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Another game there for the taking for the St. Louis Blues, another game that frustratingly slips away.

This time, another 3-2 setback to the New York Rangers at Madison Square Garden in New York on Monday.

The Blues (7-10-6) got goals from Dylan Holloway and Brayden Schenn, and Joel Hofer made 17 saves on the fourth game of a season-high five-game road trip where the Blues are now 1-1-2 with one final game Wednesday against the New Jersey Devils.

"I didn't think we played with the requisite of intensity and connected and puck support that we've been playing with the three previous games," Blues coach Jim Montgomery said.

Let's look at Monday's game observations:

* First 10 minutes of third where game was lost -- In a 1-1 game on the road, the Blues were in a good spot to grab at least perhaps a point, maybe two with a strong final period.

But they got pinned into their zone to begin the third, had a chance to get a puck out that caromed away eventually and a redirection in front by Alexis Lafreniere of Vladislav Gavrikov's left point wrister just 40 seconds in gave the Rangers a 2-1 lead and getting that all-important go-ahead goal:

GAVI WITH THE SHOT FROM FAR OUT + LAF DEFLECTS IT IN. pic.twitter.com/eIR2o6Hrbj

— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) November 25, 2025

And when Adam Edstrom made it 3-1 at 8:56 of the period on a shot from in tight surrounded by three Blues on the play, it would be a tall task for a team struggling to score more than two goals to make a comeback:

GAVI ➡️ EDDY pic.twitter.com/s5z0trqtXM

— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) November 25, 2025

It would wind up being the 20th and final shot on goal for the Rangers in the game.

"Obviously not the way we wanted to start it for sure," Blues defenseman Colton Parayko said. "Tough to go down two in the third."

* Blues inability to win when scoring first -- Monday marked the 13th time the Blues scored first in a game, and it was a beauty of a goal when Holloway tied for the team lead with his sixth, and the line did a great job of forechecking pucks back after Parayko's initial keep-in from the right point:

Big goal in the Big Apple pic.twitter.com/0shOXGmUaS

— St. Louis Blues (@StLouisBlues) November 25, 2025

It marked the eighth time in the past nine games the Blues have scored first, but they fell to 5-3-5 in those games when the league on average, teams that score first win roughly 67 percent of the time.

In just seven of those games, they've continued to forge forward and increase the lead, and it's impossible to gain each and every point when scoring first, but the Blues, who have 20 points on the season, have left 11 points on the table in this instance.

"That's the difference in winning games, burying those chances," Holloway said. "It's good to get those chances, but we've got to bear down and score."

And considering the Rangers came in a woeful 1-7-1 on home ice, scoring just 13 goals and shut out in a franchise-most five of those games, this was a chance to not only extend a lead against a team that has had trouble scoring and lost four in a row.

* Rangers tying goal opened door for struggling home team -- Up 1-0, the Blues were in a good spot until Vincent Trocheck tied it 1-1 at 10:06 of the second period.

The Blues had multiple forward lines on the ice that needed to get a puck in deep, but it never made it past the opposing side's blue line, and therefore, defensemen Cam Fowler and Logan Mailloux's shift was extended way too long at 2:19 each. Oskar Sundqvist, who was one who had a chance to get a puck deep but it got knocked down in the neutral zone, keeping the Blues' D on the ice, was on for over two minutes himself until he could finally get a change right before the goal, and on the goal, the Blues left an opening on an up pass through the middle creating a 2-on-1 that Trocheck wristed into the top right corner:

Some slick passing + Troch puts it away. pic.twitter.com/ZPxAIGdKzG

— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) November 25, 2025

"Yeah it is an extended shift and that's why in the second period there tends to be more goals scored in the league because it's hard to get your changes in the second and the five guys got to help each other get their changes," Montgomery said. "Forwards always get off the ice, D-men don't because they've got to stay. Then the next guys that come out, they've got to make sure they're protecting good and that they're helping out the D, so they can get off the ice."

* Hofer made key saves early to give Blues chance to go ahead -- The numbers on the night don't look great for Hofer (.850 save percentage), but his saves on Braden Schneider at 8:24 of the first period and Mika Zibanejad at 15:45 of the first period allowed the Blues to stay in a 0-0 game.

* Goal scoring has dried up -- Monday marked the fifth straight game that the Blues scored two or fewer goals, and it coincides with their goaltending being better of late.

And this comes with Brayden Schenn, who scored his first goal in 12 games on Saturday in a 2-1 win at the New York Islanders, now has goals in back-to-back games when Pavel Buchnevich's shot caromed off the Blues captain and past Igor Shesterkin with 1:15 remaining to make it 3-2, but that's as close as the Blues would get:

Hockey players will score goals any way they've gotta score 'em. #stlbluespic.twitter.com/tej600UCbr

— St. Louis Blues (@StLouisBlues) November 25, 2025

But Schenn missed a breakaway in the first period at 8:24 of the first period, even though it was at the end of a shift. Jake Neighbours had a great chance to give the Blues a 2-1 lead at 16:42 of the second period off a shot from the slot after a Robert Thomas pass. Schenn also fanned on an open look in the bumper with 3:16 remaining in the game while the Blues were on a four-minute power play, and Holloway whiffed on a hard pass by Thomas in tight with 19.3 remaining that would have tied the game.

All the lack of goal scoring has coincided with the top guys not getting it done. 

Jordan Kyrou hasn't scored in five games; Thomas has one goal in 10 and no points the past three games; Jimmy Snuggerud has no points the past four games and one goal in 12; Buchnevich now hasn't scored in 15 games; and from the defense, Fowler and Parayko each hasn't scored yet this season. 

This team needs its top players to produce, or these results will look all too familiar.

* Power play had chance to be difference -- Yes, the Blues' power play has been good, and it's 12th in the league at 22.4 percent. But going 0-for-4 (the last one was only three seconds at the end of the game) did them no favors and they produced only three shots on them.

The one that had to be frustrating was a double-minor given to Brett Berard for high-sticking Neighbours, who was also high-sticked by Schneider in the second period, with 5:51 left. It was there where Schenn fanned on his attempt, and the Blues passed on a couple open looks with 2:41 remaining.

"Yeah there were a couple of shots that were passed up," Montgomery said. "We whiffed on a great chance to tie the game up, right at the net front (Holloway's chance late), in a pulled goalie situation. We need to start making some of those plays in those areas so that we can have wins where we come from behind and get on a streak."

* Mailloux looked better -- Mailloux, who was called back up from Springfield of the American Hockey League on Saturday after playing five games with the Thunderbirds (two goals), was a minus-2 in the game and played 13:59 but I thought he was more assertive in this game that any of the previous ones he played in prior to being sent down.

He attacked more confidently, played a physical role, and he rung a shot off the post when Montgomery put him on the ice during the third-period power play. There was nothing he could have done differently on the goals that were scored while he was on the ice.

"I thought Mailloux was very assertive," Montgomery said. "I liked him on the PP there at the end when we gave him an opportunity. I thought he was very aggressive and had a good shot-first mindset, but made some passes. The minus-2, I know the second goal, he had nothing to do with it."

Mailloux, who was playing alongside Cam Fowler, had one hit and one blocked shot with one shot on goal.

"I kind of felt more like myself out there," Mailloux said. "I was moving pucks, getting in the play, getting some shots off. So unfortunate kind of ending, but I felt better for sure."

Blues Forward Cleared Unconditional Waivers, Signs With CanadiensAfter walking away from final year of two-year contract that paid AAV of $2.1 million, Alexandre Texier signs reported one, year, $1 million contract with Montreal

St. Louis Blues Weekly Prospect Report (Nov. 23)Another Russian in KHL opening eyes in Fyodorov; Carbonneau keeps pace with QMJHL scoring lead; Jiricek extends point streak to 11; Harenstam continues to sizzle in Sweden

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 or creating your own post in our community forum.

2025 CNBC NHL franchise valuations: See how all 32 teams rank originally appeared on NBC Sports Boston

The highest-valued NHL team still reigns in Canada.

The Toronto Maple Leafs remain No. 1 on CNBC’s list of NHL valuations for 2025 at $4.3 billion, a lead of $500 million over the second-highest team. It also is $2.1 billion above league average. Toronto in 2024 had a valuation of $3.8 billion and sat $1.89 billion above league average.

Trailing the Maple Leafs in the top three are the same two teams from 2024. The New York Rangers are second with a valuation of $3.8 billion, a $300 million increase. In third are the Montreal Canadiens, which also rose by $300 million to hold a $3.4 billion valuation.

There has been a slight shakeup in the top five, though. While the Los Angeles Kings remain No. 4 at $3.15 billion, the Edmonton Oilers ($3.1 billion) have bumped down the Boston Bruins ($3.05 billion) to seize the No. 5 spot.

Rounding out the top 10, in order, are the Chicago Blackhawks ($2.75 billion), Philadelphia Flyers ($2.6 billion), Washington Capitals ($2.5 billion) and Detroit Red Wings ($2.47 billion)

With the average NHL team now worth $2.2 billion, 15% more than last year, what’s behind the increase? CNBC senior sports reporter Michael Ozanian broke it down with the most important factor.

“The increase in values for NHL teams largely stems from their national media rights deal,” Ozanian said. “So, earlier this year, Rogers Communications, which has the national rights for National Hockey League games in Canada, they signed a new deal with the NHL that’s more than a 100% increase over their existing deal. And what analysts are telling me in the media space that sort of advise and consult for teams and leagues and networks, is that the next deal for the United States? The next national deal is likely also see a doubling in value.”

The national media deals are significant in hockey because the money involved are split evenly among the 32 teams. Whether a team is in Winnipeg or in New York, winning or losing, the revenue share is equal.

So, why do the Maple Leafs have a sizeable lead over the Rangers, who are located in the biggest U.S. market? Ozanian explained that it stems from the difference between national media revenue versus local TV rights.

“The local TV rights, particularly those rights on regional sports networks in the U.S., are under a lot of pressure,” Ozanian started. “They’re … being reduced. So, for example, in the case of the New York Rangers MSG Networks, which sort of went under some reorganization because it didn’t have the cash to pay its debt, the Rangers are taking an 18% haircut to their local TV rights. Other teams in the U.S. have taken similar cuts to their local TV rights …

“… These teams, with a combination of free TV rights and streaming, which is where a lot of these distribution is headed, may eventually make up the difference for what they’ve lost. There are some rights, but for now the Canadian teams have a big advantage because they’ve been getting actually huge increases in their local TV rights.”

For some teams, controlling the arena they play in can also be a key contributing factor to a high valuation. For example, the Bruins, who routinely collects healthy net ticket revenue, also benefit from non-NHL events at TD Garden.

“The Celtics, the NBA team that shares that arena, they’re just tenants,” Ozanian said. “They sort of have a lease agreement with the Bruins, so it’s the Bruins that get money from concerts and things like that at the building.”

A similar process could unfold for the Flyers, who will move into a new arena in 2030 alongside the Philadelphia 76ers. So, along with the Flyers recently pushing across price increases for the first time in a while, the stadium value and control will help boost the team’s valuation further.

But an extra caveat to the new arena is the sponsor name. Previously named Wells Fargo Center, the Flyers had limited themselves to other financial companies being sponsors in the building due to the name. Now named Xfinity Mobile Arena, there’s more potential for growth.

“… It’s opened up a huge space in financial services, which are a big category in terms of sponsoring an arena, either naming rights or various ads and sponsors on the inside of the building,” Ozanian said. “And those sponsorship revenues and advertising revenues at the arena are kept by the team…So having that new naming rights partner is another big advantage to the Flyers and a big reason why they’re in the top third of our list.”

On the flip side, the bottom five NHL teams in terms of valuations fare differently for multiple reasons. The San Jose Sharks are ranked No. 28 with a valuation of $1.55 billion. Lurking behind the Sharks are the No. 29 Winnipeg Jets ($1.46 billion), No. 30 Ottawa Senators ($1.44 billion), No. 31 Buffalo Sabres ($1.42 billion) and last-place Columbus Blue Jackets ($1.4 billion).

The Blue Jackets remained in last place but grew from their previous $1 billion valuation, while the Jets rose from No. 31 to 29. The biggest shakeup involved San Jose dropping from No. 25 last season ($1.4 billion) to the bottom five, as the new-look Utah Mammoth climbed to No. 27.

Why has that been the case for a franchise located in the Bay Area? For one, San Jose ranked second to last in the league last season in regular-season ticket revenue.

“The Sharks have just had a lot of trouble generating a consistent interest of fans last season,” Ozanian started. “… They only brought in $44 million for the whole season and regular season ticket row. The typical NHL team brings in somewhere around $80 million, so they’re doing about half of what the typical team does.”

But the Sharks have plenty of potential to bite its way up the list, including looking for a new owner, as Ozanian explained.

“I would have to say that the Sharks … are a, for lack of a better term, an underperforming team in the sense that they’re not in a huge market, but it’s a fairly high net worth market and they should be doing better,” Ozanian said. “They’re a team that I wouldn’t be shocked if somebody was eyeing a potential buyer and said, if I bought this team, I could increase the revenue significantly.

“They control the building. So there’s an opportunity there. Hence revenue not just from NHL games, but also from non-NHL events. They also recently extended their lease there, so they’ll have a buyer that would look at that and say, you know, I have controlled this arena for a while. So I have to say it’s an interesting situation that I think an investor would have to consider.”

2025 CNBC NHL franchise valuations: See how all 32 teams rank originally appeared on NBC Sports Philadelphia

The highest-valued NHL team still reigns in Canada.

The Toronto Maple Leafs remain No. 1 on CNBC’s list of NHL valuations for 2025 at $4.3 billion, a lead of $500 million over the second-highest team. It also is $2.1 billion above league average. Toronto in 2024 had a valuation of $3.8 billion and sat $1.89 billion above league average.

Trailing the Maple Leafs in the top three are the same two teams from 2024. The New York Rangers are second with a valuation of $3.8 billion, a $300 million increase. In third are the Montreal Canadiens, which also rose by $300 million to hold a $3.4 billion valuation.

There has been a slight shakeup in the top five, though. While the Los Angeles Kings remain No. 4 at $3.15 billion, the Edmonton Oilers ($3.1 billion) have bumped down the Boston Bruins ($3.05 billion) to seize the No. 5 spot.

Rounding out the top 10, in order, are the Chicago Blackhawks ($2.75 billion), Philadelphia Flyers ($2.6 billion), Washington Capitals ($2.5 billion) and Detroit Red Wings ($2.47 billion)

With the average NHL team now worth $2.2 billion, 15% more than last year, what’s behind the increase? CNBC senior sports reporter Michael Ozanian broke it down with the most important factor.

“The increase in values for NHL teams largely stems from their national media rights deal,” Ozanian said. “So, earlier this year, Rogers Communications, which has the national rights for National Hockey League games in Canada, they signed a new deal with the NHL that’s more than a 100% increase over their existing deal. And what analysts are telling me in the media space that sort of advise and consult for teams and leagues and networks, is that the next deal for the United States? The next national deal is likely also see a doubling in value.”

The national media deals are significant in hockey because the money involved are split evenly among the 32 teams. Whether a team is in Winnipeg or in New York, winning or losing, the revenue share is equal.

So, why do the Maple Leafs have a sizeable lead over the Rangers, who are located in the biggest U.S. market? Ozanian explained that it stems from the difference between national media revenue versus local TV rights.

“The local TV rights, particularly those rights on regional sports networks in the U.S., are under a lot of pressure,” Ozanian started. “They’re … being reduced. So, for example, in the case of the New York Rangers MSG Networks, which sort of went under some reorganization because it didn’t have the cash to pay its debt, the Rangers are taking an 18% haircut to their local TV rights. Other teams in the U.S. have taken similar cuts to their local TV rights …

“… These teams, with a combination of free TV rights and streaming, which is where a lot of these distribution is headed, may eventually make up the difference for what they’ve lost. There are some rights, but for now the Canadian teams have a big advantage because they’ve been getting actually huge increases in their local TV rights.”

For some teams, controlling the arena they play in can also be a key contributing factor to a high valuation. For example, the Bruins, who routinely collects healthy net ticket revenue, also benefit from non-NHL events at TD Garden.

“The Celtics, the NBA team that shares that arena, they’re just tenants,” Ozanian said. “They sort of have a lease agreement with the Bruins, so it’s the Bruins that get money from concerts and things like that at the building.”

A similar process could unfold for the Flyers, who will move into a new arena in 2030 alongside the Philadelphia 76ers. So, along with the Flyers recently pushing across price increases for the first time in a while, the stadium value and control will help boost the team’s valuation further.

But an extra caveat to the new arena is the sponsor name. Previously named Wells Fargo Center, the Flyers had limited themselves to other financial companies being sponsors in the building due to the name. Now named Xfinity Mobile Arena, there’s more potential for growth.

“… It’s opened up a huge space in financial services, which are a big category in terms of sponsoring an arena, either naming rights or various ads and sponsors on the inside of the building,” Ozanian said. “And those sponsorship revenues and advertising revenues at the arena are kept by the team…So having that new naming rights partner is another big advantage to the Flyers and a big reason why they’re in the top third of our list.”

On the flip side, the bottom five NHL teams in terms of valuations fare differently for multiple reasons. The San Jose Sharks are ranked No. 28 with a valuation of $1.55 billion. Lurking behind the Sharks are the No. 29 Winnipeg Jets ($1.46 billion), No. 30 Ottawa Senators ($1.44 billion), No. 31 Buffalo Sabres ($1.42 billion) and last-place Columbus Blue Jackets ($1.4 billion).

The Blue Jackets remained in last place but grew from their previous $1 billion valuation, while the Jets rose from No. 31 to 29. The biggest shakeup involved San Jose dropping from No. 25 last season ($1.4 billion) to the bottom five, as the new-look Utah Mammoth climbed to No. 27.

Why has that been the case for a franchise located in the Bay Area? For one, San Jose ranked second to last in the league last season in regular-season ticket revenue.

“The Sharks have just had a lot of trouble generating a consistent interest of fans last season,” Ozanian started. “… They only brought in $44 million for the whole season and regular season ticket row. The typical NHL team brings in somewhere around $80 million, so they’re doing about half of what the typical team does.”

But the Sharks have plenty of potential to bite its way up the list, including looking for a new owner, as Ozanian explained.

“I would have to say that the Sharks … are a, for lack of a better term, an underperforming team in the sense that they’re not in a huge market, but it’s a fairly high net worth market and they should be doing better,” Ozanian said. “They’re a team that I wouldn’t be shocked if somebody was eyeing a potential buyer and said, if I bought this team, I could increase the revenue significantly.

“They control the building. So there’s an opportunity there. Hence revenue not just from NHL games, but also from non-NHL events. They also recently extended their lease there, so they’ll have a buyer that would look at that and say, you know, I have controlled this arena for a while. So I have to say it’s an interesting situation that I think an investor would have to consider.”

It appears a Pittsburgh Penguins' netminder - and one of their young forwards - is one step closer to his return to game action.

Goaltender Tristan Jarry - out since Nov. 4 with a lower-body injury - was a full participant in Penguins' practice on Monday, as was 22-year-old forward Ville Koivunen. Jarry took reps with the main squad - along with tandem partner Arturs Silovs - while Koivunen skated with the defensive group. 

Rookie Sergei Murashov - who is 1-1-1 with a .913 save percentage and 1.90 goals-against average - still participated in practice but was the third goaltender in the rotation. 

Jarry, 30, was off to a good start this season before his injury, as he is 5-2 with a shutout and a .911 save percentage. He has worked hard to rebound from a tough season in 2024-25, which included waivers, an AHL stint, and an .893 save percentage.

Koivunen got off to a slow start production-wise this season, and he ended up in the AHL for a short stint, where he produced four goals and 11 points in six games before getting the call back to the big club. He has just two points in 11 games with the Penguins so far, but he had started to build some momentum in his game prior to his injury.

With the Penguins severely injury-depleted right now - and with a 2-4-3 record in November - they'd welcome back any of their injured players as soon as possible.

Forwards Justin Brazeau, Rickard Rakell, and Noel Acciari also skated before practice, and previously injured defenseman Jack St. Ivany - along with rookie Harrison Brunicke, who was a healthy scratch for seven straight games - was sent to Wilkes-Barre/Scranton (WBS) for a conditioning stint.

'It's A Dream Come True': Penguins' Prospect Tristan Broz Grateful For Those Inolved In Journey To NHLWhen a media scrum formed around <a href="https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/pittsburgh-penguins">Pittsburgh Penguins</a>' forward prospect Tristan Broz - just <a href="https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/pittsburgh-penguins/latest-news/penguins-top-forward-prospect-recalled-from-ahl">recalled from Wilkes-Barre/Scranton (WBS) Monday morning</a> - after practice, something a bit unusual happened.

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

Through two periods, the Kings looked stuck in purgatory. Their offense sagged, and every promising rush ended in a turnover. A switch flipped beginning in the third period when Los Angeles delivered in the clutch, something they’ve struggled to accomplish this season. 

Brandt Clarke delivered a power play goal, avoiding overtime to send the Senators packing in a gritty Kings 2-1 win over Ottawa. 

The win snapped a three-game losing streak for the Kings, where they looked awful, especially down the stretch in overtime games, failing to close out in the clutch, but today they showed up in late-game situations. 

You OTT to love that. #GoKingsGopic.twitter.com/E3ony8XlTd

— LA Kings (@LAKings) November 25, 2025

Ugly Start by Both Teams

Ottawa controlled the game through the first two periods, outshooting Los Angeles and winning nearly 70% of its faceoffs. But the Kings survived thanks to their goaltending and defensive group that didn’t bend when needed to make a stop. 

Still, the Senators were in it all game when winger Fabian Zetterlund hit a big shot that went high in the air past the Kings' defenders and into the net in the third. This game felt like it would end the same way it always has for the Kings: in overtime, and they would lose consistently. 

Kings Close it Out

But, instead, the Kings got a wake-up call that they desperately needed and didn’t let the game go into an extra period. 

After the game-tying shot from the Senators, just a few minutes later, the Kings earned their chance to take the game away from Ottawa, who took a costly penalty. On the following play, Clarke, consistently becoming one of the Kings' best players this season, stepped into the middle of the ice and hammered a big shot through traffic to break the tie. 

FIRE US UP CLARKIE pic.twitter.com/iq59rAUUBq

— LA Kings (@LAKings) November 25, 2025

The puck whistled past every Ottawa defender and gave the Kings their first lead of the night. 

From there, the King tightened up their defense in the final minutes of the game as Clarke’s goal held serve and fended off Ottawa’s final push. 

The performance wasn’t pretty for the Kings. The opening minutes of the game were flat and ugly. But, a win is a win, especially in a year where the Pacific Division is looking like a dog-fight. It was a big Monday night win for the Kings to secure a much-needed win to get back in the win column.

Up next, the Kings will travel to Anaheim on their one-game road stand to take on the Ducks at 1:00 p.m. EST. 

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 or creating your own post in our community forum.

When a media scrum formed around Pittsburgh Penguins' forward prospect Tristan Broz - just recalled from Wilkes-Barre/Scranton (WBS) Monday morning - after practice, something a bit unusual happened.

Instead of waiting for a reporter to break the ice with a question, Broz took it upon himself to begin the makeshift press conference in front of a locker stall at UPMC Lemieux Sports Complex in Cranberry that now had his name above it. 

"Before we get started, I'd just like to thank a couple people, if that's alright," Broz said.

After some nods, he began, Oscars acceptance speech-style: 

"I'd like to thank, obviously, all my family and my parents, my grandparents. I'd like to thank all the coaches in my life... Bernie McBain, my old hockey coach. Greg May, high school at Blake. Pierre-Paul Lamoureux. Cary Eades at Fargo. David Carle, Tavis McMillan, 'Fergie' [Dallas Ferguson], Ryan Massa, Denver. All the coaches in Wilkes... Kirko [Kirk MacDonald], 'Lukes' [Nick Luuko], 'Bugsy' [Brad Malone], 'Brooksy' [Sheldon Brookbank]. All the boys down there and everyone that's helped me along the way.

"It takes a village to get here, so I'd like to thank all those people."

The Penguins' second-round pick (58th overall) in 2021 - humble as they come - was on the team bus back from Providence and in the middle of a card game with Owen Pickering and a few other WBS teammates when he missed the initial call from WBS GM Jason Spezza.

And - without the advice of his teammate and good friend - he may have put off reaching back out to his GM.

Penguins' Prospect Tristan Broz Almost Ignored Jason Spezza's Call To Share He'd Been Promoted - Community PostMonday was an exciting day for Pittsburgh Penguins' top forward prospect Tristan Broz, as he was recalled from Wilkes-Barre/Scranton (WBS) and will likely make his NHL debut Wednesday against the Buffalo Sabres.

"I was actually playing cards, and I missed Spezz's call," Broz said. "And I think I texted him something back like, 'Can I call you back in, like, 10 minutes?' Then I showed Picks, and he's like, 'What are you doing? Go call him back.' So I went back in the bathroom and called him."

And once Broz heard the news from Spezza, he said he fell to his knees, knowing his lifelong aspiration had been realized. 

"It's a dream come true," Broz said. "I mean, I've just been through so much to get here, and what a journey it's been. When Spezz told me, I dropped to my knees. I was like, this is... man, it's been a lot of emotion and a lot of hard work, and really, a lifelong commitment to getting better and loving the game to get here. So, it was really an emotional moment. Really special."

And he didn't wait long to tell his family, including his parents, who were emotional upon hearing the news.

"I think it made it probably more real, just seeing their reaction," Broz said. "It was really cool, you know? My mom was crying, my dad was just grinning ear to ear. They're so happy, and they've put so much into this emotionally, financially, just time commitment driving me to rinks. So, it's just as much their moment as it is mine, and yeah, they're super happy. It was really cool."

Penguins Loan Top Defensive Prospect Harrison Brunicke To AHLThe Pittsburgh Penguins are giving teenage top defensive prospect Harrison Brunicke a chance to reset at the AHL level with a conditioning loan.

In some ways, Broz's recall is something that has been anticipated for a while. The 23-year-old from River Falls, Wisc. was actually supposed to be called up at the end of the 2024-25 season, but a near-two-month bout with mononucleosis staved off those plans. 

So, Broz got back to work this season in training camp, where he thoroughly impressed and almost earned a roster spot. Even though it didn't ultimately work out the way he was hoping at the end of camp, he got back to work and produced eight goals and 13 points in 18 games as WBS's first-line center.

"I thought I had a really good camp and put myself in a really good [spot]. Thought I had a good chance to make it, and it didn't go my way," Broz said. "But that's how life works sometimes. You can't just quit. So, I just kept playing hockey and doing the thing I love, and kept working hard at, really, everything. I wouldn't say it was just one thing, but just be more consistent and just continue to get better at everything, learning game by game."

Tristan Broz opened today with a genuine, humble nod to everyone who helped him turn a dream into reality.

More on his first-ever call-up to the NHL: https://t.co/pz7oMqiPd1pic.twitter.com/Wbbospfnh3

— Pittsburgh Penguins (@penguins) November 24, 2025

And he credits his teammates in WBS for his success this season and last, as the team is currently leading the Atlantic Division at 13-4-1 after a back-to-back sweep this past weekend.

"We got a really good team down there," Broz said. "I think our record speaks for itself down there with the boys. And I think playing with really good players throughout the year and playing a really good system. I thought just the way we play is a lot a of fun, always having the puck and stuff. So, I credit a lot to that."

And his new head coach was impressed by both Broz's training camp showing and by what he heard from reports, so he hopes the young centerman can continue to build on that. 

"I got really strong reports," coach Dan Muse said. "I think, when you go back, he had a strong training camp, too. Training camp matters. It matters a lot. He made a good impression, and he earned that during camp. He goes in there, and he goes down to Wilkes, and he follows it up.

"He's playing well on both sides of the puck. He's making plays. He's impacting the game offensively. We want him to jump in and continue on what he's doing."

It's Time For Penguins To Pull Trigger On Youth TalentWith a <a href="https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/pittsburgh-penguins/latest-news/takeaways-penguins-lose-heartbreaker-to-seattle-kraken-fall-out-of-playoff-position">2-1 overtime loss to the Seattle Kraken</a> on Saturday, the <a href="https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/pittsburgh-penguins">Pittsburgh Penguins</a> officially fell out of a playoff position for the first time in the 2025-26 season.&nbsp;

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

2025 CNBC NHL franchise valuations: See how all 32 teams rank originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

The highest-valued NHL team still reigns in Canada.

The Toronto Maple Leafs remain No. 1 on CNBC’s list of NHL valuations for 2025 at $4.3 billion, a lead of $500 million over the second-highest team. It also is $2.1 billion above league average. Toronto in 2024 had a valuation of $3.8 billion and sat $1.89 billion above league average.

Trailing the Maple Leafs in the top three are the same two teams from 2024. The New York Rangers are second with a valuation of $3.8 billion, a $300 million increase. In third are the Montreal Canadiens, which also rose by $300 million to hold a $3.4 billion valuation.

There has been a slight shakeup in the top five, though. While the Los Angeles Kings remain No. 4 at $3.15 billion, the Edmonton Oilers ($3.1 billion) have bumped down the Boston Bruins ($3.05 billion) to seize the No. 5 spot.

Rounding out the top 10, in order, are the Chicago Blackhawks ($2.75 billion), Philadelphia Flyers ($2.6 billion), Washington Capitals ($2.5 billion) and Detroit Red Wings ($2.47 billion)

With the average NHL team now worth $2.2 billion, 15% more than last year, what’s behind the increase? CNBC senior sports reporter Michael Ozanian broke it down with the most important factor.

“The increase in values for NHL teams largely stems from their national media rights deal,” Ozanian said. “So, earlier this year, Rogers Communications, which has the national rights for National Hockey League games in Canada, they signed a new deal with the NHL that’s more than a 100% increase over their existing deal. And what analysts are telling me in the media space that sort of advise and consult for teams and leagues and networks, is that the next deal for the United States? The next national deal is likely also see a doubling in value.”

The national media deals are significant in hockey because the money involved are split evenly among the 32 teams. Whether a team is in Winnipeg or in New York, winning or losing, the revenue share is equal.

So, why do the Maple Leafs have a sizeable lead over the Rangers, who are located in the biggest U.S. market? Ozanian explained that it stems from the difference between national media revenue versus local TV rights.

“The local TV rights, particularly those rights on regional sports networks in the U.S., are under a lot of pressure,” Ozanian started. “They’re … being reduced. So, for example, in the case of the New York Rangers MSG Networks, which sort of went under some reorganization because it didn’t have the cash to pay its debt, the Rangers are taking an 18% haircut to their local TV rights. Other teams in the U.S. have taken similar cuts to their local TV rights …

“… These teams, with a combination of free TV rights and streaming, which is where a lot of these distribution is headed, may eventually make up the difference for what they’ve lost. There are some rights, but for now the Canadian teams have a big advantage because they’ve been getting actually huge increases in their local TV rights.”

For some teams, controlling the arena they play in can also be a key contributing factor to a high valuation. For example, the Bruins, who routinely collects healthy net ticket revenue, also benefit from non-NHL events at TD Garden.

“The Celtics, the NBA team that shares that arena, they’re just tenants,” Ozanian said. “They sort of have a lease agreement with the Bruins, so it’s the Bruins that get money from concerts and things like that at the building.”

A similar process could unfold for the Flyers, who will move into a new arena in 2030 alongside the Philadelphia 76ers. So, along with the Flyers recently pushing across price increases for the first time in a while, the stadium value and control will help boost the team’s valuation further.

But an extra caveat to the new arena is the sponsor name. Previously named Wells Fargo Center, the Flyers had limited themselves to other financial companies being sponsors in the building due to the name. Now named Xfinity Mobile Arena, there’s more potential for growth.

“… It’s opened up a huge space in financial services, which are a big category in terms of sponsoring an arena, either naming rights or various ads and sponsors on the inside of the building,” Ozanian said. “And those sponsorship revenues and advertising revenues at the arena are kept by the team…So having that new naming rights partner is another big advantage to the Flyers and a big reason why they’re in the top third of our list.”

On the flip side, the bottom five NHL teams in terms of valuations fare differently for multiple reasons. The San Jose Sharks are ranked No. 28 with a valuation of $1.55 billion. Lurking behind the Sharks are the No. 29 Winnipeg Jets ($1.46 billion), No. 30 Ottawa Senators ($1.44 billion), No. 31 Buffalo Sabres ($1.42 billion) and last-place Columbus Blue Jackets ($1.4 billion).

The Blue Jackets remained in last place but grew from their previous $1 billion valuation, while the Jets rose from No. 31 to 29. The biggest shakeup involved San Jose dropping from No. 25 last season ($1.4 billion) to the bottom five, as the new-look Utah Mammoth climbed to No. 27.

Why has that been the case for a franchise located in the Bay Area? For one, San Jose ranked second to last in the league last season in regular-season ticket revenue.

“The Sharks have just had a lot of trouble generating a consistent interest of fans last season,” Ozanian started. “… They only brought in $44 million for the whole season and regular season ticket row. The typical NHL team brings in somewhere around $80 million, so they’re doing about half of what the typical team does.”

But the Sharks have plenty of potential to bite its way up the list, including looking for a new owner, as Ozanian explained.

“I would have to say that the Sharks … are a, for lack of a better term, an underperforming team in the sense that they’re not in a huge market, but it’s a fairly high net worth market and they should be doing better,” Ozanian said. “They’re a team that I wouldn’t be shocked if somebody was eyeing a potential buyer and said, if I bought this team, I could increase the revenue significantly.

“They control the building. So there’s an opportunity there. Hence revenue not just from NHL games, but also from non-NHL events. They also recently extended their lease there, so they’ll have a buyer that would look at that and say, you know, I have controlled this arena for a while. So I have to say it’s an interesting situation that I think an investor would have to consider.”

For a second straight game, the Nashville Predators were behind the ball less than 20 seconds into a game and could not recover.

Sacrificing a goal 11 seconds into the game was just the beginning as the Predators were blown out by the Florida Panthers, 8-3, on Monday at Bridgestone Arena. 

It's the most goals the Predators have allowed in a game since they lost to the Columbus Blue Jackets, 8-4, on April 1, 2025, and it's their eighth loss in nine games. 

 Similar to their loss to the Avalanche on Saturday, the goal scored in the first minute of the game came off a dump into the zone and the opponent loading up the left side of the ice. 

Carter Verhaeghe got to the puck first after it was dumped into the Predators' zone off the face-off and was able to find A.J. Greer on the left side of the slot for a quick shot and score.

On the second goal, Sam Reinhart shoved Nick Perbix off the puck behind the net before moving it to Uvis Balinskis and then Evan Rodrigues for the goal. 

Filip Forsberg and Fedor Svechkov both scored in the first period to tie the game at two. It was Svechkov's first goal of the season and just his second point of the year. 

Jesper Boqvist scored 59 seconds later to give the lead back to the Panthers and Sam Bennett scored off a rebound to restore Florida's two-goal lead. All in all, there were six goals in the first 20 minutes of the game. 

In the second period, Gustav Forsling scored a shot from the point to bump the Panthers' lead to 5-2. Goalie Juuse Saros was pulled for Justus Annunen after allowing five goals on 15 shots. 

Nick Blankenburg responded on the power play two minutes into the third period to cut the Panthers' lead back down to two and possibly start a Nashville rally. It was just the 11th Predators power play goal this season 

The comeback effort was silenced as Florida scored three unanswered goals, walking away with a whopping 8-3 victory. 

Nashville had a wide 39-26 shot advantage and won 57.1% of its face-offs. It had also converted on 1-of-3 power play opportunities and was in the box just twice. Florida also gave away the puck 15 times and the Predators outhit the Panthers, 25-19. 

Florida also had just four shots in the second period and seven in the third period, meaning that it scored four goals on 11 shots in the 40-minute stretch. 

Statistically, Nashville was the better team, but its defense faltered at every turn. This was the second time this season that Saros had been pulled and Annunen is still winless on the year. 

Saros made 11 saves on 16 shots. Annunen had seven saves on 10 shots. 

The Predators have been outscored 15-3 in their last three games, and have not won at home since Nov. 1. If Nashville doesn't defeat the Winnipeg Jets on Friday, it'll finish the month of November 1-5-1 at Bridgestone Arena. 

It faces two road challenges next in the Detroit Red Wings (Wednesday) and the Chicago Blackhawks (Friday). Detroit is second in the Atlantic Division and Chicago has a surprising start to the year at 10-8-4. 

The Predators need some momentum, as they are ranked dead last in the NHL with 16 points in 22 games. 

Up next: Nashville Predators (6-12-4) at Detroit Red Wings (13-9-1) on Wednesday, Nov. 26 at Little Cesars Arena at 6 p.m. CST 

The Florida Panthers hit the road on Monday for a quick business trip to Tennessee.

Playing their only game away from Sunrise in the span of about a month, Florida took on the Nashville Predators and came away with a resounding 8-3 road victory.

The Cats got off to a great start, scoring right off the game’s opening faceoff.

After the puck was dumped into the Nashville zone by Seth Jones, Carter Verhaeghe picked it up below the goal line and came back behind the net before sending a quick pass toward the slot.

A cutting A.J. Greer one-timed the puck past the blocker of Juuse Saros to give the Panthers a 1-0 lead just 11 seconds into the game.

Florida continued to keep the pressure on, and just over five minutes later, they doubled their early advantage.

Defenseman Uvis Balinskis had a great look from the slot that was stopped by Saros, but Evan Rodrigues was in a great spot at the side of the crease to snap home the rebound and give Florida a 2-0 lead at the 5:42 mark.

Exactly 70 seconds later, Filip Forsberg scored a frustrating goal from a sharp angle.

The weak shot from the right corner somehow got between Daniil Tarasov and the goal post, putting the Predators on the board just under seven minutes into the game.

A rebound goal by Fedor Svechkov would tie the score at the 10:32 mark of the opening frame after a backhand from the slot off the stick of Ozzy Weisblatt was stopped by Tarasov.

Jesper Boqvist’s third goal of the season would put the Panthers back in front less than a minute later.

His breakaway attempt slid right through the legs of Soros to give Florida a 3-2 lead exactly 59 seconds after Svechkov’s goal.

Florida’s two-goal lead would be restored with just over four minutes left in the period.

Coming into the Predators zone on a rush, Greer’s shot from the left boards was kicked out by Soros, but an attempt to clear the rebound by Svechkov went off the shins of Sam Bennett before fluttering into the net to make it 4-2 Cats.

Florida made it a three-goal advantage just 84 seconds into the middle frame when Gus Forsling’s point shot grazed the leg of Nick Perbix on its way past Soros.

That would mark the end for Nashville’s starting goaltender, as Justus Annunen replaced Soros after Florida scored on five of its 16 shots on goal.

An early third period power play would give the Predators an opening back into the game, and they took it.

Right off the draw after a Jeff Petry tripping penalty, Nick Blankenburg’s long wrist shot found its way through a maze of bodies and past Tarasov at the 2:11 mark of the final frame.

It didn’t even take three minutes for the Panthers to answer, and it was Greer netting his second goal of the game, once again off a primary assist from Carter Verhaeghe.

Sam Reinnart got in on the fun near the midway point of the period while both teams were skating four-on-four.

Catching the Predators in a line change, Evan Rodrigues came into the offensive zone and fired a shot that went off the pads of Annunen, but the rebound went right to Reinhart at the side of the net.

His 13th goal of the season and 11th in his past 14 games gave the Panthers a comfortable 7-3 lead.

A snakebit Carter Verhaeghe got in on the fun before the Cats got out of Dodge.

Greer made a great ally-oop pass that Verhaeghe sped down the ice to catch up with, and his patient backhand went over Annunen’s glove to make it 8-3 Florida.

It was just Verhaeghe’s third goal of the year, and his first since Oct. 21 in Boston.

For Greer, the assist was his third point of the night and gave him a career-high +5 on-ice rating to go with his career-high-tying two goals.

On to the Flyers.

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Photo caption: Nov 24, 2025; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Florida Panthers center Jesper Boqvist (70) celebrates with teammates after scoring a goal against the Nashville Predators during the first period at Bridgestone Arena. (Steve Roberts-Imagn Images)