Matvei Michkov for the Calder?

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Good morning. Today’s newsletter is officially the last of this offseason as the NHL regular season begins Friday for the Sabres and Devils before the rest of the league gets underway next Tuesday (October 8th).

— Brandon Rubeo

CAN’T MISS HOCKEY NEWS 🎯

🇨🇿 The Buffalo Sabres and New Jersey Devils open the NHL regular season Friday (1 PM ET) in Prague for the 2024 NHL Global Series at O2 Arena. The Sabres have named Rasmus Dahlin as their new captain, replacing Kyle Okposo, and have playoff-hopes assuming their young core can step up this season. In Munich, J.J. Peterka starred in a 5-0 win over EHC Red Bull München as part of their European trip. The Devils are without key players Luke Hughes and Brett Pesce due to injuries but will rely on Dougie Hamilton and newcomer Brendan Dillon to anchor their defense. Meanwhile, Ondrej Palat is excited to play an NHL game in his home country and newly acquired netminder Jacob Markstrom is eager to make his Devils debut. Read more →

🍿 Welcome to the Matvei Michkov show! The 19-year-old Russian right winger is making waves in his first NHL preseason, racking up six points in just three games—including an OT snipe against the Bruins (watch below). Drafted 7th overall by the Flyers in 2023, Michkov was electric in the KHL last season, posting 19 goals and 22 assists in 47 games for HK Sochi as an 18-year-old. His KHL contract was terminated early, paving the way for him to sign with Philadelphia on the opening day of free agency. Michkov was widely projected to go 2nd overall behind Connor Bedard if not for concerns that he'd play out his full contract in Russia. Now, with two years of KHL experience against top-tier pros, he's entering the NHL as a serious Calder Trophy contender. Despite tough competition from Macklin Celebrini (SJS), Will Smith (SJS), and Cutter Gauthier (ANA), Michkov’s professional experience and undeniable skill set give him a noteworthy edge heading into the season. Read more →

🏥 Kings defenseman Drew Doughty will undergo surgery for a broken left ankle, sidelining him for most of the season. Although head coach Jim Hiller didn’t provide a timeline, the 34-year-old defenseman is listed as “month-to-month” and expected to return before season's end. The former 2nd overall pick, a key figure in the Kings' 2012 and 2014 Stanley Cup wins, was injured during a preseason game against Vegas. Doughty led all Kings’ players in average ice time (25:48) and all Kings’ defenseman in goals (15), assists (35), and points (50) last season. His absence leaves a significant gap in the Kings' top-four defense, but promising young players Brandt Clarke and Jordan Spence are expected to step up. Read more →

POLL 🗳️

ICYMI 💸

Bruins President and former on-ice badass, Cam Neely, didn’t mince words about ongoing contract negotiations with restricted free agent netminder Jeremy Swayman:

And it didn’t take long for Jeremy Swayman’s agent, Lewis Gross, to release a statement defending his client:

QUICK HITS ⚡️

• All 32 NHL teams to honour Gaudreau brothers with helmet decals (Sportsnet)

• Opposing goalies, teammates still in awe of Ovechkin as he chases Gretzky's record (TSN)

• Crosby brings 'Beatles' effect to 2024 Kraft Hockeyville (NHL.com)

• Habs await injury update for Laine, Reinbacher (TSN)

• Habs defenceman Xhekaj fined for unsportsmanlike conduct after attack on Leafs forward Paré (CBC)

• Ducks goalie John Gibson has appendectomy, out 3-6 weeks (ESPN)

COACHES CORNER 🏒

• Simple stickhandling warm up drills demonstrated by the Florida Panthers (Max Ivanov)

• 1-on-1 battles below the goal line (Hockey BTNL)

TRIVIA 🧠