
Avalanche to Lean on Younger Talent Amid Win‑Now Push
Coach Jared Bednar plans to give more ice time to emerging players this season, a shift shaped by Joe Sakic’s influence and the team’s collective strategy.
Latest Slidescroller coverage mentioning Chris MacFarland across Hockey.

Coach Jared Bednar plans to give more ice time to emerging players this season, a shift shaped by Joe Sakic’s influence and the team’s collective strategy.

The Admirals are banking on a younger roster, key veteran additions and the guidance of coach Karl Taylor to turn a middling 2025‑26 record into a serious playoff contender.

Scott Howson’s early recognition of Chris MacFarland’s talent set the stage for a career that has taken the executive from the Blue Jackets to the Avalanche and now the Predators, shaping NHL management across two franchises.

A look at Ilya Lyubushkin’s contract fallout, Jeff Kealty’s move to the Sharks, and Valeri Nichushkin’s looming KHL comeback

The Nashville Predators face a pivotal stretch as they balance expiring contracts, arbitration‑eligible players and a looming cap increase, shaping a roster that must blend veteran stability with youthful upside.

In just over a month, college hockey has seen a federal bill aimed at standardizing transfer rules, new NCAA officiating leadership, a flurry of athletic‑director changes, contract extensions, surprising retirements, and the highest‑valued agreement ever signed by a former collegian.

Nashville Predators’ new president of hockey operations, Chris MacFarland, outlines a busy first month of scouting, staffing changes and player acquisitions aimed at turning the team into a Stanley Cup contender.
A trade with the Dallas Stars brings Mavrik Bourque to Nashville on a six‑year, $33 million deal, giving the Predators a dynamic center to pair with Ryan O'Reilly and a fresh arsenal of talent for coach Andrew Brunette.

The Avalanche executed a series of high‑profile moves, sending Valeri Nichushkin, Jack Drury and others to new teams while securing fresh talent and contracts.

After a decade of missed playoffs, Steve Yzerman steps down as general manager of the Detroit Red Wings, taking a senior advisory post, while the franchise begins a search for his successor amid a flurry of recent GM appointments across the NHL.

The Nashville Predators will play 84 games next season, including a franchise‑record 42 home contests at Bridgestone Arena, with a slate of high‑profile opponents and special holiday games.

The Avalanche announce an 84‑game slate that includes a Winter Classic debut, holiday breaks and a dense stretch of games across the winter months.

The Avalanche have announced their full 84‑game regular‑season schedule, highlighting key dates, back‑to‑back contests and traditional holiday games that will shape the 2026‑27 campaign.

The NHL franchise announced its full 84‑game schedule, detailing season‑opening opponents, back‑to‑back road trips, and a New Year’s Eve Winter Classic in Utah.

The Nashville Predators have announced the hiring of Rob Blake as executive vice president of hockey operations and Matt Calvert as forward development coach, marking a strategic infusion of Colorado Avalanche experience under new chief Chris MacFarland.

The Avalanche face a narrowing championship window, limited trade assets, and a pivotal choice between trading promising depth players or trusting their current roster for sustained success.

The Predators announced the hiring of Matt Calvert, a veteran player with extensive NHL experience, to lead forward development through nutrition, conditioning and performance analytics.

The New York Islanders have locked in tall goaltender Henrik Tikkanen, the Nashville Predators hired former NHL forward Matt Calvert as a development coach, and the Washington Capitals sent 2026 first‑round pick Oliver Suvanto to Finland’s Tappara.

After a distinguished 25‑year tenure with the Nashville Predators, Jeff Kealty has accepted an assistant general manager position with the San Jose Sharks, bringing his scouting expertise and international experience to a new franchise.

The Detroit Red Wings are weighing internal candidates for a pivotal front‑office role, with Ryan Martin’s extensive experience and modern outlook positioning him as a leading contender amid a shifting roster landscape.

The Colorado Avalanche have appointed a new AHL bench boss, the Philadelphia Flyers secured Jamie Drysdale to avoid arbitration, the Detroit Red Wings are weighing GM candidates, the San Jose Sharks added an assistant GM with a Nashville connection, and the Florida Panthers addressed an equipment manager’s arrest

The Avalanche’s offseason was defined by strategic moves aimed at preserving financial flexibility, with trades of Valeri Nichushkin and Jack Drury, the signing of Jaden Schwartz, and the addition of Fabian Lysell, all in service of a long‑term championship pursuit.

Chris Ilitch’s stewardship of the Detroit Tigers and Red Wings reflects a unique blend of continuity and change, from front‑office reforms to promising prospects heading to the World Junior Summer Showcase.

Connor Bedard’s record contract, front‑office moves, and roster shifts define the NHL’s off‑season narrative.