Al Horford once their ongoing contract negotiations with restricted free-agent forward Jonathan Kuminga are cleared up, and if they do, Post likely will compete with third-year big Trayce Jackson-Davis for the backup center role.

Regardless of what role he plays, Post is ready to contribute any way he can.

“Whatever’s happening with the team, or outside the team, that shouldn’t change my motivation for this year,” Post added.

Download and follow the Dubs Talk Podcast

Posted on

Ramp to Camp: What's one thing you want to see from Pritchard this season?

Ramp to Camp: What's one thing you want to see from Pritchard this season? originally appeared on NBC Sports Boston

It’s the middle of the summer, and this reporter is tap-dancing around essentially asking Payton Pritchard whether he wants to be a starter for the 2025-26 season. Training camp is still more than two months away and we’re trying not to put Pritchard in a tough spot, but he shares an incredibly diplomatic response to our rambling query. 

“Obviously, I would play all 48 minutes if I could,” said Pritchard. “That’s just the competitor in me. I want to play all the time.”

Pritchard quickly adds that he’s ready for whatever role Joe Mazzulla throws at him and will do whatever the team asks of him. That, of course, is what makes Pritchard so valuable. Winning is his North Star, and the individual accolades collected along the way are just byproducts of hunting the larger team goal.

Last season, Pritchard’s mindset delivered the NBA’s Sixth Man of the Year award. Over the summer, the NBA basically created the Payton Pritchard Rule by eliminating end-of-quarter heaves from individual stat lines. (He was one of the few players willing to consistently take that shot.) The Celtics have an 18th banner in no small part because of Pritchard’s selflessness.

So what’s next for Pritchard? For Day 13 of our Ramp to Camp series, that’s the question we asked our panel to probe. 

Mazzulla has an intriguing decision to make about how he utilizes his new-look roster. With the departure of Jrue Holiday, there is a starting guard spot available. Some will lobby that newcomer Anfernee Simons, acquired from Portland in the Holiday trade, ought to slot there.

We tend to think Pritchard deserves first crack because, 1) He’s a core member of what remains of that 2024 championship team, and 2) Every time the Celtics have thrown more on his plate, he’s devoured it while taking another step in his NBA evolution.

The 2025-26 season feels like a perfect opportunity to answer a query that has lingered for much of Pritchard’s NBA career: Can he thrive as a starter with the Celtics? There’s little reason to think he couldn’t, and we’re eager to see him get every opportunity to show he can do more this season.

We’re also not against the idea of “48 minutes of Pritchard” as a way to mask the talent drain on this year’s roster.

Regardless of role, our wish list for Pritchard this season is pretty simple:

  • We want to see him compete defensively when matched up against other elite guards.
  • We want to see him continue to be one of the best rebounding guards in the league for a team that lost considerable size and experience in the frontcourt.
  • We want to see Pritchard continue to limit turnovers even as his usage rate potentially spikes this season.

Most of all, we just want Pritchard’s energy and desire to be infectious with this team. Pritchard plays hard, he plays smart, and good things happen when he’s on the floor. The Celtics need a whole bunch of that while Jayson Tatum is rehabbing. 

We’ll see what happens from there. While I don’t think we’ll ever see another season like Isaiah Thomas’ 2016-17 campaign when he blossomed into an MVP-caliber player, we simply can’t rule out the possibility of Pritchard having an All-Star glow-up given the changes to Boston’s roster. 

Last season, Pritchard averaged 19 points, 5.3 assists, and five rebounds over 10 games played without Tatum. He was at 16.4 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 3.7 assists per game in 19 contests without Jaylen Brown. If the Celtics outkick expectations early in the 2025-26 season, either Pritchard or Derrick White is making an All-Star team. The opportunity is there.

And every time there is opportunity, Pritchard pounces on it.

Here’s how our panel responded when asked about the one thing they want to see from Pritchard:

Darren Hartwell, Managing Editor

It’s time to unleash “Post-up P.”

Pritchard is exceptional at burrowing into the lane and finishing around taller defenders, and he should have even more opportunities to show off his low-post moves this season with an expanded role. We’re looking forward to Drew and Scal going nuts when the 6-foot-1 guard deftly maneuvers around opponents in the paint.

Michael Hurley, Web Producer

Keep. On. Shooting.

This year presents a fun opportunity for Pritchard, who’s already taken massive jumps in 3-point attempts per game over each of the past two seasons. He went from 3.2 in 2022-23 to 4.7 in 2023-24, and he upped it to 7.8 per game last season. Only two players (Malik Beasley and Jordan Poole) took more threes while averaging fewer than 30 minutes per game, so there’s room for Pritchard to let it rip even more.

The Celtics will be making up for the 10.1 threes Tatum attempted per game last year, and Pritchard should be the one who capitalizes the most.

Sean McGuire, Web Producer

Pritchard figures to be in line for a spot in the starting lineup, and with that he’ll need to elevate himself as a playmaker alongside Brown and White.

The 2024-25 Sixth Man of the Year took steps forward last season as he averaged a career-high 14.3 points and 3.5 assists in 28 minutes per game. But with Tatum and Holiday not aiding in facilitating this season, there will be room for Pritchard to make his mark.

Josh Canu, Media Editor

Adjust to a starter’s role.

I fully expect Pritchard to slide in next to White in the Celtics’ backcourt. There is always an adjustment when moving from a high-volume bench role to a starter role where he will likely be the third option. His defense will need to be on point and he will have to find offensive efficiency with potentially a lower volume of shots.

Max Lederman, Content Producer

I want to see Pritchard prove he’s a championship-level starting point guard. We know he can win a title as a Sixth Man, but can he hold up playing starter minutes?

Adam Hart, EP, Content Strategy

Let’s run back Sixth Man of the Year.

Posted on

Devils Training Camp 2025–26: Key Storylines to Watch

Devils Training Camp 2025–26: Key Storylines to Watch

The New Jersey Devils open training camp for the 2025–26 season later today.

With puck drop on the new season just weeks away, several players stand out, some entering the organization for the first time, others looking to build on strong campaigns.

Prospect Challenge Standouts

The Devils’ prospects competed in the annual Prospect Challenge in Buffalo, New York, beginning September 10. They finished the tournament with a 2–1 record, showing promise across the roster. A handful of players made a strong impression heading into camp.

Defenseman Seamus Casey played in just one game before sitting out, preserving his energy for the season ahead. The move wasn’t surprising given his NHL experience last year and his impressive showing in camp. Casey is pushing for a full-time roster spot with the Devils this season.

Forwards Tag Bertuzzi and Mikael Diotte both collected three points in the tournament. While cracking the NHL roster may be unlikely, their performances earned them attention heading into camp.

Another player to watch is Shane Lachance, acquired from the Edmonton Oilers in March 2025 as part of the three-team deal that sent Trent Frederic out of New Jersey. The 21-year-old defenseman, a sixth-round pick in 2021, spent the past two seasons at Boston University. In Buffalo, he played two games and collected three points. At 6-foot-5 with strong two-way play, Lachance has drawn notice heading into camp. 

From BU to Buffalo: Lachance Impresses Ahead of Devils Training CampFrom BU to Buffalo: Lachance Impresses Ahead of Devils Training CampThe New Jersey Devils’ prospects wrapped up three games at the 2025 NHL Prospect Challenge in Buffalo this past week, finishing the tournament with a 2–1 record.

Lenni Hämeenaho also impressed. The 20-year-old winger, listed at 6-foot-1 and 185 pounds, contributed in both of the Devils’ victories. Drafted 58th overall in 2023, Hämeenaho has spent recent seasons playing professionally in Finland. He will hit the ice today aiming to push for NHL minutes.

Three Devils Named to NHL Network’s Top 50

NHL Network released its list of the league’s top 50 players, and three Devils cracked the top 45. 

2 Devils Stars Ranked Among NHL's Best Players2 Devils Stars Ranked Among NHL's Best PlayersIt is no secret that the New Jersey Devils have two star centers leading their forward group in Jack Hughes and Nico Hischier. Both players are major difference-makers, and they have now been rewarded because of it. 
  • Jesper Bratt ranked 45th, ahead of stars such as Alex Ovechkin and Brady Tkachuk. Bratt, 27, is coming off an 88-point season in 81 games and was also ranked 12th on NHL Network’s list of the league’s top 20 wingers. Drafted 162nd overall in 2016, Bratt is entering the third year of his eight-year, $63 million contract.
New Jersey Devils Player Earns High Praise in NHL Network’s Winger RankingsNew Jersey Devils Player Earns High Praise in NHL Network’s Winger RankingsNew Jersey Devils winger Jesper Bratt has been ranked the 12th-best winger in the NHL right now by NHL Network.
  • Nico Hischier landed at 40th overall. The 26-year-old captain was also recognized as one of the NHL’s top 20 centers. Last season, he scored a career-high 35 goals with 69 points in 75 games, showcasing not just offensive touch but also defensive reliability and leadership.
Nico Hischier Represents Devils at NHL/NHLPA European Player Media TourNico Hischier Represents Devils at NHL/NHLPA European Player Media TourThe NHL/NHLPA European Player Media Tour is underway this week in Milan, Italy, bringing together 26 NHL stars for an international showcase. Representing the New Jersey Devils and his home country of Switzerland was none other than Devils captain Nico Hischier.
  • Jack Hughes ranked 31st after recording 27 goals and 43 assists for 70 points in 62 games during the 2024–25 season. If healthy, the 24-year-old remains the cornerstone of the Devils’ playoff hopes.

Injury Watch: Jonathan Kovacevic

Defenseman Jonathan Kovacevic will not be ready for training camp following season-ending surgery on May 8.

Kovacevic became a key part of New Jersey’s blue line last year, appearing in 81 games and setting career highs with 16 assists and 17 points. Acquired in June 2024 in exchange for a 2026 first-round pick, he signed a five-year, $20 million extension with the Devils in March 2025.

His eventual return is highly anticipated, though his timeline remains uncertain. 

Johnathan Kovacevic Injury Leaves Opening on Devils’ Blue LineJohnathan Kovacevic Injury Leaves Opening on Devils’ Blue LineJohnathan Kovacevic is one of the key names in the New Jersey Devils organization as the 2025-26 season approaches. On July 2, the team announced that the defenseman would miss part of the regular season due to knee surgery performed on May 8. Team reporter Amanda Stein confirmed that he will also miss training camp.

Luke Hughes Contract Situation

One notable absence today will be Luke Hughes, who remains unsigned. The restricted free agent was expected to finalize a deal before training camp, but negotiations continue. With less than a month until the season opener, New Jersey still has time, but the clock is ticking.

Posted on

Shohei Ohtani is removed after five no-hit innings, then Dodgers' bullpen collapses in loss

LOS ANGELES, CA - SEPTEMBER 16, 2025: Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Justin Wrobleski (70) reacts after giving up a three-run homer to Philadelphia Phillies outfielder Brandon Marsh (16) in the sixth inning at Dodger Stadium on September 16, 2025 in Los Angeles, California.(Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times)
Justin Wrobleski reacts after giving up a three-run homer to Brandon Marsh in the sixth inning. (Gina Ferazzi/Los Angeles Times)

Dave Roberts described it as an easy decision. 

If only it hadn’t come with such disastrous consequences.

In the middle of the fifth inning Tuesday night, Shohei Ohtani returned to the Dodgers' dugout after a clean inning of work on the mound. Waiting for him at the top step was manager Dave Roberts, wanting to ask how he felt after only his second five-inning start of the season.

With any other pitcher, what happened next would have been simple.

Over his five innings against the Philadelphia Phillies, Ohtani had not given up a hit. He had thrown only 68 pitches. And he was flashing the kind of dominance that would have made a no-hitter feel like a real possibility.

With any other pitcher, Roberts would have extended the leash.

Ohtani, however, is not like any other pitcher.

He is a two-way star, coming off a second career Tommy John surgery, who has been managed with kid gloves and bubblewrap in his return to pitching duties this year. He started his comeback by pitching one inning, then two, then so on until he built up to five. Weeks ago, the team — in consultation with team doctors, Ohtani’s agent and the reigning MVP himself — decided to avoid pushing him past the five-inning mark until at least October.

His health, both on the bump and at the plate, remains the priority.

Thus, while Ohtani told Roberts he still felt good, Roberts said he never had any thought of sending him out for the sixth. His question, he later explained, was only to ascertain information for future decision-making over Ohtani’s workload. As far as Tuesday was concerned? 

“He wasn’t gonna go back out,” Roberts said.

By not sending Ohtani back out, of course, the Dodgers rolled the dice with their ever-faulty bullpen. And in one of the group’s worst performances this year, they yielded nine runs over the next four innings in a gut-punch of a 9-6 defeat.

“We’ve been very steadfast in every situation as far as innings for [Ohtani’s] usage — from one inning to two innings to three to four to five. We haven’t deviated from that,” Roberts said.

“I was trying to get his pulse for going forward, where he’s at, continuing to go to the sixth inning. And he says, ‘Feel OK.’ So that was good. But I’m not gonna have a plan for five innings, and then he pitches well and say, ‘Hey, now you’re gonna go six innings.’ He’s too important. And if something happens, then that’s on me for changing it, and we haven’t done that all year.”

Read more:Plaschke: Dodgers are blowing their bye, and hopes for deep playoff run, thanks to familiar issue

After pulling Ohtani with a four-run lead, the Dodgers watched their relief corps melt down in predictable, reminiscent fashion. Justin Wrobleski gave up five consecutive hits with one out in the sixth, including a three-run home run to Brandon Marsh that broke open the inning. Edgardo Henriquez made matters worse, replacing Wrobleski — amid a chorus of boos directed at Roberts — later in the inning only to give up another long ball to Max Kepler.

By the time it was over, the Phillies had scored six runs to take the lead. And though the Dodgers would battle back to tie the score in the eighth, the bullpen faltered again in the ninth, when Blake Treinen gave up a decisive three-run, two-out home run to Rafael Marchán in the Phillies' eventual 9-6 win.

For the five innings Tuesday, Ohtani displayed utter dominance against the only team to have already clinched a division title.

His fastball was playing up, eclipsing 100 mph seven times and topping out at 101.7 mph. His secondary stuff was electric, a mix of sliders and sweepers and curveballs and splitters that kept the Phillies off balance and able to make only benign contact.

After a two-out walk to Bryce Harper in the first inning, Ohtani retired the final 13 he faced. He got only six total whiffs, but was more pitch-efficient because of it, with his 68 throws coming in 19 shy of his previous season-high (he threw 87 pitches in his only other full five-inning start on Aug. 27).

That’s why, once Ohtani raced back toward the dugout to transition from pitcher to hitter in the middle of the fifth, his removal wasn’t a foregone conclusion. Why, after Roberts conversed with Ohtani from the top step, he found first baseman Freddie Freeman laughing at him back on the bench, sensing the stressfulness of his manager’s decision (which represented the ninth time in Roberts’ Dodgers tenure he had pulled a pitcher from a no-hitter in the fifth inning or later).

By that point, of course, the game shouldn’t have been in danger either way.

The Dodgers had scored three runs in the second inning on home runs from Alex Call and Kiké Hernández. They added another in the fourth off Phillies left-hander Cristopher Sánchez, handing the Cy Young contender just his fourth start this season of more than three earned runs.

But then, a bullpen that had been burned repeatedly in recent weeks (including in a 10-inning loss in the opening game of this series Monday night) played with fire again.

Wrobleski, a rookie left-hander who had been one of the Dodgers’ better relievers of late, had Rafael Marchán break up the no-no with a one-out single, Harrison Bader and Kyle Schwarber to load the bases with two more hits after that, Harper to gap a double that brought two runs across, and Marsh to go deep on a hanging 0-2 slider for a go-ahead three-run shot.

Henriquez, another rookie who had been sharp in limited action this year, yielded another home run to Kepler two batters later.

Just like that, it was 6-4 Phillies.

Ohtani helped the Dodgers get back in the game with his bat. In the eighth, he clobbered a leadoff home run deep to right field for his 50th long ball of the season, making him just the sixth player in MLB history with consecutive 50-homer campaigns.

The Dodgers kept the rally going after that, loading the bases for Call to hit a tying sacrifice fly.

Read more:Dodgers Dugout: The 10 best relief pitchers in Dodgers history

Alas, the Dodgers' bullpen did what it does best once more in the ninth, coming unglued at the worst possible moment.

After getting two quick outs to start the inning, Treinen gave up a double to Weston Wilson (the No. 7 hitter who entered with a .202 average). He fell behind 3-and-0 to Bryson Stott (the No. 8 hitter) to trigger an intentional walk. Then, in a 3-and-1 count to Marchán (the No. 9 hitter and backup catcher for the Phillies), he served up an inside cutter that Marchán pulled down the line, getting just enough behind it to send it bouncing off the top of the short right-field wall.

Nine painful runs, in four miserable innings of Dodgers relief.

Another loss, that wasted Ohtani’s no-hit (but short-lived) masterpiece.

Sign up for more Dodgers news with Dodgers Dugout. Delivered at the start of each series.

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.

Posted on

From the Pocket: they may be old but Scott Pendlebury’s Collingwood are wily and hungry

Want to get this in your inbox every Wednesday afternoon? Sign up for the AFL newsletter here.

The “too old, too slow” slight is as old as football. In the AFL era, Hawthorn in 1991 and Geelong in 2011 both played like they were insulted at the idea of being pensioned off. But by today’s standards, the age composition of those two premiership teams shouldn’t have been cause for concern. Michael Tuck was 38 but it felt like he’d been 38 since the early 1980s. Chris Mew was 30 and Gary Ayres turned 31 on grand final day. Within six months of that game, Dermott Brereton’s body was shot to bits. But he was still only 27. Similarly, the Geelong side of 2011 wasn’t the dad’s army that they’re sometimes remembered as, with only five 30 or older and Matthew Scarlett the oldest at 32.

The Collingwood team that will run out in the preliminary final really is old. If Jeremy Howe plays, he’ll be the ninth player who is 30 or over. Two more, Jordan De Goey and Darcy Moore, will soon join them. It’s a trend we’re seeing in all sports. Tom Brady retired at 45. Novak Djokovic won a dozen grand slams in his 30s. Serena Williams won nine, including an Australian Open at 35 when she was pregnant.

Continue reading...
Posted on

Four Dark Horse Candidates To Break Penguins' NHL Roster Out Of Camp

Pittsburgh Penguins' training camp is officially only two days away, and there will be many storylines to watch this year.

There will be legitimate battles to keep an eye on for every positional group. There is a new coaching staff in town that will implement some foreign systems and act as fresh sets of eyes on everyone at camp. 

And there will be a few dark horse prospect candidates to watch out for, too. 

Of course, most eyes will be on higher-profile prospects such as Ville Koivunen, Rutger McGroarty, Owen Pickering, and Harrison Brunicke. But there are a few others who should push for NHL roster spots as well right out of the gate.

Here are four of them.

Filip Hallander

Many people are focusing the forward discussion on Koivunen and McGroarty, and rightfully so. Both players made an impression at the end of the 2024-25 season.

But Hallander, 24, also made quite the impression last season in the Swedish Hockey League (SHL).

Hallander was originally selected by the Penguins in the second round (58th overall) of the 2018 draft. After an underwhelming two AHL seasons with Wilkes-Barre/Scranton (WBS) from 2021-23, the organization non-tendered him as a restricted free agent, and he opted to play in the SHL.

In 2024-25 - his second season after initially departing the Penguins' organization - he took home the SHL's Forward of the Year honors by registering 26 goals and 53 points in 51 games with Timra HK. His season with Timra earned him a second chance with the Penguins, and they signed him to a two-year NHL contract. 

Between Hallander finding his footing as far as production and his strong two-way game as a center, he should push pretty heavily for a roster spot. As with every other player on this list, it will be an uphill climb. But if he performs anything like he did last season, he will make decisions very difficult for Penguins' brass.

Emil Pieniniemi

It has been mentioned several times over that the left defensive battle this season is as wide-open as they come.

Of course, new signees in Parker Wotherspoon and Alexander Alexeyev were brought in to be part of that battle. Carryovers from the roster last season in Ryan Shea and Ryan Graves will likely have inside tracks to roster spots. Pickering had a 25-game NHL stint last season and is well-positioned to grab a roster spot with a good camp.

But don't count out Pieniniemi, either. 

The 20-year-old blueliner hailing from Kuopio, Finland put together an impressive season with the Kingston Frontenacs of the OHL last season - his first on North American soil. He recorded 10 goals and 60 points in 60 games and four goals and 10 points in 11 playoff games, and he finished seventh in scoring among OHL defensemen.

His ability to run a power play, his physicality, his skating ability, and two-way prowess make him an intriguing prospect with upside. With a good camp, his name should be in consideration for an NHL roster spot as much as guys like Pickering and Alexeyev.

And with a good start to his professional career in the AHL, don't be surprised to see him at some point this season, even if he doesn't break camp.

Avery Hayes

Hayes was just covered by us earlier Tuesday, and for good reason. Between dominating Prospects Challenges and scoring big goals in big moments, he seems to have a few things figured out. 

Hayes, 22, put up 23 goals and 42 points in 60 AHL games last season and earned himself a two-year entry-level NHL contract as a result. Undrafted, the WBS Penguins originally signed him to a two-year AHL deal prior to his 2023-24 campaign, which was marred with injuries and inconsistency.

But ever since the 2024 Prospects Challenge, Hayes has done nothing but impress. He is an effective player in all three zones, is feisty, forechecks well, drives the net... and he can finish. He scored four goals in three Prospects Challenge games this year, and he looked out of place in the best way during the event.

Out of all the names on this list, Hayes could very well make the biggest push. His game seems translatable to the NHL level, and he is someone who has the ability to fight his way up a lineup and into heavier minutes. His work ethic is hard to top, and he plays the game the right way.

Don't count this guy out in terms of breaking camp. He's been that good for the Penguins this past year.

Tristan Broz

It may be a stretch to call Broz, 22, a "dark horse" at this point, and that's only because he has grown so much and impressed in all facets even though he faced a fair amount of adversity last season.

Despite missing nearly two months of the 2024-2025 season with mononucleosis, the young American forward grew into the center position and established himself as a reliable two-way forward. He had two goals and nine points in the final 10 games of the season as well as a goal and three points in two playoff games, and - even with his setback - he still recorded 19 goals and 37 points in 59 games during his first season in professional hockey.

But his ability on both ends of the ice is really what stands out about Broz. He is a smart, responsible player in all three zones, he has the ability to disrupt plays and excel in transition, and - like Hayes - he can put the puck in the back of the net. 

Because of Broz's setback, starting the season in the AHL certainly wouldn't hurt him, and there is still a lot of room for him to grow. But a lot of the details are already ironed out for him, and he plays a very mature game - something that may give him a leg-up if he shows well in training camp.

Bookmark THN - Pittsburgh Penguins on your Google News tab  to follow the latest Penguins news, roster moves, player features, and more!