MADISON, Wis. – The 2025-26 NHL season begins on Tueday, Oct. 7, and nine former Wisconsin men's hockey players have earned a spot on opening-night rosters.
The Edmonton Oilers lead the way with multiple Badgers as forward Trent Frederic and defenseman Ty Emberson gear up for the season. In June, Frederic signed an eight-year contract with the Oilers after being traded mid-season last year by the Boston Bruins. Emberson, who made his debut with the San Jose Sharks early in 2023-24, will be skating in his second full NHL season after being traded to the Oilers in August 2024.
Forward Alex Turcotte is on the Los Angeles Kings' opening night roster. He is set to play in his second full NHL season for the Kings after skating in 68 games last year and 32 total NHL games from 2021-24.
Cole Caufield returns for his sixth season as a forward with the Montreal Canadiens after tallying a career-high 37 goals and 70 points in 2024-25.
Defenseman K'Andre Miller is gearing up for his first season with the Hurricanes after being traded to Carolina by the New York Rangers in July 2025. After being traded, he signed an eight-year contract with the Canes.
Luke Kunin, a defenseman, was signed as a free agent by the reigning Stanley Cup Champion Florida Panthers in August after splitting the 2024-25 season with the San Jose Sharks and Columbus Blue Jackets.
The St. Louis Blues are home to forward Dylan Holloway, where he'll play his second season in the Gateway City. Holloway had a breakout year in 2024-25, tallying a career-high 26 goals and 63 points in 77 games played to rank second on the Blues' roster in goals and third in points.
Defenseman Ryan McDonagh is ready for another year on the blue line for the Tampa Bay Lightning after leading the league last season with a plus-43 rating.
Finally, defenseman Jake McCabe is suiting up for his 13th NHL season and fourth with the Toronto Maple Leafs.
Complete list of Badgers in the NHL (Years at Wisconsin)
Edmonton Oilers - Trent Frederic (2016-18), Ty Emberson (2018-21)
Los Angeles Kings - Alex Turcotte (2019-20)
Montreal Canadiens - Cole Caufield (2019-21)
Carolina Hurricanes - K'Andre Miller (2018-20)
Florida Panthers - Luke Kunin (2015-17)
St. Louis Blues - Dylan Holloway (2019-21)
Tampa Bay Lightning - Ryan McDonagh (2007-10)
Toronto Maple Leafs - Jake McCabe (2011-14)
