Tag: IHM News

Slovan Bratislava explore Czech Extraliga move

By IceHockeyMan Editorial Team | Published:

Story Summary

HC Slovan Bratislava are exploring a possible move into the Czech Extraliga from the 2028-29 season, according to Havlíček. The club’s current working version would involve operating two teams: one in the Czech competition and another in the Slovak league.

Havlíček said the process remains at an early stage and that meeting the necessary conditions would not guarantee admission. He also said Slovan want to bring Slovakia captain Tomáš Tatar to the club, stressing that the interest is not tied solely to the Czech Extraliga project.

Key Facts

  • Havlíček described Slovan’s discussions as the first step in a long process towards possible Czech Extraliga participation.
  • A possible entry is being considered from the 2028-29 season, with no suggestion that other Slovak clubs are pursuing the same route.
  • Slovan would need infrastructure, an entry fee, a squad and further guarantees, while meeting those conditions would still not assure acceptance.
  • The club’s working version is for one Slovan team to play in the Czech Extraliga and another to remain in the Slovak competition.
  • Slovan’s current budget is stated to be €6 million to €7 million; it would rise above €10 million if the Czech Extraliga plan went ahead.
  • Havlíček said Slovan want to recruit Slovak international and national-team captain Tomáš Tatar, independently of the proposed league move.

IHM Discussion

This is a significant statement of ambition rather than a completed competition change. Havlíček’s wording makes clear that Slovan are still at the beginning of a process with several financial, organisational and sporting conditions to satisfy.

The two-team concept is particularly notable. It indicates that the club’s working plan is not simply to replace its Slovak-league place with a Czech one, although the practical structure has not been set out. Any move would also depend on external acceptance after Slovan had met the required criteria.

Tatar’s name adds a high-profile player element to the club’s wider direction. However, Havlíček explicitly separated Slovan’s interest in the national-team captain from the Czech Extraliga ambition, so the pursuit should not be presented as a recruitment plan contingent on admission.

Why It Matters

A Czech Extraliga entry would represent a major change in Slovan’s competitive and financial plans. The stated budget increase from €6 million-€7 million to more than €10 million underlines the scale of the proposal, while the club would still need to secure infrastructure, a playing squad, an entry payment and other guarantees.

For Slovak hockey, the proposal also matters because Slovan’s working model includes retaining a team in the domestic competition. At present, though, it remains an exploratory plan rather than a confirmed change to either league.

Mini Q&A

When could Slovan Bratislava enter the Czech Extraliga?

The possible entry is being considered from the 2028-29 season.

Would Slovan leave the Slovak league completely?

The club’s current working version is to have one team in the Czech Extraliga and another in the Slovak competition.

Is Tomáš Tatar being targeted specifically for a Czech Extraliga team?

No. Havlíček said Slovan want Tatar at the club generally, not solely in connection with the Czech Extraliga plan.

What Comes Next

The stated future marker is the 2028-29 season, when Slovan could seek to enter the Czech Extraliga. Before that, the club would need to address the infrastructure, fee, squad and guarantee requirements identified by Havlíček, with admission still not assured even if those conditions are met.

IHM Final View

Slovan have outlined an expansive long-term possibility, but the important distinction is between intent and confirmation. A potential Czech Extraliga move from 2028-29, a two-team structure and interest in Tomáš Tatar are all part of the club’s current thinking; none has been presented as completed.

Lucas Wallmark Set for Extended Björklöven Absence

By IceHockeyMan Editorial Team | Published:

Story Summary

Lucas Wallmark is reportedly facing at least another month on the sidelines, extending the Björklöven centre’s injury absence beyond the opening six matches of the SHL season.

The returning Björklöven star is not expected to be available until after the November international break at the earliest. That timetable would rule him out of at least eight further games, including a two-game meeting with Skellefteå and a match against his former club, Luleå.

Björklöven have nevertheless made a strong start as SHL newcomers. The Umeå side sit third in the league after winning five of their first six matches without Wallmark in the line-up.

Key Facts

  • Lucas Wallmark has missed Björklöven’s first six SHL matches because of injury.
  • He is reportedly expected to be out for at least another month and is not expected to be available before the November international break.
  • The reported absence would cover at least eight more matches, including two games against Skellefteå and a meeting with former club Luleå.
  • Wallmark underwent further examinations earlier in the week, and his return could take longer than the period after the international break.
  • The centre returned to Umeå and Björklöven before this season after 16 seasons with other clubs.
  • Björklöven are third in the SHL with five wins from their opening six games despite Wallmark’s absence.

IHM Discussion

The immediate issue for Björklöven is the lengthening uncertainty around a centre they brought back to Umeå before the season. The reported minimum timetable already takes Wallmark through a significant block of fixtures, while the further examinations leave open the possibility that the absence could run beyond the November break.

Björklöven’s early results have given the club a useful platform: five victories in six games have placed the promoted side third. Those results do not remove Wallmark’s importance, but they mean the team has collected points while he has been unavailable rather than beginning the campaign from behind.

The fixture list also gives the absence added prominence. Wallmark is reportedly due to miss both meetings with Skellefteå and the game against Luleå, a club he previously represented. No specific injury diagnosis or firm return date has been stated.

Why It Matters

Wallmark’s absence is now more than a short opening-week setback. At a minimum, Björklöven must continue without him for another eight games, with the reported earliest availability only after the November international break.

For a newly promoted club, remaining near the top of the table through the first six matches is a notable start. The coming period will show how long Björklöven can maintain that form while one of their returning headline players remains out.

Mini Q&A

How long is Lucas Wallmark expected to be out?

He is reportedly set to miss at least another month and is not expected to be available until after the November international break at the earliest.

How have Björklöven performed without Wallmark?

Björklöven have won five of their first six SHL matches and are third in the league.

What Comes Next

The next clear checkpoint is the November international break, after which Wallmark is reportedly expected to become an option at the earliest. His additional examinations mean there is no confirmed return date.

Rune Johansson Donates to Help Families Play Hockey

By IceHockeyMan Editorial Team | Published:

Story Summary

Rune Johansson, a Swedish resident of Bryne, has donated a substantial sum to Oilers for the purchase of hockey equipment for families experiencing financial hardship.

The donation is specifically earmarked for equipment, directing the support towards a practical barrier that can limit a family’s ability to take part in the sport. Johansson’s contribution has been highlighted as a positive local hockey story.

Key Facts

  • Rune Johansson is a Swedish resident of Bryne.
  • Johansson recently donated a substantial sum to Oilers.
  • The money is earmarked for the purchase of hockey equipment.
  • The intended beneficiaries are families facing financial hardship.

IHM Discussion

Equipment costs can be a meaningful obstacle for families seeking to keep children involved in hockey. By earmarking the donation for gear, Johansson has targeted a direct access issue rather than leaving the purpose of the contribution open-ended.

The available information does not specify the value of the donation, the equipment to be purchased or how the support will be distributed. What is clear is that the funds are intended to help financially disadvantaged families obtain hockey equipment through Oilers.

Why It Matters

The donation is focused on participation. Hockey requires specialist equipment, and support with those costs can help reduce one of the practical pressures on families with limited finances.

IHM NHL News: Patrick Kane’s Chicago Return Rekindles NHL Memories

Patrick Kane’s Chicago Return Rekindles NHL Memories

By IceHockeyMan Editorial Team | Published:

Story Summary

Patrick Kane’s return to the Chicago Blackhawks places one of the most decorated figures in the club’s modern history back on United Center ice for the 2026-27 home opener against the St. Louis Blues.

Kane spent 16 seasons with Chicago, became the most prolific United States-born point producer in NHL history and won the Stanley Cup three times with the Blackhawks. After leaving Chicago, he played 19 games for the New York Rangers in 2022-23 before spending the past three seasons with the Detroit Red Wings.

The 37-year-old signed a two-year, $16 million contract with Chicago on July 23, carrying an $8 million average annual value. His return is therefore more than a familiar-player reunion: it reconnects the Blackhawks with a player whose individual production and championship record are central to the team’s recent identity.

Chicago’s home opener will offer Kane a first opportunity to skate again before a United Center crowd that watched him establish himself as one of the defining players of his era. The occasion also belongs in a long NHL tradition of players returning to the clubs that shaped their careers, whether after a short absence or at the close of a lengthy journey elsewhere.

Key Facts

  • Patrick Kane signed a two-year, $16 million contract with the Chicago Blackhawks on July 23, with an $8 million average annual value.
  • Kane spent 16 seasons with the Blackhawks before a spell of 19 games with the New York Rangers in 2022-23 and three seasons with the Detroit Red Wings.
  • He is the most prolific United States-born point producer in NHL history and a three-time Stanley Cup champion.
  • Chicago will play the St. Louis Blues in its 2026-27 home opener at United Center.
  • Ted Lindsay’s first game back with the Detroit Red Wings, on Oct. 15, 1964, was a 5-3 loss to the Toronto Maple Leafs at Olympia Stadium. He recorded no points and 12 penalty minutes.
  • Lindsay had played 13 seasons in Detroit before being traded to the Chicago Black Hawks in 1957, then returned to the Red Wings for one final season after retiring.
  • Bernie Parent returned to the Philadelphia Flyers after the Toronto Maple Leafs traded his rights back to Philadelphia on May 15, 1973. Parent later helped the Flyers win Stanley Cups in 1974 and 1975.
  • Other notable NHL homecomings included Ed Giacomin’s return to Madison Square Garden with Detroit in 1975, Gordie Howe’s return to Detroit with Hartford in 1980 and Wayne Gretzky’s return to Edmonton with Los Angeles in 1988.

IHM Discussion

There is an important distinction between a player visiting a former club and a player rejoining the organisation that defined most of his career. Kane’s Chicago return falls firmly into the latter category.

His first post-Chicago stop with the Rangers was brief, while his three seasons in Detroit represented a more substantial chapter. But the scale of his Blackhawks tenure remains the overriding context. Sixteen seasons, three Stanley Cups and a place atop the NHL’s United States-born scoring list make Kane inseparable from the club’s most successful modern period.

That is why the home opener carries more weight than a standard player introduction. The reaction will reflect both what Kane achieved in Chicago and the uncommon nature of a veteran returning to the same organisation after playing elsewhere. His new contract also gives the move substance beyond ceremony: this is a two-year agreement, not a one-night celebration.

The wider historical comparison is useful because NHL reunions take different forms. Giacomin, Esposito, Howe, Gretzky, Guy Lafleur, Mark Messier and Patrick Roy all returned to cities where they had made a major impact, but they did so as visiting players. Kane’s situation instead resembles the occasions when a player is welcomed back into a familiar dressing room and uniform, as Lindsay was in Detroit.

That does not make every reunion identical. Lindsay’s return came for a final season after retirement, and Parent’s second Flyers tenure became part of consecutive championship teams. Kane’s place in Blackhawks history has already been established; the immediate significance is that Chicago and Kane have chosen to begin another chapter together.

Why It Matters

For Chicago, Kane’s signing reconnects the current Blackhawks with a player who combines elite individual production with direct championship experience for the franchise. His presence carries obvious historical meaning because his 16 seasons encompassed three Stanley Cup wins.

For Kane, the return brings him back to the building where he first played an NHL home game on Oct. 6, 2007. The United Center setting therefore links his earliest days with the Blackhawks to a new contract signed after stops in New York and Detroit.

The moment also underlines how rare meaningful returns can be in a league where major players often finish their careers away from their best-known club. Chicago supporters will not simply be greeting a former star in an opponent’s shirt. They will be seeing a three-time Cup winner resume his Blackhawks career.

Fan Pulse

The emotional centre of the occasion is clear. Kane’s achievements in Chicago give the home opener a strong connection to the Blackhawks’ recent championship history, while his time away adds a sense of distance before the reunion.

The club’s supporters have seen many major figures associated with Chicago hockey, but Kane’s return is distinctive because he is arriving as a Blackhawk again rather than as an opponent. The United Center response will be shaped by the memories attached to his 16 seasons, his scoring record and the three Stanley Cups won during that run.

Mini Q&A

How long is Patrick Kane’s new Blackhawks contract?

Kane signed a two-year contract worth $16 million, carrying an $8 million average annual value.

Where did Kane play after leaving Chicago?

He played 19 games for the New York Rangers in 2022-23 and then spent three seasons with the Detroit Red Wings.

Who will the Blackhawks face in their home opener?

Chicago will face the St. Louis Blues at United Center.

What made Ted Lindsay’s Detroit return notable?

Lindsay returned to the Red Wings for a final season after time with Chicago and recorded 12 penalty minutes in a 5-3 loss to Toronto in his first game back.

Coach Mark Comment

A return like this is strongest when the emotion does not distract from the hockey. Kane already knows the building, the expectations and the scale of the occasion, but the value of the reunion will come from quickly turning familiarity into useful on-ice detail. The contract gives Chicago time to make this more than an opening-night moment.

IHM Final View

Kane’s return to Chicago is a reunion with genuine hockey weight, supported by the substance of a two-year contract and the scale of his prior achievements with the Blackhawks. The home opener against St. Louis will mark the next public step in that renewed relationship.

NHL history is full of celebrated visits by former stars, from Gretzky in Edmonton to Roy in Montreal. Kane’s situation stands apart because Chicago is not merely welcoming back a former great for one night. The Blackhawks have brought back a player whose 16-season legacy remains embedded in the organisation’s modern history.

Arena Fredrikstad foundations take shape

By IceHockeyMan Editorial Team | Published:

Story Summary

Construction at the Arena Fredrikstad site in Fredrikstad has reached a more visible phase, with the foundations of the future venue beginning to take shape.

Stjernen Hockey Elite said more than three months of drilling, piling and groundwork had been completed before activity started to become clearer above ground. Machinery is now operating across the site as the project develops day by day.

Key Facts

  • Arena Fredrikstad is being built in Fredrikstad.
  • More than three months of drilling, piling and groundwork have been carried out.
  • The foundations are now taking shape at the construction site.
  • Stjernen Hockey Elite described the project as a future meeting place.

IHM Discussion

The latest update marks a tangible stage in the Arena Fredrikstad project. Much of the early work took place below ground and was less visible, but the emergence of the foundations gives the development a physical presence at the site.

For Stjernen Hockey Elite, the update keeps attention on the long-term arena project rather than a sporting development. The club has presented Arena Fredrikstad as a venue intended to serve as a meeting place, with construction activity now becoming increasingly apparent.

Why It Matters

Arena projects are significant for hockey clubs because they shape the setting in which teams, supporters and the wider local community will come together. The visible progress at Arena Fredrikstad provides a clear marker that the project has moved beyond its initial ground-preparation stage.

Jokerit facing HIFK derby with five injured players

By IceHockeyMan Editorial Team | Published:

Story Summary

Jokerit are preparing for an important Liiga week with five players absent through injury, including star forward Teemu Turunen.

Turunen was injured in Jokerit’s third regular-season game and is expected to remain out for a further three to five weeks. Defenceman Olli Juolevi, who has been recovering from injury throughout the early part of the season, is also not expected to return for another two to four weeks.

Jokerit host HIFK in the Stadin Derby on Thursday before league leaders Ilves visit Helsinki on Saturday.

Key Facts

  • Teemu Turunen is expected to be sidelined for a further three to five weeks after being injured in Jokerit’s third regular-season game.
  • Olli Juolevi has a recovery estimate of two to four weeks.
  • Kristo Pitkänen’s situation is being monitored day by day.
  • Miro Nalli and Oskari Manninen became Jokerit’s latest injury absentees last week.
  • Nalli is being assessed day by day, while Manninen is still undergoing examinations and has no confirmed return timetable.
  • Jokerit will host HIFK on Thursday and Liiga leaders Ilves on Saturday.

IHM Discussion

The absence list leaves Jokerit short-handed for two demanding home fixtures. Turunen’s expected absence is the longest stated timetable among the group, while Juolevi’s recovery also extends into the coming weeks. The status of Pitkänen and Nalli remains less certain, and Manninen’s timetable cannot be set until his examinations are complete.

Thursday’s Stadin Derby against HIFK arrives before Jokerit have clarity on several of those cases. Saturday then brings Ilves, who are identified as the Liiga leaders.

Why It Matters

Jokerit’s immediate challenge is the volume of unavailable players rather than a single late fitness concern. Five injury absences are in place as the club prepares for consecutive home games against HIFK and Ilves, with no confirmed return dates for Pitkänen, Nalli or Manninen.

Rebernig scores as VSV’s home form lifts hopes

By IceHockeyMan Editorial Team | Published:

Story Summary

Maximilian Rebernig has given EC iDM Wärmepumpen VSV an early lift at home, scoring in each of the club’s first two games in Villach this season.

VSV marked their delayed home opener with a 7-2 victory over ICEHL newcomers HC Milano, then lost to the Vienna Capitals in overtime two days later. Rebernig found the net in both matches, providing an encouraging start after a difficult opening spell last season.

The 26-year-old forward was Villach’s leading scorer in 2024-25 with 23 goals. His first goals of the new campaign came in front of the home crowd, and he said he was pleased that the puck was now falling for him.

Rebernig is currently playing alongside experienced forward John Hughes, with new signing Julian Metzler completing the line. The Austrian forward said his understanding with Hughes was particularly strong, describing their on-ice chemistry as instinctive.

VSV’s first home game of 2026-27 was held later than planned because work on the new VIP area at the Stadthalle needed to be completed.

Key Facts

  • Maximilian Rebernig scored in VSV’s 7-2 home win over HC Milano.
  • Rebernig also scored when VSV lost to the Vienna Capitals in overtime two days later.
  • The 26-year-old forward was VSV’s top goalscorer in 2024-25 with 23 goals.
  • VSV’s home opener was delayed while work on the Stadthalle’s new VIP area was completed.
  • Rebernig is currently on a line with John Hughes and Julian Metzler.

IHM Discussion

The two home fixtures offered VSV a useful sporting response after a turbulent spell away from the ice. The 7-2 result against Milano was emphatic, while the overtime defeat to Vienna still showed that Villach could remain competitive across a second home outing.

For Rebernig, the immediate value is simpler: he has broken through early. His previous 23-goal season establishes why his scoring return matters to VSV, but the more relevant detail is that these were his first goals of the current campaign. He acknowledged that last season began awkwardly for him, making this sharper opening significant on an individual level.

The line combination is also worth watching rather than overstating. Rebernig himself credited the connection with Hughes, while Metzler’s presence gives the unit a new component. Early chemistry does not settle a season, but it has provided VSV with a productive attacking reference point in their opening home games.

Why It Matters

VSV have now had a positive first look in front of their own supporters after the delayed opening at the Stadthalle. Rebernig’s goals add a familiar scoring element: he has already shown he can lead Villach in goals over a full season, and his early return offers a tangible positive from the two fixtures.

Mini Q&A

Who scored in both of VSV’s first two home games?

Maximilian Rebernig scored against HC Milano and the Vienna Capitals.

What was the score in VSV’s home opener?

VSV beat HC Milano 7-2.

Why was VSV’s first home game delayed?

Work on the new VIP area at the Stadthalle had to be completed.

Coach Mark Comment

VSV’s immediate task is to turn an encouraging home sequence into repeatable habits. The useful coaching detail is not simply that Rebernig has scored twice, but that he is operating with a familiar partner in Hughes and has identified clear line chemistry. When a forward is finding the puck early, preserving the structure that has helped him get into scoring areas can be more valuable than unnecessary line changes.

What Comes Next

VSV return home on Friday to face HCB Südtirol Alperia. They then travel to HC TIWAG Innsbruck-Die Haie on Sunday.

IHM Final View

Rebernig’s first goals of 2026-27 and the 7-2 win over Milano have given VSV a welcome early boost in Villach. The overtime defeat to Vienna keeps the picture measured, but the home stand has supplied encouraging evidence that Rebernig and his current line can contribute quickly.

Elvenes leaves door open to a Rögle return

By IceHockeyMan Editorial Team | Published:

Story Summary

Mario Elvenes has left the door open to a future move to Rögle while enjoying a prolific start to the season with Växjö.

The forward leads the SHL scoring race with 13 points from his first six matches, three clear of second-placed Oscar Lindberg. Elvenes has supplied two goals and 11 assists during that run and is playing out the final year of his current contract.

Asked whether Rögle could become an option when he next signs, Elvenes said the club would always be in the picture because it is his youth club. He also made clear that he is happy in Växjö, praising the team, city and supporters.

A move abroad cannot be discounted either. There has reportedly been considerable interest from Switzerland, with Lugano linked to a move for Elvenes next season.

Key Facts

  • Mario Elvenes has 13 points in six SHL matches, leading the scoring table by three points over Oscar Lindberg.
  • Elvenes has recorded two goals and 11 assists during the opening six games.
  • The Växjö forward is on an expiring contract.
  • Elvenes described Rögle as a club that will always remain an option because it is his youth club.
  • Lugano have reportedly shown interest in bringing Elvenes to Switzerland next season.

IHM Discussion

Elvenes has given a measured answer rather than signalling an imminent departure. His comments establish Rögle as a meaningful personal connection, but he also stressed his contentment in Växjö and his focus on producing a strong season.

That focus has been backed by his early output. Eleven assists in six matches account for the bulk of his points, underlining how strongly he has begun as a creator as well as a scorer. With his contract nearing its end, that production naturally gives added significance to his future options without confirming any next move.

Why It Matters

Elvenes is currently setting the pace in the SHL points race, so his contractual situation is relevant both to Växjö and to clubs monitoring the market. Rögle have been publicly acknowledged as a possible destination by a player with a direct youth-system connection to the club, while the reported Swiss interest adds another potential route for next season.

Mini Q&A

What has Mario Elvenes said about Rögle?

Elvenes said Rögle will always be an option because it is his youth club, while stopping short of confirming any future move.

How has Elvenes started the season?

He leads the SHL scoring race with 13 points in six games, made up of two goals and 11 assists.

Joona Lehmus signs with Kiekko-Pojat for season

By IceHockeyMan Editorial Team | Published:

Story Summary

Kiekko-Pojat have signed defenceman Joona Lehmus to a contract covering the rest of the season. The 24-year-old arrives in Joensuu after beginning the campaign without a club.

Lehmus’s agreement includes options allowing him to move to a Liiga club or abroad during the season. He is set to be available immediately for Kiekko-Pojat, who host KeuPa on Thursday.

The signing gives the Mestis side a player with 78 Liiga appearances, including spells with JYP and HIFK. Last season, Lehmus played 29 Liiga games for JYP, recording one goal and six assists.

Key Facts

  • Joona Lehmus, 24, has signed with Kiekko-Pojat until the end of the season.
  • The contract contains options for a move to Liiga or an overseas club during the season.
  • Lehmus started the season without a club before joining the Joensuu-based Mestis team.
  • He played 29 Liiga games for JYP last season, posting 1+6.
  • Lehmus also recorded 4+15=19 in 19 Mestis games for KeuPa HT last season.
  • Across his Liiga career, Lehmus has played 78 games and registered 3+13=16.
  • He spent the previous two seasons with JYP and two seasons before that with HIFK.
  • Lehmus has 66 Mestis appearances across three seasons, representing KeuPa HT and Kiekko-Vantaa as well as Kiekko-Pojat.

IHM Discussion

This is a straightforward addition of a defenceman with substantial experience at both of Finland’s top two levels. Lehmus brings recent production from Mestis as well as a longer Liiga record, having accumulated 16 points in 78 games in the top flight.

His 19 points in 19 Mestis appearances for KeuPa HT last season stand out in the context of his new league assignment. Kiekko-Pojat are at the bottom of Mestis, and Lehmus has made clear that he wants to help the club turn towards wins.

The Liiga and overseas clauses are an important part of the arrangement. They offer Lehmus a route to change clubs during the season while Kiekko-Pojat gain a player who is available now and familiar with the level.

Why It Matters

For Kiekko-Pojat, Lehmus adds a defenceman with recent Mestis scoring and prior Liiga experience at a time when the club are trying to improve their position. For the player, the deal ends a period without a club and creates an immediate playing opportunity in Joensuu.

The contract’s options also mean the agreement does not rule out a later move if a Liiga or overseas opportunity arises. Until then, Lehmus is available to Kiekko-Pojat under a deal running through the end of the season.

Mini Q&A

How long is Joona Lehmus contracted to Kiekko-Pojat?

His contract runs through the end of the season.

Can Lehmus leave Kiekko-Pojat during the season?

Yes. His agreement includes options for a move to a Liiga club or abroad during the season.

What did Lehmus produce in Mestis last season?

He recorded four goals and 15 assists for 19 points in 19 games with KeuPa HT.

What Comes Next

Lehmus is available when Kiekko-Pojat host KeuPa on Thursday. It will be his first opportunity to make his Kiekko-Pojat debut after signing for the remainder of the season.

IHM NHL Short Ice: Buium, Makar and Senators surge

IHM NHL Short Ice: Buium, Makar and Senators surge

By IceHockeyMan Editorial Team | Published:

NHL IN 60 SECONDS

Zeev Buium has signed an eight-year, $75.04 million Vancouver contract that begins in 2027-28, while insisting he intends to earn the club’s faith every day. Cale Makar is the early Norris Trophy favourite in a 15-person panel vote after signing his own major extension. Ottawa’s 2-0-0 start has offered an immediate response after Brady Tkachuk’s departure, though Linus Ullmark left Monday’s game as a precaution. Elsewhere, Macklin Celebrini was ruled out before puck drop with a lower-body injury, and Montreal’s Kirby Dach remains a subject of reported speculation rather than a settled transaction.

THE BIG FIVE

Buium ready to earn Vancouver’s long-term faith

Zeev Buium says the standards he sets for himself will outweigh any outside expectations after signing an eight-year, $75.04 million contract with the Vancouver Canucks on Sept. 4. The deal carries a $9.38 million average annual value and begins in 2027-28. The 20-year-old defenseman arrived from the Minnesota Wild in the Quinn Hughes trade on Dec. 12, alongside Liam Ohgren, Marco Rossi and a 2026 first-round pick. Buium produced 12 points in 45 Vancouver games after recording 14 in 31 with Minnesota. Four games into this season, he is seeking his first point while playing on the left of Filip Hronek on Vancouver’s top defense pair. He is averaging 21:40 per game and works on the second power-play unit.

IHM Signal: Buium’s contract is long-term, but his stated focus is on daily improvement and proving Vancouver right.

Coach Mark: Top-pair usage and second-unit power-play work give Buium meaningful opportunities to build consistency while carrying those expectations.

READ FULL STORY: Zeev Buium ready to earn Canucks’ long-term faith

Canadiens reportedly prepared to assess Dach

Kirby Dach remains the subject of speculation, but the reported position is that the Montreal Canadiens want to see what they have before making further roster changes. Montreal’s forward and blue-line depth has been cited as a source of flexibility, while Dach was said not to have had the best camp. The discussion connected him with teams in Alberta, partly because his brother is in Edmonton, but that link was characterised as people potentially connecting dots. There were said to have been loose discussions, not a completed move or a firm negotiation. Any deal would depend on another club offering an asset Montreal considers worthwhile, potentially involving additional pieces. Morgan Frost in Calgary was also raised only as a possible comparison in a wider hypothetical discussion.

IHM Signal: The available reporting points to monitoring and evaluation, not an imminent Dach trade.

Coach Mark: With roster spots limited, Dach’s on-ice case during the season may matter more than early speculation around possible destinations.

READ FULL STORY: Canadiens Reportedly Still Assess Kirby Dach’s Future

Celebrini ruled out for Sharks with lower-body injury

Macklin Celebrini did not play for the San Jose Sharks at the Dallas Stars after being ruled out with a lower-body injury shortly before puck drop. The 20-year-old forward had taken part in warmups before the announcement. Celebrini opened San Jose’s 2-0-0 season with three assists in a 4-3 overtime win against the Florida Panthers, then added two assists in a 5-4 overtime victory against the Los Angeles Kings. Last season, he ranked fourth in the NHL with 115 points, including 45 goals and 70 assists, in 82 games. The No. 1 pick in the 2024 NHL Draft has 183 points, made up of 70 goals and 113 assists, across 154 NHL games.

IHM Signal: Celebrini’s absence followed a five-assist start in San Jose’s first two wins.

Coach Mark: His late withdrawal removed a forward who had helped drive San Jose’s early offence, making a collective response necessary.

Makar takes early lead in Norris Trophy panel vote

Cale Makar has been selected as the early Norris Trophy choice by a 15-member panel, receiving 70 voting points and 11 first-place votes. The Colorado Avalanche defenseman finished ahead of Minnesota Wild defenseman Quinn Hughes, who had 51 points and two first-place votes. Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman Zach Werenski was third with 36 points, while Buffalo Sabres defenseman Rasmus Dahlin received the remaining three first-place votes. Makar signed an eight-year, $163.2 million contract on Aug. 28 that starts next season and carries a $20.4 million average annual value. The 27-year-old had 79 points in 75 games last season, including 20 goals, and averaged 24:51 of ice time. He was also plus-32 and had 29 power-play points.

IHM Signal: Makar has early panel support after another high-output season and a new long-term contract.

Coach Mark: His ability to contribute across situations, including both special teams, underpins the workload Colorado can place on him.

Senators make fast start after Tkachuk departure

The Ottawa Senators are 2-0-0 after opening the season with wins against the Toronto Maple Leafs and Boston Bruins, scoring seven goals and allowing three. Their 4-1 victory in Boston came in the club’s first season since 2017-18 without Brady Tkachuk, who produced 463 points in 572 games over eight Ottawa seasons. The Senators began last season 2-4-1 through seven games and opened the previous season 6-7-0 through 13, making the immediate improvement notable without defining the season. Linus Ullmark was removed after the second period against Boston following a collision with JJ Peterka in the crease. Coach Travis Green described the decision as precautionary. Ottawa’s players have stressed that the belief inside the group has remained intact.

IHM Signal: Ottawa has answered early doubts with two wins, but the group is treating the start as only a beginning.

Coach Mark: Green’s emphasis on playing the right way reflects a focus on sustaining the habits behind the opening results.

READ FULL STORY: Senators Make a 2-0 Start Without Brady Tkachuk

IHM SHORT ICE

Panthers-Larkin link remains hypothetical

Dylan Larkin was discussed as a possible Florida Panthers target if Aleksander Barkov misses significant time, with Florida described as a club Larkin would approve in a trade.

Reportedly, Detroit seeks an immediately useful return for Larkin, who was not expected to play the past weekend because of injury.

READ FULL STORY: Report Links Panthers to Dylan Larkin Amid Barkov Concern

Byfield embraces the Kings’ opening

Quinton Byfield wants to become the player who helps fill the void left by retired Kings captain Anze Kopitar, while acknowledging that the responsibility belongs to the whole team.

The 24-year-old entered Los Angeles’ home opener with two points and had logged 22:40, won 13 of 20 face-offs and recorded four shots against San Jose.

Lee finds a new home with Utah

Anders Lee signed a three-year, $16.2 million contract with the Utah Mammoth on July 1 after his Islanders contract expired and no new agreement was reached.

After 13 seasons with the Islanders and eight as captain, Lee said settling his family was the priority as they adjusted to Utah.

READ FULL STORY: Anders Lee quickly finds his place with Utah Mammoth

Crosby and Malkin salute Ovechkin

Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin praised Alex Ovechkin after the Capitals captain announced that his 22nd NHL season would be his last.

Crosby recalled their many battles, while Malkin said Ovechkin had done everything for his team and the League and wished him health.

READ FULL STORY: Crosby and Malkin salute Ovechkin’s NHL legacy

Ovechkin’s Washington impact endures

Alex Ovechkin will finish his NHL career after this season as the League’s all-time leading goal scorer, with 929 goals entering Washington’s game against Pittsburgh.

His 895th goal, scored against the New York Islanders on April 6, 2025, surpassed Wayne Gretzky’s NHL record and added to a legacy that includes the 2018 Stanley Cup.

READ FULL STORY

IHM NHL PULSE

Leadership transitions are defining early storylines

Several clubs are navigating major changes in responsibility. Buium is taking on prominent minutes after Vancouver committed to him through an eight-year deal, while Byfield wants to help cover the void created by Kopitar’s retirement. Ottawa, meanwhile, has begun 2-0-0 in its first season without Tkachuk. Each case carries a different context, but all place an early premium on players and groups proving they can handle changed expectations.

Long-term commitments sit beside short-term uncertainty

Makar and Buium have each signed eight-year contracts that begin in future seasons, signalling their clubs’ confidence in them. At the same time, uncertainty surrounds immediate availability and roster direction elsewhere: Celebrini was ruled out with a lower-body injury, Barkov was expected to miss time pending further clarity, and reporting on Dach described monitoring rather than a completed move.

Early returns are not final verdicts

Ottawa’s players and coach have welcomed their two-win start while stressing that two games do not settle a season. The same measured perspective applies to Makar’s early Norris lead: the panel vote recognises his standing at the outset, not an award decision.

WHAT WE’RE WATCHING NEXT

  • Zeev Buium’s eight-year Vancouver contract begins in the 2027-28 season.
  • Cale Makar’s eight-year Colorado contract begins next season.
  • Washington hosts Pittsburgh on Wednesday, with Alex Ovechkin entering the game on 929 NHL goals.

SHORT ICE Q&A

What are the terms of Zeev Buium’s new Canucks contract?

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

Has Kirby Dach been traded by Montreal?

No trade was reported. The discussion described possible loose talks and roster flexibility, while saying Montreal wants to assess its group before further changes.

Why did Macklin Celebrini miss the Sharks game in Dallas?

Celebrini was ruled out shortly before puck drop because of a lower-body injury after participating in warmups.

Who led the early Norris Trophy panel vote?

Cale Makar led with 70 points and 11 first-place votes from the 15-member panel. Quinn Hughes was second with 51 points.

How have the Senators started without Brady Tkachuk?

Ottawa is 2-0-0, with wins against Toronto and Boston. The Senators have scored seven goals and allowed three.

When will Alex Ovechkin retire from the NHL?

Ovechkin announced that the 2026-27 season, his 22nd in the NHL, will be his final season.

FAN PULSE

Which early storyline is most significant for your club?
A) A young player taking on a larger role.
B) A strong start after a major departure.
C) A star player’s health and availability.