One of the more intriguing storylines to track during the Stanley Cup Playoffs is usually the race for the Conn Smythe Trophy.

The award is given annually to the player voted the most valuable player to their team during the NHL postseason.

Now that we’ve reached the Stanley Cup Final, the prestigious trophy will be going to someone either on the Florida Panthers or Edmonton Oilers.

That we know for sure.

Generally, a player on the team that ends up winning the Stanley Cup is who will find themselves the MVP of the playoffs, but that wasn’t the case last season when Connor McDavid was voted the winner – and deservedly so – despite Edmonton losing to Florida in seven games.

Now the Cats and Oilers are back in the Final for what has been, to this point, an epic rematch.

Through four games, the Oilers and Panthers have gone to overtime three times and provided fans one of the most entertaining and dramatic Stanley Cup Final series in recent memory, to say the least.

As it stands, the race for the Conn Smythe is wide open. There is no clear-cut favorite, and both teams have more than one candidate who could take it home.

For Florida, you first have to look at Sam Bennett.

The pending unrestricted free agent leads all players with 14 postseason goals, three more than the next highest player.

Bennett has been incredibly impactful for Florida during their run to the Final, providing crucial minutes for the Panthers both at even strength and on the power play.

Additionally, his combination of high-end speed and the physical element of his game are what helps Florida add another critical layer to their aggressive, fast-paced defensive systems.

Another Panthers player who should certainly receive some consideration is veteran forward Brad Marchand.

The Trade Deadline addition has provided veteran leadership for Florida both on and off the ice while making steady contributions offensively, highlighted by his pair of overtime winners.

On the Oilers side, superstar Connor McDavid, who won the Conn Smythe Trophy last season, is always going to be a top contender, and this year is no different.

Through 20 playoff games, McDavid is tied for the league lead with 32 points. Between his overall production and ability to greatly impact the scoresheet on any given night, it’s no surprise that he’s once again in contention to take home the award.

However, a player who cannot be ignored any longer in this race is McDavid’s elite teammate, Leon Draisaitl.

In terms of playoff points, Draisaitl is right there with McDavid, tied with 32 points.

The difference in terms of offense is that Draisaitl has scored 11 times, second in the playoffs only to Bennett.

Of those 11 goals, Draisaitl has logged not one, not two, but four game-winning goals.

Interestingly, all four of those GWG have come during sudden death overtime, which is pretty remarkable.

It’s also a new NHL record.

Previously, three playoff OT goals had been the standard, a mark that had been held by four different players, including Florida’s Matthew Tkachuk from his amazing run in 2023 and current Oilers forward and former Ducks star Corey Perry, who had three OT goals during the 2017 playoffs with Anaheim.

Draisaitl has also scored four goals in four Stanley Cup Final games, with two of them among those aforementioned overtime winners.

That’s a far cry from the zero goals he scored during last season’s seven-game Final against Florida.

Certainly, what Draisaitl has accomplished so far this postseason is worth something in the eyes of the Conn Smythe voters.

So as we head into Game 5 of the Stanley Cup Final, it appears the race for the Conn Smythe is as wide open as the Cup Final is itself.

Over the next week, someone is going to step up and separate themself from the rest of the pack.

However things end up playing out, if they go anything like the first four games of the Final have, it will be incredibly entertaining to witness go down.

Stay tuned.

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Photo caption: Jun 12, 2025; Sunrise, Florida, USA; Florida Panthers forward Sam Bennett (9) controls the puck against Edmonton Oilers right wing Kasperi Kapanen (42) and center Leon Draisaitl (29) during the first period in game four of the 2025 Stanley Cup Final at Amerant Bank Arena. (Jim Rassol-Imagn Images)

This is the first file in what will be an ongoing series on THN.com's Buffalo Sabres site. In these files, we're going to identify a number of teams the Sabres could be making a trade with this summer, and we'll be picking out specific players who could be trade targets for Buffalo.

Today, we kick things off with a look at the Utah Mammoth, who are aiming to get into the Stanley Cup playoffs for the first time in their brief NHL history. Let's get to it:

TEAM: Utah Mammoth

CAP SPACE: $20.3 million

FREE AGENTS: Nick Bjugstad, C; Michael Carcone, C; Jack McBain, LW (RFA)

NEEDS: Veteran experience, more goal production

SABRES FIT? Like the Sabres, the newly-named Mammoth are highly-motivated to get into the post-season next year, and they're almost assuredly going to make a splash this summer. Some believe they'll be pursuing Toronto Maple Leafs star right winger Mitch Marner, but doing so would eat up much of their current cap space. Still, that would be a gigantic coup for a Mammoth team swinging for the fences. 

Utah may also switch things up by trading a couple of younger players if they can bring in veteran experience and playoff knowhow. The Mammoth missed out on left winger Chris Kreider, who was dealt from the New York Rangers to the Anaheim Ducks this week. But Kreider is exactly the type of player who fits Utah's needs.

Now, would the Sabres have a match for the Mammoth in a trade? It may be tricky, and it may be a longshot, but someone like Utah winger Lawson Crouse could intrigue Buffalo GM Kevyn Adams. We're not crazy about the Sabres trading defenseman Bowen Byram, but he's young enough and still has enough upside to be a tempting acquisition for the Mammoth. And if Buffalo gets back Crouse in return, they may be more amenabe to moving RFA winger J.J. Peterka to address their other needs.

Here's Why The Draft Isn't The Most Important Thing For The Sabres This SummerThe Buffalo Sabres are going to have a shot at a solid prospect with the ninth-overall pick in the NHL entry draft this summer. But unlike other years, the draft isn't the be-all and end-all for this Sabres team. There are two other areas that, as we'll explore below, are much more important for Buffalo to address in this off-season.

Indeed, given that Crouse had put together two straight seasons where he combined to score 47 goals and 87 points, and given that Crouse is just 27 years old, the Sabres would be acquiring a big-bodied (6-foot-4) winger looking to bounce back from a down year that saw him score only 12 goals in 81 games. Crouse has two years left at $4.3-million-per-season, making him a cost-controlled asset that the Sabres wouldn't have to break the bank to re-sign anytime soon. Crouse also doesn't mind getting physical, and that's an element that could improve the Sabres. And if Crouse does work out in Buffalo, Adams can work with him on a contract extension that works for both the team and the player.

Another option for the Sabres to consider is Mammoth forward Nick Schmaltz, a 29-year-old veteran who has posted at least 20 goals and 59 points in each of the past four seasons. Schmaltz is a pricier acquisition at $5.85-million per season, but he'll be a UFA next summer, so he's got the motivation to have a big year -- and Buffalo could be the place where he can earn a sizeable raise with a strong 2025-26 season. 

The Mammoth have a decent-enough blueline with Sean Durzi, John Marino and Mikhail Sergachev in their top four, but acquiring Byram would push greybeard Ian Cole into the third 'D' pairing. And considering that Utah has enough youngsters in the system, they can afford to part ways with Crouse or Schmaltz. A trade with the Mammoth could be the precursor to other deals -- as we've said, whether that's Peterka, Alex Tuch, or perhaps another young player on Buffalo's roster.

Will This Be The Season Sabres Star Thompson Breaks Momentous Mark On Offense?In two of the past three seasons, Buffalo Sabres star right winger Tage Thompson has put up a combined 91 goals. And although he had an off-season two years ago when he posted only 29 goals, the 27-year-old bounced back in a big way this year, generating 44 goals in 75 games.

Regardless of which Mammoth player they target, the Sabres should be looking at Utah as a viable trade partner this summer. They're two teams roughly in the same spot in their competitive trajectory, and they can help each other in different ways. Buffalo can help the Mammoth on their back end, and Utah can help the Sabres on their front end.

This is why we see the Mammoth as a solid fit with Buffalo on the trade front. Utah GM Bill Armstrong needs to come to the Mammoth's fan base with an exciting young player, and Byram fits that bill to a 't'. And Adams can come away from a trade involving Schmaltz or Crouse and give Sabres fans a changed lineup that can be kept together for the long term if the team plays well in 2025-26. We still see Buffalo making more moves even after a Byram-to-Utah deal, but getting off on a proactive foot with an early deal with the Mammoth would serve notice to the rest of the NHL that the Sabres are focused on making bigger moves this off-season.

Time will tell whether the two teams collaborate on a major move, but there's a great opportunity for the Sabres to work with Utah this summer. Now it's a matter of finding the stones to make a notable transaction.

The Arizona Coyotes, before they became the Utah Hockey Club, selected Victor Soderstrom in the first round (11th overall) in the 2019 NHL Draft. During the 2024-25 season, Utah traded him to the Blackhawks along with Aku Raty and the contract of Shea Weber for a fifth-round pick in 2026. 

Now, the Blackhawks have flipped the rights to Soderstrom to the Boston Bruins in exchange for a 2025 seventh-round pick and defenseman Ryan Mast. 

Chicago Blackhawks (@NHLBlackhawks) on X🔔we've got a Friday afternoon trade 📰 ➡︎ https://t.co/u1Zm3Eag36

Before turning pro with the Providence Bruins (AHL) and Maine Mariners (ECHL), Mast played major junior hockey for the Sarnia Sting of the OHL. When he was there, he showed some offensive talent, but it hasn't translated to the pro level.

The Rockford IceHogs will try their hand at getting more out of him in 2205-26 now. At 6'5" and 220 lbs, he's a big boy. He'll fit right in with some of the larger players that Rockford will have on the back-end. 

The Blackhawks probably weren't signing Soderstrom anyway, so getting another defenseman looking to get something out of their pro hockey career, along with a draft pick, makes sense. This is an organizational depth trade at this time. 

Mast is a tad bit younger than Soderstrom, who has made his NHL debut. In 53 NHL games played, Soderstrom has one goal and ten assists for 11 points. On the defensive side of things, there is a lot to be desired based on his draft status. Time will tell if this trade pays dividends for either the Blackhawks or Bruins. 

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

The Anaheim Ducks took a competitive step forward Thursday by acquiring veteran left winger Chris Kreider from the New York Rangers. 

Kreider joins a Ducks team that has added other experienced veterans in recent years, including defensemen Jacob Trouba and Radko Gudas and forwards Alex Killorn and Ryan Strome. Kreider’s acquisition makes it more clear that the Ducks are in a Pacific Division that’s going to be considerably more competitive next season.

We added up all the standings points in each of the four NHL divisions. While the results aren’t an exact science in discovering which divisions were the toughest, it does give you an inkling of which divisions did the most damage this year.

It’s no surprise that the Pacific had the fewest points, with 710, an average of 88.75. The Atlantic Division led the way with 737 points (92.13), followed closely by the Central Division (735, 91.86) and the Metropolitan Division (713, 89.13). But we’ve got an inkling that the Pacific will be far tougher in 2025-26.

For one thing, you’ve got the Ducks, which still have $32.1 million in salary cap space, even after the Kreider acquisition. Most of Anaheim’s core is under contract, but Ducks GM Pat Verbeek has the money and the motivation to be a big player on the trade and free agent fronts this summer. Despite finishing 21 points out of a playoff spot this season, the Ducks could be quite better next year.

The rest of the Pacific is far from a gallery of mediocrity, either. 

For one thing, the Edmonton Oilers could win the Stanley Cup this season, and they still have two of the top five players on the planet, a deep lineup and a GM, Stan Bowman, who will likely make them better in 2025-26.

The Vegas Golden Knights, which finished first in the division this season, won the Cup in 2023 and are a lock to be a playoff team next year. Golden Knights GM Kelly McCrimmon is famous for pulling off big moves to make his squad better, so we anticipate Vegas will lead the Pacific next season.

The Los Angeles Kings finished second in the Pacific and are playoff locks as well. The Kings have a new GM in Ken Holland, who will be rather active in improving his roster with $21.7 million in cap space to use on his pending free agents and acquisitions.

Right away, you’ve got three Pacific teams that are all but guaranteed to be Stanley Cup playoff teams. But the rest of the Pacific is also likely to be better next year.

The Vancouver Canucks finished 11 points out of a playoff spot last year, but they had major injuries and off-ice drama to contend with. If management has settled things down, and if Canucks GM Patrik Allvin makes good use of the $12.1 million he has in cap space, the Canucks should be much more competitive and get back into a playoff position next year.

Meanwhile, the team that was nine points better than Vancouver – the Calgary Flames – might be better next season. This writer thinks the Flames are better off to strip down some of the roster and embark on a fuller rebuild, but that probably isn’t likely, given some of the comments made by Flames GM Craig Conroy. Instead, Calgary may choose to add veterans this summer with the $26.8 million they have in cap space, and that could be enough to push them into a post-season spot.

Finally, the Seattle Kraken and San Jose Sharks round out the Pacific. The Kraken have changed their GM and coach, and they have $19.9 million in cap space, while the Sharks have a young team in a full rebuild that still has a whopping $41.7 million in cap space. Absent some blockbuster moves that bring in many veterans, the Sharks should still be considered a long shot to make the playoffs next year. But the Kraken are another story, as they have a mix of youth and experience that could see them battling for a post-season spot right through the end of the regular season.

That means there are seven out of eight Pacific Division teams that can reasonably be considered to be in the playoff mix next year. That means at least three of those teams, if not four, will miss out on the post-season. 

So while the Ducks took a step forward with the addition of Kreider, they’re still going to battle tooth-and-nail to jump high enough in the Pacific standings to be a playoff team.

The Pacific teams will be in for a heck of a battle from Game 1 to Game 82, and Pacific team fans are going to have much to cheer for right out of the gate. It’s going to be a blast, and the Pacific is going to be vastly better next year.

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.

Vegas Golden Knights prospect Mathieu Cataford was announced as the winner of the CHL's Scholastic Player of the Year. 

The CHL Scholastic Player of the Year Award is awarded annually to the Canadian Hockey League player who best combines success on the ice with success in school.

"It shows that the efforts I put in paid off, and I think that it's something I'm really proud of, it's a huge honor obviously. I think there are a lot of people behind the scenes, my teachers, my school advisors and Halifax, Rimouski and my parents who taught me the importance of always putting a lot of effort into education," said Cataford after winning the award.

The 20-year-old scored 19 goals and 64 points in 54 games with the Rimouski Océanic in his first season with the team. Cataford played a critical role in their run to the QMJHL finals and their Memorial Cup appearance, although they did not win either trophy.

Cataford was the winner of the Michel Briere Trophy in 2023-24 with the Halifax Mooseheads, awarded to the QMJHL's MVP, but he wasn't able to replicate the 40-goal and 90-point output with the Océanic. 

The Golden Knights' third-round pick (77th overall) in the 2023 NHL draft concluded his CHL career this season and will likely join the Henderson Silver Knights in the AHL next year for his rookie season. 

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

New Philadelphia Flyers head coach Rick Tocchet has revealed his simple, preliminary plan to get the most out of star rookie Matvei Michkov going forward. It's not rocket science.

Michkov, 20, was a near-unanimous pick for the NHL All-Rookie Team Thursday, featuring alongside the likes of Lane Hutson, Macklin Celebrini, and Cutter Gauthier after a rookie-leading 26-goal, 63-point debut season.

Tocchet, while cautious with setting expectations, knows there's room for plenty more for the Flyers' franchise player. After all, he's now the caretaker tasked with developing Michkov and the many other rising young players on this team.

Tocchet's early plan for making that happen? It's simple: get Michkov the puck and score.

 “You want to get a guy like [Matvei Michkov] the puck a lot. I’ve been watching their power play, and I know they’ve struggled the past couple of years, but I saw some really good glimpses," Tocchet was quoted as saying on 97.5 The Fanatic's "Kincade & Salciunas" show Thursday.

"Like, when he gets the puck down below, he’s got that ability to find people – he’s thinking two steps ahead. So, we have to get everybody in sync on that. Obviously, we don’t want to put too much pressure on him because it’s only going to be his second year, but there’s a lot of good there.”

The power play Tocchet refers to has finished 32nd in the NHL in three of the last four seasons, with their best season - 30th - coming with Michkov last season.

How Did Matvei Michkov Fare in Calder Trophy Voting?Although it was already known Philadelphia Flyers star Matvei Michkov wouldn't be a finalist for the 2025 Calder Trophy, the voting process painted a much different picture.

Notably, the Flyers scored just 32 power play goals last season, and Michkov scored or assisted on 17 of them, which is just over half. In fact, the 20-year-old phenom scored eight power play goals - tied with Travis Konecny for the team lead - accounting for 25% of the team's total by himself as a rookie.

Tocchet's words have been refreshing for the scores of Flyers fans that grew disenchanted with predecessor John Tortorella's disciplinarian approach, under which Michkov averaged just 16:41 of ice time last season.

In the early days, it would seem that Tocchet is fully committed to developing Michkov and allowing him the freedom to play offense creatively without restriction, though a defensive obligation will still come along with that.

For more Flyers news and up-to-date coverage, visit The Hockey News and like our Facebook page. Follow us on 𝕏: @ByJonBailey,  @TheHockeyNews

The Winnipeg Jets were on the search for a second-line center at the 2025 NHL Trade Deadline, but after a deal with Brock Nelson was nixed by the player, the Jets left a vital deadline without fixing a glaring need.

Now heading into the offseason, the Jets desperately need to find a second-line center, especially if Adam Lowry is going to miss a couple of months to start the season. Jonathan Toews has been linked to the Jets, but at 37 years old and without game action for two full seasons, relying on Toews to be a potent offensive player is a big ask.

The free agent market isn't filled with star players like it is in some offseasons, but there are still multiple players who could be impactful and help the Jets take the next step offensively. 

The Big Fish:

Sam Bennett is the most sought-after center on the market, even though recent reports from The Fourth Period's David Pagnotta suggest an eight-year, $8M contract extension with the Florida Panthers is imminent. He'd be the perfect complement for Mark Scheifele. Scheifele is a pure offensive center, and although Bennett is not known as a defensive specialist, his physical nature can force opponents to play tougher matchups against Bennett and free up Scheifele to take advantage of lesser matchups. 

Bennett would also be a great linemate for Cole Perfetti and Nikolaj Ehlers if he re-signs. The 28-year-old currently leads the NHL Playoffs in goals with 14 and leads his team in points with 21. Bennett's career-high in goals and points in the regular season is just 28 and 51, but with an increased role, many experts believe Bennett could add more offence to his game. 

Sam Bennett is unfreaking believable pic.twitter.com/VM16KdS64w

— Jonny Lazarus (@JLazzy23) June 10, 2025

Offensive Dynamos:

Dallas Stars' Matt Duchene and Mikael Granlund highlight ultra-offensive talents that the Jets can target on the free-agent market. Both Duchene and Granlund are expected to re-sign with the Stars, but Jim Nill has a lot of work to do to fit them under the salary cap. If he can't do it or the players grow impatient, the Jets could take advantage.

Duchene recorded 30 goals and 82 points this season, driving them offensively at times during the regular season. His offensive game would mesh nicely with Ehlers' speed and Perfetti's playmaking.

Granlund, while listed at just 5'10, has proven that size is not an issue for him. The 33-year-old scored 22 goals and 66 points in 83 games this season with the Stars and the San Jose Sharks. He also proved to be a stellar playoff performer, recording five goals and 10 points in 18 games. With lots of skill and solid defensive metrics, Granlund makes a lot of sense for the Jets. 

Lower Cap Hit and Safe Two-Way Center:

Pius Suter is coming off a career season with the Vancouver Canucks, serving as the team's second-line center after they traded J.T. Miller to the New York Rangers. He set career-highs in goals and points with 25 goals and 46 points in 81 games. The 29-year-old plays a smart two-way game but is quietly very skilled with the puck. He's been an effective third-line center throughout his NHL career with the Chicago Blackhawks and the Detroit Red Wings, but if last season was any indication, Suter could take another step forward, becoming a consistent and reliable second-line center. 

#Canucks UFA C Pius Suter has been outstanding for VAN. While usually deployed as a 3rd liner, he’s killed it in those minutes

Speed is a concern, but he should age well given his 2022-25 metrics, a projected middle six player for the next 6 years#LeafsForever target maybe? https://t.co/7NuoRhM4UApic.twitter.com/7p6tTVWZEo

— Ryan Ma 📊 (@RyanMaScouting) June 11, 2025

Older Former Superstars With Plenty Still To Give:

All signs point to Claude Giroux and John Tavares remaining with their hometown teams, but in the NHL offseason, anything can happen. Giroux has transitioned into more of a winger as he's gotten older but has continued to be effective in the faceoff dot. The 37-year-old scored 15 goals and 50 points in 81 games this season, including another goal and five points in six playoff games. With over 1200 games of NHL experience, Giroux is a safe bet to be a good contributor at 5-on-5 with the skilled forwards the Jets have.

Nick Kypreos: Senators contract talks with Claude Giroux have reached a stalemate; "not a given" he returns - Toronto Star

— NHL Rumour Report (@NHLRumourReport) June 12, 2025

Tavares is coming off another exceptional season despite many people once again predicting that he would take a step back. In 75 games, the 34-year-old poured in 38 goals and 74 points. While his foot speed isn't what it used to be, he's still as strong as ever and dangerous in front of the opponent's net. His puck skills remain phenomenal, and his hockey IQ has not wavered whatsoever. 

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

The San Jose Sharks are looking to get back into playoff contention as soon as they can, and while they may have to go through one more season of struggling before they can make a playoff push, there are some players they can target that can help them become a tougher team to play against.

One player they could look at bringing in is New York Rangers' forward Matt Rempe, who is a pending restricted free agent (RFA), and with the roster changes they're going through right now, they could be open to trading him, or not matching an offer sheet.

Rempe is arguably the toughest hitter in the NHL right now, and while some fans have questioned his antics because of the odd high hit, he is still a scary forward to play against. In 42 games last season, he scored three goals and added five assists for eight points and had 67 penalty minutes. 

At 6-foot-9, 254 pounds, he would be an incredible addition to the Sharks' bottom six, and with the opportunity for an increased role, he could find a way to contribute offensively if he learns how to become a net-front presence. 

He would be a risky addition, but he would pay off in a big way if he helps the Sharks become a feared team to play against. Right now, he may not cost any more than $1 million annually on his next contract, but the Rangers may ask for a third-round pick in return for him. If that's the asking price, they should be all over it.

Sharks Should Explore Offer Sheets This SummerOver the past few weeks, there has been a lot of talk regarding the potential of offer sheets and how they may be used more this summer than in years past. There are likely a handful of teams that are well positioned to take a chance on an offer sheet, and one of them is the San Jose Sharks. Former Sharks Head Coach Lands New GigYesterday, former San Jose Sharks head coach Bob Boughner landed a new job in the NHL as an assistant coach with the New York Islanders, joining Ray Bennett, who was also hired by the team. Boughner will work under Islanders head coach Patrick Roy as they look to turn the franchise around. Sharks Should Avoid Buying Out Marc-Édouard Vlasic This SummerThe San Jose Sharks have a lot of questions that need answering this summer. Will they try and move up in the draft? What’s the plan for their players on expiring contracts? Will they look to land a big fish in free agency? There are plenty of unknowns—but one question that shouldn’t even come up is whether the Sharks should buy out Marc-Édouard Vlasic.

Coming out of the NHL Scouting Combine last weekend, the Buffalo Sabres got the lowdown on a number of prospects that could be their with the ninth selection at the 2025 Draft in Los Angeles later this month, but barring a trade up they will have to rely on the player they want slipping through the cracks.  

The NY Islanders are likely to select defenseman Matthew Schaefer with the top overall pick, but there is no accurate read on how the remaining seven picks will break. That seems to be reflected in various mock drafts that have emerged since the combine. After Schaefer, names like Michael Misa, Caleb Desnoyers, and rising star Anton Frondell are likely to go in the top five, but at that point, any of a number of players could be there for the Sabres at #9.  

Other Sabres Stories

Is Peterka In Prime Position For Big Payday?

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Soo Greyhounds center Brady Martin attracted a great deal of attention at the NHL Scouting Combine, but with the top of the first round chock full of centers, there is a possibility that he could be there for the Sabres with the ninth overall pick. 

According to the Hockey News Draft Preview, the 6’0”, 178 lb. pivot is a throwback to the old-school NHL, growing up in small town Elmira, Ontario, where his gym routine was whatever was needed to maintain the family’s farm. Martin nearly tripled his point output in his second OHL season with the Greyhounds (33 goals, 39 assists), and had an excellent showing for Canada at the Under-18s with 11 points in seven games. 

 

"I haven't got to into hockey training, and we're just kind of farm strong, is what they call it. That's kind of how I grew up and put on a lot of strength and muscle," Martin said.  "I grew up and always had responsibilities and was disciplined, so I think that helps comes through (in playing) hockey."

Follow Michael on X, Instagram, and Bluesky @MikeInBuffalo

The Hockey News Big Show is here to break down the Stanley Cup final and look at some big topics around the NHL and beyond, with longtime coach Bruce Boudreau giving his expert insight.

Which Oilers Player Is More Clutch Between Draisaitl And McDavid? by The Big Showundefined

Here’s what Katie Gaus, Michael Traikos and Bruce Boudreau discussed in this episode:

1:13: The Oilers made NHL history in the Stanley Cup final by winning a game after trailing 3-0. How does a win like this change things for Edmonton?

5:23: Was the second period more Florida’s fault or all Edmonton’s doing to get back in the game?

6:52: What does Boudreau make of the officiating? 

9:45: Stuart Skinner was pulled after the first period, Pickard went in and shut the door. Were you surprised at all by the goalie pull after the first? And is Pickard the Game 5 starter?

14:34: If you're coaching Florida, what are you saying after that game? How are you ensuring your team is ready to bounce back for a quick turnaround for Game 5? What about Edmonton?

17:11: Do you think Florida is best suited to be unfazed by blowing a 3-0 lead? 

20:48: What has stood out to Boudreau in this series, good or bad? 

25:36: The last Cup final that had more overtime games was Toronto and Montreal in 1951, when all five games required OT. Will this series match that?

28:01: Predictions for Game 5?

30:53: Thoughts on the Chris Kreider trade, and what else should the New York Rangers be looking to do? 

33:17: Should Mitch Marner go to the New York Rangers? 

38:14: Jonathan Toews gears up to make his NHL return, so where do we see him landing?

42:08: Connor Hellebuyck wins Hart Trophy as MVP. Do we agree with this?

43:45: Who is more clutch: Leon Draisaitl or Connor McDavid?

45:23: This is the best Stanley Cup final since when?

Watch the full Episode here 

Subscribe to The Hockey News Big Show on your preferred platform.

The Buffalo Sabres enter the offseason as a team motivated to make changes after missing the playoffs for the 14th straight season, but GM Kevyn Adams may be facing a bigger challenge than expected this summer. Not only does he have to deal with RFA defenseman Bowen Byram and the contractual situation of winger JJ Peterka, the NHL landscape is in flux due to the increase of the salary cap over the next three seasons. 

Pierre LeBrun of the Athletic on TSN1050’s Overdrive said that based on the chatter from league GM’s and player agents going into the offseason, there are no sellers other than the Pittsburgh Penguins, and that bottom-dwelling teams like the San Jose Sharks and Chicago Blackhawks, and teams on the cusp like the Utah Mammoth are looking to buy either in free agency or in the trade market.  

Other Sabres Stories

Is Peterka In Prime Position For Big Payday?

Sabres Summer Dilemmas - Bowen Byram

Sabres Facing An Off-Season Of Change

This trend was reflected in the Chris Kreider deal to Anaheim on Thursday. The Ducks have a young core group and added veteran blueliners Radko Gudas and Jacob Trouba last season. GM Pat Verbeek hired three-time Cup winning head coach Joel Quenneville and is expected to be a player in free agency to get Anaheim back in the playoffs. 

How does this affect the Sabres? In the positive column, there are likely plenty of clubs who are interested in dealing for a potential top-pairing blueliner in Byram or a young scoring winger in Peterka, but the negative is if everyone is interested in buying, there may not be many clubs who are willing to swap players under control back to Buffalo. Another issue is the willingness of the Sabres to get in a bidding war for free agents. In spite of Adams claiming that he has never been denied any financial resources by owner Terry Pegula, Buffalo the last two years has not come close to spending to the cap.  The trade market is also filled with potholes, since many players likely have Buffalo crossed off as a destination on their no-trade list. 

With all these factors, it may be close to impossible to make the changes necessary for the Sabres a playoff contender. 

 

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With the 2025 NHL Entry Draft approaching fast, POHO and GM Kyle Dubas and the Pittsburgh Penguins have their work cut out for them. 

Since the Penguins have a total of 30 picks over the next three drafts, including 11 this year - which could reduce to 10 if the conditional first-round pick from the New York Rangers defers to 2026 - there will be plenty of opportunity for the Penguins to add impact players. Of their 11 picks in 2025, six of them are in the first three rounds.

After the results of the draft lottery on May 5, the Penguins - as of now - will select 11th overall, dropping down two spots from where they originally were at ninth. And, normally, at this point, we compile a list of potential draft selections who could be available at 11 - which includes the likes of players such as right wing Justin Carbonneau, defenseman Radim Mrtka, and defenseman Jackson Smith.

However, with the recent report that the Penguins are interested in moving up in the draft, perhaps it's fitting to take a look at a player they seem to like a lot - and a player who will, likely, be drafted in the top-five.

That player would be right winger Porter Martone. 

Should The Penguins Trade Up For Higher Draft Pick?With the month of June in full swing, buzz around the 2025 NHL Entry Draft is heating up.

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Porter Martone

DOB: Oct. 26, 2006 (Age 18)
Position: Right wing
Shoots: Right
Height: 6-foot-3
Weight: 208 pounds
Team: Brampton Steelheads (OHL)

Rumor has it that Dubas is very high on Martone. At the recent NHL scouting combine in Buffalo, it was reported by The Athletic's Josh Yohe and several others that he took Martone to dinner and had a lengthy interaction with him.

It's also worth noting that Martone was part of Team Canada at the IIHF World Championship in May, and he thoroughly impressed Canada's brass at the event.

NHL Draft Prospect Porter Martone Impresses Team Canada Staff At World ChampionshipUnlike most NHL drafts, there hasn't been a sure-fire first-overall pick all season long. Several talented prospects were part of the conversation, even if defenseman Matthew Schaefer is now the front-runner.

In fact, Martone gave folks a "self-scouting" report of sorts.

"I'm a big power forward who has a really good hockey IQ," Martone said. "I try to be a hard player to play against. You see the NHL playoffs right now, and it's hard, they play hard. I just try to go out there and be a hard player to play against. When I get a chance in the offensive zone, I can drain it."

And, by all accounts, that seems pretty spot-on. 

Porter Martone with his 14th goal in his 12th game. Only Michael Misa has more among all CHLers pic.twitter.com/urU75n8Ut6

— Cam Robinson (@Hockey_Robinson) November 2, 2024

The big-bodied forward put up big numbers in the OHL for the Steelheads this season, registering 37 goals and 98 points in just 57 games. He has advanced hockey IQ and playmaking skills, and he can stickhandle in a phone booth and beat you anywhere in any zone on the ice.

He has a shot that will play at the NHL level, he has passing ability that will certainly translate, his hands are elite, and - again - that hockey sense is nothing to scoff at.

TIC-TAC-GOAL🚨🤯@DallasStars prospect Angus MacDonell finishes off a beauty play with Porter Martone and Finn Harding, giving @OHLSteelheads their second of the night!🐟#OHL | @CHLHockey | #TexasHockeypic.twitter.com/I4oHNfNUEK

— Ontario Hockey League (@OHLHockey) February 22, 2025

PORTER MARTONE MAKES IT LOOK EASY‼️#SteelStrongpic.twitter.com/n3u6ssWXst

— Brampton Steelheads (@OHLSteelheads) October 8, 2023

But another thing that stands out is his play at the net-front. He would be extremely useful on an NHL power play with his ability to battle for positioning and his willingness to use his frame and physicality to create and capitalize on second-chance opportunities. Martone is hard to play against because of his rare combination of skill, size, and physicality, and he's a player who is almost always going to win puck battles and one-on-one situations.

He's a bit heavy-footed, and - much like Penguins' prospect Rutger McGroarty - his skating will need to improve a bit for him to truly hit his potential at the NHL level. But, like McGroarty, his ability to outthink opponents with his vision and IQ allow him to play a speed game mentally, which could help compensate for any lack of skating ability. 

2 Prime Penguins Breakout Candidates For 2025-26 SeasonThe Pittsburgh Penguins are currently retooling their roster as they look to become a playoff team again. Because of this, the Metropolitan Division club will be hoping that some of their young players will take a notable step forward in their development next season.

Martone is, arguably, the most skilled forward in this entire draft class. And, yes, that includes Michael Misa. He also plays with a competitive fire that is hard for anyone in his class to rival.

Most projections have Martone being drafted in the top-five. If Dubas wants Martone as much as it seems, he will have no choice but to trade up.

If that's ultimately what Dubas and his staff decide to do, the Penguins will be getting a good one. The sky is the limit for Martone, and there is a decent chance that he can make an impact at the NHL level relatively quickly.

And those are the types of prospects the Penguins desperately need in their organization.

Penguins Draft Prospect Profile: Jackson SmithWith the 2025 NHL Entry Draft approaching fast, POHO and GM Kyle Dubas and the Pittsburgh Penguins have their work cut out for them. 

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Photo credit: Natalie Shaver - OHL Images

Sharks star Celebrini earns unanimous NHL All-Rookie Team honors originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

Macklin Celebrini might have gotten snubbed for the Calder Memorial Trophy, but the Sharks’ young star still earned recognition for his prolific rookie NHL season.

Celebrini unanimously was voted to the NHL’s All-Rookie Team, joining Calder winner Lane Hutson and Calgary Flames netminder Dustin Wolf as the only unanimous selections for the 2024-25 season.

NHL All Rookie Team pic.twitter.com/RX0k1F1UIO

— Mike Morreale (@mikemorrealeNHL) June 12, 2025

Philadelphia Flyers wing Matvei Michkov, Anaheim Ducks forward Cutter Gauthier and Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman Denton Mateychuk rounded out the 2024-25 All-Rookie Team.

Celebrini logged 63 points (25 G, 38 A) in 70 appearances for San Jose during the 2024-25 season, turning the Sharks into a must-watch team despite having the NHL’s lowest point total.

Macklin Celebrini goes top shelf with an incredible no-look goal 😱 pic.twitter.com/0Xbp6MDr8v

— Sharks on NBCS (@NBCSSharks) November 8, 2024

The 19-year-old superstar finished second among NHL rookies in goals behind Michkov (26) and second behind Hutson (60) in assists.

After being selected No. 1 overall in the 2024 NHL Draft, Celebrini not only lived up to the hype but exceeded it in a debut season that ranks among the sport’s best ever for an 18-year-old skater.

As San Jose seeks to regain its footing among the NHL’s elite, Celebrini gives the Sharks an invaluable blue-chip prospect to anchor an aggressive rebuild that has seen the proud franchise assemble a stockpile of exciting young talent.

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Florida Panthers forward Sam Reinhart is one of the team's top stars, and he has undoubtedly made an impact during this year's Stanley Cup Final. In Game 4's loss to the Edmonton Oilers, Reinhart scored the late goal that forced overtime and recorded three points. This was after he had a goal and an assist in Game 3 against Edmonton.

Reinhart's awesome play is certainly not going unnoticed, as NHL legend Wayne Gretzky had some massive praise for the Panthers star forward. While on TNT, 'The Great One' had this to say about Reinhart:

"Sam Reinhart might be one of the smartest players to ever play our game."

Wayne Gretzky on TNT:

"Sam Reinhart might be one of the smartest players to ever play our game." 😳

— Greg Wyshynski (@wyshynski) June 13, 2025

This is a huge compliment, especially when noting that Gretzky is the greatest player in the history of the sport. Clearly, Reinhart is playing the game the right way if No. 99 views him as one of the smartest players the NHL has ever seen.

When looking at how excellently Reinhart has played, he has earned this major compliment from Gretzky. Reinhart had another strong season in 2024-25, recording 39 goals and 81 points in 79 games. He also finished second in the Selke Trophy voting, so he is far more than just an offensive talent. 

It will now be interesting to see if Reinhart can stay hot after getting this huge compliment from Gretzky from here. 

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Photo Credit:  © Geoff Burke-Imagn Images

One clear area that the St. Louis Blues should aim to improve this off-season is their center depth. Their third-line center spot, in particular, could use a boost, and there are some interesting players the Blues could consider targeting in free agency this year to help fix that need.

One pending unrestricted free agent who could make a lot of sense for the Blues to target this off-season if he hits the market on July 1 because of this is Carolina Hurricanes forward Jack Roslovic.

If the Blues brought in Roslovic, he would certainly have the potential to provide them with more depth scoring. This is because the 6-foot-1 forward has been a solid offensive contributor throughout his career, and this carried over to this season with the Hurricanes. In 81 games this campaign with the Metropolitan Division club, he posted 22 goals and 39 points. He has also hit the 40-point mark twice during his career.

With numbers like these, Roslovic could be a solid addition to the Blues' third line and second power-play unit. In addition, the 2015 first-round pick also offers good versatility, as he can play both center and on the wing. Thus, the Blues could use him in multiple situations, which certainly adds to his appeal. 

Overall, on a short-term, affordable deal, a player like Roslovic would have the potential to be a nice pickup for the Blues. It will be fascinating to see if they end up making a push for him this off-season from here. 

Ex-Blues Defenseman Fined Twice By NHL Player SafetyFormer St. Louis Blues defenseman Jake Walman is losing some money from his pocket.

Photo Credit: © Marc DesRosiers-Imagn Images