Since 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.

Merrill spent this past season with the Minnesota Wild, where he recorded two goals, four assists, six points, 85 blocks, and a minus-8 rating. This was after the 12-year NHL veteran recorded four goals, seven assists, and 11 points in 65 games with the Wild during the 2023-24 campaign.

When noting that Merrill is among the top blueliners still unsigned, it would not be particularly surprising if he landed a one-year contract or professional tryout (PTO) from an NHL team before training camp is here. The 33-year-old could be a nice bottom-pairing or seventh defenseman for teams looking to improve their defensive depth.

In 13 regular-season games for the Canadiens during the 2020-21 season, Merrill recorded zero points, four penalty minutes, 10 hits, and a minus-11 rating. He also played in 13 playoff games for the Habs during the 2021 post-season. His time with the Habs ended during the 2021 NHL off-season when he signed with the Wild in free agency.

Canadiens Star Nearing New Impressive MilestoneMontreal Canadiens star Nick Suzuki was undoubtedly a major reason why the Habs got into the playoffs this past spring. He simply thrived for the Canadiens in 2024-25, as he scored 30 goals and led the team with an impressive 89 points in 82 games. With this, it was the best year of the Canadiens captain's career so far. 

Minnesota Wild rookie defenseman Zeev Buium burst onto the scene in the 2025 Stanley Cup playoffs in the first round. He had just finished his sophomore season at the University of Denver where he was up for the NCAA's Hobey Baker Award as the top player in College Hockey.

The 6-foot defender had 11 goals and 50 points during his freshman year in 42 games for Denver. He recorded 13 goals and 48 points in 41 games during his second season at Denver.

He signed with the Wild after his season at Denver ended. In four playoff games for the Wild, Buium recorded one assist. His one assist was a primary assist on a Kirill Kaprizov power-play goal.

Buium, 19, is set to enter his first season in the NHL. He is currently being ranked second in Calder Trophy betting. The Calder Trophy is given to the NHL's top rookie during the season.

Montreal Canadiens' forward Ivan Demidov is currently the favorite but Buium is not far behind.

Other Wild News

Minnesota Wild Potential PTO Candidate: Victor OlofssonThe 2025-26 season is just a few months away. Training camp for the Minnesota Wild will begin in just over a month from now. Wild hockey will be here before we know it. Where Wild's Kirill Kaprizov Ranks Among Wingers In The NHLThe NHL Network is putting together some lists of the top players in the NHL among different positions before the 2025-26 season starts. They just dropped the top-20 wingers in the NHL list. Who's In Charge? Wild's Power Play Has Three CommandersST. PAUL, Minn - The Minnesota Wild enter the 2025-26 season with a good problem on its hands. Who runs the top power play? In previous years, the Wild never really had a sure-fire number one type of defenseman who could run the top unit. 

With it now being the middle of August, NHL training camps are not too far away, and the Pittsburgh Penguins are gearing up for an interesting one. After bringing in several new players this off-season, there will be plenty of players fighting for spots on their NHL roster.

One of the most notable battles to watch at training camp this year for the Penguins is for the backup goaltender spot. With the Penguins acquiring Arturs Silovs from the Vancouver Canucks, he should compete for the backup role with Joel Blomqvist.

Silovs spent most of this past season in the AHL with the Abbotsford Canucks, where he posted a 14-5-1 record, a .908 save percentage, and a 2.41 goals-against average in 21 games. However, he more notably thrived in the playoffs during Abbotsford's Calder Cup championship run, recording a 16-7 record, a .931 save percentage, and a 2.41 goals-against average. With this fantastic play, he won the Jack A. Butterfield Trophy as AHL playoff MVP. 

Given how well Silovs played in the AHL with Abbotsford, especially in the playoffs, he undoubtedly will be in the running for the Penguins' backup job. The 24-year-old has limited NHL experience, however, as he has recorded an 8-8-2 record, a 3.13 goals-against average, and a .880 save percentage in 19 career regular-season NHL games. He also appeared in 10 playoff games for Vancouver in 2024, posting a 5-5 record, a 2.91 goals-against average, a .898 save percentage, and one shutout. 

Blomqvist, on the other hand, appeared in his first 15 NHL games this past season with Pittsburgh. During them, he had a 4-9-1 record, a 3.81 goals-against average, and a .885 save percentage. Overall, he had some troubles during his first NHL action, but he should compete for the Penguins' backup role at camp. 

Blomqvist also played in 18 AHL games with the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins in 2024-25, where he had an 8-7-3 record, a .914 save percentage, and a 2.84 goals-against average. This was after he had a 25-12-6 record, a 2.16 goals-against average, and a .921 save percentage in 45 games with Wilkes-Barre/Scranton. With this, there is no question that he has good upside. 

Nevertheless, it is going to be very interesting to see who ends up winning the Penguins' backup goalie role from here. 

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

The Chicago Blackhawks have several exciting prospects who will be looking to cement themselves spots on their NHL roster next season. One interesting prospect who fans should not ignore heading into the 2025-26 season is forward Ryan Greene.

Greene, 21, was selected by the Blackhawks with the 57th overall pick of the 2022 NHL Entry Draft. Since then, the 6-foot-1 has shown good promise, and this was undoubtedly the case this past season with Boston University. In 40 games with the school in 2024-25, he recorded career highs with 13 goals, 25 assists, and 38 points. This was after he had 31 points in 38 games during his freshman year with BU in 2022-23 and 36 points in 40 games with the school in 2023-24. 

After completing his third season with BU in 2024-25, Greene signed his entry-level contract with the Blackhawks, officially marking the end of his time with the school. 

Following signing his entry-level deal, Greene appeared in his first two NHL games with Chicago in 2024-25, where he had zero points, one shot, and three blocks. While he did not get on the scoresheet in his first two NHL games, he showed promise and will certainly be a youngster to watch next season because of it. 

Overall, with how well Greene played in college, he is undoubtedly among the Blackhawks' promising prospects. It will be interesting to see how much of a step forward he takes in his development next season from here, but it is hard not to feel optimistic about his future. 

Blackhawks Have Intriguing Trade Target To ConsiderWhile the Chicago Blackhawks are still in the middle of a rebuild, it would be understandable if they looked to add another skilled forward before the 2025-26 campaign is here. This is especially so if it is a player who can help them beyond this upcoming season.

It was fascinating last season to watch the Montreal Canadiens take on the Philadelphia Flyers, not only because the three duels were close contests, but because, against all odds, Daniel Briere and co. had managed to get Matvei Michkov to cross the Atlantic faster than anyone expected.

The two sides were well matched last year; they both scored 11 goals in the season series, but the Canadiens came out on top with two one-goal lead wins. Two of the games were played in Philadelphia, and the teams split the honours of those two, while the Habs won the only game in Montreal.

Canadiens New Forward Is Intriguing Addition
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The first matchup took place in the last week of October, in Pennsylvania, and was a short 4-3 win for the Canadiens. It was one of Cayden Primeau’s good games, with the netminder making 23 saves on 26 shots, while Nick Suzuki and Brendan Gallagher led the charge for the Habs with two points each. Both teams’ best rookies were kept off the score sheet as Montreal managed to contain Michkov, and Philadelphia did the same with Lane Hutson.

The second duel took place five months later, toward the end of March, and the result was different. The former Broad Street Bullies signed a 6-4 win in which Michkov shone brightly, scoring two goals and an assist. He missed a golden hat-trick opportunity in an empty net, and frustrated by the miss, he tried to storm to the dressing room at the buzzer, but the Flyers' leadership stopped him in his tracks and made him salute the crowd after his two-goal performance. Meanwhile, Hutson recorded two assists in the loss while Jakub Dobes struggled and surrendered six goals on 30 shots.

The final duel was on the last Saturday night home game of the season, and the Canadiens managed to rock the building with a 3-2 win. It was Samuel Montembeault’s only game against the Flyers, and he made 21 saves on 23 shots for a .913 save percentage.

If the Canadiens want to build on the success they enjoyed last season, they need to find a way to dominate teams that are lower than they are in the standings; they cannot afford to play down to the opposition. The Flyers finished the season dead last in the Metropolitan Division with 76 points and missed the playoffs. These are the kind of teams the young Canadiens need to learn to take advantage of.

The Flyers' most significant offseason move was the acquisition of Trevor Zegras from the Anaheim Ducks. The center had been rumoured to be on the market for a couple of seasons now, and it only cost Briere former Canadiens Ryan Poehling, a second-round pick at the 2025 draft, and a fourth-round pick at the 2026 draft.

On the free agency market, they signed former Hab blueliner Noah Juulsen and center Christian Dvorak to a six-year deal with a $4.45 M AAV. They also tried to improve in front of the net by adding Dan Vladar, who had spent the last four seasons with the Calgary Flames. The 27-year-old was stuck between star rookie Dustin Wolf in Alberta and will be hoping to play a bigger role with the Flyers. The situation in the net has been a constant issue in Philadelphia. Goalies Samuel Ersson and Aleksei Kolosov both struggled against the Canadiens this past season, and some new blood will surely help.

When the Flyers take on the Habs this upcoming season, it won’t be a battle of the star rookies between Michkov and Hutson anymore, a battle that the Canadiens’ defenseman won since he was the Calder Trophy winner. Still, it will be the battle of the two young Russians. Michkov will surely want to show Montreal that they should have grabbed him in 2023 rather than waiting for Ivan Demidov in 2024.

There will be plenty of expectations for the youngster in Canadiens’ land this season, but those expectations will more than likely take center stage when Philadelphia comes to town. Michkov had a great rookie season with 63 points, despite playing for John Tortorella. This year, playing for Rick Tocchet, he should be on a longer leash. As for Demidov, he will surely benefit from Martin St-Louis’ tutelage. The coach has always been supportive of his players and seems to do exceptionally well with young players.

The duel of the season will take place on November 4, at the Bell Center, and while that’s a Tuesday night, there’s little doubt that the building will be sold out.

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Undrafted Swedish Defenseman Carl-Otto Magnusson Invited to Detroit Red Wings Training Camp

Despite being passed over in the 2025 NHL Draft, Swedish defenseman Carl-Otto Magnusson will get a valuable opportunity to showcase his talent in front of the NHL.

Red Wings Prospects (@LGRWProspects) on XCarl-Otto Magnusson invited to Detroit camp according to agent Randy Edmonds. #LGRW

The 18-year-old has been invited to the Detroit Red Wings’ training camp ahead of the 2025–26 season, according to an announcement by his agent, Randy Edmonds, on Instagram.

Magnusson stands approximately 6 feet 6.7 inches and weighs 223 pounds, giving him the kind of size that’s hard to ignore on the blue line.

Though the Red Wings cannot sign him to a contract this season due to his undrafted and junior status, the camp invite allows the towering defenseman to gain valuable experience in an NHL setting.

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

Could the Red Wings Make a Competitive Offer for Devils’ Luke Hughes?New Jersey Devils may consider dealing restricted free agent Luke Hughes with the Red Wings being a potential suitor.

Magnusson recently made the move from Frölunda HC in Sweden to North America, joining the QMJHL's Moncton Wildcats. Moncton selected him in the second round of the 2025 CHL Import Draft. Last season, he dressed for three games with Frölunda’s SHL team, logging ice time in one.

Internationally, Magnusson has featured for Sweden’s national junior team, most recently at the 2025 World Junior Summer Showcase in Minneapolis. He went scoreless over five games in the tournament. He’s also been named to the Junior Crowns’ (Juniorkronorna) squad for the team's U.S. tour ahead of the upcoming season.

The Red Wings’ camp could mark an important step for Magnusson as he begins his North American hockey journey and looks to catch the eye of NHL scouts for future drafts.

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Although it’s just the beginning of August, October is just around the corner. It won’t be long before the United Center is packed with excited hockey fans cheering on the Chicago Blackhawks. 

It is unlikely that the Blackhawks are going to be a playoff-caliber team, but there will be excitement due to the youth on the roster. Stars like Connor Bedard, Artyom Levshunov, and Frank Nazar, among other young players, will lead the way. 

There may be a few prospects that make their NHL debuts during the 2025-26 season. We saw plenty of debuts at the end of last season. Even more are on the way. These three could be up with the big club before the season is complete: 

1. Nick Lardis

Nick Lardis had one of the greatest goal-scoring seasons in the history of the OHL while playing for the Brantford Bulldogs. In 65 games played, Lardis scored a total of 71 goals. He also added 46 assists for 117 points.

Now, Lardis is signed and is expected to turn pro in 2025-26. Although he is slated to start with the Rockford IceHogs, you never know what his training camp/preseason could earn him. 

"He's slotted to be a pro next year," said Assistant GM of player development Mark Eaton. "Which pro team [he ends up with] will be up to him in September". 

It sounds like the Blackhawks are going to let him decide where he lands with his play. After all the goals he scored in 2024-25, it's hard to ignore his potential to play in the NHL as soon as this year. 

"Hopefully, this will be my first year pro." Nick Lardis said on the topic. "That's going to be my goal going into the summer. Stay motivated, try to make the team. Whatever happens, happens. Keep getting better."

The good news for Chicago is that he is highly motivated to make the team. He is also okay knowing that if he falls short of making the NHL roster right out of camp, he will continue to work on his game wherever he's asked to play. The NHL is usually where players in his situation end up by the time it's all said and done. There's a great chance he makes his debut in 2025-26. 

2. AJ Spellacy

AJ Spellacy is on a nice little run. Since being drafted in the third round,  72nd overall, he’s made a great impression on the Chicago Blackhawks organization. He was so good in the 2024 preseason that he looked like someone who deserved to make the NHL team right out of the draft. 

The Blackhawks made the wise choice to send him back to major junior, where his development continued. Now, it’s fair to wonder if there is a chance to make the team this time around. He has a shot to make his NHL debut at some point in 2025-26. 

Spellacy's year with the Erie Otters wasn't as productive as some might have thought when he was dominating an NHL preseason, but that's how it goes sometimes. With better players around him, he seems to turn up the heat. 

It isn't Spellacy's specialty to be a high-end offensive player. He thrives as an energy guy who plays the game the right way in all three zones. 

If he has a good camp and preseason, he may get nine games before Chicago sends him back to Erie, but that is ultimately up to his play.

He played with the top-rated players at the World Junior Summer Showcase, which gives him an inside track to make the team in the Winter. Again, that will be up to his play, Chicago's plans for him, and how USA Hockey sees fit for their team. 

Getting a taste of the NHL, even if it's just a small bite, could be good for Spellacy and his development. The tools are there for him to be an impactful player full-time one day soon. 

3. Sacha Boisvert

The Chicago Blackhawks have an impressive player in Sacha Boisvert. The young two-way forward was a first-round pick by Chicago (18th overall) in the 2024 NHL Draft. 

Boisvert attended the University of North Dakota in 2024-25, and he was one of the best freshmen in the country. However, his coach, Brad Berry, was fired. That didn't sit well with Boisvert, who was recruited by Berry. 

Early in the off-season, Boisvert announced that he'd be transferring to play for Jay Pandolfo at Boston University, which has an incredibly productive development program for young hockey players. 

"I know Jay Pandolfo personally, [I] played with him," Mark Eaton said. "I know what he's about and instilling pro habits in guys, playing a 200-foot game, being responsible on both sides of the puck. Sacha is that already, but it's just going to be driven home even further at BU. He's going to play a huge role on a good team, making deep runs."

When BU's season is over, whether that's ahead of the Frozen Four or as National Champions, there is a chance that Boisvert signs with the Blackhawks and makes his NHL debut. He'd likely only get 2-7 games with the Blackhawks, depending on when he signed, but it would be a great experience nonetheless. 

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

A pair of Florida Panthers made an appearance on a national television morning show this week.

Good Morning America correspondent Victor Oquendo and ABC Miami’s Josh Moser were at the Baptist Health IcePlex on Friday Morning.

They had a chance to catch up with Panthers forward Carter Verhaeghe and defenseman Aaron Ekblad from a perch overlooking the team’s practice ice.

“They’ve built a world class facility here,” Verhaeghe said when asked by Oquendo about the new facility. “With the two rinks, our gym, our room, it’s honestly amazing. We’re practicing sometimes and the kids are up on the glass asking for pucks, bringing us signs and everything like that, and it’s really special. The support from the community is unbelievable.”

During the interview, a junior hockey camp featuring South Florida youngsters draped in Panthers gear was taking place on the ice below.

When the kids were done, Ekblad and Verhaeghe were set to hit the ice for a workout.

It’s part of the offseason process as the Panthers will be pushing for the extremely rare and elusive three-peat.

“The last few seasons have been amazing,’’ Verhaeghe said. “Going to the finals, winning back-to-back (championships). We’ve built something special here, with all the guys, and the fans are on board. It’s really something special here.”

While Verhaeghe has reached the postseason in each of his five seasons with the Panthers, it hasn’t been pleasant of a path for Ekblad.

A foundational piece of Florida’s core, Ekblad’s Panthers reached the playoffs just once during his first five seasons after making the leap to the NHL as an 18-year-old first overall pick in 2014.

“We have been through plenty of ups-and-downs as a franchise, and to be where we’re at now is pretty special,” said Ekblad. “The fans and everybody in the community are behind us, all the way through two championships and three Stanley Cup Final (appearances) and we’re trying to build on that every day.”

You can check out the full segment by clicking here.

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