Devils Sign Luke Glendening to a 1-Year Contract
On Oct. 7, the New Jersey Devils announced they signed Luke Glendening to a one-year, one-way contract for the 2025-26 season. He received an average annual value (AAV) of $775,000.…
Category Archives: Hockey News
Panthers Dominance Shines in 3-2 Win Over Blackhawks
The Chicago Blackhawks and the Florida Panthers squared off in the regular season opener in Sunrise, Florida, which aired on national television, no less (ESPN). The Panthers had their Stanley…
Golden Knights Ink Contract With Forward
LAS VEGAS -- On the eve of their season-opener against the Los Angeles Kings, the Golden Knights announced a contract signing
Not the one everyone has been anticipating - Jack Eichel's extension - however, as the team signed forward Alexander Holtz to a two-year contract through the 2026-27 season worth an average annual value of $837,500.
Holtz, 23, appeared in 53 games and registered 12 points (4 goals, 8 assists) for Vegas last season.
Holtz also saw action in Henderson, playing 16 games with the organization's AHL squad in nearby Henderson, the Silver Knights.
The forward recorded 13 points (7 goals, 6 assists) with the Silver Knights.
The Stockholm native has played in 163 NHL games during his career, posting 46 points (23 goals, 23 assists) with both Vegas and New Jersey combined.
Holtz - who was acquired by Vegas in June of 2024 from New Jersey, along with goaltender Akira Schmid - had a career-high 28 points (16 goals, 12 assists) in 82 NHL games with the Devils during the 2023-24 season.
Florida Panthers play tribute videos for former goaltender, popular superfan who passed away
The Florida Panthers honored a former goaltender and a longtime season ticket holder during Opening Night on Tuesday.
During the first TV timeout of the game, the Panthers honored current Chicago Blackhawks goalie Spencer Knight with a video going through some of the great times had during his tenue with the Cats.
Florida drafted Knight in the first round of the 2019 NHL Entry Draft.
He played the first 80 games of his career with the Panthers before being a key piece in a Trade Deadline deal that brought Seth Jones to South Florida.
Now, Knight is the goaltending backbone of the Blackhawks’ rebuild.
Panthers honor former goaltender Spencer Knight during the season’s first TV timeout. pic.twitter.com/kSfaVIu1ZD
— David Dwork (@DavidDwork) October 7, 2025
Later in the period during another TV timeout, Florida played a touching tribute video to fan Steve Elario.
A well-known yacht broker, Elario was extremely popular with Panthers fans for years.
Elario, with long silver hair and a big smile, resembled wrestling legend Ric Flair and every time the Panthers would put Elario on the jumbotron, it would elicit loud ‘WOOOs!’ from fans.
Sadly, Elario passed away in early September.
It was a touching moment inside Amerant Bank Arena as fans reacted to the tribute video with a chorus of ‘WOOs’ and cheers.
The Panthers also asked fans to come together for a collective ‘WOO’ after the tribute, and you can check out video of it in the X post below:
A touching tribute from the Panthers and their fans to Steve Elario, a massive Cats fan who sadly passed away last month.
— David Dwork (@DavidDwork) October 7, 2025
WOOOOO! pic.twitter.com/l7O4Xx7Y5R
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8 Bold Penguins' Predictions For The 2025-26 Season
In case you haven't heard, the Pittsburgh Penguins play hockey Tuesday night against the New York Rangers.
And that means the 2025-26 regular season is underway.
Well, we've already provided you with some regular predictions for the upcoming season, but what about some bold ones?
Are they realistic? Probably not. But, hey, they're not impossible, either.
Here are eight bold predictions for the 2025-26 season.
1. Erik Karlsson is in prime form and turns in a point-per-game season
Karlsson showed that he is still capable of being that game-changing, generationally talented offensive defenseman during the 4 Nations Face-off for Team Sweden last season. With another opportunity to vie for Team Sweden's roster on the line - Karlsson has not yet been named to Sweden's 2026 Olympic team - as well as the potential to be dealt to a Stanley Cup-contending team before the trade deadline, Karlsson has a lot to play for.
And I do believe Karlsson will be dealt to a contender at the deadline in the Carolina Hurricanes.
2025-26 Season Predictions: THN Penguins' EditionIt’s a new NHL season, and that means it’s time for a new THN - Pittsburgh Penguins season prediction piece!
2. Evgeni Malkin also returns to point-per-game this season and earns himself another contract
Malkin has not been point-per-game since the 2022-23 season, when he recorded 27 goals and 83 points. But, since then, he has also had a rotating carousel of linemates.
This season? That should not be the case. He's starting the season with Anthony Mantha and Justin Brazeau, but once Bryan Rust returns from injury and the kids - like Rutger McGroarty and Tristan Broz - start to populate the roster, he'll have the talent around him to give him that boost.
3. Ville Koivunen wins the Calder Trophy for Rookie of the Year
Demidov who?
It's hard to argue against Ivan Demidov taking home the Calder before the season even begins. But a full season of Koivunen alongside Sidney Crosby and Rickard Rakell?
Sure, his seven points in eight games to end the 2024-25 season is going to be hard to replicate, but if he's always next to Crosby or Malkin, why can't he replicate it? Why can't he sniff point-per-game alongside one of the greatest players of all time and one of the league's best goal-scorers?
After all, these are bold predictions... so let's shoot high!
Ville Koivunen's Rookie Year Starts On Sidney Crosby's WingPittsburgh Penguins forward Ville Koivunen will be on the top line for Tuesday's regular-season opener against the New York Rangers.
4. Sidney Crosby hits the 100-point mark for the first time since 2018-19
Crosby has been hovering around 90 points for what seems like forever, and recently, he's had slow starts to seasons.
Well, what if that slow start never happens this year? There's no reason to believe that the longest-tenured captain in NHL history can't make up 8-10 points in that time. And he'll have some young talent to play with this season, too.
Crosby Set To Tie Prestigious NHL Record This SeasonBy now, Pittsburgh Penguins' captain Sidney Crosby approaching NHL records is a relatively regular occurrence.
5. Ben Kindel stays the entire season and registers more than 40 points
Many - myself included - have rookie defenseman Harrison Brunicke outlasting his nine-game NHL trial and Kindel going back to the Calgary Hitmen of the WHL after his.
Kindel already surprised everyone by his performance in training camp. Why can't he do it again?
Hey, never say never. I'd say it would require Kindel blowing everyone out of the water during his nine games in order to be kept around.
I say he blows everyone out of the water.
Top Prospects Brunicke, Kindel Confirmed To Make NHL Debuts In Penguins' Season OpenerEven though rosters were trimmed to 23 on Saturday, there was no guarantee that the Pittsburgh Penguins were going to carry those exact 23 players into their season opener against former head coach Mike Sullivan and the New York Rangers at Madison Square Garden on Tuesday.
6. Sergei Murashov is the starting goaltender by season's end
To be honest, I'm not really even sure that this is a "bold" take. But, it's a take nonetheless, and we'll run with it.
Murashov, 21, was the best goaltender in Penguins' training camp. He also dominated the AHL level last season. Arturs Silovs is slated to start game one for the Penguins against the New York Rangers. Tristan Jarry was waived last season and will likely have a short leash.
If Murashov dominates the AHL again - and one of the NHL goaltenders falters - how long before Murashov simply takes the net for himself?
My bet is that it happens this season. Murashov is the real deal.
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7. Harrison Brunicke is the top-pair right defenseman by season's end
If Karlsson is dealt at the deadline - and Brunicke stays the entire season - it's reasonable to suggest that he will be the best defenseman on the Penguins' roster at that point, even if that bar is low.
Of course, Kris Letang is the best defenseman in Penguins' history and could very well have himself a bounceback campaign. But, it's possible that Brunicke - although young and unrefined - will have an even better season.
Bold? Maybe. But, with Karlsson out of the picture, it's certainly not impossible.
8. The kids will push the Penguins into the playoffs
Ah, the "P" word.
That may make some Penguins' fans quake in their boots given the shiny prize for the winner of the draft lottery next summer. But, if the Penguins' roster truly does go young - and the Penguins can acquire a young left defenseman or see a decent one emerge in their system - how far can the kids take them?
There is talent in the system. Murashov, Koivunen, Brunicke, and McGroarty could all be on the roster at some point this season, and they're not the only ones. This team is a better one with the kids on it, and - maybe, just maybe - they can provide enough of a spark to squeak this team into a wild spot.
For better or for worse, of course.
Dan Muse And Mike Sullivan Set To Begin New Chapters On Opposite SidesThe Pittsburgh Penguins will open their 2025-26 campaign against the New York Rangers on Tuesday night, and the game will hold extra significance for the head coaches on both sides.
Bookmark THN - Pittsburgh Penguins on your Google News tab to follow the latest Penguins news, roster moves, player features, and more!
As Opening Night In The NHL Approaches, The ECHL Is Well-Represented On Opening Rosters
Apr 17, 2024; Tempe, Arizona, USA; Edmonton Oilers assistant coach Glen Gulutzan against the Arizona Coyotes at Mullett Arena. Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
The 2025-26 NHL regular season is finally here, with Opening Night on Tuesday.
Final rosters for all 32 teams were submitted Monday. The ECHL has 60 players on NHL opening-day rosters, marking the 24th season in a row with more than 50 former ECHL players in that category.
The Premier ‘AA’ Hockey League, the ECHL has a player or coach on each of the 32 teams and has affiliations with 30 of the 32 teams in the NHL, marking the 29th consecutive season that the league has had affiliations with at least 20 teams in the NHL.
There are 57 coaches with an ECHL background working behind the benches of teams in the NHL including Colorado Avalanche head coach Jared Bednar, Dallas Stars head coach Glen Gulutzan, San Jose Sharks head coach Ryan Warsofsky, Vegas Golden Knights head coach Bruce Cassidy and Washington Capitals head coach Spencer Carbery. All previously were ECHL head coaches.
In addition, Nashville Predators head coach Andrew Brunette is a former ECHL player. It is the 15th consecutive season that there have been 30 or more coaches with an ECHL background working in the NHL.
Last season, Carbery became the third former ECHL coach to win the Jack Adams as NHL Coach of the Year, joining Cassidy (2019-20) and Bruce Boudreau (2007-08).
In the 2022-23 season, Cassidy became the third former ECHL head coach to lead his team to a Stanley Cup title, joining Laviolette (Carolina, 2006) and Bednar (Colorado, 2022).
In 2021-22, Bednar became the first coach to lead teams to championships in the ECHL (South Carolina, 2009), AHL (Lake Erie, 2016) and NHL (Colorado, 2022).
Oilers’ Top Trade Assets to Win Now Before McDavid Leaves
The Edmonton Oilers have signed Connor McDavid to a two-year extension, meaning that they have three seasons before he is set to become a free agent. While there is no…
Predicting The NHL's 2025-26 Stanley Cup Champion
The NHL’s 2025-26 regular season is underway, so it’s a perfect time to make a stand and put out this writer’s pre-season prediction of who will make the Stanley Cup final – and who will win.
Earlier this summer, we made our predictions for who would win their respective divisions this year:
- Atlantic Division
- Metropolitan Division
- Central Division
- Pacific Division
Now, we’re making an educated guess as to which two teams will win their conference and who will win the 2026 Stanley Cup championship.
Eastern Conference champion: Toronto Maple Leafs
Western Conference champion: Colorado Avalanche
Stanley Cup champion: Colorado Avalanche
The Breakdown: For our conference final winners, we’re going with two teams that didn’t make it out of the second round last season. But in today’s parity-filled NHL, it’s entirely possible that a team can struggle one season and then go on a long playoff run the next.
With that in mind, we think the Maple Leafs will have unheard-of modern-day success in the post-season this year.
With the Florida Panthers suffering major injuries to star forwards Aleksander Barkov and Matthew Tkachuk, the door is wide open for Toronto to repeat as Atlantic Division champions.
Now that Toronto GM Brad Treliving has changed the makeup of his team with the additions of gritty forwards Nicolas Roy and Dakota Joshua, the Leafs are much better built for playoff hockey than they were in the Mitch Marner Era.
The Maple Leafs' odds of winning the Eastern Conference are 8.50 (+750) on BetMGM. Their odds of winning the Cup are `17.00 (+1600).
In the Western Conference, the Avalanche have failed to get beyond the second round in the last three seasons since they won a Cup in 2022. But last season’s seven-game first-round loss to the Dallas Stars could’ve gone either way, and Colorado’s experience, superstar power and tremendous depth will serve the Avs well this season as they try to navigate their way through Western powerhouses in Dallas, Edmonton and Vegas.
The Avalanche have the in-house know-how to power them through three playoff rounds and into the Cup final. So long as they stay healthy, the Avs have what it takes to win the fourth Cup in franchise history. Having a full year with veteran forwards Gabriel Landeskog and Brock Nelson will help Colorado earn home-ice advantage next spring – a feat the Avalanche couldn’t muster this past year, but a crucial element that they’re likely to benefit from this season.
The Avalanche have 5.25 (+425) odds of winning the West and 9.50 (+850) odds of winning the Cup on BetMGM.
Why The NHL's Stanley Cup Favorites Could Or Couldn't WinEntering a new NHL season, all 32 teams begin with the same record, but each of them has different goals.
If the Maple Leafs do win their first three rounds, their key players will be experiencing the Cup final for the first time.
Toronto has indeed added players with Cup-winning experience – including center Nicolas Roy, left winger Steven Lorentz, defenseman Oliver Ekman-Larsson and goaltender Anthony Stolarz.
But the difference between the Leafs and Avalanche is that Colorado’s core star players – Landeskog, center Nathan MacKinnon and defensemen Cale Makar and Devon Toews – all know what it takes to win a championship.
You can’t say the same about Maple Leafs stars Auston Matthews, William Nylander and John Tavares, and that’s why we’re ultimately going with the Avs beating the Leafs in the Cup final.
Leafs fans will be thrilled if Toronto wins three rounds next spring, but that may make it all the more painful if they fail to finish the job and once again don’t come away with a Cup win. Still, a long Leafs run will feel like manna from heaven for Leafs Nation.
It’s nearly impossible for teams to repeat as Cup champs – a fact that makes the Panthers a major long shot to do that for the third straight season. The door is open for a different Cup winner this year, and you can do much worse than putting your chips behind the Leafs to win the East and the Avalanche to win the West and the Cup final.
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Panthers raise 2025 Stanley Cup Champions banner on Opening Night
Opening Night of the 2025-26 NHL season began Tuesday in South Florida.
That’s where the league’s back-to-back defending champions reside, and where a celebration of sorts was held prior to the start of the new season.
Tuesday at Amerant Bank Arena, the Florida Panthers, for the second time in as many years, raised a Stanley Cup Champions banner to the rafters.
The ceremony was not anything particularly special, which is perfectly fine.
Florida’s players skated onto the ice, followed by alternate captain Aaron Ekblad, who was carrying the Stanley Cup.
With the players lined up along the blue line, the 2025 Stanley Cup Champions banner went up.
For the night, it’ll hang right above Sergei Bobrovsky’s goal crease.
By Thursday night, when Florida hosts the Philadelphia Flyers, it should be in its new permanent location, a couple parking spots down from the team’s 2024 Stanley Cup Champions banner.
Below you can see a video of the ceremony:
Panthers raise their second Stanley Cup Championship banner pic.twitter.com/INvRHprLhn
— David Dwork (@DavidDwork) October 7, 2025
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Ex-Devils First-Rounder Signs New Deal With Vegas
The Vegas Golden Knights have announced that they have re-signed former New Jersey Devils forward Alexander Holtz to a two-year contract that comes with an average annual value (AAV) of $837,500.
Holtz was still a restricted free agent (RFA) with the 2025-26 regular season just about here. Yet, the Golden Knights have now gotten him signed with this cheap bridge deal.
✍️ The Golden Knights have signed Alexander Holtz to a two-year contract!! 🙌 #VegasBornhttps://t.co/3b7ptO3AbZ
— Vegas Golden Knights (@GoldenKnights) October 7, 2025
Holtz was traded by the Devils with goaltender Akira Schmid to the Vegas Golden Knights this past off-season in exchange for forward Paul Cotter. Holtz is coming off a bit of a quiet year with the Golden Knights, as he recorded four goals, eight assists, and a minus-3 rating in 53 games. This was after he set career highs with 16 goals, 12 assists, and 28 points in 82 games with the Devils in 2023-24.
Holtz was selected by the Devils with the seventh-overall pick of the 2020 NHL Entry Draft. In 110 games over three seasons with the Devils, the former top prospect posted 19 goals, 15 assists, and 34 points.
Holtz will now look to put together a breakout season with the Golden Knights after signing this new two-year contract from here.