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Natalie Vaitas

Contributor

Natalie Vaitas is a sports writer based in Grand Rapids, Michigan. She received her Sport Management degree from Aquinas College in 2021, where she was a member of the women's hockey team. She has experience covering the NHL and her hometown Detroit Red Wings; she also enjoys attending Michigan football games with her family. 

EXPERTISE:

NHL, College Football

Three NHL coaches in danger of a midseason firing

The NHL season is just about a month in, with nearly every team having played ten games so far. While several teams, such as the Pittsburgh Penguins, Seattle Kraken and Detroit Red Wings, have exceeded expectations, many have fallen short. Let's take a look at three NHL coaches on the hot seat.

Knee-jerk reactions to first two weeks of NHL season

Let's take a look at some knee-jerk reactions to the beginning of the season.

What Connor McDavid's discount extension means for Oilers

Connor McDavid, the NHL's premiere player and former pending 2026 unrestricted free agent, has signed a two-year extension with the Edmonton Oilers.

Five bold predictions for the 2025-26 NHL season

The NHL regular season will begin Tuesday night.

How the West was won: Three most intriguing training-camp battles to watch in NHL's Western Conference

What are the biggest training-camp battles to watch? Let's take a look at the top three from the Western Conference.

Four second-year NHL players destined for breakout seasons

Which second-year players are on the rise and poised for a breakout year? Let's take a look at four names.

NHL players with the most to prove for 2025-26 season

Some players have already solidified themselves as superstars, and others are still finding their way.

Best fits for fringe NHL playoff teams to complete their roster

Some NHL teams aggressively added to their roster this offseason in hopes of improving their Stanley Cup odds, while others traded assets for a better shot at a high pick in the 2026 NHL Draft.

NHL coaches who have the best chance of success with their new teams

With the Dallas Stars finalizing a deal with Glen Gulutzan on July 1 to become their new head coach, all 32 teams have their man behind the bench for the 2025-26 season. 

Fresh faces: Five players that will make the biggest impact on their new NHL team

Let's take a look at the five players that will make the biggest impact on their new NHL team.

Best, worst value contracts signed so far in NHL free agency 

NHL free agency opened on Tuesday, and, so far, 181 contracts have been signed worth almost $800,000,000 total. Which contracts will age well, and which had fans shaking their heads at the numbers?

NHL mock draft 2025: Projecting the first 10 picks

Thirty-two prospects will hear their name called in the first round of the NHL Draft on Friday (7 p.m. ET on ESPN, ESPN+, Disney + from Los Angeles). 

Four teams that can challenge Panthers for 2026 Stanley Cup

Who can challenge the Panthers for the 2026 Stanley Cup? Let's take a look at four teams.

Stanley Cup Final: Five Oilers who need to step up or Edmonton is done

Down 2-1 in the series, the Oilers need these players to step up to avoid a second consecutive Stanley Cup Final loss to the Panthers. 

Bobrovsky vs. Skinner: Who has the edge in net for the Stanley Cup Final?

Once again, the Edmonton Oilers and Florida Panthers will meet in the Stanley Cup Final. Which team has the edge in net?

Maple Leafs' 'core four' likely done after latest postseason stumble

After their latest playoff loss, Toronto Maple Leafs fans should expect some changes this offseason. 

Stanley Cup playoffs: Top five Conn Smythe Trophy candidates

As we move deeper into the postseason, a handful of elite players will distinguish themselves as the best of the best. With that, let's take a look at the top five Conn Smythe candidates for top playoff performer.

Stanley Cup playoffs takeaways: Maple Leafs slay their demons to advance

The Stanley Cup playoffs featured four Game 6's on Thursday and three series wins. Here are some key takeaways from the night's action.

Knee-jerk reactions to first week of NHL's Stanley Cup Playoffs

As we move into Games 3 and 4, let's take a look at some knee-jerk reactions to the first week of the NHL playoffs.

Most anticipated matchups of the Stanley Cup playoffs

The Stanley Cup playoffs will begin Saturday with the St. Louis Blues taking on the Winnipeg Jets at 6:00 p.m. EST and the Colorado Avalanche facing the Dallas Stars at 8:30 p.m.

Five most surprising NHL teams this season

Let's take a look at the top five most surprising teams this NHL season.

Should the NHL bring back the 1v8 playoff format? 

Gary Bettman stated he liked the setup and had no plans to change back to the 1v8. Is one better than the other?

Can all seven get in? Ranking the likelihood of each Canadian NHL team to make the playoffs

All seven teams are firmly in the playoff hunt as the calendar turns to April.

Race for the NHL's Atlantic Division: A case for and against each top team

The NHL's Atlantic division is as tight as ever, with the top three teams separated by just two points. Let's make a case for and against all three teams.

Five NHL teams with the best chance to win it all

The NHL trade deadline has come and passed, and with about a month left to go in the season, the chase for the Stanley Cup is as tight as ever.