The NHL’s free-agency kickoff date is less than 10 days away, and THN.com has been posting an ongoing series in which we analyze the key free agents who will be UFAs on July 1. We began the series with a breakdown of the top eight UFA defensemen. Then, we focused on the top seven available wingers. And most recently, we looked at the top six centers. 

Finally, in this file, we’re examining the NHL’s top eight UFA goaltenders. This is the thinnest class of players by position in this summer’s free-agent group, but the need for solid netminding has never been greater, so at least a couple of netminders are bound to be paid decently. 

Let’s break down the best goalies that are going to be playing for the highest bidder:

1. Jake Allen, New Jersey Devils

It is a measure of the dearth of quality goalies that Allen, who went 13-16-1 as a backup for Devils starter Jacob Markstrom last season, is considered the best UFA goalie option this summer. The 34-year-old Allen’s individual numbers (including a .908 save percentage and 2.66 goals-against average) indicate that he can still have a positive impact on a playoff-bound team, and Allen is sure to have multiple options for where he’ll play in 2025-26. But is Allen seen as a truly elite goalie and Grade-A difference-maker? No, he isn’t, and that will be reflected in his new deal.

Allen earned $3.85 million this past year, and while there will be teams that want goaltending help as a priority, we don’t see a bidding war breaking out for Allen or any other goalie. In a market where veteran netminder Anthony Stolarz had to settle for $2.5 million last summer, we don’t see Allen getting much more than that this year. Allen can certainly help a team, but nobody will be breaking the bank to get his signature on a contract.

2. Ilya Samsonov, Vegas Golden Knights

Samsonov’s inconsistent play is the chief reason he’s bounced between three teams in his six-year NHL career. The 28-year-old posted a 16-9-4 record with the Golden Knights this past season, as well as a 2.82 GAA and .891 SP. Those numbers weren’t bad for a guy making $1.8 million, but the fact Vegas hasn’t signed him to an extension is rather telling.

The lack of high-end goalies means Samsonov might be able to make slightly more than he earned last year, but anything more than $2 million per year will be seen as an overpayment – and anything more than a two-year contract will also be seen as overly-generous. Samsonov hasn’t shown he can be a consistently solid No. 1 option between the pipes, so he’ll likely be Plan B in a tandem on a team challenging for a playoff berth.

3. Alex Lyon, Detroit Red Wings

The 32-year-old Lyon has evolved into a journeyman goaltender, playing on four teams in his eight-year NHL career. He was an acceptable 14-9-1 with the Red Wings in 2024-25, earning a very reasonable $900,000 while putting up a 2.81 GAA and .896 SP.

That said, Lyon isn’t likely to be a starter wherever he decides to sign. But if a playoff team can bring him aboard at a contract with an average annual salary of less than $2 million to be part of a tandem where he plays 30-35 games, the team should be pleased with the investment they make in him.

4. Dan Vladar, Calgary Flames

At 27 years old, Vladar is one of the younger options available to teams seeking goalie depth. Given that he set a new career-high in appearances last year with 30 for the Flames, Vladar hasn’t shown the ability to be a workhorse at the NHL level. But in the right situation, he could be a solid backup option.

Vladar generated a .898 SP and 2.80 GAA and a 12-11-6 record in Calgary last season, and his salary of $2.2 million will likely be matched by one team or another. But if his next deal comes in under the $2 million threshold, it’ll be because he took less to play on a playoff-caliber group. The Flames weren’t that team in 2024-25, so a change of employer is probable for Vladar.

5. Vitek Vanecek, Florida Panthers

Vanecek won a Cup with the Panthers this year, but it wasn’t as if he played any kind of meaningful role with Florida. He didn’t play a single minute in the playoffs, and after coming over from San Jose in a trade, Vanecek had a 2-4-1 record, an .890 SP and 3.00 GAA as a Panther in the regular season. 

Consequently, nobody believes the 29-year-old can be a starter on an elite team, and he’s going to take a sizeable pay cut on the $3.4 million he earned last season. If Vanecek gets even half that amount, it’ll probably be on a team that isn’t considered a playoff lock. And Vanecek will have to prove his worth on what likely will be a one-year deal.

6. David Rittich, Los Angeles Kings

Rittich is the dictionary definition of a journeyman, playing on five teams in his nine-year NHL career. The 32-year-old had a 16-14-2 mark in 34 appearances for the Kings in 2025-26, posting a .887 SP and 2.84 GAA in that span. Nothing too tantalizing, but not a poor showing, either.

Rittich made an even $1 million last year, and it’s hard to imagine he’ll make much more than that on his next contract. He’s going to be a backup netminder, and the only question will be which team brings him on in a supporting role.

7. Anton Forsberg, Ottawa Senators

Fosrberg was the understudy of Linus Ullmark in Ottawa last season, and his individual numbers have been fairly consistent from year to year. He appeared in 30 games in 2024-25 – and he’s played no more than 30 games in each of the past three seasons. Meanwhile, Forsberg put up a .901 SP and 2.72 GAA last season. However, the 32-year-old had a record of 11-12-3 with the Senators, and that means his salary last season of $2.75 million is likely to be cut in half, and that could be generous. 

Forsberg is still an NHL-caliber netminder, but he’ll almost assuredly be playing for $1 million or so as a backup option. And it probably won’t be with the Sens, who’ll be moving in a different direction to find Ullmark’s backup.

8. James Reimer, Buffalo Sabres

Father Time has been kind to the 37-year-old Reimer, who posted a 10-8-2 record, a .901 SP and a 2.90 GAA on a sub-par Sabres team last season. Reimer’s salary of $1 million may be cut by a quarter on his next contract, which will likely be his final contract. And that’s if Reimer gets a contract at all.

Reimer hasn’t yet announced his retirement, but he battled his way to 525 career games-played, and he should be proud of his longevity. But teams aren’t giving out contracts based on past glory, so Reimer will have to take whatever he can get if he wants to extend his career. Still, as a league-minimum-salary player, he could be worth taking a gamble on to improve a team’s net depth.

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The Detroit Red Wings have inquired about New York Islanders pending restricted free agent defenseman Noah Dobson.

Reporter Bob Duff cites that Elliotte Friedman stated that Detroit's offer includes forwards J.T. Compher and Jonatan Berggren, with draft picks also likely being part of the discussion. 

Compher, 30, recorded 32 points (11 goals, 21 assists) in 76 games this past season. He primarily centered the Red Wings' third line and has three years left on his deal at $5.1 million annually. 

Berggren, 23, recorded 24 points (12 goals, 12 assists) in 76 games. He is a restricted free agent and played as Compher's right winger, but he is also capable of playing on both sides. 

The Red Wings own the 13th pick in the upcoming 2025 NHL Draft. 

There's no question the Islanders could use some shoring up of their bottom six, and with Jean-Gabriel Pageau garnering interest, getting a centerman so that Cal Ritchie doesn't have to be rushed into a second-line center role -- will see if Mathew Barzal stays on the wing or not -- Compfer is a solid addition. 

The Islanders need wingers, and getting a young one wouldn't hurt. 

But given Dobson's potential output -- he already has a 70-point season under his belt -- the Islanders can likely get much stronger pieces or draft assets from other teams. 

Dobson, a 25-year-old who will be a restricted free agent on July 1, was rumored to be asking for $11 million annually on his next deal. While that may not be accurate — the number is likely closer to $10 million — Islanders general manager Mathieu Darche has to make a decision.

The #Isles have Dobson’s price. And if they can’t meet it, they’ll have to move him.

Clarity & possibilities @TheElmontershttps://t.co/P3MCeahZsi

— Stefen Rosner (@stefen_rosner) June 21, 2025

Dobson is arbirtationg eligible and is one season away from being an unrestricted free agent. 

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D-man who ‘could end up being a trophy winner' has compelling combo for Flyers originally appeared on NBC Sports Philadelphia

The 2025 NHL draft is a huge one for the Flyers’ rebuild.

Not only does Danny Briere have a lot of high-round picks at his disposal, but he also could be creative in how he uses them.

“There are all kinds of possibilities here,” the Flyers’ general manager said in April. “I think it’s really exciting going into it. It’s powerful to have so many picks like that. I think a lot of teams will be wanting to have discussions with us to make some things happen — teams that don’t have picks or teams that want to tweak things.”

So it’s a busy time for the Flyers leading up to the draft, which will be held June 27-28. The first round is Friday at 7 p.m. ET, while Rounds 2-7 are Saturday starting at noon ET.

“There are really good players in this draft,” TSN director of scouting Craig Button said May 27 in a phone interview with NBC Sports Philadelphia. “Maybe people say it’s not a good draft; I’m not buying it. I think this draft has got lots of good players.”

The Flyers are slotted to make 11 picks, including three first-rounders and four second-rounders. Their first-round selections will come at No. 6 (own pick), No. 22 (Sean Walker trade) and No. 31 (Oilers trade).

Before the draft arrives, we’re breaking down first-round targets for the Flyers.

Next up:

Kashawn Aitcheson

Position: Defenseman
Height: 6-foot-2
Weight: 199
Shoots: Left
Team: Barrie

Scouting report

NHL teams are going to love Aitcheson because he plays with a serious swagger. He defends his teammates, he’ll flatten opponents with heavy hits and, oh, he can score a little, too.

After a big goal or fight, he likes to play to the crowd.

“He’s one of my favorite players in this draft class,” Dan Marr, the vice president of NHL Central Scouting, said June 11 in a phone interview with NBC Sports Philadelphia. “We moved him up to make a statement on our final list. This guy could end up being a trophy winner down the road.”

Aitcheson is the ninth-ranked North American skater by NHL Central Scouting, climbing six spots from his No. 15 midterm mark.

“This is a guy that you want to have on your team,” Marr, who worked in scouting and player development for over 20 years, said. “I think he’s a consummate team player. He has got the game, the punch skills, the hockey sense and just the intuition. Because he knows when it’s time to up his physical game, he knows when the game’s on the line and you need a goal or you’re protecting a lead, how to make those plays or generate those chances. I just like the way he reads the game.”

This season, the 18-year-old was third among OHL defensemen with 26 goals, behind only 2024 ninth overall pick Zayne Parekh (33) and 2024 11th overall pick Sam Dickinson (29). Aitcheson finished with 59 points, 88 penalty minutes and a plus-6 rating in 64 regular-season games for the 2024-25 Colts. He added 12 points (six goals, six assists) in 16 playoff games.

It’s fair to wonder if Aitcheson’s offensive production will translate to the NHL level, but his intangibles and style of defense definitely should. Button has Aitcheson as the 15th-best player in the draft, while EliteProspects.com has him at No. 18.

“I don’t know that he’s mean, but he plays with a purpose, there’s a lot of conviction to his game,” Marr said. “Everyone likes that physical element because the forwards know coming against him, you need to keep your head up. And in a 1-on-1 battle, he’s likely going to come out on top, so it really makes the opposing team adjust their game when they’re coming up against him.”

Fit with Flyers

There’s a lot to like about Aitcheson’s makeup and how he could fit in Philadelphia.

Cam York and Emil Andrae, two of the Flyers’ young lefty shots, are not big defensemen, so Aitcheson would add some size on that side. He’d have the chance to possibly play alongside 2023 first-rounder Oliver Bonk in the future.

If the Flyers were to draft Aitcheson, he’d be the second Colt they’ve taken in the first round over the last six years, joining Tyson Foerster (2020 — 23rd overall).

The problem is Aitcheson would be a reach for the Flyers at No. 6 and it doesn’t look like he’ll be around come the 22nd pick. If he’s available within that range, the Flyers could trade up to take him.

More targets

• Hagens is ‘Matt Duchene type of player’ who could be on Flyers’ radar at No. 6

• Flyers would probably love if Barkov-like prospect is available at No. 6

• ‘Fascinating,’ 6-foot-5 center has tons of intrigue for Flyers at No. 6

• Younger brother of Flyers prospect is ‘complete’ center and option at No. 6

• ‘David Krejci-like’ center with plenty of upside would give Flyers good decision

• Could a 6-foot-6, ‘just blossoming’ defenseman be a fit for Flyers at No. 6?

• Will Flyers grab prospect with ‘really, really unique’ combination at No. 6?

• Reschny’s performance vs. 2024 top prospect should have Flyers’ eye in first round

• Flyers could have three shots at ‘dynamic, explosive skater’ on the wing

• Finding another Foerster? Flyers may have one if they draft Bear in first round

• Martone would offer Flyers ‘pretty complete package’ if he’s there at No. 6

• Flyers’ future power play QB? 6-foot-4 defenseman has ‘offensive punch’

• ‘That’s how tight it is’ — Eklund could interest Flyers among international prospects

• A center with ‘really, really strong’ upside could be first-round sleeper for Flyers

• Big winger with ‘really good top-end speed’ might be around Flyers at No. 22

Slovak defenseman Branislav Mezei, 44, has signed a one-year contract extension with his hometown club, HK Nitra, to play what will be his 26th season of professional hockey, the Slovak Extraliga club announced on Saturday.

“Throughout (last) season, I had in my mind that it wasn’t the last season,” said Mezei. “So it wasn’t a decision that was made at the end, but throughout the season, depending on how I felt and how much fun I had with my teammates. I was more or less determined during the season to continue.

“I haven’t even had the thought of ending my career yet, but of course, it also depends on the club whether they are still interested in bringing me back,” he continued. “Management said yes, so that also made the decision easier for me.”

Nitra, a city of about 80,000 people located approximately 100 km northeast of Bratislava, is where Mezei was born and raised until age 16, when he went overseas to play junior hockey for the OHL’s Belleville Bulls, who no longer exist.

His junior career included an OHL championship and an appearance in the 1999 Memorial Cup, which also included Roberto Luongo, Francois Beauchemin, Brad Stuart, Nick Boynton, Brian Campbell and teammate Jonathan Cheecho. He also played in that year’s World Junior Championship, where Slovakia won its first-ever IIHF medal – a bronze. His teammates included Ladislav Nagy and Marián Gáborik. Other players in the tournament included Luongo, Brian Gionta, Simon Gagné, Nikolai Antropov and Daniel and Henrik Sedin.

Brett Ritchie Moves From Slovakia To Germany – Nitra Club President Blames Slovak RefsCanadian right winger Brett Ritchie, 31, has been released from his contract with Slovak Extraliga club HK Nitra and has signed to play the remainder of the current season with the Schwenninger Wild Wings, the German DEL club announced on Wednesday.

Mezei was chosen in the first round, 10th overall, by the New York Islanders in the 1999 NHL Entry Draft. The Islanders had acquired the pick from the Montreal Canadiens in exchange for Trevor Linden.

Between 2000 and 2008, Mezei played 527 NHL games for the Islanders and Florida Panthers, recording 24 points and 311 penalty minutes.

Mezei split the 2004-05 lockout season between Oceláři Třinec in the Czech Extraliga and Dukla Trenčín in Slovakia, where his teammates included Radek Bonk, Pavol Demitra, Marián Hossa and Gáborik. Between 2008 and 2014, he played for eight different clubs in the KHL, Czechia and Finland before returning to Nitra in October 2014. He’s remained there ever since.

Highlights since his return to Nitra over a decade ago include national titles in 2016 and 2024. Along the way he mentored young defenseman Šimon Nemec, who now plays for the New Jersey Devils.

“I’m home, I’m playing for my hometown, that’s always extra motivation,” said Mezei. “My son also plays hockey, so I’m glad that I can still be there and I can be a role model for him, so it all came together somehow.”

Photo © Lou Capozzola-Imagn Images: Branislav Mezei playing for the Florida Panthers in the 2005-06 season. 

8th-seeded Nitra improbably wins Slovak titleRather improbably, HK Nitra is the champion of the Slovak Extraliga. After finishing eighth out of 12 teams during the regular season, Nitra barely survived a play-in series against Dukla Trenčín, but then eliminated, in succession first-seeded HK Poprad in the quarterfinals, second-seeded Dukla Michalovce in the semifinals, and then swept third-seeded HK Spišská Nová Ves in the finals.

EDMONTON – It’s one of the busiest times of the year.

The Edmonton Oilers certainly have some work ahead of themselves.

Bookmark The Hockey News Edmonton Oilers team site to never miss the latest news, game-day coverage, and more. 

NHL teams are engaging in contract extensions with free agents about to hit the market. The scouting staff is finalizing their draft lists. And to top it all off, the Florida Panthers are in the heart of their Stanley Cup celebrations.

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One of the ways that teams can improve their team is via signing free agents. These conversations and discussions will be the topic of rumors for the next 12 days. 

Yesterday, The Fourth Period published their list of the Top 40 UFAs for this offseason. Here are the two free agents that the Oilers are connected to, who didn’t play for the team in 2024-25.

Jake Allen

Previous Contract: $3.85 million

Number 14 on the list of the top 40 UFAs is New Jersey Devils goaltender Jake Allen. Allen is a 34-year-old veteran who has played for three teams throughout his 13-year NHL career. He has also played for the St. Louis Blues and Montreal Canadiens.

Allen had a record of 13-16-1 in 29 starts for the Devils. He posted a 2.66 goals against average, a .908 save percentage, four shutouts, and a Goals Saved Above Expected of 18.4. Allen has also been connected to the San Jose Sharks and Philadelphia Flyers.

Ryan Lindgren

Previous Contract: $4.5 million

Number 18 on the list is defenseman Ryan Lindgren. The left-handed defender split his 2024-25 season between the New York Rangers and Colorado Avalanche. He plays a more rugged style and is only 27 years old.

Lindgren played 72 games, recording 22 points, 62 shots, blocking 128 shots, and throwing 80 hits while playing 19:42 per game. The report also links him to the Columbus Blue Jackets, Boston Bruins, and Detroit Red Wings.

There is plenty of time between now and the start of next year’s preseason. But the next couple of weeks will be busy, with both of these free agents likely signing with a new team.

Time will tell if either of them signs with the Oilers.

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The Ottawa Senators are set to pick 21st overall in the first round of the NHL Draft this Friday in Los Angeles. After a 2024 draft class where they leaned into size and physicality, many expect them to stick with that approach, especially with the Florida Panthers winning back-to-back Stanley Cups the way they just did. The Panthers have a skilled roster, uniquely bolstered by size and toughness.

It's literally a copy cats league right now.

But true skill is a lot harder to find than size, and one player who might be available when the Senators step up to the podium is Cullen Potter, a skilled forward who’s one of the best skaters available in the draft.

After putting up 46 points in 54 games with the U.S. National Team Development Program’s U17 squad, he jumped to the NCAA a year early last season. Playing as a 17-year-old freshman, Potter scored 13 goals in 35 games, which is almost unheard of for a player his age.

Potter has serious wheels with and without the puck. He has the kind of speed that tends to get opposing defensemen on their heels, backing up faster and deeper than they’d like so they don’t get burned wide. That often gives Potter the room he needs to claim the blue line and make them pay with his puck skill and quick release.

However, at 5-foot-10, 172 pounds, Potter isn’t the biggest guy, which can affect his ability to win or engage in puck battles. So the league’s be-more-like-the-Florida-Panthers trend may be working against him in the rankings, as it may with Calgary Hitmen forward Ben Kindel, whom we profiled earlier.

Potential First-Round Draft Targets For The Ottawa Senators: Maybe Another Calgary Hitman? Leading up to the 2025 NHL Draft, we’ll examine some of the young players that the draft experts think might be available to the Ottawa Senators when they step up to the podium to make the evening’s 21st overall selection.

Scouts have also suggested that Potter’s two-way game needs some work, but that’s true of most 18-year-olds. What you got away with in your draft year won’t fly in the NHL. But adding a little more emphasis on defence is a hell of a lot more teachable than speed and skill.

So TSN’s Craig Button has him ranked at #50, though his opinion on the player is a major outlier. Almost everyone has him going in the top 30. The Hockey News’ Tony Ferrari even has him going as high as #10.

Ferrari: “Potter is a superb transition presence, moving the puck up ice with excellent crossovers and puck handling as he weaves through traffic. His processing of what is happening on the ice when the puck is on his stick is ahead of most players at his age, and he can exploit passing and shooting lanes with precision. There may not be a player in this draft class who has been more snake-bitten by his teammates than Cullen Potter. From pucks bouncing off their sticks or being shot wide when they have an awning cage, these kinds of things won’t happen forever, and Potter will be the beneficiary.”

-

His linemates didn't finish enough? Now that’s the kind of info that can turn a player into a fine sleeper pick. From a consensus standpoint, there’s a good chance he’s still on the board when Steve Staios announces Ottawa’s pick.

Speed and skill are the rarest of commodities and will always be intriguing, no matter what the frame looks like. Ask the Montreal Canadiens if they’re interested in trading Cole Caufield or Lane Hutson right now. Even with all the bigs around him, five-foot-nine Brad Marchand was unreal for the Panthers in the playoffs. Those players are all smaller than Potter.

Potter had 8 points in 7 games at the World-U18 Championships. He had 8 points in 9 games for the US-NTDP U18s and then 13 goals and 22 points in 35 games for Arizona State.

He also has excellent hockey bloodlines. His mom is Jenny Schmidgall-Potter, former Team USA captain who played in 10 World Championships and four Olympic Games over her international career. 

If Cullen is still on the board when the Senators make their pick at 21, he could give Ottawa something they’re missing in their prospect pipeline: a fast, creative forward who can make plays at high speed. Big players are nice, but if their skill isn’t elite at the amateur level, it’s not likely to improve in the NHL. If they are highly skilled, then they’re a unicorn and almost always taken before the 21st selection.

There’s always an element of hope and luck at 21, but if you play your cards right, skill and speed are always worth betting on. It may run contrary to the Senators' draft philosophy, but sometimes good things do come in smaller packages.

Steve Warne
The Hockey News Ottawa
(Banner image credit: Michael Augello, The Hockey News)

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In his latest mailbag article for The Athletic, Corey Pronman was asked to rank the top five prospects of the last three drafts, and he answered: Macklin Celebrini, Conor Bedard, Leo Carlsson, Adam Fantilli, and Matvei Michkov.

For some, this is an inexplicable snub of Montreal Canadiens’ prospect Ivan Demidov, but those five players have one thing in common: they’ve had much more time to show what they can do at the NHL level.

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With the San Jose Sharks, Celebrini has played 70 games and picked up 63 points, earning himself a Calder Trophy nomination, finishing third in voting with 1,104 points, behind Canadiens’ standout rookie Lane Hutson and Calgary Flames goaltender Dustin Wolf.

With the Chicago Blackhawks, first overall pick at the 2023 draft, Bedard has played 150 games and has gathered 128 points. He won the Calder Trophy by an overwhelming majority with 152 first-place votes and a total of 1,808 voting points (just short of Hutson’s 165 first-place votes and 1,832 voting points).

With the Anaheim Ducks, Carlsson has played 131 games and put up 74 points. He didn’t pierce the top five in Calder Trophy voting for the 2023-24 season, but the fact that he only played 55 games in his rookie year probably didn’t help matters.

With the Columbus Blue Jackets, Fantili has skated in 131 games and put up 81 points, not entering the Calder Trophy conversation in 2023-24 either. However, like Carlsson, he only played part of the season, specifically 49 games. Furthermore, this past season wasn’t easy for the Jackets players who had to face the season without the All-Star contribution of Johnny Gaudreau, who tragically died last Summer. In his rookie season, he skated alongside Gaudreau in his most productive quarter, scoring 15 points in those 20 games.

Finally, with the Philadelphia Flyers, Matvei Michkov completed his rookie season with 63 points in 80 games, finishing fourth in voting for the Calder Trophy with 645 points. The Russian finished strong with multiple multi-point games towards the end of the season.

Meanwhile, Demidov spent the season in the KHL, meaning most people didn’t see him play. I don’t count sporadic highlights on social media as watching him play; it’s not enough to get a real feel of what a player can and can’t do. He joined the Canadiens at the end of the season and played in two games, scoring two points in the process, but that’s not a substantial sample.

There are still many unknowns about Demidov; how will he cope with an 82-game grind of a season? What will happen once the other teams have had a chance to study his game in detail and watch a lot of video? If the opponents adapt to him, how will he react?

I’m not saying it won't go well for him, but what I'm saying is that there is no certainty yet, and I can understand Pronman not having him in his top five. Give it time. If Demidov has a rookie season that’s on par with Hutson’s one, I’d be willing to bet good money that he would be on Pronman’s list come next season.

The Canadiens’ rookie is doing everything he can this Summer to ensure he’ll have a smooth transition to the NHL. He chose to spend his offseason in Montreal, working under the close supervision of the Canadiens’ staff, hitting the ice with skills coach Adam Nicholas and also signing up to play three-on-three hockey with the LSHL. He has even committed to taking part in a skills showdown on July 12, where he’ll perform in a shootout contest in Boisbriand on the north shore.

I would even add that “the snub” isn’t a bad thing; there’s enough pressure to perform on the youngster in the giant magnifying glass that is the Montreal market. I get a feeling Demidov is just fine with proving people who don’t necessarily believe in him wrong.

Much will also depend on who the young Russian gets to play for. To start with, it seems evident that the Cole Caufield, Nick Suzuki, and Juraj Slafkovsky line is not going anywhere, but who does that leave Demidov to play with? Patrik Laine? He’s an elite sniper, but his defensive deficiencies have resulted in reduced ice time towards the end of the season, and that’s not what Demidov will need. Could he ride shotgun with Kirby Dach? The big center had a bad season last year, and he will be playing with the added pressure of proving what he can do in a contract year.

Kent Hughes is reportedly trying to improve his top-six, which could benefit Demidov, but the Canadiens’ GM is far from being the only GM who’s in the market for that kind of help. Wanting to do something doesn’t mean you’ll be able to pull it off.

Photo credit:  David Kirouac-Imagn Images

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From stars to busts, a look at how Detroit’s last 11 first-round picks have shaped the rebuild.

The NHL Draft is just around the corner, taking place next Friday, and the Detroit Red Wings are once again in a pivotal position as they prepare to make their next first-round selection. Holding the 13th overall pick, the Red Wings have been linked to several intriguing prospects, including Carter Bear, Lynden Lakovic, and Radim Mrtka. 

Not long ago, during their run as perennial Stanley Cup contenders, the Detroit Red Wings approached the draft with a win-now mindset. Rather than using their first-round picks to build for the future, they frequently traded them away in exchange for proven veterans who could immediately contribute to their championship pursuits. 

This strategy helped extend their reign as one of the league's most consistent powerhouses but came at the cost of long-term prospect development. Over the past decade, however, the Red Wings have undergone a major philosophical shift with the team mired in a nine-year playoff drought, the draft has become the cornerstone of their rebuild. 

Every first-round pick now represents a potential turning point for the franchise’s future. Some of Detroit’s recent selections have shown promise as foundational pieces, while others have fallen short of expectations, struggling to break into the lineup or make a meaningful impact. 

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As the team gears up to make another crucial selection in this year’s draft, it is the perfect time to look back at their last 11 first-round picks from the past decade and evaluate which players have helped advance the rebuild and which have fallen short of expectations.

2015 - Evgeny Svechnikov (19th overall)

Drafted with the expectation of developing into a power forward and top-line winger like his brother Andrei, Evgeny Svechnikov was unable to secure a lasting role. He appeared in only 41 games for Detroit, as injuries and inconsistency stalled his development and led to his exit from the team.

Svechnikov went on to spend two more seasons in the NHL with the Winnipeg Jets and San Jose Sharks before continuing his career in the minors and European leagues. Once a high-upside junior star, Svechnikov unfortunately fits the label as a bust. 

2016 - Dennis Cholowski (20th overall)

Cholowski entered Detroit as a one of the most promising offensive defenceman in junior play but while he showed some potential in his rookie NHL season with 40 points over a 50-game season in the BCHL, yet that promise began to fade. 

He never secured a full-time role, was left unprotected in the 2021 expansion draft and was picked up by the Seattle Kraken but struggled at the NHL level and has bounced between AHL squads since. Cholowski played for the Islanders and Devils last season but enters this summer as a free agent.

2017 - Michael Rasmussen (9th overall)

At six-foot-six and hard-hitting, Rasmussen evolved into a reliable two-way forward rather than the dominant scorer experts expected. He consistently finds a way to record 15-20 points while also killing penalties and still has plenty of room to grow and mature his game as a 26-year-old. He's entering his second year of a four-year,  $12.8 million deal with an annual cap hit of $3.2 million per season. 

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2018 - Filip Zadina (6th overall)

Zadina was highly regarded as a dynamic winger that would be a future superstar and staple of Detroit’s lineup. However, teams took notice when he dropped in the draft from a projected top three pick to the Red Wings at sixth overall. 

Things started to trend downwards from there with his production never meeting expectations. After two lacklustre seasons, he was eventually shipped off to the Sharks. Despite flashes of skill, inconsistency defined his tenure, and the Wings greatly regreted passing on defensemen like Quinn Hughes or Cale Makar in that draft.

2019 - Moritz Seider (6th overall)

The Red Wings first draft pick made with new GM Steve Yzerman and it was their first home run in years by landing the German defenceman, that has quickly become a cornerstone on their blue line for the future.

As the 2019 pick, he quickly became Detroit’s top-pair defenceman, earning SHL Rookie of the Year and finding immediate NHL success with 50 points in his debut season. He's not missed a game for the Red Wings since with appearances in 328 straight games. 

2020 - Lucas Raymond (4th overall)

Another swing and another hit for the organization as Raymond has transformed into Detroit’s offensive engine as a top-end NHL talent.

He finished with a career-best 80 points this past season and has lead the Red Wings in points in each of the last two seasons. Through 320 career games, he’s amassed 254 points firmly positioning himself as a budding star and one of the most impactful recent first-round selections.

2021 - Simon Edvinsson (6th overall)

Tagged as one of Europe’s top blueliners, Edvinsson impressed in the SHL with 19 points in 44 games and earned a call-up to Detroit in March 2023. After logging 31 points and significant minutes alongside Seider through 78 games this past season, he is expected to take on a regular role in the Red Wings' top defensive pairing moving forward.

2021 - Sebastian Cossa (15th overall)

Cossa made history when making his NHL debut in early December 2024 when he made 12 saves to snap a Red Wings five-game losing skid, and he became the first NHL goalie to earn a shootout win in relief.

The 22-year-old Hamilton native is one of the most elite prospects at the position and should make an impact when making the eventual jump to the main roster. His AHL numbers have fans anxiously waiting his arrival after securing a 21-15-6 record with a 2.45 goals against average this past season. 

More Red Wings: Red Wings Could Be Circling Islanders’ Noah Dobson in Trade Talks

2022 - Marco Kasper (8th overall)

Drafted as an intelligent two-way centerman, Kasper spent time in Sweden's SHL before transitioning to North America. He debuted in April 2023 and quickly stood out, highlighted by a clutch performance against Tampa Bay where he scored the game-tying and overtime goals to keep Detroit’s playoff hopes alive.

One of the most desired positions in hockey is a second-line centre and Kasper looks like he'll fulfil the role for years to come with the Red Wings. 

2023 - Nate Danielson (9th overall)

A WHL standout (150 points in 145 games), Danielson signed an entry-level deal July 2023 and quickly joined the AHL Griffins by May 2024, becoming one of the few to debut in the playoffs within a year of being drafted, just like Dylan Larkin. His road-mapping suggests NHL readiness in 1–2 years, and his leadership profile hints at a strong future.

2024 - Michael Brandsegg-Nygård (15th overall)

Detroit selected Brandsegg-Nygård as the best player available, but did make history with the pick as he was the first Norwegian ever taken in the first round. 

A strong, two-way winger with a heavy shot and physical edge, who impressed Steve Yzerman and company with Sweden’s Allsvenskan, totalling 18 points through 41 games. Brandsegg-Nygård added to his success at this year's IIHF World Championships when he recorded four points in five games against some countries with top tier NHL talent.

The Flyers are reportedly interested in acquiring a starting goaltender with Vancouver Thatcher Demko being a potential lead option

The Philadelphia Flyers are making noise ahead of the 2025 NHL Draft as reports swirl that the team is aggressively pursuing a starting goaltender. After a rocky season in net, Philadelphia is looking for more stability at the position with some mentioning a blockbuster trade could happen with the Vancouver Canucks centered around All-Star goaltender Thatcher Demko.

According to league insiders, Vancouver is willing to listen to offers on Demko, who remains under contract through the 2025–26 season at a $5 million cap hit. The 29-year-old is coming off an injury-plagued season, where he posted a 10-8-3 record with a 2.90 goals against average. Prior to that, Demko proved to be one of the most elite players at the position after finishing with a 35-14-2 record and a 2.45 goals against average during the 2023-24 season and earning himself a finalist spot for the Vezina trophy. 

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Demko appeared to be a solid franchise goaltender that Vancouver would be able to keep for a decade or more and never have to worry about the position but injuries have started to pile up and a pair of goaltenders have taken advantage. 

Canucks starter last season, Kevin Lankinen was dominant with a 25-15-10 record and a 2.62 goals against average that secured himself a spot on Finland's Four Nations team last February. He signed a five-year extension with a full no-move clause that firmly places him in the driver seat for the starting job moving forward.

Top prospect Artūrs Šilovs is also waiting in the wings and when given the chance to play, he's made the most of his time, including a run with the Canucks where Šilovs had to take over for an injuried Demko during the 2023-24 postseason and almost helped his team past the eventual Conference champion Edmonton Oilers. Šilovs has throughly dominated the AHL with a 56-28-13 record over the last three seasons and should be ready to take the leap to the main roster.

Canucks winger Brock Boeser is reportedly heading for free agency, meaning Vancouver will need to replace a key top-six forward that played a lot of minutes, including the most power play minutes for a forward on the team.

Philadelphia, who went 33-39-10 and finished last in the Metropolitan division this past season with goaltending being their achilles heel. The Flyers' forward group is loaded with talent and could see a top end winger like Travis Konecny get dealt in a move for Demko, as his point production is similar to Boeser's. A deal could give the Canucks the scoring depth they’ll need with Boeser’s departure imminent while allowing Lankinen and Šilovs to transition into the starter role. 

Vancouver finished the regular season with a 38-30-14 record and narrowly missed the playoffs. While losing Demko would be a gamble, the Canucks appear confident in their goaltending depth and are looking to retool their offence and stay competitive quickly.

Betting Impact

From a futures betting standpoint, a trade of this magnitude could shake up both teams’ outlooks. Philadelphia’s current Stanley Cup odds sit around +8000 on FanDuel sportsbook, but acquiring Demko could cause that line to shorten dramatically, possibly into the +4000 to +4500 range, depending on the return package. His stability in net could immediately elevate Philly to a wild-card contender in the Eastern Conference.

Meanwhile, the Canucks, who are currently listed at +5000 to win the Cup could see a slight dip if they lose Demko, unless Silovs proves capable of handling a full-time role. However, if they secure a top-tier scoring forward in the deal, bettors may find value in their odds holding or even improving if the offense becomes more dynamic.

We will have to stay tuned as both teams weigh a franchise-altering decision that could swing the balance of power in both conferences and the betting markets with it.

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In 2003, the NHL had perhaps one of the best drafts in history. The first-round class was just amazing. It was headlined by Marc-Andre Fleury, Eric Staal, and Nathan Horton as the top three, but it also included names like Ryan Suter, Jeff Carter, Dustin Brown, Zach Parise, Ryan Getzlaf, Brent Burns, Mike Richards, and Corey Perry, to name a few.

Picking at 10th overall, the Montreal Canadiens elected to pick Andrei Kostitsyn, while Carter, Brown, Parise, Getzlaf, Burns, Richards, and Perry were still on the board. Of course, hindsight is always 20/20, but just leaving one of those names up there to pick the Belarus native would have been a big mistake.

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The elder of the Kostitsyn brothers went on to play for the Habs for seven seasons before being sent to the Nashville Predators in a trade that netted the Canadiens a conditional 2013 fifth-round pick and a 2013 second-round pick. In total, he played 398 NHL games, accumulating 222 points (210 with the Tricolore), and he left for the KHL at the end of the season, during which he was traded.

In comparison, Burns is still playing and going strong at the ripe old age of 40, having played in 1497 NHL contests with three different teams, racking up 910 points. The same goes for Perry, who’s just appeared in a fifth Stanley Cup Final in six years and who has skated in 1392 NHL games, picking up 935 points along the way and a Cup win with the Anaheim Ducks in the second year of his career. Carter and Richard went on to win the Cup twice with the Kings, along with Brown, while Getzlaf also raised one in Anaheim as Perry’s partner in crime.

And the mistakes didn’t stop in the first round either. In the second round, the Tricolore picked Cory Urquhart, who had never played a single NHL game. The Canadiens grabbed him at 40th overall, five picks before the Boston Bruins selected Patrice Bergeron and nine picks before the Predators added Shea Weber. Later in the round, Montreal selected Maxime Lapierre, who went on to play 614 NHL games.

In the third round, the Canadiens added Ryan O’Byrne (308 NHL games), in the fourth, they picked Corey Locke (nine NHL games) and Danny Stewart (no NHL games). In the sixth round, they added Christopher Heino-Lindberg (no NHL games) and Mark Flood (39 NHL games). In the seventh round, they went for Oskari Korpikari (no NHL games). They selected Jimmy Bonneau in the eighth round (no NHL games) while future stud defenseman Dustin Byfuglien (869 NHL games) was still on the board, and made their best selection in the ninth round when they added Jaroslav Halak (556 NHL games).

Given all the talent left on the board, this is perhaps the worst draft in the Canadiens’ history, but it just goes to show how hard scouting is. A player has reached a certain level by that point, but what his ceiling will be is and remains a projection, and no player is ever the same either. It takes guts and a lot of confidence to become a scout; these individuals have one of the most challenging jobs in hockey, in my opinion.

Photo credit: Eric Bolte-Imagn Images

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The Philadelphia Flyers need to establish a plan in net this summer, but going after New Jersey Devils goalie Jake Allen just doesn't make sense for either side.

Allen, 34, is widely considered to be the best goalie option on the market this summer and, despite his advanced age, can still fill in nicely as a pseudo-starter for a contender in need.

But the Flyers aren't one of those contenders.

On a more talented Devils team that was decimated by injuries this season, Allen was still only 13-16-1 despite his 2.66 GAA, .908 save percentage, and four shutouts. Basically, Allen posted a shutout in a third of his wins.

What will Allen's performance look like behind a Flyers team that experienced several regressions and injuries this past season, and a forward group that still struggles to score even after the addition of star rookie Matvei Michkov?

Some have floated the former Stanley Cup champion goalie as a potential "cheap" option for the Flyers, but if Allen is going to be cheap, why not stay with the Devils? Connor McDavid and the Edmonton Oilers would love a cheap goalie themselves.

The Flyers, so long as they continue to fail to make any meaningful additions to their roster via trade or free agency, are not fooling anyone into thinking they are ready to contend, let alone make the playoffs.

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And, let's be perfectly clear: Allen has one season with a save percentage greater than .908 since 2016-17. It would be deeply unfair to him to make him the savior of a Flyers team that has shuttled goalies in and out of Philadelphia constantly since the departure of Sergei Bobrovsky, and even before then.

The most the Flyers can offer Allen at this stage, at least what many other teams cannot, is a significant amount of money.

But Allen cannot play forever, so signing him to a contract is just a means to spin wheels in hockey purgatory and avoid sliding down the pole for a top draft pick for what would the third year in a row and potentially four.

If the Flyers want to go the route of free agency for goaltending, they would be better suited considering options like Michael DiPietro, an AHL star in need of a chance at the NHL who just turned 26 two weeks ago, or Alex Lyon, a former Flyers goalie and proven backup whose trade value could be rehabbed with a successful stint.

Indeed, the Flyers cannot afford to have as shocking of a performance in goal as they did last year, which is why Ivan Fedotov has apparently been pegged to start the 2025-26 season in the AHL.

At the same time, there's little value to throwing veteran stopgaps in ahead of younger players, like Aleksei Kolosov and, eventually, Carson Bjarnason, when there is no hope of winning the Stanley Cup and little hope of making the playoffs.

With the $18 million in cap space they have, the Flyers should be thinking bigger than a free agent, such as a potential offer sheet for a player like Lukas Dostal. Anaheim matches any offer sheet for the 25-year-old Dostal nine times out of 10, but the Flyers need to think permanent solution, not temporary.

Something will have to give, either now or a few years down the road.

The word dynasty is starting to be thrown around when discussing the Florida Panthers.

That’s what will happen when you reach three straight Stanley Cup Finals and win the most recent two.

While there are several key reasons you can point to when discussing how and why the Panthers have become the juggernaut they currently are, a very big reason that would be toward the tippy-top of that list would be goaltending.

No matter what kind of style your hockey team plays, good goaltending is going to be required to achieve any kind of greatness.

It’s just science.

Speaking of science, there is also the fact that professional hockey players generally see their skills peak around age 30, with gradual diminishment of said skills as they inch closer to 40.

Those numbers are usually exacerbated when it comes to goalies.

There is, however, the occasional anomaly. The guy who shows up and defies all logic, pushing back against the general way of things.

That man is Sergei Bobrovsky.

Over the past three seasons, while entering what should be the twilight of a very strong career, Bobrovsky has seen his game, and his legacy, reach previously unmatched heights.

The 36-year-old has enjoyed three of his most successful and consistent seasons over the past three years, taking his game to another level during the playoffs and leading the Panthers to three straight Stanley Cup Final appearances.

His play during Florida’s two Stanley Cup-winning campaigns had Bobrovsky among those receiving votes for the Conn Smythe Trophy.

It’s truly remarkable what Bobrovsky has been able to accomplish, seemingly getting strong with each passing year.

“It's not me, it's God,” Bobrovsky said Saturday. “That age category, it's not many people who can play at that level. It's just been a journey for me. I feel like I’m playing my best hockey right now, the last three years or so, and I feel good.”

Over those three years, the Panthers have done we’ll to limit Bobrovsky’s ice time during the regular season.

He’s played in 50, 58 and 54 games in each of the past three seasons, respectively, before acting as Florida’s primary netminder during their Stanley Cup Final runs.

Combined with his legendary work ethic, the efforts to keep Bobrovsky fresh have paid off quite well for Bob and the Panthers.

It’s also given all parties concerned reason to feel confident that the veteran goaltender can maintain his elite level of play for the foreseeable future.

“I'm excited about next season,” Bobrovsky said. “I feel great physically. I feel great mentally. We have a great, great group of guys, and as I said, I'm excited for what's coming next. I'm excited for new challenges. I'm excited to go through them with my teammates, and again, I'm excited to be with the guys again.”

Looking ahead, Bobrovsky has one year remaining on the seven-year, $70 million deal he signed with Florida back in the summer of 2019.

Considering the advanced state of his career combined with Bob’s ability to defy logic and age like a fine wine, it will be interesting to see how he and the Panthers approach his contract situation.

Like many of his teammates, Bobrovsky has seen his life change in many ways after relocating to South Florida.

In addition to becoming a two-time Stanley Cup Champion, Bobrovsky has also become a two-time father over the past several years.

He and his family have established roots, another element that will likely come into consideration at this time next year.

For now, Bobrovsky is trying to stay in the present.

“It's tough to predict for five years right now, and I don't want that,” he said. “I feel like, when you think too much ahead of yourself, you lose the focus on that moment, and I don't want to lose that. I’ve got so many great things right now, and I value them so much. I live in Florida, in an unbelievable city, unbelievable environment. I have my great family (at home), my second great family is here (at the rink). Everything is great here, and I want to take full advantage of this moment and value that moment.”

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Photo caption: Jun 17, 2025; Sunrise, Florida, USA; Florida Panthers goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky (72) hoists the Stanley Cup after winning game six of the 2025 Stanley Cup Final against the Edmonton Oilers at Amerant Bank Arena. (Sam Navarro-Imagn Images)

On Friday, the Pittsburgh Penguins announced who would be filling out their coaching staff - in addition to new head coach Dan Muse - for the 2025-26 season.

And they may have struck gold with one of their hires.

Todd Nelson - who was head coach of the AHL's Hershey Bears for the past three seasons - was named as one of the assistants on Muse's new staff on Friday. Nelson coached the Bears to back-to-back Calder Cup championships in 2023 and 2024, and he has a boatload of coaching experience at both the AHL and NHL levels. 

Given the phase of their rebuild that the Penguins find themselves in - and their focus on development - Nelson may just be the perfect hire.

Even some former players under Nelson agree. Goaltender Zachary Fucale - who was part of the 2023 Bears' championship team and now plays in the KHL for Chelyabinsk Traktor - gave Nelson a glowing endorsement on socials:

"The best of the best!" Fucale wrote. "Thank you Nelly for everything. Unforgettable moments being part of your team. Absolutely 0 doubts you will have success with @penguins. All the best to you."

The best of the best! Thank you Nelly for everything. Unforgettable moments being part of your team. Absolutely 0 doubts you will have success with @penguins. All the best to you 🙏🏼 https://t.co/SleRD8SdIx

— Zach Fucale (@Fucale31) June 20, 2025

Although Nelson was wildly successful as head coach of the Bears, the AHL accolades don't stop there. He also won a Calder Cup as an assistant coach for the Chicago Wolves in 2008 and as head coach of the Grand Rapids Griffins in 2017, which makes him one of only six coaches in AHL history to win three times as a head coach. He is also only one of three people in AHL history to win the Calder Cup as an assistant coach, a head coach, and a player.

Nelson also has a bit of experience at the NHL level, too. He was an assistant with now-defunct Atlanta Thrashers before they moved to Winnipeg, he was the interim head coach of the Edmonton Oilers after Dallas Eakins was fired in 2014-15, and he had another assistant gig with the Dallas Stars from 2018-22.

And his playing career? Ironically, he was selected by none other than the Penguins as a defenseman in the fourth round (79th overall) of the 1989 NHL Draft. He only appeared in one NHL game with Pittsburgh on Nov. 23, 1991 in a 2-2 tie against the New York Islanders. He also later appeared in a few games for the Washington Capitals later on.

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The history with the Penguins' organization is there. But, more importantly, the developmental angle is there. Nelson has personal experience in the arena of fighting tooth and nail for NHL playing time, and he has spent a great deal of time working with developing young players and maximizing their potential.

And this - in addition to that track record of success - is something that drew him to Muse when he was filling out his staff.

“With over two decades of coaching experience, Todd brings a championship pedigree and a winning history that speaks for itself,” Muse said. “He has consistently demonstrated an exceptional ability to get the most out of his players, most recently in Hershey, and his leadership qualities and wealth of experience will be a tremendous asset to our team as we continue to build a culture of excellence.”

Over the next several seasons, the Penguins hope to build back up that culture of excellence that they became so renowned for. And - given his track record - Nelson could be a big part of helping them get there. 

Former Penguin Set To Join Coaching Staff For 2025-26 SeasonA few weeks after it was announced that Dan Muse would become the 23rd head coach in Pittsburgh Penguins franchise history, it appears that a former Penguin will be joining his coaching staff as well.

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Feature image credit: Andy Abeyta/The Desert Sun / USA TODAY NETWORK

Brad Marchand is one of the top pending unrestricted free agents (UFAs) who can hit the market on July 1. Both the Florida Panthers and Marchand have expressed interest in getting a new contract done. However, with Panthers stars Sam Bennett and Aaron Ekblad also needing new deals, there is certainly a possibility that No. 63 could end up becoming a UFA at the start of next month. 

After the playoff run Marchand just had, he would be a very popular target if he became available on the free-agent market. The 37-year-old winger has proven that he is still a star and that he can still step up big time in games that matter most. 

Due to this, in his most recent 32 Thoughts column, NHL insider Elliotte Friedman mentioned several potential suitors for Marchand if the Panthers are unable to re-sign him by July 1. These teams include the Utah Mammoth, Toronto Maple Leafs, Los Angeles Kings, New Jersey Devils, and Washington Capitals.

The Mammoth making a push for Marchand would be understandable, as they could use a star winger like him as they look to take that next step and become a playoff team. Meanwhile, the Maple Leafs, Kings, Devils, and Capitals also make sense as possible suitors, as they each are playoff-caliber teams with high expectations for next year. Thus, bringing in a clutch playoff performer like Marchand would be huge for them.

Nevertheless, it is going to be intriguing to see what happens between Marchand and the Panthers this off-season. If Florida is unable to keep him around, it's clear that the future Hall of Famer will have plenty of other options to consider. 

Brad Marchand Has Big Message For Panthers GM Bill ZitoBrad Marchand is one of the Florida Panthers' top pending unrestricted free agents (UFA) with the summer here. The star winger has undoubtedly increased his value after his marvelous playoff run, as he recorded 10 goals, 20 points, and a plus-17 rating in 23 games. With this, he was one of the major reasons why the Panthers were able to repeat as Stanley Cup champions. 

Photo Credit: © Sergei Belski-Imagn Images