MADISON, Wis. — Wisconsin hockey is on full display this NHL season with 13 Badgers on opening night rosters across 11 different teams.
Three additional players are listed on team injured/non-roster lists, while one more is ready to continue his work rebuilding a franchise as head coach.
The NHL release of opening-day rosters originally included 12 Badgers, but Derek Stepan signed a contract with the Carolina Hurricanes later in the day on Tuesday, brigning UW's total to 13 to start the season.
After a dazzling pre-season performance, Dylan Holloway cracked the Edmonton Oilers' opening night roster and is poised to take on top-six minutes alongside some of the league's leading scorers. Holloway became the 91st Badger to skate in the NHL when he made his debut with Edmonton in the 2022 Western Conference Final. The former Badger out of Bragg Creek, Alberta is definitely a key player to watch for Badger fans this season.
Now entering his third NHL season, K'Andre Miller is quickly establishing himself as a top defenseman with the New York Rangers. Miller notched an assist in the Ranger's opening match, a 3-1 win over the Tampa Bay Lightning on Tuesday.
Two-time Stanley Cup champion Ryan McDonagh is getting a new look this hockey season. After four years with the Lightning, the former Badgers defenseman joins the Nashville Predators with hopes to help make the team a cup contender.
Justin Schultz makes history as the first former Badger to play for the NHL's newest franchise, the Seattle Kraken. After two seasons with the Washington Capitals, Schultz signed a two-year deal as a free agent with Seattle in July.
Two NHL teams boast a pair of Badgers on their roster. Trent Frederic and Craig Smith round out the Boston Bruins' lineup and Wisconsin natives Ryan Suter and Joe Pavelski give Badger fans a reason to cheer for the Dallas Stars.
Luke Kunin joins the San Jose Sharks as the result of a trade after two seasons with Nashville.
Former Carolina Hurricanes defenseman Brendan Smith signed with New Jersey as an unrestricted free agent this summer
Former Badger and brother of current UW head coach Tony Granato, Don Granato recently inked a two-year contract extension behind the bench in Buffalo. The former Wisconsin standout has an affinity for developing young players and led the Sabres' to their best finish since 2012 last season.
At least 12 other former Badgers are on staff of NHL franchises.
Complete list of Badgers in the NHL
Boston Bruins - Trent Frederic (2016-18), Craig Smith (2009-11)
Carolina Hurricanes - Derek Stepan (2008-10), Jake Gardiner (2008-11)*
Chicago Blackhawks - Jake McCabe (2011-14)*
Dallas Stars - Joe Pavelski (2004-06), Ryan Suter (2003-04)
Edmonton Oilers - Dylan Holloway (2019-21)
Los Angeles Kings - Alex Turcotte (2019-20)*
Montreal Canadiens - Cole Caufield (2019-21)
Nashville Predators - Ryan McDonagh (2007-10)
New Jersey Devils - Brendan Smith (2007-10)
New York Rangers - K'Andre Miller (2018-20)
San Jose Sharks - Luke Kunin (2015-17)
Seattle Kraken - Justin Schultz (2009-12)
Tampa Bay Lightning - Brian Elliott (2003-07)
