Gold team defenseman Tanner Molendyk (50) looks to shoot past Blue team defenseman Luke Shipley (57) during the Future Stars Game at the Ford Ice Center Bellevue in Nashville, Tenn., Saturday, July 5, 2025.. © Andrew Nelles / The Tennessean / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Luke Evangelista wasn’t the only one absent from the first day of practice with the Nashville Predators.

Defensemen Tanner Molendyk and Cameron Reid were both not present due to injury, according to the team.

Molendyk is nursing a lower-body injury he suffered during the first practice of Predators rookie camp last week.

The 6-foot, 181-pound blueliner delivered a hit along the boards while performing a drill and left that practice shortly thereafter. He did not play in any of the three games during the prospect tournament, and is currently listed as day-to-day.

Reid also suffered a lower-body injury during the final game of the tournament against Florida. He played in the team’s first two games against the Tampa Bay Lightning and Carolina Hurricanes before exiting the Panthers’ contest early.

The Predators selected Molendyk No. 24 overall in the 2023 NHL Draft, while Reid was taken 21st overall in 2025.

Last season, Molendyk tallied 21 points (4-17-21) in 21 games for the Saskatoon Blades of the WHL. He also appeared in 28 regular-season games with the Medicine Hat Tigers, recording 26 points (5-21-26) and 20 points (4-16-20 in 18 playoff games.

Molendyk had a chance to compete for a spot on the NHL roster coming into training camp. Depending on how long he is out, that opportunity could be delayed. Most likely, he will start the season with the Milwaukee Admirals in the AHL.

As an alternate captain with the OHL’s Kitchener Rangers in 2024-25, Reid collected 54 points (14-40-54) in 67 regular-season games. In 14 playoff games, he had five assists.

Reid is expected to be back in Kitchener for his third season in juniors.

The Hockey News StoreOnline store to purchase subscriptions, single issues, special issues and products from The Hockey News

It is an exciting time of year for hockey fans, as NHL teams are back on the ice for training camp. However, unfortunately for one former Montreal Canadiens forward, he will need to spend some time recovering before he gets his training camp started. 

According to Postmedia's Bruce Garrioch, former Canadiens forward Lars Eller is recovering from a minor abdominal procedure and will miss the beginning of the Ottawa Senators' training camp.

Eller signed a one-year, $1.25 million contract with the Senators after hitting the market as an unrestricted free agent (UFA) on July 1. Now, he will need to wait a bit before he can show his new team what he can do.

Eller is expected to be a solid part of the Senators' bottom six as they look to build off their solid 2024-25 season. 

Eller split this past season between the Pittsburgh Penguins and Washington Capitals, where he recorded 10 goals, 12 assists, 22 points, 57 hits, and a minus-5 rating in 80 games. This was after he posted 15 goals and 31 points in 82 games with the Penguins during the 2023-24 season. 

Eller spent six seasons with the Canadiens from 2010-11 to 2015-16. In 435 games as a member of the Habs, he recorded 71 goals, 83 assists, 154 points, and 560 hits. 

Training camp is officially underway, and hockey is back. This means the team get to take a closer look at all their line combinations and ideas on the ice rather than just on paper.

One thing coaches would like to look at is what sort of talent they have coming up from the AHL. Some will get the opportunity to share a line with some great NHL players and participate in a few pre-season contests to prove their worth.

Here are a handful of wingers who played in the minors last season, looking to become full-time NHL players.

Matthew Savoie, RW, Edmonton Oilers

The Edmonton Oilers got younger in the off-season, acquiring NCAA star Isaac Howard, and all signs point to Matthew Savoie becoming a regular in this upcoming season. 

Savoie is coming off a great rookie campaign with the Bakersfield Condors, scoring 19 goals and 54 points in 66 appearances. The 21-year-old right winger is going to be given plenty of opportunity and responsibility in what will likely be his first full NHL season alongside Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl.

Matej Blumel, RW, Boston Bruins

After three consecutive solid seasons with the Texas Stars in the AHL, the Boston Bruins now hold the rights of Matej Blumel, as they signed him on July 1. Blumel was the AHL’s leading goal scorer last season with 39 tallies and finished second in scoring with 72 points in 67 games.

The Czech right winger has a clear opportunity to make the Bruins roster out of training camp, depending on his performance. Boston struggled to score last season, and if he shows that he can be the offensive threat that he was with Texas, he may not have to report to Providence.

Trey Fix-Wolansky, RW, New York Rangers

Trey Fix-Wolansky signed a one-year deal with the New York Rangers following parts of seven seasons with the Columbus Blue Jackets. The 26-year-old right winger registered three straight 60-point seasons with the AHL’s Cleveland Monsters.

Last season, he scored 26 goals and 60 points in 65 games for the Monsters. Despite his success in the AHL, including a 71-point season in 2022-23, he was never able to get regular time in The Show. Whether that’ll be with the Rangers or more time in the American League with the Hartford Wolf Pack, Fix-Wolansky could make a name for himself this training camp.

Isak Rosen, LW, Buffalo Sabres

Isak Rosen, selected 14th overall by the Buffalo Sabres in the 2021 draft, is coming off back-to-back 50-point campaigns with the Rochester Americans. The 22-year-old left winger has demonstrated consistency in the minors, with progress and improvements evident with each passing season.

He has dipped his toe in the NHL, playing 15 games across two seasons with the Sabres, but this could be the year he becomes a full-timer for them. Last season, he scored 28 goals and 55 points, leading the Americans in both those scoring categories.

Arshdeep Bains, LW, Vancouver Canucks

Arshdeep Bains earned some attention as he was a key contributor to the Abbotsford Canucks’ Calder Cup championship. In the regular season, he registered a respectable 11 goals and 43 points in 50 games. In the playoffs, he averaged a point per game, scoring seven goals and 24 points.

If the Vancouver Canucks struggle to score or miss offensive depth, Bains should be an obvious solution to that for Adam Foote’s team. The 24-year-old has played 21 NHL games across the last two seasons, recording one goal.

Vancouver Canucks Announce Contract Extension For Abbotsford Canucks Head Coach Manny MalhotraAbbotsford Canucks Head Coach Manny Malhotra will be staying with the organization for the next couple of seasons. On Tuesday, GM Patrik Allvin announced that the Canucks have picked up Malhotra's option for the 2026-27 season. This will keep Malhotra in Abbotsford for the next two seasons, where he can continue to help develop Vancouver's top prospects. 

Check out our AHL to KHL signing tracker and AHL Free Agency signing tracker.      

The Hockey News has released its archive to all THN subscribers: 76 years of history, stories, and features.

Subscribe now to view the full THN Archives here

Also, go to thn.com/free to subscribe.

The Kids Keep Coming - Apr. 2 2018 - Vol. 71 Issue 13 - Jared Clinton

JACK ROSLOVIC(GRAIG ABEL/GETTY IMAGES)

THE WINNIPEG JETS HAVE a habit of making their picks count on draft day. From sniper Patrik Laine, center Mark Scheifele and netminder Connor Hellebuyck to secondary standouts such as Nikolaj Ehlers, Josh Morrissey and Kyle Connor, Winnipeg has regularly supplemented its veteran talent with young upstarts, and it’s starting to pay dividends with more help on the way. “It goes back to the commitment we made when the team (came) here and the dedication from the ownership to make sure that scouting was an investment, that it wasn’t going to be just deemed an expense,” said GM Kevin Cheveldayoff.

1 JACK ROSLOVIC

RW, 21, 6-1, 187 Manitoba (AHL)

32–15–20–35–8 2015 draft, 25th overall

OVERALL 19

A breadth of offensive talent has allowed the Jets to be patient with Roslovic, but his play in the AHL has forced their hand. He’s been as good with the puck as he has been without it, and now it’s about translating his AHL success to NHL production. “We’ve given him time with respect to different opportunities and different roles,” Cheveldayoff said. “If you watch him play right now…it’s how he’s playing, how he’s reading, how he’s reacting, that the coaches are impressed with.”

FW17 | No. 2 NHL | 2018-19

2 KRISTIAN VESALAINEN

LW, 18, 6-3, 209 HPK (Fin.)

44–19–20–39–6 2017 draft, 24th overall

OVERALL 55

Vesalainen got a taste of the European top flights in previous seasons, but his usage and ice time were inconsistent. His eyebrow-raising performance this season has given him some stability. He has a big shot and the offensive acumen to hang with more seasoned competitors, and his bulky frame allows him to fight for pucks. “He’s in a solid situation now as opposed to last year when there were lots of different transitions,” Cheveldayoff said. “He’s confident and having success.”

FW17 | n/a NHL | 2020-21

3 DYLAN SAMBERG

D, 19, 6-4, 215 Minnesota-Duluth (NCHC)

32–1–8–9–37 2017 draft, 43rd overall

OVERALL 76

Samberg was a standout at the draft combine, and his production in high school was nothing short of brilliant. The leap to college has made offensive success challenging, however, and Samberg has taken his lumps. But his showing at the WJC, where he won bronze with Team USA, was proof that Samberg can finish. His size gives him a foundation with which to work, but he needs to grow into his frame. Improving his stride will also turn him into a more impactful offensive force.

FW17 | n/a NHL | 2021-22

4 BRENDAN LEMIEUX

LW, 21, 6-1, 210 Manitoba (AHL)

36–17–16–33–125 Trade (Buf), Feb. 11, 2015

OVERALL 94

An injury prior to camp last season prevented him from putting his best foot forward in the AHL. Lemieux has left those difficulties in the past, and the organization is impressed with the work he has done to transform his body. He’s bigger, stronger and faster – Cheveldayoff raved Lemieux was in “exceptional condition” – and the dedication to training has translated to greater production. He could do a better job walking the fine line between peskiness and the penalty box.

FW17 | No. 6 NHL | 2019-20

5 TUCKER POOLMAN

D, 24, 6-2, 199 Manitoba (AHL)

14–1–5–6–4 2013 draft, 127th overall

The Jets wanted Poolman to turn pro last season and gain experience, but an extra year in college has benefitted the smooth-skating defender. He stuck around in Winnipeg after camp and has been at the front of the line for call-ups, though he needs more ice time to reach his potential. The belief is Poolman can turn into an NHL hand in short order. “When you skate like him, have size like him, shoot like him, have hockey sense and are a good competitor, he could be a guy on the Josh Morrissey curve,” Cheveldayoff said.

FW17 | No. 5 NHL | 2018-19

6 ERIC COMRIE

G, 22, 6-1, 180 Manitoba (AHL)

16–9–2, 2.54, .921 2013 draft, 59th overall

Splitting time with Michael Hutchinson. Good attitude and a dedicated approach.

7 NIC PETAN

C, 22, 5-9, 179 Manitoba (AHL)

39–12–29–41–8 2013 draft, 43rd overall

Return to full-time AHL duty is step backward for skillful playmaker.

8 LOGAN STANLEY

D, 19, 6-7, 240 Kitchener (OHL)

54–13–25–38–95 2016 draft, 18th overall

Massive rearguard hitting stride as two-way threat after trade from Windsor.

9 MIKHAIL BERDIN

G, 19, 6-3, 180 Sioux Falls (USHL)

16–7–5, 2.65, .921 2016 draft, 157th overall

Has been solid in U.S. junior circuit. Needs to test himself on the next rung up.

10 MASON APPLETON

C, 22, 6-2, 201 Manitoba (AHL)

56–18–33–51–47 2015 draft, 168th overall

Transition from college has gone better than expected for AHL rookie standout.

21-AND-UNDER NHLERS | PATRIK LAINE, RW, 19; KYLE CONNOR, LW, 21

The finale of The Hockey News’ NHL pre-season fan survey results is here. 

This is the last piece of the three-part series, where we revealed the results of different controversial, fun and trending topics. Check out Part 1 and Part 2 if you haven't already.

For Part 3, we’ll be sharing what the fans think of other NHL fan bases, their favorite arenas, hockey traditions, analysts, and who should receive the next NHL expansion team.

Which Team Has The Best Fan Base?

Don't see the graph? Click here.

Canadian teams dominate the votes, with the Montreal Canadiens’ fan base leading the way. The Vancouver Canucks, Toronto Maple Leafs, Edmonton Oilers and Winnipeg Jets have crawled into the mix, too. However, that shouldn’t be surprising, considering Vancouver, Toronto and Montreal were the top three in votes for favorite team in the first part of the fan survey.

The San Jose Sharks’ fan base received the most recognition among U.S. teams. The Minnesota Wild, Detroit Red Wings and Carolina Hurricanes were next in line in terms of American fan bases.

According to NHL.com, last season had the highest attendance for a regular season in NHL history. The Canadiens led all teams with the highest total attendance, reaching 865,305 across their 41 home games at the Bell Centre.

Which Team Has The Most Annoying Fan Base?

Don't see the graph? Click here.

Funny enough, the “winner” of this category goes to arguably the biggest rivals of the Canadiens, the Maple Leafs. This was a very one-sided vote, far more one-sided than the vote for who has the best fan base.

With a massive market and confident – sometimes too confident – fans, it’s tough to avoid Leafs Nation.

How will this affect Auston Matthews’ legacy? (Just kidding.)

Favorite Arena

Don't see the graph? Click here.

Along with the best fan base, the Canadiens’ Bell Centre was voted as the most-voted favorite arena. Many NHL stars would agree. Players such as Connor McDavid, Sidney Crosby, Connor Bedard, Jack Hughes and more said the Bell Centre is their favorite road arena.

Bridgestone Arena made it in the top three on this list, likely because of some of the famous Nashville Predators chants from the playoffs, including the “You Suck!” chants towards opposing goaltenders.

A few fans listed some old venues, such as the Nassau Coliseum, Montreal Forum, Maple Leaf Gardens, Chicago Stadium and Joe Louis Arena.

Favorite Hockey Tradition

Don't see the graph? Click here.

Several traditions, superstitions and unwritten rules make hockey what it is. In this fan vote, the majority says their favorite tradition is the handshake line. 

In a best-of-seven playoff series, when players battle physically, mentally and verbally and seemingly stop at nothing to help their team win, it’s a beautiful thing when the opponents face each other and shake hands, despite the chaos that ensued.

One fan joked, “Handshakes after a playoff series (coaches included, Paul),” referencing Florida Panthers coach Paul Maurice, who believes that coaches shouldn’t take part in the handshake line and leave it to the players.

Other popular votes included Stanley Cup celebrations. Some said that when players get their day with the Cup, or the handoff by commissioner Gary Bettman to the winning captain, rather than team owners, as in other sports.

Favorite NHL Analyst

Don't see the graph? Click here.

The media across the NHL and hockey community are filled with great and insightful analysts. Some are former players who bring a perspective to hockey that the average fan would never see, while others have become masters in their field.

Leading the charge is former Vancouver Canucks and Anaheim Ducks defenseman Kevin Bieksa, who provides a unique player perspective to Sportsnet’s broadcasts. 

Just behind him in the voting results is Paul ‘Biz’ Bissonnette, who played for the Phoenix Coyotes and Pittsburgh Penguins. He provides a fun and lighthearted aspect to broadcasts.“Biz brings exactly the personality that hockey needs for broadcasts,” said one fan.

What City Deserves An NHL Expansion Team?

Don't see the graph? Click here.

NHL expansion is consistently a controversial topic. Some people are against the idea of adding more teams to the NHL, while others want to see an eighth Canadian team or another team in an unconventional market in the U.S.

Quebec City earned just over 50 percent of the votes, suggesting that fans want to see a return of the Quebec Nordiques. They lasted from 1979-80 to 1994-95, before they relocated to Denver and became the Colorado Avalanche.

Speaking of returns, Atlanta and Phoenix got some love. Both metropolitan areas also had NHL franchises before, in the Atlanta Flames and Thrashers, and the Phoenix/Arizona Coyotes.

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.

EAST MEADOW, NY -- One of the biggest questions surrounding the New York Islanders entering training camp was how Mathew Barzal would look out of the gate.

The 28-year-old was limited to just 30 games in 2024-25 due to two separate long-term injuries, the latter a knee injury off a blocked shot, which required a minor procedure, ending his season in early February. 

Barzal has been honest about his feelings, telling us at the organization's charity golf outing that he's 100 percent healthy and has overcome the mental hurdle and injury that created it. 

Despite Barzal's words, his play on the ice on day one would be telling as to just how effective he can be when the puck drops on Oct. 9 against the Pittsburgh Penguins to start the regular season.

 

Islanders Outlook: Mathew Barzal Profile & ProjectionThe 2024-25 season was anything but easy for New York Islanders forward Mathew Barzal.

Day one of training camp is a day for everyone to get their legs under them, and Barzal looked like himself out there, which is a very positive sign. 

"[He looked] outstanding," Islanders head coach Patrick Roy said. "I think we were all curious to see how well he would skate in this. I'm very happy. I'm very impressed with the way he was moving on the ice. He’s playing middle with Anders Lee and Kyle Palmieri. They played together before, so it seems to me they were really connected as well.”

Barzal hits the ice. #Islespic.twitter.com/RQbHNRZOGX

— Stefen Rosner (@stefen_rosner) September 18, 2025

Barzal is moving back to the center this season to help fill the hole that Brock Nelson left behind. While that will be different, having played on Bo Horvat's wing since the Islanders acquired the former Vancouver captain ahead of the 2023 NHL Trade Deadline, Barzal's transition game, especially coming up the center of the ice, is elite. 

Having him back healthy and ready to go is critical to the Islanders getting back into the postseason after coming up nine points short of the second wild-card spot last season. 

"He looks good," veteran defenseman Ryan Pulock said. "He obviously missed a lot of time last year, but I think -- I skated with him maybe his second skating in the summer after coming back from injury -- he looked like he didn't miss any time at all. So thought again today, he looks good. He's skating, he's moving, he's turning. I think he'll have a big year for us."

Stay updated with the most interesting Islanders stories, analysis, breaking news and more! Tap the star to add us to your favorites on Google News to never miss a story.

On Thursday, the Pittsburgh Penguins opened their 2025 training camp with a few words from general manager and president of hockey operations Kyle Dubas. 

And if one thing was clear, it's that this camp - and this season - will be quite a bit different from ones in years past. 

For once, the Penguins have youth talent populating their prospect pool, and some of them are going to make legitimate pushes for the NHL roster. They are also mired in the middle of a rebuild, and the developmental focus of camp is going to be at the forefront. 

In addition, there were some rumblings about what's happening across the NHL on the trade front, which figures to be a focal point this season for the Penguins. 

Here are three observations from Dubas's pre-season presser.

---

1. There is very much a focus on youth this camp

During camp in 2024, the Penguins were at a much different place organizationally than they're at now. Their prospect pool was largely barren, and outside of a few outliers, they didn't really have any youth legitimately making a push for the NHL roster out of camp. 

That is certainly not the case this time around, and Dubas and his camp know this. Prospects certainly won't be handed anything this season, but they won't be blocked, either, which wasn't as much the case in years past.

The organization is serious about this youth and development movement, and folks should expect to see some of that manifest into final roster decisions.

"What we're notably looking for is our younger guys that have earned opportunities and chances... Can they run with it? Can they push themselves to play in more exhibition games? Can they assert themselves in the training sessions that [start Thursday] in addition to the exhibition games that they get, and especially as the lineups get better and the games get harder as they go... can they continue to maintain their level?

4 Dark Horse Candidates To Break Penguins' NHL Roster Out Of CampPittsburgh Penguins' training camp is officially only two days away, and there will be many storylines to watch this year.

"If they continue to push all the way - and it's very clear that they should be on the team - they'll make the team, and we'll deal with whatever the ripple effects of those are on some of the more veteran guys." 

If push comes to shove, the team probably won't hesitate to cut ties with veterans in order to make room for standout prospects who appear to be NHL-ready. And the veterans know this.

"The message to the veteran guys is that, with where we're at, the young guys are coming, they're going to get opportunity, they're going to have to earn everything... but it's been very clear to them what the expectation is," Dubas said. "And it's up to them to hold onto their jobs and hold onto their spots and their places with the Penguins and in the NHL."

---

2. The trade market is pretty stagnant right now

I asked Dubas why the trade market was generally stagnant this summer - especially later on - and whether or not it had anything to do with the cap going up next season as well as the strong draft class.

"The commentary from other people throughout the league was that it just doesn't seem like anything's going on," Dubas said. "I think the increase in the salary cap from last year to this year - it was the first year it really took a significant bump since Covid - played an impact in that it just wasn't a necessity to make a lot of deals."

He added: "I think part of it has to do with salary cap going up, part of it has to do with other teams taking care of their RFAs due to last year's offer sheet situation between St. Louis and Edmonton. But I just think in the next number of years, you've got the salary cap projected to go up, and they've also outlined exactly what it's going to be, so it's better. It makes it easier to plan."

Dubas also commented on the markets for Rickard Rakell, Bryan Rust, and Erik Karlsson, all of some of whom fans expected to be shopped this summer.

Penguins' 2025 Training Camp Preview: 6 Storylines To WatchWell, today is the day: Pittsburgh Penguins' training camp is finally here.

"I think with where we're at, we have to always look every single day at what's best for the organization. We're not in a spot where we're coming off being deep into the playoffs in consecutive years. The team's missed the playoffs for three years, and the job is to return us there. So regardess of what that creates on the rumor front or anything like that, we're always looking for ways that can help propel the team back to where we want it to get to. So, that work doesn't really stop. There's been tons of discussions on a lot of our guys throughout the summer, but we also aren't just going to make deals to offload very key and important people in the organization and that have given a lot to the organization in their time. So, if the right return is there, we would at anything, and in the meantime, we're going to do everything we can to get the most out of those guys."

---

3. Dubas wants to execute this rebuild his way

Of course, Dubas wasn't leaving this presser without answering a question about agent Pat Brisson's remarks about his client, Sidney Crosby.

Josh Yohe of The Athletic posed a question about whether there was a possibility that Dubas and Brisson or Dubas and Crosby aren't on the same page about the rebuild and the urgency to compete again in the near-term.

"Shortcuts cut long runs short," Dubas said. "I didn't take from Pat's comments that he necessarily disagrees with where we're at. I talk to Pat daily, if not twice daily, about all of his clients on our team, which they have plenty and other goings on throughout the league.

The Penguins' 'Rebuild' May Not Be What You Think It IsAnother day, another story, another post about the state of the Pittsburgh Penguins. 

"I think he's entitled to make whatever comments he wishes, but all that said, we can't alter the course that we're on - which is to bring the team back into a team that can contend for the Stanley Cup year-in and year-out - because of what different media members may want, where they may want to see Sid play, different things of that nature. We have to focus on doing what's right for the Pittsburgh Penguins, and regardless of any sort of commentary or things that are said in the media, we can't change that. So, this is our sole focus. I knew when signing up for the job that this was liekly going to be a part of it, and this doesn't deter us from the job at hand."

Basically, Dubas has a plan, and he's sticking to it - whatever that is. He continued to emphasize that they want to return the team to contention as urgently as possible while also stressing that they're not going to put a timeline on anything.

---

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