This is not just a statistical record or a hot run of form that New York Islanders star center Bo Horvat can simply keep his nose to the grindstone about and one day at a time it until a resolution is reached. No, the prospect of playing for Team Canada at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina is something entirely different. It's always in the back of my mind, Horvat told amNewYork on Tuesday. I want to be there. Plain and simple.
Fantilli was drafted third overall out of the University of Michigan in 2023, and is still continuing to grow into his role in Columbus. As one of the many young and exciting rookies expecting to sign a big deal next summer, Fantilli is likely going to be one of the players who has the season to prove his worth, and if things continue to improve, he will meet that value with no issue whatsoever.
When the New Jersey Devils drafted Jack Hughes number one overall in 2019, it marked a moment in their franchise when they looked to turn the page to a new era. Long were the days of Zach Parise and Illya Kovalchuk. Martin Brodeur and Scott Stevens were long retired. Recent Hart Trophy winner Taylor Hall was traded. New Jersey hadn't made serious playoff noise in seven years, and they needed a new franchise player to take the mantle.