Now that we are in the middle of August, we are going to start seeing teams around the NHL invite players to training camp on professional tryouts (PTOs). While the Montreal Canadiens have had a busy off-season, it would be understandable if they brought in a player or two on a PTO to create more friendly competition at camp. 

When looking at the Canadiens' current roster, it is fair to argue that they could benefit by adding to their forward depth. Because of this, one player who could be worth taking a shot on with a PTO is forward Victor Olofsson.

After Jack Roslovic, Olofsson is arguably the top unrestricted free agent (UFA) forward left. When looking at the season he just had with the Vegas Golden Knights, he could be a decent player for the Canadiens to take a gamble on if they are on the hunt for more secondary scoring. In 56 games this past season with Vegas, he recorded 15 goals, 14 assist, 29 points, and a plus-17 rating. 

Olofsson has also shown several times during his career that he can produce solid offense. The former Buffalo Sabres forward has scored 20 goals and recorded 40 points three different times in his career. This includes scoring 28 goals with Buffalo in 2022-23 and posting 49 points in 2021-22.

Ultimately, bringing in Olofsson on a PTO would give the Canadiens a backup plan to consider if they end up feeling that some of their younger players need a bit more time before making the jump to the NHL level. If he earned a contract for the season, he could be a nice pickup for the Canadiens' bottom six on a one-year deal. 

Canadiens: Montembeault’s Big DayOn Saturday, August 16, Montreal Canadiens goaltender Samuel Montembeault got married to his girlfriend of seven years, Daryanne Ayotte. They met at the Festival du Blé d’Inde in St-Celestin in 2018, and while she initially had reservations about dating a hockey player, she eventually agreed. This weekend, the couple took the plunge and said yes to spending their life together.

The Buffalo Sabres' pursuit of its first Stanley Cup playoff appearance in 15 years means that there's no room for error for them, at any time of the season.  A prolonged losing streak can and will knock down any team's post-season hopes, but the Sabres are particularly desperate, so Buffalo fans will be watching each and every game in the hope the Sabres can secure a playoff spot.

That's where THN.com's "Know Your Enemy" series comes in. For a while now, we've been examining Buffalo's chances against teams in the Atlantic, Metropolitan and Central divisions. And this past week, we turned our attention to Pacific Division teams. Today, we're focused on the Los Angeles Kings, who once again lost in the first round of the playoffs to the eventual Western Conference-champion Edmonton Oilers.

The Kings have a solid group of players, and although Holland made a slew of changes, the core in L.A. hasn't changed. And though the Kings and Sabres split their season series last year, Buffalo needs to aim higher than that this coming season.

BUFFALO SABRES VS. LOS ANGELES KINGS

NEW KINGS PLAYERS: Joel Armia, RW; Corey Perry, RW; Cody Ceci, D; Brian Dumoulin, D; Anton Forsberg, G

2024-25 SERIES: Sabres 1-1-0, Kings 1-1-0

2025-26 GAMES AGAINST EACH OTHER:  January 29 at Buffalo; March 21 at Los Angeles 

CAN THE SABRES BEAT THIS TEAM?  Both games the Sabres and Kings played against each other last season were close games;  Buffalo dropped the first game in early October -- the Sabres' third game of the regular-season -- by a 3-1 score, and then, in late November, Buffalo blanked L.A. by a 1-0 score. 

In that second game, No. 1 goalie Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen turned aside all 23 Kings shots he faced for the shutout win. Luukkonen didn't play in the first Kings/Sabres game, so that should factor into the game-plan of Buffalo coach Lindy Ruff when he's looking at assignments for the games against L.A. this coming year.

Know Your Enemy, Sabres Pacific Edition: High-Octane Oilers Will Be More Than A Handful For BuffaloThe Buffalo Sabres are a 14-year reclamation project, and losing so consistently is currently the norm for the franchise. But every year brings some hope that things will change for the better, and the Sabres will have 82 opportunities to show they're an improved team that's finally going to make it into the Stanley Cup playoffs.

Otherwise, the Kings have more or less stayed the same. Even though they suffered a huge blow with the departure of veteran defenseman Vladislav Gavrikov to the New York Rangers, to soften the blow, Holland brough in experienced hands in former Dallas Stars blueliner Cody Ceci and former New Jersey Devil Brian Dumoulin. And up front, Los Angeles signed former Montreal Canadien fan favorite Joel Armia, as well as longtime abrasive winger and Cup-winner Corey Perry.

That said, the key for the Kings still revolves around a mix of young and old -- center Quinton Byfield being the young, and center Anze Kopitar being the old; defenseman Brandt Clarke being the young, and blueliner Drew Doughty being the old.

Meanwhile, the Kings also made what could be their best pickup in the form of longtime Ottawa Senators goalie Anton Forsberg. And the way things may develop, the Sabres could see Forsberg in one of the two games Buffalo and Los Angeles will play against each other this season.

Know Your Enemy, Sabres Pacific Edition: Is Buffalo Better Than Rebuilding Flames?The Buffalo Sabres were a major disappointment last season, and the 13 other seasons before that which ended without any Stanley Cup playoff action. The Sabres have been one of the NHL's worst teams, and they're now in a position where they desperately need to get into the post-season. Fans are exhausted with all the losing, and they won't be going on much longer as the same group if they miss the playoffs again next year.

Thus, the Sabres are bound to have their hands full with the Kings this year. And the way the schedule-maker has mapped it out, Buffalo and Los Angeles may be significantly-different teams from the teams that play their first game in late January and the second game they square off in on March 21. That's because the league's trade deadline will be taking place between those two dates.

We're not suggesting either or both teams are guaranteed to make a slew of moves, but by the time the trade deadline arrives, the Kings could be desperately working to fend off other Pacific teams challenging them for home-ice advantage, and the Sabres could be desperately working just to get into the playoffs.

If either of those things come to pass, Holland and Sabres counterpart Kevyn Adams may be pressured to add at least one high-level talent, and the second game between the Sabres and Kings could have an entirely different dynamic.

Know Your Enemy, Sabres Pacific Edition: Should Sabres Throttle Ducks Again Next Year?The Buffalo Sabres have failed in one consistent way in recent years -- namely, that they haven't played Stanley Cup playoff hockey in nearly a decade-and-a-half. Thus, there's an inordinate amount of pressure on the Sabres to be a playoff team this year. And as we've seen in the NHL's overtime/shootout era, teams can make or miss the playoffs by only one or two standings points, so it's not an exaggeration to say that just about every game is going to be important to Buffalo's playoff hopes.

In any case, the games between Buffalo and Los Angeles should make for very entertaining hockey. Both teams have exciting performers, both teams have playoff aspirations, and both teams may make serious changes next summer if things don't go well for them this year. The Kings and Sabres will be fighting for every standings point they can get, and that means making the most of this series.

A former Chicago Blackhawks defenseman is officially staying in the KHL. 

The KHL's Shanghai Dragons have announced that they have signed former Blackhawks prospect Adam Clendening to a one-year contract. 

Shanghai Dragons have signed one-year contracts with goaltender Andrei Tikhomirov, defenseman Adam Clendening and forwards Alexander Burmistrov, Vladimir Kuznetsov and Borna Rendulichttps://t.co/gK6pTpgsBE

— Shanghai Dragons (@shadragons) August 17, 2025

Clendening was selected by the Blackhawks with the 36th overall pick of the 2011 NHL Entry Draft. From there, he primarily played at the American Hockey League (AHL) level with the Rockford IceHogs. In 185 games with Rockford from 2012-13 to 2014-15, the 6-foot blueliner recorded 22 goals, 96 assists, 118 points, and a plus-18 rating. This included posting 12 goals, 47 assists, and 59 points in 74 games with Rockford in 2013-14. 

While Clendening certainly made an impact with the IceHogs, it did not result in him getting too many chances on the Blackhawks' roster. He played in just four games with Chicago during the 2014-15 season, where he posted one goal, one assist, two points, and a plus-1 rating. 

Clendening's time with the Blackhawks would end in January of the 2014-15 campaign, as he was traded to the Vancouver Canucks in exchange for blueliner Gustav Forsling. From there, Clendening would become quite the journeyman, as he played for the Canucks, Pittsburgh Penguins, Edmonton Oilers, New York Rangers, Arizona Coyotes, and Columbus Blue Jackets following his time with the Blackhawks. 

Clendening returned to the IceHogs on an AHL contract during the 2022-23 season, where he posted three goals, 21 assists, and 24 points in 48 games. However, Rockford traded him to the Hartford Wolf Pack later that season. 

In 61 games this past season in the KHl with Kunlun Red Star, Clendening recorded five goals and 22 points. He should now be a key part of Shanghai's roster in 2025-26 from here. 

Blackhawks Soaring Forward Named Top Breakout CandidateThe Chicago Blackhawks have several exciting young players in their system as they continue their rebuild. They will certainly be hoping that their promising youngsters can continue to develop in the right direction during the 2025-26 season.

Former Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Adam Clendening has found his home for the 2025-26 season, as he has signed with the Shanghai Dragons of the KHL. 

Clendening spent this past season with Kunlun Red Star of the KHL, where he posted five goals, 17 assists, 22 points, and a minus-13 rating in 61 games. Now, he will be joining the Dragons after their relocation. 

Shanghai Dragons have signed one-year contracts with goaltender Andrei Tikhomirov, defenseman Adam Clendening and forwards Alexander Burmistrov, Vladimir Kuznetsov and Borna Rendulichttps://t.co/gK6pTpgsBE

— Shanghai Dragons (@shadragons) August 17, 2025

Clendening was acquired by the Penguins during the 2015 NHL off-season from the Vancouver Canucks in the trade that memorably also brought Nick Bonino to Pittsburgh. In nine games with Pittsburgh during the 2015-16 season, Clendening posted one assist, 10 penalty minutes, and a plus-3 rating. He also played in six AHL games with the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins that season, recording three assists and a plus-4 rating.

Clendening's time with the Penguins ended on Jan. 16, 2016, as he was traded to the Anaheim Ducks with David Perron for Carl Hagelin. From there, he had stops with the Edmonton Oilers, New York Rangers, Arizona Coyotes, and Columbus Blue Jackets, with his last NHL appearance being in 2018-19. From there, he played in the AHL from 2019-20 to 2022-23 for various teams before playing overseas in each of the last two seasons. Now, after singing with the Dragons, he will be playing in his third straight season overseas. 

2 Penguins Make NHL Network's Quarter Century TeamThe NHL Network has revealed their quarter century team, and without any surprise whatsoever, two Pittsburgh Penguins have made the cut. 

The Buffalo Sabres have been considered to have one of the deepest prospect pools in the NHL, which is in part due to them selecting high in recent drafts because of their not qualifying for the playoffs. The Sabres have displayed an eye for talent, but the organization’s developmental model has not yielded enough results. 

Leading up to the opening of training camp in mid-September, we will look at the club's top 40 prospects. All are 25 years old or younger, whose rights are currently held by the Sabres or are on AHL or NHL deals, and have played less than 40 NHL games. 

Other Sabres Stories

Projecting Sabres Trade Cost - Bryan Rust

Six Former Sabres Who Signed Elsewhere

#26 - Vasili Zelenov - RW (Green Bay - USHL)

Zelenov was the first of the Sabres two seventh-round picks at the 2024 NHL Draft in Las Vegas. The Moscow-born winger has been playing at various lower-level youth leagues in Austria since 2021 and posted an impressive 37 points (14 goals, 23 assists) in 40 games for the Salzburg RB Hockey Juniors last season.

The 6’0”, 181 lb. winger was selected by the USHL’s Green Bay Gamblers in their Phase II draft in May while Rochester Americans head coach Michael Leone was their GM and instead of staying in Austria headed to North America to play for the Gambler to pursue a US college track. In 54 USHL games, the 19-year-old scored 33 points (14 goals, 19 assists).

Zelenov will be playing for the University of Wisconsin this season, along with 2024 fourth-round pick Luke Osburn, who made an impressive showing at the World Junior Summer Showcase for Team USA earlier this month.  

Follow Michael on X, Instagram, and Bluesky @MikeInBuffalo

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Apr 15, 2017; Chicago, IL, USA; Nashville Predators center Kevin Fiala (56) is congratulated for scoring a goal during the third period in game two of the first round of the 2017 Stanley Cup Playoffs against the Chicago Blackhawks at the United Center. Nashville won 5-0.

Oct 21, 2019/vol. 72, issue 21

GREATEST GAMES OF ALL-TIME

BY DAVID BOCLAIR

#1 APRIL 15, 2017

NASHVILLE 5, CHICAGO 0

WELCOME TO THE BIG-TIME

A one-sided playoff walloping of rival Chicago proved to be a franchise turning point for the Preds

IT WAS ONE THING when the Predators opened the 2017 playoffs with a win in Chicago. It was something else altogether when they dominated the Blackhawks 5-0 in Game 2. That performance not only fueled their run to the Cup final, it changed their perception of the type of team they were and where they fit in the NHL hierarchy.

For years, Chicago had been a bridge too far for the Preds. The franchises had met twice in the first round – in 2010 and 2015 – and both times Chicago won in six games. In 2017, the Hawks finished 15 points ahead of the Predators in the standings, won four of five regular-season matchups and scored five times in three of those contests.

A 1-0 victory in Game 1 gave Nashville an edge but did not alter the fundamental perception of the matchup, even in the Preds’ dressing room. The Blackhawks limited Nashville to 20 shots, and Pekka Rinne’s performance in net was the primary reason for the outcome.

Game 2 was a different story. The final score was an accurate reflection of a game in which Nashville looked faster, more determined and more skilled. Ryan Ellis opened the scoring early in the first period, and the Preds never looked back. They ousted Chicago in four games for the first sweep in franchise history and didn’t trail in any series in the first three rounds.

In the two seasons since, Nashville has won back-to-back Central Division titles (the first two in team history) and the 2017-18 Presidents’ Trophy. Prior to 2017, playoff losses were disappointing. Since then, post-season failures, such as those in the past two years, have felt like exactly that – failures.

#2 APRIL 22, 2011

NASHVILLE 4, ANAHEIM 3 (OT)

SHEA WEBER SCORED LATE and Jerred Smithson won it in OT as the Predators’ first playoff overtime victory led to their first series victory two days later.

#3 FEB. 28, 2009

NASHVILLE 8, DETROIT 0

THE BIGGEST WIN IN franchise history against the franchise’s first rival. Jason Arnott had a hat trick, Pekka Rinne a 30-save shutout.

GREATEST INDIVIDUAL PERFORMANCE OF ALL-TIME

STEVE SULLIVAN

FEB. 18, 2004

NASHVILLE 7, SAN JOSE 3

SULLIVAN MADE QUITE A first impression. After being acquired in a trade with Chicago, the undersized winger had three goals (all on the power play) and an assist in his Preds debut. Sullivan scored Nashville’s first two goals and completed the hat trick late in the second period. Those were his only shots on goal.

His performance energized the dressing room as the team tried to move beyond its expansion era. Nashville won five of its first six games with Sullivan and ultimately made the playoffs for the first time.

The Edmonton Oilers face a pivotal period of contract negotiations, tricky decisions on potential PTO additions, and some lingering trade questions.

From rumors of Connor McDavid’s team-friendly extension to Stuart Skinner’s uncertain future, here’s what fans need to know.

How Will the New CBA Timeline Impact the Oilers?

The recently agreed-upon NHL Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) will be something the Oilers keep in the back of their mind most of the season. Once thought to give possible leverage in negotiations with players like Jake Walman, Stuart Skinner, and Vasily Podkolzin, the date of when that CBA kicks in may change things.

As per James Mirtle of The Athletic, the agreement doesn’t officially take effect until September 2026. If that date doesn't change, the above mentioned players can complete the 2025–26 season and even test free agency on July 1, 2026, without losing eligibility for a long-term deal.

Previously, the Oilers could have dangled eight-year contracts as a carrot. Now, players can wait, gauge their market value, and potentially command higher salaries.

The McDavid Contract Twist

Respected analyst John Shannon recently reported that Connor McDavid is expected to sign a team-friendly extension with Edmonton at $16–17 million per season.  “I think it’s a three or four-year deal,” Shannon told Bob Stauffer.

That's far less than the 20 percent McDavid could get, which would put him around $19 million starting in the 2026-27 season. 

But, what happens in four or five years when McDavid reaches his mid-30s? Salary cap growth could push him into the $25 million range per season and that's a huge issue for Edmonton, especially if McDavid's production understandably declines a little. 

A Short Term McDavid Discount Deal Might Not Be What It SeemsConnor McDavid’s next contract with the Edmonton Oilers isn’t signed yet, but all signs point to it getting done before the end here in the next couple of weeks. 

When does loyalty versus production come into play for the Oilers? If McDavid shows the organization love by signing another under-value deal, do they owe it to their captain to give him more than he's potentially worth in his mid 30s? Or, is this a simple fact that McDavid will always be undervalued, regardless of the size of his contract? 

It will be intriguing to see how the narrative changes from today (where the Oilers are exclusively focused on trying to win a Stanley Cup) to four years from today. 

Trade Talk or Extension for Stuart Skinner?

Stuart Skinner’s future in Edmonton is anything but clear. For now, it appears he's safe and will start the season with the team. Does the sense of security last? 

According to  Allan Mitchell of The Athletic,  “fans should expect either a Stanley Cup delivered with Skinner-Pickard or a complete overhaul in goal by this time next year. Possibly sooner.” 

Edmonton must decide whether to extend Skinner at a reasonable cap hit or trade him while his value remains intact. Signing Skinner early could pay dividends if he finds consistency, but if he underperforms, a long-term contract is extremely risky.

Mitchell talks about overhauling the goaltending, but that is dependant on upgrades being available. There's no guarantee that's going to happen. 

NHL Trade Talk writes:

If Skinner and Pickard falter, the Oilers’ front office may be forced into an aggressive move, whether via trade or free agency, to find the netminder who can push them over the top like the Avs did when they took only 11 days to overhaul their goaltending tandem completely. They traded Alexandar Georgiev and Justus Annunen and picked up MacKenzie Blackwood and acquired Scott Wedgewood.  

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Oilers Looking at 3 Potential PTO Options

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Veteran PTOs and Depth Options

As training camp approaches, veteran free agents are exploring professional tryouts (PTOs), and Edmonton could be a landing spot. Marc-Edouard Vlasic, 38, is a candidate, offering a veteran presence on the blue line for a sheltered role. 

Vlasic recently told Le Journal de Québec that he fully intends to keep playing in 2025-26

Other PTO options being speculated include forwards Klim Kostin and Brett Leason, and goalies Ilya Samsonov and Alexandar Georgiev. 

Mattias Janmark on the Trade Bubble

Mattias Janmark could face an uncertain spot on the roster this season. With prospects like Noah Philp pushing for a full-time NHL role, Janmark’s tenure in Edmonton may be limited.

Janmark's production and usefullness dropped last season, but a veteran with nearly 600 NHL games may have some value on the trade market. If the Oilers continue to look at ways to clear cap space and they want to give younger players an opportunity, he could be in trouble.

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