Tag: IHM News

Waddell confident Blue Jackets will sign Fantilli

By IceHockeyMan Editorial Team | Published:

Story Summary

Adam Fantilli, the Columbus Blue Jackets‘ restricted free agent forward, will not report to the team’s training camp without a new contract. The 21-year-old, who was due to centre the top line with Kent Johnson and Kirill Marchenko at the first practice, was absent when players underwent physicals. General manager Don Waddell described negotiations as amicable and said he is ” confident” a resolution will be found in the near future, while also acknowledging that recent market movement – highlighted by the Philadelphia Flyers‘ offer sheet to Leo Carlsson and the Ducks’ subsequent five-year, $90 million retention deal – has altered the landscape for young players’ contracts.

Key Facts

  • Adam Fantilli will not be with the Columbus Blue Jackets when they open training camp and was absent for team physicals while he remains without a new contract.
  • Fantilli had been scheduled to centre the top line with Kent Johnson and Kirill Marchenko at the first practice.
  • Don Waddell said talks over a new contract have been amicable with Fantilli and his agent, Pat Brisson, but there has been no advancement since the weekend.
  • Waddell said, “As of Friday, Saturday, we were still talking and I always say when you’re talking, you’ll eventually find a deal,”and added, “we’re going to send something probably in the next 24 hours back to him just to see…. we want to keep this thing moving.”
  • Fantilli set an NHL career high last season with 59 points (24 goals, 35 assists) in 82 games for the Blue Jackets.
  • Across his NHL career Fantilli has 140 points (67 goals, 73 assists) in 213 regular-season games; he was the No. 3 pick by Columbus in the 2023 NHL Draft.
  • Waddell said the offer sheet to Leo Carlsson changed the marketplace; Carlsson, the No. 2 pick in 2023, was retained by the Anaheim Ducks on a five-year, $90 million contract with an $18 million average annual value.
  • Fantilli’s career totals are similar to Leo Carlsson’s 141 points (61 goals, 80 assists) in 201 NHL games; Connor Bedard signed a five-year, $75 million contract ($15 million AAV) on July 18.
  • Coach Rick Bowness said Fantilli called him the night prior to Waddell’s update, that they had a good conversation, and that Bowness is ” not worried about him one bit” and trusts Fantilli will be ready when he arrives.
  • Columbus finished last season 40-30-12 for 92 points, fifth in the Metropolitan Division, and missed the Stanley Cup Playoffs for the sixth straight season.
  • This season’s schedule changes cited by the club include a shortened camp with four pre-season games instead of as many as eight previously and an expanded regular season of 84 games; veterans with at least 100 NHL games are limited to a maximum of two pre-season games.

IHM Discussion

The Blue Jackets enter camp with a notable negotiation at its heart. Adam Fantilli’s absence from physicals and the first-practice plan is a concrete sign that a new contract has not been signed. Don Waddell’s public stance is conciliatory but candid: the parties are talking and he remains optimistic, while conceding that the market shift following the Leo Carlsson offer sheet has moved expectations upward.

From a roster-management perspective, the club faces questions of term and money. Waddell identified term as a recurring issue in long-term negotiations with young players and noted that the Carlsson episode has forced teams to reassess valuations. Talks with Fantilli and agent Pat Brisson have remained amicable, though there had been no movement since the weekend. Waddell said Columbus expected to send another proposal within 24 hours to keep discussions moving.

The on-ice context is clear. Fantilli produced a 59-point season (24 goals, 35 assists) and has 140 points in 213 NHL games; Columbus had envisaged him at centre on its top line to open camp. Rick Bowness said Fantilli called him, that they had a good conversation, and that he was not concerned about the forward’s readiness when he arrives. With a shortened camp, however, any missed time reduces the opportunity for on-ice preparation.

Why It Matters

Fantilli is among Columbus’ young core and was pencilled in for a prominent role to start the season. If contract talks delay his arrival, it will compress his available preparation time ahead of an expanded 84-game regular season and a reduced pre-season schedule. That matters for roster planning: the club had set its top line in advance while negotiating a long-term contract.

Waddell said the Carlsson offer sheet changed the marketplace and that Columbus had raised its position from earlier in the summer. That context helps explain why the negotiations remain active even as training camp begins.

IHM Market Outlook

Waddell said the Leo Carlsson offer sheet changed the marketplace and that Columbus had increased its position from earlier in the summer. Anaheim retained Carlsson on a five-year, $90 million contract with an $18 million AAV. Fantilli’s career totals are similar to Carlsson’s, while Connor Bedard signed a five-year, $75 million contract with a $15 million AAV.

Waddell also identified term as a key question in long-term negotiations with young players. The immediate focus for Columbus is whether its next proposal can bring Fantilli’s camp closer to an agreement.

Mini Q&A

Why is Adam Fantilli not at Blue Jackets camp?

The Blue Jackets say Fantilli will not be at training camp without a new contract; he was absent for team physicals as talks with the club and his agent continue.

Are the contract talks hostile?

No. Don Waddell described the talks as amicable with Fantilli and his agent, Pat Brisson, but said there has been no advancement since the weekend.

How productive was Fantilli last season?

Fantilli set an NHL career high with 59 points (24 goals, 35 assists) in 82 games last season and has 140 points (67 goals, 73 assists) in 213 NHL regular-season games overall.

Has the market changed because of other signings?

Waddell said the Leo Carlsson offer sheet changed the marketplace; the Ducks retained Carlsson on a five-year, $90 million contract (an $18 million AAV), and Connor Bedard previously signed five years for $75 million ($15 million AAV).

What did coach Rick Bowness say?

Bowness said Fantilli called him and they had a good conversation; he said he trusts Fantilli and is ” not worried about him one bit,” adding that when Fantilli arrives mentally and physically he will be ready.

What timeline did the club give for talks?

Waddell said the Blue Jackets would ” send something probably in the next 24 hours” to Fantilli’s camp to keep negotiations moving.

Coach Mark Comment

A shortened camp leaves less time to build timing with new linemates, but a fit player can still be integrated quickly. Columbus will want Fantilli taking regular reps with Kent Johnson and Kirill Marchenko as soon as he arrives, particularly at five-on-five.

What Comes Next

Waddell said the Blue Jackets expected to send another proposal to Fantilli’s camp within 24 hours to keep negotiations moving. – Columbus will open training camp as scheduled without Fantilli while he remains unsigned.

IHM Final View

The Blue Jackets have described discussions as cordial, and Waddell has signalled an intent to continue bargaining in the immediate term. The Carlsson offer-sheet episode has changed the market, and Columbus acknowledges that it has adjusted its position. The key question is whether the next exchange can produce an agreement before Fantilli misses further camp time.

IHM NHL Rumors: Will Smith comparable floated as Kucherov talks continue and Rielly stays put

Will Smith comparable floated as Kucherov talks continue and Rielly stays put

By IceHockeyMan Editorial Team | Published:

Story Summary

Three separate NHL roster stories are in focus. In San Jose, a six-year Cutter Gauthier deal has been floated as a possible comparable for a Will Smith extension, with the two players’ points-per-game rates cited as close: Gauthier at 0.74 and Smith at 0.73. In Tampa Bay, the Lightning and Nikita Kucherov’s camp remain in extension talks. General manager Julien BriseBois said both sides would have preferred to have a deal in place already, while Kucherov said his focus is on helping the team in the final year of his contract. In Toronto, general manager John Chayka said there was never a serious trade opportunity involving Morgan Rielly. Rielly provided a list of teams to which he would waive his no-trade clause, but Chayka said the defenceman never indicated that he wanted to leave Toronto.

Key Facts

  • Curtis Pashelka suggested Cutter Gauthier’s six-year contract could be a comparable for a Will Smith extension.
  • Cutter Gauthier: 114 points in 159 games, 0.74 points per game (as cited).
  • Lightning general manager Julien BriseBois said of Nikita Kucherov’s negotiations: “Both parties, I know, would have preferred to have a deal today and be able to put that behind us. We haven’t been able to do that. I’m still in touch with his agent. We’re going to keep the lines of communication open.”
  • Nikita Kucherov, entering the final year of his contract, said: “My mind is trying to help the team this year. I control what I can control, and I’ll do my best on the ice. That’s what I’m focusing on right now.”
  • John Chayka said there was never a “serious trade opportunity” involving Morgan Rielly.
  • Morgan Rielly has a $7.5 million cap hit and four years remaining on his contract (as cited).
  • Chayka said Rielly provided a list of teams to which he would waive his no-trade clause, but never indicated that he wanted to leave Toronto.
  • Chayka on Rielly’s game: ” If you look at Morgan’s career, he’s been able to skate, move the puck and create offense. So at no point was this some situation where we didn’t want Morgan Rielly or we don’t value Morgan Rielly. It’s the opposite.”

IHM Discussion

These three developments sit at different points on the certainty spectrum. The Will Smith comparison to Cutter Gauthier is a market reference rather than a completed Smith negotiation. The cited production rates offer a simple benchmark, but the comparison does not establish that the Sharks and Smith are aligned on term or salary.

Nikita Kucherov’s situation is the most concrete ongoing item. BriseBois confirmed that talks remain open, while Kucherov has kept his public focus on his play and the team. The extension remains unresolved.

Toronto’s position on Morgan Rielly is clearer. Chayka said there was no serious trade opportunity and stressed the club’s value of the defenceman. Rielly’s $7.5 million cap hit and four remaining years are material factors in any hypothetical move, but his no-trade list did not result in a deal.

Why It Matters

Each thread matters to roster planning. The Gauthier comparison offers one possible reference point for a Will Smith extension, though it is not a confirmed offer or negotiation. For Tampa Bay, Kucherov’s unresolved status remains a major planning issue as he enters the final year of his contract. In Toronto, Chayka’s comments point to stability on the blue line and take Rielly out of the immediate trade conversation.

IHM Market Outlook

The Gauthier deal has been floated as a possible reference point for Will Smith, but it remains only a comparison rather than evidence of a pending agreement.

For Tampa Bay, the immediate issue is internal: Kucherov remains unsigned beyond this season, and any eventual extension would be significant for the club’s long-term planning.

Toronto’s stance on Rielly reduces the likelihood of an imminent move. Chayka’s comments indicate that the Maple Leafs were not looking to trade him simply for the sake of making a transaction.

Mini Q&A

Is Will Smith being valued like Cutter Gauthier?

A comparison has been suggested. Cutter Gauthier has signed a six-year contract and has 114 points in 159 games (0.74 points per game); Will Smith has 104 points in 143 games (0.73 points per game). It is a possible benchmark, not a confirmed offer.

Has Nikita Kucherov signed an extension with Tampa Bay?

No. Lightning GM Julien BriseBois said both parties would have preferred a deal already but talks are ongoing and he remains in contact with Kucherov’s agent. Kucherov has said he is focused on helping the team in his contract year.

Was Morgan Rielly shopped by the Maple Leafs?

Toronto GM John Chayka said there were no ” serious trade opportunities” involving Morgan Rielly. Rielly did provide a list of teams he would waive his no-trade clause to, but Chayka said Rielly never showed he wanted to leave and the club values him.

What are the immediate calendar checkpoints to watch?

pre-season games begin on 19 September, the regular season opens on 29 September, and all 32 teams play on 13 October.

Coach Mark Comment

For San Jose, a contract comparison should not change the immediate task: Will Smith’s on-ice role must continue to be earned through his play. In Tampa Bay, Kucherov keeping his attention on the team gives the coaching staff a clear message to reinforce while negotiations continue. In Toronto, retaining Rielly allows the staff to keep a familiar puck-moving option in its plans rather than preparing for a major in-season adjustment.

What Comes Next

The immediate calendar markers are clear: pre-season games begin on 19 September, the regular season opens on 29 September, and all 32 teams play on 13 October. Those dates frame the next phase of roster preparation and contract discussions.

IHM Final View

Three distinct stories are worth monitoring, but they carry different weight. The Will Smith – Gauthier comparison is a negotiating reference, not a deal. Kucherov’s talks are active, making his timeline the most immediate contractual issue here. Rielly, meanwhile, appears likely to remain in Toronto after Chayka said there was never a serious trade opportunity. Watch Kucherov’s negotiations, treat Gauthier as one possible Smith benchmark, and expect Rielly to open camp with the Maple Leafs.

Craig Streu named Schwenninger Wild Wings assistant coach ahead of the season

By IceHockeyMan Editorial Team | Published:

Story Summary

Schwenninger Wild Wings have replaced assistant coach Jack Skille with Craig Streu. Skille, who joined the Wild Wings in the summer and worked with the team throughout pre-season, asked to end his contract early for personal reasons and is leaving at his own request. Managing director Stefan Wagner said the club respected Skille’s wish and worked immediately with head coach Steve Walker to find a replacement. Streu, 58, is a German-Canadian who most recently worked as assistant coach of the Dresdner Eislöwen in the PENNY DEL. His résumé also includes a spell as head coach in Selb, several years as an assistant coach with Eisbären Berlin, where he won three German championships, and coaching posts with the Vienna Capitals and ZSC Lions.

Key Facts

  • The change was announced.
  • Jack Skille asked to end his contract with Schwenninger Wild Wings early for personal reasons and is leaving at his own request.
  • Skille joined the Wild Wings’ coaching staff in the summer and worked with the team throughout pre-season.
  • Craig Streu appointed assistant coach to work alongside head coach Steve Walker.
  • Craig Streu is 58 years old and is described as German-Canadian.
  • Streu was most recently co-trainer of the Dresdner Eislöwen in the PENNY DEL.
  • Streu’s previous roles include head coach in Selb and several years as an assistant coach with Eisbären Berlin, where he won three German championships.
  • Streu has also held coaching positions with the Vienna Capitals and the ZSC Lions.
  • Stefan Wagner, WILD WINGS managing director, said the club acted immediately with Steve Walker and was glad to have found a short-term solution in Craig Streu.

IHM Discussion

The Wild Wings’ change at assistant coach comes at a sensitive moment, just before the season opener. Skille’s departure after the full pre-season creates an immediate gap on the bench, which the club has moved quickly to fill. Streu brings extensive experience in German-speaking hockey, including three championship-winning seasons with Eisbären Berlin and recent work in Dresden. His background gives head coach Steve Walker an experienced assistant familiar with the demands of the PENNY DEL as the season begins.

Why It Matters

A coaching change after pre-season can disrupt established routines as the competitive schedule begins. Streu’s experience gives the Wild Wings an established coach to add alongside Steve Walker rather than leaving a vacancy on the bench.

Mini Q&A

Who has left the Schwenninger Wild Wings coaching staff?

Jack Skille asked to end his contract early for personal reasons and is leaving the Wild Wings at his own request.

Who replaces Jack Skille as assistant coach?

Craig Streu has been appointed assistant coach and will work alongside head coach Steve Walker.

When was the change announced?

The change was announced.

What is Craig Streu’s coaching background?

Streu, 58, is a German-Canadian who most recently worked as assistant coach of the Dresdner Eislöwen in the PENNY DEL. He has also been head coach in Selb, spent several years as an assistant coach with Eisbären Berlin, where he won three German championships, and held coaching posts with the Vienna Capitals and ZSC Lions.

Did Skille work through pre-season?

Yes. Skille joined the Wild Wings in the summer and worked with the team throughout pre-season before asking to leave.

Setback for Björklöven: Lucas Wallmark likely to miss opener

By IceHockeyMan Editorial Team | Published:

Story Summary

Björklöven captain Lucas Wallmark, 31, is likely to miss the club’s 2026/27 season opener against Djurgården after a recurring knee problem required rest. Wallmark had made his delayed pre-season debut against Timrå following a difficult pre-season affected by injury problems and uncertainty. He missed Wednesday’s training, while assistant coach Stefan Öhman said the club would take the situation day by day. Albin Lundin, Tristen Robins, Axel Ottosson and Joel Mustonen appear set to be Björklöven’s centres against Djurgården.

Key Facts

  • Lucas Wallmark is 31 years old and the captain of Björklöven.
  • Wallmark made his delayed pre-season debut against Timrå.
  • His return to play followed a heavy pre-season affected by injury problems and uncertainty.
  • A recurring knee problem now requires rest.
  • Västerbottens-Kuriren reports Wallmark missed Björklöven’s Wednesday training.
  • All signs point to Wallmark missing Björklöven’s 2026/27 season opener versus Djurgården.
  • Assistant coach Stefan Öhman said: “We take it day by day, as it has been in the pre-season. We’ll see what happens. He’s a hugely important player, like many others. We want everyone available.”
  • Albin Lundin, Tristen Robins, Axel Ottosson and Joel Mustonen look likely to be Björklöven’s centres against Djurgården.

IHM Discussion

Wallmark’s likely absence would leave Björklöven without their captain for the opener and force a reshuffle at centre. His delayed appearance against Timrå had offered encouragement after a difficult pre-season, but the recurring knee issue has again put his availability in doubt. Öhman’s day-by-day assessment gives no indication of a fixed timetable.

Why It Matters

The opener against Djurgården may require Björklöven to begin without one of their key leaders. Lundin, Robins, Ottosson and Mustonen appear set to cover the centre positions, with Wallmark’s status remaining uncertain as the club manages the knee problem day by day.

Mini Q&A

Will Lucas Wallmark play in the season opener?

All indicators point to him missing the 2026/27 season opener against Djurgården because a recurring knee problem requires rest and he missed Wednesday’s training.

What is the nature of Wallmark’s recent return to play?

Wallmark made his delayed pre-season debut against Timrå after a pre-season affected by injuries and uncertainty.

What did Björklöven’s coaching staff say?

Assistant coach Stefan Öhman said the club will ‘take it day by day’ and that Wallmark is a hugely important player, adding they want everyone available.

Who will centre for Björklöven if Wallmark misses the opener?

Albin Lundin, Tristen Robins, Axel Ottosson and Joel Mustonen look set to be Björklöven’s centres against Djurgården.

What Comes Next

Wallmark’s participation in training will be the immediate indication of his availability for the opener against Djurgården. Björklöven are assessing the captain day by day.

McKenna leans on Matthews and Tavares as Maple Leafs rookie

By IceHockeyMan Editorial Team | Published:

Story Summary

Gavin McKenna, the 18-year-old first overall pick from Penn State and Whitehorse, Yukon, entered Toronto Maple Leafs training camp with support from former No. 1 picks Auston Matthews and John Tavares. McKenna has been skating with the team for a couple of weeks, spending time with Matthews and staying with Tavares’ family at their Muskoka summer home. Coach Jim Hiller praised McKenna’s steady improvement in early skates and scrimmages, while the rookie has focused on learning professional habits and routines. His next major step is the Maple Leafs’ season opener against the Montreal Canadiens at Scotiabank Arena on Sept. 29, health permitting.

Key Facts

  • Gavin McKenna was selected No. 1 overall by the Toronto Maple Leafs in the 2026 NHL Draft after playing at Penn State University.
  • McKenna is 18 years old and from Whitehorse, Yukon.
  • Auston Matthews, the Maple Leafs captain, was the No. 1 pick by Toronto in the 2016 NHL Draft and will turn 29 on Thursday.
  • John Tavares, a veteran Maple Leaf, was the No. 1 pick in the 2009 NHL Draft and is 35.
  • McKenna has been skating with the Maple Leafs for several weeks ahead of the first official on-ice day of training camp.
  • Matthews said his advice to McKenna has been: “Just be yourself. Work hard, respect everybody. Learn as much as you can and have fun.”
  • Tavares has welcomed McKenna into his home and had the rookie stay with his family in Muskoka over the summer.
  • Coach Jim Hiller said McKenna has improved in camp, “gaining confidence” and getting “comfortable” while showing his skill in scrimmages.
  • Hiller would not set a ceiling or declare specific expectations, saying the club will “let him dictate where he falls.”
  • At Penn State, McKenna had 51 points (15 goals, 36 assists) in 36 games; he scored four goals in his first 16 games, then had 33 points (11 goals, 22 assists) in his final 19 games after returning from the World Junior Championship.
  • McKenna represented Canada at the World Junior Championship in Minneapolis and St. Paul in late December and early January.
  • Former Maple Leafs captain and team ambassador Wendel Clark urged patience, noting the personal growth involved for an 18- to 20-year-old making the jump to the NHL.

IHM Discussion

The Maple Leafs have surrounded their top draft pick with players who understand the attention attached to being selected No. 1. Matthews and Tavares offer practical examples of professional preparation, while Hiller has stressed steady progress rather than public benchmarks.

McKenna’s Penn State season showed both the adjustment involved and his ability to respond. After four goals in his first 16 games, he produced 33 points in his final 19 to finish with 51 points in 36 games. Toronto’s experienced group gives him established players to observe as he finds his place in camp and adapts to the NHL.

Why It Matters

McKenna is entering the NHL with the scrutiny that follows a first overall pick, but with experienced teammates available to help him navigate the transition. Tavares’ example has already resonated with the rookie, particularly the off-ice habits required to play a full 82-game schedule. Hiller’s measured public approach leaves room for McKenna to establish his own pace as camp unfolds.

Mini Q&A

Who is Gavin McKenna and where did he play before joining the Maple Leafs?

Gavin McKenna is an 18-year-old forward from Whitehorse, Yukon, who was selected No. 1 overall by the Toronto Maple Leafs after playing at Penn State University.

Which Maple Leafs veterans have taken McKenna under their wing?

Auston Matthews and John Tavares have been mentoring McKenna; Matthews offered general advice and Tavares welcomed McKenna into his home and family life during the summer.

What did coach Jim Hiller say about McKenna’s progress in camp?

Jim Hiller said McKenna has improved in camp, is probably gaining confidence, getting comfortable and showing his skill in scrimmages, and that the team will not set a ceiling for him but let him dictate where he fits.

How did McKenna finish his Penn State season statistically?

McKenna finished the season with 51 points (15 goals, 36 assists) in 36 games, including 33 points (11 goals, 22 assists) in his final 19 games after returning from the World Junior Championship.

What next milestone did the article identify for McKenna?

His next major step is the Maple Leafs’ season opener against the Montreal Canadiens at Scotiabank Arena on Sept. 29, health permitting.

What habit did McKenna specifically mention wanting to learn from John Tavares?

McKenna noted Tavares played 82 games last season and said he hoped to learn the off-ice habits and routines that allow for durability and consistent availability.

Coach Mark Comment

The most useful early lesson for a young forward is consistency away from the puck as well as with it. Watching how established players prepare, recover and handle the daily rhythm of the NHL can help McKenna earn trust while his offensive game settles in.

IHM Final View

Toronto is giving Gavin McKenna experienced voices to lean on while allowing him to establish his place at his own pace. His finish at Penn State showed how he responded after an uneven start, and the habits he is learning from Matthews and Tavares could be valuable as he begins his NHL adjustment.

Horcoff: Red Wings rebuild ‘out of the question’

By IceHockeyMan Editorial Team | Published:

Story Summary

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

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

Key Facts

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

IHM Discussion

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

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

Why It Matters

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

Mini Q&A

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

Shawn Horcoff is the interim general manager.

What did Horcoff say about a rebuild?

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

Will the Red Wings try to make the playoffs?

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

What is the status of Dylan Larkin?

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

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

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

When does Detroit begin training camp?

The Red Wings open training camp Thursday.

Coach Mark Comment

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

What Comes Next

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

IHM Final View

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

Ryan Reaves retires after 16 NHL seasons, 962 games

By IceHockeyMan Editorial Team | Published:

Story Summary

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

Key Facts

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

IHM Discussion

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

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

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

Why It Matters

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

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

Mini Q&A

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

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

What were his career regular-season point totals?

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

Which teams did he play for?

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

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

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

How old is Ryan Reaves?

He is 39 years old.

Coach Mark Comment

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

IHM Final View

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

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

Jašek sinks OT winner as Ilves twice come back to beat Kärpät

By IceHockeyMan Editorial Team | Published:

Story Summary

Ilves staged a dramatic late rally in Oulu, twice coming from behind to force extra time and eventually beating Kärpät 4-3. Lukáš Jašek finished the game in overtime, scoring at 60.37. Ilves first equalised at 57.19 through Jan-Mikael Järvinen, only for Andreas Okany to restore Kärpät’s lead 31 seconds later. With the goalkeeper pulled, Aleks Haatanen levelled again at 58.48 to make it 3-3, and Jašek decided the match in overtime. The result ended goaltender Mantas Armalis’s shutout run, which had lasted 134.50 minutes before Okany struck short-handed in the first period.

Key Facts

  • Final score: Ilves 4, Kärpät 3 (overtime).
  • Lukáš Jašek scored the overtime winner for Ilves at 60.37.
  • Ilves twice erased deficits to force extra time.
  • Jan-Mikael Järvinen scored the first late equaliser at 57.19.
  • Andreas Okany scored twice for Kärpät; his first was a short-handed goal at 14.50 that ended Mantas Armalis’s 134.50-minute shutout streak.
  • Okany’s second goal came 31 seconds after Järvinen’s 57.19 equaliser, restoring Kärpät’s lead.
  • Aleks Haatanen scored Ilves’s 3-3 equaliser at 58.48 with the net empty.
  • Aleks Haatanen opened the scoring for Ilves at 5.57.
  • An Ilves goal later in the game was disallowed after video review for goaltender interference.
  • Kärpät had a goal ruled out for offside by video review in the third period.
  • Ilves celebrated the overtime win in Oulu.
  • Järvinen’s 57.19 equaliser is the second-latest instance in Liiga history of a team levelling the game, falling behind again and then drawing level a second time; a similar sequence occurred with Tappara against KooKoo on 28 September 2022 (tied at 58.41 and again at 59.48).

IHM Discussion

The match between Kärpät and Ilves was defined by shifting momentum and late desperation. Ilves built early momentum through Aleks Haatanen’s opening goal but saw a second strike wiped out for goaltender interference after video review, a decision that kept the game tight. Kärpät then drew level when Andreas Okany scored short-handed, ending Mantas Armalis’s extended shutout run and leaving Ilves to chase the game again later in the contest.

The decisive phase came deep in the third period. Jan-Mikael Järvinen’s 57.19 equaliser gave Ilves a route back into the game, but Kärpät’s immediate reply underlined how quickly a game can swing. Ilves’s second comeback – Haatanen’s goal with the goalkeeper pulled at 58.48 – showed the visitors’ willingness to take risks in the closing minute. In overtime, Jašek provided the finishing touch at 60.37 to seal the win.

Why It Matters

The result matters for a few clear reasons anchored in the game itself: it gave Ilves an away win after two late comebacks; it ended Mantas Armalis’s notable 134.50-minute shutout sequence; and it showed how video reviews, a short-handed goal and late-game goaltender-pull tactics can shape a tightly contested match.

Mini Q&A

What was the final score and how was the game decided?

Ilves defeated Kärpät 4-3 in overtime; Lukáš Jašek scored the winning goal at 60.37.

Who ended Mantas Armalis’s shutout run and when?

Andreas Okany ended Armalis’s 134.50-minute shutout streak with a short-handed goal at 14.50 in the first period.

Which Ilves players scored the late equalisers?

Jan-Mikael Järvinen scored at 57.19 to make it 2-2, and Aleks Haatanen scored at 58.48 (with the net empty) to make it 3-3.

Were there any goals overturned?

Yes. An Ilves goal was disallowed after video review for goaltender interference, and Kärpät had a goal ruled out for offside following review.

Where was the match played?

The game took place in Oulu, where Kärpät were the home side.

Coach Mark Comment

Ilves’s response after each setback was the key coaching takeaway. The visitors found a late equaliser, conceded again 31 seconds later, then created one more opportunity with the goalkeeper pulled. In a finish like this, bench composure and clear execution matter as much as urgency.

IHM Final View

Ilves’s 4-3 overtime victory in Oulu will be remembered for its two late comebacks and for ending Mantas Armalis’s shutout streak. The match showed how reviews, a short-handed goal and late-period tactics can tilt a finely balanced Liiga game, with Lukáš Jašek’s finish providing the decisive edge for the visitors.

Radim Rulík returns and Kladno win 4-3 in Vítkovice

By IceHockeyMan Editorial Team | Published:

Story Summary

Radim Rulík’s return to the Extraliga bench went well. The 61-year-old coach, who led the Czech national team to the 2024 world title in Prague, was back in club hockey after three years and watched his Kladno side overturn a 0-2 deficit to beat Vítkovice 4-3 in the opening round of the 2026/2027 season. Kladno were 2-1 down after the second period before winning the third 3-1. The visitors drew level early in the third on a power play, Michal Kempný scored shorthanded while Kladno were a man down, and Pietroniro struck the winner in the 49th minute. Rulík described the win as fortunate rather than a sign that his team were clearly better.

Key Facts

  • Radim Rulík returned to the Extraliga bench after three years; he is 61.
  • Rulík led the Czech national team to the 2024 world title in Prague.
  • Kladno beat Vítkovice 4-3 in the opening round of the 2026/2027 Extraliga season.
  • Kladno trailed 0-2 at one point and won the third period 3-1.
  • Kladno levelled 2-2 at the start of the third period on a power play.
  • Michal Kempný scored a shorthanded goal for Kladno while the visitors were down a man.
  • Pietroniro scored Kladno’s winning goal in the 49th minute.
  • Šimon Stránský scored for Vítkovice and his goal stood after a coach’s challenge failed because officials found no conclusive video angle.
  • Referee Robin Šír explained the decision on the video review to the arena.
  • Italian defenceman Pietroniro received a two-minute penalty after a confrontation with Vítkovice forward Krivošík.
  • Rulík said the job with a club is different from the national team: ‘It is day-to-day work, different from the national side.’
  • Rulík praised the impact of experienced new arrivals, mentioning Kempný and Stránský by example.

IHM Discussion

The match provided a clear example of how single incidents and special teams can swing close Extraliga games. Vítkovice opened a two-goal lead and survived a coach’s challenge from Kladno after the referees could not find a conclusive video angle to prove an offside. Robin Šír explained the decision to the arena, underlining how marginal such reviews can be.

Kladno’s route back began with a goal to make it 2-1 before the second intermission, followed by a power-play equaliser early in the third. Pietroniro then took a two-minute penalty after his confrontation with Krivošík, but Kladno scored shorthanded through Michal Kempný while killing that penalty. Pietroniro later scored the winner in the 49th minute. Rulík praised Kempný’s support of the play and finish, while also highlighting Šimon Stránský’s display for Vítkovice.

Why It Matters

Rulík’s successful return matters for Kladno’s early-season narrative. A road win after a comeback offers a positive start for a coach returning to club hockey after three years. For the wider league, the match reflected Rulík’s assessment of a tightly contested season: beyond Pardubice, whom he described as having the best-assembled squad, he expects fine margins to separate many teams. The game also highlighted the match-day use of stadium communicators to explain video-review rulings to spectators, and the influence of special teams on the result.

Mini Q&A

Did Radim Rulík return to the Extraliga?

Yes. Radim Rulík returned to the Extraliga bench after three years; he is 61 and had previously coached the Czech national team to the 2024 world title in Prague.

What was the final score and where was the game played?

Kladno beat Vítkovice 4-3 in Ostrava (Vítkovice’s arena) in the opening round of the 2026/2027 Extraliga season.

How did Kladno overturn the deficit?

Kladno trailed 2-0 during the second period but pulled one back before the interval. They tied the game 2-2 on a power play early in the third, scored shorthanded through Michal Kempný while killing a penalty, and Pietroniro won it in the 49th minute.

Was any goal subject to a coach’s challenge?

Yes. Kladno requested a coach’s challenge for an offside on a Vítkovice goal by Šimon Stránský, but the challenge failed because officials found no conclusive video frame; referee Robin Šír explained the decision to the arena.

Were there any disciplinary incidents?

Yes. Italian defenceman Pietroniro received a two-minute penalty after confronting Vítkovice forward Krivošík at the boards. Kladno then scored shorthanded through Michal Kempný while killing the penalty.

What was Rulík’s assessment after the match?

Rulík said the team were ‘luckier’ rather than clearly better, described club coaching as day-to-day work different from the national side, and praised the positive early impact of experienced players such as Michal Kempný.

Coach Mark Comment

Kladno’s response showed the importance of staying connected to the game after falling behind. The power-play equaliser created a reset, while the shorthanded goal during their own penalty kill gave the visitors a decisive swing in momentum. Rulík’s measured assessment was right: a comeback win is valuable, but the details of Kladno’s start and game management still matter.

IHM Final View

Kladno’s 4-3 win in Ostrava was an encouraging start to Radim Rulík’s return to club coaching. His side recovered from 2-0 down, found a power-play equaliser, scored shorthanded through Michal Kempný and won it through Pietroniro in the 49th minute. Rulík nevertheless struck a guarded note, saying Kladno were luckier rather than better, a fitting assessment after a tight opening-night comeback.

Drew Doughty Named Kings Captain, Replacing Kopitar

By IceHockeyMan Editorial Team | Published:

Story Summary

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

Key Facts

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

IHM Discussion

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

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

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

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

Why It Matters

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

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

Mini Q&A

Who was named captain of the Los Angeles Kings?

Drew Doughty was named captain of the Los Angeles Kings.

Who did Doughty replace as captain?

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

How long has Doughty been with the Kings?

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

What leadership group will join Doughty?

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

What franchise records does Doughty hold?

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

What are Doughty’s major career achievements?

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

Coach Mark Comment

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

IHM Final View

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