Adam Ružička Returning To The NHL?

He was unceremoniously dumped by the Arizona Coyotes back in February 2024 but, according to reports out of Slovakia, Adam Ružička might soon be back in the NHL.

Ružička, 26, played in the KHL for Spartak Moscow last season and, according to Šport.sk, that club is very interested in re-signing the Slovak forward.

“Negotiations are still ongoing,” Spartak senior advisor and former NHLer Valeri Kamensky is quoted. “In the case of a player like Ružička, it’s a longer process. However, I believe that he is waiting for a specific offer from the NHL, as that is his dream. That’s why everything is dragging on a bit.”

No specific NHL team is mentioned.

Ružička had 40 points in 114 games for the Calgary Flames between 2021 and 2024. In late January 2024, he was claimed on waivers by Arizona. However, after just three games for the Coyotes, Ružička was placed on waivers for the purpose of terminating his contract after he posted a video on his Instagram account that showed a line of white powder and a credit card. The video was quickly removed.

Adam Ružička & Mário Grman sign with KHL clubs; Hockey Slovakia to vote on the national team issueAdam Ružička & Mário Grman sign with KHL clubs; Hockey Slovakia to vote on the national team issueIn two separate announcements on Wednesday, two Slovak players signed with KHL clubs. Center Adam Ružička signed with Spartak Moscow and defenseman Mário Grman with Admiral Vladivoskok.

Last season, Ružička had 45 points in 65 regular-season games for Spartak and 12 more points in 12 playoff games. Spartak finished third in the KHL’s Western Conference and was eliminated in the second round of the playoffs.

At the time he signed with Spartak, Ružička was quoted, “I’m glad that everything turned out this way. I’m especially excited that I’ll be playing alongside my sister’s husband, Michal Čajkovský.”

Interestingly, Čajkovský, a defenseman who was a member of Slovakia’s 2022 bronze-medal-winning Olympic team, has recently left the team and is also a free agent.

It’s worth considering that Ružička’s attempt to move back to the NHL, or at least out of the KHL, might be partly motivated by his wish to play in the upcoming Winter Olympics. While Hockey Slovakia reversed its ban on KHL players last summer, the issue has been controversial among Slovak fans, media and players.

Martin Pospíšil after Olympic qualifiers: “It was never anything against the players” from the KHLMartin Pospíšil after Olympic qualifiers: “It was never anything against the players” from the KHL Martin Pospíšil was calm and reflective after Slovakia’s 3-1 victory over Kazakhstan on Sunday in Bratislava, which qualified the team for the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy.

Last summer, brothers Martin and Kristián Pospišíl were vocal about their hesitation to play alongside KHLers at the Olympic qualifiers – eventually choosing to do so. That team did qualify for the Olympics but at the most recent IIHF World Championship, the Slovaks were unable to convince any full-time NHLers to play. That team, which did include two active KHLers, failed to make the quarterfinals.

One has to think that, if it comes down to a choice, KHL players might be omitted from selection if it would pacify NHLers.

Ružička’s only appearance for Slovakia’s senior men’s national team was in qualifying for the 2022 Olympics. Previously, he played in three IIHF World Junior Championships.

Photo © Sergei Belski-Imagn Images.

Predicting Slovakia's 2026 Olympic rosterPredicting Slovakia's 2026 Olympic roster By winning their group at the final round of qualifying this past weekend, the Slovaks have qualified for the men’s ice hockey tournament at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo.

Red Wings Could Be Dark Horse in Mason McTavish Sweepstakes

The Detroit Red Wings present the most compelling offer for Anaheim RFA Mason McTavish: offering a larger role, a competitive salary, and a spot on a team built to contend.

As we find ourselves in the middle portion of the summer where there isn't much going on, speculation grows around certain players and unresolved situations. One of the most prominent ones dominating the current news cycle is the Anaheim Ducks and restricted free agent Mason McTavish. 

At just 22 years old, he has been one of the few bright spots on a rising Ducks team. He’s shown steady improvement, posting a career-best 0.68 points per game last season, finishing with 52 points in 76 games. His numbers were similar to big name centres like Ryan O'Reilly, Brock Boeser and 2025 Conn Smythe trophy winner Sam Bennett. However, with the Ducks shifting into contender mode, McTavish could face a reduced role. The recent addition of Chris Kreider may push him down the lineup, potentially taking over McTavish’s spot. 

The former third overall pick in the 2021 NHL Draft is already proving to be a difference making player and could grow when given the right oppurtunity like he would get with the Detroit Red Wings. Early reports suggest that the team would like to keep the team's second line of Patrick Kane, Marco Kasper and Alex DeBrincat together. This means the top line left wing spot is open for the taking with one lucky player getting the chance to play alongside a pair of superstars in Dylan Larkin and Lucas Raymond. 

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Detroit would love to make a big swing and add a big name in this spot with McTavish being a potential answer. He has seen time at both centre and left wing with the Red Wings having an elite pool of draft capital and prospects that would be able to get a deal done. The Ducks are reportedly only interested in adding NHL-ready talent but the Red Wings could likely present them an offer that they can't refuse. 

Divisional Focus: Red Wings Look to Ice the Bruins’ RebuildDivisional Focus: Red Wings Look to Ice the Bruins’ RebuildThe Red Wings aim to win four crucial divisional games over the Boston Bruins next season 

Some have suggested a potential package leaving Detroit could feature a first- and second-round pick as well as regular NHLers in J.T. Compher and Jonatan Berggren to round out the group. The Red Wings in return could add a third-round pick alongside McTavish and in the process free up some spots for prospects to come up and find immediate roles while having the top six secured for the future. 

Detroit offers everything McTavish could be looking for: a contending team on the rise, a lineup that genuinely needs his skill set, and a larger role than what likely awaits him in Anaheim. On top of that, with over $12 million in cap space, the Red Wings have the flexibility to pay him like a true top-six forward. 

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3 PTO Options for the LA Kings Going Into the 2025-26 Season

© Jonathan Hui-Imagn Images

With the NHL offseason coming to a close, the Los Angeles Kings still have some cap room to play with before training camp. 

Every year, squads sign unsigned free agents to PTOs, giving them a chance to fight for a roster place without any guaranteed promise. For veterans looking to prove they still have something left in their tank—or younger guys looking to rejuvenate their career—a PTO could be the chance of a lifetime.

With some intriguingly named talent still on the market, here are three free agents the Kings could invite to camp this September to bring depth, competition, and perhaps snag a bargain signing ahead of the 2025-26 season

Jack Roslovic (Center - UFA)

One of the few actual scoring threats remaining on the board, Roslovic has the speed, playmaking ability, and overall versatility to be a natural fit in the middle-six depth for LA on the third or second line.

Roslovic is the best free agent remaining on the board, according to this article, and a PTO would give him another chance to prove himself in training camp — if he impresses, the Kings can sign him to a short-term NHL deal. 

The 28-year-old still has a lot left in the tank, having played 81 games last season for the Carolina Hurricanes, averaging 22 goals, 17 assists, and 39 points. The one issue with Roslovic has been his ability to stay consistent and play at a high level for a playoff team, but with the Kings on a PTO deal, he might be motivated to. 

Fit: Low-risk secondary scorer and forecheck option.

Likelihood to sign: Moderate — veteran NHL player with no offers, sexy as a PTO and bounce-back candidate.

Matt Grzelcyk (Defenseman - UFA)

Matt Grzelcyk played eight seasons with the Boston Bruins before his tenure came to an end when he joined the Pittsburgh Penguins on a one-year deal last summer. 

Despite finishing with a +/- of negative 6, the lowest in his career, Grzelcyk still finished with a career high in points (40). The 31-year-old veteran is the exact type of player that the Kings need on the defensive end, especially after losing Vlasdilav Gavrikov to the New York Rangers in free agency. 

This postseason showed that the Kings are missing veteran leadership, experience, and a strong power-play unit on the ice. A PTO would serve as audition territory, with LA considering where he would best fit in their roster depth. 

Fit: Left-side puck-moving depth. 

Likelihood to sign: Moderate — good returning offense, still out there late in free agency.

Max Pacioretty (Left Winger - UFA)

Max Pacioretty might not be the player he was a few years ago in his prime, but he is still very capable of creating shots. 

Pacioretty played 37 games for the Toronto Maple Leafs last season and finished with 13 points, playing only half a season. A fully healthy Pacioretty can still help a team reach the next level, as the last time he played a full season was in 2021-22 with the Golden Knights. 

In that season, the 36-year-old put up 19 goals, 18 assists, and 37 points with a positive +/- of 8. Again, the Kings would greatly benefit from signing a couple of these solid veterans, who still have a lot left in the tank and bring valuable experience and discipline. 

You never know how the players on the market would benefit from playing with a team like the Kings, which boasts a lot of young talent and rising stars, especially now that a new GM has brought a fresh culture and a new start to the Kings. 

Fit: Veteran winger for goal-scoring depth and leadership.

Likelihood to sign: Reasonable — skilled veteran with prior PTO-to-contract precedent. 

Why these make sense for the Kings:

The UFA pool has thinned, especially beyond top-tier names like Roslovic. Grzelcyk and Pacioretty remain the best heading into training camp in mid-September.

All three can be signed on one-way, low-guarantee PTOs—giving LA the cap flexibility heading into training camp.

Who is the best fit for the Kings. Drop your thoughts below. 

Where New Canadiens Should Fit In Lineup

The Montreal Canadiens have had a busy summer, as they brought in multiple new players. Given how this past season went for the Canadiens, it is not surprising in the slightest that they have been active this off-season.

Because of this, let's look at each of the Canadiens' newcomers and predict where they should fit on their roster. 

Noah Dobson: Top-Pairing Defenseman 

One of the Canadiens' top objectives this off-season was to improve the right side of their defense, and they did just that by bringing in Noah Dobson from the New York Islanders. The expectation is that he will now be on their top pairing, especially with him signing an eight-year, $76 million contract with the Habs after the trade. 

Zach Bolduc: Second-Line Left Wing 

After acquiring Zach Bolduc from the St. Louis Blues, the Canadiens are likely going to put the former first-round pick in the best position to succeed possible. Because of this, it would not be surprising in the slightest if he ends up having a spot on the Canadiens' second line next season.

Joe Veleno: Fourth-Line Center 

After being bought out by the Seattle Kraken, Joe Veleno signed a one-year, $900,000 contract with the Canadiens. Overall, bringing in the 2018 first-round pick is a low-risk move for the Canadiens, and they will be hoping that he can be a nice pickup for their bottom six. When looking at their depth chart, he should fit nicely as their fourth-line center. 

Kaapo Kahkonen: Third-String/AHL Goalie

The Canadiens brought in veteran goalie Kaapo Kahkonen to improve their depth between the pipes. Kahkonen will be third on the Canadiens' goalie depth chart, but could also work as their backup if they feel youngster Jakub Dobes needs more time in the AHL. 

Sammy Blais: Depth Forward

After a strong season in the AHL with the Abbotsford Canucks, Sammy Blais joined the Canadiens on an NHL deal this summer. The 29-year-old forward should work well in a depth role for the Canadiens and get chances in the lineup when injuries arise. 

Canadiens' Blueline Ranked Among NHL's BestCanadiens' Blueline Ranked Among NHL's BestIt is no secret that the Montreal Canadiens have a strong defensive group. They only improved upon this off-season, too, as they acquired star blueliner Noah Dobson from the New York Islanders last month.

Photo Credit: © Robert Edwards-Imagn Images

Could William Villeneuve Earn NHL Call Up After Signing One-Year, Two-Way Contract With Maple Leafs?

William Villeneuve is returning for another season in the Toronto Maple Leafs’ organization.

The team announced on Tuesday morning that they had signed the 23-year-old defenseman to a one-year, two-way contract. Villeneuve is coming off his best season in the Maple Leafs organization, where he put up 40 points (four goals and 36 assists) in 55 games with the AHL’s Toronto Marlies.

Since being drafted by Toronto in the fourth round (122nd overall) of the 2020 NHL Draft, Villeneuve has steadily developed into a strong, offensive-minded defenseman in the organization’s system. He scored 15 more points last season with Toronto compared to the year prior.

Villeneuve saw an uptick in opportunity with the Marlies last season after fellow 2020 draft selection Topi Niemela’s game took a dip. Near the midway point of the season, Villeneuve began getting more time on the team’s top power play, with 15 of his 40 points last year coming on the man advantage.

Alex Nylander Returns To Maple Leafs Organization, Signing One-Year AHL Deal With MarliesAlex Nylander Returns To Maple Leafs Organization, Signing One-Year AHL Deal With MarliesAlex Nylander is returning to Toronto for another season.

The Sherbrooke, Quebec-born defender, a restricted free agent, was qualified by the Maple Leafs earlier this summer, allowing them to retain his rights if he were to leave for another league. However, there’s likely interest from both sides to see how he’d perform in the NHL, after this past season with the Marlies.

Villeneuve is entering his fourth season of professional hockey with Toronto. In his final year of junior (2021-22), with the Saint John Sea Dogs, the defenseman won the Memorial Cup, scoring three points in four games at the tournament.

The defenseman, yet to make his NHL debut, has tallied 90 points (nine goals and 81 assists) in 165 AHL games with the Marlies. He also scored two assists in Toronto’s only two playoff games this past spring.

William Nylander's Father, Michael, Surprises Maple Leafs' Forward With Sweden's Top Hockey HonorWilliam Nylander's Father, Michael, Surprises Maple Leafs' Forward With Sweden's Top Hockey HonorToronto Maple Leafs forward William Nylander has been named Sweden’s top hockey player of the year.

Villeneuve is the second-last RFA to be signed by the Maple Leafs, among those who were qualified by the club earlier this summer (Matthew Knies, Nick Robertson, William Villeneuve, Dennis Hildeby, Roni Hirvonen, and Niemela). 

Toronto inked Knies to a six-year, $46.5 million contract on June 29. The Maple Leafs and Robertson settled on a one-year, $1.825 million deal on Saturday. Both Niemela and Hirvonen returned to Europe after each spent two seasons in Toronto with the Marlies.

Hildeby is the only remaining RFA to be unsigned. The 23-year-old had another strong season with the Marlies, putting up 16 wins and a .908 save percentage in 30 games. The goaltender also played six games with the Maple Leafs—his first stint in the NHL—and won three games while posting a .878 save percentage.

'They're Trying To Move Money Around': Maple Leafs Reportedly Haven't Closed Door On Signing UFA Jack Roslovic'They're Trying To Move Money Around': Maple Leafs Reportedly Haven't Closed Door On Signing UFA Jack RoslovicThe Toronto Maple Leafs were reportedly interested in unrestricted free agent Jack Roslovic earlier this summer, and it appears the lure may not have gone away.

This article originally appeared on The Hockey News: Could William Villeneuve Earn NHL Call Up After Signing One-Year, Two-Way Contract With Maple Leafs?

(Top photo of Villeneuve: Christian Bonin / TSGphoto.com via Toronto Marlies)

Ready To Break Out: Metro Division

New seasons provide new opportunities, which create avenues for players to break out. The 2025-26 season will be no different, and in this article, The Hockey News take a look at the strongest candidates to make a name for themselves or ascend into stardom on the Metro Division teams. 

Carolina Hurricanes: Jackson Blake

At just 21, right winger Jackson Blake has already shown an affinity for coming up in the clutch, and the fact he elevated his game during the playoffs for the Canes is a great sign. The son of former NHLer Jason Blake is coming off a solid rookie season and could easily take on more responsibility next year. He is a tenacious winger who plays bigger than his 5-foot-11, 180-pound frame. True, the Canes are deep up front, and Blake will likely stay in the bottom six, but don’t be surprised if he cracks the 20-goal mark. 

Columbus Blue Jackets: Jet Greaves

Goaltending was Columbus’ downfall in 2024-25, but Jet Greaves was stellar in 11 NHL games. Greaves is undersized but makes up for it with his athleticism and aggressiveness in the crease. He won a weekly first-star honor in April, thanks to a stretch in which he went 3-0-0 with a .968 save percentage. Despite playing just 11 games, Greaves finished in the top 15 in goals saved above expected. No other Jackets goalie ranked in the top 75. Greaves, 24, has his teammates’ trust and is ready for a bigger role. 

Simon Nemec (Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images)

New Jersey Devils: Simon Nemec

While the playoffs were a letdown for the Devils, they did at least get a signature double-OT goal from blueliner Simon Nemec against Carolina. It’s been an up-and-down existence for Nemec since New Jersey picked him second overall in 2022, as he played fewer NHL games this year than he did as a rookie, when he had 19 points in 2023-24. But defensemen take time to develop, and if Nemec, 21, can use that late confidence booster to build momentum, the Devils will have another ace in their back end.

New York Islanders: Isaiah George

With a new GM in Mathieu Darche, the Islanders will be interesting to watch this summer. New York has the No.1 pick in the draft, but will that player (Islanders selected Matthew Schaefer) go straight to the NHL? Either way, the Isles need a pick-me-up, and blueliner Isaiah George fits the bill. George is an excellent skater with 33 games worth of NHL reps under his belt from last season, which he split between Long Island and the AHL. He has a solid frame and comes from a great OHL London program - both big pluses.

New York Rangers: Will Cuylle

The Rangers need more players like Will Cuylle. The young power forward is big, skilled and nasty - so foes always know when he’s on the ice. New York needs the next generation to step up after the club experienced a cultural crisis this season (missing the playoffs entirely despite having a contention-worthy lineup). Cuylle is already well on his way, coming off his first 20-goal season and doubling his production from 2023-24. Given his trajectory, a 60-point campaign in 2025-25 would not be a shock.

Philadelphia Flyers: Tyson Foerster

With a great shot and a big frame, Tyson Foerster brings a lot of appeal on the right wing. Heading into his third full NHL season, he’ll be one to watch under new coach Rick Tocchet. Foerster is coming off a 25-goal season and has made incremental offensive gains year over year. Based on his skill set, it’s fair to expect 30 goals from the 2020 first-rounder - perhaps more. Whether in the OHL or AHL, Foerster has proven adept at adjusting to better competition, and so far, he’s done the same in the NHL.

Pittsburgh Penguins: Rutger McGroarty

He’ll never be popular in Winnipeg, but Rutger McGroarty has a chance to be a rarity in Pittsburgh: an impact player who was taken in the first round of a recent draft (even if the Pens didn’t draft him). Acquired from the Jets in 2024, McGroarty is a stout, two-way winger with leadership qualities. He got a taste of the NHL this year but saw most of his action in the AHL, putting up solid numbers with the Baby Pens and seeing what the pros are really like. Now, it’s time to push for a regular job on the big squad. 

Ryan Leonard (Amber Searls-Imagn Images)

Washington Capitals: Ryan Leonard

Rookie Ryan Leonard didn’t play every playoff game for the Capitals, but that was very much by design. Still, the former Boston College standout and two-time WJC gold medallist (once as Team USA’s captain) showed he’s ready to make an impact in Washington. He’ll be one to watch in the Calder Trophy race thanks to his tenacious, high-energy game that blends skill and physicality. On a Caps team turning over to a new generation, the 20-year-old right winger will play a big role in his first full season.

This article appeared in our 2025 Champions issue. Our cover story focuses on the 2025 Stanley Cup champion Florida Panthers, specifically the elite play of defenseman Seth Jones, along with a recap of each game of the Cup final. We also include features on Sharks center Will Smith and Kraken defenseman Ryker Evans. In addition, we give our list of the top 10 moments from the 2024-25 NHL season.

You can get it in print for free when you subscribe to The Hockey News at THN.com/Free today. All subscriptions include complete access to more than 76 years of articles at The Hockey News Archive.