As the 2026-27 NHL season begins, teams aim high. How quickly these ambitions materialize, or falter, hinges on their initial performance. With five games scheduled for opening night, numerous narratives will unfold. Here are five critical questions to watch as the puck drops.
The Winnipeg Jets have claimed goaltender Clay Stevenson off waivers from the Washington Capitals. This move addresses the Jets' thin goaltending depth following Connor Hellebuyck's trade request and subsequent suspension, with Stuart Skinner now serving as the primary starter. Stevenson, 27, a
The Columbus Blue Jackets have placed veteran forward Miles Wood on waivers with their roster deadline approaching. If he is not claimed, he will be assigned to the AHL’s Cleveland Monsters. This move offers a clearer picture of the Blue Jackets’ potential opening night lineup. Wood had p
The Buffalo Sabres are set to begin their 2026-27 regular season on Thursday, October 1st. After a strong previous season that ended just shy of the Eastern Conference Final, anticipation is high. The team's front office made significant moves, trading Bowen Byram to Chicago and Alex
The Toronto Maple Leafs concluded their preseason with a split-squad series against the Ottawa Senators, achieving two wins after two losses to the Montreal Canadiens. These tune-up games, while not definitive, offer insight into player readiness. Several players, from veterans to newc
The New Jersey Devils face the 2026-27 season with much to prove. After a disappointing finish last season, missing the playoffs and placing second-to-last in the Metropolitan Division, the team underwent significant changes over the summer. Sunny Mehta is the new general manager, goaltend
Following a comeback victory in Greensboro, the Carolina Hurricanes announced Friday morning they have signed goaltender Pyotr Kochetkov to a two-year contract extension. This deal will keep him in Raleigh until the conclusion of the 2028-29 season. Kochetkov Extended for Two
Matvei Gridin, drafted 28th overall in the 2024 NHL Entry Draft, appears set for a breakout season with the Calgary Flames as they continue their rebuild. He has shown well in training camp and early preseason games. Last season, Gridin played for both the Flames and their Am
Columbus Blue Jackets secured a significant agreement with Adam Fantilli, finalizing a 6-year, $82.5 million contract. This deal keeps the talented forward with Columbus through the 2031-32 season and establishes the largest average annual value (AAV) in franchise history at $13.75 million.
The Buffalo Sabres are at the halfway point of their preseason schedule, with their season opener against the Blue Jackets in Columbus just one week away on October 1. Preseason Underway The preseason is nearing its end, and the Sabres have showcased both their depth players and their
With only two preseason games remaining before the 2026-27 NHL season begins, the Washington Capitals are focusing on crucial adjustments. Among the key areas needing refinement is the power play, which proved to be a significant factor in the team missing the playoffs last season. Despite finish
Steve Mears, now calling play-by-play for the Columbus Blue Jackets, understands the situation Bob McElligott faced when his contract wasn't renewed. Mears himself went through a similar professional upheaval in 2009. At 29, Mears lost his radio job with the New York Island