ScuttlePuck NHL Hockey Podcast

In one of only a few significant deals at the deadline, John Carlson moved to Anaheim.  Will he return to the Caps? Nazem Kadri was moved back to Colorado as well but the biggest story was the deals that got leaked and then blocked by no movement clauses.  Listen Here:  Apple Podcasts   Direct MP3   iHeart Radio Spotify GET YOUR SCUTTLEPUCK MERCH AT SCUTTLEPUCK'S DASHERY STORE Title Player: Michal Handzus News John Carlson to Anaheim  Nazem Kadri to Colorado Leafs sell off assets Minnesota adds depth   PWHL Montreal tied with Boston at top Stats review Upcoming games Guess the 5th -  Colton Parayko deal gets blocked by No Movement Clause. Some heated discussions as deal got leaked.  What is future of no movement clauses?  Kucherov Connections:  Brett Hull, Marcus Foligno, William Nylander, Thomas Harley  Crazy Stat DOPeS - Evgeni Malkin gets 5 games for slashing Next Week - Playoff races

In 2 games for the ages, team USA came out on top in both the Women's and Men's Olympic tournaments. In the women's game, it took a late USA power play goal to push the game to OT and Megan Keller won it just 4:00 mintues in.  For the men, Connor Hellebuyck held off Canada for the 2nd and 3rd periods to force OT and Jack Hughes scored the game winner.   Listen Here:  Apple Podcasts   Direct MP3   iHeart Radio Spotify GET YOUR SCUTTLEPUCK MERCH AT SCUTTLEPUCK'S DASHERY STORE Title Player: Michal Handzus News Men's Final - USA 2 Canada 1 Tournament wrap up - 1/4 Final games to OT, Semis  Women's Hockey USA 2 Can 1  Tournament wrap up - Canada did well to force OT - sat back in 3rd period  Guess the 5th -  Return to NHL Action  Wednesday Feb 25 - 8 games Leafs vs Lightning / Oilers vs Ducks  Thursday Feb 26 - 12 games - Leafs vs Panthers / Oilers vs Kings Leafs have 25 games to move up 4 places  - 6pts behind Bruins  Oilers just in playoff spot - 4 pts up on Kings but Kings have 2 games in hand  Deadline March 6 PWHL Nov 26 - MTL vs NY  Nov 27 TOR vs SEA Connections:  Brett Hull, Marcus Foligno, William Nylander, Thomas Harley  Crazy Stat   Next Week - Trade Deadline approaching 

Both Canada and the USA went to OT in their quarter-final matchups in men's hockey to advance to the semis. Finland and Slovakia will be the competition. The classic USA vs Canada rivalry continues in women's hockey but the US is the decided favourite heading in.    Listen Here:  Apple Podcasts   Direct MP3   iHeart Radio Spotify GET YOUR SCUTTLEPUCK MERCH AT SCUTTLEPUCK'S DASHERY STORE Title Player: Doug Bodger News Canada 4 vs Czechia 3 OT USA 2 vs Sweden 1 OT Slovakia 6 Germany 2 Finland 3 Switzerland 2 OT Tom Wilson fight vs France Points Leaders Guess the 5th -  Women's Hockey Can Vs USA in Final  Points Leaders - 6 USA in top 10 USA Goalie Aerin Frankel - 1 goal in 4 games    Upcoming Games - Thursday Bronze and Gold medal games for women  Fri - Men's Semi Finals Sat - Men's Bronze Sun - Men's Gold    Connections: Last week: Marie Philip Poulin, Vladislav Tretiak, Teemu Selanne, Jiri Holik  This week:  Crazy Stat   Next Week - Olympics Finals - NHL / PWHL Back

Some late injuries puts Canada's roster back to a less controversion one.  Finland's women's team is forced to postpone game 1 due to a norovirus outbreak. Can anyone beat Team USA on the women's side. Kate is back to give us some players to watch outside of Team USA and Team Canada.   Listen Here:  Apple Podcasts   Direct MP3   iHeart Radio Spotify GET YOUR SCUTTLEPUCK MERCH AT SCUTTLEPUCK'S DASHERY STORE Title Player: Ivan Boldirev  News Team Canada Men's late roster changes Team USA Men's final roster change Favourites Guess the 5th -  PWHL update at Olympic Break Walter Cup Backstory Women's tournament discussion Players to watch for Connections: Last Week Eric Lindros, Connor McDavid, Aaron Eckblad, Matt Schaefer - all 1st overall picks in OHL and NHL  This week: Marie Philip Poulin, Vladislav Tretiak, Teemu Selanne, Jiri Holik  Crazy Stat Going Streaking - Next Week - Olympics Updates from both tourneys

Artemi Panarin has been shut down by the Rangers as they look for a trade before the Olympics roster freeze. Another Oilers D man gets a hattrick. The changes in the standings since Christmas are nuts.   Listen Here:  Apple Podcasts   Direct MP3   iHeart Radio Spotify GET YOUR SCUTTLEPUCK MERCH AT SCUTTLEPUCK'S DASHERY STORE Title Player: Ivan Boldirev  News Panarin possible trade destinations Roster freeze and trade deadline Red Wings game Oilers D hat tricks Demko out for season Philly to tank?  Guess the 5th -  Predictions review - lots has changed since Christmas Connections: This Week Eric Lindros, Connor McDavid, Aaron Eckblad, Matt Schaefer Last Week: Joel Quenneville, Scotty Bowman, Al Arbour, Jacques Martin  Crazy Stat Going Streaking - Next Week - Olympics- Women's hockey starts, 

Evan Bouchard puts up 6 points against the Capitals including a rare defenceman hat trick! Mitch Marner made his return to Toronto this week and he took some boos but got the win, getting the last laugh. More PWHL updates from Kate.   Listen Here:  Apple Podcasts   Direct MP3   iHeart Radio Spotify GET YOUR SCUTTLEPUCK MERCH AT SCUTTLEPUCK'S DASHERY STORE Title Player: Ivan Boldirev  News Bouchard 3G 3A, McDavid 5 pts Marner return to TO Lightning 15 game points streak ends Stadium series Rasmus Andersson to Vegas who continue to cheat the cap PWHL update Guess the 5th -  Eastern Conference is nuts. Atlantic Metro  Trade Deadline approaches - who is on the market?  Connections: Last Week - Yvon Lambert, Pierre Mondu, Guy Carbonneau, Rick Meagher THis Week: Joel Quenneville, Scotty Bowman, Al Arbour, Jacques Martin  Crazy Stat Going Streaking -  ANA 6W, UTA 5W DET, TBL, UTA 8-1-1  VAN 1-9-0, NYR 2-7-1  Next Week - Olympics, Predictions review

Kate Bonn joined us to give us the low-down on the PWHL in the first of a regular segment to discuss all the goings-on. After asking what's wrong with the Jets, they go on a bit of a streak.  The Rangers and Canucks declare that they are tanking...kind of. The mess that is the NHL playoff format.   Listen Here:  Apple Podcasts   Direct MP3   iHeart Radio Spotify GET YOUR SCUTTLEPUCK MERCH AT SCUTTLEPUCK'S DASHERY STORE Title Player:Jude Drouin  News Streaking teams Senators need a goalie...stat! Playoff format called into question since 2nd and 3rd in West would play in first round.  PWHL Update Guess the 5th -  Winnipeg Jets Breakdown Connections: Last Week - Jarome Iginla, Steven Stamkos, John Bucyk,  Mike Modano THis Week: Yvon Lambert, Pierre Mondu, Guy Carbonneau, Rick Meagher Crazy Stat Going Streaking -  McDavid gets to 20 games  VGK - 6W, BOS-5W, WPG-4W VAN - 6L, PHI-5L  Next Week - Player Stats updates

Sweden wins the World Junior Championship in a win over Czechia. Canada wins bronze with win over Finland. The Lightning is the hottest team in the league and the Leafs are chasing the Sabres for a playoff spot. McDavid's point streak gets to 18 games.   Listen Here:  Apple Podcasts   Direct MP3   iHeart Radio Spotify GET YOUR SCUTTLEPUCK MERCH AT SCUTTLEPUCK'S DASHERY STORE Title Player:Pat Verbeek  News World Junior  - Sweden! Senators Ullmark controversy Olympic ice gets tested Draisaiitl 1000 points Leafs going well Faceoff ideas Winter Classic numbers Guess the 5th -  Canada and USA Olympic rosters announced.   Connections: Last Week - Pat Verbeek, Keith Tkachuk, Peter Bondra, Patrick Marleau Crazy Stat Going Streaking - TBL have 9 wins in a row.  Next Week - Olympics 

For the first time in 3 years, Canada advances past the quarter final with a dominant win over Slovakia.  The US get upset at home by Finland.  The Leafs have found new life and seem to be rolling as have the Sabres who have found themselves in a playoff spot.   Listen Here:  Apple Podcasts   Direct MP3   iHeart Radio Spotify GET YOUR SCUTTLEPUCK MERCH AT SCUTTLEPUCK'S DASHERY STORE Title Player:Pat Verbeek  News World Junior  - Canada looking good. USA loses heartbreaker World Junior Semis Winter Classic Leafs- Marc Savard was the problem Sabres win 10 straight  Guess the 5th -  Canada and USA Olympic rosters announced.   Some surprises left off of both teams . Connections: Last Week - Doug Jarvis, Brayden Point, Theo Fleury, Kris Letang This Week - Pat Verbeek, Keith Tkachuk, Peter Bondra, Patrick Marleau Crazy Stat DOPeS - what do they even do?  Next Week - World Juniors Champs. 

Canada and the USA are both undefeated after 2 games but they both have been tested by supposedly weaker teams. Marc Savard was clearly the problem with the Leafs. Plus Listener Grievances.   Listen Here:  Apple Podcasts   Direct MP3   iHeart Radio Spotify GET YOUR SCUTTLEPUCK MERCH AT SCUTTLEPUCK'S DASHERY STORE Title Player: Bryan Little News Canada and USA have both been tested early at World Juniors. What's wrong with Auston Matthews?  McDavid on a tear with 35 pts in last 15 games Olympics rosters Dec 31 Guess the 5th -  Listener Festivus Grievances Connections: Last Week - Noel Picard, Stu Barnes, Jim Dowd, Fred Sasakamoose - All born on Christmas day Listener Grievances Crazy Stat Next Week - World Juniors update! 

The Leafs continiue to struggle and Craig Berube seems to be at a loss as to how to fix it.  The Penguins are for sale and Fenway looks to make a nice profit. With Festivus on the horizon, we air our grievances.   Listen Here:  Apple Podcasts   Direct MP3   iHeart Radio Spotify GET YOUR SCUTTLEPUCK MERCH AT SCUTTLEPUCK'S DASHERY STORE Title Player: Ernie Hicke  News Berube with the quote of the year Phillipe Danault returns to Montreal Brandon Bussi with an amazing start to his NHL career Penguins for saale Flyers broadcaster suspension PWHL - Abby Rocque with a great goal and even better interview Guess the 5th -  Predictions review   Connections: Last Week: Gerard Gallant, Noah Dobson, Brad Richards, Errol Thompson - Thanks for sending your answers This Week - Noel Picard, Stu Barnes, Jim Dowd, Fred Sasakamoose Airing of Grievances Next Week - World Juniors! 

In a bold move, the Minnesota Wild trade 4 first-round picks for Quinn Huges from Vancouver - what  is wrong with Van?  The Oilers finally made a move in goal by sending Stuart Skinner to Pittsburgh for Tristan Jarry. The Oilers put a beating on the Leafs 6-3 in the  Hockey Night headliner.  Listen Here:  Apple Podcasts   Direct MP3   iHeart Radio Spotify GET YOUR SCUTTLEPUCK MERCH AT SCUTTLEPUCK'S DASHERY STORE Title Player: Gerard Gallant News Oilers trade Skinner, Kulak and a 2nd for Tristan Jarry Oilers trade a 3rd round pick for Spencer Stastney  Minnesota trades Marco Rossi, Liam Ohgren, Zeev Buium and 2026 1st to Vancouver for Quinn Hughes  MacKinnon passes Sakic for most Avalanche goals World Junior practices Guess the 5th -  Olympics Teams - Canada, USA, Finland, Sweden, Czechia, Italy, Switzerland, France, Latvia, Denmark, Germany, Slovakia Connections: Last Week: Marin Stastny, Luke Hughes, Reg Bentley, Duane Sutter This Week: Gerard Gallant, Noah Dobson, Brad Richards, Errol Thompson   DOPeS - Bobby McMann 1 Game for highstick  Crazy Stat Next Week - Christmas Special

The Olympic arena is 3 feet short and a day late.  Will it affect the NHL players' participation?  Listen Here:  Apple Podcasts   Direct MP3   iHeart Radio Spotify GET YOUR SCUTTLEPUCK MERCH AT SCUTTLEPUCK'S DASHERY STORE Title Player: Dale Hawerchuk  News Olympic arena fiasco. Hand passes are somehow a big controversy.  Seattle Torrent set US record for Women's Pro game. Oilers and Leafs slowly improving McDavid up to 2nd  East and West Conferences have winner and loser divisions Guess the 5th -  US Olympic Team - are they the favourite? Connections: This Week: Marin Stastny, Luke Hughes, Reg Bentley, Duane Sutter Goin' Streakin' VGK/NYI - 3W SEA/NJD -5L  DOPeS - Rantanen 1 Game  Crazy Stat Next Week - Forecast for the rest of Olympic teams - who will challenge Canada / USA? 

Paul Stewart returns to ScuttlePuck to brag about the success of the Tampa Bay Lightning and puts us to the test is special editions of Guess the 5th and Connections.   Listen Here:  Apple Podcasts   Direct MP3   iHeart Radio GET YOUR SCUTTLEPUCK MERCH AT SCUTTLEPUCK'S DASHERY STORE Title Player: Kelly Miller News Sens and Sharks go helmetless in Vegas. Leafs and Oilers win big - are they past their troubles? Lightning and Avalanche are hot Guest PAUL STEWART!!! Guess the 5th - hosted by Paul Stewart Connections: Last Week: What connects Scott Niedermeyer, Darryl Sittler, Reggie Leach and Frank Mahovlich? - All wore number 27.  Canadian Olympic Team Prediction Next Week - US Olympic Teaam

The PWHL started its 3rd season with a full slate this weekend.  The Oilers and Leafs continue to struggle.  Did Brad Treliving give Craig Berube the kiss of death this week when he gave a full endorsement in his press conference?   Fancy Stats review-  who is for real and who isn't?   Listen Here:  Apple Podcasts   Direct MP3   iHeart Radio Title Player: Darcy Rota News PWHL  Jack Hughes injury Avalanche steamrolling the league Treliving Press Conference Standings - Atlantic very tight Points Leaders Guess the 5th Fancy Stats - who is for real and who isn't? Connections: Last Week: What connects Dit Clapper, Ted Lindsay, Bobby Orr and Terry Sawchuk? All entered Hall of Fame without waiting standard 3 year period.  This Week: What connects Scott Niedermeyer, Darryl Sittler, Reggie Leach and Frank Mahovlich? Going Streaking DOPeS Next Week - Olympic rosters projections  Possible guest  

After a couple of weeks away due to work and pleasure we're back and there is lots to discuss. Both the Leafs and Oilers have had middling starts to the season and we get into what's wrong and a little on how to fix it. The Hall of Fame inducted this years' new members and there were some real beauties.   Listen Here:  Apple Podcasts   Direct MP3   iHeart Radio Title Player: Cam Atkinson News 2025 Hall of Fame Inductees Bedard Hat Trick Oilers and Leafs Struggles Guess the 5th Standings review - Atlantic  and Pacific significant surprises Connections: What connects Dit Clapper, Ted Lindsay, Bobby Orr and Terry Sawchuk?  Crazy Stat Next Week - Full stats breakdown - are the surprises for real?  Olympic roster projections    

We finally announce the first cohort of ScuttlePuck Milt Schmidt Award winners! We also discuss the underwhelming start by both the Leafs and Oilers and look at the major surprises so far.   Listen Here:  Apple Podcasts   Direct MP3   iHeart Radio Title Player Jere Lehtinen News Ovechkin closes on 900G Bettman Interview on 32 Thoughts Ducks off to surprising start Leafs and Oilers underwhelm NBA gambling scandaal Guess the 5th MILT SCHMIDT AWARD WINNERS NHL Surprises - East Top 3 in Atlantic includes MTL and DET Last in East is TBL Connections  Last week - Montreal numbers 9.10.22,44,28,5 - all scored 50G - congrats Jim, Atish, Brendan This week - What is the connection between Ovechkin, Crosby, Kopitar and Mikael Backlund NHL Surprises - West Central Utah in 1st Pacific top 3 includes SEA and ANA Last in West is CGY Crazy Stat 

We are 1 week into the new season but the biggest news this week wasn't game results or team performance, it has  been some big name signings plus a couple of low-key ones that could prove significant. We have the Milt Schmidt Award nominees.   Listen Here:  Apple Podcasts   Direct MP3   iHeart Radio Title Player Nick Libett News -  Habs honoured Ken Dryden in home opener - cool  BIG Signings Lane Hutson - 8 years, $70.8 MM Jack Eichel - 8yrs, $13.5MM Kyle Connor - 8yr, $12MM Oilers Signings  Jack Roslovic - $1.5MM Mattias Ekhom - $4MM x 3  Leafs 1-2  stumble with 2 losses to Red Wings Easton Cowan (2023 1st rnd) gets call up and plays on top line - 14:05 ice time  Sens - Brady Tkachuk out 4 weeks  Oilers Goaltending issue gets highlighted in 1st game Pickard starts game 2  Sabres start 0-3 - ugh - Kevyn Adams is in trouble -  Guess the 5th Milt Schmidt Award George Armstrong - Maple Leafs 2. Jean Beliveau - Canadiens 3. Joe Sakic - Nordiques / Avalanche 4. Steve Yzerman - Red Wings  5. Stan Smyl - Canucks 6. Bobby Clarke - Flyers    Next Award Idea - Annual award - Best undrafted player of the season - Includes playoffs  2024-25 - Sergei Bobrovsky  Connections Jim Stecker / Nora- congrats  This Week -What do the numbers  9, 10, 22, 44 have in common for the Montreal Canadiens?   New Uniforms - will review a couple each week Good - Blues - beautiful - liked previous but these are great - cool STL logo on pants - can be creative and look good  Bad - Oilers - 3rd jersey - retro style - bland cream colour- cool shoulder yokes - why? Not near as good as regulars, no history Crazy Stat  Next week - narrow down Milt Schmidt to a winner including listener feedback  Big Games to watch - Rangers @ Leafs / TBl v Det / Rangers v Habs - great jersey matchup - 

2 Days before the season was to start for him, Connor McDavid gave the Oilers the best news possible by signing a 2 year extension at the same pay that he has been getting for the past 8 years.  It's huge news for the Oilers and their fans. Mike was away in Detroit and recorded remotely to discuss the news.   Listen Here:  Apple Podcasts   Direct MP3   iHeart Radio Title Player- Jyrki Lumme  News McDavid - $12.5MM x 2 Bowman presser - McDavid - "Everyone understands the situation. We want to win here. We want to bring it back here and make the city proud. But mostly for the guys in this room. We've been through a lot together, and to see it through together is important.  Does it lend urgency? That's a good byproduct. i guess." Jake Walman - $7MM x 7  Great signing  Trade for Connor Ingram  102 games  .907 for AZ Masterton trophy  Zero risk acquisition - will go to Bakersfield Guess the 5th  Tampa Bay / Fla games  Offender / Entity Penalty / Suspension / Fine Reason / Notes Scott Sabourin (TB) 4 games suspension; forfeits ~$16,145.84 Match penalty for ungloved "sucker punch" to Aaron Ekblad early in the game. Scouting The Refs+3ESPN.com+3The Hockey News+3 J.J. Moser (TB) 2 games suspension; forfeits ~$35,156.26 Boarding hit on Jesper Boqvist; major + game misconduct. Scouting The Refs+3ESPN.com+3The Hockey News+3 Roman Schmidt (TB) Fine of ~$2,098.52 Cross-checking Carter Verhaeghe (major + game misconduct). The Hockey News+2NHL Media+2 Gage Goncalves (TB) Fine of ~$3,125.00 Cross-checking Evan Rodrigues (major + game misconduct). The Hockey News+2NHL Media+2 Lightning organization $100,000 fine For "actions culminating in the events" of the chaotic game. NHL Media+2The Hockey News+2 Jon Cooper (TB, head coach) $25,000 fine As bench boss, penalized for team conduct. NHL Media+2The Hockey News+2 • Total financial cost for Tampa Bay plus players/coaching: looks to be in the ballpark of US$181,525.62 (suspension forfeitures + fines) per one report. Scouting The Refs The fine from the NHL to the club (and Cooper) was directed toward the Club Fine Fund (for charitable purposes) and the Players' Emergency Assistance Fund, per league rules. NHL Media+1 Of note: no Florida Panthers players were suspended or fined in relation to this game, at least according to public announcements Connections:  Last week William Nylander, David Pastrnak, Patrick Kane, Andrei Vasilevskii - correct answers - Paul Stewart, David Huyben, Jim Stecker This week: Ed Belfour, Dino Ciccarelli, Adam Oates, Marty St. Louis

The season is a week away and we give all our prognostications on what we expect to happen this year.  There were some bold predictions and some....not so much.    Listen Here:  Apple Podcasts   Direct MP3   iHeart Radio Title Player Shawn Horcoff Shirts off for Horcoff NEWS Stolarz signs - 4 x $3.75MM Atlantic Division   Team Strengths / What's Going Well Key Challenges / What Could Go Wrong Expectations or Projection for 2025-26 Florida Panthers They're coming off back-to-back Stanley Cups, meaning they have experience, confidence, and a championship mindset. They also have strong core players, and continuity tends to help. CBSSports.com+3DraftKings Network+3NHL+3 Big blow: their captain Aleksander Barkov suffered a serious knee injury (ACL/MCL) in training camp, and is likely out for much or all of the season. That hurts leadership, two-way play, and depth. The Sun+2Reuters+2 Also, Matthew Tkachuk is recovering from surgery and may miss time. DraftKings Network+1 They'll need next-man up to step out. Still expected to be a top-team in the Atlantic, maybe the favorite. But their margin for error is slimmer without Barkov. If they stay healthy otherwise, they should contend for division and maybe again deep in the playoffs. Toronto Maple Leafs Very strong offensive core (Matthews, Nylander, etc.), good goaltending (Stolarz / Woll) last season. They won the division in 2024-25, so momentum and confidence are there. Daily Faceoff+3Wikipedia+3The Hockey Writers+3 Major change: Mitch Marner is gone (trade / sign-and-trade), so they lose a big creator and offensive driver. The Hockey Writers+2hockeybuzz.com+2 Depth on the blue line is a concern; mobility and puck-moving among the defense isn't elite. Also any injuries to top forwards could hurt. The Hockey Writers+1 They will likely still compete for a top-3 spot in the Atlantic. Many projections put them 2nd or 3rd. But whether they can pull off another division title may depend heavily on how they adapt without Marner. Tampa Bay Lightning They have veteran depth, star players (Hedman, Kucherov, etc.), strong goaltending history. They tend to remain a steady playoff presence and know how to win big games. The Hockey News+2DraftKings Network+2 Age and wear could creep in; maintaining performance across a full season is always harder for older players. Depth beyond their top lines / defense is always in question. Also, small off-season improvements vs rivals who might have improved more. The Hockey News+2hockeybuzz.com+2 Expect them to be in the mix for a playoff spot, likely top-3 or wild-card if needed. They might not win the division, but they'll be dangerous — especially if other teams have more turmoil. Ottawa Senators Young core is maturing: players like Brady Tkachuk, Tim Stützle, Jake Sanderson are established difference-makers. They made the playoffs in 2024-25 for the first time in a while. hockeybuzz.com+3NHL+3Wikipedia+3 They should have more experience, better cohesion. Depth is still a concern — forward depth, goaltending (though they have some good prospects), and whether they can avoid inconsistency (long losing stretches) especially in a tough division. Also, small margins matter in late games; punishing turnover or defensive lapses will hurt more in 2025-26. Likely a wild card contender; maybe push into the top-4 or 5 in the Atlantic depending on health and whether they capitalize in close games. Not likely favorites, but in many projections they finish around 4th in the division. The Hockey News+2The Hockey Writers+2 Montreal Canadiens Youth is coming through; the "next wave" is expected to make strides. Many observers see them as a team that could improve more steeply than some of their rivals. Daily Faceoff+1 They have upside — speed, prospects, and potential depth upgrades. Still less consistency, still gaps — especially in center depth, defensive depth, and perhaps special teams. They might struggle in tight games, and maybe lack the experience to keep pace with more battle-tested teams. Probably still just outside the top group, fighting for a wild-card. If things go well, could squeak into a playoff spot; if not, might hover in the middle. Projections often place them ~5th in the division. Boston Bruins After a down year, they have some assets and draft picks; hiring a new coach and adding forward depth are seen as positives. NHL+2The Hockey Writers+2 They also have tradition and infrastructure; could bounce back. They were last in the division in 2024-25, so regression is required just to be relevant. They need players to step up, younger guys to develop. Also, they need to improve on defense, and be better in transition and in penalty kill / special teams. Without big upgrades, they risk being left behind. NHL+1 Probably still a rebuilding / retooling year. Likely finish in the lower third of the division. Modest improvements, but playoff contention seems out of reach unless some surprise performances or trades happen. Buffalo Sabres Some high-end offensive talent (e.g. players like Tage Thompson) that have shown they can produce. Potential for breakout seasons. Bleacher Report+1 They also have assets and could use them wisely. Defensive structure, consistency, special teams, and goaltending tend to be weak or uneven. They have to avoid letting games get away — handling adversity, depth through injuries will be big. Also, relative to other Atlantic teams, margin for error is small. Probably still outside the playoff picture; might aim for getting close (70-80 wins?), but more likely a lower-end Atlantic finish (6th or 7th). Potential to improve, but not yet in serious contention unless they make big moves. Detroit Red Wings They showed competitiveness last season; some young core pieces are developing; fanbase optimism is there. They're not total longshots — could surprise. hockeybuzz.com+1 Depth is lacking; need more consistency, better defense, better special teams. Also, injuries and inexperience could hurt them over the grind of a full season. Their margin for error is small. Likely still on the outside looking in. May notch more wins than last season, possibly finish mid-pack in the division, but a playoff berth is probably a stretch unless many things go right.     Metropolitan   Team Strengths / What Looks Good Challenges / Risks Expectations / Projection Carolina Hurricanes Added scoring depth (Nikolaj Ehlers) and boosted their defense backing (K'Andre Miller). They have a strong coaching staff, and their core players (Aho, Svechnikov, etc.) are established. (The Hockey News) Ehlers has been somewhat injury prone; Miller is still adjusting to larger responsibility. Also, they've had playoff disappointments lately — expectations are high, so even small slip-ups will be magnified. (The Hockey News) Many project them to win the Metro. Likely among the top point totals in the division (100+ points), serious contender to go deep in the playoffs. (Yardbarker) New York Rangers Key offseason additions: defense improvements, coaching change (Mike Sullivan) which might stabilize some weaknesses. They have top-end talent offensively, good leadership, and the potential to tighten up defensively. (Yardbarker) Their defensive and 5-on-5 metrics were weak last season; goaltending concerns persist. They need consistency, especially in close games and during stretches without full health. (Yardbarker) Expected to bounce back. Many see them finishing near the top of the Metro, possibly 2nd or 3rd. Not quite the favourite, but serious playoff hopes. (Yardbarker) New Jersey Devils Young core that is increasingly experienced: Hughes, Bratt, etc. Some savvy offseason moves adding depth forwards and defensive pieces. If they stay healthy, they could compete for a high seed. (Live Sports on TV) Injuries to their star players remain a concern; goaltending is also an open question (how well Markstrom and others hold up). Depth still isn't quite elite. Also, consistency in tight games will be tested. (Yardbarker) Many expect them to improve on last season, possibly pushing for top-3 in Metro. A playoff berth is expected; division win less certain. If things go well, might break into serious contention. (Yardbarker) Washington Capitals Strong recent performance; good special teams, solid top lines, veteran leadership. Their depth is better in many eyes, and key players are still in good form. (The Hockey News) Aging defense corps could be a liability. Also, regression is possible—last season's stretch may be hard to replicate at the same level. Injuries always loom. (Yardbarker) Probably a top-4 Metro finish. They might not be favoured to win the division, but if things align, they could threaten. Expect playoff qualification, likely in a decent seeding spot. (Yardbarker) Columbus Blue Jackets Young players are continuing to develop; they showed last season they can compete. If goaltending solidifies and they stay healthy, they could push for the lower playoff spots. (Yardbarker) Goaltending is a concern (depth, consistency). Also, finishing games, managing pressure, and handling divisional matchups could expose their inexperience. Depth beyond top lines may still be a weak link. (Yardbarker) Dark horse for a wild card. Probably not expected to win the Metro, but could finish 4th–5th, depending on injuries and consistency. Surprises possible. (Yardbarker) New York Islanders Veteran presence, some depth, experience in tight defensive systems. Could outperform low expectations if they get hot and especially in home games. (Yardbarker) The roster seems to lack top-end scoring punch compared to the top Metro teams. Also unclear whether they've made enough changes to keep up with more aggressive/younger teams. If injuries hit, they may have trouble keeping pace. (Yardbarker) Likely in t