
The Hidden Soccer Warm‑up That Unites NHL Players Before the Ice
Across the league, NHL athletes trade sticks for a soccer ball in a circle of kicks, a tradition that sharpens focus, builds camaraderie and occasionally ends in broken ankles.
Latest Slidescroller coverage mentioning New Jersey Devils across Hockey.

Across the league, NHL athletes trade sticks for a soccer ball in a circle of kicks, a tradition that sharpens focus, builds camaraderie and occasionally ends in broken ankles.

A historic three‑game stretch has produced 25 goals, a hat trick from Mitch Marner and a dramatic comeback, setting the stage for trade discussions involving the Devils, Flyers and Matthew Knies.

The series between Carolina and Vegas has set unprecedented scoring marks and sparked trade speculation across the league.

The Philadelphia Flyers are weighing their first‑round choices, while trade chatter involves John Carlson, Dylan Larkin and a possible Dan Vladar extension. Meanwhile, near‑misses on Matthew Knies and Alexis Lafrenière and a record‑setting performance by Mitch Marner add drama to the postseason.

The New Jersey Devils face short‑term goaltending challenges, but prospect Mikhail Yegorov is using puzzle games to sharpen his mindset and could redefine the position.

With the series tied 1-1, ESPN’s Sean McDonough spotlights Taylor Hall’s resilient rise, his playoff dominance and the potential legacy a Cup victory could cement.

Claude Lemieux, a four‑time Stanley Cup champion and longtime NHL enforcer, died by suicide on May 28. His passing has reignited dialogue about mental‑health challenges in professional hockey and the broader societal pressures that silence many men.

Cole Caufield, a former University of Wisconsin hockey player, won the NHL's Lady Byng Trophy for sportsmanship and excellence, setting a new standard for Badgers in the league with 51 goals and helping his Montreal Canadiens reach the Eastern Conference Final.

Dylan Larkin has asked to be moved, citing a desire to restore the Red Wings' competitiveness. With a full no‑trade clause and five years left on his contract, his potential departure is drawing interest from several top teams.

The Czech Ice Hockey Association announced new leadership and player transfers that signal a strategic shift toward NHL‑informed management and expanded international presence.

Manny Malhotra has been named head coach of the Vancouver Canucks, becoming the first person of South Asian descent to lead an NHL team. The move follows a distinguished playing and coaching career and is part of a broader push for inclusion in the league.
The Seattle Kraken are leveraging cap flexibility, draft capital, and a pipeline of prospects to craft a sustainable path back to the playoffs.

From the Bruins' search for a right‑handed defenseman to the Canucks' new head coach, the league's offseason is already delivering major storylines.

The Avalanche's first move, the Lightning's trade for Pridham, and the Maple Leafs' front-office addition set the stage for a busy trade season, with teams eyeing RFA defensemen and UFA forwards.

A whirlwind of speculation surrounds the upcoming free‑agency period, with trade chatter, coaching appointments and playoff results driving the conversation.

The Minnesota Wild are exploring a potential trade for New Jersey Devils star Jack Hughes, a move that could add elite center talent but would demand a steep price in assets.

Lou Lamoriello recalls first noticing Claude Lemieux during the 1986 playoffs, trading for him twice, and witnessing the profound impact of his death on the hockey community and the ongoing debate over player safety.

With Andrew Peeke set to depart and Rasmus Andersson on the radar, the Bruins are weighing trade packages that could bring Simon Nemec, Braden Schneider or Michael Kesselring to Boston.

The 2025‑26 campaign delivered dramatic storylines, from Auston Matthews' injury‑riddled year to Logan Thompson's league‑leading save stats, and the list reflects a blend of current excellence and veteran impact.

With a shallow free‑agent pool, Pittsburgh is targeting a handful of promising defensemen, each bringing distinct skills that could fill gaps now and in the years ahead.

The Toronto Maple Leafs announced the hiring of Judd Brackett as assistant general manager and Freddie Hamilton as chief of staff, bringing deep scouting experience and corporate acumen to the franchise.

The New Jersey Devils have agreed to a three-year, entry-level contract with 20-year-old defenseman Anton Silayev, adding a proven KHL talent and 2024 first-round pick to their defensive depth.

In a dramatic bronze‑medal game at the World Championships, Norway’s 20‑year‑old forward Michael Brandsegg‑Nygard led all Norwegian skaters with over 20 minutes of ice time and set up the decisive goal in overtime. The performance arrives as the league prepares for an 84‑game season, while teammate Carter Bear’s recent Memorial Cup heroics signal further offensive promise.

Claude Lemieux, a physical playoff specialist who won four Stanley Cups with the Montréal Canadiens, New Jersey Devils and Colorado Avalanche, passed away in Palm Beach, Florida. His family announced the brain donation, leaving a legacy of grit and community involvement.