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Adam Engstrom Generating Trade Interest

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In an episode of The Sick Podcast with Tony Marinaro from earlier this week, insider Pierre Lebrun of TSN shared that several teams have looked into Adam Engstrom and considered what it would take to land the defense prospect. 

A third-round selection of Montreal in the 2022 draft, Engstrom’s play in the AHL with Laval has stood out, as he has 14 points in 18 games. Still early in just his second North American season, the Swede’s professional experience with Rögle BK has helped a transition into the Canadiens organization, boosting an already deep prospect pool. Engstrom made a strong case to make the team out of camp, and although he came short, he has excelled in the AHL since and earned a recall earlier this week.

Having just turned 22, and not set to reach RFA status until after the 2026-27 season, it is not like Montreal should be in any particular rush with Engstrom, especially with Kaiden Guhle set to miss 8-10 weeks. Engstrom only just made his NHL debut yesterday, with 10 minutes of ice time in a win over Utah. However, with their pursuit of a top six center well known, naturally Engstrom emerges as a candidate for a possible defense – forward swap. Montreal lacks another strong left-handed defenseman in their cupboard, but with Lane Hutson’s presence along with Guhle, and a wealth of right handers to boot, there is not so much a need at this time.

Montreal has fellow lefty Marc Del Gaizo, 26, in the system, who has continuously bounced between the NHL and AHL so far this year as he vies to make his team debut. Clearly the organization is high on Engstrom, who drew into the lineup first, fresh off being named AHL Player of the Week last Monday after tying a Laval franchise record with one goal and four assists in a single game. Del Gaizo though, signed on a one-year, two-way deal, brings enough to the table as a depth option between Montreal and Laval that they could potentially afford an Engstrom subtraction at some point. 

Engstrom offers poise and well-rounded play at 6’2”, projecting at the least as a high-floor, solid middle defenseman. However, he looks much more comfortable so far in 2025-26, especially offensively, and could flourish into a true top four. It is unlikely Montreal would jump to just any call on their prospect now, but Engstrom’s name could be worth watching as the season goes on, especially in a deal for a top six center.

The Canadiens have made strides this season as they aim to push for the playoffs and win a round for the first time since 2021. It is a luxury to have strong prospects like Engstrom on hand, allowing GM Kent Hughes to make a noteworthy addition without affecting the current group. Whatever may come next, in the meantime, Engstrom will look to build off his debut and continue to fill in for Guhle. 

Sabres, Alexandar Georgiev Terminate Contract

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Nov. 24: Georgiev cleared unconditional waivers, per Friedman, meaning he’s had his contract with Buffalo terminated and is free to sign with Spartak.

Nov. 23: Insider Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet shared this afternoon that Sabres goaltender Alexander Georgiev has been waived with the intent of contract termination. Georgiev is set to move on to Russia and join Spartak of the KHL.

Georgiev was waived last month, then cleared and joined the AHL’s Rochester Americans. There, the Sabres affiliate had a wealth of goaltending, arguably at a legitimate NHL level, with Devon Levi alongside Georgiev, as well as prospect Topias Leinonen. Before the season, Buffalo had significant question marks in net with Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen banged up, and the respectable but not exactly standout Alex Lyon tasked with holding things down.

As it has turned out, Lyon has performed steadily, and waiver pickup Colten Ellis has also exceeded expectations. There was no real path forward for Georgiev in the organization. The Bulgarian native played in two games for Rochester, both ending in losses with a 3.57 GAA. He now seems to be in greener pastures, joining a solid Spartak club, which has needed help in net, where he will be a star at the KHL level.

Originally undrafted out of the Finnish Liiga, an unusual path for most Russian players, Georgiev made an impression with the Rangers, who signed him in 2017. Making his NHL debut in 2018, Georgiev has the distinction of serving as backup for franchise icon Hendrik Lundqvist in his final season as a Ranger, gradually taking a higher workload. With the emergence of star Igor Shesterkin, though, Georgiev’s future in New York became uncertain.

After the 2021-22 season, Georgiev was dealt to the freshly minted Stanley Cup Champion Colorado Avalanche for draft picks in order to replace Darcy Kuemper. Georgiev emerged as a low-stakes, affordable option for a team strong enough up front to make up for any shortcomings in net. Sure enough, Georgiev posted his best season as a pro, leading the NHL with 40 wins and becoming an NHL All-Star.

Unfortunately for Georgiev, despite twice leading the league in wins, all while still remaining under 30 years old, Colorado quickly pulled the plug in 2024-25 amidst his shaky play. While unusual for a team to do so with a former All-Star, it appeared the success was largely driven due to the team in front of him. Georgiev was dealt to the hardcore rebuilding San Jose Sharks, where Colorado brought back Mackenzie Blackwood in return.

In the thick of an aggressive rebuild, getting heavily outshot most nights, Georgiev naturally did not have as much success in San Jose in a role that is especially tough on any goaltender. GM Mike Grier let his contract expire after 2024-25.

Georgiev was signed in September by Buffalo, with an opportunity to re-establish himself as an NHLer; however, with the emergence of other netminders in the organization, doors shut quickly. Still just 29, it is not impossible he could make an NHL return, but for now, Georgiev will likely be eager to return closer to home as a major standout player in the KHL.

Montreal Canadiens Sign Alexandre Texier

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After his contract was terminated by St. Louis earlier today, Alexandre Texier has moved quickly, as per NHL agent Dan Milstein, he is headed to Montreal on a one-year deal. 

Per the team, the contract is worth $1MM, and runs to the end of the 2025-26 season.

The news does not come as much of a surprise, as Texier was long linked to Montreal throughout the process of working through his issues with the Blues. It had been thought that another Eastern Conference team was interested, perhaps Ottawa, but the Canadiens close in on Texier to slot in as a bottom-six upgrade.

Texier’s path to Montreal is not a very common one, as he did not report to AHL Springfield while still a member of the Blues and needed termination to find a fresh start. Both sides are surely happy to simply move on. Drafted by Columbus 45th overall in 2017, the French forward flashed serious skill in small sample sizes, including an 11-goal, 20-point effort in just 36 games in 2021-22. However, it became apparent Texier had a more bottom-six suited future in the NHL, still bringing valuable speed and versatility.

As the Blue Jackets turned the corner with a new wave of forwards, Texier became expendable at just 24. Given that he had set career highs in points and games played, St. Louis came calling, giving up just a fourth-round pick for Texier, and promptly signing him to a two-year deal w0rth $2.1MM per season in July 2024.

Unfortunately for both sides, it was not a fit. Texier battled through injuries at times and only played in 31 games last season. This year things have not gone any better, as he has been passed up, out of favor with Head Coach Jim Montgomery, and appearing scarcely as a pure fourth liner. While many in Texier’s situation become disgruntled from a lack of offensive opportunities, Texier lost his role as a penalty killer with the Blues which was surely frustrating, a role he’ll likely regain with Montreal with highly realistic changes of succeeding.

Whatever the case, the Blues are content to move on without anything in return, coming out respectably considering the little they paid for Texier in the first place. Meanwhile, Montreal adds a motivated speedy forward to their bottom six as their exciting young core looks to make a push for the postseason this spring. Texier will have time to become acquainted with his new team as they are out action until Wednesday, and he could look to debut at some point in the team’s upcoming three game road trip.

Injury Notes: Lindholm, McAvoy, Pageau, Dickinson

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The Boston Bruins shared updates on two key players ahead of tonight’s game in San Jose: Elias Lindholm has been activated, while Charlie McAvoy was placed on injured reserve in a corresponding move. 

Lindholm suffered a lower-body injury in late October, after a knee-on-knee collision with Jordan Greenway and has been absent since. His first season in Boston left some to be desired considering the $7.75MM cap hit, scoring 47 points, but Lindholm was off to a better start in 2025-26 overall, posting nine points in 13 games. Now, the veteran will be a welcome addition back to the lineup given the club’s current hot streak, as they march forward without McAvoy for the time being. 

As was noted yesterday, McAvoy underwent facial surgery after catching a puck to the face in a scary incident against Montreal on November 15th. His placement on IR is no surprise, and all things considered, it is not a terrible outcome in what could have been much worse. Boston will sorely miss their top defenseman, but the hope is that he will be back in time for the Olympics next February, if not sooner, depending on recovery. 

Elsewhere across the league:

  • After already losing Alexander Romanov long-term, the hits keep coming as the Islanders shared that forward Jean-Gabriel Pageau is week-to-week with an upper body injury. The news comes as a surprise as the veteran center played through yesterday’s game with no visible ailment. Pageau is a highly dependable all-around third line center, and a pending free agent at 33, it had been speculated that he could be a trade candidate at some point. However, given the Islanders impressive start it seems any such talks are off for the time being. Now, as they’ll move forward without a top defenseman and a key center, New York faces a huge test to close out 2025. 20-year-old Calum Ritchie will have an opportunity to step up, and his performance without Pageau may dictate the team’s direction later in the season. 
  • The Chicago Blackhawks announced Jason Dickinson has been activated off injured reserve. The veteran forward has missed all of November with an apparent upper-body injury. Dickinson had three points in eight games before going down, his Blackhawks tenure proving to be a nice example of a cap dump win. The Ontario native came to Chicago in 2022 along with a second round pick sweetener, and immediately has been a key presence in their lineup. His career high 22 goals in 2023-24 earned an extension at $4.25MM which comes in on the high end considering current production, but Dickinson remains a leader for the group with his reliable two-way game.

Alexander Romanov To Miss 5-6 Months, Will Have Shoulder Surgery

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The New York Islanders announced the fate of Alexander Romanov this afternoon after a scary hit into the boards from Mikko Rantanen last Tuesday. The defenseman will have shoulder surgery and will be out 5-6 months. Based on the timeline, any return by season’s end would be favorable.

While the 25-year-old does not jump out on the stat sheet most games, Romanov brings a very steady defense-first game, usually playing north of 20 minutes a night, which earned him an eight-year deal last summer worth $6.25MM per season.

With the Islanders exceeding expectations greatly so far this season, on a nice 6-3-1 streak in their last ten games, good for third place in the Metropolitan, it is devastating news. New York has a steady core of veterans on the backend, along with the emergence of young superstar Matthew Schaefer who remarkably is already a major minute-eater at 18-years-old, but Romanov’s stay-at-home play will be difficult to replace. The team recalled Marshall Warren earlier in the week with Romanov landing on IR, but the hope then was certainly that Romanov’s season would not be in jeopardy.

New York hosts Seattle this evening, and eyes will be on GM Mathieu Darche if he is to make an addition at some point to fill for Romanov’s void. With Pavel Mintyukov’s name floating around lately, such a move could allow the Islanders to maintain their momentum while simultaneously getting younger on the back end. Regardless, it will be critical to protect Schaefer and continue to keep him in the right situations. For now, losing Romanov is an especially tough blow from an avoidable hit which immediately caught the attention of the league.

Mikko Rantanen Suspended One Game

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This afternoon the NHL Department of Player Safety announced that Dallas Stars forward Mikko Rantanen has been suspended one game. As a violation under Rule 23.6, Physical Infractions Category, Rantanen incurred two game misconduct penalties in his last 41 games, which automatically carries a one game suspension. Such infractions have occurred in an especially short timeline however, just the last three games for Rantanen. It is a bit unusual for the 29-year-old, who has never been categorized as much of a dirty player.

Late in last Tuesday’s loss versus the Islanders, Rantanen was ejected after shoving Alexander Romanov into the boards in a dangerous play where the defenseman skidded into the boards with no chance to stop. The hit landed Romanov on injured reserve, but ultimately, the league chose not to suspend Rantanen.

Meanwhile, apparently unperturbed, just last night Rantanen viciously boarded Calgary forward Matthew Coronato, where he again was thrown out of the game with a misconduct. Although Coronato turned away at the last second, making himself especially vulnerable, Rantanen was already flying in, set to deliver a hard hit on the numbers. Thankfully Coronato returned to the game, but with a noticeable nose injury, as the Flames triumphed in a shootout.

Now, given that the current one game suspension is automatic with no further mention, additional discipline could come to Rantanen for the Coronato incident as well, especially considering what all transpired with the 29-year-old’s reckless play throughout the week. For now, Dallas will prepare to take on Edmonton on Tuesday without their superstar, who is tied for the team lead in points.

Sabres Activate Zach Benson, Assign Isak Rosen To AHL

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Ahead of today’s game, the Buffalo Sabres shared that forward Isak Rosen is headed to AHL Rochester, and in a corresponding move, fellow forward Zach Benson has been activated off injured reserve. 

It had been speculated yesterday that Benson was nearing a return, and now Buffalo eagerly welcomes back the skilled youngster ahead of a big matinee tilt hosting Carolina. Sidelined with a lower-body injury throughout the month, the 20-year-old returns with a point-per-game pace in eight games so far, all assists. Somewhat unusually for a player drafted 13th overall (2023), Benson wasted no time becoming an NHLer, already with 154 games to his name at age 20. The winger has not yet jumped off the page statistically, with a career high of 30 points, but now healthy, Benson could be in for a major breakout going into 2026. 

On paper, the move to send down Rosen is a bit of a head scratcher. The 22-year-old former first round pick has shown serious improvement so far this year, with seven points in ten games, especially while filling in during Benson’s absence. However, with waiver exemptions in mind, the choice essentially came down to Rosen or Noah Ostlund, another first round selection. Head Coach Lindy Ruff has opted to keep the true center Ostlund in the lineup, set to hold things down on the third line today. Elsewhere, 26-year-old depth forward Joshua Dunne also appears set on Buffalo’s fourth line for the foreseeable future, as clearly they chose Rosen to go down, not risking losing Dunne on waivers. 

Such a transaction for Rosen may be short-term, but Rochester will be glad to have the Swede for the time being. Despite playing in half the games as his counterparts, Rosen is right amongst the Americans’ leaders in points, with 12 in eight games. Buffalo’s performance this afternoon may indicate if another shake-up is in order, with Rosen coming back sometime before December.

Mammoth Assign Kevin Rooney To AHL

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The Utah Mammoth announced today that forward Kevin Rooney has been assigned to the Tucson Roadrunners of the AHL. Rooney has been bouncing between Utah and their affiliate throughout November, being last recalled to the big club last week, only to now be headed back down. 

Signed by Utah in October on a one-year, two-way deal, after a PTO stint in camp with New Jersey where he had hoped to return to his original club albeit unsuccessfully, the veteran center figures to be surefire organizational depth to slot in if needed. Despite considerable time spent with Utah so far this season, Rooney has yet to play in a game. In six AHL appearances he had netted three goals out of the gate. 

Originally undrafted out of Providence, Rooney made stops with the Devils, Rangers and Flames, establishing himself as a legitimate NHLer with relentless penalty killing efforts but never posting more than 14 points in a season. Despite setting a career high 70 appearances with Calgary in 2024-25, now 32, it appears Rooney’s NHL opportunities are sparse. 

With 330 NHL games under his belt however, Rooney figures to be strong leadership for Tucson alongside longtime AHL star Andrew Agozzino and fellow veteran Kevin Connauton. Still, Utah seems to have Rooney on speed dial, and at some point the center could earn his way into the Mammoth lineup in 2025-26, extending an admirable underdog career in the NHL. 

Auston Matthews, Anthony Stolarz Leave Due To Injury

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9:18 p.m.: Toronto Head Coach Craig Berube has provided updates, shared by Jonas Siegel of The Athletic: Stolarz is expected to be “fine”, while Matthews’ injury has no timeline or severity yet, as Berube told Siegel.

8:18 p.m.: Tonight’s game in Boston has dealt a blow to the Maple Leafs: the team announced that Auston Matthews and Anthony Stolarz will not return due to injury. Matthews has been diagnosed with a lower-body injury after taking a hit from behind into the boards from Nikita Zadorov. Meanwhile, Stolarz exited after playing the entire first period. With the Leafs off to a rough start, it appeared the team was just shaking things up between the pipes, but now, the team’s #1 goaltender has been listed with an upper-body ailment on top of their superstar captain’s injury. 

Toronto is still trying to find its way in its new, post “Core-Four” era. 8-7-1, the team has fallen to second-to-last in the Atlantic, despite scoring the most goals in their division entering tonight. Sinking the Leafs has been in good part their own end, as they’ve allowed 60. 

Matthews, always subject to criticism whether more warranted or not, has done his part with nine goals in 16 games. Now 28, he has been mostly durable in his first nine professional seasons, averaging just shy of 70 games a year. While a hit into the boards from behind from a player like Zadorov sounds highly alarming, it was a relatively routine play. Matthews got up, finished a check on Zadorov moments later in the corner, then skated to the bench without seeming bothered. The captain went to the locker room, but all things considered, it is hopefully not a major injury. 

Meanwhile, Stolarz completed the first frame before Dennis Hildeby took over in the net. Given that he had let in three goals on 10 shots, the update from the team that Stolarz is injured came as a bit of a surprise. The 31-year-old former top Flyers prospect is the latest example of a late-blooming goaltender, tasked with holding things down for Toronto into the near future. Stolarz was extended for four more years at $3.75MM after a strong 2024-25, where he posted a .926 in 34 games in his first campaign wearing the blue and white. 

Thankfully, Stolarz appears to have avoided a serious injury, as Toronto awaits the return of Joseph Woll from personal leave. Woll has been practicing with the team and appeared with the AHL’s Toronto Marlies last weekend, but has no timetable to return yet. Cayden Primeau was a waiver casualty to Carolina last week after a short stint. Hildeby, currently serving as backup, has just eight NHL games under his belt. 

The Maple Leafs are back in action on Thursday, hosting the Kings, and further details on the status of their superstar, Matthews, will be closely watched in the meantime. 

Evening Notes: Devils, Chabot, Olympics

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Amanda Stein, Devils team reporter, shared updates ahead of the team’s five game road trip. Dougie Hamilton and Connor Brown did not travel. Hamilton was noted over the weekend as out for around a week due to an undisclosed injury, after leaving mid-game against Montreal on November 6th. Brown has yet to appear in November, apparently hampered by an upper-body injury, and has missed the last five games. 

Unfortunately such injuries have become common for Hamilton, 32, at this point in his career. Currently in year five of his seven year deal signed with New Jersey, his unscathed 82-game campaign in 2022-23 was far and away his best as a pro with 74 points, but since then he has not managed to play in more than 64 games in a season. 

Brown, signed last summer to a four-year deal, was off to a start worthy of the eyebrow raising contract, with five goals in 11 games. In his absence, Dawson Mercer has stepped up and provided great secondary scoring, currently just shy of a point-per-game pace, and eight goals in 16 games. 

New Jersey remains third in the league, and the five game road trip will be a test, as they’ve handled business at home, 7-0-1. As noted by Stein, the club will split the trip into two legs, so perhaps Brown or Hamilton could rejoin the team by the end. 

Elsewhere across the league:

  • The Ottawa Senators shared mid-game that defenseman Thomas Chabot will not return tonight versus the Stars, due to an upper-body injury. The skilled defender was seen attempting to return for the second period, but quickly going back down the tunnel before puck drop. Further details have not been provided, but considering that Chabot nearly returned, hopefully the ailment is not serious. The 28-year-old has not missed a game so far this season. 
  • Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet shared earlier today an interesting article: NHL representatives are headed to Milan next week to check progress on the 2026 Olympic Games arena in person, as the main hockey arena is behind schedule. Such a situation is not unheard of in the Olympic Games, considering the scale of such projects, but we may find out if there is real concern shortly, with February rapidly approaching. As mentioned by Friedman, NHL commissioner Gary Bettman has been reassured continuously, however, for representatives of the league to make the trip upon the completion of the Stockholm Series, it is a situation worth monitoring. 

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