Category Archives: Hockey News

Ex-Flyers Forward Lands PTO With Central Club

Isaac Ratcliffe (© Eric Hartline-Imagn Images)

According to Brooks Bratten of NHL.com, the Nashville Predators have signed former Philadelphia Flyers forward Isaac Ratcliffe to a professional tryout (PTO). 

Ratcliffe spent this past season with the Predators' American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate, the Milwaukee Admirals, recording one goal and two assists in 13 games. This was after the 6-foot-5 winger spent the 2023-24 season with the Chicago Wolves, where he posted seven goals, 10 points, and 60 penalty minutes in 66 AHL games. 

Ratcliffe was selected by the Flyers with the 35th overall pick of the 2017 NHL Entry Draft. The 26-year-old forward spent the majority of his time with the Flyers organization with their AHL affiliate, the Lehigh Valley Phantoms. In 162 games over five seasons with the Phantoms, he recorded 22 goals and 56 points. 

Ratcliffe also played in 10 NHL games with the Flyers during the 2021-22 campaign, where he posted one goal, four points, 10 penalty minutes, and 18 hits. Since then, the London, Ontario native has not made an appearance at the NHL level and has spent each of the last three seasons exclusively in the AHL.

Ratcliffe's time with the Flyers came to an end during the 2022-23 season when he was traded to the Predators in exchange for future considerations. Now, he will be looking to earn a contract for the 2025-26 season from the Predators after landing this PTO. 

Red Wings' Steve Yzerman Discloses Injured D Simon Edvinsson’s Recovery Timeline

The good news for the Detroit Red Wings is that defenseman Simon Edvinsson has become a regular on the blue line, and will be expected to take on a top-four role in the upcoming 2025-26 NHL season. 

The bad news is that he's not going to be available for Training Camp, which begins on Sept. 18, as well as the entire pre-season. 

General manager Steve Yzerman explained during a virtual press conference on the eve of Training Camp that while Edvinsson won't be able to participate, they hope to have him back by the time they open the regular season on Oct. 9 against the Montreal Canadiens at Little Caesars Arena. 

"The only, only player at today who's not ready to go, who will be out for a few weeks, is Simon Edvinsson, who had a dealing with a lower body injury, and we'll have him ready to go sometime around the start of the regular season," Yzerman said. 

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

Yzerman didn't elaborate as to what exactly the nature of Edvinsson's ailment was, or how it happened.

Edvinsson, who was Detroit's first round pick (6th overall) in 2021, played for Frölunda HC of the SHL in his native Sweden before coming overseas to North America to join the AHL affiliate Grand Rapids Griffins for the 2022-23 campaign. He also appeared in nine regular season games with the Red Wings that season as so not to burn through a year of his entry-level contract. 

He became a regular in the Detroit lineup towards the end of the 2023-24 season, joining the team on March 19 and remaining in place. He then skated in 78 games in what was his first full campaign in the NHL, recording seven goals with 24 assists along with a solid +12 rating.

He also ranked third among Red Wings defensemen, averaging 21:07 of ice time per night, just six seconds shy of teammate Ben Chiarot. 

Red Wings Injury Update: Simon Edvinsson Out With Lower Body Injury, Carter Bear Fully Cleared - Community PostRed Wings Injury Update: Simon Edvinsson Out With Lower Body Injury, Carter Bear Fully Cleared - Community PostAt a press conference on Tuesday, Detroit Red Wings GM Steve Yzerman shared an injury update on the team, beginning with 2025 first-round pick Carter Bear.

The 2025-26 NHL season will also be the third and final season of Edvinsson's entry level contract, and he'll be eligible for restricted free agency next offseason.

The chances of Edvinsson actually hitting the open market are low, as the Red Wings should have no real difficultly signing him to an extension. 

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Flyers Can Thank Maple Leafs for Exciting New Fan-Favorite Prospect

(Photo: John E. Sokolowski, Imagn Images)

Thanks to the Toronto Maple Leafs, the Philadelphia Flyers have an exciting new prospect everyone is hoping makes the NHL roster out of training camp this fall.

A reduced role for Nick Deslauriers and the losses of Joel Farabee, Andrei Kuzmenko, Jakob Pelletier, and Scott Laughton have opened up opportunities for the Flyers' young guns, and one who is poised to make the most of one of those opportunities is Nikita Grebenkin.

Grebenkin, 22, has been one of the early standouts in rookie camp and, in my estimation, looked head-and-shoulders above most of his peers and the New York Rangers youngsters he was going up against in the rookie series.

Earmarked for a bottom-six role just based on his size, playstyle, and skillset, Grebenkin, alongside Alex Bump, has a rather clear path to NHL time this season with the Flyers.

In fact, the former Maple Leafs prospect was called up by the Flyers on an emergency basis at the end of last season before a game against the Ottawa Senators, only for the emergency conditions to expire.

My early prediction for the Flyers' opening night roster.

By rule, Grebenkin had to be re-assigned to the AHL Lehigh Valley Phantoms, with whom he spent the rest of the season.

But, the hype he's managed to generate through his play (and affable personality) show exactly why the Flyers targeted him in the Laughton trade with the Maple Leafs.

Laughton, 31, has only one year remaining on his contract at a $3 million cap hit - the Maple Leafs are only paying half - and hasn't exactly fit in well in Toronto thus far.

The 2025-26 season will tell the story, but if Grebenkin manages to become a full-time NHLer, the Flyers will have comfortably won this trade - more so than they have already.

They will have replaced Laughton's presence and personality in the bottom-six with a player nine years younger and arguably more skilled in addition to adding a 2027 first-round pick, which could later be used to draft a player or leveraged in a trade to help the team improve in the short-term, as Flyers GM Danny Briere alluded to in his press conference Tuesday.

Flyers: Aleksei Kolosov's Official Role, Getting a Second NHL ChanceFlyers: Aleksei Kolosov's Official Role, Getting a Second NHL ChanceThe 2025-26 season represents a fresh start for a number of Philadelphia Flyers, but goalie Aleksei Kolosov may have the biggest opportunity of all.

If that happens, the Flyers ought to bust out a thank-you letter to send to the Maple Leafs for making this trade in such an unfavorable and volatile NHL trade market for buyers.

Grebenkin was featured in one of the Flyers' media day posts ahead of training camp on Twitter/X on Wednesday morning, and he was also the thumbnail for the rookie game livestreams.

It would be unwise to read much more into it than that, but the Flyers clearly believe in this player, and Grebenkin has nearly instantly established himself as a much-watch prospect.

Briere believes Grebenkin, Bump, and the other prospects will be a reason to be excited about the Flyers this season, and it's going to be full steam ahead for the Russian winger in just a few days.

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 hockey news cycle has shifted recently following the acquittal of the five Hockey Canada players, who had been involved in a lengthy criminal and civil case over an alleged sexual assault in a hotel room.

The players, 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 found not guilty after the complainant’s testimony was deemed inconsistent, and key video evidence contradicted several of her claims, leading the court to conclude that the allegations lacked sufficient credibility and 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. 

Shrinking NHL Pre-Season Could Present Opportunity For AHLShrinking NHL Pre-Season Could Present Opportunity For AHLThe NHL's recent CBA changes could lead to a longer AHL pre-season, following the NHL cutting down on exhibition games. 

The Winnipeg Jets are Stanley Cup contenders and are on the verge of a championship with offense being their weakness in their final games of the season. Excluding their 4-0 win over Dallas in Game 5, they scored only four goals across the other three of their final four games and could look to add more depth to their lineup after already bringing in Jonathan Toews and Gustav Nyquist this past off-season.

 Three of the five players are forwards with the most impactful player being Dillon Dube as a former 45-point scorer with the Flames during the 2022-23 season. The 27-year-old BC native has been garnering interest from around the league and could be looking to stay within Canada. 

Dube routinely played in bottom-six roles when with the Flames and did quite well in the role as a 30-40 point player. He could join the Jets lineup and take on a fourth-line center role, filling the gap left by Rasmus Kupari’s departure. From his first full-time NHL season up until the year before his final season, when his performance likely declined due to the off-ice legal distractions, he recorded 115 points in 257 games, averaging 0.45 points per game. 

Over a full season, that translates to roughly 37 points, which would be a solid contribution for a bottom-six forward in Winnipeg. He typically played between 10 and 12 minutes per game and also logged time on the penalty kill, which could help him carve out a role with the Jets

Joining a Stanley Cup contender would give him an immediate chance to compete for a championship in his first season back in the NHL while also having to worry less about the media attention he would get by joining a team in a city like Toronto or New York. Dube will have a lot to prove and could be an energetic, gritty addition to the Jets' bottom six and push the likes of Morgan Barron and Cole Koepke to compete at a higher level.

Why Jets' Vlad Namestnikov Should Excel in New RoleWhy Jets' Vlad Namestnikov Should Excel in New RoleJets forward Vladislav Namestnikov will need to adjust with new role now that newcomer Jonathan Toews will be taking over the second line center position.

NHL Teams Give Injury Updates On Bruins' Pastrnak, Leafs' Domi, Lightning's Paul And 10 Others

As training camp kicks off and NHL pre-season games begin this weekend, teams have been providing injury updates on their players.

While a chunk of them might only miss some pre-season action, others will likely miss the start of the season and longer.

Players Hopeful For The Season Opener

David Pastrnak, RW, Boston Bruins

Boston Bruins GM Don Sweeney informed reporters that superstar right winger David Pastrnak will not skate for the first few days of training camp. Sweeney said he’s dealing with a little tendonitis but should be in full practice as early as next week.

Max Domi, C, Toronto Maple Leafs

Toronto Maple Leafs GM Brad Treliving announced center Max Domi tweaked something in his lower body and likely won’t be a full participant at training camp. However, no reports suggest he won’t be ready for opening night.

Simon Edvinsson, D, Detroit Red Wings

According to Detroit Red Wings GM Steve Yzerman, defenseman Simon Edvinsson will be out for a couple of weeks due to a lower-body injury. Nonetheless, the team expects the 22-year-old to be ready for the season opener.

Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen, G, Buffalo Sabres

After the Buffalo Sabres signed Alexandar Georgiev to a one-year deal, some suspicions about Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen’s health kicked in. Turns out the 26-year-old goaltender is dealing with something.

"There's no alarms right now, but there was a tweak where he didn't feel great," Sabres GM Kevyn Adams told reporters.

Five Burning Questions Heading Into NHL Training CampsFive Burning Questions Heading Into NHL Training CampsAs NHL training camps open across the NHL, there are unfinished contract business, lineup projections, rookies looking to earn a spot and pending signings and trades. 

Mackenzie Blackwood, G, Colorado Avalanche

Colorado Avalanche coach Jared Bednar provided updates on three players, and MacKenzie Blackwood was one of them. The goaltender had apparently dealt with something over the summer and has been rehabbing it along the way. He’s been listed as week-to-week and hopeful for the Avs’ season opener on Oct. 9.

Samuel Girard, D, Colorado Avalanche

Samuel Girard is another player for the Avalanche who will miss time with a lower-body injury. Although the 27-year-old D-man will miss a part of training camp, the expectation is that he’ll be ready for opening night.

Jordan Greenway, LW, Buffalo Sabres

During the off-season, Sabres left winger Jordan Greenway faced a setback in his recovery from an injury that affected him last season. He received a second surgery in July to treat his injury. It’s expected that he’ll be cleared to play around opening night.

Alex Tuch, RW, Buffalo Sabres

Alex Tuch's situation is minor and day-to-day. 

“He may not be out there tomorrow or the next day or two, but nothing significant,” Adams said. “Just a little bit of a minor thing.”

Liam O’Brien, LW, Utah Mammoth

Liam O’Brien has been listed with a week-to-week, lower-body injury. It’s unclear exactly when O’Brien is expected to return, but that’s the report supplied by Utah Mammoth coach Andre Tourigny.

Out To Begin The Season

Tomas Nosek, C, Florida Panthers

Tomas Nosek went through knee surgery at some point in the summer.

“It’s going to be months, for sure,” Florida Panthers GM Bill Zito said.

Update on Matthew Tkachuk injury timeline, Tomas Nosek to be out 'several months'Update on Matthew Tkachuk injury timeline, Tomas Nosek to be out 'several months'The Florida Panthers are going to be without a pair of forwards for an extended period of time.

Matthew Tkachuk, LW, Florida Panthers

Matthew Tkachuk’s injury has been known for some time now. On Wednesday, Zito predicted that the 27-year-old left winger could be out until around December as he deals with a serious lower-body injury.

“Don’t hold me to that. My internet medical degree,” Zito told reporters.

Logan O’Connor, RW, Colorado Avalanche

Logan O’Connor underwent hip surgery sometime in June of this past off-season. Per coach Bednar, Colorado’s right winger will remain out of the lineup until the early stages of November.

Nick Paul, C, Tampa Bay Lightning

Tampa Bay Lightning GM Julien BriseBois revealed that center Nick Paul is coming off surgery from Friday to treat an upper-body injury. The team expects the 30-year-old to be out until November.

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Former Red Wings Forward Robby Fabbri Lands New NHL Opportunity

Former Detroit Red Wings forward Robby Fabbri saw his tenure with the organization come to a close last offseason when he was dealt to the Anaheim Ducks, who are overseen by Red Wings GM Steve Yzerman's former Detroit teammate and assistant GM Pat Verbeek. 

In his first and only season in Southern California, Fabbri recorded eight goals and eight assists in yet another injury-shortened campaign. He underwent surgery in November to repair a torn meniscus in his knee, sidelining him for several weeks.

As if that weren't enough, he also suffered a season-ending hand injury in February. 

Entering this offseason as an unrestricted free agent, Fabbri was unable to land a new NHL contract but has now been given a chance to earn one. 

He's accepted a Professional Tryout Agreement with the Pittsburgh Penguins: 

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Fabbri’s NHL career, which began when he was selected in the first round (21st overall) by the St. Louis Blues in 2014, has been plagued by more major injuries than many players endure in their entire careers.

He tore the ACL in his left knee twice during his time with the Blues, then suffered another ACL tear, this time in his right knee, while with Detroit in 2022. He later missed the final weeks of the 2022-23 season after undergoing yet another surgery on his left knee.

For his perseverance and dedication, he was named the Red Wings’ nominee for the Bill Masterton Trophy that season.

Acquired from the Blues in November 2019 in exchange for Jacob de la Rose, Fabbri was one of the few bright spots in Detroit’s lineup during the difficult 2019-20 campaign.

In what proved to be his final season with the Red Wings in 2023-24, he tallied 18 goals and 14 assists while appearing in 68 games, the second-highest total of his career.

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