Winnipeg prospects Dominic DiVincentiis, Danny Zhilkin lead pack as most notable names entering Jets training camp following impressive performances at Prospect Showcase. 

The Winnipeg Jets won both of games of their Prospect Showcase in Montreal over the weekend as they took down both the prospects of the Montreal Canadiens and the Ottawa Senators. The games provided some interesting topics for fans to explore, heading into training camp later this week on Thursday.  

The two opposing rosters were fierce competition as the Habs brought their best young talent including names like Calder Trophy favorite Ivan Demidov, while the Senators brought a roster with ten players that had played pro hockey, yet the Jets edged out two narrow victories. 

Winnipeg came away with a hard-fought 4–3 victory over Montreal in the first game, thanks in large part to goaltender Dominic DiVincentiis, who turned aside 38 shots and made several clutch saves down the stretch.

Domenic DiVincentiis with a few impressive stops on a penalty kill for the #NHLJets. pic.twitter.com/I8FNk2TkJX

— Connor Hrabchak (@ConnorHrabchak1) September 13, 2025

Exclusive: Jets Goalie Prospect Domenic DiVincentiis Eyes NHL Debut in 2025Winnipeg Jets prospect Domenic DiVincentiis talks season goals with AHL All-Star Game, Calder Cup and NHL Debut in new exclusive interview with The Hockey News. 

Forward Danny Zhilkin also starred, netting two goals, including the game-winner with just 25 seconds remaining. He would follow up the performances with a pair of assists the following night in the second game of the Showcase. 

ZHILKIN IN THE CLUTCH ✈️ pic.twitter.com/qnxy4f5dwe

— Winnipeg Jets (@NHLJets) September 14, 2025

The pair of 2022 draft picks for the Jets both got their names noticed due to their impressive performances and will make them players to look out for at training camp. As Demidov made headlines throughout the hockey world for his slick dekes and skill moves that left some Jets falling down, it was free agent invitee Chase Yoder for the Jets that had the best goal of the night, featuring a silky toe-drag around the Habs defender before moving the puck to his backhand and sliding it past the goaltender.

GOAL OF THE TOURNAMENT?

Yes, we think so 😍 pic.twitter.com/yNTjBIN8lh

— Winnipeg Jets (@NHLJets) September 14, 2025

The second game of the showcase was much closer as extra time was needed. Ben Zloty and Jacob Julien scored goals for Winnipeg entering the overtime period but it was Moose goaltender Alex Worthington that stole the show. The free agent invitee followed in the footsteps of DiVincentiis with 36 saves and produced yet another solid performance from a Jets netminder. 

The overtime period lasted just 1:17 as 2022 sixth round pick Fabian Wagner scored the winning goal. The 21-year-old forward saw bright spots last season but eventually finished with 15 points through games of his first pro hockey season last year with the Manitoba Moose. 

Weekend brick walls 🧱

73 saves combined 🧱
0.936 SV% 🧱
2 Wins 🧱 pic.twitter.com/wvV9Z3vhmL

— Winnipeg Jets (@NHLJets) September 15, 2025

A notable Winnipeg prospect in Colby Barlow made an impact with a goal and an assist on Saturday before picking up another assist on Sunday. The Jets 18th overall pick in 2023 will be heading into his first season of pro hockey with the Manitoba Moose and will hopefully be able to produce at a similar rate. 

One of the bitter pieces of news out of the Showcase was Jets prospect Kieron Walton suffered an upper-body injury in the first game and was enough to hold him out of the second game. 

Players like DiVincentiis, Wagner and Zhilkin will now turn their focus to training camp in a few short days and will be names to look out for as to where they land this upcoming season. 

 

Exclusive: Dale Hawerchuk’s Heartfelt Reflections on Winnipeg, Shared Before His PassingThe Hockey News has released its archive to all THN subscribers: 76 years of history, stories, and features.

Legendary New York Rangers goaltender Eddie Giacomin passed away on Sunday at the age of 86. 

Giacomin spent ten seasons with the Rangers from 1965 to 1976, and he’s widely known as one of the greatest and most influential Blueshirts goalies in their franchise history. 

“Eddie Giacomin was an integral member of the New York Rangers for a decade and personified what being a Ranger is all about, both to his teammates and the Blueshirts faithful. You cannot discuss the history of this organization and not immediately think of Eddie,” the Rangers wrote via X. 

“The great Rod Gilbert called him the heart of their team, and we cannot think of a greater honor to bestow on one of the greatest goaltenders to ever play the game. Our thoughts are with Eddie's family, friends and teammates during this incredibly difficult time.”

In 13 NHL seasons, Giacomin recorded a 290-209 record with 96 ties, a 2.82 goals-against average, .902 save percentage, and 54 shutouts.

“The National Hockey League mourns the passing of a true original, Hockey Hall of Famer and beloved New York Rangers and Detroit Red Wings goaltender Eddie Giacomin,” the NHL said in a statement. “One of the first stickhandling goaltenders, Giacomin backstopped the Rangers' surge to the NHL's upper echelon in the early 1970s, reaching four straight semifinals and the Stanley Cup Final in 1972.

“A six-time NHL All-Star who also led the League in games played four straight seasons, Giacomin routinely heard chants of 'Ed-die! Ed-die!' from adoring Madison Square Garden crowds and had his No. 1 retired by the franchise in 1989. We send our condolences to Eddie's family, friends and the many fans he thrilled throughout his memorable career.”

A pair of top St. Louis Blues prospects are entering the final stages of their preparation for their rookie AHL seasons with the Springfield Thunderbirds, and strong prospect camp performances from Theo Lindstein and Juraj Pekarcik should allow them to carry the momentum. 

The Blues participated in the Tom Kurvers Prospect Showcase, beating the Minnesota Wild in the opener and dropping their second game in overtime to the Chicago Blackhawks. There was a lot to like on several fronts, including strong play from the Blues' highly rated prospects.

Among the Blues' prospects were five first-round picks, each affecting the games in numerous ways. Otto Stenberg finished with one goal and two assists, Dalibor Dvorsky scored the opening goal in Game 1, Justin Carbonneau scored the game-winner against the Wild and added an assist, Adam Jiricek notched a goal and an assist, and Theo Lindstein was a two-way force.

The Blues have high expectations for their first-round draft picks, and in an event where they needed to stand out, they did just that. 

But now, standing out will become an increasingly difficult task. 

Lindstein will feel that pressure more than most as he makes the highly anticipated jump to North American professional hockey. The 20-year-old defenseman was selected with the 29th overall pick in the 2023 NHL Draft, and after a successful seasons in the SHL and with Sweden at the world juniors, it's time for him to embark on his Blues career. 

"That's the next step," Lindstein said at this past season's development camp. "I'm going to come over for camp here in September and do my best here and see what happens. Let's see after camp what happens," said Lindstein back in July during development camp. "It's the third time here and just try to be myself, bring everything in, get to know all the guys that are different here for every year. It's fun to be here. I get to see all the staff and get to know them better, also."

Plenty of excitement surrounds the 6-foot-1, 180-pound left-handed defender. He's a smooth skater, using his feet to be effective while defending and as a puck-mover. His high-end two-way abilities could emulate the success Cam Fowler and Philip Broberg have sustained in St. Louis. 

It will be an adjustment for Lindstein, and patience will be the repeated word, but his skillset should translate in the next stages of his career. 

Also making the jump to the next level is 2023 third-round pick (76th overall) Juraj Pekarcik. The 20-year-old forward has looked great in consecutive seasons, taking on different challenges in both. In 2023-24, Pekarcik dominated the USHL, scoring nine goals and 59 points in 43 games with the Dubuque Fighting Saints. This past season witnessed Pekarcik play in the QMJHL, notching 24 goals and 67 points in 53 games with the Moncton Wildcats.

Standing 6-foot-1, 183 pounds, Pekarcik is a pure playmaker, and put it on display at the rookie showcase. He finished with two assists in two games, including a marker on Stenberg's goal against the Blackhawks.

The assist showed what makes Pekarcik special. The Blues stole the puck from the Blackhawks, and Pekarcik flew down the left wing. Using his edges, he avoided a check and attempted a cross-ice pass. When the pass failed, Pekarcik stayed with the puck and found Stenberg open in front of the net. 

Pekarcik's North American and professional experience could help him in his transition to the AHL.

"I feel like I've grown a lot," said Pekarcik at the Blues' 2025 development camp. "I improved a lot of things in my game. The coaches there in Moncton helped me a lot, really a lot. I improved in the D-zone most probably. That's what I needed the most. I'm trying to improve everything. My shots on goal. Last year I had nine goals, this (past) year I had 24, so I think I improved that. I'm so happy for it. Yeah, it was a great move. It was. It was my agent and St. Louis Blues' decision, and I was so happy for it. It was a great year for me, great year."

Linstein and Pekarcik headline the newcomers for the Thunderbirds, but the list continues with names such as Jakub Stancl and Quinton Burns. The Thunderbirds will be an exciting team to watch next season with Dvorsky, Lindstein, Pekarcik, and Stenberg set to take on large roles. 

The Florida Panthers wrapped up the 2025 Prospects Showcase in Wesley Chapel, Florida. With less than a week from actual preseason games, there was still business to take care of in the Gulf Coast. Panthers Prospect capped off the final game with a dominant win over the Nashville Predators, 6-0 taking their record to 2-1 for the weekend.

Florida got on the scoring quickly while on the forecheck. Sandis Vilmanis forced a turnover, and the loose puck found Gracyn Sawchyn in the low slot where he dropped it off Vilmanis, and gave Florida the early 1-0 lead 23 seconds into the contest.

It did not take long for the Cats to add on to their lead. A dump and chase worked to perfection as they got their forecheck going again, this time it was defenseman Ludvig Jansson who picked the puck up in the low slot and wasted no time converting past Predators goaltender Jakub Milota at 6:06 of the first.

Minutes before the period ended, Vilmanis was shaken up after colliding at the end boards after going on a solo breakaway after forcing a steal at the Panthers blue line. He would not return to the game.

After the Panthers killed off a penalty, Liam McKlinskey was next to get on the board. He received a long stretch pass from Eamon Powell. McKlinskey got behind the Predators defense, and easily finished the breakaway opportunity at 12:42 of the second period.

The scoring did not stop as Powell received the pass at the point on a low-to-high play from Jack Devine, and his slap shot took a bounce and in 14:48 into the second frame.

Cooper Black completed the 40 minutes not allowing a goal, as showcase invite Louis-Antoine Denault finished off the final 20 minutes.

Just like the first period, the Panthers scored quickly into the third, as Cristophe Tellier finished a breakaway opportunity to make it 5-0 18 seconds in.

It was already a demolition, and it continued just minutes later as Robert Mastosimone used his edge work to get around the Predators defense to be first to the puck in the corner. After working it back to Josh Davies, his shot was deflected off of Masrosimone to pile it on at 1:47 of the third.

The shutout came to an end as the Panthers failed to clear their zone, with a broken stick from Shea Busch, made it more difficult to clear, with the Predators continuing their offensive zone pressure, Nashville retrieved the puck, where shot was originally saved by Denault, but Cole O’Hara cleaned up the loose change to make it 6-1.

Both teams went to a five round shootout following the game, where neither team in any of the five rounds scored.

That’s a wrap from Wesley Chapel as the Panthers gave the Predators their only loss of the tournament. Florida went 2-1 themselves, defeating Carolina, and dropping Saturday’s game to Tampa Bay.

Panthers will meet the media on Wednesday for Media day right before hitting the ice for their first official training camp practice this Thursday in Fort Lauderdale.

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The Philadelphia Flyers are set to kick off training camp in only a few days, and some of their top prospects are already positioning themselves well for strong seasons.

One more day of practice remains for rookie camp, with Thursday marking the official beginning of training camp.

Defenseman Oliver Bonk returned to the ice with his fellow Flyers prospects Monday, participating in positional drills alongside Hunter McDonald.

Monday's session was mostly nondescript apart for a few drills that saw a combination of forwards and defensemen battle with each other defending and creating off the cycle, starting with retrieving the puck from a corner sent by the coaching staff.

A number of players stayed out late to work on their passing and shooting, including Spencer Gill, Nikita Grebenkin, and Jack Nesbitt.

Grebenkin and Nesbitt were the last two on the ice and cleaned up all the pucks; Grebenkin chipped the pucks up into the air and Nesbitt knocked them down out of the air into the bag.

A nice bonding moment for two of the Flyers' most promising prospects, some would say.

Flyers Prospects Shine in Rookie Camp Day 1, Challenged to 'Make an Impression'The Philadelphia Flyers prospects took the ice Thursday to kick off rookie camp, with the top dogs gaining a big head-start and leading the way.

Speaking of Grebenkin and Nesbitt, they were two players who stood out in the eyes of Flyers director of player development Riley Armstrong over the weekend, which featured two rookie series games against the New York Rangers.

"A lot of the guys did what I thought they were going to do. It was good to see them play at that level against other high-end prospects," Armstrong said Monday.

"Denver Barkey, Alex Bump, Grebenkin, [Jacob Gaucher], Gendron, all those guys... you want them to take that step and kind of dominate, and I thought the Friday night game they definitely did that. I thought it was awesome to see all that type of stuff going on, playmaking, the skill really came through."

Grebenkin, 22, finished the weekend with an overtime game-winning goal and two primary assists, while Nesbitt, even though not as productive, was active centering the top line of Bump and Samu Tuomaala.

"You could see when he came here, he had that extra jump in his skating on Friday night. I think, Saturday, guys were generally, on both teams, pretty tired. He was dancing out there," Armstrong said of Nesbitt specifically. "He opened my eyes on how poised he was with the puck, and even his skating. I thought his skating kind of took another step from development camp to here."

Armstrong also named Nesbitt as a wildcard to make some noise during preseason and training camp, even if it's overwhelmingly likely the 18-year-old spends more time in the junior ranks and, perhaps soon, the NCAA circuit.

That says a lot about how the No. 12 overall pick has endeared himself to his peers and coaches in his short time in Philadelphia so far.

"A guy that could surprise, although you know he can go back to junior hockey, would probably be Nesbitt. I really think once he gets out there and starts playing, I think he's going to give himself the best opportunity," Armstrong added. "In the end, probably another year of junior hockey would be best for him, but I really think he's going to really push the envelope. . . He was always at the net mixing it up, pushing guys around, so he kind of has that whole package."

Though he and his line were less effective as a whole Saturday, Tuomaala still forced himself to find a way to make an impact, much to the surprise of Armstrong, who laughed about the Finnish forward's fight.

3 Flyers Prospects with the Most to Prove at 2025 Training CampIf the Philadelphia Flyers are to make any noise in the 2025-26 season, some up-and-coming prospects will need to steal the spotlight and show some progress.

"I was shocked that he dropped the gloves and stayed in there! I thought he was going to skate away, so it was a surprising moment for myself, but I think that's something he has. He has that in him," Armstrong said.

And then came the kicker that will ultimately be the key to Tuomaala's NHL future, be it with the Flyers or another organization.

"I think sometimes he gets away from his game. Whenever he's engaged in the games, he gets more chances to score, his skill pops out a little more, and when he's not playing like that, he kind of just turns into an average player.

"So, it was good to see him come out hitting guys, finishing checks, being on the forecheck. Hopefully he brings that into main camp and back in the conversation here with all the other guys."

The 22-year-old former second-round pick has grappled with injuries the last few seasons, which undoubtedly has adversely affected his consistency and growth as a player.

Tuomaala does have an intriguing package of speed and skill, though it's unlikely he gets to take full advantage of that in Philadelphia with the talent the Flyers have on the wings, starting with players like Matvei Michkov, Tyson Foerster, Travis Konecny, and Porter Martone.

Like last season, Tuomaala will need to have an impressive fall to get back on the radar, and he's plenty capable.

So far, he and the Flyers' other top prospects have done more than enough to justify their hype in rookie camp and beyond.

It is no secret that the New Jersey Devils have two star centers leading their forward group in Jack Hughes and Nico Hischier. Both players are major difference-makers, and they have now been rewarded because of it. 

Both Hughes and Hischier made the NHL Network's latest Top 50 Players Right Now list. Hughes secured the No. 31 spot on the NHL Network's rankings, while Hischier was behind at the No. 40 spot. 

Jack Hughes has 243 points over his last 202 games, and he's back on our Top 50 Players Right Now list! @NJDevils | #NHLTopPlayerspic.twitter.com/Sqgdpu7Ng4

— NHL Network (@NHLNetwork) September 14, 2025

Seeing Hughes once again make the NHL Network's list is not too surprising, as he once again had a strong year with the Devils in 2024-25. In 62 games on the year, the 24-year-old recorded 27 goals, 43 assists, 70 points, and a plus-12 rating. 

While Hughes made the NHL Network's list again, he did drop a few spots from last year. This is because he was given the No. 20 spot in last year's rankings. 

Nico Hischier is back on our Top 50 Players Right Now list! @NJDevils | #NHLTopPlayerspic.twitter.com/bqff6GmOTJ

— NHL Network (@NHLNetwork) September 14, 2025

Hischier, on the other hand, scored a career-high 35 goals and recorded 69 points in 75 games this past season with the Devils. Given the year he just had, it is entirely understandable that he has made the NHL Networks' Top 50 Players Right Now list for this year after not making it this past year. 

The Tom Kurvers Prospect Showcase is in the books. The Chicago Blackhawks took down the St. Louis Blues on Saturday with a 3-2 overtime win. They followed that up with a loss to the Minnesota Wild on Sunday. 

One player who stood out above the rest is forward Nick Lardis. Chicago selected Lardis in the 3rd round, 67th overall, of the 2023 NHL Draft. 

After dominating the OHL last year with 71 goals, he is already off to a good start this season as he looks to translate to pro hockey. 

After their final practice before leaving for the showcase, Lardis was asked about the thing that he needs to continue working on beyond this event and into training camp. 

"Compete. That's a big thing they talk about, something I really want to keep consistent at is the compete level, whether it's in the defensive zone offensive zone. Making sure I'm consistent at that"

Keeping the compete level and effort where it needs to be is a key to succeeding in pro hockey. For Lardis, it seems to be at the top of his mind as he now enters the next phase of his hockey career. 

Once the games began, Lardis was one of the most noticeable players on the ice at all times. He didn't score a goal, but he played a key role in creating chances and making the team better. 

After Oliver Moore scored the game-winner in the first game against the St. Louis Blues, he credited Lardis for drawing up the play that won the Blackhawks the game. 

“[Lardis] said he’s done it like six times in Brantford, so I’m gonna trust the 70-goal scorer.” 

On the 3-on-3 play, Lardis made a breakout pass that set up a power move for Moore to score on as he cut around the defender to beat the goalie for the win. Not only did Lardis create the play, he was a key factor in it being executed on the ice. 

Lardis's offensive IQ is impressive, and it doesn't just lead to him scoring goals himself. He can make plays as well. These skills, if they can translate to the NHL, will make him an effective forward for a long time. 

Now, Lardis is set for his training camp, which will invite a lot of eyes on him. He is likely to start the year in the AHL with the Rockford IceHogs, but he will be given a chance to make the team out of camp with his play. 

The Blackhawks will get to see what he looks like with all of the roster players around him regularly. This is the type of setting that will determine the plan for him, but the early signs are great. 

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

MILTON, Ont. —Nicolas Roy has been in Toronto for three weeks working with some of his new Toronto Maple Leafs teammates and has been impressed with everyone he has skated with. But one player in particular caught his eye.

"Morgan Rielly's been buzzing in those skates," Roy said. "I wasn't there before. I've seen him, played against him, but he's been a really good player."

The Maple Leafs are hoping their top-pair defenseman, who is the longest-tenured player in Toronto and entering his 13th season, can take a leap. Outside of that, Toronto’s defense is mostly set, with much of the big moves at the position being addressed last season.

This season, the Maple Leafs' focus is on the depth they added, particularly after Mitch Marner’s departure for Las Vegas. Roy was the key piece in a sign-and-trade with the Vegas Golden Knights and he is looking forward to bringing his Stanley Cup-winning skillset from Vegas to the Maple Leafs.

"I can bring the skillset that helped me win a Stanley Cup," Roy said speaking ahead of the club's annual charity golf tournament on Monday. "PK, power play, different things in the game. So, yeah, I'm definitely going to try to help the team win."

'My Favorite Player Growing Up Was Mats Sundin' Nicolas Roy Reacts To Be Traded To Maple Leafs In Mitch Marner DealNic Roy was on a trip with family and friends when he found out that he was being traded from the Vegas Golden Knights to the Toronto Maple Leafs.

While there is a certain pressure that comes with playing in the NHL, Roy will get his first taste of playing in a market that demands more of his time, like Toronto—something the native of Quebec has no problem with.

"It'll be different for sure. Big market, Canada," Roy admitted. "I mean, it's always nice to have a little pressure. That's what you play for. So it'll be different, but I'll enjoy it for sure. Having that pedigree in the playoffs, we've been there for multiple years. You don't want to be too high, too low. I've been there. So, I mean, this team's been there too. But I know what I can bring in the playoffs to help this team win. So, I'm excited for that."

Roy said he’s had some conversations with new head coach Craig Berube about where he'll fit in. For a player who moved around a bit in Vegas’ lineup, it sounds like the coach will rely on some of that same versatility.

"A little bit of the same thing I had in Vegas, I guess. Playing in different roles," Roy said. "Can play power play, PK. But I guess we'll see where it's at. But, yeah, I had a really good conversation with him."

Maple Leafs camp is set to open with medicals on Wednesday and first on-ice sessions on Thursday.

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