On the latest ’32 Thoughts’ podcast, NHL insider Elliotte Friedman’s said that Florida Panthers forward Matthew Tkachuk, who had a torn adductor and sports hernia in the 2025 playoffs, will miss the start of the regular season and his goal could be to return in time for the 2026 Olympics in Italy in February.
Matthew Schaefer, the first overall selection in the 2025 NHL Entry Draft, signed a three-year, entry-level deal with the New York Islanders on Monday. The 17-year-old defenseman had 22 points (7G/15A) in 17 games with the Erie Otters of the Ontario Hockey League last season. His season was cut short after he fractured his collarbone while playing for Canada at the 2025 IIHF World Junior Championship.
The Anaheim Ducks re-signed forward Sam Colangelo to a two-year contract worth $1.7 million. Colangelo’s new deal is two-way this season and one-way in 2026-27. The 23-year-old split his time behind the Ducks (10G/2A in 32 games) and the San Diego Gulls (22G18A in 40 games) last season. Anaheim selected Colangelo in the second-round (36th overall) of the 2020 draft.