An NHL Expansion Story: Deep in the Heart of Texas

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Re: An NHL Expansion Story: Deep in the Heart of Texas

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Re: An NHL Expansion Story: Deep in the Heart of Texas

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Re: An NHL Expansion Story: Deep in the Heart of Texas

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Re: An NHL Expansion Story: Deep in the Heart of Texas

The Huskies will begin the 2025-26 facing off against the Florida Panthers at the BB&T Arena in Sunrise, Florida.

The Huskies once again had a successful camp and off-season, finishing preseason with a record of 4-2-1. Center AJ Likens lead in scoring with 3 goals and four assists in four games.

The Huskies finished what many would consider a successful 2024-25 season, qualifying for the playoffs and making the conference semi-final before falling to the Winnipeg Jets in five games. The Huskies have qualified for the Stanley Cup finals in all six years of their existence.

However, the off-season was not as kind on the player front. Though a number of key players, such as right wing Jordan Eberle and defenseman Jakob Chychrun re-signed with the team, the Huskies did let go of a couple mainstays, such as center Austin Czarnik and, more notably, defenseman Jared Spurgeon, the last player with the team from the expansion draft back in 2018.

The big hit was when goalie Sergei Bobrovsky announced to the team that he wanted to test the free agent market. The thirty six year old had been with the Huskies since before the doors opened for the first time (he was signed as a free agent and not drafted), leading the team to two Stanley Cups, and winning the Conn Smythe for the playoffs MVP during one of the runs. He also won the Vezina Trophy for be goaltender twice during his tenure.

Although the team improved dramatically at defense and forward with a number of rookie signings and promotions from the team’s AHL affiliate, the Arlington Bald Eagles, it did leave a large hole in goal. The Huskies have a number of high quality prospect goalies in the farm system but none were ready to take the starting position this season. The team also didn’t feel that backup goalie Jakob Markstrom was solid enough to take the starting position. Therefore, the team went out an signed goalie Philipp Grubauer in free agency over the summer, hoping he would be able to backstop the team.

The team did sign a number of their high profile prospects and a couple, to include defenseman Rudy Vance, will start the season with the big club. The average age of the club has decreased from 29 years old to 27 with rookies making their first stint with the team. Needless to say, the majority of players released were those above the age of 33 and out of their prime. Below is the break out:

Also important to note is the consistency with the coaching crew. Alain Vigneault is back for his second season and many of his supporting cast are back. With the previous season’s Stanley Cup win and last season’s playoff record, it is safe to say that Vigneault will be with the club for a while.

Also interesting to note is the Huskies’ farm team, the Arlington Bald Eagles. After missing the playoffs for three seasons, they made the Calder Cup playoffs and made it past the first round. Many of the same players are back and are pushing for their sniff at the NHL.

The team still has one of the top five prospect pools in the NHL. Sergei Mogilny, Artem Bure, and recently signed Easton Wengranowski are all touted as being potential franchise goalies. The prospect pool is also brimming with elite talent at forward and defense, with a number of players ready to be signed and some potentially ready to join the NHL now.

The team has retained a significant portion of cap space, with around $13.5 million available. It was rumored that the Huskies went after a number of high priced veterans to fill holes, such as a first line winger, and went after expensive prospects such as Jaden Schwartz, but were ultimately unsuccessful in their attempts. It can be expected with so many quality prospects and free cap space, a trade may happen for an elite players early this season.

“Although we didn’t make huge moves and did lose some key players, what we have gotten through the draft will more than replace what we lost. The future is very bright for this team. Excuse me, whose phone is that ringing?” said GM AW.

The Huskies first game will begin at 7PM EST/6PM CST. The Huskies first home game is Tuesday night at the Toyota Center. Puck drop is at 7:05 CST.

Below are the starting lines for tomorrow night:

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Re: An NHL Expansion Story: Deep in the Heart of Texas

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Re: An NHL Expansion Story: Deep in the Heart of Texas

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Re: An NHL Expansion Story: Deep in the Heart of Texas

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Re: An NHL Expansion Story: Deep in the Heart of Texas

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Re: An NHL Expansion Story: Deep in the Heart of Texas

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Re: An NHL Expansion Story: Deep in the Heart of Texas

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Re: An NHL Expansion Story: Deep in the Heart of Texas

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Re: An NHL Expansion Story: Deep in the Heart of Texas