In Detroit, all signs point to top D-man prospect Axel Sandin Pellikka (DET 2023 draft, 1st round 17th overall) being paired with fellow Swede Simon Edvinsson (DET 2021 draft, 1st round 6th overall) to begin the season.
In New York, Islanders first overall pick Matthew Schaefer has made the Isles’ opening night roster, as expected. Sticking with New York, although D-man Scott Morrow (CAR 2021 draft, 2nd round 40th overall) and forward Gabe Perreault (NYR 2023 draft, 1st round 23rd overall) both were sent to the AHL, it is safe to say we’ll see the Rangers top two prospects with the big club soon after impressive main camps.
Also as anticipated, forward Michael Misa (SJS 2025 draft, 1st round 2nd overall) will be in the Sharks’ lineup this week. He’ll be joined by top D-man prospect Sam Dickinson (SJS 2024 draft, 1st round 11th overall). Similar to this forward-D-man prospect combo, Pittsburgh’s Ben Kindel (PIT 2025 draft, 1st round 11th overall) and Harrison Brunicke (PIT 2024 draft, 2nd round 44th overall) will skate with the Pens this week.
Heading over to Nashville, forward Brady Martin (NSH 2025 draft, 1st round 5th overall) will skate with the Preds for the opening puck drop. It appears he will be on a line with Filip Forsberg and Ryan O’Reilly.
For additional player info, attached is an article on NHL.com featuring 14 rookies to watch this season. Personally, I’ll be very interested in watching Maxim Shabanov’s performance at the NHL level after his fairly lengthy negotiations with multiple teams once his KHL contract expired.
https://www.nhl.com/news/nhl-2025-26-season-top-rookies-to-watch