
NHL Eyes New Frontiers: Austin and Houston Lead Expansion Talks
The league is weighing a handful of North American markets for its next two franchises, with Austin and Houston emerging as front‑runners.
Latest Slidescroller coverage mentioning Winnipeg Jets across Hockey.

The league is weighing a handful of North American markets for its next two franchises, with Austin and Houston emerging as front‑runners.

Tyler Toffoli, a veteran winger for the San Jose Sharks, reflects on a career that spans multiple franchises, a 2014 Stanley Cup triumph, and his new role mentoring young forwards like Macklin Celebrini and Will Smith.

Hockey Canada reveals a coaching lineup led by Misha Donskov, featuring seasoned assistants and top prospects ahead of the 2027 World Junior Championships.

Hockey Canada announced Tuesday that Brad Lauer, a veteran of nine NHL seasons and multiple coaching stops, will serve as an assistant coach for the 2027 World Junior Championships.

After parting ways with Ryan Shea and Parker Wotherspoon, Pittsburgh is eyeing Logan Stanley, a 6‑foot‑7, 28‑year‑old blueliner whose size and grit could reshape the bottom pairing and penalty kill.

From Marco Sturm’s German honor to Georgii Merkulov’s new Avalanche deal, the latest player moves and team outlooks set the stage for the upcoming campaign.

With the 2026‑27 NHL season just 70 days away, the Boston Bruins, Colorado Avalanche, Winnipeg Jets and Pittsburgh Penguins are making major moves that shape the upcoming campaign.

The New Jersey Devils are reshaping their net‑minding corps after a decade of transition, eyeing top‑tier trade targets to restore a winning culture.

Patrick Kane's long‑awaited return to the Chicago Blackhawks, accompanied by a $8 million contract and the promise of playing alongside rookie Connor Bedard, marks a pivotal moment for the franchise and its fans.

Samuel Montembeault has made clear his desire for a single starting role, setting the stage for a pivotal contract year and potential moves that could reshape his NHL trajectory.

The Buffalo Sabres have stayed largely silent in free agency, sparking speculation about a possible trade for Connor Hellebuyck and a return for native son Patrick Kane, who is weighing a Chicago Blackhawks offer.

After a career hampered by injuries, Patrik Laine is looking for a one‑year, incentive‑laden contract with a championship‑bound team to prove he can still deliver on the power play.

Connor Bedard’s shoulder surgery sidelines him for about four weeks, while rookie Sacha Boisvert eyes his first pro season. Meanwhile, contract extensions, arbitration dates, and trade chatter shape the broader picture.

Viggo Björck is leaving Sweden’s SHL to join the Winnipeg Jets, where coaches see a rare blend of skill and work ethic that could reshape the club’s secondary scoring and trade strategy.

After 13 years, three conference finals appearances and a King Clancy Trophy, Anders Lee has agreed to a three‑year deal with the Utah Mammoth, bringing his leadership and community spirit to a team poised for contention.

Swedish forward Viggo Bjorck, the eighth‑overall pick in the 2026 NHL draft, will begin his North American career with the Manitoba Moose, a move the Winnipeg Jets say is designed to nurture his two‑way game before any NHL call‑up.

The Penguins are weighing a contract for Buffalo Sabres defenseman Logan Stanley, whose career‑year stats and rugged play could address a long‑standing need on the left side of their defense.

The Minnesota Wild’s decision to let Mats Zuccarello leave highlights how tightly knit offensive partnerships can shape a team’s success, a pattern that repeats across the league.

An examination of how successful NHL pairings sometimes become a liability when a team’s depth is left unattended.

The Philadelphia Flyers fell short in their pursuit of Leo Carlsson, Connor Hellebuyck’s future in Winnipeg remains uncertain, and Cale Makar and Quinn Hughes are poised for record‑breaking extensions. Meanwhile, the Detroit Red Wings and Florida Panthers confront significant offseason decisions.

With marquee names set to change teams, emerging prospects eyeing new challenges, and ownership ambitions extending beyond hockey, the league’s off‑season narrative is already shaping up to be one of the most dynamic in recent memory.

The Winnipeg Jets announce the arrival of top prospect Viggo Björck, a new ECHL affiliation, and notable performances at development camp, shaping the team's future.

Trade rumors swirl around Connor Hellebuyck and other top players as the NHL offseason heats up, with teams re‑evaluating strategies and budgets.

Coach Joe Will discusses the Barracuda's blend of depth, new signings and the prospects ready to make an NHL impact.