New stars need help integrating, Russian players struggle with communication, and injuries plague teams. Find out what each Metro Division squad truly needs this holiday season.
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Metro Division Holiday Gift - Nov. 21, 2025 - Vol. 79, issue 05 - Ryan Kennedy
Carolina Hurricanes
While the Hurricanes have no problem piling up standings points, they could use an INSTRUCTION MANUAL for new stars who join the team. The particularly structured Carolina scheme hasn’t been kind to newcomers, as both Jake Guentzel and Mikko Rantanen chose to leave town quickly after being acquired. Early this season, free-agent coup Nikolaj Ehlers was struggling – he didn’t score his first goal until November. Lifer Canes, such as Seth Jarvis, Sebastian Aho and Jackson Blake, were doing fine, however.
Columbus Blue Jackets
Given how well Kirill Marchenko and Dmitri Voronkov have performed, the Jackets don’t need to worry about messages being lost in translation with most of their Russian players. Yegor Chinakhov, however, has been vexing, so a hyper-specific ENGLISH-TO-OMSK DICTIONARYmay help. Chinakhov’s unhappiness in Columbus was laid bare this summer, and while he’s providing offense when he plays, the right winger is only averaging 10 minutes of ice time per game and has been a healthy scratch at times.
New Jersey Devils
How about a FOUR-LEAF CLOVER for some better luck? Jack Hughes was on pace for his first 100-point season before a freak hand injury at a team meal resulted in surgery and two months on the shelf. At least Dawson Mercer, Jesper Bratt and Nico Hischier were all still producing and, most importantly, they had played every game. Luke Hughes and Simon Nemec have continued to grow on defense, while Jake Allen has been vital in net with Jacob Markstrom finding his game.
New York Islanders
Rookie blueliner Matthew Schaefer has been everything the Islanders could have hoped for and more so far, but the 18-year-old could use a BODYGUARD. Schaefer’s teammates jumped (literally) to his rescue when Boston giant Nikita Zadorov gave him the business, sparking calls for an enforcer on Long Island. Right winger Hunter Drew, who is playing for the Isles’ AHL affiliate in Bridgeport, doesn’t mind dropping the gloves and had a cup of coffee with Anaheim in 2022. But he’d need to sign an NHL deal first.
New York Rangers
It might not be in keeping with the holiday spirit to get the Rangers an EXORCIST, but what else can they do at this point? New York didn’t win a home game until Nov. 10, and Madison Square Garden should be a tremendous advantage for the Blueshirts. Only Adam Fox is producing at the rate expected of him, while other stars, such as Artemi Panarin, Mika Zibanejad and even J.T. Miller, have struggled. Meanwhile, castoffs Jacob Trouba and Chris Kreider have Anaheim in first place in the Pacific.
Philadelphia Flyers
Maybe a BUNSEN BURNER is too on-the-nose, but the Flyers could use something to light a fire under some of their talented forwards. Philly is getting excellent production from newcomer Trevor Zegras, but the same can’t be said for Owen Tippett and Matvei Michkov. If those two get going, the Flyers will have something to say in the divisional race, as their goaltending is much improved thanks to Dan Vladar. Michkov is way off his rookie points pace, bringing to mind the dreaded sophomore slump.
Pittsburgh Penguins
Whether it’s PUZZLES OR BOARD GAMES, whoever is shopping for the Penguins must make sure the gifts are suitable for all ages. Pittsburgh was one of the most pleasant surprises during the first month of the season, with Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin leading the way. But the team has also received major contributions from teenagers Ben Kindel and Harrison Brunicke. Kindel, in fact, went straight from the 2025 draft podium to the NHL, dazzling management with his hockey IQ and scoring five goals in 12 games.
Washington Capitals
While we would never condone something used only in the KHL, it may be time for the Capitals to invest in the infamous ‘RUSSIAN GAS.’ Whatever it is, it seems to pick players up when they’re low. And with only three goals in 15 games, Alex Ovechkin could use whatever help he can get. Perhaps it’s a hangover from last year’s epic run to the all-time goal-scoring record, but Ovechkin needs to pick up his production if Washington is going to get back to the playoffs in this scattered division.
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