Opening night brings three new faces into prominent spots, with Toronto rookie Gavin McKenna set for a first NHL look against Montreal and Boston newcomer JJ Peterka expected beside David Pastrnak. Later in the night, Chicago’s Roman Kantserov could step straight onto the Blackhawks’ top unit in Vegas.
Quick facts
- Maple Leafs vs. Canadiens: 7 p.m. ET, Tuesday.
- Bruins vs. Rangers: 8 p.m. ET, Tuesday.
- Blackhawks at Golden Knights: 10:30 p.m. ET, Tuesday.
- McKenna, Peterka and Kantserov are all in line for major offensive assignments.
McKenna is expected to make his debut when Toronto hosts Montreal. The 18-year-old can work in the Leafs’ top six, either alongside Auston Matthews or with preseason partners William Nylander and John Tavares.
The rookie recorded an assist and four shots across two exhibition appearances. Before turning pro, McKenna posted 15 goals and 36 assists in 35 games as a Penn State freshman in 2025-26, finishing tied for fifth in NCAA scoring with 51 points.
His preseason tracking showed two skating bursts above 20 mph, including a top mark of 20.52 mph. Toronto also acquired winger Kirill Marchenko on Monday, and he could be available for the opener.
In Boston, Peterka is projected to begin his Bruins tenure on the first line with Pastrnak, the club’s newly appointed captain. The German winger has reached 25 goals in each of the past three seasons and has scored 61 times at five-on-five since 2023-24, tied for 16th across the League in that span.
Peterka also has a possible path onto Boston’s first power-play group with Pastrnak and Morgan Geekie, who led the Bruins with 39 goals last season. His tracking profile includes 212 bursts above 20 mph, placing him in the 97th percentile among forwards, plus strong mid-range shooting marks: 65 shots and nine goals, both in the 89th percentile.
The Rangers gave up five goals per game to Boston over their three meetings last season, giving Peterka a favorable first-night matchup as the Bruins try to start their season with an early statement.
Chicago’s Kantserov is another rookie poised for immediate responsibility. The 22-year-old is expected to debut on a line with Patrick Kane and Oliver Moore when the Blackhawks visit Vegas.
Kantserov led the KHL with 36 goals last season and could also join Chicago’s top power-play unit with Kane, Anton Frondell, Tyler Bertuzzi and Bowen Byram. His opportunity grows with Connor Bedard sidelined by injury.
The Blackhawks missed the playoffs last season but still ranked third in the NHL in average shot speed at 59.65 mph. If Kantserov gets the expected ice time, Chicago’s late game offers a fresh scoring option on a roster looking to cover for its injured No. 1 center.
