MADISON, Wis. — With the NHL set to begin play on Jan. 13, a total of 18 former Badgers were named to training camp rosters for the 2021 season, while a 19th may also make an appearance. Represented across 14 different NHL teams, the Badgers in the NHL include a range of talented and accomplished players, most notably Ryan McDonagh (2007-10) who hoisted the Stanley Cup with the Tampa Bay Lightning last season. 

Joe Pavelski (2004-06), a member of the Badgers' 2006 NCAA Championship squad, also competed in the Stanley Cup Final for the Dallas Stars. In 2020, he reached an NHL milestone of 1,000 games played with 792 career points and played a large role in leading the Stars to a Western Conference championship.

Also among those representing Wisconsin are K'Andre Miller (2018-20) and Wyatt Kalynuk (2017-20), both of which skated for the Badgers last season. Miller, a 2018 first round draft pick for the New York Rangers, was one of the Badgers' top defenseman over the 2019-20 season, recording seven goals and 11 assists for 18 points in 36 games. Miller will join Brendan Smith (2007-10), also a former Badgers' defenseman, at training camp with the Rangers.

Former Badgers captain Kalynuk announced after his junior year that he would forego his senior season and instead signed a two-way contract with the Chicago Blackhawks organization. The blue-liner is looking to crack the NHL lineup for the upcoming season. 

A couple familiar faces will don new colors this season including Craig Smith (2009-11), who signed as a free agent with the Boston Bruins after nine seasons with the Nashville Predators. Trent Frederic (2016-18) and Cameron Hughes (2014-18) join Smith at training camp for the Bruins. 

Kyle Turris (2007-08), another former member of the Predators, signed with the Edmonton Oilers in free agency. 

However, the Predators still have one Badger on the roster after acquiring Luke Kunin (2015-17), a former Badgers captain and first round draft pick, from the Minnesota Wild. While on the Wild, Kunin skated with NHL veteran and former Badger Ryan Suter (2003-04).

The Ottawa Senators acquired Derek Stepan (2008-10) in a recent trade with the Arizona Coyotes. Stepan played two seasons with the Badgers, tallying an astounding 12 goals and 42 assists for 54 points in 41 games played his sophomore season.

Defenseman Justin Schultz also moved cities, signing as a free agent with the Washington Capitals after four-plus seasons with the Pittsburgh Penguins, including a pair of Stanley Cups.

Although he wasn't initially listed on the training camp roster, Alex Turcotte (2019-20) could potentially join the Los Angeles Kings when he returns after winning gold with Team USA at the World Junior tournament. Turcotte was selected fifth overall in the 2019 NHL Entry Draft by the Kings and recorded nine goals and 17 assists for 26 points in 29 games with Wisconsin last season. 

The NHL plans to begin their 56 game season on a Jan. 13th with teams restricted to division play amid COVID-19 restrictions that limit travel between the U.S and Canada. 

Complete list of Badgers on NHL training camp rosters (Years at Wisconsin):

Boston Bruins - Trent Frederic (2016-18), Cameron Hughes (2014-18), Craig Smith (2009-11)
Buffalo Sabres - Jake McCabe (2011-14)
Carolina Hurricanes - Jake Gardiner (2008-11)
Chicago Blackhawks - Wyatt Kalynuk (2017-20)
Colorado Avalanche - Peter Tischke (2015-19)
Dallas Stars - Joe Pavelski (2004-06)
Edmonton Oilers - Kyle Turris (2007-08)
Minnesota Wild - Ryan Suter (2003-04)
New Jersey Devils - Ben Street (2005-10)
Nashville Predators - Luke Kunin (2015-17)
New York Rangers - K'Andre Miller (2018-20), Brendan Smith (2007-10)
Ottawa Senators - Derek Stepan (2008-10)
Philidelphia Flyers - Brian Elliott (2003-07)
Tampa Bay Lightning - Ryan McDonagh (2007-10)
Washington Capitals - Justin Schultz (2009-12)