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The NJ Devils and Their Greatest Rivalry

The New Jersey Devils are part of one of the NHL’s best rivalries: the cross-river showdown with the New York Rangers. Widely regarded as one of the league’s fiercest competitions, it’s a matchup fueled by geography, history, and passionate fan bases.

Other top NHL rivalries include:

  • Florida Panthers vs. Tampa Bay Lightning
  • Boston Bruins vs. Montreal Canadiens
  • Toronto Maple Leafs vs. Boston Bruins
  • Pittsburgh Penguins vs. Washington Capitals
  • Calgary Flames vs. Edmonton Oilers
  • New York Rangers vs. New Jersey Devils
  • Philadelphia Flyers vs. Washington Capitals

Known as the Hudson River Rivalry, or the Battle of the Hudson, the Devils and Rangers feud began in 1982, when the Devils relocated to New Jersey. Rangers fans were quick to bristle at the idea of a new team just 12 miles away. The Devils call the Prudential Center in Newark home. At the same time, the Rangers play at Madison Square Garden in Manhattan, a short 25-minute drive between arenas, making it easy for fans to invade enemy territory.

While proximity sparked the tension, on-ice battles cemented it. Games are often physical, emotional, and fiercely contested. The rivalry’s peak came in the mid-1990s: in 1994, the Rangers claimed the Stanley Cup after defeating Vancouver; in 1995, the Devils answered back by beating Detroit for their own championship.

Since the 2004–05 season, the teams have met 43 times, each game seemingly more heated than the last. In 2024, Rangers rookie enforcer Matt Rempe stirred controversy by injuring a Devils player, earning himself a suspension. Devils fans need no prompting to chant “Rangers Suck” whenever the Blueshirts visit Newark, a tradition even immortalized in Seinfeld.

Of course, the Devils have other regional rivalries. The Philadelphia Flyers' feud with New Jersey has history, proximity, and memorable incidents, like the infamous leg stomp and the Lindros Corollary, making it the Devils’ second-strongest rivalry. The Islanders, however, haven’t posed a consistent threat in recent years, keeping that rivalry a notch lower.

Still, no matchup compares to Devils vs. Rangers. The blend of history, fan hostility, and close quarters has created one of the most intense rivalries in the NHL, one that shows no signs of cooling off.

The two teams will not face each other this season until March 7th, 2026. In the meantime the rivalry has time to brew. 


Image Credit: © Ed Mulholland-Imagn Images

Alex Laferriere’s Versatility Could Shape the Kings’ Future Down the Middle

Credit © Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

EL SEGUNDO, CA — The Los Angeles Kings made a quiet but meaningful move this week, re-signing forward Alex Laferriere to a three-year contract extension. While the deal doesn’t carry the headline shock of a blockbuster trade or marquee free agent signing the team sought in the early days of free agency, it speaks volumes about the organization’s belief in the 23-year-old’s upside and versatility. 

For a team balancing a veteran core with an emerging next generation, locking up Laferriere is more than just a depth signing. It’s about creating flexibility in a roster that has seen plenty of its up and coming forwards show ability to play wing and center.

Laferriere’s Journey and Impact

Drafted in the third round (83rd overall) in 2020, Laferriere arrived in Los Angeles as an intriguing prospect out of Harvard University. He was known for his high-energy style, relentless forechecking, and willingness to play in all three zones. His transition to the NHL has been defined by exactly those traits—he doesn’t take shifts off, plays with noticeable pace, and has the kind of competitive edge that coaches trust in high-leverage moments.

Echoing Alex Iafallo, Laferriere shocked both team and non-team personnel with his opening NHL camp and his first full NHL season, as he not only made the roster but quickly earned a reputation for reliability, versatility, and a knack for complementing more offensively gifted linemates. That would diminish down the stretch in his first season with Kings’ fan favorite Pierre Luc Dubois.

Laferriere has shown promise, potentially emerging as a high-end secondary scoring threat even after his second season on a potent line with Quinton Byfield and Kevin Fiala. He posted modest point totals (42 points), threatened to score 20 in his second season (19), while showing flashes of dominant responsible play (+22) to keep the door open for further growth.

Perhaps the most appealing part of Laferriere’s game is his ability to seamlessly shift between roles of winger and center. He can play up and down the lineup, handle tough defensive assignments, and, critically for the Kings, has the potential to take on minutes at center if needed.

The Center Question in Los Angeles

For years, the Kings have been spoiled down the middle. Anze Kopitar has been the franchise’s future Hall of Fame rock, combining Selke-level defense with offensive production. Phillip Danault has provided elite shutdown capability and secondary scoring. Behind them, the team envisioned a future with Byfield as the next top-line centerpiece and Alex Turcotte anchoring the middle six.

Hockey development is rarely linear, which can be said even about well thought out plans. For the Kings, Byfield has taken encouraging strides, but Turcotte’s journey has been marred by injuries and inconsistency. Once viewed as a sure bet to claim a full-time NHL center role, Turcotte has yet to cement himself in the lineup, despite showing signs of growth while getting top line wing time with Kopitar and Adrian Kempe last season. 

General Manager Ken Holland has projected Turcotte to anchor the fourth line this upcoming season, next to Joel Armia and Corey Perry. A brand new line never seen before in Los Angeles should be cause for excitement, though the ceiling of a line that might get max 10-13 minutes should dampen expectations. History is also against Turcotte here, with their higher-end prospects seemingly dying on the vine in the bottom six (Rasmus Kupari, Jared Anderson-Dolan, Arthur Kaliyev, and now Akil Thomas). 

The Kings could face a significant gap in their depth chart within the next two to three years if Turcotte cannot form into a low end 2C, Kopitar in his potential last year and Danault, despite defying expectations in LA, stepping closer to his mid-thirties.

That’s where Laferriere’s extension becomes more strategic than it appears at first glance.

Laferriere as a Center Option

While Laferriere has spent most of his NHL time on the wing, he has experience playing center at lower levels, including during his NCAA days. His defensive responsibility, hockey IQ, and skating make him a plausible option to transition back into the middle if the Kings need to fill a spot, either due to injury, roster reshuffling, or Turcotte’s up-and-down developmental journey.

As I asked Laferriere in his recent availability about the potential at center:

“I think for how I am as a player, I’ve always kind of prided myself on being someone who can be put anywhere in the lineup and try to do my best there… I think Jimmy trusts me in that role [at center]”
- Alex Laferriere Media Availability August 6th, 2025

For a player who rarely played center growing up, the move wouldn’t be without challenges, though to have an NHL coach (regardless in his first year as a benchboss in the league) trusting a player like Laferriere at center, speaks volumes. Center in the NHL is a demanding position, requiring more defensive reads, faceoff responsibilities, and the ability to facilitate offense from the middle of the ice. But Laferriere’s style, driven by anticipation, work ethic, and adaptability, suggests he could handle at least a hybrid role.

Even if he doesn’t become a full-time pivot, having him capable of spot duty at center provides Los Angeles with lineup flexibility. In the postseason, when injuries and matchup needs often force changes, that kind of utility can be the difference between stability and scrambling.

What If Turcotte Doesn’t Pan Out?

The Turcotte situation looms large over the Kings’ forward group. Drafted fifth overall in 2019, in a wave of great up and coming USHL players, Turcotte was projected to be a top-six, two-way center in the mold of Jonathan Toews, a player who could dominate at both ends of the ice and impose himself as a natural leader. Instead, injuries and developmental setbacks have limited his NHL exposure and slowed his progression.

If Turcotte can’t secure a consistent center role, the Kings have three options:

First, shift an existing winger to center. Laferriere should be the leading candidate here, given his profile. It wouldn’t be an ideal full-time solution, but it could work in specific scenarios. Kempe has played center, but is better weaponized on the wing.

Secondly, rely on other internal prospects. Though the pipeline, which includes some intriguing names, are not remotely surefire NHL-ready centers in the next year or two. This approach carries the most risk in the fallout of a once brimming with talent center pipeline.

Lastly, acquire a center via trade or free agency. This would be the most expensive option in both cap space and assets, especially for a contending team. 

It is important to note however, that the projected cap will continue to rise, with Kopitar coming off the books and Drew Doughty's AAV due to come back down to earth for his next contract. There could be some money to play with despite Kempe destined to be the next eight digit player on the Kings.

In this context, Laferriere’s three-year deal acts as insurance. If Turcotte emerges as a reliable middle-six center, Laferriere remains a valuable winger with the flexibility to move around. If Turcotte doesn’t, the Kings have at least one internal player capable of stepping in without completely overhauling the roster.

Cap and Contract Implications

From a financial perspective, the Laferriere extension is a low-risk, high-upside move. His cap hit remains manageable, giving the Kings room to maneuver as they navigate contracts for other young players and potentially add reinforcements. The three-year term also ensures cost certainty during a period when the roster may undergo significant changes.

For a team walking the line between “win now” and “develop for the future,” cost-controlled versatility is gold. Laferriere fits that bill perfectly.

Looking Ahead

The Kings are at an inflection point. The Kopitar-Doughty era is winding down, and the Byfield-Clarke generation is just beginning to take shape. In between sits a group of players like Laferriere, core upside but essentially bridge pieces who can connect the eras while carving out their own place in the team’s identity.

If Turcotte finally breaks through, the Kings will have enviable depth down the middle. If not, Laferriere’s adaptability could quietly become one of the organization’s most important assets if they cannot bolster their center corps with an external move.

Either way, this three-year deal isn’t just about locking up a promising young forward. It’s about keeping options open in a league where flexibility often dictates success.

Bottom Line

Laferriere’s extension is a savvy, strategic and forward-thinking move for the Kings. It ensures lineup stability, provides potential coverage at a critical position, and reinforces the team’s commitment to building around players who can adapt to whatever the future holds. For a franchise navigating the balance between legacy and next-generation talent, that might be exactly what they need.

Where Should Islanders’ Matthew Schaefer Play In 2025-26?

The New York Islanders signed Matthew Schaefer to a three-year entry-level contract on Aug. 4, becoming the ninth 2025 first-round pick to sign. 

There isn’t a glaring weakness in the 2025 first-overall pick’s game. He’s as confident as you’ll find and thinks the game like a No.1 defenseman should. There’s not a single issue with his character. In fact, anything that has been said about him makes him seem like an increasingly genuine person. 

What Schaefer has endured off the ice is no secret and doesn’t need to be touched upon further, but the mental fortitude to not only bounce back but become a shining light for children going through similar experiences as he has is a testament to his character. 

While understated at times, balancing hockey and the mental side of things is difficult, especially for a rookie, but no player seems more prepared for it than Schaefer. 

Physically, Schaefer could benefit from adding some muscle and weight to his 6-foot-2 frame, but that’s to be expected for someone who won’t turn 18 years old until Sept. 5. 

Schaefer is a smooth skater, capable of starting transitions on his own. Defensively, his skating and stick work force opponents to the outside before he quickly snatches the puck away from them. With a great understanding of positioning and what to do with the puck when it’s on his stick, Schaefer’s game should have no problem translating to the NHL. 

Once he signed his entry-level contract, the possibility of playing a season in the NCAA was abolished, but there are still routes Schaefer can take. 

Schaefer could return to the Erie Otters in the OHL following training camp and pre-season, and become, if not the catalyst, one of the key figures on what’s shaping out to be a strong Canadian roster at the World Junior Championship. 

Schaefer looked outstanding in the 17 OHL games and the one and a half world junior games he played last year, which is why he has been pencilled in as an NHLer. 

If the Hamilton, Ont. native looks comfortable in pre-season but hasn’t necessarily won a job out of camp, the New York Islanders can allow him to play nine games to start the season before burning a year on his ELC. If he isn’t ready, he can return to the Otters for the remainder of the season. 

What currently seems the most likely is that Schaefer starts the season on the Islanders’ third pair, playing behind fellow left-handed defensemen Adam Pelech and Alexander Romanov. As the season goes on and Schaefer continues to adjust to the pro game, his role can grow and his ice time can increase. 

"I mean me, personally, I want to play in the NHL," Schaefer said 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 dialled 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.”

Matthew Schaefer (Kirby Lee-Imagn Images)

The Islanders are in a favorable position where they don’t need to rush Schaefer, and can protect him in difficult matchups until they believe he is ready. 

Each team has different perspectives on what’s best for a young defenseman. Cale Makar, Quinn Hughes, Miro Heiskanen and Owen Power all spent one or more seasons away from the NHL before beginning their careers. It proved to work out for them as they are among the NHL’s best defenseman. For others, like Rasmus Dahlin, they were thrown into the fire immediately, and although there were hiccups, Dahlin has become one of the premier defensemen in the NHL.

Schaefer looks to be in a great position, and either choice could be very beneficial, which should kick-start a great career.

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Will Islanders Patrick Roy Take An Oilers Approach With His Two Top Forwards?

The New York Islanders know what Bo Horvat and Mathew Barzal are capable of when together.

Yes, the 2024-25 season was a lost year for the duo, with Barzal sustaining two long-term injuries that limited him to just 30 games.

But in 2023-24, the duo produced.

Horvat recorded 22 goals and 26 assists at 5-on-5 that season, with Barzal posting 18 goals and 37 assists at 5-on-5, with his overall 80 points the most since his Calder-winning season back in 2017-18.

However, for the 2025-26 season, the Islanders have decided to separate Barzal and Horvat, with Barzal going back to his natural position of center.

While Barzal certainly feels more comfortable down the middle, the loss of Brock Nelson to the Colorado Avalanche at the 2025 NHL Trade Deadline left a hole at the No. 2 center position.

While Calum Ritchie, the big-time prospect the Islanders got in return for Nelson, will have a chance to make the team out of training camp, giving him the responsibility of being the second-line center may be too much for the 20-year-old, who only has seven games of NHL experience.

Here's what Darche said when asked by “The Sheet’s” Jeff Marek about Barzal:

"The beauty of it, to me, with Mathew is yes, he's a centerman, but the more players you have that can play different positions, that gives you options," Darche said. "Last year, he had good moments with Bo Horvat, but sometimes they might both be centers, and sometimes during times of the game, times of the year, maybe they play together. So having that flexibility is great."

Darche Dissected: A Deep Dive Into His Interview On ‘The Sheet’Darche Dissected: A Deep Dive Into His Interview On ‘The Sheet’New York Islanders general manager Mathieu Darche had a lot to say to Jeff Marek. Let's break it down.

The Edmonton Oilers are notorious for this method.

Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl are both centermen, with head coach Kris Knoblauch usually having them separated at 5-on-5.

However, whenever Edmonton needed to score a goal, those two usually heard their names called.

And more often than not, Edmonton found a way to put the puck in the back of the net.

It's a tremendous luxury to have the ability to do that with two top forwards.

While there's no question that if Barzal's going to play center, he's going to have to perform much better in the faceoff dot — he owns a career 42.3% on faceoffs — he is a righty. Horvat is a lefty, which allows that line to take draws and use whoever is on their strong side, another luxury.

McDavid and Draisaitl are both left-handed.

There will be times during the season, potentially late in games, where the Islanders need a goal or Roy is looking to get the boys buzzing again.

He knows what he has in his former dynamic duo and can put the two together without worrying about how they might play. One part that can't be overlooked here is the defensive play of those two.

Horvat has always been a strong two-way player, and Barzal's game away from the puck grew exponentially when he was on Horvat's wing.

So, Roy could have Horvat and Barzal out on the ice late in games, preserving a lead if he has to — the Jean-Gabriel Pageau and Simon Holmstrom duo may get tasked with that — and not have to worry about a defensive drop-off.

As of right now, we know that Jonathan Drouin will play on Horvat's left wing, but outside of that, the rest of the lineup — especially who rounds out that “top line” and who Barzal will play with — remains a mystery.

Could Kyle Palmieri flank Horvat? Will Anders Lee and Barzal be reunited long-term like we saw during the Barry Trotz days? Has Holmstrom earned the right to be the starting second-line right winger?

Roy has a ton of options, but Roy also needs results early, one would think.

If he's having a hard time finding suitable linemates to get the best out of Barzal, we may see No. 13 back on Horvat's wing in short order.

Yes, that would put the Islanders in a tough situation since, outside of Barzal, they really don't have an answer for the second-line center spot.

But maybe Ritchie surprises everybody at training camp and shows he can be that guy.

Peel Back The Curtain: Calum Ritchie's Path To Making Islanders Isn't So Far-FetchedPeel Back The Curtain: Calum Ritchie's Path To Making Islanders Isn't So Far-FetchedWith the New York Islanders having a boatload of centermen, it may seem that Calum Ritchie’s chances of making the big club this fall are slim.

That would change everything because then the Islanders could have Drouin-Horvat-Barzal as a top line without hurting the overall makeup of the lineup.

Training camp opens in mid-September, as we are almost...almost a month away. 

Canadiens Defenseman Is Interesting Breakout Candidate

Earlier this off-season, the Montreal Canadiens re-signed defenseman Jayden Struble to a two-year contract with an average annual value (AAV) of $1.4125 million. Getting this deal done with Struble was important for the Canadiens, as he is among their most promising young defensemen.

Struble is coming off a solid season with the Canadiens, as he scored two goals and set new career highs with 11 assists, 13 points, and 124 hits in 56 games. This was after the 6-foot defenseman recorded three goals and 10 points in 56 games with the Canadiens during his rookie season in 2023-24. 

Overall, Struble has had a solid start to his NHL career and is cementing himself as a nice part of the Canadiens' blueline because of it. Yet, when noting that he is still only 23 years old and has just 112 career NHL games on his resume, he undoubtedly still has the potential to hit a new level. With this, he is a clear breakout candidate on the Canadiens to watch during the 2025-26 season. 

Struble has certainly shown promise early on in his career, and he should only improve as he continues to gain more experience. If he can get his offense up a bit more and continue to be reliable defensively, it would be massive for a Canadiens team on the rise. It will be intriguing to see if he can put together a breakout year for the Habs from here.

Former Canadiens Defender Still A Free AgentFormer Canadiens Defender Still A Free AgentSince we are in August, the majority of this year's top unrestricted free agents (UFAs) have signed their new contracts. While this is the case, there are still some interesting veteran players looking for their new homes. One of them is former Montreal Canadiens defenseman Jon Merrill.

From The Archives: Langway long way from NHL in ECHL

The Hockey News has been providing the most comprehensive coverage of the world of hockey since 1947. Each week, we’ll dig back into the magazine’s archives to look back on a key moment, player or other important figure in the ECHL.

A THN subscription gives you access to the magazine’s entire archives dating back to the first issue in 1947 (over 2,000 issues). Click here to subscribe.

(Note: Due to the digital quality of some older issues, articles may contain errors.

Mar 3, 1995/vol. 48, issue 24

Langway long way from NHL in ECHL

Two-time Norris Trophy winner Rod Langway, who hasn’t played competitively since Feb. 21, 1993, is attempting a comeback of sorts with the Richmond Renegades of the East Coast League.

Langway, 37, parted company with the Washington Capitals on less than friendly terms after the 15-year yeter-an was told he would no longer be playing every game because the club wanted to work younger legs into the lineup. Langway was six games short of his 1,000th NHL contest.

Craig Laughlin, Richmond general manager and a former teammate of Langway with the Montreal Canadiens and Capitals, said Langway’s performance would be assessed on a game-by-game basis.

“I told him I didn’t want to put his life in jeopardy for a minor league team,” Laughlin said.

ECHL teams are allowed to dress three veterans. Langway will be used as a player and defensive tutor.

Laughlin and team president Harry Feuerstein said there were no immediate aims for Langway to attempt an NHL return.

The Renegades are averaging 5,700 fans a night and Feuerstein denied this was a publicity stunt to fill more seats.

“You don’t do publicity stunts with a team that’s in first place,” he said.

“Stunt assumes there’s some sham involved, that something’s wrong. The reality is Rod wants to play and promote the game.”

Langway has spent the past two years perfecting his golf game.

NOTEBOOK: The Capitals completed the first quarter of their schedule winless (0-6-2) on the road. In their first 12 games overall, they scored a league-low 22 goals, only nine at even strength…The team sent video to the NHL seeking redress after defenseman Jim Johnson received a two-handed slash across his left wrist from the Philadelphia Flyers’ Eric Lindros Feb. 13

—Dave Fay

64 Days Until Opening Night At Nationwide Arena

There have only been two players wear the #64 for the Columbus Blue Jackets. Unfortunately for Columbus, neither one of them made a significant impact for Columbus. Cleveland is a different story, however. 

Trey Fix-Wolansky 

Many people thought, despite being drafted so late in the draft and his diminutive size —5-foot-7, 180 pounds —he would turn out to be a really good winger in the NHL. So far, he’s yet to be able to show his talent at the NHL level.

Fix-Wolansky played three seasons in the WHL for the Edmonton Oil Kings. In those three seasons, he played 206 games, scored 93 goals, and had 245 points. His production improved year after year, so many thought he could translate that into the pros.

He made his full-season pro debut during the 2019-20 season for the AHL’s Cleveland Monsters. He would play in 43 games, score 12 goals, and end with 26 points. The following season, he suffered a leg injury that required surgery, limiting him to only nine games. But even in those limited games, he would have nine points.

In the 2021-22 season, Fix-Wolansky played in 53 games and had 33 points, but more importantly, on February 8th, 2022, he would make his NHL debut. Fix-Wolansky would score in his debut against the Washington Capitals, taking a pass and sneaking the puck by Phoenix Copley. He finished playing in six games for Columbus that season, netting two points. He had five shots in those six games and had an average time on ice of around six minutes. 

TFW's breakout season in the AHL would be the 2022-23 season. He would score 29 goals and total 71 points in 61 games. He set career highs in goals, assists, points, games played, and power-play goals. Fix-Wolansky played in nine games for the CBJ, scoring only one goal. He did average almost 13 minutes a game, however.

Fix-Wolansky had two very good seasons in 23-24 and 24-25. In each season, he finished with 26 goals and 60 points. Despite having an unreal career for Cleveland the last seven years, Fix-Wolansky never got an extended chance to prove he could be an everyday NHL player, and was not tendered a contract this summer. He went on to sign a deal with the New York Rangers. 

TFW is generally considered the greatest player in Monsters' history. He leads the Monsters franchise with 112 goals, 147 assists, and 259 points. Defenseman Jake Christiansen is the only active player close enough to catch TFW, but he was in Columbus last season, and most likely this season, so Fix-Wolansky's records are safe. 

Tyler Motte

Tyler Motte was the first player to wear #64 for the Blue Jackets, although it wasn't for very long. 

Motte was traded to Columbus by Chicago with Artemi Panarin and NY Islanders' 6th round pick (previously acquired, Columbus selected Jonathan Davidsson) in the 2017 NHL Draft for Brandon Saad, Anton Forsberg, and Columbus' 5th round pick in 2018 NHL Draft, June 23, 2017.

Motte would go to play in 31 games for the Blue Jackets, scoring 3 goals and 5 points, while averaging 9:56 per game of ice time. 

Later that season, Motte was traded the Vancouver by Columbus with Jussi Jokinen for Thomas Vanek, February 26, 2018.

The St. Clair, Michigan native went on to play four more seasons in Vancouver. After playing last season with his home state Detroit Red Wings, Motte currently sits without a contract after playing nine NHL seasons. 

As of right now, no other player is scheduled to wear #64 in the immediate future for the CBJ, but surely someday someone will take that number who will have an impact on the team. 

The Jackets have 64 days until opening night at Nationwide Arena, and fans are getting restless. The CBJ will take on the New Jersey Devils on Monday, October 13th at 7 PM. The Blue Jackets have much higher expectations this season than in previous years. Many expect the CBJ to make the playoffs, something they missed by a single win last season. Can the Blue Jackets overcome their deficiencies and weaknesses to make a playoff push in the weak Metro Division?

Goaltending seems to be the topic du jour just about every day in the CBJ universe, and this is something that probably won't go away unless Elvis and Jet Greaves both have outstanding seasons. All signs are pointing to that happening, and fans can't wait until the 25-26 season gets underway. 

Stay updated with the most interesting Blue Jackets stories, analysis, breaking news, and more!

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One Flyers Prospect Nobody Is Talking About Ahead of 2025-26 Season

Flyers prospect Oliver Bonk will play pro hockey for the first time in 2025-26. (Photo: Brian Fluharty, Imagn Images)

The Philadelphia Flyers have quite a few roster spots ready to be filled by up-and-coming prospects next season, but there's one prospect who should be talked about much more.

By now, we all know about Alex Bump and the praise he's consistently received from the Flyers, and an opportunity for Nikita Grebenkin in the wake of Tyson Foerster's offseason injury.

But, what about the defense? What about Oliver Bonk?

It's always harder to shelter a young defenseman at the NHL level than a young forward, but Oliver Bonk is uniquely equipped to handle the challenge.

The 20-year-old is going to be turning pro this fall, but long Memorial Cup campaigns have prevented him from getting any tastes of AHL action to this point.

But, Bonk's strong points have always lied in his hockey IQ and understanding of how to play his position effectively. He's not the biggest, fastest, or most skilled defenseman, but knows what he needs to do on the ice and why.

Veteran defenseman Rasmus Ristolainen isn't expected to be ready to play for the Flyers by the start of the season, which means opportunity for players like Bonk, Emil Andrae, and Helge Grans.

All it takes is an impressive training camp to crack the door open, and The Athletic prospects expert Scott Wheeler thinks Bonk is ready for the challenge.

Bonk’s smarts are his game’s defining quality but he has also defended at one of the highest levels in junior hockey over the last couple of years, has an impressive feel for coverage and timing and escapes pressure well despite having average feet," Wheeler said of Bonk in his July prospect rankings.

"He just looks like he’s going to be a solid two-way defenseman who can influence play and potentially help out on both special teams, even if he’s not a natural power-play quarterback or your prototypical penalty killer. He projects as a No. 3-5 defenseman. . . I expect him to play in the NHL in 2025-26, if not full-time, then at least to start."

Flyers' Spencer Gill Will Be Way Better Than You ThinkFlyers' Spencer Gill Will Be Way Better Than You ThinkSpencer Gill is one Philadelphia Flyers prospect who doesn't draw nearly as much fanfare as he should, and that's not his fault.

Further supporting the possibility of Bonk playing in the NHL soon, Wheeler notably ranked Bonk (45th overall) ahead of fellow defensemen Kevin Korchinski (62nd), Scott Morrow (67th), Maveric Lamoureux (80th), and Seamus Casey (85th).

The common denominator for all of those players? Each has played NHL games already.

So, not only does Bonk have the pedigree that supports an early NHL debut, but similar players have already done the same.

Whether the Flyers give him a real opportunity to make remains to be seen, but the roster spot is there for the taking.

Oliver Bonk has a legitimate chance to make the Flyers outright to start the 2025-26 season.

Sasha Barkov enjoys 'more relaxed' Stanley Cup day in Tampere that included home cooking, sauna

Florida Panthers Captain Aleksander Barkov is becoming the face of hockey in his native Finland.

Winning back-to-back Stanley Cups and Selke Trophies certainly helps his cause, as does becoming the first Finnish-born captain to hoist Lord Stanley’s Cup in the history of the NHL.

On Saturday, Barkov utilized his special day with the Stanley Cup to share it fans, friends and family in his hometown of Tampere, Finland.

“I think pretty much the first thing you think about when people say ‘Finland’ is ice hockey,” Barkov said. “Everyone loves hockey here, everyone is watching hockey and follows hockey. It’s great, it’s like a lifestyle here, just like Canada.”

To no surprise considering his love for tennis and paddleball, Barkov brought the Cup to PadelOne Arena for some time with fans.

“I’ve been here a couple times, watching paddle tournaments,” Barkov said. “It’s one of my favorite sports that I play.”

He said that compared to last year, this summer’s Stanley Cup day felt a bit more laid back, which was by design.

“Last year was kind of hectic, so this year I’m trying to do it in a more relaxed way,” he said.

He also made sure to leave time for a trip to the sauna, and some home cooking from his momma.

You can check out footage of Barkov's day with the Stanley Cup in the video below:

It’s been several days now that the Stanley Cup has been in Finland.

First, it was with Cats defenseman Niko Mikkola, in and around his hometown of Kiiminki.

Mikkola’s day included visits to a children’s hospital, a couple of his former schools and his former youth rink Jäälihalli.

The following day, Florida Assistant Coach Tuomo Ruutu got to do something pretty cool with the Cup in Helsinki.

Photos posted on X by Phil Pritchard, the Hockey Hall of Fame’s Keeper of the Cup, showed Ruutu posing with the cup on the field of Olympic Stadium.

He even kicked a soccer ball around the pitch at the home of Finland’s national team.

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Photo caption: Florida Panthers Captain Sasha Barkov shares the Stanley Cup with fans at PadelOne Arena in Nokia, Finland. (Source: Florida Panthers)

Should the NJ Devils shop Nico Daws?

Jonathan Bailey of The Hockey News has reported that the Philadelphia Flyers could be a potential landing spot for New Jersey Devils goaltender Nico Daws. The Devils, however, should consider their history before shopping Daws to other teams. 

Should Flyers Consider Trade for Unheralded Devils Goalie Prospect?Should Flyers Consider Trade for Unheralded Devils Goalie Prospect?The Philadelphia Flyers may have temporarily patched up their goalie issues for now, but even GM Danny Briere admitted that won't always be the case.

Daws, 24, has played in the NHL in previous seasons when the Devils’ starters were unavailable due to injury. New Jersey currently has Jacob Markstrom and Jake Allen locked in as its goaltending tandem for the upcoming season.

Markstrom, 35, is entering the final year of his six-year, $36 million contract. He joined the Devils last season, appearing in 49 games with a .900 save percentage.

Allen, also 35, re-signed with New Jersey on July 1 to a five-year, $9 million contract after initially being expected to test free agency. He had been linked to teams with goaltending needs, including the Flyers, before returning to the Devils.

With Markstrom and Allen set as the top two goaltenders, Daws remains the organization’s third option in net. Drafted 84th overall in 2020, he has primarily played for the AHL’s Utica Comets but has appeared in 52 NHL games, recording 22 wins and a .898 save percentage.

Daws has stepped in at the NHL level during multiple seasons, 2021-22, 2023-24, and 2024-25,  including six games last season.

Both of the Devils’ current NHL goaltenders are 35 and have dealt with injuries in the past, factors that may influence whether the team decides to retain Daws or explore trade options before his contract expires.

While it may be appealing to the Devils to trade Daws this season before his contract expires, it would not be smart given the team's history. 

Daws has been ready whenever the Devils need him. He has shown up, done what needs to get done, and helped the team when called upon. 

The Flyers, along with other teams are looking for goaltenders. 

The Devils shouldn’t consider trading Daws to another team; what they should consider is making him a more permanent member of the roster moving forward. 

Nico Daws’ Future: Trade Bait or Asset?Nico Daws’ Future: Trade Bait or Asset?Nico Daws is currently in an interesting position as the third-string goaltender for the New Jersey Devils. Opinion: Nico Daws Is a Part of the Devils' FutureOpinion: Nico Daws Is a Part of the Devils' FutureThe year was 2021. It was October, and both of the New Jersey Devils’ goaltenders were out with injuries. In need of an emergency starter, the team turned to 21-year-old Nico Daws, the 84th overall pick in the 2020 NHL Draft.

Photo Credit: © Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images