The Colorado Avalanche lock in the expansion New Mexico Goatheads as their ECHL pipeline starting next season, ditching the Utah Grizzlies after eight years. Goatheads GM Jared Johnson calls it a growth move that funnels talent straight to Denver, where the Avs already sit atop the West with 37 wins. Front offices know a solid AA affiliate like this keeps the Cup pipeline flowing, especially with Bednar's own ECHL roots in the mix.

The Colorado Avalanche front office finalizes its 23-man squad after a flurry of training camp moves, sending prospects like Chase Bradley and Danil Gushchin down to the Eagles in Colorado. Chris MacFarland's crew trims the fat with waivers, releases and IR stints for vets like Erik Johnson calling it a career, all while recent recalls like T.J. Tynan hint at depth flexibility.

Chicago's official outlet unleashes a fire sale on jerseys featuring Connor Bedard at No. 98 alongside vets like Taylor Hall, Jonathan Toews, Seth Jones, and Nick Foligno. Fans who know the Hawks' roster churn recognize this as a signal that the front office clears inventory fast when rebuilds shift gears. With the team's centennial year underway, these deals hint at fresh looks on the horizon that could redefine the franchise's identity.

The IIHF's ironclad rule requiring neck guards at the Milano Cortina Olympics puts every NHL star on the ice there in uncharted territory, forcing vets who've ditched them since junior to adapt fast. Players like Brady Tkachuk admit the discomfort of strapping up after years without, but the shadow of Adam Johnson's tragedy lingers in every locker room conversation.

Parker, Griffin, Rivers and Johnson lead the pack of Hall of Fame Class of 2026 finalists, all sharing unbreakable ties to Los Angeles that run deeper than most casual fans realize. These aren't just names on a list; they've shaped the city's sports soul through eras of glory and grit, from Forum sellouts to modern arenas. Front offices still whisper about their influence when plotting comebacks, and this ballot stirs up old rivalries that could sway the final vote.

The IIHF drops the hammer with mandatory neck guards for all hockey at the 2026 Milano Cortina Olympics, putting NHL stars on notice as they gear up for their first Games return since Sochi. Players like T.J. Oshie embrace the shift post-Adam Johnson tragedy, testing straps and collars in Milan practices, while holdouts like Brady Tkachuk grumble about ditching the bare-neck life they've known since juniors.