Also: Gatcomb gets a one-way deal, leaving Tsyplakov as the only arbitration filer.
While the new NHL CBA (now freshly ratified) that takes effect in 2026-27 mostly maintains the status quo but with several improvements here and there (plus a longer regular season), the world of “amateur” hockey continues to churn.
As Canadian junior players make the jump to the NCAA that was not previously available to them before U.S. courts cut the college “student-athlete” charade, a top NCAA player has changed his mind and jumped to the NHL via a trade to the back-to-back Stanley Cup finalists.
Islanders News
- Will Marc Gatcomb be on the opening night roster? He and the Isles avoided arbitration and he got a one-way deal, but with the competition in camp he could still end up in a “first callup” role. [Post]
- That leaves Max Tsyplakov as the only Isles arbitration filing. His qualifying offer was basically for the minimum, so they have time to work out a better raise or see what an arbitrator makes of his rookie season. [THN]
NHL News
Isaac Howard, the Hobey Baker Award winner, was traded from the Lightning to the Oilers, with whom he immediately signed an ELC. The Michigan State scorer — who previously transferred from Minnesota-Duluth in the NCAA’s new transfer portal world — had said he wanted to stay at Michigan State to continue the championship chase. Maybe the chance to be a missing piece on a Stanley Cup finalist swayed him otherwise. There were no stories last night shedding light on this process, other than the Lightning acquiring prospect Sam O’Reilly in exchange. [NHL]
- The NHL and NHLPA officially ratified the 4-year CBA extension. They’ll post the full doc later, though most of the key details have already been shared. [NHL]
- Next year’s projected 1st overall pick Gavin McKenna has left the WHL to jump to NCAA Penn State. (For the education, I’m sure. And six figures in NIL money.) Will others join him? [Sportsnet]
- The Canadiens have done a lot, but they still have a hole at 2C like so many teams. [Sportsnet]
- Grading every team’s offseason. [ESPN]
- Evgeny Kuznetsov wants to come back to the NHL, his agent promises he won’t cost as much this time. Duh. [TSN]
- The Avalanche have hired Dave Hakstol as an assistant coach. [TSN]
- Evidently Jeff Tambellini played for the Lightning? He replaces Mathieu Darche as assistant GM there, his “third stint” with the franchise. [Lightning]
- Tyler Johnson, once part of the Lightning reign that is now fading, has retired. [NHL]