On Wednesday, former New York Islanders forward Brock Nelson inked a three-year extension with the Colorado Avalanche. The AAV is $7.75 million. 

Brock staying in COL. https://t.co/2JO5iSkpvF

— Stefen Rosner (@stefen_rosner) June 4, 2025

The 34-year-old, along with prospect William Dufour, was shipped to Colorado ahead of the 2025 NHL Trade in exchange for forward prospect Calum Ritchie, Colorado's 2026 first-round pick, Colorado's 2028 third-round pick (conditions not met) and defenseman Oliver Kylington.

The Islanders traded Kylington to the Anaheim Ducks for future considerations. 

The Islanders were believed to have offered Nelson the same deal he signed in Colorado. 

I had heard that before the deadline, Lamoriello spoke with Nelson about possibly signing with #Isles this summer, regardless of where he went at the trade deadline. Obviously, with Lou being out, that certainly impacted things.

Nelson had 13 points (six goals, seven assists) in 19 regular season games with the Avalanche before just four assists in their seven-game series loss to the Dallas Stars.

Stay updated with the most interesting Islanders stories, analysis, breaking news, and more! Tap the star to add us to your favorites on Google News to never miss a story.

When it comes to experience at playing hockey in June, the Florida Panthers have more than enough to go around.

Over the past three postseasons, the Panthers have reached the Stanley Cup Final in each year.

A badly injured Panthers squad lost to the Vegas Golden Knights in five games in 2023, then Florida’s redemption arc came full circle when they defeated the Edmonton Oilers in seven games last year.

Now the Cats are back in the Final, once again facing the Oilers, in a series that begins on Wednesday night in Edmonton.

Being in these situations before, Florida’s players have learned the best ways to stay relaxed and focused on the task at hand without letting the pressure of the Final get in their heads.

One of those ways is by playing poker, a game many of Florida’s players will take part in during their team flights around the continent.

Apparently, as was revealed during Stanley Cup Final media day, the Panthers had quite a game going on their long flight to Edmonton this week.

“We had a poker game going. I don't know if you heard about it, but it gets pretty intense,” said Panthers forward Carter Verhaeghe. “(The) chips are flying.”

It’s no surprise that highly competitive hockey players can really get into their poker games.

As intense and contentious a good poker game can be, when its among good friends, they can be some of the best times ever.

“We played some poker, I lost a little bit of money today, which wasn't great, but we've got some long flights ahead of us to get it back,” Panthers center Sam Bennett said with a smile.

Based off several accounts, it sounds like one of the newest members of Florida’s rat pack had the best game on the flight out west.

“Yeah, I might’ve cleaned up,” smirked Panthers forward Brad Marchand. “The IRS might be coming after me after this one.”

“Marchy had a good trip,” added Verhaeghe. “I had a bad trip today, unfortunately. (It was) pretty bad. That's the thing with poker., it's just happens. Sometimes you can't do anything about it.”

Perhaps that’s true, but only until the next poker game.

The Panthers will be in Edmonton for a few days this week, then on Saturday they’ll board a plane for the long, cross-continent flight back to South Florida.

Will Bennett and Verhaeghe exact revenge on Marchand and earn some of their money back? We’ll have to wait and see, but according to Bennett, it wouldn’t be the first time.

“If you asked him about a week ago, he didn't do so well then,” said Bennett.

LATEST STORIES FROM THE HOCKEY NEWS - FLORIDA

Aaron Ekblad Makes Big Statement About Panthers Future

Florida Panthers aim for similar result in Stanley Cup Final rematch with Edmonton Oilers

Examining how Panthers, Oilers stack up for Stanley Cup Final rematch

Panthers Captain Sasha Barkov joins rare company, winning Selke Award and King Clancy Trophy in same season

Oilers' Connor McDavid Says This About Panthers Before Final

Photo caption: May 14, 2025; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Florida Panthers forward Sam Bennett (9) gets congratulated after a goal against the Toronto Maple Leafs during the third period of game five of the second round of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Scotiabank Arena. (John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images)

The National Hockey League is gearing up for a Stanley Cup Final rematch. The Edmonton Oilers are looking for revenge after losing the Final in 2024-25 via a Game Seven heartbreaker. 

While the series is going on, the other 30 teams in the National Hockey League will be focused on doing what they can to get to where these last two teams standing are. 

One way to build for the future is through the entry draft. The first round of the 2025 NHL Draft will begin on Friday, June 27th, in Los Angeles. 

The New York Islanders have the first overall pick. They won the Draft Lottery and have the right to choose any eligible player that they'd like.

The San Jose Sharks and Chicago Blackhawks stayed at second and third after that, as the Utah Mammoth moved up to fourth overall with the second lottery win. 

How will the first round line up without a sure-shot number one pick? Here is a mock draft of the first 32 selections: 

1. New York Islanders: Michael Misa, C, Saginaw (OHL):

It's a new day in the life of the New York Islanders. They will be looking for more scoring talent with a new front office and likely philosophy. Michael Misa is their guy with the first overall pick. 

2. San Jose Sharks: Matthew Schaefer, D, Erie (OHL)

If the Islanders take Misa, that will leave Schaefer (who many believe is the best player in the draft) for the San Jose Sharks to take second overall. He was injured for a lot of the 2024-25 season, but he has shown the ceiling of a top-pair NHL defenseman. With Macklin Celebrini and Will Smith in place up front and Sam Dickinson on his way on defense, a nice core is already forming. Adding someone like Schaefer would be a home run. 

3. Chicago Blackhawks: James Hagens, Boston College (NCAA)

The Chicago Blackhawks have a ton of U-24 players on defense in the organization. They will certainly be looking to draft a high-end forward with the third overall pick. James Hagens of Boston University, who was considered to be the number one prospect in this draft for a long time, is the perfect selection for the Blackhawks here. He has the top-level skill needed to play alongside Connor Bedard and Frank Nazar, whether that be at even strength or on the power play. 

4. Utah Mammoth: Porter Martone, RW, Mississauga (OHL)

The Utah Mammoth has a lot of great players already. With stars like Clayton Keller, Dylan Guenther, and Logan Cooley already leading the way, a big, mean power forward like Porter Marton makes perfect sense for them. It won't be long before he is in the NHL, ready to make an impact. When he's ready, the Mammoth should be gearing up for a jump in the standings. 

5. Nashville Predators: Anton Frondell, C, Djurgardens (SWE)

The Nashville Predators weren't expecting to be drafting in the top five when the 2024-25 season began, but here they are. Anton Frondell, a great center from Sweden, is a wonderful consolation prize. 

6. Philadelphia Flyers: Caleb Desnoyers, C, Moncton (QMJHL)

The five players above and Caleb Desnoyers are going to be the first six selected unless there is a major surprise. The Philadelphia Flyers are going to get whoever is left out of the three. Here, they get Desnoyers, who is going to come out of the QMJHL to make an impact at his position. 

7. Boston Bruins: Jake O'Brien, C, Brantford (OHL)

The Boston Bruins are trying to develop more forward depth. Patrice Bergeron and David Krejci are now multiple years removed from being in the NHL, and David Pastrnak is their only elite point-producer. Drafting Jake O'Brien of the OHL may allow them to get going with some new blood offensively. 

8. Seattle Kraken: Jackson Smith, D, Tri-City (WHL)

The Seattle Kraken could use some help in every area. Jackson Smith, a defenseman, is someone who could be that guy 8th overall. Playing for a deep Penn State team in 2025-26 will be wonderful for his development as they chase a National Championship. 

9. Buffalo Sabres: Victor Eklund, LW, Djurgardens (SWE)

The Buffalo Sabres need new faces in every phase of the game. Victor Eklund of Sweden is someone who could be a guy who helps them move the franchise forward. It is going to take some development from Eklund but the skill is there to be an impact player. 

10. Anaheim Ducks: Radim Mrtka, D, Seattle (WHL)

The Anaheim Ducks have one of the best prospect farms in the NHL. They are hoping that this is the last time that they add a top-ten pick for a while. Radim Mrtka, a defenseman out of Seattle, would make for a great defenseman in the system. 

11. Pittsburgh Penguins: Carter Bear, FWD, Everett (WHL)

The Pittsburgh Penguins need help in every avenue when it comes to their future. They are an old team that is entering the early stages of a true rebuild. By the time they come up to select, Carter Bear is going to be one of the best players available. 

12. New York Rangers: Roger McQueen, F, Brandon (WHL)

If a back injury wasn't hindering Roger McQueen at this stage of his development, he may be considered for being a top-five pick. The New York Rangers, looking to add some more youth to the organization, are in a spot where they can take this risk. 

13. Detroit Red Wings: Brady Martin, C, Soo (OHL)

The Detroit Red Wings are so close to taking a step for the franchise. Brady Martin isn't going to help them right away, no player drafted 13th overall is expected to, but he can be part of a long-term solution. 

14. Columbus Blue Jackets: Lynden Lakovic, F, Moose Jaw (WHL)

The Columbus Blue Jackets, like some of the other teams drafting ahead of them, have a great young farm system intact. This will help them in their quest to leap in the coming years. Lynden Lakovic, a forward, may be able to bring some greatness to the young franchise. 

15: Vancouver Canucks: Braeden Coots, C, Seattle (WHL)

The Vancouver Canucks are going to need a little bit of a retool in the coming years. J.T. Miller is already out the door, Elias Pettersson is uncertain in terms of his production, and Brock Boeser may be gone soon. At both center and wing, they need depth in the organization with forwards. Braeden Coots is someone for them to draft 15th overall to add some talent. 

16. Montreal Canadiens (via Calgary Flames): Justin Carbonneau, RW, Blainville-Brisband (QMJHL)

The Montreal Canadiens are looking for a boost after having a strong season. Many weren't expecting them to be in playoff contention. Now, adding assets to the organization to keep the depth healthy during future runs is the main goal in the draft. Justin Carbonneau, a winger, is someone that they should consider with the selection given to them by the Calgary Flames.

17. Montreal Canadiens: Logan Hensler, D, Wisconsin (NCAA)

The Montreal Canadiens won't even have to leave the stage to select Logan Hensler out of Wisconsin. Adding a strong forward and a strong defenseman with their back-to-back selections feels like a move that most teams would make. 

18. Calgary Flames (via New Jersey Devils): Malcom Spence, LW, Erie (OHL)

The Calgary Flames have the 18th selection via a trade with the New Jersey Devils. With it, they select Erie Otters left-winger Malcom Spence. Like the Canadiens, they had a surprisingly good year with young players involved so adding more is on their agenda. 

19. St. Louis Blues: Kashawn Aitcheson, D, Barrie (OHL)

The St. Louis Blues were one of the worst teams in the NHL during the first half of the season. In the second half, they turned things around enough to make the playoffs. Now, with the 19th overall pick, they will take a player who can help them in the future. Kashawn Aitcheson is an offensive defenseman who also brings a ton of physicality. St. Louis has done a wonderful job developing these types of players over the years. 

20. Columbus Blue Jackets (via Minnesota Wild): Cullen Potter, LW, Arizona State (NCAA)

The Columbus Blue Jackets, using a pick given to them by the Minnesota Wild, select Cullen Potter out of Arizona State. This young forward has the tools that would fit in well with the Jackets, who have signs of life in their system and at the NHL level. 

21. Ottawa Senators: Cameron Reid, D, Kitchener (OHL)

The Ottawa Senators add to the defensive side of their prospect farm by selecting Cameron Reid of the Kitchener Rangers. 

22. Philadelphia Flyers (via Colorado Avalanche): Blake Fiddler, D, Edmonton (WHL)

The Philadelphia Flyers select Blake Fiddler out of Edmonton. Another defenseman in the system makes sense for a team that has already selected a forward in the top-six. 

23. Nashville Predators (via Tampa Bay Lightning): Benjamin Kindel, RW, Calgary (WHL)

The Nashville Predators have two picks in the first round as well. This one comes from the Tampa Bay Lightning. Benjamin Kindel is the pick. 

24. Los Angeles Kings: Joshua Ravensbergen, G, Prince George (WHL) 

The Los Angeles Kings are the first and only team to select a goalie in this mock draft. Joshua Ravensbergen out of Prince George is the one name that could go on the earlier side of the draft. The Kings are great at working with goalies. 

25. Chicago Blackhawks (via Toronto Maple Leafs): Jack Nesbitt, C, Windsor (OHL)

The Chicago Blackhawks have a second pick in this first round. Jack Nesbitt is another forward who could bolster the prospect farm in that area. It is desperately needed for them. 

26. Nashville Predators (Vegas Golden Knights): Cole Reschny, F, Victoria (WHL)

For the third time in this draft, the Nashville Predators will come up to select. Cole Reschny out of Victoria is their pick. That bottom-five finish that they had will pay off if some of these young players turn into impact guys. 

27. Washington Capitals: Jack Murtagh, FWD, USDP (USNTDP)

The Washington Capitals have drafted some solid players in the late stages of the first round over the years. Jack Murtagh is hoping to be the next in line. Murtagh is going to be moving to Boston University next season. 

28. Winnipeg Jets: Bill Zonnon, LW, Rouyn-Noranda (QMJHL)

The Winnipeg Jets select Bill Zonnon, a winger. Adding depth to the prospect farm is important to Winnipeg, who rely on development more than any team in the NHL. 

29. Carolina Hurricanes: Ivan Ryabkin, C, Muskegon (USHL)

The Carolina Hurricanes select Ivan Ryabkin out of Muskegon. They are a team still looking for a star and every first-round pick could end up leading to that star. 

30. San Jose Sharks (via Dallas Stars): Sascha Boumedienne, D, Boston University (NCAA)

The San Jose Sharks take another Boston University stud in Sascha Boumedienne. This one is a defenseman looking to become a part of an NHL team. 

31. Calgary Flames (via Florida Panthers): Cameron Schmidt, RW, Vancouver (WHL)

Cameron Schmidt wouldn't have to travel far to become a member of the Calgary Flames as he played major junior in Vancouver. This pick was given to the Flames by the Florida Panthers. 

32. Philadelphia Flyers (via Edmonton Oilers): Shane Vansaghi, RW, Michigan State (NCAA)

The Philadelphia Flyers have this pick from the Edmonton Oilers. They add a winger in Shane Vansaghi, who has been playing college hockey for Michigan State. Their third pick of the round closes out what will be an impactful night for a ton of teams. 

There have been times when drafts considered "weak" surprised the hockey world over the long haul. Nobody truly knows. A player that looks like a mid-first-round pick right now may go on to have the best career of anyone in his class. From the point their name is called, it becomes about the work that they put in and the team's ability to get the most out of them. 

This draft has a reputation as a weak class. All of these players will see to it that they put their best foot forward to prove the hockey world wrong. 

Visit The Hockey News Chicago Blackhawks team site to stay updated on the latest news, game-day coverage, player features, and more.

Three months after dealing Josh Norris at the trade deadline, the Ottawa Senators are reportedly fielding trade offers for winger Drake Batherson.

So much for enjoying the honeymoon period following their first playoff appearance in eight years.

Then again, that first-round exit — to the Toronto Maple Leafs, of all teams — left the Senators with a lot to think about this summer. Chief among them is: how do they go from being a playoff contender to a Stanley Cup contender?

With Florida's Matthew Tkachuk playing in his third straight final, the easy answer is finding more players who look like his younger brother than Drake Batherson.

Luckily for GM Steve Staios, there's a blueprint he can follow.

When the Panthers lost in the first round to the Tampa Bay Lightning in 2022, they didn't roll things back, even though they had finished with the best record in the NHL. No, they swung for the fences and traded Jonathan Huberdeau, who was coming off a 113-point season, and defenseman MacKenzie Weegar to the Calgary Flames for Matthew Tkachuk in a move that was initially criticized.

The result? Three straight trips to the Stanley Cup final.

Oilers And Panthers' Conn Smythe Contenders Ahead Of The Stanley Cup FinalThe NHL’s Stanley Cup final starts Wednesday, and players on the Edmonton Oilers and Florida Panthers are making a strong case for winning the Conn Smythe Trophy.

Which brings us back to the Senators, who in a lot of ways are the kid brother of the Panthers.

After all, Brady Tkachuk is literally a younger version of Matthew Tkachuk. Ottawa also has a Marchand-type of player in Ridly Greig. And after trading Norris to Buffalo in exchange for Dylan Cozens last March, the Senators acquired their version of Sam Bennett.

The question is what type of player can Drake Batherson get them.

Can you package Batherson in a trade for Vancouver's Elias Pettersson? Or for Jason Robertson, who may have priced himself out of Dallas?

Is that too much? Too little?

Batherson, who is 27 years old, is coming off a season where he finished second in team scoring with 26 goals and 68 points. Those are not Huberdeau-type numbers. Then again, his most important statistic might be the one that is preceded by a dollar sign.

Batherson has two years remaining on a contract that carries a $4.975-million cap hit.

That’s why teams are reportedly calling. And that’s why Ottawa should at least be listening to the offers.

Tick-Tock: Ottawa Senators Continue To Navigate Contract Decisions On Six Pending UFAsWith Steve Staios seemingly looking to build the Ottawa Senators’ roster along the lines of the Florida Panthers’ model, how does he intend to deal with his six unrestricted free agents as July 1st approaches?

They know that trading Batherson is a risk, mostly because they are likely not going to find another player who produces at Batherson's level while also costing so little. But after losing to the Leafs in the first round, where Batherson managed only a goal and an assist in six games, they also know that there is another step (or three) they have to take if they are going to compete for a championship.

That means taking a chance and swinging for the fences. And leveraging a player whose value has never been higher.

It worked for Florida, which probably wouldn't have won a Cup — much less made three straight trips to the final had they not acquired Tkachuk. And if Ottawa wants to follow in the Panthers' footsteps, it could mean making a similarly difficult decision this summer.

NHL Rumor Roundup: Could The Dallas Stars Trade Jason Robertson?After coming up short in the last two Western Conference finals, the Dallas Stars were considered a favorite to win the Stanley Cup this season, especially after acquiring right winger Mikko Rantanen.

Top image credit: Marc DesRosiers-Imagn Images

Cover image credit: Marc DesRosiers-Imagn Images

Get the latest news and trending stories by following The Hockey News on Google News and by subscribing to The Hockey News newsletter here. And share your thoughts by commenting below the article on THN.com.

The Philadelphia Flyers got perhaps their most important piece of offseason business done Monday, signing center Noah Cates to a four-year, $16 million ($4 million AAV). But was it a good deal?

Cates, 26, is now tied down in Philadelphia through the 2028-29 season, when he'll be a 30-year-old unrestricted free agent.

Cates's $4 million AAV is relatively inexpensive for a player of his talents and importance; hockey analytics site Evolving-Hockey predicted Cates to land a three-year deal worth $3.371 million annually. At a four-year term, Cates was predicted to pull in a $3.891 million cap hit.

Much like the Tyson Foerster contract, the Flyers retained a key player for, more or less, the expected market value.

Cates, along with Foerster and Bobby Brink, comprised the Flyers' most reliable line of the 2024-25 season. The trio posted an expected goals percentage of 58.3%, per Moneypuck, which ranked second amongst Flyers lines with at least 100 minutes together.

Notably, they were the clear leaders in ice time with 570.9 minutes together, and they out-scored opponents 30-23 together.

Assuming new Flyers head coach Rick Tocchet keeps Cates, Foerster, and Brink together, he'll be able to weaponize one of the most prolific checking lines in hockey once again.

NHL Trade Rumors: Flyers Can Get Their Own 'Star' in Jason RobertsonIf the Philadelphia Flyers are truly looking to swing the big trade this offseason, they need not look further than the Dallas Stars, who might have a former 100-point winger hitting the NHL trade market in short order.

One wrinkle worth discussing in Cates's new contract is the fact that there is no trade protection of any kind, like Foerster before him. The Flyers will be able to trade both players without any restrictions at any time they wish, which could be prudent if they are as active on the NHL trade market as they're expected to be.

Grade: A

With this contract, there's very little to even nitpick at, so the Flyers get an easy 'A' grade for this deal. The cap hit is cheap, and, in tandem with the lack of trade protection, allows the Flyers to continue to do whatever they want to do in the rebuild without any inhibitions.

After signing Cates, the Flyers have $18.991 million remaining in cap space, only needing to re-sign defenseman Cam York and forward Jakob Pelletier. Even if both players sign, the Flyers figure to have a boatload of remaining cap space, and they could always put Ryan Ellis on LTIR for further strategic advantage.

The stage is set for the Flyers to make one of what could be many big trades this offseason, but finding the right deal could prove to be the biggest challenge of all.

The Anaheim Ducks head into the 2025 offseason with $38.69 million in cap space and need to spend $13.79 million to reach the cap floor. Ownership has given general manager Pat Verbeek a mandate to push for the playoffs in 2025-26 and has given him the green light to spend to the cap ceiling, if it’s deemed necessary to achieve that goal.

Barring extensions signed before July 1, the 2025 free agent class will consist of one franchise-altering superstar (Mitch Marner) and a long list of quality players just beneath at every position who could provide varying degrees of their personal brand and impact to a team’s depth chart.

The Ducks currently have 16 players under contract for the 2025-26 season, with five restricted free agents under team control.

They were a team near the bottom of the league in most traditional and underlying statistical categories in 2024-25 and could use upgrades at several positions within their lineup. Verbeek has stated his priority to add goal scoring, and recently hired head coach Joel Quenneville has traditionally valued puck possession.

Three spots in the lineup the Ducks could look to address in free agency are a top-of-the-lineup producing forward, a two-way middle-six center, and a mobile defensive defenseman.

Ducks Potential Free Agent Fits: Top of the Lineup Point Producer

'I Do Wonder if Anaheim Takes a Shot at This': How the Anaheim Ducks Fit as a Possible Destination for Jonathan Toews Comeback

With how the Ducks roster is constructed and the brand of hockey they’re hoping to ice on a nightly basis, who are the best fits on the free agent market?

Middle Six Center

While Verbeek has stated the Ducks’ biggest need heading into the 2025-26 season is improved goal scoring. The point-producing forwards at the very top of the free agency class are enticing (Mitch Marner, Nikolaj Ehlers, Brock Boeser, etc.), but it can be argued that the actual glaring weakness within the Ducks’ depth chart is a two-way middle-six center.

In the 2024-25 season, the Ducks allowed the 10th-most goals per game (3.18) in the NHL, the most shots against per game (32.3), and deployed the league’s 29th-ranked penalty kill (74.2%).

An improved offense will naturally lift those defensive numbers. Still, as the current roster is constructed, the Ducks don’t have a reliable option down the middle who can match up against opposing top lines, win a key faceoff, and kill penalties while providing depth scoring at the other end of the ice.

All contract projections provided byAFP Analytics

Mikael Granlund

Contract Projection: 2 years, $4,975,550 AAV

Granlund (33) enters the 2025 offseason having produced at the third-highest rate in his 13-year NHL career, when he scored 66 points (22-44=66) in 83 games. Though a natural center, he was shifted to the wing after a mid-season trade sent him from the San Jose Sharks to the Dallas Stars, where he finished his 2024-25 campaign with 21 points (7-14=21) in 31 games, and added ten points (5-5=10) in 18 playoff games before the Stars were eliminated in the Western Conference Final by the Edmonton Oilers.

Granlund is a detail-oriented center who can be classified more as a play-builder or play-connector than a driver, as his career high goal total for a single season sits at 26, and he’s only eclipsed the 20-goal mark three times. He correctly fills lanes off the puck and angles attackers to low-danger areas while seldom missing assignments in coverage.

Though his contract will likely come in at a higher dollar value and term than projected (unless he remains in Dallas), he’s the kind of center that can keep up with opposing talented centers, defensively, while buoying offense from a second or third line.

Pius Suter

Contract Projection: 4 years, $4,983,054 AAV

Suter (29) just wrapped his fifth full season in the NHL after having gone previously undrafted and garnering attention following a successful five-year career in the Swiss NL. His comfort level in the NHL has seemingly increased year after year, culminating in career highs in goals (25), assists (21), and points (46) in 2024-25 for the Vancouver Canucks.

He was the most-utilized Canucks forward on the penalty kill in 2024-25 and featured on their second power play unit. Only two of his 25 goals were scored with the man-advantage, highlighting his proficiency at 5v5. Though a capable defender who possesses a nose for the net, his face-off percentage was a poor 42.7% last season.

Despite a slight frame (5-foot-11, 174 pounds), Suter is consistently below pucks and in proper positions to support. He has the potential to be an impactful complementary player in the middle six of a forward group like the Ducks have.

Brock Nelson

Contract Projection: 3 years, $7,060,633

Nelson (33) has been one of the most consistent and healthy 50-60 point centers in the NHL for most of his 13-year NHL career, setting career highs across the board in 2022-23 with 75 points (36-39=75) in 82 games.

He made an immediate impact after a mid-season trade from the New York Islanders to the Colorado Avalanche in 2024-25, where he finished his campaign with 13 points (6-7) in 19 games and added four assists in seven playoff games.

Nelson featured on the Islanders’ second penalty kill unit in 2024-25 and has been used sparingly in that role throughout his career.

He’s surprisingly speedy and physically imposing with his 6-foot-4, 212-pound frame, which he utilizes to win battles in tight areas and disrupt plays with his length. Though not a traditional matchup and penalty-killing center, if he is to earn his projected AAV, especially with a team like the Ducks, who are in need, he would likely be tasked with taking on more defensive responsibilities.

Other potential fits on the free agent market: Sam Bennett, John Tavares, Christian Dvorak

A middle-six center with offensive capabilities but is also willing and able to assume difficult defensive roles is potentially the biggest weakness in the Ducks’ depth chart heading into next season. Listed centers on the current roster include Leo Carlsson, Mason McTavish, Trevor Zegras, Ryan Strome, and Isac Lundestrom.

If the team does indeed intend to make a significant push for the playoffs in 2025-26, there will come times when they need to pull out a close win and relatively shut down elite opponents like Nathan MacKinnon, Jack Eichel, Connor McDavid, etc. At this stage in their careers, none of the mentioned five centers on the Ducks roster have that capacity just yet, if they ever will.

Adding a capable two-way center will alleviate some of those responsibilities for the Ducks’ budding stars and will allow them to explore the reaches of their offensive potential.

Ducks Wont Be Bothered by Offer Sheets

Victory+ Founder on Ducks, Stars & More

6 Former Ducks Advance to 2025 Stanley Cup Final

Photo: Apr 21, 2025; Dallas, Texas, USA; Dallas Stars center Mikael Granlund (64) in action during the game between the Dallas Stars and the Colorado Avalanche in game two of the first round of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

Marchand grateful for Stanley Cup chance with Panthers after ‘stressful' season originally appeared on NBC Sports Boston

Brad Marchand is now four wins away from his second Stanley Cup title, something that has eluded him for more than a decade.

He has made a seamless transition to the Panthers lineup after being sent to Florida on trade deadline day in March following 16 seasons with the Boston Bruins.

The veteran forward has played his role on the third line alongside Anton Lundell and Eetu Luostarinen almost flawlessly. Marchand has tallied 14 points in 17 playoff games for the Panthers so far. The only player with more postseason points than Marchand since 2011 is Nikita Kucherov.

But the 2024-25 campaign hasn’t been easy for the 37-year-old left wing. The first five months of the season with the Bruins were filled with challenges.

For the first time in nearly a decade, the B’s were not a playoff-caliber team. Marchand is also in the final year of his contract, and he wasn’t able to work out an extension with the Bruins before the trade deadline.

“It was stressful in a lot of senses, just because some of them were situations I really hadn’t been in before, and I wouldn’t say I dealt with them great,” Marchand told reporters at Stanley Cup Final media day in Edmonton on Tuesday, per Sportsnet.

“The business side of it, I let it frustrate me, and then obviously our team wasn’t having the success we expected. And we were having a hard time getting back on track.

“Eventually we did, and we thought we were climbing back into a playoff position, and then we kind of fell apart. There were different hurdles that continued to get frustrating and stressful throughout the year.

“But that’s part of the game, and you’ve got to find ways to deal with it. Like I said, I wish I had done a better job at times, but something I can learn from.”

Marchand won the Stanley Cup with the Bruins in 2011 — his first full season as an NHL player. He played on a lot of other great Bruins teams, including two that reached the Cup Final in 2013 and 2019, but Boston lost both series.

Walter Tychnowicz-Imagn Images

Now that he’s back in the Cup Final for the fourth time — with Game 1 against the Edmonton Oilers set for Wednesday — he’s making sure he appreciates the opportunity in front of him, because you never know if it will ever come again.

“With the things that went on this year and how I ended up here — just so many things can happen that you don’t expect, and you never know when you’re going to have another opportunity like this,” Marchand told reporters at media day Tuesday, including Sportsnet’s Luke Fox.

“I’m just so grateful to be part of a group like this. And even if you take the finals out of it, just to be part of the group. It’s been an incredible experience, and one that I was little worried about, and didn’t know how I was going to come into the team, if I was going to be able to gel with everyone. I’m extremely grateful for it — and really, really excited about it.”

Marchand’s future is unknown. He is able to hit free agency for the first time in his career this summer. Overall, it’s a fairly weak free agent class, and Marchand could be one of the top players available if he hits the open market.

Marchand might not be a first-line player anymore, but this playoff run with the Panthers has proven that he still makes a tremendous impact on winning at the most important time of the year. He can score, defend, contribute to special teams, and his leadership is fantastic.

Marchand is, in many ways, the ideal final piece for a team that’s close to winning a championship and just needs a little more depth and experience.

Sign up for Sportico's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

If the Philadelphia Flyers are still looking to trade up in the 2025 NHL Draft, they could potentially have more than one trade partner willing to strike a deal.

By now, we've all hypothesized and speculated on the rumors that the San Jose Sharks could move down from the No. 2 overall pick, and we know the Flyers were exploring trading up for a player like Cayden Lindstrom or Ivan Demidov in the 2024 draft.

Recently, it has been reported that the Utah Mammoth, holders of the fourth overall pick in 2025, could be open to trading their top draft selection for a young top-six forward that has proven himself at the NHL level.

"The Utah Mammoth are believed to be open to moving the fourth-overall pick," David Pagnotta of NHL Network and The Fourth Period reported Friday. "Some believe Utah GM Bill Armstrong will consider trading the pick for a young top-six, NHL-proven forward."

That's a cost that won't strike the Flyers lightly, but it is one they could easily pay if the price is right.

Tyson Foerster, coming off his second consecutive 20-goal season at the NHL level, has the 6-foot-2 frame that fits the bill for Utah and just signed a two-year contract extension with the Flyers that comes without trade protection and without a significant price tag.

The Flyers love Foerster, yes, but if trades were always one-sided, everyone would make them. Would Philadelphia prefer two years of Foerster to the fourth and sixth picks in the 2025 draft with the potential to land, say, Caleb Desnoyers and Porter Martone?

Another player who fits the bill, as mentioned almost ad nauseam, is Owen Tippett. At the age of 26, Tippett is a bit older than the 23-year-old Foerster, but he has some qualities that would make him equally appealing.

NHL Trade Rumors: Flyers Can Get Their Own 'Star' in Jason RobertsonIf the Philadelphia Flyers are truly looking to swing the big trade this offseason, they need not look further than the Dallas Stars, who might have a former 100-point winger hitting the NHL trade market in short order.

The former No. 10 overall pick possesses blazing speed and a menacing shot, but inconsistency and a lack of progression sometimes leave Flyers fans frustrated.

Still, Tippett has 20, 27, and 28-goal seasons under his belt, including his breakout 53-point campaign just a year ago. There's reason to believe the Flyers talisman can still become a 30-goal, 60-point player, and the Mammoth are ready to take the leap that the Flyers are not quite ready for yet.

Another item to consider: Tippett has finished each of the last three seasons with 115 hits or more, and his 115 hits this season placed fourth on the Flyers behind only Nick Seeler, Garnet Hathaway, and Scott Laughton. His game of speed, physicality, and power makes him a perfect fit for what Utah is trying to do.

Plus, Tippett will have a 10-team no-trade list come into effect in his contract next July, so the Flyers must quickly decide if the pacey sniper is staying in Philadelphia for the long haul.

And if Foerster or Tippett were hypothetically deemed insufficient on their own, the Flyers could always pony up the Oilers' first-round pick - 31st or 32nd - or a second-round pick to get the deal over the line.

The Flyers are looking to quickly accelerate the rebuild to start winning games, and with a lack of star power at the center and defense positions, acquiring the Mammoth's No. 4 pick in addition to their own No. 6 pick could open some possibilities previously thought to be impossible.

Now, the only question is, is the 2025 draft the stage the Flyers are looking for to execute this type of move?

The Toronto Maple Leafs could be after another coach to join their bench after associate coach Lane Lambert's departure.

Lambert, who joined Maple Leafs head coach Craig Berube's staff last summer as an associate coach (the first of its kind in Toronto), headed the club's penalty kill. Toronto's PK finished the regular season at 77.9 percent, the 17th-best in the NHL.

He vacated his post last week to become head coach of the Seattle Kraken, leaving many to wonder whether the Maple Leafs would fill that spot again. According to Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman on 32 Thoughts, it sounds like they might be doing so.

"I believe Joe Sacco was told he will not stay as the head coach of the Boston Bruins," Friedman said. "I’m actually kind of wondering if he could end up in Toronto, in place of Lane Lambert. We’ll see. But I’m under the impression he was told he won’t be staying."

Sacco was named interim head coach of the Boston Bruins after Jim Montgomery was fired following an 8-9-3 start this past season. The club went 25-30-7 in the final 62 games of the season with a new head coach at the helm, while also trading key pieces in Brad Marchand, Charlie Coyle, and Brandon Carlo at the trade deadline.

Tanev, Gourde Contracts And Deferred Money Provide A Blueprint For Maple Leafs To Re-Sign John TavaresJohn Tavares wants to stay in Toronto. The former Maple Leafs captain made that clear when speaking to reporters shortly after his team was eliminated in the second round at the hands of the three-time defending Eastern Conference champion Florida Panthers. This desire, coupled with the Maple Leafs' cap constraints, begs the question: How can both sides find common ground? Reportedly, the Maple Leafs would welcome him back, but not at the hefty $11 million per season salary cap hit that came with his first contract in Toronto. Recent contracts signed by other players offer a compelling glimpse into potential solutions.

Sacco, who just finished his 11th season with the club, headed the team's penalty kill before being elevated to head coach. Boston had the seventh-best penalty kill last during the 2023-24 season, operating at 82.5 percent.

Before joining the Bruins in the summer of 2014, Sacco was an assistant coach with the Buffalo Sabres. Prior to that job, though, the 56-year-old spent four seasons as head coach of the Colorado Avalanche.

His record with Colorado through 294 games as head coach was 130-134-30.

Former Maple Leafs Defenseman Mark Giordano To Coach NHL Top Prospect Matthew SchaeferMark Giordano has been busy since last playing in the NHL with the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Toronto's current coaching staff sees Berube at the helm, assistant coach Marc Savard manning the forward group and power play, and another assistant, Mike Van Ryn, leading the defense. Savard joined the organization last summer, while Van Ryn, who won the Stanley Cup with Berube on the St. Louis Blues, joined Toronto in the summer of 2023.

The Maple Leafs also have Curtis Sanford, who's been with the club since July 2022, as their goaltending coach.

It remains unknown whether Toronto will go ahead and fill this position once again. However, if Friedman thinks out loud about whether Sacco would fit in Toronto, it likely means the Maple Leafs are hunting for someone to fill Lambert's role.

---

Stay updated with the most interesting Maple Leafs stories, analysis, breaking news and more! Tap the star to add us to your favorites on Google News to never miss a story.

This time last year the story of the Stanley Cup final between Florida and Edmonton was mostly about Connor McDavid, hockey’s generational talent, getting the chance to bring the Cup back to hockey’s generational home. And it almost went his way, after the Oilers overcame a three-game deficit to force a deciding Game 7. Instead, McDavid’s win came a little later. His series-winning goal against the US in February’s Four Nations Cup amid the febrile nationalism created by Donald Trump’s annexation threats and tariffs seemed to quiet the doubters about where hockey both belonged and who rightly owned its highest honours. But here we are again, on the eve of the final, with the Oilers back in Florida for the second season in a row – Game 1 is on Wednesday night – and with a team from that state contending for the Cup for the sixth straight year.

The easiest way to explain why the Tampa Bay Lightning (2020-22) and Florida Panthers (2023-25) have each reached the Stanley Cup final as Eastern Conference champions in three consecutive seasons is that, well, they have both been very good teams. You can point to some common elements between the two, like scoring depth, a certain level of tenacity and grit, elite Russian goaltending, and Carter Verhaeghe. But there has also been something less obvious or quantifiable about these teams. Some characteristic that they share, beyond the on-ice talent and performance. It may be Florida itself.

Related: Stuck on repeat: NHL’s playoff format keeps delivering déjà vu matchups

There’s the income tax rate, for one thing, in that there isn’t one. Given that, the common refrain goes, Florida teams have an inherent advantage when free agents are looking for a new place to play. Indeed, Lightning general manager Julien BriseBois confirmed it last summer, telling reporters that Florida’s “favourable tax situation” had helped entice players to sign. The Associated Press ran the numbers on Sam Reinhart’s new deal at $8.625m per year. In Florida, he will owe $3.15m in annual taxes – $1.1m less than if he lived in California, and $1.4m less than if he was in Toronto. Then again, there are no state income taxes in Tennessee, either, and Nashville finished third-last in the NHL last year. None in Texas, either. No Cups there recently. Nor in Washington. So, maybe there’s more to it – less bureaucratic and more geographic reasons, like the beach and the weather. Or it could be the vibe.

“Nothing in Florida is ever quite what it seems,” former Tampa Bay Tribune reporter Craig Pittman wrote in his book about the state, adding that “in Florida, the crimes tend to be weirder and the scams bigger.” Florida is where all the “nation’s unctuous elements tend to trickle down as if [it] were the grease trap under America’s George Foreman grill,” Kent Russell wrote in the New York Times. Both writers made those assessments in the summer of 2016. Since then, Florida has had quite the decade. And even for what was already America’s strangest state, it’s been an interesting few years. Much of that is due to Donald Trump’s ascension to the US presidency – twice – not in his original big-suited, big-dealing New York City tycoon form, but as something much weirder, angrier, and noticeably more sunkissed: that is, as a kind of alpha Florida Man.

Of course, all of that might have had little or nothing to do with hockey had it not been for Trump’s personal vendetta against Canada this year, all but vowing to annex it as the 51st state. Or if Wayne Gretzky wasn’t such a staunch Trump supporter – a fact that has made him persona non grata in the country he once led to Olympic gold. Or if Gary Bettman (and Gretzky) hadn’t been hanging out with Trump-nominated FBI director Kash Patel at Capitals games. Or if a Panthers minority owner hadn’t called a Toronto Maple Leafs supporter an “51st anti semite loser” on X last month. But all that stuff did happen, both setting and capturing the tone of the season, hounded at every turn by a Florida Man. To no small degree, it would make an Oilers win all the more satisfying for many Canadians.

Still, even if none of that off-ice stuff had happened, there is still undeniably a high level of that brash, unapologetic, and moderately crazed Florida attitude in the Panthers. They might not all be men from Florida, but they sure feel like Florida Men. It’s by sheer coincidence that the Panthers’ spirit animal is not the team’s namesake cat but is instead a rat. But let’s be honest, it fits with how many see the team (and not just because Brad “the rat” Marchand plays there now – that’s just fate). Because, as much as you might respect the rat’s hustle or its capacity to survive against long odds – as the Panthers did during their 2023 Cup run, beating the seemingly unbeatable Boston Bruins in the first round – most of the time you want them to go away for ever.

Yet, the life of a rat is also a story of a certain kind of success. It’s no easy feat to find your way when everyone hates you. Still harder to do it more than once. “Part of Florida’s appeal is that it’s the Land of a Thousand Chances, the place where people go who have screwed up elsewhere and need to start over,” Pittman wrote. He was thinking of guys like Carlo Ponzi, creator of the Ponzi scheme. But you could just as easily point to someone like Verhaeghe, who spent six years in the AHL and ECHL after being drafted before the Lightning and Panthers gave him a chance. Now he’s a two-time Cup winner.

Connor McDavid and the Oilers have a second chance in Florida now, too. Another opportunity to make the rats go away. Of course, that won’t be easy. The Panthers are relentlessly tenacious, with an aggressive offensive pinch. They’re gritty, some may even say dirty. And they’ve proven that they can scrape and scramble to the top. Just like the state they call home.

Well, folks, it's all down to two teams in the Stanley Cup playoffs.

And both teams happen to be employing former Pittsburgh Penguins.

Earlier in the playoffs, we provided you with a comprehensive guide to former Penguins participating in the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Now that it's offically down to three players between the Florida Panthers and Edmonton Oilers, how has each player fared thus far?

---

Evan Rodrigues (Florida Panthers)

Rodrigues did miss two games during Florida's second-round matchup to the Toronto Maple Leafs due to injury, but otherwise, he has thrived.

The 31-year-old ex-Penguin - who was on the club's NHL roster for three seasons from 2019-22 - has registered a goal and 11 points in 15 games in a top-six role. 

Suffice to say, Rodrigues is doing pretty well for himself in the sunshine state.

Dmitry Kulikov (Florida Panthers)

Even if it might not be in quite the same way, Kulikov has had a good run in the playoffs for the Cats.

He has a goal and four points to go along with a plus-1 in 17 playoff games, and he has provided a steadying presence on the bottom pairing's right side.

Kulikov wasn't a Penguin for long - he played in only six games post-deadline in 2022-23 due to injury - but he was always a solid depth option and has proven that in this year's postseason.

Kasperi Kapanen (Edmonton Oilers)

Kapanen did not even appear in a playoff game for the Oilers until Game 4 against the Vegas Golden Knights in the second round. 

But he's played an important role since. 

The 28-year-old right winger - who was with the Penguins from 2020-23 until getting placed on waivers and claimed by the St. Louis Blues - has three goals in seven games since the first one, and this includes a series-clinching overtime goal against Vegas in Game 5. 

The Finnish forward was earned his stay in the lineup as the Stanley Cup Final is set to begin Wednesday in Edmonton.

Your Guide To Ex-Penguins In The 2025 NHL PlayoffsThe Pittsburgh Penguins may not be participating in the Stanley Cup playoffs this season.

---

Bookmark THN - Pittsburgh Penguins on your Google News tab to follow the latest Penguins news, roster moves, player features, and more!    

What felt like an extremely long wait is finally coming to an end.

The Florida Panthers and Edmonton Oilers are set to face off in Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Final on Wednesday night from Rogers Place.

What promises to be an exciting series is a rematch of last year’s seven-game grudgematch that saw each team win three straight before an exciting, deciding seventh game in Sunrise.

It’s the first Final rematch since 2008 and 2009, when the Pittsburgh Penguins and Detroit Red Wings split their matchups and each won a Cup.

That’s the result Edmonton will be hoping for as they seek the team’s first championship since 1990 and the first for a team from Canada since 1993.

The Panthers will be looking to join a rare group of teams to win back-to-back Stanley Cups.

Interestingly, the last one to do it was the Tampa Bay Lightning in 2020 and 2021, as the Panthers and Lightning have now accounted for the past six Eastern Conference appearances in the Stanley Cup Final.

Injury-wise, the biggest news heading into the series is the loss of forward Zach Hyman by the Oilers after he suffered a season-ending upper-body injury during the Western Conference Final against Dallas.

The Panthers enter the series fairly healthy, save for forward A.J. Greer, who is considered day-to-day with a lower-body injury.

He has skated on his own this week but has not practiced with the team, with Jesper Boqvist taking his spot on the fourth line.

If Greer doesn’t play, it would be the third time Boqvist is called into the lineup to replace an injured forward during Florida’s playoff run.

During the previous two occurrences, against Toronto for Evan Rodrigues and against Carolina for Sam Reinhart, Boqvist combined to log two goals and three assists in the two games he returned from an absence.

Here are the Panthers projected lines and pairings for Game 1 in Edmonton:

Evan Rodrigues – Sasha Barkov – Sam Reinhart

Carter Verhaeghe – Sam Bennett – Matthew Tkachuk

Eetu Luostarinen – Anton Lundell – Brad Marchand

Jesper Boqvist – Tomas Nosek – Jonah Gadjovich

Gus Forsling – Aaron Ekblad

Niko Mikkola – Seth Jones

Nate Schmidt – Dmitry Kulikov

Scratches: Mackie Samoskevich, Uvis Balinskis, A.J. Greer, Nico Sturm, Jaycob Megna

LATEST STORIES FROM THE HOCKEY NEWS - FLORIDA

Examining how Panthers, Oilers stack up for Stanley Cup Final rematch

Panthers Captain Sasha Barkov joins rare company, winning Selke Award and King Clancy Trophy in same season

Oilers' Connor McDavid Says This About Panthers Before Final

Matthew Tkachuk Makes Big Statement About Panthers & Oilers

Here we go again: South Florida columnist calls out Connor McDavid for second straight year

Photo caption: Jun 18, 2024; Sunrise, Florida, USA; Florida Panthers forward Matthew Tkachuk (19) celebrates scoring against Edmonton Oilers goaltender Skinner Stuart (74) with Florida Panthers defenseman Aaron Ekblad (5) during the second period in game five of the 2024 Stanley Cup Final at Amerant Bank Arena. (Jim Rassol-Imagn Images)

All eyes are on Edmonton.

Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Final is scheduled for Wednesday June 4th. However, on Tuesday a host of players participated in Media Day.

One of those players was former Detroit Red Wings defender Jake Walman.

Bookmark The Hockey News Detroit Red Wings team site to stay connected to the latest news, game-day coverage, and player features. 

The Hockey News had the pleasure of participating in the event. I was able to speak to Walman during the event.

Trending Red Wings Stories

3 Special Red Wings Prospects That Are UntouchableIt’s time to do work.

Every Former Red Wings Player In The Cup Final

3 Red Wings Prospects Ready For The Big Leagues

Could Jonathan Toews Become Latest Ex-Blackhawk to Jump to Detroit?

Ex-Red Wing Jake Walman Perfect Fit With New Team

4 Free Agent Defenders Yzerman Has To Actually AvoidThe shiny new object is not always the best one.

He spoke at length many topics: what it felt like to be traded to the Edmonton Oilers, Connor McDavid, who he was cheering for last year, Stuart Skinner, a recent interaction with some Oilers fans and more.

Do Red Wings fans want to read more content on Walman? What kind of things are you interested in reading about from the availability?

Caleb Kerney (@CKerneyWriter) on XI spoke to Jake Walman today at the NHL Media Day ahead of Game 1 of the #StanleyCupFinals. Walman said that his mom's uncle is Jake LaMotta. Jake LaMotta is the boxing legend who was portrayed by Robert DeNiro in Raging Bull, a film directed by Martin Scorsese. #LetsGoOilers

Let us know in the comments what you would like to read about. And vote in the poll to let us know your thoughts!

Never miss a story by adding us to your Google News favorites.