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  Victoria MatiashOct 17, 2025, 02:00 PM ET

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  Victoria Matiash is a contributing writer for fantasy hockey and betting at ESPN. Victoria has been a part of the fantasy team since 2010.

Trust me, it’s never too early to compile trade candidates, especially not in light of how many fantasy managers panic prematurely every single year. Five shots and zero points through four contests? I guarantee, no matter how rich the history or reputation, that player will be volleyed via trade to others in leagues everywhere. Having access to the cold data offered by ESPN Fantasy’s background transaction numbers, I can assure you as much. You should see some of the big names being shifted back and forth already.

With that view, in such cases of hasty hysteria, here’s a quintet of underperforming big names to target via trade. Plus, a handful of over-rostered figures that show less promise of turning matters around.

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Trade for

Elias Pettersson, F, Vancouver Canucks: I know, I know. As Yogi Berra would suggest — also popularly mined as a title for many serial television episodes — it certainly does feel like déjà vu all over again. But not in the light and bouncy fashion Mr. Berra communicated, especially for Canucks fans. With two assists on four shots through a quartet of contests, Pettersson is underwhelming once more. After last season’s drama-flavored thud of a campaign, the center’s fantasy managers and frustrated Vancouver fans alike have every right to feel irritated.

So why try to snag him for your own fantasy squad? Because the ceiling remains high. Still only 26 years old, Pettersson is three years removed from 102 points and two from 89. On Sportsnet radio this week, former Canuck Jannik Hansen put forward that the club’s top center has to be better for Vancouver to go anywhere this year. He’s right. So while a trade for No. 40 could fall terribly flat, the gamble still makes sense if your fantasy roster is middle-of-the-road. Who cares about finishing fifth?

Alex Ovechkin, F, Washington Capitals: This guy is no stranger to sluggish starts. The NHL’s leading scorer earned only two goals in his first dozen games two seasons ago and still ended up with 31. He potted all of two in his first seven last year, then rolled for 44 in 65 games. With sights set on 900 and well beyond, Ovechkin isn’t winding down his career with a whimper. Fully recovering from a minor injury suffered in camp, and shooting on net more often, will help.

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Artemi Panarin, F, New York Rangers: Maybe he’s still a bit banged up after suffering a pair of minor injuries in training camp. Perhaps ongoing contract negotiations, and related trade talk, are more distracting than either side would like to admit. Either way, a pair of assists on 13 shots through six contests isn’t going to cut it. On the upside, the Rangers’ top power play, including Panarin on the point, looks pretty good. They won’t be hovering near an 11.8% success rate much longer. Plus, the 33-year-old can’t be hobbling too badly when logging more than 21 minutes per game. Panarin hasn’t paced out at less than a point per game since his second season in 2026-17, averaging 1.27 between then and now. The Rangers face the Montreal Canadiens, Minnesota Wild, San Jose Sharks and Calgary Flames this coming week. Toss out an offer.

Evan Bouchard, D, Edmonton Oilers: It hasn’t been a pretty opening for the Oilers’ top defender. Never mind the point drought to date, Bouchard’s been far from brilliant otherwise, serving as a well-rounded calamity in Thursday’s thoroughly earned loss to the Islanders. Nevertheless, we’ve seen such shaky play from the gifted offensive-defenseman before. As long as he’s logging heavy minutes, earning quality chances with the club’s best up front and anchoring Edmonton’s top power play, Bouchard will start steadily denting the scoresheet again soon enough. As fellow blueliner Mattias Ekholm put it, “I’m pretty sure we’ll see a different Bouchard on Saturday.” Fantasy managers might consider lobbing a reasonable offer for the top-10 blueliner before he gets back in scoring gear.

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Darcy Kuemper, G, Los Angeles Kings: Big breath please, the sky isn’t falling in L.A. as some might suggest. Essentially losing their past three games by a single goal (the Pittsburgh Penguins added an empty-netter), the club can largely blame a shoddy special teams’ effort, and in Thursday’s case, uninspiring netminding by backup Anton Forsberg. Promisingly and fortunately, the Kings’ 5-on-5 play is starting to appear solid. Once they clean up other matters, the ship will right itself in southern California again. Also, nominated for the Vezina last year, Kuemper finished in the top three in ESPN Fantasy standard leagues. How far to you expect the guy to fall? If your goaltending corps lacks fantasy pizzazz, chase L.A.’s No. 1 down via trade while he recuperates from a minor lower-body injury.

Trade away

Carter Verhaeghe, F, Florida Panthers:We often become too influenced by a player’s accomplishments in the postseason. Following up an impressive run the year before, Verhaeghe’s 23 points in 23 games this past spring went a long way in helping the Panthers secure their second straight Cup. While appreciably clutch, an irrelevant sum in the regular-season fantasy sphere. Collecting 20 goals and 33 assists (-14) in 2024-25, the Florida winger averaged only 1.6 fantasy points per game in ESPN standard competition. Now the team is without top center Aleksander Barkov (months), Matthew Tkachuk (many weeks) and blueliner Dmitry Kulikov (months). In trying to fill another roster need, try to mine Verhaeghe’s name value and playoff reputation for a reasonable return.

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Carter Verhaeghe stuffs one home on the power play

Carter Verhaeghe gives the Panthers the lead with a close-range finish.

Frank Vatrano, F, Anaheim Ducks:He’s averaging 12:35 on the third line, seeing essentially zero time with the extra skater (35 seconds total thus far), and “leading” everyone with a team-worst minus-4. Vatrano’s 37-goal/60-point 2023-24campaign was a long time ago now. Sure, try to trade the guy and best of luck. There are still likely better options for the grabbing on your wire.

Brock Faber, D, Minnesota Wild:Without question, Faber is a heck of a hockey player, one any NHL team would relish to have on board. But rookie Zeev Buium is currently anchoring the Wild’s top power play, while Jared Spurgeon patrols the second. So unless the defender starts blocking a lot more shots than is his habit, fantasy managers should consider putting him on the block. Good chance another manager will feel enticed by his rookie output of 47 points (2023-24) and current robust 86.2% rostership in ESPN Fantasy leagues.

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Ilya Sorokin, G, New York Islanders:Of course, the Islanders play their best game of the season when backup David Rittich is in net. The three losses preceding Thursday’s 4-2 win against Edmonton, in which Sorokin looked far from fantastic — and worse, terribly unconfident — were wildly different tales. It’s one thing to enjoy the advantage of shaking off feelings of doubt and uncertainty behind a well-oiled machine. Sorokin is a great goalie, who doesn’t feel great at present, playing for a definitely not-great team. You decide how patient you want to play it here.

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Overreactions are easy to make early in the fantasy hockey season. Some of your usual scorers aren’t scoring. A couple of your players are already on injured reserve. You’ve lost your first weekly head-to-head and are projected to go 0-2.

But you can’t drop proven performers after only a few games. Be patient. Give them time.

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If you’re still thinking about your (hopefully) temporary woes, here are a few readily available NHLers who can help right away.

Forwards

Elias Lindholm, BOS (Yahoo: 49%): Following two disappointing seasons, Lindholm is set to get back on track as Boston’s undisputed No. 1 center at both even-strength and on the power play. He’s rarely been injured throughout his career and will regularly get to skate with David Pastrnak and Morgan Geekie, so somewhere in the 50-60 point range looks to be a solid baseline. Lindholm may often face the opposition’s best defenders due to the Bruins’ thin depth chart up front, but you can’t go wrong with sufficient scoring, a bunch of hits and a lot of faceoff wins.

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Nick Schmaltz, UTA (Yahoo: 33%): When you think of consistency, think of Schmaltz. After all, he’s managed to score 58, 59, 61 and 63 points his last four seasons. Schmaltz also leads the top line during all scoring situations while providing plenty of shots on goal and averaging between 18-19 minutes per game. He’s also set up three of Utah’s eight goals on an attack that should improve with the recent addition of JJ Peterka.

William Eklund, SJ (Yahoo: 31%): It’s way too early to get excited, but the Sharks have potted 10 goals in the first three games (let’s ignore the 16 they’ve conceded). And, surprisingly, only two have come from the four forwards on the first man-advantage. Eklund can claim one of those (Tyler Toffoli’s the other) alongside an assist, six shots and an average of 18:29 ice time per game — including almost four PP minutes. Based on recent production and current placement, it’s entirely possible he exceeds his 58 points from last season.

Teuvo Teravainen, CHI (Yahoo: 28%): Frank Nazar was discussed last week, and he’s already up to six points. One of his linemates boasts the same number, and it’s not Todd Bertuzzi. Teravainen has also notched two PPPs after 24 upon his 2024-25 return to Chicago. He won’t give you much else in terms of counting stats, though the offense should suffice. The Blackhawks’ second line deserves more love (Nazar’s coverage has more than doubled since being mentioned), so be sure to click on Teravainen’s name and reap the benefits.

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Jimmy Snuggerud, STL (Yahoo: 21%): Snuggerud carried over his NCAA success into a solid stint with the Blues to close out last season. And he seems to have continued that momentum via a two-goal, six-shot effort Monday at Vancouver. Snuggerud has also fit seamlessly in on St. Louis’ lead power play, where he’s tallied two points. As his minutes and responsibilities increase, so should his fantasy profile.

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Matthew Coronato, CGY (Yahoo: 19%): After finishing 29th in offense, the Flames keep struggling to find the back of the net with only nine goals. But Coronato can’t be blamed for this dry spell, as he’s fired home two markers in addition to 10 shots. The former first-rounder is usually centered by Nazem Kadri, with the duo finding significant success while up a man (39 combined PPPs last year). Watch for Coronato to eclipse the 50-point plateau.

Oliver Bjorkstrand, TB (Yahoo: 10%): It’s not often you’ll find a bottom-half, 5-on-5 forward here. At the same time, being on an elite man-advantage counts for a lot in fantasy. Bjorkstrand is coming off four consecutive double-digit PPP hauls across Columbus, Seattle and Tampa Bay. He’s teamed up with former Kraken teammate Yanni Gourde but gets most of his good looks on the No. 1 power play and struck for a PPG during the opener. Bjorkstrand’s place on that quintet seems tenuous with Brandon Hagel currently on the other group, but he’s there heading into Friday’s contest at Detroit.

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Zach Benson, BUF (Yahoo: 7%): If you weren’t watching hockey on Wednesday, you may have not heard about Benson’s season debut. After not being available for the opening three matchups, the 13th pick from 2023 dished out four assists — including one on each special teams unit — on a line with Tage Thompson and Alex Tuch. While that performance came against an Ottawa side that’s already surrendered 22 goals, Benson was already projected to skate on the top trio before getting hurt. With the Sabres facing a few tougher defenses the next couple weeks, monitor his progress before adding him.

Defensemen

Brent Burns, COL (Yahoo: 32%): Burns isn’t logging as much ice time compared to his prime years, yet the 40-year-old hasn’t lost his offensive instincts. And like with his time in Carolina, he’s not being asked to lead the blueline with the Avs. At just over a 20-minute average, Burns has produced three assists, 13 shots and eight blocks while joining Devon Toews on the second power play, where he’s supplied a PPA. As long as he stays in the top-four and man-advantage, he should deliver around 30 points and 200 shots on goal.

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Justin Faulk, STL (Yahoo: 23%): Faulk is another long-time defender whose scoring stats have declined while still providing enough to be fantasy-worthy. He may only have one assist so far, though no one is going to complain about the seven shots, nine hits and 10 blocks on 23:31 per game. And that lone helper came Saturday on a solid Blues’ second PP. Faulk is generally consistent, which should be enough to get him on more rosters.

Dmitry Orlov, SJ (Yahoo: 14%): It’s been a quick turnaround of teams for Orlov the last few seasons, yet he’s fit in well at every stop. And things are similar in San Jose, as he’s part of a veteran group that balances their promising youngsters. What’s different is a power-play spot that could increase if Orlov was to move up to the Sharks’ top PP with John Klingberg hurt, but he’ll still be in a favorable position based on output (three assists, five shots, seven hits) and significant minutes (22:19 average).

Sean Walker, CAR (Yahoo: 1%): It’s hard to understand how Walker remains available in 99% of Yahoo leagues. Maybe it’s because he’s never topped 29 points in any season or registered his only offensive contribution so far with a goal on Tuesday. Some fantasy formats use smaller rosters and/or less teams, but anyone who’s averaged 2:22 while up a man playing on the lead pair during both even-strength and shorthanded should be up for more consideration. And Walker could accumulate more stats, as projected regular partner Jaccob Slavin is slated to return soon.

Goaltenders

Cam Talbot, DET (Yahoo: 35%): Talbot may have been the Red Wings’ predominant starter during 2024-25, but John Gibson was clearly brought in over the summer to be the No. 1. The latter struggled during his Detroit debut and was pulled in less than two periods after allowing five goals. Talbot has since started the last three games and won each contest while only giving up a combined six goals on 84 shots. Even with Gibson set to face Tampa Bay on Friday, expect Talbot to operate as the lead netminder until he falters or is forced out of the lineup.

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Alex Lyon, BUF (Yahoo: 7%): Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen has been sidelined the last month due to a lower-body injury, leaving Lyon as Buffalo’s top goalie and Colten Ellis (no NHL appearances since being drafted in 2019) the backup. And despite Lyon letting in nine goals over the last three outings, he made 94 saves while picking up his first win of the year versus the Sens on Wednesday. UPL will probably be eased into the rotation upon returning, which means Lyon should continue to carry a substantial short-term workload.

Players to consider from past columns:Leo Carlsson, Frank Nazar, Andrei Kuzmenko, Will Cuylle, Zachary Bolduc, Marco Rossi, Jake DeBrusk, Matias Maccelli, Brandt Clarke, Travis Sanheim, Philip Broberg, Simon Edvinsson, Spencer Knight, Charlie Lindgren

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The Vegas Golden Knights announced Thursday they agreed to a contract with goaltender Carter Hart, who was one of the five former members of Canada’s world junior hockey team who were found not guilty in July of sexually assaulting a woman in 2018.

Vegas released a statement along with its announcement:

“Following the reinstatement decision agreed on by the National Hockey League and the National Hockey League Players’ Association, goaltender Carter Hart will be joining the Vegas Golden Knights organization. The Golden Knights are aligned with the process and assessment the NHL and NHLPA made in their decision. We remain committed to the core values that have defined our organization from its inception and expect that our players will continue to meet these standards moving forward.”

Hart, Alex Formenton, Cal Foote, Dillon Dubé and Michael McLeod were all found not guilty in a verdict in which Superior Court Justice Maria Carroccia said prosecutors were unable to meet the burden of proof of the allegations.

The Associated Press noted police initially closed their investigation without charges in 2019 but reopened it after the complainant sued Hockey Canada in 2022. Hockey Canada ended up settling the lawsuit.

The players were then charged in 2024. Four of them were on NHL rosters at the time, while Formenton was playing for HC Ambri-Piotta in Switzerland’s National League. The players took a “leave of absence” following the charges and were then not tendered qualifying offers after the 2023-24 campaign.

Last month, the NHL announced the players were eligible to sign contracts starting Oct. 15 and can play in games starting Dec. 1.

“The events that transpired after the 2018 Hockey Canada Foundation Gala in London, Ontario, prior to these players’ arrival in the NHL, were deeply troubling and unacceptable,” the league said in its statement. “The League expects everyone connected with the game to conduct themselves with the highest level of moral integrity. And, in this case, while found not to have been criminal, the conduct of the players involved certainly did not meet that standard.”

According to the statement, the NHL also opened its own third-party investigation in 2022 but paused it in 2024 when criminal charges were filed.Â

“In relying on both our own investigation, and the conclusions reached by Justice Carroccia in her opinion, and the players’ acquittal, the League has determined that the conduct at issue falls woefully short of the standards and values that the League and its Member Clubs expect and demand,” it said.

The NHL explained it evaluated the entire situation, the acquittal in court and the reality the players have been away from the game for 20 months and came up with the timeline it did since being eligible to play in games starting in December would mean approximately two years out of the league.

Hart previously played for the Philadelphia Flyers from 2018-19 through 2023-24 and appeared in 227 games with 218 starts. He has a career save percentage of .906 and a goals against average of 2.94.

Vegas is off to a 2-0-2 start to the 2025-26 season and next plays against the Boston Bruins on Thursday.

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(Content warning: This story contains descriptions of alleged sexual assault.)

Carter Hart, one of the five hockey players who in July were acquitted of sexual assault stemming from a 2018 incident, is joining the Vegas Golden Knights organization, the team announced Thursday.

“Following the reinstatement decision agreed on by the National Hockey League and the National Hockey League Players†Association, goaltender Carter Hart will be joining the Vegas Golden Knights organization,” the team said in a statement. “The Golden Knights are aligned with the process and assessment the NHL and NHLPA made in their decision. We remain committed to the core values that have defined our organization from its inception and expect that our players will continue to meet these standards moving forward.”

After initially ruling in July that the five players were ineligible from returning to the NHL, the league announced in September that the players would be able to sign contracts as of Oct. 15 and be fully reinstated to play on Dec. 1.

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Hart has signed a tryout deal with the Golden Knights, which will then be converted into a standard contract reportedly worth $3.6 million over two years. He is currently able to practice and is eligible to play minor league games in the AHL beginning on Nov. 15.

The 27-year-old Hart was a second-round draft pick by the Philadelphia Flyers in 2016. He made 218 starts between 2018 and 2024, posting a 96-93-29 record and a .906 save percentage with six shutouts. His last appearance in the NHL came during a game against the Colorado Avalanche on Jan. 20, 2024.

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Hart, along with Michael McLeod, Dillon Dubé, Cal Foote and Alex Formenton, were found not guilty by a London, Ontario, judge after being accused dating back to a 2018 incident when the five players were in London for a gala and golf tournament in honor of their championship win as part of Canadaâ€s world junior hockey team. A woman, known as E.M. in the trial, has alleged that the players sexually assaulted her over several hours in a hotel room after the event.

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Judge Maria Carroccia started her verdict by saying that she did not find E.M.’s testimony to be “credible or reliable,” later noting that her story had inconsistencies. She also felt that prosecutors did not prove the charges beyond a reasonable doubt, giving her the need to lean towards acquittal.

“Having found that I cannot rely upon the evidence of E.M. and then considering the evidence in this trial as a whole, I conclude that the Crown cannot meet its onus on any of the counts before me,” the judge said earlier in the ruling.

The case was reopened after E.M. reached an undisclosed settlement with Hockey Canada and the Canadian Hockey League in 2022. That lawsuit had alleged that eight players, who were unnamed at the time, had been involved.

Charges were not filed until 2024, when the names of five players who were charged were revealed. Other players were involved but did not face charges, having allegedly left the hotel room before the assault took place; those players were called to the stand to testify on the night in question.

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Four of the players — McLeod, Hart, Dubé and Foote — were playing in the NHL at the time that charges were filed, while Formenton was playing in Switzerland.

McLeod recently signed with Russia’s Avangard Omsk; Formenton is in his third season with HC Ambrì-Piotta of the Swiss League; while Foote and Dubé remain free agents.

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  Sean AllenOct 14, 2025, 05:00 PM ET

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  Sean Allen is a contributing writer for fantasy hockey and betting at ESPN. He was the 2008 and 2009 FSWA Hockey Writer of the Year.

Individual performance can only take a player so far in a fantasy manager’s esteem.

That is true for the most part. Your Nathan MacKinnon’s and Nikita Kucherov’s of the world notwithstanding, it’s important who a player shares the ice with when determining the hopes for their fantasy forecast.

Imagine you played in a fantasy hockey league in which, instead of drafting players, you drafted lines or defense pairings. And imagine you only got fantasy points from those lines or pairings when all the players in each unit was on the ice at 5-on-5.

In reality, our fantasy picks aren’t literally joined at the hip in this way, but it’s a good visualization of which lines are clicking or which pairs are working at the dawn of the season.

Here are the top lines by total fantasy points earned, but only when all three members are on the ice together at even strength.

Fantasy points

Forward line

Team

TOI20.6Colorado Avalanche45:5915.4Columbus Blue Jackets33:3713.4Los Angeles Kings38:5213.3Winnipeg Jets33:2112.9Chicago Blackhawks35:2712.1Detroit Red Wings29:3212.0Pittsburgh Penguins27:4211.8Montreal Canadiens22:2411.5Ottawa Senators20:4211.4Nashville Predators25:36

The takeaway here is simple: grab a piece of these lines where you can. Lehkonen, who is still available in 60% of ESPN leagues, is an obvious first target. But Monahan (73.0%) and Kuzmenko (81.7%) are also accessible ways into some of the top lines.

The Blackhawks unit should be widely available and all three have been getting power-play time with Connor Bedard.

In deeper leagues, Brazeau and Mantha will only go as far as Malkin carries them — and he tends to run hot and cold in recent seasons.

Jump ahead: Goalies | Power Play | Droppables

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But the gem to highlight overall here is Zack Bolduc (C, Montreal Canadiens, available in 40.3%). His even-strength line with veteran Gallagher and a healthy Dach has been getting fantasy points together in every standard ESPN category. Which is fine information on its own, but if we take the 5-on-5 restriction off on the points by line combinations, the Habs top power-play checks in with 12.8 fantasy points by Nick Suzuki, Cole Caufield, Juraj Slafkovsky and Bolduc.

Meaning Bolduc is a part of two, separate top 20 fantasy lines in the early going. His role on the top PP wasn’t a sure thing before the season, with rookie Ivan Demidov expected to get reps. But Bolduc makes sense as a specialist, especially given his run on power-play stats late last season with the St. Louis Blues.

Fantasy points

Defense pair

Team

TOI9.8Dallas Stars23:359.6Washington Capitals37:318.9Los Angeles Kings45:338.4Boston Bruins40:338.3Colorado Avalanche48:167.6Carolina Hurricanes25:227.5Toronto Maple Leafs39:517.4New York Islanders40:237.3Los Angeles Kings49:317.2San Jose Sharks26:05

Defense is a little different. You don’t necessarily want to just get “access” to a pair, as the points are muted and there isn’t quite as much trickle down points to be had. For example, Carlo doesn’t belong on fantasy rosters just because he and Rielly are a top 10 duo for fantasy. But there are still some possible back-end roster options that crystalize.

Lundkvist, Fehervary, Ferraro and Zadorov all have a case to be on rosters in deeper leagues.

The ice time allotted to Gostisbehere is probably the most actionable item though, as pairing up with Nikishin is boosting his overall totals. He was sheltered by the Canes at 5-on-5 last season, but this partnership is working exceptionally well so far. In addition to being in the mix for the lead on duo fantasy points, the Hurricanes have scored five goals while this pair is on the ice — most in the NHL for a pairing — and allowed only one.

Gostisbehere is available in 40.7% of leagues, with Nikishin available in 89.5%.

Goalie notes

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Cam Talbot robs Maple Leafs with save

Cam Talbot robs Maple Leafs with save

Obviously the “this week” and “season” statistics here are basically the same thing, but to stick with the format we’ll use all season, we’ll keep it. There’s not a lot to say about the goaltending field yet beyond a few injuries, as there just isn’t enough of a sample to plant any flags anew.

Colorado Avalanche in four games (four last week):

• Scott Wedgewood (crease share season/week: 100.0%/100.0%, fantasy points season/week: 19.4/19.4, 50.7% available)

We went through some of this “will he, won’t he” with Wedgewood last season, as he flirted with stealing extra playing time from Mackenzie Blackwood following a few strong performances before the trade that brought the tandem together. But the Avs handed Blackwood both the reins and the contract, so there won’t be much debate about who’s No. 1 once he’s healthy (possibly later this week). Still, Wedgewood retains value in daily lineup formats given his results to date and a likely 35% crease share.

Detroit Red Wings in three games (four last week):

• Cam Talbot (crease share season/week: 79.3%/79.3%, fantasy points season/week: 10.4/10.4, 90.1% available)

• John Gibson (crease share season/week: 20.7%/20.7%, fantasy points season/week: -8.4/-8.4, 76.8% available)

Well, this is an awkward start, isn’t it? We can’t write off Gibson just yet, but Talbot has gone from an afterthought to a must-roster goalie overnight. Hopefully your fantasy season doesn’t hinge on this crease battle, but value is value and it looks like the Red Wings might win enough games to make it matter.

Montreal Canadiens in three games (three last week):

• Sam Montembeault (crease share season/week: 66.3%/66.3%, fantasy points season/week: 2.4/2.4, 19.8% available)

• Jakub Dobes (crease share season/week: 33.6%/33.6%, fantasy points season/week: 8.0/8.0, 94.2% available)

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A rock-solid opening stretch for this duo, with Dobes continuing to answer the bell whenever called upon. The next few weeks should clarify how the starts are divided, but for now, it’s not quite time to scoop up Dobes. If his share pushes past 40%, it might be.

Utah Mammoth in three games (three last week):

• Karel Vejmelka (crease share season/week: 66.9%/66.9%, fantasy points season/week: 5.0/5.0, 65.7% available)

• Vitek Vanecek (crease share season/week: 33.1%/33.1%, fantasy points season/week: -1.8/-1.8, 99.0% available)

With Vanecek’s start already out of the way on Monday, Vejmelka could take all three of the Mammoth’s remaining games this week. After facing the Flames, Sharks and Bruins, his availability percentage might look a lot different than it does now.

Power-play notes

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Leo Carlsson wins it in OT for the Ducks

Leo Carlsson lifts the Ducks with a clutch goal in overtime to defeat the Sharks 7-6.

Leo Carlsson, C, Anaheim Ducks (available in 76.7%): The Ducks have been dumping buckets of pucks at their two opponents so far this season. Carlsson is absolutely central to their attack and his role on the power-play is a prime one.

Sean Monahan, C, Columbus Blue Jackets (available in 73.0%): With 3:24 of power-play time per game so far, Monahan is helping drive the top unit for the Blue Jackets. That wasn’t guaranteed given Adam Fantilli’s continued emergence, but it strengthens the case for Monahan as an early-season waiver add, especially considering his top-line role at 5-on-5.

Sam Rinzel, D, Chicago Blackhawks (available in 80.0%): In 11:04 of total power-play time so far, Chicago’s top unit has managed only five shots on goal, while the second unit cashed in during Monday’s win. If the top group doesn’t start clicking soon, Rinzel is the most likely swap-out for a new look, with Artyom Levshunov and PP specialist Matt Grzelcyk waiting in the wings.

David Tomasek, RW, Edmonton Oilers (available in 99.3%): It would be an easier sell if Tomasek had a meaningful 5-on-5 role, but there could still be value here based solely on power-play exposure. He’s locked onto the first unit, which has two goals through two games and is generating plenty of chances.

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Anton Lundell, LW, Florida Panthers (available in 34.1%): The Panthers’ top unit has two power-play goals so far, but the second unit has four in less than half the ice time. Lundell is a must-add across all formats with three power-play points in four games.

Zeev Buium, D, Minnesota Wild (available in 62.9%): With two more power-play goals on Monday, the Wild’s top unit is up to six on the season (and a seventh came when Marco Rossi subbed out for Vladimir Tarasenko). This group is ridiculous, and Buium should be rostered everywhere for the power-play points alone.

Dougie Hamilton, D, New Jersey Devils (available in 14.9%): After two games of balanced power-play units, the Devils swapped Dawson Mercer and Luke Hughes off the first unit for Timo Meier and Dougie Hamilton on Monday. The result? The top unit’s first tally with the man advantage.

Oliver Bjorkstrand, RW, Tampa Bay Lightning (available in 79.1%): It’s likely just an effort to add some punch to the second unit, but for now Bjorkstrand remains a fixture on the first, while Brandon Hagel skates with the second group. If only Bjorkstrand could wedge his way into the top six at 5-on-5.

Droppables

Editor’s Picks

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1 Related

There aren’t any must-drops this early in the campaign, at least not ones you don’t already know in your heart of hearts. It’s still a little too soon to cut bait on slow starts, but another week or two of weak production will start to separate the expendable from the essential.

In the meantime, here are a few names and early ice-time trends worth monitoring. We’ll revisit with a larger sample size if these players don’t start seeing more minutes.

• Frank Vatrano, RW, Anaheim Ducks (rostered in 76.5%): 12:14 TOI per game, 1.2 FPPG

• Adam Fantilli, C, Columbus Blue Jackets (rostered in 95.3%): 15:40 TOI per game, 1.6 FPPG

• Gabriel Landeskog, LW, Colorado Avalanche (rostered in 68.3%): 13:51 TOI per game, 0.5 FPPG

• Ivan Demidov, RW, Montreal Canadiens (rostered in 49.3%): 13:15 TOI per game, 0.4 FPPG

• Matvei Michkov, RW, Philadelphia Flyers (rostered in 87.3%): 14:25 TOI per game, 0.1 FPPG

• Elias Pettersson, C, Vancouver Canucks (rostered in 97.6%): 15:57 TOI per game, 1.5 FPPG

Wait … less than 16 minutes per game for Pettersson? Really? That’s one we’ll be keeping a close eye on in the coming weeks.

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  Sean AllenOct 13, 2025, 03:00 PM ET

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  Sean Allen is a contributing writer for fantasy hockey and betting at ESPN. He was the 2008 and 2009 FSWA Hockey Writer of the Year.

The 2025-26 NHL season is underway, and every team has played at least twice in the league’s first week, with the New York Rangers playing a league-leading four times.

If you’re in daily leagues, paying attention to the upcoming schedule and player pickups is essential to keeping your roster competitive.

Every Monday, we’ll mine the waiver wire for lesser-rostered performers who have the potential to help fantasy teams in a variety of leagues. We’ll also present several strong streaming candidates for the immediate week ahead.

Resources: Goalie depth chart | Daily lines | Projections | Play for free | Player rater | Most added/dropped | Mock draft lobby | How to watch

Forwards

Anton Lundell, LW, Florida Panthers (2.87 FPPG, 38.0% available): While the best advice is to not overreact to early-season results that get amplified by the excitement of the return of hockey, you don’t want to sleep on a potential breakout when there are other reasons to buy in. Lundell’s availability is slipping quickly, but there might still be time to pickup the Panthers’ answer to Aleksander Barkov’s likely season-long absence. Bonus for custom leagues: Lundell’s LW eligibility is like getting a free extra center in your lineup.

It’s your league. Run it how you want.

Choose your league size, customize the scoring and set the rules you want to create the fantasy hockey league you want to play in.

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Elias Lindholm, RW, Boston Bruins (3.43 FPPG, 35.9% available): While we are on centers you can sneak into your lineup at other positions, can you find it in your heart to forgive Lindholm’s disappointing first season with the Bruins? The Bruins have seemingly forgiven him and trotted him back as the center atop their very top-heavy depth chart. Lindholm has two goals and two assists across the first three games, and looking like he’s in sync with David Pastrnak this season.

Shane Pinto, C, Ottawa Senators (5.10 FPPG, 69.9% available): Set aside for a moment Pinto’s role as a member of the Senators top power-play unit; his even-strength line with Claude Giroux and Ridly Greig already has three goals across two games when on the ice together. They are also one of the top 10 lines early in the season for shot attempts rate. Now, recall that Pinto also gets to take the ice with Ottawa’s top catalysts on the advantage.

Matty Beniers, C, Seattle Kraken (3.00 FPPG, 85.9% available): It makes sense when you consider the results to this point of his career, but it still looks weird to see Beniers available in the vast majority of fantasy leagues. Before you get completely tired of him, remember he isn’t 23 until November and the early returns from this season show him as the Kraken’s true No. 1 center. His line with Jared McCann and Jordan Eberle is getting top-tier 5-on-5 minutes and staying together on the power play.

Marco Kasper, C, Detroit Red Wings (2.00 FPPG, 30.1% available): Just like the 2021-22 version of Dylan Strome, Kasper finds himself between Patrick Kane and Alex DeBrincat. While Kasper’s wingers are on a different team and a little longer in the tooth, there is still a lot of potential. This line is fourth in shot attempts rate in the league at this stage, but is also a wash on scoring with two goals for and two against. Kasper also has a physical component to his game and should remain fantasy relevant through a combo of points and hits.

See also:

• Oliver Bjorkstrand, RW, Tampa Bay Lightning (2.25 FPPG, 79.5% available)

• Dmitri Voronkov, LW, Columbus Blue Jackets (2.60 FPPG, 35.3% available)

• Andrei Kuzmenko, LW, Los Angeles Kings (2.27 FPPG, 82.5% available)

• Leo Carlsson, C, Anaheim Ducks (2.60 FPPG, 77.4% available)

• Artturi Lehkonen, LW, Colorado Avalanche (2.33 FPPG, 62.0% available)

• Owen Tippett, RW, Philadelphia Flyers (2.00 FPPG, 35.5% available)

Defense

Fantasy hockey essentials

• Position tiers: Forwards | Defensemen
• Draft kit | Most added/dropped
• Projections | Mock draft lobby
• Rankings | Goalie depth chart
• Free agent pickups: Weekly adds
• Sign up and play for free today!

Zeev Buium, D, Minnesota Wild (3.05 FPPG, 70.3% available): The optimist wants to recommend a pickup of Buium because he is getting full control of the blue line for the Wild power play and the results have been great. But that minus-4 rating is very real. Buium and Jared Spurgeon have been on the ice for zero goals and allowed three at 5-on-5. It’s made more stark by two other Wild D pairs both sitting in the top five for shot attempts rate in the league, as Spurgeon and Buium rank 61st.

Alexander Nikishin, D, Carolina Hurricanes (2.25 FPPG, 90.1% available): Third pair, schmird pair. Nikishin and Shayne Gostisbehere have averaged 12:41 together at 5-on-5 and have been on the ice for five — yes, a league-leading five for a defensive pair — goals at even strength.

Aaron Ekblad, D, Florida Panthers (1.87 FPPG, 62.8% available): Maybe we got a little too hyped on the shiny new toy by collectively drafting Seth Jones and mostly ignoring Ekblad. But they are both on the Cats’ top power-play unit, and that will probably stay true at least until Matthew Tkachuk returns later this season. Ekblad and Gustav Forsling are a formidable first pair and have been dominating the shot attempts through three games (61.8% Corsi for), with four goals while they are on the ice together.

Andrew Peeke, D, Boston Bruins (2.73 FPPG, 93.3% available): His 6.7 fantasy points from only hits and blocked shots is the early high-water mark for the season. If you are looking for a cheap defender that can contribute at the bottom of your lineup, look no further.

Sam Rinzel, D, Chicago Blackhawks (2.03 FPPG, 81.0% available): Averaging 3:43 per game on the power play? Almost all of that with Connor Bedard and the top unit? And only one goal allowed at 5-on-5 with his regular defense partner, Matt Grzelcyk? Sign us up.

See also:

• John Klingberg, D, San Jose Sharks (2.45 FPPG, 96.8% available)

• Simon Edvinsson, D, Detroit Red Wings (2.40 FPPG, 34.5% available)

• Matt Roy, D, Washington Capitals (2.10 FPPG, 86.6% available)

• Artem Zub, D, Ottawa Senators (3.60 FPPG, 92.6% available)

Editor’s Picks

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1 Related

Goaltenders

Karel Vejmelka, G, Utah Mammoth (2.50 FPPG, 67.9% available): The Blackhawks, Flames, Sharks and Bruins are on tap for this week and none of the games are in back-to-back sets. Vejmelka might be seen in a much more positive light at this time next week, and his 5.0 fantasy points per game aren’t exactly shabby at the moment.

Scott Wedgewood, G, Colorado Avalanche (3.93 FPPG, 59.8% available): Mackenzie Blackwood is likely out for at least two more games, perhaps longer. Wedgewood is reaping the benefit in the meantime, with 11.8 fantasy points and 100% crease share. The Sabres and Blue Jackets are on tap to start the week.

See also:

Short-term streamers

Justin Brazeau, RW, Pittsburgh Penguins (2.97 FPPG, 88.1% available): The potential for Brazeau to continue earning his fantasy keep depends entirely on Evgeni Malkin. Can Geno keep up this pace? Probably not. Still, you could do worse in the short-term in deeper leagues.

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Ryan O’Reilly, C, Nashville Predators (1.70 FPPG, 35.2% available): Defensive fantasy metrics don’t mean too much this early in the season, but it’s at least worth noting that the Predators have the best fantasy schedule on paper, with a four-game road trip through Canada against the Senators, Leafs, Canadiens and Jets. It’s worth starting O’Reilly on his volume alone, but the opponents also bode well.

Frank Nazar, C, Chicago Blackhawks (3.00 FPPG, 59.3% available): Combine O’Reilly with Nazar and you have a center to start every day of the week. Playing away from Bedard at even strength, Nazar is more than holding his own with Teuvo Teravainen and Tyler Bertuzzi on his flanks. The trio has three goals at 5-on-5 (granted, also two against).

Jack McBain, C, Utah Mammoth (2.30 FPPG, 94.8% available): If Barrett Hayton continues to miss time, McBain gets to continue playing up the lineup alongside Clayton Keller and Nick Schmaltz.

Tristan Jarry, G, Pittsburgh Penguins (4.80 FPPG, 71.0% available): This is a very cautious recommendation. Jarry looked good in his start against the Islanders and, on paper, the Ducks, Kings and Sharks are collectively a solid schedule for a goaltender. But there are concerns. The Ducks have dominated possession through two games, and the Sharks have handed out negative fantasy points to opposing goaltenders. That said, looking for goalie help in the early season isn’t easy and Jarry will be available.

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VANCOUVER — The most valuable Vancouver Canuck last season was probably their coach, so Adam Foote is trying to replace not only his friend and mentor but the teamâ€s MVP.

Itâ€s not a bad outcome if Foote turns out to be Rick Tocchet 2.0.

He didnâ€t even plan to coach the Canucks — “I thought I was going with Rick†— until general manager Patrik Allvin and Canucks president Jim Rutherford approached him in May, asked Foote to interview, and then hired him.

But what has become clear as the Vancouver Canucks prepare to open their season of salvation Thursday (7 p.m. PT / 10 p.m. ET on Sportsnet and Sportsnet+) against the Calgary Flames is that Foote, hired partly for organizational continuity, has strong ideas of his own and is his own coach.

He is not trying to be Toc 2.0, although, like the coach who brought Foote back into the National Hockey League as an assistant less than three years ago, the new head coach has been the Canucks†most important figure so far.

“You know, even when they were working together, they had different ideas about things,†Rutherford told Sportsnet. “I mean, not always, but certainly (sometimes) they didnâ€t view things exactly the same. So, yeah, Adam is very much his own guy. Heâ€s a real thinker — thinks things through and thinks things ahead of the curve.

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“We don’t have to rehash everything that happened here last year but, you know, we all understand that it didn’t go right. And Adam was aware of most of those shortcomings or issues that were dealt with, so he was prepared to tackle them. He understands the importance of communication, and the fact that he knew what went on here last year was a great advantage to him getting this job.â€

Immediately after he was hired, Foote began repairing the Canucks’ leadership, reaching out to key players over the summer and imploring them to take accountability and support each other. Quinn Hughes, Thatcher Demko, Brock Boeser and Filip Hronek, among others, have been setting an example since training camp opened, and the team seems transformed by this new dynamic.

Foote also made it a priority to connect with enigmatic centre Elias Pettersson, who was like a hologram last season but now looks inspired and confident. And the head coach and his staff have re-energized players with fresh ideas about attacking and playing with pace and aggression. The speed and intensity of Vancouver practices, even in the pre-season, appear to be higher than last season.

“Weâ€re in a different place than we were last year, probably more at peace,†Hughes said this week.

Said winger Kiefer Sherwood: “I think we’re all feeling a lot more comfortable and on the same page. There’s a different energy around the team this year, a different buzz. Footy is really good at communicating and allows guys to, you know, be themselves. But heâ€s also very clear in what he expects. And, obviously, he was a leader, too, right? Like, he knows. Anytime you’re a captain in the NHL, let alone win a couple of Cups, with his pedigree, you know what it takes. I think he’s done a great job of just getting everyone to kind of pull the rope in the same direction.â€

After an 18-year playing career that saw the ferocious shutdown defenceman from Whitby, Ont., win a pair of Stanley Cups with the Colorado Avalanche and Olympic and World Cup gold medals with Canada, Foote is a rookie NHL head coach at age 54.

“I mean, this doesn’t happen every day at my age,†he said, smiling. “Iâ€d let (opportunities) go. I was always in hockey, but I wanted to be around my family. But Rick took a chance on me and taught me a lot. And now Jim and Patrik took a chance on me.

“I didn’t even know until a year and a half ago that, OK, I might be able to do this (as a head coach). Or want to do it and put in the time. This is fun, itâ€s good. Itâ€s the closest thing to playing. It’s just fun to be around the guys.â€

Regarding the critical importance Foote has placed on Canucks leadership as a catalyst for team-building, he said he would have done the same thing were he hired to coach an experienced, Stanley Cup-winning team like the Tampa Bay Lightning.

“It’s like raising kids; if they understand the contract, they’re part of it,†he explained. “They agree to it, and then there’s more accountability. And the thing is, they hold themselves accountable. I just look at it like this is what we have to do. Because when the puck drops, we’re going into a battle and if you’re not on the same page, people get into trouble.â€

“My confidence in Footy, obviously, is very high,†senior defenceman Tyler Myers said. “For me, it’s just the way he manages people. I think he’s got a read on a room that is as good as I’ve seen in any coach. He really knows what the room needs at different times throughout the year, and I expect him to take that into his head coaching position.

“Honestly, this just seems natural to him. I can tell he’s kind of carried it from when he played. It just seems like it’s part of his personality, part of his identity. It doesn’t seem like he has to force anything.â€

Foote said his transition has been helped immensely by his rebuilt coaching staff, which includes respected assistants Kevin Dean and Brett McLean, and Footeâ€s old friend and teammate, Scott Young, who had been a major part of hockey operations as the Canucks†player-personnel director.

The head coach said the only time he felt nervous was the first day of training camp in Penticton, B.C., and during his initial address to players and team staff.

“You don’t know if they’re going to understand your jokes, but you want to send the right message,†Foote explained. “But I think the preparation we did with the leadership group in the summer, they understood my message. We don’t talk about it every day, but we practise it.

“I believe in the process. As a player or a coach or as an assistant coach, there’s a process. We put the work in, and we create good habits and we believe in it. I know that sounds boring, but that gives me more confidence. Itâ€s confidence that can help you rest at night, rest your brain a little bit more.â€

The Canucks were able to sleep well during the pre-season because they were able to play faster and more aggressively without sacrificing the defensive ideals that Tocchet introduced — details that were as responsible as anything for the team finishing with 90 points despite last seasonâ€s drama, chaos and injuries.

A surprisingly broad youth movement, headlined by 18-year-old centre Braeden Cootes, has further stoked internal enthusiasm. The Canucks went 4-2 in the pre-season, and noticeably got stronger and built momentum as it progressed, and had none of the injuries to top players that helped torpedo last season.

Players have looked as connected and cohesive on the ice as they seem to be in the dressing room.

But now theyâ€ve got to show this in games that count.

“Weâ€re not talking a lot about last year,†defenceman Marcus Pettersson said. “We put that behind us. It’s this year. We’re talking about here and now, and how we can get better today, and how we can get closer together as a group today.

“There’s not one recipe for winning. Every group is different, every player, every personality is different. Youâ€ve just got to find your thing and kind of roll with it. Find your identity. I think that’s one thing that I’ve learned: the years that it hasn’t gone well, maybe you struggle, youâ€re talking about your team’s identity and how you want to play. The teams that win, they know their identity. Florida is a great example of that. Identity, I think, is a real thing.â€

Said captain Hughes: “The structure is really good. Footyâ€s kind of got a brilliant hockey mind, so that also makes it easier on everyone. It’s fun to be around the rink now. I think weâ€ve got a great group of guys. I don’t know how the year is going to go, but I think that we played good hockey in the pre-season, and usually … that (leads to) a good start. Our attention to detail is in a good spot. Everyone’s in good shape. Camp was put together intelligently. We’re ready to go.â€

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ZURICH — The womenâ€s international hockey calendar is changing with the IIHF permanently shifting its annual world championships from April to November next year and launching a European womenâ€s championship tournament in 2027.

The European tournament was announced Monday by the International Ice Hockey Federation and PWHL, who collaborated “to reimagine the international calendar, aligning around a shared vision to grow the womenâ€s game and strengthen opportunities for players at every level.†The worlds decision was announced last week.

By shifting the world championships to November, the tournament will now serve as a lead-in to the start of the PWHL season in North America. Previously in its first two seasons, the league had to include a three-week pause in its schedule to account for the tournament in April.

The newly expanded eight-team PWHL will open its third season Nov. 21 and run through April 25 before opening the playoffs. The league had to factor in a four-week break to account for the Milan-Cortina Winter Games in February.

“This collaboration marks an important step forward for our sport,†PWHL vice president Jayna Hefford said. “This unified approach is a win for the players, the fans, and the future of womenâ€s hockey.â€

Denmark will host next yearâ€s tournament, followed by Quebec City the following year.

The launch of the European championship was done to create more opportunities for international competition and further promote the womenâ€s game in Europe. The tournament will launch in April 2027, following the various European womenâ€s league playoffs, with further details to be determined later.

“This was a complex situation to solve and we have reached a landmark moment for womenâ€s hockey,†IIHF President Luc Tardif said. “The Womenâ€s World Championship is an important event for the growth of the game globally. … Working together with the PWHL, weâ€ve developed a calendar that preserves the integrity of international competition while avoiding significant interruptions to the league season.â€

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Itâ€s almost time for the 2025-26 NHL season to begin. Headed into the NHL regular season, all eyes are on the Florida Panthers, who will be playing in pursuit of a three-peat Stanley Cup win. But thereâ€s also the 2026 Winter Olympics to contend with. This upcoming season will feature a break in February so that NHL players can compete in the Olympics for the first time since 2014. The regular-season action kicks off this Tuesday, Oct. 7, with a triple-header featuring the Chicago Blackhawks vs. Florida Panthers, the Pittsburgh Penguins vs. New York Rangers, and the Colorado Avalanche vs. Los Angeles Kings.

Are you ready to watch? Hereâ€s what to know about how to watch the upcoming NHL season, plus the full first week schedule.

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How to watch NHL games in 2025:

Dates:Oct. 7, 2025 – Apr. 16, 2026

TV channel: ESPN, ABC, ESPN2, TNT, TBS, truTV

Streaming: ESPN, DirecTV, HBO Max and more

When does the NHL season start?

The 2025-26 NHL season kicks off on Tuesday, Oct. 7, with a stacked triple-header slate. The regular NHL season runs through Apr. 16, 2026.

Will the 2025-26 NHL season take a break for the Olympics?

For the first time since 2014, NHL players will participate in the Winter Olympics. That means the NHL season will break from Feb. 3 – Feb. 22 so that players can compete in Beijing. Thereâ€s no confirmation yet on who will be playing for Team USA.

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2025-26 NHL season opener schedule:

• Chicago Blackhawks at Florida Panthers: 5 p.m. ET (ESPN)

• Pittsburgh Penguins at New York Rangers: 8 p.m. ET (ESPN)

• Colorado Avalanche at Los Angeles Kings: 10:30 p.m. ET (ESPN)

What channel are NHL games on in 2025?

This season, NHL games will air across ESPN, ABC, ESPN2, TNT, TBS and truTV.

How to watch NHL games without cable:

DirecTV offers access to NHL games across ESPN, ABC, TNT and more. The platform is currently offering a great deal for subscribers who use a Gemini device with their plan — right now, all DirecTV Signature Pack customers with a Gemini device will get Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN Unlimited included in their subscription at no additional cost. DirecTV packages start at $49.99 for the first month and $85/month thereafter.

The new Disney+, Hulu, ESPN bundle is currently available for a promotional rate of $29.99/month for a limited time and will eventually cost $35.99/month after the promotional rate expires. This offer through DirecTV provides considerable savings.

DirecTV’s Gemini streaming device connects viewers to 4K HD DirecTV programming and loads of streaming apps, including Disney+, ESPN, Hulu, Netflix, Max, Prime Video and more — all from within the DirecTV platform. Gemini devices cost around $10/month on top of your DirecTV Signature package subscription.

Try free at DirecTV

ESPN’s new streaming service is divided into two tiers: the ESPN unlimited package and the ESPN select package.

For $29.99, the ESPN unlimited package includes access to all of ESPN’s linear networks: ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU, SECN, ACCN, ESPNews and ESPN Deportes, plus access to programming on ABC, ESPN+, ESPN3, SECN+ and ACCNX. That means sports fans will get coverage of more than 47,000 live events each year, on-demand replays, original programming and more.

Right now, for a limited time, you can bundle ESPN unlimited with Disney+ and Hulu and pay $29.99/month for 12 months — that’s like getting those other services free for a year! Even if you’re a current subscriber to Disney+, Hulu or even the bundle, you can still upgrade to this great deal.

Not interested in a bundle? ESPN select (also referred to as ESPN+) is still also an option. For $11.99/month, you can tune in and get exclusive access to events like select NCAA football games, F1 driver cams, simulcasts of certain sports that air on other channels and PPV access to UFC fights.

$29.99/month at ESPN

Fubo’s new skinny sports bundle, Fubo Sports, includes local broadcast stations owned and operated by ABC, CBS and FOX, plus additional affiliates in select markets, as well as ACC Network, Big 10 Network, CBS Sports Network, ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNews, ESPNU, Fox News, FS1, FS2, Fubo Sports Network, ION, NFL Network, SEC Network and Tennis Channel. It also includes free access to ESPN’s new ESPN unlimited plan. Fubo subscribers get unlimited cloud DVR storage too.

You can get $10 off your first month, which brings the cost to $45.99; after that, it goes up to $55.99/month. The platform offers a free trial period, so you can check it out for a few days of the 2025 NHL season and decide if it’s right for you this year.

$45.99 for your first month at Fubo

NHL 2025-26 season Week 1 schedule:

Tuesday, October 7, 2025

• Chicago Blackhawks at Florida Panthers: 5:00 p.m. ET (ESPN)

• Pittsburgh Penguins at New York Rangers: 8:00 p.m. ET (ESPN)

• Colorado Avalanche at Los Angeles Kings: 10:30 p.m. ET (ESPN)

Wednesday, October 8, 2025

• Montreal Canadiens at Toronto Maple Leafs: 7:00 p.m. ET (ESPN+)

• Boston Bruins at Washington Capitals: 7:30 p.m. ET (TNT / Max)

• Calgary Flames at Edmonton Oilers: 10:00 p.m. ET (ESPN+)

• Los Angeles Kings at Vegas Golden Knights: 10:00 p.m. ET (TNT / Max)

Thursday, October 9, 2025

• Chicago Blackhawks at Boston Bruins: 7:00 p.m. ET (ESPN+)

• New York Rangers at Buffalo Sabres: 7:00 p.m. ET (ESPN+)

• Montreal Canadiens at Detroit Red Wings: 7:00 p.m. ET (ESPN+)

• Ottawa Senators at Tampa Bay Lightning: 7:00 p.m. ET (ESPN+)

• Philadelphia Flyers at Florida Panthers: 7:00 p.m. ET (ESPN+)

• New York Islanders at Pittsburgh Penguins: 7:00 p.m. ET (ESPN+)

• New Jersey Devils at Carolina Hurricanes: 7:30 p.m. ET (ESPN+ / Hulu)

• Minnesota Wild at St. Louis Blues: 8:00 p.m. ET (ESPN+)

• Columbus Blue Jackets at Nashville Predators: 8:00 p.m. ET (ESPN+)

• Dallas Stars at Winnipeg Jets: 8:00 p.m. ET (ESPN+)

• Utah Mammoth at Colorado Avalanche: 9:00 p.m. ET (ESPN+)

• Calgary Flames at Vancouver Canucks: 10:00 p.m. ET (ESPN+)

• Vegas Golden Knights at San Jose Sharks: 10:00 p.m. ET (ESPN+ / Hulu)

• Anaheim Ducks at Seattle Kraken: 10:00 p.m. ET (ESPN+)

Saturday, October 11, 2025

• Los Angeles Kings at Winnipeg Jets: 1:30 p.m. ET (ESPN+)

• St. Louis Blues at Calgary Flames: 4:00 p.m. ET (ESPN+)

• Buffalo Sabres at Boston Bruins: 7:00 p.m. ET (ESPN+)

• Toronto Maple Leafs at Detroit Red Wings: 7:00 p.m. ET (ESPN+)

• New Jersey Devils at Tampa Bay Lightning: 7:00 p.m. ET (ESPN+)

• Ottawa Senators at Florida Panthers: 7:00 p.m. ET (ESPN+)

• Washington Capitals at New York Islanders: 7:00 p.m. ET (ESPN+)

• New York Rangers at Pittsburgh Penguins: 7:00 p.m. ET (ESPN+)

• Philadelphia Flyers at Carolina Hurricanes: 7:00 p.m. ET (ESPN+)

• Montreal Canadiens at Chicago Blackhawks: 7:00 p.m. ET (NHL Network)

• Utah Mammoth at Nashville Predators: 8:00 p.m. ET (ESPN+)

• Columbus Blue Jackets at Minnesota Wild: 8:00 p.m. ET (ESPN+)

• Dallas Stars at Colorado Avalanche: 9:00 p.m. ET (ESPN+)

• Vancouver Canucks at Edmonton Oilers: 10:00 p.m. ET (ESPN+)

• Anaheim Ducks at San Jose Sharks: 10:00 p.m. ET (ESPN+)

• Vegas Golden Knights at Seattle Kraken: 10:00 p.m. ET (ESPN+)

Sunday, October 12, 2025

• Washington Capitals at New York Islanders: 7:00 p.m. ET (NHL Network)

Monday, October 13, 2025

• Colorado Avalanche at Buffalo Sabres: 12:30 p.m. ET (ESPN+)

• Tampa Bay Lightning at Boston Bruins: 1:00 p.m. ET (NHL Network)

• Nashville Predators at Ottawa Senators: 1:00 p.m. ET (ESPN+)

• Winnipeg Jets at New York Rangers: 1:00 p.m. ET (ESPN+)

• Detroit Red Wings at Toronto Maple Leafs: 4:00 p.m. ET (ESPN+)

• Florida Panthers at Philadelphia Flyers: 7:00 p.m. ET (ESPN+)

• New Jersey Devils at Columbus Blue Jackets: 7:00 p.m. ET (ESPN+)

• St. Louis Blues at Vancouver Canucks: 7:30 p.m. ET (ESPN+)

• Los Angeles Kings at Minnesota Wild: 8:00 p.m. ET (ESPN+)

• Utah Mammoth at Chicago Blackhawks: 8:30 p.m. ET (ESPN+)

NHL 2025-26 season key dates:

When is the NHL Hall of Fame game?

The Bruins vs. the Toronto Maple Leafs Hall of Fame game will be on Nov. 8.

When is the NHL Global Series?

The Pittsburgh Penguins will face the Nashville Predators in Stockholm, Sweden on Nov. 14 and 16.

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When is the Stanley Cup Final rematch?

The Panthers will play the Oilers in a rematch of the last two Stanley Cup Finals on Nov. 22, and again on Mar. 19.

When is the NHL Winter Classic?

The Panthers will host the Rangers for the NHL Winter Classic on Jan. 2, 2026.

When will the NHL season take a break for the Olympics?

The NHL season will break from Feb. 3 – Feb. 22 so that NHL players can compete in the 2026 Winter Olympics in Beijing.

NHL trade deadline date:

The NHL trade deadline is Mar. 6, 2026 at 3 p.m. ET.

When does the NHL regular season end?

The NHL regular season will conclude with six games on April 16, 2026.

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From Ex-players to current players and everything in between, we’ve got you covered.

Did you miss anything from the past week at The Hockey News – Columbus Blue Jackets? If you did, we have you covered with the Sunday Recap. Click on each card below to read the stories from the past week.

The Columbus Blue Jackets have announced more cuts to their training camp roster. Yesterday, the cut more than a dozen players and now, not even 24 hours later they have made more.

The training camp roster was at 38 players, consisting of 22 forwards, 12 defensemen, and four goaltenders. After today’s cuts it now sits at 25, with 13 players getting re-assigned.

Blue Jackets Announce More Cuts To Training Camp Roster
The Columbus Blue Jackets have announced more cuts to their training camp roster. Yesterday, the cut more than a dozen players and now, not even 24 hours later they have made more.

Dean Kukan – 2015-2022 – Kukan is undrafted out of Volketswil, Switzerland.

Dean Kukan made his NHL debut in March of 2016 after playing the majority of the season with the Lake Erie Monsters. After playing in 8 games near the end of the season, he was sent back to Lake Erie and would help the Monsters win their first-ever Calder Cup. He had 5 points in 17 playoff games.

Kukan would bounce up and down between Columbus and Cleveland until 2022. He would play a total of 153 games for the CBJ and total 30 points. Where he excelled was in the minors, though. He played in 142 games for Lake Erie/Cleveland and totaled 59 points as a fairly skilled two-way defenseman.

After the 2022 season, Kukan made the decision to return to Europe. He returned to his home country of Switzerland to play for his original club, the ZSC Lions, on a five-year contract.

Kukan is also routinely chosen to represent the Swiss in international competitions. He played in the 2025 IIHF Worlds where he scored 9 points in 10 games.

14 Days Until Opening Night At NWA: The History Of Jersey #14
The Columbus Blue Jackets have 14 days until opening night at Nationwide Arena. Today, we look at the history of jersey #14.

“It could go down as maybe the last goal ever on Fleury. I guess I could say I have it. Itâ€s definitely a moment Iâ€ll never forget. I donâ€t think Iâ€ve ever been in a building that loud before. It was really electric. It was cool. I think maybe Iâ€ll get booed every time I come here now, I donâ€t know.â€

Blue Jackets’ Prospect Accomplishes Memorable Feat Against Penguins
A hockey player gets the chance to accomplish many things over their career. Their first goal, first game, first fight, making the playoffs, and winning the Stanley Cup are among the biggest accomplishments. However, for Columbus Blue Jackets prospect Luca Del Bel Belluz, he can also add scoring on future Hall of Famer Marc-Andre Fleury for the final time.

According to Russian Hockey Insider Artur Khairullin, Ak Bars Kazan of the KHL has listed Babcock as a candidate for their head coaching job. Ak Bars, which is based in Kazan, Russia, is located 519 miles east of Moscow.

Mike Babcock Returning To Coaching?
One of the most controversial coaches in hockey might be looking for a comeback.

Johnny Gaudreau – 2023-2024 – Drafted by Calgary in 2011.

After signing with the Blue Jackets on July 13th, 2022, Gaudreau would play 161 games in two seasons with Columbus. He scored 33 goals and total 134 points.

The Blue Jackets and their fans were robbed of many more years of Johnny Hockey excellence on August 29th, 2024. The death of Johnny Gaudreau shook not only Columbus, but it also shook the entire hockey-loving world.

The Columbus Blue Jackets, Calgary Flames, and fans around the world refuse to let the memories of Johnny and Mathew Gaudreau be forgotten. For the last year, there have been countless charity events for different foundations and organizations all around North America.

Love Live Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau.

13 Days Until Opening Night At NWA: The History Of Jersey #13
The Columbus Blue Jackets have 13 days until opening night at Nationwide Arena. Today, we look at the history of jersey #13.

During his playing career, Carter spent his summers in Los Angeles, exploring the entertainment and business industries. Meeting Priority Records founder Bryan Turner influenced Carter to start his own record label, Big Up Entertainment.

From The Archive: Can’t Stop, Won’t Stop
The Hockey News has released its archive to all THN subscribers: 76 years of history, stories, and features.

JiÅí Novotný – 2008-2009 – Drafted by Buffalo in 2001.

Novotný played 107 games for the Jackets and had 29 points. He never played another NHL game and left for Europe where he played until 2023.

Novotný spent time in Russia, Czechia, and Switzerland until he retired. He is now the Sports Manager for HC Motor České Budějovice.

Elite Prospects said about Novotný “Novotný is a center with a sound two-way game. With good vision and passing ability, he is more of a playmaker than a shooter. Handles the puck and skates well, too. Can kill penalties and win faceoffs.”

12 Days Until Opening Night At NWA: The History Of Jersey #12
The Columbus Blue Jackets have 12 days until opening night at Nationwide Arena. Today, we look at the history of jersey #12.

Dylan Gambrell, who played 54 games for Cleveland last season, has signed a PTO with the Milwaukee Admirals. He was on a PTO with the Nashville Predators for training camp.

Two Former Monsters Earn PTO’s With AHL Teams
Two former Cleveland Monsters have joined AHL teams on PTOs.

During the fight, both players landed some big punches. Gudbranson was able to catch Wilson with a few uppercuts, but ultimately Wilson scored the takedown after 30-40 seconds. Nevertheless, it was a fight that answered the bell on a questionable hit. Both players seemed to agree and had a good tilt that energized the crowd.

Erik Gudbranson & Tom Wilson Square Off In Heavyweight Bout
Last night, the Columbus Blue Jackets and Washington Capitals squared off in a preseason matchup that saw the Capitals win 4-3. This game, much like most of the NHL preseason, had a fight. However, this fight included two heavyweights that can hold their own. Hereâ€s what happened.

Per Khairullin, “Defenseman Christián JaroÅ¡, whom Columbus placed on waivers to terminate his contract, will continue his career at Spartak.” JaroÅ¡ and the Blue Jackets mutually agreed to him being places on waivers just today.

Former Blue Jacket Christián Jaroš Rumored To Be Signing In Europe
Well, it didn’t take long for Christián JaroÅ¡ to get a job.

Kevin Dineen – 2001-2003 – Drafted by Hartford in 1982.

A CBJ Original, Dineen played 129 games for the Jackets and had 29 points in the early days of the franchise. He appeared in only four games in the 2002–03 season with Columbus, and on November 5, 2002, he retired from playing. In 1188 career games, Dineen recorded 355 goals and 760 points while registering 2229 penalty minutes.

After retiring, he joined the Blue Jackets front office as a Pro Scout and later as an assistant. General Manager. He was the head coach of the AHL’s Portland Pirates for six seasons before being hired as the head coach of the Florida Panthers. After two and a half seasons in Florida, he was fired and hired as an assistant by the Chicago Blackhawks. He has since been a head coach for the San Diego Gulls and the Utica Comets of the AHL. After starting the 24-25 season 0-8-0-1, Dineen was fired on November 6th, 2024.

11 Days Until Opening Nights At NWA: The History Of Jersey #11
The Columbus Blue Jackets have 11 days until opening night at Nationwide Arena. Today, we look at the history of jersey #11.

Per the NHL, Werenski is looking to become just the seventh U.S.-born defenseman in NHL history with three career 20-goal seasons.

He’d join Phil Housley (7x), Reed Larson (6x), Brian Leetch (5x), Gary Suter (3x), Al Iafrate (3x), and Mark Howe (3x) as the only ones to do so to date.

Zach Werenski Looking To Join Another Elite Group Of American Defensemen
Zach Werenski is an absolute superstar, but people in Columbus already knew that. Most experts around the league knew this as well and knew it was only a matter of time before he popped off.

Kris Russell – 2009-2012 – Drafted by Columbus in 2005.

Russell played 288 games in Columbus and had 79 points. He was traded to the St. Louis Blues on November 11, 2011, in exchange for Nikita Nikitin.

He went on to play 912 NHL games and total 254 points. After playing 6 seasons with the Edmonton Oilers, Russell retired in 2022

10 Days Until Opening Night At NWA: The History Of Jersey #10
The Columbus Blue Jackets have 10 days until opening night at Nationwide Arena. Today, we look at the history of jersey #10.

Chris Johnson of TSN has reported that the Minnesota Wild have claimed Daemon Hunt off the waiver wire from the Columbus Blue Jackets. The Jackets were hoping he’d clear so he could return to Cleveland, but sadly, that didn’t happen.

Blue Jackets Lose Daemon Hunt To Waivers
Chris Johnson of TSN has reported that the Minnesota Wild have claimed Daemon Hunt off the waiver wire from the Columbus Blue Jackets. The Jackets were hoping he’d clear so he could return to Cleveland, but sadly, that didn’t happen.

David Výborný was drafted in 1993 by the Edmonton Oilers but never played a single game for them. When he did come to North America, he played in 76 games for the Cape Breton Oilers of the AHL. He showed his flash by scoring 23 goals and grabbing 61 points. After one season in the AHL, Výborný headed back to Europe until 2000.

9 Days Until Opening Night At NWA: David Výborný
David Výborný was drafted in 1993 by the Edmonton Oilers but never played a single game for them. When he did come to North America, he played in 76 games for the Cape Breton Oilers of the AHL. He showed his flash by scoring 23 goals and grabbing 61 points. After one season in the AHL, Výborný headed back to Europe until 2000.

“I think that we’ve got a pretty undercover breakout guy this year, Jet Greaves, Columbus. And now he’s the best performing goalie over the last three years in adjusted save percentage.â€

NHL Analyst Believes Greaves Is A Breakout Candidate This Season
Recently on an episode of Real Kyper and Bourne on Sportsnet, they had NHL analyst Steve Valiquette on the show, who specializes in goalies.

Let us know what you think below.

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