Gold team defenseman Tanner Molendyk (50) looks to shoot past Blue team defenseman Luke Shipley (57) during the Future Stars Game at the Ford Ice Center Bellevue in Nashville, Tenn., Saturday, July 5, 2025.. © Andrew Nelles / The Tennessean / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Luke Evangelista wasn’t the only one absent from the first day of practice with the Nashville Predators.

Defensemen Tanner Molendyk and Cameron Reid were both not present due to injury, according to the team.

Molendyk is nursing a lower-body injury he suffered during the first practice of Predators rookie camp last week.

The 6-foot, 181-pound blueliner delivered a hit along the boards while performing a drill and left that practice shortly thereafter. He did not play in any of the three games during the prospect tournament, and is currently listed as day-to-day.

Reid also suffered a lower-body injury during the final game of the tournament against Florida. He played in the team’s first two games against the Tampa Bay Lightning and Carolina Hurricanes before exiting the Panthers’ contest early.

The Predators selected Molendyk No. 24 overall in the 2023 NHL Draft, while Reid was taken 21st overall in 2025.

Last season, Molendyk tallied 21 points (4-17-21) in 21 games for the Saskatoon Blades of the WHL. He also appeared in 28 regular-season games with the Medicine Hat Tigers, recording 26 points (5-21-26) and 20 points (4-16-20 in 18 playoff games.

Molendyk had a chance to compete for a spot on the NHL roster coming into training camp. Depending on how long he is out, that opportunity could be delayed. Most likely, he will start the season with the Milwaukee Admirals in the AHL.

As an alternate captain with the OHL’s Kitchener Rangers in 2024-25, Reid collected 54 points (14-40-54) in 67 regular-season games. In 14 playoff games, he had five assists.

Reid is expected to be back in Kitchener for his third season in juniors.

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It is an exciting time of year for hockey fans, as NHL teams are back on the ice for training camp. However, unfortunately for one former Montreal Canadiens forward, he will need to spend some time recovering before he gets his training camp started. 

According to Postmedia's Bruce Garrioch, former Canadiens forward Lars Eller is recovering from a minor abdominal procedure and will miss the beginning of the Ottawa Senators' training camp.

Eller signed a one-year, $1.25 million contract with the Senators after hitting the market as an unrestricted free agent (UFA) on July 1. Now, he will need to wait a bit before he can show his new team what he can do.

Eller is expected to be a solid part of the Senators' bottom six as they look to build off their solid 2024-25 season. 

Eller split this past season between the Pittsburgh Penguins and Washington Capitals, where he recorded 10 goals, 12 assists, 22 points, 57 hits, and a minus-5 rating in 80 games. This was after he posted 15 goals and 31 points in 82 games with the Penguins during the 2023-24 season. 

Eller spent six seasons with the Canadiens from 2010-11 to 2015-16. In 435 games as a member of the Habs, he recorded 71 goals, 83 assists, 154 points, and 560 hits. 

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The Kids Keep Coming - Apr. 2 2018 - Vol. 71 Issue 13 - Jared Clinton

JACK ROSLOVIC(GRAIG ABEL/GETTY IMAGES)

THE WINNIPEG JETS HAVE a habit of making their picks count on draft day. From sniper Patrik Laine, center Mark Scheifele and netminder Connor Hellebuyck to secondary standouts such as Nikolaj Ehlers, Josh Morrissey and Kyle Connor, Winnipeg has regularly supplemented its veteran talent with young upstarts, and it’s starting to pay dividends with more help on the way. “It goes back to the commitment we made when the team (came) here and the dedication from the ownership to make sure that scouting was an investment, that it wasn’t going to be just deemed an expense,” said GM Kevin Cheveldayoff.

1 JACK ROSLOVIC

RW, 21, 6-1, 187 Manitoba (AHL)

32–15–20–35–8 2015 draft, 25th overall

OVERALL 19

A breadth of offensive talent has allowed the Jets to be patient with Roslovic, but his play in the AHL has forced their hand. He’s been as good with the puck as he has been without it, and now it’s about translating his AHL success to NHL production. “We’ve given him time with respect to different opportunities and different roles,” Cheveldayoff said. “If you watch him play right now…it’s how he’s playing, how he’s reading, how he’s reacting, that the coaches are impressed with.”

FW17 | No. 2 NHL | 2018-19

2 KRISTIAN VESALAINEN

LW, 18, 6-3, 209 HPK (Fin.)

44–19–20–39–6 2017 draft, 24th overall

OVERALL 55

Vesalainen got a taste of the European top flights in previous seasons, but his usage and ice time were inconsistent. His eyebrow-raising performance this season has given him some stability. He has a big shot and the offensive acumen to hang with more seasoned competitors, and his bulky frame allows him to fight for pucks. “He’s in a solid situation now as opposed to last year when there were lots of different transitions,” Cheveldayoff said. “He’s confident and having success.”

FW17 | n/a NHL | 2020-21

3 DYLAN SAMBERG

D, 19, 6-4, 215 Minnesota-Duluth (NCHC)

32–1–8–9–37 2017 draft, 43rd overall

OVERALL 76

Samberg was a standout at the draft combine, and his production in high school was nothing short of brilliant. The leap to college has made offensive success challenging, however, and Samberg has taken his lumps. But his showing at the WJC, where he won bronze with Team USA, was proof that Samberg can finish. His size gives him a foundation with which to work, but he needs to grow into his frame. Improving his stride will also turn him into a more impactful offensive force.

FW17 | n/a NHL | 2021-22

4 BRENDAN LEMIEUX

LW, 21, 6-1, 210 Manitoba (AHL)

36–17–16–33–125 Trade (Buf), Feb. 11, 2015

OVERALL 94

An injury prior to camp last season prevented him from putting his best foot forward in the AHL. Lemieux has left those difficulties in the past, and the organization is impressed with the work he has done to transform his body. He’s bigger, stronger and faster – Cheveldayoff raved Lemieux was in “exceptional condition” – and the dedication to training has translated to greater production. He could do a better job walking the fine line between peskiness and the penalty box.

FW17 | No. 6 NHL | 2019-20

5 TUCKER POOLMAN

D, 24, 6-2, 199 Manitoba (AHL)

14–1–5–6–4 2013 draft, 127th overall

The Jets wanted Poolman to turn pro last season and gain experience, but an extra year in college has benefitted the smooth-skating defender. He stuck around in Winnipeg after camp and has been at the front of the line for call-ups, though he needs more ice time to reach his potential. The belief is Poolman can turn into an NHL hand in short order. “When you skate like him, have size like him, shoot like him, have hockey sense and are a good competitor, he could be a guy on the Josh Morrissey curve,” Cheveldayoff said.

FW17 | No. 5 NHL | 2018-19

6 ERIC COMRIE

G, 22, 6-1, 180 Manitoba (AHL)

16–9–2, 2.54, .921 2013 draft, 59th overall

Splitting time with Michael Hutchinson. Good attitude and a dedicated approach.

7 NIC PETAN

C, 22, 5-9, 179 Manitoba (AHL)

39–12–29–41–8 2013 draft, 43rd overall

Return to full-time AHL duty is step backward for skillful playmaker.

8 LOGAN STANLEY

D, 19, 6-7, 240 Kitchener (OHL)

54–13–25–38–95 2016 draft, 18th overall

Massive rearguard hitting stride as two-way threat after trade from Windsor.

9 MIKHAIL BERDIN

G, 19, 6-3, 180 Sioux Falls (USHL)

16–7–5, 2.65, .921 2016 draft, 157th overall

Has been solid in U.S. junior circuit. Needs to test himself on the next rung up.

10 MASON APPLETON

C, 22, 6-2, 201 Manitoba (AHL)

56–18–33–51–47 2015 draft, 168th overall

Transition from college has gone better than expected for AHL rookie standout.

21-AND-UNDER NHLERS | PATRIK LAINE, RW, 19; KYLE CONNOR, LW, 21

EAST MEADOW, NY -- One of the biggest questions surrounding the New York Islanders entering training camp was how Mathew Barzal would look out of the gate.

The 28-year-old was limited to just 30 games in 2024-25 due to two separate long-term injuries, the latter a knee injury off a blocked shot, which required a minor procedure, ending his season in early February. 

Barzal has been honest about his feelings, telling us at the organization's charity golf outing that he's 100 percent healthy and has overcome the mental hurdle and injury that created it. 

Despite Barzal's words, his play on the ice on day one would be telling as to just how effective he can be when the puck drops on Oct. 9 against the Pittsburgh Penguins to start the regular season.

 

Islanders Outlook: Mathew Barzal Profile & ProjectionThe 2024-25 season was anything but easy for New York Islanders forward Mathew Barzal.

Day one of training camp is a day for everyone to get their legs under them, and Barzal looked like himself out there, which is a very positive sign. 

"[He looked] outstanding," Islanders head coach Patrick Roy said. "I think we were all curious to see how well he would skate in this. I'm very happy. I'm very impressed with the way he was moving on the ice. He’s playing middle with Anders Lee and Kyle Palmieri. They played together before, so it seems to me they were really connected as well.”

Barzal hits the ice. #Islespic.twitter.com/RQbHNRZOGX

— Stefen Rosner (@stefen_rosner) September 18, 2025

Barzal is moving back to the center this season to help fill the hole that Brock Nelson left behind. While that will be different, having played on Bo Horvat's wing since the Islanders acquired the former Vancouver captain ahead of the 2023 NHL Trade Deadline, Barzal's transition game, especially coming up the center of the ice, is elite. 

Having him back healthy and ready to go is critical to the Islanders getting back into the postseason after coming up nine points short of the second wild-card spot last season. 

"He looks good," veteran defenseman Ryan Pulock said. "He obviously missed a lot of time last year, but I think -- I skated with him maybe his second skating in the summer after coming back from injury -- he looked like he didn't miss any time at all. So thought again today, he looks good. He's skating, he's moving, he's turning. I think he'll have a big year for us."

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On Thursday, the Pittsburgh Penguins opened their 2025 training camp with a few words from general manager and president of hockey operations Kyle Dubas. 

And if one thing was clear, it's that this camp - and this season - will be quite a bit different from ones in years past. 

For once, the Penguins have youth talent populating their prospect pool, and some of them are going to make legitimate pushes for the NHL roster. They are also mired in the middle of a rebuild, and the developmental focus of camp is going to be at the forefront. 

In addition, there were some rumblings about what's happening across the NHL on the trade front, which figures to be a focal point this season for the Penguins. 

Here are three observations from Dubas's pre-season presser.

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1. There is very much a focus on youth this camp

During camp in 2024, the Penguins were at a much different place organizationally than they're at now. Their prospect pool was largely barren, and outside of a few outliers, they didn't really have any youth legitimately making a push for the NHL roster out of camp. 

That is certainly not the case this time around, and Dubas and his camp know this. Prospects certainly won't be handed anything this season, but they won't be blocked, either, which wasn't as much the case in years past.

The organization is serious about this youth and development movement, and folks should expect to see some of that manifest into final roster decisions.

"What we're notably looking for is our younger guys that have earned opportunities and chances... Can they run with it? Can they push themselves to play in more exhibition games? Can they assert themselves in the training sessions that [start Thursday] in addition to the exhibition games that they get, and especially as the lineups get better and the games get harder as they go... can they continue to maintain their level?

4 Dark Horse Candidates To Break Penguins' NHL Roster Out Of CampPittsburgh Penguins' training camp is officially only two days away, and there will be many storylines to watch this year.

"If they continue to push all the way - and it's very clear that they should be on the team - they'll make the team, and we'll deal with whatever the ripple effects of those are on some of the more veteran guys." 

If push comes to shove, the team probably won't hesitate to cut ties with veterans in order to make room for standout prospects who appear to be NHL-ready. And the veterans know this.

"The message to the veteran guys is that, with where we're at, the young guys are coming, they're going to get opportunity, they're going to have to earn everything... but it's been very clear to them what the expectation is," Dubas said. "And it's up to them to hold onto their jobs and hold onto their spots and their places with the Penguins and in the NHL."

---

2. The trade market is pretty stagnant right now

I asked Dubas why the trade market was generally stagnant this summer - especially later on - and whether or not it had anything to do with the cap going up next season as well as the strong draft class.

"The commentary from other people throughout the league was that it just doesn't seem like anything's going on," Dubas said. "I think the increase in the salary cap from last year to this year - it was the first year it really took a significant bump since Covid - played an impact in that it just wasn't a necessity to make a lot of deals."

He added: "I think part of it has to do with salary cap going up, part of it has to do with other teams taking care of their RFAs due to last year's offer sheet situation between St. Louis and Edmonton. But I just think in the next number of years, you've got the salary cap projected to go up, and they've also outlined exactly what it's going to be, so it's better. It makes it easier to plan."

Dubas also commented on the markets for Rickard Rakell, Bryan Rust, and Erik Karlsson, all of some of whom fans expected to be shopped this summer.

Penguins' 2025 Training Camp Preview: 6 Storylines To WatchWell, today is the day: Pittsburgh Penguins' training camp is finally here.

"I think with where we're at, we have to always look every single day at what's best for the organization. We're not in a spot where we're coming off being deep into the playoffs in consecutive years. The team's missed the playoffs for three years, and the job is to return us there. So regardess of what that creates on the rumor front or anything like that, we're always looking for ways that can help propel the team back to where we want it to get to. So, that work doesn't really stop. There's been tons of discussions on a lot of our guys throughout the summer, but we also aren't just going to make deals to offload very key and important people in the organization and that have given a lot to the organization in their time. So, if the right return is there, we would at anything, and in the meantime, we're going to do everything we can to get the most out of those guys."

---

3. Dubas wants to execute this rebuild his way

Of course, Dubas wasn't leaving this presser without answering a question about agent Pat Brisson's remarks about his client, Sidney Crosby.

Josh Yohe of The Athletic posed a question about whether there was a possibility that Dubas and Brisson or Dubas and Crosby aren't on the same page about the rebuild and the urgency to compete again in the near-term.

"Shortcuts cut long runs short," Dubas said. "I didn't take from Pat's comments that he necessarily disagrees with where we're at. I talk to Pat daily, if not twice daily, about all of his clients on our team, which they have plenty and other goings on throughout the league.

The Penguins' 'Rebuild' May Not Be What You Think It IsAnother day, another story, another post about the state of the Pittsburgh Penguins. 

"I think he's entitled to make whatever comments he wishes, but all that said, we can't alter the course that we're on - which is to bring the team back into a team that can contend for the Stanley Cup year-in and year-out - because of what different media members may want, where they may want to see Sid play, different things of that nature. We have to focus on doing what's right for the Pittsburgh Penguins, and regardless of any sort of commentary or things that are said in the media, we can't change that. So, this is our sole focus. I knew when signing up for the job that this was liekly going to be a part of it, and this doesn't deter us from the job at hand."

Basically, Dubas has a plan, and he's sticking to it - whatever that is. He continued to emphasize that they want to return the team to contention as urgently as possible while also stressing that they're not going to put a timeline on anything.

---

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Former Winnipeg Jets backup goaltender Laurent Brossoit faces another lengthy absence with new injury.

On Thursday, Chicago Blackhawks GM Kyle Davidson confirmed Thursday that former Winnipeg Jets goaltender Laurent Brossoit underwent hip surgery this offseason and is expected to miss significant time. 

It’s the latest setback in what’s been a frustrating series of injuries for the Port Alberni, B.C. native, who hasn’t played since suiting up for the Jets during the 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs.

After signing a two-year deal with Chicago in July 2024, Brossoit missed the entire 2024-25 season due to multiple knee surgeries, first to repair a torn meniscus in August, then an arthroscopic procedure in November. 

Early Takeaways From Jets Training Camp: Groups, Players To Watch, Position BattlesBreaking down the early takeaways of Winnipeg Jets Training Camp including storylines from each group, position battles to watch and prospects to keep an eye on.

With this latest surgery, his return timeline is uncertain, and his NHL future remains in question. Jets fans will remember Brossoit not just for his on-ice talent, but for his professionalism and quiet leadership in the dressing room. He returned to Winnipeg for a second stint ahead of the 2023-24 season and played a vital role in the Jets playoff push that year with a 15-5-2 record with a 2.00 goals against average and a .927 save percentage that led to three shutouts in 23 appearances.

Brossoit's time in Winnipeg was memorable as he appeared in 77 games with the Jets and posted a 40-24-5 record with a 2.51 goals against average and a .917 save percentage. 

The 32-year-old netminder made his final appearance in Game 1 of the Jets' first-round series against Colorado, where he started in net at Canada Life Centre. It wasn't the first time Brossoit was heavily relied upon in a big spot as he also started in a Game 1 during the 2023 Stanley Cup Playoffs with the Vegas Golden Knights. In 140 NHL games, Brossoit has compiled a 64-46-13 record, along with a 2.64 GAA, a .911 save percentage, and six shutouts. He also holds a 5-2 playoff record across 10 appearances.

Should Winnipeg Consider Bringing In Dillon Dube?The Winnipeg Jets could look to add another bottom-six forward with Dillon Dube available following the controversial Hockey Canada legal cases. 

The Detroit Red Wings could look to add another depth defenseman with Cal Foote available following the controversial Hockey Canada legal cases.

The hockey news cycle has taken a significant turn following the acquittal of five Hockey Canada players who were at the center of a long-standing criminal and civil case involving an alleged sexual assault in a hotel room.

Dillon Dubé (Forward – Calgary Flames), Michael McLeod (Centre – New Jersey Devils), Alex Formenton (Forward – Ottawa Senators), Cal Foote (Defenceman – New Jersey Devils), and Carter Hart (Goaltender – Philadelphia Flyers) were all found not guilty. The court reached this decision after determining that the complainant’s testimony contained inconsistencies, and crucial video evidence contradicted key aspects of her account. As a result, the allegations were deemed to lack sufficient credibility and legal merit.

Following the conclusion of the trial, the NHL stated that the players will be allowed to sign with a team on October 15th and could return to playing full-time on December 1st. It begs the question of if NHL General Managers are willing to outweigh talent over controversy and take in a player that could create a dramatic scene around the organization? 

Detroit Red Wings Announce Training Camp RosterThe Detroit Red Wings have announced their training camp roster and schedule for the upcoming week's training camp. 

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

Insider reports have come out on the players and that some teams are reportedly looking to add some of the players. One of the most highly-talked about names is Hart, as he's a quality starting goaltender that is talented enough to take over a starting job with one mentioned contender being the Edmonton Oilers. One name out of the five that could be looked at in Detroit is Cal Foote. 

The 6-foot-4 physical defenseman was once considered a top prospect, selected 14th overall in the 2017 NHL Draft, before his career was impacted by the criminal case. Still just 26 years old, Foote has shown he can contribute effectively, even if not through flashy point totals. He holds a career +24 rating in the NHL and made the most of his time with the Tampa Bay Lightning from 2020 to 2023, appearing in 117 games while averaging just over 13 minutes per night in a bottom-pairing role. 

Despite limited ice time, he made a noticeable impact, ranking third among Tampa defensemen (with at least 60 games played) in hits per 60 minutes (6.24) and fourth in blocked shots per 60 (4.08) during that span. 

He was eventually moved to Nashville and then signed with New Jersey ahead of the 2023-24 season before leaving the team to go through the legal system with the criminal case. He still put up solid numbers with the Devils with a points and a +3 rating through four games. He could be looked at as a lottery ticket option for the Red Wings similar to recent signing Jacob Benard-Docker as Foote is a rare right-shot defenseman and could be valuable on the team's third pairing. 

He is at least worth an extended look as he is one of the players involved in the case to be getting second looks from NHL teams. 

Detroit Red Wings Unveil New Centennial JerseysThe Detroit Red Wings revealed special third jerseys on Monday to celebrate their upcoming Centennial season. 

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The St. Louis Blues' training camp has finally started, but prior to the first practices, GM Doug Armstrong spoke to the media, talking about several topics.

Armstrong spoke about second chances when referring to Milan Lucic's PTO and how he isn't taking a trip down memory lane in his final season as general manager. But one quote that stood out was his comments about newly acquired defenseman Logan Mailloux.

"I was honest with him; it's his job to lose," said Armstrong. "He understands that we have experienced players ahead of him in Parayko and Faulk. But our belief, I told you when we gave up Bolduc, it wasn't to get a career minor-leaguer."

It's rare for a manager to say that to a player, let alone say that to the media. It shows that there is both immense pressure but also a belief that Mailloux has the skill set to be a valued addition to the Blues' blueline.

When Mailloux was first acquired, Armstrong was under the belief that he was NHL-ready, and now he's doubled down.

But Armstrong isn't the only one who believes in Mailloux. The 22-year-old said it himself back in early July that he is ready for the next step in his career.

"I’m really excited to come to St. Louis," Mailloux said. "I think they’ve got a great group of guys, and I’m really looking forward to continuing my journey, on and off the ice. Coming to St. Louis and being able to make a positive impact, whether it’s on the ice or off the ice, I think I want to come in there and be able to do some good. It’s pretty nice, to be honest. I think they’re giving me a chance here trading for me. I think they gave up a good prospect, a good player. I think I’m NHL-ready as well. I think I’m ready to make that jump full-time. Hopefully, come in here and be able to contribute to some wins and some success next year."

Standing 6-foot-3, 213 pounds, Mailloux comes into St. Louis with eight games of NHL experience, scoring two goals and five points with the Montreal Canadiens. He had his issues on the defensive side of the puck during his brief call-ups to the NHL, but Belle River, Ont., native is a smooth skater who will improve the Blues' breakout and transition offense.

In the AHL last season, Mailloux notched 12 goals and 33 points in 63 games and the year prior, he recorded 14 goals and 47 points in 72 games. 

There's pressure on either side of Mailloux, but he's been brought in to be an NHL player this year. Justin Faulk and Colton Parayko are the right-handed defenseman ahead of him, and Adam Jiricek, the Blues' 2024 first-round pick, will be clicking at his heels next year. 

"We're hoping to grow with him. When do you know that you have an NHL defenseman? I'll let you know after 200 games," said Armstrong on Wednesday. "He's got a long way to go. I'm not too concerned how the next month goes but he'd like to get off to a good start and I'd like him to get off to a good start."

Mailloux will almost undoubtedly start the season in the NHL, but the Blues have large aspirations, and if he underperforms, Armstrong won't be hesitant to find someone else. 

Blues Focused On Player's Potential, Confident Isolated Incident Is Behind Logan Mailloux - Community PostMARYLAND HEIGHTS, Mo. -- The comments started pouring in quickly once St. Louis Blues fans realized when the cost for acquiring promising 22-year-old defenseman Logan Mailloux for a more polished 22-year-old in forward Zack Bolduc would be on the table.