This Week in the NHL: Top 2025 Draft talent on display at CHL/USA Prospects Challenge

With 32 teams and seemingly infinite storylines, it’s hard to keep track of all the weekly goings on during the NHL season. That’s why I’m here to help. Every Monday from October to April, I’ll preview the key events, games, narratives and milestones in play for the week.

So what’s on tap for Nov. 25 – Dec. 1?

Nov. 25: Jim Montgomery steps behind Blues’ bench

St. Louis Blues @ New York Rangers, 7:00 p.m. ET

That was fast. After being fired as the Boston Bruins‘ head coach Nov. 19, Montgomery was unemployed just five days. St. Louis fired Drew Bannister Sunday and installed Montgomery as their new bench boss. He dives right in with his first game Monday night on the road at Madison Square Garden.

Nov. 26 & 27: CHL/USA Prospects Challenge

It’s finally here. Tuesday in London and Wednesday in Oshawa, the best 2025 NHL Draft eligible prospects from the Canadian Hockey League and USA Hockey’s National Team Development program will meet in a two-game showdown. Among the top players competing will be the Brampton Steelheads’ Porter Martone and USA’s William Moore, both expected to go in the top half of the first round next June. For an in-depth breakdown of every player competing at the event, check out Steven Ellis’ story here. He’ll be on hand for both legs of the Prospects Challenge to report on all the major happenings, so watch for his coverage on Daily Faceoff this week.

Nov. 28: NHL schedule goes dark for U.S. Thanksgiving

The NHL will step aside and let the NFL rule the day; no NHL games are scheduled for Thursday this week.

Nov. 29: Thanksgiving matinee hockey

If you miss your hockey fix on Thanksgiving Thursday, not to worry; the NHL strikes back with a bunch of daytime action Friday. The Philadelphia Flyers host the New York Rangers at 1:00 p.m. ET to kick off a day of staggered action, including 10 games starting no later than 3:30 p.m. ET, finishing up with Utah Hockey Club hosting the Edmonton Oilers at 9:00 p.m. ET Friday night. In total, 28 of 32 teams will be in action for Thanksgiving Friday.

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