SPRINGFIELD, Mass. … The Springfield Thunderbirds and St. Louis Blues have announced an extension of their affiliation agreement through the 2030-31 season. The deal further solidifies the long-term future of the American Hockey League in Springfield, one of the league’s charter cities. “We are thrilled to continue our richly rewarding long-term partnership with the St….
The Toronto Maple Leafs’ defense was ranked in the middle of the pack by The Athletic despite a significant overhaul this offseason. GM Brad Treliving’s complete blue line makeover was expected to elevate the team’s defensive prowess, but skepticism remains regarding how well the new pieces will gel and perform. What’s Wrong With the Maple…
Michael Mersch went home this summer to suburban Chicago with some hard thinking ahead of him. He had wrapped up another pro season. Certainly he could still play. Nobody doubted that, not after he supplied 38 points (15 goals, 23 assists) in 66 games for the Rochester Americans. A classic power forward at 6-foot-2 and…
The Edmonton Oilers turned heads at practice this week when Jeff Skinner was demoted off the second line and placed on the third line. Mattias Janmark was given his spot, and the early belief was that a poor preseason by Skinner had warranted the change. Fortunately, fans can press pause on the panic button as…
Photo: Joel Auerbach/Getty Images The Carolina Hurricanes have signed forward Skyler Brind’Amour to a one-year, two-way contract for the 2024-25 season. Brind’Amour made his professional debut with the AHL’s Charlotte Checkers in 2023-24, registering three goals and five assists in 54 appearances. He had been in training camp with the Hurricanes on a tryout. Brind’Amour…
One of the biggest surprises for the Vancouver Canucks over the past two seasons has been the emergence of Dakota Joshua. While he wasn’t on anyone’s radar when the Canucks signed him during the 2022 offseason, Joshua has since developed into a strong player for the team. Known for his relentless motor, physicality, and heart,…
The Milwaukee Admirals have signed forward Isaac Ratcliffe to an American Hockey League contract for the 2024-25 season. Ratcliffe spent last season with the AHL’s Chicago Wolves, recording seven goals and three assists in a career-high 66 appearances. The sixth-year pro returns to Milwaukee after finishing the 2022-23 season with the Admirals. He tallied 16…
The Florida Panthers have secured a key piece of their future, announcing that Carter Verhaeghe has signed an eight-year, $56 million contract extension following the team’s season-opening win. The deal, which carries an average annual value of $7 million, keeps Verhaeghe with the defending Stanley Cup champions and comes as a welcome surprise to fans….
Photo: Norm Hall/NHLI via Getty Images The Syracuse Crunch have signed forward Logan Brown to an American Hockey League contract. Brown, who missed the 2023-24 season due to injury, attended training camp on a tryout with the Tampa Bay Lightning. He spent the previous two seasons with the St. Louis Blues organization. A first-round choice…
Raphael Lavoie is back on waivers as the Vegas Golden Knights have decided they don’t want or need both Lavoie and Cole Schwindt. Rumors circulated on Monday that the Golden Knights were surprised when they got both players. As such, they have placed the former Oilers’ forward and prospect on waivers again, which could turn…
