Michael Amato
@snmichaelamato.bsky.social
NHL writer 🏒 Sportsnet
https://www.sportsnet.ca/author/michael-amato/
https://open.spotify.com/show/3kvm6m34r0xO
https://www.sportsnet.ca/author/michael-amato/
https://open.spotify.com/show/3kvm6m34r0xO
Pinned
Friday Four: Biggest burning questions heading into training camps
After a long summer of speculation, debate and pondering, the time for talk is over. Michael Amato offers up four burning questions being asked as NHL training camps get underway.
www.sportsnet.ca
New for @Sportsnet
Biggest burning questions ahead of training camps.
- Will Hellebuyck show up?
- Do Sens and Batherson reach an extension?
- Can Michkov regain his form?
- Will Red Wings hire a GM?
www.sportsnet.ca/nhl/article/...
Biggest burning questions ahead of training camps.
- Will Hellebuyck show up?
- Do Sens and Batherson reach an extension?
- Can Michkov regain his form?
- Will Red Wings hire a GM?
www.sportsnet.ca/nhl/article/...
Hellebuyck is one of the best at his craft, but he’s also 33, played 310 games over the past 5 seasons and making $8.5M for the next 5 years. Reality is more teams are looking for a Brandon Bussi or Scott Wedgewood than a Connor Hellebuyck. The view of the position has changed.
September 16, 2026 at 1:28 PM
Hellebuyck is one of the best at his craft, but he’s also 33, played 310 games over the past 5 seasons and making $8.5M for the next 5 years. Reality is more teams are looking for a Brandon Bussi or Scott Wedgewood than a Connor Hellebuyck. The view of the position has changed.
Reposted by Michael Amato
New for @Sportsnet
Biggest burning questions ahead of training camps.
- Will Hellebuyck show up?
- Do Sens and Batherson reach an extension?
- Can Michkov regain his form?
- Will Red Wings hire a GM?
www.sportsnet.ca/nhl/article/...
Biggest burning questions ahead of training camps.
- Will Hellebuyck show up?
- Do Sens and Batherson reach an extension?
- Can Michkov regain his form?
- Will Red Wings hire a GM?
www.sportsnet.ca/nhl/article/...
Friday Four: Biggest burning questions heading into training camps
After a long summer of speculation, debate and pondering, the time for talk is over. Michael Amato offers up four burning questions being asked as NHL training camps get underway.
www.sportsnet.ca
September 11, 2026 at 1:11 PM
New for @Sportsnet
Biggest burning questions ahead of training camps.
- Will Hellebuyck show up?
- Do Sens and Batherson reach an extension?
- Can Michkov regain his form?
- Will Red Wings hire a GM?
www.sportsnet.ca/nhl/article/...
Biggest burning questions ahead of training camps.
- Will Hellebuyck show up?
- Do Sens and Batherson reach an extension?
- Can Michkov regain his form?
- Will Red Wings hire a GM?
www.sportsnet.ca/nhl/article/...
New for @Sportsnet
Biggest burning questions ahead of training camps.
- Will Hellebuyck show up?
- Do Sens and Batherson reach an extension?
- Can Michkov regain his form?
- Will Red Wings hire a GM?
www.sportsnet.ca/nhl/article/...
Biggest burning questions ahead of training camps.
- Will Hellebuyck show up?
- Do Sens and Batherson reach an extension?
- Can Michkov regain his form?
- Will Red Wings hire a GM?
www.sportsnet.ca/nhl/article/...
Friday Four: Biggest burning questions heading into training camps
After a long summer of speculation, debate and pondering, the time for talk is over. Michael Amato offers up four burning questions being asked as NHL training camps get underway.
www.sportsnet.ca
September 11, 2026 at 1:11 PM
New for @Sportsnet
Biggest burning questions ahead of training camps.
- Will Hellebuyck show up?
- Do Sens and Batherson reach an extension?
- Can Michkov regain his form?
- Will Red Wings hire a GM?
www.sportsnet.ca/nhl/article/...
Biggest burning questions ahead of training camps.
- Will Hellebuyck show up?
- Do Sens and Batherson reach an extension?
- Can Michkov regain his form?
- Will Red Wings hire a GM?
www.sportsnet.ca/nhl/article/...
The last time the Blue Jays were over .500? April 3rd. When they were 4-3.
September 6, 2026 at 1:51 AM
The last time the Blue Jays were over .500? April 3rd. When they were 4-3.
Reposted by Michael Amato
New for @Sportsnet
What should the Wild do with Quinn Hughes? #mnwild
www.sportsnet.ca/nhl/article/...
What should the Wild do with Quinn Hughes? #mnwild
www.sportsnet.ca/nhl/article/...
Friday Four: What should Wild do with Quinn Hughes?
Things rarely end well when you let a superstar enter the final year of his deal without an extension, but the Wild have some options to get creative where Quinn Hughes is concerned. Michael Amato bre...
www.sportsnet.ca
September 4, 2026 at 3:42 PM
New for @Sportsnet
What should the Wild do with Quinn Hughes? #mnwild
www.sportsnet.ca/nhl/article/...
What should the Wild do with Quinn Hughes? #mnwild
www.sportsnet.ca/nhl/article/...
New for @Sportsnet
What should the Wild do with Quinn Hughes? #mnwild
www.sportsnet.ca/nhl/article/...
What should the Wild do with Quinn Hughes? #mnwild
www.sportsnet.ca/nhl/article/...
Friday Four: What should Wild do with Quinn Hughes?
Things rarely end well when you let a superstar enter the final year of his deal without an extension, but the Wild have some options to get creative where Quinn Hughes is concerned. Michael Amato bre...
www.sportsnet.ca
September 4, 2026 at 3:42 PM
New for @Sportsnet
What should the Wild do with Quinn Hughes? #mnwild
www.sportsnet.ca/nhl/article/...
What should the Wild do with Quinn Hughes? #mnwild
www.sportsnet.ca/nhl/article/...
Backs against the wall Blue Jays refuse to go away #BlueJays50
September 3, 2026 at 8:52 PM
Backs against the wall Blue Jays refuse to go away #BlueJays50
Nice to see you again Vladimir Guerrero
September 2, 2026 at 11:41 PM
Nice to see you again Vladimir Guerrero
Blue Jays move to 68-70. Closest they’ve been to .500 since June 24th. #BlueJays50
August 30, 2026 at 8:09 PM
Blue Jays move to 68-70. Closest they’ve been to .500 since June 24th. #BlueJays50
Given the state of the Blue Jays rotation and the fact they have four off days remaining in the season, Dylan Cease should be pitching every 5th day. Not every 5th game. Same with Soriano for that matter.
August 29, 2026 at 12:45 AM
Given the state of the Blue Jays rotation and the fact they have four off days remaining in the season, Dylan Cease should be pitching every 5th day. Not every 5th game. Same with Soriano for that matter.
Cale Makar now making more than twice as much as:
- Miro Heiskanen
- Moritz Seider
- Lane Hutson
- Zach Werenski
- Adam Fox
- Jake Sanderson
And almost twice as much as:
- Rasmus Dahlin
- Evan Bouchard
It’s a new world.
- Miro Heiskanen
- Moritz Seider
- Lane Hutson
- Zach Werenski
- Adam Fox
- Jake Sanderson
And almost twice as much as:
- Rasmus Dahlin
- Evan Bouchard
It’s a new world.
August 28, 2026 at 10:34 PM
Cale Makar now making more than twice as much as:
- Miro Heiskanen
- Moritz Seider
- Lane Hutson
- Zach Werenski
- Adam Fox
- Jake Sanderson
And almost twice as much as:
- Rasmus Dahlin
- Evan Bouchard
It’s a new world.
- Miro Heiskanen
- Moritz Seider
- Lane Hutson
- Zach Werenski
- Adam Fox
- Jake Sanderson
And almost twice as much as:
- Rasmus Dahlin
- Evan Bouchard
It’s a new world.
Leo Carlsson had the league’s highest AAV for 26 days. ($18M)
Then Macklin Celebrini took it for 30 days. ($18.8M)
How long will Cale Makar hold it and who will take it from him? ($20.4M)
Then Macklin Celebrini took it for 30 days. ($18.8M)
How long will Cale Makar hold it and who will take it from him? ($20.4M)
August 28, 2026 at 9:53 PM
Leo Carlsson had the league’s highest AAV for 26 days. ($18M)
Then Macklin Celebrini took it for 30 days. ($18.8M)
How long will Cale Makar hold it and who will take it from him? ($20.4M)
Then Macklin Celebrini took it for 30 days. ($18.8M)
How long will Cale Makar hold it and who will take it from him? ($20.4M)
Sneaky team I wonder about for Connor Hellebuyck - Colorado. Would have to send Blackwood back and move some other things out/around, but think it’s possible if there’s mutual interest.
August 27, 2026 at 7:51 PM
Sneaky team I wonder about for Connor Hellebuyck - Colorado. Would have to send Blackwood back and move some other things out/around, but think it’s possible if there’s mutual interest.
Worth noting that Quinn Hughes has no trade protection. Not saying the Wild won't get him extended or would move him, but theoretically they could trade him anywhere if things go sideways. Obviously whoever is hoping to acquire him would most likely want an extension, though.
August 26, 2026 at 4:07 PM
Worth noting that Quinn Hughes has no trade protection. Not saying the Wild won't get him extended or would move him, but theoretically they could trade him anywhere if things go sideways. Obviously whoever is hoping to acquire him would most likely want an extension, though.
Reposted by Michael Amato
New for @Sportsnet
Why Nikita Kucherov’s upcoming contract extension could get complicated for the Lightning.
www.sportsnet.ca/nhl/article/...
Why Nikita Kucherov’s upcoming contract extension could get complicated for the Lightning.
www.sportsnet.ca/nhl/article/...
Why Nikita Kucherov's upcoming extension is complicated
Nikita Kucherov couldn’t have picked a more perfect time to deliver a dominant season and collect his second Hart Trophy. Michael Amato explains why in this edition of the Friday Four.
www.sportsnet.ca
August 21, 2026 at 5:19 PM
New for @Sportsnet
Why Nikita Kucherov’s upcoming contract extension could get complicated for the Lightning.
www.sportsnet.ca/nhl/article/...
Why Nikita Kucherov’s upcoming contract extension could get complicated for the Lightning.
www.sportsnet.ca/nhl/article/...
New for @Sportsnet
Why Nikita Kucherov’s upcoming contract extension could get complicated for the Lightning.
www.sportsnet.ca/nhl/article/...
Why Nikita Kucherov’s upcoming contract extension could get complicated for the Lightning.
www.sportsnet.ca/nhl/article/...
Why Nikita Kucherov's upcoming extension is complicated
Nikita Kucherov couldn’t have picked a more perfect time to deliver a dominant season and collect his second Hart Trophy. Michael Amato explains why in this edition of the Friday Four.
www.sportsnet.ca
August 21, 2026 at 5:19 PM
New for @Sportsnet
Why Nikita Kucherov’s upcoming contract extension could get complicated for the Lightning.
www.sportsnet.ca/nhl/article/...
Why Nikita Kucherov’s upcoming contract extension could get complicated for the Lightning.
www.sportsnet.ca/nhl/article/...
Blue Jays move to 10-0 in their past 10 games following a loss. #BlueJays50
August 19, 2026 at 1:29 AM
Blue Jays move to 10-0 in their past 10 games following a loss. #BlueJays50
Will be fascinating to see what Nikita Kucherov’s extension comes in at. The market has exploded and he just won the Hart Trophy but Kucherov is also 33 and Tampa is notorious for locking up players on team friendly deals.
August 14, 2026 at 3:04 PM
Will be fascinating to see what Nikita Kucherov’s extension comes in at. The market has exploded and he just won the Hart Trophy but Kucherov is also 33 and Tampa is notorious for locking up players on team friendly deals.
Red Sox have only lost 15 of their past 50 games. Seven of those have come against the Blue Jays.
August 13, 2026 at 2:03 AM
Red Sox have only lost 15 of their past 50 games. Seven of those have come against the Blue Jays.
Blue Jays slowly becoming likeable again.
August 9, 2026 at 2:09 AM
Blue Jays slowly becoming likeable again.
Just give Dylan Cease the Cy Young now.
August 6, 2026 at 8:40 PM
Just give Dylan Cease the Cy Young now.
I get the cap is going up but I'm not sure the Blackhawks spending more than $20M this offseason on Bowen Byram and Patrick Kane is the best use of resources to try and aid Connor Bedard.
July 23, 2026 at 2:49 PM
I get the cap is going up but I'm not sure the Blackhawks spending more than $20M this offseason on Bowen Byram and Patrick Kane is the best use of resources to try and aid Connor Bedard.
Steve Yzerman as a player for the Red Wings:
- 20 playoff appearances in 22 seasons
Steve Yzerman as the GM of the Red Wings:
- 0 playoff appearances in 7 seasons
- 20 playoff appearances in 22 seasons
Steve Yzerman as the GM of the Red Wings:
- 0 playoff appearances in 7 seasons
July 15, 2026 at 2:30 PM
Steve Yzerman as a player for the Red Wings:
- 20 playoff appearances in 22 seasons
Steve Yzerman as the GM of the Red Wings:
- 0 playoff appearances in 7 seasons
- 20 playoff appearances in 22 seasons
Steve Yzerman as the GM of the Red Wings:
- 0 playoff appearances in 7 seasons
Reposted by Michael Amato
Brandon Bussi:
- Never drafted
- Played 111 AHL games
- Claimed off waivers just prior to the 2025-26 season
- Played his first career NHL game in October
- Went 53 days without playing a game
- Wins Game 4 and 5 of Cup Final
Quite a story.
#SoundtheSiren
- Never drafted
- Played 111 AHL games
- Claimed off waivers just prior to the 2025-26 season
- Played his first career NHL game in October
- Went 53 days without playing a game
- Wins Game 4 and 5 of Cup Final
Quite a story.
#SoundtheSiren
June 12, 2026 at 3:09 AM
Brandon Bussi:
- Never drafted
- Played 111 AHL games
- Claimed off waivers just prior to the 2025-26 season
- Played his first career NHL game in October
- Went 53 days without playing a game
- Wins Game 4 and 5 of Cup Final
Quite a story.
#SoundtheSiren
- Never drafted
- Played 111 AHL games
- Claimed off waivers just prior to the 2025-26 season
- Played his first career NHL game in October
- Went 53 days without playing a game
- Wins Game 4 and 5 of Cup Final
Quite a story.
#SoundtheSiren
Brandon Bussi:
- Never drafted
- Played 111 AHL games
- Claimed off waivers just prior to the 2025-26 season
- Played his first career NHL game in October
- Went 53 days without playing a game
- Wins Game 4 and 5 of Cup Final
Quite a story.
#SoundtheSiren
- Never drafted
- Played 111 AHL games
- Claimed off waivers just prior to the 2025-26 season
- Played his first career NHL game in October
- Went 53 days without playing a game
- Wins Game 4 and 5 of Cup Final
Quite a story.
#SoundtheSiren
June 12, 2026 at 3:09 AM
Brandon Bussi:
- Never drafted
- Played 111 AHL games
- Claimed off waivers just prior to the 2025-26 season
- Played his first career NHL game in October
- Went 53 days without playing a game
- Wins Game 4 and 5 of Cup Final
Quite a story.
#SoundtheSiren
- Never drafted
- Played 111 AHL games
- Claimed off waivers just prior to the 2025-26 season
- Played his first career NHL game in October
- Went 53 days without playing a game
- Wins Game 4 and 5 of Cup Final
Quite a story.
#SoundtheSiren