Brady Tkachuk arrives early again, pushing Ottawa’s camp tempo and signaling a drive beyond the playoffs as the Senators chase a deeper run. Jordan Spence’s homecoming move adds blueline depth and a potential surge in ice time behind a rising core that includes Batherson and Pinto. The Spence trade from Los Angeles and the Leafs playoff backdrop frame a push for chemistry and a quicker, more relentless start to 2025-26.

Nick Moldenhauer, selected 20th overall by the Ottawa 67s in the 2020 OHL draft, opted to play for the Chicago Steel in the USHL to preserve his NCAA eligibility instead of joining the OHL. This decision paid off when he was drafted in the third round by the Toronto Maple Leafs in 2022. Now, Moldenhauer returns to the University of Michigan, where he will join teammates like Malcolm Spence and Henry Mews, who are also transitioning from junior leagues. The NCAA is becoming a more attractive option for young players due to ongoing changes in player compensation and amateur rules.

OHL commissioner Bryan Crawford noted that the shift of junior players to college hockey is improving the competition level, with players now facing older, more experienced athletes. This has implications not just for the NCAA but also for the CHL, which remains competitive in attracting top talent. The landscape of hockey is evolving, creating new pathways for player development that benefit both players and leagues.

The Vancouver Canucks have officially signed Braeden Cootes to a three-year entry-level contract following his selection as the 15th overall pick in the NHL Entry Draft. Cootes, an 18-year-old forward, recently concluded a strong season with the Seattle Thunderbirds, where he recorded 26 goals and 37 assists over 60 games, while also serving as the team's captain. His leadership and scoring prowess were evident as he led his team in assists and total points, showcasing his potential for success at the NHL level.

Throughout his WHL career, Cootes has made significant contributions, amassing 40 goals and 59 assists in 131 games. His international experience adds to his profile, having captained Canada’s U18 team to gold at the 2025 World Championships. Cootes' physical attributes, standing at five-foot-11 and weighing 183 pounds, paired with his skill set, position him for a promising future with the Canucks.

The Pittsburgh Penguins have made a strategic acquisition as they traded defensemen Isaac Belliveau and Conor Timmins to the Buffalo Sabres in exchange for Connor Clifton and a second-round pick in the 2025 NHL Draft.

This deal highlights the Penguins' ongoing efforts to strengthen their defensive lineup, potentially positioning themselves for a deeper playoff run. The second-round pick allowed the Penguins to draft Peyton Kettles, a young defenseman who could add depth to their future roster. Clifton's experience and skill set may prove invaluable in bolstering both the defensive and offensive aspects of the game.