Tag: IHM News

Simon Ryfors exits after leg injury in Davos’ 2-1 shootout loss

By IceHockeyMan Editorial Team | Published:

Story Summary

HC Davos forward Simon Ryfors was forced out of the club’s 2-1 shootout loss to HC Fribourg-Gottéron after sustaining a leg injury in the second period. According to the Freiburger Nachrichten, the injury followed a hit by Marcus Sörensen; Ryfors was unable to continue. At the time of the report, Ryfors had appeared in four games this season for HC Davos, registering two goals and one assist.

Key Facts

  • Simon Ryfors is a Swedish forward for HC Davos.
  • Ryfors left the HC Davos – HC Fribourg-Gottéron game in the second period after a hit by Marcus Sörensen.
  • Ryfors suffered a leg injury and was unable to continue; his return to HC Davos’ lineup was not yet known.
  • Ryfors had played four games for HC Davos that season, with two goals and one assist.
  • HC Davos lost to Fribourg 2-1 in a shootout on 22 September 2026.

IHM Discussion

The immediate consequence is straightforward: HC Davos lost an active forward mid-game and must assess the leg injury that forced Simon Ryfors from the contest. Ryfors’ early-season scoring – two goals and one assist in four appearances – has been a tangible contribution to Davos’ forward group. The report names Marcus Sörensen as the player involved in the contact, while Ryfors’ return remains unknown. Davos’ 2-1 shootout defeat adds to a difficult night for the club.

Why It Matters

Losing a forward who has already been involved on the scoresheet can affect Davos’ secondary scoring and line rotations. Ryfors’ exit in the second period left the club short-handed for the remainder of the game, while his status for upcoming fixtures remains unclear. The 2-1 shootout defeat therefore came with added uncertainty around a player who had made an early offensive impact.

Mini Q&A

Did Simon Ryfors finish the game against Fribourg?

No. Simon Ryfors left the game in the second period after a hit by Marcus Sörensen and was unable to continue due to a leg injury.

How many games and points had Ryfors recorded for HC Davos that season?

Ryfors had appeared in four games for HC Davos that season, recording two goals and one assist.

What was the final score of the match?

HC Davos lost to HC Fribourg-Gottéron 2-1 in a shootout on 22 September 2026.

Who was named as the player involved in the contact?

The report names Marcus Sörensen as the player who delivered the hit after which Ryfors left the game.

SC Bern’s Baumgartner sidelined for around four weeks

By IceHockeyMan Editorial Team | Published:

Story Summary

SC Bern will be without assistant captain Benjamin Baumgartner for about four weeks after the Austrian forward suffered an upper-body injury in the game against HC Davos. Baumgartner missed SC Bern’s next outing, against EHC Kloten, and had appeared in two games this season for the Bears, recording one goal and one assist.

Key Facts

  • Benjamin Baumgartner is an Austrian forward and an assistant captain of SC Bern.
  • Baumgartner suffered an upper-body injury in the game against HC Davos.
  • He missed SC Bern’s subsequent game against EHC Kloten.
  • SC Bern expect his absence to last about four weeks (roughly one month).
  • Baumgartner has appeared in two games for SC Bern this season, with one goal and one assist reported.

IHM Discussion

Baumgartner’s absence removes an assistant captain from SC Bern’s forward group for around a month. With only two appearances this season, the immediate focus will be on covering his place in the line-up while he recovers from the upper-body injury.

Why It Matters

A four-week absence leaves SC Bern to manage without Baumgartner through several fixtures. It also interrupts the Austrian forward’s early-season run after one goal and one assist in two games.

Mini Q&A

Who is injured?

Benjamin Baumgartner, an Austrian forward and assistant captain of SC Bern.

What is the nature and timing of the injury?

The injury is described as an upper-body injury sustained in the game against HC Davos; Baumgartner missed the subsequent match against EHC Kloten.

How long is he expected to be out?

SC Bern expect Baumgartner to be out for about four weeks, or roughly one month.

What Comes Next

Baumgartner is expected to miss about four weeks as SC Bern manage his return from the upper-body injury.

Erik Thorell exits after collision during Frölunda comeback

By IceHockeyMan Editorial Team | Published:

Story Summary

Erik Thorell, the 34-year-old Frölunda forward, made his comeback from a wrist injury in Frölunda’s second game of the 2026/27 season and recorded an assist in the first period. He left the game in the second period after a collision with Färjestad’s Axel Bergkvist. No penalty was called on the play, prompting protests from the Frölunda bench and the crowd. Frölunda coach Robert Ohlsson said after the game that he believed Thorell had “got a knock” and had not yet seen him after the match; Thorell was unable to finish the game. It remains unclear whether he will be available when Frölunda travel to Norrbotten to face Luleå, their opponents in last season’s quarter-final and CHL final. Thorell played only 20 games last season and registered 16 points, and his contract with Frölunda runs out after this season.

Key Facts

  • Erik Thorell is a 34-year-old forward for Frölunda.
  • Thorell had been carrying a wrist injury through large parts of last season.
  • His comeback occurred in Frölunda’s second match of the 2026/2027 season.
  • Thorell recorded an assist in the first period of that match.
  • He left the ice in the second period after a collision with Färjestad’s Axel Bergkvist.
  • No penalty was assessed on the collision; Frölunda’s bench and the crowd protested.
  • Frölunda coach Robert Ohlsson: ” I think he got a knock there. So we’ll see how he is. I haven’t seen him afterwards but he couldn’t finish the match.”
  • Ohlsson praised the referees: ” I must also say that these two head referees are the league’s two best referees in my view. I don’t think they miss such a thing. Then they’ll go out and look if that would be the case.”
  • Last season Thorell played 20 games and had 16 points.
  • Frölunda travel to Norrbotten next to face Luleå, their opponents in last season’s quarter-final and CHL final.
  • Thorell’s contract with Frölunda expires after this season.

IHM Discussion

This was intended to be a straightforward return for Erik Thorell after a wrist problem that limited him last season, and his first-period assist suggested he could contribute immediately. The collision with Axel Bergkvist, however, interrupted that return. The officials did not call a penalty on the play, sparking protests from Frölunda’s bench and the crowd. Robert Ohlsson offered a cautious assessment, saying he believed Thorell had “got a knock” and that he had not yet seen the player after the match. He confirmed only that Thorell could not complete the game. The immediate question is whether Thorell will be available for Frölunda’s next trip.

Why It Matters

Thorell’s availability matters to Frölunda after a season in which he played only 20 games and recorded 16 points. His return had already produced an assist before the collision ended his game. Frölunda next travel to Norrbotten to face Luleå, their opponents in last season’s quarter-final and CHL final, while Thorell’s contract is due to expire after this season.

Mini Q&A

What happened to Thorell in his comeback match?

Erik Thorell made his comeback in Frölunda’s second game of the 2026/27 season, assisted in the first period, then left in the second after a collision with Färjestad’s Axel Bergkvist and could not finish the game.

Was a penalty called on the collision?

No penalty was assessed on the collision, which resulted in protests from both the Frölunda bench and the crowd.

What did coach Robert Ohlsson say about the incident?

Ohlsson said, ” I think he got a knock there. So we’ll see how he is. I haven’t seen him afterwards but he couldn’t finish the match.” He also praised the referees, calling them ” the league’s two best” in his view.

How much did Thorell play last season and what were his stats?

Last season Thorell played 20 games and recorded 16 points.

Is Thorell contracted to Frölunda beyond this season?

No. Thorell’s contract with Frölunda runs out after this season.

What Comes Next

Frölunda travel to Norrbotten next to face Luleå, their opponents in last season’s quarter-final and CHL final. It remains unclear whether Erik Thorell will be available for the trip.

IHM Final View

Erik Thorell made an immediate impact with a first-period assist on his comeback, but the collision and his departure in the second period leave Frölunda awaiting an update on his availability. For now, it is unclear whether he will be ready for the trip to face Luleå in Norrbotten.

Sparta beaten 5:3 at home by Mladá Boleslav

By IceHockeyMan Editorial Team | Published:

Story Summary

Sparta suffered a 5:3 home defeat to Mladá Boleslav in the third round of the Czech Extraliga, with coach Patrik Augusta sharply critical of his side’s opening half. The visitors built a two-goal lead early in the second period, weathered two Sparta equalisers and scored again in the third to secure victory. Mladá Boleslav coach Petr Haken praised his players’ compactness and commitment to the game plan. It was the club’s first win at the O2 Arena since 7 March 2021.

Key Facts

  • Match: Sparta Prague v Mladá Boleslav, 3rd round of the Czech Extraliga.
  • Final score: Sparta 3, Mladá Boleslav 5.
  • Attendance: nearly 12,500 spectators at the O2 Arena.
  • Sparta coach Patrik Augusta criticised his team’s poor start, calling it dismal.
  • Mladá Boleslav coach: Petr Haken said his side stuck to their plan, remained compact and deserved the win.
  • Mladá Boleslav took a two-goal lead early in the second period; Sparta levelled to 2:2, but 17 seconds later Lichtag restored the visitors’ lead.
  • Blümel scored for Sparta late in the second period (into the dressing-room) to make the score level again at the interval.
  • Final period saw Mladá Boleslav score again while Sparta failed to produce a decisive response.
  • Sparta outshot Mladá Boleslav 41-23, according to match figures.
  • Mladá Boleslav goalkeeper Vojtěch Mokry left with an injury after the second period and was replaced by Dominik Furch.
  • Dominik Furch stopped all 14 Sparta shots he faced after coming on.

IHM Discussion

The result turned on the contrast between the sides’ starts and their responses under pressure. Augusta described Sparta’s opening half as dismal, saying his team lacked intensity while Mladá Boleslav were quicker. Sparta held a 41-23 advantage in shots, but Mladá Boleslav remained competitive in the clearest chances. Haken highlighted his side’s compact structure, active approach and ability to turn play the other way. The visitors also received an important contribution in goal: after Mokry’s forced departure, Furch stopped all 14 Sparta shots he faced.

Why It Matters

For Sparta, the home defeat in front of a large crowd places immediate attention on their intensity at the start of games and their execution at key moments. Augusta was clear that his side did not deserve to win. For Mladá Boleslav, the result brings a valuable five-point return from their opening three games and ends a long wait for another victory at the O2 Arena. The match showed how a strong start and a quick response after an equaliser can outweigh a shot-count deficit.

Mini Q&A

What was the final score and who won?

Mladá Boleslav beat Sparta 5:3.

Why did Sparta coach Patrik Augusta criticise his team?

Augusta said Sparta had a very poor start, lacked commitment and played too much on the perimeter, calling the first half ” truly miserable” and saying the team did not deserve to win.

What happened with Sparta’s goalkeeping during the match?

Mladá Boleslav goalkeeper Vojtěch Mokry left with an injury after the second period and was replaced by Dominik Furch, who stopped all 14 Sparta shots he faced.

Coach Mark Comment

Sparta’s recovery from 2:0 down showed they could respond, but the concession 17 seconds after drawing level at 2:2 was a crucial swing. For coaches, those moments immediately after a goal demand calm puck management and clear defensive communication. Mladá Boleslav’s compact approach also demonstrated the value of staying connected when protecting a lead.

IHM Final View

Sparta’s home loss to Mladá Boleslav is an early warning about the cost of a poor start and lapses at key moments. Augusta will want a more consistent performance from puck drop. Mladá Boleslav, meanwhile, leave with a confidence-building win built on a compact approach and resilience under pressure.

Jokerit earn first Liiga win as tempers flare in 3-0 victory

By IceHockeyMan Editorial Team | Published:

Story Summary

Jokerit recorded their first Liiga victory of the season, beating Pelicans 3-0 to snap an 0-5 start. Tomi Karhunen kept a shutout with 20 saves. The match was marred by two heated incidents late in the second period: Oliver Larsen and Markus Nutivaara dropped their gloves and were both sent off after a roughly 30-second fight that began when Emil Kuusla drove into Pelicans goaltender František Poletín at 39:00. Shortly after the period ended, Max Krogdahl and Gabriel Fortier were also involved in an altercation; both received 2+2 minute penalties for unsportsmanlike conduct and violence. Larsen’s night ended just shy of two full periods.

Key Facts

  • Jokerit defeated Pelicans 3-0.
  • The victory was Jokerit’s first of the Liiga season after five straight losses.
  • Tomi Karhunen posted the shutout with 20 saves.
  • Oliver Larsen and Markus Nutivaara fought late in the second period and were both ejected.
  • The fight sequence began at 39:00 after Jokerit’s Emil Kuusla went into Pelicans goaltender František Poletín.
  • Emil Kuusla received a two-minute penalty for goalie interference.
  • Max Krogdahl and Gabriel Fortier were involved in a separate confrontation after the second period and each received 2+2 minute penalties for unsportsmanlike conduct and violence.
  • Oliver Larsen’s game lasted just under two periods.

IHM Discussion

The result gives Jokerit a necessary lift after a poor start, while Karhunen’s 20-save shutout offers a strong platform. However, the evening’s defining moments may be the physical confrontations rather than the goals. Two distinct incidents – one culminating in a fight and another after the second period – brought ejections and further penalties. Jokerit have the immediate benefit of a first win, but discipline and game management will remain an important focus.

Why It Matters

A first win changes the immediate mood for a club that had lost its first five league games. The altercations also create a secondary storyline: Jokerit must retain their competitive edge without taking penalties that disrupt their bench. The match will be remembered for Karhunen’s shutout and the heated exchanges late in the second period.

Mini Q&A

What was the score and who won?

Jokerit won 3-0 over Pelicans.

Who kept the shutout and how many saves were made?

Tomi Karhunen kept the shutout and made 20 saves.

Which players were ejected after a fight late in the second period?

Oliver Larsen and Markus Nutivaara fought and were both given game ejections.

What sparked the first altercation?

The first incident began at 39:00 when Jokerit’s Emil Kuusla went into Pelicans goaltender František Poletín; a subsequent skirmish between Larsen and Nutivaara followed.

Were there any further penalties after the second period?

Yes. Max Krogdahl and Gabriel Fortier were involved in a separate confrontation after the second period and each received 2+2 minute penalties for unsportsmanlike conduct and violence.

Coach Mark Comment

A goaltender’s shutout is the clearest form of reassurance a coach can get: it buys time to fix other issues. Still, discipline is a coaching responsibility as much as a player one. The ejections and extra penalties cost rhythm and force the bench to respond mid-game; tightening behaviour in those late-period moments is a practical and immediate coaching task.

IHM Final View

Jokerit’s 3-0 victory over Pelicans delivers a much-needed first win and a strong goaltending display. The two late-second-period incidents, which led to ejections and further penalties, ensured the match also carried a disciplinary edge. Jokerit will now look to turn that lift into steadier execution.

Santeri Alatalo hopes to extend his stay with HC Lugano

By IceHockeyMan Editorial Team | Published:

Story Summary

Santeri Alatalo, the 36-year-old HC Lugano defenceman, says he would like to continue his career with the club. With his contract set to expire at the end of the season, Alatalo said: ” My first choice is to stay here. I still want to play hockey; I feel good and I’m having fun.” He also expressed optimism about Lugano’s direction: ” I think something good is taking shape in Lugano, and I want to keep going.”

Key Facts

  • Santeri Alatalo is a 36-year-old defenceman.
  • Alatalo’s contract with HC Lugano is set to expire at the end of the season.
  • Alatalo says he would prefer to remain with HC Lugano.
  • Quote from Alatalo: ” My first choice is to stay here. I still want to play hockey; I feel good and I’m having fun.”
  • Quote from Alatalo: ” I think something good is taking shape in Lugano, and I want to keep going.”
  • Alatalo joined HC Lugano in 2021 after earlier stints with HC Davos and EV Zug.
  • He has appeared in two games this season and has yet to record his first point.

IHM Discussion

Alatalo’s comments are straightforward: he wants to continue playing and would prefer to do so at HC Lugano. No extension or negotiation details have been announced. At 36, Alatalo brings veteran experience, while his arrival in Lugano in 2021 and earlier spells with HC Davos and EV Zug underline his National League background.

Why It Matters

Alatalo’s position provides clarity on his preference as his contract approaches its expiry at the end of the season. Retaining an experienced defenceman would offer Lugano continuity and depth, while the player has made clear that he intends to continue his career.

Heljanko shuts out Kärpät as Tappara raise banner

By IceHockeyMan Editorial Team | Published:

Story Summary

Tappara celebrated last season’s championship with a banner-raising ceremony at Nokia Arena before beating Kärpät 4-0. Christian Heljanko recorded a shutout, while Aapeli Räsänen scored the opening and game-winning goal. Tappara moved into a 3-0 lead in the second period and completed a comfortable victory.

Key Facts

  • Tappara raised last season’s championship banner at Nokia Arena prior to the match.
  • Tappara defeated Kärpät 4-0 in the same game.
  • Christian Heljanko recorded a shutout and celebrated the clean sheet after the final buzzer.
  • Aapeli Räsänen scored the opening and game-winning 1-0 goal.
  • Tappara extended the lead to 3-0 in the second period.
  • Ondřej Pavel was among the Tappara goalscorers.
  • Julius Mattila and Juha Metsola brought the Kanada-malja onto the ice as part of the celebrations.
  • Tappara had several chances to add further goals during the match.
  • Niklas Rubin made saves in goal for Kärpät in an effort to keep his team in the contest.
  • Emotions rose at times in the third period as the teams finished the match.

IHM Discussion

The evening at Nokia Arena combined ceremony and competition. Tappara staged a banner-raising to mark last season’s title, then delivered a 4-0 win over Kärpät. Christian Heljanko’s shutout and Aapeli Räsänen’s game-winning opener set the tone, while Ondřej Pavel was also among the goalscorers. Kärpät turned to Niklas Rubin to make saves and keep the score down, but Tappara built a three-goal lead in the second period. Julius Mattila and Juha Metsola bringing the Kanada-malja onto the ice added to the occasion.

Why It Matters

The win gave Tappara a fitting conclusion to a night celebrating last season’s championship. Heljanko’s shutout and the second-period surge were the decisive features of a 4-0 result, while Kärpät were unable to find a way onto the scoresheet.

Mini Q&A

What was the final score?

Tappara won 4-0 against Kärpät.

Who recorded the shutout?

Christian Heljanko recorded the shutout.

Who scored the opening and game-winning goal?

Aapeli Räsänen scored the opening and game-winning 1-0 goal.

Grégory Hofmann returns to EV Zug lineup after lower-body injury

By IceHockeyMan Editorial Team | Published:

Story Summary

Grégory Hofmann, the 33-year-old forward for EV Zug, returned to the lineup for the club’s 22 September National League game against HC Lugano after missing the start of the season with a lower-body injury. EV Zug had moved his expected return from week-to-week to day-to-day and listed him as day-to-day on 21 September 2026; the club said he sustained the injury in the final friendly against the SCL Tigers on 10 September. HC Lugano defeated EV Zug 3-2 in overtime in that match.

Key Facts

  • Grégory Hofmann is a 33-year-old forward for EV Zug.
  • Hofmann missed the start of the season because of a lower-body injury.
  • EV Zug said Hofmann sustained the lower-body injury in the final friendly against the SCL Tigers on 10 September.
  • EV Zug adjusted Hofmann’s return from week-to-week to day-to-day and listed him as day-to-day on 21 September 2026.
  • Hofmann was in EV Zug’s lineup for the club’s National League regular-season game against HC Lugano.
  • HC Lugano beat EV Zug 3-2 in overtime in that game.
  • Puck drop for the game against the Bianconeri was scheduled for 19:45.

IHM Discussion

EV Zug included Grégory Hofmann in the lineup for the 22 September National League fixture against HC Lugano after the 33-year-old forward missed the start of the season with a lower-body injury. The club had moved his expected return from week-to-week to day-to-day, listing him as day-to-day on 21 September 2026.

Zug said Hofmann sustained the injury in its final friendly against the SCL Tigers on 10 September. His return gave the club another forward option for the regular-season game, which HC Lugano won 3-2 in overtime.

Why It Matters

For Zug, his availability added selection flexibility and depth in the opening stage of the National League campaign.

IHM NHL News: NHL Board receives expansion update; Leonsis named chairman

NHL Board receives expansion update; Leonsis named chairman

By IceHockeyMan Editorial Team | Published:

Story Summary

The NHL Board of Governors on Tuesday received an update from the League on recent expansion interest, including a proposal from The Friedkin Group, led by CEO Dan Friedkin, to bring a second team to Texas in Houston or Austin. Commissioner Gary Bettman said the League and The Friedkin Group are ” evaluating the feasibility of those markets” and that the evaluation is ongoing, with the next formal Board update expected in December. Bettman stressed there is no set timetable, telling governors, ” We’re not under any time constraint.” The League has also received ” strong expressions of interest” for expansion from groups in Atlanta and Arizona, as well as other markets.

In a separate Board decision, governors unanimously selected Ted Leonsis – Governor of the Washington Capitals and chairman of Monumental Sports and Entertainment – to replace Boston Bruins owner Jeremy Jacobs as chairman. Calgary Flames Governor Murray Edwards will take on the role of vice-chair. Jacobs announced his retirement as chairman after serving in that role for 19 years. Leonsis described the complementary roles he and Edwards expect to play: ” I’m more strategy, big picture, vision, new media; Murray is operations, finance.”

Key Facts

  • The Board of Governors received an update on expansion interest on Tuesday.
  • The Friedkin Group, led by CEO Dan Friedkin, has discussed bringing a second NHL team to Texas in Houston or Austin.
  • The League and The Friedkin Group are ” evaluating the feasibility of those markets”; the evaluation is ongoing.
  • The next chance for the League to formally update the Board of Governors on expansion will be in December.
  • Commissioner Gary Bettman said, ” We’re not under any time constraint.”
  • The League has received strong expressions of interest for expansion from groups in Atlanta and Arizona, and from other markets.
  • Bettman said, ” Expansion is a multibillion-dollar transaction which has an impact on all the other clubs in the League.”
  • Ted Leonsis, Governor of the Washington Capitals and chairman of Monumental Sports and Entertainment, was unanimously selected to replace Jeremy Jacobs as chairman.
  • Murray Edwards, Governor of the Calgary Flames, will serve as vice-chair.
  • Jeremy Jacobs announced his retirement as chairman after serving in that role for 19 years.
  • Leonsis said of his and Edwards’ partnership: ” I’m more strategy, big picture, vision, new media; Murray is operations, finance.”
  • Edwards said it was important to have Canadian representation at the top of the executive committee, adding, ” Hockey in Canada, it’s important. It matters.”

IHM Discussion

The Board meeting addressed expansion interest and a leadership transition within its executive committee. On expansion, the League is assessing unsolicited expressions of interest rather than working to a fixed deadline. Commissioner Gary Bettman said the League is “not under any time constraint” and described expansion as a multibillion-dollar transaction affecting every club.

The Friedkin Group’s interest in Houston or Austin remains under evaluation by the League and the group. Bettman also said the League has received strong expressions of interest from groups in Atlanta and Arizona, as well as other markets. December is the next opportunity for a formal update to the Board.

Governors unanimously selected Ted Leonsis as chairman, with Murray Edwards becoming vice-chair. Leonsis described their complementary outlooks as strategy and vision on one side, and operations and finance on the other. Edwards also stressed the importance of Canadian representation at the executive-committee level.

Why It Matters

Expansion is a League-wide decision because, as Bettman noted, it affects all existing clubs and requires broad governor support. The interest in Texas, alongside expressions of interest from Atlanta, Arizona and other markets, gives the Board several possibilities to assess without a stated timetable.

The leadership change also places Leonsis and Edwards at the head of the Board’s executive structure as those discussions continue. Their stated emphasis on strategy, operations and finance provides the framework they expect to bring to the role.

Mini Q&A

Who was selected chairman of the NHL Board of Governors?

Ted Leonsis, Governor of the Washington Capitals and chairman of Monumental Sports and Entertainment, was unanimously selected to replace Jeremy Jacobs as chairman.

Who will serve as vice-chair of the Board?

Murray Edwards, Governor of the Calgary Flames, will take on the role of vice-chair.

Which markets are under consideration for expansion?

The Friedkin Group has discussed bringing a second team to Texas in Houston or Austin. The League also reported strong expressions of interest from groups in Atlanta and Arizona, and from other markets.

When will the Board next receive a formal update on expansion?

The League said the next chance to formally update the Board of Governors on expansion will be in December.

What revenue projection did Commissioner Bettman provide?

Commissioner Bettman said the League is projecting revenue to reach $8.1 billion in local currency this season.

Coach Mark Comment

From an organisational perspective, a measured expansion process matters because any new club affects the wider League. The Board’s stated focus on strategy, operations and finance reflects the need to assess growth opportunities without rushing a decision.

What Comes Next

The League will provide its next formal update to the Board of Governors on expansion in December.

IHM Final View

The Board reaffirmed that NHL expansion remains an ongoing evaluation rather than a process with a fixed deadline. The Friedkin Group’s interest in Houston or Austin is under review, while Atlanta, Arizona and other markets have also drawn interest. At the same meeting, governors unanimously selected Leonsis as chairman and Edwards as vice-chair, placing a new leadership pairing atop the Board’s executive committee.

IHM NHL News: Top NHL teams likeliest to return to 2026-27 playoffs

Top NHL teams likeliest to return to 2026-27 playoffs

By IceHockeyMan Editorial Team | Published:

Story Summary

Dan Rosen’s National Hockey List ranks the six teams that missed the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs with the best chance to qualify in 2026-27. The order is Florida Panthers, Washington Capitals, San Jose Sharks, Toronto Maple Leafs, St. Louis Blues and New Jersey Devils, with roster changes, goaltending situations and statistical context behind each selection.

Key Facts

  • The Panthers are already No. 4 in the first pre-season Super 16 power rankings referenced by Rosen.
  • Florida’s 2025-26 season was derailed when Aleksander Barkov suffered a season-ending knee injury in training camp, Rosen writes; Barkov is back for 2026-27 and Brady Tkachuk has joined the roster.
  • Sergei Bobrovsky is no longer in Florida; Jacob Markstrom has returned to the Panthers organisation.
  • The Capitals had 95 points last season and missed the playoffs by three points; Rosen expects Washington to clear 100 points in 84 games and make the postseason.
  • Washington added forwards Alex Tuch, Jordan Kyrou and Boone Jenner, and Rosen notes a healthier Pierre-Luc Dubois as a factor.
  • Rosen highlights the Capitals’ size up front with Ilya Protas joining brother Aliaksei Protas and lists several big forwards and defencemen including Vincent Desharnais and Jakob Chychrun.
  • San Jose won 39 games and had 86 points last season, improving by 19 wins and 34 points from 2024-25; Rosen says the Sharks could end a seven-season playoff drought.
  • Macklin Celebrini scored 45 goals and 70 assists for 115 points in 82 games last season, per Rosen; Rosen also cites Will Smith, Michael Misa, Collin Graf and possible impact from No. 2 pick Ivar Stenberg.
  • San Jose’s defence additions include Jacob Trouba, Darnell Nurse and Michael Kesselring alongside Dmitry Orlov and Sam Dickinson; Rosen notes the Sharks allowed 3.54 goals per game last season (30th in the League).
  • The Maple Leafs missed the playoffs last season for the first time since 2016, Rosen writes; Toronto signed Sergei Bobrovsky to a three-year contract in the off-season and added Darren Raddysh on an eight-year deal after his 70-point season (22 goals, 48 assists) in 73 games with Tampa Bay last year (per Rosen).

IHM Discussion

Rosen’s list links each club’s short-term playoff prospects to roster changes and clear issues from 2025-26. Florida sits first after Aleksander Barkov’s return from a training-camp knee injury, the arrival of Brady Tkachuk and Jacob Markstrom’s move into the crease. Washington’s case rests on forward additions Alex Tuch, Jordan Kyrou and Boone Jenner, along with a sizeable forward and defensive group. San Jose brings statistical momentum and young talent after a 19-win improvement, but must improve on the 3.54 goals per game it allowed last season. Toronto is more conditional: Rosen identifies Sergei Bobrovsky as a key addition, while noting his difficult 2025-26 campaign. St. Louis narrowly missed out and needs better special teams, while New Jersey has a high ceiling if its goaltending becomes a positive.

Why It Matters

The list offers a pre-season guide to teams that could reshape the playoff field. Rosen notes that, since the current format began in 2013-14, an average of 5.5 teams per season have reached the postseason after missing it the previous year; last season brought six-team turnover. Those potential returners could alter divisional races and displace incumbent playoff clubs.

Fan Pulse

Optimism and apprehension will coexist in these markets. Florida fans can point to Barkov’s return and Tkachuk’s arrival as tangible reasons for renewed confidence; Washington supporters will celebrate the physical upgrades and scoring additions that might convert close misses into post-season berths. San Jose’s fanbase can tout both the 39-win turnaround and Macklin Celebrini’s elite numbers as signs that a playoff return is realistic. Toronto fans face suspense: the Bobrovsky signing creates expectations of stabilised goaltending, but his poor prior season leaves chatter about ‘sink or swim’ stakes in early results. St. Louis followers will watch special teams closely, while Devils fans will be hopeful about forward talent but know the club’s fate may hinge on improved goaltending.

Mini Q&A

Who authored the list of top comeback candidates?

The list was written by Dan Rosen.

Which team does Rosen rank as most likely to return to the playoffs?

Rosen ranks the Florida Panthers first on his list of teams likely to qualify in 2026-27.

What are the key reasons Rosen gives for the Panthers being top pick?

Rosen cites Aleksander Barkov’s return from a season-ending knee injury, the arrival of Brady Tkachuk and Jacob Markstrom’s return to Florida, along with a No. 4 pre-season Super 16 ranking.

How many games will each team play in the 2026-27 regular season?

Rosen notes the schedule will be 84 games per team this season instead of 82.

Which team on the list had the biggest single-season improvement last year?

The San Jose Sharks improved by 19 wins and 34 points from 2024-25 to last season, finishing with 39 wins and 86 points.

What concern does Rosen flag most clearly for the Maple Leafs and Devils?

Rosen highlights goaltending as the principal concern for both Toronto and New Jersey.

Coach Mark Comment

The common thread is that each club has a specific area to turn into standings points. Florida must restore its rhythm with Barkov back, Washington has added depth and size, and San Jose needs its new blue-line group to help limit goals against. St. Louis has a clear special-teams target, while Toronto and New Jersey will need dependable goaltending to support their attacking talent.

What Comes Next

Early-season goaltending performance, the Panthers’ health with Aleksander Barkov back, Sergei Bobrovsky’s form in Toronto and whether San Jose’s defensive additions reduce their goals-against rate are explicit checkpoints Rosen identifies as decisive.

IHM Final View

Rosen’s list is a pre-season snapshot built around roster moves, returning personnel and last season’s statistical gaps. Florida is his clearest candidate to return, with Washington and San Jose next on the strength of additions and recent progress. Toronto, St. Louis and New Jersey each have plausible but more conditional routes back to the playoffs.