Defense is the name of the game this season as six key blueliners return, each with a clear mission. Dougie Hamilton, recovering from injury, aims for 60 points and thrives under new coaching, ready to drive offense from the back end. Luke Hughes is poised to become the team’s top defenseman—healthy, skilled, and signed long-term—with room to grow in physicality, penalty kill impact, and reducing offensive-zone blocks. Brett Pesce’s priority? Staying healthy and avoiding over-blocking to play all 84 games. Jonas Siegenthaler must be more assertive offensively and improve his zone exits, especially when paired with Hamilton. Johnny Kovacevic needs fewer penalties—he’s not an offensive threat, so shorthanded time hurts. And Brenden Dillon faces stiff competition from new left-handed defensemen and must elevate his play to keep his spot.
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