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Maple Leafs Set To Announce Hiring Of Mark Giordano 'On The Marlies Side'

Former Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Mark Giordano is set to join the organization this season, GM Brad Treliving says.

The 41-year-old was first spotted around the club again during the summer at Maple Leafs development camp. He spoke in front of the prospects about his NHL career, from being an undrafted defenseman to winning the Norris Trophy in 2019.

Giordano was then seen last weekend behind the bench with the Maple Leafs at the Prospect Showdown in Montreal. During Toronto’s media day on Wednesday, Treliving confirmed that the former defenseman would have a role with the team this season.

“We'll have an announcement there. Mark will be joining the group here primarily on the Marlies side,” Treliving said. “And then some of the other changes and promotions, and we've added some pro scouts and different folks, so we're going to get that out to you. I don't want to break all the news here.”

Giordano spent part of three seasons with the Maple Leafs, from 2022 to 2024. He was acquired by the club from the Seattle Kraken at the trade deadline and was part of Toronto’s defense core when they eliminated the Tampa Bay Lightning from the playoffs in 2023, their first playoff series win since 2004.

'I Like To Bring It All': What To Expect From Dakota Joshua In First Season With Maple Leafs'I Like To Bring It All': What To Expect From Dakota Joshua In First Season With Maple LeafsDakota Joshua might not know many players on the Toronto Maple Leafs yet, but he has familiarity with head coach Craig Berube.

The Norris Trophy-winning defenseman hasn’t formally announced his retirement, but has taken on several roles, including appearances on TSN last season. He also coached 2025 first-overall pick Matthew Schaefer this summer.

Giordano played parts of 18 seasons in the NHL, tallying 918 points (158 goals, 419 assists) in 1,148 games with the Maple Leafs, Kraken, and Calgary Flames.

He’s not the only former Maple Leaf being officially brought into the organization. Kyle Clifford announced his retirement from professional hockey earlier this summer and confirmed he’d be joining Toronto as a development coach.

"I’m very excited about the next chapter with Toronto in player development," he told The Hockey News earlier this summer.

Matias Maccelli's Motivation Is The 'Highest It Has Ever Been' Ahead Of First Season With Maple LeafsMatias Maccelli's Motivation Is The 'Highest It Has Ever Been' Ahead Of First Season With Maple LeafsMatias Maccelli is ready to put the summer workouts and informal skates behind him and get into Toronto Maple Leafs training camp.

Clifford had two stints in the Maple Leafs’ organization as a player. He was acquired by the club in 2019, along with Jack Campbell. After one season in Toronto, Clifford joined the St. Louis Blues on a two-year, $2 million contract, before returning to the Maple Leafs in a trade after one season.

Toronto also has former defenseman Jake Muzzin under the umbrella of its development staff.

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How will Mets fill righty reliever need?

Can you exhale now?

After a significant pair of wins, the Mets are in far better position, both mathematically and spiritually, to avoid an historic collapse and fall from the playoff picture.

But work remains, and one of the most significant projects is identifying a right-handed reliever who can come in from the bullpen to kill mid-inning rallies.

The Mets currently have two trusted righties in the pen -- Edwin Diaz and Tyler Rogers. One is the closer and one is often needed in a setup role.

But what if it’s the fifth, sixth or seventh inning, the opposing team has runners on base, and Carlos Mendoza needs a high-leverage reliever?

Can he call on Reed Garrett? Sometimes yes, sometimes, well …

Ryne Stanek? Same answer but more so.

Ryan Helsley? Eek.

It seems that, to make the playoffs and succeed once there, the Mets will need to get creative in filling this important role. The team has not yet decided on a course of action, but is busy evaluating several options.

On Tuesday, we asked president of baseball operations David Stearns if he would consider his young pitchers (take Nolan McLean out of that mix; he looks more like a Game 1 starter). But what about Brandon Sproat? Jonah Tong?

And for that matter, veterans Kodai Senga and Clay Holmes?

May 13, 2025; New York City, New York, USA; New York Mets starting pitcher Kodai Senga (34) waves to the crowd after getting taken out in the sixth inning against the Pittsburgh Pirates at Citi Field.
May 13, 2025; New York City, New York, USA; New York Mets starting pitcher Kodai Senga (34) waves to the crowd after getting taken out in the sixth inning against the Pittsburgh Pirates at Citi Field. / Wendell Cruz - Imagn Images

"I wouldn't take any of that off the table right now," Stearns said. "I think we are, with 12 games left in our season, going to do what we need to do to win as many games as possible. And if that means asking pitchers to take on slightly different roles for various turns through our rotation, that's what we're going to do."

Holmes was a late-inning reliever for the Yankees during that team’s World Series run last year. Wouldn’t that make him the most logical choice?

"It's still a transition for him, Stearns said. "I mean, he has the experience from the past, but it's still a transition for him to do that. So I think it's as much of what the matchups say, who we're facing, how the rest of the pitching staff as a group is performing, and then holistically, trying to make the best decisions we possibly can."

That answer provided a subtle reminder that Stearns and his group tend to prefer high-end, swing-and-miss stuff and specific matchups to a factor like Holmes’ bullpen experience.

Sproat and Tong have those qualities, but carry risks of their own. Neither has yet proven himself to be big league ready. Sproat struggled in a brief bullpen experiment in Triple-A, though in a tiny sample size. It’s still possible that the Mets will want him to start postseason games.

Tong has one more chance to prove he belongs in the big leagues this year, period. His stuff bursts with the type of potential that the Mets love, but so far his sequencing and command appear in need of further development. The Mets knew that Tong was the least polished of the three rookie pitchers recently promoted.

Senga is such a creature of routine that he might find it difficult to come out of the pen. He is simply trying to salvage his season by working on his mechanics in Triple-A. Mets brass genuinely has no idea if or how it might be able to use Senga this year.

Holmes, for his part, thrived on Tuesday as the first pitcher in a piggyback with Sean Manaea. His next assignment will come this weekend in a similar arrangement, though he might be the one to come out of the bullpen this time.

As for the short relief, mid-inning role that the Mets need, Holmes' sinker does present concerns because it induces contact. The Mets‘ defense is not strong enough to reliably convert contact into outs.

One other option, Triple-A reliever Dylan Ross, is a real possibility to get a tryout this month.

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The Hockey News Big Show: What To Expect From Alex Ovechkin, Training Camps

The Hockey News Big Show discusses pressing NHL topics as training camps kick off.

What To Expect From Alex Ovechkin, Training Camps by The Big ShowWhat To Expect From Alex Ovechkin, Training Camps by The Big Showundefined

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

01:30: What is Kirill Kaprizov looking for since he reportedly turned down a contract offer from the Minnesota Wild?

05:15: What teams could potentially trade for Kaprizov if the WIld think they can’t re-sign him?

08:20: Is J.T. Miller the right choice as captain of the New York Rangers?

12:00: Will any team sign Carter Hart?

15:00: Which player missing the start of the season is the biggest blow to their team?

18:50: Who will take the Toronto Maple Leafs’ first-line right winger role?

21:20: What other players should the Maple Leafs target?

23:40: What is Leafs prospect Easton Cowan’s ceiling?

28:15: What are the expectations for Alex Ovechkin as he turns 40 this season?

31:30: What’s the most intriguing team going into training camp?

34:50: Which captain-less team will name a captain first, and who will it be?

37:20: Which opening-day matchup are you most excited to watch?

38:50: What’s your favorite outdoor venue? What stadium would you like to see host an NHL specialty game?

42:00: What’s your favorite example of a player ending their career by returning to their longtime squad?

43:20: If the NHL changed the playoff format so more teams would make it, would Buffalo make the cut?

Watch the full Episode here 

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

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New York Islanders 2025 Training Camp: Roster Battles & Competition

After an offseason that featured a blockbuster trade, the first overall pick, and a few free agent additions, the New York Islanders head into training camp with some unanswered questions.

Michael Ostrower contributed to this story. 

While most of the 23-man roster looks locked in, a handful of players are still battling for NHL spots.

Islanders 2025-26 NHL Training Camp Roster Is OutIslanders 2025-26 NHL Training Camp Roster Is OutAhead of Thursday, the New York Islanders have released their training camp roster. The list consists of 35 forwards, 18 defensemen, and eight goaltenders:

That said, the line combinations remain a work in progress, and head coach Patrick Roy recently offered some insight into how the top nine forwards might shake out to start camp:

Jonathan Drouin – Bo Horvat – Maxim Shabanov

Anders Lee – Mathew Barzal – Kyle Palmieri

Anthony Duclair – JG Pageau – Simon Holmstrom

Roy’s proposed lines notably put Maxim Shabanov, the 2025 offseason’s top international free agent, on the first line.

Roy’s Plan Is To Start Shabanov On Top Line At Islanders Training CampRoy’s Plan Is To Start Shabanov On Top Line At Islanders Training CampMonday morning at the New York Islanders Children's Foundation Golf Outing, Islanders' Head Coach Patrick Roy revealed his way-too-early lineup thoughts ahead of training camp. 

While the 24-year-old Russian had 67 points (23 goals, 44 assists) in 65 KHL games, finishing top three in the league in both assists and goals, his immediate placement on the top line is a stark contrast to Maxim Tsyplakov.

Tsyplakov was the top international free agent during the 2024 offseason, and while he opened the 2024-25 season on the second line alongside Brock Nelson and Kyle Palmieri, he began training camp in a depth role.

Given that Shabanov stands just 5-foot-9, 167 pounds, and his playstyle is the opposite of Tsyplakov’s, it makes sense why they view him as a top-six forward and not a bottom-six guy. 

Roy’s tentative lines provide insight into how training camp will start, but each player still has to earn their spot.

Jonathan Drouin and Bo Horvat will likely stay together to open the season, but Shabanov still has to earn the first-line, right-wing spot, with Palmieri the other suitor for the role.

Whichever of the two gets left off the first line will be a prime candidate to join Mathew Barzal and Anders Lee on the second line.

The third line is set with Anthony Duclair, JG Pageau, and Simon Holmstrom offering Roy a speedy trio capable of stretching the ice and contributing offensively.

While Roy did not comment on the fourth line, it will likely consist of Emil Heineman, Casey Cizikas, and Maxim Tsyplakov, with Kyle MacLean, Marc Gatcomb, and Pierre Engvall fighting to make the 23-man roster.

But, you can’t rule out Calum Ritchie, the Colorado Avalanche’s top prospect, who they sent to the Islanders in the Brock Nelson deal, from making the team. He looks NHL-ready and could win a job, whether that’s at center ice or on the wing. 

The Islanders' defense underwent some major changes this offseason with the departure of Noah Dobson and the addition of Matthew Schaefer, but four of the six lineup regulars appear set in Alexander Romanov, Adam Pelech, Tony DeAngelo, and Ryan Pulock.

When healthy, all four defenseman have been heavily relied on under Roy, and that is unlikely to change in 2025-26.

From there, Schaefer is the favorite to be the third left-shot defenseman in the lineup, though the Islanders will make him earn it.

His main competitor will be Isaiah George, who greatly developed his game in Bridgeport (AHL) following a 33-game NHL stint in the first half of the 2024-25 season.

Scott Mayfield is expected to be the third right-shot defenseman in the lineup, but Adam Boqvist could give him a run for his money.

Boqvist’s game offers the Islanders a higher offensive ceiling given his skating, agility, and playmaking. 

While Mayfield is signed for another five seasons, both Roy and Mathieu Darche have emphasized a desire to add speed to the lineup, and Boqvist offers just that.

In the most probable outcome where Mayfield and Schaefer make the lineup, Boqvist is the favorite to earn the seventh defenseman role since George is waiver-exempt.

Ethan Bear, a right-shot defenseman signed to a one-year, $775,000 deal this offseason, is a close friend of Barzal and is another name to consider during training camp.

The Islanders will also need to sort out which goaltender will back up Ilya Sorokin.

Semyon Varlamov underwent season-ending surgery after trying to work his way back from a lower-body injury sustained last November. We do not know his status for training camp yet.

The last thing we were told is that he was skating.

The Islanders signed veteran backup David Rittich as an insurance option in case Varlamov did not stay at full health.

Depending on New York’s confidence in Varlamov’s health, Rittich could open the season at Sorokin’s backup, or even as a third goaltender on the roster if Darche fears Rittich will be claimed on waivers.

The latter is unlikely, as multiple goaltenders similar to Rittich will be placed on waivers, but anything is on the table after last season’s goalie carousel saw the Islanders use five different netminders.

The Islanders will open training camp on Thursday, September 18th.

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Justin Verlander continues ‘remarkable' stretch in Giants' win over Diamondbacks

Justin Verlander continues ‘remarkable' stretch in Giants' win over Diamondbacks originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

The 42-year-old’s still got it.

Future Baseball Hall of Famer Justin Verlander continued his nostalgic stretch of pitching excellence and helped snap the Giants’ four-game skid in their 5-1 extra-innings win over the Arizona Diamondbacks on Wednesday.

San Francisco’s right-handed starter tossed seven scoreless innings at Chase Field, allowing just three hits with three strikeouts and two walks over 107 pitches. Verlander favored his four-seam fastball and slider, tossing the former 49 times and the latter 28 times.

“Clearly, [I] was feeling up the zone with my slider,” Verlander told reporters postgame. “We had a long game yesterday with a lot of guys throwing in the bullpen, so I didn’t really want to mess around too much and be too out of zone. I wanted to try to get deep in the game … just get on and get out. 

“So that was kind of my game plan, to be really aggressive in the zone and try to get deep into the game.”

The Giants used five pitchers in Tuesday’s loss to the Diamondbacks. Verlander knew his team, eyeing the New York Mets and the National League’s third and final wild-card spot, needed him to deliver once again — and the 20-year veteran sure did.

Verlander has been on a tear over his last 11 games. In that span, he has posted a 2.17 ERA, 1.12 WHIP, .211 opposing batting average, 60 strikeouts and a 3-2 record.

The impressive Wednesday showing didn’t result in a win because the Giants couldn’t muster a hit until Verlander’s seventh and final inning. However, San Francisco’s extra-inning rally prevented its starter’s brilliance from going to waste.

Outfielder Jerar Encarnación hit a single off right-handed Diamondbacks reliever John Curtiss to kick off a five-run 11th inning, with second baseman Christian Koss hitting what ultimately was the game-winning two-run double three pitches later. 

Right fielder Grant McCray and first baseman Rafael Devers provided extra insurance with key knocks.

“It’s huge,” Giants manager Bob Melvin said of the win. “I mean, [we] certainly didn’t feel good there for a while … Being able to push through in the end — I mean, [there have been] times this year that’s when we’ve done our best work, late in the game off relievers; happened today, but it all started with JV again.

“It’s too bad we couldn’t get him a win. … To be pitching this well late in the season with as much under his belt, it’s pretty remarkable.”

Verlander didn’t get the victory, but the Giants and their five hits did.

San Francisco, now 76-76, trails New York (78-73) by 2.5 games for the NL’s third and final wild-card spot. The Cincinnati Reds (76-76 with the tiebreaker) and Diamondbacks (77-76) still are in the way of the Giants’ postseason hopes, too.

The Giants entered Wednesday losers of four straight and seven of their last 10. But Verlander’s electricity bought San Francisco more time — against the Diamondbacks and for the rest of the 2025 MLB season.

“He’s pitching with a lot of confidence, knowing that we need him,” Melvin said. “And guys like that step up when you need them.”

Download and follow the Giants Talk Podcast

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4 Questions for Anaheim Ducks Training Camp

The NHL season is almost here. Training camp kicks off this week around the league with preseason games to follow. With training camp comes several questions for the Ducks, five of which hold higher priority than others.

When will Mason McTavish sign?

Out of all the burning questions, this one is the biggest for the Ducks. McTavish, a restricted free agent (RFA) is still currently unsigned with training camp a day away from commencing.

With Trevor Zegras now in Philadelphia, the pathway to No. 2 center behind Leo Carlsson is McTavish’s for the taking. This summer, Ducks general manager Pat Verbeek identified McTavish as a long-term piece for the organization, saying that they are fortunate to have both Carlsson and McTavish.

Mar 18, 2025; Dallas, Texas, USA; Anaheim Ducks center Mason McTavish (23) during the first period against the Dallas Stars at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

While that may be true, Verbeek may be in danger of repeating the same sequence from a few years ago, when contract disputes with Zegras and Jamie Drysdale dragged into training camp and both players subsequently missed time due to injuries. Both players are now no longer part of the organization, plying their trade together in Philadelphia.

Anaheim has short-term options for the second line center spot as long as McTavish remains unsigned. Free agency addition Mikael Granlund is capable of filling that role, like he did for the past couple of years in San Jose. Ryan Strome has done the same in years past, though his production is closer to that of a third line center than a true No. 2.

There’s no question though that the longer this contract dispute drags out, the more detrimental it could become. With Joel Quenneville (and almost  an entirely new coaching staff) taking charge, being present for the start of camp to learn new systems and knock the rust off is essential.

How will the forward lines shake out?

McTavish is an important part of the forward corps, but with or without him, there are still plenty of moving parts that need to be settled.

The trio of Carlsson, Cutter Gauthier and Alex Killorn may get an early look to see if they can continue the production that they had during the second half of last season.

With McTavish absent for the time being, Granlund may jump up into the no. 2 center position and be flanked by Troy Terry and fellow offseason addition Chris Kreider.

Questions Facing Each Anaheim Ducks Forward Heading into the 2025-26 SeasonQuestions Facing Each Anaheim Ducks Forward Heading into the 2025-26 SeasonThe 2025-26 season is now around the corner after a long offseason. The Anaheim Ducks have lofty goals and one major piece of business left on the table to take care of: Mason McTavish's contract extension.

The non-presence of McTavish opens up an opportunity (for the time being) for one of Anaheim’s young forwards to make a good impression and push for a roster spot. 2024 third overall pick Beckett Sennecke has been the talk of the town in Ducks land, with his options this season split between returning to the OHL or playing in the NHL.

Other youngsters like Nikita Nesterenko, Sam Colangelo and Tim Washe will be competing for bottom-6 spots. Nesterenko and Colangelo could make the full-time jump to the NHL this season after splitting time between the top tier and the AHL last season.

What will the blue line look like?

Anaheim’s defense is chock-full of youth, with Radko Gudas (35) and Jacob Trouba (31) the only elder statesmen on the backend. Jackson LaCombe (24) will look to build on his breakout sophomore campaign while fellow left-handers Pavel Mintyukov (21) and Olen Zellweger (22) should benefit from playing more regularly. That leaves one spot on the right side for likely a trio of players in Drew Helleson, Tristan Luneau and Ian Moore.

Helleson, 24, took on a bigger role upon being recalled last November and solidified himself as part of the bottom pair by the end of the season. Known more for his defensive prowess than offensive ability, he signed a two-year extension this offseason.

Ducks’ Young Blue Line Could Be Their X-Factor in 2025-26Ducks’ Young Blue Line Could Be Their X-Factor in 2025-26The Ducks have a lot to be excited about when it comes to this season and beyond. Despite the departure of fan favorite Trevor Zegras via trade, they added a couple of veterans with plenty of playoff experience in Chris Kreider and Mikael Granlund. They also revamped their coaching staff, giving Greg Cronin, Rich Clune and Brent Thompson the boot in favor of Joel Quenneville, Jay Woodcroft, Ryan McGill and Andrew Brewer.

Luneau, 21, had a terrific season in the AHL this past year, putting up 52 points in 59 games. A knee infection cut his 2023-24 season short and the beginning of his 2024-25 season in the NHL showed that he was not yet ready to make the jump. But with another pro season under his belt, Luneau has the opportunity to make the NHL roster out of camp once again. This time, it’s possible he may stick around.

Moore, 23, joined late last season, signing his entry-level contract (ELC) following the end of his collegiate career at Harvard. He played a few games in the AHL before coming up to the Ducks, but didn’t look too out of place in the three games that he played on. Moore was on the Ducks’ rookie faceoff roster, but did not play in either of the two games, perhaps a strong endorsement that Ducks brass already know what Moore can do.

What kind of impact will the new coaching staff have?

There’s no question that Anaheim is gunning for a playoff spot this season. It’s why Verbeek bid adieu to Cronin, Brent Thompson and Rich Clune this summer and brought in Quenneville, Jay Woodcroft, Ryan McGill and Andrew Brewer.

Ducks GM Pat Verbeek on Quenneville HiringDucks GM Pat Verbeek on Quenneville HiringFollowing the news conference to announce Joel Quenneville being named the 12th Ducks head coach in franchise history, Ducks general manager Pat Verbeek spoke to local media. Below is a full transcript of the media scrum (Questions and answers have been lightly edited for length and clarity):

Quenneville’s systems should benefit the young blueliners offensively while also helping create a much more cohesive unit defensively. A league-worst power play (11.76%) will get new life breathed into it by Woodcroft while McGill looks to repair a penalty kill that been near the bottom of the league for the past few seasons.

A team with stronger systems and better special teams should help take a load off of Lukáš Dostál and whoever his backup will be, whether it’s Petr Mrázek or Ville Husso.

Related articles: 

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How Much the Ducks are Projected to Improve in 2025-26 Standings

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Who Are The Golden Knights Top 10 Prospects

This prospect list was originally published in the The Hockey News' annual yearbook

With rookie camp in the books and the big boys set to take the ice for training camp on Thursday, here is a look at the Vegas Golden Knights' top prospects.

TOP 10 PROSPECTS

1. Trevor Connelly

Pos LW Age 19

2024-25 Providence (HE)

Makes quick reads, distributes well and dashes around the ice. Will benefit from reps at AHL level.

Expected NHL Arrival ’27-28

Trevor Connelly is selected by the Vegas Golden Knights with the 19th overall pick in the first round of the 2024 NHL Draft at The Sphere. <i><b>Photo: Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images</b></i>

2. Matyas Sapovaliv

Pos C Age 21

2024-25 Henderson (AHL)

Meager point total masks great work done defensively. He’s adept at matchup game.

Expected NHL Arrival ’27-28

3. Raphael Lavoie

Pos C Age 25

2024-25 Henderson (AHL)

No doubting his offense, but he needs to develop reliability away from puck to reach next level.

Expected NHL Arrival ’26-27

4. Jakob Ihs Wozniak

Pos C Age 18

2024-25 Lulea Jr. (Swe.)

Broke scoring record for 17-year-old in Swedish junior. Consistency key to him reaching potential.

Expected NHL Arrival ’29-30

5. Lukas Cormier

Pos D Age 23

2024-25 Henderson (AHL)

Skilled puck-mover and potential power-play quarterback missed majority of 2024-25 with injury.

Expected NHL Arrival ’26-27

6. Pavel Moysevich

Pos G Age 21

2024-25 St. Petersburg (KHL)

Fought for starts with SKA last season. Regular playing time will help big, athletic keeper develop.

Expected NHL Arrival ’28-29

7. Arttu Karki

Pos D Age 20

2024-25 Assat (Fin.)

Returned to Finland to play pro. Does everything well but nothing spectacularly. A project prospect.

Expected NHL Arrival ’28-29

8. Mathieu Cataford

Pos C Age 20

2024-25 Rimouski (QMJHL)

CHL’s scholastic player of the year showcases on-ice smarts with his knack for reading play.

Expected NHL Arrival ’27-28

9. Akira Schmid

Pos G Age 25

2024-25 Henderson (AHL)

Consistency in the AHL was a challenge, but his performance behind an NHL defense was great.

Expected NHL Arrival ’25-26

10. Mateo Nobert

Pos C Age 18

2024-25 Blainville-Bois. (QMJHL)

Pass-first playmaker with good vision drives play. He will have to adjust to pace at next level.

Expected NHL Arrival ’30-31

Be sure to visit The Hockey News store for up-to-date news around the league.

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Five Burning Questions Heading Into NHL Training Camps

As NHL training camps open across the NHL, there are unfinished contract business, lineup projections, rookies looking to earn a spot and pending signings and trades. 

In other words, there’s some front-page drama and other burning questions this week.

Here are five key storylines to watch as teams prepare for the 2025–26 season.

1. Who Fills Mitch Marner’s Wing in Toronto?

The Toronto Maple Leafs face one of the most intriguing positional questions early in camp: who will take over Marner’s right-wing spot alongside Auston Matthews? 

One of the game’s top stars was moved this off-season in a sign-and-trade with the Vegas Golden Knights. That leaves a hole in the Leafs' roster that they’ve arguably not filled. Toronto added several depth pieces, but there are questions as to how effective they’ll be. 

Trade acquisitions Matias Maccelli and Dakota Joshua could try to earn that spot. Other options include moving William Nylander away from John Tavares to play with Matthews and Matthew Knies, or they could promote Max Domi, Nick Robertson and Bobby McMann.

NHL Rumor Roundup: Kaprizov's Contract Talks Spark Trade Rumors While Zacha Chatter ContinuesNHL Rumor Roundup: Kaprizov's Contract Talks Spark Trade Rumors While Zacha Chatter ContinuesLast week's report of Kirill Kaprizov rejecting an eight-year, $128-million contract offer from the Minnesota Wild garnered plenty of headlines.

2. Will Connor McDavid Or Kirill Kaprizov Be Signed?

Few assumed that just weeks before the season, two of the NHL’s biggest stars haven’t signed contract extensions. 

The Edmonton Oilers and Minnesota Wild likely figured getting extensions done for their top superstars wouldn’t be overly complicated. Things have taken an odd turn in both negotiations. 

Connor McDavid is taking his time in Edmonton, which is making Oilers fans nervous. He said he wants to win in Edmonton, but he’s talking with those close to him and keeping all options open, including the term and teams. 

While the original expectation was that this wouldn’t drag into camp or the start of the season, it’s looking more and more like that’s exactly what will happen. 

Meanwhile, things between the Minnesota Wild and Kirill Kaprizov took a turn last week when he reportedly turned down $128 million on an eight-year extension. Several insiders have weighed in. Among them, Frank Seravalli of Bleacher Report cautioned fans not to pump the brakes. 

“I have zero indication at all that Kirill Kaprizov has even thought about playing anywhere other than the Minnesota Wild,” Seravalli said. 

3. Positional Battles And Rookies To Watch

Camp is always a proving ground for young talent. Expect intense competition for roster spots, especially among rookies and players pushing for full-time roles. 

Michael Misa, the No. 2 overall pick by the San Jose Sharks, is one to watch as he tries to add more talent to an already young and hungry roster. Instead of going the NCAA route, he signed an entry-level contract, which means he’ll either be in the NHL or OHL, where he had 134 points in 65 games last season.

The Boston Bruins acquired Fraser Minten last season, and he’s ready for a bigger and more consistent role in the NHL. He could contribute on the penalty kill, power play and bottom six while trying to increase his offense. 

Montreal Canadiens right winger Ivan Demidov looks to be the NHL’s rising star this season. He will confuse opponents with his game-breaking ability.

In Edmonton, the Oilers need rookies Matt Savoie and Ike Howard to excel in the NHL right away this season. One of them should earn a role in the Oilers’ top six as well. If they can’t produce and grab an important role, Edmonton’s chances of getting back to the Stanley Cup final go down.

4. Will Mason McTavish And Luke Hughes Sign?

Two big-name NHL RFAs still haven’t signed with their respective teams: Mason McTavish and Luke Hughes.

The story in Anaheim is that McTavish and the Ducks can’t get on the same page about cap hit and term. There’s been trade speculation, although the Ducks don’t want to entertain that idea. If another team signs McTavish to an offer sheet, the Ducks have enough cap space to match it. 

Meanwhile, Luke Hughes is reportedly trying to time his contract to end when Jack Hughes’ does, which would be a five-year deal. The Devils reportedly want either a longer term or a bridge deal.

Both players are expected to play major roles in their respective organizations once deals are finalized, but this can’t keep dragging on. The idea that either can or should miss time to begin the season feels like a non-starter.

NHL Confirms It Will Reinstate Players Acquitted In Hockey Canada Sexual Assault TrialNHL Confirms It Will Reinstate Players Acquitted In Hockey Canada Sexual Assault TrialThe five players from Hockey Canada's 2018 world junior team who were found not guilty of sexual assault this summer will eventually be allowed to return to the NHL.

5. Will Any Players Acquitted In The Hockey Canada Trial Sign Contracts?

The five players found not guilty of sexual assault in July – Michael McLeod, Carter Hart, Alex Formenton, Dillon Dube and Cal Foote – have been cleared to return to the NHL in December. Each can sign contracts as early as Oct. 15. But the NHL said while the players were acquitted, the events that transpired were “deeply troubling and unacceptable.”

The question becomes: who gets the first look by NHL franchises?

There will be tough decisions coming from NHL clubs that must weigh the pros and cons of signing one of those players.

Hart, who was a starting goaltender with the Philadelphia Flyers before taking a leave of absence for the trial, has already told the team he won’t be returning. The Oilers don’t plan on signing him, either.

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&quot;I Understand The Frustration&quot;: Steve Yzerman Preaches Patience in Red Wings’ Path Back to Contention

It may be hard to believe, but the Detroit Red Wings are not only in the midst of the second longest Stanley Cup Playoff drought in the National Hockey League today, but in their team history. 

The Red Wings are celebrating their centennial season in 2025-26, marking a century of history. Yet in that time, they had never endured a playoff drought as long as their current one.

Overseeing the team through this process is beloved former team captain Steve Yzerman, one of the three greatest players in franchise history, who once helped lift the Red Wings out of the infamous “Dead Wings” era during his playing career and redefine what excellence in the NHL meant.

Because of his track record in the same role with the Tampa Bay Lightning, many fans expected Detroit’s rebuilding process to be further along by now.  

As one of the most calculated executives in professional sports, Yzerman is well aware of the growing frustration among the playoff-hungry Red Wings fan base.

"Well, we're trying to improve every year. Ultimately, the goal here is to build a team that can compete for the Stanley Cup," Yzerman explained Wednesday in a virtual press conference on the eve of Training Camp. "You can't compete for the Stanley Cup, obviously, until you makethe playoffs, but our goal, again, is to be a team that can compete for the Stanley Cup. So again, these rebuilds take time. How much time? I can't really predict, everyone's is different." 

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

Yzerman referenced the Draft Lottery, a source of bitter frustration for the Red Wings organization as a whole, as no other team has dropped more spots in the Lottery than they have over the last several seasons. In fact, the Red Wings haven’t held a top-three pick since 1990, which came just after Yzerman’s seventh season as a player.

"Where you finish, what happens in the lottery, who's available in the draft in a particular year, those things are somewhat out of our control," he said. "We'll try to run and we're going to continue to try and run a good program. We're going to continue to try and improve each season, with the goal of becoming a playoff team and a team that eventually competes for a Stanley Cup."

"So I understand the frustration, or maybe the lack of or I don't want to say patience, because I think everybody's been pretty patient, but the sense of urgency within the fan base and in our local media, I understand it, but ultimately, you know, you guys heard it when Kenny Holland was here."

"Like you want to go into a rebuild. It takes time."

There's no question that Yzerman inherited an extremely challenging situation from former GM Ken Holland when he returned to take over the GM duties in April 2019. Since then, Yzerman has built one of the more intriguing prospect pools in all of the NHL.

One of the most positive elements of Yzerman's drafting has been the selections of both Moritz Seider and Lucas Raymond, both of whom are now considered foundational cornerstones to build around. 

Other Yzerman selections like Simon Edvinsson and Marco Kasper have now become regulars in the lineup.

The Red Wings have also been on the cusp of the postseason in each of the last two seasons, but a lull in the month of March in both years ultimately spelled doom for their chances of playoff hockey.

Yzerman knows full well that patience is beginning to wear thing with passing season of not advancing to the postseason is growing, but he's clearly sticking firm to his plan of drafting and developing talent, and is steering clear of hasty and spontaneous style moves of shedding future assets for a quick fix solution. 

Red Wings’ Latest Top Prospect Turning Heads with Immediate ImpactRed Wings’ Latest Top Prospect Turning Heads with Immediate ImpactDetroit's most recent second round pick in Eddie Genborg is making an immidate mark on the SHL just two games into the season. 

"I'm trying to build a team that competes for a Stanley Cup and can win a Stanley Cup," he said. "So, you know, again, I'm going to do what I what I think is right in, you know, with each Draft, with each free agency period, with each trade deadline, with the goal of trying to improve our team."

He also made it clear that Red Wings ownership, led by Chris Ilitch - the son of the late Mike Ilitch, who drafted Yzerman in 1983 - has endorsed his patient approach of drafting and developing.

"Chris and I have spoken and going back to when he hired me, that is going to take a long time, and we're going to be patient and and we're going to be, you know, allow our young players to develop," he said. "We're going to rely heavily on the draft that, and hopefully, over time, these young players that we draft turn into NHL players. So how many years it's supposed to take? I don't  know. Is it four? Is it five? Is it 10? Ultimately, it's ownership's decision when they feel that they're not happy with the direction of the club or the plan, that that's their decision." 

"But Chris and I have spoken about it, and he's understood the process and where we're at." 

The Red Wings are scheduled to begin Training Camp on Thursday, Sept. 18. 

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Fantasy Basketball 2025-26: Beginner’s guide, draft tips and winning strategies

If you saw the title of this article and clicked, first and foremost, thanks for doing that. And in doing so, you're likely in a position where you're looking for tips on how to approach your first fantasy basketball experience. Whether you're playing amongst friends for bragging rights or competing for cash prizes, fantasy basketball can make the season more exciting and enjoyable if played properly.

The goal of this article and the fantasy basketball content we'll be releasing over the next month is to put you in a position to have a successful season, whether you're an expert juggling multiple teams or a novice looking to have a fun first experience.

The NBA regular season begins on October 22 with a fun doubleheader that can be seen on NBA and Peacock. Without further ado, here are some tips that could prove valuable as you jump into fantasy basketball.

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Fantasy basketball mock draft analysis 2025-26: Is Nikola Jokic the top pick?
Getting the top pick in your draft is a great advantage, but how should you build the rest of your team?

1. Read the rules before entering the league

Last year's intro article strongly suggested that the rules should be read before the draft. While that is true, the rules should be discussed by all involved parties when creating the league, with newcomers then deciding whether or not they want in. How many teams will be in the league? How many IL (or IL+, which is preferred for flexibility reasons) will you have to work with? While missing a rule in a casual league that doesn't have money on the line can be frustrating, the leagues in which you are playing for money are where feelings can get hurt because someone did not pay attention. Save yourself the headache and read the rules early. If anything needs to be addressed, that can be done before someone joins a league they ultimately decide they don't want to participate in.

2. Determine what kind of draft setup you prefer

We'll get into the specifics regarding league types a little later, but the first step is to decide how you prefer to go through the draft process. The simplest way to select your team would be through a snake draft. For example, in a 12-team league, the picks will be 1 through 12 in the odd-numbered rounds, and 12 through 1 in the even-numbered rounds. So, if you're on the front or back end of the draft order, your chances of landing the players you're targeting may be better than if you were stuck with a mid-round pick.

Also, it should be noted that some leagues include a reversal every two rounds. That would flip the draft order every two rounds; the manager with the 12th pick would move to the top of the order in the third round, and the order would return to its original setup in the fifth, and so on. For snake drafts, you can either knock it all out in one sitting or go with an online slow draft, which gives managers more time and can run over multiple days. In this case, set up your email alerts so the site hosting the draft will inform you when you're on the clock.

Try not to be the person who complains about the pace of a slow draft. You know what you signed up for.

Don't want to deal with a snake draft? Well, there's also the salary draft option. Managers are given a salary cap in this setup, with the default number being $200. An order to nominate players will be crafted, and each manager can nominate a player for bid. Two things about the salary draft option. First, they tend to go longer than snake drafts, so if you have patience issues, this may not be your best choice. Two, if you're doing an in-person draft, you must pay attention. And it may not be a bad idea to devise a penalty for those who commit the offense of nominating a player who is already off the board.

3. Determine what kind of league you prefer to play in

Beyond the draft process, do you want to compete in a category league (head-to-head or rotisserie) or a points league? For the latter, point values are assigned to each category. In Yahoo! points leagues, the default scoring is as follows:

Points: 1

Rebounds: 1.2

Assists: 1.5

Steals: 3

Blocks: 3

Turnovers: -1

For those with some experience in daily fantasy, you'll find that the scoring system is similar. While this note is third on the list, your answer to the question is just as important as the draft type, if not more. In category leagues, some may find it more challenging to bounce back from a slow start in rotisserie than in head-to-head.

4. Do your research before draft day

The type of league you're competing in will impact how you approach draft day. There's no shortage of preseason draft information on the internet, whether you're looking for the written word or an audio (or video) podcast. While there is the danger of loading up on too much information while preparing for a draft, the positives outweigh the negatives. And that surplus of available information is why the next point is vital to fantasy success.

5. Participate in some mock drafts, especially if competing in a salary league

Whether you're participating in mock drafts with people you're likely to compete with or strangers, this practice is invaluable, regardless of the league you'll be competing in. Not only is this a good way to see how other managers perceive players, but it's also helping in dealing with the variables of a draft. Someone used a first-round pick on oft-injured Joel Embiid or LaMelo Ball? That may force you to change your approach, and it's good to have prior experience to fall back upon, even if it's only a mock draft.

Mock drafts are highly valuable for those competing in salary leagues. How much are managers willing to spend on a Nikola Jokić or Shai Gilgeous-Alexander? And how do you feel most comfortable spending your money? Do you go with a "stars and scrubs" roster build or spread your money out more evenly? While what we see in mock drafts doesn't always align with the "real thing," it's good to have some experience before the big day.

NBA: Playoffs-Minnesota Timberwolves at Los Angeles Lakers
Fantasy basketball mock draft analysis 2025-26: Where to go after drafting Luka Doncic?
Rotoworld fantasy basketball writer Raphielle Johnson recently participated in a 16-team mock draft. What should you do after drafting Luka?

6. Set aside time to set your lineups once the season begins

OK, you've picked your team for the upcoming season. Next, do your best to set aside time each day to craft your active rosters for that night's games if your league allows for daily adjustments. Not missing that deadline is critical for managers in leagues that lock lineups for the week before Monday's games. In this instance, you'll want to pay close attention to the number of games a player is scheduled to play that week. Unless they're a superstar, most players will be of limited value if their team only plays twice. A good approach to setting your lineups is to do it early in the morning, then reevaluate late afternoon to account for any potential absences due to injury or suspension.

7. Don’t hesitate to make a change in strategy in-season

Turning over your entire roster after a slow start will be difficult. However, one should not be afraid to shift if things aren't working. Maybe you need a major trade to shake things up. If so, assess the free agent market and players your opponents may have listed as available. When putting together a trade offer, aim to create a deal that benefits both sides. The last thing you want is to earn a reputation for attempting to fleece the other managers. And that late-round pick who may not be panning out? Don't hesitate to drop them for other options, as those players tend to be low-risk, high-reward.

8. Don’t try to sabotage the league, especially if there’s money involved

Remember, fantasy basketball is supposed to be fun. Don't be the person who violates league rules or gets mad and dumps their best players onto the waiver wire once their team is no longer in contention for a playoff spot, especially if money is involved. Relationships don't need to become strained or severed over fantasy sports. And if losing money is something you can't handle, either compete in a league with a lower entry fee or no fee at all. There's nothing wrong with taking that approach.

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Utah Mammoth And Connor Ingram Reportedly Parting Ways

Utah Mammoth goaltender Connor Ingram will reportedly not attend the team’s training camp this week.

Ingram and the Mammoth are working together to find a new home for the goaltender, KSL Sports' Cole Bagley reported on Wednesday. This is a mutual agreement.

Bagley further reported that Utah GM Bill Armstrong said the plan is to eventually place Ingram on waivers, allowing any team to claim the 28-year-old.

Karel Vejmelka and Vitek Vanacek will be Utah’s goaltending tandem for the 2025-26 campaign.

The last time Ingram went through waivers was during the 2022-23 season, when the Arizona Coyotes picked him up from the Nashville Predators. He became an NHL regular with the Coyotes, even earning starter duties in 2023-24 while recording a 2.91 goals-against average and .907 save percentage.

Ingram is coming off his fourth NHL season. Last year, he played 22 games for Utah, registering a 3.27 GAA, .882 SP and 9-8-4 record.

Connor Ingram (Christopher Creveling-Imagn Images)

In March, Ingram entered the NHL and NHLPA’s Player Assistance Program for the second time in his career. The Saskatoon, Sask., native shared at the time that he had lost his mother to breast cancer, and that affected him as a person and a player.

In 2023-24, Ingram received the Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy for being the NHL player who best exemplified the qualities of perseverance, sportsmanship and dedication to hockey. He had also sought care from the Player Assistance Program in January 2021 while dealing with obsessive compulsive disorder and lingering depression.

Ingram’s last NHL appearance was on Feb. 22 in a 5-3 loss to the Los Angeles Kings. He made 21 saves on 25 shots.

In August, the program cleared Ingram to get back to playing NHL hockey in time for the upcoming season. But he'll likely be playing the final season of his three-year contract with a $1.95-million cap hit elsewhere.

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.

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Canadiens Goalie Is Player To Watch

Jakub Dobes (© Eric Bolte-Imagn Images)

Training camp is officially here for the Montreal Canadiens. With this, the 2025-26 regular-season is rapidly approaching.

Now that the regular-season is getting closer for the Canadiens, there are certainly some players who need to be watched. Canadiens goaltender Jakub Dobes is undoubtedly one of them.

Dobes was a nice surprise for the Canadiens this past season, as the 24-year-old took a notable step forward in his development and proved that he can handle playing in the NHL when called upon. In 16 regular-season games with the Canadiens in 2024-25, he posted a 7-4-3 record, a 2.74 goals-against average, and a .909 save percentage. He also played in three playoff games for the Habs, where he had a 1-2 record, a 2.91 goals-against average, and a .881 save percentage.

Overall, Dobes had a solid start to his NHL career this past season but now will be looking to once again earn the Canadiens' backup role for this campaign. He has some competition for the backup spot, however, as the Canadiens signed veteran goalie Kaapo Kahkonen to a one-year, $1.15 million contract in free agency. Thus, Dobes will be looking to impress at training camp from here.

It will be fascinating to see how Dobes performs during the pre-season, but there is no question that he has a bright future.