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.

Minnesota Wild create Jessi Pierce Media Beauty Award

By IceHockeyMan Editorial Team | Published: September 28, 2026, 18:45 CEST

Story Summary

The Minnesota Wild and the club’s reporters have launched the Jessi Pierce Media Beauty Award in memory of former independent hockey correspondent Jessi Pierce and her children, Hudson, Cayden and Avery.

Pierce and her three children died in a house fire on March 21, 2026. The announcement came on what would have been Pierce’s 39th birthday.

The award will be presented annually to a Wild player chosen by the local media. Its stated purpose is to recognise professionalism, accessibility and respect in a player’s dealings with those covering the team.

Wild general manager Bill Guerin said the award was intended to honour the lasting effect Pierce had on the hockey community. He described her warmth, kindness and generosity at the rink, and said the club was honoured to carry her legacy forward by recognising players who show the same spirit.

Pierce spent the previous 10 seasons contributing hockey coverage and was a familiar presence around Minnesota sport. Her work extended across hockey publications, while she also co-hosted a Wild-focused programme and appeared on a Minnesota Vikings programme. She had spoken openly about becoming an NHL writer, a goal she first expressed at the age of 18.

Her connection to hockey also included Mahtomedi High School, where she served as a team manager and statistician for the boys hockey side. Shortly before her death, she attended the Minnesota Boys State High School Hockey Tournament semi-finals with her sons to watch Mahtomedi play.

Key Facts

The Minnesota Wild and the club’s reporters announced the Jessi Pierce Media Beauty Award in memory of Jessi Pierce and her children Hudson, Cayden and Avery.
Jessi Pierce and her three children died in a house fire on March 21, 2026.
The award will be voted on by Wild media and presented annually to a player who exemplifies professionalism, accessibility and respect in engaging with local media.
The announcement was made on what would have been Pierce’s 39th birthday.
Pierce contributed hockey coverage for the previous 10 seasons and also covered multiple sports during her time at Iowa State University.
Pierce served as a team manager and kept statistics for the Mahtomedi High School boys hockey team.
Mahtomedi coach Jeff Poeschl called Pierce “a real gem” and said she had been an advocate for the programme.

IHM Discussion

The award gives the Wild a defined, recurring way to remember Pierce while focusing on a part of the sport that is often most visible in everyday rink life: how players conduct themselves when questions are asked and stories are being built.

Professionalism and accessibility are not simply ceremonial qualities in a hockey setting. They affect the clarity with which a team is covered, the rapport between players and reporters, and the ability to explain the game and its people to supporters. The criteria selected for this award closely reflect the qualities colleagues associated with Pierce: curiosity, warmth and an ability to put players and coaches at ease.

That connection is important. The award is not merely named after Pierce; its voting criteria are designed around the kind of working relationships she cultivated. The Wild reporters said she approached the rink with enthusiasm and used genuine interest to draw out stories. Guerin likewise framed the recognition as a continuation of the positive impact she had on those around her.

Pierce’s hockey life also reached beyond NHL coverage. Her work around youth, college and high-school hockey, along with her role at Mahtomedi, underlines why the tribute carries a wider Minnesota hockey resonance. The annual presentation creates a permanent point of recognition for both her professional work and the values colleagues say she brought to it.

Why It Matters

For the Wild, the new award formalises an annual standard for player-media relationships rather than treating those interactions as an afterthought. The recipient will be selected by the reporters who deal with the team regularly, giving the honour a direct connection to the behaviour it is intended to recognise.

For Pierce’s family, friends and colleagues, it also ensures that Hudson, Cayden and Avery are remembered alongside Jessi. The award’s focus on respect, generosity and openness reflects the character described by people who worked with her and keeps that remembrance tied to the game she loved.

Mini Q&A

What is the Jessi Pierce Media Beauty Award?

It is an annual Minnesota Wild award voted on by local media and given to a player who demonstrates professionalism, accessibility and respect in media engagement.

Who does the award honour?

It honours former independent hockey correspondent Jessi Pierce and her three children, Hudson, Cayden and Avery.

Why was the award created?

The Wild and the club’s reporters created it to carry forward the positive impact Pierce had on the hockey community and to recognise players who embody similar values.

Coach Mark Comment

A player’s availability to explain the game can strengthen the connection between a team and its community without changing a single shift on the ice. By rewarding respectful, consistent engagement, the Wild are identifying a professional standard that supports trust around the club over a full season.

What Comes Next

The Jessi Pierce Media Beauty Award is set to be voted on by Wild media and presented annually to a player who meets its stated standards of professionalism, accessibility and respect.

IHM Final View

The Jessi Pierce Media Beauty Award is a lasting tribute built around the qualities colleagues most closely associated with Pierce. Its annual format ensures her influence, and the memory of Hudson, Cayden and Avery, will remain present within the Wild’s hockey community.

James Hagens earns Bruins role after draft slide

By IceHockeyMan Editorial Team | Published: September 28, 2026, 11:12 CEST

Story Summary

James Hagens is set to begin the season with the Boston Bruins after turning the disappointment of his 2025 NHL Draft slide into a force that has sharpened his approach on and off the ice.

The 19-year-old forward was selected seventh overall by Boston after a freshman season at Boston College that fell short of the lofty expectations surrounding him. Hagens had once been discussed as a possible No. 1 pick, but he says the experience of dropping in the draft has given him added motivation rather than becoming a burden.

That response has been visible early in his push for an NHL role. Hagens scored six goals across two games at the Prospects Showcase in Buffalo, including all four in a 4-3 Bruins prospects win in the second game. He has since impressed Bruins coach Marco Sturm sufficiently to be set to open what is expected to be his first full NHL season against the New York Rangers at TD Garden on Tuesday.

Hagens is expected to start alongside Fraser Minten and Marat Khusnutdinov, offering Boston a young line built around skill, pace and room to grow. For Hagens, the immediate task is not to relitigate where he was drafted, but to establish himself with the club that selected him.

Key Facts

James Hagens, 19, was selected seventh overall by the Boston Bruins in the 2025 NHL Draft.
Hagens scored six goals in two Prospects Showcase games in Buffalo.
He scored all four goals in a 4-3 win for Bruins prospects in the second showcase game.
Hagens is set to open what is expected to be his first full NHL season against the New York Rangers at TD Garden on Tuesday.
Bruins coach Marco Sturm said Hagens appears more confident and less nervous than when he first arrived last year.
Hagens is expected to begin the season on a line with Fraser Minten, 22, and Marat Khusnutdinov, 24.
At the 2024 IIHF Under-18 World Championship, Hagens recorded 22 points, including nine goals and 13 assists, in seven games to set a scoring record.
Hagens was cut on the second day of a three-day World Juniors tryout during his time in the United States National Team Development Program.

IHM Discussion

Hagens’ story is not simply one of draft disappointment. His route has repeatedly included moments when he has had to process being left out, adjust and then respond through performance. Nick Fohr, who worked with Hagens at the National Team Development Program, recalled the forward being deeply affected after missing out at World Juniors, before finding his game again later that season.

That ability to reset is relevant as Hagens enters a far more demanding environment. He arrives with a substantial offensive record and clear playmaking instincts, but the Bruins are not asking him to win an argument about his draft position. They are asking him to handle the tempo, structure and physical demands of the NHL.

Sturm’s comments point to a player who is more settled in his surroundings. Familiarity with teammates and the Bruins’ system may be as important in the opening weeks as any individual scoring burst. Hagens has already shown he can create offence, from his Under-18 World Championship record to his six-goal showcase, but his early opportunity will rest on how consistently he can make sound decisions within Boston’s team game.

Why It Matters

Boston has placed Hagens in position to begin the season in the NHL, giving one of its most important young forwards an immediate chance to show how his creative game translates.

His ability to carry the puck through the neutral zone, scan the ice with his head up and create options at speed has been praised by both Greg Brown and Fohr. Those qualities can help a line move play from defence into attack rather than relying solely on direct entries or rushed decisions.

The opportunity also carries significance for Hagens personally. He has described the draft fall as fuel, while stressing the need to focus on the present. A place in the opening group gives him a concrete next step after a college season in which expectations had been exceptionally high.

Mini Q&A

Why did James Hagens fall in the 2025 NHL Draft?

Hagens was selected seventh overall after a freshman season at Boston College that did not meet the very high expectations around him, while other draft-eligible players rose.

What did Hagens do at the Prospects Showcase?

He scored six goals in two games, including all four goals in a 4-3 Bruins prospects victory in the second game.

Who is Hagens expected to play with?

He is expected to start on a line with Fraser Minten and Marat Khusnutdinov.

What is next for Hagens?

He is set to open what is expected to be his first full NHL season against the New York Rangers at TD Garden on Tuesday.

Coach Mark Comment

Hagens’ strongest immediate tactical asset is his pre-scan. A centre who can identify pressure before receiving the puck has a better chance of escaping checks, carrying cleanly through the neutral zone and finding the next pass without slowing the attack.

The adjustment will be maintaining that habit when NHL pressure closes more quickly. His showcase scoring is encouraging, but the more meaningful early sign will be whether he continues to protect possession and make timely choices when opponents deny him time and space.

What Comes Next

Hagens and the Bruins are scheduled to open the season against the New York Rangers at TD Garden on Tuesday. The game will provide the first regular-season checkpoint for his expected NHL role.

IHM Final View

Hagens has reached Boston through a route that was less straightforward than many anticipated, but he has not allowed the draft slide to define his outlook. The Bruins now have a 19-year-old forward with high-end offensive awareness, notable competitive drive and an opening to begin proving himself at NHL level.

The draft order cannot be changed. What matters now is how Hagens handles the opportunity Boston has placed in front of him.

Mike Condon turns experience into athlete support

By IceHockeyMan Editorial Team | Published: September 28, 2026, 11:11 CEST

Story Summary

Mike Condon has built a second career in mental performance counselling, drawing on the challenges he experienced during four NHL seasons and the conversations that changed his direction as a coach.

The former Montreal Canadiens, Pittsburgh Penguins and Ottawa Senators goaltender now owns Condon Performance Consulting, working with athletes after completing a master’s degree in counselling psychology and sport psychology in May 2025.

Condon played 129 NHL games from 2015-19, posting a 45-58-17 record, a 2.79 goals-against average, a .905 save percentage and six shutouts. He said the mental demands of games were difficult throughout his career, despite the reward and drive he found in competing.

His move towards counselling took shape while he was Northeastern University’s goalie coach from 2021-23. Conversations with goaltenders, including Devon Levi, regularly extended far beyond technical instruction. That persuaded Condon to pursue formal training rather than rely solely on his experience as a player and coach.

Key Facts

Mike Condon played 129 NHL games across four seasons with the Montreal Canadiens, Pittsburgh Penguins and Ottawa Senators from 2015-19.
Condon finished his NHL career with a 45-58-17 record, 2.79 goals-against average,.905 save percentage and six shutouts.
He was Northeastern University’s goalie coach for two seasons, from 2021-23.
While coaching at Northeastern, Condon found that planned short conversations with goaltenders could become lengthy discussions extending beyond technique.
Condon earned a master’s degree in counselling psychology and sport psychology from Boston University’s Wheelock College of Education and Human Development in May 2025.
He now owns Condon Performance Consulting and works as a mental performance counsellor for athletes.
Condon appeared as a featured speaker at the 2026 National Goaltending Symposium in Boston in August.

IHM Discussion

Condon’s account is notable because it does not present mental performance as a neat add-on to technical coaching. His route into the field came through recognising that discussions about goaltending could quickly become discussions about pressure, identity and the strain athletes carry away from the rink.

He described a playing career in which the game itself often felt harder to enjoy than practice, and in which a win could bring relief rather than celebration. Condon also said the struggle did not automatically disappear when his playing career ended. Those experiences gave him a personal reason to understand the subject more deeply, but he chose formal study alongside that lived experience.

That distinction matters. Condon said returning to school required him to set aside assumptions, learn established approaches and listen to people with extensive counselling experience. His current work is therefore rooted both in his knowledge of hockey’s competitive environment and in specialist education.

He also stressed the importance of trust in the relationship between athlete and counsellor. For Condon, the value is not confined to a particular theory or pre-game routine; it is the ability to give someone a genuine, supportive conversation in which they can speak openly.

Why It Matters

Goaltenders occupy a particularly exposed role. Every goal is visible, results can alter a player’s immediate standing, and the position demands repeated recovery from difficult moments. Condon’s own experience does not define that of every NHL player, but it illustrates why support cannot be reduced to telling an athlete to be tougher or more resilient.

His comments also place mental performance within the wider demands of hockey life. Players must continue to perform while managing family events, relationships and the ordinary pressures that do not stop when a schedule becomes intense. Condon said the modern hockey environment can place young players on demanding pathways earlier, with more choices, investment and expectation around their development.

By moving from goalie coaching to counselling, Condon has taken a role that may help athletes address those pressures in a setting separate from selection decisions and on-ice evaluation.

Mini Q&A

What is Mike Condon doing now?

Condon owns Condon Performance Consulting and works as a mental performance counsellor for athletes.

What were Mike Condon’s NHL statistics?

In 129 NHL games from 2015-19, Condon went 45-58-17 with a 2.79 goals-against average, a .905 save percentage and six shutouts.

How did Condon move into mental performance work?

His lengthy conversations with goaltenders while coaching at Northeastern University prompted him to pursue further education. He earned a master’s degree in counselling psychology and sport psychology in May 2025.

Coach Mark Comment

The important coaching lesson is that technical work can sometimes be the doorway to a wider conversation. Condon’s experience at Northeastern showed that a discussion which begins with glove position or preparation may reveal a player who needs to talk about much more than mechanics. Coaches do not need to become counsellors, but they should recognise when the conversation has moved beyond instruction and when a trusted specialist may be valuable.

IHM Final View

Mike Condon’s post-playing path is grounded in both candour and preparation. He has not simply recast his NHL career as a qualification; he has added formal study to the perspective gained from competing, coaching and confronting his own difficulties. His work reflects a growing recognition that performance and wellbeing are closely connected, while preserving the need for qualified, trusted support.

Frank Nazar ready for bigger Blackhawks opening role

By IceHockeyMan Editorial Team | Published: September 28, 2026, 11:11 CEST

Story Summary

Frank Nazar is preparing to take on Chicago Blackhawks‘ top-line centre role while Connor Bedard recovers from left-shoulder surgery.

Bedard, Chicago’s new captain and the No. 1 selection in the 2023 NHL Draft, is expected to miss at least the first month of the season after being injured in an off-season training session in Vancouver on July 2. He has been skating and taking shots but is not expected back until November.

That absence puts Nazar, 22, in line to centre Roman Kantserov and Patrick Kane for the season opener at the Vegas Golden Knights. The Blackhawks’ No. 13 pick in the 2022 NHL Draft, Nazar produced 15 goals and 26 assists in 66 games last season and is beginning the first year of his seven-year, $46.13 million contract.

Nazar believes Chicago’s young group can play with pace and energy as it attempts to end a six-year Stanley Cup Playoffs drought. He has also made clear that he is prepared to accept whatever responsibility is required, whether that means carrying a larger offensive role or adapting to a different assignment.

Key Facts

Frank Nazar is pencilled in as Chicago’s No. 1 centre between Roman Kantserov and Patrick Kane for the season opener at the Vegas Golden Knights.
Connor Bedard is expected to miss at least the first month following surgery on his left shoulder, sustained during an off-season training session in Vancouver on July 2.
Bedard has been skating and taking shots, but is not expected to return until November.
Nazar had 41 points, including 15 goals and 26 assists, in 66 games in 2025-26.
The 22-year-old centre is entering the first season of the seven-year, $46.13 million deal carrying a $6.59 million average annual value that he signed with Chicago on August 21, 2025.
Patrick Kane said Nazar’s speed through the middle, right-handed shot and skill remind him of Utah Mammoth forward Nick Schmaltz.
Chicago coach Jeff Blashill said Nazar has looked stronger on the puck in battles and has controlled it better during training camp.
The Blackhawks acquired defenceman Bowen Byram in a trade with the Buffalo Sabres on June 23.

IHM Discussion

The immediate challenge for Chicago is clear: Nazar must take a prominent place in the middle without Bedard, while a new line is asked to establish its habits quickly. Nazar’s production over 66 games last season offers a meaningful base, but his opportunity is defined as much by the two-way details identified by Blashill as by the points total.

Blashill’s comments focused on puck battles, puck control and avoiding unnecessary giveaways. Those are significant areas for a centre expected to play high in the line-up, particularly alongside Kane, whose ability to create plays demands sharp timing from linemates. Nazar described the value of learning where passes will arrive and anticipating the next play; Kane, meanwhile, stressed communication, repetition and experience in different game situations as the route to chemistry.

Nazar’s own description of an energetic, fast and “in-your-face” team sets an identity Chicago wants to bring to the opening stretch. It is not a guarantee of results, nor does it remove the difficulty of replacing Bedard’s role, but it gives Nazar a defined task: help the Blackhawks possess the puck more effectively and turn their youth into a competitive strength.

The wider roster has changed too. Byram has arrived on the blue line, while Kantserov and Anton Frondell are among the young forwards expected to contribute. Nazar’s assignment sits at the centre of that mix because he is being asked to help connect experienced skill in Kane with a younger group still seeking to take larger steps together.

Why It Matters

Bedard’s absence removes Chicago’s top centre and captain for the opening portion of the season, making Nazar’s role one of the most important early decisions for the Blackhawks.

For Nazar personally, it is an early test of the responsibility that comes with a long-term contract and a top-line opportunity. For Chicago, the opening month will provide meaningful evidence of how its younger players handle larger roles alongside Kane and within Blashill’s emphasis on stronger puck management.

The club is trying to end a six-year playoff drought. Nazar has not claimed that task will be easy, but he has expressed confidence that the group’s development, speed and collective energy can give it a chance.

Mini Q&A

Why is Frank Nazar expected to open as Chicago’s top-line centre?

Connor Bedard is expected to miss at least the first month after left-shoulder surgery, leaving Nazar pencilled in between Roman Kantserov and Patrick Kane.

What did Frank Nazar produce last season?

Nazar recorded 15 goals and 26 assists for 41 points in 66 games in 2025-26.

What does Jeff Blashill want to see from Nazar?

Blashill highlighted stronger puck battles, better puck control and fewer unnecessary giveaways as key parts of Nazar’s progress.

Coach Mark Comment

A top-line opportunity is not only about creating offence. Blashill’s emphasis on Nazar winning more puck battles and cutting out hopeful plays points to the standard Chicago needs from its centre: secure possession first, then allow the skill around him to operate. If Nazar can consistently protect the puck through the middle and make clean decisions under pressure, the Kane-Kantserov combination has a clearer platform to build chemistry.

What Comes Next

Chicago opens its season at the Vegas Golden Knights on Tuesday, with Nazar pencilled in between Kantserov and Kane. Bedard remains expected to be out until November as he continues his recovery from shoulder surgery.

IHM Final View

Frank Nazar’s opening assignment is substantial, but the Blackhawks have given it a clear shape. He is expected to centre a line with Kane and Kantserov, bring more control to the puck, and help a young team begin the season without Bedard. Chicago’s broader push to move beyond its playoff drought will require contributions across the roster, but Nazar is positioned to be one of the central figures from the first game.

Matheson receives maximum fine for roughing

By IceHockeyMan Editorial Team | Published: September 27, 2026, 19:23 CEST

Story Summary

Montreal Canadiens defenceman Mike Matheson has received a $5,000 fine, the maximum permitted under the Collective Bargaining Agreement, for roughing Ottawa Senators forward Ridly Greig.

The NHL Department of Player Safety announced the discipline after the incident in Montreal’s pre-season game against Ottawa on Saturday, 26 September. Matheson was assessed a minor penalty for roughing at 10:43 of the second period.

Key Facts

Mike Matheson was fined $5,000 for roughing Ridly Greig.
The fine is the maximum allowable under the Collective Bargaining Agreement.
The incident occurred at 10:43 of the second period of Montreal’s pre-season game against Ottawa.
Matheson received a minor penalty for roughing on the play.
The fine will be directed to the Players’ Emergency Assistance Fund.

IHM Discussion

The punishment is a financial sanction rather than a suspension, leaving Matheson available following the pre-season incident. The league identified the infraction as roughing and imposed the highest fine available under the agreement for this type of discipline.

For Montreal, the immediate point is simply that the matter has been dealt with through the Department of Player Safety’s fine process. Greig was the Ottawa player involved in the incident.

Why It Matters

Matheson is a defenceman for the Canadiens, and the ruling formally closes the league’s disciplinary response to the second-period penalty. The maximum fine also underlines that the league viewed the play as warranting supplementary discipline beyond the on-ice minor.

Coach Mark Comment

A pre-season penalty can quickly become more costly when contact escalates after the whistle or away from the puck. For a defenceman, maintaining composure in those moments protects both the team’s numerical situation and his own availability; in this case, the league added a maximum financial penalty to the on-ice minor.

Blackhawks Visit Presidents Cup Before Season Opener

By IceHockeyMan Editorial Team | Published: September 27, 2026, 16:45 CEST

Story Summary

Bedard met Geoff Ogilvy, captain of the International Team, and presented him with a custom Blackhawks jersey carrying ” Team Intl” on its nameplate.

Chicago now turns its attention to its season opener against the Vegas Golden Knights on Tuesday. The game is part of opening-night tripleheader and is scheduled for 10:30 p.m. ET.

Key Facts

The Blackhawks visited the 2026 Presidents Cup at Medinah Country Club, which is 25 miles outside Chicago.
Connor Bedard, Chicago’s captain, met International Team captain Geoff Ogilvy and gave him a custom jersey with “Team Intl” on the nameplate.
Chris Gotterup, competing for the United States at the Presidents Cup, wore a Blackhawks jersey on the tournament’s second day.
Chicago opens its season against the Vegas Golden Knights on Tuesday at 10:30 p.m. ET as part of opening-night tripleheader.

IHM Discussion

The visit offered a local crossover event just before the NHL schedule begins. Medinah’s proximity to Chicago gave the Blackhawks an opportunity to place Bedard and Vlasic in front of a major sporting audience while the Presidents Cup was in the area.

For Bedard, the jersey exchange with Ogilvy also put the club captain in a visible role away from the rink. The Blackhawks’ focus now shifts quickly from a public appearance to their opening-night assignment against Vegas.

Why It Matters

The Presidents Cup stop connected the Blackhawks with an international sporting event in the Chicago area, but it comes immediately before a significant calendar marker: the start of the NHL season. Bedard’s presence as captain was central to the visit, while Vlasic’s involvement added another Blackhawks player to the occasion.

Mini Q&A

Who did Connor Bedard meet at the Presidents Cup?

Bedard met Geoff Ogilvy, captain of the International Team, and gave him a custom Blackhawks jersey carrying “Team Intl” on the nameplate.

When is Chicago’s season opener?

The Blackhawks face the Vegas Golden Knights on Tuesday at 10:30 p.m. ET in opening-night tripleheader.

Coach Mark Comment

A short off-ice appearance can be useful when it is clearly separated from the competitive schedule. With the opener next, the important hockey transition is simple: Chicago’s players must now move from a promotional setting into the preparation and detail required for an opening-night game.

What Comes Next

The Blackhawks’ next stated checkpoint is Tuesday’s season opener against the Vegas Golden Knights, scheduled for 10:30 p.m. ET.

Maple Leafs honour Matthew Mayich in Arizona

By IceHockeyMan Editorial Team | Published: September 27, 2026, 09:08 CEST

Story Summary

The Toronto Maple Leafs supported Matthew Mayich and his family during the club’s pre-season trip to Arizona, visiting family and friends at the hospital before practice at Arizona State’s Mullett Arena.

Players wore custom T-shirts carrying a drawing of Mayich’s face and his No. 27. They also wore hats featuring his initials, number and a yellow ribbon. Mayich, an Arizona State defenceman, remains hospitalised after collapsing during an outdoor off-season workout on Aug. 20.

Maple Leafs captain Auston Matthews described the visit as “pretty emotional”, saying the intention was to ensure Mayich’s family knew they had the team’s thoughts, prayers and support.

Key Facts

Matthew Mayich remains hospitalised after collapsing during an outdoor off-season workout on Aug. 20.
The Maple Leafs visited Mayich’s family and friends at the hospital during their Arizona trip.
Toronto players wore custom T-shirts with a drawing of Mayich’s face and his No. 27 at practice at Mullett Arena.
The team also wore hats featuring Mayich’s initials, number and a yellow ribbon.
Mayich is an Arizona State defenceman who transferred from Clarkson University this summer.
The Stoney Creek, Ontario, native was selected by the St. Louis Blues in the sixth round of the 2023 NHL Draft.
Auston Matthews hosted the Maple Leafs’ team-bonding trip in Arizona, where he is from the Scottsdale area.

IHM Discussion

The gesture connected an NHL club with a player outside its own organisation, while keeping the focus on Mayich and those closest to him. The shirts, hats and hospital visit gave Toronto a visible way to show support during a trip built around team bonding.

Matthews’ comments also reflected the wider response surrounding Mayich. He spoke of support from people within hockey and beyond it, while stressing that the Maple Leafs wanted the family to know they were thinking of them. The club’s actions matched that message: the support was expressed both privately through the visit and publicly at practice.

Why It Matters

Mayich’s path already links several corners of the sport: he is an Arizona State player, a former Clarkson University defenceman and a Blues draft pick. Toronto’s support therefore reached beyond the immediate college programme and underscored the personal connections that can run across hockey.

The team did not present the occasion as a hockey matter to be solved on the ice. Its focus was on Mayich’s family and on offering support while he remains in hospital.

Mini Q&A

Why did the Maple Leafs wear special shirts and hats in Arizona?

They wore them in support of Arizona State defenceman Matthew Mayich and his family. The shirts featured a drawing of Mayich and his No. 27, while the hats carried his initials, number and a yellow ribbon.

What is known about Matthew Mayich’s hockey background?

Mayich played at Clarkson University last season before transferring to Arizona State this summer. He was drafted by the St. Louis Blues in the sixth round of the 2023 NHL Draft.

IHM Final View

The Maple Leafs’ Arizona visit was centred on Matthew Mayich rather than the usual demands of a pre-season trip. By meeting his family and wearing symbols of support at practice, the club made clear that its message was one of solidarity with Mayich and those around him.

Ottavainen fined maximum for pre-season altercation

By IceHockeyMan Editorial Team | Published: September 25, 2026, 21:36 CEST

Story Summary

Seattle Kraken defenceman Ville Ottavainen has been fined $2,190.72 – the maximum allowable under the Collective Bargaining Agreement – for serving as the aggressor in an altercation with Calgary Flames forward Brennan Othmann during NHL pre-season Game No. 38 in Seattle on Thursday, Sept. 24, the National Hockey League’s Department of Player Safety announced. The incident occurred at 7:22 of the second period; Ottavainen received a minor penalty for instigating, a major penalty for fighting and a game misconduct under Rule 46.2 (Aggressor). The fine will be paid into the Players’ Emergency Assistance Fund.

Key Facts

Ville Ottavainen was fined $2,190.72, the maximum allowable under the CBA.
The fine was issued by the NHL’s Department of Player Safety.
The incident involved Ottavainen and Flames forward Brennan Othmann, with Ottavainen fined for serving as the aggressor.
The altercation took place at 7:22 of the second period of NHL pre-season Game No. 38 in Seattle on Thursday, Sept. 24.
Ottavainen was assessed a minor penalty for instigating, a major penalty for fighting and a game misconduct under Rule 46.2 (Aggressor).
Fine proceeds go to the Players’ Emergency Assistance Fund.

IHM Discussion

The Department of Player Safety imposed the maximum monetary sanction available under the Collective Bargaining Agreement after identifying Ville Ottavainen as the aggressor in a second-period altercation with Brennan Othmann. Ottavainen received an instigating minor, a fighting major and a game misconduct under Rule 46.2 (Aggressor). The fine applies to the pre-season incident in Seattle and will be paid into the Players’ Emergency Assistance Fund.

Why It Matters

The ruling confirms that aggressor and instigator provisions apply during the pre-season as well as the regular schedule. Ottavainen’s fine and game misconduct were specific consequences of this incident, while the proceeds will go to the Players’ Emergency Assistance Fund.

Coach Mark Comment

In practical coaching terms, managing player behaviour in pre-season is a balancing act. Coaches want to see competitive edge and willingness to engage, but an instigator ruling removes a player from the contest and now carries a financial penalty. Emphasise controlled aggression in practice: teach players how to assert physical presence while avoiding the specific actions that invoke instigator and aggressor provisions.

Macklin Celebrini named youngest captain in Sharks history

By IceHockeyMan Editorial Team | Published: September 25, 2026, 20:30 CEST

Story Summary

Macklin Celebrini, 20, was named captain of the San Jose Sharks on Friday, becoming the youngest captain in franchise history and the team’s first captain since Logan Couture announced his retirement April 15, 2025. Celebrini agreed to a five-year, $94 million contract (average annual value $18.8 million) this summer and enters his third NHL season after finishing fourth in the League in scoring last season with 115 points (45 goals, 70 assists) in 82 games. The off-season also included standout international duty – 10 points (five goals, five assists) in six games at the 2026 Milano Cortina Olympics and 14 points (six goals, eight assists) in 10 games as captain of Team Canada at the 2026 IIHF World Hockey Championship, where Canada finished fourth following a 3-2 overtime loss to Norway in the bronze-medal game.

Key Facts

Macklin Celebrini was named captain of the San Jose Sharks on Friday, age 20.
He is the youngest captain in Sharks history and the first captain since Logan Couture announced his retirement April 15, 2025.
Celebrini signed a five-year, $94 million contract with an AAV of $18.8 million this off-season.
He finished fourth in the NHL in scoring last season with 115 points (45 goals, 70 assists) in 82 games.
Celebrini has 178 points (70 goals, 108 assists) in 152 regular-season games over two NHL seasons.
At the 2026 Milano Cortina Olympics, he had 10 points (five goals, five assists) in six games for Team Canada.
He captained Canada at the 2026 IIHF World Hockey Championship, recording 14 points (six goals, eight assists) in 10 games; Canada finished fourth after a 3-2 overtime loss to Norway in the bronze-medal game.
Joe Thornton presented Celebrini with the Sharks’ captaincy C on the announcement day.
In July, Celebrini was named the IIHF Male Player of the Year and was revealed as the cover athlete on EA Sports NHL 27.
Celebrini’s five-year, $94 million deal was an NHL-record AAV until Cale Makar signed an eight-year, $163.2 million contract ($20.4 million AAV) on Aug. 28.
San Jose hosts the Florida Panthers in its season opener on Oct. 1.
Celebrini served as an alternate captain for the Sharks last season.

IHM Discussion

The Sharks have placed the franchise’s leadership compass squarely on one of the game’s youngest stars. Naming Macklin Celebrini captain formalises a rapid progression that has combined elite production, international prominence and a major contract. Celebrini’s 115-point campaign placed him among the League’s scoring leaders in only his second NHL season, and his international output at both the Milano Cortina Olympics and the IIHF World Championship reinforced his role as a go-to offensive player for Canada.

General manager Mike Grier framed the contract and the captaincy as complementary moves: the long-term deal and the ‘C’ are both signals of institutional commitment. Grier said after the signing, ” We wanted to make sure ‘Mack’ felt valued here and he was compensated fairly… In our eyes he’s the best young player in the League.” Grier also noted Celebrini was willing to take a little bit less on the deal” to leave us some flexibility so we can keep building out the roster as we go along.” Those words underscore that the organisation views Celebrini as the central piece around which it will allocate resources and leadership responsibilities.

The appointment also closes the chapter left by Logan Couture’s retirement. Couture announced his retirement April 15, 2025, and Celebrini moves from an alternate-captain role into the top leadership position. Joe Thornton’s presence at the presentation, handing Celebrini the captaincy C, tied the moment into San Jose’s recent history while making the baton pass explicit.

Celebrini’s contract figures remain noteworthy in a salary-cap era that continually resets expectations for top young talent. The five-year, $94 million contract carries an $18.8 million AAV; it briefly stood as the NHL’s highest AAV until Cale Makar’s eight-year, $163.2 million ($20.4 million AAV) contract signed Aug. 28. The relative timing of those deals contextualises the market for elite young players and clarifies the financial backdrop to Celebrini’s promotion.

Why It Matters

This is a consequential decision for San Jose. Beyond the immediate symbolism, naming Celebrini captain sets a clear organisational direction: the Sharks will build around a 20-year-old who has already produced at an elite level, represented his country as captain, and taken on marketplace attention. For the roster, that can change expectations of leadership distribution, player development paths for the younger group in San Jose, and how the front office prioritises supporting pieces around its premier scorer.

For the broader League, Celebrini’s elevation – both in salary and title – marks another instance of younger players assuming franchise-wide responsibility earlier in their careers. The timing also matters to Sharks fans: Celebrini inherits the captaincy at a moment when San Jose seeks its first Stanley Cup Playoffs appearance since the 2018-19 season, and the frontline message is that he will be the public and on-ice face of that push.

Mini Q&A

How old is Macklin Celebrini?

He is 20 years old.

What is Celebrini’s new contract?

He signed a five-year, $94 million contract with an average annual value of $18.8 million.

What were Celebrini’s NHL totals last season?

He finished fourth in the League with 115 points (45 goals, 70 assists) in 82 games.

What international tournaments did Celebrini play this off-season and how did he perform?

At the 2026 Milano Cortina Olympics he had 10 points (five goals, five assists) in six games. He then captained Canada at the 2026 IIHF World Hockey Championship, recording 14 points (six goals, eight assists) in 10 games; Canada finished fourth after a 3-2 overtime loss to Norway in the bronze-medal game.

When is the Sharks’ season opener and who are they playing?

San Jose hosts the Florida Panthers in its season opener on Oct. 1.

Coach Mark Comment

From a coaching standpoint, the priority is to translate Celebrini’s individual brilliance into consistent team advantage. That begins with clear role definition: who supports him on late-game draws, who frees him on the power play, and how the defensive structure shields him in turnover-prone moments. At 20, he still needs minute-management and situational sheltering, but his production indicates he can shoulder prime offensive minutes. The coaching challenge is to scale his responsibilities steadily so the captaincy enhances performance rather than simply increasing exposure.

What Comes Next

San Jose opens the season at home against the Florida Panthers on Oct. 1, when Celebrini is set to begin the regular season as captain.

IHM Final View

The Sharks have made a decisive bet: they have elevated a 20-year-old elite scorer to be the face and leader of the franchise while committing top-end salary resources to keep him in San Jose. Celebrini’s combination of NHL scoring, international leadership and market recognition makes him a logical choice for the ‘C’. How San Jose supports him with linemates, defensive structure and roster additions will help determine whether the move catalyses a return to playoff relevance.

Kuzmenko takes leave from Penguins after father’s death

By IceHockeyMan Editorial Team | Published: September 24, 2026, 21:55 CEST

Story Summary

Andrei Kuzmenko has taken a leave of absence from the Pittsburgh Penguins to mourn the death of his father, Alexander Kuzmenko. The 30-year-old forward practised with the Penguins on Thursday before travelling to Moscow to be with his family. Alexander Kuzmenko, 62, was killed by a bear while on a fishing trip in the Tuva Republic in southern Siberia. Penguins general manager Kyle Dubas expressed the organisation’s sorrow, offered support to the family and asked that their privacy be respected.

Key Facts

Andrei Kuzmenko has taken a leave of absence from the Pittsburgh Penguins to mourn the death of his father, Alexander Kuzmenko.
The 30-year-old forward practised with the Penguins on Thursday before departing for Moscow to be with his family.
Alexander Kuzmenko, 62, was killed by a bear while on a fishing trip in the Tuva Republic in southern Siberia and suffered extensive tissue damage after being bitten in the head.
Alexander Kuzmenko was with six travel companions who managed to drive the bear away and moved him to a nearby settlement; he was airlifted to a hospital in Kyzyl but was unable to be saved.
Penguins general manager Kyle Dubas said: ” The Pittsburgh Penguins organization was deeply saddened, this morning, to learn of the passing of Andrei Kuzmenko’s father, Alexander. Our deepest thoughts and sympathies are with the Kuzmenko family and their loved ones as they grieve the loss of Alexander. We ask that the privacy of Andrei and the Kuzmenko family be respected at this time.”
Dubas also said: ” Andrei chose to be surrounded by his teammates and practice with the team this morning before returning to Moscow to be with his family this afternoon. Andrei and the Kuzmenko family have the full support of the Penguins organization during this time.”
Andrei Kuzmenko signed a one-year, $5 million contract with the Penguins on July 1.
Last season, Kuzmenko had 25 points (13 goals, 12 assists) in 52 games for the Los Angeles Kings and underwent surgery in February to repair a torn meniscus in his knee.
Entering his fifth NHL season, Kuzmenko has 182 points (85 goals, 97 assists) in 271 regular-season NHL games for the Vancouver Canucks, Calgary Flames, Philadelphia Flyers and Los Angeles Kings, and six points (three goals, three assists) in seven Stanley Cup Playoff games.
Alexander Kuzmenko was described as a respected hockey coach in Russia.

IHM Discussion

The Penguins have confirmed a tragic family bereavement for Andrei Kuzmenko. General manager Kyle Dubas expressed the organisation’s condolences, asked for privacy and said Kuzmenko has the club’s full support. Kuzmenko practised with the team on Thursday before leaving for Moscow to be with his family.

For Pittsburgh, the situation is first and foremost a human one. Kuzmenko is a 30-year-old forward who signed a one-year, $5 million contract on 1 July. He had 25 points, including 13 goals, in 52 games for the Los Angeles Kings last season before undergoing surgery in February to repair a torn meniscus in his knee.

Alexander Kuzmenko, 62, was a respected hockey coach in Russia. He was on a fishing trip in the Tuva Republic in southern Siberia when he was attacked by a bear. His companions drove the animal away and moved him to a nearby settlement before he was airlifted to a hospital in Kyzyl, where he could not be saved.

Pittsburgh will manage Kuzmenko’s absence as needed, but no return timeline or roster move has been specified. The immediate priority remains support for Kuzmenko and his family.

Why It Matters

This is principally a personal tragedy rather than an on-ice development, although it comes during the Penguins’ preparations for the regular season. Kuzmenko is a contracted forward who practised before leaving to be with his family, and any extended absence could affect forward depth and line combinations. The immediate priority is support and flexibility while the player is away.

Mini Q&A

Why is Andrei Kuzmenko on leave from the Penguins?

Kuzmenko is on leave to mourn the death of his father, Alexander Kuzmenko, who was killed in a bear attack while on a fishing trip in the Tuva Republic in southern Siberia.

What happened to Alexander Kuzmenko?

Alexander, 62, was killed by a bear while on a fishing trip in the Tuva Republic in southern Siberia. He was moved to a nearby settlement by his travel companions and airlifted to a hospital in Kyzyl, where he could not be saved.

When did Kuzmenko sign with the Penguins and what is his contract?

Andrei Kuzmenko signed a one-year, $5 million contract with the Pittsburgh Penguins on July 1.

What are Kuzmenko’s recent playing and injury details?

Last season he had 25 points (13 goals, 12 assists) in 52 games for the Los Angeles Kings and underwent surgery in February to repair a torn meniscus in his knee.

Is there a confirmed return date for Kuzmenko?

No. The Penguins’ statement confirms he left to be with his family and says he has the organisation’s support; it does not provide a timeline for his return.

Coach Mark Comment

The coaching priority is straightforward: give the player space and support, while keeping the group prepared for the work in front of it. Pittsburgh can use internal options to cover any short-term absence and keep its plans flexible until Kuzmenko is ready to return.

IHM Final View

This is a sudden and tragic family bereavement for Andrei Kuzmenko. He practised with the Penguins before leaving for Moscow to be with his family, and the club has publicly offered its support while asking for privacy. For now, the focus is on Kuzmenko and his family rather than the Penguins’ on-ice plans.