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.

With that said, this article is part of a "Know Your Enemy" series focused on the Sabres' opponenets next season. Team-by-team, we've broken down how Buffalo has fared against every franchise, and finished by offering a guesstimate as to how they'll play against them this coming season.

We've moved through the Atlantic, Metropoitan and Central Divisions, and in today's file, we're looking at the Calgary Flames. The Flames narrowly missed the playoffs last season, and the Flames have made few changes -- something that's either an endorsement of the roster by GM Craig Conroy, or there's no other legitimate alternatives out there on the trade market. So the Flames may be a stronger team if their young players evolve into above-average talent. But for now, it's safe to say Buffalo should be getting at least three of four points against Calgary when they do square off next season.

BUFFALO SABRES VS. CALGARY FLAMES

NEW FLAMES PLAYERS: Ivan Prosvetov, G; Nick Cicek, D

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

2025-26 GAMES AGAINST EACH OTHER:  November 19 at Buffalo; December 8 at Calgary 

CAN THE SABRES BEAT THIS TEAM?  The Sabres beat the Flames in their first game last season in a shootout win for Buffalo, but Calgary avenged the loss with a convincing victory in regulation time. Thus, the Flames came away with more standings points than the Sabres did in their series last season. That's something Buffalo can ill afford to do this time around as they try to secure a playoff spot.

And all things considered, the Sabres should be dominating this series at this point in the competitive trajectories of both teams. Calgary has some promising young talent, but as we all should know by now, progress is not linear, and the Flames' youngsters may not deliver elite-level performances anytime soon.

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.

To be sure, Calgary has some solid components compiled by Conroy. He's set some of the foundation for the Flames, and he deserves credit for that. But it still feels like this Calgary team doesn't have the high-end horses to run with Pacific rivals including the Vegas Golden Knights, Edmonton Oilers and Vancouver Canucks. And that's why few pundits will choose the Flames as a playoff team next season. They may have a bigger push in them, but we see no reason why they're locks to be in the post-season next year.

So yes, that's a team that the Sabres absolutely need to handle in their limited action next season. And the two teams will battle over the course of approximately three weeks starting in mid-November, so Buffalo will have to be resilient and determined if they're going to at least win one game and push a second game to overtime or the shootout. 

The Sabres finished 2024-25 twelve points out of the playoffs, so they'll need to improve on many series next season, the series against Calgary included. And If the Flames do wind up winning both games against Calgary next year -- -- especially in regulation time -- it could be disastrous for Buffalo's post-season hopes.

Know Your Enemy, Sabres Central Edition: Are Winnipeg Jets Too Good To Lose To Buffalo?The Buffalo Sabres are facing a massive amount of pressure to end their 14-year Stanley Cup playoff drought next season. But if they're to do so, they're going to need to win the majority of series they play against every NHL team. And that includes taking on top-tier teams like the Central Division-champion Winnipeg Jets.

The line between making and missing the playoffs is thinner than ever at hockey's top level. Teams like the Sabres simply cannot afford to be swept by any team, and you'd better believe Buffalo management is actutely aware of that reality. The Sabres are better than the Flames on paper, and they ought to be expected to be better than Calgary on the ice as well..

And if Buffalo has a letdown against the Flames, all their hard work the rest of the year could be for naught. 

The Edmonton Oilers are entering a make-or-break season, and the buzz is already building. Who earns a roster spot, which veterans could be moved, and what’s the plan if goaltending falters?

From Connor McDavid’s contract to trade chatter, here’s your weekly deep dive into everything Oilers. This week’s Final Period Friday (the first in a new series) digs into the biggest stories of the week. 

Mattias Janmark on the Bubble

Mattias Janmark could find his spot on the Edmonton Oilers roster in jeopardy. After a 2024-25 season where his role diminished,  Allan Mitchell of The Athletic writes that Janmark may face competition from prospects like Noah Philp.

The scribe explains:

One player who may be vulnerable is Mattias Janmark. He may lose his roster spot to Noah Philp during training camp. Philp is a right-shooting centre who would have great utility on the roster. The fact Janmark is still ahead of him owes in part to Philp’s poor faceoff winning percentage last season.

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Janmark’s future in Edmonton may hinge on his performance in camp and his ability to reclaim trust from the coaching staff.  He's already been linked in trade talks as the Oilers try to find some additional cap space. This could be a long season for the depth forward. 

Janmark, a veteran with nearly 600 NHL games, may need to demonstrate that he can still contribute in key situations. If he doesn't, the Oilers could move him in a cap dump trade. 

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Goaltending Fork in the Road

The Oilers enter 2025-26 with familiar faces in net, Stuart Skinner and Calvin Pickard, but their crease remains a point of concern. Mitchell also noted that fans should anticipate either a Stanley Cup-caliber season with the current tandem or a complete mid-season overhaul.

Related: Could Marc-Andre Fleury Be the Oilers' Mid-Season Secret Weapon?

The situation in Edmonton could resemble what the Colorado Avalanche executed in 2024-25- moving out both of their netminders and bringing in two new goaltenders.

The organization has little patience for inconsistency. If Skinner or Pickard falter, management could aggressively pursue trades or free-agent options to ensure a reliable playoff-ready goalie.

Trade Speculation: Debrincat vs Ekholm

A wild and hypothetical trade idea was posted this week, linking the Oilers and Detroit Red Wings in what was deemed a blockbuster move. 

The proposed deal would see the Oilers acquire winger Alex DeBrincat.. In exchange, they would send defensemen Mattias Ekholm and Beau Akey to Detroit, along with a couple of draft picks. The trade suggestion was immediately torn apart by readers and commenters who saw the post. 

The idea of DeBrincat sounds intriguing, but his cap hit and no-trade clause make a deal improbable. Not to mention,  moving Ekholm would weaken Edmonton’s defensive depth, which has been praised this off-season as one of the best in the NHL.

PTO Rumors and Free-Agent Watch

It's about that time in the summer when teams start looking at unsigned free agents and wondering if any would make for good tryout (PTO) candidates. For players that have gone unsigned, if they haven't been contacted about a contract by an NHL team, a PTO is one of their few options to earn a roster spot for the upcoming season.

The Oilers have been connected to multiple professional tryouts, including forwards and goalies. Names like Klim Kostin, Ilya Samsonov, Max Pacioretty, and Alexandar Georgiev have surfaced, even though there has been no official link to these players.

McDavid Contract Update

Connor McDavid has yet to sign an extension, but that doesn't mean it's time to panic. NHL insider Frank Seravalli suggests there's little to worry about as negotiations are in early stages, with no numbers exchanged.

Who’s Really Sweating in Edmonton Over McDavid?Edmonton Oilers fans might want to take a deep breath before starting any “panic threads” about Connor McDavid’s contract.

McDavid has had a busy summer on the personal side of things, and he's likely just not gotten into the mindset where he needs to have the contract conversation yet.  Once he gets to that point, a deal could happen quickly.

His extension remains a top priority for the organization.

Trade-Protection Challenges

After being a point of conversation when the off-season first began, there's been little mention of the players who chose to embrace the right to use their no-trade clauses and decline a trade out of Edmonton. 

That doesn't mean these no-trade clauses won't be a factor later in the season.

Discussions with veterans like Darnell Nurse and Adam Henrique revealed that they aren't thinking about going anywhere. That either changes as their roles on the team do in 2025-26, or the Oilers get handcuffed by a lack of financial space to make trade deadline moves.

Bookmark The Hockey News Edmonton Oilers team site to never miss the latest news, game-day coverage, and more.   Add us to your Google News favourites, and never miss a story.

After retiring as a player following the 2024-25 season, former New Jersey Devils forward Pat Maroon is already beginning his coaching career. 

The Muskegon Lumberjacks of the United States Hockey League (USHL) have announced that they have hired Maroon as an assistant coach. 

The Muskegon Lumberjacks are thrilled to announce the addition of 3x Stanley Cup Champion, Pat Maroon, to the Coaching Staff!

For more information https://t.co/xCD2PnciPnpic.twitter.com/7vlocrTarK

— Muskegon Lumberjacks (@MuskegonJacks) August 15, 2025

It is always cool to see former NHL players become coaches, and Maroon is just the latest to follow the trend. This is a good opportunity for him to gain some coaching experience and continue to stay involved in the game in the process. 

With the USHL being a league focused on player development, Maroon should be a nice addition to the Lumberjacks' bench. The former Devil, of course, won three Stanley Cups during his NHL career and was well-respected by teammates because of his motivating skills.

Maroon was acquired by the Devils from the Edmonton Oilers at the 2018 NHL trade deadline. In 17 regular-season games with the Devils that campaign, the gritty winger recorded three goals, 10 assists, 13 points, 31 hits, and a minus-4 rating. During five playoff games with the Devils that year, he scored one goal. 

Maroon's time in New Jersey ended during the 2018 NHL off-season when he signed a one-year contract with the St. Louis Blues. 

Devils Interesting Forward Is Big X-FactorAfter getting back into the playoffs this past season, the New Jersey Devils are going to be looking to take another step in the right direction in 2025-26. For this to occur, they are going to need their top players to be on their A-game, and this certainly includes forward Dawson Mercer.

After retiring as a player following the 2024-25 season, former New Jersey Devils forward Pat Maroon is already beginning his coaching career. 

The Muskegon Lumberjacks of the United States Hockey League (USHL) have announced that they have hired Maroon as an assistant coach. 

The Muskegon Lumberjacks are thrilled to announce the addition of 3x Stanley Cup Champion, Pat Maroon, to the Coaching Staff!

For more information https://t.co/xCD2PnciPnpic.twitter.com/7vlocrTarK

— Muskegon Lumberjacks (@MuskegonJacks) August 15, 2025

It is always cool to see former NHL players become coaches, and Maroon is just the latest to follow the trend. This is a good opportunity for him to gain some coaching experience and continue to stay involved in the game in the process. 

With the USHL being a league focused on player development, Maroon should be a nice addition to the Lumberjacks' bench. The former Devil, of course, won three Stanley Cups during his NHL career and was well-respected by teammates because of his motivating skills.

Maroon was acquired by the Devils from the Edmonton Oilers at the 2018 NHL trade deadline. In 17 regular-season games with the Devils that campaign, the gritty winger recorded three goals, 10 assists, 13 points, 31 hits, and a minus-4 rating. During five playoff games with the Devils that year, he scored one goal. 

Maroon's time in New Jersey ended during the 2018 NHL off-season when he signed a one-year contract with the St. Louis Blues. 

Devils Interesting Forward Is Big X-FactorAfter getting back into the playoffs this past season, the New Jersey Devils are going to be looking to take another step in the right direction in 2025-26. For this to occur, they are going to need their top players to be on their A-game, and this certainly includes forward Dawson Mercer.

The Buffalo Sabres should be in the market for an impact top-six forward after dealing winger JJ Peterka to the Utah Mammoth for defenseman Michael Kesselring and winger Josh Doan. The opening weeks of free agency did not provide GM Kevyn Adams with an opportunity to replace Peterka’s production, and with the two-year deal signed last month with defenseman Bowen Byram, Adams will have to try to acquire a scoring forward with younger players, prospects, and/or draft picks. With just over a month before training camp, the odds are that an addition like that will have to happen during the season. 

Alexis Lafreniere has been a name consistently floated in trade rumors over the last year, especially after signing a seven-year extension with the New York Rangers following a career-high 28-goal season and an excellent playoffs. The former #1 overall pick was rushed to the NHL at 19 years old, but has shown flashes of being a top-end, top-six winger, as he did in the spring of 2024, when he scored eight goals in 16 playoff games to help New York reach the Eastern Conference Final.  

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Six Former Sabres Who Signed Elsewhere

Rangers GM Chris Drury has dealt a number of mainstays in the last 12 months, including team captain Jacob Trouba, defensemen Ryan Lindgren, and K’Andre Miller, and former second overall pick Kaapo Kakko. New York is attempting to reset under new head coach Mike Sullivan, but if the struggles of last season continue, Drury may be shopping star winger Artemi Panarin if he cannot get the 33-year-old re-signed, and possibly moving Lafreniere if he does not perform up to expectations. 

What Would It Cost?

Lafreniere has a number of traits that the Sabres undoubtedly are looking for. His contract does not have any no-trade protection for the next two seasons, which has been a roadblock for Adams in the past in trades, and he is signed for the next seven seasons at a $7.45 million AAV, which, with the increasing cap, is not a crippling number. It is likely that the Rangers are looking for help on the blueline, with the recent departures of Trouba, Lindgren, and Miller, even though they brought in former Sabre Will Borgen and signed veteran Vladislav Gavrikov. 

Owen Power’s name might be floated, but it is hard to imagine that the Sabres would make that swap one-for-one, and perhaps would try to steer the Rangers towards a deal involving Bowen Byram instead. 

 

Follow Michael on X, Instagram, and Bluesky @MikeInBuffalo

One year ago, Travis Hamonic and Jacob Bernard-Docker were jostling for position on the right side of Ottawa’s blue line. Both were hoping to cement a role in the bottom pairing alongside Tyler Kleven. But by the time the March trade deadline rolled around, the full-time spot had been won by surprise American Hockey League call-up Nikolas Matinpalo.

Hamonic was the odd man out, getting a lot of press box time down the stretch, while JBD was out completely, traded at the deadline to the Buffalo Sabres.

Fast forward to today, and the two former Senators are back on the same side, this time wearing the winged wheel. The Detroit Red Wings have signed Hamonic to a one-year, $1 million deal, reuniting him with Bernard-Docker, who also inked a one-year free agent contract with Detroit earlier this summer.

Last season was a turbulent one for both players. Bernard-Docker overcame a serious leg injury at practice early in the season and thought he might find a new opportunity with the Sabres. But they healthy-scratched him for over two weeks after he arrived. He played the final 15 games in Buffalo, but the Sabres chose not to re-sign him.

Hamonic did a bit of everything here last season. He started in the bottom pair, then got some top-four minutes after an early injury to Artem Zub. Hamonic had more healthy scratches than any veteran pro would like, but he always made himself available to the team's young defenders, particularly during the rookie seasons of Jake Sanderson and Tyler Kleven.

It quickly became clear after the Senators’ 2024-25 season ended that Hamonic wouldn’t be part of the club’s future plans. The team immediately re-signed Matinpalo to a two-year deal, brought former first-rounder Lassi Thomson back from Sweden, and traded for L.A. Kings defenseman Jordan Spence at the draft. With that logjam on the right side, including former first-rounder Carter Yakemchuk pressing for NHL work, Hamonic’s exit was inevitable.

'Plan B': Ottawa Senators Owner Signs Three-Year AHL Extension With City Of BellevilleOttawa Senators owner Michael Andlauer and the City of Belleville have confirmed a three-year lease extension to at least the end of the 2029-2030 season. In effect, since Andlauer owns both versions of the Senators, the extension also applies to the NHL-AHL affiliation between the two clubs.

When asked about his season at the year-end media availability in May, the classy veteran took the high road and didn't dwell on any of the negatives.

"I just, quite frankly, tried to do whatever was needed from me and whatever was asked," Hamonic said. "And I kind of played a little bit of everything this year, I think, a little bit of different roles here and there. And just tried to do that as best I could and have as much fun as I could with it. Because we are blessed to play this game and do what I do for a living.

"So I just tried to show up with a smile on my face and let the chips fall where they may every day."

It's not remotely a stretch to suggest that Hamonic fell out of favour with parts of the Ottawa fan base and faced some pointed criticism, which he openly addressed when asked about it in his final session with the local media.

"Everyone is entitled to their own opinion, and it is what it is. Early on in my career, I was told that you're never as good as they say you are and you're never as bad as they say you are. I was showing up every day and putting my head down and just going to work and doing whatever I could.

Senators Announce French Radio Broadcast Rights, Will TSN 1200 Renew English Rights?The Ottawa Senators have a new French radio partner. They announced today that 104.7 FM Outaouais will carry games in French for the coming season. It's a three-year deal that includes all pre-season, regular season and post-season games.

"The people that didn't like my play or don't like me, or whatever the case may be, they're part of our fan base too. And I went out there and put that jersey on for three and a half years and played my butt off for that fan base. I would have done whatever I had to do.

"They're allowed their opinion but I try to choose more positivity than the negativity, and I don't necessarily sense a good reason to knock people down all the time. I don't get that. But it is what it is."

Hamonic, who turns 35 on Saturday, also made no secret of the fact that he and his family loved living in Ottawa and that he fully intended to keep the door open to continuing his NHL career.

He now heads for Motown after three and a half seasons in the capital, posting a combined 37 points in 201 games for the Senators. Known for his shot-blocking, work ethic, and leadership, he brought a veteran presence to the Sens room with over 900 career NHL games with the Islanders, Flames, Canucks, and Senators.

But with Claude Giroux, David Perron, Lars Eller, and Nick Jensen, the Sens have probably filled their roster quota in the veteran, 35 and over category.

By Steve Warne 
The Hockey News - Ottawa

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Brady Tkachuk Adds To His Father's Comments About The Future
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Former Senator Mark Borowiecki Now 'Looks At Fighting From A Different Lens'
Next NHL Expansion Fee May Be 40 Times More Than The Ottawa Senators Paid
Is The Senators' 2025-26 Lineup Is Already Set?

The NHL officially announced the Los Angeles Kings’ official schedule for the 2025-26 season about a month ago, and now the season tickets are also available to purchase. 

We already know the Kings will be playing the Colorado Avalanche on Opening Night, and in their first 11 games of the season, eight will be on the road. 

But, now that all the dates and promotional games were also announced a few weeks ago, here’s a look at five games Kings fans should be most excited about for in the 2025-26 season. 

TICKETS 𝘣𝘺 𝘓𝘈 𝘒𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘴

Available now: https://t.co/PiUcpHOvMppic.twitter.com/f03sKwJBpX

— Bailey LA Kings (@BaileyLAKings) August 15, 2025

Kings vs. Colorado Avalanche, October 7

Opening Night is like no other. The Kings will host their 2025-26 home opener against one of the top teams in the NHL, the Colorado Avalanche. 

The opening faceoff will be a playoff-like atmosphere, featuring special pregame ceremonies and fan giveaways. Guests Nathan MacKinnon and Cale Makar make this an instant early-season test for L.A.

Kings vs. Vegas Golden Knights, January 14

Two of the L.A.'s beloved teams clash — at least in a metaphoric way — on Dodgers Night as the Kings host the Vegas Golden Knights. The fans have in store for unusual Dodgers-themed Kings gear, giveaways, and playoff-like passion on the ice. 

The Kings and the Knights have developed one of the most bitter rivalries in the Pacific Division, and adding an extra special theme night has made this game all the more special.

Kings vs. Edmonton Oilers, April 11

Connor McDavid in town is must-see hockey. The Oilers have been the Kings' playoff roadblocks in the last four seasons, and this is the last time they will meet in the regular season, which could have mammoth postseason ramifications. 

It’s also a promotional game and theme night,  with Fan & Season Ticket Member Appreciation Night, presented by True Classic. Puck drop is set for 1:00 PM, and the first 10,000 fans through the doors will receive a commemorative felt pennant. 

Kings vs. Philadelphia Flyers, March 19

Celebrate hockey, community, and culture as the Kings host Armenian Heritage Night at Crypto.com Arena. The unique night will feature exclusive in-arena programming in celebration of Armenian culture, plus a ticket package including a hockey jersey for a Philadelphia Flyers vs. Kings game that features an Armenian Heritage Kings jersey. With the 7:30 PM faceoff, the game is set to be both meaningful and memorable to fans.

Kings vs. Florida Panthers, November 6

The Kings will host the Panthers, who are the two-time defending champs, winning the last two Stanley Cups against the Oilers. It will also be a theme night where both teams will be honoring and celebrating heroes in our community. 

This special evening will feature tributes throughout the game as the Kings face the Florida Panthers, one of the league’s toughest teams. Puck drops at 7:30 PM, making it a perfect midweek night to support a great cause and enjoy top-tier hockey.