NHL IN 60 SECONDS
Alex Ovechkin’s final NHL season has given Washington’s home opener extra meaning, with his sons Sergei and Ilya introducing the Capitals captain before the game. His meeting with Sidney Crosby was set to be their 101st, including the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Elsewhere, Detroit listed Dylan Larkin as a game-time decision following an upper-body injury, while Michael Bunting joined Philadelphia on a one-year contract worth $1.2 million. St. Louis will continue to assess its goaltending situation as the season develops, with any Jordan Binnington move dependent on its position nearer the March 1 trade deadline.
THE BIG FIVE
Blues’ Binnington decision depends on season picture
Jordan Binnington’s future in St. Louis remains an early-season question rather than an imminent move. The Blues had conversations with clubs about the goaltender during the off-season, but any serious decision is expected to depend on how their campaign develops approaching the March 1 trade deadline. If St. Louis is out of the playoff picture, the club could take a strong look at the market and its options around Binnington. If the Blues remain in the race and their tandem is performing well, there would be little reason to disrupt it unless an exceptional offer arrived. The club can continue gathering information on the goaltending market while assessing its own competitive position.
IHM Signal: Binnington’s situation is conditional on St. Louis’ results and the market nearer March 1.
Coach Mark: A productive tandem can offer stability through a playoff chase, making continuity a reasonable priority while the club evaluates its options.
Ovechkin’s sons deliver a fitting Capitals introduction
Alex Ovechkin received a personal introduction before Washington’s final home opener of his NHL career, as his sons Sergei and Ilya announced the Capitals captain at Capital One Arena before Washington’s home opener. Wearing their father’s Capitals jersey, they told the crowd: “Your captain, number eight, Alexander Ovechkin.” Ovechkin patted both sons on the back, skated onto the ice and saluted a crowd chanting “Ovi”. He had told teammates on Monday that his 22nd NHL season would be his last. The Capitals selected Ovechkin first overall in the 2004 NHL Draft, and he holds the NHL record with 929 career goals. He helped Washington win its first Stanley Cup in 2018.
IHM Signal: Ovechkin’s final season is now framed by a memorable family moment at Washington’s home opener.
Coach Mark: The occasion underlines the emotional weight around the Capitals captain, while the team still has to turn that energy into its on-ice routine.
READ FULL STORY: Ovechkin and Crosby begin rivalry’s final chapter
Larkin awaits medical clearance for Detroit return
Dylan Larkin was a game-time decision for Detroit’s Tuesday game against Ottawa at Little Caesars Arena after returning to practice from an upper-body injury sustained during off-season training. Red Wings coach Todd McLellan said the forward would play if cleared by a doctor. Larkin skated between Lucas Raymond and Viktor Arvidsson during the morning session and also worked on the power play. He reported to training camp but initially could not participate, then missed the pre-season and Detroit’s first two regular-season games. Larkin requested a trade after last season and lost the captaincy entering this season. Marco Kasper and Mason Appleton were listed week to week, while J.T. Compher was day to day; all three were out against Ottawa.
IHM Signal: Larkin’s availability depended solely on medical clearance for the Ottawa game.
Coach Mark: His work on a top line and the power play suggests Detroit was preparing to restore a major offensive option if he received clearance.
READ FULL STORY: Larkin a game-time call for Senators matchup
Flyers sign Michael Bunting to one-year deal
Michael Bunting has signed a one-year, $1.2 million contract with the Philadelphia Flyers. The 31-year-old forward was an unrestricted free agent from July 1 after splitting last season between the Nashville Predators and Dallas Stars. He recorded 33 points, including 14 goals and 19 assists, across 74 regular-season games, with a goal and an assist in 13 appearances for Dallas after arriving in a March 5 trade. Bunting also had one assist in one Stanley Cup Playoff game. Philadelphia began this season 0-2-2 and had been outscored 17-5 through four games, including a 4-1 defeat at Tampa Bay on Monday. The Flyers were due to visit Ottawa on Thursday.
IHM Signal: Philadelphia adds Bunting after an 0-2-2 start in which it has scored five goals.
Coach Mark: Bunting brings recent regular-season production and gives Philadelphia another experienced forward option as it tries to improve its early scoring output.
READ FULL STORY: Michael Bunting Joins Flyers on One-Year Deal
Ovechkin and Crosby add final-season meaning to rivalry
Alex Ovechkin’s final NHL season adds fresh significance to every remaining meeting with Sidney Crosby. Washington was scheduled to host Pittsburgh on Wednesday in what would be the 101st game between the two, including the Stanley Cup Playoffs, across their 22 seasons with their respective teams. Ovechkin, the first pick in the 2004 NHL Draft, owns the League goals record with 929 and has 1,688 points in 1,575 games. Crosby, selected first in 2005, has 1,763 points in 1,423 games. Ovechkin is 41 and Crosby 39. Both have spent their NHL careers with the franchises that drafted them, a rare element in a rivalry shaped by sustained divisional and playoff matchups.
IHM Signal: The rivalry’s remaining games carry added meaning after Ovechkin confirmed this will be his final season.
Coach Mark: The familiarity between the teams and their centres makes opening-matchup deployment a potentially meaningful tactical choice, but the broader focus remains the game itself.
IHM SHORT ICE
Schaefer contract talk and Devils Hughes speculation
Matthew Schaefer’s next contract has been discussed as potentially exceeding $20 million, with a five-year deal in the $21 million to $22 million range mentioned.
New Jersey general manager Sunny Mehta said speculation involving Quinn Hughes and the idea of joining his brothers does not bother him, while adding that he cannot comment on another team’s player.
READ FULL STORY: Schaefer Contract Talk and Devils’ Hughes Noise
DeBrincat range, Robertson talks and Knies draft near-miss
Alex DeBrincat is believed to be seeking between $12 million and $14 million, depending on term, as a pending unrestricted free agent.
Dallas general manager Jim Nill said more serious extension discussions with Jason Robertson’s agent would begin on December 1. Pittsburgh had planned to draft Matthew Knies in 2021 before Toronto selected him one pick earlier.
READ FULL STORY: DeBrincat price report as Stars plot Robertson talks
Malkin’s Pittsburgh future remains year to year
Evgeni Malkin has said he wants to remain in Pittsburgh, and any decision about playing beyond this season is expected to be handled year by year.
His performance and how he feels will guide the eventual discussion with general manager Kyle Dubas. Malkin could retire or seek to continue contributing with the Penguins.
Kane returns to Chicago for home opener
Patrick Kane was due to return to United Center when Chicago hosted St. Louis in its 2026-27 home opener on Tuesday, following three seasons in Detroit.
Kane signed a two-year, $16 million contract on July 23, carrying an $8 million average annual value. His return joins a long NHL history of major player homecomings.
Canadiens unveil Heritage Classic look
Montreal’s Heritage Classic uniform combines the club’s classic red and blue with vintage off-white, with “Les Habitants” on the back collar and a fleur-de-lis loop label.
The Canadiens and Winnipeg Jets will play the 2026 Heritage Classic at Winnipeg’s Princess Auto Stadium on Sunday, October 25. Nick Suzuki and Cole Caufield both expressed excitement about the outdoor game.
READ FULL STORY: Canadiens unveil Heritage Classic jersey details
Doughty shares childhood note to Gretzky
Drew Doughty shared a letter he wrote to Wayne Gretzky when he was five, describing Gretzky as his favourite hockey player and the Kings as his favourite team.
The note asked Gretzky for an autograph and a greeting for Kelly Hrudey. Doughty also congratulated Gretzky on reaching 2,500 NHL points and mentioned a connection to Gretzky’s wedding.
READ FULL STORY: Doughty Shares Childhood Letter to Kings Icon Gretzky
Detroit’s Edvinsson offer reportedly falls short
Detroit reportedly offered Simon Edvinsson a six-year deal worth around $8.5 million, but the proposed figure was not enough to complete an agreement.
Edvinsson is said to be seeking significantly more on a six- or seven-year term. Detroit’s move away from a bridge-deal position was described as progress, though more work is needed.
READ FULL STORY: Red Wings’ Edvinsson Offer Reportedly Falls Short
IHM NHL PULSE
Contract questions dominate the off-ice conversation
Several situations centre on valuations and timing rather than completed agreements. Binnington’s market could become relevant if St. Louis falls from the playoff race, while Edvinsson and Detroit are reportedly still apart despite a six-year offer around $8.5 million. DeBrincat’s reported target range, possible Schaefer terms and Robertson’s planned December 1 discussions show how term, price and team circumstances are shaping the conversation.
Career milestones sharpen the emotional calendar
Ovechkin’s final NHL season has transformed Washington’s home opener and his remaining games against Crosby into landmark occasions. His sons’ introduction provided a family moment before the Capitals game, while the Ovechkin-Crosby matchup was set to mark their 101st meeting. Kane’s scheduled return to Chicago offers another reunion defined by a player’s long connection with a former club.
Detroit’s forward picture remains unsettled
Larkin’s availability was awaiting medical clearance after an upper-body injury, while Kasper, Appleton and Compher were also unavailable for the Ottawa game. Separately, Detroit is reportedly still trying to find common ground with Edvinsson on a longer-term contract.
Outdoor hockey approaches
Montreal’s Heritage Classic jersey reveal put focus on the October 25 outdoor meeting with Winnipeg. Suzuki and Caufield both highlighted the appeal of taking part in the event.
WHAT WE’RE WATCHING NEXT
- Whether Jason Robertson’s agent and Dallas begin the more serious extension discussions planned for December 1.
- The Canadiens and Jets meeting in the Heritage Classic on Sunday, October 25, at Princess Auto Stadium.
- Philadelphia’s scheduled visit to Ottawa on Thursday following Michael Bunting’s signing.
SHORT ICE Q&A
Why is Jordan Binnington’s future in St. Louis uncertain?
Any move is expected to depend on the Blues’ season and their standing nearer the March 1 trade deadline. If they remain in contention with a strong tandem, St. Louis may prefer continuity unless it receives an exceptional offer.
What made Ovechkin’s home opener especially significant?
Sergei and Ilya Ovechkin introduced their father before Washington’s final home opener of his NHL career. Ovechkin had told teammates that his 22nd season would be his last.
What was Dylan Larkin’s status for Ottawa?
Larkin was a game-time decision and required medical clearance after an upper-body injury sustained during off-season training. He practised on a line with Lucas Raymond and Viktor Arvidsson and worked on the power play.
What are the terms of Michael Bunting’s Flyers contract?
Bunting signed for one year and $1.2 million. He joined Philadelphia after being an unrestricted free agent since July 1.
When will Montreal and Winnipeg play the Heritage Classic?
The teams will play on Sunday, October 25, at Winnipeg’s Princess Auto Stadium.
What is reported to be the gap in Simon Edvinsson’s talks with Detroit?
Detroit reportedly offered a six-year deal around $8.5 million, while Edvinsson is said to be seeking significantly more on a six- or seven-year term.
FAN PULSE
Which upcoming storyline are you watching most closely?
A) Alex Ovechkin’s remaining meetings with Sidney Crosby.
B) Detroit’s effort to settle its Dylan Larkin and Simon Edvinsson situations.
C) The Canadiens and Jets at the Heritage Classic.