In a strikingly unconventional twist to the combat sports world, Ice Wars debuted with its inaugural event, showcasing bare-knuckle brawls on a synthetic ice surface. This new venture, rooted in hockey culture, featured fighters like Nick and Will LaPorte, who brought an entertaining mix of personality and skill to the ring. Attendees in Mt. Pleasant, Michigan, reveled in the unique setup, complete with 90-second rounds emphasizing knockouts, reminiscent of classic hockey fights.

Notable performances included Nick LaPorte, who secured a TKO against Matt Dunn in under a minute, while the atmosphere was charged with camaraderie as fighters mingled post-fight. Legendary judges like Darren McCarty, along with an eclectic mix of spectators and fighters, underscored the event's potential for mainstream appeal. Charlie Nama, the founder, aims to merge the spirit of hockey with entertainment, raising questions about the future of this novel sport.

The Ottawa Senators have signed defenseman Lassi Thomson to a one-year, two-way contract for the 2025-26 season, with an average annual value of $775,000 in the NHL and $300,000 in the AHL. The 24-year-old Thomson, who previously played for Malmo in the Swedish Hockey League, had a productive season, tallying 17 goals and 29 points in 50 games.

Since being drafted by Ottawa as the 19th overall pick in 2019, Thomson has seen limited NHL action, playing 18 games with the Senators. He was briefly with the Anaheim Ducks after being claimed off waivers but returned to Ottawa just days later. His AHL tenure with the Belleville Senators has been more fruitful, as he accumulated 24 goals and 93 points over 202 games.

As NHL teams prepare for the upcoming season, several players are emerging as potential breakout candidates. Notably, the spotlight shines on Liam Ohgren, who has shown impressive growth in the junior leagues and is expected to make a significant impact at the professional level. Meanwhile, Jorian Donovan is gaining traction as a defensive cornerstone for the Ottawa Senators, drawing attention for his two-way play.

In the crease, Zach Sawchenko's competitive spirit and recent performances suggest he could secure a backup role, providing valuable depth for the Columbus Blue Jackets. With teams evaluating their rosters, the upcoming training camps will be crucial for these players to solidify their positions and make their mark in the NHL.

Chris Kreider has waived his no-trade clause, paving the way for a move from the New York Rangers to the Anaheim Ducks in exchange for prospect Carey Terrance and draft picks. This trade allows the Ducks to absorb Kreider's $6.5 million annual contract over the next two years while providing the Rangers with significant cap flexibility heading into free agency.

After missing the playoffs, Rangers GM Chris Drury is restructuring his roster, continuing changes he initiated earlier in the season. Kreider, a 34-year-old veteran, has contributed significantly to the Rangers, being their all-time playoff leader in goals and many other categories. However, his production dipped this season, with 22 goals and 8 assists, amid health concerns including a hand injury and vertigo.