Oliver Bonk Out Week-To-Week With Upper-Body Injury
Although reporting from a few days ago that Philadelphia Flyers prospect Oliver Bonk was dealing with a milder upper-body injury, it doesn’t appear he’ll return for the team’s preseason. The Flyers announced that Bonk remains approximately two weeks out from returning, which will take him past the opening night of the NHL and AHL seasons.
It’s an unfortunate circumstance for the Ottawa native who had an outside chance of making the Flyers’ opening night roster, albeit on a short leash. Still, he’s expected to begin the first professional season of his career with the AHL’s Lehigh Valley Phantoms.
After being drafted with the 22nd overall pick by Philadelphia in the 2022 NHL Draft, Bonk has spent the last three years with the OHL’s London Knights. He has been exceptional with the renowned OHL program, scoring 45 goals and 147 points in 179 games with a +82 rating. He’s sustained that high level of play in the postseason, scoring nine goals and 41 points in 56 playoff contests over that span.
Despite not having yet registered a game at the professional level, Bonk had a legitimate opportunity to make Philadelphia’s opening night roster, largely due to the poor play of his peers on defense. Head coach Rick Tocchet has reportedly become disenfranchised with the available defense options, telling NHL contributor Bill Meltzer that nobody has stepped up enough to grab one of the team’s bubble spots on defense.
Should that disappointing play continue into the first few weeks of the regular season, the Flyers could conceivably use Bonk’s first few games with the Phantoms as a makeshift training camp. If he excels through the first few weeks, Philadelphia could recall him for an opportunity at the NHL level.
Ryker Evans Out Six To Eight Weeks With Upper-Body Injury
While defenseman Vince Dunn is being evaluated for a mild injury, the Seattle Kraken are confirmed to be without at least one defenseman to begin the 2025-26 campaign. The Kraken announced that Ryker Evans will miss the next six to eight weeks with an upper-body injury.
It’s an unfortunate circumstance for Evans on the Kraken, as the defenseman was likely to start the year as the team’s next best option on the left side behind Dunn. Seattle signed Evans, who was a restricted free agent, to a two-year, $4.1MM contract in mid-August this past offseason.
He played well in his first full-time opportunity at the NHL level, scoring five goals and 25 points in 73 games for the Kraken last year, averaging 19:29 of ice time per night. Although his possession and defensive metrics left much to be desired throughout his first full campaign, Evans still finished with more than 100 blocked shots and 100 hits.
Although missing nearly two months to injury could hurt Evans’ development, the Kraken shouldn’t have much to worry about if his past AHL performances are any indication of his future ability. In one-and-a-half years with the AHL’s Coachella Valley Firebirds, Evans became one of the most efficient scorers on defense, registering eight goals and 59 points in 96 games, including an additional nine goals and 36 points in 44 Calder Cup playoff contests.
Fortunately, despite the Kraken losing their fourth-best scorer from the blue line last season, they should have the depth to hold down the fort while Evans recovers. The team inked defenseman Ryan Lindgren to a four-year pact this summer, meaning they’ll have a suitable replacement for the time being behind Dunn.
PHR Live Chat Transcript: 10/1/25
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Waivers: 10/1/25
With less than a week to go until the regular season, waiver season is in full swing. According to PuckPedia, the largest waiver placement of the preseason has taken place:
Boston Bruins
Colorado Avalanche
D Wyatt Aamodt
F Daniil Gushchin
Detroit Red Wings
F Sheldon Dries
D William Lagesson
F John Leonard
D Ian Mitchell
F Dominik Shine
F Austin Watson
Florida Panthers
F MacKenzie Entwistle
F Nolan Foote
F Wilmer Skoog
Los Angeles Kings
D Samuel Bolduc
F Logan Brown
F Martin Chromiak
G Pheonix Copley
F Glenn Gawdin
F Cole Guttman
D Joe Hicketts
F Andre Lee
F Akil Thomas
F Taylor Ward
Nashville Predators
Philadelphia Flyers
San Jose Sharks
Tampa Bay Lightning
F Nicholas Abruzzese
F Boris Katchouk
F Jakob Pelletier
Utah Mammoth
Washington Capitals
D Louis Belpedio
F Graeme Clarke
F Henrik Rybinski
F Bogdan Trineyev
Winnipeg Jets
Nashville Predators Claim Tyson Jost Off Waivers
According to Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman, the Nashville Predators have added to their forward depth off the waiver wire. Friedman reports that the Predators have claimed forward Tyson Jost from the Carolina Hurricanes.
Heading to Nashville, Jost will join the fifth team of his career. Undoubtedly, the former 10th overall pick of the 2016 NHL Draft has fallen well short of expectations.
Throughout his first six years in the NHL with the Colorado Avalanche, Jost was fairly productive, scoring 45 goals and 103 points in 321 games, averaging 13:29 of ice time in a third-line role. Still, he failed to break through in any meaningful fashion, and the Avalanche traded Jost to the Minnesota Wild for Nico Sturm, who became a key depth piece for the franchise’s third Stanley Cup banner.
After failing to find a consistent role in the lineup with Minnesota, Jost was placed on waivers in mid-November of the 2022-23 season. He was subsequently claimed by the Buffalo Sabres, finishing the year with seven goals and 22 points in 59 games. Buffalo rewarded Jost’s efforts with a one-year, $2MM contract the following offseason.
For the third time in a row, Jost quickly fell out of the team’s lineup due to poor performances. Buffalo sent Jost through waivers in late December, and he spent the rest of the season as an oft-taxied depth forward from the Sabres to the AHL’s Rochester Americans.
Last season, Jost joined the Hurricanes on a one-year, $775K prove-it contract, which he turned into four goals and nine points in 39 games. Still, he showed signs of life, finishing the year with the highest CorsiFor% at even strength of his career.
The Hurricanes quickly re-signed Jost to an identical contract this summer, though he won’t play it out in Carolina. Now, after today’s waiver claim, he’ll likely compete for the next week for a fourth-line role with the Predators.
Erik Johnson Announces Retirement
The former first-overall pick of the 2006 NHL Draft has hung up his skates after 17 seasons in the NHL. According to an announcement from the Colorado Avalanche, defenseman Erik Johnson has retired.
Although the Bloomington, MN native spent much of his career in Denver, that’s not where it began. He was originally drafted by the St. Louis Blues in 2006 and joined the team for the 2007-08 season after one year at the University of Minnesota.
Despite finishing 12th in voting for the Calder Memorial Trophy, Johnson had a quality first year in St. Louis, scoring five goals and 33 points in 69 games, averaging 18:11 of ice time per game. It became clear that the Blues could confidently play Johnson in their top four, but his development and role with the team changed significantly the following season. Just three days into training camp, the following season, it was revealed that Johnson tore his ACL and MCL, costing him the entire 2008-09 season.
Still, the then-21-year-old returned for his junior season, scoring 10 goals and 39 points in 79 games, averaging 21:22 of ice time per game. Unfortunately, the Blues failed to make the postseason due to a lack of scoring from their top six, after qualifying the year before. Regardless, the team extended Johnson to a two-year, $5.2MM pact, as well as making him one of the team’s assistant captains for the 2010-11 campaign.
Another knee injury would cost him the rest of his tenure in St. Louis. The Blues traded Johnson to the Avalanche in mid-February, with Chris Stewart and Kevin Shattenkirk being the two main pieces going back to St. Louis. He would not wear another jersey for the next 13 years.
From the 2010-11 season to the 2022-23 campaign, Johnson was a mainstay on the Avalanche’s blue line. Even through some truly punishing seasons in Denver, Johnson stuck it out, winning a Stanley Cup with the team in 2022.
He didn’t add much on the offensive side of the puck with Colorado, scoring 65 goals and 236 points in 695 games from 2011 to 2023. Still, he was more than effective on the defensive side of the puck, averaging a 91.7% on-ice save percentage at even strength while averaging more than 21 minutes of ice time per night.
As his usage decreased through the latter part of his career with the Avalanche, Johnson opted to leave as a free agent following the 2022-23 campaign, signing a one-year deal with the Buffalo Sabres. He was subsequently traded to the Philadelphia Flyers at the 2023-24 deadline, sticking around until the 2024-25 deadline when he was moved back to Colorado.
Throughout his 17-year career, Johnson finished with 95 goals and 348 points in 1,023 games played, with an additional five goals and 13 points in 58 postseason contests. Outside of having his name engraved on the Stanley Cup, Johnson also owns an Olympic Silver Medal from the 2010 Winter Olympic Games.
In the announcement from the Avalanche, Johnson wrote, “To the St. Louis Blues, Buffalo Sabres, Philadelphia Flyers and most of all the Colorado Avalanche: thank you for the opportunities and memories, especially the 2022 Stanley Cup. To my teammates, coaches, and staff: your support, camaraderie, and dedication shaped my career. To the fans: your passion made every moment unforgettable. To my family and friends: your unconditional love and support carried me through. Hockey has been my life, and I’m grateful for every second. I’m excited for what’s next and will always cherish this journey.”
We at PHR congratulate Johnson on an incredible career and wish him the best in his next chapter.
Photo courtesy of Tom Szczerbowski-Imagn Images.
Morning Notes: Demidov, Avalanche, Drouin, Benoit, Jets
In one of the more violent preseason contests in recent memory, the Ottawa Senators and Montreal Canadiens combined for 150 PIMs yesterday evening. Unfortunately, after multiple fights broke out between Hayden Hodgson, Arber Xhekaj, Jayden Struble, and Jan Jenik, it was Montreal’s sensation, Ivan Demidov, who would leave the game with an injury after a malicious slash from Senator Nick Cousins.
Fortunately, according to Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman, there doesn’t appear to be any long-term injury concern for Demidov. The Canadiens may hold him out of the team’s next contest on Saturday, again against Ottawa, though he should be ready to start the season on time. The odds-on favorite to win the 2025-26 Calder Memorial Award has recorded three assists in three preseason contests with Montreal.
Understandably, the Canadiens’ admonishment of Cousins’ actions was clear. In an article from Sportsnet’s Eric Engels, head coach Martin St. Louis was quoted as saying, “There’s no need for that. It’s an exhibition game; both teams are trying to get ready for a long season. I don’t think there’s any need for that in the game.”
Other notes from this morning:
- After recalling five players for their preseason win against the Vegas Golden Knights last night, the Colorado Avalanche have sent nearly the entire group back to their AHL affiliate, the Colorado Eagles. The Avalanche announced that Tye Felhaber, Jason Polin, Alex Gagne, and T.J. Tynan, who were all recalled yesterday, have been reassigned. Additionally, Jayson Megna and Tristen Nielsen will join them en route to the Eagles, while Ronnie Attard will remain on the roster for today’s contest.
- One of the New York Islanders’ freshly signed forwards missed today’s practice. According to Andrew Gross of Newsday, Jonathan Drouin missed this morning’s practice due to illness. The veteran forward has gone scoreless in three preseason contests for the Islanders, averaging 19:02 of ice time per contest.
- The Toronto Maple Leafs got some positive news this morning regarding one of their injured defenseman. David Alter of The Hockey News reported that Simon Benoit has shed his non-contact jersey, indicating he’s nearly recovered from his upper-body injury. The heavy-hitting blue liner skated in 78 games for the Maple Leafs last season, scoring one goal and 10 points with 204 hits.
- Moving to Manitoba, the Winnipeg Jets announced they’ve extended their ECHL affiliation with the Norfolk Admirals through the 2025-26 season. The new campaign will be the Admirals’ third as the ECHL affiliate of the Jets. The team has qualified for the Kelly Cup playoffs in each of the last two seasons, losing in the Division Finals both times.
Edmonton Oilers Acquire Connor Ingram
After clearing waivers last week, netminder Connor Ingram is headed north. According to Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman, the Utah Mammoth are trading Ingram to the Edmonton Oilers. The Oilers subsequently announced the trade, confirming they are acquiring Ingram for future considerations and that the Mammoth will retain $800K of his $1.95MM salary.
Given that Ingram was exposed on the waiver wire a few days ago, it was surprising that the Oilers waited until now to make a trade. However, with Utah lowering Edmonton’s financial burden to $1.15MM for the 2025-26 season, the trade becomes more understandable. The Oilers can now send Ingram to their AHL affiliate, the Bakersfield Condors, while being able to bury his full salary until they may need him during the regular season.
Still, there are some question marks on exactly what version of Ingram the Oilers are getting. From the 2022-23 season to 2023-24, Ingram was excellent for the Arizona Coyotes as a backup and the starter, managing a 29-34-11 record in 77 games with a .907 SV% and 3.08 GAA, with a respectable 8.1 Goals Saved Above Average (GSAA).
Unfortunately, after the Coyotes closed their doors and Ingram joined the new Utah Hockey Club, his production cratered. Last season, he earned a 9-8-4 record in 22 games with a .882 SV% and 3.27 GAA, including a dismal -10.1 GSAA. He decided to leave the team in early March to enter the NHL/NHLPA Player Assistance Program, and he was not cleared until late August.
Shortly before training camp, the Mammoth shared their intentions of placing Ingram on waivers, allowing him a fresh start to his career. He’ll now get that opportunity in AHL Bakersfield, and potentially the Oilers at some point during the regular season.
For better or for worse, Edmonton appears adamant on leaving Stuart Skinner in the starter’s crease for the 2025-26 campaign, with Calvin Pickard as his backup. Still, should Ingram regain his form with the Condors, the Oilers shouldn’t have any hesitation giving him a look at the NHL level. Last year, Skinner and Pickard combined for a .897 SV% throughout the regular season, and a .888 SV% in the postseason, despite the Oilers reaching the Stanley Cup Final for a second consecutive year.
Devils Sign Luke Hughes To Seven-Year Contract
According to Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman, the New Jersey Devils are closing in on a seven-year, $63MM contract with their lone remaining restricted free agent, Luke Hughes. The Devils quickly confirmed the contract, also sharing that Hughes will join the team for practice tomorrow.
Shortly after New Jersey’s confirmation, PuckPedia announced Hughes’ contract details:
- Year 1: $8MM salary, $1MM signing bonus
- Year 2: $8MM salary, $1MM signing bonus
- Year 3: $9MM salary
- Year 4: $9MM salary
- Year 5: $9MM salary
- Year 6: $9MM salary, 10-team no-trade clause
- Year 7: $9MM salary, 10-team no-trade clause
After forward Mason McTavish agreed to a six-year deal with the Anaheim Ducks on Saturday, the contract dispute between Hughes and New Jersey became the longest one from the offseason. Recently, there was concern that the standoff might prevent Hughes from starting the year on time. After this morning’s announcement, we know that won’t be the case.
The $9MM AAV will tie Hughes with Dougie Hamilton as the highest-paid player on the Devils. Additionally, the seven-year deal makes Hughes the only player on the team signed beyond the 2030-31 NHL season.
Most importantly, it’ll take Hughes through most of the prime years of his career. He’ll have the opportunity for another payday upon the deal’s expiration after turning 29 years old, though the Devils will reap all the benefits from his age-22 to age-28 seasons.
Over the past two years, similarly to his brothers Jack Hughes and Quinn Hughes, Luke has shown a keen ability to move the puck and generate offense. Since the beginning of the 2023-24 season, the former fourth-overall pick of the 2021 NHL Draft has scored 16 goals and 91 points in 153 games, with four goals and 41 of those points coming on New Jersey’s power play. A gradual introduction to the NHL was unnecessary for the offensive-minded defenseman, as Hughes is already averaging more than 21 minutes of action a night.
Still, the Devils will hope for some maturity on the defensive side of the puck as he progresses through his career. Despite averaging a 54.3% CorsiFor% at even strength, Hughes’ 88.7% on-ice save percentage at even strength leaves much to be desired. Still, New Jersey has offset most of Hughes’ defensive shortcomings by placing him next to Brett Pesce, who’s been one of the most defensively acute blue liners for the past decade. The pair combined for a 53.1% xGoals% last season, according to MoneyPuck.
The Devils still have some work to do with their available salary cap space. The team is expected to place defenseman Johnathan Kovacevic ($4MM AAV) on long-term injured reserve to start the 2025-26 campaign, who is recovering from offseason knee surgery. As James Nichols of New Jersey Hockey Now points out, the Devils will only save approximately $3.8MM of Kovacevic’s salary per the new rules of the CBA, projecting them $183K over the upper limit to start the season.
That financial gap is more than manageable, and it’ll give New Jersey time to work out a larger cap-clearing deal. The two likeliest candidates are Hamilton and Ondrej Palat, though both have limited no-movement and no-trade protection in their contracts. Still, by having Hughes in the mix for the next seven years, the Devils are in a much better position than they were yesterday.
Photo courtesy of Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images.
Bruins’ Michael DiPietro Unlikely To Pass Through Waivers
Despite signing a two-year, $1.63MM extension with the team this summer, Michael DiPietro‘s tenure in the Boston Bruins organization appears to be numbered. In his recent rendition of 32 Thoughts, Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman said, “I have no doubt teams will be looking hard at [him]. There will be teams this week curious to see what the Bruins do.”
The news isn’t surprising, as reports in mid-June indicated that teams were interested in signing DiPietro last offseason before the Bruins worked out an extension with him on the eve of free agency. Still, Boston has not indicated that they’ll want to carry three netminders on the roster for the bulk of the 2025-26 campaign, and DiPietro is unlikely to move past Jeremy Swayman or Joonas Korpisalo on the depth chart barring injury.
It wasn’t all that long ago that DiPietro was an impressive prospect coming out of the Canadian Major Junior system. Throughout his four-year career with the OHL’s Windsor Spitfires, DiPietro managed a 98-53-13 record in 174 games with a .913 SV% and 2.52 GAA, while backstopping the Spitfires to a Memorial Cup Championship in 2017. DiPietro was selected 64th overall by the Vancouver Canucks in the 2017 NHL Draft.
The native of Windsor, Ontario, struggled to advance in the Canucks system, although he had strong seasons with the Utica Comets and Abbotsford Canucks in the AHL. Vancouver pulled the plug on DiPietro’s tenure with the organization fairly quickly, including him in a package to the Bruins for Jack Studnicka earlier on in the 2022-23 campaign.
As alluded to, DiPietro has come into his own with the AHL’s Providence Bruins. Particularly last season, DiPietro earned a 26-8-7 record in 40 games with a .927 SV% and 2.05 GAA, with four shutouts. The season was impressive enough for DiPietro to earn the Aldege “Baz” Bastien Memorial Award as the league’s top netminder and AHL First All-Star Team honors.
Similar to Arturs Silovs‘ meteoric rise through the AHL last season, and subsequent trade to the Pittsburgh Penguins this past offseason, any team with a need at the backup goalie position would be interested in giving DiPietro an opportunity at the NHL level. Unfortunately, that market is fairly limited, as most teams have filled their backup position through some form or another throughout the offseason.
Still, the Calgary Flames, Columbus Blue Jackets, Edmonton Oilers, Tampa Bay Lightning, and Vegas Golden Knights may all have lukewarm interest at the very least. Further, if an unfortunate injury arises to another goaltender as the preseason wraps up, that would create another void that DiPietro could conceivably fill.