Category: IHM Newsroom

Official IceHockeyMan editorial hub. Breaking hockey updates, league insights, and major headlines from the world of ice hockey.

Horcoff: Red Wings rebuild ‘out of the question’

By IceHockeyMan Editorial Team | Published:

Story Summary

Shawn Horcoff, in his first public comments as interim general manager of the Detroit Red Wings, firmly rejected the idea of another organisational rebuild, saying: “A rebuild, to me, is out of the question.” Horcoff said the club has “too many good players” and that the front office has spent the summer looking for ways to help the current group get “over that hump”.

A member of Detroit’s front office since 2016 and an assistant GM since February 2022, Horcoff has been handling the day-to-day business of hockey operations and has spoken with coach Todd McLellan. He said his early focus is on listening to and supporting people across the organisation while improving the team with the aim of making the playoffs. The Red Wings, who have missed the Stanley Cup Playoffs for 10 straight seasons – the longest drought in franchise history and the NHL’s longest active drought – open training camp Thursday.

Key Facts

  • Shawn Horcoff made his first public comments as interim general manager and said, “A rebuild, to me, is out of the question.”
  • Horcoff said the Red Wings have “too many good players in that lineup” and that the organisation has been “really close” the last three years.
  • Horcoff has been part of Detroit’s front office since 2016 and was an assistant GM since February 2022.
  • Horcoff said the organisation started working midsummer on improvements and that he has talked with coach Todd McLellan.
  • Horcoff described his immediate approach as to “listen” and to “support” people in the organisation and to “focus on the day to day.”
  • The Red Wings missed the Stanley Cup Playoffs for a 10th straight season – the longest drought in their history and the longest active drought in the NHL.
  • Detroit was tied with the Carolina Hurricanes for first in the Eastern Conference and had a 12-point playoff cushion on Jan. 24, before finishing 9-15-5 down the stretch and being booed off the ice in its home finale.
  • Dylan Larkin, who had been the captain and No. 1 centre, requested a trade after last season; the situation is described as unresolved.
  • Steve Yzerman transitioned from general manager to senior adviser to owner Chris Ilitch on July 15.
  • Forward Patrick Kane left Detroit and signed a two-year, $16 million contract ($8 million average annual value) with the Chicago Blackhawks on July 23.
  • The Red Wings open training camp Thursday.

IHM Discussion

Horcoff’s opening line – that a rebuild is off the table – sets a clear direction from the interim general manager. His remarks frame the next phase as targeted improvement rather than a wholesale teardown: conversations with Todd McLellan, work across departments and a stated desire to help players get “over the hump” point to operational changes aimed at immediate competitiveness. That fits Horcoff’s emphasis on listening to staff and players and focusing on the day-to-day.

Detroit’s situation explains why the rebuild-versus-retool question remains central. The club has faded down the stretch in recent seasons, turning a first-place position in January into a 9-15-5 finish and boos from the home crowd in its finale, while missing the playoffs for a decade. Horcoff’s preference for pushing to make the playoffs puts short-term performance and the current group at the centre of decision-making, even as longer-term roster questions – including Dylan Larkin’s trade request and Steve Yzerman’s transition to senior adviser – remain unresolved.

Why It Matters

Horcoff’s stance will shape Detroit’s roster and personnel strategy in the immediate future. By prioritising support for the current group rather than a rebuild, he has set an expectation that the Red Wings will try to compete now. That raises the stakes for the season: it is a chance to end a 10-season playoff drought and a significant opportunity for Horcoff as he leads hockey operations on an interim basis. For fans, ownership and staff, his remarks signal a focus on improving the current team rather than stepping back.

Mini Q&A

Who is the interim general manager of the Detroit Red Wings?

Shawn Horcoff is the interim general manager.

What did Horcoff say about a rebuild?

Horcoff said, “A rebuild, to me, is out of the question,”and that the team has “too many good players in that lineup.”

Will the Red Wings try to make the playoffs?

Yes. Horcoff said the Red Wings will try to make the playoffs while focusing on what it will take to get over the hump.

What is the status of Dylan Larkin?

Dylan Larkin, who had been the captain and No. 1 centre, requested a trade after last season; that situation is described as unresolved.

What notable roster and front-office changes happened this summer?

Steve Yzerman moved from general manager to senior adviser to owner Chris Ilitch on July 15, and Patrick Kane signed a two-year, $16 million contract with the Chicago Blackhawks on July 23.

When does Detroit begin training camp?

The Red Wings open training camp Thursday.

Coach Mark Comment

An interim GM’s first words matter. Horcoff’s emphasis on listening and supporting the organisation, combined with midsummer work across departments, suggests he is prioritising culture and process as levers for short-term gain. That is sensible: when a team repeatedly falters late, tightening systems, clarifying roles and improving day-to-day preparation can deliver measurable improvement without sacrificing longer-term flexibility. The risk is compressed timeline pressure – an interim manager who bets on immediate success faces scrutiny if returns do not materialise quickly – so setting a clear evaluation period and communicating priorities to players and staff will be crucial.

What Comes Next

The Red Wings open training camp Thursday, and Horcoff has said he will listen to and support people across the organisation as the team prepares for the season.

IHM Final View

Shawn Horcoff’s public position is clear: he will try to get more from the current roster rather than begin another rebuild. That aligns with the organisation’s view this summer that the team is close, but it also raises expectations for progress. With the playoffs elusive for a decade, Horcoff’s collaboration with the coaching staff and focus on day-to-day improvements will help determine whether Detroit can turn near-misses into a return to postseason hockey – and strengthen his case for the permanent role.

Ryan Reaves retires after 16 NHL seasons, 962 games

By IceHockeyMan Editorial Team | Published:

Story Summary

The 39-year-old forward finished last season with three goals in 50 games for the San Jose Sharks. Over his career Reaves compiled 140 points (66 goals, 74 assists) in 962 regular-season games for seven NHL clubs – the St. Louis Blues, Pittsburgh Penguins, Vegas Golden Knights, New York Rangers, Minnesota Wild, Toronto Maple Leafs and San Jose Sharks – and nine points (three goals, six assists) in 113 Stanley Cup Playoff games. Selected by the St. Louis Blues in the fifth round (No. 156) of the 2005 NHL Draft, Reaves spent seven of his 16 seasons with St. Louis (419 games). He reflected on a career defined by its physical edge, writing that ” every hit, every fight, it’s taken its final toll on me,” and closed his post with, ” Mic drop, gloves drop. Reavo out.”

Key Facts

  • Reaves played 16 NHL seasons and 962 regular-season games.
  • He is 39 years old.
  • Last season he scored three goals in 50 games for the San Jose Sharks.
  • Career totals: 140 points (66 goals, 74 assists) in 962 regular-season games.
  • Playoff totals: nine points (three goals, six assists) in 113 Stanley Cup Playoff games.
  • Drafted by the St. Louis Blues in the fifth round (No. 156) of the 2005 NHL Draft.
  • He played for seven NHL teams: Blues, Penguins, Golden Knights, Rangers, Wild, Maple Leafs and Sharks.
  • Reaves spent seven seasons with the St. Louis Blues, accounting for 419 games.
  • In 2018 he had two goals in 10 playoff games, including the tiebreaking goal in Game 5 of the Western Conference Final against the Winnipeg Jets; the Vegas Golden Knights lost to the Washington Capitals in five games in the Stanley Cup Final that year.
  • In his retirement message he wrote that ‘Father Time remains undefeated’ and said he will remain close to hockey in one way or another.

IHM Discussion

Ryan Reaves’s retirement closes the book on a career defined by physicality and longevity. A fifth-round pick, he reached 962 regular-season appearances across 16 NHL seasons and seven teams. His 140 career points and nine playoff points provide part of the statistical record, while his own farewell made clear how central the physical side of hockey was to his identity.

Reaves wrote that “every hit, every fight, it’s taken its final toll on me”, a candid reflection on the demands of his style of play. His 2018 run with Vegas also included two goals in 10 playoff games, including the tiebreaking goal in Game 5 of the Western Conference Final against Winnipeg.

He leaves the ice having said he intends to remain close to hockey in some form, though he did not specify what comes next.

Why It Matters

Reaves’s retirement marks the departure of a player whose NHL career was closely associated with the game’s physical dimension. His 16 seasons and 962 regular-season games underline the longevity required to remain in the League over such a long period.

His farewell also acknowledged both the rewards and the physical cost of that career. For supporters who followed him across seven NHL teams, it provides a clear closing point to a distinctive professional journey.

Mini Q&A

How many NHL seasons and regular-season games did Ryan Reaves play?

He played 16 NHL seasons and 962 regular-season games.

What were his career regular-season point totals?

Reaves had 140 career points, with 66 goals and 74 assists.

Which teams did he play for?

He played for the St. Louis Blues, Pittsburgh Penguins, Vegas Golden Knights, New York Rangers, Minnesota Wild, Toronto Maple Leafs and San Jose Sharks.

Was he part of the Golden Knights’ 2018 run to the Stanley Cup Final?

Yes. In 2018 he had two goals in 10 playoff games, including the tiebreaking goal in Game 5 of the Western Conference Final against the Winnipeg Jets; the Golden Knights went on to lose to the Washington Capitals in five games in the Stanley Cup Final.

How old is Ryan Reaves?

He is 39 years old.

Coach Mark Comment

Reaves’s longevity shows the value of having a clearly defined identity and sustaining it over time. Physical players still need to manage shifts, stay disciplined and contribute within the team structure; lasting 16 seasons requires more than a willingness to engage.

IHM Final View

Ryan Reaves retires as one of the more recognisable physical forwards of his era. His 140 points in 962 regular-season games tell only part of a career shaped by a committed, unmistakable style and by the durability to maintain it for 16 NHL seasons.

His retirement message directly acknowledged the wear of that game while celebrating the journey it gave him. His NHL career closes with seven teams, a 2018 Stanley Cup Final appearance with Vegas and a farewell delivered in his own words.

Drew Doughty Named Kings Captain, Replacing Kopitar

By IceHockeyMan Editorial Team | Published:

Story Summary

Drew Doughty has been named captain of the Los Angeles Kings, the club announced. He replaces Anze Kopitar, who retired following the 2025-26 season after a 20-year NHL career, including 10 seasons as the Kings’ captain. Doughty has been an alternate captain since the 2015-16 season and has spent his entire 18-season NHL career with Los Angeles since being selected No. 2 overall in the 2008 NHL Draft. The Kings named forwards Adrian Kempe and Artemi Panarin and defenceman Mikey Anderson as alternate captains to join Doughty in the leadership group. Doughty is the franchise leader among defence players in points (709), goals (165), assists (544) and games played (1,279), and he holds the Kings’ playoff records for a defenceman with 61 points, 19 goals and 42 assists in 105 postseason games. His championship and international résumé includes Stanley Cups in 2012 and 2014, the 2016 Norris Trophy and Olympic gold medals for Canada in 2010 and 2014, plus an Olympic silver medal at Milano Cortina in 2026.

Key Facts

  • Drew Doughty was named captain of the Los Angeles Kings.
  • He replaces Anze Kopitar, who retired after the 2025-26 season following a 20-year NHL career and 10 seasons as the Kings’ captain.
  • Doughty had served as an alternate captain since the 2015-16 season.
  • Doughty has played his entire 18-season NHL career with the Kings since being selected No. 2 overall in the 2008 NHL Draft.
  • He is the franchise leader among defencemen in points (709), goals (165), assists (544) and games played (1,279).
  • Doughty holds the franchise Stanley Cup Playoff records for a defenceman with 61 points, 19 goals and 42 assists in 105 games.
  • He helped lead the Kings to Stanley Cup championships in 2012 and 2014 and won the Norris Trophy in 2016.
  • Internationally, Doughty won Olympic gold with Team Canada in 2010 and 2014 and took silver at the 2026 Milano Cortina Games.
  • The Kings’ leadership group will include alternate captains Adrian Kempe, Artemi Panarin and Mikey Anderson.
  • Kings general manager and vice president Ken Holland said Doughty has earned the role, citing his championships and competition at the highest level.

IHM Discussion

The decision to name Drew Doughty captain formalises a leadership transition that had been building within the Kings for more than a decade. Anze Kopitar’s retirement closed a 20-year chapter in Los Angeles and left a vacancy at the head of a room that Doughty has already helped steady as an alternate since 2015-16. The choice is rooted in continuity: Doughty is a franchise lifer, entering his 18th season with Los Angeles and carrying an unmistakable record of on-ice production and postseason performance that sets him apart among NHL defencemen.

Statistically, Doughty’s standing with the Kings is emphatic. He leads all franchise defencemen in regular-season points (709), goals (165), assists (544) and games played (1,279). He has translated that regular-season production to the playoffs, where he holds the club records for a defenceman with 61 points, 19 goals and 42 assists in 105 postseason contests. Those numbers speak to a player who has combined longevity with sustained impact – qualities franchises commonly prize in a captain.

Beyond the counting stats, Doughty brings a championship résumé and individual accolades that reinforce the symbolic aspects of the role. He was an integral part of the Kings’ Stanley Cup-winning teams of 2012 and 2014 and was recognised as the League’s top defenceman with the Norris Trophy in 2016. Those achievements give Doughty the sort of credibility that helps bridge the dressing room and the front office; Ken Holland’s remark that Doughty “has earned this” underlines the organisation’s view of leadership by example.

The composition of the new leadership group – with Adrian Kempe, Artemi Panarin and Mikey Anderson as alternates – brings established forwards and another defenceman around the captain. That balance can help preserve continuity after Kopitar’s departure while sharing leadership responsibility across the roster.

Why It Matters

Captaincy matters because it is both a practical designation and a cultural symbol. Practically, the captain acts as the primary player representative to officials and the media and is often the central voice within the dressing room; culturally, the captain sets a standard. Naming a long-tenured, high-achievement player like Doughty sends an internal message about the values the Kings want to foreground: competitiveness, consistency and postseason experience.

For younger players and recently acquired talents, having a captain who has twice been through the Stanley Cup journey – and who holds franchise records among defencemen – can be stabilising. Kopitar’s retirement removes an established leader with whom the club had navigated two decades; Doughty’s promotion aims to supply a familiar and accomplished presence to replace that steadiness. The alternates named alongside him give the leadership group complementary skill sets: scoring and experience from forwards paired with Doughty’s defensive pedigree.

Mini Q&A

Who was named captain of the Los Angeles Kings?

Drew Doughty was named captain of the Los Angeles Kings.

Who did Doughty replace as captain?

He replaces Anze Kopitar, who retired following the 2025-26 season after 10 seasons as the Kings’ captain.

How long has Doughty been with the Kings?

Doughty has played his entire 18-season NHL career with the Kings since being selected No. 2 overall in the 2008 NHL Draft.

What leadership group will join Doughty?

The leadership group will include alternate captains Adrian Kempe, Artemi Panarin and Mikey Anderson.

What franchise records does Doughty hold?

He is the franchise leader among defencemen in points (709), goals (165), assists (544) and games played (1,279), and he holds the Kings’ playoff records for a defenceman with 61 points, 19 goals and 42 assists in 105 games.

What are Doughty’s major career achievements?

Doughty helped the Kings win the Stanley Cup in 2012 and 2014, won the Norris Trophy in 2016 and won Olympic gold with Team Canada in 2010 and 2014, plus silver at Milano Cortina in 2026.

Coach Mark Comment

Doughty’s appointment gives the Kings a captain with long-standing credibility in the room and experience of the standards required in playoff hockey. With Kempe, Panarin and Anderson serving as alternates, the leadership group has representation across the roster.

IHM Final View

Doughty’s appointment is a clear continuity move by the Kings: it rewards a franchise stalwart with a formal leadership role and pairs him with alternates who complement his strengths. The promotion acknowledges past success while signalling the club expects experienced, championship-tested standards to guide the roster going forward. For Los Angeles, the captaincy is no longer symbolic of the past; with Doughty it becomes an operational tool for steering the team through the post-Kopitar era.

Connor Hellebuyck suspended after failing to report to Jets camp

By IceHockeyMan Editorial Team | Published:

Story Summary

Connor Hellebuyck did not report to Winnipeg Jets training camp and was suspended by the club. The 33-year-old goaltender publicly confirmed on Aug. 27 that he had requested a trade from the Jets, issuing a statement through his agent, Ray Petkau: “I have tried to handle the situation quietly and respectfully while giving the organisation time to explore its options. With training camp approaching, I felt it was important to publicly confirm my request. My position has not changed. I believe moving on is the best path forward for me and my family.”

Hellebuyck is a three-time Vezina Trophy winner and the 2024-25 Hart Trophy recipient. Captain Adam Lowry has urged the club to focus on the season and treat Hellebuyck as a member of the team until the situation is resolved, saying the team cannot spend time worrying about the matter and must prepare for the season with the players present.

Key Facts

  • Connor Hellebuyck did not report to Winnipeg Jets training camp and was suspended by the team.
  • Hellebuyck publicly confirmed on Aug. 27 that he had requested a trade from the Jets in a statement released by his agent, Ray Petkau.
  • Hellebuyck’s statement: “I have tried to handle the situation quietly and respectfully while giving the organisation time to explore its options. With training camp approaching, I felt it was important to publicly confirm my request. My position has not changed. I believe moving on is the best path forward for me and my family.”
  • Adam Lowry, Jets captain, said on Sept. 8 that the team must focus on preparing for the season and will treat Hellebuyck as a member of the Jets until the situation is resolved.
  • Hellebuyck won the Hart Trophy as the NHL’s most valuable player in 2024-25 and has won the Vezina Trophy three times (2019-20, 2023-24, 2024-25).
  • In 2024-25 Hellebuyck went 47-12-3 with a 2.00 goals-against average,.925 save percentage and eight shutouts in 63 games; the Jets finished 56-22-4 and won the Presidents’ Trophy before losing to the Dallas Stars in the Western Conference Second Round.
  • Winnipeg missed the 2025-26 playoffs after a 35-35-12 season, finishing seventh in the Central Division and eight points behind the Los Angeles Kings for the second Western Conference wild-card spot.
  • In 2025-26 Hellebuyck was 23-23-11 with a 2.86 GAA and .895 save percentage in 57 games; he missed four weeks early in the season for arthroscopic knee surgery and returned on Dec. 13.
  • Hellebuyck was 5-0 with a 1.18 GAA and .956 save percentage for the United States at the 2026 Milano Cortina Olympics, helping the U.S. win the gold medal.
  • Hellebuyck is 33 years old and is entering the third season of a seven-year, $59.5 million contract signed on Oct. 9, 2023, with an average annual value of $8.5 million.
  • Drafted by the Jets in the fifth round (No. 130) of the 2012 NHL Draft, Hellebuyck has led NHL goalies since his 2015-16 debut in games played (625) and starts (615), and ranks second in wins (345) in that span.
  • Among goalies with at least 300 games since 2015-16, Hellebuyck’s.916 save percentage ranks third and his 2.58 GAA is tied for fourth during that period.

IHM Discussion

The Jets’ suspension of Hellebuyck after he did not report to training camp formalises an already public split between the club and its franchise goaltender. Hellebuyck made his trade request public on Aug. 27, saying he believed moving on was the best path for him and his family.

Winnipeg enters camp after a sharp reversal from 2024-25, when the Jets won the Presidents’ Trophy, to 2025-26, when they missed the playoffs. Hellebuyck’s own numbers also fell from his Hart- and Vezina-winning 2024-25 campaign: he went 23-23-11 with a .895 save percentage in 57 games last season after missing four weeks following arthroscopic knee surgery.

The immediate hockey task is to prepare with the players available. Lowry’s message was clear: the dressing room cannot afford to dwell on speculation. Hellebuyck remains a decorated goaltender, with three Vezina Trophies, a Hart Trophy and a 5-0 Olympic run for the United States in 2026, while his contract carries an $8.5 million average annual value.

Why It Matters

Goaltending is a cornerstone position, and Hellebuyck’s absence from camp is significant for Winnipeg’s preparations. The Jets will continue camp without a goaltender who has led NHL goalies in games played and starts since entering the League in 2015-16.

Any eventual resolution will carry major roster implications. Hellebuyck is entering the third season of a seven-year, $59.5 million contract with an $8.5 million average annual value, and his recent record includes both an elite 2024-25 season and a more difficult, injury-interrupted 2025-26 campaign. For now, Winnipeg’s focus is on preparing for the season with the players in camp.

What Comes Next

Training camp will be the next clear checkpoint. Hellebuyck has been suspended after failing to report, while Lowry has said the Jets will continue to treat him as a member of the team until the situation is resolved. Any change to his status or team activities would be a significant development.

Brent Burns unveils clean-shaven look at camp

By IceHockeyMan Editorial Team | Published:

Story Summary

Brent Burns surprised teammates and media at Colorado Avalanche training camp by arriving clean-shaven, with a new haircut and new front teeth. The veteran defenceman, entering his 23rd NHL season, spoke to reporters at camp as the Avs prepare to open the season on Wednesday, Sept. 30 against the LA Kings.

Key Facts

  • Brent Burns arrived at Colorado Avalanche training camp clean-shaven after years of his trademark facial hair.
  • Burns also showed up with a fresh haircut and brand new front teeth.
  • He spoke to the media at camp two weeks before the Avalanche open their season against the LA Kings on Wed. Sept. 30 (10 p.m. ET; TNT, truTV, HBO MAX).
  • Burns is entering his 23rd season in the NHL.
  • As an 18-year-old starting his NHL career in 2003, Burns did not have much facial hair.
  • By 2016, Burns’s beard had prompted a Chia Pet giveaway while he was with the San Jose Sharks.
  • Burns has currently played over 1,000 consecutive games in the NHL.
  • His consecutive-games streak began in 2013 and is still active.
  • Burns is 57 games away from Phil Kessel’s all-time record of 1,064 consecutive games played.

IHM Discussion

The change is cosmetic but notable: Burns’s beard became one of the most recognisable player trademarks in the League, so its removal is an attention-grabbing moment for teammates and fans. Entering his 23rd season, Burns is among the NHL’s longest-serving players. The new haircut and front teeth create a visibly different look for a player whose appearance has long been part of his public persona.

That persona produced fan-facing moments in the past – Burns’s beard prompted a Chia Pet giveaway in 2016 while he was with the San Jose Sharks. This season, though, the off-ice change comes alongside an active consecutive-games streak of more than 1,000 games, with Burns 57 games short of Phil Kessel’s all-time record of 1,064.

Why It Matters

A haircut or dental work is personal, but Burns’s new appearance stands out because his beard was such a recognisable part of his identity. It arrives at training camp as he enters his 23rd NHL season with an active consecutive-games streak, underlining the longevity behind the lighter story.

Mini Q&A

What changed about Brent Burns’s appearance?

He arrived at Colorado Avalanche training camp clean-shaven, with a fresh haircut and brand new front teeth.

Which team does Burns play for and what is his role?

Brent Burns is a veteran defenceman for the Colorado Avalanche.

When is the Avalanche’s season opener mentioned in the source?

The Avalanche open their season against the LA Kings on Wed. Sept. 30 at 10 p.m. ET (TNT, truTV, HBO MAX).

How many NHL seasons is Burns entering?

He is entering his 23rd season in the NHL.

What is said about Burns’s consecutive-games streak?

Burns has played over 1,000 consecutive NHL games; the streak began in 2013 and is still active, and he is 57 games away from Phil Kessel’s record of 1,064 consecutive games played.

Has Burns’s beard been notable before?

Yes – by 2016 his beard had prompted a Chia Pet giveaway while he was with the San Jose Sharks.

Coach Mark Comment

For Burns, the camp priority is simple: arrive prepared, build his game through camp and be ready when the season begins. The new look will draw attention, but availability and execution remain the meaningful measures for a veteran defenceman.

What Comes Next

The immediate checkpoint is the Avalanche’s season opener against the LA Kings on Wed. Sept. 30 (10 p.m. ET; TNT, truTV, HBO MAX), which follows the training-camp media availability where Burns showed his new look.

IHM Final View

Burns’s new look is a human-interest moment rather than a roster development. It is notable because it interrupts a long-running public image, while his 23rd NHL season and active consecutive-games streak give the story its real hockey context as Colorado approaches the opener.

Kucherov talks continue as Lightning seek long-term deal

By IceHockeyMan Editorial Team | Published:

Story Summary

Nikita Kucherov and the Tampa Bay Lightning remain in active contract discussions as the 33-year-old forward begins the final season of the eight-year, $76 million deal he signed on July 10, 2018 ($9.5 million average annual value). Lightning general manager Julien BriseBois said he expects Kucherov to be with the team for ” many years to come,” while acknowledging negotiations have not yet concluded. Kucherov has been eligible to sign a new deal since July 1 and can become an unrestricted free agent after this season; Tuesday was the final day he could sign an eight-year contract with Tampa Bay before the new Collective Bargaining Agreement limited maximum team re-signing terms to seven years.

Key Facts

  • Nikita Kucherov is entering the final season of an eight-year, $76 million contract he signed July 10, 2018 ($9.5 million average annual value).
  • Kucherov has been eligible to sign a new deal since July 1 and can become an unrestricted free agent after this season.
  • Tuesday was the final day Kucherov was eligible to sign an eight-year contract with the Lightning; the new Collective Bargaining Agreement beginning on Wednesday limits the maximum contract players can sign with their current team to seven years.
  • Lightning GM Julien BriseBois said he expects Kucherov to be with the team for ” many years to come” and that he remains in touch with Kucherov’s agent.
  • BriseBois: ” Throughout these contract negotiations, both parties I know would prefer to have a deal today to put that behind us.”
  • BriseBois called Kucherov ” a historically great player” and said: ” Not just one of the best players in the world right now — maybe the best player in the world right now. He is one of the best players ever.”
  • Kucherov said his focus ” solely is on the Lightning” and declined further questions on his future with the club.
  • Kucherov on his current priorities: ” What’s on my mind? My mind is trying to help the team this year. I control what I can control. I will do my best when I’m on the ice. That’s what I am focused on right now.”
  • Last season Kucherov had 130 points (44 goals, 86 assists) in 76 games and won the Hart Trophy as NHL most valuable player for the second time (2019).
  • In 12 NHL seasons, all with the Lightning, Kucherov has 1,124 points (401 goals, 723 assists), 13 points behind Steven Stamkos (1,137) as the franchise leader.
  • Kucherov was part of the Lightning’s Stanley Cup championships in 2020 and 2021.
  • Kucherov has reached the 100-point mark in each of the past four seasons, tied for the second-longest active streak in the NHL (Connor McDavid, six).

IHM Discussion

This is a high-stakes negotiation shaped by Kucherov’s continuing on-ice excellence and the change to contract length under the new CBA. Lightning general manager Julien BriseBois has publicly stated his desire to keep Kucherov in Tampa Bay for the long term, describing him as ” one of the best players ever” and expressing confidence that he will remain elite well into his 30s.

Kucherov has kept his public focus on helping the Lightning. He declined to elaborate on his future and said his priority is doing his best on the ice for the team. BriseBois said talks remain open with no set deadline.

Tuesday was the final day Kucherov could have signed an eight-year contract with Tampa Bay. Under the new agreement, the maximum term for a player re-signing with his current team is seven years. BriseBois said both sides would prefer to reach a deal, but stressed that Kucherov will not become a free agent until July 1 of next year.

Why It Matters

Kucherov remains central to Tampa Bay’s offence. He had 130 points last season and has reached 100 points in each of the past four seasons, while his 1,124 career points place him 14 behind Steven Stamkos for the franchise lead.

A new deal would keep one of the Lightning’s defining players with the club beyond his current contract. If no agreement is reached, Kucherov can become an unrestricted free agent after the season.

Mini Q&A

Has Nikita Kucherov signed a new contract with the Lightning?

No. Contract negotiations between Kucherov and the Lightning are ongoing; the two sides have not finalised a new deal, according to GM Julien BriseBois.

What is Kucherov’s current contract status?

Kucherov is in the final season of an eight-year, $76 million contract he signed July 10, 2018, with a $9.5 million average annual value.

Could Kucherov become a free agent soon?

Yes. He has been eligible to sign a new deal since July 1 and can become an unrestricted free agent after this season; BriseBois noted ” technically he won’t be a free agent until July 1 of next year.”

Is an eight-year contract still an option?

No. Tuesday was the final day Kucherov was eligible to sign an eight-year contract with the Lightning; the new Collective Bargaining Agreement beginning on Wednesday limits the maximum contract players can sign with their current team to seven years.

How did Kucherov perform last season?

Last season Kucherov had 130 points (44 goals, 86 assists) in 76 games and won the Hart Trophy as the NHL’s most valuable player for the second time.

What has the Lightning GM said publicly?

Julien BriseBois said he expects Kucherov to be with the team for ” many years to come,” that he remains in touch with Kucherov’s agent, and that there is no set deadline in the talks.

Coach Mark Comment

Kucherov’s stated focus is the right one for a contract year: keep the attention on execution, line chemistry and the next shift. Tampa Bay will need its leading scorer driving offence while the wider contract question remains off the ice.

What Comes Next

Negotiations between BriseBois and Kucherov’s agent will continue with no set deadline, per the Lightning. Technically, Kucherov will not be an unrestricted free agent until July 1 of next year.

IHM Final View

Tampa Bay have made their preference clear: they want to keep Kucherov, while the forward says his focus is on helping the team this season. The loss of the eight-year option narrows the maximum term available, but negotiations remain open and there is no stated deadline. For now, Kucherov remains under contract and the key on-ice question is whether the Lightning can move beyond their recent first-round exits.

IHM NHL Rumors: Will Dylan Larkin Still Be a Red Wing on Jan 1, 2027?

Will Dylan Larkin Still Be a Red Wing on Jan 1, 2027?

By IceHockeyMan Editorial Team | Published:

Story Summary

Whether Dylan Larkin will be wearing a Detroit Red Wings jersey on January 1, 2027 remains unresolved but, for now, the expectation is that he will stay in Detroit. Chris Johnston said he would pick Larkin to still be a Red Wing on that date while noting Minnesota remains the most likely long-term landing spot. Minnesota, Florida, Vegas and Dallas were named as teams linked with Larkin. Detroit would need a return that helps immediately, while the club’s unresolved general manager situation adds further uncertainty. Larkin is expected to report to camp, and he still has multiple years left on his contract, reducing any immediate pressure on Detroit to make a trade.

Key Facts

  • Dylan Larkin is the central subject and is under contract with the Detroit Red Wings; the transcript repeatedly refers to his potential trade situation and jersey status.
  • On the Chris Johnston Show, Johnston said, when asked which jersey Larkin would be wearing on January 1, 2027: “I’ll go Detroit.”
  • Johnston described Minnesota as “probably the most likely landing spot” among teams reported as interested, while adding he still thinks the list of teams hasn’t expanded beyond those already reported.
  • The teams specifically named in the discussion as linked to Larkin are Minnesota, Florida, Vegas and Dallas.
  • Johnston said Detroit would need to receive a player who can help “right now” in any Larkin trade.
  • Johnston said a player who does not report to camp would not be paid and would be in breach of contract; he added that Larkin is coming back to camp.
  • The hosts observed that trade requests are often made but not honoured immediately; Johnston noted a player who does not report to camp would not be paid and would be in breach of contract, implying Larkin is expected to report.
  • Julian McKenzie suggested Larkin might be traded “next off-season” if he remains in Detroit through the new year.

IHM Discussion

Johnston’s and McKenzie’s comments point to two simultaneous realities: the list of clubs linked with Dylan Larkin remains steady, while the mechanics of any move are unsettled. Larkin is expected to report to camp, and Detroit’s willingness to move him depends on finding immediate help in return and on the direction set by a new general manager.

Minnesota received particular attention. Johnston called the Wild “very interested” and “highly motivated”, but also pointed to their limited trade resources following their deal for Quinn Hughes. If Minnesota cannot meet Detroit’s demand for immediate help, talks may stall until either club’s circumstances change.

Detroit has time because Larkin has multiple years remaining on his contract. Interested teams may be prepared to wait, but that does not mean they have a suitable package available now. That leaves a Red Wings stay through the new-year checkpoint as a reasonable expectation, while keeping open the possibility of a trade later.

Why It Matters

For Detroit, retaining or trading Larkin would shape the club’s competitive direction. Johnston said the Red Wings need a return capable of helping immediately if they make a deal. For interested teams, the question is whether they can offer a package Detroit considers worthwhile now. Larkin reporting to camp would keep him with the club while the situation develops.

IHM Market Outlook

The discussion suggests a patient market rather than an imminent deal. Minnesota, Florida, Vegas and Dallas were named as clubs linked with Larkin, but Johnston said the Wild do not have “a ton in reserve” after their Quinn Hughes trade. Detroit’s pending general manager appointment and its need for immediate help in any return leave the timing of a move uncertain.

Mini Q&A

Has the list of teams interested in Dylan Larkin changed?

Johnston said he did not believe the list had expanded. Minnesota, Florida, Vegas and Dallas were the teams named in the discussion.

Will Dylan Larkin be a Detroit Red Wing on January 1, 2027?

Both Johnston and McKenzie leaned towards yes. Johnston said, “I’ll go Detroit,”while McKenzie said he expected Larkin to remain a Red Wing at the turn of the year.

Which team did Johnston identify as the most likely landing spot?

Johnston described Minnesota as “probably the most likely landing spot,”though he cautioned the Wild may lack the assets to complete a trade now.

Is a trade imminent?

Nothing in the discussion indicated an imminent trade. Detroit wants a return that helps immediately, its next general manager has not been appointed, and Johnston said Minnesota’s trade resources are limited. Larkin is also expected to report to camp.

Could Larkin be traded next off-season?

Julian McKenzie suggested that is possible, saying Larkin might still be with Detroit through the new year and that a trade could happen “next off-season.”

Coach Mark Comment

If Larkin reports to camp, Detroit’s staff should keep the focus on his on-ice role and the standards expected across the room. Clear routines and consistent communication can help limit distraction while management determines whether any offer meets its need for immediate help.

IHM Final View

The cautious conclusion is that Dylan Larkin is likely to remain a Detroit Red Wing at the turn of 2027, though his longer-term future remains open. Minnesota was identified as the most likely landing spot, but Detroit’s demand for immediate help and the Wild’s limited trade resources make any near-term move uncertain. Detroit’s next general manager and the offers available will shape what follows.

Cale Makar unlikely to be ready for Avalanche’s first day of camp

By IceHockeyMan Editorial Team | Published:

Story Summary

Colorado Avalanche defenceman Cale Makar may not be ready for the club’s first on-ice session Thursday as he is managing a lower-body injury. Coach Jared Bednar said Makar” has been on the ice” but is” on a little bit of a lighter program” and that ” Whether he’s ready to go Day 1 of training camp is probably unlikely.” Bednar added the issue is new, not related to the upper-body injury that cost Makar two playoff games last season.

Key Facts

  • Cale Makar is dealing with a lower-body injury and may miss the Avalanche’s first on-ice session Thursday.
  • Avalanche coach Jared Bednar said Makar” has been on the ice” but is on ” a little bit of a lighter program” than most players entering main camp.
  • Bednar said ” Whether he’s ready to go Day 1 of training camp is probably unlikely” and added the issue is not related to the upper-body injury Makar had in last season’s playoffs.
  • Makar had 79 points last season (20 goals, 59 assists) and averaged 24:51 of ice time in 75 regular-season games.
  • Makar was a finalist for the Norris Trophy last season.
  • Makar signed an eight-year, $163.2 million contract Aug. 28 that begins next season.
  • Makar missed two games in the Stanley Cup Playoffs last season because of an upper-body injury.

IHM Discussion

This is a cautious, short-term availability update rather than confirmation of a sustained absence. Bednar said Makar has been on the ice but is following a lighter programme, and described the lower-body issue as new and unrelated to the upper-body injury that cost him two playoff games last season.

Makar’s absence on the first day of camp appears likely, but Bednar said he expects the defenceman to be full go at some point during camp. For now, Colorado can take a gradual approach while monitoring his readiness.

Why It Matters

Makar’s 79 points and 24:51 average ice time underline his importance to Colorado’s blue line. Even a brief delay matters at training camp, when teams begin establishing conditioning, pairings and special-teams work. The Avalanche will want him ready without rushing a new lower-body issue.

Mini Q&A

Will Cale Makar be at the Avalanche’s first on-ice session?

Coach Jared Bednar said Makar” has been on the ice” but is on a lighter program and that ” Whether he’s ready to go Day 1 of training camp is probably unlikely.”

Is this injury related to the one Makar had in the playoffs?

Bednar said the current lower-body issue is not related to the upper-body injury Makar suffered in the Stanley Cup Playoffs last season.

How productive was Makar last season?

Makar had 79 points (20 goals, 59 assists) and averaged 24:51 of ice time in 75 regular-season games, and he was a finalist for the Norris Trophy.

What is the status of Makar’s contract?

Makar signed an eight-year, $163.2 million contract Aug. 28 that begins next season.

Coach Mark Comment

A lighter early-camp workload is a sensible way to assess a player’s readiness without making one missed session a larger issue than it is. The key is building his workload steadily once he is ready to take part fully.

Depth and balance give Hurricanes a real chance to repeat

By IceHockeyMan Editorial Team | Published:

Story Summary

The Carolina Hurricanes enter the new season positioned as legitimate challengers to repeat as Stanley Cup champions, built on balance, leadership and roster depth. Coach Rod Brind’Amour told the ” NHL Wraparound” podcast that keeping the core – including Sebastian Aho, Jaccob Slavin and Seth Jarvis – gives the club a clear road map: ” Once we get up and running, we should be fine.” The club faces a change in net after Frederik Andersen signed a one-year, $2.8 million contract with the Edmonton Oilers on July 1, creating opportunity for Brandon Bussi, who won 31 regular-season games and started the last three of the Hurricanes’ championship run after Carolina claimed him off waivers from the Florida Panthers on October 5, 2025. General manager Eric Tulsky’s additions, most notably K’Andre Miller – acquired from the New York Rangers for Scott Morrow, a conditional first-round pick and a second-round pick in the 2026 Draft – and signed to an eight-year, $60 million contract ($7.5 million AAV), strengthened the blue line. Offensively the team is led by Sebastian Aho (80 points: 27 goals, 53 assists), with Nikolaj Ehlers contributing 71 points (26 goals, 45 assists) after his six-year, $51 million signing ($8.5 million AAV). Observers including Jim Devellano and Hurricanes analyst Tripp Tracy praise the club’s leadership and the coaching of Brind’Amour as central to Carolina’s title defence.

Key Facts

  • Coach Rod Brind’Amour said on the ” NHL Wraparound” podcast: ” We’re going to be fine because my guys understand what it takes now and we’ve been able to keep our core group — (Sebastian) Aho, (Jaccob) Slavin, and (Seth) Jarvis, among others — and that’s the important thing.”
  • Frederik Andersen signed a one-year, $2.8 million contract with the Edmonton Oilers on July 1 as an unrestricted free agent.
  • Brandon Bussi won 31 regular-season games and started the last three of the Hurricanes’ championship run; Carolina claimed him off waivers from the Florida Panthers on October 5, 2025.
  • Sebastian Aho led Carolina with 80 points (27 goals, 53 assists).
  • Nikolaj Ehlers had 71 points (26 goals, 45 assists) and played all 82 regular-season games after signing a six-year, $51 million contract ($8.5 million AAV) as an unrestricted free agent.
  • K’Andre Miller was acquired from the New York Rangers for Scott Morrow, a conditional first-round pick and a second-round pick in the 2026 NHL Draft; Miller signed an eight-year, $60 million contract ($7.5 million AAV).
  • Miller recorded 37 points (eight goals, 29 assists) in 72 regular-season games while averaging 22:24 of ice time.
  • Role players who contributed offensively during the postseason included Jackson Blake (20 points; seven goals, 13 assists), Taylor Hall (19 points; seven goals, 12 assists), Logan Stankoven (16 points; 11 goals, five assists) and captain Jordan Staal (12 points; eight goals, four assists).
  • Carolina has won at least one round in the Stanley Cup Playoffs each of the past eight seasons, including four trips to the Eastern Conference Final.
  • Hurricanes television analyst Tripp Tracy said Brind’Amour “makes everyone dig in and maximise each player’s best version of himself on a daily basis.”

IHM Discussion

The Hurricanes’ title defence is framed less around a single transcendent talent than the sustained functioning of a well-constructed group. The roster blends established two-way centres with productive forwards and depth contributors who delivered in the postseason. Brind’Amour has stressed the value of continuity after Carolina retained a core that includes Sebastian Aho, Jaccob Slavin and Seth Jarvis.

Frederik Andersen’s departure changes the picture in goal, but Brandon Bussi enters the season after 31 regular-season wins and starts in the final three games of the championship run. Eric Tulsky also strengthened the blue line by acquiring mobile defenceman K’Andre Miller, who recorded 37 points in 72 regular-season games while averaging 22:24 of ice time.

Why It Matters

Carolina’s balanced scoring, dependable defensive core and widely praised leadership give the club more ways to withstand a cold spell or an absence than a team reliant on one dominant scorer. The goaltending situation will be closely watched after Andersen’s exit, with Bussi entering a larger opportunity following his 31-win regular season and playoff starts.

Miller’s acquisition adds a mobile defenceman who handled substantial minutes last season. In a league shaped by parity, that depth and continuity give Carolina a credible foundation for another long playoff run, without guaranteeing another championship.

Mini Q&A

Why are the Hurricanes considered a strong bet to repeat?

Carolina retained a core including Sebastian Aho, Jaccob Slavin and Seth Jarvis, while depth contributors produced in the postseason. Rod Brind’Amour believes that continuity gives the group a clear road map for defending the Cup.

What changed in goal for Carolina this off-season?

Frederik Andersen signed a one-year, $2.8 million deal with the Edmonton Oilers on July 1, opening a larger role for Brandon Bussi, who won 31 regular-season games and started the last three games of the Hurricanes’ championship run.

Who led Carolina offensively last season?

Sebastian Aho led the team with 80 points (27 goals, 53 assists), while Nikolaj Ehlers had 71 points (26 goals, 45 assists) and played all 82 regular-season games.

How deep was Carolina’s postseason scoring?

Several contributors produced during the playoffs: Jackson Blake had 20 points, Taylor Hall 19, Logan Stankoven 16 and Jordan Staal 12.

Do outside observers agree Carolina can repeat?

The outlook is positive but cautious. Jim Devellano praised Carolina’s balance and leadership while noting that parity could prevent another Cup, and Tripp Tracy highlighted Brind’Amour’s ability to get the best from his players.

Coach Mark Comment

Carolina’s coaching challenge is to keep roles clear as Bussi takes on a larger opportunity in goal and Miller settles into the blue line. A deep roster is most effective when players know where they fit and the team’s habits remain consistent. Slavin and Staal provide experienced reference points within a group that has already navigated a championship run.

IHM Final View

Carolina’s chance to repeat rests on the elements highlighted around the club: depth, balanced scoring and leadership. Andersen has departed, Miller has joined the blue line, and the returning core remains supported by contributors who produced during the Cup run. Parity and the season’s nightly grind mean nothing is guaranteed, but the Hurricanes have a credible foundation to challenge again.

NHL doubles pre-season pledge with Matthew Perry Foundation

By IceHockeyMan Editorial Team | Published:

Story Summary

The NHL has renewed and expanded its partnership with the Matthew Perry Foundation for the coming pre-season. Under the “Goals for Recovery” campaign, the League will donate $100 for every pre-season goal scored to the foundation to support addiction recovery, prevention and advocacy across North America – double the $50-per-goal contribution made during last pre-season’s initiative. The donation campaign coincides with National Recovery Month and the League’s eight-day, 65-game pre-season slate scheduled from Sept. 19 through Sept. 26 across 36 NHL and neutral-site venues.

Key Facts

  • The NHL and the Matthew Perry Foundation are partnering for “Goals for Recovery” for the second consecutive pre-season.
  • The League will donate $100 for every pre-season goal scored to the Matthew Perry Foundation, doubling last pre-season’s $50-per-goal donation.
  • The initiative recognises National Recovery Month.
  • The League’s pre-season slate runs eight days and includes 65 games played across 36 NHL and neutral-site venues from Sept. 19 through Sept. 26.
  • Rob Wooley, executive director of the NHL Foundation, said the campaign opens conversations about addiction, creates understanding around recovery and helps ensure more people have access to support.
  • The Matthew Perry Foundation was created after the actor’s accidental death on Oct. 28, 2023.
  • Shauna Nep, special projects advisor to the foundation, said the NHL’s partnership went beyond money and has been “life changing” for the foundation and the communities it supports.
  • Half of last pre-season’s donation supported the inaugural Matthew Perry Foundation Fellowship in Addiction Medicine at Massachusetts General Hospital.
  • Greg Fleisher, the foundation’s communications director, said the fellowship trains doctors to address addiction with specific training and understanding and that grassroots money goes directly to small organisations on the front lines.
  • The Matthew Perry Foundation aims to eliminate the stigma surrounding addiction by providing financial assistance to organisations that offer hope in recovery.
  • Matthew Perry was born in Williamstown, Massachusetts, moved to Ottawa around his first birthday, became a lifelong hockey fan and played in celebrity hockey events including the 1994 NHL Celebrity All-Star Game.

IHM Discussion

The NHL’s decision to increase its per-goal donation to $100 broadens the social impact of pre-season hockey beyond the rink. By tying charitable giving to goals scored during pre-season, the League has created a simple, measurable way for hockey to contribute to a public-health conversation during National Recovery Month.

The doubled figure increases the potential financial support available to the Matthew Perry Foundation’s recovery, prevention and advocacy work while raising the profile of addiction recovery on a league-wide scale. Rob Wooley framed the programme as an effort to use hockey’s reach to open conversations and build understanding around recovery. Last pre-season’s contribution was split between the Matthew Perry Foundation Fellowship in Addiction Medicine at Massachusetts General Hospital and grassroots recovery programmes, illustrating the range of work the partnership has previously supported.

The partnership also reflects Matthew Perry’s enduring connection with hockey. The foundation’s work is anchored in Perry’s history as a fan and participant: his childhood years in Ottawa, celebrity game appearances and support for the Ottawa Senators and Los Angeles Kings. That personal link gives the campaign a human dimension that may help reduce stigma among communities, families and fans affected by addiction.

Why It Matters

The campaign turns pre-season goals into support for addiction recovery, prevention and advocacy. Last pre-season’s contribution supported both addiction-medicine training at Massachusetts General Hospital and grassroots recovery programmes, showing how the partnership has reached medical and community settings. The renewed initiative also gives the League a visible platform to encourage conversation and understanding around recovery.

Mini Q&A

What is the NHL donating under ‘Goals for Recovery’?

The NHL will donate $100 for every pre-season goal scored to the Matthew Perry Foundation.

How does this compare to last pre-season?

The League doubled its per-goal contribution from $50 last pre-season to $100 this pre-season.

When will the donation be counted?

Donations apply to goals scored during the League’s pre-season slate, which runs eight days and includes 65 games from Sept. 19 through Sept. 26 across 36 NHL and neutral-site venues.

Why is the foundation linked to Matthew Perry?

The Matthew Perry Foundation was created after the actor’s accidental death on Oct. 28, 2023, and aims to eliminate the stigma around addiction by providing financial assistance to organisations that support recovery.

Coach Mark Comment

The on-ice link is simple: every pre-season goal contributes to a cause beyond the scoreboard. That gives clubs and players a clear opportunity to support a conversation about recovery while engaging fans during the pre-season.

IHM Final View

The League’s doubled pre-season per-goal pledge builds on last season’s launch and Matthew Perry’s hockey legacy. The previous campaign supported an addiction-medicine fellowship and community-based recovery programmes; this renewal increases the potential support for the foundation’s wider recovery, prevention and advocacy work. Linking goals to giving also gives the campaign a clear, visible connection to National Recovery Month.