NHL IN 60 SECONDS
Luke Evangelista has joined the New Jersey Devils from the Nashville Predators in a trade for a conditional first-round pick and a second-round selection in the 2028 NHL Draft. The Rangers have signed Eeli Tolvanen to a one-year contract, while the NHL has announced a multi-year agreement for Amazon Prime Video to host local broadcasts for six teams from 2026-27.
THE BIG FIVE
Devils acquire Luke Evangelista from Predators
New Jersey acquired 24-year-old forward Luke Evangelista from Nashville on September 2. The Predators received a conditional first-round pick and a second-round selection in the 2028 NHL Draft. Evangelista had an NHL career-high 56 points, including 12 goals and 44 assists, in 81 games last season.
He is entering the second season of a two-year, $6 million contract signed on October 4, 2025, with a $3 million average annual value. He can become a restricted free agent after this season.
IHM Signal: New Jersey has added a young forward coming off his most productive NHL season.
Coach Mark: Evangelista’s 44 assists last season point to a player who can help create offence as he settles into a new forward group.
Canadiens linked with Dylan Larkin and Kirill Marchenko
Some observers have suggested Detroit Red Wings centre Dylan Larkin and Columbus Blue Jackets winger Kirill Marchenko as potential fits for the Montreal Canadiens, who have an ongoing need for a top-six forward. Neither player has been identified as a confirmed Canadiens target.
IHM Signal: This remains speculation around Montreal’s need for a top-six forward rather than a confirmed move.
Coach Mark: Any addition to a top-six role would need to complement the Canadiens’ existing forward group.
Rangers sign Eeli Tolvanen to one-year contract
The New York Rangers have signed former Seattle Kraken winger Eeli Tolvanen to a one-year contract ahead of the 2026-27 NHL season.
IHM Signal: The short-term agreement gives the Rangers another winger ahead of the new season.
Coach Mark: Training camp will provide the opportunity to assess how Tolvanen fits within the Rangers’ forward options.
Robert Thomas named Blues captain
The St. Louis Blues have named Robert Thomas their 25th captain in franchise history. The appointment follows the Blues’ parting with Brayden Schenn at last season’s trade deadline.
IHM Signal: Thomas takes on the Blues’ formal captaincy at a point of change for the club.
Coach Mark: A captain’s role extends beyond the ice, setting standards within the dressing room and during games.
Prime Video to host local broadcasts for six teams
The NHL has announced a multi-year agreement with Amazon Prime Video that will see local broadcasts for six teams hosted on the platform from the 2026-27 season.
IHM Signal: The agreement adds a streaming platform to the delivery of local NHL broadcasts.
Coach Mark: This is an off-ice development rather than a coaching decision, but it changes the local broadcast landscape around the league.
IHM SHORT ICE
Nashville adds draft picks in Evangelista trade
Nashville’s return for Evangelista was a conditional first-round pick and a second-round selection in the 2028 NHL Draft. General manager Chris MacFarland said the move adds high draft picks, creates roster and salary-cap flexibility, and opens NHL opportunities for young wingers in the organisation.
Expansion, Flyers and Hellebuyck feature in rumour discussion
Rumour discussion has focused on the possibility of NHL expansion news, pending Philadelphia Flyers free agents and Connor Hellebuyck’s trade-request tactic.
READ FULL STORY: NHL expansion news anticipated from Houston
Capitals outlook questions whether off-season work will translate
A Washington Capitals season outlook considers whether the club’s acquisitions and signings will translate into on-ice success.
Trey Augustine to compete for Grand Rapids starting job
Detroit Red Wings goaltending prospect Trey Augustine will vie for the starting job with Grand Rapids of the AHL. The 21-year-old played two games for Grand Rapids last season and will compete with Michal Postava and Carter Gylander.
Macklin Celebrini’s impact drives Sharks discussion
Macklin Celebrini finished fourth in the NHL last season with 115 points, including 45 goals and 70 assists, in 82 games. The San Jose Sharks centre has been praised for his three-zone game, work ethic and competitiveness.
Jonathan Huberdeau has recovery setback
Calgary Flames general manager Craig Conroy said Jonathan Huberdeau suffered a setback while skating in his recovery from hip resurfacing surgery. Conroy said Huberdeau’s gym progress remains positive, but there is no firm date for his return to the ice.
READ FULL STORY: Flames’ Jonathan Huberdeau suffers setback in rehab
Matthew Mayich remains hospitalised
Arizona State defenceman Matthew Mayich remains hospitalised after collapsing during an August 20 off-season workout. An attorney representing his family said his condition was highly unlikely to change and called for an independent investigation. Arizona State has said it will conduct a thorough review.
Juraj Slafkovský tipped for another step forward
Juraj Slafkovský is coming off his first 30-goal NHL season. A forecast from Canada has suggested the Montreal forward could build on that campaign.
IHM NHL PULSE
Movement at both ends of the roster cycle
The Evangelista trade brought Nashville additional draft picks while New Jersey added an established NHL forward. Elsewhere, the Rangers made a one-year addition in Tolvanen.
Young players in focus
Augustine is competing for a Grand Rapids starting role, while Celebrini’s second NHL season has reinforced his standing as a central figure for San Jose.
Health and access remain key off-ice themes
Huberdeau’s recovery remains without a firm return date, while the NHL’s Prime Video agreement will begin in 2026-27.
WHAT WE’RE WATCHING NEXT
1) Augustine’s competition for the starting job in Grand Rapids.
2) Huberdeau’s recovery timeline as Calgary proceeds cautiously.
3) The start of Prime Video local broadcasts for six teams in 2026-27.
SHORT ICE Q&A
Q: What did the Devils give up for Luke Evangelista?
New Jersey sent Nashville a conditional first-round pick and a second-round selection in the 2028 NHL Draft.
Q: What are Evangelista’s contract details?
He is entering the second season of a two-year, $6 million contract with a $3 million average annual value and can become a restricted free agent after this season.
Q: What is known about Tolvanen’s Rangers deal?
He signed a one-year contract ahead of the 2026-27 season.
Q: What does the Prime Video agreement cover?
Amazon Prime Video will host local broadcasts for six NHL teams from the 2026-27 season under a multi-year agreement.
Q: What is the latest on Matthew Mayich?
He remains hospitalised following his August 20 collapse, while Arizona State conducts a review.
FAN PULSE
Which development could have the biggest immediate impact on the 2026-27 season?
A) Luke Evangelista to New Jersey
B) Eeli Tolvanen joining the Rangers
C) Prime Video hosting local broadcasts for six teams
D) Robert Thomas becoming Blues captain