Author: NHL Hockey News, Scores, Standings, Rumors, Fantasy Games

On Saturday, New York Islanders restricted free agent forward Maxim Tsyplakov filed for salary cap arbitration.

He declined his $897,750 qualifying offer, and nobody should be shocked by that.

This in no way, shape or form does this mean Tsyplakov wants out. 

While arbitration hearings will take place from late July 20 through August 4, Tsyplakov is eligible to sign a contract with Long Island -- they call it settling -- before his actual hearing takes place. 

Tsyplakov averaged 0.45 points per game in his first NHL season, and the expectation, on both sides, is that he'll improve in year two. 

"For his first year in North America, we kinda forget sometimes when they come, it's not only the first time playing on North American style of hockey, it's also that it's a different culture, like it's going to a new culture that can be challenging for a person," Darche shared in his 1-on-1 interview for The Elmonters. "He did, actually, a great job in his first year.

“He's adjusted really well, and I expect him also to progress and be even better the second time around. Now he is comfortable with New York, with Long Island, and comfortable with NHL hockey. So yeah, I expect some progression from him.”

Tsyplakov shared his thoughts on his first NHL season at locker room cleanout day.

"I expected more from myself, score more goals," the forward said. "I just did not complete my chances when I got them. Just, sometimes, no lucky shot. In the KHL, I have a lot of luck. Here, I know I can score more and be better next season.

"I need to cut the turnovers. I don't want to turn [puck] over."

The question is how much is a player who recorded 35 points (10 goals, 25 assists) in 77 NHL games in 2024-25 asking for?

During the season, his Russian agent, Alex Chernykh, stated in an interview that the Islanders were prepared to offer him $3 million per year on his next deal.

But, Tsyplakov made it clear in a following interview that he hadn't had talks yet with the Islanders about an extension.

However, $3 million annually may have been what Tsyplakov's camp ultimately asked for. 

If that is Tsyplakov's request, it wouldn't be a shock to see his extension, whether it be a one-year deal via arbitration or a multi-year deal before his hearing, with an annual salary somewhere between $2 and $3 million. 

A reminder that arbitrators can only award a one-year deal, but they cannot interfere with a player's unrestricted free agent years. So, Tsyplakov, 26, is only eligible for a one-year deal in arbitration since he'll be a UFA next summer. 

The positive is that Tsyplakov did enjoy his first season on Long Island.

"I want to stay here," Tsyplakov said. "Everything was good and everything I like. Good city, good team, good people. Good fun."

The belief isn't that Tsyplakov is going to be asking for the moon. 

It is, however, hard to guage comparables when it comes to production and contracts. 

For example, Tsyplakov is a stronger player than Connor Brown, who signed a four-year deal with the New Jersey Devils worth $3 million per year.

The question is, do the Islanders want to give Tsyplakav a one-year prove-it deal to see if he can be more of a 20/20 or 25/25 player at the NHL level before committing to a long-term deal?

While that would make a lot of sense, if given a one-year deal, Tsyplakov will be a free agent in the summer of 2026, and he could price himself out depending on his performance and which youngsters are ready to make the jump.

Looking at the projected roster and lineup, Tsyplakov will likely have a bottom-six role at the start of the season, and perhaps there will be a better opportunity elsewhere to play significant minutes. 

Islanders Depth Chart; Projected 23-Man RosterThe New York Islanders have made a few significant moves to their roster this offseason.

If Darche and Roy believe Tsyplakov can play an important role now and in the future, there's no reason he can't secure a short-term deal.

As of now, the Islanders have under $5 million in available cap space, according to Cap Wages, which includes Semyon Varlamov and his $2.75 million cap hit on the roster. He's currently on LTIR. 

So, regardless of the contract Tsyplakov ultimately signs, the Islanders won't have any issues fitting him under the cap. 

We'll see how much time goes by before the two sides agree on a deal. Don't be shocked if a deal happens before his arbitraiton hearing day, with the date being announced at a later date. 

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.

PHOTO: Russell LaBounty-Imagn Images

The Detroit Red Wings had a vacancy to fill after deciding to part ways with goaltending coach Alex Westlund in late April.

They've officially filled that position, announcing that former NHL veteran Michael Leighton has accepted the job as Detroit's new goaltending coach. 

UPDATE: The #RedWings have hired Michael Leighton as Goaltending Coach.

Details: https://t.co/Falho2yPf5pic.twitter.com/Rap5sQ1Kk4

— Detroit Red Wings (@DetroitRedWings) July 7, 2025

He'll be overseeing Detroit's tandem of John Gibson, who was recently acquired from the Anaheim Ducks, and Cam Talbot, who is entering his second season in Detroit. 

Leighton, who played 110 regular season NHL games, already has a connection to a pair of current Red Wings players. In 2010, he and James van Riemsdyk helped the Philadelphia Flyers advance to the Stanley Cup Final, where they would be defeated by Patrick Kane and the Chicago Blackhawks. 

Kane's wrist shot from a sharp angle slipped under the pads of Leighton shortly into overtime of the decisive Game 6, clinching the first Stanley Cup win for the Blackhawks in 49 years. van Riemsdyk was also on the ice for the Flyers at the time of the infamous Cup-winning goal. 

Patrick Kane called GAME and brought the Stanley Cup back to Chicago for the FIRST time since 1961. 🚨🏆@NHLBlackhawks | #Blackhawkspic.twitter.com/G7dHcmJ3gg

— NBC Sports Hockey (@NBCSportsHockey) April 12, 2020

It was Philadelphia's first appearance in the Stanley Cup Final since they were swept by the Red Wings in 1997. 

Leighton was originally selected by the Blackhawks in the 1999 NHL Draft after rising through the ranks of the Ontario Minor Hockey Association, the Western Ontario Hockey League, and the Ontario Hockey League.

After playing two seasons with the AHL's Norfolk Admirals, Leighton would officially debut in the NHL for the Blackhawks in January of 2003 and recorded a shutout in his first start, a scoreless tie against the Phoenix Coyotes. 

Leighton then spent brief stints with the Buffalo Sabres, Anaheim Ducks, and Nashville Predators before he began what would be the first of a pair of tenures with the Flyers. 

While playing with the Carolina Hurricanes in 2009, the club signed former Red Wings goaltender Manny Legace after starter Cam Ward suffered a leg injury, and he was placed on waivers and subsequently claimed by the Flyers. 

Leighton would eventually help lead the Flyers to the 2010 Stanley Cup Final, which included an improbable reverse sweep over the Boston Bruins in the Eastern Conference Semi Final. He recorded three shutouts in the Eastern Conference Final over the Montreal Canadiens, which tied an NHL record for most shutouts by a goaltender in a single postseason series. 

The bulk of the remainder of Leighton's professional playing career, which lasted until his retirement in 2019, was spent playing in the AHL. Overall, he was named to five All-Star Classic appearances, including in 2012, 2016, and 2017. 

His 50 shutouts are the most by any goaltender in AHL history, and he also holds the AHL record for most saves in a single game, stopping an astounding 98 shots as part of a five-overtime marathon contest while with the Albany River Rats against the Philadelphia Phantoms. 

Leighton amassed an NHL record of 37-43-14 with a 2.98 goals-against average, a .900 save percentage, and four shutouts.

He also racked up a 250-186-50 record in 507 AHL games, with a 2.38 goals-against average and a .916 save percentage. 

The Philadelphia Flyers re-signed RFA defenseman Cam York to a five-year contract on Monday.

York's new deal is worth an average annual value of $5.15 million, which is $50,000 more per year than Flyers teammate Rasmus Ristolainen's $5.1 million but less than Travis Sanheim's $6.25 million.

The 24-year-old from Anaheim had four goals and 13 assists for 17 points in 66 games this past season, missing time with a shoulder injury and being benched twice in March. His career-high 10 goals, 20 assists and 30 points in 82 games came in 2023-24.

With York now under contract through the 2029-30 season, there are 11 RFA defensemen left in the NHL without a new deal.

The highest-scoring of that bunch is 21-year-old Luke Hughes, who had 37 assists and 44 points in 71 games with the New Jersey Devils in 2024-25. Hughes completed his entry-level contract and was not eligible to file for arbitration. He's played two full NHL seasons and averaged just over 21 minutes in ice time in each. He has 93 points in 155 career games and another two points in four playoff contests. Devils GM Tom Fitzgerald told reporters on July 2 that re-signing Hughes is their No. 1 priority.

The Buffalo Sabres elected for salary arbitration with Bowen Byram, according to Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman. When an RFA or team elects for arbitration, that player can no longer sign an offer sheet with another franchise. Byram could still be traded, however.

Byram, 24, had 38 points in 82 games this past season. He completed a two-year contract with a $3.85-million cap hit.

The Winnipeg Jets' Dylan Samberg, Sabres' Conor Timmins, Montreal Canadiens' Jayden Struble and Anaheim Ducks' Drew Helleson filed for player-elected arbitration, the NHLPA announced Saturday.

Samberg, 26, had 20 points and a team-leading 120 blocked shots this past season. His last contract was two years long at a $1.4-million cap hit.

Timmins, 26, started this past season on the Toronto Maple Leafs but was moved to the Pittsburgh Penguins at the trade deadline. At the NHL draft, the Penguins traded him to the Sabres. He had 15 points and 90 blocked shots in 68 games in the final season of a two-year deal with a $1.1-million cap hit.

Struble, 23, had 13 points and 124 hits in 56 NHL games. He's also played a combined 15 games for AHL Laval over the past two seasons. His entry-level contract lasted two seasons, but since he signed that deal before his age-22 campaign, he only needed to play two professional seasons to be eligible for arbitration.

Helleson, 24, signed his three-year entry-level contract before his age-21 campaign, meaning he needed three pro seasons for arbitration eligibility. He had 13 points in 56 games while playing 12 matches for AHL San Diego in 2024-25.

As for one of the five other RFA blueliners, the Seattle Kraken's Ryker Evans had 25 points in 73 games while playing for Team Canada at the 2025 World Championship. The four remaining players split this past season between the NHL and AHL: Wyatt Kaiser and Louis Crevier of the Chicago Blackhawks, Jack Thompson of the San Jose Sharks and Donovan Sebrango of the Ottawa Senators.

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In the last 32 Thoughts podcast of the season, Elliotte Friedman mentioned that Montreal Canadiens’ GM Kent Hughes was the most aggressive GM on the market this offseason, and that shouldn’t be news to anybody.

Hughes and Jeff Gorton have been clear that making the playoffs last season wouldn’t speed up the rebuild, which means they weren’t about to throw unreasonable money at free agents that weren’t going to make the team better long term, but that didn’t mean they would idly stand by while other teams got better.

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The Canadiens' front office identified its needs: a right-shot defenseman and a top-six player, although initially, this was a second-line center. However, they circled back to a top-six player when they realized how thin the market was. They discovered that quite early on, since Gorton, speaking at the end of the season media availability, said an impact winger could also drive a second line, it didn’t necessarily need to be a center. Additionally, they needed to get bigger; their participation in the playoffs made that abundantly clear.

Speaking to the media before the draft, Gorton said that when something is happening in the league and a player becomes available, they are aware and evaluate whether that player could be a fit for the Canadiens. As he was saying that, Hughes was still busy negotiating with the New York Islanders to land Noah Dobson, and he managed to do that.

Then, Hughes pulled the trigger on another deal, sending Logan Mailloux to the St.Louis Blues in return for Zach Bolduc, a Quebecer who was coming off a good rookie season with plenty of potential and with a physical edge to his game. There could even be top six potential there. In free agency, he also added Samuel Blais, a depth player with size and a Stanley Cup champion with the Blues in 2018. He spent the last season in the AHL but wants to get back to the NHL, and he’ll no doubt be given plenty of opportunities to do that.

The GM also acquired plenty of experienced players for the Canadiens' AHL farm team, who made the Conference Final but were swept by a bigger and more experienced team. Hughes decided to give Pascal Vincent the tools for a deeper playoff run. The Rocket coach had said a team of men would beat his kids, and that they needed to hit the gym to get bigger. I’m sure they will have done that, but Hughes adding veterans certainly won’t hurt.

Friedman also added that Hughes is the kind of guy who is never done, and it makes sense. As of now, he hasn’t managed to address the hole in his top six, and it’s pretty evident that he wants to get someone who will be able to make rookie Ivan Demidov’s life easier. The fact that the rookie will be under pressure in Montreal is no secret, and Hughes would like to put his talented youngster in the best possible opportunity to succeed, which means real top-six players.

In that sense, it’s logical for Hughes to be still watching the market and be ready to pounce if he sees someone who could fit the profile. The GM has said he would be comfortable starting the season with his current lineup, but he was never going to say otherwise; he’s keeping his cards close to his chest.

Hughes and Gorton are not ready to pull the plug on the “Dach as a second-line center experiment”, but they know that right now, he’s not a real top-six player. They also know that as talented as Patrik Laine is, he’s not a real top-six player either, because he doesn’t play a complete game, and that won’t help Demidov much either.

If Hughes hears that a top-six winger who fits the bill is available, he’ll explore the idea, even if it wasn’t his first preferred course of action, but he won’t pull the trigger unless he believes the player would be a fit on and off the ice. The Canadiens aim to build a contender, and while that requires talent, it also entails fostering a strong culture in the dressing room. You need someone who will fit the vibe of the room and who will be ready to buy what Coach Martin St-Louis is selling. Talent is not enough; the Canadiens are after a hard worker who will be prepared to do the less glamorous plays and chase the puck deep in the opponent’s zone, finishing his check to separate the defenseman from the puck and retrieve it to create opportunities.

Could he still be in on Jordan Kyrou even though his no-trade clause has kicked in? Yes, he could be. It’s not out of the realm of possibility that the player could agree to lift his no-trade clause to come to Montreal. Dobson wanted to go to Montreal; that’s a sign that the way players see the market is changing. They know what Hughes and co. are building and like what they’re seeing.

It’s also possible that Hughes pulls a different move out of nowhere, one nobody will have seen coming, which is usually the way it goes with the Canadiens' GM. He's aggressive and creative; it’s not because there are no rumours that nothing is brewing.

Photo credit: Pierre Bourgault/Club de hockey Canadien inc.

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ST. LOUIS -- Three St. Louis Blues prospects that were restricted free agents are restricted no more.

The team announced on Monday they have signed forward Matt Luff ($775,000 NHL/$400,000 AHL), defenseman Hunter Skinner ($775,000 NHL/$125,000 AHL), and goaltender Vadim Zherenko ($775,000 NHL/$125,000 AHL) each to a one-year, two-way contract.

The interesting one was the 28-year-old Luff, who was on an AHL contract last season but put up terrific numbers with Springfield last season (45 points; 18 goals, 27 assists in 50 games) after being loaned from Charlotte but now gets a contract with the NHL organization. Luff last played in the NHL for the Detroit Red Wings (19 games; two goals, two assists) in 2022-23.

The 24-year-old Skinner, acquired along with Sammy Blais and two picks on Feb. 9, 2023 from the New York Rangers for Vladimir Tarasenko and Niko Mikkola, played in 71 games with the Thunderbirds last season and had 23 points (eight goals, 15 assists).   

Zherenko, 24, dressed in 32 games with the Thunderbirds last season and was 12-17-5 with a 3.44 goals-against average and a .897 save percentage. There was some thought initially that he would be heading overseas to play in Europe this season but apparently has had a change of heart.

With the signings, that leaves just leaves forward Nikita Alexandrov, who is a RFA, as the lone player in the organization without a contract. The Blues did not tender qualifying offers to forward Tanner Dickinson and defenseman Anton Malmstrom. Forward Mikhail Abramov is also a RFA and the Blues own his rights but is playing for Torpedo Nizhny Novgorod of the KHL.

Matias Maccelli was attempting to make a putt when his friend began yelling about a trade to the Toronto Maple Leafs.

"I was at the golf course trying to make a putt and then my friend started yelling that I just got traded to Toronto, so it was a pretty exciting golf round," he said with a smile over Zoom on Monday morning, before admitting he didn't make the putt.

"I was super pumped, excited to be part of the Leafs now, and it was just a super exciting moment."

The former Utah Mammoth forward was acquired from the Maple Leafs in exchange for a 2027 conditional third-round pick the day before free agency opened. After having a down year— scoring 18 points (eight goals, 10 assists) in 55 games—which Maccelli says came down to ice time and limited opportunity, the Finn wants to make sure that season was an anomaly.

"I still know I'm a better player than I was back in Utah," Maccelli said, "I know I got it still in me, so now I just got to show people that again."

Maple Leafs Trade for Matias Maccelli: Why Toronto Acquired Winger From Utah MammothThe Toronto Maple Leafs have acquired Matias Maccelli from the Utah Mammoth in exchange for a conditional third-round draft pick in 2027, which will convert to a second-round draft pick in 2029 if Maccelli record at least 51 points in the 2025-26 NHL season.

Maccelli's agent worked with Utah to facilitate a trade this summer. There were many teams interested in the forward's services, with Toronto showing the most interest. That caught Maccelli's eye.

"Definitely right from the start, I told my agent that I would love to play for the Leafs," he said.

With Mitch Marner leaving for the Vegas Golden Knights, Toronto needed to replace at least some of the playmaking that the 100-point forward brought to the table. Maccelli's two years before the 2024-25 season saw him score 106 points (28 goals and 78 assists) across 146 games.

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The Maple Leafs believe Maccelli can come into the fold after a down year and provide a bit of that offensive playmaking, potentially for Auston Matthews, who's now missing a playmaker on his right wing.

"When he came into the league, his first two years were, he's a dynamic playmaker. When you look at some of the areas that we need to address, playmaking ability was one of them, and we think there's a bet here on a player that we think can rebound from the season he had this year," Maple Leafs GM Brad Treliving said on July 1.

"With some of the players that we have, ultimately, it'll come down to the fits and the matches and where they all go, so you play around with it on the board. But we just felt at the price that it cost us that this was a chance for a young player who's got some dynamic skill and ability. It was certainly worth the bet."

'My Favorite Player Growing Up Was Mats Sundin' Nicolas Roy Reacts To Be Traded To Maple Leafs In Mitch Marner DealNic Roy was on a trip with family and friends when he found out that he was being traded from the Vegas Golden Knights to the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Maccelli, though, believes he's "ready" to play in Toronto's top six and would love to get the chance to skate on either one of Matthews or John Tavares' wings next season.

"I would definitely love that. Playing with a guy like that would be great," he said, thinking about playing alongside Matthews. "I'll make sure I'll be in shape if I get a chance to play with Auston or any of the top guys in Toronto, so that would be super good."

The forward is spending his summer at home in Turku, Finland, working on all facets of his game ahead of next season. He's prioritizing his size, strength, shooting, and passing in hopes that he'll return to the form he was in two seasons ago.

"I've been working a lot this summer on my game more than maybe the previous years," Maccelli said.

"Just have to be comfortable again with the puck and make plays, all that kind of stuff. I've definitely putting the work in this summer and ready to go."

Why the Maple Leafs Are Expected to Target Top-Six Forward Help Through Trades, Not Free AgencyThe Toronto Maple Leafs have a Mitch Marner-sized hole in their lineup opted for a sign and trade with the Vegas Golden Knights. But when the clock struck noon for the opening of free agency, the Leafs were quiet.

Having played in hockey markets like Utah (and Arizona before that), Maccelli doesn't know what to expect playing in a city like Toronto. He'll be entering a new team, only knowing Shane Doan, Toronto's special advisor to Treliving, and nobody else.

But Maccelli is excited for the next chapter in his hockey career and hopes to do right by Toronto, who's making a smart bet by bringing the forward into the organization.

"I'm super super excited for this opportunity to play for the Leafs next year and can't wait to get going, can't wait to get in the city of Toronto and meet everyone there and just to get going.

"Super excited."

(Top photo of Maccelli: Nick Wosika / Imagn Images)

The pickings are slim in this summer's free-agent market, particularly for top four defensemen. That has NHL teams seeking blueline depth returning to the trade market.

Bowen Byram remains the hot topic in recent media rumor chatter. Buffalo Sabres GM Kevyn Adams told reporters last week he'd match any offer sheet from a rival club. With the Sabres taking the 24-year-old RFA to arbitration, he's ineligible to sign an offer sheet.

The Sabres can still trade Byram before his arbitration hearing. Some observers feel the blueliner could be peddled for a top-six winger.

On Thursday, The Athletic's Jeremy Rutherford reported a league source claimed the St. Louis Blues were “trying hard” to get Byram. His colleague, Matthew Fairburn, reiterated that if Byram hits the trade block, the Sabres would want a return that immediately helps their roster.

Fairburn speculated that such a deal could contain multiple players, like the return they received from the Utah Mammoth for JJ Peterka last month. Fairburn also suggested the Sabres could package Byram with a pick or prospect to get a better player.

Rutherford and Fairburn also looked at what the Blues might have to give up to the Sabres to land Byram. They felt he could slot in on the right side of their second defense pairing to replace Justin Faulk if he were part of the return to the Sabres.

Faulk, 33, has two years left on his contract with an average annual value of $6.5 million and a 15-team no-trade list. If the Sabres are on his list, the Blues would have to find another trade partner to take him off their hands.

Both writers felt the Sabres would want a good young player (like Jake Neighbours) included in the deal.

Turning to the New York Rangers, Larry Brooks of the New York Postwondered why there hasn't been any news about a contract extension for Artemi Panarin. The 33-year-old left winger is in the final season of his contract and is UFA-eligible next July.

Brooks believes the Rangers can't let Panarin go. Since coming to New York in 2019, he's been the fourth-highest-scoring player in the NHL. Having him on the roster could also make the Blueshirts an enticing destination for future free agents. Brooks thinks Panarin might agree to a four-year extension.

Panarin could be keen to remain with the Rangers after this season. However, much will depend on their performance in the wake of GM Chris Drury's roster retooling efforts since December. Another disappointing season could prompt Panarin to take his talents elsewhere.

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Not so long ago, Alexander Romanov was wearing the Sainte-Flanelle, until one July evening in 2022, after two seasons, everything changed. The Montreal Canadiens had drafted a left-shot defenseman with the 38th pick overall at the 2018 draft, and at the time, the selection was considered a massive reach.

Four years on, however, New York Islanders’ GM Lou Lamoriello felt comfortable flipping his first-round pick to the Canadiens to obtain the gritty defenseman, and he didn’t have to regret it. Now, Lamoriello is gone, but coach Patrick Roy remains, and when Mathieu Darche was hired as GM, he wasted no time signing Romanov to a long-term deal.

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According to an exclusive interview with RG.org, the 25-year-old didn’t expect a long-term contract, certainly not one over six years, and yet he’s put pen to paper on an eight-year deal with an impressive $6.25 million cap hit.

The Russian blueliner is loving his life in New York and didn’t want to end up anywhere else. Given that he spent two years in Montreal, he was also asked if he had any advice for rookie Ivan Demidov, and he did have some words of wisdom for the Canadiens' most exciting offensive player in years.

In a nutshell, he advises Romanov to stay focused on his job, work hard, listen to his coaches, and tune out the distractions. Wise words from the rearguard who knows just how intense things can get in Montreal with knowledgeable and passionate fans.

So far, at least, it looks like Demidov is doing the right thing. He stayed in Montreal to work on his game this Summer, and he hasn't been spotted here and there partying. The videos that did make their way online were all about his working out at the Centre Sportif CN in Brossard.

Of course, there have been some social media posts about his beach holiday, the car he rented, and the fact that he attended Patrik Laine’s wedding, but nothing has been controversial or over the line. This upcoming weekend, he’ll be taking part in a showcase in Blainville-Boisbriand, a shootout contest, and next week, he’ll start playing in the LSHL, where fans can see him compete alongside Nick Suzuki, Alexander Carrier, and Joshua Roy.

So far, so good. Demidov seems to be focused entirely on becoming the best hockey player he can be. Still, Romanov adds that life should be good in Montreal for Demidov, as players in that market often receive freebies. He imagines that if your name is Ivan Demidov, almost everything will be free.

Photo credit: Eric Bolte-Imagn Images

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As Toronto Maple Leafs 2024 first-round pick Ben Danford finishes a battle drill at the organization's development camp, he receives a stick-tap from Jake Muzzin.

The 36-year-old, who moved into a development role with the Maple Leafs last summer after scouting for the 2022-23 season, has been working behind the scenes with Toronto's top defensive prospects this past season.

Muzzin would have calls nearly every week with prospects like Danford and 2023 sixth-round pick Noah Chadwick throughout the year, dissecting their game and, at times, texting them clips of plays from NHL games he was watching. He’d even come to Danford’s games, too.

"A couple times a month [I'd have calls with Muzzin]," Danford said in a one-on-one with The Hockey News Toronto on Friday.

"It was mostly just my kind of video, my shifts. If he would send me a text or something, it might be a clip of an NHL game on just that night. Maybe a D-man had a broken play and it turned into the other team scoring, like things you don’t want to see, so things like that.

"But when it was Zoom calls, it was just looking at my shifts, focusing on myself, really just watching me, how I can make my teammates better, plays I can do better, and stuff like that."

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The 19-year-old Danford is coming off his third season with the OHL's Oshawa Generals, where he captained the club to the OHL Championship Final against Easton Cowan and the London Knights. Oshawa was able to steal one game from London before the Knights won the title and went on to win the Memorial Cup.

Cowan didn’t take to the ice during development camp, though when he spoke about Danford, he recalled how difficult it was to go up against him.

"Some people say he blocks shots like (Chris) Tanev, and he has sneaky-good offensive skill… I’m glad he likes me again [after the playoff series]."

'They Look Like They're 24': Maple Leafs Prospects Inspired Watching Veterans Like Tavares, Tanev, And Laughton Train At Development CampThe Toronto Maple Leafs prospects got a firsthand look at current NHL players as they filed into the rink during development camp.

"He just kills plays," added Toronto 2025 third-round pick Tyler Hopkins, who’s had his fair share of battles with Danford being in the same division. 

"Once you hit that blue line, he’s coming at you and he’s coming at you fast. And he has a really good stick as well, which makes it a lot harder for a player trying to get by and not turn that puck over at the blue line."

When Danford arrived in Toronto a week before development camp, he was able to skate a few times with Tanev. The young defender praised the veteran defenseman for his character, both on and off the ice, adding he’ll be skating with him more over the summer.

"He’s been phenomenal. I’ve looked up to him for quite a few years now. I feel like that’s someone I can really learn off of," said Danford. "He’s just that rock-solid D-man that can contribute second-piece offense as well."

'You Notice Him Out There': Why 2025 Third-Round Pick Tyler Hopkins Stood Out At Maple Leafs Development CampIf you're wondering who might've stood out at Toronto Maple Leafs development camp, look no further than 2025 third-round pick Tyler Hopkins.

Danford might not have had as many points this year compared to last season, though he's certainly taken a step away from the puck. He's become stronger, more physical, and is constantly working on becoming a much meaner defender who'll one day step onto the Maple Leafs' blue line.

"His game is starting to calm down," said assistant GM, player development, Hayley Wickenheiser. "He's a great skater. He moves as well as anyone on the ice here. Sometimes he tries to do too much when he plays in the OHL with Oshawa, and we've just been talking to him about taking the time to play calm, getting inside lanes to block shots."

Throughout Toronto’s 2025 development camp, defensemen have raved about having players like Muzzin and Mark Giordano—who addressed the prospects—being around the facilities.

"Those guys were unreal NHL defensemen," Danford said. "To learn off of (Muzzin) and what he’s taught me already in my first year with the Leafs, I think, yeah, I just want to keep working with him. He’s great, we have a really good relationship."

Maple Leafs Linked To Free Agent Jack Roslovic, Could He Be A Fit In Toronto?The Toronto Maple Leafs are still seeking offensive reinforcements following the departure of star forward Mitch Marner. While a trade seemed the most likely avenue for a replacement, recent talk suggests a compelling free agent option: Jack Roslovic, who shares a history with Leafs star Auston Matthews.

Working first-hand with Muzzin this year has been an eye-opening experience for Danford. 

"If I could ever play like the way he did, I’d be pretty happy with my NHL career. He was a feisty player, someone who was physical. He’d lay hits. He’s a two-way guy. He put up some really good numbers some seasons," the defensive prospect said.

"But defensively, just his details, and I mean, he won a Cup. I mean, to do that, it’s a dream come true, so if I can ever do that, it would be awesome."

Chadwick as well.

"I couldn’t really ask for anything better. He’s a fantastic human being. Good character. He’s special to work with and passed a lot of good lessons on to me. Just hoping to continue to build my game with him as I step into pro."

'I Saw My Name And I Was Going Crazy': Maple Leafs Prospect Rylan Fellinger Describes Getting Drafted Into The NHL While Attending PromRylan Fellinger, the Toronto Maple Leafs’ sixth-round selection (185th overall) in the 2025 NHL Draft, had a quite unique draft experience: he wasn't at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles when his name was called. Instead, the 6-foot-4, 200-pound defenseman was in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, attending his high school prom.

Danford is a strong skater who can move laterally very well. He’s got all the tools to be an NHL defender, from the size, speed, and strength in front of the net. There are a couple of areas of his game that need work if he wants to step into an NHL role sooner rather than later.

"Who knows when I’m going to make the jump to pro, but I think I need to get bigger and stronger and faster," said Danford. "The way (NHL players) can move and stuff and how strong they are on pucks, that’s a really big eye-opener, so I feel like that’s something that I can really get better at."

The most important piece of advice he’s received from Muzzin, though, is to keep things simple with the puck.

"I mean it’s simple, like the word is simple actually," he smiled. 

"To get to the next level, the coaches need to trust you and you need to limit your mistakes when you first come up, so that all starts now in junior. Limiting my mistakes, keeping it simple. When that first pass is there, take it, don’t overcomplicate things. 

"Just use my skating to my advantage, we both think that’s something that can really help me to get to the next level, so I think that’s one thing, though, just really simplify things, don’t overdo things."

'Time Will Tell': Is Maple Leafs Prospect Easton Cowan Ready For The NHL Next Season?One year ago, it was only the NHL or OHL for Toronto Maple Leafs prospect Easton Cowan. However, now, it'll be NHL or AHL for the 20-year-old.

It’s a fascinating situation for Toronto’s top defensive prospects. They have someone a couple of years removed from his hockey career, helping them develop into players who hope to one day play consistently in the NHL.

A player’s game can get to another level when you’re constantly surrounded by players who are still in the league, or those who’ve retired recently.

"I feel like because he just retired, you can relate off him just as much," Danford said. "He knows what the speed and the game is like at the NHL level, he had a long career, a successful one, so it’s really cool to work with him and everything just because of that for sure."

Having players like Muzzin, Tanev, Giordano, and Kyle Clifford around, plus even Wickenheiser and Danielle Goyette, allows prospects an up-close-and-personal view of what’s needed to take another step in their game.

Fight Breaks Out at Maple Leafs Development Camp Between Matthew Hlacar and Rhett ParsonsWe have a fight on day one of Toronto Maple Leafs development camp.

The hope for Toronto is that a few of these prospects can turn into homegrown defensemen who can play a key role with the Maple Leafs down the line, something they haven’t had since drafting Morgan Rielly in 2012.

"I think for these players, they love and look up to the players that played," Wickenheiser said. "When they talk, the players listen. They’ve been through it. They know what it’s like, and they bring a lot of wisdom and experience that they can still relate to."

(Top photo of Muzzin and Danford: Nick Barden / The Hockey News Toronto)

Pittsburgh Penguins' new assistant coach Mike Stothers almost missed the call - literally - to discuss what is now his position on head coach Dan Muse's staff.

While celebrating his 40th wedding anniversary with his wife at their lakeside house in Owen Sound, Ontario, Stothers didn't have his phone on him.

"I didn't have my phone with me all day long," Stothers said. "And, usually, you know... you always have your phone around."

He continued: "I came back late at night, and I looked at my phone, and I went, 'Oh my god, who's this?' Then, I looked, and I'm like, 'Oh, man... he's probably moved on,' because I hadn't responded."

Stothers may have missed the initial calls, but he was eventually able to get in touch with Muse and have good conversations about the potential opportunity to join Pittsburgh's staff. 

"Your staff has to be kind of like your roster," Stothers said. "Everybody has a role, and then, there's a fit. So, it seemed to just move along very, very well from there, and then, they offered me the opportunity. They said, 'Do you want some time to think about it?' And I said, 'No.' I said, 'I haven't stopped thinking about it since the first time you reached out.'

He had plenty of experience travelling to Pittsburgh as a player. Stothers spent most of his professional hockey career in the AHL between the Philadelphia Flyers and the Toronto Maple Leafs organizations. Drafted 21st overall by the Flyers in 1980, he played in 30 NHL games spread across five different seasons, registering two career assists. In 671 career AHL games - mostly played with the Hershey Bears - Stothers racked up 1,843 penalty minutes. 

Penguins Add Mike Stothers As Assistant Coach To Fill Out 2025-26 StaffAfter two long months, the Pittsburgh Penguins' quest to bring on a new coaching staff for the 2025-26 season is finally complete.

His familiarity with the city of Pittsburgh - and the connection he felt to city when he visited as a player - made the decision to accept the job easy for him.

"There was no hesitation," Stothers said. "I was so excited to be a part of Pittsburgh because, when I was with the Flyers - and don't start throwing stuff at me because I was with the Flyers - even as a visiting team coming in, you just knew a city, right? You just have a good feel for it, like that would be a good place to play or that would be a good place to work. So, it just seemed to fall into place."

And Stothers brings plenty of coaching experience to the Penguins' staff. He started his coaching career with the Bears in 1991-92 as a player-assistant, and he remained there for three years before moving on to the Philadelphia Phantoms, and - eventually - to the Flyers, as an assistant from 2000-02.

His first head coaching gig came with the Owen Sound Attack of the OHL in 2002-03, where he remained for five seasons. From there, he rotated between gigs as a head coach in the AHL and WHL and as an NHL assistant for the now-defunct Atlanta Thrashers in 2010-11, and - most recently - his stint with the Anaheim Ducks from 2021-23. 

He is prepared to helm the defense and penalty kill, which could both use some improvement. But - echoing the sentiment of Muse on Friday - Stothers expects it to be a team effort, especially with Muse's and Nick Bonino's experience with PK units.

"I think it's going to be a collaboration between the three of us, to be honest with you," Stothers said. "There are no right answers, there's no '100 percent' way of doing things.... Everything's well-researched. Everybody does their pre-scouts and everything else. So, it's like a chess match, it really is."

Ducks assistant Mike Stothers diagnosed with stage 3 melanoma of the lymph nodeAnaheim Ducks assistant coach Mike Stothers announced Saturday he has been diagnosed with stage 3 melanoma of the lymph node, an advanced form of skin cancer.

Stothers took more than a year away from hockey after being diagnosed with Stage 3 Melanoma of the Lymph Node while with the Ducks, needing ample time to recover both physically and mentally. While he was grateful for that time off, he missed being around hockey and being behind the bench. 

And he can't wait to get right back into the swing of things with the Penguins' organization, especially having previous connections to fellow assistants Todd Nelson and Rich Clune as well as forward Boko Imama, who Stothers said he has a "special relationship with."

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Feature image credit: Kelsey Surmacz - The Hockey News 

The New York Rangers have re-signed forward Brendan Brisson to a one-year, two-way contract worth $775,000 in the NHL, $100,000 in the minors, and contains a guaranteed salary of $125,000. 

Brisson was selected by the Golden Knights in the first round of the 2020 NHL Draft.

After spending most of his time with the Vegas’ American Hockey League affiliate the Henderson Silver Knights, he was traded to the New York Rangers in March in a deal that centered around Reilly Smith. 

The 23-year-old played 16 games for the Hartford Wolf Pack, recording two goals, four assists, and six points. 

Brisson has played in 24 total NHL games, tallying two goals, six assists, and eight points while averaging 11:25 minutes.

We finally got to see some scrimmages between the top Pittsburgh Penguins prospects during development camp on Sunday, and they didn’t disappoint. Several players, including one from yesterday’s session, had solid days and will look to make an even bigger impact during Monday’s tournament. 

Defensive prospect Harrison Brunicke has been the talk of the camp since it started on Thursday, and he continued to make an impact on Sunday. His skating was once again flawless, and he showcased his excellent reach when defending against scoring opportunities during 3-on-3 and 4-on-4 drills. He even scored a seeing-eye goal from the point at the end of Sunday’s session. 

Harrison Brunicke doing Harrison Brunicke things pic.twitter.com/HqMt4ZmvgM

— Hunter (@HunterHodies) July 6, 2025

After the session concluded, Wilkes-Barre/Scranton head coach Kirk MacDonald spoke glowingly about Brunicke, having had the opportunity to coach him for 10 games at the end of the 2024-25 season and two in the playoffs. 

“Huge. Honestly, it was. Credit to him, he figured it out quick,” MacDonald said. “Came in initially and in junior habits, where you can just skate by people and hold on to the puck for a long time; I thought he did a really good job. Last couple of regular season games and the playoff stint, he was moving pucks quick, jumping into the rush, the goal he scored in the playoffs was outstanding.” 

“I thought his ability to kill plays, again, the less he does in certain areas, the more he accomplishes. I mean that by just making a really good first pass and then activating and jumping in the rush. We want our D to be aggressive and try to create offense, but it doesn’t mean necessarily having to skate through everybody. I think once he kinda recognized that, he was a little more patient with his game. The offense came to him. He did a great job.”

If Brunicke keeps it up and has another great training camp and preseason, there’s a chance he will get the nine-game tryout to open the 2025-26 season. He was extremely close to earning the tryout last year before being sent back to the WHL.

Will Horcoff made his presence felt during Saturday’s practice, specifically thanks to his release, which he showcased during Sunday’s drills and scrimmages. His wrist shot was almost unstoppable every time he had the puck on his stick, and he was also excellent around the net-front areas. For someone who is 6’5”, he is a relatively nimble skater. He’s super happy with the way his development camp has gone so far. 

“It’s going great,” Horcoff said. “Today was the first game day, so that was fun. Good competitive atmosphere. Looking forward to the 4-on-4 tomorrow.”

He’s in a great spot at Michigan and could be primed for a breakout season in 2025-26 after compiling four goals and 10 points in 18 games for the program last year. 

Cruz Lucius took a step forward on Sunday after being a bit quieter to start development camp. He was all over the ice and brought a physical element to this game along the boards and up by the point. He got several quality scoring chances and scored a couple of really nice goals, including a one-timer by the goal line, during some drills.

Lucius is back to full health after a shoulder injury kept him out for a good chunk of the 2024-25 season. He scored his first goal with Arizona State back in February and finished the season with two goals and 10 points in 19 games. He’s feeling good going into Monday’s tournament. 

“Yeah, I feel really good,” Lucius said. “I think throughout the start coming back, I had some ups and downs, but I think the training I’ve been doing in the summer, whether it’s skates or working out, I’ve been feeling back to myself now.”

Other miscellaneous thoughts:

Defenseman Quinn Beauchesne was selected by the Penguins in the fifth round of the 2025 NHL Draft and showcased his skating ability on Sunday. He moved well and created space each time he had the puck. Both are things to monitor going into Monday’s tournament. He spent the 2024-25 season with the OHL’s Guelph Storm and finished with six goals and 24 points in 49 games.

Forward Jordan Charron was another one of the Penguins’ fifth-round picks and had some impressive edgework during drills. He also had a nice snipe before the full scrimmage got underway. Charron was picked 154th overall and spent the 2024-25 season with the Soo Greyhounds, compiling 10 goals and 21 points in 48 games. 

Defenseman Charlie Trethewey was one of three players the Penguins selected in the third round of this year’s draft, bringing his strong release to Sunday’s drills and scrimmages. It’s also all over his 24-25 tape with the U.S. National U18 team. He will spend the 25-26 season at Boston University. 

Development camp from the UPMC Lemieux Sports Complex will conclude with a tournament on Monday at Noon ET. It will be free and open to the public. 

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Feature image credit:  Hunter Hodies - The Hockey News 

The St. Louis Blues are staying busy.

According to PuckPedia, the Blues have re-signed goalie prospect Vadim Zherenko to a one-year, two-way contract for the 2025-26 season. 

The #STLBlues signed 24 y/o RFA G Vadim Zherenko to a 1 year two-way contract

NHL: $775K
Minors: $125K

Rep'd by Renat Mamashev https://t.co/8xg7XFJSeK

— PuckPedia (@PuckPedia) July 7, 2025

Zherenko, 24, was selected by the Blues with the 208th overall pick of the 2019 NHL Entry Draft. After developing his game overseas, Zherenko has spent each of the last three seasons with the Blues' AHL affiliate, the Springfield Thunderbirds. Now, with this new one-year deal, he will continue to be a key part of the Thunderbirds' crease. 

Zherenko posted a 12-17-5 record, a .897 save percentage, and a 3.44 goals-against average in 32 games this past season with Springfield. This is after he had a .904 save percentage and a 3.49 goals-against average in 29 games with the Thunderbirds in 2023-24. 

Overall, with this move, Zherenko will continue to be a depth option in the Blues organization. It will be interesting to see if he can take a big step forward next season from here. 

Blues Made Great Move Signing Ex-Canucks ForwardThe St. Louis Blues have had a busy off-season. One of their most notable moves was signing forward Pius Suter to a two-year contract with an average annual value (AAV) of $4.13 million.

Photo Credit: © Jon Durr-Imagn Images  

The National Hockey League's free agent frenzy officially began on July 1, and Detroit Red Wings general manager Steve Yzerman snagged a veteran forward with a nose for the net. 

James van Riemsdyk, who was the No. 2 overall pick in the 2007 NHL Draft (one spot behind his now-current teammate Patrick Kane) by the Philadelphia Flyers, joined the Red Wings with a one-year contract worth $1 million. 

He also has the chance to earn another $750,000 in performance bonuses. 

During his introductory video press conference, van Riemsdyk revealed that he had been close to signing with the Red Wings during one of his earlier excursions into unrestricted free agency. 

"Kind of funny, back a few years ago it seemed like it was a team that was interested in bringing me aboard," said van Riemsdyk. "Going through the free-agency process, when they started showing some interest, it seemed like a good fit. The trajectory of the team, they're trying to make a push and the playoffs next year, all the history of being an Original Six place. 

A veteran of 1,082 career NHL games, van Riemsdyk has made a living by being an effective net-front presence, a role that he's not only accustomed to but has grown into over the years. 

“I feel like the more I’ve done it, the more natural it seems to become," he said. "And like I mentioned before, especially down the stretch and into the playoffs, it seems like that’s where you need to go to have the success and score the goals. So I think that’s ultimately why it’s for me, just an attractive place to be on the ice."

Perhaps the most effective net-front presence in recent NHL history was former Red Wings forward Tomas Holmstrom, who made life a living nightmare for opposition goaltenders by routinely taking up residency at the edge of the crease. 

van Riemsdyk, who scored 16 goals as a member of the Columbus Blue Jackets last season, acknowledged that he used to pay close attention to how Holmstrom parked himself at the front of the net. 

"That was a guy over the years I watched and kind of how he went about his craft and pulled different things from him," van Riemsdyk said.

After starting his NHL career with the Flyers, van Riemsdyk was traded to the Toronto Maple Leafs in 2012, with whom he would play the next six seasons before eventually returning to the Flyers in free agency in 2018; he also played a season with the Boston Bruins.

Having skated in 1,082 career NHL games, van Riemsdyk has scored 327 goals and 338 assists, while adding another 21 goals and 15 assists in 82 career playoff games. 

The Vegas Golden Knights have handed out contracts to restricted free agents Cole Schwindt, Raphael Lavoie and Jonas Rondbjerg.

The trio of forwards were all extended qualifying offers on Jun. 30 by the Golden Knights, and just a week later, they've agreed to one-year contracts. 

Schwindt completed his first season with the Golden Knights, playing 42 games before it was cut short due to an injury. The 24-year-old returned for one game before the conclusion of the season, but didn't play in any playoff games. In the regular season, Schwindt scored one goal and eight points. 

Although he had played just seven career NHL games before joining the Golden Knights, Schwindt quickly carved out a role on the fourth line and gained the trust of HC Bruce Cassidy. As it looks, Schwindt will likely serve as an extra forward to start the season, ready to step into the lineup if any Golden Knights forwards sustain injuries. 

Lavoie had an interesting pre-season, being placed and claimed off waivers by the Golden Knights and the Edmonton Oilers. When he finally settled in Vegas, Lavoie skated in nine NHL games, failing to record a point. With the Henderson Silver Knights, the 24-year-old scored 17 goals and 27 points in 42 games. 

Lavoie has a strong shot and a 6-foot-4 frame that allows him to once again move from the AHL to the NHL quite easily, utilizing his two-way contract. Lavoie will likely become a Group-6 UFA when the season ends. 

✍️ The Vegas Golden Knights have agreed to terms with Cole Schwindt, Jonas Rondbjerg and Raphael Lavoie on one-year contracts! #VegasBornhttps://t.co/BLm5AhLYB5

— Vegas Golden Knights (@GoldenKnights) July 6, 2025

Rondbjerg, too, signed a two-way contract with the Golden Knights and will continue to serve as one of the first call-ups from the Silver Knights when the team runs into injury issues. The 26-year-old played in 13 games this season, failing to record any points. In the AHL, Rondbjerg recorded 11 goals and 26 points in 53 games. 

With the three contracts being signed, the remaining RFAs the Golden Knights have to conduct business with are Alexander Holtz and Lukas Cormier.

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Golden Knights Extend Qualifying Offers To Five PlayersThe Vegas Golden Knights have extended qualifying offers to five players, maintaining their restricted free-agent rights. The five players include Lukas Cormier, Alexander Holtz, Raphael Lavoie, Jonas Rondbjerg and Cole Schwindt.