Elvis Merzlikins misses training camp after shoulder surgery3 sources

Columbus Blue Jackets goaltender Elvis Merzlikins has undergone shoulder surgery, leaving his return timeline indefinite. General Manager Don Waddell confirmed the procedure followed an MRI that identified the need for surgical intervention after Merzlikins reported discomfort during off-season workouts. The Latvian netminder will miss the start of the 2026-27 campaign. Merzlikins posted a .883 save percentage in 30 games last season as a backup. Jet Greaves, who started 55 games with a .908 save percentage, now faces a heavier workload.

Cutter Gauthier Rejects Ducks Offer, Pavel Zacha Buzz Continues

Cutter Gauthier rejected a four-year, $13 million average annual value offer from the Anaheim Ducks, complicating the team’s roster construction. The Ducks recently matched a five-year, $90 million offer sheet for Leo Carlsson, leaving them with just over $9 million in salary cap space. This financial constraint prevents them from signing Gauthier, who posted 41 goals and 69 points last season, without shedding existing salary. Gauthier lacks arbitration rights and is ineligible for an offer sheet, yet his production justifies his demand for a higher deal. NHL Network Radio’s Paul Shaheen reported the rejection, noting the Ducks must find creative solutions to manage their cap before the season starts.

Islanders Announce Navy Lighthouse Design as Winner of Fan-Voted Third Jersey Contest

The New York Islanders have selected the “Navy Lighthouse” as the winner of their fan-voted third jersey contest. Kristen Shilton reports the decision, confirming the design that resonated most with the team’s supporter base. The lighthouse motif aligns with the franchise’s Long Island heritage, offering a distinct visual identity for upcoming away games. This selection concludes a public voting process that allowed fans to influence the team’s aesthetic direction. The Islanders will now move forward with manufacturing the new uniform. The design marks a specific branding choice for the organization as it prepares for the next competitive season.

Morgan Rielly Enters 14th NHL Season Amid Intense Trade Speculation2 sources

Morgan Rielly enters his fourteenth NHL season with the Toronto Maple Leafs, facing intense trade speculation despite his long tenure. The team plans to keep him on the top defensive pairing alongside newcomer Darren Raddysh, who has assumed the role of highest-paid blueliner. This shift allows Rielly to operate with less spotlight, a dynamic not seen since his 2012 draft. His 2025-26 campaign yielded eleven goals, marking his second-highest total, though the performance was widely viewed as underwhelming. Toronto requires a bounce-back season from the veteran defenseman to secure a Stanley Cup playoff berth or to enhance his trade value.

Ducks face contract dilemma as Gauthier future and 2027 Global Series emerge2 sources

The Hockey News Wraparound podcast examined the Anaheim Ducks’ contract dilemma surrounding Cutter Gauthier. Hosts Emma Lingan, Michael Augello, and Frank Zawrazky dissected the forward’s future with the organization, weighing the team’s strategic options against his emerging value. The discussion also addressed the Ottawa Senators’ potential eight-year extension for Drake Batherson and evaluated Adam Fox’s standing among NHL defensemen. Additional segments explored Vancouver Canucks prospect Adam Novotny’s immediate role, Elvis Merzlikins’ injury impact on Columbus, and the NHL’s 2027 Global Series announcement in Germany. The hosts concluded by analyzing breakout candidates under age 23 and rearranging the 2017 draft class.

Blues target second playoff appearance in five years under new GM Alexander Steen

The St. Louis Blues aim for a second playoff appearance in five years following a disappointing season. New general manager Alexander Steen executed multiple trades and signed free agents to address roster gaps. The team must overcome the absence of Jordan Kyrou, who was shipped to the Washington Capitals. Success hinges on Robert Thomas elevating his offensive output. Thomas has “hovered around a point-per-game pace,” recording 373 points in his last 361 games, but he scored only 64 points last season.

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