In the News

TRAVERSE CITY, Mich. — Chicago Blackhawks forward prospect Nick Schmaltz finally had an opportunity to go head-to-head against the one player he idolized as a teenager during the Traverse City prospects tournament at Centre Ice Arena this week. In the end, St. Louis Blues defense prospect Jordan Schmaltz got the best of his little brother […]

Mac Carruth’s career was heading in the wrong direction. Carruth had played in more ECHL games than AHL games two years after signing his entry-level contract with the Chicago Blackhawks. His ECHL numbers weren’t great. He was also thought to be immature and a hothead. When his NHL deal came up after the 2014-15 season, […]

“I think so,” said Dvorak, a center who attended the NHLPA Rookie Showcase on Aug. 29. “Obviously it’s up to the team. But I’m going to try my best, give my best effort in training camp, and I’m looking forward to the opportunity.” Dvorak, 20, had 93 goals and 230 points in 125 games with […]

NEW YORK — Jaccob Slavin scored his first NHL hat trick to help the Carolina Hurricanes to an 8-4 win against the New York Islanders at Barclays Center on Monday. Justin Faulk and Jeff Skinner each scored twice, Joakim Nordstrom had a goal, and Cam Ward made 23 saves for Carolina (28-27-11). “Feels pretty good,” […]

When Ryan Kesler inked his six-year, $41.25-million contract extension with the Anaheim Ducks, the deal was roundly derided. Six more years for a 31-year-old pivot whose style of play dictated that has his best years were likely behind him? There was no way it would work out favorably for the Ducks, and certainly not when […]

In a lost season with very little left to play for, the Colorado Avalanche are getting a headstart on auditioning players for next season’s roster. The trade deadline moves signaled the beginning of a youth movement as they brought in 23-year-old Sven Andrighetto from the Montreal Canadiens and called up 21-year-old J.T. Compher from the […]

When Nick Schmaltz took control of the puck at the top of the right circle Tuesday night, he had a plan in mind as he wheeled around the back of the net. He saw Jonathan Toews drift toward the crease, and he figured the Minnesota Wild would expect him to try a wraparound shot or […]

There is a reason Philadelphia Flyers forward Pierre-Edouard Bellemare arrives at the rink every day with a smile on his face. “If the guys knew where I came from, they’d understand,” Bellemare said. Where he came from is southern France. His improbable hockey journey is why he savors every second he spends in the NHL.

Undersized Viktor Arvidsson was passed over in the the draft three times before the Predators nabbed him. In his second season, he’s showing he was worth the gamble. To be sure, Viktor Arvidsson can score nice goals. But the Nashville left winger’s value goes way beyond his wrist shot. As Predators assistant GM Paul Fenton […]

GLENDALE, Ariz. — The most consistent rookie on the Coyotes roster this season may also be the least talked about rookie on the Coyotes roster. Brendan Perlini has taken the team by storm with eight goals in 25 games, Lawson Crouse is a big, fast, and physical force and Jakob Chychrun looks like a can’t-miss, […]

If it is one’s wish, go ahead and tell Ryan Kesler that he can no longer play at an elite level past 30. He dares you. Mock the six-year contract extension he signed at that age and say the Ducks will pay dearly for writing him big checks as the years move on. He’ll take […]

It looked as if Nick Schmaltz had given the Hawks the lead. The crowd erupted, the goal horn began to sound and the light boards that surround the United Center started flashing. But Schmaltz hadn’t scored. His shot after a drive from the right circle hit Lightning goaltender Andrei Vasilevskiy and went off the far […]