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Canadiens Goalie Is Player To Watch

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Jakub Dobes (© Eric Bolte-Imagn Images)

Training camp is officially here for the Montreal Canadiens. With this, the 2025-26 regular-season is rapidly approaching.

Now that the regular-season is getting closer for the Canadiens, there are certainly some players who need to be watched. Canadiens goaltender Jakub Dobes is undoubtedly one of them.

Dobes was a nice surprise for the Canadiens this past season, as the 24-year-old took a notable step forward in his development and proved that he can handle playing in the NHL when called upon. In 16 regular-season games with the Canadiens in 2024-25, he posted a 7-4-3 record, a 2.74 goals-against average, and a .909 save percentage. He also played in three playoff games for the Habs, where he had a 1-2 record, a 2.91 goals-against average, and a .881 save percentage.

Overall, Dobes had a solid start to his NHL career this past season but now will be looking to once again earn the Canadiens' backup role for this campaign. He has some competition for the backup spot, however, as the Canadiens signed veteran goalie Kaapo Kahkonen to a one-year, $1.15 million contract in free agency. Thus, Dobes will be looking to impress at training camp from here.

It will be fascinating to see how Dobes performs during the pre-season, but there is no question that he has a bright future.

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Kraken Prospect Oscar Fisker Molgaard Is Looking To Bring Previous Experience Into AHL Rookie Season

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Oscar Fisker Molgaard is gearing up for his first Seattle Kraken training camp and season in the AHL, and he'll be looking to use past experiences to help him.

Those past experiences include 129 games in the SHL, Sweden's top professional league, where he has scored 18 goals and 47 points. Including his time in the SHL, Fisker Molgaard has already racked up 23 games of experience at the World Championship and played seven games last year with the Coachella Valley Firebirds. 

“I’ve always been wanting to go to Coachella Valley after getting drafted by the Kraken,” said Fisker Molgaard. “You’re always nervous at first, but I think it went well. I kind of adapted to North American hockey pretty quick. That also helped me getting back home as I knew how to play against the North American players in the world championships. It’s a big help. Especially for the upcoming [AHL] season. I know the trainers, I know the coaches, I know some of the guys. It helps me a lot, coming in here with some confidence and calm.”

Known for his strong skating and two-way prowess, the 20-year-old has several translatable skills that could help him find success in the AHL and the NHL down the road. Currently standing six-foot, 168 pounds, Fisker Molgaard still has plenty to do to get his body NHL-ready, but the Kraken think very highly of their 2023 second-round pick (52nd overall).

Oscar Fisker Molgaard (Seattle Kraken)

“I think this training camp is going to be huge for him,” said Firebirds coach Derek Laxdal, who penciled Fisker Molgaard in for both games of this past weekend’s NHL Prospects series. “He wasn't here for last year's training camp, already playing in the SHL. I expect to see him take a great step forward. He is just going to grow. You think about his projection, his last three years playing in the SHL, he's mature beyond his years. His game is beyond a 20-year-old. He's got a very bright future for the Kraken organization ... I think he's one of those top pieces going forward.”

The adjustment period for Fisker Molgaard will be something to keep an eye on. Although he has professional experience, playing in North America is different. With that being said, the Danish center claims to have had a great summer and is ready to compete and work.

“I finally had a good, long summer,” said Fisker Molgaard. “It felt good to work out to be stronger and get better at my game.”

Coachella Valley Firebirds To Have Heavy Rookie InfluenceCoachella Valley Firebirds To Have Heavy Rookie InfluenceThe Seattle Kraken's AHL affiliate, the Coachella Valley Firebirds, will have a heavy rookie influence in 2025-26, with several 2023 NHL Draft picks set to embark on their rookie seasons.
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Top 10 NHL Players On PTOs To Watch In Training Camp

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Training camps around the NHL are set to begin, which means hockey season is finally almost here. 

With NHL clubs getting ready to start their training camps, let's discuss 10 notable players currently on professional tryouts (PTOs) who are looking to earn contracts for the 2025-26 season. 

Matt Grzelcyk, D, Chicago Blackhawks 

Even after setting career highs with 39 assists and 40 points last season with the Pittsburgh Penguins, Matt Grzelcyk had to settle for a PTO with the Chicago Blackhawks.

If Chicago wants a veteran blueliner to help mentor its young defense group, which currently has only one blueliner older than 24, Grzelcyk could certainly land a deal for the season. Yet, the Blackhawks also have several defensemen eyeing NHL jobs, so Grzelcyk will have a lot of competition.

Marc-Andre Fleury, G, Pittsburgh Penguins 

Legendary goalie Marc-Andre Fleury signed a PTO with the Penguins last week. This will give him the opportunity to play one final game for the team he will forever be most remembered playing for before officially hanging up the skates.

Fleury is set to make his final NHL appearance on Sep. 27 against the Columbus Blue Jackets. And no, he's not looking to sign a one-year contract.

Ticket Prices For Fleury's Final Game Keep RisingTicket Prices For Fleury's Final Game Keep RisingWhen the Pittsburgh Penguins signed goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury to a paid tryout (PTO) contract on Friday, along with that came the announcement that he'd be appearing in one final pre-season game in Pittsburgh on Sept. 27 against the Columbus Blue Jackets before officially retiring from the NHL. 

Milan Lucic, LW, St. Louis Blues 

After completing the NHL/NHLPA Player Assistance Program, Milan Lucic signed a PTO with the St. Louis Blues. The 37-year-old last played during the 2023-24 season with the Boston Bruins, posting two assists and 12 hits in four games.

Given the Blues' solid forward depth, Lucic will need to impress big time if he hopes to earn a contract for the season.

Jack Johnson, D, Minnesota Wild 

Jack Johnson signed a PTO with the Minnesota Wild last month. The 38-year-old blueliner is aiming to earn a contract and play his 20th season in the NHL.

The veteran defenseman has an uphill battle, however, as the Wild have solid defensive depth. In 41 games last season with the Blue Jackets, he recorded six assists, 21 hits, 35 blocked shots and a minus-13 rating.

Brett Leason, RW, Minnesota Wild

Brett Leason, a 6-foot-5 right winger, played in 62 games last season with the Anaheim Ducks, recording five goals and 17 points.

When looking at Minnesota's forward group, Leason should compete for a spot on their fourth line. Right now, the wingers in the bottom six are Liam Ohgren, Ryan Hartman, Marcus Foligno and Yakov Trenin. The 26-year-old could earn a contract with a strong showing in camp, even if he ends up being the 13th forward. 

Kevin Labanc, LW, Carolina Hurricanes 

After posting two goals and 12 points in 34 games last season with the Blue Jackets, Kevin Labanc had to settle for a PTO with the Carolina Hurricanes. The 29-year-old will need to stand out during training camp to earn a deal for the season, as the Hurricanes have a ton of forward depth.

That said, Labanc has dealt with injury issues in recent years. When he's healthy, he can produce at least 30 points, with a career-high 56 in 2018-19. He could work well as an extra forward for Carolina if signed.

All You Need To Know About The Three Players The Hurricanes Signed To PTOsAll You Need To Know About The Three Players The Hurricanes Signed To PTOsThe Carolina Hurricanes signed three players to PTOs heading into training camp, as they will compete to make the Hurricanes’ opening night roster. 

Oliver Kylington, D, Carolina Hurricanes 

Oliver Kylington, a 28-year-old blueliner, appeared in 19 games last season, split between the Colorado Avalanche and the Ducks, recording one goal, five points and a minus-2 rating.

Kylington could serve as an extra offensive defenseman, since the Hurricanes already have Shayne Gostisbehere filling that role. Or if Alexander Nikishin needs seasoning in the AHL, Kylington could fill in his spot in the NHL in the meantime.

Luke Glendening, C/RW, New Jersey Devils 

Luke Glendening will be aiming to earn a contract with the New Jersey Devils through his PTO. The Devils currently have Dawson Mercer, Arseny Gritsyuk, Connor Brown, Evgenii Dadonov, Paul Cotter and Cody Glass as projected bottom-six players, so Glendening has lots of competition for a spot in the lineup.

The 36-year-old is a very effective faceoff-winner, with a career win percentage of 55.8. Last year, he won 57 percent of his faceoffs. Glass, meanwhile, has a 47.7 career faceoff win percentage.

The Michigan native does not offer much offense, with seven points in 77 games last year, but his defensive play and skill at the faceoff dot could help his chances of earning a deal.

Conor Sheary, LW/RW, New York Rangers 

After mutually terminating his contract with the Tampa Bay Lightning, Conor Sheary signed a PTO with the New York Rangers earlier this off-season.

This comes after the 33-year-old spent most of last season in the AHL with the Syracuse Crunch, recording 61 points in 59 games. In the NHL, he had no points in five games, and in 2023-24, he had 15 points in 57 games.

The Winchester, Mass., native will now look to prove that he can still be an NHL player, but the Rangers also have a lot of forward depth on the wing. He'd have to outplay Jonny Brodzinski, Adam Edstrom, Taylor Raddysh and Matt Rempe, but if Gabe Perreault isn't ready for the NHL yet, Sheary could fill that role temporarily.

Brendan Smith, D, Columbus Blue Jackets 

Brendan Smith is an under-the-radar candidate to secure a contract with the Blue Jackets for the season. That said, he works well as an extra defender.

In 32 games last season with the Dallas Stars, he recorded one goal, six points, 41 hits, 23 blocked shots and 33 penalty minutes. 

For action-packed issues, access to the entire magazine archive and a free issue, subscribe to The Hockey News at THN.com/free. Get the latest news and trending stories by subscribing to our newsletter here. And share your thoughts by commenting below the article on THN.com.

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The Athletic: NHL rookie camp roundup: The biggest standouts from tournaments across the league

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Berkly Catton, C

Catton was easily the best player on the ice for either team in the one game he played against Vancouver’s prospects on Saturday night. Catton dictated play throughout the evening, dominating the puck in the offensive zone and generating at least one scoring chance per shift (sometimes two). He hit a post on a breakaway opportunity, still finished the night with two points (a goal and an assist) and you left the rink thinking it was a miracle he didn’t have four or five. That the Kraken opted not to dress Catton in the second game of the back-to-back set this weekend is bullish for his chances of seeing real NHL action this fall. He certainly looked dynamic and ready this weekend. — Thomas Drance

NHL rookie camp roundup: The biggest standouts from tournaments across the leagueNHL rookie camp roundup: The biggest standouts from tournaments across the leagueThese tournaments are a valuable opportunity for prospects — from top draft picks to potential free agents — to make lasting impressions.
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Ranking The 13 Former First-Round Picks At Senators Training Camp

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The Ottawa Senators enter training camp this year with a fine mix of youth, talent and experience. The group includes an impressive 13 former first-round draft picks, eight of whom were drafted by the Sens. Some are franchise players, while others are prospects still fighting for their place somewhere on the pro hockey landscape.

Each brings a different story, style, and a wildly varying list of accomplishments. Just for fun, here’s our view of how the Senators' long list of former first-rounders rank as they report for training camp this week. We're ranking them based on the impact they'll have on the organization this season.

1. Tim Stützle

  • Drafted: 2020, 3rd overall (Ottawa Senators)
  • Stützle is already the Senators’ offensive engine and one of the NHL’s brightest young stars. With three 70+ point seasons under his belt at just 23, his combination of speed, skill, and creativity makes him No. 1 on this list – not an easy choice, considering the next two guys in our ranking...

2. Brady Tkachuk

  • Drafted: 2018, 4th overall (Ottawa Senators)
  • The captain embodies everything the Senators want to be: physical, competitive, and productive. A consistent 30-goal scorer and heart-and-soul guy, Tkachuk is the emotional leader of the team and a nightmare for opponents.

3. Jake Sanderson

  • Drafted: 2020, 5th overall (Ottawa Senators)
  • Sanderson’s poised two-way game has quickly established him as one of the NHL’s top young defensemen. Still only 22, his skating is electric, and his skill level in all zones makes him a franchise-building block alongside Stützle and Tkachuk. You could talk me into moving him into the No. 1 or 2 spot on this list without much effort. That's how close it is.
Senators Announce 52-Player Roster for 2025-26 Training CampSenators Announce 52-Player Roster for 2025-26 Training CampThe Ottawa Senators unveiled their 52-player roster for the 2025-26 training camp, set to begin on Wednesday (Sept. 17) at Canadian Tire Centre and Bell Sensplex. This year’s camp will feature five goaltenders, 17 defencemen and 30 forwards.

4. Thomas Chabot

  • Drafted: 2015, 18th overall (Ottawa Senators)
  • A workhorse on the back end, Chabot has been the team’s defensive anchor for years. Injuries have slowed him at times, but when healthy and supported with the right defensive partner, he can log huge minutes and drive play from the blue line.

5. Dylan Cozens

  • Drafted: 2019, 7th overall (Buffalo Sabres)
  • The Senators’ big deadline day addition, Cozens brings size, speed, and secondary scoring as the new second-line centre. And unlike his predecessor, the Workhorse from Whitehorse has rarely missed time due to injury. Still just 24, Cozens has already proven he can score 30 goals and 60 points in the league.

6. Claude Giroux

  • Drafted: 2006, 22nd overall (Philadelphia Flyers)
  • At 37, Giroux’s best years are behind him, but he remains an elite playmaker and leader. His professionalism and hockey IQ are invaluable to Ottawa’s young core, and he's still more than capable of a 50-60 point season.

7. Ridly Greig

  • Drafted: 2020, 28th overall (Ottawa Senators)
  • Greig is a pain-in-the-ass competitor who may be tough to keep in the bottom six for much longer. His grit and energy give him an edge, and he’s shown flashes of offensive upside that could push him higher in future rankings. When it comes to "Ferda," Greig gives Tkachuk a run for his money, ready to do anything fer da team..

8. David Perron

  • Drafted: 2007, 26th overall (St. Louis Blues)
  • Perron brings championship experience and scoring touch. A Stanley Cup winner with St. Louis, he’s still dangerous on the power play, strong on the boards, and gives Ottawa much-needed veteran depth on the wing.

10. Lars Eller

  • Drafted: 2007, 13th overall (St. Louis Blues)
  • A proven two-way veteran, Eller has carved out a long NHL career as a reliable depth center. At 36, his role will be more limited, but his Stanley Cup pedigree and defensive awareness remain valuable. If needed, he can move up and still chip in with some offence.

9. Carter Yakemchuk

  • Drafted: 2024, 7th overall (Ottawa Senators)
  • The Senators’ 2024 first-rounder, Yakemchuk is an offensive-minded defenseman with size, reach, and a booming shot – not to mention a sick forehand-backhand move. He’s still just starting his pro career, but his ceiling is high.

11. Xavier Bourgault

  • Drafted: 2021, 22nd overall (Edmonton Oilers)
  • Bourgault brings skill and offensive instincts, but unlike others on this list, he’s unproven at the big-league level. Now fully healthy and still only 22, he's going to do some damage in the AHL this season.

12. Lassi Thomson

  • Drafted: 2019, 19th overall (Ottawa Senators)
  • Once seen as a key defensive prospect, Thomson played in Sweden last season. As Lassi comes home, it will be interesting to see if his big minutes and success with Malmo will translate into North American success. The guy is still only 24, skates well, and has a terrific shot.

13. Tyler Boucher

  • Drafted: 2021, 10th overall (Ottawa Senators)
  • Boucher’s development has been stunted by injuries. While he plays with physicality and has some offensive tools, he has yet to – quite obviously – live up to his top-10 billing. He just needs a full, injury-free season in Belleville – only then can we get back to evaluating his future potential.

In both hockey and love, you never forget your firsts. 

By Steve Warne
The Hockey News-Ottawa Site Editor

This article first appeared at The Hockey News-Ottawa

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Can The Senators Still Avoid Losing Their 2026 First Round Pick?
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NHL Rumor Roundup: Latest Penguins Speculation, Canucks Management On The Hot Seat

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Efforts by Sidney Crosby and his agent, Pat Brisson, to downplay trade rumors dogging the 38-year-old Pittsburgh Penguins superstar instead stoked the speculation.

Some pundits mused over what Crosby and Brisson truly meant while pondering possible trade destinations such as the Colorado Avalanche and Montreal Canadiens.

Crosby didn't mince words when speaking with reporters during a season-ticket drive on Monday.

“This is where I want to be,” he said. “I can't keep having to answer the same questions over again because of these narratives. If people want to write about that or say that, that's fine. I can't really control that.”

“I don't take those rumors or some of those things lightly. Like I said, this is where I want to be,” Crosby said. “It's a special place, and it's something that is hard to put into a soundbite, but it means a lot.”

Crosby may have put this speculation to rest for now, but don't be surprised if it resurfaces should the Penguins struggle again this season.

Meanwhile, Crosby's teammates, Bryan Rust and Rickard Rakell, remain the focus of persistent trade conjecture.

Matt Vensel of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazettewondered how much longer the two forwards will remain with the Penguins. He believes GM Kyle Dubas set a high asking price, which would explain why both players are still in Pittsburgh as training camp opens this week.

Vensel anticipates one or both could be moved before the March 2026 trade deadline or at some point down the road. However, Dubas isn't under pressure to peddle them during this season.

Rust and Rakell are under contract through 2027-28. Dubas can remain patient and wait for the right offers.

Jim Rutherford (Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images)

In Vancouver, meanwhile, Canucks management could be feeling the heat entering this season.

Patrick Johnston of The Province suggested changes could be coming to the front office if the Canucks fail to bounce back from last season's disappointing performance, when they finished with 19 fewer points than in 2023-24.

Johnston believes that puts additional pressure on hockey operations president Jim Rutherford and GM Patrik Allvin. A source close to the situation told him that those changes could come by Christmas if the team hasn't improved by then.

For action-packed issues, access to the entire magazine archive and a free issue, subscribe to The Hockey News at THN.com/free. Get the latest news and trending stories by subscribing to our newsletter here. And share your thoughts by commenting below the article on THN.com.