The New York Islanders made their first round of training camp cuts on Monday morning:

#Isles make their first round of "cuts" from training camp roster.

They send F Tomas Poletin (Kelowna WHL), F Luca Romano (Kitchener OHL), and G Burke Hood (Vancouver WHL) back to their junior teams.

— Stefen Rosner (@stefen_rosner) September 22, 2025

Tomas Poletin (Rd. 4, No. 106) showcased an impressive shot throughout training camp and did play in Sunday's preseason loss, recording one shot, two hits, and three blocks in 11:49 minutes.

Poletin was selected first overall in the 2025 CHL Import Draft by the WHL's Kelowna Rockets after playing in Finland's junior league in 2024-25. 

Luca Romano (Rd. 3, No. 74) is a player who has a ton of different skills from his skating, to his edge work to his hockey IQ and, as we saw on Sunday, his shootout moves:

TAKE A BOW, LUCA ROMANO 🤯 pic.twitter.com/jyFKIHqi9D

— NHL (@NHL) September 22, 2025

Romano heads back to the OHL's Kitchener Rangers for his third season with them after posting 51 points (25 goals, 26 assists) in 67 games in 2024-25. 

Burke Hood (Rd. 6, No. 170) improved as training camp progressed, adjusting to the speed and skill of NHL shots. 

Fellow junior player, Kashawn Aticheson will be going back to the OHL's Barrie Colts at some point. The No. 17 pick in the 2025 NHL Draft left Sunday's preseason game due to a lower-body injury. 

The Islanders are in New Jersey to face the Devils on Tuesday night for their second preseason game. 

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“Hockey is back” has been a common term around social media over the past week, and the NHL regular season is creeping ever closer. The Anaheim Ducks participated in their first preseason game of the exhibition season on Sunday afternoon, when they headed to Ontario, CA, home of the AHL’s Ontario Reign, to take on the Los Angeles Kings in what’s become the annual “Empire Classic.”

The Ducks squad, mostly an inexperienced and/or AHL lineup, was highlighted by 2024 third-overall pick Beckett Sennecke, talented sophomore Cutter Gauthier, and newly-acquired Ryan Poehling.

Anaheim Ducks Training Camp: Zellweger, Mintyukov to Benefit Most from New Coaching Staff, Systems

Anaheim Ducks Training Camp: Right Shot Defense Position Battle

The Ducks fell by a score of 3-1, following a tight-checking affair, which included allowing a short-handed goal in the critical third period and a late empty net tally.

Ducks forward Jansen Harkins left the game with an upper-body injury and left the arena with his arm in a sling.

While this is the first preseason game on the schedule, and there were a few nuggets to take away, every observation should be taken with a grain of salt, as the team’s new systems are just beginning implementation, chemistry is nearly nonexistent, and competition levels are inconsistent.

Ville Husso started in net for the Ducks and stopped 30 of 32 shots. He was opposed by 19-year-old 2024 second-round pick, Carter George, who saved 22 of 23.

Here are my takeaways from this game:

Beckett Sennecke: Sennecke entered camp needing to perform and persuade the Ducks' front office beyond a reasonable doubt that he’s NHL-ready if he’s to stick with the Ducks all year. He was comfortable and confident with the puck on his stick and was able to create some dangerous looks in tight while making some quality off-puck reads on the defensive end.

However, the one-on-one defensive habits need some polishing, as he tends to watch the puck instead of engaging the opponent’s body, and he tried to force some optimistic passes, forgoing the simple options, which didn’t connect at critical moments.

Rush Offense: Puck possession is the clear priority this season, with the hiring of Joel Quenneville and his new coaching staff. Breakouts that often ended with stretch passes and were then tipped deep in the offensive zone have now become opportunities to hold onto pucks, gain entry, and allow players to utilize their skills and instincts to create dangerous offense.

Rather than a hard-forechecking mandate, when puck carriers didn’t have numbers or options, they elected to chip pucks to areas where their teammates could either skate into them or at least create a 50/50 battle.

Ville Husso: Husso performed very well behind a somewhat scattered defensive structure, as players adjust to new teammates and systems. He was especially true to his angles and remarkably calm when there was a scramble in front of him. He managed the game well in this one.

The Ducks will host the newly-named Utah Mammoth on Monday night at Honda Center to open their home exhibition schedule and will likely ice a completely different roster.

Report: Teams Have Called the Ducks on McTavish, Verbeek said 'Get Lost'

Anaheim Ducks Training Camp: New Defensive Zone System

Ducks Head Coach Joel Quenneville Speaks at Training Camp

The Montreal Canadiens might have fired Claude Julien in 2021, but the former bench boss had a significant impact on one current Hab last year. After taking some time off, once he was let go by the Sainte-Flanelle, Julien accepted an assistant coach role with the St. Louis Blues, and that’s where he got to work with Zack Bolduc.

According to RDS’s report, the assistant coach met with Bolduc every two or three games to conduct video sessions and explain how he could improve his play. The Trois-Rivieres native and former first-round pick at the 2021 draft enjoyed working with the experienced coach:

I had the opportunity to work with Claude a lot last season. On things I focused on last year that made me a more defensively sound player. I loved working with Claude. He’s been in hockey for so long, and he knows what it takes.

- Bolduc on Claude Julien

Canadiens: Big Changes in Practice Groups
Canadiens' Nick Suzuki Gets Big Praise
Canadiens: Launching A New First Pairing

Bolduc wasn’t a defensive specialist in Missouri, though; he made a tangible impact on the Blues’ power play, and the Canadiens definitely took notes on that. On Sunday, in Brossard, judging by the power play units formed in Group A, it seems likely that in Group B, Bolduc will get an opportunity to play on a power play unit that will include Nick Suzuki, Cole Caufield, Juraj Slafkovsky, and Lane Hutson.

Does that mean it will be the same once the puck drops on the regular season? Not necessarily. Looking at the Groups on the ice in Brossard on Sunday, it’s clear that Martin St-Louis has made a point to create two balanced groups with the same number of NHL players. That split was done with even-strength lines in mind, since those are the trios that will be used most often.

We’ll see as the preseason progresses and cuts are made how the groups evolve, but even if his spot with the top line on the man-advantage may not be meant to be permanent, he has a chance to impress and show what he can do in that company.

In St. Louis, he played in the slot on the power play with talented players like Robert Thomas and Pavel Buchnevich, and it paid off.. 12 of his 36 points were scored on the power play, including seven goals. That’s definitely worth looking into for the Canadiens, and the preseason is the right time to do it.

---

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Ottawa Senators general manager Steve Staios has often said that an NHL team can never have too many right-shot defensemen. That depth on the right side could prove critical to start this season, especially if Nick Jensen isn’t ready for opening night. But after Sunday's potential setback, it’s the left side of the blue line that suddenly looks more vulnerable.

Tyler Kleven left the Sens' preseason opener against the Toronto Maple Leafs after going awkwardly into the end boards during the third period of Ottawa’s 4-3 loss at Canadian Tire Centre. Initially, based on replays, it appeared to be a possible ankle or leg issue. But during a conversation on the bench with athletic therapist Dom Nicoletta, their concern seemed to be Kleven’s right shoulder. He eventually departed down the tunnel and did not return.

Head coach Travis Green had no details on the nature or extent of the injury immediately after the game, but suggested that the reason for Kleven's exit was “more than just precautionary.”

That uncertainty raises a pressing question: if Kleven is sidelined for any length of time, who fills the gap?

Ottawa is still solid at the top of the left side with Jake Sanderson and Thomas Chabot anchoring the top four. But after Kleven, NHL experience is thin. When you add up the combined NHL experience of all the left-shot defensemen in the organization after Kleven, it totals just two games – and both of them belong to Donovan Sebrango, the most likely candidate to fill in.

Other left-shot options in the system include Jorian Donovan, Tomas Hamara, and Matthew Andonovski — all of whom are younger than Sebrango and remain completely untested at the highest level.

If the Senators prefer a more proven option, they'd also consider shifting a right-shot defenseman over. Kleven's current D partner through most of camp so far, Jordan Spence, stands out as a strong candidate, given his puck skills. Being slick and nimble is always an asset, but it's especially important for players who play the opposite side, where they often have to receive, retrieve or distribute pucks in less familiar body positions.

If they went that route, that could have an interesting ripple effect on the right side.

Suppose both Spence (or another righty) is forced to the left, and Jensen isn’t ready to open the season. In that case, it might accelerate an opportunity for 2024 first-rounder Carter Yakemchuk or 2019 first-rounder Lassi Thomson to break camp with the NHL roster, filling out the right side with Artem Zub and Nicolas Matinpalo.

And of course, there's always the NHL waiver wire. Left defense is easier to find, and the Sens have kept a decent amount of cap room to bring in another body if they find someone they believe is an upgrade on Sebrango. When training camps end, there's always an intriguing name or two that teams would like to keep in their organization but just don't have room for on their NHL roster.

Naturally, this is premature Monday morning spitballing, and it could all be rendered moot if (fingers crossed) Kleven's injury isn't serious. But it does highlight one fact: after so many years of concern about right-side depth, it's the Sens left side that's now the shallower end of the pool.

By Steve Warne
The Hockey News Ottawa

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ELMONT, NY -- New York Islandersdefense prospect and Long Island native Marshall Warren was excited pregame to skate in his first-ever preseason game after not getting the chance last training camp.

Long Island Native, Islanders Fan Marshall Warren About To Live Out A DreamEAST MEADOW, NY -- Long Island native Marshall Warren is about to live out a dream when the New York Islanders host the Philadelphia Flyers for their first preseason game. 

However, even with all the excitement, the Laurel Hollow native couldn't have expected what would happen in front of his parents, his sister, friends, and family on Sunday night. 

After laying a big hit in his own zone in the second period, Warren jumped up on the rush with forward Mathew Barzal, creating a 2-on-1 chance.  From the high slot, Barzal sent a cross-seam pass to Warren, who caught the puck in the left circle before roofing the rubber for the 2-1 go-ahead tally:

WHAT A SHOT. pic.twitter.com/ZmmtzLXMeT

— New York Islanders (@NYIslanders) September 22, 2025

"Yeah, it was cool," Warren told The Hockey News. "I would have loved to get the win, but...it didn't really feel that surreal, honestly. It felt like a normal day, like playing hockey. But, yeah, it's cool."

Warren is always cool, calm, and collected in interviews. But we can tell you that he was grinning ear to ear while chatting with us. 

When asked if that goal sequence defined him as a player: "I'm a two-way defenseman, so it's good to show I can make hits and also make plays. So that's the biggest thing, just going forward, just being able to showcase the abilities I have. So yeah, I think it was a good game, but obviously we didn't win."

In the 11-round 3-2 shootout exhibition loss to the Philadelphia Flyers, Warren recorded one assist, two shots, and three hits in 16:45 minutes of action, skating alongside Cole McWard. 

"I was happy for him. I mean, he had a really good camp last year, and I thought he had a great game today," head coach Patrick Roy said. "I mean, he scored that second goal for us and jumps in the rush. And I was very impressed with him. I thought he had a really good game."

As mentioned, Warren did not get into a preseason game last year. He was brought to Philadelphia, took warmups, but did not get into the game. He had to earn it. 

In his first full season in Bridgeport -- he did suffer an injury -- Warren recorded 17 points (four goals, 13 assists) in 53 games.

His growth from last season to this season, when it comes to his decision-making, is what stood out to Roy and what ultimately gave him a preseason opportunity this time around. 

"I feel like he's free out there in a way that he's not afraid," Roy said. "Last year, there was maybe a bit of hesitation in jumping in on the rush, which is normal. You're a young guy, but I felt like today, the goal that he scored, it's an example. He was not afraid. He just said, "Well, I'm going there, and I want to create that 2-on-1 on with Barzy.'

"What I love is the check he made in that first period. That was a great hit. I liked the way that he defended, the way that he moves the puck. I could see, in general, how good he feels out there and how confident he is. And I think the year in the AHL last year was really good for him."

Here's the hit by Marshall Warren on Lane Pedersen in case someone else wanted to see it. Looked pretty clean, although Cal Clutterbuck comments that he might have got a little helmet from the live look and Pedersen was bleeding.

Warren was definitely noticeable out there. pic.twitter.com/BkGlzeWKZa

— Thomas Ryan (@ThomasR11650050) September 22, 2025

Warren won't be making the Islanders out of training camp. But, he does have a tremendous opportunity to be a leader down in Bridgeport, play big minutes and hey, you never know. 

Look at Isaiah George last season, who, due to injury got a chance at the NHL level, a chance that lasted 33 games. While the call-up was more out of necessity due to injury as George had only played in four total professoinal hockey games, his play in preseason last year is what gave the Islanders confidence that he could be an option.

Hopefully, Warren continues to do the same as training camp and preseason action continue. 

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.

The key piece in the trade that sent winger JJ Peterka to Utah just before the NHL Draft was defenseman Michael Kesselring, who the Buffalo Sabres are depending on to be an effective physical blueline partner to Owen Power, but the Sabres also will need to get something from winger Josh Doan, who had two impressive seasons in the AHL and a quick start to his NHL career close to his hometown of Scottsdale, AZ, but the 23-year-old struggled in his sophomore campaign and is hoping to recapture his scoring touch. 

"It's been a couple years now, where I've had a little bit of success here, and it's taken a bit, In Tucson, I kind of found my offensive stride." Doan said on Saturday. "At the end of the day, this league is really skilled, and you're getting an opportunity to produce with no matter who you're on the ice with. I've worked on a lot this off season, watching videos of guys like (Sam) Reinhart, or (Sam) Bennett, for those guys who are good around the net and scoring goals, and kind of taking a queue from them and hope to produce a little bit more this year."

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The son of Arizona Coyotes legend and current Toronto Maple Leafs Special Assistant to the GM Shane Doan has shown a scoring touch at all levels, with the Chicago Steel of the USHL, in two years at Arizona State University, in two seasons with the AHL’s Tucson Roadrunners, and in his brief stint at the end of the 2024 season with the Coyotes, where he scored five goals in 11 games. Last season, his numbers dipped to seven goals in 51 games in Utah. In Buffalo, head coach Lindy Ruff is looking for the 6’2”, 198 lb. winger to step up his physical play and work ethic to create more opportunities for himself.  

"That's something you got to take pride and something that, as a kid, it was kind of preached to me, is, no matter what happens, you're going as hard as you can, and it's something that I can look back on since I was five or six years old." Doan said. "There's still parts of my game that I wanted to grow in, but that's something that no matter what I'm working on, it is going to be something that's built into me and who I am." 

Follow Michael on X, Instagram  @MikeInBuffalo

ELMONT, NY --New York Islanders' 17th overall pick in this past draft, Kashawn Aitcheson, left Sunday's preseason game against the Flyers in the third period after being on the receiving end of a center-ice check by Noah Juulsen. 

Rob Taub (@RTaub_) on XHere is the hit on Kashawn Aitcheson that knocked him out of the game

Aitcheson had to be helped off the ice by the trainers with 7:39 to go in the game and did not return.

Everyone feared the worst but Roy allowed the fan base to breath. 

"He is fine. He's gonna be day to day, and it's a lower body injury. He'll be fine."

Even though the hit wasn't late, it looked like a knee-on-knee -- that's what head coach Patrick Roy thought -- so we'll see if anything comes of it from NHL Player Safety, but you shouldn't expect anything. The referees didn't call it a penalty on the play.

Reminder: Even if the referees don't call a penalty, the hit is still reviewable by NHL Player Safety. 

DeAngelo on the Juulsen hit:

"Juulsen makes a good read, makes a fine hit. No big deal. We just got to stick up for each other [...] tough kid. Played a really good game."#Isles

— Stefen Rosner (@stefen_rosner) September 22, 2025

Aitcheson has had a very strong training camp and played solid in his 18:03 minutes on Sunday night. He skated the puck up the ice often. He got shots through, recording four, and made some strong defensive plays. 

Hopefully, Aitcheson feels good enough to go following a day off. 

Exclusive: Islanders’ First-Rounder Kashawn Aitcheson Talks Physical Edge, Leadership & DevelopmentEAST MEADOW, NY -- During Day Two of New York Islanders Rookie Camp, it was hard not to notice No. 17 overall pick Kashawn Aitcheson.  His cross-overs were sharp. His shot was on the money. And you could see his excitement once the physical drills were introduced. 

Aitcheson will be returning to the OHL's Barrie Colts whenenver his time at training camp is complete. 

NHL Network has revealed rankings No. 30 to No. 21 for their latest Top 50 Players Right Now List over the weekend, and two New York Rangers stars have made the cut: Artemi Panarin and Igor Shesterkin.

Panarin was given the No. 27 spot this year by the NHL Network. This was after the 33-year-old winger recorded 37 goals, 52 assists, and 89 points in 80 games with the Rangers during the 2024-25 season. With this, he produced at an over a point per game pace for the eighth season in a row. 

However, Panarin dropped on the NHL Network's list compared to last year. This is because Panarin was ranked as the 15th best player in the NHL by them ahead of the 2024-25 season. This was after he set career highs with 49 goals and 120 points in 82 games with the Rangers in 2023-24. 

Heading to the Big Apple for #⃣2⃣7⃣ on our Top 50 Players Right Now list! @NYRangers | #NHLTopPlayerspic.twitter.com/FS86DRvqEs

— NHL Network (@NHLNetwork) September 22, 2025

Shesterkin, on the other hand, was given the No. 26 spot on the NHL Network's list. In 61 games this past season for the Rangers, he recorded a 27-29-5 record, a 2.86 goals-against average, and a .905 save percentage. 

Like Panarin, Shesterkin had a better ranking in the NHL Network's previous Top 50 Players Right Now list. This is because he was ranked at the No. 6 spot last year. 

Igor Shesterkin makes it back-to-back Blueshirts on our Top 50 Players Right Now list! @NYRangers | #NHLTopPlayerspic.twitter.com/F7pGuelmE7

— NHL Network (@NHLNetwork) September 22, 2025