Final cuts

[hockey jedi]

I am all in on letting young players season properly. However, I would cut Lucic and Tex as their is nothing intriguing about them. We've seen who they are. I thought Kaskamaki played well last night. I think you keep Stenberg with the Blues now. Bring Dvo up before Christmas. I believe our farm team has never had more talent and depth than now. Watch out for Springfield. We have to integrate younger players in now, so we aren't skating seven rookies next year.

[seattleblue]

Bjugstad better be better than this when the regular season hits because he looks like just a tall person who's out there right now

[seattleblue]

As predicted, Dvorsky is going to get negged incorrectly.

I see it coming too. But I also see the slower pace and foot speed issue. It’s just something he’s going to have to continue to work though…which is perfectly normal at his age. But I’ll note that he’s trying to adjust to the NHL as a C, which is much harder than doing so as a wing. And the Blues system placed even more responsibility on the C than most teams actually. It’s a lot. So while I could see Stenberg maybe get called up first or even play more total games for the Blues this season, I still wouldn’t value him more than Dvorsky longterm. And I value Stenberg quite a bit!

It’s just that Stenberg’s trying to break into the team at an easier position and one where we have an opening. One of Bjugstad/Sunny is already going to get forced out of position most likely because we have 5 Cs for 4 spots. Dvorsky would make 6.

I’ll just say I’m very happy with how our top-7 prospects all looked in camp this year so far. Snuggy, Dvorsky, Carbo, Stenberg, Lindstein, Mailloux and Jiricek all looked good IMO. Stenberg and Jiricek the most in terms of looking better or at least farther along than I thought they’d be right now. Those steps are encouraging.

And that’s not even mentioning Kaskimaki who appears on the cusp as well. And Fischer, Ellis, Stancl, Pekarcik etc that absolutely have NHL potential as well. I’ll be watching Springfield more closely this season than most years. We’re going to have a lot of talent there.

I still have my order Dvorsky, Snuggerud, Lindstein, Stenberg, Carbo then it's the three defensemen in some order (Fischer, Mailloux, Jiricek) and Stancl in my 6th thru 9th ... but any of the 9 could over perform their expectations to the point that they could/should have deserved to be higher. This is the most intense the prospect situation has ever been and I hold very high regard for the Petro/Tarasenko days that people sometimes forget was so potently ranked. There are guys not on the exciting 25-26 Blues or the exciting 25-26 Springfield T-Birds or in the exciting top 9 prospects who are nevertheless interesting enough to be tracked closely. Like Colin Ralph at Michigan State, with the games they are playing against McKenna/Penn State this year, or Mrsic Jecho and McIsaac.

I am very glad you unpacked the Dvorsky/center vs. Stenberg/wing comparison. People are also overreacting to the last impression they have IMO

[dp88]

Todays practice seems to indicate who is likely to make the roster at this point. Neighbours and Toropchenko not practicing, nursing soreness. Swap Joseph and Lucic for Neighbours and Toropchenko and you have your opening night lineup. Likely Joseph and Lucic as 13th and 14th forwards.

#stlblues practice lines (10/1):

Buchnevich-Thomas-Snuggerud
Holloway-Suter-Kyrou
Joseph-Schenn-Bjugstad
Lucic-Sundqvist-Walker
* Neighbours, Toropchenko, Texier not on ice

Fowler-Parayko
Broberg-Faulk
Tucker-Mailloux
* Kessel not skating with this group

Binnington
Hofer

[STL fan in MN]

Todays practice seems to indicate who is likely to make the roster at this point. Neighbours and Toropchenko not practicing, nursing soreness. Swap Joseph and Lucic for Neighbours and Toropchenko and you have your opening night lineup. Likely Joseph and Lucic as 13th and 14th forwards.

#stlblues practice lines (10/1):

Buchnevich-Thomas-Snuggerud
Holloway-Suter-Kyrou
Joseph-Schenn-Bjugstad
Lucic-Sundqvist-Walker
* Neighbours, Toropchenko, Texier not on ice

Fowler-Parayko
Broberg-Faulk
Tucker-Mailloux
* Kessel not skating with this group

Binnington
Hofer

Perhaps somewhat telling Texier wasn’t skating with this group. I’d assume a 2nd group will be going on the ice here shortly that’ll include Tex, Kessel, Dvorsky, Stenberg, Kaskimaki, Skinner, Loof and Ellis.

This is perhaps the “outside looking in” group.

Or it could just be the main group was the group they plan to play tomorrow night against Ottawa and it’s as simple as that haha.

[dp88]

Todays practice seems to indicate who is likely to make the roster at this point. Neighbours and Toropchenko not practicing, nursing soreness. Swap Joseph and Lucic for Neighbours and Toropchenko and you have your opening night lineup. Likely Joseph and Lucic as 13th and 14th forwards.

#stlblues practice lines (10/1):

Buchnevich-Thomas-Snuggerud
Holloway-Suter-Kyrou
Joseph-Schenn-Bjugstad
Lucic-Sundqvist-Walker
* Neighbours, Toropchenko, Texier not on ice

Fowler-Parayko
Broberg-Faulk
Tucker-Mailloux
* Kessel not skating with this group

Binnington
Hofer

Perhaps somewhat telling Texier wasn’t skating with this group. I’d assume a 2nd group will be going on the ice here shortly that’ll include Tex, Kessel, Dvorsky, Stenberg, Kaskimaki, Skinner, Loof and Ellis.

This is perhaps the “outside looking in” group.

Or it could just be the main group was the group they plan to play tomorrow night against Ottawa and it’s as simple as that haha.

There is supposed to be a group B today too according to Rutherford. I'd guess you are right, that group is everyone else and they are considered outside looking in.

[MizTruBlueLuvzU]

I think Stenberg has made a great impression, but no room for him this year. And while I’ve been down on him, I do think Lindstein had one of his better games, against a real NHL lineup. Won’t make the team, but I saw glimpses of what everyone has been saying about him. And while he won’t make it, I thought Skinner looks as good/better than Kessel, who may be looking over his shoulder. Here’s my guess on final roster. Has a cap perspective twist, and just guessing at lines so take with a grain of salt.

Buch-RT-Snuggs
Holloway-Schenn/Suter-Kyrou
Neighbours-Schenn/Suter-Joseph
Toro-Bjugstad-Walker
Extras: Sunny & Texier (gets us close to cap)
PTO continued: Lucic

If Lucic gets up to speed, Texier gets waived and Lucic is 14th forward.

Fowler- Parayko
Broberg-Faulk
Tucker-Mailloux
Kessel

Agree with pretty much all of this. Out of all of the guys that started camp on the outside looking in, it might just be Skinner who currently has the best shot of making the team. I find that a little surprising but maybe I shouldn’t. He was very solid in Springfield last season. I, and I would assume most, would consider him a career minor leaguer type but it goes to show that oftentimes, there’s really not a huge separation between a fringe NHLer and top-AHLer. Anyone else think he might just steal the #7 job from Kessel?

In the end though, my guess is the roster will be what you have above. Dvorsky, Stenberg and Kaskimaki have all looked good but we don’t need any of them yet and all could use some more seasoning. I bet we see all 3 at some point this season though.

Also, we should probably distinguish what exactly we’re talking about - the official 23-man roster the Blues will submit to the league next week or the actual 23 guys that’ll be on the roster a day or two later. Because if we’re talking the 23-man roster sent to the league, it will include Krug and thus only 22 of the guys listed above.

That’s for Cap purposes though and I think most of us are more interested in which players will actually be on the team once the games get going. But just saying - expect at least one of Snuggy/Mailloux to technically not make the team…but then be added back to the roster the next day once Krug is placed on IR or LTIR.

I’ve been rooting for Lucic but he was just bad last night. Sounds like there’s a good chance he gets into the last 2 preseason games as well but unless he finds another gear (or 2 or 3 more gears really), I just don’t see it. I like the idea of Looch but he’s just been an absolute non-factor so far. Then again, Texier hasn’t really shown much either so I guess we’ll see. And both JR and DeFranks have now both directly stated what I suggested a week ago - that the PTO could be extended to the regular season so that tells me it’s something they’re clearly discussing as an option. So I’d agree with you that that could happen…unless they get enough data these last 2 preseason games to be able to make the call on wanting to sign him or not.

Lucic still being here further highlights how much the coaching staff and management want a guy like him around for the nasty stuff. I don't want schenner having to repeatedly answer the bell for another season, either. That said, as others have noted here, lucic looks pretty awful.

[DawgDad]

Todays practice seems to indicate who is likely to make the roster at this point. Neighbours and Toropchenko not practicing, nursing soreness. Swap Joseph and Lucic for Neighbours and Toropchenko and you have your opening night lineup. Likely Joseph and Lucic as 13th and 14th forwards.

#stlblues practice lines (10/1):

Buchnevich-Thomas-Snuggerud
Holloway-Suter-Kyrou
Joseph-Schenn-Bjugstad
Lucic-Sundqvist-Walker
* Neighbours, Toropchenko, Texier not on ice

Fowler-Parayko
Broberg-Faulk
Tucker-Mailloux
* Kessel not skating with this group

Binnington
Hofer

Makes sense.

[dp88]

I think Stenberg has made a great impression, but no room for him this year. And while I’ve been down on him, I do think Lindstein had one of his better games, against a real NHL lineup. Won’t make the team, but I saw glimpses of what everyone has been saying about him. And while he won’t make it, I thought Skinner looks as good/better than Kessel, who may be looking over his shoulder. Here’s my guess on final roster. Has a cap perspective twist, and just guessing at lines so take with a grain of salt.

Buch-RT-Snuggs
Holloway-Schenn/Suter-Kyrou
Neighbours-Schenn/Suter-Joseph
Toro-Bjugstad-Walker
Extras: Sunny & Texier (gets us close to cap)
PTO continued: Lucic

If Lucic gets up to speed, Texier gets waived and Lucic is 14th forward.

Fowler- Parayko
Broberg-Faulk
Tucker-Mailloux
Kessel

Agree with pretty much all of this. Out of all of the guys that started camp on the outside looking in, it might just be Skinner who currently has the best shot of making the team. I find that a little surprising but maybe I shouldn’t. He was very solid in Springfield last season. I, and I would assume most, would consider him a career minor leaguer type but it goes to show that oftentimes, there’s really not a huge separation between a fringe NHLer and top-AHLer. Anyone else think he might just steal the #7 job from Kessel?

In the end though, my guess is the roster will be what you have above. Dvorsky, Stenberg and Kaskimaki have all looked good but we don’t need any of them yet and all could use some more seasoning. I bet we see all 3 at some point this season though.

Also, we should probably distinguish what exactly we’re talking about - the official 23-man roster the Blues will submit to the league next week or the actual 23 guys that’ll be on the roster a day or two later. Because if we’re talking the 23-man roster sent to the league, it will include Krug and thus only 22 of the guys listed above.

That’s for Cap purposes though and I think most of us are more interested in which players will actually be on the team once the games get going. But just saying - expect at least one of Snuggy/Mailloux to technically not make the team…but then be added back to the roster the next day once Krug is placed on IR or LTIR.

I’ve been rooting for Lucic but he was just bad last night. Sounds like there’s a good chance he gets into the last 2 preseason games as well but unless he finds another gear (or 2 or 3 more gears really), I just don’t see it. I like the idea of Looch but he’s just been an absolute non-factor so far. Then again, Texier hasn’t really shown much either so I guess we’ll see. And both JR and DeFranks have now both directly stated what I suggested a week ago - that the PTO could be extended to the regular season so that tells me it’s something they’re clearly discussing as an option. So I’d agree with you that that could happen…unless they get enough data these last 2 preseason games to be able to make the call on wanting to sign him or not.

I get what you are saying, but wouldn't that be considered a paper transaction and violate the new paper transaction rules? From that standpoint, Texier is likely waived, they submit the 23-man roster with Krug, then after that, they put Krug on IR (or LTIR) then sign Lucic.

Edit:
The rule I am referring to for anyone who isn't familiar with it:

The NHL CBA eliminates "paper transactions," a loophole that allowed teams to send waiver-exempt players to the AHL to accrue cap space and then quickly recall them for games
. Under the new rule, if a player is sent down to the minor league, they must play in at least one AHL game before the NHL team can recall them, with a limited exception for goalies. This change took effect for the 2025-26 season and was ratified in a recent Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed by the NHL and NHLPA, according to reports from PuckPedia and other outlets.

[Sophisticated Shoes]

Thoughts, questions, observations...

Someone mentioned keeping Dvo up and moving Schenn to RW, I like the thought of this, but will it happen to start the season? I can see this in the future, but will we see it before the season starts, let alone any time this year? BTW, Dvo looking better on face offs last night.

Keeping Stenberg up is something I didn't expect to hear at the start of camp, but I certainly could see Otto breaking with the team to start the season. If 28 made the team, it shouldn't be viewed as a slight to Dvo, as we all know the responsibilities at C are far greater than at Wing, but would Stenberg making the team affect Dvo? Is this something the org would even consider?

I tried to focus on Suter often last night and I know this line did well, but it seemed he was chasing the puck a lot of the time. I was multitasking, so I didn't watch every shift, what's everyone thinking about Suter so far? Does he appear to be C#2 or C#3, or simply interchangable? It feels like many want to push Schenn down a line as he ages, but Schenn still appears to drive his line. I haven't seen enough from Suter yet to have formed an opinion. I hope I'm missing the nuance in his game.

Bjugstadt, I haven't seen much from NB thus far. I do realize taller players can appear slower, but is he a lock to make the team? Probably, but Sunny two games ago appears faster and more active, and we know what type of game Sunny plays. I'm not knocking Bjugstadt's game, it's preseason, it's choppy, and I'm not all that familiar with Bjugstadt, so I thought I'd ask what others are seeing.

I thought Kyrou looked sharp in his first game! I hope he has a big year after all the off-season chatter.

[WilliamWestcliffe]

Something to keep in mind, they are going to start the season ("break camp") with as much salary as possible on the NHL roster. This will allow them to max out Krug's LTIR and then they'll likely make real adjustments shortly after.

[seattleblue]

I am ready for Jordan Kyrou to have another step up this year, man I would appreciate that from him

Stenberg's success wouldn't have an effect on Dvorsky IMO. Dvorsky is in the process of sculpting himself into a no doubt NHL scoring center and is ultra confident in himself, that confidence is a defining trait

[TampaBlues78]

Thoughts, questions, observations...

Someone mentioned keeping Dvo up and moving Schenn to RW, I like the thought of this, but will it happen to start the season? I can see this in the future, but will we see it before the season starts, let alone any time this year? BTW, Dvo looking better on face offs last night.

Keeping Stenberg up is something I didn't expect to hear at the start of camp, but I certainly could see Otto breaking with the team to start the season. If 28 made the team, it shouldn't be viewed as a slight to Dvo, as we all know the responsibilities at C are far greater than at Wing, but would Stenberg making the team affect Dvo? Is this something the org would even consider?

I tried to focus on Suter often last night and I know this line did well, but it seemed he was chasing the puck a lot of the time. I was multitasking, so I didn't watch every shift, what's everyone thinking about Suter so far? Does he appear to be C#2 or C#3, or simply interchangable? It feels like many want to push Schenn down a line as he ages, but Schenn still appears to drive his line. I haven't seen enough from Suter yet to have formed an opinion. I hope I'm missing the nuance in his game.

Bjugstadt, I haven't seen much from NB thus far. I do realize taller players can appear slower, but is he a lock to make the team? Probably, but Sunny two games ago appears faster and more active, and we know what type of game Sunny plays. I'm not knocking Bjugstadt's game, it's preseason, it's choppy, and I'm not all that familiar with Bjugstadt, so I thought I'd ask what others are seeing.

I thought Kyrou looked sharp in his first game! I hope he has a big year after all the off-season chatter.

I for one wasn’t really that impressed with Bjugstadt to be honest. Not sure how he looks in practice but wasn’t real noticeable last night. I do like Kaskimaki’s game his name was mentioned quite a bit last night.

What do people think of Dylan Peterson? I’ve noticed he doesn’t get mentioned much, but I thought he impressed in prospect tourny and in his games in the preseason. He looked fast and was hotting everything in sight. I just don’t see his name mentioned as much from some of you guys?

[STL fan in MN]

I think Stenberg has made a great impression, but no room for him this year. And while I’ve been down on him, I do think Lindstein had one of his better games, against a real NHL lineup. Won’t make the team, but I saw glimpses of what everyone has been saying about him. And while he won’t make it, I thought Skinner looks as good/better than Kessel, who may be looking over his shoulder. Here’s my guess on final roster. Has a cap perspective twist, and just guessing at lines so take with a grain of salt.

Buch-RT-Snuggs
Holloway-Schenn/Suter-Kyrou
Neighbours-Schenn/Suter-Joseph
Toro-Bjugstad-Walker
Extras: Sunny & Texier (gets us close to cap)
PTO continued: Lucic

If Lucic gets up to speed, Texier gets waived and Lucic is 14th forward.

Fowler- Parayko
Broberg-Faulk
Tucker-Mailloux
Kessel

Agree with pretty much all of this. Out of all of the guys that started camp on the outside looking in, it might just be Skinner who currently has the best shot of making the team. I find that a little surprising but maybe I shouldn’t. He was very solid in Springfield last season. I, and I would assume most, would consider him a career minor leaguer type but it goes to show that oftentimes, there’s really not a huge separation between a fringe NHLer and top-AHLer. Anyone else think he might just steal the #7 job from Kessel?

In the end though, my guess is the roster will be what you have above. Dvorsky, Stenberg and Kaskimaki have all looked good but we don’t need any of them yet and all could use some more seasoning. I bet we see all 3 at some point this season though.

Also, we should probably distinguish what exactly we’re talking about - the official 23-man roster the Blues will submit to the league next week or the actual 23 guys that’ll be on the roster a day or two later. Because if we’re talking the 23-man roster sent to the league, it will include Krug and thus only 22 of the guys listed above.

That’s for Cap purposes though and I think most of us are more interested in which players will actually be on the team once the games get going. But just saying - expect at least one of Snuggy/Mailloux to technically not make the team…but then be added back to the roster the next day once Krug is placed on IR or LTIR.

I’ve been rooting for Lucic but he was just bad last night. Sounds like there’s a good chance he gets into the last 2 preseason games as well but unless he finds another gear (or 2 or 3 more gears really), I just don’t see it. I like the idea of Looch but he’s just been an absolute non-factor so far. Then again, Texier hasn’t really shown much either so I guess we’ll see. And both JR and DeFranks have now both directly stated what I suggested a week ago - that the PTO could be extended to the regular season so that tells me it’s something they’re clearly discussing as an option. So I’d agree with you that that could happen…unless they get enough data these last 2 preseason games to be able to make the call on wanting to sign him or not.

I get what you are saying, but wouldn't that be considered a paper transaction and violate the new paper transaction rules? From that standpoint, Texier is likely waived, they submit the 23-man roster with Krug, then after that, they put Krug on IR (or LTIR) then sign Lucic.

Edit:
The rule I am referring to for anyone who isn't familiar with it:

The NHL CBA eliminates "paper transactions," a loophole that allowed teams to send waiver-exempt players to the AHL to accrue cap space and then quickly recall them for games
. Under the new rule, if a player is sent down to the minor league, they must play in at least one AHL game before the NHL team can recall them, with a limited exception for goalies. This change took effect for the 2025-26 season and was ratified in a recent Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed by the NHL and NHLPA, according to reports from PuckPedia and other outlets.

Huh, you’re right! I thought that wasn’t going into effect until next season but that clearly states it’s one of the things they moved up to apply to this season. Good catch!

Well then, I may have to look at the roster again! But they’re also pretty safely under the Cap even counting Krug so it’s not a huge issue.

[STL fan in MN]

Thoughts, questions, observations...

Someone mentioned keeping Dvo up and moving Schenn to RW, I like the thought of this, but will it happen to start the season? I can see this in the future, but will we see it before the season starts, let alone any time this year? BTW, Dvo looking better on face offs last night.

Keeping Stenberg up is something I didn't expect to hear at the start of camp, but I certainly could see Otto breaking with the team to start the season. If 28 made the team, it shouldn't be viewed as a slight to Dvo, as we all know the responsibilities at C are far greater than at Wing, but would Stenberg making the team affect Dvo? Is this something the org would even consider?

I tried to focus on Suter often last night and I know this line did well, but it seemed he was chasing the puck a lot of the time. I was multitasking, so I didn't watch every shift, what's everyone thinking about Suter so far? Does he appear to be C#2 or C#3, or simply interchangable? It feels like many want to push Schenn down a line as he ages, but Schenn still appears to drive his line. I haven't seen enough from Suter yet to have formed an opinion. I hope I'm missing the nuance in his game.

Bjugstadt, I haven't seen much from NB thus far. I do realize taller players can appear slower, but is he a lock to make the team? Probably, but Sunny two games ago appears faster and more active, and we know what type of game Sunny plays. I'm not knocking Bjugstadt's game, it's preseason, it's choppy, and I'm not all that familiar with Bjugstadt, so I thought I'd ask what others are seeing.

I thought Kyrou looked sharp in his first game! I hope he has a big year after all the off-season chatter.

I for one wasn’t really that impressed with Bjugstadt to be honest. Not sure how he looks in practice but wasn’t real noticeable last night. I do like Kaskimaki’s game his name was mentioned quite a bit last night.

What do people think of Dylan Peterson? I’ve noticed he doesn’t get mentioned much, but I thought he impressed in prospect tourny and in his games in the preseason. He looked fast and was hotting everything in sight. I just don’t see his name mentioned as much from some of you guys?

I see Peterson as a future 4th liner. He’s similar to Torpo. Not much skill, not good hands but he’s big, fast, goes full out every shift and loves to hit. Beings just enough skill to not be a liability usually.

I bet Bjugstad will be fine. He was at 3RW today. I bet that’s where he ends up. Or 4C. He’s not going to be a huge difference maker but I don’t see him being a weakness either.

[britishblue]

I think Stenberg has made a great impression, but no room for him this year. And while I’ve been down on him, I do think Lindstein had one of his better games, against a real NHL lineup. Won’t make the team, but I saw glimpses of what everyone has been saying about him. And while he won’t make it, I thought Skinner looks as good/better than Kessel, who may be looking over his shoulder. Here’s my guess on final roster. Has a cap perspective twist, and just guessing at lines so take with a grain of salt.

Buch-RT-Snuggs
Holloway-Schenn/Suter-Kyrou
Neighbours-Schenn/Suter-Joseph
Toro-Bjugstad-Walker
Extras: Sunny & Texier (gets us close to cap)
PTO continued: Lucic

If Lucic gets up to speed, Texier gets waived and Lucic is 14th forward.

Fowler- Parayko
Broberg-Faulk
Tucker-Mailloux
Kessel

Agree with pretty much all of this. Out of all of the guys that started camp on the outside looking in, it might just be Skinner who currently has the best shot of making the team. I find that a little surprising but maybe I shouldn’t. He was very solid in Springfield last season. I, and I would assume most, would consider him a career minor leaguer type but it goes to show that oftentimes, there’s really not a huge separation between a fringe NHLer and top-AHLer. Anyone else think he might just steal the #7 job from Kessel?

In the end though, my guess is the roster will be what you have above. Dvorsky, Stenberg and Kaskimaki have all looked good but we don’t need any of them yet and all could use some more seasoning. I bet we see all 3 at some point this season though.

Also, we should probably distinguish what exactly we’re talking about - the official 23-man roster the Blues will submit to the league next week or the actual 23 guys that’ll be on the roster a day or two later. Because if we’re talking the 23-man roster sent to the league, it will include Krug and thus only 22 of the guys listed above.

That’s for Cap purposes though and I think most of us are more interested in which players will actually be on the team once the games get going. But just saying - expect at least one of Snuggy/Mailloux to technically not make the team…but then be added back to the roster the next day once Krug is placed on IR or LTIR.

I’ve been rooting for Lucic but he was just bad last night. Sounds like there’s a good chance he gets into the last 2 preseason games as well but unless he finds another gear (or 2 or 3 more gears really), I just don’t see it. I like the idea of Looch but he’s just been an absolute non-factor so far. Then again, Texier hasn’t really shown much either so I guess we’ll see. And both JR and DeFranks have now both directly stated what I suggested a week ago - that the PTO could be extended to the regular season so that tells me it’s something they’re clearly discussing as an option. So I’d agree with you that that could happen…unless they get enough data these last 2 preseason games to be able to make the call on wanting to sign him or not.

I get what you are saying, but wouldn't that be considered a paper transaction and violate the new paper transaction rules? From that standpoint, Texier is likely waived, they submit the 23-man roster with Krug, then after that, they put Krug on IR (or LTIR) then sign Lucic.

Edit:
The rule I am referring to for anyone who isn't familiar with it:

The NHL CBA eliminates "paper transactions," a loophole that allowed teams to send waiver-exempt players to the AHL to accrue cap space and then quickly recall them for games
. Under the new rule, if a player is sent down to the minor league, they must play in at least one AHL game before the NHL team can recall them, with a limited exception for goalies. This change took effect for the 2025-26 season and was ratified in a recent Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed by the NHL and NHLPA, according to reports from PuckPedia and other outlets.

There is talk that the opening night roster is going to be exempt from the new paper transaction rule, although how there hasnt been any guidance at this point is a surprise.