Carla McLeod Diagnosed with Breast Cancer, Will Remain Ottawa Charge Head Coach
Some tough news out of Ottawa: Charge head coach Carla McLeod has been diagnosed with breast cancer. Despite the diagnosis, McLeod isn’t stepping away from her role. She’ll miss Tuesday’s game against the Minnesota Frost, but she remains committed to leading the team through the season.
McLeod’s leadership has been a driving force behind Ottawa’s early success. The team’s strong showing through American Thanksgiving has them firmly in the playoff conversation-something few predicted heading into the year.
Her presence behind the bench has been more than just tactical; it's been foundational. For now, the Charge will rally in her absence for one game, but her ongoing involvement speaks to the resilience she's shown throughout her career, both on and off the ice.
Alex Formenton’s NHL Future Still in Limbo
In other Ottawa news, the clock is ticking on forward Alex Formenton. The December 5th deadline for him to be eligible to play in the NHL this season is looming, and according to reports, there’s been no trade interest to this point.
That leaves the front office with a decision that probably should’ve been made months ago. With no movement on the horizon, it’s a situation that’s increasingly hard to justify dragging out.
Injury Bug Bites Hard Across the League
It was a rough weekend on the injury front around the league. Kyle Palmieri suffered a torn ACL, a brutal blow that will sideline him for the foreseeable future.
Over in Utah, promising young forward Logan Cooley left the game against St. Louis with what may be a quad contusion.
The team has yet to confirm the full extent, but any time Cooley misses is significant for a club looking to build momentum. Meanwhile, the Rangers have placed Adam Fox on long-term injured reserve, a major loss for their blue line.
Fox is a cornerstone piece, and his absence is going to be felt on both ends of the ice.
CHL-USA Prospects Challenge Highlights 2026 Draft Talent
The 2025 CHL-USA Prospects Challenge wrapped up with plenty of eyes on the next wave of elite talent. While Gavin McKenna continues to headline the 2026 Draft class, the event offered a deeper look at several other high-end prospects who could shake up the draft board.
This showcase is always a key scouting opportunity, and this year’s edition didn’t disappoint. The depth on display suggests that next year’s draft could be one of the more intriguing in recent memory.
Canadiens Lock Up Mike Matheson with Five-Year Extension
The Montreal Canadiens made a move to secure their blue line, re-signing defenseman Mike Matheson to a five-year, $30 million extension. The deal keeps the 31-year-old in Montreal through the 2029-30 season.
With the salary cap expected to rise, the Canadiens are clearly betting on Matheson’s continued impact as a puck-moving veteran presence. While the price tag might raise some eyebrows given his age, Montreal’s decision reflects a belief in his value both on the ice and in the locker room.
As the league heads into the heart of the season, storylines are piling up fast-from inspiring perseverance off the ice to high-stakes decisions in front offices and the ever-changing landscape of injuries and prospects. It’s shaping up to be a winter full of intrigue across the hockey world.