The Vancouver Canucks are bringing back winger Vitali Kravtsov. Vancouver has announced that they have signed the 25-year-old to a one-year, two way contract. Now 25, Kravtsov has spent the last two seasons in the KHL, playing for Traktor Chelyabinsk. 

In a press release, GM Patrik Allvin wrote, "Vitali had a strong season in the KHL and was an impact player for his team. In his two seasons in Russia, he has worked hard on his game, and we look forward to seeing where Vitali is at when he comes to training camp in Penticton."

While Kravtsov's new contract is a two-way deal, he will still need to clear waivers if sent to the AHL. His salary in the NHL will be $775,000, while in the AHL, it will be $450,000. Kravtsov will be a Group 6 UFA during the 2026 off-season if he does not play at least 16 games in the NHL this season. 

Does It Make Sense For The Canucks To Bring Back Vitali Kravtsov Next Season?As the 2025 off-season continues, many players will be linked to the Vancouver Canucks. Whether through trade or free agency, Vancouver is expected to be busy over the next few weeks as the management group builds a roster that can compete for a spot in the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs. One familiar face that the Canucks could bring back is forward Vitali Kravtsov, who is reportedly wants to return to the NHL for the 2025-26 season.

Kravtsov departed for the KHL after the 2022-23 season. Last season, he posted 58 points in 66 games before racking up seven in 19 playoff games. Listed at 6'2", 187 lbs, Kravtsov has played 288 career regular-season games in the KHL, scoring 81 goals while recording 160 points. 

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As for his time with the Canucks, Kravtsov played 16 games with Vancouver during the 2022-23 season. He was traded to the Canucks by the New York Rangers for a seventh-round pick in 2026 and Will Lockwood. During his 16 games, Kravtsov recorded two points while averaging 10:50 of ice time.  

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Detroit Red Wings Updated Top 10 Prospects - Feb. 24 2025 - Vol. 78, Issue 08 - Bob Duff

THE FRUITS OF GM Steve Yzerman’s labor are beginning to blossom. Six of the draft picks Detroit has made since Yzerman took over as GM of the club in 2019 are now wearing the Winged Wheel. Lucas Raymond (4th overall in 2020) and Marco Kasper (8th in ’22) skate on the top line with captain Dylan Larkin. Moritz Seider (6th in ’19) and Simon Edvinsson (6th in ’21) are top-four D-men. Beyond them, Albert Johansson (60th in ’19) has been playing alongside Edvinsson, and massive winger Elmer Soderblom (159th in ’19) was summoned in late January from AHL Grand Rapids for his second NHL look.

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1 AXEL SANDIN-PELLIKKA

D, 19, 5-11, 176 lbs

Skelleftea (Swe.)

2023 draft, 17th overall

OVERALL 9

The slick Swede was named top D-man at the WJC for the second year in a row, joining Wings icon Slava Fetisov as the only blueliners to do so in tournament history. He led Swedish League ‘D’ in scoring before leaving for Ottawa. Sandin-Pellikka can carry the puck up ice, run a PP and create chances with quick movement and passing skills. “He looks like a talented young defenseman,” Yzerman said. “He’s playing in the Swedish Elite League, which is a very good league, doing well.”

2 NATE DANIELSON

C, 20, 6-1, 190

Grand Rapids (AHL)

2023 draft, 9th overall

OVERALL 31

It took Danielson some time to find his footing as a first-year pro. He called it a big adjustment and said it took “five or six” games to feel normal. Detroit brass loves his 200-foot game. “He does everything right, and it shows in the way he handles himself and his maturity,” assistant player development director Dan Cleary said. Pat Kane, too, offered high praise: “A lot of skill. Kind of reminds me a little bit of (Connor) Bedard, the way he plays and the way he stickhandles and shoots.”

Could Nate Danielson Make Red Wings Main Roster?The Red Wings could take a similar approach to other contenders by placing young talent in top-six roles.

3 TREY AUGUSTINE

G, 20, 6-1, 194

Michigan State (Big Ten)

15-5-3, 2.07, .926

2023 draft, 41st overall

OVERALL 46

Augustine has helped lead Michigan State back to prominence and starred at the WJC, backstopping the U.S. to a second straight gold. He also played for his nation at the senior worlds last year against NHLers as a 19-year-old. The mature stopper is known for his unflappable nature and consistency. “When I watch Trey, he gives me a lot of confidence,” Cleary said. “He’s got a great demeanor about him. He’s got a calm, cool demeanor but competitive. That fire burns inside him.”

4 MICHAEL BRANDSEGG-NYGARD

RW, 19, 6-1, 198

Skelleftea (Swe.)

2024 draft, 15th overall

OVERALL 48

Detroit wanted to fast-track ‘MBN’ to play with AHL Grand Rapids this season, but he returned to the SHL. He was sensational for Norway at last year’s worlds while playing on the top line with Mats Zuccarello and Patrick Thoresen. Brandsegg-Nygard’s quick release makes him dangerous around the net. “He’s kind of known as a shooter, but he’s a very smart player,” Grand Rapids center Amadeus Lombardi said. “He makes smart, nifty passes.” He’s also very willing to use his size to punish foes.

5 SEBASTIAN COSSA

G, 22, 6-7, 220

Grand Rapids (AHL)

15-9-3, 2.25, .917

2021 draft, 15th overall

OVERALL 69

In his second full AHL year, Cossa has become a go-to goalie, earning selection to the AHL All-Star Game. “He reads plays well, and he can use his hands,” crease mate Ville Husso said. Cossa’s massive frame fills the net and lets him battle through screens. Cossa got his first taste of NHL action in a winning effort this year. He is a confident netminder who carries himself with swagger. “A lot of composure,” Wings blueliner Moritz Seider said. “I think he lives for those kinds of opportunities.”

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

6 CARTER MAZUR

LW, 22, 6-0, 188

Grand Rapids (AHL)

2021 draft, 70th overall

Undersized winger plays with ferocity but has also struggled to stay healthy.

7 DMITRI BUCHELNIKOV

LW, 21, 5-10, 163

Vityaz Moscow Region (KHL)

2022 draft, 52nd overall

Skilled winger leads his team in scoring. Selected to KHL All-Star Game.

8 EMMITT FINNIE

C, 19, 6-1, 191

Kamloops (WHL)

2023 draft, 201st overall

Late pick quickly earned NHL deal. Strong skater plays a complete game. Born leader.

9 MAX PLANTE

LW, 19, 5-11, 180

Minnesota-Duluth (NCAA)

2024 draft, 47th overall

Tremendous hockey sense. Moves the puck really well. Very deceptive skater.

10 ELMER SODERBLOM

LW, 23, 6-8, 248

Grand Rapids (AHL)

2019 draft, 159th overall

Hulking winger uses size to protect the puck. Learning to be more physical.

James van Riemsdyk Excited To Join Former USA Teammate Patrick Kane With Red Wings 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.

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The normal practice for free agent players who have not latched on with an NHL club has accelerated with a rather thin market this summer. The decision between rolling the dice on a professional tryout, taking an AHL contract, or heading to Europe has started early, as late last month former Sabre Conor Sheary signed a PTO with the NY Rangers. Another former Sabre, Jimmy Vesey has signed a two-year deal with Swiss club Geneve-Servette. 

The 32-year-old former Hobey Baker Award winner was a Nashville Predators draft pick, but after four seasons at Harvard University, he informed the Preds that he would not sign with them and intended to become an unrestricted free agent. In the summer of 2016, Nashville GM David Poile dealt Vesey’s exclusive rights to the Sabres for a third-round pick.  

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Sabres GM Tim Murray could not sway Vesey to sign with the Sabres, and in August 2016, the winger signed a two-year, entry-level contract with the NY Rangers. After scoring 33 goals in his first two seasons, he signed a two-year extension for an AAV of $2.275 million and once again scored 17 goals for the Rangers, but with the need to clear cap space to sign free agent Artemi Panarin, New York traded Vesey to Buffalo for a third-round pick. 

Vesey’s stint with the Sabres lasted just 64 games during the COVID-shortened 2019-20 season, in which he scored 20 points (9 goals, 11 assists) playing mostly a bottom-six role. He signed with Toronto the following season, was claimed on waivers by Vancouver, signed as a free agent with New Jersey, before returning to the Rangers for the next two-plus seasons. He was dealt to Colorado at the trade deadline last March and did not play in any of the Avalanche seven playoff games in their first-round loss to Dallas. 

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After an impressive season in the USHL with the Youngstown Phantoms, Adam Benak was drafted 102nd overall by the Minnesota Wild in the 2025 NHL Draft. 

The fourth rounder was drafted second overall in the Canadian Hockey League (CHL) Import draft by the Brantford Bulldogs of the Ontario Hockey League (OHL).

✍️ BENÁK IS OFFICIALLY A BULLDOG.

The 2nd overall CHL Import Draft pick and 2025 Minnesota Wild NHL selection has been sensational at every level he’s played. Benák brings electric offensive talent and a cabinet full of international medals to Brantford.#BFD#OHL#mnwildpic.twitter.com/ZBXREvK5az

— Brantford Bulldogs (@BulldogsOHL) August 5, 2025

Benak, 18, recorded 17 goals, 42 assists and 59 points in 57 games for the Phantoms during the 2024-25 season. He was named to the USHL All-Rookie team.

He recorded seven goals, 17 assists and 24 points in 12 games for Czechia U18 International Juniors that year as well.  

Instead of returning to the USHL, Benak will go play in the OHL with the Bulldogs. The 5-foot-8 center is an interesting Wild prospect to keep an eye on.

Other Wild News

Son Of Former Minnesota Wild Forward Commits To University Of MinnesotaLong-time NHL forward Matt Cullen's son just announced his commitment to playing hockey for the University of Minnesota. Wyatt is one of three Cullen brothers, all who play hockey.  Former Minnesota Wild Forward Signs Two-Year Contract With The Pittsburgh PenguinsThe Minnesota Wild traded forwards Marat Khusnutdinov and Jakub Lauko, along with a 2026 sixth round pick, to the Boston Bruins for forward Justin Brazeau at the traded deadline.  Former Minnesota Wild Forward Signs Multi-Year Contract In Czech Extraliga LeagueAfter just 139 games in the NHL, the former Minnesota Wild forward Jakub Lauko is heading to Europe to play for Dynamo Pardubice, in the Czech Extraliga League. 

The Buffalo Sabres have been considered to have one of the best deepest prospect pools in the NHL, which is in part due to them selecting high in recent drafts because of their not qualifying for the playoffs. The Sabres have displayed an eye for talent, but the organization’s developmental model has not yielded enough results. Leading up to the opening of training camp in mid-September, we will look at the club's top 40 prospects. All are 25 years old or younger, whose rights are currently held by the Sabres or are on AHL or NHL deals and have played less than 40 NHL games. 

#38 - Ryan Rucinski - F (Youngstown - USHL)

It often occurs that when clubs are watching over their own prospects, they see another player that intrigues them. The Sabres may have found a potential gem in defenseman Luke Osburn, who impressed at last week’s World Junior Summer Showcase and is heading to the University of Wisconsin this fall. The 18-year-old Osburn won the USHL Defenseman of the Year last season playing for the Youngstown Phantoms, the same club that 2025 seventh-rounder Ryan Rucinski played for.   

Other Sabres Stories

Projecting Sabres Trade Cost - Bryan Rust

Six Former Sabres Who Signed Elsewhere

The 5’10”, 176 lb. forward is from Broadview Heights, OH (south of Cleveland) and has hockey bloodlines through his father Jeff and maternal uncle Steve Duke, who both played NCAA hockey at Western Michigan and had long minor league careers. The 18-year-old scored 42 points (19 goals, 23 assists) in 49 games with the Phantoms last season, and is slated to play another season in the USHL before heading to Ohio State in 2026

Elite Prospects Draft Guide describes Rucinski as “A detailed, versatile forward with an edge, who creates through puck protection, net-front skill, and winning battles. His preferred scoring tools: An instant inside leg wrister off the rush and quick hands in tight on the power play. And when neither

of those is an option, he crashes the net and whacks away until he finds an opening.”

  

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

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

Anthony Di Marco: "The Canadiens are a club that I’d reckon would be keeping close tabs on McTavish’s availability" - Daily Faceoff (8/1)

— NHL Rumour Report (@NHLRumourReport) August 3, 2025

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Jack Roslovic (Center - UFA)

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

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

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

After matching his career high with 22 goals last season, Jack Roslovic remains unsigned.

Where do you think he ends up for 2025-2026? 🤔 pic.twitter.com/aBtmXURvWl

— BarDown (@BarDown) August 4, 2025

Fit: Low-risk secondary scorer and forecheck option.

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

Matt Grzelcyk (Defenseman - UFA)

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

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

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

Fit: Left-side puck-moving depth. 

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

Max Pacioretty (Left Winger - UFA)

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

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

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

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

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

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

Why these make sense for the Kings:

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

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

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

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

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

Noah Dobson: Top-Pairing Defenseman 

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

Zach Bolduc: Second-Line Left Wing 

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

Joe Veleno: Fourth-Line Center 

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

Kaapo Kahkonen: Third-String/AHL Goalie

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

Sammy Blais: Depth Forward

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

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

Photo Credit: © Robert Edwards-Imagn Images