In a preseason where Toronto Maple Leafs defensemen have been battling for a limited number of spots, one name stands out as a potential dark horse: Marshall Rifai. Despite flying under the radar, Rifai has quietly built a reputation as a dependable, physical presence on the blue line. His recent performances have made fans and…
At the risk of reading too much into one preseason game, it seemed clear on Wednesday evening that the Edmonton Oilers don’t have a No. 4 defenseman ready and pegged in to play alongside Darnell Nurse this season. When the Oilers had an opportunity to partner Ty Emberson with Nurse in the latter’s first preseason…
As the Ottawa Senators gear up for the 2024-25 NHL season, head coach Travis Green has been reflecting on the balance he wants to see from his team captain, Brady Tkachuk. Known for his gritty style and willingness to drop the gloves, Tkachuk has often played the role of enforcer for the Senators. However, in…
Last week, the hockey site The Daily Faceoff did a nice preview of the Vancouver Canucks upcoming 2024-25 season. They noted that the team would engage the season with optimism and uncertainty. After a busy offseason filled with strategic moves, several important questions remain that could define the team’s success. That said, if these questions…
The Edmonton Oilers flew into Seattle to face the Kraken on Wednesday night. With two exhibition games left on their schedule, joining them in his first preseason game is defenseman Darnell Nurse. Nurse has been nursing (pun intended) a nagging injury and the team has been cautious not to rush him back. But, as the…
Nick Kypreos, Justin Bourne, and Sam McKee discussed the decision by the Toronto Maple Leafs to ask John Tavares to give up his captaincy this summer, and there was a theory thrown out there that they did so with the intention, or perhaps the hope, that Tavares would be so insulted by the request that…
With just two years left on his contract, Kirill Kaprizov‘s future with the Minnesota Wild is already the subject of intense speculation. A recent rumor suggested that the superstar might be looking in the direction of the Chicago Blackhawks, but that story blew up and it required clarification from the journalist who started it. All…
Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Erik Karlsson is making significant strides toward being ready for the team’s season opener. After missing most of training camp and all preseason games due to an undisclosed injury, Karlsson is back on the ice and inching closer to a return. Erik Karlsson said that he plans on playing in the Penguins’…
Edmonton Oilers goaltender Stuart Skinner debuted a fresh new look in Monday’s preseason matchup against the Seattle Kraken. But his gear isn’t the only thing that’s changed about the starter. The 26-year-old Skinner opened up about his personal and professional growth and development over the last 12 months, possibly foreshadowing a brand new version of…
Photo: Jacob Kupferman The Charlotte Checkers have signed goaltender Keith Kinkaid to a one-year American Hockey League contract. Entering his 14th pro season, Kinkaid has a record of 116-98-29 with a 2.80 goals-against average, a .904 save percentage and 13 shutouts in 250 career AHL appearances with Albany, Laval, Charlotte, Hartford, Providence, Colorado and Chicago….
