“Florida Panthers forward, A.J. Greer has been suspended for three games for boarding Calgary Flames forward Connor Zary,” the NHL’s official statement read.

Greer had hit Zary near the back and neck area of his body as he was stumbling near the boards. The Flames’ centre was driven head-first into the wall because of the unsportsmanlike contact and is now listed day-to-day with an upper-body injury.

Greer suspension history

With the confirmation of the three-game suspension for Greer, the veteran forward has now been assessed the second suspension of his NHL career. The first one had been during his time with the Boston Bruins. Back in the 2022-23 season, he was suspended one game for cross-checking Mike Hoffman of the Montreal Canadiens.

Fans react to suspension

Because Greer was scheduled for a video-call hearing with league officials, he couldn’t be handed a suspension longer than three games. Fans across the league expressed their disappointment with the Department of Player Safety’s decision, as many expected a much bigger punishment.

“Fire [head of the Dept. of Player Safety] George Parros. This is a joke,” an upset fan wrote on X. “Christmas comes early for Greer and the Panthers. Big shock,” another one stated.

Which games will Greer miss?

As he does the time on his three-game suspension, Greer will be sidelined for the following outings: March 24th vs Seattle Kraken, March 26th vs Minnesota Wild, and March 28th at New York Islanders.

Because the Cats play on back-to-back nights against the Isles and NY Rangers in The Big Apple, Greer may be sidelined for the latter game, as well. He may be back in the lineup when the Panthers return home to host the Ottawa Senators in Sunrise.

How much money will Greer forfeit due to suspension?

Because Greer has been suspended for three games without pay, he will be missing out on significant paychecks. As confirmed by the league, Greer will forfeit approximately $13,281. This is all under the terms of the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) and based on Greer’s average annual salary.

Greer is on the final season of his two-year, $1.7 million contract. Set to become an unrestricted free agent in the summer (UFA), if the Panthers don’t re-sign him, he may have trouble finding a new team based on his recent reputation.

The Habs have been involved in no shortage of wild rumors as the trade deadline approaches. While the Canadiens could help the New York Rangers avoid trading Vincent Trocheck to a fierce rival, they have an agenda of their own. Rivalries in the NHL are unparalleled, and nothing may send a message quite like trading for a player your biggest rival let go years ago.

Fans can already guess where Montreal’s crosshairs are headed. The Calgary Flames have been wondering what to do with Nazem Kadri all season long, just as the Habs have wondered about Laine. Thus, a move involving both may be just what the doctor ordered. Perhaps the answer was in front of them all along.

“The Canadiens have circled back with the Flames recently on Nazem Kadri. Talks continue. Some chatter Patrik Laine could be in play here if this gets to the finish line,” as reported by David Pagnotta of The Fourth Period.

What adding Kadri would mean for Montreal

Montreal already boasts a star-studded lineup. The biggest concern for the Habs currently lies in goaltending, which is why they are reportedly testing the waters around top goalies across the league.

However, if the Canadiens add Kadri to the mix, they could become the apex predator in the East. If the former seventh overall pick by the Maple Leafs ends up winning a Cup with the Habs while the Buds miss the playoffs entirely, it could be too much for Toronto to take.

Kadri’s contract

The Flames are in no hurry to move Kadri, though. The same can’t be said about the Habs and Laine, who has played just 5 games this season and is set to become an unrestricted free agent in the summer.

Kadri, on the other hand, is under contract through the 2028–29 NHL season. However, Kadri is 35 years old, and his goals don’t exactly see eye to eye with those of Calgary, which is only just beginning its rebuild. Moreover, Kadri’s $7 million cap hit is a burden the Flames might be better off without.

Both sides could look favorably upon a trade—obviously, for the right price. Laine by himself may not be enough, but the Habs definitely have a few aces up their sleeve to tilt the scales and convince their Canadian counterparts all the way in Alberta.

Wolf wore his heart on his sleeve following the Flames’ 2-1 overtime defeat against the Montreal Canadiens. Home at Scotiabank Saddledome or away on the road, Calgary has put on disheartening outings so far in the NHL. Aside from the opening night comeback win over the Edmonton Oilers, nothing has gone Wolf, Kadri, and company’s way.

Still, one lone victory eight games into the campaign is far from a reason for jubilation in The Stampede City. Not even a 3-0 comeback against the rival Oilers is good enough for the fanbase in Calgary. Wolf has had enough, as he didn’t hold back in his postgame statement.

“It doesn’t matter if it’s the eighth game of the season, the 40th, or the last, they all hurt equally. [Getting one point] is something, but you don’t go into a game looking for one point, you go into it looking for two,” Wolf told media after the loss at home to the Habs. “I like my game so far. It’s tough. I can’t generate offense. I do my job; I try to keep the puck out of our net, and hope that our guys can generate a couple.“

Taking matters into their own hands

Everywhere Wolf, Kadri, and the Flames look around the room, there are signs of trouble. Calgary has yet to deliver a win in front of the ‘C of Red’. Moreover, it hasn’t won a game in regulation, and its lone victory came in a shootout—which is essentially a skills competition and hardly reflects what the Flames are capable of collectively. Needless to say, it looks like the room is catching fire in the worst way.

“We just can’t generate offense right now,” Wolf admitted. “We can’t rely on their mistakes to create offense. We’ve got to create them ourselves. But we just can’t find a way to hit the back of the twine.”

Before it’s too late, the star netminder is hoping to spark a chain reaction. After all, Wolf recently signed a seven-year, $52.5 million extension through the 2032–33 season. It’s only reasonable that the 24-year-old will do everything he can to avoid being stuck on a bottom-feeder for the foreseeable future.

One is not going to do it

Obviously, nothing good can come from a seven-game losing streak so early in an NHL season. Beyond the losses, the Flames have been flat-out outplayed in every outing. Calgary has scored only one goal in each of its last four games.

Through eight contests, the Flames have scored three goals just once and are averaging 1.5 goals per game—needless to say, the worst mark in the league. Up next, the Flames visit the Winnipeg Jets, who are averaging 3.83 goals per game, the fourth-best mark in the NHL.

Flaming cold

With their seventh consecutive loss of the NHL season, the Flames have tied their worst stretch in the past decade (achieved four separate times). If Calgary falls to the Jets, it would mark eight straight defeats for the first time since the 1998–99 campaign.

Moreover, Ryan Huska’s squad would be treading dangerously close to the worst mark in franchise history. Eleven is the number to beat—or rather, to avoid—as the Flames dropped that many in a row during the 1985–86 season.

The sold-out crowd at Rogers Place headed for the exit doors crestfallen after the Oilers squandered a 3-0 lead in the 2025-26 NHL season opener. As if blowing a multi-goal lead wasn’t bad enough, doing so to the archrivals in Calgary only made it worse.

The Oilers must bounce back after their head-scratching outing in opening night of the NHL campaign. McDavid and the rest of the team know the spotlight is upon them. Contract drama aside, there is nothing standing on the way for Edmonton not to have success. It all comes down to the action on the ice, and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins knows a lot can be done better in that regard.

“We just kind of got sloppy with it and turned the puck over too much, which started to give them life,” Nugent-Hopkins admitted postgame, per NHL.com. “They capitalized on one and they started to get the momentum there. But it started with 10 minutes of being sloppy and just turning the puck over.”

Learning from it

While a heartbreaking loss, the Oilers still salvaged a point—though it feels too little a reward after leading 3-0 midway through the game. After a fiery contest, it was actually Calgary who finally put out the flames with Nazem Kadri’s shootout winner in the 8th round.

“I thought when we were playing on top of them, when we were playing fast and simple there was a lot of things to like,” Nugent-Hopkins added. “But obviously the first one, you’d like to close that one out. There’s lots to like but also a lot to learn.”

Onto the next one

McDavid finished the night with two assists. It was the captain’s first game after re-signing on a two-year, $25 million contract. However, he missed his penalty shot during the decisive round, and couldn’t help his team take down the visiting Flames at home.

Up next, the Edmonton Oilers will gear up for yet another Pacific Division showdown. On October 11, the Vancouver Canucks will travel to the Gateway to the North for Evander Kane’s return to his former team.

The Oilers are going after the Stanley Cup after consecutive defeats in the Final. Determined to hoist Edmonton’s first Cup since 1990, the Oilers know the work is cut out for them during the 2025-26 NHL season.

After Connor McDavid re-signed, the organization tied another star to an extension. Now, there are no excuses in the Gateway to the North. Barring more injury setbacks, Edmonton must walk their talk after a long summer of promises to the fanbase in Northern Alberta. Without Hyman to start the season, it will take more out of everybody to reach the promised land.

Why isn’t Hyman playing?

Hyman has been out of the Oilers’ lineup since the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs. The veteran forward dislocated his wrist during Edmonton’s matchup with the Dallas Stars in the Western Conference Final. Hyman underwent surgery on his right wrist in May and has been recovering ever since.

As the Oilers face-off against the eternal enemies, Flames, at Rogers Place, the 33-year-old winger will not step onto the ice. When the puck drops in Edmonton, Hyman will miss his 16th game in a row (counting the 2024-25 postseason and 2025-26 preseason).

When is Hyman expected to return?

While assuring Hyman is fully healthy and avoiding rushing his recovery is paramount, it’s no secret the Oilers hope to have him back on the lineup as soon as possible. On that note, Edmonton may not have to wait for too long.

“Hyman won’t be available during the first month of the 2025-26 season,” as reported by CBS Sports. “He’s expected to join the team in early November.” The Oilers have placed Hyman on long-term injured reserve (LTIR).

Time to shine

As is often the case in the NHL, key players being out due to injuries means big opportunities for others to step into the spotlight. On that note, Trent Frederic might have the perfect chance to prove his worth—and he’s being given quite the platform to do so.

With Hyman out, Frederic is sliding onto the first line, joining the best duo in the NHL: Leon Draisaitl and Connor McDavid. Alongside them, the 27-year-old forward could put doubts to rest regarding his eight-year, $30.8 million contract.

Huska’s journey in Calgary began in 2014-15 when he was named head coach of the Flames’ AHL affiliate in Adirondack. He later led the Stockton Flames for four seasons, posting a 135-118-27 record before joining the NHL coaching staff as an assistant in 2018.

With his extension, the Flames are signaling confidence in Huska’s vision and leadership, emphasizing continuity and development within the roster.

What this extension means for the Flames

General Manager Craig Conroy delivered a clear message about the move, according to NHL.com: “We’re thrilled to extend Ryan for two more years. He’s done an excellent job creating a strong culture in our room and helping our team take steps in the right direction. His communication, work ethic, and commitment to developing our players have been outstanding. We believe in his vision and are confident he’s the right coach to lead us forward.”

Huska’s leadership extends beyond wins and losses; he has cultivated a culture focused on player development, accountability, and team identity. His experience coaching young talent in the AHL is expected to continue benefiting Calgary’s prospects as they transition to the NHL level.

Huska’s reflection

Reflecting on his extension, Huska said: “I’m grateful for the opportunity to continue leading this team and to build on the foundation we’ve started. I believe in this group, in their character, talent, and potential. I’m excited about the direction we are heading. I want to thank Craig, the ownership, and the entire organization for their trust and support. We are committed to pushing forward and bringing success back to Calgary.”

With his deep roots in the organization, Huska’s extension provides both stability and experience, positioning the Flames to compete for playoff contention in the upcoming NHL seasons.

Trading Mitch Marner to the Vegas Golden Knights might have been only the first step in an offseason of bold moves by the Leafs. Matthews and Toronto will go any distance to finally hoist the Stanley Cup—even if it earns them a frown from the fanbase in The Six.

Former Flames forward Dillon Dube was among the five players acquitted on sexual assault charges in the Hockey Canada trial. And while he remains suspended by the NHL until December 1st, he can sign with a new team after October 15. As a result, a report hints the Maple Leafs might be eyeing the 27-year-old center.

“I wouldn’t be at all surprised if the Leafs put their hat in the ring, take a decent swing at Dillon Dube,” insider Darren Dreger commented on TSN’s First Up.

Like old times

It’s no wonder the Leafs find themselves eyeing another player with Flames ties. General Manager Brad Treliving has been keeping a close watch on players he knows from his time in Alberta—and it could happen again.

“There’s history there, it goes back to the Calgary days between [GM] Brad Treliving and Dube,” Dreger stated. “Doesn’t mean Toronto is a frontrunner and the Maple Leafs are going to land him. The assumption is Dube could come in and fill a top-six role.”

Start fresh

While for most Canadian players donning the Maple Leafs’ colors would be a dream come true, there’s reason to believe Dube might not be thrilled to enter a market like Toronto. After the very public events that took over the NHL spotlight in the offseason, it’s reasonable to assume Dube would want to stay away from any Canadian-based organization.

Carter Hart, who is also returning to the league after the Hockey Canada trial concluded, reportedly has no desire to play in Canada, which in fact puts Connor McDavid’s Edmonton Oilers out of the race for him. Based on that example, it’s likely Dube is looking for a clean slate in a US-based franchise, as well.

League-wide interest

Of course, teams that sign the five players involved in the trial will get much more exposure to continent-wide coverage. But it might be worth taking that risk if it means bolstering the lineup. At least, that’s how several front offices see it. If the NHL allows them to return to the ice in December, then there isn’t anything left to do—even if it might cause an outcry from fans.

“Michael McLeod and Dillon Dube are good competitive players,” Dreger added. “So purely from a hockey perspective, they aren’t going to have any problems finding NHL homes. They are just not.”

Within the debate surrounding his future, general manager Craig Conroy has remained firm in stating that he has spoken with Andersson recently and that all options remain on the table. This leaves open the possibility of either staying or moving to another franchise.

In this back-and-forth scenario, Andersson broke his silence and shared his thoughts on the current moment in an interview marked by honesty. The Flames defenseman expressed his true feelings about the immediate future of his career.

Andersson’s blunt admission

“I’ve grown up in the city, and I’ve loved every second of it, and that will never change. And now it’s the business side of it. Is it smart of me to re-sign now after last season, I don’t know. I mean, I’ve read all season how much I suck. So I just got to come out of the gates hot, and just worry about myself and get the team in the best position possible,” Andersson said in an interview with NHL insider Eric Francis of Sportsnet.

“The thing that bothers you is fake information that comes out. I saw some reports that I would only sign in one team, and this and that. I mean, nothing could be further from the truth. Connie and I have had a few conversations over the summer, and I would never handcuff him and give him one team,” Andersson added.

Good news for the Flames

Amid the uncertainty about Andersson’s future, the Flames did secure a piece of good news by locking up goaltender Dustin Wolf to a seven-year extension with a $7.5 million AAV that will keep him in Calgary for a long time, cementing his role as a key piece for the franchise.

Wolf reached this contract after completing his rookie season, in which he posted a 29-16-8 record, with a .910 save percentage and a 2.64 goals-against average, making him a key piece for the team, in addition to being a Calder Trophy finalist.

Considering his limited professional experience, Wolf’s contract is a deal with few precedents in the league. The Flames took a major step forward in securing a key player with the potential to become an NHL star.

Who is the highest-paid NHL goalie?

The highest-paid goalie in the league is none other than Igor Shesterkin of the New York Rangers, who has an AAV of $11.5 million, according to Spotrac. This puts him $4 million above the deal Wolf secured with the Flames for each of his next seven seasons in Calgary.

Shesterkin signed an eight-year, $92 million contract extension with the Rangers in December 2024. This new deal runs through the 2032-33 season and secures the franchise star for several more years under head coach Mike Sullivan.

Who round out the podium of the NHL’s highest-paid goalies?

In addition to Shesterkin’s deal, which makes him the highest-paid goalie in the league, there are two other names with notable contracts with their respective franchises. They are Carey Price of the San Jose Sharks, with an AAV of $10.5 million, and Sergei Bobrovsky of the Florida Panthers, with an annual salary of $10 million.

Calgary appears focused on finding the best possible deal and will take the time needed to do so, while also setting the proper terms and timing. Teams around the league are already paying close attention to the situation, so progress is expected soon.

Andersson enters the final season of his six-year, $27.3 million contract, which carries an annual cap hit of $4.55 million. His salary status and market value make him a highly sought-after asset, and the uncertainty surrounding him is something no one within the organization can ignore.

Mikael Backlund’s take

Flames captain Mikael Backlund said during a media tour in Europe, “Yeah, he’s getting traded. It’s obvious,” according to NHL Trade Talk. Andersson’s situation in Calgary is poised to deliver more chapters.

The franchise is seeking strong value in return for Andersson, while the player himself is aiming for a major contract and will need to perform well to earn it. At the same time, Backlund emphasized that Andersson “doesn’t want to become a distraction for the team.”

A difficult exit

Backlund was firm in stating that his teammate will leave. The real question is when it will happen. As NHL insider Frank Seravalli recently reported, the difficulty in moving Andersson lies in the fact that any interested team would need to pay not only an attractive trade package but also commit to a new contract for the 28-year-old defenseman, significantly raising the overall cost of acquiring him.

The Flames are trending downwards ahead of the 2025-26 NHL season. The loud buzz around Kadri and Andersson does little to help the team in Calgary, too. After missing the Stanley Cup Playoffs, it’s up to the Flames to turn the tide or brace for departures come trade deadline day.

Still, in a landscape filled with question marks and potential exits, Flames captain Mikael Backlund has reportedly made a firm decision on his future, which could serve as light at the end of the tunnel for Calgary.

“[Backlund has] got a year left on his contract and he says he wants to continue to play,” insider Elliotte Friedman said on the 32 Thoughts Podcast. “He wants to be a lifetime Calgary Flame. He’s not looking to go anywhere.”

Red hot numbers

Taken off the board with the 24th overall pick in the 2007 NHL entry Draft, Backlund has spent his entire career with the Flames. He doesn’t envision that changing any time soon as reports indicate. Backlund is now entering the final season of his two-year, $9M extension. Once it expires, he will be 37 years old.

Still, the Flames may look forward to give Backlund another contract next summer. The Swede currently ranks seventh on the franchise’s all-time points leaderboard. With 563 points (215 G, 348 A), he is only one tally away from tying Gary Suter at sixth place.

Not meeting the price tag

While Kadri’s situation seems more hypothetical than Andersson’s, the defenseman doesn’t have a clear exit path out of Calgary either. So far, no offers have arrived for Andersson, and it’s trending towards him staying put in C-town to start the season.

As noted by Frank Seravalli on Bleacher Report’s Insider Notebook, teams are cautious about trading for Andersson. At this point, it appears too costly, and if the veteran is serious about starting fresh, waiting for him to become an unrestricted free agent (UFA) might be the wiser move.

“I don’t want to say that the deals that were offered to Calgary for Rasmus Andersson were underwhelming, I think everyone…recognizes that when you trade for Anderson you need to pay him; it’s acquisition cost plus cost on your cap,” Seravalli explained.