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Former Philadelphia Flyers forward Jakob Pelletier could be in for a breakout season after the latest Tampa Bay Lightning injury update.

On Wednesday, Lightning GM Julien Brisebois announced that top forward Nick Paul recently underwent surgery to address an upper-body injury and will be out until November, creating a rather sizable hole in the team's lineup.

That creates a big opportunity for Pelletier, 24, who joined the Lightning from the Flyers on the second day of free agency on July 2 on a three-year pact.

The former first-round pick somewhat managed to establish himself as an NHL regular last season, appearing in 49 games between the Flyers and Calgary Flames and scoring seven goals, 12 assists, and 19 points.

Pelletier will still need to prove himself as an undersized 5-foot-10 winger, but, historically, he's always produced offense at a solid rate relative to his limited role as a bottom-six forward.

Flyers Letting Jakob Pelletier Go Was a Clear MistakeThe Philadelphia Flyers have lost one of their most effective players from the end of this past season in Jakob Pelletier for no good reason.

The 24-year-old should again be an NHL regular as long as Paul is out, and he could push for a larger role in a training camp battle with former Toronto Maple Leafs forward and fellow offseason newcomer Pontus Holmberg, who signed a two-year, $3.1 million contract with the Lightning on July 1.

Pelletier has been counted out before, including as recently as his short stint in Philadelphia with the Flyers, and he should be extra motivated this time around knowing an important role is available for the taking.

After all, the Flyers were open to keeping him, but he chose to sign elsewhere for the opportunity, and now he'll get it early into his three-year contract.

The Detroit Red Wings have announced their training camp roster and schedule for the upcoming week's training camp. 

The Detroit Red Wings have unveiled their full roster and schedule for the upcoming training camp, which will feature 62 players taking the ice starting Thursday, September 18, at Centre ICE Arena in Traverse City, Michigan.

The team will hold three days of practices and scrimmages before making the trip to Grand Rapids for the annual Red & White Game, set for Sunday, September 21, at Van Andel Arena, home of the AHL's Grand Rapids Griffins.

This year's camp includes 32 forwards, 22 defensemen, and 8 goaltenders. The sessions in Traverse City will consist of daily drills, systems work, and intra-squad scrimmages.

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

Red Wings' Steve Yzerman Discloses Injured D Simon Edvinsson’s Recovery TimelineThe good news for the Detroit Red Wings is that defenseman Simon Edvinsson has become a regular on the blue line, and will be expected to take on a top-four role in the upcoming 2025-26 NHL season. 

Detroit Red Wings 2025–26 Training Camp Schedule

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 18

Team Delvecchio

• 9:45 a.m. – Video Session
• 10:00 – 10:45 a.m. – On-Ice Practice (David's Rink)
• 10:50 – 11:20 a.m. – Scrimmage vs. Team Howe – Period 1 (Molon Rink)
• 11:40 a.m. – 12:10 p.m. – Scrimmage vs. Team Howe – Period 2 (Molon Rink)
• 12:10 p.m. – Off-Ice Workout

Team Howe

• 10:40 – 10:50 a.m. – On-Ice Warm-Up (Molon Rink)
• 10:50 – 11:20 a.m. – Scrimmage vs. Team Delvecchio – Period 1 (Molon Rink)
• 11:40 a.m. – 12:10 p.m. – Scrimmage vs. Team Delvecchio – Period 2 (Molon Rink)
• 12:10 p.m. – Video Session
• 12:25 – 1:10 p.m. – On-Ice Practice
• 1:10 p.m. – Off-Ice Workout

Team Lindsay

• 12:10 p.m. – Video Session
• 1:30 – 2:30 p.m. – On-Ice Practice (David's Rink)
• 2:30 p.m. – Off-Ice Workout

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 19

Team Howe

• 9:45 a.m. – Video Session
• 10:00 – 10:45 a.m. – On-Ice Practice (David's Rink)
• 10:50 – 11:20 a.m. – Scrimmage vs. Team Delvecchio – Period 1 (Molon Rink)
• 11:40 a.m. – 12:10 p.m. – Scrimmage vs. Team Delvecchio – Period 2 (Molon Rink)
• 12:10 p.m. – Off-Ice Workout

Team Lindsay

• 12:10 p.m. – Video Session
• 1:30 – 2:30 p.m. – On-Ice Practice (David's Rink)
• 2:30 p.m. – Off-Ice Workout

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 20

Team Delvecchio

• 9:45 a.m. – Video Session
• 10:00 – 10:45 a.m. – On-Ice Practice (David's Rink)
• 10:50 – 11:20 a.m. – Scrimmage vs. Team Howe – Period 1 (Molon Rink)
• 11:40 a.m. – 12:10 p.m. – Scrimmage vs. Team Howe – Period 2 (Molon Rink)
• 12:10 p.m. – Off-Ice Workout

Team Howe

• 10:40 – 10:50 a.m. – On-Ice Warm-Up (Molon Rink)
• 10:50 – 11:20 a.m. – Scrimmage vs. Team Delvecchio – Period 1 (Molon Rink)
• 11:40 a.m. – 12:10 p.m. – Scrimmage vs. Team Delvecchio – Period 2 (Molon Rink)
• 12:10 p.m. – Video Session
• 12:25 – 1:10 p.m. – On-Ice Practice (David's Rink)
• 1:10 p.m. – Off-Ice Workout

Team Lindsay

• 12:10 p.m. – Video Session
• 1:30 – 2:30 p.m. – On-Ice Practice (David's Rink)
• 2:30 p.m. – Off-Ice Workout

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 21 – RED & WHITE GAME

Non-Game Participants

• 8:00 a.m. – Video Session
• 9:00 a.m. – On-Ice Practice (Molon Rink)
• Followed by Off-Ice Workout

Red & White Game Participants

• 2:45 p.m. – Video Session
• 3:00 p.m. – Red & White Game (Van Andel Arena – Grand Rapids, MI)

Detroit Red Wings Unveil New Centennial JerseysThe Detroit Red Wings revealed special third jerseys on Monday to celebrate their upcoming Centennial season. 

Training Camp Pricing

Traverse City Training Camp sessions have limited quantity of general admission tickets is available for each practice session at Centre ICE Arena via MyNorthTickets.com. Pricing is as follows:

• Thursday, Sept. 18 – $20
• Friday, Sept. 19 – $20
• Saturday, Sept. 20 – $30

Red & White Game (Grand Rapids) Tickets for the Red & White Game can be purchased at griffinshockey.com. Prices range from $28 to $63 for reserved seating. An additional $3 charge applies to tickets purchased on the day of the game.

Pre-Season Schedule

After the conclusion of the Red & White Game, the Wings will return to Detroit to prepare for their preseason schedule. The eight-game exhibition stretch includes home matchups against:

• Chicago Blackhawks – Tuesday, Sept. 23 at 7:00 p.m.
• Buffalo Sabres – Thursday, Sept. 25 at 7:00 p.m.
• Pittsburgh Penguins – Monday, Sept. 29 at 7:00 p.m.
• Toronto Maple Leafs – Saturday, Oct. 4 at 7:00 p.m.

Could Expanded AHL Pre-Season Help NHL Management With Roster Moves?The recent CBA changes to the NHL that will shorten the pre-season could open the door for a longer AHL pre-season. 

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SC Bern has signed two ex-NHL players to contract extensions, the National League club announced on its website on Wednesday.

Finnish right winger Waltteri Merelä, 29, has signed for two more years, while Swedish defenseman Anton Lindholm, 30, has signed for one.

For both players, the 2024-25 season was their first in Bern. Merelä had 51 points in 59 regular-season and playoff games. Injuries limited Lindholm to 20 games, in which he recorded five points and 10 penalty minutes. Through the team’s first four games this season, they each have three points.

“Waltteri is an absolute leader of our team,” Bern GM Diego Piceci said about Merelä. “With his goal-scoring ability and his commitment, he is of great importance to us.”

About Lindholm, Piceci said, “We are very pleased with Anton’s commitment. With his skills and leadership, he is a very important part of our team.” 

Merelä played in Finland until he was 24, developing into a good-sized, reasonably productive winger first with the Lahti Pelicans, then with Tappara Tampere. After never representing Finland in any youth age category, he made the national team for the 2023 IIHF World Championship, held at home in Tampere, and scored a goal in his only game.

Finn Waltteri Merelä moves from Tampa Bay to BernAfter one season in North America, split between the NHL’s Tampa Bay Lightning and the AHL’s Syracuse Crunch, 25-year-old right winger Waltteri Merelä has signed a one-year contract with National League club SC Bern. Merelä is yet another name to the list of Finns who have chosen to play in Switzerland over other European options.

In the 2023-24 season, Merelä had one goal in 19 games with the Tampa Bay Lightning and 34 points in 55 regular-season games with the AHL’s Syracuse Crunch. He also scored three goals in eight AHL playoff games.

Lindholm, who is a product of Skelleftea AIK, was chosen in the fifth round, 144th overall, by the Colorado Avalanche in the 2014 NHL Entry Draft. Between 2016 and 2021, he recorded five points and 16 penalty minutes in 55 NHL games for the Avalanche, and 28 points in 84 AHL games for the Colorado Eagles.

Since that time, Lindholm has played in the KHL for Dinamo Minsk and back in Sweden for Leksands IF before joining Bern. Internationally, he has represented Sweden at three World Championships.

Bern’s roster also includes ex-NHLers Emil Bemström, Joël Vermin and Simon Moser.

Emil Bemström Signs In Switzerland Swedish forward Emil Bemström, 26, has signed a one-year contract with SC Bern, the National League club announced on Friday.

Not to worry about Artemi Panarin; he'll get his bundle and become a $uper Breadman. (It ain't worth a paywall penny.)

There are two questions which must be decided now that training camp is open and Mika Zibanejad's plus-minus still is hovering at zero.

BIG QUESTION ONE: Should the season's theme be STANLEY CUP OR BUST?

BIG QUESTION TWO: Or, should the season's theme be PLAYOFFS OR BUST?

Let's start at the start since that seems logical. 

According to The Maven's ice bible, The Hockey News Yearbook, the Rangers' Cup odds go at 23-1. For the Devils it's 15-1 and the Islanders – Yikes! – 57-1. (In case you're wondering, for the Champ Panthers it's 9-1 and favored Vegas, 6-1

THN has Vegas – not the Cats – winning the mug.

As for the Beloved Blueshirts,  say go for it; at 23-1 it's as doable as Fats Lafreniere getting back in shape.

Then again, to win The Cup you have to first make the playoffs. And to make the playoffs, you've got to beat out Pitt, Philly, Buffalo, Detroit, Montreal, Columbus and Boston. 

Realists in the crowd just wanna get in, right? Once Sully's skaters get in, let Iggy Shesterkin take over and show his worth. (Don't laugh, this may be his year.)

"I consider J.T. Miller the decisive factor in terms of how far the Rangers can go," says The Old Scout. "Miller is capable of reviving the offense and power play. The defense should tighten up under Mike Sullivan's box-and-one system."

How J.T. Miller Sizes Up With Past Blueshirts' Cup-Winning CaptainsNewly-minted Rangers captain J.T. Miller has big skates to fill. No, not those belonging to booted out Jake Trouba, good captain that he was.

Hey, we're talking about a core that had a 114-point season – still visible thought fading – in the rearview mirror.

It's the 100th anniversary season. That happens only once a century. Right? Which is why The Maven insists – go for it:

The Centennial theme must be: STANLEY CUP OR BUST!

During his media availability with reporters on Wednesday, Maple Leafs GM Brad Treliving said the team is still actively looking for a top-six forward to replace the role vacated by star winger Mitch Marner.

“It's not been from a lack of trying. There's not a lot of them out there that everybody's willing to hand over to you, right? So I think today is no different than yesterday and the day before,” Treliving said. “You're always looking to try to improve your team, right? It was, I think league-wide, it was a slower summer”.

A theory suggests that the lack of player movement this summer was not only due to teams having enough cap space to keep their players, but also a result of confusion over the effective dates for new long-term injured reserve and salary cap rules. As part of the NHL’s new collective bargaining agreement, the league did its best to close all loopholes related to long-term injured reserve while also imposing the salary cap in the playoffs where the 20 players on the ice cannot exceed the upper limit of the cap. The extension of the CBA goes into effect beginning in the 2026-27 season, but it was only two weeks ago that the NHL and NHLPA agreed to start enforcing the new roster rules for this upcoming season. The lack of clarity explains why teams were hesitant to make moves.

Why The Maple Leafs’ Best Chance to Replace Mitch Marner Will Come At The 2026 NHL Trade DeadlineIt’s been a quiet August for the Toronto Maple Leafs, and unless something unforeseen happens before training camp, the team’s roster could head into camp as it is currently constructed. This means there is no direct replacement for Mitch Marner, who departed the organization in June in a sign-and-trade with the Vegas Golden Knights.

As a result, the Leafs didn't have many options and may now have to look for Marner’s replacement either internally or through a different approach.

One of those possibilities was theorized by TSN’s Darren Dreger on Tuesday when he went on TSN Radio, saying he  wouldn't  be surprised if the Leafs threw their hat into the ring for forward Dillon Dube.

“I heard there was some noise about that,” Treliving said.

"I wouldn't be surprised if Treliving and the Leafs put their hat in the ring" @DarrenDreger made his season debut on #First Up and told us that #LeafsForever are potentially interested in Dillon Dube. Would you like to see Dube on the Leafs? Let us know! 👇 pic.twitter.com/9jW72myI9H

— First Up (@FirstUp1050) September 15, 2025

Dube was one of five players acquitted on sexual assault charges stemming from a gala in 2018, as a member of Canada’s World Junior hockey team in 2018. Treliving signed Dube to his last NHL contract as a member of the Calgary Flames back in 2021.

“We're not focused on that right now. We're focused on the 73 players we've got here right now and sort of figuring out where that fits,” Treliving said.

“Let’s all just be clear. There's special circumstances around those players. You'd have to be very comfortable. At the end of the day, it hasn't been a focus of ours right now. The league has put in some guidelines of when those players are eligible and all the rest of it. But you'd have to be very comfortable”.

Following the acquittal, Dube, along with four other players charged in the case, were given parameters by the NHL whereby they would be permitted to sign a contract no earlier than Oct. 15 and be permitted to play in the NHL no earlier than Dec. 1. So it’s easy for the Leafs to not be focused on a player like Dube since that option is a month out.

There’s also a question of if Dube would actually be what Toronto is looking for. At times in 2023, Dube was used in a top-six role alongside Jonathan Huberdeau and Elias Lindholm, but his usage fluctuated. Before taking NHL-mandated leave from the game, he was used in a bottom-six role.

Unless he comes really cheap and the Leafs are still struggling with the chemistry of existing players to play on the top line that will consist of Auston Matthews and Matthew Knies, it’s hard to see where there’s enough benefit for Toronto to take the risk on the player.

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Maple Leafs Reveal 73-Player Training Camp Roster For 2025-26

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The Chicago Blackhawks open up training camp on Thursday. After a week of rookie camp followed by the Tom Kurvers Prospect Showcase, the young players on the roster are ready to join practice with the older players. 

There are plenty of usual suspects that people may be excited to see, like Connor Bedard, Frank Nazar, and Alex Vlasic, amongst others. At this point, they are the leaders on the team in terms of value and production. With that said, there are other less hyped veterans that are worth watching during camp to see where they’re at.

As far as rookies, there are guys like Sam Rinzel, Artyom Levshunov, and Oliver Moore that everyone is prepared to see. All three of them will see NHL ice, whether it's to open the season or not.

Like the established players, there are some "under the radar" rookies that deserve attention. Eyes will be on them to see if they can crack the NHL team out of camp, or even have a chance to make their debut at some point during 2025-26. 

These are the three veterans and two rookies to watch with extra close attention during camp.

Veterans:

Ryan Donato

During the off-season, the Chicago Blackhawks and Ryan Donato came to an agreement on a contract extension before he was ever able to reach free agency. He clearly fits in Chicago, and leaving wouldn’t help anyone. 

Now, during camp, all eyes will be on him as he looks to follow up his first career 30-goal season with another solid campaign. He may not reach that plateau again, and ice time will likely play a role in that, but he is expected to contribute to the offense. 

Last year, Donato put in much work during the summer to come to camp ready for a big year. It will be interesting to see what he did as an encore ahead of 2025-26. 

Andre Burakovsky

Andre Burakovsky has had a solid NHL career as a middle-six forward. That includes two Stanley Cups (Washington Capitals, Colorado Avalanche) as a key contributor. 

He has had some tough times with injuries and inconsistencies as a member of the Seattle Kraken, and a change of scenery was needed. In Chicago, he’ll play a middle-six role as a veteran on a young team. During camp, we’ll see what kind of adjustments he’s made and the type of shape he’s in. 

Teuvo Teravainen

Teuvo Teravainen had an underrated season for the Blackhawks, who didn’t do a lot of winning, in 2024-25. He knows what it takes to succeed in the NHL and in Chicago. 

Teravainen may still hang on to a top-six role during camp. He is one of the most offensively gifted players in Chicago, and he’d like to be a representative on Team Finland when the Olympics come around. 

Expect him to come to camp hungry to prove that he is still able to be a key contributor on an NHL team, which will also show his country that he’s ready to go. This is an important camp for Teravainen as the team around him is much younger, faster, and more skilled. He was brought in to complement those types of players, so he must be on top of his game.  

Rookies:

Nick Lardis

Nick Lardis scored 71 goals in the OHL last season. That’s not bad for a former 3rd-round pick trying to become a pro hockey player, which he will in 2025-26. The only question is where. 

Lardis was an incredibly noticeable player during rookie camp, and all eyes will be on him when he is surrounded by NHL roster players during the main training camp. 

If Lardis is extra impressive during practice and scores a ton of goals in the preseason, don’t be surprised if he is on the opening night roster for Chicago. A trip to the AHL to begin the year is most likely, but the Blackhawks are not deep enough to think there is no chance for him to steal a spot. 

Marek Vanacker

Like Lardis, there was a lot of hype for Vanacker during rookie camp and the showcase. He is a former first-round pick who missed this portion of the season in 2024-25 due to injury. 

Now, he will finally be able to participate in an NHL training camp for the first time in his career. Folks will be looking to see if he has what it takes to make an impact as a pro as well. 

Vanacker played in the AHL at the end of last season, and he’s sure to play there in 2025-26 as well, unless he is exceptional at camp and in the preseason. He will likely make his NHL debut at some point this year, but for how long? He’s worth watching in the weeks leading up to the season. 

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

The Columbus Blue Jackets have 25 days until opening night at Nationwide Arena. Today, we look at the history of jersey #25. 

Let's take a look.

Bruce Gardiner - 2001 - Drafted by St. Louis in 1991. 

Gardiner scored the first goal in franchise history 7:34 into game one of the 2000 season. He played 73 games as a Jacket and had 22 points. Gardiner only played seven more NHL games after he left Columbus.

Gardiner left for Europe, where he played in Russia and Finland. He retired in 2005. 

These days, Gardiner is a police officer with the Barrie Police Department. He was charged with criminal harassment and extortion on Feb. 4, 2022, but the charges were dropped in July of 2024. 

Andrew Cassels - 2003-2004 - Drafted by Montreal in 1987.

Cassels signed with Columbus in 2002. He played 137 games for the CBJ over the course of two seasons, scoring 26 goals and totaling 94 points. Cassels signed with Washington in 2005, which would be his final pro hockey season. He was released in January of 2006. 

After retiring, Cassels stuck around Columbus and been a coach for the Ohio AAA Blue Jackets since 2018. His son Cole currently plays in Slovakia and was drafted by the Vancouver Canucks in 2013. He also spent a year with the Cleveland Monsters in 2021-22. 

Jason Chimera - 2006-2010 - Drafted by Edmonton in 1997. 

Chimera was traded to Columbus by the Phoenix Coyotes. He played in 331 games for the Jackets before being traded to the Washington Capitals on December 28, 2009, in a trade that brought current Cleveland Monsters GM Chris Clark to the Columbus organization. 

He last NHL season would be the 2017-18 season. 

Kyle Wilson - 2011 - Drafted by Minnesota in 2004. 

Wilson played 32 of his 39 career NHL games with Columbus during the 2010-11 season after signing on July 2, 2010. He spent the rest of the season with the Springfield Falcons. 

He left North America for Europe in 2013, and played until 2017 in Latvia, Russia, Sweden, Switzerland, and Germany. He retired in 2017. 

Ryan Russell - 2012 - Drafted by the New York Rangers in 2005. 

The twin brother of for Blue Jacket and long-time NHLer Kris Russell, he played 41 games for Columbus during the 2011-12 season after being traded to the Jackets on July 7, 2011. He spent most of that season, and the next playing for the Springfield Falcons. 

He left for Sweden, playing two seasons, and then played in England one season before retiring. He has spent the last nine seasons as an Amateur Scout for the San Jose Sharks. 

Luke Adam - 2015 - Drafted by Buffalo in 2008. 

Adam played three games for Columbus after his trade from the Sabres on December 16, 2014. 

In 2016, he left for Europe, where he would play seven years in Germany, and then a year each in Czechia and Slovakia. 

In 2024, he returned to North America where he would sign with the Tahoe Knight Monsters of the ECHL. He was named Captain of the team and will serve Captain again this upcoming season.  

William Karlsson - 2016-2017 - Drafted by Anaheim in 2011.

 It's a common misconception that Karlsson was drafted by the CBJ. Taken by the Anaheim Ducks in 2011, he was traded to the Jackets in March 2015. He played 165 games for Columbus and had 47 points, mostly as a fourth-line grinder and penalty killer.

He was chosen by Vegas in the expansion draft of 2017 and has been there ever since. His career in Vegas has been up and down, but he's managed to get 396 points playing for Vegas. In 2018, he won the Lady Byng, and in 2023, he helped his team win their first Stanley Cup. 

Mikhail Grigorenko - 2021 - Drafted by Buffalo in 2012. 

Grigorenko signed with Columbus in July of 2020. He played in 32 games and had 12 points. He left for Russia again after his time in Columbus and still plays there today. 

He is signed to play for Traktor Chelyabinsk in the KHL. 

There are 25 days until opening night at NWA. 

Next up is training camp, which kicks off on Wednesday, Sept. 18. Camp will run until the pre-season begins and then transition directly into the full pre-season schedule. Here’s what the Blue Jackets have lined up so far.

After the first few days of camp, most rookies who received an invite will be cut and sent back to their junior teams. From there, the cuts will come more often as pre-season play gets underway.

The pre-season schedule is as follows:

Sunday, Sept. 21 vs. St. Louis Blues, 5 p.m. ET

Monday, Sept. 22 vs. Buffalo Sabres, 7 p.m. ET

Tuesday, Sept. 23 at Buffalo Sabres, 7 p.m. ET

Wednesday, Sept. 24 vs. Pittsburgh Penguins, 7 p.m. ET

Saturday, Sept. 27 at Pittsburgh Penguins, 7 p.m. ET

Tuesday, Sept. 30 vs. Washington Capitals, 7 p.m. ET

Saturday, Oct. 4 at Washington Capitals, 7 p.m. ET

* Games in bold are home games * 

After that, the Blue Jackets will open the regular season on the road against the Nashville Predators at Bridgestone Arena.

There are 26 days left until opening night at Nationwide Arena.

Let us know what you think below.

Stay updated with the most interesting Blue Jackets stories, analysis, breaking news, and more!

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More from THN Columbus

Former Springfield Falcon Wade MacLeod Passes Away At 38Former Springfield Falcon Wade MacLeod, has passed away at the age of 38. Blue Jackets’ Fantilli Left Off Top 10 25-And-Under Forwards ListYesterday, there was a top 10 25-and-under forwards list for keep leagues.

Last night, three former players, a coach, and a builder were inducted into the QMJHL Hall of Fame; Corey Crawford, Mathieu Benoit, Patrick Lebeau, Claude Julien, and Raymond Bolduc were welcomed amongst the junior league legends.

In that list, there are two former members of the Montreal Canadiens’ organization: Claude Julien and Patrick Lebeau. As you’ll no doubt remember, Julien was at the helm of the Canadiens twice in his career. From 2002-03 to 2005-06, he served as the head coach of his first NHL coaching job. He was fired mid-way through his third season after posting a 19-16-6 record in 41 games. He spent the following season behind the New Jersey Devils’ bench before moving on to the Boston Bruins, where he spent parts of 10 seasons, winning the Stanley Cup in 2010-11. On his way to the championship, he eliminated the Habs in the first round in a thrilling first-round series, which ended with a Nathan Horton overtime goal.

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The Bruins dismissed him after 55 games of the 2016-17 season, and the Canadiens wasted no time in hiring him again to replace Michel Therrien, who was fired on Valentine’s Day. Julien’s second stay in Montreal would last for part of five seasons, and he was eventually replaced by Dominique Ducharme, his assistant, who would guide the team to a surprising Stanley Cup final run. In his second stint, Julien kept a 129-113-35 record and a .529 winning percentage. After his dismissal, he stayed on the sidelines for three seasons before being hired as an assistant coach by the St. Louis Blues.

In the QMJHL, he coached the Hull Olympics to a Memorial Cup title in 1997, and a few short years later, he graduated to the AHL, where he coached the Canadiens’ farm team as the Hamilton Bulldogs.

As for Patrick Lebeau, don’t beat yourself up if you don’t remember his passage in the Canadiens’ organization. While he was an outstanding player in junior hockey and a great points producer (he put up 500 points in the QMJHL in 257 games), he was only 5-foot-10, and his talent never translated to the NHL.

An eight-round pick at the 1989 draft, Lebeau would only end up playing two games with the Canadiens. After short stints with the Calgary Flames and the Florida Panthers, he ended up leaving for Europe before the 1994-95 season and found success there. Still, his incredible numbers in the Q fully deserved to be recognized and remembered, and the induction was more than appropriate.

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

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Sharks star Will Smith reveals surprising position change for 2025-26 season originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

• Editor’s note: Sheng Peng is a regular contributor to NBC Sports California’s Sharks coverage. You can read more of his coverage on San Jose Hockey Now, listen to him on the San Jose Hockey Now Podcast, and follow him on Twitter at @Sheng_Peng.

Will Smith says the plan for him is to play mostly wing during the 2025-26 NHL season.

That’s something of a surprise, given general manager Mike Grier’s declaration last April that Smith, picked as a center by the Sharks in the 2023 NHL Draft, would return to his original position at the beginning of the season.

But a lot has happened between last April and September, including the Sharks selecting center Michael Misa with the second overall pick of the 2025 draft.

So it’s also not a surprise, considering that Smith enjoyed most of his rookie season success on the wing. Wing also represents Smith’s best chance to play regularly with good friend and franchise center Macklin Celebrini.

Read the full story on San Jose Hockey Now

Download and follow the San Jose Hockey Now podcast

THN's Adam Proteau wrote an interesting piece following Martin St-Louis' declaration that Kirby Dach would be the Montreal Canadiens' second-line center to start the season, read it here and vote on the poll! 

Montreal Canadiens' Choice For Their Second-Line Center Raises Doubts

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

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

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