Category: IHM Trending Now

The most talked-about stories in global hockey and exclusive IHM highlights that everyone’s watching right now.

Connor Bedard named captain of the Chicago Blackhawks

By IceHockeyMan Editorial Team | Published:

Story Summary

Connor Bedard has been named captain of the Chicago Blackhawks. The 21-year-old centre becomes the second-youngest captain in team history, behind Jonathan Toews (20 years, 79 days). General manager Kyle Davidson praised Bedard’s leadership; Bedard called the appointment “an unbelievable honor.” He replaces Nick Foligno, who served as captain from Sept. 18, 2024, to March 6, 2026, when Foligno was traded to the Minnesota Wild. Bedard, the No. 1 pick in the 2023 NHL Draft and the 2023-24 Calder Trophy winner, signed a five-year, $75 million contract ($15 million average annual value) on July 18 and is recovering from left shoulder surgery sustained after an off-season training injury on July 2. He is expected to be out until November and has been skating and taking some shots during informal sessions.

Key Facts

  • Connor Bedard was named captain of the Chicago Blackhawks.
  • Bedard is 21 years old and is the second-youngest captain in Blackhawks history behind Jonathan Toews (20 years, 79 days).
  • Bedard said: ” Being named captain of the Blackhawks is an unbelievable honor and something I’m truly humbled by.”
  • General manager Kyle Davidson said: ” Connor perfectly embodies what it means to be a Blackhawk… he has earned the respect of his teammates and the entire organization… and there is no doubt that he is ready to take on this tremendous responsibility.”
  • Bedard replaces Nick Foligno, who was captain from Sept. 18, 2024, to March 6, 2026, when he was traded to the Minnesota Wild.
  • Bedard had been named an alternate captain for the remainder of last season on March 3 after defenseman Connor Murphy was traded March 2 to the Edmonton Oilers; he had also been an alternate earlier last season when Foligno was hurt.
  • On Nov. 18, Bedard recorded the second hat trick of his career in a 5-2 win against the Calgary Flames.
  • Bedard signed a five-year, $75 million contract ($15 million average annual value) on July 18.
  • He underwent surgery on his left shoulder after sustaining an injury during an off-season training session in Vancouver on July 2 and is expected to be out until November.
  • Bedard led the Blackhawks last season with 60 points (26 goals, 34 assists) in 51 games.
  • He won the Calder Trophy in 2023-24 as the League’s best rookie.
  • Past Blackhawks captains cited in the club’s history include Jonathan Toews (2008-23), Chris Chelios (1995-99), Denis Savard (1988-89), Stan Mikita (1975-77) and Pierre Pilote (1961-67).

IHM Discussion

The Blackhawks have placed their young No. 1 pick in a prominent leadership role. Naming Connor Bedard captain connects the club’s leading scorer from last season with a long history of decorated leaders, including Jonathan Toews and Hall of Famers Chris Chelios, Denis Savard, Stan Mikita and Pierre Pilote. General manager Kyle Davidson pointed to Bedard’s preparation, competitiveness and conduct, suggesting the club sees his influence extending beyond his on-ice production. Bedard’s remarks also acknowledged the weight of the role and the standard set by those who wore the ‘C’ before him.

Why It Matters

Assigning the ‘C’ to Bedard confirms that Chicago sees him as a central figure in its future. As the team’s leading scorer last season, with 60 points in 51 games, and the 2023-24 Calder Trophy winner, he already carries substantial on-ice expectations. The captaincy adds formal leadership responsibility as Chicago prepares for training camp and seeks to return to the playoffs for the first time since 2019-20. Bedard’s shoulder recovery means that leadership role will initially be felt away from game action as well as on the ice.

Mini Q&A

Who was named captain of the Chicago Blackhawks?

Connor Bedard was named captain of the Chicago Blackhawks.

How old is Bedard and how does that rank in team history?

Bedard is 21 years old and is the second-youngest captain in Blackhawks history behind Jonathan Toews (20 years, 79 days).

Who did Bedard replace as captain?

He replaces Nick Foligno, who was captain from Sept. 18, 2024, to March 6, 2026, when he was traded to the Minnesota Wild.

What has Bedard said about being named captain?

Bedard said: ” Being named captain of the Blackhawks is an unbelievable honor and something I’m truly humbled by.”

What is Bedard’s injury status and expected timeline?

Bedard underwent surgery on his left shoulder after sustaining an injury during an off-season training session on July 2 and is expected to be out until November; he has been skating and taking some shots during informal sessions at the Blackhawks’ practice facility.

What are Bedard’s recent contract and recent season statistics?

Bedard signed a five-year, $75 million contract ($15 million average annual value) on July 18 and led the Blackhawks last season with 60 points (26 goals, 34 assists) in 51 games.

Coach Mark Comment

From a coaching perspective, a young captain needs support from the leadership group as well as the coaching staff. Bedard can set standards through his preparation and competitiveness, while experienced teammates help carry the daily demands of the room. During his shoulder recovery, his presence in meetings and around the team can help establish that leadership before he returns to the lineup.

What Comes Next

Chicago opens training camp on Thursday, while Bedard is expected to remain out until November as he recovers from left shoulder surgery. His return to the lineup will be the next major development for the Blackhawks’ new captain.

IHM Final View

Naming Connor Bedard captain is a clear statement of faith from the Blackhawks. It links the No. 1 pick in the 2023 NHL Draft to the franchise’s leadership history and gives the club a clear figurehead as he completes his recovery. The appointment also sets a standard for the younger players around him, with Bedard’s eventual return to the lineup the next significant step.

Capitals sign Ryan Leonard to eight-year, $84 million contract

By IceHockeyMan Editorial Team | Published:

Story Summary

The Washington Capitals have signed 21-year-old forward Ryan Leonard to an eight-year, $84 million contract that carries an average annual value of $10.5 million and begins next season. Leonard recorded 45 points (20 goals, 25 assists) in 75 games in 2025-26, and has 46 points (21 goals, 25 assists) in 84 NHL regular-season games overall, plus one assist in eight Stanley Cup Playoff games. A first-round pick (No. 8) in 2023, Leonard ranked third among League rookies with 14 power-play points and had 16 five-on-five goals in his first full NHL season.

Key Facts

  • Ryan Leonard signed an eight-year, $84 million contract with the Washington Capitals.
  • The contract has an average annual value (AAV) of $10.5 million and begins next season.
  • Leonard is 21 years old.
  • He scored 45 points (20 goals, 25 assists) in 75 games with the Capitals in 2025-26.
  • Leonard ranked third among League rookies with 14 power-play points and had 16 five-on-five goals in 2025-26.
  • He is entering the last season of the three-year entry-level contract he signed March 31, 2025.
  • Leonard was a first-round pick (No. 8) by the Capitals at the 2023 NHL Draft.
  • His NHL totals include 46 points (21 goals, 25 assists) in 84 regular-season games and one assist in eight Stanley Cup Playoff games.
  • Washington general manager Chris Patrick issued a statement praising Leonard’s work ethic and potential.

IHM Discussion

This is a significant long-term commitment by the Capitals to a player coming off a first full NHL season. The eight-year term and $10.5 million AAV signal that Washington views Leonard as a foundational piece rather than a short-term solution. Leonard’s underlying profile – a 21-year-old forward with 20 goals and 14 power-play points in his first full season – fits the sort of upside franchises are willing to invest in long term. The club’s public evaluation, via GM Chris Patrick, stresses development and potential rather than immediate peak performance, which aligns with extending a young player before his prime years.

Why It Matters

Securing a young scorer on an extended deal locks in internal forward depth and removes Leonard from short-term contract turnover. For Washington, the contract ties up significant cap dollars to a player who has shown scoring ability on both the power play and at five-on-five, and who remains early in his development curve. For Leonard, the agreement provides financial security and a stable environment in which the club expects him to continue growing.

IHM Market Outlook

The size and length of Leonard’s deal underline the value Washington places on his scoring potential after his first full NHL season.

Mini Q&A

Who signed the contract?

Ryan Leonard signed the eight-year, $84 million contract with the Washington Capitals.

What are the financial terms?

The deal is for eight years and $84 million, with an average annual value of $10.5 million.

When does the contract take effect?

The Capitals say the contract begins next season.

What were Leonard’s numbers in his first full NHL season?

He had 45 points (20 goals, 25 assists) in 75 games in 2025-26, ranked third among rookies with 14 power-play points and scored 16 five-on-five goals.

What is Leonard’s draft background?

He was selected in the first round, No. 8 overall, by the Capitals at the 2023 NHL Draft.

Is the signing confirmed?

Yes. Leonard signed the eight-year, $84 million contract with Washington.

Coach Mark Comment

The long-term commitment gives Washington time to keep building Leonard’s game while benefiting from the scoring touch he showed in his first full NHL season.

What Comes Next

The club states the contract begins next season; Leonard is also described as entering the last season of the three-year entry-level contract he signed on March 31, 2025. The new contract’s activation and Leonard’s usage in the coming season will be the next checkpoints to watch.

IHM Final View

This is a clear statement of intent by the Capitals to keep a promising young scorer at the centre of their plans. The deal balances present evidence of production with an emphasis on future development; its long term and AAV make it a notable template for how teams value rookie-era breakout forwards.

Top 10 training camp storylines as NHL season nears

By IceHockeyMan Editorial Team | Published:

Story Summary

Training camps open across the NHL with a slate of headline narratives ready to be answered. Connor Hellebuyck remains under contract with the Winnipeg Jets but publicly requested a trade on Aug. 27 and has said he believes ” moving on is the best path forward for me and my family,” creating immediate uncertainty for the club. Quinn Hughes is eligible to sign a new deal and can still sign an eight-year contract until the CBA change limits the maximum to seven years; he said he is not in a rush and that discussions are ongoing with agent Pat Brisson and Wild general manager Bill Guerin. The league’s return to an expanded 84-game schedule – including the earliest regular-season start in North America and the first regular-season games in North America in September – will shorten camps and cut pre-season games from six to four, changing the rhythm for veterans, rookies and coaches. Other major items include No. 1 pick Gavin McKenna stepping into Toronto’s spotlight, Mike Babcock’s return as Edmonton’s coach following an NHL investigation, the Tkachuk brothers joining the Florida Panthers, Carolina’s Stanley Cup core returning intact, the Buffalo Sabres’ off-season retooling, the pressure on highly paid youngsters Macklin Celebrini, Leo Carlsson and Connor Bedard, and how Washington’s additions could affect Alex Ovechkin’s ice time.

Key Facts

  • Connor Hellebuyck publicly requested a trade from the Winnipeg Jets on Aug. 27 and said he privately requested a move ” several months ago.”
  • Hellebuyck is 33 years old and is entering the third season of a seven-year, $59.5 million contract with an $8.5 million average annual value signed Oct. 9, 2023.
  • Quinn Hughes has been eligible to sign a new contract since July 1 and can sign an eight-year deal until Tuesday, after which the new CBA limits the maximum to seven years.
  • Cale Makar signed an eight-year, $163.2 million contract ($20.4 million AAV) on Aug. 29, establishing the recent market reference for top defensemen.
  • The NHL will play an 84-game regular season for the third time in league history; teams will play regular-season games in North America in September for the first time.
  • pre-season games have been reduced to four from six; returning players are required to play at least two pre-season games and teams face fewer practice days.
  • Gavin McKenna, the No. 1 pick in the 2026 NHL Draft, is 18, played at Penn State last season, is living with John Tavares, and is expected to have a big role with the Toronto Maple Leafs under coach Jim Hiller.
  • Mike Babcock was hired by the Edmonton Oilers on June 23; he was cleared by an NHL investigation into his resignation from the Columbus Blue Jackets in September 2023 and last coached in the NHL in 2019 when he was fired by Toronto on Nov. 20, 2019.
  • Brady and Matthew Tkachuk will be teammates with the Florida Panthers after playing together for Team USA at the 2025 4 Nations Face-Off and the 2026 Winter Olympics, when the Americans won gold.
  • The Carolina Hurricanes return all 20 players who dressed in the Cup-clinching 3-0 Game 6 win over the Vegas Golden Knights on June 14. Frederik Andersen left in free agency to sign with Edmonton.
  • Seth Jarvis is expected to miss the start of the season while rehabbing from shoulder surgery; Alexander Nikishin remains a restricted free agent.
  • Buffalo lost Alex Tuch and Bowen Byram, acquired 23-year-old Olen Zellweger to fill a defensive hole, and will rely on a young core including Zach Benson (43 points in 65 games) and the continued development of Josh Doan and Jack Quinn (combined 45 goals and 103 points last season). Buffalo finished first in the Atlantic with 109 points last season and won a playoff round before losing in seven games to Montreal.

IHM Discussion

Training camp will be a compressed, high-stakes setting where roster decisions are accelerated and off-ice headlines meet on-ice realities. Hellebuyck’s public trade request is the clearest example: he remains under contract and is expected to report, but his statement that moving on is best for him and his family leaves the Jets with a major roster question at a position that demands stability. That uncertainty colours Winnipeg’s camp planning as the regular season approaches.

Quinn Hughes’s contract situation is another pressure point. Hughes says he is not rushing to sign and has an open line of communication with general manager Bill Guerin and agent Pat Brisson, yet the timing tied to the new CBA – an eight-year window that closes this week – creates a hard external deadline. The longer the delay, the more likely the contract question becomes a narrative that follows Minnesota into the season, even if Hughes and teammates insist it will not affect on-ice performance.

The 84-game slate reshapes everything. With two fewer pre-season games and fewer practice days, coaching staffs must make quicker evaluations. Prospects and fringe players lose valuable showcase opportunities, while established veterans must adjust to a longer season beginning in September. Those structural changes increase the immediate importance of camp: coaches must identify trusted, durable players earlier and be more decisive about who earns NHL roles.

Several storylines combine roster construction with narrative intrigue. In Toronto, the No. 1 pick Gavin McKenna arrives with intense scrutiny and support, living with John Tavares and expected to factor prominently under Jim Hiller. In Edmonton, Babcock returns with public backing from Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, but he will face sustained scrutiny following his recent NHL history. In Florida, how Paul Maurice deploys Brady and Matthew Tkachuk – together or apart – will be one of the earliest tactical questions of camp.

Carolina offers an unusual counterpoint: continuity. The return of all 20 players who dressed in the Cup-clinching win provides stability rarely seen year to year and sets a clear baseline for whether a repeat is possible. Conversely, Buffalo’s challenge is to build on a breakthrough season despite losing key contributors, while highly paid youngsters such as Macklin Celebrini, Leo Carlsson and Connor Bedard arrive in camp facing immediate pressure to validate massive contracts and accelerate team progress.

Why It Matters

These storylines matter because camps are where seasons begin in earnest. The Hellebuyck and Hughes situations could directly affect Winnipeg and Minnesota. The 84-game schedule compels teams to make quicker roster calls and emphasises durability and depth; with fewer pre-season appearances, prospects have less time to earn roles. High-profile rookie and veteran roles – McKenna in Toronto, the Tkachuk brothers in Florida, and the Oilers under Babcock – will affect line combinations, power-play construction and the balance of top-six scoring across the league. Carolina’s championship core and Buffalo’s rising young players also bring heightened expectations before the first puck drop on Sept. 29.

Mini Q&A

Has Connor Hellebuyck asked for a trade?

Yes. Connor Hellebuyck publicly requested that the Winnipeg Jets trade him on Aug. 27 and said he had privately requested a move ” several months ago.”

What is Quinn Hughes’s contract window and stance?

Quinn Hughes has been eligible to sign a new deal since July 1 and can sign an eight-year contract until Tuesday; after that the new CBA limits the maximum length to seven years. He said he is not rushing to sign, that he will do what is right on his time, and that he has an open line of communication with his agent Pat Brisson and GM Bill Guerin.

How will the 84-game schedule affect training camps?

Teams will have fewer pre-season games (four instead of six), mandated off days around those dates, and fewer practice days overall, which reduces opportunities for prospects and forces quicker roster decisions.

What should we expect from No. 1 pick Gavin McKenna?

Gavin McKenna, the 18-year-old No. 1 pick who played at Penn State last season, is expected to have a big role with the Toronto Maple Leafs under coach Jim Hiller. He is living with John Tavares.

Is Mike Babcock coaching in the NHL again?

Yes. Mike Babcock was hired by the Edmonton Oilers on June 23 after being cleared by an NHL investigation into his 2023 resignation from the Columbus Blue Jackets; he last coached in the NHL in 2019.

Which teams return cores or face major off-season change?

The Carolina Hurricanes return all 20 players who dressed in their Cup-clinching Game 6 win over Vegas, while Buffalo lost Alex Tuch and Bowen Byram and acquired Olen Zellweger to bolster the backend.

Coach Mark Comment

With fewer pre-season games, every practice and exhibition shift carries more weight in the evaluation process. Coaches need a clear hierarchy for minutes, a plan to manage young players’ workloads while testing them in game-like situations, and contingencies for an 84-game season. Veterans can be used in controlled bursts while prospects receive meaningful looks against NHL competition.

IHM Final View

Training camp headlines this season pair old-school roster drama with structural change. The Hellebuyck trade request and Hughes’s contract timetable are immediate, high-impact uncertainties with the potential to change regular-season expectations for Winnipeg and Minnesota. At the same time, the expanded schedule forces every team to be more decisive in camp: fewer pre-season games and earlier starts mean that the first month of the regular season will look a lot like an extension of camp, with early roles and minutes set quickly. For fans and executives alike, answers that once came slowly must now be found fast.

Inside IHM | IceHockeyMan Editorial Team & Coach Mark Lehtonen | September 2026

Inside IHM | IceHockeyMan Editorial Team & Coach Mark Lehtonen | September 2026

IceHockeyMan Premium 2026/27: A New Hockey Intelligence Service Launches in October at €14.99

IceHockeyMan Premium will officially return in the first days of October 2026 – with a new price, a much larger editorial operation and a significantly broader role inside the IceHockeyMan platform.

Last season, Premium was priced at €29.99. For the 2026/27 season, the subscription price will be €14.99.

The price is going down. The product is getting considerably bigger.

Premium will no longer be built primarily around additional articles. It is being developed as a dedicated Hockey Intelligence layer across IceHockeyMan - connecting the IHM Newsroom, match coverage, coaching intelligence, player development, injuries, lineups, team trends, the IHM Coaches Database, Coach Rating and the experience of Coach Mark Lehtonen.

NHL coverage will form the largest part of the service, but Premium will also follow the major European leagues, Champions Hockey League and selected international hockey throughout the season.

Premium Is Changing Because Hockey Media Is Changing

Hockey fans no longer follow a season through a single newspaper, television broadcast or box score.

A modern game is followed across multiple screens and multiple information layers: live scores, line combinations, injuries, statistics, social reaction, video, coaching decisions, roster movement and post-game discussion.

The opportunity for IceHockeyMan is not to reproduce all of those things separately.

It is to connect them.

Premium 2026/27 is therefore being designed around one central question:

What does a hockey fan need to understand what is really happening around a team, player, coach or game?

Sometimes the answer is a lineup change. Sometimes it is an injury. Sometimes it is a defensive pairing, a reduced role, a new power-play unit, a coaching decision or a player quietly earning more responsibility.

Premium will increasingly connect those signals rather than publish them as isolated pieces of information.

Introducing IHM Premium Today

One of the new foundations of Premium will be IHM Premium Today - a fast intelligence layer designed to identify what matters before the hockey day becomes crowded.

Instead of requiring members to search through dozens of stories, selected Premium updates will bring together the most important developments around the day’s hockey.

Depending on the schedule, Premium Today may include:

  • Important NHL games and matchups
  • Starting-goaltender developments
  • Important lineup changes
  • Injury updates
  • Players moving between lines
  • Power-play changes
  • Coach decisions worth watching
  • Trade and contract developments
  • Players gaining or losing responsibility
  • Major European games
  • Coach Mark’s key observation for the day
  • Three or five developments worth following next

The objective is simple: give Premium members a clear starting point for the hockey day.

NHL Will Be the Centre of Premium

NHL will represent the largest share of Premium coverage during the 2026/27 season.

IceHockeyMan will continue publishing NHL news freely through the IHM Newsroom. Premium will sit above that news layer and focus on context, consequences and what happens next.

Premium NHL coverage will include areas such as:

  • Selected full-game breakdowns
  • Pre-game Hockey Intelligence
  • Starting-goaltender context
  • Confirmed and projected line combinations
  • Injury impact
  • Player-role changes
  • Defensive-pairing changes
  • Power-play and penalty-kill developments
  • Coach-vs-coach matchups
  • Player-vs-player matchup considerations
  • Trade intelligence
  • Contract and salary-cap context
  • Prospect development
  • Rookie usage
  • Ice-time trends
  • Players moving into larger roles
  • Players losing coaching trust
  • Playoff-race intelligence
  • Postseason matchup coverage

The goal is not to produce a huge breakdown for every NHL game.

Premium resources will be concentrated on games and developments where deeper coverage genuinely adds value.

IHM Match Intelligence Cards

Selected games will introduce a more compact Premium format: IHM Match Intelligence Cards.

These are designed for fans who want useful information quickly before a game without reading a long preview.

A Match Intelligence Card can include:

  • Expected starting goaltenders
  • Important injuries
  • Confirmed absences
  • Line combinations
  • Defensive pairings
  • Special-teams context
  • Recent team form
  • One key player matchup
  • One tactical matchup
  • Coach vs Coach
  • Three Things to Watch

Longer Premium reports can then go deeper where the game deserves it.

IHM Game Companion

Hockey viewing is increasingly a two-screen experience.

Fans watch the game while simultaneously checking lineups, statistics, injuries, player information and reactions on another device.

IceHockeyMan will begin developing selected Premium coverage around that behaviour through the IHM Game Companion concept.

It is not intended to replace the broadcast or duplicate live play-by-play.

Its purpose is to provide the information around the broadcast that helps explain the game.

Selected Game Companion coverage can bring together:

  • Pregame intelligence
  • Lineups
  • Goalie information
  • Injury context
  • Key matchups
  • Coach decisions
  • Important role changes
  • Turning points
  • Post-game conclusions
  • What the result changes next

More Coach Mark Lehtonen – Much More

One of the biggest Premium changes for 2026/27 will be a significant expansion of Coach Mark Lehtonen’s contribution.

Mark’s role will go beyond short comments attached to stories.

Selected games, coaching changes, player-development stories and tactical developments will receive dedicated coaching perspective.

Coach Mark coverage can include:

  • Why a coach changed a line
  • Why a defensive pair was separated
  • How coaches protect a lead
  • How teams respond when chasing a game
  • Bench management
  • Zone-start decisions
  • Special-teams adjustments
  • Matchup deployment
  • Young-player management
  • Managing reduced player confidence
  • When a coach shortens the bench
  • How coaches respond after difficult periods
  • Workload and recovery management
  • Playoff-series adjustments
  • What a coaching staff may change before the next game

“The scoreboard tells you what happened. Coaching starts with understanding why it happened, which decisions influenced it and what probably changes next.”

– Coach Mark Lehtonen

Coach vs Coach

Premium will place much greater attention on one of hockey’s most underestimated matchups: the battle between the benches.

Coaches constantly respond to each other through line matching, defensive deployment, special teams, zone starts, goalie decisions and game-state management.

Selected Premium games will therefore include a dedicated Coach vs Coach component.

It can examine:

  • Which coach controlled the matchups
  • Line-matching decisions
  • Changes after the first period
  • Special-teams adjustments
  • Timeout and goalie decisions
  • Bench shortening
  • Usage of star players
  • Protection of younger players
  • Responses after conceding
  • Late-game risk management

IHM Coaches Database

Premium will also connect more closely with the expanding IHM Coaches Database.

IceHockeyMan is building coach profiles as structured hockey-intelligence assets, rather than treating coaches simply as names attached to a team.

Profiles are designed to develop around:

  • Career history
  • Coaching experience
  • Team performance
  • Preferred playing tendencies
  • Roster usage
  • Young-player opportunities
  • Development record
  • Special-teams performance
  • Line-management tendencies
  • Playoff performance
  • Adaptability
  • Leadership context
  • Player-role patterns

IHM Coach Rating

The Coaches Database will increasingly connect with the IHM Coach Rating.

The objective is not to reduce coaching to one simplistic number.

The rating is intended to provide a structured reference point around coaching performance, development, tactical results, roster context and longer-term influence.

Over time, Coach Rating will also connect with other IHM systems, including player development, player-role intelligence and future IHM Fantasy Hockey products.

Introducing the IHM Player Role Tracker

Box scores often identify changes after they have already happened.

Premium will increasingly track the role changes that can appear before the points follow.

The IHM Player Role Tracker concept will focus on indicators such as:

  • Top-six promotions
  • Top-four defensive roles
  • Power-play promotions
  • Penalty-kill responsibility
  • Increased ice time
  • Reduced ice time
  • Late-game deployment
  • Healthy scratches
  • Young players earning coaching trust
  • Players returning from injury
  • Players moving between lines
  • Changes in linemates

For fans following players throughout a season, those changes can be more revealing than a single game’s statistics.

Injury Impact – Not Just an Injury List

IceHockeyMan already follows injuries through the Newsroom.

Premium will increasingly focus on the next question: what does the injury actually change?

An injury can change:

  • A line combination
  • A defensive pair
  • A power-play unit
  • Penalty-kill deployment
  • Another player’s ice time
  • A prospect’s opportunity
  • Goalie workload
  • Trade-market priorities
  • A coach’s tactical options

That broader context will become a growing part of Premium injury coverage.

What Changed?

Another Premium format will focus on one simple question: what changed?

A team may look completely different over ten games without making a major trade.

A new defensive pair can stabilise possession. A different power-play entry can improve production. A rookie may earn two additional minutes per night. A coach may start matching a checking line against the opposition’s best unit.

Selected Premium reports will identify those changes and explain why they matter.

What Comes Next?

Premium coverage will also increasingly look forward.

After a major development, members should not only understand what happened. They should know what to watch next.

That can mean:

  • The next lineup decision
  • A player’s opportunity created by an injury
  • A contract deadline
  • A potential trade window
  • A rematch between two coaches
  • A prospect approaching a larger role
  • An important run of games
  • A special-teams adjustment

IHM Weekly Hockey Intelligence Report

Premium will also introduce broader recurring intelligence reports during the season.

The IHM Weekly Hockey Intelligence Report will bring together developments that can become difficult to see when following hundreds of individual daily stories.

The report can include:

  • Teams trending upward
  • Teams showing structural problems
  • Major coaching developments
  • Players earning larger roles
  • Players losing roles
  • Important injuries
  • Emerging rookies
  • Special-teams trends
  • Goalie situations
  • Trade-market developments
  • Important European storylines
  • Coach Mark’s weekly observation

European Hockey Is a Core Part of IHM

NHL will be the largest Premium focus, but IceHockeyMan is being built as a global hockey platform.

Premium members will therefore also receive selected deeper coverage from the major leagues and competitions followed by IHM.

This includes:

  • NHL
  • SHL
  • Liiga
  • Swiss National League
  • DEL
  • Czech Extraliga
  • Slovak Tipsport Liga
  • Metal Ligaen
  • ICE Hockey League
  • Norwegian EHL
  • Champions Hockey League
  • Selected international hockey

Premium European coverage will prioritise quality rather than trying to produce identical coverage for every game in every league.

Major games, title races, coaching developments, injuries, player development, important transfers and continental matchups will receive the strongest focus.

One Premium Subscription Across the IHM Hockey World

Premium will not require separate subscriptions for NHL, European hockey, coaching content or individual competitions.

The objective is one Premium layer across IceHockeyMan.

A member interested mainly in the NHL can follow NHL intelligence. A coach can spend more time inside coaching coverage. A European hockey fan can follow the leagues most relevant to them. A parent or developing player can move between player-development and coaching material.

All of those areas belong inside the same IceHockeyMan ecosystem.

Premium Comments & Member Q&A

Premium should also become more interactive.

Selected Premium reports will allow members to raise questions and discuss the hockey behind the story.

The IHM team will increasingly use those questions to identify areas worth expanding, while Coach Mark can respond to selected coaching and tactical questions where appropriate.

This creates a different relationship from traditional one-directional sports publishing: Premium members can help identify which details deserve the next deeper look.

Built for Different Types of Hockey People

Premium is not designed exclusively for one type of reader.

It is being developed for:

  • Fans who want more than headlines
  • Coaches
  • Players
  • Parents of developing players
  • Fantasy hockey users
  • People following prospects
  • Fans following multiple leagues
  • Readers interested in coaching and tactics

Different members will use different parts of Premium. That is intentional.

More Intelligence, Not More Noise

IceHockeyMan will continue publishing a large amount of hockey news for free.

Premium is not designed to take ordinary headlines and place them behind a paywall.

A signing is news. A final score is news. An injury announcement is news.

Those things can remain part of the open IHM Newsroom.

Premium begins when we ask the next questions.

What changes because of that signing? Who takes the injured player’s minutes? Why did the coach change the pairings? Which matchup decided the game? Is a player quietly moving into a larger role? What happens next?

That is the difference between more content and more useful hockey intelligence.

A Full IHM Team Will Work on Premium

Another major change for 2026/27 is how Premium will be produced.

Premium will not operate as a one-person product.

A broader IceHockeyMan team will work across the service, combining:

  • Newsroom monitoring
  • Editorial research
  • Match information
  • Lineup monitoring
  • Injury tracking
  • Data verification
  • Quality control
  • European hockey coverage
  • NHL coverage
  • Coaching intelligence
  • Specialist contributions from Coach Mark Lehtonen

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The IHM Newsroom Is the Foundation

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Last season, IceHockeyMan Premium was priced at €29.99.

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It is the opposite.

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Hockey is already an expensive sport to follow and participate in. Premium should offer strong value without creating another unnecessary barrier.

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IceHockeyMan Premium 2026/27

Launch: First days of October 2026

New subscription price: €14.99

Previous season: €29.99

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The standard is usefulness.

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This Is the Next Stage of IceHockeyMan

IceHockeyMan has grown beyond the original idea of another hockey website.

Today the platform increasingly connects:

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“There is always another layer to a hockey game. A line change, a matchup, a player’s role, an injury or one coaching decision can completely change what happens next. Premium gives us the space to follow those details properly.”

- Coach Mark Lehtonen

Premium Returns in Early October

IceHockeyMan Premium 2026/27 will officially launch in the first days of October 2026.

The new subscription price will be €14.99, replacing last season’s €29.99 price.

Additional information about Premium access, member areas and launch content will be published before opening.

More games. More leagues. More coaching intelligence. More context. A larger team. A lower price.

IceHockeyMan Premium 2026/27 is not simply returning. It is becoming a different product.

IceHockeyMan Editorial Team
Coach Mark Lehtonen
Inside IHM | IHM Newsroom

IHM NHL Short Ice: Canucks lock up Buium, CBA shifts

IHM NHL Short Ice: Canucks lock up Buium, CBA shifts

By IceHockeyMan Editorial Team | Published:

NHL IN 60 SECONDS

The Vancouver Canucks have signed 20-year-old defenceman Zeev Buium to an eight-year, $75.04 million contract beginning in 2027-28. Elsewhere, NHL changes for 2026-27 include mandatory protective equipment, an increased regular season and employed emergency netminders for every franchise. The St. Louis Blues have reshaped their roster, adding centre depth, defensive stability and physicality while parting with their leading goal scorer from the previous three seasons.

THE BIG FIVE

Canucks sign Zeev Buium to an eight-year contract

Buium signed an eight-year, $75.04 million contract with Vancouver, carrying a $9.38 million average annual value from 2027-28. He was acquired alongside Marco Rossi, Liam Ohgren and a 2026 first-round pick in the trade that sent Quinn Hughes to the Minnesota Wild on 12 December 2025. Buium had 12 points in 45 games for Vancouver last season.

IHM Signal: Vancouver have made a long-term commitment to a 20-year-old defenceman they acquired less than a year ago.

Coach Mark: Long-term investment can bring attention, but a young defenceman’s role should continue to be built around his on-ice performance.

READ FULL STORY: Canucks Lock Up Zeev Buium with Eight-Year Deal

Buium extension underlines Vancouver’s long-term view

Vancouver described Buium as a key member of its young core following his eight-year agreement. The Canucks said they believe the defenceman can flourish in the environment being built within the organisation.

IHM Signal: The Canucks have publicly positioned Buium as an important part of their future.

Coach Mark: Clear expectations and a defined role can help a young player handle the attention that comes with a major contract.

St. Louis Blues reshape roster for 2026-27

The Blues have added centre depth, defensive stability and physicality for 2026-27 while parting with their leading goal scorer from the past three seasons.

IHM Signal: St. Louis have targeted depth and defensive stability in their roster changes.

Coach Mark: Added depth can give a coaching staff more options as it establishes combinations during the season.

Six NHL CBA changes to know for 2026-27

The 2026-27 season is set to bring six notable changes, including mandatory protective equipment and an increased regular season.

IHM Signal: The coming changes affect both player equipment and the regular-season schedule.

Coach Mark: Any change to equipment requirements or the schedule needs to be reflected in a club’s preparation.

Spontaneous EBUG moments set to end

The 2026-27 NHL season will no longer feature spontaneous emergency backup goaltender moments, with every franchise to have an employed netminder available in an emergency.

IHM Signal: Emergency goaltending coverage is set to become a standardised part of NHL operations.

Coach Mark: Clear emergency procedures remain important whenever a team has to manage an in-game goaltending issue.

IHM SHORT ICE

No additional Short Ice items today.

IHM NHL PULSE

Preparation changes for 2026-27

Mandatory protective equipment, an increased regular season and new emergency-goaltender arrangements are among the changes identified ahead of the campaign.

Blues add roster balance

St. Louis have focused their roster changes on centre depth, defensive stability and physicality.

WHAT WE’RE WATCHING NEXT

  • Buium’s final season on his entry-level contract before his new deal begins in 2027-28.
  • The introduction of the NHL changes for the 2026-27 season.
  • How the Blues’ reshaped roster begins the new campaign.

SHORT ICE Q&A

What are the terms of Zeev Buium's new deal?

Buium signed for eight years and $75.04 million, with a $9.38 million average annual value. The contract begins in 2027-28.

When did Vancouver acquire Buium?

Vancouver acquired Buium on 12 December 2025 in the trade that sent Quinn Hughes to Minnesota. Marco Rossi, Liam Ohgren and a 2026 first-round pick were also part of the return.

Will spontaneous EBUG appearances continue in 2026-27?

No. Each franchise will have an employed netminder available in an emergency.

What did the Blues prioritise in their roster changes?

They added centre depth, defensive stability and physicality while parting with their leading goal scorer from the previous three seasons.

FAN PULSE

Do you support the Canucks’ decision to sign Zeev Buium to an eight-year deal? (Choose one) a) Strongly support b) Somewhat support c) Oppose d) No opinion

IHM NHL Short Ice: Trade Chatter, Camp Checkpoints

IHM NHL Short Ice: Trade Chatter, Camp Checkpoints

By IceHockeyMan Editorial Team | Published:

NHL IN 60 SECONDS

Trade speculation surrounds Connor Hellebuyck as training camp approaches. A lack of progress in Quinn Hughes’s contract talks has prompted further trade chatter, while the Ottawa Senators and Drake Batherson could run out of time to complete an eight-year extension before 15 September. Pittsburgh’s forward depth, early professional tryouts and Anton Frondell’s hopes for Chicago also feature in the latest NHL discussion.

THE BIG FIVE

Will the Winnipeg Jets trade Connor Hellebuyck before training camp?

The Winnipeg Jets face questions over whether Connor Hellebuyck could be traded before training camp, with the possibility of a distraction during camp and the season forming part of the discussion. No destination or proposed return is specified.

IHM Signal: This remains pre-camp trade speculation rather than a completed transaction.

Coach Mark: A resolution before camp would give the coaching staff greater clarity when planning goaltending work. Until then, the situation remains uncertain.

READ FULL STORY: Will the Winnipeg Jets Trade Connor Hellebuyck Before Camp?

Pittsburgh Penguins musings: depth, trade candidates and Erik Karlsson

The Pittsburgh Penguins may have too many forwards. Bryan Rust and Rickard Rakell could be available only if a specific price is met, though a move before the season may not make sense. Kyle Dubas has reportedly explored trades, but significant moves appear unlikely at this stage. If Pittsburgh is in a playoff position around the holidays, the club could be aggressive in adding; if it is out of the race, teams could enquire about Erik Karlsson, Rust, Rakell and others.

IHM Signal: Rust and Rakell’s availability is conditional, while Pittsburgh’s direction around the holidays could shape later decisions.

Coach Mark: Conditional trade speculation does not require an immediate change to line combinations, but it does leave room for roster plans to shift.

Quinn Hughes trade speculation and Drake Batherson’s contract timeline

The Ottawa Senators and Drake Batherson could run out of time to complete an eight-year extension before the 15 September deadline.

IHM Signal: Both situations remain unresolved, with contract uncertainty keeping trade speculation alive.

Coach Mark: Until contract situations are resolved, coaches can only prepare for possible roster scenarios rather than assume an outcome.

Anton Frondell aims to help the Chicago Blackhawks reach the playoffs

Anton Frondell said his goal is to help the Chicago Blackhawks reach the Stanley Cup Playoffs. The 19-year-old centre had nine points, including three goals, in 12 games at the end of last season. Connor Bedard is likely out until November after left-shoulder surgery, and Frondell is among the candidates to fill in on the top line if needed.

IHM Signal: Frondell has set a playoff target for Chicago and could be an option while Bedard is sidelined.

Coach Mark: If Frondell is used in a larger role, his development and the team’s immediate needs will need to be balanced.

Early PTO signings and notable recent success stories

Early professional tryouts include goaltender Cal Petersen with the Washington Capitals, goaltender Chris Driedger with the Vancouver Canucks and forward Alex Nylander with the Calgary Flames. Recent examples include Daniel Sprong, who turned a 2022 PTO with the Seattle Kraken into a one-year, two-way contract before recording a career-high 21 goals and 46 points in 66 games.

IHM Signal: Most PTO players do not earn roster spots, but the route can still lead to an NHL opportunity.

Coach Mark: A PTO gives a club an opportunity to assess a player’s fit during camp before deciding whether to offer a contract.

IHM SHORT ICE

Vancouver Canucks waiver targets and Montreal Canadiens signings

Ten potential waiver-wire targets have been identified for the Vancouver Canucks. The Montreal Canadiens still need to sign Zachary Bolduc and Arber Xhekaj.

Could Carolina use a Bussi-Kochetkov goaltending tandem?

The Carolina Hurricanes lost a veteran goaltender during the summer and did not replace him despite having significant cap space. The viability of a Bussi-Kochetkov tandem is now under discussion.

San Jose Sharks preview: veterans add stability

The San Jose Sharks are looking towards the playoffs next season. Trouba, Nurse and Kesselring add veteran stability and depth on defence, while Marchment boosts forward scoring.

Detroit Red Wings face looming decisions with no GM in place

With training camp a couple of weeks away, the Detroit Red Wings still do not have a general manager in place and the Dylan Larkin situation remains to be resolved.

IHM NHL PULSE

Contract uncertainty keeps trade talk active

The Quinn Hughes and Drake Batherson situations show how unresolved contract matters can keep players in trade discussions. Neither scenario has a confirmed outcome.

Goaltending questions before camp

Hellebuyck’s future in Winnipeg, the question over Carolina’s potential tandem and early PTOs for goaltenders all place goaltending in focus before training camp.

pre-season roster questions remain open

Pittsburgh’s forward depth, Chicago’s options while Bedard is sidelined and Detroit’s vacant general manager role are among the issues still unresolved ahead of camp.

WHAT WE’RE WATCHING NEXT

  • Whether Connor Hellebuyck is traded before the start of training camp.
  • 15 September, the reported deadline for an eight-year extension involving Drake Batherson and the Ottawa Senators.
  • November, the month cited for Connor Bedard’s likely return after left-shoulder surgery.

SHORT ICE Q&A

Will Connor Hellebuyck be traded before training camp?

It remains unresolved. The available information raises the possibility of a trade before camp but provides no proposed destination or return.

Are Bryan Rust and Rickard Rakell available from Pittsburgh?

They could be available only if a specific price is met, indicating conditional availability rather than imminent moves.

What is the immediate impact of Connor Bedard's surgery on Chicago?

Bedard is likely out until November after left-shoulder surgery. Frondell is among the candidates to fill in on the top line if required.

Are PTO signings worth tracking before camp?

Most PTO players do not earn roster spots, but successful examples show that a tryout can lead to an NHL contract and a meaningful season.

FAN PULSE

Which development worries or excites you most heading into camp? Choose one:

  • A. Potential trade of Connor Hellebuyck
  • B. Contract uncertainty around Quinn Hughes
  • C. Bedard’s recovery timeline and opportunity for Frondell
  • D. Early PTOs and goaltending questions
IHM NHL Short Ice: Evangelista trade and season pulse

IHM NHL Short Ice: Evangelista trade and season pulse

By IceHockeyMan Editorial Team | Published:

NHL IN 60 SECONDS

Luke Evangelista has joined the New Jersey Devils from the Nashville Predators in a trade for a conditional first-round pick and a second-round selection in the 2028 NHL Draft. The Rangers have signed Eeli Tolvanen to a one-year contract, while the NHL has announced a multi-year agreement for Amazon Prime Video to host local broadcasts for six teams from 2026-27.

THE BIG FIVE

Devils acquire Luke Evangelista from Predators

New Jersey acquired 24-year-old forward Luke Evangelista from Nashville on September 2. The Predators received a conditional first-round pick and a second-round selection in the 2028 NHL Draft. Evangelista had an NHL career-high 56 points, including 12 goals and 44 assists, in 81 games last season.

He is entering the second season of a two-year, $6 million contract signed on October 4, 2025, with a $3 million average annual value. He can become a restricted free agent after this season.

IHM Signal: New Jersey has added a young forward coming off his most productive NHL season.

Coach Mark: Evangelista’s 44 assists last season point to a player who can help create offence as he settles into a new forward group.

Canadiens linked with Dylan Larkin and Kirill Marchenko

Some observers have suggested Detroit Red Wings centre Dylan Larkin and Columbus Blue Jackets winger Kirill Marchenko as potential fits for the Montreal Canadiens, who have an ongoing need for a top-six forward. Neither player has been identified as a confirmed Canadiens target.

IHM Signal: This remains speculation around Montreal’s need for a top-six forward rather than a confirmed move.

Coach Mark: Any addition to a top-six role would need to complement the Canadiens’ existing forward group.

Rangers sign Eeli Tolvanen to one-year contract

The New York Rangers have signed former Seattle Kraken winger Eeli Tolvanen to a one-year contract ahead of the 2026-27 NHL season.

IHM Signal: The short-term agreement gives the Rangers another winger ahead of the new season.

Coach Mark: Training camp will provide the opportunity to assess how Tolvanen fits within the Rangers’ forward options.

Robert Thomas named Blues captain

The St. Louis Blues have named Robert Thomas their 25th captain in franchise history. The appointment follows the Blues’ parting with Brayden Schenn at last season’s trade deadline.

IHM Signal: Thomas takes on the Blues’ formal captaincy at a point of change for the club.

Coach Mark: A captain’s role extends beyond the ice, setting standards within the dressing room and during games.

Prime Video to host local broadcasts for six teams

The NHL has announced a multi-year agreement with Amazon Prime Video that will see local broadcasts for six teams hosted on the platform from the 2026-27 season.

IHM Signal: The agreement adds a streaming platform to the delivery of local NHL broadcasts.

Coach Mark: This is an off-ice development rather than a coaching decision, but it changes the local broadcast landscape around the league.

IHM SHORT ICE

Nashville adds draft picks in Evangelista trade

Nashville’s return for Evangelista was a conditional first-round pick and a second-round selection in the 2028 NHL Draft. General manager Chris MacFarland said the move adds high draft picks, creates roster and salary-cap flexibility, and opens NHL opportunities for young wingers in the organisation.

Expansion, Flyers and Hellebuyck feature in rumour discussion

Rumour discussion has focused on the possibility of NHL expansion news, pending Philadelphia Flyers free agents and Connor Hellebuyck’s trade-request tactic.

READ FULL STORY: NHL expansion news anticipated from Houston

Capitals outlook questions whether off-season work will translate

A Washington Capitals season outlook considers whether the club’s acquisitions and signings will translate into on-ice success.

Trey Augustine to compete for Grand Rapids starting job

Detroit Red Wings goaltending prospect Trey Augustine will vie for the starting job with Grand Rapids of the AHL. The 21-year-old played two games for Grand Rapids last season and will compete with Michal Postava and Carter Gylander.

Macklin Celebrini’s impact drives Sharks discussion

Macklin Celebrini finished fourth in the NHL last season with 115 points, including 45 goals and 70 assists, in 82 games. The San Jose Sharks centre has been praised for his three-zone game, work ethic and competitiveness.

Jonathan Huberdeau has recovery setback

Calgary Flames general manager Craig Conroy said Jonathan Huberdeau suffered a setback while skating in his recovery from hip resurfacing surgery. Conroy said Huberdeau’s gym progress remains positive, but there is no firm date for his return to the ice.

READ FULL STORY: Flames’ Jonathan Huberdeau suffers setback in rehab

Matthew Mayich remains hospitalised

Arizona State defenceman Matthew Mayich remains hospitalised after collapsing during an August 20 off-season workout. An attorney representing his family said his condition was highly unlikely to change and called for an independent investigation. Arizona State has said it will conduct a thorough review.

Juraj Slafkovský tipped for another step forward

Juraj Slafkovský is coming off his first 30-goal NHL season. A forecast from Canada has suggested the Montreal forward could build on that campaign.

IHM NHL PULSE

Movement at both ends of the roster cycle

The Evangelista trade brought Nashville additional draft picks while New Jersey added an established NHL forward. Elsewhere, the Rangers made a one-year addition in Tolvanen.

Young players in focus

Augustine is competing for a Grand Rapids starting role, while Celebrini’s second NHL season has reinforced his standing as a central figure for San Jose.

Health and access remain key off-ice themes

Huberdeau’s recovery remains without a firm return date, while the NHL’s Prime Video agreement will begin in 2026-27.

WHAT WE’RE WATCHING NEXT

1) Augustine’s competition for the starting job in Grand Rapids.

2) Huberdeau’s recovery timeline as Calgary proceeds cautiously.

3) The start of Prime Video local broadcasts for six teams in 2026-27.

SHORT ICE Q&A

Q: What did the Devils give up for Luke Evangelista?
New Jersey sent Nashville a conditional first-round pick and a second-round selection in the 2028 NHL Draft.

Q: What are Evangelista’s contract details?
He is entering the second season of a two-year, $6 million contract with a $3 million average annual value and can become a restricted free agent after this season.

Q: What is known about Tolvanen’s Rangers deal?
He signed a one-year contract ahead of the 2026-27 season.

Q: What does the Prime Video agreement cover?
Amazon Prime Video will host local broadcasts for six NHL teams from the 2026-27 season under a multi-year agreement.

Q: What is the latest on Matthew Mayich?
He remains hospitalised following his August 20 collapse, while Arizona State conducts a review.

FAN PULSE

Which development could have the biggest immediate impact on the 2026-27 season?
A) Luke Evangelista to New Jersey
B) Eeli Tolvanen joining the Rangers
C) Prime Video hosting local broadcasts for six teams
D) Robert Thomas becoming Blues captain

IHM NHL Short Ice: Contracts, rumours and roster signals

IHM NHL Short Ice: Contracts, rumours and roster signals

By IceHockeyMan Editorial Team | Published:

NHL IN 60 SECONDS

Cale Makar has signed a record eight-year, $163.2 million contract with Colorado, beginning next season. Minnesota remain in talks with Quinn Hughes, while Brock Boeser and Jake DeBrusk continue to feature in Vancouver trade speculation. Elsewhere, commentators have debated whether Canadian clubs face retention concerns with American players.

THE BIG FIVE

Boeser and DeBrusk remain trade candidates

Brock Boeser, 29, is signed through 2031-32 with a $7.25 million average annual value and a full no-movement clause. Jake DeBrusk, also 29, is signed through 2030-31 at a $5.5 million AAV with a full no-movement clause. DeBrusk has said that playing on a rebuilding team would be difficult at this stage of his career.

IHM Signal: Any move would require the player to waive his no-movement clause, making the market dependent on both player approval and club interest.

Coach Mark: A stronger supporting group could help a scoring winger find more favourable attacking situations, but any trade decision remains with the clubs and players involved.

READ FULL STORY: Boeser and DeBrusk likely to remain trade candidates

Makar signs record eight-year Avalanche contract

The Colorado Avalanche signed Cale Makar to an eight-year, $163.2 million contract that begins next season. Its $20.4 million AAV makes it the richest contract in NHL history. Colorado also have Martin Necas signed at an $11.5 million AAV and Nathan MacKinnon at a $12.6 million AAV; the three deals total $44.5 million annually.

IHM Signal: Colorado have committed major long-term cap space to Makar, MacKinnon and Necas while retaining their core stars.

Coach Mark: Elite players set a team’s ceiling, but playoff success also requires depth, health and timely performances.

Wild confident over Quinn Hughes negotiations

Wild general manager Bill Guerin said he is confident Quinn Hughes will agree a new contract, while stressing that the club cannot make him sign. Hughes has been eligible to sign since July 1 and can become an unrestricted free agent after this season. He had 53 points in 48 regular-season games and 15 points in 11 playoff games for Minnesota last season.

IHM Signal: Hughes’ potential unrestricted free agency after this season gives the negotiations added importance, even as Guerin described communication as positive.

Coach Mark: Hughes is a central player for Minnesota, so clarity on his future would help long-term roster planning.

Debate grows over American players on Canadian clubs

Commentators discussed whether Canadian NHL teams should factor potential cross-border preferences into drafting and retention plans. The debate followed Connor Hellebuyck’s reported trade request and referenced previous situations involving Matthew Tkachuk, Quinn Hughes and Brady Tkachuk.

IHM Signal: The discussion centres on retention rather than talent evaluation, with no indication that clubs should avoid drafting American players.

Coach Mark: A competitive environment and clear roles can matter in retaining players, regardless of nationality.

IHM SHORT ICE

Rumours surround Demko, Batherson and Montembeault

Questions remain around Thatcher Demko’s health, Drake Batherson’s contract situation and whether Edmonton could be interested in Sam Montembeault. None represents a confirmed move.

AHL players seek NHL opportunities

A list of five AHL players highlighted Sebastian Cossa and Trey Fix-Wolansky as players who could earn greater NHL opportunities in 2026-27. Cossa posted a .915 save percentage and 2.33 goals-against average in 39 AHL games last season.

Detroit still seeking a general manager

Detroit had not appointed a new general manager as September began, with training camp approaching.

Fantasy projections published for 2026-27

Fantasy point projections for the 2026-27 season included 84-game estimates for NHL forwards and defencemen.

Minister visits Canadian hockey-stick factory

Artificial Intelligence and Digital Innovation Minister Evan Solomon visited the Roustan Hockey factory amid tariff concerns affecting hockey sticks. The Brantford, Ontario factory produces around 400,000 traditional wooden sticks annually, with nearly half sold in the United States.

READ FULL STORY: Evan Solomon visits Roustan hockey factory over tariffs

Flyers preview focuses on Woll and roster additions

Philadelphia acquired Joseph Woll from Toronto and added Noel Acciari, Simon Benoit, Nolan Foote and Danila Klimovich. The club’s off-season also included an unsuccessful offer sheet for Leo Carlsson.

Houston mayor backs NHL expansion bid

Houston mayor John Whitmire said the city is ready to host a potential 33rd NHL franchise.

Player empowerment remains an NHL discussion

NHL player movement and career control remain a prominent topic as teams consider the long-term effects on roster building.

IHM NHL PULSE

Contracts remain a major focus

Makar’s new deal and Hughes’ unresolved negotiations underline the importance of long-term commitments to elite players.

Trade speculation continues

Boeser and DeBrusk remain linked to possible moves, while several other rumoured situations remain unresolved.

Opportunities could emerge before the season

AHL players, roster changes and the approach of training camp will keep competition for NHL roles in focus.

WHAT WE’RE WATCHING NEXT

  • Whether Hughes agrees a new contract before he can become an unrestricted free agent after this season.
  • Whether Boeser or DeBrusk waives his no-movement clause if a trade opportunity develops.
  • How Colorado’s roster is shaped when Makar’s contract begins next season.

SHORT ICE Q&A

Q: Has Brock Boeser been traded?
A: No. He remains a trade candidate and has a full no-movement clause.

Q: What is Cale Makar’s new AAV?
A: Makar’s eight-year contract carries a $20.4 million average annual value.

Q: When can Quinn Hughes become an unrestricted free agent?
A: He can become an unrestricted free agent after this season.

Q: Which AHL players were highlighted for NHL opportunities?
A: Sebastian Cossa and Trey Fix-Wolansky were among the players highlighted.

FAN PULSE

Should Canadian NHL teams change draft priorities because of perceived retention risks with American players?

Choices: A) Yes – prioritise retention fit, B) No – draft the best player regardless of nationality, C) Unsure.

IHM NHL Short Ice: Hellebuyck, Makar, Hedman & Prospects

IHM NHL Short Ice: Hellebuyck, Makar, Hedman & Prospects

By IceHockeyMan Editorial Team | Published:

NHL IN 60 SECONDS

Trade chatter and contract negotiations dominate this edition as training camps approach. Connor Hellebuyck remains at the centre of speculation after a reported June move collapsed; he is under contract through 2030-31 with an $8.5 million average annual value and a full no-movement clause. Colorado’s Cale Makar is entering the final year of a five-year deal that pays $9 million per season while extension talks continue. Victor Hedman says he is physically and mentally ready after taking personal leave. Several rookies and veterans will also compete for opening-night roster spots in the coming weeks.

THE BIG FIVE

NHL Rumour Roundup: Will the Jets Trade Connor Hellebuyck Before Training Camp?

Connor Hellebuyck, 33, has been the subject of sustained trade speculation since June. A reported deal with the Buffalo Sabres fell through before the opening round of the 2026 NHL Draft.

He is signed through 2030-31 with an average annual value of $8.5 million and holds a full no-movement clause. Reports indicate he would consider waiving that clause for a club offering a strong opportunity to compete for the Stanley Cup.

Teammates Josh Morrissey and Adam Lowry have publicly expressed their hope that Hellebuyck remains in Winnipeg. For now, no trade has been confirmed and his contractual control gives him considerable influence over any possible move.

IHM Signal: Hellebuyck’s long-term contract and no-movement clause mean any deal would require his approval as well as significant salary-cap and roster coordination.

Coach Mark: Losing a three-time Vezina Trophy winner would alter Winnipeg’s preparations. Any team facing uncertainty in goal must establish stability early in camp.

READ FULL STORY: Will the Jets Trade Connor Hellebuyck Before Training Camp?

How High Could Cale Makar’s Next Contract Go?

Cale Makar enters the final season of a five-year contract that pays $9 million per season. Avalanche president of hockey operations Joe Sakic said discussions have been positive and expressed confidence that an agreement can be reached before training camp.

Makar has won two Norris Trophies, the Conn Smythe Trophy and the Stanley Cup during his current contract. Under the collective bargaining agreement, a player can theoretically earn up to 20 per cent of the salary cap. Reporting has placed that maximum near $20.9 million per season, although the final figure and contract length remain unknown.

IHM Signal: Colorado have made long-term continuity with Makar a priority, but the precise value and structure of the proposed extension remain private.

Coach Mark: Makar’s mobility, transition play and power-play work are central to Colorado’s system. Securing him long term would give the coaching staff stability around one of its most important players.

READ FULL STORY: Cale Makar’s Next Contract: How High Will It Go?

Victor Hedman Ready to Return After Personal Leave

Victor Hedman, 35, says he is preparing for his 18th NHL season with a healthy body and mind after stepping away on March 19. He described experiencing performance anxiety and feeling locked up on game days, contributing to his decision to take personal leave.

Hedman missed time earlier in the season and underwent an elbow procedure after being placed on injured reserve on December 11. He was subsequently unavailable for 22 games. He represented Sweden at the Olympics before suffering an injury during warm-ups ahead of a quarter-final.

After returning to Tampa Bay, Hedman did not play beyond the first period of the March 19 game against Vancouver. He now says he feels refreshed but expects to need several games to recover his full competitive rhythm.

IHM Signal: Hedman’s account frames his absence as a necessary reset before another NHL season.

Coach Mark: A gradual workload and clear communication can help an experienced player recover timing without creating unnecessary physical or mental pressure.

READ FULL STORY: Victor Hedman Ready to Return After Personal Leave

Tij Iginla and Other Prospects Pushing for Opening-Night Places

Several prospects are expected to compete for NHL roster places during training camp. The group includes Gavin McKenna and Ivar Stenberg, while Porter Martone and Anton Frondell enter camp with experience from late-season NHL appearances.

Tij Iginla is also among the prominent candidates after recording 90 points in 48 OHL games. The coverage highlights his scoring ability and competitive approach. Caleb Desnoyers, a centre and left wing, finished last season strongly and could also challenge for professional minutes.

The incoming group includes players considered close to NHL readiness and others who will use camp to measure themselves against established professionals.

IHM Signal: Several young forwards have the production and recent experience required to compete seriously for roster places.

Coach Mark: Young players can earn opportunities through pace and attacking production, but coaches will also study their defensive decisions, positioning and ability to handle demanding matchups.

READ FULL STORY: Tij Iginla and Viggo Bjorck Eye Opening-Night Rosters

Minnesota Wild Reshape Supporting Cast for 2026-27

The Minnesota Wild enter the 2026-27 season seeking a deeper playoff run after a measured off-season. Their most notable move was the July 2 trade that brought Blake Coleman and Olli Maatta from Calgary in exchange for Jake Middleton and three future draft picks.

Coleman, 34, scored 20 goals and 35 points last season and adds two-way experience to the forward group. Maatta, 31, provides veteran left-shot depth on defence. Minnesota also signed Maxim Shabanov and goaltender Calvin Pickard to one-year contracts.

Key departures include Mats Zuccarello, Marcus Johansson and Vladimir Tarasenko. Zuccarello subsequently signed a one-year, $1 million contract with the Los Angeles Kings.

IHM Signal: Minnesota have added experience and defensive reliability, but replacing the creativity and production of their departing forwards remains the central roster question.

Coach Mark: Coleman gives the coaching staff a dependable two-way option, while Maatta can provide structure on defence. The challenge is rebuilding the playmaking lost during the summer.

READ FULL STORY: 2026-27 Minnesota Wild Season Preview

IHM SHORT ICE

Blue Jackets Lose Elvis Merzlikins Indefinitely

The Columbus Blue Jackets have announced that goaltender Elvis Merzlikins is out indefinitely after undergoing shoulder surgery. His absence creates an immediate question in goal as the club prepares for training camp and the 2026-27 season.

Macklin Celebrini Expected to Become Sharks Captain

Macklin Celebrini is reportedly the leading candidate to become the next captain of the San Jose Sharks. The 20-year-old recorded 115 points, including 45 goals and 70 assists, in 82 regular-season games last season.

Celebrini also captained Canada at the World Championship, producing eight goals and six assists in ten games. Earlier this summer, he signed a five-year extension reportedly carrying an annual cap hit of $18.8 million when it takes effect.

READ FULL STORY: Celebrini Expected to Be Named Sharks Captain

Eeli Tolvanen in Talks with Multiple NHL Teams

Eeli Tolvanen has reportedly held discussions with several NHL clubs after his contract with the Seattle Kraken expired. Seattle are no longer believed to be among the teams involved.

Tolvanen, 27, played 78 games last season and recorded 12 goals and 24 assists. No agreement or next destination has been confirmed.

READ FULL STORY: Eeli Tolvanen in Talks with Multiple NHL Teams

IHM NHL PULSE

Uncertainty in Goal

Two separate developments underline the importance of stability between the pipes. Connor Hellebuyck remains the subject of trade speculation despite being under contract through 2030-31, while Elvis Merzlikins is unavailable indefinitely after shoulder surgery.

Major Contracts Shaping Franchise Plans

Cale Makar’s negotiations with Colorado and Macklin Celebrini’s reported $18.8 million cap hit show the scale of long-term commitments involving elite young players. These contracts can influence how clubs distribute money throughout the rest of their rosters.

Young Players Preparing to Challenge Veterans

Prospects including Tij Iginla, Gavin McKenna, Ivar Stenberg, Porter Martone, Anton Frondell and Caleb Desnoyers will enter training camp seeking to demonstrate that they are ready for NHL opportunities.

WHAT WE’RE WATCHING NEXT

  • Whether Connor Hellebuyck remains with Winnipeg when training camp opens.
  • Whether Colorado and Cale Makar complete an extension before training camp.
  • Whether San Jose formally announces Macklin Celebrini as its next captain.

SHORT ICE Q&A

What is Connor Hellebuyck’s contract status?

Hellebuyck is signed through the 2030-31 season with an average annual value of $8.5 million and holds a full no-movement clause. Reports indicate he could consider waiving it for a strong Stanley Cup opportunity.

What is Cale Makar earning under his current contract?

Makar is entering the final season of a five-year contract that pays $9 million per season. Colorado and Makar are discussing an extension, but no new agreement has been announced.

Why did Victor Hedman step away last season?

Hedman said he experienced performance anxiety and did not feel like himself on the ice. He stepped away on March 19 and now says he is physically and mentally ready to return.

Which prospects could challenge for opening-night roster places?

The coverage highlights Gavin McKenna, Ivar Stenberg, Porter Martone, Anton Frondell, Tij Iginla and Caleb Desnoyers among the players expected to compete for NHL opportunities.

What is the immediate situation for the Columbus Blue Jackets in goal?

Elvis Merzlikins is out indefinitely after undergoing shoulder surgery, leaving Columbus to prepare for the season without a confirmed timetable for his return.

FAN PULSE

Which storyline matters most as training camp approaches?

  • A: Connor Hellebuyck trade speculation
  • B: Cale Makar’s contract negotiations
  • C: Victor Hedman’s return
  • D: Rookie battles for NHL roster places
IHM NHL Short Ice: Detroit turmoil, Texas expansion

IHM NHL Short Ice: Detroit turmoil, Texas expansion

By IceHockeyMan Editorial Team | Published:

NHL IN 60 SECONDS

Detroit remains one of the dominant themes in this edition. Moritz Seider says he is keeping the focus on improving his own game while the Red Wings navigate front-office change, Patrick Kane’s departure and Dylan Larkin’s unresolved trade request. Elsewhere, Tim Stützle says Ottawa must move on after Brady Tkachuk’s trade, while NHL expansion discussion is increasingly centred on Texas, with Houston reported as the leading option for a potential 33rd franchise. Across the league, roster decisions, contract questions and training-camp form are beginning to shape the next wave of headlines.

THE BIG FIVE

Seider keeps focus on his game amid Red Wings uncertainty

Moritz Seider said during the European Player Media Tour that he is concentrating on improving his own play despite substantial off-ice change in Detroit. The 25-year-old pointed to the Red Wings’ front-office shift, Patrick Kane’s departure in free agency and Dylan Larkin’s pending trade request, but stressed that players must focus on what they can control. Seider is coming off a career-high 60-point season and said he wants to keep improving enough to enter conversations with the game’s best defencemen.

IHM Signal: Seider’s public message is consistent: organisational uncertainty belongs to management, while his own priority is performance and development.

Coach Mark: Seider’s approach gives Detroit a useful point of stability. A leading defenceman who keeps his preparation centred on performance can help prevent off-ice uncertainty from becoming the dominant dressing-room story.

READ FULL STORY: Seider stays focused as Red Wings face uncertainty

Stützle says Senators have to move on without Tkachuk

Tim Stützle reacted to Brady Tkachuk’s June trade to the Florida Panthers by saying the Ottawa Senators must move on and focus on the roster that remains. Stützle described Tkachuk as a great teammate and leader but made clear that the club now has to look ahead. Ottawa has reshaped parts of its roster around a young core that includes Stützle, Jake Sanderson and Thomas Chabot.

IHM Signal: Ottawa’s younger leaders are publicly shifting the conversation away from the departure and toward continuity around the current core.

Coach Mark: The challenge for Ottawa is not to replace one personality with another, but to spread responsibility across the group. That makes the response of Stützle and the other established young players especially important.

READ FULL STORY: Stutzle: Senators must move on after Tkachuk trade

Houston leads reported race for a 33rd NHL franchise

NHL expansion discussion is moving toward Texas, with Houston reported as the leading option and Austin also under consideration. Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly has been quoted saying discussions with a Texas ownership group are advanced, with definitive agreements potentially possible by December and play beginning as early as 2029-30.

IHM Signal: Houston has moved from a long-term expansion possibility to the clearest reported front-runner in the current discussion around a 33rd NHL club.

Coach Mark: Expansion is a long-range issue, but the closer ownership and market commitments move toward formal agreement, the more relevant the timeline becomes for future roster, development and organisational planning.

READ FULL STORY: NHL Prefers Houston Over Austin; Canada Interest Low

Nashville’s path back to the playoffs starts with secondary scoring

Nashville’s off-season outlook centres on secondary scoring and forward development after the Predators scored 242 goals last season and relied heavily on their leading offensive players. The club has made moves to add depth, while the progress of players such as Mavrik Bourque and the wider prospect pipeline will help determine whether Nashville can improve its position in 2026-27.

IHM Signal: Nashville’s biggest question is not whether its top scorers can produce, but whether enough support emerges behind them to prevent the offence from becoming too concentrated.

Coach Mark: Secondary scoring changes how a team can manage match-ups. If more lines can contribute consistently, coaches gain greater flexibility instead of relying on the same players to solve every difficult game state.

READ FULL STORY: Four fixes Nashville needs to reach the playoffs

Träff prepares for North American rookie tournament

Herman Träff has increased his weight from roughly 95 to 98 kilograms while preparing for a September rookie tournament in North America. The Swedish forward has spoken about keeping a physical edge without making fighting part of his identity, while continuing to emphasise skating and shooting as he works toward AHL or NHL opportunities.

IHM Signal: Träff’s preparation shows a clear attempt to adapt physically without moving away from the skills that have driven his development.

Coach Mark: Added strength can help a young forward handle contact, but the real test is whether he can preserve mobility and execution. The rookie tournament will provide the next competitive checkpoint.

READ FULL STORY: Träff’s NHL push: ‘If I must drop the gloves’

IHM SHORT ICE

Detroit Red Wings 2026-27 season preview

Detroit’s off-season included the additions of Viktor Arvidsson and Daniil Tarasov, a trade for Keegan Kolesar and Patrick Kane’s departure to Chicago. Captain Dylan Larkin’s trade request remains unresolved, while Simon Edvinsson’s contract status is another major roster question heading toward the season.

READ FULL STORY: Red Wings 2026-27 preview: Larkin trade request, Arvidsson

Alexander Burmistrov returns to North America after nearly nine years

Alexander Burmistrov, 34, has signed with the ECHL’s Cincinnati Cyclones, marking his return to North American hockey after nearly nine years. The former eighth overall pick in the 2010 NHL Draft previously played 348 NHL games across several franchises.

Šimon Nemec faces major expectations after Calgary move

An analysis of Šimon Nemec’s move from New Jersey to Calgary argues that the defenceman now faces heightened expectations after signing a five-year contract worth $7.25 million AAV. The central question is whether he can turn the expanded opportunity into consistent performance over the course of the deal.

Confidence in Buffalo leadership rises after Jarmo Kekäläinen arrival

A Finnish report summarising The Athletic’s leadership ranking says the Buffalo Sabres have risen in perceived trust after Jarmo Kekäläinen became general manager. The movement reflects stronger confidence in the club’s leadership compared with last year’s assessment.

Eric Robinson shares Stanley Cup celebration with Guy Gaudreau

Eric Robinson spent his day with the Stanley Cup alongside friends, family and mentor Guy Gaudreau, marking a personal celebration of the Hurricanes forward’s championship moment.

Flyers ranked No. 14 in NHL off-season assessment

The Philadelphia Flyers sit at No. 14 in The Hockey News’ off-season ranking, with the assessment pointing to limited but constructive roster work by general manager Daniel Briere as the club continues its build toward 2026-27.

IHM NHL PULSE

Detroit tries to separate preparation from organisational uncertainty

Detroit coverage continues to point to the same broad theme: Moritz Seider and other players are trying to keep their preparation focused on the ice while management deals with roster and leadership questions. The unresolved Dylan Larkin situation and other off-season changes ensure that organisational uncertainty will remain part of the backdrop.

Expansion momentum continues to point toward Texas

Multiple reports now place Houston at the centre of the NHL’s current expansion discussion, with Austin also mentioned. A possible commitment timetable by December and potential entry as early as 2029-30 give the story a more concrete frame than general expansion speculation.

European players continue moving across the Atlantic

From Herman Träff preparing for a North American rookie tournament to Alexander Burmistrov returning through the ECHL and Šimon Nemec beginning a new chapter in Calgary, the current news cycle continues to show movement between European and North American hockey at different stages of player careers.

WHAT WE’RE WATCHING NEXT

  • Whether reported Texas expansion discussions reach a definitive agreement by December.
  • How Detroit’s unresolved Dylan Larkin situation develops as training camp approaches.
  • Simon Edvinsson’s contract status and what it means for Detroit’s blue-line picture in 2026-27.
  • Herman Träff’s performance at the September rookie tournament in North America.

SHORT ICE Q&A

Q: How is Moritz Seider handling Detroit’s off-ice uncertainty?
Seider says he is concentrating on improving his own game and leaving management issues to the people responsible for them.

Q: Has Dylan Larkin been traded?
No. The available coverage says Larkin has requested a trade, but no completed move has been reported.

Q: When could the NHL move closer to committing to a 33rd franchise?
Reports quote league leadership saying definitive agreements around a Texas ownership group could potentially be reached as early as December, with play beginning as soon as 2029-30.

Q: What is Ottawa’s message after Brady Tkachuk’s departure?
Tim Stützle said the Senators have to move on and focus on the roster that remains.

Q: What is Nashville’s biggest on-ice concern heading toward 2026-27?
Secondary scoring and forward development remain central questions after the Predators relied heavily on their leading scorers last season.

FAN PULSE

With Houston reported as the leading option in the NHL’s current expansion discussion, which city should the league back for a 33rd franchise?

  • A) Houston
  • B) Austin
  • C) Neither / Prefer Canada