Former Badgers and Dallas Stars teammates Joe Pavelski and Ryan Suter celebrate scoring a goal.
Photo by: ASSOCIATED PRESS
Badgers in the NHL: 13 crack opening night rosters
October 11, 2023 | Men's Hockey, NHL Badgers
13 players, one head coach ready to start NHL season
MADISON, Wis. – Wisconsin hockey continues to be well-represented in the big leagues with 13 former players and one head coach making NHL opening night rosters for the 2023-24 season.
Â
Your #BadgersintheBigs on NHL opening day rosters pic.twitter.com/1FKneiB93e
— Wisconsin Hockey (@BadgerMHockey) October 11, 2023
The Dallas Stars' opening night roster has three Badgers: Joe Pavelski, Craig Smith and Ryan Suter. The Stars are the first team to be home to three Badgers at once since the Carolina Hurricanes in the 2021-22 season (Derek Stepan, Brendan Smith, Jake Gardiner). In April, Pavelski made Wisconsin history by becoming the first and only Badger to reach 1,000 career NHL points. He is currently the all-time leader in NHL points among UW players.
Ryan McDonagh's season is already off to a strong start, notching an assist in the Predators' season opener versus Tampa Bay on Tuesday night.
Former Wisconsin captain Ty Emberson is looking to make his NHL debut this season after cracking the San Jose Sharks' roster. The defenseman was picked up by the San Jose after being placed on waivers by the New York Rangers.
Luke Kunin is also located in San Jose and is gearing up for his second season in teal after being traded from the Nashville Predators to the Sharks last July.
Cole Caufield, who was out for almost half of the 2022-23 NHL season due to injury, returns for his third full year with the Canadiens. He had a strong performance during the preseason, putting up two goals and two assists for a total of four points over four games. Despite missing nearly half of last season, he still shared Montreal's lead with 26 goals.
Brendan Smith is ready to play his second season with the New Jersey Devils after signing with the team as an unrestricted free agent last summer.Â
Don Granato, former Badger and brother of previous head coach Tony Granato, is back for another year behind the bench in Buffalo as the head coach of the Sabres. Last year, he inked a two-year contract extension and led the team to their best finish since 2011.Â
Complete list of Badgers in the NHL (Years at Wisconsin)
Boston Bruins - Trent Frederic (2016-18)
Dallas Stars - Joe Pavelski (2004-06), Craig Smith (2009-11), Ryan Suter (2003-04)
Edmonton Oilers - Dylan Holloway (2019-21)
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 - Ty Emberson (2018-21), Luke Kunin (2015-17)
Seattle Kraken - Justin Schultz (2009-12)
Toronto Maple Leafs - Jake McCabe (2011-14)
Highlights || Penn State
Thursday, March 05
Highlights || #2 Michigan
Friday, February 20
Mike Hastings Weekly Media Conference || Wisconsin Men's Hockey || Feb. 17, 2026
Tuesday, February 17
Highlights || Ohio State || Feb. 13
Friday, February 13
