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Nashville Predators general manager Chris MacFarland speaks during a news conference at the team's NHL hockey training camp Thursday, Sept. 17, 2026, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)

A new era in Nashville: Chris MacFarland reshapes the Predators with speed and bold moves

Teresa M. Walker, The Associated Press 5 minute read 6:10 AM CDT

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Fans made very clear they wanted the Nashville Predators to hire a new general manager with no ties to David Poile or Barry Trotz, eager for someone with fresh ideas and connections to revive or rebuild the franchise.

Chris MacFarland is trying to revitalize the Predators and get them to contender status as soon as possible.

“You saw all the moves he made this summer," captain Roman Josi said of the man nicknamed “CMac.” "You know he wants to win with this team now and he wants compete now, and I think especially for guys who are a little bit older too, that’s huge.”

MacFarland was introduced in June as Nashville's new president of hockey operations and only the franchise’s third general manager. His resume made it easy for Predators chairman and majority owner Bill Haslam to select a man who spent 11 seasons with Colorado, the last four as general manager.

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Hockey

FILE - Florida Panthers' Brad Marchand (63) controls the puck against the Minnesota Wild during the second period of an NHL hockey game Jan. 24, 2026, in St. Paul, Minn. (AP Photo/Lily Dozier, File)

After lost season because of injuries, Florida hoping for another deep playoff run

The Associated Press 3 minute read Preview

After lost season because of injuries, Florida hoping for another deep playoff run

The Associated Press 3 minute read 5:11 AM CDT

Florida Panthers

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (AP) — Last season: 40-38-4, missed playoffs.

COACH: Paul Maurice (181-125-22 over four seasons with Florida, 956-805-152 over 28 seasons overall).

SEASON OPENER: Sept. 29 at Carolina.

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5:11 AM CDT

Hockey

FILE - Pittsburgh Penguins' Sidney Crosby (87) celebrates scoring a goal with Erik Karlsson during the second period of an NHL hockey game against the San Jose Sharks, Nov. 16, 2024, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar, File)

Penguins run it back maybe one last time the Big Three after a surprise 2nd-place finish

Will Graves, The Associated Press 3 minute read Preview

Penguins run it back maybe one last time the Big Three after a surprise 2nd-place finish

Will Graves, The Associated Press 3 minute read 5:10 AM CDT

Pittsburgh Penguins

PITTSBURGH (AP) — Last season: 41-25-16, lost to Philadelphia in opening round of the playoffs.

COACH: Dan Muse (41-25-16, one season).

SEASON OPENER: Sept. 30 at Philadelphia.

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5:10 AM CDT

Hockey

FILE - Carolina Hurricanes center Jordan Staal celebrates after a win over the Vegas Golden Knights in Game 6 of the NHL hockey Stanley Cup Final series June 14, 2026, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher, File)

The Carolina Hurricanes now face a new challenge: playing as reigning Stanley Cup champion

Aaron Beard, The Associated Press 3 minute read Preview

The Carolina Hurricanes now face a new challenge: playing as reigning Stanley Cup champion

Aaron Beard, The Associated Press 3 minute read 5:10 AM CDT

Carolina Hurricanes

RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — Last season: 53-22-7, won Stanley Cup.

COACH: Rod Brind'Amour (378-182-56 over eight seasons).

SEASON OPENER: Sept. 29 vs. Florida.

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5:10 AM CDT

Hockey

FILE - Buffalo Sabres defenseman Rasmus Dahlin (26) carries the puck over the blue line during the first period of an NHL hockey game against the Columbus Blue Jackets, April 9, 2026, in Buffalo, N.Y. (AP Photo/Jeffrey T. Barnes, File)

Dahlin-led Buffalo Sabres hungry for more a season after ending NHL-record 14-year playoff drought

The Associated Press 3 minute read Preview

Dahlin-led Buffalo Sabres hungry for more a season after ending NHL-record 14-year playoff drought

The Associated Press 3 minute read 5:10 AM CDT

Buffalo Sabres

BUFFALO, N.Y. (AP) — Last season: 50-23-9, snapped NHL-record 14-season playoff drought; lost to Montreal in second round.

COACH: Lindy Ruff (950-741-169 and 78 ties over 26 seasons).

SEASON OPENER: Oct. 1 at Columbus.

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5:10 AM CDT

Hockey

FILE - Boston Bruins' David Pastrnak looks on during the second period of an NHL hockey game against the Philadelphia Flyers, Feb. 28, 2026, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Chris Szagola, File)

Bruins will have new captain in Year 2 under Marco Sturm as they try to keep pace in loaded division

Kyle Hightower, The Associated Press 3 minute read Preview

Bruins will have new captain in Year 2 under Marco Sturm as they try to keep pace in loaded division

Kyle Hightower, The Associated Press 3 minute read 5:10 AM CDT

Boston Bruins

BOSTON (AP) — Last season: 45-27-10, lost to Buffalo in opening round of the playoffs.

COACH: Marco Sturm (45-27-10, one season).

SEASON OPENER: Sept. 29 vs. New York Rangers.

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5:10 AM CDT

NHL

JOHN WOODS / FREE PRESS Winnipeg Jets’ goaltender Stuart Skinner keeps his eyes on the puck as teammate Mario Ferraro defends against Colorado Avalanche’s Nikita Prishchepov during the second period of the Jets pre-season game against the Avs, Monday in Winnipeg.

Jets goaltender collects victory in first start for new team

Mike McIntyre 7 minute read Preview

Jets goaltender collects victory in first start for new team

Mike McIntyre 7 minute read Yesterday at 10:59 PM CDT

He received the loudest ovation on the team before the puck had even been dropped, with chants of “Stuuuuu” ringing out inside Canada Life Centre during pre-game introductions.

And he heard the love time and time again — with each and every save, in fact — as the evening progressed.

Yes, the Stuart Skinner era is off to a strong start, as the new No. 1 man in net for the Winnipeg Jets made a great first impression on Monday in front of an announced crowd of 13,363.

Skinner stopped 31 of 32 shots he faced in a 3-1 pre-season victory for the Jets over a very young, inexperienced Colorado Avalanche squad.

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Yesterday at 10:59 PM CDT

Winnipeg Jets

MIKAELA MACKENZIE / FREE PRESS FILES Winnipeg Jets defenceman Jack St. Ivany said Monday he’s confident he can earn a spot in the regular lineup.

Jets St. Ivany looking to solidify himself as a regular on defence

Ken Wiebe 6 minute read Preview

Jets St. Ivany looking to solidify himself as a regular on defence

Ken Wiebe 6 minute read Yesterday at 5:34 PM CDT

Jack St. Ivany was on the driving range preparing for a round of golf on the morning of June 29 when he noticed he had missed a call from Kyle Dubas.

The general manager of the Pittsburgh Penguins was reaching out to inform St. Ivany that he had been moved to the Winnipeg Jets in a deal for Swedish forward David Gustafsson.

“He’s not really calling me on the regular, so I figured I was traded or that something bigger happened,” St. Ivany said before the Jets faced the Colorado Avalanche in exhibition action on Monday. “I had never really been traded. Everything unfolds quickly. It was pretty crazy. Before you know it, you’re with a new team and you turn the page.”

A series of phone calls followed, including one from Jets general manager Kevin Cheveldayoff, welcoming him to the organization.

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Yesterday at 5:34 PM CDT

Hockey

FILE - Carolina Hurricanes center Jordan Staal (11) lifts the Stanley Cup after a win over the Vegas Golden Knights in Game 6 of the NHL hockey Stanley Cup Final series, June 14, 2026, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/Candice Ward, File)

Hurricanes are a unique Stanley Cup champion with a style that is hard for rivals to replicate

Stephen Whyno, The Associated Press 5 minute read Preview

Hurricanes are a unique Stanley Cup champion with a style that is hard for rivals to replicate

Stephen Whyno, The Associated Press 5 minute read Updated: Yesterday at 3:18 PM CDT

Brady Tkachuk marvels at how the Carolina Hurricanes “give you no time and space.” He and the Ottawa Senators were swept by them last spring.

Jamie Drysdale called the 'Canes relentless, and teammate Trevor Zegras remembers wave after wave that “over a series, it wears you down.” The Philadelphia Flyers also got swept.

By the Eastern Conference Final, Cole Caufield figured, “They finally got to a point where they were kind of unbeatable.” He and the Montreal Canadiens won the series opener, then lost the next four.

Mitch Marner calls their style a “full-court press” where an opponent needs three good plays to get one good look at the goal. He and the Vegas Golden Knights led the Stanley Cup Final two games to one before losing three in a row and the series.

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Updated: Yesterday at 3:18 PM CDT

Hockey

FILE - Dallas Stars center Sam Steel passes the puck against the Utah Mammoth during the second period of an NHL hockey game, Jan. 31, 2026, in Salt Lake City. (AP Photo/Melissa Majchrzak, File)

Stars sign forward Sam Steel to $14.8M, 4-year extension through 2030-31

The Associated Press 2 minute read Preview

Stars sign forward Sam Steel to $14.8M, 4-year extension through 2030-31

The Associated Press 2 minute read Yesterday at 1:47 PM CDT

FRISCO, Texas (AP) — The Dallas Stars have signed forward Sam Steel to a $14.8 million, four-year contract extension that will begin next season and go through 2030-31.

General manager Jim Nill said Monday that Steel's consistency and versatility have made him a valuable asset for the Stars. Steel joined them as a free agent in 2023 and this season is wrapping up a $4.2 million, two-year extension he signed in February 2025.

Steel has 175 points (61 goals, 114 assists) in 491 regular-season games with the Anaheim Ducks (2018-22), Minnesota Wild (2022-23) and Stars. He set career highs last season for goals (12), assists (21), points (33), game-winning goals (five) and hits (79).

___

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Yesterday at 1:47 PM CDT

Hockey

Vancouver Canucks' Paul Cotter looks on during the opening day of the NHL hockey team's training camp, in Penticton, B.C., on Thursday, Sept. 17, 2026. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck

Newcomer Paul Cotter looking to balance skill, physicality with Vancouver Canucks

Gemma Karstens-Smith, The Canadian Press 5 minute read Preview

Newcomer Paul Cotter looking to balance skill, physicality with Vancouver Canucks

Gemma Karstens-Smith, The Canadian Press 5 minute read Yesterday at 1:44 PM CDT

PENTICTON - Paul Cotter believes the Vancouver Canucks are on to something special. 

The American winger signed with the rebuilding NHL team as a free agent in July and, after getting to know his teammates in recent weeks, said he believes the new front office is constructing the future "the right way." 

"I think (the team’s) very hungry," he said at Canucks' training camp in Penticton, B.C. "I think we have a great balance of leadership as well as young skilled players. 

"Honestly, I think we're going to surprise a lot of people. I'd rather be an underdog than in the middle of the pack. So it's pretty fun.”

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Yesterday at 1:44 PM CDT

Hockey

Colorado Avalanche celebrate a goal as Edmonton Oilers' Evan Bouchard (2) skates past during second period NHL action, in Edmonton on Monday, April 13, 2026. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jason Franson

Oilers defenceman Evan Bouchard hears off-season criticism of defensive play

John Korobanik, The Canadian Press 5 minute read Preview

Oilers defenceman Evan Bouchard hears off-season criticism of defensive play

John Korobanik, The Canadian Press 5 minute read Updated: Yesterday at 2:30 PM CDT

EDMONTON - Evan Bouchard has heard the criticism about his often-costly defensive miscues, so the Edmonton Oilers defenceman plans to simplify that part of his game, saying the change should not impact his already elite-level offensive skills.

Bouchard led all NHL defenceman in scoring last season with 21 goals and 95 points while playing all 82 games. Despite the criticism from local fans and media about his defensive play, the 26-year-old from Oakville, Ont., finished with a positive plus-minus rating of 25.

Asked early in training camp what areas he’s looking to improve upon this season, Bouchard addressed the criticism directly.

"Keeping the puck out of the net when I’m out there," he said. "I think the offence will come, but most importantly focus on the defensive side of things first.”

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Updated: Yesterday at 2:30 PM CDT

Hockey

FILE - Washington Capitals left wing Alex Ovechkin reacts after he was named the first star after an NHL hockey game against the Pittsburgh Penguins, April 12, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Nick Wass, File)

Capitals say Alex Ovechkin is day to day with a lower-body injury

The Associated Press 1 minute read Preview

Capitals say Alex Ovechkin is day to day with a lower-body injury

The Associated Press 1 minute read Yesterday at 12:27 PM CDT

ARLINGTON, Va. (AP) — Alex Ovechkin is day to day with a lower-body injury, less than two weeks before the Washington Capitals' season opener.

The NHL's career goal-scoring leader did not play in Washington's preseason opener against Boston on Sunday, and a team spokesman said Monday he did not practice with the non-game group either. The Capitals face Philadelphia in Hershey, Pennsylvania, on Monday night.

Their regular season starts Oct. 2 at Carolina.

The 41-year-old Ovechkin is back for his 22nd NHL season. He played all 82 games in 2025-26, scoring 32 goals with 32 assists.

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Yesterday at 12:27 PM CDT

Hockey

Mike Babcock is back in the NHL as the Oilers and four other teams make coaching changes

Stephen Whyno, The Associated Press 6 minute read Updated: Yesterday at 1:45 PM CDT

Mike Babcock last coached an NHL game in November 2019. His biggest accomplishments in the sport so far were guiding Canada to gold at the Olympics in 2010 and 2014 and the Detroit Red Wings to the Stanley Cup in 2008.

All these years later, the Edmonton Oilers are turning to Babcock to be the person to get Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl the championship that has eluded two of the best hockey players in the world for more than a decade.

Babcock, 63, is back in the league three years since taking over the Columbus Blue Jackets and resigning before training camp when his requests for personal photos from players in a bonding effort drew criticism as too invasive. He is old school, and that is what the Oilers wanted.

“He’s bringing experience and accountability," Oilers CEO of hockey operations Jeff Jackson said this summer. “That’s what we wanted on the organizational management side, and that’s what our players wanted -- our leadership group — so it all aligned."

Hockey

Maple Leafs goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky looks on during a pre-season game against the Montreal Canadiens in Toronto on Saturday, Sept. 19, 2026. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Sammy Kogan

A look at some of the NHL names to find new homes this off-season

Joshua Clipperton, The Canadian Press 3 minute read Preview

A look at some of the NHL names to find new homes this off-season

Joshua Clipperton, The Canadian Press 3 minute read Yesterday at 4:00 AM CDT

The NHL off-season saw some significant names switch teams. A veteran head coach, meanwhile, is back in the spotlight. The Canadian Press takes a look at some of the notable changes to postal codes ahead of the 2026-27 campaign.

SERGEI BOBROVSKY

The 38-year-old goaltender signed with the Maple Leafs after backstopping the Florida Panthers to consecutive Stanley Cup victories in 2024 and 2025. Bobrovsky is coming off a difficult campaign, but owns a career .912 save percentage and a 2.61 goals-against average as he looks to help Toronto get back in the playoffs after missing out last spring for the first time in a decade.

BRADY TKACHUK

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Yesterday at 4:00 AM CDT

NHL

JOHN WOODS / FREE PRESS Winnipeg Jets head coach Scott Arniel says the decision for Manitoba to adopt permanent daylight time has thrown things off for teams around the NHL.

Jets up against the clock

Mike McIntyre 8 minute read Preview

Jets up against the clock

Mike McIntyre 8 minute read Sunday, Sep. 20, 2026

Time has often been on the side of the Winnipeg Jets, with Cole Perfetti’s famous “Manitoba Miracle” buzzer-beater serving as Exhibit A.

But that won’t necessarily be the case this coming season, when the clock threatens to become a stubborn and, at times, confusing opponent.

Premier Wab Kinew’s decision to adopt permanent daylight time will have a significant impact on the hockey club, both as hosts and visitors, head coach Scott Arniel told the Free Press on Sunday.

Athletes are creatures of habit, and their regular routines are going to be challenged during the period from Nov. 1 to March 14, which covers the majority of the 84-game campaign.

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Sunday, Sep. 20, 2026

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