Adam Fantilli signs 6-year, $13.75 million AAV contract with Columbus Blue Jackets
Fantilli, drafted by Columbus No. 3 in 2023, recorded 24 goals and 35 assists in 82 games this season.
NHL
25th September 2026
NHL waiver tracker: Best players on the wire throughout 2026-27 preseason
The Athletic’s Corey Pronman and Harman Dayal provide analysis of the most intriguing players placed on waivers during preseason.
Blackhawks, 21-year-old forward Oliver Moore agree to 5-year contract extension
Moore was in the final season of his entry-level contract and would have been a restricted free agent after the season.
NHL officially consolidates Winnipeg Jets statistical history
The statistical history of the Winnipeg Jets will now include both iterations of the franchise.
Penguins' Andrei Kuzmenko takes leave from team after father is killed by a bear in Russia
Icon Sportswire via Getty ImagesPittsburgh Penguins forward Andrei Kuzmenko is taking a leave of absence following the death of his father, Alexander.According to Russian network REN TV, Alexander Kuzmenko was on a fishing trip with six other people in Siberia when he was attacked by a bear.
PWHL to host first All-Star event at Toronto's Scotiabank Arena in March
The single-day event will consist of a three-on-three, round-robin tournament between four teams of 10 players each.
Father of Penguins forward Andrei Kuzmenko killed in Russian bear attack
Alexander Kuzmenko, 62, was killed in a bear attack during a fishing trip near the Mongolian border.
24th September 2026
Why are the Maple Leafs going to Arizona for training camp?
The Maple Leafs are heading to the home of captain Auston Matthews for some team bonding ahead of a new season.
Why these 6 NHL teams are most likely to take a step backward in the 2026-27 season
Here are the six teams who could find themselves winning games less often this season than last.
This Week in Sports Trivia: Sept. 24, 2026
How closely were you following the sports news this week? Find out and test your knowledge by taking The Athletic's weekly quiz.
The Boston Bruins don’t just want to win faceoffs. They want to know what happens next
No statistical event happens more at hockey games than draws at the dot. What goes into teams preparing for the puck to drop, and after?.
The Red Wings want an ‘innovative’ GM. Here's what that actually looks like
We spoke to MLB, Premier League and NHL execs about their use of data, technology and personnel to build a competitive advantage.
Montreal Canadiens projections: Depth issues are the only barrier to Stanley Cup contention
There aren't many in the league better equipped to win meaningful games both now and in the future.
Utah Mammoth projections: A solid playoff team that needs high-end breakouts to level up
Making the playoffs is a great first step. Making noise once they get there is the next level the Mammoth need to reach.
Ottawa Senators projections: Deep blue line keeps floor high even without Tkachuk
The Senators aren’t just going to roll over and fall off a cliff without Brady Tkachuk, but exactly how high is their actual ceiling?.
Florida Panthers projections: Deep forward group should be enough to contend again
After a lost season, the hopefully healthy Panthers look to go on another long playoff run.
Gavin McKenna, Landon DuPont and the 2027 NHL Draft questions scouts are asking
Plus, whether there's a No. 1 center in the 2027 draft and the development path for Keaton Verhoeff and Ryan Lin.
We asked pro athletes: What’s the one thing a leader said that helped you most?
One MLB player said it was the moment he was benched in the minors. Another said it was tough love from Roger Clemens.
ASU men’s hockey coach avoids questions about workout that left player on life support
In his first public comments since Matthew Mayich's collapse, Greg Powers says he remains 'the right guy' to lead the program.
NHL waiver tracker: Best players on the wire throughout 2026-27 preseason
The Athletic’s Corey Pronman and Harman Dayal provide analysis of the most intriguing players placed on waivers during preseason.
23rd September 2026
Enter the 2026-27 NHL prediction contest that’s so easy it’s almost impossible
It's our annual reminder that an NHL season is basically impossible to project.
Buffalo Sabres projections: Internal improvement is necessary for a playoff return
If the Sabres' youth stagnates, they’ll have to scratch and claw just to punch a ticket into the postseason again.
Columbus Blue Jackets projection: Offseason turmoil risks derailing year with real expectations
The Blue Jackets look ready to take another step. The question is whether they can actually do it.
New Jersey Devils projections: Can the Hughes Bros. power a playoff return?
The Devils have the talent and significantly improved forward depth to take a huge offensive leap and cruise into the playoffs.
Why these 7 NHL teams are most likely to improve in the 2026-27 season
Every year, certain NHL teams wildly outperform their previous season's point total. Sometimes it's a surprise. These teams shouldn't be.
Philadelphia Flyers projections: Young phenoms need to level up to raise the ceiling
Ready or not, the bar is officially higher for the 2026-27 Flyers after last season's surprise playoff run.
Move over, Zamboni? A driverless machine is resurfacing the ice at an NHL practice rink
The unusual sight of an empty seat, behind the wheel of a rink-cleaning machine, quickly struck a nerve on social media.
NHL mailbag: Dylan Larkin, Adam Fantilli and the questions that could shape the 2026-27 season
Readers asked about Adam Fantilli's trade block status, historical comps for the Dylan Larkin mess and more. Here are the answers.
What we learned from NHL Board of Governors meeting: Expansion step back? Bettman’s future?
Plus: Keith Pelley on Leafs' busy offseason, Craig Leipold on a Quinn Hughes extension, latest on Adam Fantilli negotiations and much more.
Arizona State hockey workout review assigns no blame. Lawyer calls it ‘mind-boggling’
The lawyer for the family of Matthew Mayich, who remains on life support, called the school’s report "more advocacy than fact-finding.".
Capitals' Leonsis named NHL board of governors chair with expansion, Bettman succession looming
Capitals owner Ted Leonsis succeeds Bruins owner Jeremy Jacobs as chairman of the NHL's board of governors.
Senators owner Michael Andlauer on Brady Tkachuk trade: 'Blood is thicker than water'
Andlauer said Tkachuk's "father and his brother got in his kitchen" in explaining the trade of the Senators' former captain.
NHL waiver tracker: Best players on the wire throughout 2026-27 preseason
The Athletic’s Corey Pronman and Harman Dayal provide analysis of the most intriguing players placed on waivers during preseason.
Could a sumo wrestler play goalie in the NHL? A ridiculous yet serious examination
It's time to answer the single most common (and almost certainly most outlandish) question we get from readers.
22nd September 2026
Aleksander Barkov's long road back to Panthers after devastating knee injury, lost season
The star center missed all of 2025-26 with MCL and ACL tears, suffered on the first day of Florida's preseason practice last September.
New York Rangers projections: Busy offseason isn't enough to solidify playoff hopes
After spiraling out of the playoff mix for two years, New York has lost the benefit of the doubt and has to prove it is a contender.
NHL contracts vibe check: How an unprecedented offseason keeps resetting the market
Offer sheets, short-term deals for stars and long-term deals for inexperienced players have thrown the NHL contract market into disarray.
Winnipeg Jets projections: Without their franchise goalie, a middling team has to face reality
Whatever happens with Hellebuyck will be franchise-defining and the ultimate influence on this team’s 2026-27 direction.
Toronto Maple Leafs projections: If Matthews bounces back, busy offseason could spur playoff return
How will all of Toronto's summer movement translate on the ice, and will it move the needle enough to get back in the playoff picture?.
Los Angeles Kings projections: Kopitar's retirement sends L.A. further toward the middle
Anže Kopitar is hard to replace at the best of times. The Kings will need a surprise glow-up to come close with their current roster.
The NHL's new CBA bans team fitness tests. Not everyone is happy with the change
Gone are the days of players doing mandatory assault bikes and incline treadmill sprints. But are teams missing out on anything as a result?.
Submit your questions for Scott Wheeler's hockey prospects mailbag
Have a prospects question for Scott Wheeler's first mailbag of the 2026-27 season? Submit them here.
21st September 2026
Inside Stars' drama-filled summer of Werenski, Harley, Robertson talks: Catching up with Jim Nill
Jason Robertson and Thomas Harley remain on the Stars, and Jim Nill has made sure both know how important they are to the team.
Pittsburgh Penguins projections: Even with Sidney Crosby, missing the playoffs feels likely
The ability to make the playoffs once again is there this season, but a step back toward reality feels more probable.
Rangers defenseman Marcus Pettersson gets hit more than any NHL player. He sees value in the toll
A summer trade acquisition, Pettersson has absorbed 1,571 regular-season hits over his career — more than 100 ahead of second place.
St. Louis Blues projections: Why 2026-27 will be another season in mushy middle
The Blues have great pieces in important spots, but they've struggled with consistency — and Mason McTavish doesn't look likely to fix that.
Bruins’ Michael DiPietro, NHL goalie depth and a long-awaited opportunity
Less than four years ago, DiPietro was contemplating quitting hockey. Now he's the Bruins' bona fide backup netminder.
San Jose Sharks projections: Defense and goaltending still a major concern for a rising power
After an active offseason, it’s time for San Jose to start turning its promise into more tangible results.
NHL stars forcing trades isn't new: A full team of 'get me out of here' All-Stars
Connor Hellebuyck and Dylan Larkin might be making headlines, but they're far from the first NHL stars to agitate for a move.
20th September 2026
No pedestal, just punchlines: How Patrick Kane fits in with the young Blackhawks core
The way the team's young players interact with Kane shows their growing maturity, confidence and comfort in their own skin.
Canadiens' Arber Xhekaj watches brother Florian's fight on phone mid-game in penalty box
After receiving a two-minute roughing penalty in the third period, Arber Xhekaj saw video on a phone of his brother's scrap.
19th September 2026
Brock Faber's golden year: Olympic glory, Quinn Hughes and a new standard with the Wild
Faber's golden run with Team USA in Milan and elite partnership with Quinn Hughes on the Wild left him wanting more.
One player for 17 picks: How family and finances forced hockey’s biggest trade
A junior hockey deal gone viral: Tanner Adams for 17 picks. Inside a family's quest to stay close on the high-priced path to the NHL Draft.
Kirill Marchenko evades questions about his future with Blue Jackets
In June, Marchenko's agent Dan Milstein said the team's top goal scorer doesn't plan to stay in Columbus beyond his current contract.
NHL training camps open, drama ensues: Let's run through it all
Connor Hellebuyck and Dylan Larkin are two of the biggest stories across the league, but they're certainly not the only ones.
18th September 2026
NHL contract rankings: Which big-money young stars offer the most value?
Considering the term and the average annual value, which teams got the best deals on their budding stars?.
Nashville Predators projections: Mushy middle beckons unless MacFarland moves the needle
New offseason additions look promising in Nashville, but in a stacked Central Division it's hard to see the Predators making much noise.
New York Islanders projections: How far can they go with Schaefer and DeBoer?
The Isles appear to have a promising future, led by a star second-year defenseman, but their short-term playoff chances look low.
Red Wings, Dylan Larkin want to quiet the noise. It's only getting louder
Dylan Larkin's press conference Thursday was a window into the awkwardness awaiting the Red Wings this season.
Sharks' 7-foot-1 prospect takes the ice at NHL camp as teammates 'feel a bit small'
Alexander Karmanov, a seventh-round draft pick in June, has already turned heads with a fight in a rookie tournament game.
Anaheim Ducks projections: With big expectations and leaky defense, regression is possible
The core of the roster still makes for a bright future, but avoiding some sort of temporary backward step will be a challenge.
Boston Bruins projections: Depth performance will dictate season's success
Boston's best players pack a formidable punch, but the depth behind them makes the Bruins' future hard to nail down.
Why the Winnipeg Jets can't afford to make an example of Connor Hellebuyck
The Jets need to win hockey games and the best way to do that is to trade Hellebuyck and move on.
Quinn Hughes says he's in 'great spot' with Wild, won't sacrifice it to play with brothers
Hughes on the possibility of extending with Minnesota: "I'm really happy here. I love the guys. I love the team. And I fit in really well.".
Red Wings' Dylan Larkin addresses trade request and losing the captaincy
The former Detroit captain also spoke about his teammates' reaction to his request and his reported three-team trade list.
Alex Ovechkin addresses role in pro-Putin video: ‘I’m Russian and I support my country’
Ovechkin opened his 22nd NHL training camp by addressing his appearance in a video supporting United Russia.
Latest on Nikishin, Staal's contract and Hurricanes' next big swing: Catching up with Eric Tulsky
The Canes GM went big-game hunting this offseason and might again during the season.
Jets GM continues exploring trade for suspended goalie Connor Hellebuyck: 'I just want to get this right'
Jonathan Kozub via Getty ImagesWinnipeg Jets general manager Kevin Cheveldayoff told reporters on Thursday that he continues to seek a resolution following the trade request from Connor Hellebuyck, one day after suspending the goaltender for failing to report to training camp.
17th September 2026
Calgary Flames projections: Development from up-and-coming talent is the main goal
Rebuilds take a long time and it’s likely to be another painful season for the Flames.
This Week in Sports Trivia: Sept. 17, 2026
How closely were you following the sports news this week? Find out and test your knowledge by taking The Athletic's weekly quiz.
Gaudreau family launches youth hockey program honoring late brothers Johnny and Matthew
A free learn-to-skate-and-play camp, for local kids ages 3-12, will be held at the same rink where the Gaudreau boys first took up the game.
NHL season previews 2026-27: Projecting each team from worst to first
The Athletic’s 2026-27 edition of the team season previews, a deep dive into what to expect from each team.
Is the Red Wings' window really opening? A review of the NHL Contention Cycle
The Red Wings surprisingly ended up in a favorable spot in The Athletic’s Contention Cycle project. What does it mean?.
Seattle Kraken projections: A long shot for the playoffs and it's probably for the best
Until the Kraken change their approach and figure out the right direction, this team is positioned for another lost season.
Vancouver Canucks projections: Expect a Malhotra bump but a high draft pick is still the goal
With a new coach, a new GM and few star players, the Canucks will be terrible. For a team embracing a rebuild, that's a good thing.
Why the Maple Leafs are the NHL's ultimate Hail Mary of 2026-27
While there's a fair debate to be had about just how good this Leafs team will be, what's indisputable is they're going to be interesting.
Inside Arizona State men’s hockey, and the workout that left a player on life support
Players are coping with conflicted feelings while practicing under a coach who lamented 'soft' play last season.
Jets suspend Connor Hellebuyck for 'failure to report to training camp' after trade request
It appears the Connor Hellebuyck situation has escalated in Winnipeg.The Winnipeg Jets announced Wednesday they have suspended the three-time Vezina Trophy-winning goaltender for a "failure to report to training camp.
Winnipeg Jets suspend Connor Hellebuyck for failure to report to training camp
Hellebuyck attracted leaguewide attention in his April exit interview for criticizing Winnipeg's failure to make the playoffs.
Los Angeles Kings name Drew Doughty captain on eve of training camp
Doughty, 36, has played for the Kings for 18 seasons and takes over as captain after Anže Kopitar's retirement.
Ryan Reaves announces NHL retirement after 16-year career
Reaves spent seven seasons with the Blues and four with the Golden Knights, along with stops with five other NHL teams across 16 years.
Red Wings' Dylan Larkin injury, updates on key contracts: What we learned from Shawn Horcoff
The Red Wings' chaotic offseason got one final pre-training-camp twist. Will it affect the Red Wings' ability to trade Dylan Larkin?.
Unsigned Hurricanes RFA Alexander Nikishin to miss start of training camp, GM Eric Tulsky says
Nikishin, 24, requested a trade over the summer, and The Athletic's Pierre LeBrun reported Monday that the request remains in place.
Maple Leafs winger Max Domi out 'indefinitely' after failing physical
The Leafs will have to try to get back to the playoffs without one of their biggest personalities.
Boston Bruins re-sign Matt Poitras to 1-year deal: Can the prospect reach his NHL ceiling?
Poitras, the team’s second-round pick in 2022, is entering his fourth pro season. He is not a sure thing to make this year's NHL roster.
16th September 2026
How the Senators, Drake Batherson struck the richest deal in team history: 'Down to the wire'
Ottawa and Batherson spent most of the summer working on an 8-year extension that was finally announced Tuesday morning.
NHL contract grades: Cutter Gauthier's $81 million deal makes sense for Ducks
Anaheim did well to lock down its top goal scorer with a long-term deal that lines up well with the current state of contracts in the NHL.
The NHL Contention Cycle: Where does each team stand going into 2026-27 and in the future?
Our annual deep dive into each team’s current place in the league, future trajectory and projected upside over the next five years.
NHL player poll: League's elite weigh in on expansion, trade demands, state taxes and more
The Athletic asked players at the NHL/NHLPA player media tour questions on the league's pressing topics entering training camp.
Mats Sundin left Toronto for a quiet life. Now he’s back in the Maple Leafs’ fishbowl
Sundin is adapting to his new role as senior executive adviser with the Maple Leafs after several years out of the public eye.
Ducks re-sign Cutter Gauthier to 6-year, $13.5 million AAV contract extension
Gauthier enjoyed a breakout 2025-26 season with a team-high 41 goals.
Canadiens sign Alex Newhook and Arber Xhekaj to contract extensions
Newhook will look to bounce back after injuries last season, while Xhekaj will continue trying to solidify a spot on the blue line.
Penguins' Sidney Crosby, 39, isn't sweating contract status and isn't planning to retire soon
Crosby's current contract expires after the upcoming season, his 22nd in the NHL.
Alex Ovechkin appears in Russian campaign ad, renewing scrutiny of Putin ties
Heading into his 22nd NHL season, Ovechkin now faces a fresh spotlight on his backing of the Russian president.
Pro sports leagues, players' unions ask regulators to ban bettors who harass athletes
The NFL, MLB, MLS, NBA, NHL and their players’ unions asked for regulations banning bettors who harass and threaten athletes and staff.
Wild sign coach John Hynes to multiyear contract extension
Last season under Hynes, Minnesota made its first appearance in the second round in a decade before losing to the Avalanche.
NHL's sneakily important day: New CBA introduces ticking clock on contract lengths
Tuesday is the last day players can sign eight-year extensions. Will it create a frenzied deadline day?.
Washington Capitals re-sign forward Ryan Leonard to 8-year, $84 million extension
Leonard, 21, finished with 20 goals and 45 points in 75 games for the Caps in the 2025-26 season.
15th September 2026
Blackhawks name Connor Bedard captain; 21-year-old is 37th 'C' in Chicago history
Bedard, who signed a five-year extension in July, has become the face and voice of the Blackhawks over his first three seasons.
Ottawa Senators sign Drake Batherson to 8-year, $86 million contract extension
Batherson was coming off a career-best season, scoring 33 goals and 71 points in 79 games with the Senators.
