Category: NHL NEWS

IHM delivers the latest NHL news, game recaps, trade updates, injury reports and key league developments. Our coverage combines real-time updates with tactical insights from former professional coach Mark Lehtonen, helping you understand not just what happened, but why it matters. Stay ahead with fast, structured and reliable NHL news.

Gabriel Landeskog thrilled to ‘feel this good’ again

By IceHockeyMan Editorial Team | Published: September 18, 2026, 20:09 CEST

Story Summary

Landeskog missed three full seasons (2022-25) following a skate-blade cut to his right knee in the Edmonton bubble on Aug. 30, 2020, returned in the 2025 playoffs and posted 35 points in 60 regular-season games last season. He says the knee is ” pretty close” to healthy, he expects to ” take another step” and he is eager to help the Avalanche pursue another Stanley Cup.

Key Facts

Gabriel Landeskog is the 33-year-old captain of the Colorado Avalanche.
Landeskog suffered a right-knee laceration when a skate blade belonging to teammate Cale Makar cut his knee in the Edmonton bubble on Aug. 30, 2020.
Landeskog missed three seasons from 2022 through 2025 while undergoing surgeries and setbacks and at times considered retiring.
He returned during the 2025 playoffs, playing his first game in 1,032 days.
Landeskog became the fifth player to play at least 700 games and return after an absence of 1,000 days or more, joining Jim Peplinski, Mario Lemieux, Uwe Krupp and Peter Forsberg, per NHL Stats.
Statistics since return: four points (one goal, three assists) in five playoff games in 2025; 35 points (14 goals, 21 assists) in 60 regular-season games last season; 11 points (six goals, five assists) in 13 playoff games last season.
Career comparative totals cited: 59 points (30 goals, 29 assists) in 51 regular-season games in 2021-22; 22 points (11 goals, 11 assists) in 20 playoff games in 2021-22.
Landeskog said his knee ” isn’t anybody’s healthy knee,” but ” it’s pretty close to it, and the more time passes, the stronger I get.”
Colorado posted the best record in Avalanche/Quebec Nordiques history last season and won the Presidents’ Trophy at 55-16-11 (.738 points percentage), ranking first in goals (3.63) and goals against (2.40) per game.
Recent postseason history noted: lost to Seattle Kraken in seven games in the 2023 first round; lost to the Dallas Stars in six games in the 2024 second round; lost to the Stars in seven games in the 2025 first round; last season the Avalanche reached the Western Conference Final but were swept by the Vegas Golden Knights.
Landeskog said the team will be ” more hungry, more desperate, more inspired” after last season’s finish and praised coach Jared Bednar’s method of breaking the season into segments and challenging players to improve.
The Avalanche open the season against the Los Angeles Kings at Ball Arena in Denver on Sept. 30, and the team will play the Discover NHL Winter Classic at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Dec. 31, which Landeskog said will be his fourth outdoor game and the first for some teammates.

IHM Discussion

Landeskog’s recovery has moved from simply returning to building consistency. After surgeries, setbacks and three seasons away, he returned in the 2025 playoffs and followed that with 35 points in 60 regular-season games and 11 points in 13 playoff games last season.

The key question is durability. Landeskog said he expects to take another step, but he also acknowledged that his right knee will require ongoing maintenance. Colorado will be watching both his availability and whether he can continue to build towards the production he delivered before his absence, when he recorded 59 points in 51 regular-season games and 22 points in 20 playoff games in 2021-22.

The wider context raises the stakes. The Avalanche posted the best record in Avalanche/Quebec Nordiques history last season, but were swept by Vegas in the Western Conference Final. Landeskog’s experience as captain, Cup winner and returning player gives Colorado an important voice as it looks to turn regular-season success into a deeper playoff run.

Why It Matters

Landeskog remains Colorado’s captain and an important contributor when available. His encouraging assessment of his knee gives the Avalanche reason for optimism, while the need for continued maintenance keeps the focus on how consistently he can play and produce over a long season.

Colorado’s regular-season success last season has heightened expectations. If Landeskog continues to improve as he hopes, the Avalanche will carry greater experience and proven playoff production into another push for the Stanley Cup.

Fan Pulse

Fans will likely welcome Landeskog’s positive report as reassurance. His remark that he does not ” take anything for granted” after the injury and his excitement to share an outdoor game with his three young children – ages 7, 5 and 1½ – frames his return as both a personal triumph and a feel-good storyline for supporters. The combination of veteran leadership, recent productivity and public optimism should temper concerns while keeping expectations measured.

Mini Q&A

What injury did Gabriel Landeskog suffer?

His right knee was cut by a skate blade belonging to teammate Cale Makar during a game in the Edmonton bubble on Aug. 30, 2020.

How long was Landeskog out of the lineup?

He sat out three seasons and played his first game in 1,032 days when he returned in the 2025 playoffs.

How did Landeskog perform after his return?

After returning, he had four points (one goal, three assists) in five playoff games in 2025, 35 points (14 goals, 21 assists) in 60 regular-season games last season, and 11 points (six goals, five assists) in 13 playoff games last season.

What did Landeskog say about the condition of his knee?

He said the knee ” isn’t anybody’s healthy knee,” but it is ” pretty close to it,” and ” the more time passes, the stronger I get.”

When does Colorado open the season and where will the Winter Classic be?

Colorado opens the season against the Los Angeles Kings at Ball Arena in Denver on Sept. 30, and the Avalanche will play the Discover NHL Winter Classic at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Dec. 31.

Coach Mark Comment

Landeskog’s progress gives Colorado a valuable option, but the real test is sustaining it through the rhythm of an 84-game season. His game does not need to look exactly as it did before the injury; consistent availability, competitive detail and timely production would make a significant difference for the Avalanche.

What Comes Next

Colorado opens the regular season against the Los Angeles Kings at Ball Arena in Denver on Sept. 30. The Avalanche then face the Utah Mammoth in the Discover NHL Winter Classic at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Dec. 31.

IHM Final View

Landeskog’s assessment is encouraging, but measured. He has completed a long recovery, returned to contribute last season and believes he can take another step. Over the coming months, the focus will be on whether he can sustain that progress and help Colorado turn its regular-season standard into playoff success.

Babcock to open season with McDavid and Draisaitl

By IceHockeyMan Editorial Team | Published: September 18, 2026, 10:16 CEST

Story Summary

Mike Babcock said he will start the Edmonton Oilers’ season with Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl together on the top line. Speaking after the first two on-ice sessions of training camp, Babcock said he intends to ” start with the two of them together, for sure,” while leaving the identity of the third forward and the distribution of minutes to be determined as camp progresses.

Babcock framed the early days of camp as a period for coaches and players to learn about one another. He emphasised organisation, playing without the puck and clearly defined roles for 12 forwards.

Key Facts

Mike Babcock said Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl” will make up two-thirds of the Oilers’ top line” when Edmonton opens the season against the Vancouver Canucks on Sept. 29.
Babcock added: ” I’m going to try and start with the two of them together, for sure.”
Babcock said the third piece on each of the top three lines and exact ice-time allocations ” I don’t know that” and that camp will determine those details.
Babcock told reporters: ” You guys (media), that’s your job to speculate and come up with these theories, but I don’t have any yet. I’m going to watch them and they’re going to decide, and I think that’s the thing to understand…. They’re going to decide who plays with who and how much each guy plays, not us.”
Leon Draisaitl described the first practice as ” great” and ” intense,” saying Babcock is ” energetic” and ” wants things done a certain way and he wants them done right.”
Draisaitl said the group is used to ” flip-flopping” lines and that the team values consistency, while acknowledging the coaching staff makes the final calls.
Babcock emphasised the importance of structure: ” What I wanted to do is (establish) how we’re going to play without the puck,” adding that playing in Edmonton requires fitness and clearly defined roles for 12 forwards.
Babcock has 700 regular-season wins, placing him 12th in NHL history, accrued over 17 seasons with the Mighty Ducks of Anaheim, Detroit Red Wings and Toronto Maple Leafs. He won the Stanley Cup with Detroit in 2008.
Babcock coached Canada to Olympic gold medals in 2010 (Vancouver) and 2014 (Sochi).
Babcock had not run an NHL practice since he was dismissed by the Toronto Maple Leafs 23 games into the 2019-20 season.
Connor McDavid has had six head coaches in Edmonton since his 2015-16 debut; Leon Draisaitl has had seven head coaches and nine coaches overall since his 2014-15 debut.

IHM Discussion

Babcock’s intention to begin the season with McDavid and Draisaitl together settles a long-running internal debate in Edmonton about whether the Oilers’ two best forwards should be paired or deployed apart to spread elite playmaking across the lineup. By announcing he will ” start with the two of them together,” Babcock gives his coaching staff a baseline: a top line built around two prolific drivers of offence while preserving flexibility during camp to test alternatives.

His repeated emphasis on organisation and playing without the puck signals a return to structure-first coaching. Babcock framed the early sessions as a chance to set standards – fitness, positional awareness and clearly defined roles for what he called a 12-forward group where ” everyone is going to be important.” That emphasis could affect how the Oilers deploy their depth forwards and manage minutes: a coach stressing structure typically demands accountability from every forward, not just star players.

Babcock’s claim that players will ” decide who plays with who and how much each guy plays” is notable phrasing. It suggests he expects in-practice chemistry and players’ own responses in drills and scrimmages to inform line construction rather than a fixed top-down plan. The approach balances a clear starting decision – pairing McDavid and Draisaitl – with an empirical, observation-driven process through training camp.

Why It Matters

How the Oilers handle McDavid and Draisaitl carries direct implications for their scoring balance and depth. Keeping the duo together concentrates elite playmaking and finishing on one line, which can produce a dominant top unit but risks leaving secondary lines without consistent high-end puck possession or scoring drivers. Splitting them has been the alternative strategy to elevate the second line and create more threats across the lineup.

Babcock’s organisational demands and insistence on defined roles aim to address the Oilers’ recent concerns about lapses in detail. If the team can combine elite offensive talent with improved structure without sacrificing McDavid and Draisaitl’s production, Edmonton’s Stanley Cup pursuit – a stated objective Babcock referenced by urging high standards – gains practical credibility.

Training camp and the pre-season, therefore, become consequential: they are where chemistry, defensive habits and role clarity will be evaluated ahead of the season-opening matchup with Vancouver.

Mini Q&A

Will Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl play together to open the season?

Yes. Mike Babcock said he will ” start with the two of them together” and that McDavid and Draisaitl” will make up two-thirds of the Oilers’ top line” for the season opener against the Vancouver Canucks on Sept. 29.

Who will decide the full forward lines and ice-time?

Babcock said he will use training camp to assess line combinations and ice time, adding: ” I’m going to watch them and they’re going to decide who plays with who and how much each guy plays, not us.” Draisaitl said the coaching staff makes the final calls.

What has Babcock prioritised during the first practices?

He prioritised organisation and how the team will ” play without the puck,” stressing fitness and clearly defined roles for all 12 forwards.

What did Leon Draisaitl say about the new coach’s first day?

Draisaitl called the session ” great” and ” intense,” describing Babcock as ” energetic” and saying ” he wants things done a certain way and he wants them done right.”

What is Babcock’s coaching background?

Babcock has 700 regular-season wins (12th in NHL history), won the Stanley Cup with Detroit in 2008 and coached Canada to Olympic gold in 2010 and 2014. He had not run an NHL practice since being dismissed by Toronto 23 games into the 2019-20 season.

When is the Oilers’ season opener?

The Oilers open the regular season against the Vancouver Canucks on Sept. 29, as stated.

Coach Mark Comment

Starting McDavid and Draisaitl together gives the coach a clear maximum-output baseline to measure everything else against. It’s a practical test: if the top line dominates and the rest of the roster responds with improved structure and role clarity, the pairing can be sustained. If depth lines struggle for possession or goals, splitting the two creates a viable tactical lever to spread playmaking influence.

Babcock emphasising ” playing without the puck” and fitness underlines a defensive-first prescription that won’t suit every forward in the same way. He is right to use camp as an observational lab: practice habits, compete-level in drills and quick, accountable details usually predict which line combinations will survive into October. The coaching challenge will be to balance star usage with team-wide responsibilities so the top end can be elite without masking systemic weak spots.

What Comes Next

Training camp sessions will continue and the Oilers’ decisions about line combinations and ice-time distribution will be shaped by those sessions. Edmonton opens the regular season against the Vancouver Canucks on Sept. 29; that game will be the first formal checkpoint to see whether Babcock keeps McDavid and Draisaitl together.

IHM Final View

Mike Babcock has chosen a pragmatic starting point by announcing Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl will begin the season together while reserving finer lineup decisions for training camp. His focus on organisation and defined roles signals a methodical approach that aims to marry elite offensive talent with tighter team structure. How well the rest of the roster adapts during camp will help determine whether keeping the duo intact remains the preferred alignment.

Patrick Kane says he has ‘a lot left on the table’ at Blackhawks camp

By IceHockeyMan Editorial Team | Published: September 18, 2026, 10:14 CEST

Story Summary

Patrick Kane is back with the Chicago Blackhawks, beginning his 20th NHL season after signing a two-year, $16 million contract ($8 million AAV) on July 23. The 37-year-old veteran said he still feels “like there’s a lot left on the table” and is encouraged by the club’s young core. Kane was named an alternate captain the same day Connor Bedard was named captain. Kane skated with Frank Nazar and Roman Kantserov at the start of training camp; Kantserov is expected to make his NHL debut this season. Bedard underwent surgery on his left shoulder in July and is expected to return in November. The Blackhawks open the season at the Vegas Golden Knights on Sept. 29.

Key Facts

Patrick Kane signed a two-year, $16 million contract ($8 million AAV) with the Chicago Blackhawks on July 23.
Kane begins his 20th NHL season and his second stint with the Blackhawks.
He was named an alternate captain on the same day Connor Bedard was named captain.
Kane said: “You’re 37, turning 38 (in November) and accomplished some great things, but it still feels like there’s a lot left on the table and a lot left to accomplish because these guys haven’t done it and they’re pushing to do it.”
Kane has 1,400 points (508 goals, 892 assists) in 1,369 career games with Chicago, the New York Rangers and Detroit Red Wings, and 138 points (53 goals, 85 assists) in 143 Stanley Cup Playoff games.
With Chicago, Kane ranks third in franchise goals (446), second in assists (779) and second in points (1,225); he has played 1,161 games for the Blackhawks.
Kane scored his 500th NHL goal on Jan. 8, broke the U.S.-born points record with No. 1,375 on Jan. 29 and reached 1,400 points on April 13.
Named one of the 100 Greatest Players in NHL history during the League’s Centennial celebration in 2017.
Chicago’s young core includes Connor Bedard (captain), Roman Kantserov (21), Frank Nazar (22), Anton Frondell (19), Artyom Levshunov (20) and Sam Rinzel (22).
Kane skated with center Frank Nazar and left wing Roman Kantserov at the start of training camp; that trio could start the season if Bedard is unavailable.
Roman Kantserov is expected to make his NHL debut this season.
Connor Bedard had surgery on his left shoulder in July and is expected to be back in November, at which point lines will likely change.

IHM Discussion

Patrick Kane enters his second stint with Chicago in a formal leadership role, having been named alternate captain on the same day Connor Bedard became captain. The 37-year-old begins his 20th NHL season on a two-year, $16 million contract, and said the team’s young players give him more to accomplish.

He has 1,400 career points in 1,369 NHL games, while his first spell in Chicago included three Stanley Cup wins. The Blackhawks’ younger players have spoken openly about learning from his experience, and Kane has said he wants to help the group win and take its next step.

At the start of camp, Kane skated with centre Frank Nazar and left wing Roman Kantserov, who is expected to make his NHL debut this season. With Bedard expected back in November following left-shoulder surgery, those combinations could change, but Kane’s early camp work offers Chicago an immediate opportunity to build familiarity around its younger forwards.

Why It Matters

Kane brings a rare level of experience to a young Chicago group. His alternate-captain role gives that experience a formal place in the leadership group, while his passing and situational awareness can be useful reference points for younger linemates. With Bedard expected back in November, Chicago also has an early opportunity to assess combinations involving Kane, Nazar and Kantserov.

Mini Q&A

What contract did Patrick Kane sign?

Kane signed a two-year, $16 million contract with an $8 million average annual value on July 23.

Was Kane given a leadership role?

Yes. Kane was named an alternate captain the same day Connor Bedard was named captain.

How does Kane describe his situation entering camp?

Kane said: “You’re 37, turning 38 (in November) and accomplished some great things, but it still feels like there’s a lot left on the table and a lot left to accomplish because these guys haven’t done it and they’re pushing to do it.”

Who are some of the young players Kane will work with?

Chicago’s young group includes Connor Bedard, Roman Kantserov (21), Frank Nazar (22), Anton Frondell (19), Artyom Levshunov (20) and Sam Rinzel (22).

When is Bedard expected to return from surgery?

Connor Bedard is expected back in November after surgery on his left shoulder in July.

When do the Blackhawks open the season?

The Blackhawks open the season at the Vegas Golden Knights on Sept. 29.

Coach Mark Comment

Short training camps favour experience. A veteran who knows how to navigate tight-game moments and the habits that win playoffs shortens the trial-and-error phase for young players. Kane can teach decision-making under pressure – not just what to do with the puck, but where to be before the play develops – and that kind of tacit knowledge is difficult to instil from the bench or video alone.

IHM Final View

Kane’s return gives Chicago an accomplished scorer and playmaker in its leadership group as he begins his 20th NHL season. His early work with Nazar and Kantserov will be worth watching, particularly with Bedard expected back in November. The Blackhawks open at the Vegas Golden Knights on Sept. 29.

Brodeur: Hughes taking the ‘bull by the horns’ for Devils

By IceHockeyMan Editorial Team | Published: September 18, 2026, 10:05 CEST

Story Summary

Martin Brodeur believes Jack Hughes has entered a new stage of his career after scoring the overtime ‘Golden Goal’ for Team USA at the 2026 Winter Olympics. Brodeur, the New Jersey Devils‘ executive vice president of hockey operations and a Hall of Fame goaltender, said Hughes is showing greater responsibility and leadership since returning from Milan. The 25-year-old centre posted 41 points (15 goals, 26 assists) and averaged 21:50 of ice time in 25 games after the Olympics and arrived at Devils camp with reinforcements up front – including Anthony Mantha, Evan Rodrigues and Luke Evangelista – giving New Jersey more depth around its star.

Key Facts

Martin Brodeur is the New Jersey Devils executive vice president of hockey operations and a Hockey Hall of Famer who won three Stanley Cups and two Olympic gold medals.
Jack Hughes scored at 1:41 of overtime to give Team USA a 2-1 victory against Team Canada in the gold medal game of the men’s hockey tournament at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan, Italy, on Feb. 22.
Brodeur said Hughes returned from the Olympics ‘prepared to accept greater responsibility’ and is ‘taking the bull by the horns.’
Hughes is 25 years old and, upon his return to the Devils after the Olympics, had 41 points (15 goals, 26 assists) and averaged 21:50 of ice time in 25 games.
Since entering the NHL in 2019-20, Hughes has played more than 62 regular-season games only once; that season (2022-23) he recorded 99 points (43 goals, 56 assists) in 78 games and reached the Eastern Conference Second Round.
Brodeur highlighted health as a lingering question in Hughes’ career: ‘Health has always been a bit of an issue, and he takes it seriously.’
New Jersey added forwards Evan Rodrigues, Luke Evangelista and Anthony Mantha in an effort to deepen its forward group.
Anthony Mantha (6-foot-5, 240 pounds) received an immediate look alongside Jack Hughes and Jesper Bratt on opening day of training camp.
Hughes is entering his eighth NHL season and serves as an assistant captain alongside Jesper Bratt; Nico Hischier is the Devils’ captain.
Luke Hughes – Jack’s brother and a Devils defenceman – said the Olympic goal ‘was kind of a close-the-chapter moment’ for Jack and that ‘he’s in a new stage in his career.’
Hughes said of the Olympic win: ‘Now I’m refreshed, I’m happy and I’m not worried about the past. I’m just excited for what’s to come.’
Hughes stated his next objective is to help the Devils qualify for the Stanley Cup Playoffs and compete in ‘big-time moments.’

IHM Discussion

Brodeur frames Hughes’ Olympic experience not merely as an individual achievement but as a developmental milestone that has sharpened his appetite to lead. The Hall of Famer emphasised both the mental and practical effects of winning: Hughes ‘saw, playing with the team, what they accomplished in Milan’ and ‘wants to be able to share that with his teammates.’ That combination of belief and fresh perspective is notable because New Jersey has deliberately surrounded Hughes with additional talent. The arrivals of Evan Rodrigues, Luke Evangelista and Anthony Mantha are intended to ease some of the on-ice burden on Hughes and create more favourable matchups, a point Brodeur underlined when he said the added depth should let Hughes ‘play his game’ without the team collapsing if he misses time. The underlying caveat remains Hughes’ health history. Brodeur and Hughes both acknowledge injuries have disrupted continuity, and the 2022-23 season – when Hughes played 78 games and produced 99 points – remains the clearest demonstration of what sustained availability can produce.

Why It Matters

If Hughes sustains his health and channels the confidence from Milan into the regular season, the Devils gain a centre who combines elite offensive creation with an emerging willingness to shoulder leadership responsibilities. That shift matters for New Jersey’s playoff ambitions: Brodeur sees Hughes wanting to ‘share’ the Olympic-winning experience, and Hughes himself singled out postseason qualification and ‘big-time moments’ as his objectives. Greater forward depth could reduce the club’s dependence on one player as it pursues a steadier push for the Stanley Cup Playoffs.

Fan Pulse

Players and team leaders greeted Hughes’ Olympic success as a personal and collective boost. Luke Hughes called the shot in Milan a way for Jack to ‘close the chapter’ on recent adversity, while Hughes described feeling ‘refreshed’ and ‘happy’ after the Olympics. Anthony Mantha, given an early look on the top line, admitted he would welcome the opportunity to ‘stick there’ because of the pace and skill around Hughes and Bratt. Across the locker room the tone is one of optimism: teammates see a player who has renewed belief and the club has added support to match it.

Mini Q&A

What did Martin Brodeur say about Jack Hughes after the Olympics?

Brodeur said Hughes is ‘taking the bull by the horns’ and has returned prepared to accept greater responsibility, calling the change ‘commendable.’

What was Hughes’ Olympic moment?

Hughes scored at 1:41 of overtime to give Team USA a 2-1 victory against Team Canada in the gold medal game at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan, Italy, on Feb. 22.

How did Hughes perform after the Olympics with the Devils?

Upon his return from the Olympics, Hughes had 41 points (15 goals, 26 assists) and averaged 21:50 of ice time in 25 games.

What roster additions did the Devils make to support Hughes?

New Jersey added forwards Evan Rodrigues, Luke Evangelista and Anthony Mantha to deepen its forward group.

What role did Anthony Mantha get in camp?

Mantha received an immediate look alongside Jack Hughes and Jesper Bratt on the opening day of training camp.

What are Hughes’ stated goals for the season?

Hughes said his next objective is to help the Devils qualify for the Stanley Cup Playoffs and play in ‘big-time moments.’

Coach Mark Comment

From a coaching perspective, the key is turning confidence into repeatable habits. Greater forward depth can give New Jersey more options around Hughes, while his line with Mantha and Bratt offers a useful blend of pace, skill and size. The priority will be to build on that support without taking away the creativity that drives Hughes’ game.

What Comes Next

The next checkpoint is how Hughes and his new-look top line perform in the early regular season and whether he can maintain availability across a fuller schedule; the Devils’ training-camp deployment – including the immediate look with Mantha, Hughes and Bratt – will be an early indicator of the coaching staff’s plan.

IHM Final View

Brodeur’s assessment makes clear that Jack Hughes’ Olympic triumph carried more than headline moments; it introduced a leadership edge and clearer purpose. If Hughes remains healthy and the Devils’ added depth functions as intended, his Milan experience could be the turning point that translates elite talent into consistent postseason impact for New Jersey.

Drew Doughty named Kings captain, targets Stanley Cup

By IceHockeyMan Editorial Team | Published: September 18, 2026, 10:04 CEST

Story Summary

Drew Doughty has been named the 15th captain of the Los Angeles Kings. The 36-year-old defenseman, a Kings fixture since being selected No. 2 in the 2008 NHL Draft, said winning another Stanley Cup is what he plays for as he enters his 19th NHL season. Doughty, who won Cups with the Kings in 2012 and 2014 and has been part of the leadership group since 2016-17, replaces Anze Kopitar, who retired after 20 seasons with the club.

Key Facts

Doughty is 36 years old and is entering his 19th NHL season.
The Kings selected Doughty with the No. 2 pick in the 2008 NHL Draft.
Doughty holds nearly every major franchise record for a defenceman, including regular-season points (709), goals (165), assists (544) and games played (1,279).
In the Stanley Cup Playoffs Doughty has 61 points (19 goals, 42 assists) in 105 games.
He helped the Kings win the Stanley Cup in 2012 and 2014.
The Kings have not won a playoff series since defeating the New York Rangers in five games in the 2014 Cup Final.
The Kings have been eliminated in the Western Conference First Round in five straight seasons, including a four-game sweep by the Colorado Avalanche in April.
Doughty has been part of the Kings’ leadership group since 2016-17 and was named an alternate captain when Anze Kopitar replaced Dustin Brown as captain.
Anze Kopitar retired after 20 NHL seasons, all with the Kings, and sent Doughty a congratulatory text after the captaincy announcement.
Adrian Kempe was the first player to reach out to Doughty after the announcement; general manager Ken Holland said Kempe was among the top candidates for the vacancy and Kempe will remain an alternate captain.
Defenseman Mikey Anderson will remain an alternate captain, and forward Artemi Panarin joins the alternate group in his first full season with the Kings after being acquired from the New York Rangers on Feb. 4.

IHM Discussion

Doughty’s elevation to captain is as much a recognition of long service as it is a declaration of the franchise’s identity. He has been a constant in Los Angeles since the Kings used the No. 2 pick on him in 2008, and the statistical record the club credits him with – 709 regular-season points, 165 goals, 544 assists and 1,279 games played at the position – underlines rare longevity for a defenceman. His playoff totals and two Stanley Cup wins in 2012 and 2014 provide the pedigree for a renewed championship push. That objective carries weight: Doughty himself said, “That’s what I keep playing for. I want to win a championship.”

The timing of the captaincy follows the retirement of Anze Kopitar after a 20-season Kings career. Kopitar’s long tenure and contrasting leadership style – Kopitar as the quiet example, Doughty the loud, emotional presence – set the stage for a change in tone rather than a break with the recent past. Adrian Kempe and Mikey Anderson will remain alternate captains, while Artemi Panarin joins the group in his first full season with the Kings. General manager Ken Holland cited Doughty’s passion and pride as key factors in the decision.

Why It Matters

A captaincy is more than a dressing-room title: it is a public signal of who will set the standard on and off the ice. For the Kings, naming Doughty – a two-time Cup winner and franchise record-holder for defencemen – signals an organisational preference for experienced, outspoken leadership to guide a team that has struggled to win playoff series since 2014. That struggle is concrete: five consecutive first-round exits, most recently a four-game sweep by Colorado, gives Doughty a clear mandate to push the club back toward contention.

Fan Pulse

Supporters will likely welcome a familiar face into the captaincy. Doughty is not only the veteran star who helped bring the franchise its first two Stanley Cups, but also a player with a clear emotional attachment to the club: he grew up with LA Kings pillow covers and jerseys on his bedroom wall. That connection, combined with his on-ice production and stated desire to win another championship, gives fans a clear focal point for optimism and expectation heading into the new season.

Mini Q&A

Who is the new captain of the Los Angeles Kings?

Drew Doughty has been named the 15th captain of the Los Angeles Kings.

What are Doughty’s career highlights with the Kings?

Doughty was the No. 2 pick in the 2008 NHL Draft, has franchise-leading totals for a defenceman in regular-season points (709), goals (165), assists (544) and games played (1,279), has 61 playoff points (19 goals, 42 assists) in 105 games, and won the Stanley Cup with the Kings in 2012 and 2014.

Why did the Kings make this change in captaincy?

Anze Kopitar retired after 20 NHL seasons with the Kings. Ken Holland said Doughty’s passion and pride made it feel natural to make him the next captain.

Who will serve as alternate captains?

Adrian Kempe and Mikey Anderson will remain alternate captains, and Artemi Panarin joins the group as the third alternate in his first full season with the Kings after being acquired from the New York Rangers on Feb. 4.

What is Doughty’s stated priority as captain?

Doughty said his priority is to win a championship: “That’s what I keep playing for. I want to win a championship.”

Coach Mark Comment

Doughty’s louder, more emotional style gives the Kings a different captaincy voice from Kopitar’s quieter example-setting approach. With Kempe, Anderson and Panarin also in the leadership group, the challenge will be to turn that energy into clear, consistent standards across the room and on the ice.

What Comes Next

Doughty will enter his 19th NHL season wearing the ‘C’ for the Kings as the club pursues its first playoff-series victory since the 2014 Stanley Cup Final.

IHM Final View

Naming Drew Doughty captain is a logical move for the Kings. It honours a franchise cornerstone whose career achievements and emotional stake in the organisation give him clear authority. The more important measure, though, will be whether his leadership helps the Kings break a multi-year pattern of early playoff exits and return to championship contention.

Yvan Cournoyer, Stanley Cup headline Hockeyville visit

By IceHockeyMan Editorial Team | Published: September 18, 2026, 10:02 CEST

Story Summary

Hall of Famer Yvan Cournoyer joined Hockeyville celebrations in Saint-Boniface, Quebec, appearing with the Stanley Cup ahead of Montreal’s pre-season meeting with the Ottawa Senators at Colisée Vidéotron in Trois-Rivières. The 82-year-old Canadiens ambassador appeared as Saint-Boniface received Hockeyville honours worth $250,000 for upgrades to Arena de Saint-Boniface and $10,000 in new equipment from NHLPA Goals & Dreams and the NHL/NHLPA Industry Growth Fund. Cournoyer, who spent his entire NHL playing career with Montreal and won 10 Stanley Cups, spoke of the trophy’s value and the work required to win it. He remains a regular ambassador for the organisation and was among those celebrating grassroots hockey and community investment. Cournoyer’s Canadiens career included 428 goals and 863 points, ranking fourth and sixth respectively in team history. He also scored Canada’s game-winning goal in a 4-1 victory against Russia in Game 2 of the 1972 Summit Series. The Canadiens opened training camp after finishing the previous season 48-24-10 with 106 points and reaching the Eastern Conference Final, where they lost in five games to the Carolina Hurricanes. They open the regular season at the Toronto Maple Leafs on Sept. 29.

Key Facts

Yvan Cournoyer, 82, is a Hockey Hall of Fame forward and long-time Montreal Canadiens ambassador.
Cournoyer appeared in Saint-Boniface with the Stanley Cup as part of Hockeyville celebrations.
Saint-Boniface won Hockeyville, earning $250,000 for Arena de Saint-Boniface upgrades.
$10,000 in new hockey equipment was provided by NHLPA Goals & Dreams and the NHL/NHLPA Industry Growth Fund.
The Canadiens were scheduled to play the Ottawa Senators at Colisée Vidéotron in Trois-Rivières in a pre-season game linked to the Hockeyville event.
Cournoyer won 10 Stanley Cups during his playing career with the Canadiens.
He scored the game-winning goal for Canada in a 4-1 victory against Russia in Game 2 of the 1972 Summit Series.
Cournoyer’s Canadiens totals are 428 goals and 863 points, ranking fourth and sixth in team history respectively.
Cournoyer was appointed to the Order of Canada on April 17 to recognise achievement and community service.
The Canadiens opened training camp with tempered yet high expectations after finishing 48-24-10 (106 points) and reaching the Eastern Conference Final, a five-game loss to the Carolina Hurricanes.

IHM Discussion

The Hockeyville visit in Saint-Boniface paired a celebrated Canadiens ambassador and the Stanley Cup with direct community investment. The $250,000 prize for upgrades to Arena de Saint-Boniface and $10,000 in equipment provides practical support for the local rink and its players, while Cournoyer’s appearance connected the occasion to Canadiens history.

Cournoyer’s standing rests on more than nostalgia. A 10-time Stanley Cup champion who spent his entire NHL career with Montreal, he remains an active ambassador for the organisation. His 428 goals and 863 points rank fourth and sixth in Canadiens history respectively. His previous Hockeyville visit to Renous, New Brunswick, in 2019 drew a line of people waiting for photographs with the Stanley Cup.

The event came as Montreal opened training camp following a 48-24-10, 106-point season and an Eastern Conference Final loss to Carolina. Cournoyer said the club had learned from its recent defeats, with the regular-season opener in Toronto on Sept. 29 the next on-ice milestone.

Why It Matters

Hockeyville directs NHL attention and funding towards community rinks, with the Saint-Boniface prize providing upgrades for Arena de Saint-Boniface and new equipment for local hockey. Cournoyer’s appearance with the Stanley Cup gave the celebration an added connection to Canadiens history and to a player whose career was defined by 10 championships.

Fan Pulse

Cournoyer’s Hockeyville appearances have offered fans a rare chance to see the Stanley Cup and meet a Canadiens legend. At Renous, New Brunswick, in 2019, people lined up outside Tom Donovan Arena for photographs with the trophy. In Saint-Boniface, his local appearance marked the community’s Hockeyville celebration and its investment in Arena de Saint-Boniface.

Mini Q&A

Who visited Saint-Boniface for Hockeyville?

Yvan Cournoyer, the 82-year-old Hockey Hall of Famer and long-time Montreal Canadiens ambassador.

What did Saint-Boniface win as Hockeyville champion?

The community earned $250,000 for Arena de Saint-Boniface upgrades and $10,000 in new hockey equipment from NHLPA Goals & Dreams and the NHL/NHLPA Industry Growth Fund.

Which pre-season game was associated with the Hockeyville event?

The Canadiens were scheduled to play the Ottawa Senators at Colisée Vidéotron in Trois-Rivières in a pre-season game linked to the Hockeyville event.

What are some of Cournoyer’s Canadiens career totals mentioned?

Cournoyer recorded 428 goals and 863 points, which rank fourth and sixth respectively in franchise history.

What notable international moment for Cournoyer was recalled?

He scored the game-winning goal for Canada in a 4-1 victory against Russia in Game 2 of the 1972 Summit Series.

When do the Canadiens open the regular season?

The Canadiens open the regular season at the Toronto Maple Leafs on Sept. 29.

Coach Mark Comment

The lasting value of Hockeyville is practical: better rink facilities and equipment give a local programme more to work with. A Stanley Cup visit also makes the game feel immediate for young players and volunteers who keep community hockey moving.

What Comes Next

The Canadiens open the regular season at the Toronto Maple Leafs on Sept. 29.

IHM Final View

Hockeyville in Saint-Boniface combined investment in Arena de Saint-Boniface with an appearance by Yvan Cournoyer and the Stanley Cup. The event highlighted Cournoyer’s continuing ambassadorial work for Montreal while giving the community a memorable celebration ahead of the Canadiens’ pre-season game against Ottawa.

Ovechkin energised by Capitals’ new faces as camp opens

By IceHockeyMan Editorial Team | Published: September 18, 2026, 10:00 CEST

Story Summary

Alex Ovechkin began Washington Capitals training camp in Arlington with a mixture of celebration and scrutiny. The NHL’s all-time leader in goals, who celebrated his 41st birthday, skated on a left-wing line with Dylan Strome at centre and Ryan Leonard on the right in the team’s first practice and said the club’s aggressive off-season additions were a major factor in his decision to sign for another year. Ovechkin signed a one-year contract on July 2 that includes $1 million in salary, a $4.75 million games-played bonus (10 games) and a $3.25 million signing bonus. He enters the season having scored an NHL-record 929 goals across his first 21 seasons and after leading Washington with 32 goals and 64 points in 82 games last season. He addressed criticism over his appearance in an advertisement for Russia’s United Russia party – standing behind Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov alongside Hall of Famer Viacheslav Fetisov – saying he is” for peace and love” and noting Russia is his home. Coach Spencer Carbery described Ovechkin’s role as a ” game-by-game thing” and did not anticipate the ad affecting the locker room; general manager Chris Patrick called the situation ” difficult.” The Capitals’ season opener is scheduled for Oct. 2 at the Carolina Hurricanes (7 p.m. ET; CARNHL, MNMT, TVAS).

Key Facts

Alex Ovechkin is entering his 22nd NHL training camp and celebrated his 41st birthday during the camp day.
Ovechkin is the NHL’s all-time leader in goals with an NHL-record 929 goals after 21 seasons, all with the Washington Capitals.
In the first Capitals practice, Ovechkin skated at left wing with Dylan Strome at centre and Ryan Leonard on the right.
He led Washington last season with 32 goals and 64 points in 82 games.
Ovechkin appeared in an ad for Russia’s United Russia party, standing behind Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov; Viacheslav Fetisov also participated in the commercial.
Ovechkin said about the video: ” I’m Russian… I’m for peace and love, and I hope everything’s going to be OK.” He called Russia his home and said Washington is his ” second home.”
Coach Spencer Carbery said he has not seen the ad and does not anticipate it impacting the Capitals locker room.
General manager Chris Patrick said, ” I would say it’s a difficult situation, and I understand why people are upset,” adding that was probably all he should say as a general manager.
Washington added veteran forwards Alex Tuch (acquired in trade from the Buffalo Sabres after signing an eight-year, $84 million contract; $10.5 million AAV) and Jordan Kyrou (acquired in a trade with the St. Louis Blues), and signed Boone Jenner (four-year, $23 million contract; $5.75 million AAV) and defenseman Vincent Desharnais (four-year, $16.8 million contract; $4.2 million AAV).
Alex Tuch and Jordan Kyrou are both three-time 30-goal scorers.
Carbery said the Capitals plan to spread ice time among forwards, which could mean Ovechkin plays fewer minutes than his NHL career-low average of 17:27 last season; his role will be determined ” game-by-game.”

IHM Discussion

Ovechkin’s return to camp combined familiar ritual with fresh context. The veteran’s presence remains a measuring stick for Washington: he still draws attention for his milestone totals and day-to-day routines, but the Capitals have altered the roster around him with clear intent. Alex Tuch, Jordan Kyrou, Boone Jenner and Vincent Desharnais add scoring depth, versatility and defensive experience to the group. Ovechkin said the new faces ” give us chance to fight for a Cup,” reflecting the opportunity he sees in the reshaped roster.

Ovechkin’s one-year deal includes $1 million in salary, a $4.75 million games-played bonus with a 10-game trigger and a $3.25 million signing bonus. He said Washington’s roster additions played a significant role in his decision to return.

The political ad created an unavoidable subplot to camp. Ovechkin answered directly, describing his personal and family ties to Russia and reiterating a message of peace. Carbery, who has not seen the ad, does not expect it to disrupt the locker room. General manager Chris Patrick called it ” a difficult situation” and acknowledged why people were upset.

Washington’s coaching staff is already considering how to manage minutes in a deeper forward group. Carbery said he intends to spread ice time among forwards and that Ochkin’s workload will be handled on a ” game-by-game” basis. Ovechkin also said he adjusted his off-season training with Pavel Burlachenko to focus more on conditioning.

Why It Matters

Ovechkin remains one of the NHL’s most consequential players; his presence affects roster construction, ice-time allocation and public perception of the Capitals’ Stanley Cup prospects. The club’s off-season moves signal a genuine attempt to convert a veteran core and a transcendent goal-scorer into a balanced contender. How Washington deploys Ovechkin – protecting his physical readiness while extracting his scoring – will be a key strategic variable for the season. Simultaneously, the political-ad controversy is a reminder that a player’s off-ice actions can become part of the team’s public narrative, requiring careful, unified responses from coaching and management.

Mini Q&A

Has Alex Ovechkin signed to play this season?

Yes. Ovechkin signed a one-year contract on July 2 that includes $1 million in salary, a $4.75 million games-played bonus (10 games) and a $3.25 million signing bonus.

How many career goals does Ovechkin have?

Ovechkin has an NHL-record 929 goals over his first 21 seasons, all with the Capitals.

What roster additions did Washington make over the summer?

Washington added Alex Tuch (acquired via trade after Tuch signed an eight-year, $84 million contract; $10.5 million AAV), Jordan Kyrou (acquired in a trade), signed Boone Jenner (four years, $23 million; $5.75 million AAV) and signed defenseman Vincent Desharnais (four years, $16.8 million; $4.2 million AAV).

Did Ovechkin address the political advertisement he appeared in?

Yes. Ovechkin said he is Russian, described Russia as his home, and said ” I’m for peace and love,” noting he hopes ” everything’s going to be OK.” The ad featured Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and also included Viacheslav Fetisov.

How will the Capitals manage Ovechkin’s ice time?

Coach Spencer Carbery said the team plans to spread ice time among forwards and that Ovechkin’s role will be decided on a ” game-by-game” basis; spreading minutes could mean fewer minutes than his NHL career-low average of 17:27 last season.

When is the Capitals’ season opener?

The Capitals’ season opener is scheduled for Oct. 2 at the Carolina Hurricanes (7 p.m. ET; CARNHL, MNMT, TVAS).

Coach Mark Comment

Washington’s depth gives Carbery more flexibility in how he builds Ovechkin’s shifts and linemates. If the forward group settles quickly, spreading minutes can help keep Ovechkin fresh while preserving his influence in attacking situations. The priority in camp is establishing combinations that complement his shot and allow the team to use its added depth consistently.

IHM Final View

The start of camp showed Ovechkin’s motivation to compete and the importance he places on Washington’s reshaped roster. The club’s off-season acquisitions helped persuade him to return on a one-year deal. How the Capitals blend their added depth with Ovechkin’s continuing impact, while managing the attention around the political ad, will shape their season.

Hockeyville in Saint-Boniface: Senators vs Canadiens

By IceHockeyMan Editorial Team | Published: September 17, 2026, 19:53 CEST

Story Summary

Kraft Hockeyville has returned to Quebec as Saint-Boniface hosts a National Hockey League pre-season game between the Ottawa Senators and the Montreal Canadiens at Colisee Videotron in Trois-Rivieres. Arena de Saint-Boniface received $250,000 in upgrades as part of a wider $7.2 million renovation budget supported by the Hockeyville prize and local effort. The event will feature pre-game festivities and player appearances, and marks Hockeyville’s first return to the province since a 3-2 Canadiens win over the Buffalo Sabres in Roberval on Sept. 23, 2008. Local organiser Jean-Sebastien Descoteaux said the community is eager for fans to meet their idols and watch the game, while volunteers disassembled and moved the arena from Radisson before rebuilding it following its $1 purchase.

Key Facts

Kraft Hockeyville has chosen Saint-Boniface, Quebec, as this year’s host community.
A pre-season game will be played between the Ottawa Senators and the Montreal Canadiens at Colisée Vidéotron in Trois-Rivières, Quebec.
The game is scheduled for Monday at 7 p.m. ET and will be broadcast on TVAS, SN1 and NHLN.
Arena de Saint-Boniface received $250,000 in upgrades from the Hockeyville grand prize.
The $250,000 prize helped grow a renovation budget to $7.2 million for Arena de Saint-Boniface.
Volunteers purchased the arena for $1, disassembled it in Radisson, Quebec, and shipped it 14 hours south to rebuild it in Saint-Boniface.
Hockeyville returns to Quebec for the first time since a 3-2 Canadiens win against the Buffalo Sabres in Roberval on Sept. 23, 2008.
Jean-Sebastien Descoteaux, who handles communications for the Saint-Boniface local organising committee, said the community was looking forward to fans meeting their idols and watching the game.
Saint-Boniface is described in its municipal history as originally erected July 1, 1855, under the name Canton de Shawenegan and later named Saint-Boniface.
Saint-Boniface is nearly equidistant between Montreal and Quebec City and about 20 minutes from Trois-Rivières and Colisée Vidéotron.
Amanda McKay, chair of the Elliot Lake Local Organizing Committee, is reported to be in Trois-Rivières on Monday for the ceremonial handoff of the Hockeyville trophy.

IHM Discussion

Hockeyville’s return to Quebec with Saint-Boniface at the centre of the festivities is as much about community infrastructure as it is about an NHL exhibition. The Arena de Saint-Boniface project began from a strikingly grassroots origin – a $1 purchase and a volunteer-led transplant of an arena structure from Radisson – and the $250,000 grand prize has been applied to upgrades within a $7.2 million renovation programme. The prize provides a significant contribution to a wider local project, while the volunteer history gives Saint-Boniface’s celebration its particular character.

For fans, the practical payoff is immediate. A pre-season meeting between the Senators and Canadiens at Colisee Videotron gives local supporters a chance to see two NHL clubs nearby. The event also includes a community celebration, red carpet, player appearances and other festivities that turn an exhibition game into a civic showpiece.

The 2008 Hockeyville game – a 3-2 Canadiens victory against Buffalo in Roberval – places the Saint-Boniface event in the programme’s Quebec history. Amanda McKay’s planned attendance for the ceremonial trophy handoff also links the new host community with Elliot Lake, the previous winner.

Why It Matters

Beyond a single pre-season matchup, Hockeyville events channel media attention, funding and volunteer energy into local arenas that might otherwise struggle to finance major renovations. The $250,000 prize in Saint-Boniface is explicitly cited as part of a larger $7.2 million budget that will renew community ice infrastructure. For young players, families and local businesses, the arrival of NHL clubs and the related fan programming can strengthen participation, boost local spending and raise the profile of grassroots hockey. For the league, these games keep the NHL connected to smaller communities and reinforce hockey’s cultural spread across the province and country.

Mini Q&A

What is happening in Saint-Boniface for Hockeyville?

Saint-Boniface is hosting a Kraft Hockeyville celebration that includes a pre-season game between the Ottawa Senators and the Montreal Canadiens, plus pre-game festivities and player appearances.

Where will the pre-season game be played and when is it scheduled?

The game will be played at Colisée Vidéotron in Trois-Rivières, Quebec, on Monday at 7 p.m. ET, with broadcasts on TVAS, SN1 and NHLN.

How much funding did Arena de Saint-Boniface receive from Hockeyville?

Arena de Saint-Boniface received $250,000 in upgrades from the Hockeyville grand prize.

What larger renovation programme does the Hockeyville prize support?

The $250,000 prize helped grow a renovation budget to $7.2 million for the Arena de Saint-Boniface.

When was the last time Hockeyville was held in Quebec?

Hockeyville last visited Quebec when the Canadiens beat the Buffalo Sabres 3-2 in Roberval on Sept. 23, 2008.

Coach Mark Comment

The lasting value is not the pre-season result but the attention directed towards a community rink. A major hockey event can give local volunteers and young players a memorable focal point, while the arena upgrades provide the tangible legacy of the celebration.

What Comes Next

Amanda McKay of the Elliot Lake local organising committee is expected in Trois-Rivieres on Monday for the ceremonial handoff of the Hockeyville trophy. The Senators – Canadiens pre-season game and associated Hockeyville festivities are also scheduled for Monday at Colisee Videotron.

IHM Final View

Saint-Boniface’s Hockeyville celebration is a reminder that NHL reach extends beyond arenas in major cities. The headline attraction is the Senators – Canadiens pre-season game, but the deeper story is civic: volunteer labour, a modest prize and a concentrated investment have combined to deliver a renovated facility and a community festival that will outlast a single evening of hockey.

DoorDash named NHL’s official on-demand delivery partner

By IceHockeyMan Editorial Team | Published: September 17, 2026, 18:05 CEST

Story Summary

The National Hockey League and DoorDash today announced a multiyear North American partnership that names DoorDash the Official On-Demand Delivery and Pick Up Partner of the NHL in Canada and the United States. The exclusive agreement, which begins immediately, grants DoorDash broad marketing rights and League designations, including use of League marks and broadcast-visible branding via Digitally Enhanced Dasherboards during nationally televised games. The deal covers integration at tentpole events such as the Discover NHL Winter Classic® and the Navy Federal Credit Union NHL Stadium Series™, a presence throughout the Stanley Cup® Playoffs and a range of game-night promotions. DoorDash will be the presenting sponsor of Wednesday night national NHL games and Stanley Cup Playoff games broadcast on Prime Video in Canada. The season in Canada will open with a dedicated DoorDash Puck Drop promotion on 29 September 2026, followed by game night deals every Wednesday and Saturday for the regular season, and DoorDash will activate at the Tim Hortons NHL Heritage Classic™ in Winnipeg on 25 October 2026.

Key Facts

The partnership names DoorDash the Official On-Demand Delivery and Pick Up Partner of the NHL in Canada and the United States.
The agreement is multiyear and exclusive, and it begins immediately, per the NHL and DoorDash announcement.
DoorDash (NASDAQ: DASH) gains a broad set of marketing rights and NHL designations, including use of League marks.
Broadcast-visible branding will include Digitally Enhanced Dasherboards during nationally televised games.
DoorDash will integrate across Discover NHL Winter Classic® and Navy Federal Credit Union NHL Stadium Series™ events.
DoorDash will have a presence throughout the Stanley Cup® Playoffs.
The season in Canada will open with a DoorDash Puck Drop promotion on 29 September 2026, the first day of the 2026-27 NHL season.
DoorDash will run game night deals every Wednesday and Saturday during the regular season.
DoorDash becomes the presenting sponsor of all Wednesday night regular-season national NHL games and Stanley Cup Playoff games broadcast on Prime Video in Canada.
DoorDash will activate in person at the 2026 Tim Hortons NHL Heritage Classic™ in Winnipeg on 25 October 2026.
Gina Igwe, Vice President of Brand, Creative, and Consumer Marketing at DoorDash, and Chris Falkiner, NHL Group Vice President of Business Development, are quoted.
DoorDash will soon announce a new NHL creative platform and additional promotions and sweepstakes, including a trigger promotion for when NHL games heat up.

IHM Discussion

The partnership ties an on-demand delivery giant directly to the NHL’s game-night ecosystem across Canada and the United States. The agreement’s exclusivity and its marketing rights – broadcast branding, League mark usage and integration at the Winter Classic and Stadium Series – signal that DoorDash will be visible to national TV audiences and in-stadium fans at high-profile events.

From a commercial perspective, the deal places DoorDash inside both broadcast and event presentations. The use of Digitally Enhanced Dasherboards in nationally televised games and the presenting-sponsor role on Prime Video in Canada are concrete broadcast deliverables that extend beyond in-arena signage. Those broadcast integrations will reach national audiences and supplement in-market promotions such as weekly game night deals.

DoorDash’s description of helping fans ” spend less time managing meals, snacks, and last-minute needs” frames the service proposition as an enhancer of the game-night ritual. The NHL’s comment that DoorDash ” reaches thousands of communities across Canada and the United States” underlines the league’s interest in a partner that can scale local fan activations while maintaining national visibility.

Why It Matters

For spectators and household viewers, the deal formalises a commercial relationship that directly targets the routine of watching hockey. Weekly game night deals on Wednesdays and Saturdays are designed to coincide with the regular schedule and national broadcasts, and presenting-sponsor status on Prime Video in Canada means DoorDash promotions will accompany marquee broadcast inventory. For the NHL, securing an exclusive on-demand partner simplifies commercial planning around food and delivery offers across markets and events, and gives the League a single brand to integrate into both TV and in-venue experiences. For DoorDash, the partnership offers visibility at tentpole events and playoff windows, plus access to the NHL’s national TV audiences and local fanbases across thousands of communities.

Mini Q&A

What exactly did the NHL and DoorDash announce?

They announced a multiyear North American partnership naming DoorDash the Official On-Demand Delivery and Pick Up Partner of the NHL in Canada and the United States; the agreement is exclusive and begins immediately.

When do the first DoorDash NHL promotions begin?

The season in Canada opens with a DoorDash Puck Drop promotion on 29 September 2026, and DoorDash will run game night deals every Wednesday and Saturday during the regular season.

Will DoorDash be visible on national broadcasts?

Yes. The agreement includes broadcast-visible branding through Digitally Enhanced Dasherboards during nationally televised games and DoorDash is the presenting sponsor of Wednesday night regular-season national NHL games and Stanley Cup Playoff games broadcast on Prime Video in Canada.

Will DoorDash activate at live NHL events?

Yes. DoorDash will integrate across the Discover NHL Winter Classic® and the Navy Federal Credit Union NHL Stadium Series™, and will activate in person at the 2026 Tim Hortons NHL Heritage Classic™ in Winnipeg on 25 October 2026.

Did executives from either organisation comment?

Yes. Gina Igwe, Vice President of Brand, Creative, and Consumer Marketing at DoorDash, and Chris Falkiner, NHL Group Vice President of Business Development, are quoted discussing fan rituals and DoorDash’s reach.

Coach Mark Comment

The rollout gives fans clear touchpoints around national broadcasts, weekly offers and major events. Consistent timing will matter: promotions are most effective when they are easy to find and tied to the moments fans already associate with game night.

What Comes Next

DoorDash will run a DoorDash Puck Drop promotion on 29 September 2026, the first day of the 2026-27 NHL season in Canada. It will also activate at the Tim Hortons NHL Heritage Classic™ in Winnipeg on 25 October 2026. DoorDash says it will soon announce a new NHL creative platform, further promotions and sweepstakes, including a trigger promotion for when NHL games heat up.

IHM Final View

This is a strategically visible partnership that links a major on-demand delivery platform with the NHL’s calendar of national broadcasts and marquee events. The announcement sets clear early activations and a weekly promotional cadence while leaving room for further creative and promotional rollouts as the season progresses.

Auston Matthews healthy and committed to Maple Leafs

By IceHockeyMan Editorial Team | Published: September 17, 2026, 08:50 CEST

Story Summary

Auston Matthews says he is fully healthy, energised and committed to the Toronto Maple Leafs after an off-season of significant organisational change. The 28-year-old captain has been skating in Toronto for several weeks after recovering from the knee injury that ended his season on March 12 in a knee-on-knee collision with then-Anaheim Ducks defenceman Radko Gudas. New general manager John Chayka said Matthews is “full go 100%” and praised his rehabilitation and leadership.

Matthews said he took a step back after the Maple Leafs missed the playoffs and Brad Treliving was fired as general manager, wanting to see who would be hired and their vision for the club. He said his “intent was always to be here” and that he likes the changes Chayka has made. Toronto hired Chayka, added senior executive advisor Mats Sundin and appointed Jim Hiller to replace Craig Berube. The Maple Leafs also won the NHL Draft Lottery and the right to select Penn State forward Gavin McKenna with the No. 1 pick in the 2026 NHL Draft, while adding defenceman Darren Raddysh and goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky.

Matthews also welcomed forward Jack Roslovic, who signed a two-year contract as an unrestricted free agent on July 1 and is expected to begin the season on Matthews’ line. The pair were teammates with the U.S. National Under-18 team in 2014-15. Matthews’ goal totals fell from an NHL career-high 69 in 81 games in 2023-24 to 33 in 67 in 2024-25 and 27 in 60 last season. He has two seasons remaining on the four-year contract he signed on August 23, 2023, and is eligible to sign a new contract with Toronto on July 1, 2027.

Key Facts

Auston Matthews said he is 100% healthy and has been skating in Toronto for several weeks following a season-ending knee injury on March 12 in a knee-on-knee collision with Radko Gudas.
Matthews is 28 years old and is the captain of the Toronto Maple Leafs.
John Chayka was hired as Toronto’s general manager in the off-season and said Matthews is “full go 100%” and “looks great.”
Matthews said he took a step back after last season to see who the new hires would be and that his intent was always to remain in Toronto.
The Maple Leafs fired general manager Brad Treliving after missing the Stanley Cup Playoffs, and Jim Hiller replaced Craig Berube as coach.
Mats Sundin joined the club as a senior executive advisor.
Toronto won the NHL Draft Lottery and the right to select Penn State forward Gavin McKenna with the No. 1 pick in the 2026 NHL Draft.
Forward Jack Roslovic signed a two-year contract with Toronto as an unrestricted free agent on July 1 and is expected to begin the season on a line with Matthews.
Matthews and Roslovic were teammates on the U.S. National Under-18 team in 2014-15 and have been skating together in Toronto.
Matthews’ goal totals dropped from 69 in 81 games (2023-24) to 33 in 67 (2024-25) and 27 in 60 last season; he said he still holds himself to extremely high standards.
Matthews has two years remaining on the four-year contract he signed August 23, 2023, and is eligible to sign a new contract with Toronto on July 1, 2027.

IHM Discussion

Matthews’ declaration of health and commitment changes the tone around Toronto after the end of the 2025-26 season. He rehabilitated from a March 12 knee injury, has been skating for weeks and says he is “full go 100%”. Matthews also made clear that Chayka’s arrival, along with the club’s new personnel, has restored his optimism.

Toronto’s summer moves reshape the group around its captain. Roslovic had 36 points, including 21 goals, in 69 games with the Edmonton Oilers last season and is expected to open on Matthews’ line. Their previous connection with the U.S. National Under-18 team and their recent skates together give them a useful starting point, though regular-season chemistry will still need to develop. Bobrovsky and Raddysh are further additions to a roster entering a new phase under Chayka and Hiller.

Matthews has two seasons left on his current contract and becomes eligible to sign a new deal on July 1, 2027. For now, both Matthews and Chayka have directed attention towards the season ahead rather than long-range contract speculation.

Why It Matters

Matthews’ return to full health removes a major immediate question for Toronto ahead of the new season. After his goal totals declined over the past two seasons, his ability to regain his usual scoring level will be central to the Maple Leafs’ attack. Roslovic is expected to begin on his line, while the changes in management, coaching and personnel give Toronto a different environment around its captain. How quickly the new group settles will shape the early view of Chayka’s first summer in charge.

Fan Pulse

There is relief among Maple Leafs supporters after Matthews said he is healthy and positive about the direction under Chayka. Caution remains around his long-term future: he has two years left on his current contract and can sign a new deal from July 1, 2027. Chayka has urged fans to enjoy Matthews’ play rather than focus immediately on contract questions.

Mini Q&A

Is Auston Matthews fully healthy?

Yes. Matthews said he is “full go 100%” and has been skating in Toronto for several weeks after the knee injury that ended his season on March 12.

What caused Matthews’ season-ending injury?

His season ended after a knee-on-knee collision with then-Anaheim Ducks defenceman Radko Gudas on March 12.

Does Matthews plan to stay with the Maple Leafs?

Matthews said his intent was always to be in Toronto and expressed that he likes what new GM John Chayka has done this summer, signalling commitment to the club for now.

What is Matthews’ contract status?

Matthews has two seasons remaining on a four-year contract signed August 23, 2023, and is eligible to sign a new contract with Toronto on July 1, 2027.

Will Matthews play with Jack Roslovic?

Roslovic signed a two-year contract on July 1, and he and Matthews are expected to begin the season on the same line. They have also been skating together in Toronto.

How has Matthews’ scoring changed recently?

Matthews’ goal totals were 69 in 81 games in 2023-24, then fell to 33 in 67 in 2024-25 and 27 in 60 last season, which Matthews acknowledged as a frustrating year.

Coach Mark Comment

Matthews’ return gives Toronto a chance to establish early line continuity. If Roslovic opens alongside him, the priority will be simple puck support: arrive quickly on retrievals, create space through the middle and give Matthews clean looks in the scoring areas. The group’s early execution will matter more than trying to force instant chemistry.

What Comes Next

Matthews and Roslovic are expected to begin the season on the same line. Matthews has two seasons remaining on his contract and becomes eligible to sign a new deal with Toronto on July 1, 2027.

IHM Final View

Matthews’ declaration that he is fully healthy and his positive response to Chayka’s first summer in charge give the Maple Leafs a stabilising headline ahead of the season. Toronto has changed its management group, coaching staff and roster, while Matthews is expected to open alongside Roslovic. His health and scoring level, along with the new group’s ability to settle quickly, will define the early months of the club’s reset.