Analysis

Why is Quinn Hughes’ name popping up in trade talk? Could Vancouver’s roster timing and trajectory explain the chatter?

Critics call Hutson’s stride frantic. The truth? NHL success will come by getting stronger, faster, and more himself, not by imitation.

How are the Maple Leafs shaping their top four lines ahead of tonight’s game in Washington—and what does it mean for the team’s offence?

Why does this Oilers season feel so different—can Knoblauch’s patience carry them, or are goaltending and defense problems too big to ignore?

Can Joseph Woll carry the Leafs, will young players like Cowan step up, and can Berube fix his coaching choices in tight games?

Sharing hockey cards with kids isn’t just fun—it can spark reading, math, science, and creativity in the classroom. Why?

The Maple Leafs have the talent, but three key fixes could turn their slump into a winning streak—starting tonight in Columbus.

If Quinn Hughes wants to win now, could that desire push the Canucks toward a breaking point sooner than anyone expects?

Chris Pronger called Lane Hutson a “water bug” on HNIC—chaotic, brilliant, and needing refinement. Was he right?

Friedman says the Senators might be Canada’s top team—what’s changed, and why are they finally winning where they used to stumble?

If a rival GM calls about Easton Cowan, does Treliving hang up—or does timing force the Leafs to at least listen?

Can the Maple Leafs fix their shaky goaltending and inconsistent scoring, or will the Atlantic’s surprise leaders keep them down?

Was it the Canadiens' shine or the Maple Leafs' stumble? Toronto needs a reset on this tough 5-game road trip.

Was it the Canadiens' shine or the Maple Leafs' stumble? Toronto needs a reset on this tough 5-game road trip.

The Canadiens are shaky in net, but is calling up Jacob Fowler now the answer—or a risk that could stall the kid’s long-term growth?

The Jets are about to find out who they really are without Hellebuyck. Can they hold on, or does this stretch sink their season?

Edmonton Oilers dazzle with offense, but 82 goals against are testing fans’ patience—can Edmonton tighten up before it really costs them?

Can the Maple Leafs survive stretches like this? A look at resilience, ice-time trust, and mental grit in tough early-season games.

Stuart Skinner’s heating up—clutch OT saves, steady wins, true #1 potential. If the Oilers want momentum, they need to ride the goalie who’s finding his groove.

Eighteen games in, the Jets aren’t flashy—but their stars are steady, their depth is steady, and their offense is quietly doing real damage.

The Maple Leafs’ Achilles’ heel isn’t scoring—it’s defense. The Rule of 3 shows why structure in their own end still wins games.

Are the Flames stuck in neutral, or simply ignoring the parts of their game that matter most? What is Ryan Huska really asking of his team right now?

Zach Hyman is back! Edmonton’s top line with McDavid and Savoie just got its engine roaring — grit, goals, and unstoppable drive.

Even without Brady Tkachuk, the Senators are surprising the Atlantic — leading, scoring, and proving depth can rise to the occasion.

If effort, not trades, is Toronto’s issue, is Friedman saying more about the Maple Leafs than he lets on?

Canucks season is up and down: DeBrusk delivering, Pettersson needs to shoot more—can the penalty kill turn it around?

Why are the Canadiens playing with confidence this season? Is it luck, or is there a method behind Montreal’s young team’s success?

Can David Kämpf help restore order to the chaos? The Maple Leafs don’t need a savior — just someone who still believes in structure.

Are the Maple Leafs’ struggles about bad fits, bad coaching, or bad luck? Fans are debating everything from Domi to Berube’s style.

The Oilers’ 9–1 loss to Colorado raises early-season questions about depth, defence, and whether they still look like real Cup contenders.

Is David Kämpf’s time with the Maple Leafs over? Suspension, contract talks, and AHL refusal make his future in Toronto unclear."

"Are the Edmonton Oilers still the team we saw dominate last season, or are early struggles a sign something deeper is off?"

Can Montreal’s mix of youth and experience keep rolling? Caufield, Suzuki, and Demidov led the Canadiens to a 6–2 win over Utah!

Where are the Maple Leafs headed this season? Surprising highs, puzzling lows—can they find consistency before time runs out?

Can Montreal’s mix of youth and experience keep rolling? Caufield, Suzuki, and Demidov led the Canadiens to a 6–2 win over Utah!

Can the Ottawa Senators turn last season’s playoff spark into something bigger—or will their growing pains hold them back in 2025–26?

Which Canadian NHL teams are surprising, slipping, or shining early this season—and what does The Athletic see for their Olympic hopes?"

Bedard dazzles, Celebrini shines — but the Flames and Jets both stumble. Can Calgary and Winnipeg steady the ship before frustration sets in?

Are the Canucks a good team finding their way—or just getting by on effort and goaltending?

Are the Ottawa Senators’ biggest battles happening on the ice—or in the dressing room?

Can the Canadiens and Senators turn tough OT losses into growth, or will these close calls reveal limits for Canada’s young teams?

Can David Kampf turn frustration in the minors into a meaningful role with the Maple Leafs and stay ready for another NHL shot?

Are the Maple Leafs asking too much of Easton Cowan and Nick Robertson — or are these young forwards truly ready to carry the load?

Linus Ullmark heads back to Boston to face his old team in a game full of memory and meaning. Can he stop the Bruins' streak?

Hellebuyck holds the fort, Comrie quietly impresses — Winnipeg’s goalies giving the Jets steady hands in a season still finding its footing.

Easton Cowan’s future with the Maple Leafs is in question: stay in the NHL now or develop in the AHL? Here, we weigh the pros and cons.

Matthews and Nylander click, youngsters fight for ice time — can the Maple Leafs solve the lineup puzzle and make a deep playoff run?

The Maple Leafs might have found what they’ve been missing—a heartbeat. A wild comeback vs. Pittsburgh could be the moment their season turns.

Is Elias Pettersson finally back? Three signs suggest the Canucks’ star is rediscovering his edge, his grit, and his leadership.

Are the Oilers finally finding real chemistry—or just catching a hot streak before the blender starts again?

Can Linus Ullmark find consistency for the Senators this season? His highs impress, but the rough games leave fans uneasy—what’s next?

Can Jonathan Toews settle in and lead the Jets this season? His hometown return shows promise, but will he hit his stride?

Can the Maple Leafs survive rough starts and still pull off big wins? Last night’s 4-3 comeback shows they just might.

Can Sam Montembeault step up as the Canadiens’ go-to goalie? Coach Martin St. Louis is giving him the chance—will he seize it?

Canadian teams had a wild Monday—McDavid hits 1,100, Leafs rally, Canucks win in OT. Which team impressed the most?

Senators' Drake Batherson Looks Like a Star in the Making

Are the Montreal Canadiens finally ready to turn experience into success — and make 2025–26 the season their rebuild starts to pay off?

Can the Cowan–Tavares–Nylander line give the Maple Leafs the balance they’ve been missing — and help a rookie find his place among the stars?