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Men's Hockey Clara Boudette

Badgers in the NHL: 16 made opening-night rosters

One head coach, 16 players begin the season in the big leagues

Men's Hockey Clara Boudette

Badgers in the NHL: 16 made opening-night rosters

One head coach, 16 players begin the season in the big leagues

MADISON, Wis. — Wisconsin was once again well-represented on NHL opening night rosters with 16 former Badgers making the cut, plus one head coach behind the bench.

Don Granato, former Badgers captain, associate head coach, and 1990 national champion, was named Buffalo Sabres head coach in June after assuming an interim position with the club. While the 2021-22 hockey season is still young, Granato is pioneering a promising outlook for the Sabres with a 3-1-1 record in the season's opening stretch. 

After winning the Hobey Baker award and joining the Montreal Canadiens for their playoff run last season, Cole Caufield is kicking off his first full season in the NHL grind. His four goals and eight assists in 20 playoff contests make him a favorite for the Calder Memorial Award given to the top rookie in the league.

The Carolina Hurricanes boast three former Badgers on their roster this season with the addition of Derek Stepan and Brendan Smith who join former Badger teammate Jake Gardiner. 

Long-time Minnesota Wild captain Ryan Suter signed with the Dallas Stars as a free agent in July. 

Joe Pavelski, another NHL veteran, is entering his third season as a member of the Stars.

The Tampa Bay Lightning are also adding a Badger to their roster following their back-to-back Stanley Cup Champion runs. Brian Elliot signed a one-year deal with Tampa after four seasons with the Philadelphia Flyers. Former Badgers captain Ryan McDonagh is entering his fifth season as a member of the Lightning. 

Former Badgers and first round draft picks Alex Turcotte (5th overall, 2019) and Dylan Holloway (14th overall, 2020) could potentially join the Los Angeles Kings and Edmonton Oilers, respectively, later this season. 

Complete list of Badgers in the NHL: 

Boston Bruins - Trent Frederic (2016-18), Craig Smith (2009-11)
Buffalo Sabres - Head Coach Don Granato (1987-91)
Carolina Hurricanes - Jake Gardiner (2008-11),​​ Derek Stepan (2008-10), Brendan Smith (2007-10)
Chicago Blackhawks - Wyatt Kalynuk (2017-20), Jake McCabe (2011-14)
Dallas Stars - Joe Pavelski (2004-06), Ryan Suter (2003-04)
Edmonton Oilers - Kyle Turris (2007-08)
Montreal Canadians - Cole Caufield (2019-21)
Nashville Predators - Luke Kunin (2015-17)
New York Rangers - K'andre Miller (2018-20)
Tampa Bay Lightning - Ryan McDonagh (2007-10), Brian Elliott (2003-07)
Washington Capitals - Justin Schultz (2009-12)
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Players Mentioned

Cole Caufield

#8 Cole Caufield

F
5' 7"
Sophomore
Montreal
Dylan Holloway

#4 Dylan Holloway

F
6' 1"
Sophomore
Edmonton

Players Mentioned

Cole Caufield

#8 Cole Caufield

5' 7"
Sophomore
Montreal
F
Dylan Holloway

#4 Dylan Holloway

6' 1"
Sophomore
Edmonton
F