24 Nashville Predators in 24 days: Adam Wilsby

Is it October yet? 

Unfortunately, no, but we're here to help pass the time. From Aug. 8 to Sept. 1, The Hockey News Nashville Predators will be counting down 24 players in 24 days, profiling every current or potentially rostered player. 

Today's player profile is defenseman Adam Wilsby. 

As an NHL Prospect 

Wilsby was drafted by the Nashville Predators 101st overall in the 2020 draft out of Skellefteå AIK in HockeyAllsvenskan, Sweden's second-highest hockey league. In his draft year, he scored 30 points in 41 games. 

He was one of three defensemen selected in that year's draft which included Luke Prokop (73rd overall) and Luke Reid (166th overall). 

Professional career 

Milwaukee Admirals defenseman Adam Wilsby (58) carries the puck up the ice toward the goal in a shootout during a Milwaukee Admirals practice open to season ticket holders Wednesday, October 16, 2024, at the UW-Milwaukee Panther Arena in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Dave Kallmann / Milwaukee Journal Sentinel / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

After getting drafted by the Predators, Wilsby spent two more seasons with Skellefteå AIK in the Swedish League. His numbers declined slightly from when he was playing in HockeyAllsvenskan, tallying 18 points in the 2020-21 season and 17 points in the 2021-22 season. 

At the end of the 2021-22 season, he joined the Milwaukee Admirals, playing in three playoff games.

Wilsby was specifically in Milwaukee until last season, when he made his debut with the Predators against the Philadelphia Flyers on Nov. 27. He scored his first NHL point against the Toronto Maple Leafs on December 4.  

Last season he totaled five points in 23 games logging six penalty minutes. 

What role will he play this season 

Dec 17, 2024; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Nashville Predators defenseman Adam Wilsby (83) celebrates his goal against the New York Rangers during the third period at Bridgestone Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images

Wilsby's training camp will be crucial in determining whether the Predators want to keep him in Nashville.

He seemed like he was becoming a regular last season after getting called up in November, but suffered an upper-body injury that ended his season. Wilsby had a plus/minus of three, the best on the roster last year, but really wasn't producing much. 

However, it seemed like the Predators liked what they saw from Wilsby as he spent three months up in Nashville. Coaching staff could have a preset place for him ahead of camp. 

Considering the additions of Nic Hague and Nick Perbix, the only likely openings on the defense are going to be in the third pairing. 

 

NHL 26 Trailer Features Mitch Marner Shooting On Maple Leafs — Does He Score?

The time of year has arrived when Electronic Arts teases the latest installment of its popular hockey video game series. On Thursday, the company dropped a two-minute trailer for NHL ’26 — and, as expected, they slipped in shots of players sporting their new teams’ jerseys.

One of those moments shows Mitch Marner in a fresh Vegas Golden Knights sweater, firing a shot on goal against his former team, the Toronto Maple Leafs. Marner left Toronto this summer after nine seasons with his hometown club, signing an eight-year, $96 million deal following a sign-and-trade to Vegas on June 30.

Some fans were quick to claim that Marner scores in the trailer, but the footage is far from conclusive. The clip cuts right after his shot, showing no crowd or player reaction. He’ll have a real chance to test that storyline when the Golden Knights face the Leafs in a pair of January matchups. Marner is coming off a career-best 102 points in the 2024–25 season, including 27 goals.

The trailer also gave Leafs fans something to cheer about. In one clear clip, star forward William Nylander buries a goal against the Boston Bruins — complete with crowd shots and Nylander’s energetic celebration.

NHL ’26 launches September 12 for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S. Unfortunately, there’s no version planned for the new Nintendo Switch 2, so portable hockey fans will have to wait.

Ranking The NHL’s Best Media Meals While Covering The Maple Leafs Part 4: Top 8 RevealedRanking The NHL’s Best Media Meals While Covering The Maple Leafs Part 4: Top 8 RevealedWelcome the fourth and final installment of the ultimate NHL Media Meal rankings. This is the moment you've all been waiting for. You know which meals are the worst and which ones are right in the middle. But what about the top eight in the NHL? Which places go above and beyond. It's time for the full reveal. Nicolas Roy Ready for Top-Six Role With Maple Leafs Whenever Called UponNicolas Roy Ready for Top-Six Role With Maple Leafs Whenever Called UponWhile the Toronto Maple Leafs continue their search for a top-six forward ahead of the 2025–26 NHL season, newly acquired center Nicolas Roy could help fill the gap in the meantime. Two-Time Stanley Cup Winner Kyle Clifford Retires, Joins Maple Leafs In Player Development RoleTwo-Time Stanley Cup Winner Kyle Clifford Retires, Joins Maple Leafs In Player Development RoleFormer Toronto Maple Leafs forward Kyle Clifford is calling it a career.

City Of Chicago Declares 8/8 "Patrick Kane Day" To Honor Blackhawks Legend

The Chicago Blackhawks had 16 amazing years with Patrick Kane. They made him the number one overall pick in the 2007 NHL Draft, and he exceeded every expectation placed on him.

His time in Chicago included three Stanley Cups, a Conn Smythe Trophy, a Hart Trophy, and multiple other major NHL Awards. A player this decorated is always going to be considered a legend in their sport. 

For the last couple of seasons, the New York Rangers and Detroit Red Wings have had the luxury of having Patrick Kane on their roster.

Even being away from Chicago as a player, the city still means a lot to him. So do the fans that cheered him on for so long. 

On Friday, 8/8, Patrick Kane is celebrating the day in town with a few different activities. This is his way of showing his love for Chicago following an abrupt ending where he didn't get to truly say goodbye.

Part of that came with a big announcement from the City of Chicago City Council, as they announced August 8th will be known as "Patrick Kane Day" going forward. 

Charlie Roumeliotis (@CRoumeliotis) on XCharlie Roumeliotis (@CRoumeliotis) on XThe city of Chicago has officially declared Aug. 8 (8/8) Patrick Kane Day. #Blackhawks

8/8 represents Patrick Kane's famous sweater number, which he has worn since the beginning of his NHL career. Now, every August 8th will be a reminder of Kane and what he did for Chicago both on and off the ice. 

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

Penguins Gritty Forward Is Player To Watch

At the 2025 NHL trade deadline, the Pittsburgh Penguins quietly acquired defenseman Connor Timmins and forward Connor Dewar from the Toronto Maple Leafs in exchange for a 2025 fifth-round pick. While the Penguins have since traded Timmins to the Buffalo Sabres, Dewar remains on Pittsburgh's roster heading into the 2025-26 season.

Dewar will certainly be a player to watch very closely heading into next season. The 26-year-old forward left a solid first impression with the Penguins, as he recorded four goals, three assists, seven points, and 49 hits in 17 games following the trade. This was after he recorded just three assists in 31 games with the Maple Leafs before the move. 

Now, Dewar's goal will be to build off his solid finish to the season with the Penguins in 2025-26. If he does, he could emerge as a nice part of the Penguins' bottom six as they continue to retool their roster. The potential for him to chip in some depth offensive production is there, as he also scored 11 goals in 74 games split between the Minnesota Wild and Maple Leafs during the 2023-24 season. 

Nevetheless, it is going to be intriguing to see how much of an impact Dewar can make for the Penguins next season. 

Penguins: Insider Weighs In On Sidney Crosby Trade RumorsPenguins: Insider Weighs In On Sidney Crosby Trade RumorsWith the Pittsburgh Penguins being far from a playoff-caliber team right now, plenty of hockey fans have speculated about the Metropolitan Division club potentially trading captain Sidney Crosby to give him the chance to play for a contender again. 

2025-26 Fantasy Hockey Rankings: Oilers' star duo lead this draft season

Connor McDavid #97 of the Edmonton Oilers
The otherwordly Connor McDavid leads our fantasy hockey rankings. (Photo by Andy Devlin/NHLI via Getty Images)
Andy Devlin via Getty Images

The Florida Panthers are two-time Stanley Cup champions after winning their consecutive championship. The question now is, will you follow in the Cats' footsteps in your fantasy hockey leagues?

[Join or create a fantasy hockey league for the 2025-26 season]

It's only August, but fantasy hockey is already open over in these parts, so you can get started on your prep. Once again, generational talent Connor McDavid leads Scott Pianowski's draft rankings for the 2025-26 season, and he's joined by his frequent linemate, Leon Draisaitl at No. 2 overall.

Cale Makar leads the pack at defenseman in the first round, while Connor Hellebuyck is the topper at goaltender.

See how the rest of Scott's rankings shake out below, and bookmark/save/star this page as he'll be updating them regularly:

Who are you most looking forward to draft in fantasy hockey this season?

2025-26 Fantasy Hockey Rankings: Oilers' star duo lead this draft season

Connor McDavid #97 of the Edmonton Oilers
The otherwordly Connor McDavid leads our fantasy hockey rankings. (Photo by Andy Devlin/NHLI via Getty Images)
Andy Devlin via Getty Images

The Florida Panthers are two-time Stanley Cup champions after winning their consecutive championship. The question now is, will you follow in the Cats' footsteps in your fantasy hockey leagues?

[Join or create a fantasy hockey league for the 2025-26 season]

It's only August, but fantasy hockey is already open over in these parts, so you can get started on your prep. Once again, generational talent Connor McDavid leads Scott Pianowski's draft rankings for the 2025-26 season, and he's joined by his frequent linemate, Leon Draisaitl at No. 2 overall.

Cale Makar leads the pack at defenseman in the first round, while Connor Hellebuyck is the topper at goaltender.

See how the rest of Scott's rankings shake out below, and bookmark/save/star this page as he'll be updating them regularly:

Who are you most looking forward to draft in fantasy hockey this season?