Vegas Golden Knights captain Mark Stone is week-to-week with a wrist injury, head coach Bruce Cas...

<p>Vegas Golden Knights captain <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/1741" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/1741">Mark Stone</a> is week-to-week with a wrist injury, head coach Bruce Cassidy announced Monday, according to <a href="https://x.com/DannyWebster21/status/1980346702113698076">Danny Webster of the Las Vegas Review-Journal</a>.</p><p>Stone left Saturday's win over the Calgary Flames after logging 13 minutes and was unable to return. He had four points in the game.</p><p>The 33-year-old is second in league scoring this season with 13 points, trailing only teammate <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/4558" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4558">Jack Eichel</a>. Stone's recorded a point in each of Vegas' six games and has produced four multi-point efforts. </p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Stone has dealt with injuries throughout his career. He hasn't played 70 games in a single season since 2018-19, the year the Golden Knights acquired him from the Ottawa Senators.</p><p>The Golden Knights are atop the Pacific Division with a 4-0-2 record. </p>

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - OCTOBER 08: Mark Stone #61 of the Vegas Golden Knights skates during the third period against the Los Angeles Kings at T-Mobile Arena on October 08, 2025 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

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Golden Knights' Stone week-to-week with wrist injury

Anthony Stolarz is demanding more out of his Toronto Maple Leafs teammates following Saturday's o...

<p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/9766" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/9766">Anthony Stolarz</a> is demanding more out of his Toronto Maple Leafs teammates following Saturday's overtime loss to the Seattle Kraken.</p><p>"You know, how many points are we going to leave out there?" Stolarz said, per <a href="https://x.com/markhmasters/status/1979741459311181849">TSN's Mark Masters</a>. "The potential's there. Like, we have the skill. We have the grit. We have the grind. It's just frustrating that we can't put it together right now."</p><p>Stolarz took issue with Toronto's sloppiness in overtime, as the Leafs dropped to 3-2-1 to open the season.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>"I mean, a lot of guys have been here for a while," Stolarz <a href="https://x.com/markhmasters/status/1979740474018816221">said</a>. "Overtime. You can't let someone beat you up the ice there and he gets a clear-cut breakaway. A minute left, you want to be on the ice in that situation, you gotta work hard. ... It cost us a point."</p><p>The 31-year-old goaltender seems to be alluding to Kraken defenseman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/9762" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/9762">Josh Mahura</a> burning <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/4180" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4180">William Nylander</a> in the neutral zone to score the game-winning goal on a breakaway.</p><p>Stolarz nearly lost his cool during the second period after a collision with <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/9435" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/9435">Mason Marchment</a>. That play came minutes after <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/4643" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4643">Brandon Carlo</a> shoved a Kraken skater into Stolarz before Seattle's third goal.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Mason Marchment crashed into the Leafs' net, and Anthony Stolarz wasn’t having it. 👀 <a href="https://t.co/zjBXbyIPh7">pic.twitter.com/zjBXbyIPh7</a></p>— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) <a href="https://twitter.com/Sportsnet/status/1979712694816247989?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 19, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>The Maple Leafs netminder thinks his teammates could benefit from disrupting the net-front like their opponents.</p><p>"I mean, it's just playing hard," Stolarz said, according to <a href="https://www.sportsnet.ca/nhl/video/stolarz-sounds-off-on-maple-leafs-slow-start-enough-is-enough/">Sportsnet</a>. "Maybe we can take a page out of their book and start getting to the net. For us, we like to go low to high and shoot. For their goalie, it's like playing catch in the yard. He's seeing everything. We're not making it difficult."</p><p>Stolarz added, "I mean, I'm not happy. Guys are going to run me and I'm going to try to stand up for myself. ... It's not fun, I don't like having 225-pound guys landing on me. So hopefully we learned a lesson here."</p><p>Stolarz's playoff run this past spring was cut short in the second round after he was injured in a collision with Florida Panthers agitator <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3949" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3949">Sam Bennett</a>.</p><p>Stolarz entered Saturday's contest owning a .907 save percentage in four previous starts this season. He signed a four-year extension with Toronto in September. </p>

TORONTO, ON - OCTOBER 16: Toronto Maple Leafs goaltender Anthony Stolarz (41) picks up his mask during a break in the third period of an NHL game between the New York Rangers and the Toronto Maple Leafs on October 16, 2025, at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto, ON.

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Stolarz rips Leafs' effort, 'not happy' about being run

The Ottawa Senators recently presented an eight-year contract extension to forward Shane Pinto, S...

<p>The Ottawa Senators recently presented an eight-year contract extension to forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/10496" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/10496">Shane Pinto</a>, <a href="https://x.com/Sportsnet/status/1979713792926986404?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Etweet">Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman</a> reports.</p><p>A deal isn't imminent, Friedman notes, and it's unclear how much money the Senators offered. Pinto currently makes $3.75 million per season and is a restricted free agent after this season. </p><p>The 24-year-old isn't eligible for unrestricted free agency until 2028.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Pinto registered a career-high 21 goals and 37 points last season. He added a goal and an assist in Ottawa's first-round playoff series against the Toronto Maple Leafs. </p><p>The New York native is off to a blazing start this season, currently leading the NHL with seven goals in six contests.</p><p>Ottawa selected Pinto in the second round of the 2019 draft. He debuted in the 2020-21 season. </p>

OTTAWA, ON - OCTOBER 16: Shane Pinto #12 of the Ottawa Senators celebrates his game winning shootout goal against the Seattle Kraken on October 16, 2025, at Canadian Tire Centre in Ottawa, ON, Canada.

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Report: Senators offered Pinto 8-year contract

Los Angeles Dodgers two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani insists his pitching role hasn't contributed ...

<p>Los Angeles Dodgers two-way superstar <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/9519" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/9519">Shohei Ohtani</a> insists his pitching role hasn't contributed to his uncharacteristic hitting slump in the postseason.</p><p>"I don't necessarily think that the pitching has affected my hitting performance," Ohtani said through an interpreter, per <a href="https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/46610898/dodgers-shohei-ohtani-pitching-not-cause-hitting-slump">ESPN's Alden Gonzalez</a>. "Just on the pitching side, as long as I control what I can control, I feel pretty good about putting up results. On the hitting side, just the stance, the mechanics, that's something that I do - it's a constant work in progress. I don't necessarily think so. It's hard to say."</p><p>Ohtani's hitting .147 in the playoffs with a pair of home runs and six RBIs. He's recorded just one hit through two games of the NLCS against the Milwaukee Brewers and has struck out three times.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>His cold spell comes after hitting .282 over the regular season, along with a career-high 55 homers. Ohtani also led the National League in runs (146), slugging percentage (.622), and OPS (1.014).</p><p>Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said he's encouraged by Ohtani's recent at-bats, even if the results haven't been there.</p><p>"I think he's controlling the strike zone, I think he's still staying aggressive when he gets his pitch," Roberts said. "There was a lineout to right field, and there was three walks. There was the base hit in a run-scoring opportunity. Those are positives for me."</p><p>Ohtani has started one game on the mound in the playoffs, a six-inning effort against the Philadelphia Phillies in which he notched nine strikeouts. He made 14 starts in the regular season after not pitching at all in 2024, crafting a 2.87 ERA in 2025.</p><p>The 31-year-old is scheduled to start Friday's Game 4 against the Brewers.</p><p>The Dodgers own a 2-0 series lead with Game 3 scheduled for Thursday night in Los Angeles.</p>

MILWAUKEE, WI- OCTOBER 14, 2025: Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani (17) strikes out on a ball way outside the strike zone with the bases loaded in the eighth inning during Game 2 of the NLCS at American Family Field on October 14, 2025 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.(Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)

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Ohtani: Pitching not causing slump at plate

Elias Pettersson's 2025-26 revenge tour isn't exactly off to a hot start.  In the offseason, the ...

<p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/7699" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/7699">Elias Pettersson</a>'s 2025-26 revenge tour isn't exactly off to a hot start.</p><p>In the offseason, the Vancouver Canucks star <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3321370" href="https://thescore.com/news/3321370">said</a> he was determined to bounce back from a tumultuous year, but so far, he's managed a single assist and three shots on goal through three games.</p><p>"I want three shots a game or even more," Petterson told reporters Wednesday. "But maybe that's a reflection that we've got to create more. I've got to be better."</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Pettersson's underlying numbers, albeit in a small sample size, suggest a breakthrough could be coming. The Canucks have controlled 68.26% of expected goals and 59.26% of scoring chances with Pettersson on the ice at five-on-five this season, according to <a href="https://www.naturalstattrick.com/playerteams.php?fromseason=20252026&amp;thruseason=20252026&amp;stype=2&amp;sit=5v5&amp;score=all&amp;stdoi=oi&amp;rate=n&amp;team=VAN&amp;pos=S&amp;loc=B&amp;toi=0&amp;gpfilt=none&amp;fd=&amp;td=&amp;tgp=410&amp;lines=single&amp;draftteam=ALL">Natural Stat Trick</a>. </p><p>However, pressure is mounting on Pettersson to start converting his opportunities after back-to-back losses. Vancouver's highest-paid player is coming off his worst season, having recorded 15 goals and 30 assists in 64 games in 2024-25. Friction between Pettersson and former teammate <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/2170" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/2170">J.T. Miller</a> resulted in the latter being traded to the New York Rangers.</p><p>Pettersson is in the second season of an eight-year, $92.8-million contract inked in 2024. He'd established himself as one of the league's top offensive threats when he signed, managing 170 points in 160 games from 2021-22 to 2023-24.</p>

VANCOUVER, CANADA - OCTOBER 13: Elias Pettersson #40 of the Vancouver Canucks skates up the ice during warmup before their NHL game against the St. Louis Blues at Rogers Arena on October 13, 2025 in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.

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Pettersson owns up to slow start: 'I've got to be better'

New Jersey Devils goaltender Jacob Markstrom will be sidelined "a couple of weeks" with a lower-b...

<p>New Jersey Devils goaltender <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/1677" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/1677">Jacob Markstrom</a> will be sidelined "a couple of weeks" with a lower-body injury, head coach Sheldon Keefe announced Wednesday. </p><p>Markstrom last played Monday against the Columbus Blue Jackets. He relieved <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/1063" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/1063">Jake Allen</a> in the third period.</p><p>The Devils recalled netminder <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/9231" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/9231">Nico Daws</a> to fill in while Markstrom's unavailable. </p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Markstrom is 2-1-0 on the young season with an .845 save percentage. He missed significant time last year due to an MCL sprain. </p><p>The 35-year-old is in his second campaign with the Devils after being acquired via trade from the Calgary Flames. He's scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent next summer.</p><p>The Devils return to action Thursday against the Florida Panthers. </p>

RALEIGH, NORTH CAROLINA - OCTOBER 09: Jacob Markstrom #25 of the New Jersey Devils protects the net during the second period of the game against the Carolina Hurricanes at Lenovo Center on October 09, 2025 in Raleigh, North Carolina.

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Markstrom out 'a couple' weeks with lower-body injury

It's safe to say New York Islanders rookie Matthew Schaefer has made a strong impression on head ...

<p>It's safe to say New York Islanders rookie <a href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/16210">Matthew Schaefer</a> has made a strong impression on head coach Patrick Roy just two games into his NHL career.</p><p>This year's No. 1 overall pick scored his first goal, recorded eight shots, and led the contest with 26:04 of ice time in Saturday's loss to the Washington Capitals. </p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">MATTHEW SCHAEFER HAS HIS FIRST NHL GOAL‼️ <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NHLFaceOff?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NHLFaceOff</a> <a href="https://t.co/zwByXMLoP2">pic.twitter.com/zwByXMLoP2</a></p>— NHL (@NHL) <a href="https://twitter.com/NHL/status/1977182712172576879?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 12, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>"He's so good. He was our best player out there tonight," Roy <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g9O7S-Z-szI">said</a>. "I thought he brought the energy at the end of the second period, and we got that power play, and he deserved to be there. Plain and simple."</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Roy added, "He's exciting to watch. If I'm a fan, I'll pay to watch him play. There's no doubt about it."</p><p>Schaefer played nearly 10 additional minutes Saturday compared to his NHL debut earlier this week. He notched one assist and was a plus-1 in his first game.</p><p>The Islanders outshot the Capitals 11-5 and controlled 58.3% of shot attempts with Schaefer on the ice at five-on-five Saturday, according to <a href="https://www.naturalstattrick.com/game.php?season=20252026&amp;game=20028&amp;view=limited">Natural Stat Trick</a>.</p><p>Injury limited Schaefer to 17 games with the OHL's Erie Otters last season, but Roy admitted he isn't concerned about potentially wearing the 18-year-old out as he adjusts to the pros.</p><p>"I'm sorry, I don't look at what happened last year," Roy said. "I'm focusing on what I see right now, and what I see right now is a guy that's capable of handling those minutes.</p><p>"He forced us to play him."</p><p>Schaefer said he didn't mind taking on the extra responsibility in his second appearance.</p><p>"I feel good," he added. "I love to play hockey. Any time I get out there, I love it."</p><p>The Islanders will look to earn their first win of the season when they return to action Monday against the Winnipeg Jets.</p>

ELMONT, NEW YORK - OCTOBER 11: Matthew Schaefer #48 of the New York Islanders celebrates his first NHL goal during the third period against the Washington Capitals at UBS Arena on October 11, 2025 in Elmont, New York.

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Roy heaps praise on Schaefer: 'He was our best player' vs. Capitals

Tiger Woods announced he underwent lumbar disc replacement surgery Friday.   pic.twitter.com/7bMm...

<p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///pga/players/1637" href="https://thescore.com/pga/players/1637">Tiger Woods</a> announced he underwent lumbar disc replacement surgery Friday.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="zxx" dir="ltr"><a href="https://t.co/7bMmiyQ2vy">pic.twitter.com/7bMmiyQ2vy</a></p>— Tiger Woods (@TigerWoods) <a href="https://twitter.com/TigerWoods/status/1977131635226427804?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 11, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Woods hasn't played a PGA TOUR event since the 2024 Open Championship. He committed to participating in the Genesis Invitational, an event he hosts annually, in February, but he withdrew following the death of his mother.</p><p>The 49-year-old then underwent surgery for a ruptured Achilles tendon in March. Woods' latest procedure is the seventh on his back since 2014.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The 15-time major champion also had surgery on leg and ankle injuries stemming from a car crash in 2021. He's played only 11 TOUR events since the accident.</p><p>Woods hasn't announced a recovery timeline for his most recent surgery. He last won a tournament in 2019 and remains tied for the record with 82 career victories.</p>

AUGUSTA, GEORGIA - APRIL 14: Tiger Woods of the United States walks to the 18th green during the final round of the 2024 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club on April 14, 2024 in Augusta, Georgia.

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Woods undergoes lumbar disc replacement surgery

Minnesota Wild general manager Bill Guerin remains content with signing star winger Kirill Kapriz...

<p>Minnesota Wild general manager Bill Guerin remains content with signing star winger <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/7294" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/7294">Kirill Kaprizov</a> to a record-breaking contract extension after seeing a handful of stars around the league sign for less.</p><p>Kaprizov inked an eight-year contract featuring a league-high $17 million average annual value Sept. 30. Since then, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/4560" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4560">Connor McDavid</a> ($12.5 million AAV), <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/5545" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/5545">Kyle Connor</a> ($12 million), and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/4558" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4558">Jack Eichel</a> ($13.5 million) have re-upped with their respective squads without coming close to Kaprizov's cap hit.</p><p>"Look, everybody's got a price to where they want to play in their market, and Kirill is worth that to us. He's that important to us," Guerin told <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6703429/2025/10/09/nhl-kaprizov-connor-eichel-kempe-tuch-necas-free-agency/?source=emp_shared_article">The Athletic's Pierre LeBrun</a>. "And we couldn't take the chance of letting him go. That's great for those other teams, but it's still great for us that we have him for nine years. And yeah, Jack is at $13.5 million, and that's great. But Kirill is that important to us. If we let him go or we even flirt with it, who knows? The worst-case scenario is definitely that he leaves. It's worse than paying him $17 million."</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Kaprizov had reportedly rejected an eight-year extension worth $16 million per season. Last October, Wild owner Craig Leipold laid the foundation for the megadeal by stating no team would offer Kaprizov more money than Minnesota. This September, Leipold doubled down by suggesting Kaprizov's contract would likely be the richest in league history.</p><p>Since arriving in the NHL for the 2020-21 season, Kaprizov has made a strong case for a raise from his current $9-million cap hit. He ranks 15th among all skaters over that span with 386 points in 319 games.</p>

ST. PAUL, MN - DECEMBER 12: Minnesota Wild forward Kirill Kaprizov (97) and Edmonton Oilers forward Connor McDavid (97) follow the play during the first period of an NHL game between the Minnesota Wild and Edmonton Oilers on December 12, 2024, at Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul, MN.

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Guerin doesn't regret Kaprizov deal after star forwards signed for less

Edmonton Oilers goaltender Stuart Skinner insists he won't dwell on the blunder that stifled his ...

<p>Edmonton Oilers goaltender <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/6553" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/6553">Stuart Skinner</a> insists he won't dwell on the blunder that stifled his club's momentum in Wednesday's season opener against the Calgary Flames.</p><p>Skinner and defenseman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/7827" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/7827">Evan Bouchard</a> miscommunicated on a dump-in, allowing <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/4637" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4637">Blake Coleman</a> to tie the game early in the third period. Calgary won in a shootout.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">BLAKE COLEMAN HOPS ON THE LOOSE PUCK AND WE'RE TIED IN EDMONTON! 🥵 <a href="https://t.co/64YoZGz5GP">pic.twitter.com/64YoZGz5GP</a></p>— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) <a href="https://twitter.com/Sportsnet/status/1976139405698941300?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 9, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>"I won't be thinking about it, no," Skinner said, per <a href="https://www.sportsnet.ca/nhl/article/skinner-fails-first-chance-to-show-oilers-he-can-be-trusted/">Sportsnet's Mark Spector</a>. "It happens. It's probably the easiest fix I'll make this year. A quick decision, throw it in the corner, that's that. ...</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>"It was one bad decision and it makes you look really bad and that's kind of how it goes."</p><p>Goaltending was a major talking point of the Oilers' offseason. Skinner and backup <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/1766" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/1766">Calvin Pickard</a> struggled to find consistency in the playoffs even though the club reached the Stanley Cup Final for the second consecutive year. Skinner posted an .889 save percentage in 15 playoff games this past spring.</p><p>Oilers general manager Stan Bowman maintained confidence in the tandem throughout the summer but brought in <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/4611" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4611">Connor Ingram</a> via trade with the Utah Mammoth earlier in October. Ingram was assigned to the AHL after the deal.</p><p>Edmonton outshot Calgary 35-22 in the contest and controlled 63.32% of expected goals at five-on-five, according to <a href="https://www.naturalstattrick.com/game.php?season=20252026&amp;game=20006">Natural Stat Trick</a>. Oilers coach Kris Knoblauch attributed the loss to poor team play rather than goaltending.</p><p>"Anytime you get scored on, yes, it's a gut punch," Knoblauch said. "Whether it's us playing an almost perfect first half of the game, and then we get sloppy, and they score on (a fluke deflection) goal - that was a gut punch (too)."</p><p>The Oilers return to action Saturday against the Vancouver Canucks. </p>

EDMONTON, AB - OCTOBER 08: Edmonton Oilers Goalie Stuart Skinner (74) lets in a goal in the second period of the Edmonton Oilers game versus the Calgary Flames on October 8, 2025 at Rogers Place in Edmonton, AB.

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Skinner 'won't be thinking about' costly gaffe in Oilers' opener

The Edmonton Oilers signed defenseman Mattias Ekholm to a three-year contract extension worth $4 ...

<p>The Edmonton Oilers signed defenseman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/1993" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/1993">Mattias Ekholm</a> to a three-year contract extension worth $4 million per season, the team announced Wednesday.</p><p>Ekholm, 35, was set to reach unrestricted free agency following this season but is now under contract through the 2028-29 campaign.</p><p>It's the third extension the Oilers have doled out this week after deals for captain <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/4560" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4560">Connor McDavid</a> and blue-liner <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/6367" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/6367">Jake Walman</a>. Edmonton is currently projected to have approximately $18.3 million in remaining cap space for next season, according to <a href="https://puckpedia.com/team/edmonton-oilers">PuckPedia</a>.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Ekholm's served as Edmonton's top shutdown defender since being acquired from the Nashville Predators prior to the 2023 trade deadline.</p><p>He's averaged over 21 minutes per contest since joining the Oilers and contributed 81 points in 165 games. </p><p>Injuries limited Ekholm to 65 games last season and held him out of the playoffs until the Western Conference Final.</p><p>The Oilers begin their 2025-26 season Wednesday against the Calgary Flames.</p>

EDMONTON, CANADA - JUNE 02: Mattias Ekholm #14 of the Edmonton Oilers in action during Game Six of the Western Conference Final of the 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs against the Dallas Stars at Rogers Place on June 2, 2024, in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.

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Oilers ink Ekholm to 3-year extension with $4M AAV

The Winnipeg Jets signed star winger Kyle Connor to an eight-year contract extension carrying an ...

<p>The Winnipeg Jets signed star winger <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/5545" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/5545">Kyle Connor</a> to an eight-year contract extension carrying an average annual value of $12 million, the team announced Wednesday.</p><p>Connor was scheduled for unrestricted free agency next summer. His new deal is a significant raise from the $7.142 million he's earned annually since 2019. It's also the richest in franchise history.</p><p>Over the course of his current deal, Connor has racked up 454 points in 435 games, good for 13th in the NHL over that span. The 28-year-old registered a career-high 97 points last season, and earned a first-team All-Star nod.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The Jets drafted Connor 17th overall in 2015, and he broke into the NHL during the 2016-17 campaign. </p><p>Connor will be the highest-paid Jet by a significant margin when his new deal kicks in. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/2150" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/2150">Mark Scheifele</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3997" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3997">Connor Hellebuyck</a> rank second with matching $8.5-million cap hits.</p><p>When Connor's $12-million AAV comes into effect, he'll be tied with <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/4718" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4718">Mitch Marner</a> of the Vegas Golden Knights and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/4772" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4772">Mikko Rantanen</a> as the league's second-highest paid wingers. Minnesota Wild star <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/7294" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/7294">Kirill Kaprizov</a> recently signed an extension that will make him the NHL's highest-paid player at $17-million per year. </p><p>Winnipeg is projected to have approximately $27 million in cap space next summer after signing Connor long term, according to <a href="https://puckpedia.com/team/winnipeg-jets">PuckPedia</a>. The Jets won the Presidents' Trophy last season as the league's top regular-season team, but were eliminated in the second round of the playoffs.</p><p>Their 2025-26 campaign begins Thursday against the Dallas Stars.</p>

WINNIPEG, CANADA - APRIL 19: Kyle Connor #81 of the Winnipeg Jets skates along the boards to celebrate his third period goal against the St. Louis Blues in Game One of the First Round of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Canada Life Centre on April 19, 2025 in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada.

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Jets sign Connor to 8-year, $96M extension

The Edmonton Oilers signed captain Connor McDavid to a two-year contract extension carrying an av...

<p>The Edmonton Oilers signed captain <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/4560" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4560">Connor McDavid</a> to a two-year contract extension carrying an average annual value of $12.5 million, the team announced Monday. </p><p>That's the same cap hit as the eight-year deal he's playing on now, which runs through 2025-26.</p><p>"Connor's commitment to our team and our city is surpassed only by his singular focus on bringing a Stanley Cup back to fans of the Edmonton Oilers," general manager Stan Bowman said in a statement. </p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/DPeWa5Qkbat/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:540px; min-width:326px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);"><div style="padding:16px;"> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DPeWa5Qkbat/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;" target="_blank"> <div style=" display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div>
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<script async="" src="https://www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script></figure><p>McDavid has been eligible to sign an extension since July 1, and the fact that he didn't sign right away became one of the biggest stories of the offseason. The 28-year-old was adamant throughout that he preferred to sign with the Oilers as long as the club was committed to icing a winning roster.</p><p>His team-friendly contract should help facilitate that. The Oilers are projected to have approximately $22 million in cap space next offseason, according to <a href="https://puckpedia.com/team/edmonton-oilers">PuckPedia</a>.</p><p>McDavid will be the NHL's fifth-highest paid player on an annual basis when his new deal kicks in. Teammate <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3948" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3948">Leon Draisaitl</a> will be the highest-paid player in the NHL this season with a cap hit of $14 million. Minnesota Wild star <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/7294" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/7294">Kirill Kaprizov</a> recently signed the richest deal in league history and will earn $17 million per campaign starting in 2026-27.</p><p>McDavid's 11th season with the Oilers is set to begin Wednesday against the Calgary Flames.</p><p>He's established himself as the top player in the world over the course of his current contract. McDavid registered 826 points in 503 games over the past seven seasons while winning two Hart Trophies and five scoring titles. He also won the Conn Smythe Trophy as playoff MVP in 2024 despite losing the Stanley Cup Final.</p><p>The Oilers also extended defenseman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/6367" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/6367">Jake Walman</a> on Monday. The blue-liner inked a seven-year, $49-million contract, according to <a href="https://x.com/FriedgeHNIC/status/1975237969037701222">Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman</a>.</p>

EDMONTON, CANADA - NOVEMBER 14: Connor McDavid #97 of the Edmonton Oilers is given first star of the game after scoring his 1,000th NHL point following the game against the Nashville Predators at Rogers Place on November 14, 2024 in Edmonton, Canada.

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Oilers sign McDavid to 2-year, $25M extension

The Florida Panthers and Tampa Bay Lightning renewed hostilities Saturday, combining for 13 eject...

<p>The Florida Panthers and Tampa Bay Lightning renewed hostilities Saturday, combining for 13 ejections in a penalty-filled 7-0 Panthers win.</p><p>Four ejections occurred in the first period, starting with Scott Sabourin hitting and fighting <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3946" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3946">Aaron Ekblad</a>, who didn't seem interested in an altercation. Sabourin spent the majority of last season with the San Jose Sharks' AHL affiliate.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Scott Sabourin RAN OVER Aaron Ekblad and then started throwing punches 😳 <a href="https://t.co/TAMXJnozXM">pic.twitter.com/TAMXJnozXM</a></p>— Gino Hard (@GinoHard_) <a href="https://twitter.com/GinoHard_/status/1974615184271372762?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 4, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Later in the opening frame, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3208" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3208">Carter Verhaeghe</a> was tossed after boarding <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/2589" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/2589">Zemgus Girgensons</a>.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Now Verhaeghe lays a HARD hit on Girgensons and we got more rough stuff 🫨👊 <a href="https://t.co/Pu8yEBMdeK">pic.twitter.com/Pu8yEBMdeK</a></p>— Gino Hard (@GinoHard_) <a href="https://twitter.com/GinoHard_/status/1974617387161800989?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 4, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Lightning defenseman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/10720" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/10720">J.J. Moser</a> was ejected for another questionable hit from behind. </p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">THE PANTHERS AND LIGHTNING ARE AT WAR 😱🥊 <a href="https://t.co/EQlFAnivXZ">pic.twitter.com/EQlFAnivXZ</a></p>— Gino Hard (@GinoHard_) <a href="https://twitter.com/GinoHard_/status/1974622042575007892?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 4, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Tampa Bay blue-liner Roman Schmidt was ejected in the first period as well, and the chippiness persisted until the final buzzer. The teams combined for 312 penalty minutes.</p><p>Florida defenseman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/4582" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4582">Niko Mikkola</a> assisted on a third-period goal that made it 8-0, but the tally was called back as he'd unknowingly taken the ice after being assessed a game misconduct, according to <a href="https://x.com/FriedgeHNIC/status/1974659173511225734">Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman</a>.</p><p>Saturday marked this week's second showcase of the bad blood between the Sunshine State rivals. Panthers forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/9403" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/9403">A.J. Greer</a> was fined for roughing Lightning winger <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/5633" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/5633">Brandon Hagel</a> in Thursday's contest but avoided suspension.</p><p>The Lightning and Panthers arguably have the NHL's most heated rivalry after meeting in the playoffs in back-to-back years. The Panthers won both series en route to the Stanley Cup, and last season's edition involved plenty of drama after Hagel was suspended for a hit on Florida captain <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3004" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3004">Aleksander Barkov</a>.</p><p>Both clubs kick off their regular seasons next week but won't cross paths until Nov. 15.</p>

SUNRISE, FL - DECEMBER 23:SUNRISE, FL - DECEMBER 23: Florida Panther and Tampa Bay Lightning players come together for a fight during the game between the Tampa Bay Lightning and the Florida Panthers on Monday December 23, 2024 at Amerant Bank Arena in Sunrise, Fla.

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Panthers, Lightning combine for 13 ejections in exhibition

The Anaheim Ducks signed defenseman Jackson LaCombe to an eight-year extension worth $9 million p...

<p>The Anaheim Ducks signed defenseman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/13808" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/13808">Jackson LaCombe</a> to an eight-year extension worth $9 million per season, according to <a href="https://x.com/FriedgeHNIC/status/1973807952537792558">Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman</a>.</p><p>The deal, signed Thursday, is the richest in franchise history, Friedman adds. Ducks icons Ryan Getzlaf, Corey Perry, and Paul Kariya had higher average annual values, but LaCombe's $72 million is the largest total sum.</p><p>LaCombe will play out the final year of his current contract in 2025-26, earning $925,000, according to <a href="https://puckpedia.com/player/jackson-lacombe">PuckPedia</a>. He'll be an unrestricted free agent in 2034.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The 24-year-old broke out with 14 goals and 43 points in 75 games last season and led all Anaheim skaters in averaging 22:18 per contest.</p><p>The Ducks drafted LaCombe 39th overall in 2019. He made his NHL debut in 2023 following a four-year tenure at the University of Minnesota.</p><p>Anaheim also recently signed forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/10696" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/10696">Mason McTavish</a>, another piece of the club's young core, to a six-year, $42-million contract.</p><p>The Ducks have missed the playoffs in seven consecutive seasons but improved by 21 points last year.</p>

EDMONTON, CANADA - MARCH 4: Jackson LaCombe #2 of the Anaheim Ducks awaits a face-off during the game against the Edmonton Oilers at Rogers Place on March 4, 2025, in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.

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Ducks sign LaCombe to reported 8-year, $72M extension

The Calgary Flames signed head coach Ryan Huska to a two-year contract extension Thursday.  "We'r...

<p>The Calgary Flames signed head coach Ryan Huska to a two-year contract extension Thursday.</p><p>"We're thrilled to extend Ryan for two more years" general manager Craig Conroy said in a statement. "He's done an excellent job creating a strong culture in our room and helping our team take steps in the right direction. His communication, work ethic, and commitment to developing our players have been outstanding. We believe in his vision and are confident he's the right coach to lead us forward."</p><p>Huska's been in the Flames' organization since 2014-15, when he started with the club's AHL affiliate. He joined Calgary as an assistant in 2018 and was named head coach in 2023.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>He's guided the Flames to a 79-66-19 record over two seasons behind the bench. Calgary missed the playoffs in 2024-25 due to a tiebreaker scenario with the St. Louis Blues. </p><p>The Flames begin their regular season Oct. 8 against the Edmonton Oilers.</p>

MONTREAL, CANADA - NOVEMBER 05: Head coach Ryan Huska of the Calgary Flames handles bench duties during the second period against the Montreal Canadiens at the Bell Centre on November 5, 2024 in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. The Calgary Flames defeated the Montreal Canadiens 3-2 in overtime.

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Flames sign Huska to 2-year extension

The Edmonton Oilers acquired goaltender Connor Ingram from the Utah Mammoth for future considerat...

<p>The Edmonton Oilers acquired goaltender <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/4611" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4611">Connor Ingram</a> from the Utah Mammoth for future considerations, the teams announced Wednesday. </p><p>Ingram recently passed through waivers unclaimed and will report to AHL Bakersfield to start his tenure with the Oilers. He's under contract this season and scheduled for unrestricted free agency in 2026.</p><p>The Mammoth are retaining $800,000 of his $1.95-million cap hit.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Ingram appeared in 22 games for the Mammoth last season, posting an .882 save percentage. He entered the NHL/NHLPA player assistance program in March and was reinstated in August.</p><p>The 28-year-old had strong numbers during the two prior campaigns, owning a .907 clip across 77 starts before the Arizona Coyotes moved to Salt Lake City. Ingram started a career-high 50 games in 2023-24 and led the league with six shutouts.</p><p>Goaltending was a prominent storyline in Edmonton over the offseason after general manager Stan Bowman opted to stick with a <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/6553" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/6553">Stuart Skinner</a>-<a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/1766" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/1766">Calvin Pickard</a> tandem. The duo has tended goal for back-to-back trips to the Stanley Cup Final, but neither has proven to be a consistent option. </p><p>Skinner won 26 of 50 starts last season with a .896 save percentage and had a .889 clip in the playoffs. He surrendered the net to Pickard two games into the opening round before taking it back in Round 2.</p><p>The Oilers begin their season Oct. 8 against the Calgary Flames. Edmonton is under immense pressure to perform in 2025-26 as captain <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/4560" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4560">Connor McDavid</a> enters the final year of his contract.</p>

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 22: Connor Ingram #39 of the Utah Hockey Club in goal against the Los Angeles Kings in the second period at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles on February 22, 2025 in Los Angeles, California.

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/32636319/related

Oilers acquire Ingram from Mammoth

While there are a handful of surefire Stanley Cup contenders in their own tier of competitiveness...

<p>While there are a handful of surefire Stanley Cup contenders in their own tier of competitiveness, several teams enter the 2025-26 season looking to take the next step or avoid falling out of relevance.</p><p>Below, we look at two clubs trending up, two trending down, and two that are a coin toss.</p><h3>Trending up 📈</h3><p><strong>Montreal Canadiens</strong></p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/750413/cropped_GettyImages-2178251057.jpg?ts=1729262599" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/750413/w220xh124_GettyImages-2178251057.jpg?ts=1729262599 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/750413/w320xh180_GettyImages-2178251057.jpg?ts=1729262599 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/750413/w640xh360_GettyImages-2178251057.jpg?ts=1729262599 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/750413/w768xh432_GettyImages-2178251057.jpg?ts=1729262599 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/750413/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2178251057.jpg?ts=1729262599 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Icon Sportswire / Icon Sportswire / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>The Habs flipped a switch late last season, surging into the Eastern Conference's final playoff spot and transforming from a rebuilding team to a dark horse in a matter of months. Now, they look primed to take another step forward. Captain Nick Suzuki has established himself as one of the league's premier two-way centers, and Montreal has another offensive weapon potentially ready to break out in Ivan Demidov. If the 19-year-old can meet expectations of a Calder-worthy campaign, the Canadiens' attack will be difficult to slow down.</p><p>To supplement a core that proved capable of making noise in the East, Montreal acquired Noah Dobson and Zachary Bolduc in trades over the summer. Dobson can play top-line minutes as Lane Hutson continues to grow, and Bolduc is a sneaky effective bottom-six player who bagged 19 goals for the St. Louis Blues last season.</p><p>Center depth is a legitimate concern, but the Canadiens are still on an upward trajectory as constructed.</p><p><strong>Utah Mammoth</strong></p><p>The Mammoth were in the hunt for a wild-card spot last campaign with 89 points, a total the Arizona Coyotes hadn't matched in their final 10 years of existence. Utah boasted five 20-goal scorers in its debut season and added another over the summer in JJ Peterka. Offense won't be a problem for this club. And the Mammoth should get a natural boost on the back end with a healthy Sean Durzi and John Marino, who were limited last year to 30 and 35 games, respectively.</p><p>Although Utah's unlikely to push for a Central Division crown, building on last season's progress is a fair expectation. The margins in the Western Conference were so thin in 2024-25 that some better fortune in extra time could have propelled the Mammoth into the playoffs. Utah lost 13 games in overtime and was 1-4 in shootouts.</p><h3>Trending down 📉</h3><p><strong>Winnipeg Jets</strong></p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/784972/cropped_GettyImages-2213665956.jpg?ts=1746884357" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/784972/w220xh124_GettyImages-2213665956.jpg?ts=1746884357 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/784972/w320xh180_GettyImages-2213665956.jpg?ts=1746884357 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/784972/w640xh360_GettyImages-2213665956.jpg?ts=1746884357 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/784972/w768xh432_GettyImages-2213665956.jpg?ts=1746884357 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/784972/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2213665956.jpg?ts=1746884357 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Jonathan Kozub / National Hockey League / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>The Jets technically have nowhere to go but down in the standings after winning the Presidents' Trophy, but there are legitimate reasons to expect some regression in Winnipeg this season. Expecting another MVP-caliber campaign from Connor Hellebuyck is a big ask, especially considering no goalie has won three consecutive Vezina Trophies since Dominik Hasek in the late 1990s. The Jets' backbone will also take on extra responsibility with Team USA at the Olympics this winter, and he faces enormous pressure to erase the recent playoff disappointment.</p><p>The club also lost Nikolaj Ehlers to free agency, and captain Adam Lowry is out injured to start the campaign. Winnipeg's group of centers is a major concern against the West's top teams, even if the Jonathan Toews experiment works out.</p><p><strong>Los Angeles Kings</strong></p><p>New general manager Ken Holland was reckless with his cap space in his first summer in Hollywood, signing Brian Dumoulin, Cody Ceci, Joel Armia, and Corey Perry for a combined $13 million. While they're all established NHLers, none of them bring Los Angeles closer to Stanley Cup contention after four consecutive first-round exits. The additions of Dumoulin and Ceci compound the loss of Vladislav Gavrikov, who was quietly one of the best shutdown defenders in the NHL during his tenure with the Kings.</p><p>Additionally, L.A. is in a questionable spot in goal. Darcy Kuemper is fresh off his first Vezina Trophy nomination, but he has struggled to string together healthy seasons throughout his career. He's only hit the 50-game barrier four times in 13 years and has only done it once in consecutive campaigns.</p><h3>Could go either way ↕️</h3><p><strong>Toronto Maple Leafs</strong></p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/784834/cropped_GettyImages-2182485466.jpg?ts=1746804412" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/784834/w220xh124_GettyImages-2182485466.jpg?ts=1746804412 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/784834/w320xh180_GettyImages-2182485466.jpg?ts=1746804412 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/784834/w640xh360_GettyImages-2182485466.jpg?ts=1746804412 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/784834/w768xh432_GettyImages-2182485466.jpg?ts=1746804412 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/784834/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2182485466.jpg?ts=1746804412 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Mark Blinch / National Hockey League / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>Whether the Maple Leafs will be better or worse without Mitch Marner was a popular offseason debate, and we're about to find out which side of the argument is correct. Losing a perennial 90-point player isn't easy for any club to overcome, but Toronto's forward depth looks more competitive on paper now that the "Core Four" era has ended.</p><p>Although the Maple Leafs will ice a different look, their campaign hinges on captain Auston Matthews. If he's back to being an MVP and "Rocket" Richard candidate, Toronto should breeze into the playoffs. If injuries plague Matthews like they did last season, the Leafs might not have the firepower to get where they want to go.</p><p><strong>Vancouver Canucks</strong></p><p>The Canucks are hoping to have a drama-free season after last year's soap opera, but they're not off to a great start. Chatter about Quinn Hughes potentially uniting with his brothers outside of Vancouver was a major story in the buildup to camp, and the narrative won't die down if the Canucks stumble out of the gates. That said, this team has more pressing concerns than the captain's contract expiring in two years.</p><p>At the top of the list is Elias Pettersson. The 26-year-old desperately needs a rebound year as Vancouver can't afford another 45-point output from its highest-paid player. If Pettersson can return to his 100-point form, the Canucks' chances of competing in a wide-open Pacific Division increase significantly.</p><p>The health of Thatcher Demko is another factor that could make or break the club's efforts to get back to the playoffs. He was the Vezina runner-up in 2024 but posted underwhelming numbers across 23 games in his return from injury. Demko rediscovering his game could make the biggest difference of all for the Canucks, who ranked 25th with an .885 save percentage last season.</p>

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Trending Up or Down: 6 teams to watch in 2025-26

Vancouver Canucks forward Nils Hoglander will miss 8-10 weeks after undergoing surgery on a lower...

<p>Vancouver Canucks forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/9827" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/9827">Nils Hoglander</a> will miss 8-10 weeks after undergoing surgery on a lower-body injury, the team announced Monday.</p><p>Hoglander suffered the injury in Vancouver's preseason win over the Calgary Flames on Sept. 24. He was initially labeled week-to-week.</p><p>The 24-year-old managed 25 points in 72 games last season, a down year after notching a career-high 24 goals in 2023-24.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Hoglander is entering the first campaign of a three-year, $9-million extension signed last October. </p><p>The Canucks drafted Hoglander 40th overall in 2019. He's managed 115 points in 293 NHL games. </p>

BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - NOVEMBER 26: Nils Hoglander #21 of the Vancouver Canucks skates against the Boston Bruins during the second period at the TD Garden on November 26, 2024 in Boston, Massachusetts. The Canucks won 2-0.

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Canucks' Hoglander out 8-10 weeks after lower-body surgery

The St. Louis Blues signed defenseman Cam Fowler to a three-year contract extension Saturday.  Th...

<p>The St. Louis Blues signed defenseman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/1706" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/1706">Cam Fowler</a> to a three-year contract extension Saturday.</p><p>The deal is worth $6.1 million per season, according to <a href="https://x.com/FriedgeHNIC/status/1972102935338524943">Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman</a>. Fowler is entering the final campaign of an eight-year, $52-million contract he signed as a member of the Anaheim Ducks in 2017.</p><p>The Blues acquired Fowler in December after he spent parts of 15 seasons with the Ducks. He had four assists in 17 games with Anaheim before the trade, then contributed 36 points in 51 contests with St. Louis.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The 33-year-old added 10 points in the first round of the playoffs as the Blues lost in seven games to the top-seeded Winnipeg Jets. </p><p>Fowler was the 12th overall pick in 2010. He's notched 493 points in 1,042 career games. </p>

ST. LOUIS, MO - APRIL 24: Cam Fowler #17 of the St. Louis Blues acknowledges fans after being named the third star of the game after beating the Winnipeg Jets in Game Three of the First Round of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs on April 24, 2025 at the Enterprise Center in St. Louis, Missouri.

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Blues sign Fowler to 3-year extension

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