NHL Central Division Ryan O'Reilly Nathan Mackinnon Tyler Seguin

Chicago Blackhawks

Blackhawks’ Kevin Korchinski Shouldn’t Be Overlooked Heading Into 2025-26
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Entering August, several roster questions surround the Chicago Blackhawks. Based on roster projections, some of the significant questions surround the defense primarily because it is a toss-up as to who will make the opening night roster. When examining the defense, one of the more peculiar situations involves Kevin Korchinski. The former top 10 pick will enter next year as the “underdog” and is one to watch. Is Korchinski Getting Overlooked? To recap, Korchinski was drafted seventh overall in the 2022 NHL Draft, and his traits are favorable for a defenseman: over six feet tall, a fluid skater, and top-notch offensive…

Blackhawks Balancing Act: Reflecting on the Roles of the Veterans & the Kids
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The Chicago Blackhawks have made it clear they’re committing to their youth this upcoming season. But in response to my recent 2025-26 player projections, I received numerous comments that despite the organization’s commitment, there are still plenty of veteran players in the lineup. As a matter of fact, many feel there are still too many veterans who might be holding the youth movement back.   Related – Blackhawks 2025-26 Roster Projections 2.0: Post Draft & Free Agency So how can the youngsters thrive with such a veteran presence? And what purpose do the veterans play? Let’s delve into the balancing…

Today in Hockey History: July 31
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Yesterday in Hockey History: July 30 Tomorrow in Hockey History: Aug 1 July 31 is full of big names. One of the greatest undrafted players in the history of the NHL signed with the team where he became a Hall of Famer. An all-time great goaltender returned to where he had great success. Plus, the best coach in league history took a new position to work with a very familiar face. So, let’s begin our daily trip back in time to relive all the memories made on this date. St. Louis Lands in Tampa Bay The Tampa Bay Lightning made…

Colorado Avalanche

Avalanche Must Re-Sign Necas to Long-Term Deal
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When it was announced that the Colorado Avalanche had traded star winger Mikko Rantanen to the Carolina Hurricanes, it sent shockwaves through the hockey world. Though Rantanen was considered the best player in the deal, the Avalanche ultimately gained a bit of cap flexibility and got back a player who may be a better fit for their scheme in Martin Necas. As they did with Rantanen this past season, the Avalanche now face the looming issue of whether to re-sign Necas or trade him. The only move should be to ink him to a new contract, preferably one that will…

NHL’s Top 10 Defensive Pairings for 2025-26
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Though spreading the wealth may sometimes be a good idea, Stanley Cup contenders often have an elite top pairing, able to control the pace of play at both ends of the ice. Entering the 2025–26 season, which are the league’s 10 best defensive duos? 10. Josh Morrissey, Dylan DeMelo (Winnipeg Jets) 2024–25 Stats (5-on-5): 58.62% goal share, 54.01% expected goal share in 1,225:27 In 10th place, we have the top pair of the league’s reigning Presidents’ Trophy winners: Josh Morrissey and Dylan DeMelo of the Winnipeg Jets. Morrissey has averaged 71 points per 82 games over the last three seasons,…

Colorado Avalanche’s 3 Best Contracts for 2025-26
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The Colorado Avalanche, on paper, have a team that should contend for the Stanley Cup for the foreseeable future. Last season began with major red flags regarding goaltending and depth. By the end of the season, both were strengths once again. Though they fell short in the playoffs, losing in the first round to the Dallas Stars, the window for contention is clearly open. With all the talk going to Cale Makar and Nathan MacKinnon, it’s time to look at the most-favorable deals the Avalanche have going into the 2025-26 season. Valeri Nichushkin – 8 years, $49 million ($6.13 million…

Dallas Stars

Every Team’s Top Breakout Candidate for 2025-26: Central Division
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This is the second edition of my top breakout candidates for each team in 2025–26. Next up is the Central Division—let’s dive in. Chicago Blackhawks: Connor Bedard After registering 61 points in 68 games as an 18-year-old rookie, there were high expectations for Connor Bedard‘s sophomore campaign. But he took a step back, statistically—the 2023 NHL Draft’s top pick had 23 goals and 44 assists for 67 points in 82 games. A minus-36 rating didn’t help his case, even if on a rebuilding team. Still, he’s just as likely to explode in 2025–26. The Blackhawks haven’t added much talent this…

Kent Nilsson Trade Tree: Calgary to Minnesota
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Typically, an NHL trade tree is made special because its branches illustrate the NHL’s evolution. A trade between two teams impacts both teams, but the ensuing trades made with those pieces lead to large ripples that change the state of the league. Even a relatively-minor deal can have profound effects on the state of the league, and one of the best examples of this is the Kent Nilsson trade tree. Many of you may know the name, but the trade tree involved way more than just the Swede. Nilsson’s Path to Calgary To properly begin the Nilsson story, we need…

Today in Hockey History: July 22
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Yesterday in Hockey History: July 21 Tomorrow in Hockey History: July 23 This date in National Hockey League history has not been the most eventful by any means, but it has still provided some interesting tidbits. One veteran player got traded twice on the same day, Matthew Tkachuk got dealt to the Florida Panthers, and the birth of a Hall of Fame defenseman are three of the biggest July 22 memories. Sillinger’s Busy Day July 22, 2003, is a day that Mike Sillinger will never forget as he was a member of three different teams within a span of a…

Minnesota Wild

2 Teams That Could Land Kirill Kaprizov if Wild Can’t Extend Him
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Kirill Kaprizov leaving the Minnesota Wild? It seems insane, but what if? Kaprizov is eligible for an extension, as his current deal expires at the end of the 2025-26 season, but the two sides have yet to agree on a new deal. There hasn’t been any indication that he is interested in testing the open market, but it’s always possible for him to do so, especially if he and the Wild can’t find even ground on a new deal. The belief is that the young superstar will become the highest-paid player in the NHL, at least temporarily until Connor McDavid…

McDavid/Kaprizov Extensions, Matthew Tkachuk, & More NHL Rumours
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In today’s NHL rumour rundown, we look at Connor McDavid and Kirill Kaprizov, who appear to be heading toward a path of being the next two highest-paid players in the league. Elsewhere, we look at the Florida Panthers and that they could be missing Matthew Tkachuk for some time. Finally, the Pittsburgh Penguins are looking to get younger, and Nicholas Robertson could make sense for them to bring in. McDavid & Kaprizov Expected to Be 2 Highest-Paid Players There has been a lot of talk about contract extensions for both McDavid and Kaprizov. There have been reports about the deals…

NHL Rumours: Robertson, Kadri, Canadian Olympic Roster, Canucks
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In today’s NHL rumour rundown, Nicholas Robertson has signed a new extension with the Toronto Maple Leafs, but that doesn’t necessarily mean that he is a sure-fire lock for the opening-night lineup. Elsewhere, Nazem Kadri reacted to Team Canada’s announcement regarding the player invites for the Olympic team. Finally, the Vancouver Canucks have been linked to a pair of centers. Robertson’s Contract Doesn’t Guarantee He Stays It was announced Saturday morning (Aug. 2) that Robertson and the Maple Leafs have avoided arbitration and agreed to a one-year deal worth $1.875 million. While a contract extension is always promising for a…

Nashville Predators

Every Team’s Top Breakout Candidate for 2025-26: Central Division
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This is the second edition of my top breakout candidates for each team in 2025–26. Next up is the Central Division—let’s dive in. Chicago Blackhawks: Connor Bedard After registering 61 points in 68 games as an 18-year-old rookie, there were high expectations for Connor Bedard‘s sophomore campaign. But he took a step back, statistically—the 2023 NHL Draft’s top pick had 23 goals and 44 assists for 67 points in 82 games. A minus-36 rating didn’t help his case, even if on a rebuilding team. Still, he’s just as likely to explode in 2025–26. The Blackhawks haven’t added much talent this…

Peter “Foppa” Forsberg: A Biography
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The year is 1994. The location is Lillehammer, Norway. It’s a sudden-death shootout in the Olympic hockey finals. With the crowd screaming, Peter Forsberg is at the opposite blue line staring at Canada’s goalie, Corey Hirsch. Forsberg skates in and makes a move towards Hirsch’s right. All of a sudden with one hand he moves the puck to Hirsch’s left and slides the puck just under his glove hand and scores! When Paul Kariya could not answer on Sweden’s goalie Tommy Salo, the gold medal was awarded to Sweden for the first time. An international hockey star was born. Although drafted several…

Today in Hockey History: July 19
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Yesterday in Hockey History: July 18 Tomorrow in Hockey History: July 20 One of the greatest coaches in the National Hockey League was born on this date many years ago. Also, two players who had great runs and won championships in Motown moved on to new homes. The THW time machine is warmed up and ready to take us on a journey to relive all the best from July 19. The Birth of a Coaching Legend Dick Irvin was born on July 19, 1892, in Hamilton, Ontario. After very successful runs in both the Pacific Coast Hockey Association (PCHA) and…

St. Louis Blues

Blues Are a Dark Horse Contender for 2025–26
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On paper, the St. Louis Blues aren’t much of a threat for the Stanley Cup. Coming off a first-round exit as an eighth seed and an offseason where minimal upgrades were made, they’re seemingly poised for another early playoff departure. But in reality, the Blues may be more of a wagon than they’re getting credit for. What makes them a dark horse contender for 2025–26? Broberg, Fowler Additions Transformed Blues’ Defense Entering the 2024 offseason, the Blues’ defense wasn’t anything special. It was more or less a minute-munching Colton Parayko—with substandard results—and everyone else. But two huge left-shot additions in…

How the World Looked When the Blues Won Their Stanley Cup
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It’s only been six years since the St. Louis Blues won their first and only Stanley Cup. A lot has happened since then. The Blues are coming off a short rebuild, making the playoffs in 2025 after two consecutive years of being on the outside. Since their 2019 championship, the Blues have made the playoffs four times, but have never made it out of the Second Round. They’ve also seen two coaching changes, and several of their stars have left the franchise. Now, we’re going to turn back the clock to see what happened when the Blues hoisted the Stanley…

NHL’s Top 10 Defensive Pairings for 2025-26
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Though spreading the wealth may sometimes be a good idea, Stanley Cup contenders often have an elite top pairing, able to control the pace of play at both ends of the ice. Entering the 2025–26 season, which are the league’s 10 best defensive duos? 10. Josh Morrissey, Dylan DeMelo (Winnipeg Jets) 2024–25 Stats (5-on-5): 58.62% goal share, 54.01% expected goal share in 1,225:27 In 10th place, we have the top pair of the league’s reigning Presidents’ Trophy winners: Josh Morrissey and Dylan DeMelo of the Winnipeg Jets. Morrissey has averaged 71 points per 82 games over the last three seasons,…

Utah Hockey Club

Team Drops Out of Marner Race, & More NHL Rumors

In today’s NHL rumors rundown, as the Stanley Cup Final intensifies and Brad Marchand continues to wow at his age, the NHL rumor mill is heating up with several teams eyeing the veteran winger. The Toronto Maple Leafs are reportedly interested in the player. Marchand is not the only player drawing attention, as other notable names, such as Sam Bennett, Jason Robertson, and Alex Tuch, are generating buzz. Finally, is one team that was looking at Mitch Marner and considered a big spender having second thoughts? Marchand Drawing Increased Interest, Including the Maple Leafs The Florida Panthers are in the…

Utah Mammoth’s 2025 Free Agents: Who Stays & Who Goes?

It has been nearly two months since we saw the Utah Hockey Club play the final game of their inaugural season. With the team finishing the season just seven points out of a Stanley Cup Playoff spot, much of the conversation surrounding this team since their final game has centered on how the now Utah Mammoth can make a significant move this offseason to become a true playoff contender. While it is fun to speculate on moves the team could make in the coming months, the Mammoth still have decisions to make on players in their organization whose contracts have…

Introducing the Utah Mammoth: Utah HC’s Permanent Name & Brand

It’s official. After more than a year of being named the Utah Hockey Club, the newest franchise in the NHL has officially been named the Utah Mammoth. After more than 850,000 votes for the name during a 13-month process, Mammoth was the clear favorite by the Utah fanbase. Through renowned design firm Doubleday & Cartwright, owners Ryan and Ashley Smith and the entire Smith Entertainment Group have developed a permanent brand for the team that honors the state of Utah, the state’s history, and the fanbase.  The Name The name Mammoth represents the prehistoric beast that roamed the Earth thousands…

Winnipeg Jets

3 Questions Facing the Winnipeg Jets in 2025-26
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For the last two years, the Winnipeg Jets have faced many questions heading into the regular season, only to dominate from pillar to post and prove everyone wrong. This offseason feels no different. Teams like the Dallas Stars, Carolina Hurricanes, Colorado Avalanche, Toronto Maple Leafs, Florida Panthers, and Edmonton Oilers have had consistent regular-season success like the Jets have had, yet Winnipeg always seems to have doubters. Related: Jonathan Toews in Winnipeg Is More Than Just a Hockey Story The Jets won 56 games last season, won the division, and won the Presidents’ Trophy. They were third in the league…

Jonathan Toews in Winnipeg Is More Than Just a Hockey Story
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If you’re a hockey fan at all, you’ve probably heard the news—Jonathan Toews is heading to the Winnipeg Jets for the 2025–26 season. After a storied career with the Chicago Blackhawks—including three Stanley Cups and a reputation as one of the game’s toughest leaders—Toews is returning home to Manitoba. And honestly, it’s something worth getting excited about. Related: Jets Get Excellent Value in Vilardi Signing We won’t dive too deep into the details here. We’ve done that in a recent article that covered his fresh start with the Jets, but what’s important is why we, as fans, should appreciate this…

Winnipeg Jets 2025-26 Roster Projection 2.0: Post Free-Agency Update
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The Winnipeg Jets won 56 games and the franchise’s first Presidents’ Trophy last season, but did not play up to their potential enough in the playoffs and fell in the second round to the Dallas Stars. In early June, we took a first stab at projecting the roster they’d deploy in 2025-26 to follow up the strong 2024-25, but there were a number of question marks due to the 15 unrestricted and restricted free agents (UFAs and RFAs) on the books. Now that free-agent frenzy has passed and every UFA and RFA has either re-signed or gone elsewhere, we can now take…