New York Islanders first overall pick Matthew Schaefer is now the proud owner of a three-year entry-level deal after putting pen to paper on Monday. 

Islanders Sign No. 1 Pick Matthew Schaefer To Entry-Level DealThe New York Islanders announced that they have signed No. 1 overall pick Matthew Schaefer to his entry-level deal. 

Contrary to popular belief, the contract is a legal one despite Schaefer not turning 18 until Sept. 5, which is when the contract ultimately kicks in.

Because Schaefer signed his ELC, that eliminates his ability to play in the NCAA this fall. 

"I mean me, personally, I want to play in the NHL," Schaefer told us after throwing out the first pitch at the New York Mets game on Monday night. "Other people would always ask me 'where do you want to go?' But for me, I was so dialed in on wanting to play in the NHL. And when I set goals for myself, I work as hard as I can so I can get to that point.”

So, with college off the table, here are the options for the Islanders when it comes to Schaefer.

This is a reminder that Schaefer, under this collective bargaining agreement, is ineligible from playing in the American Hockey League, with the minum age being 20. 

Schaefer turns 18 on Sept. 5. 

OPTION 1: Plays in the NHL Full Time

The Islanders do not want to rush Schaefer. However, if they believe he's 100% ready to contribute in 2025-26 and proves his capabilities during training camp and preseason, he will likely make the team. There's an opening on the bottom pairing alongside either Scott Mayfield or Adam Boqvist, and it will be up to Schaefer to beat out fellow youngster Isaiah George.

Even if Schaefer makes the Islanders, that doesn't mean he has to play every day—just like we saw with Noah Dobson back in the day. There's value in practicing with an NHL team and getting your feet wet. 

Once Schaefer plays over 10 games with the Islanders, that will burn the first season of his ELC, which brings us to the next option.

OPTION 2: Plays Nine Games Then Goes Back to Erie Otters

Schaefer may show well in training camp and earn a spot ahead of the 2025-26 season, but because of the 10-game rule when it comes to burning a year off an ELC, most youngsters get what we call a nine-game sample size.

After those nine games, the team will evaluate the player and decide whether or not he should remain with the big club or be returned to his junior team, which is the OHL's Erie Otters.

This past season, Calum Ritchie played seven games for the Colorado Avalanche before he was returned to the OHL's Oshawa Generals.

Because Schaefer only played 17 games for Erie last season due to mono and a broken collarbone, the Islanders would have to weigh whether staying with the NHL team in a bottom-pairing role is best for his development—or if playing top-pairing minutes on his talented junior team would prove more beneficial.

If, after the nine games, the Islanders believe sending Schaefer back to juniors is best, he would be ineligible to return to the NHL roster until after his OHL season ends.

OPTION 3: Plays More Than 10 Games but Still Goes Back to Erie

There is a world—not a realistic one—where Schaefer plays over 10 games with the Islanders and still heads back to juniors. For the Islanders and Schaefer, it's all about not rushing him. If they feel that he deserved more than nine games but maybe started to struggle around game 15, they could loan him back to juniors, where he'd have to remain for the rest of the junior season.

This is not a popular move, as the Islanders would be burning a year of team control for just a few extra games. But again, his development matters more.

Final Thoughts

Schaefer is going to be given every opportunity to make the Islanders. With Dobson now with the Montreal Canadiens, the Islanders don't just have a hole at 5-on-5 for a puck-moving defenseman—they also have a hole on the power play, even with Tony DeAngelo back on a one-year deal.

While beating out George for an NHL spot for that final starting defenseman gig won't be a cakewalk, Schaefer provides a clear need for this team. And if he can execute at training camp and show that he can handle NHL physicality while not deviating from his game, he'll make the team.

PHOTO:  Brad Penner-Imagn Images

Star Philadelphia Flyers forward Matvei Michkov doesn't lack supporters in and around the NHL these days, but he's just received even more big praise.

In a recent interview with Tatar-Inform, former Flyers prospect Maxim Sushko dished on Michkov, predicting a rise to super-stardom.

"I think [Michkov could become the face of the Flyers]. Philadelphia management loves Russian hockey players and is happy to invite them to the team," Sushko said.

"Matvei had a great debut season in Philadelphia. If he continues to progress, he will become the team’s main star in the future. It’s a pleasure to watch him and his game. I sincerely wish him a great career in the NHL."

For those who may not remember Sushko, the Belarusian forward was drafted 107th overall by the Flyers in 2017 and made his only two NHL appearances in Feb. 2021.

Flyers Coach Rick Tocchet Has Exciting, Simple Plan for Matvei MichkovNew Philadelphia Flyers head coach Rick Tocchet has revealed his simple, preliminary plan to get the most out of star rookie Matvei Michkov going forward. It's not rocket science.

And, while Sushko has been in the KHL since the 2022-23 season, his words about Michkov (and the Flyers, especially) carry significance as someone who has been there and seen that.

Michkov, 20, led all rookies in goals last season with 26, and also finished joint-second with Macklin Celebrini in rookie scoring (63 pts), trailing only Lane Hutson (66).

What comes next for the Flyers star remains to be seen, but it's reasonable to expect small improvements around the edges to bring him at or near 30 goals, 50 assists, and 80 points.

The addition of Trevor Zegras and, in due time, Jett Luchanko, will give Michkov more speed and support down the middle, allowing him to do new things.

Flyers' Matvei Michkov Dishes on Rookie Season: 'There Is No Limit to Perfection'Budding Philadelphia Flyers star Matvei Michkov had quite the strong rookie season in the NHL last year, but he's already looking ahead to bigger and better things in the future.

And new head coach Rick Tocchet is also prepared to let the Russian sensation do his thing, as he's said multiple times already this offseason.

Everything seems to be trending in the right direction for the young Michkov, but the next step will be executing and putting it on the ice next season.

The Montreal Canadiens did well against the Atlantic Division last season, and that included the games against Steve Yzerman’s Detroit Red Wings. The Habs won three or the four meetings between the two sides last season, including the latest one in April, as both teams were clinging on to the hope of making the postseason.

Montreal and Detroit fought it out first in a home-and-away series in December. The Canadiens won both of those games, the first by a score of 4-3 in Detroit with Patrik Laine scoring the game-winning goal on the power play 12 minutes into the final frame.

Canadiens: Trying To Tame The Old Enemy
Canadiens' Blueline Ranked Among NHL's Best
Canadiens Players To Take Part In The Kevin Raphael Classic

The result was even worse for the Wings the next day in Montreal, as the Habs secured a 5-1 win. Jake Evans, Emil Heineman, and Laine, who had all scored the day before, struck again with Juraj Slafkovsky and Brendan Gallagher completing the score. The Wings were never truly in that one, and Alex Lyon was a big reason why, surrendering five goals on just 24 shots.

Detroit’s sole win of the season against the Canadiens came on January 23rd, a 4-2 triumph in which they took 45 shots on Samuel Montembeault’s net, with captain Dylan Larkin and Moritz Seider leading the charge with a couple of points each.

As for the April game, Montreal won 4-1 despite only taking 21 shots on goal, far from Cam Talbot’s best effort. Meanwhile, Montembeault turned aside 35 of the 36 shots he faced. It was a tight contest until the very end; however, the game was tied until halfway through the second period when Josh Anderson sealed the deal, and Gallagher and Nick Suzuki both scored with less than two minutes to go.

In the end, Montreal outscored Detroit 15-9 on the season, and its knack to beat the Wings played an essential part in its playoff qualification. Motritz Seider and Dylan Larkin were the Wings’ best players against the Habs, each posting three points, while Patrick Kane and Joe Veleno each had two.

As for the Canadiens, Jake Evans was their top scorer, followed by Patrik Laine and the now departed Emil Heineman, who both had three. While Yzerman would have liked to add some scoring punch to his offense this summer, he wasn’t able to do so, but he did make some sizeable additions. Acquiring John Gibson from the Anaheim Ducks for Petr Mrazek and two draft picks was a good move, if only as a solid placeholder until Trey Augustine is ready for the big leaguer.

Signing Mason Appleton as a free agent will also give Detroit some depth up front, and he has playoff experience. Yzerman was also able to retain Kane’s services while shipping out Vladimir Tarasenko, whose performance fell short of expectations last season. James Van Riemsdyk’s signing will add some veteran leadership, while Jacob Bernard-Docker will bolster the blueline.

The Wing will be gunning for a playoff spot this upcoming season, and those meetings with the Canadiens will be of pivotal importance. Kent Hughes didn’t stand pat this offseason, though, and the arrivals of Noah Dobson and Zach Bolduc will go a long way towards making the Habs a better team.

The first game between the two teams will take place on October 9, the second tilt in two days for the Canadiens, who are starting the season with a back-to-back.

Photo credit: Brian Bradshaw Sevald-Imagn Images

---

Canadiens stories, analysis, breaking news, and more! Tap the star to add us to your favorites on Google News, never to miss a story.  

Follow Karine on X @KarineHains Bluesky @karinehains.bsky.social and Threads @karinehains.

Bookmark The Hockey News Canadiens' page for all the news and happenings around the Canadiens.

Join the discussion by signing up to the Canadiens' roundtable on The Hockey News.

The New York Times’ Athletic NHL writer Scott Wheeler recently ranked the league’s top goaltending prospects, with New Jersey Devils prospect Mikhail Yegorov coming in at No. 4.

Yegorov, 19, is entering his sophomore season at Boston University, where he plays under former Devils forward Jay Pandolfo. Standing 6-foot-5 and weighing 181 pounds, the Russian netminder was drafted 49th overall in the 2024 NHL Entry Draft. He impressed at the Devils’ 2025 Development Camp, towering over fellow prospects.

While not NHL-ready just yet, Yegorov has already shown why he’s among the league’s most highly regarded young goalies. In his freshman season at BU, he appeared in 18 games, posting a .927 save percentage. Remarkably, he joined the team midseason and debuted just four days later in a rivalry game against Boston College.

Raised in St. Petersburg, Russia, Yegorov moved to the United States at 17 with dreams of making the NHL. He spent two seasons in the USHL with the Omaha Lancers, playing 43 games in 2023–24 (.892 SV%) and 19 games in 2024–25 (.912 SV%) before leaving midseason for NCAA hockey.

Only three goaltenders ranked ahead of him:

• Yaroslav Askarov – San Jose Sharks prospect, 6'4", known for size and athleticism.
• Jacob Fowler – Montreal Canadiens prospect, 6'2", considered a top-tier talent.
• Trey Augustine – Detroit Red Wings prospect, 6'1", athletic and composed.

The Devils’ current goaltending depth chart features Jacob Markstrom as the starter, coming off a playoff run last season. Veteran Jake Allen, who re-signed this offseason, serves as backup, while Nico Daws, with 52 NHL games under his belt,  holds the third spot.

The Devils' Goaltending: Strong Past, Promising Present, and a Bright FutureThe New Jersey Devils are in a strong position when it comes to goaltending, both now and looking ahead.

Yegorov is widely seen as the franchise’s future in net, and his No. 4 ranking among all NHL goalie prospects is a promising sign for New Jersey’s long-term outlook.

Photo Credit: © Jeff Curry-Imagn Images

A recent report shows that among major sportsbooks, the New Jersey Devils have the eighth-best odds to win the Stanley Cup this season.

ESPN Bet NHL Futures lists the Devils at +1600 to take home the Cup.

This follows the 2024-25 season, when New Jersey was eliminated in the first round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs by the Carolina Hurricanes, 4–1. The Devils finished the regular season 42-33, ranking 16th in the league and 7th in the Eastern Conference.

2024–25 Playoff ResultsFirst Round Eliminations:

• Ottawa Senators: Lost to Toronto Maple Leafs (4–2)
• Tampa Bay Lightning: Lost to Florida Panthers (4–1)
• Montreal Canadiens: Lost to Washington Capitals (4–1)
• New Jersey Devils: Lost to Carolina Hurricanes (4–1)
• St. Louis Blues: Lost to Winnipeg Jets (4–3)
• Colorado Avalanche: Lost to Dallas Stars (4–3)
• Minnesota Wild: Lost to Vegas Golden Knights (4–2)
• Los Angeles Kings: Lost to Edmonton Oilers (4–2)

Second Round Eliminations:

• Toronto Maple Leafs: Lost to Florida Panthers (4–3)
• Washington Capitals: Lost to Carolina Hurricanes (4–1)
• Winnipeg Jets: Lost to Dallas Stars (4–2)
• Vegas Golden Knights: Lost to Edmonton Oilers (4–1)

Conference Final Eliminations:

• Carolina Hurricanes: Lost to Florida Panthers (4–1)
• Dallas Stars: Lost to Edmonton Oilers (4–1)

Stanley Cup Final:

• Edmonton Oilers: Lost to Florida Panthers (4–2)

Stanley Cup Champions: Florida Panthers

---

Sportsbook Odds for 2025–26 Stanley Cup Winner

ESPN Bet:

1. Florida Panthers +600
2. Carolina Hurricanes +800
3. Colorado Avalanche +800
4. Edmonton Oilers +850
5. Vegas Golden Knights +850
6. Dallas Stars +1000
7. Tampa Bay Lightning +1400
8. New Jersey Devils +1600

FanDuel:

1. Florida Panthers +700
2. Carolina Hurricanes +750
3. Vegas Golden Knights +850
4. Edmonton Oilers +850
5. Dallas Stars +900
6. Colorado Avalanche +950
7. Tampa Bay Lightning +1300
8. New Jersey Devils +1900

BetMGM:

1. Florida Panthers +750
2. Edmonton Oilers +800
3. Colorado Avalanche +800
4. Vegas Golden Knights +850
5. Carolina Hurricanes +900
6. Dallas Stars +1000
7. Tampa Bay Lightning +1600
8. New Jersey Devils +1800

---

Why New Jersey Is Still in the Top 8

Despite last year’s early exit, the Devils’ projected 2025–26 roster has both high-end talent and depth. Stars like Jack Hughes, Nico Hischier, Dawson Mercer, and Luke Hughes lead the way, supported by veterans Dougie Hamilton and Jacob Markstrom.

Offseason additions Connor Brown and Evgenii Dadonov strengthen the bottom six, while continued development on defense and improved even-strength scoring are expected to boost the team’s performance.

If the Devils stay healthy, particularly Jack Hughes, maintain a solid goaltending rotation, and tighten their defensive identity, they could make a deep playoff push.

Heading into the new season, they remain 8th in the league in Stanley Cup odds.

Photo Credit: © Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

It is no secret that it has been a far quieter off-season this year for the Chicago Blackhawks compared to last year. While this is the case, the Blackhawks did make a few new additions, as they brought in Andre Burakovsky, Sam Lafferty, and Dominic Toninato.

With this, let's take a look at where each player could end up fitting into the Blackhawks' lineup now.

Andre Burakovsky Should Fit In Blackhawks' Top Six 

When looking at the Blackhawks' current roster, it is likely that Burakovsky will have a spot in their top six. There are not too many better wingers than Burakovsky on the Blackhawks right now, and they are likely to give him the best chance to succeed after acquiring him from the Seattle Kraken.

Burakovsky could be a nice fit playing with either Connor Bedard on the first line or Frank Nazar on the second line. In either scenario, Burakovsky would give one of Chicago's young centers the opportunity to play with a skilled veteran.

Sam Lafferty Should Fit On Blackhawks' Fourth Line

Lafferty has been a bottom-six forward throughout his career, and this should not change during his latest stint with the Blackhawks. When looking at Chicago's current group, Lafferty could be a nice fit as their new fourth-line center. However, due to his versatility, he could move to the wing on their fourth line if needed.

Dominic Toninato Should Fit As Extra Or AHL Forward

It seems likely that Toninato will serve as simply an extra orward for the Blackhawks next season if he makes their NHL roster. However, Toninato could also be a nice addition for the Blackhawks' AHL affiliate, the Rockford IceHogs, as he would give them a veteran forward to help mentor their youngsters.

Blackhawks Key Forward Is Big X-Factor During the 2024 NHL off-season, the Chicago Blackhawks signed forward Tyler Bertuzzi to a four-year, $22 million contract. The expectation was that he would be a key part of the Blackhawks' forward group, and it is fair to say that he was just that for them during the 2024-25 season. 

Photo Credit: © Kyle Ross-Imagn Images

As one of the more active teams in free agency during the offseason, the Detroit Red Wings have brought in multiple new players that will suit up for them in the upcoming 2025-26 NHL Season.

One new face in Detroit is veteran forward James van Riemsdyk, who had spent the last two seasons playing for the Boston Bruins and Columbus Blue Jackets, respectively. 

The former second overall pick in the 2007 NHL Draft behind his now-current Red Wings teammate Patrick Kane, van Riemsdyk brings 1,082 games of experience to a team hoping to break their postseason drought. 

Having already played with multiple high-profile veteran players during his career like Claude Giroux, Danny Briere, Brad Marchand, and John Tavares, van Riemsdyk will be bringing his own leadership style to the Red Wings as he explained via the club's official website. 

Bookmark The Hockey News Detroit Red Wings team site to stay connected to the latest news, game-day coverage, and player features. 

“It’s a full-time commitment,” van Riemsdyk explained shortly after signing. “Whether that’s your preparation, being ready to practice, being ready to play and being ready to recover to get ready for the next game. Just trying to do the right things like that every day. And just trying to bring positive energy to the group and on the bench. It can be a long year, lots of ups and downs, so I think you need to have some of that sounding board just to help things stay even keeled when maybe things aren’t going your way.”

Throughout his career, van Riemsdyk has been known for making a living around the net and the lip of the crease in a style similar to that of former four-time Stanley Cup champion forward Tomas Holmstrom. 

James Van Riemsdyk: The Pride of Middletown, New Jersey @JVReemer21 | @NHLFlyerspic.twitter.com/ysKoSQmyVj

— NHL (@NHL) April 23, 2021

van Riemsdyk also brings considerable experience in the Stanley Cup Playoffs to the Red Wings, having skated in 82 career playoff games, including a trip to the 2010 Stanley Cup Final (against Kane's Blackhawks). 

Having already trained with Kane and represented the United States alongside him as part of the 2014 Sochi Olympics as well as the World Juniors Championships and World Cup, van Riemsdyk is looking forward to playing with Kane for the first time on an NHL roster.

“(Kane) is one of my really good buddies and we’ve obviously been through this whole journey over the years together in a lot of ways,” van Riemsdyk said. “Through some different USA Hockey things, with training or bouncing ideas off each other for stuff like that, so really exciting that we get a chance to do all that." 

van Riemsdyk, Kane, and the rest of the Red Wings are now just over one month away from the start of Training Camp, held annually in Traverse City, Michigan. 

Never miss a story by adding us to your Google News favorites!

The Ottawa Senators recently released their 2025–26 regular season schedule, and with it comes a parade of familiar faces poised to make their returns to Canadian Tire Centre. Fans can look forward to equal doses of nostalgia and rivalry as several former Sens come back this season in different sweaters, some for the first time.

That includes Josh Norris, who'll roll into Ottawa for the holidays wearing white, blue and gold and the number 13 – possibly a number chosen to offset his bad luck in the injury department.

Here's a look at the notable dates and returning players, along with a brief snapshot of their time in Ottawa:

Thursday, October 16 vs Seattle Kraken — Joey Daccord

Daccord, drafted by Ottawa in 2015, played parts of two seasons before being claimed in the Seattle expansion draft. Now entering the first year of a 5-year, $25 million deal, he’s back where his NHL journey began. Not bad for a 7th-rounder.

Saturday, October 18 vs New York Islanders — J.G. Pageau, Anthony Duclair, Matthew Highmore

"Pageau! Pageau! Pageau! Pageau!" The fan-favourite and Ottawa native spent seven seasons with the team and was known for his playoff heroics and clutch goals. Duclair, who had a 23-goal season with Ottawa in 2019–20, and possibly Highmore (if on the roster), also join him in the return. Pageau is entering the final year of his contract.

Monday, October 27 vs Boston Bruins — Mark Kastelic, Joonas Korpisalo

Mark Kastelic, a rugged centerman drafted by the Senators in 2019, will face his old team for the first time since being traded. Meanwhile, goalie Joonas Korpisalo—whose tenure in Ottawa didn’t go as planned—will be back in town on the Sens' dime. They’re still paying $1 million of his salary annually for the next three years.

Tuesday, November 11 vs Dallas Stars — Matt Duchene

Duchene returns once again to face the team that gave up a significant trade package to acquire him back in 2017. His time in Ottawa was brief and turbulent during the team’s retooling years.

Thursday, December 4 vs New York Rangers — Mika Zibanejad

Drafted sixth overall by Ottawa in 2011, Zibanejad played parts of five seasons before being traded to New York, where he blossomed into a top-line NHL centre.

Saturday, December 6 vs St. Louis Blues — Mathieu Joseph

Joseph returns after being traded in the 2024 offseason. He spent parts of three seasons in Ottawa.

Tuesday, December 9 vs New Jersey Devils — Connor Brown, Evgenii Dadonov, Stefan Noesen, Angus Crookshank (if rostered)

Brown, a key player during the rebuild; Dadonov, a high-priced signing who struggled in Ottawa; and possibly Crookshank, a former B-Sens standout, all come back under the Devils' banner. Noesen was a 2011 first-rounder who was dealt to Anaheim in the Bobby Ryan trade.

Thursday, December 18 vs Pittsburgh Penguins — Erik Karlsson

A marquee night as the two-time Norris Trophy winner with the Sens makes his return. Drafted in 2008, Karlsson served as captain and spent nine seasons in Ottawa before being traded in 2018.

Saturday, December 20 vs Chicago Blackhawks — Nick Foligno

At 37, Foligno is still rolling. A first-round pick by the Sens in 2006, he spent five seasons in Ottawa before being traded to Columbus for Marc Methot 13 years ago.

Tuesday, December 23 vs Buffalo Sabres — Josh Norris

The biggest homecoming of the season. Traded at last season’s deadline in a blockbuster that brought Dylan Cozens to Ottawa, Norris—if healthy—will face the team that gave him his NHL start and his current massive contract.

Monday, December 29 vs Columbus Blue Jackets — Erik Gudbranson

The Ottawa native played 36 games for the Senators during the shortened 2020–21 season. Now wearing an "A" in Columbus, he’ll enjoy some home cooking with the family.

Thursday, January 1 vs Washington Capitals — Jakob Chychrun

Chychrun returns after an impressive first season in Washington. He’s in year one of an eight-year, $72 million deal with the Caps.

Saturday, January 3 vs Winnipeg Jets — Vladislav Namestnikov, Dylan DeMelo

DeMelo was solid and a social media darling during his time in Ottawa. Namestnikov was here for a short cup of coffee in 2019–20.

Monday, January 5 vs Detroit Red Wings — Alex DeBrincat, Austin Watson, Cam Talbot, Jacob Bernard-Docker

A loaded return night. DeBrincat, once pegged as a long-term core player, didn't want to be here. So he was traded after just one season. The popular Watson brought grit and leadership during his three seasons. Talbot and Bernard-Docker round out the group of familiar faces.

Saturday, January 24 vs Carolina Hurricanes — Mike Reilly

The smooth-skating defenseman played 70 games with the Sens between 2019 and 2021. Reilly missed over four months with the Islanders after a heart procedure last season—so it’s good to see him playing anywhere.

Saturday, January 25 vs Vegas Golden Knights — Mark Stone

Stone, who spends his summers here, plays in Ottawa for the first time since 2022. The Sens’ 2010 sixth-round steal captained Vegas to a Cup two years ago.

Wednesday, January 28 vs Colorado Avalanche — Parker Kelly

Known for his relentless motor, Kelly was a locker room favourite during his tenure in Ottawa. He now grinds it out for the Avs.

Sunday, March 15 vs San Jose Sharks — Adam Gaudette, Zack Ostapchuk (if rostered)

Gaudette played a short stint with Ottawa, scoring a surprising 19 goals. Ostapchuk, a former Sens prospect, could face his former organization if he cracks the Sharks’ NHL lineup.

Saturday, April 4 vs Minnesota Wild — Filip Gustavsson, Vladimir Tarasenko

Gustavsson is no longer being pushed by veteran Marc-Andre Fleury, who's now retired. Now the internal competition comes from young Jesper Wallstedt. Tarasenko, whose brief stay in Ottawa helped out the top-six, comes back with the Wild after a tough season in Detroit.

Tuesday, April 7 vs Tampa Bay Lightning — Nick Paul, Boris Katchouk

Paul, a do-it-all forward in Ottawa, has been excellent for Tampa. Katchouk, once a Sens fourth-liner, also returns.

There it is — a season filled with emotional reunions, feel-good storylines, and, in the case of the well-liked Norris, whose exit is still so fresh, maybe a few tears.

By Steve Warne
The Hockey News Ottawa

More Sens Headlines:
Oops: Sens Fan Accidentally Receives Unreleased Ottawa Senators Third Jersey
Should Batherson Have Been Considered For Team Canada's Orientation Camp?
Five Ottawa Senators Who Wouldn't Look Out Of Place On The Ring of Honour
Mark Stone Jokes That It Wasn't Always Easy Playing On Brady Tkachuk's Line
2018 World Junior Trial Ends: Former Senator Alex Formenton Found Not Guilty
Croatia's NHL Trailblazer: Sens Prospect Bruno Idžan Takes NHL Road Less Travelled

Former San Jose Sharks defenseman Markus Nutivaara has announced that he is continuing his hockey career with Kärpät of Liiga.

Unfortunately, Nutivaara was never able to play in a regular season game with the organization due to a hip injury that forced him to hang up his skates for a period of time.

Now, though, he is healthy enough to resume his career, and he’s very excited about it. In his press release, he had this to say:

"I have butterflies in my stomach and I feel like a little boy!" He went on to add, "The starting points are certainly challenging. I had hip surgery in November – it took a couple of months until I started to feel like I could move well. I went to watch a Kärppien game and realized that I couldn't just watch hockey, I wanted to be playing myself! I didn't have that feeling before the surgery because I was in so much pain. As the rehabilitation process progressed, I had the playful idea of trying it! Let's get my body back in top shape – there's nothing to lose. With good luck, you'll be able to play, with bad luck, at least you'll be in good shape and can live normally for the rest of your life."

Nutivaara has played 275 games in the NHL with the Columbus Blue Jackets and Florida Panthers over six seasons. He has scored 17 goals and 54 assists for 71 points and had a plus-26 rating.

67 Days Until Opening Day: The Sharks' History of Number 67We’re officially just 67 days away from the San Jose Sharks taking the ice at SAP Center and hosting the Vegas Golden Knights on opening night. From The Archive: Nabokov For KiprusoffThe Hockey News has released its archive to all THN subscribers: 76 years of history, stories, and features. 3 AHL Rookies Who Could Be Difference Makers for the San Jose BarracudaThe San Jose Sharks have an abundance of prospects who will be battling for spots in the NHL and the American Hockey League this coming season. From The Archive: Michael Misa vs. James Hagens The Hockey News has released its archive to all THN subscribers: 76 years of history, stories, and features.