A Ducks first-round pick will have a new team and a new league next season. OHL London announced that they’ve signed Marcus Nordmark for the upcoming campaign. Anaheim drafted the 18-year-old with the 28th selection, moving up from the 29th pick (acquired as part of the return for Mason McTavish) to secure him. Nordmark spent most of last season in Djurgardens’ under-20 system, picking up 38 points in 25 games while also getting into eight SHL contests, notching one assist. Nordmark should get a chance to play a prominent role with the Knights and could be a candidate to move up to the AHL in 2027-28 if things go well this season.
More from the Pacific:
In a blog for Sports.ru, Canucks prospect Ilya Safonov noted that he does have an option in his contract to return to the KHL at some point in the upcoming season should he not secure a spot in the NHL with Vancouver. The 25-year-old inked a one-year, entry-level deal back in June on the heels of a decent showing with Ak Bars Kazan of the KHL, one that saw him notch 16 goals and 17 assists in 68 games. At first glance, it seems like Safonov would have a hard time breaking camp with the big club and that he’d likely need to start in AHL Abbotsford. The winger indicated that he won’t head back home at the first challenge which suggests he’s willing to spend at least some time in the minors in 2026-27.
Beyond winger Alex Nylander, there are no plans to bring anyone else into training camp on a PTO, GM Craig Conroy told Sportsnet’s Eric Francis. While there is some murkiness surrounding veteran Jonathan Huberdeau, Conroy spoke about wanting to give some of his younger players an opportunity to push for a roster spot. Given that Calgary appears to be quite likely to miss the playoffs once again this season, that approach certainly seems reasonable as they need to see what some of their prospects can or can’t provide.