- May 21, 2026
- 0
- 0
It feels like everyone is always super excited for the Calder race every year. And honestly, it’s hard not to fall in love with the crop this season.
The rookie of the year fight is fun because these players only have one real chance of making it happen. And while what happens in their first year doesn’t define their career, it’s still important to start things off on the right foot.
Earlier this week, we looked at one rookie to watch on every NHL team. Today, we’re focusing on the top 20 candidates for one of the toughest trophies to win in the sport. Some of the players listed below might not stick around, while other candidates could come out of nowhere after starting the season in the AHL. Regardless, it’s a strong crop with talent at every position, and the battle is going to be spicy:
Martone might be the betting favorite across the board – but is it a slam dunk case? It’s often easier for an “older” prospect to challenge for the Calder Trophy, and Martone proved last year that he’s fully capable of dominating shifts in a way very few U-20 players are capable of. Martone has outstanding vision and possesses elite offensive instincts. His wrist shot has been pro-level for a while now, and he processes the game at top speed as well as any incoming rookie. Martone had an excellent end to the 2025-26 regular season and also had some shining moments with Canada at the World Championship. Martone is ready for the spotlight, and it’ll be fun watching him adapt to the chaos of the NHL.
While McKenna was receiving a lot of the early praise during the preseason, Stenberg came out with the biggest bang, registering a hat-trick in a 10-0 victory over Anaheim on Thursday. The Swedish winger was drafted second overall, but many considered him to be one of the most NHL-ready prospects out of the 2026 draft. He looked outstanding against men in the top Swedish league last year and he was very comfortable in his preseason action, too. He’s not the flashiest player, but he tends to be in the right spot at the right time and loves shooting from the slot. Stenberg will likely spend the year in a top-six role in San Jose, where he could even see some power-play time alongside Macklin Celebrini.
McKenna is the reigning first-overall pick, so expectations are going to be nuts. He had a strong preseason, which helped establish him as a top-six threat ahead of opening night. McKenna spent all of the training camp alongside John Tavares and William Nylander, with the pair already having an established connection. Yet McKenna feels like the perfect fit on that second line because he’s so smart and skates so well, which allows him to create opportunities for his linemates. It doesn’t feel like McKenna’s going to take long to get up to speed. Many scouts pointed out last year that it felt like he was doing so much for a Penn State team that just didn’t have the talent or coaching to get the most out of him. Now that he’s playing with some skilled veterans in the NHL, he’s going to make Toronto a much more dangerous squad.
Kantserov was outstanding in the KHL last year – he had 36 goals and 64 points in 63 games. Despite being a smaller forward at 5-foot-9, he’s absolutely fearless. The question here, though, is whether he can exploit open ice in the NHL like he did in the KHL, despite the NHL being a much tighter game. Still, he’ll have plenty of opportunities to prove himself in a prominent role right out of the gate. Kantserov will likely slot into Chicago’s top line, which should include the chance to play alongside Patrick Kane. Kantserov has experience at both center and wing, but I like the idea of having him on the left side to start his NHL career, allowing him to get up to speed with a little less defensive responsibility.
Between the 2026 World Championship performance, the Stanley Cup playoffs and the recent regular season action, there’s been a lot to love about Helenius’ game. He appeared in nine regular-season games with the Sabres last year, scoring a goal and four points. He returned to the team in the postseason, scoring twice in four games and giving the team much-needed energy. Helenius was excellent throughout the AHL season, and he has nothing left to prove in Rochester. It looks like Helenius is set for middle-six duties this year in Buffalo, where he’ll use his physical strength and hockey IQ to create openings for himself and his teammates.
Hutson was considered by many to be the most creative defender in college over the past two years, taking over for his brother, Lane. Cole is exceptionally evasive, using his quick feet and steady hands to force opponents to think he’s going one way before pivoting another. On the attack, he’s essentially a fourth forward. He’s great at getting the pass up the ice, and he’s capable of making crucial decisions at pace. Defensively, Hutson still needs work, at least positionally. And he’s definitely not going to lay anyone out. But like Lane, Cole uses his footwork – primarily his speed – to consistently get himself into defensive lanes. Hopefully, it translates the way it did for his brother.
Boasting high-end offensive skill with a 6-foot-5, 225-pound frame, Protas is one of the most intriguing prospects this year. He dominated the AHL last season, pacing all rookies with 29 goals and 66 points in 69 games before earning a promotion to Washington, where he seamlessly racked up four points in four games alongside his older brother, Aliaksei. Crucially, his skating has taken significant strides, allowing him to keep pace with top-tier competition rather than getting caught flat-footed. Armed with size, pedigree, and improved mobility, Protas should be a major figure in Washington before too long.
With Connor Bedard sidelined to start the season, Frondell is positioned to shoulder a heavier workload right out of the gate. Fortunately, many scouts believe Frondell has the maturity to handle the spotlight. He spent his draft year dominating his own age group and proving his value in Sweden’s second-tier pro league. Frondell may not have posted explosive numbers in the SHL last year, but anyone watching closely saw a player who dictated the pace of a shift like few others, and his power-play expertise is fascinating. After a promising start in his early NHL appearances, Frondell is ready to play a top-six role and prove why he’s one of the top prospects in the game.
Hagens’ skill and hockey sense were on full display during the preseason. His quick hands were fun to watch, allowing him to consistently create quality opportunities. Hagens has always been someone who thrives when he’s playing confidently. Defensively, I think Hagens has taken nice steps forward over the last couple of years to help make himself the well-rounded player many projected him to be. We’ve primarily seen him on the wing, but the former Boston College star can also play center – something the Bruins want to ease him in for, though. For now, though, it feels like it won’t be long until he’s an impact player for Boston.
Don’t be surprised if Murashov ends up being a consistent top 10 threat for the Calder. Goalie evaluators have touted his legitimate starter potential for years, and while Arturs Silovs will have different plans, there’s a lot of excitement surrounding Murashov’s NHL promotion. The Penguins should be in the playoff/Wild Card hunt, but to make that happen, they need both goalies thriving. Murashov will look to push the envelope this year, and there’s little reason to believe he won’t be able to make a case for the starter’s job by Christmas.
Björck is easily the best prospect the Jets have had in a very long time. The fearless center is so fascinating; nobody seems to know how to contain him. At the World Championship, we saw Björck win battles against just about everyone. His shot is incredibly deceptive, especially on the power play. He doesn’t give you much to work with if you’re a goalie – and it’s because he doesn’t need to. Björck is quick, accurate and always in a dangerous spot, and there’s legitimate No. 1 center potential here.
With Mat Barzal on the sidelines, Eklund has wasted no time making a case for a full-time roster spot. He was one of the top players throughout the preseason, which included him seeing time on both special teams units. Eklund’s ability to get involved both offensively and physically makes him intriguing, and he’s quickly becoming a fan favorite on Long Island. Eklund doesn’t have a ton of experience playing in North America, but he was productive in Sweden and made a really good first impression in the AHL to close out 2025-26. You don’t need motivation to be a standout, but it looks like Eklund wants to prove he belongs in the NHL.
Yakemchuk’s status as a top prospect has been hotly contested by scouts for a few years now. He was able to physically dominate opponents while being excellent with the puck back in the WHL. But with so-so defensive acumen and subpar skating, there were questions about how he’d be able to translate to the pro game. Instead, he was outstanding in the AHL, scoring 10 goals and 40 points while being physically dominant against older competition. He also impressed in his short run with the Senators to close out last year. His 2026-27 preseason was a mixed bag, but I like the idea of him spending the full year in Ottawa. Ottawa is one of those bubble playoff teams that could use a boost (especially in a difficult division), and a motivated Yakemchuk is one you’d hate to mess with.
Cagnoni has been one of the more productive AHL defenders in recent years. He’s a high-volume shooter who loves to move the puck, and he’s also a bit feisty for a 5-foot-9 blueliner. He’s a great skater who can do some highly dangerous things with the puck, which could lead to him earning power-play time. Expect some ups and downs – it’s hard enough for a young defender to break through, let alone a smaller one. But the Sharks are in a perfect position to let Cagnoni run free and play to his strengths while learning from his mistakes. If you’re looking for a sneaky top five Calder candidate, Cagnoni could surprise.
It might be tough to be a Red Wings fan right now, but the young guard is coming and giving the team something to get excited about. Back in May, Brandsegg-Nygård helped Norway win bronze at the World Championship, capping off an excellent first year with the AHL’s Grand Rapids. He proved he could dominate shifts with his two-way game and his excellent release, and his off-puck game is already so established for a player his age. The 6-foot-1, 207-pound winger is as competitive as they come, and he showed that during his 14-game run with the big club last season. Brandsegg-Nygård will definitely have a shot to spend the year in Red Wings’ bottom six.
Injuries have plagued Honzek’s career – he was limited to just four points in 18 games this past season. So it’s hard to truly feel confident in Honzek’s game right now, beyond a more bottom-six role, which, honestly, isn’t a bad thing given his playstyle. However, his promising preseason slate should give hope that he’s ready for a huge first full year. He’s a strong puck protector who uses his 6-foot-4 frame to his advantage, and he has a powerful wrister, too. Scouts have praised his overall fitness and intensity, which allowed him to return to the NHL from training camp for the second consecutive season. If he stays healthy, Honzek can still be a decent NHLer.
Šmits was easily one of the most NHL-ready prospects from the 2026 NHL Draft and he’s ready to live up to the hype. The 6-foot-3 blueliner moves well for his size and makes so much happen with the puck. It’s always nice seeing an 18-year-old who plays with a ton of confidence on the power play. He also has plenty of pro experience under his belt, which can be challenging to find for European defenders. I think he’ll be a top-four defenseman sooner rather than later, and should give Rangers fans something to get excited about in what is expected to be another difficult season for the club.
Cossa put up strong numbers in Grand Rapids last year, which included a career-best 26 wins, five shutouts and a .915 SV%. But that also included a weaker second half, resulting in him losing the starting job to Michal Postava by the Calder Cup playoffs. Utah took advantage of his fallen stock (and Detroit’s crowded crease) and pounced on the huge goaltender during the NHL Draft week. Cossa is a 6-foot-6 goaltender who moves well for his size and has an excellent glove hand. He can still allow the odd weak goal, but he’s a confident keeper who just needs the opportunity to prove himself at the next level.
A hat-trick to close out the preseason, plus some injuries up front, means Hughes is set for some NHL action. He first drew attention as an NCAA UFA after a 36-point freshman season and then upped the ante with a 48-point campaign a year later. Hughes finished his run with a 57-point effort last year, making him one of the top college players in the nation. Hughes is an interesting prospect because he started his junior career playing Jr. B, and then went as long as possible in the AJHL (registering 66 goals and 127 points in 2021-22) before kicking off his college tenure. As he’s an older prospect, expectations are high for Hughes, and he often delivers.
Bump had an impressive 17-game stretch with the Flyers, registering five goals and nine points in 17 games. He also had 11 goals and 26 points in 35 AHL games, showing he could handle the pressure of pro hockey after two great years at Western Michigan. Bump is a solid puckhandler who plays with quite a bit of muscle, but he could have learned to use that a bit more to his advantage in the NHL. Still, his raw skill is intriguing and I could see him be a decent middle-six forward capable of 35-40-point seasons. For now, Bump just needs to consistently impress the coaching staff to ensure he’s with the big club on a full-time basis.
Also considered: Roger McQueen, C, 19 (Anaheim Ducks); Sandis Vilmanis, LW, 22 (Florida Panthers); Oscar Fisker Mølgaard, C, 21 (Seattle Kraken)
Your daily hockey fix, delivered straight to your inbox. Get connected to every NHL storyline with breaking news, lineup updates, trade buzz, and expert analysis—delivered every morning. Sign up for the Daily Faceoff newsletter and don’t miss a beat!
Continue reading...
The rookie of the year fight is fun because these players only have one real chance of making it happen. And while what happens in their first year doesn’t define their career, it’s still important to start things off on the right foot.
Earlier this week, we looked at one rookie to watch on every NHL team. Today, we’re focusing on the top 20 candidates for one of the toughest trophies to win in the sport. Some of the players listed below might not stick around, while other candidates could come out of nowhere after starting the season in the AHL. Regardless, it’s a strong crop with talent at every position, and the battle is going to be spicy:
1. Porter Martone, RW, 19 (Philadelphia Flyers)
Martone might be the betting favorite across the board – but is it a slam dunk case? It’s often easier for an “older” prospect to challenge for the Calder Trophy, and Martone proved last year that he’s fully capable of dominating shifts in a way very few U-20 players are capable of. Martone has outstanding vision and possesses elite offensive instincts. His wrist shot has been pro-level for a while now, and he processes the game at top speed as well as any incoming rookie. Martone had an excellent end to the 2025-26 regular season and also had some shining moments with Canada at the World Championship. Martone is ready for the spotlight, and it’ll be fun watching him adapt to the chaos of the NHL.
2. Ivar Stenberg, LW, 18 (San Jose Sharks)
While McKenna was receiving a lot of the early praise during the preseason, Stenberg came out with the biggest bang, registering a hat-trick in a 10-0 victory over Anaheim on Thursday. The Swedish winger was drafted second overall, but many considered him to be one of the most NHL-ready prospects out of the 2026 draft. He looked outstanding against men in the top Swedish league last year and he was very comfortable in his preseason action, too. He’s not the flashiest player, but he tends to be in the right spot at the right time and loves shooting from the slot. Stenberg will likely spend the year in a top-six role in San Jose, where he could even see some power-play time alongside Macklin Celebrini.
3. Gavin McKenna, LW, 18 (Toronto Maple Leafs)
McKenna is the reigning first-overall pick, so expectations are going to be nuts. He had a strong preseason, which helped establish him as a top-six threat ahead of opening night. McKenna spent all of the training camp alongside John Tavares and William Nylander, with the pair already having an established connection. Yet McKenna feels like the perfect fit on that second line because he’s so smart and skates so well, which allows him to create opportunities for his linemates. It doesn’t feel like McKenna’s going to take long to get up to speed. Many scouts pointed out last year that it felt like he was doing so much for a Penn State team that just didn’t have the talent or coaching to get the most out of him. Now that he’s playing with some skilled veterans in the NHL, he’s going to make Toronto a much more dangerous squad.
4. Roman Kantserov, LW/C, 21 (Chicago Blackhawks)
Kantserov was outstanding in the KHL last year – he had 36 goals and 64 points in 63 games. Despite being a smaller forward at 5-foot-9, he’s absolutely fearless. The question here, though, is whether he can exploit open ice in the NHL like he did in the KHL, despite the NHL being a much tighter game. Still, he’ll have plenty of opportunities to prove himself in a prominent role right out of the gate. Kantserov will likely slot into Chicago’s top line, which should include the chance to play alongside Patrick Kane. Kantserov has experience at both center and wing, but I like the idea of having him on the left side to start his NHL career, allowing him to get up to speed with a little less defensive responsibility.
5. Konsta Helenius, C/RW, 20 (Buffalo Sabres)
Between the 2026 World Championship performance, the Stanley Cup playoffs and the recent regular season action, there’s been a lot to love about Helenius’ game. He appeared in nine regular-season games with the Sabres last year, scoring a goal and four points. He returned to the team in the postseason, scoring twice in four games and giving the team much-needed energy. Helenius was excellent throughout the AHL season, and he has nothing left to prove in Rochester. It looks like Helenius is set for middle-six duties this year in Buffalo, where he’ll use his physical strength and hockey IQ to create openings for himself and his teammates.
6. Cole Hutson, LHD, 20 (Washington Capitals)
Hutson was considered by many to be the most creative defender in college over the past two years, taking over for his brother, Lane. Cole is exceptionally evasive, using his quick feet and steady hands to force opponents to think he’s going one way before pivoting another. On the attack, he’s essentially a fourth forward. He’s great at getting the pass up the ice, and he’s capable of making crucial decisions at pace. Defensively, Hutson still needs work, at least positionally. And he’s definitely not going to lay anyone out. But like Lane, Cole uses his footwork – primarily his speed – to consistently get himself into defensive lanes. Hopefully, it translates the way it did for his brother.
7. Ilya Protas, LW/C, 20 (Washington Capitals)
Boasting high-end offensive skill with a 6-foot-5, 225-pound frame, Protas is one of the most intriguing prospects this year. He dominated the AHL last season, pacing all rookies with 29 goals and 66 points in 69 games before earning a promotion to Washington, where he seamlessly racked up four points in four games alongside his older brother, Aliaksei. Crucially, his skating has taken significant strides, allowing him to keep pace with top-tier competition rather than getting caught flat-footed. Armed with size, pedigree, and improved mobility, Protas should be a major figure in Washington before too long.
8. Anton Frondell, C, 19 (Chicago Blackhawks)
With Connor Bedard sidelined to start the season, Frondell is positioned to shoulder a heavier workload right out of the gate. Fortunately, many scouts believe Frondell has the maturity to handle the spotlight. He spent his draft year dominating his own age group and proving his value in Sweden’s second-tier pro league. Frondell may not have posted explosive numbers in the SHL last year, but anyone watching closely saw a player who dictated the pace of a shift like few others, and his power-play expertise is fascinating. After a promising start in his early NHL appearances, Frondell is ready to play a top-six role and prove why he’s one of the top prospects in the game.
9. James Hagens, LW, 19 (Boston Bruins)
Hagens’ skill and hockey sense were on full display during the preseason. His quick hands were fun to watch, allowing him to consistently create quality opportunities. Hagens has always been someone who thrives when he’s playing confidently. Defensively, I think Hagens has taken nice steps forward over the last couple of years to help make himself the well-rounded player many projected him to be. We’ve primarily seen him on the wing, but the former Boston College star can also play center – something the Bruins want to ease him in for, though. For now, though, it feels like it won’t be long until he’s an impact player for Boston.
10. Sergei Murashov, G, 22 (Pittsburgh Penguins)
Don’t be surprised if Murashov ends up being a consistent top 10 threat for the Calder. Goalie evaluators have touted his legitimate starter potential for years, and while Arturs Silovs will have different plans, there’s a lot of excitement surrounding Murashov’s NHL promotion. The Penguins should be in the playoff/Wild Card hunt, but to make that happen, they need both goalies thriving. Murashov will look to push the envelope this year, and there’s little reason to believe he won’t be able to make a case for the starter’s job by Christmas.
11. Viggo Björck, C, 18 (Winnipeg Jets)
Björck is easily the best prospect the Jets have had in a very long time. The fearless center is so fascinating; nobody seems to know how to contain him. At the World Championship, we saw Björck win battles against just about everyone. His shot is incredibly deceptive, especially on the power play. He doesn’t give you much to work with if you’re a goalie – and it’s because he doesn’t need to. Björck is quick, accurate and always in a dangerous spot, and there’s legitimate No. 1 center potential here.
12. Victor Eklund, RW, 19 (New York Islanders)
With Mat Barzal on the sidelines, Eklund has wasted no time making a case for a full-time roster spot. He was one of the top players throughout the preseason, which included him seeing time on both special teams units. Eklund’s ability to get involved both offensively and physically makes him intriguing, and he’s quickly becoming a fan favorite on Long Island. Eklund doesn’t have a ton of experience playing in North America, but he was productive in Sweden and made a really good first impression in the AHL to close out 2025-26. You don’t need motivation to be a standout, but it looks like Eklund wants to prove he belongs in the NHL.
13. Carter Yakemchuk, RHD, 21 (Ottawa Senators)
Yakemchuk’s status as a top prospect has been hotly contested by scouts for a few years now. He was able to physically dominate opponents while being excellent with the puck back in the WHL. But with so-so defensive acumen and subpar skating, there were questions about how he’d be able to translate to the pro game. Instead, he was outstanding in the AHL, scoring 10 goals and 40 points while being physically dominant against older competition. He also impressed in his short run with the Senators to close out last year. His 2026-27 preseason was a mixed bag, but I like the idea of him spending the full year in Ottawa. Ottawa is one of those bubble playoff teams that could use a boost (especially in a difficult division), and a motivated Yakemchuk is one you’d hate to mess with.
14. Luca Cagnoni, LHD, 21 (San Jose Sharks)
Cagnoni has been one of the more productive AHL defenders in recent years. He’s a high-volume shooter who loves to move the puck, and he’s also a bit feisty for a 5-foot-9 blueliner. He’s a great skater who can do some highly dangerous things with the puck, which could lead to him earning power-play time. Expect some ups and downs – it’s hard enough for a young defender to break through, let alone a smaller one. But the Sharks are in a perfect position to let Cagnoni run free and play to his strengths while learning from his mistakes. If you’re looking for a sneaky top five Calder candidate, Cagnoni could surprise.
15. Michael Brandsegg-Nygård, RW, 20 (Detroit Red Wings)
It might be tough to be a Red Wings fan right now, but the young guard is coming and giving the team something to get excited about. Back in May, Brandsegg-Nygård helped Norway win bronze at the World Championship, capping off an excellent first year with the AHL’s Grand Rapids. He proved he could dominate shifts with his two-way game and his excellent release, and his off-puck game is already so established for a player his age. The 6-foot-1, 207-pound winger is as competitive as they come, and he showed that during his 14-game run with the big club last season. Brandsegg-Nygård will definitely have a shot to spend the year in Red Wings’ bottom six.
16. Samuel Honzek, LW, 21 (Calgary Flames)
Injuries have plagued Honzek’s career – he was limited to just four points in 18 games this past season. So it’s hard to truly feel confident in Honzek’s game right now, beyond a more bottom-six role, which, honestly, isn’t a bad thing given his playstyle. However, his promising preseason slate should give hope that he’s ready for a huge first full year. He’s a strong puck protector who uses his 6-foot-4 frame to his advantage, and he has a powerful wrister, too. Scouts have praised his overall fitness and intensity, which allowed him to return to the NHL from training camp for the second consecutive season. If he stays healthy, Honzek can still be a decent NHLer.
17. Alberts Šmits, LHD, 18 (New York Rangers)
Šmits was easily one of the most NHL-ready prospects from the 2026 NHL Draft and he’s ready to live up to the hype. The 6-foot-3 blueliner moves well for his size and makes so much happen with the puck. It’s always nice seeing an 18-year-old who plays with a ton of confidence on the power play. He also has plenty of pro experience under his belt, which can be challenging to find for European defenders. I think he’ll be a top-four defenseman sooner rather than later, and should give Rangers fans something to get excited about in what is expected to be another difficult season for the club.
18. Sebastian Cossa, G, 23 (Utah Mammoth)
Cossa put up strong numbers in Grand Rapids last year, which included a career-best 26 wins, five shutouts and a .915 SV%. But that also included a weaker second half, resulting in him losing the starting job to Michal Postava by the Calder Cup playoffs. Utah took advantage of his fallen stock (and Detroit’s crowded crease) and pounced on the huge goaltender during the NHL Draft week. Cossa is a 6-foot-6 goaltender who moves well for his size and has an excellent glove hand. He can still allow the odd weak goal, but he’s a confident keeper who just needs the opportunity to prove himself at the next level.
19. T.J. Hughes, RW, 24 (Colorado Avalanche)
A hat-trick to close out the preseason, plus some injuries up front, means Hughes is set for some NHL action. He first drew attention as an NCAA UFA after a 36-point freshman season and then upped the ante with a 48-point campaign a year later. Hughes finished his run with a 57-point effort last year, making him one of the top college players in the nation. Hughes is an interesting prospect because he started his junior career playing Jr. B, and then went as long as possible in the AJHL (registering 66 goals and 127 points in 2021-22) before kicking off his college tenure. As he’s an older prospect, expectations are high for Hughes, and he often delivers.
20. Alex Bump, LW, 22 (Philadelphia Flyers)
Bump had an impressive 17-game stretch with the Flyers, registering five goals and nine points in 17 games. He also had 11 goals and 26 points in 35 AHL games, showing he could handle the pressure of pro hockey after two great years at Western Michigan. Bump is a solid puckhandler who plays with quite a bit of muscle, but he could have learned to use that a bit more to his advantage in the NHL. Still, his raw skill is intriguing and I could see him be a decent middle-six forward capable of 35-40-point seasons. For now, Bump just needs to consistently impress the coaching staff to ensure he’s with the big club on a full-time basis.
Also considered: Roger McQueen, C, 19 (Anaheim Ducks); Sandis Vilmanis, LW, 22 (Florida Panthers); Oscar Fisker Mølgaard, C, 21 (Seattle Kraken)
DAILY FACEOFF NEWSLETTER
Your daily hockey fix, delivered straight to your inbox. Get connected to every NHL storyline with breaking news, lineup updates, trade buzz, and expert analysis—delivered every morning. Sign up for the Daily Faceoff newsletter and don’t miss a beat!
Recently by Steven Ellis
- One rookie to watch on all 32 NHL teams in 2026-27
- After Macklin Celebrini’s breakout season, is it Will Smith’s turn next?
- Bruins’ Michael DiPietro, finally, set for well-deserved full-time NHL role
- Top NHL 2026-27 bounce-back candidates after suffering sophomore slumps
- Notable players on PTO deals fighting for jobs during 2026-27 NHL preseason
- Four rookie NHL goaltenders to watch in 2026-27
- Top goalie battles to watch during 2026-27 NHL preseason
- 2026-27 NHL team preview: Montreal Canadiens
- Which 2026 draft picks could start the season in the NHL?
Continue reading...