Sabres 2025-26 Player Expectations: Young Goalie Levi Must Show He Can Take Next Step, Establish Himself At NHL Level

The NHL’s 2025-26 season is nearly upon us, and at THN.com’s Buffalo Sabres site, we’re examining each Buffalo player and the expectations on them next year. Each Sabres player has the pressure to get this Buffalo team into the playoffs for the first time in 15 years, but every player’s outlook is at least a little bit different. 

We began the series with this look at Sabres presumptive starting goalie Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen; yesterday, we looked at newcomer goalie Alex Lyon, and today, we’re wrapping up the goalie area with a look at youngster Devon Levi. The 23-year-old has been solid in the minor leagues, but sustained NHL success has been elusive for him in a short sample size.

Let’s look at what Levi’s role is likely to be this coming season, and where he fits into the Sabres’ plans.

Player Name: Devon Levi

Position: Goaltender

Age: 23

2024-25 Key Statistics: Nine appearances, 2-7-0 record (NHL), 872 save percentage, 4.12 goals-against average; 25-13-4 record (AHL), .919 SP (AHL), 2.20 G.A.A. (AHL)

2025-26 Salary:$812,500

2025-26 Expectations: Levi has been the Sabres’ goalie-of-the-future for a while now, and like many young goalies, he’s struggled to be consistent at the NHL level. The truth is, between veterans Luukkonen and former Sabres journeyman James Reimer, the Sabres’ starting job has been there for the taking for Levi. 

Sabres 2025-26 Player Expectations: Newcomer Lyon Signed To Serve In Supporting Role In NetSabres 2025-26 Player Expectations: Newcomer Lyon Signed To Serve In Supporting Role In NetThe NHL’s 2025-26 season is just around the corner, and here at THN.com’s Buffalo Sabres site, we’ve committed to analyzing every Sabres player and the expectations on them next season. Every Buffalo player has the pressure to get this Sabres team into the playoffs for the first time in a decade-and-a-half, but every player’s outlook is at least a little bit different. 

But he’s put up a sub-.900-level SP in both of his two relatively-brief NHL seasons, and one of the reasons the Sabres went out and signed veteran Lyon this summer was to get goalie insurance in case Luukkonen struggled yet again and Levi wasn’t ready for the physical and mental toll of the NHL.

That doesn’t necessarily mean that Levi isn’t going to get a look at the NHL level this year. To the contrary – if one of Luukkonen and Lyon are injured, Levi can be the American League recall and get into a handful of games. Same goes for underwhelming performances. If Lyon doesn’t get the job done, Sabres GM Kevyn Adams may waive and demote him in favor of Levi.

Levi’s strong AHL numbers last year suggest he hasn’t lost the ability to tend goal just because he hasn’t thrived at the NHL level. He’s going to need time to develop, and the Sabres don’t need to put the weight of the world on his shoulders as Buffalo makes a desperate push for the playoffs next season. That means more patience with him and more understanding of him.

Sabres 2025-26 Player Expectations: What's In Store For Goalie Luukkonen Sabres 2025-26 Player Expectations: What's In Store For Goalie Luukkonen The NHL’s 2025-26 season is now only a handful of weeks away, so it’s as good a time as any for THN.com’s Buffalo Sabres site to break down expectations for every Sabres player next year.

If they play their cards right with Levi, the Sabres could have a No. 1 netminder for the next decade or more. But this is a delicate balance, weighing Levi’s interests on one side, and the Sabres’ immediate needs on the other side. And Buffalo can't afford to make a developmental mistake with a talent that could prove extremely valuable to them for a long time to come.

Levi showed at the AHL level he’s a beast. The challenge now for him is to make those dominant skills translate at the NHL level. He’s not anywhere close to losing ground in the Sabres’ goalie ranks, but Levi needs to show he’s ready, willing and able to stick with Buffalo at the next chance he gets. 

Oilers Should Aim Higher Than Rumored Goalie Target

Michael DiPietro (Kris Craig/The Providence Journal / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)

EDMONTON – Goalies haven’t had the best time playing for the Edmonton Oilers lately.

Stuart Skinner and Calvin Pickard have had their moments of struggle (with Skinner struggling more than Pickard). Goaltending and defensive play are the backbone of a Stanley Cup Champion team.

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It’s true, the Oilers came close to winning it twice. But, close is fine when it comes to horseshoes and hand grenades - not hockey.

The Boston Bruins, New Jersey Devils, and Detroit Red Wings all have a prospect goaltender (or two) who could boost the Oilers' depth at the goalie position. Michael DiPietro, Nico Daws, Sebastian Cossa, and Trey Augustine have all been connected to the Oilers at one point or another.

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Of those options, Daws has the most NHL experience. However, this hasn’t stopped other hockey pundits from suggesting otherwise.

Allan Mitchell of The Athletic has identified DiPietro as a trade target for the Oilers. In a piece penned earlier in August, Mitchell makes the statement that DiPietro is “the best inexpensive goaltender available.”

With only three games of experience, it takes gusto to make that claim. Daws has better results in a much bigger sample size, while Cossa’s draft pedigree has earned him a longer leash than DiPietro.

The lack of NHL experience gives this writer pause. Given the other options available in Cossa and Daws, DiPietro should only be considered an option for the Oilers if they strike out elsewhere.

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Dalton Rushing and Freddie Freeman help revive Dodgers' offense in win over Padres

SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA - AUGUST 24: Dalton Rushing #68 of the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Dalton Rushing connects for a three-run home run in the seventh inning of the Dodgers' 8-2 win over the San Diego Padres at Petco Park on Sunday. (Sean M. Haffey / Getty Images)

Dave Roberts sought the best of both worlds from his slumping Dodgers offense Sunday.

More competitive at-bats, a more disciplined two-strike approach, and a renewed team-first mindset at the plate on the one hand.

But also, amid a two-month funk that dropped them to second place in the National League West, to not abandon the slugging prowess that makes them who they are.

“I want my cake, and [to] eat it as well,” the Dodgers manager quipped.

“I’d be shocked,” he added, “if we don’t see a different offensive output from here forward, starting today.”

Read more:News Analysis: The Dodgers have an outfield problem. But do they have the options to fix it?

Indeed, everything the Dodgers were missing in their first two games against the San Diego Padres this weekend — when they combined for just two runs and five hits to relinquish their place atop the division standings — came roaring suddenly back when the club needed it most.

In a sweep-evading 8-2 win over the Padres at Petco Park on Sunday, the Dodgers got back to working better at-bats, manufacturing consistent baserunners, then pouncing on mistakes with their lineup’s trademark pop.

The biggest swings came in a five-run seventh inning, when Dalton Rushing broke a 2-2 tie with a three-run home run to right and Freddie Freeman hit his second long ball of the day to put the score out of reach.

But all along, they displayed the progress Roberts had promised in his pregame address with reporters; following up two of their worst offensive displays of the season, with a nine-hit, four-walk, eight -run outburst that drew them back into a first-place tie with the Padres (74-57).

Freddie Freeman, right, is congratulated by third base coach Dino Ebel after hitting a home run in the sixth inning Sunday.
Freddie Freeman, right, is congratulated by third base coach Dino Ebel after hitting a home run in the sixth inning Sunday. (Derrick Tuskan / Associated Press)

In their losses on Friday and Saturday, the Dodgers’ problems had been simple. They didn’t adjust to a Padres pitching staff that attacked them carefully. They didn’t grind with two strikes, or shorten up their swings, or do enough little things to unlock their long-scuffling offense (which led the majors in scoring through June, but had ranked 24th in the two months since).

“We haven’t really been in-sync,” Roberts said. “It’s been disjointed a lot, as far as the offense.”

When asked if that meant his team needed to adopt more of a small-ball mentality, however, Roberts pushed back.

“I think it’s a fair question,” he said. “But I couldn’t disagree more.”

After all, his team is still stocked full of All-Stars, MVPs and future Hall of Famers. At their core, they are a team built to bludgeon opponents — not slap singles and drop down sacrifice bunts.

“Slugging is still a part of it,” he said. “I definitely don’t want guys to hit like I did.”

Read more:Dodgers lose to Padres in two-hit flop and fall out of first place: 'We got to do more'

Around the margins, though, there were ways they could better position themselves to do that. Such as trying to work better counts, stay alive with two strikes when needed, and striking a better balance between patience and aggression.

“When you can kind of play, knowing you have people around you, where your goal is just to win — versus, my goal is just to be good myself individually, that’s pressure,” he said. “But when you feel like [you are doing] whatever little thing I can do to help a team, an offensive unit, that’s freeing. So that was some of the conversations that I’ve had with the guys, trying to relay that message.”

The change started in the first inning, with the Dodgers putting Padres starter Nick Pivetta under immediate stress.

Shohei Ohtani drew a five-pitch leadoff walk. Mookie Betts shortened up his swing on an 0-and-2 slider to line a single up the middle. Freddie Freeman loaded the bases by grinding out a full-count free pass.

It was a string of small victories that provided cleanup hitter Teoscar Hernández the perfect chance to slug.

Hernández tried to, getting a fastball over the plate in a 3-and-1 count and launching a deep flyball that seemed destined to be a grand slam. The drive, however, hung up just enough for Ramón Laureano to rob it at the wall.

The sacrifice fly brought in the Dodgers’ only run of the inning — giving them a 1-0 lead that would soon be erased on Elias Díaz’s two-run homer in the third off Yoshinobu Yamamoto (the only runs he gave up in a six-inning start).

Dodgers starting pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto delivers against the Padres in the first inning Sunday.
Dodgers starting pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto delivers against the Padres in the first inning Sunday. (Sean M. Haffey / Getty Images)

But it set the tone for a flurry of offense that would follow later in the afternoon, when a weekend of non-existent offense finally started to turn.

In the sixth, Freeman hit his first home run, crushing another center-cut fastball from Pivetta to right-center for a tying blast.

Then, against Padres reliever Jeremiah Estrada in the seventh, the club put all the pieces together in a five-run rally.

Andy Pages rolled a single through the left side to lead off. Michael Conforto came up next, fouled off a full-count slider, then took a borderline fastball at the top of the zone for a stress-inducing walk.

Miguel Rojas couldn’t get a bunt down after that, eventually swinging away for a flyout to center.

But, in what was easily his best moment of a trying rookie season, Rushing delivered the decisive blow seven pitches later — fouling off his own two-strike slider before clobbering another to right for a go-ahead three-run shot.

Freeman tacked on two more insurance runs before the inning was through, landing his second long ball of the day into the Petco Porch down the right-field line. Ohtani got in on the action in the ninth, belting his 45th homer to right to put the game — and another weekend of offensive frustration — to bed.

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.

Yankees Notes: Anthony Volpe’s benching, Fernando Cruz set to return

Yankees manager Aaron Boone provided some updates prior to Sunday's series finale against the Red Sox...


Volpe benched

Jose Caballero is in the Yankees’ lineup at shortstop over Anthony Volpe for Sunday’s meeting in the Bronx. 

It’s been a rough season for the young shortstop on both sides of the ball. 

Volpe has just eight hits over his last 18 games and has struck out 18 times over that span. 

He’s also committed a league-high 16 errors is an ugly -7 Outs Above Average (fourth percentile in MLB).

Aaron Boone hinted it was a possible following Saturday’s loss, and now he makes it official.

“He’s just scuffling a little offensively over the past week,” the skipper said. “Having Caballero now he gives you that real utility presence where he can play anywhere including short, and the spark that he provides so we just felt today was a good day for that.”

Boone wouldn’t rule out Volpe sitting again for Monday’s series opener against the Nats.

“We’ll see, I haven’t made any definitive decision yet,” he said. “I just want to get through today and do everything we can to get a win tonight and we’ll see where we’re at heading into tomorrow.”

Cruz set to return

Fernando Cruz is officially set to be activated from the IL on Monday. 

Cruz has been sidelined since late June with a left oblique strain. 

He has appeared in three minor league rehab games, allowing four runs on five hits while striking out four. 

Now that he’s back, the righty should be in the mix for high-average innings. 

Prior to the injury, Cruz pitched to a 3.00 ERA across 32 appearances.

“He’s been super productive for us and a such an important part,” Boone said. “He’s just a great person and competitor -- he’s willing to take the ball in so many different areas, so I’m looking forward to getting him back.”

"I'm Proud": Darren McCarty Excited For Sergei Fedorov's Jersey Retirement

Former Detroit Red Wings forward Sergei Fedorov, one of the greatest and most dynamic players to ever wear the Winged Wheel, will be appropriately honored by having his iconic No. 91 jersey raised to the rafters at Little Caesars Arena in the upcoming season. 

Fedorov, who defected to Detroit from the Soviet Union at great personal risk to himself, played a pivotal role in the Red Wings' Stanley Cup victories in 1997, 1998, and 2002. During his time in Detroit, he scored exactly 400 goals and won numerous awards, including the Hart Trophy in 1994 as the NHL's Most Valuable Player. 

“My Heart Beat Faster”: Sergei Fedorov Recaps Finding Out Of Jersey Retirement News“My Heart Beat Faster”: Sergei Fedorov Recaps Finding Out Of Jersey Retirement NewsThe iconic No. 91 jersey of former Detroit Red Wings forward Sergei Fedorov will soon be taking its rightful place in the rafters of Little Caesars Arena, and will be displayed alongside the eight previously retired numbers that include his teammates Steve Yzerman and Nicklas Lidstrom.

Fedorov's longtime teammate Darren McCarty, who was a part of all three of the aforementioned Stanley Cup wins as well as a fourth in 2008, couldn't be happier for him. 

"This was just right," McCarty said during a recent Woodward Sports segment. "If you ask me straight up if I ever thought it would happen while certain things were in palce, no. But this is where we're at." 

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Noting the struggles of the Red Wings to return to the Stanley Cup Playoffs, McCarty said that he felt this is one of the things that fans of the club can look to in terms of the culture that continues to be a work in progress. 

"It's one of those things that it feels like the world has settled back into place, at least for the Red Wings," he said. "What are we looking for with the Winged Wheel culture right now? There's not a lot of things to really put your hat on, but this is one of them." 

"I couldn't be happier for my friend and teammate, someone who is one of the best to ever do it, and I know it means a lot to him, too." 

Fedorov's countless accomplishment during his time with the Red Wings was overshadowed by his controversial holdout following the 1997 Stanley Cup win, during which he infamously signed a front-loaded offer sheet from the Carolina Hurricanes in early 1998. 

While the Red Wings matched the offer sheet, the relationship between the two sides appeared irreparable when Fedorov reportedly rejected a five-year, $50 million contract offer in 2003 and later signed for less money with the Mighty Ducks of Anaheim. 

It was especially startling, considering the Mighty Ducks had just swept Detroit in the opening round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs months earlier. 

Upon Fedorov's return to Detroit in December 2003 for the first time wearing opposition colors, he was heavily booed by the sellout crowd at Joe Louis Arena. 

Thankfully, the relationship between Fedorov and the organization as well as the fans has been mended in recent years, and he'll rightfully take his place alongside other franchise legends like Steve Yzerman, Nicklas Lidstrom, Gordie Howe, Ted Lindsay, and others this January. 

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Canadiens' Arber Xhekaj Should Hit New Level

The Montreal Canadiens have plenty of young players who fans should pay close attention to in 2025-26. Canadiens defenseman Arber Xhekaj is certainly one of them.

Xhekaj just completed his third NHL season with the Canadiens, and it was a bit of an up-and-down year for the 6-foot-4 blueliner. In a career-high 70 games, he recorded one goal, five assists, 118 penalty minutes, 180 hits, and a minus-13 rating. Overall, he had some growing pains like many young defensemen do, but he also showed signs of improvement at the same time. 

With Xhekaj being just 24 years old, it would not be surprising in the slightest if we see the left-shot defenseman take a notable step forward with his development in 2024-25. It can take defensemen some time to truly break out, and this could very well end up being the case with Xhekaj. 

The potential for Xhekaj to blossom into a steady stay-at-home defenseman who can play big minutes is certainly there, and it will be intriguing to see if he can become just that for the Canadiens next season. If the hard-nosed defenseman does hit another level with his play, it would be huge for a Canadiens club looking to continue to trend in the right direction. 

3 Canadiens Ranked Among Best NHL Players Born In 2000s3 Canadiens Ranked Among Best NHL Players Born In 2000sRecently, the NHL Network ranked the top 25 players born in the 2000s. With the Montreal Canadiens being one of the NHL's most promising young teams, it is not surprising in the slightest that three of their players have made the cut.

European football: Mbappé and Vinícius fire Real Madrid past Oviedo

  • La Liga newcomers beaten 3-0 at home

  • David and Vlahovic give Juventus victory

Real Madrid claimed a 3-0 La Liga win at promoted Real Oviedo on Sunday, with Kylian Mbappé scoring in each half before Vinícius Júnior added a late third to seal the match.

Mbappé put Real ahead in the 37th minute after Aurélien Tchouaméni won the ball off Leander Dendoncker in midfield and quickly fed Arda Guler. He slipped a pass to the Frenchman who turned sharply on the edge of the box and drilled a low shot into the net.

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Why The Penguins Should Convince Star Center Evgeni Malkin To Accept A Trade

The Pittsburgh Penguins are essentially two different teams. The first Penguins team is a veteran-laden squad featuring star forwards Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin, and star defensemen Kris Letang and Erik Karlsson. And the second Pittsburgh team is the one that’s actively being planned for the future, featuring youngsters and prospects including wingers Rutger McGroarty and Ville Koivunen, and defensemen Owen Pickering and Harrison Brunicke.

Indeed, Pens GM Kyle Dubas has spoken out about his team’s dual focuses at this time. He talked to NHL.com in late April and made it clear he’s got Pittsburgh’s best experienced players and players-of-the-future in mind as he moves the team forward.

“It's going to be continuing to maximize the prime or the end of careers of some of the players that we have,” Dubas said of the team’s direction, adding it's also going to be about  “expeditiously developing some of the young players that have already come onto the roster, that are about to come onto the roster.”

Big Update On Evgeni Malkin's Penguins Future RevealedBig Update On Evgeni Malkin's Penguins Future RevealedAccording to The Athletic's Josh Yohe, Evgeni Malkin will play his final season as a member of the Pittsburgh Penguins in 2025-26 because the team is not expected to offer the star forward a new contract once his deal comes to an end after next season.

There’s no question there’s excellent talent in Pittsburgh’s veteran core. And at the same time, there are young Pens players who need to draw into NHL action to learn on the job. But making players like Crosby and Malkin wait for the Penguins’ youngsters to develop into elite NHL contributors is a gamble that doesn't seem like a wise one for Dubas.

And one thing’s very likely – at some point in the next regular season, it will make sense for the Penguins to convince Malkin to waive his no-move clauses in his current contract and become the top rental player we’ll see in the NHL next year.

Now, we know Malkin has expressed his desire to retire as a Penguin, telling The Athletic, “I retire with Pittsburgh. The Penguins are my team. I love this team. When I retire it's here.”

That said, what if the Penguins are all but eliminated from Stanley Cup playoff contention by the 2026 NHL trade deadline or sooner? Is Malkin going to be content to play out the string with a meaningless number of games to end the year? Or will his competitive juices begin to stir as the season plays on and he starts considering being a rental for a handful of weeks and going out on a high note? 

Penguins GM Kyle Dubas Has A Plan - And He Knows What He's DoingPenguins GM Kyle Dubas Has A Plan - And He Knows What He's DoingFor GM Kyle Dubas and the Pittsburgh Penguins, a new organizational direction is clear - if you've been paying attention

In answering those questions we have to say we’re absolutely not sure Malkin is a lock to stay in Pittsburgh through the end of next season. He’s got full control over his NHL destiny, but the opportunity to play on an elite team for a month or two and chase another Cup is an opportunity not all stars receive. If Malkin wants to retire as a Penguin, sign a one-day contract next summer and retire as a Pen that way. That’s how another Russian star forward went out, with Pavel Datsyuk signing a one-day deal with the Detroit Red Wings before hanging up his skates.

To be sure, Malkin doesn’t have anything to prove to anyone. He’s got three Stanley Cups to his credit, as well as a Hart Trophy as regular-season MVP, and a Conn Smythe Trophy as playoff MVP. You don’t often see players with that Hockey Hall-of-Fame-caliber resume being available on the trade market.

But imagine what Malkin could do for the Penguins’ future if he accepted a trade to a Cup contender this coming season. The return the Pens could get for Malkin would accelerate their rebuild and help stock Pittsburgh’s shelves with high-end draft picks and prospects. It will hurt in some ways to see Malkin in another team’s jersey for a short span, but it also would greatly contribute to the Penguins becoming a legitimate long-term Cup contender sooner than later.

The Pittsburgh Penguins Should Have Extra Motivation For The Next Two YearsThe Pittsburgh Penguins Should Have Extra Motivation For The Next Two YearsThe Pittsburgh Penguins have a slew of players who are either in the final or second-to-last year of their contract. 

If he did accept a trade, Malkin would underscore his contributions to the Penguins one last time by giving back to the franchise as a result of being moved out of town. And you have to know teams would be lining up to make a major bid on Malkin’s services. 

For those reasons, Dubas would be wise to go to Malkin and persuade him to be moved. It makes sense for the Penguins as an organization to move on from him, and it makes sense for Malkin as a competitor to move on. 

Evgeni Malkin (Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images)

It may not happen until the trade deadline, but if the season ends with Malkin still a Penguin, a great opportunity will be lost. There’s going to be a white-hot market for his services, and Dubas needs all the help he can get in building the future Pens. And that can happen if Malkin green-lights a deal and gives back something of great value to Pittsburgh one more time.

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Mets turn attention to Phillies after closing weekend with frustrating loss to Braves

The Mets had a chance to pick up some big momentum on Sunday. 

After dropping the final two games against the Nationals, they received strong pitching performances and the offense exploded as they were able to blow past the Braves in the first two games of their weekend set. 

David Peterson then took the mound in the series finale in Atlanta and he worked his way through five efficient innings before struggling in a rough bottom of the sixth. 

Atlanta was able to even things up and the Mets couldn’t come up with the big hit from there. 

Juan Soto had a clutch RBI single in the top of the ninth, but a pair of pop outs stranded the go-ahead run on base as Jurickson Profar’s eighth inning two-run single ended up being the difference in the series finale. 

New York did manage to win the set, but it was a frustrating way to end things

“At the end of the day, we didn’t get the job done today,” Carlos Mendoza said. “Whether we have the lead or we’re trailing we have to be able to finish ballgames -- the little things that we aren’t doing right now just continue to add up on us. 

“Led 2-0 in the sixth, but we didn’t get much going after the [Mark] Vientos homer. We had a couple of chances and didn’t get the big hit and they got the big hit. But we won the series here and we have as good team coming up so we have to be ready tomorrow.

That big team? The NL East leading Phillies. 

The division rivals come into Citi Field for a three-game set starting on Monday. 

After Sunday’s frustrating loss, the Mets now sit a season-high 7.0 games behind Philadelphia.

Still, they feel like they are in a good spot heading into the huge set. 

"We've had a good couple of games," Peterson said. "The guys are excited to head back home and we’ve got a good opponent coming in and a familiar one, so we just have to be ready to go and continue moving forward one game at a time."

Canadiens Should Consider Targeting Best UFA Left

The Montreal Canadiens have made plenty of moves this off-season, but it is fair to argue that they should not be done yet. When looking at their roster, it is apparent that they could use another forward.

One of the Canadiens' biggest needs is an upgrade at the second-line center position. The problem is that there are not too many notable names available at this point in the summer. Marco Rossi, who was a restricted free agent (RFA), recently re-signed with the Minnesota Wild on a three-year deal. Top RFA Mason McTavish would be a fantastic addition for the Canadiens, but the feeling is that Anaheim wants to keep him around, rather than moving him. 

Canadiens: Friedman On Offer SheetsCanadiens: Friedman On Offer SheetsWhile there are many ways in which a team can improve in the offseason, none is more controversial than taking the offer sheet route. This Summer, many had hoped that promising young forwards like Marco Rossi and Mason MacTavish would be targeted; the latter, in particular, was the one most Montreal Canadiens fans had their heart set on, but neither received any.

However, there is an unrestricted free agent (UFA) still available who could be a very good player for the Canadiens to take a chance on: Jack Roslovic.

Roslovic, 28, is the best UFA left and would have the potential to be a solid addition to the Canadiens' roster if they brought him in. While he is not necessarily a big-name player, he would create more competition for players like Kirby Dach and Alex Newhook when it comes to the Canadiens' second-line center spot. 

Yet, Roslovic's versatility allows him to play right wing, so he could help boost the Canadiens' depth at that position. too. Furthermore, due to his offensive skill, he could work well on the Canadiens' second power-play unit if they signed him. 

Roslovic is coming off a solid season with the Carolina Hurricanes, posting 22 goals and 39 points in 81 games. He has also recorded at least 22 goals and 44 points twice in his career, so he has the ability to chip in well offensively.

Overall, on an affordable short-term deal, Roslovic could be a very good player for the Canadiens to bring in to boost their forward group. It will be interesting to see if they end up targeting him from here. 

3 Canadiens Ranked Among Best NHL Players Born In 2000s3 Canadiens Ranked Among Best NHL Players Born In 2000sRecently, the NHL Network ranked the top 25 players born in the 2000s. With the Montreal Canadiens being one of the NHL's most promising young teams, it is not surprising in the slightest that three of their players have made the cut.

Five Centers Poised To Break Into The NHL Full-Time In 2025-26

Recently, TheHockeyNews.com has taken a gander at wingers, defensemen and goaltenders who seem set for a full-time NHL role next season.

Now it’s time to take a look down the middle.

Much like the skater lists before, players considered must have been either AHL or NCAA regulars last season, still eligible for the Calder Trophy and are at least 20 years old.

With that, here are five breakthrough centers for the 2025-26 NHL season.

Fraser Minten, Boston Bruins

Fraser Minten caught some eyes in 2023 when the then 19-year-old centerman made the Toronto Maple Leafs out of camp just one year removed from his early second round selection, even if he only stayed around for four games. Last season, a high-ankle sprain in training camp derailed the start to his first official professional season, however, Minten was able to quickly return to form, appearing in 15 games with the Leafs before being traded to the Boston Bruins as a piece of the Brandan Carlo trade at the deadline.

Since the trade, his production in the AHL improved, and he also joined the main team in Boston for a cup of tea – six games to be exact. Now, Minten seems set to finally make that jump for the young, rebuilding Bruins. Minten does everything coaches want out of a bottom-of-the-lineup player already: defends well, blocks shots and works hard. He also boasts NHL-ready offensive and transitional tools, including the ability to break the puck up the ice, his solid net-front play and his shot.

All-in-all, Minten seems NHL-ready and the Bruins’ center depth is ready to see a player like him make that jump. Minten is ranked as the No. 3 center on the Bruins depth chart in the 2025-26 edition of The Hockey News’ Yearbook.

Ryan Leonard, Washington Capitals

With college linemate Will Smith’s departure to the San Jose Sharks, the Washington Capitals’ 2024 ninth-overall pick Ryan Leonard was moved to center for what would be his final NCAA season. Despite the transition, Leonard succeeded in droves, scoring 30 goals through just 37 games. After helping lead Boston College to a Hockey East championship, Leonard jumped to the NHL, where in every area but the score-sheet, Leonard looked at home.

Does Leonard need to bulk up a bit more physically to be as imposing in the NHL as he was at the NCAA level? Sure. Is two points through 17 NHL games not great? Yes. However, Leonard showed flashes of high-end vision, playmaking and a hard shot, he’ll just need to get better at finishing his chances and building his frame.

Given that the Capitals had played Leonard exclusively on the wing, Leonard is ranked as the team’s No. 3 right winger in The Yearbook. However, given his crash-the-net tendencies, willingness to engage physically, and decent face-offs, do not be surprised if he plays center now and again once the Caps face injuries down the middle.

Ryan Leonard (David Kirouac-Imagn Images)

Oliver Kapanen, Montreal Canadiens

While Oliver Kapanen’s 18-game stint with the Montreal Canadiens last season left something to be desired, with only two points, his play in the SHL and the AHL in the playoffs showed promise of a player suitable for regular NHL minutes. The former 2021 second-rounder boasts solid top-end speed, is good on the draws and is extremely defensively responsible.

Despite being a natural C, it’s unlikely that Kapanen will break into the Habs roster full-time as a centerman, given the players ahead of him down the middle, including Nick Suzuki, Kirby Dach, Alex Newhook, and Jake Evans. With Dach’s injury issues and struggles down the middle, there might be opportunities to get those minutes should Dach get moved to the wing. However, as of right now, Kapanen ranks as the fifth-best right winger on the Habs.

Stephen Halliday, Ottawa Senators

It took until Stephen Halliday’s final season of eligibility before he was drafted to the NHL, getting nabbed in the fourth round by the Ottawa Senators in 2022, and it certainly wasn’t because he lacked skill. Nicknamed ‘The Disher’, Halliday set the franchise records for the USHL’s Dubuque Fighting Saints in both points (181) and assists (123)  thanks to an explosive 95-point campaign in 2021-22. The issue that held him out of two drafts and held him back from being taken earlier in 2022 was his skating, which EliteProspects gave a nearly unheard of 3 out of 9 at the time.

Three seasons since his draft, he’s transcended the NCAA, reaching the AHL and is coming off a strong first professional season, showcasing that trademark playmaking skill and good defensive engagement. His skating has taken strides, too, improving his acceleration and speed. It seems as though the Sens are prioritizing his development and making his game more suitable for the bottom-six, with him receiving one-on-one time with new Sens player development coach Sam Gagner and the Sens director of player health and performance, Matt Nichol.

This adjustment, alongside continued improvements in skating form, should fast-track him to the NHL, with the potential to jump up the lineup in the coming years. The Hockey News lists Halliday as the Sens’s fifth-ranked centerman ahead of the 2025-26 season.

Colton Dach, Chicago Blackhawks

There’s another Dach in the Windy City. The younger brother of Kirby, Colton, sniffed his first 25 games of NHL action with the Chicago Blackhawks last season after dominating the AHL in just his second professional season. With Chicago being the land of opportunities, the former 2021 62nd-overall pick is in a prime position to make the full-time jump to the team’s bottom-six.

Dach boasts a 6-foot-4 frame, which he uses to physically dictate play alongside a good shot and work ethic. Skating and processing issues will limit his upside at the next level, preventing him from reaching his brother’s peak, and a slump to end the season might also make the Hawks second-guess his NHL readiness. 

However, Dach is well-positioned, sitting as the 4C on the Blackhawks’ depth chart in THN’s 2025-26 Yearbook.

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Yankees’ Aaron Judge takes ‘good step forward’ towards potential outfield return

Aaron Judge has officially taken the next step in his throwing program. 

The Yankees star is still feeling the effects of the flexor strain suffered in his right arm earlier this season, but he was able to throw to bases for the first time on Sunday afternoon. 

Aaron Boone called it a good step, but Judge remains without a potential timeline for a return to the outfield as the team continues taking the cautious approach.

"He continues to improve," the skipper said. "As far as when, I don’t know -- the bottom line is we want to do this the right way. As much as he wants to be out there and we want him out there, we want to make sure we do everything to put ourselves in the best position to not reinjure this.

"So as the progression goes his body will tell us, but it was definitely another good step forward."

Judge landed on the IL on July 27, but he's been able to return to DH duties for the past 11 games. 

With him limited the oft-injured Giancarlo Stanton has been forced to slide into more of a regular outfield role for the first time since late in the 2023 season. 

Stanton has looked strong out there thus far, and Boone didn't rule out the possibility of the two splitting time when Judge is eventually ready to return to the field. 

"It'll come down to how does it look, how is he responding, how is he bouncing back each day," he said. "It may still be a shared thing, I think it's tough to answer that at this point." 

David Peterson can't escape sixth inning, bullpen stumbles in 4-3 loss to Braves

The Mets were unable to complete a three-game sweep of the Braves in Atlanta, losing Sunday's matchup by a score of 4-3. 

Here are the key takeaways...

-- The Braves broke through to take the lead in the bottom of the eighth inning against Gregory Soto. With a runner at first and two outs, Soto walked a hitter and hit another with a pitch, loading the bases for Jurickson Profar, who delivered with a bloop single to center, scoring a pair to put Atlanta up 4-2.

Prior to the inning, Tyrone Taylor, who entered the game as a pinch-runner, stayed in the game to play left, keeping Cedric Mullins in center. It’s no guarantee that Taylor would have caught the Profar bloop, but it at least raised questions about the defensive alignment.

-- The Mets had some chances late, but weren’t able to capitalize. In the seventh, Juan Soto worked a two-out walk to load the bases for Pete Alonso, but facing lefty Dylan Lee, Alonso grounded out harmlessly to third. Then, in the eighth, Brett Baty hit a high fly ball to right center that looked like it could possibly sail over the fence for a homer, but Michael Harris II somehow tracked it down and made the catch.

The Mets also put a couple of runners on in the ninth to put the tying run on base, and Soto came through with an RBI single to make it a one-run game, but Alonso and Jeff McNeil each popped out to end the game.

The top four in the Mets order -- Francisco Lindor, Soto, Alonso, and McNeil, went a combined 2-for-15, with both hits (singles) coming in the ninth inning.

-- Stay hot, Mark Vientos!

Starting at first base, Vientos smashed a two-run homer in the top off the second, sending a hanging Bryce Elder breaking ball into the seats. With the blast, Vientos homered in his third straight at-bat, and seems to be back in a groove at the plate. The Mets need to get production from outside of their “Big Four,” and a hot Vientos would go a long way.

-- David Peterson had a couple of rough starts earlier this month, but the lefty appeared to be locked in once again, looking like his All-Star self, at least in the early going.

After pitching 8.0 innings of one-run ball against the Washington Nationals his last time out, Peterson was dominant through five shutout innings, but things unraveled int he sixth. Peterson walked a pair of Braves to load the bases, and Sean Murphy capitalized with a two-run single to right, tying the game and ending Peterson's afternoon. Peterson went 5.2 innings, allowing two earned runs on five hits while striking out eight and walking four.

-- Atlanta starter Bryce Elder allowed the early two-run shot to Vientos, but outside of that brief hiccup, the righty had a nice day on the mound. Elder settled in and gave the Braves 6.0 strong innings, allowing just those two earned runs on three hits, striking out six and walking two.

-- A silver lining of the loss was that Brandon Nimmo was healthy enough to serve as a pinch-hitter in the ninth, though he flew out for the inning's first out. Before the game, Carlos Mendoza said there's a "good chance" that Nimmo is back in the starting lineup on Monday.

Game MVP

Profar, who had the game-winning hit in the eighth inning and also played solid defense in left.

Highlights

Upcoming schedule

The Mets return home to start a crucial three-game series against the Philadelphia Phillies on Monday night at 7:10 p.m. on SNY.

Kodai Senga will square off against lefty Cristopher Sanchez.

Six Former NHLers Living Incredible Lives After Hockey

Longtime NHL players have nearly endless options once they retire from the pro game.

Many former players transition into broadcasting or coaching roles. Sometimes, they join the front office of an NHL team and work their way upward.

That said, some paths stand out for being different or quite impressive. Here is a short list of six former NHL players who have taken on an interesting path beyond their careers.

Zdeno Chara

During his time in the NHL from 1997 to 2022, Zdeno Chara was one of the most feared defensemen in the league. At 6-foot-9, the Slovakian mutant dominated the ice from the back end.

However, when he retired from the NHL after the 2021-22 season, he continued his ways of being a physical force, but not on the ice. 

Chara has participated in a number of marathons following his retirement. He had run in multiple Boston marathons, the London marathon (six days after his second Boston marathon), and the New York marathon.

Most recently, the 48-year-old completed the Czech Republic Iron Man triathlon. The challenge consisted of a 1.2-mile swim, a 56-mile bike and a 13.1-mile run. He completed the triathlon in an impressive 4:56:47.

Zdeno Chara reacts to finishing the 2024 Boston Marathon. (Eric Canha-Imagn Images)

Joe Pavelski

Joe Pavelski, who retired from the NHL just last summer, wasted no time seeking glory in the next chapter of his life.

In mid-July, Pavelski participated in the American Century Championship, a celebrity golf tournament consisting of several athletes, actors, comedians and more. This was Pavelski’s ninth attempt at the championship in Edgewood Tahoe Resort, Nev.

The 41-year-old came close to winning the tournament several times in previous years, including a runner-up finish in 2024.

However, he finally took home the American Century Championship title, and in dramatic fashion. On the 18th hole, the former San Jose Sharks and Dallas Stars center connected on a walk-off eagle to win the tournament.

Chris Phillips

Chris Phillips holds the record for most games played by an Ottawa Senator. The former defenseman played 17 seasons for the Sens, but in the meantime, he opened up a brewery and restaurant.

In 2012, Big Rig Brewery was born and co-owned by Phillips. The Brewery is named after him – Big Rig was his nickname during his playing career.

Just one year later, Big Rig was recognized as the New Brewery of the Year in Ontario, awarded by the Ontario Brewing Awards.

In 2014, his brewery and restaurant became the fastest-growing microbrewery in Ottawa, according to the Ottawa Citizen

In addition to the quick success and demand for Big Rig beers, the company has an impressive resume when it comes to the quality of its product. In the 2016 Ontario Brewing Awards, Big Rig took home five medals, including four gold medals in the Hefeweizen, Dark IPA, Scotch Ale and Doppelbock categories.

Ken Dryden

Once a legendary goaltender for the Montreal Canadiens between 1970 and 1979, Ken Dryden took his talents to the House of Commons and became a member of Parliament, elected in 2004.

The six-time Stanley Cup champion was a member of several committees, including National Defence, Library of Parliament, Health, Human Resources, Social Development and the Status of Persons with Disabilities. Furthermore, he was a Minister of Social Development from 2004 to 2006.

In 2013, Dryden was made an officer of the Order of Canada, the highest level of distinction in the Canadian Honours System. He earned this status for his contributions to Canadian life as a hockey player, lawyer and public servant.

Stu Grimson

After 14 seasons in the NHL across seven different teams, Stu Grimson is spending his retirement as a lawyer

Grimson, known as ‘The Grim Reaper,’ has accumulated 2,113 penalty minutes during his NHL career. Following his retirement in 2003, the former enforcer returned to school, completing his undergraduate studies in economics and earning his law degree at the University of Memphis.

Since then, he’s worked as a labor lawyer for the NHLPA’s union and later became a defense attorney at Kay Griffin PLLC.

Now, Grimson is the vice president of business development for the company ‘ThirdHome’ and is a member of its corporate counsel.

In addition, he is a hockey analyst for the NHL Network, and has a biography book published called The Grim Reaper: The Life and Career of a Reluctant Warrior.

Randy Gregg

Randy Gregg, a former defenseman for the Edmonton Oilers and the Vancouver Canucks from 1982 to 1992, has transitioned into a physician

Gregg, now known as Dr. Gregg, is a primary care physician at the Lifemark Sport Institute in Edmonton. The Canadian-based company offers multidisciplinary rehabilitation services. 

Dr. Gregg specializes in evaluating sports-related injuries, specifically musculoskeletal injuries and has done so for over 25 years.

The former D-man played 474 games in the NHL, scoring 193 points while contributing to five Stanley Cup victories as a member of the Oilers.

Get the latest news and trending stories by following The Hockey News on Google News and by subscribing to The Hockey News newsletter here. And share your thoughts by commenting below the article on THN.com.

A sharp Suárez sets career-high in strikeouts, Phillies take series vs. Nats

A sharp Suárez sets career-high in strikeouts, Phillies take series vs. Nats originally appeared on NBC Sports Philadelphia

There may be no one on the Phillies who embodies the ebbs and flows of a 162-game baseball season better than pitcher Ranger Suarez. Because when he is on his game, he is simply spectacular. And because of that, when he’s a little off, it seems all that much worse.

Well, sit back and enjoy the goodness of Suarez because he appears to be in the middle of one his lights-out streaks.

The lefthander completely muffled the Washington Nationals Sunday at Citizens Bank Park and also muffled many who were starting to build a little anxiety over some inconsistent outings.

Suarez recorded a career-high 11 strikeouts in his seven innings of work and allowed just three hits as the Phillies beat the Nationals, 3-2. It was the second straight double-digit strikeout performance for Suarez, who had 10 in his win over the Seattle Mariners Monday.

“It was about getting ahead in the count and attacking the hitters early,” said Suarez. “Getting ahead of the count helps in getting a lot of chase because they think that any pitch can come through the strike zone. I’ve had great command of my pitches for the last two outings and I think that’s one of the keys that have made me have good starts.

“It’s about learning from the rough starts and lately I’ve been watching videos from the past starts before the last outing that I had and I didn’t think I was myself on the mound. It looked like I was battling myself on the mound. I think it’s just relaxing a little bit more and enjoying the game a little bit more.”

It’s more enjoyable for everyone when you consider the past two outings by Suarez has resulted in those 21 strikeouts, no walks and two wins.

It could have been a little easier for the Phillies, who chased Washington starter Jake Irvin after just 2 1/3 innings. But they left 10 on base throughout the game and never added on to the early 3-0 lead.

They got that thanks to backup catcher Rafael Marchán.

In the second he doubled home Nick Castellanos and Bryson Stott with two outs on a liner to right-center field. Then in the third, he coaxed a bases-loaded walk off reliever Shinnosuke Ogasawara on an eight-pitch at-bat.

The Nationals mounted a threat in the eighth inning when Jose Alvarado came in for the Phillies. He gave up a leadoff single to Brady House and proceeded to walk Robert Hassell III and Jacob Young. Thomson called for Tanner Banks out of the bullpen and he got a double-play ground out from James Wood, which scored a run, and a lazy flyout by CJ Abrams to end the inning.

“Huge,” said Thomson of Banks’ performance. “Alvy didn’t have it today. We were trying to get through the game without using Banks but we had to do it to win the ballgame. He did a heck of a job. He’s throwing more strikes, the slider’s better. A lot of confidence. He’s been huge for us.”

Orion Kerkering pitched the ninth, as normal closer Jhoan Duran had pitched the previous two games, and gave up a home run to Andres Chaparro before retiring the final two batters and helping the Phillies to their seventh win in their last nine games.

And it was enough to hold on for the win on Marchán’s big day.

“He does a lot of cage work for his offense,” said Thomson of Marchán. “It’s tough for him because he’s a switch-hitter and he has to do extra work from both sides. He does a lot of work with the catching coaches and he studies a lot. He was in his locker yesterday, when he wasn’t catching, and working a game plan for yesterday’s game even though he wasn’t catching. That’s how tuned in he is. I think part of it is just natural and part of it is that J.T. (Realmuto) has kind of groomed him a little bit. Big day today. All three of our RBIs, a couple of key blocks behind the plate. People don’t like to run on him because they know he can throw. For the fact that he doesn’t play everyday, that’s a tough thing to do. And he’s doing a great job of it.”

While the Phillies took two of three from Washington to improve their record to 76-54 and upped their lead in the NL East to seven games as the Mets lost to the Braves, they did see a streak come to an end.

Kyle Schwarber went 0-for-2 with a pair of walks. It snapped a streak of 15 consecutive series for Schwarber with a home run.

But the story Sunday was Suárez, who seems to be back to his early-season form as he upped his record to 10-6 and lowered his ERA to 3.07.

“The velocity has jumped up a little bit but so has the command,” said Thomson. “And that’s really the thing for him. When he can get the ball to his glove side he’s really effective. Everything else plays off of that. And that’s what he’s doing right now.

“I think it was probably just a little bit or normal fatigue that every pitcher, every starter goes through over the course of the year and it looks like he’s recovered.”

It sure does look that way.