The Stanley Cup Final is off and running, and The Hockey Show is here for all the fun!
For the third straight season, the Florida Panthers have reached the championship series, and for the second year of its existence, THS is along for the ride.
This week, hosts Roy Bellamy and David Dwork welcomed NHL insider David Pagnotta from The Fourth Period to chat about the Final and other big league news.
That includes the Dallas Stars firing of Peter DeBoer, news that broke just before the show was recorded.
The boys also get into Edmonton’s exciting come from behind overtime victory in Game 1.
During the game, Oilers Head Coach Kris Knoblauch made the move to put his superstars, Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, on the same forward line.
Not only did that spark Edmonton’s comeback, but it also led to the Panthers changing their defensive structure.
This week’s wins and fails of the week included the Memorial Cup, a mean penalty taunt, a foul by a monument and a Calder Cup finalist.
Check out the full show below to enjoy all fun and hockey talk:
The Toronto Maple Leafs officially announced on Friday the addition of Derek Lalonde to their coaching staff as an assistant. This move filled a vacancy on head coach Craig Berube’s staff after associate coach Lane Lambert departed to become the Seattle Kraken’s new bench boss.
The hiring marks Lalonde’s return to an NHL bench after he was fired last December, midway through his third season running the Detroit Red Wings’ bench. During his two-and-a-half seasons with Detroit, Lalonde compiled a record of 89-86-23.
Before his time in Detroit, Lalonde served as an assistant on Jon Cooper’s staff with the Tampa Bay Lightning, where he won back-to-back Stanley Cups in 2020 and 2021. While it's not immediately clear what attracted the Leafs to Lalonde, given his lack of a prior relationship with Berube or Maple Leafs GM Brad Treliving, he has spent some of his recent years working in Toronto as an analyst during Hockey Night in Canada’s playoff coverage. This includes Toronto’s 2023 playoff run and their first-round series against the Ottawa Senators this spring.
Interestingly, Lalonde shared some key insights from his time in Tampa during the Leafs' pivotal 2023 playoff series against the Lightning. A former goalie himself, Lalonde revealed during an intermission broadcast that Tampa had adjusted their defensive strategy around goaltender Andrei Vasilevskiy. This change came after a study they commissioned showed Vasilevskiy had one of the lowest success percentages in tracking pucks from the point. The Leafs leveraged this information to their advantage, ultimately winning their first playoff series in 19 years by defeating Tampa in six games. While his decision to reveal this information sparked some ethical debate, what was undeniably clear was his keen understanding of coaching and strategy.
Vasilevskiy finished the series with a save percentage of .875.
Lalonde's coaching journey includes significant success in the AHL and ECHL. He served as head coach of the American Hockey League's Iowa Wild from 2016-18, compiling a 69-58-17-8 record. Before that, he spent two seasons with the ECHL’s Toledo Walleye (2014-16), leading the team to an impressive 97-35-7-5 record. During his first season in 2014-15, Lalonde guided the Walleye to a 50-15-5-2 mark, winning the Brabham Cup as the ECHL's regular-season champion and earning the John Brophy Award as the ECHL's Coach of the Year.
His head coaching career began with the United States Hockey League's Green Bay Gamblers from 2011-14, where he amassed a 114-56-8-6 record as head coach and general manager. In 2011-12, he was named the USHL's Coach of the Year after the Gamblers posted a 47-9-2-2 record and captured the organization's fourth Clark Cup title.
Lalonde's coaching philosophy
At the cornerstone of Lalonde's defensive strategy was "low-event" hockey, a philosophy designed to minimize high-danger scoring chances while reducing the number of goals against. That was actually one of the few bright spots in Lalonde's tenure. The only issue came on the offensive side of the game. In Detroit he was often criticized for his dump-and-chase style of play in the offensive zone. But his low-event brand of hockey on the defensive side of things should play well under Berube's philosophy and make for the right type of defensive-minded coach to replace Lambert.
Toward the end of his tenure in Detroit, Lalonde' team had the worst penalty kill in the NHL. Before his time in Detroit, Lalonde had established a culture of winning and had a reputation for forming good bonds with players that should carry him well in Toronto.
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The Dallas Stars have fired their head coach, Pete DeBoer, after three seasons, and his time with the Stars was very similar to his time with the Vegas Golden Knights.
In his final game as the head coach of the Stars, DeBoer elected to pull his star goaltender, Jake Oettinger, in a must-win game. The move did not pay off, and the Stars lost to the Edmonton Oilers in five games.
"Today was a tough day," Stars general manager Jim Nill said. "I spoke with Pete this morning at 9 o’clock. Great conversation, he was very professional and he understands. We have a good relationship and that’s probably what makes this the hardest."
"I have the utmost respect for him as a person and as a coach. In the end, it’s my responsibility to make a decision that’s the right decision for the organization moving forward.”
DeBoer has been a head coach in the NHL since the 2008-09 season with the Florida Panthers. He moved to the New Jersey Devils afterwards, bringing them to the Stanley Cup finals once. His time with the San Jose Sharks saw him continuously fall short of their goal, making it to the finals just once.
After he was fired by the Sharks, he signed with the Golden Knights where his struggles to get his teams over the hump continued. His first two seasons witnessed him lose in the Conference finals, and his third and final season saw him miss the playoffs.
He was relieved of his head coaching duties after missing the playoffs and was signed by the Stars. He made the conference finals three times with the Stars, losing each time.
With the Golden Knights, DeBoer had a falling out with Marc-Andre Fleury. He turned his back on Fleury in favor of Robin Lehner, which upset both Fleury and his agent. Similarly to the situation with the Stars, the move to pull Oettinger put the nail in the coffin as DeBoer lost the Stars dressing room.
The players were clearly upset with the decision, and his press conferences following the conclusion of the playoffs made it seem like he knew what his fate was.
Now 58 years old, DeBoer could very well still find a job in the NHL. The Stars are the only team with a coaching vacancy, which might indicate that DeBoer will have to wait until next offseason to get another coaching gig.
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.
As soon as the words came out of Pete DeBoer's mouth after Game 5 of the Western Conference final, speculation about his job security began to run rampant.
And for good reason. A little more than a week after DeBoer pulled goalie Jake Oettinger, then didn't exactly endorse his play in the Dallas Stars' loss to the Edmonton Oilers, the Stars fired DeBoer, with GM Jim Nill saying in a statement that, "a new voice is needed in our locker room to push us closer to our goal of winning the Stanley Cup."
That voice presumably will be a little softer and sound a little less edgy. Firing coaches because they're hard on the poor dears is not exactly a new thing. The NHL is a players' league and when they're not happy with the man behind the bench, for whatever reason, that guy is almost always replaced, whether he's led the team to three straight appearances in a conference final or not.
Watch today's video column for more, and share your thoughts.
When Kent Hughes took over as the Montreal Canadiens' GM and the Habs brass decided to press the rebuild button, one of the Habs’ most coveted assets was Artturi Lehkonen. It took some time, but eventually, a deal was struck with Colorado Avalanche General Manager Joe Sakic to send the Finnish winger to Denver.
For his services, Hughes obtained right-shot defenseman Justin Barron and a 2024 second-round pick, which he then used to move up in the first round of the same draft in a deal with the Los Angeles Kings, which resulted in Montreal drafting Michael Hage.
Barron didn’t pan out in Montreal and was dealt to the Nashville Predators earlier this season in return for Alex Carrier, who became a significant member of the defense corps. It’s too early to tell how Hage will turn out, but so far, the Avalanche has been the winner in that deal.
Although Lehkonen struggled with injuries this season, he still became the fourth player to lead the team in both plus/minus and game-winning goals since the franchise moved to Colorado. The left winger finished the season with a plus-36 rating and five game-winning goals to his name.
The three players who have managed the feat since the Quebec Nordiques became the Avs were Nathan MacKinnon in 2023-24 (plus-35 and nine game-winning tallies), Gabriel Landeskog in 2011-12 (plus-20 and five game-winning goals), and 2000-01 Joe Sakic (plus-45 and 12 game-winning goals). That’s some elite company right there.
Since being traded to Colorado, Lehkonen has put up 139 points in 194 games for 0.72 points per game. In six seasons with the Canadiens, he had put up 149 points in 396 games, averaging 0.38 points per game. Almost twice as much with the Avalanche. Of course, he has had incredible linemates; he finished the last season skating alongside Nathan MacKinnon and Martin Necas on the Avs’ first line.
Was Lehkonen flying under the radar in Montreal, or is this production mainly due to the company he’s been keeping near the Rockies? Whatever it is, the Avs certainly do not have buyer’s remorse four years down the line.
Photo credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images
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The Philadelphia Flyers have secured the services of 24-year-old Russian forward Maxim Shabanov, according to reports.
Checked in on the status of then KHL pending free agent Maxim Shabanov back in January. Was told Flyers were a favorite. Although it’s not done yet, seems like the Flyers will be landing the 24 year-old Russian.
Shabanov was 3rd in the KHL in scoring this season with 23G 44A…
Shabanov has been a standout performer in the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL), playing for Traktor Chelyabinsk.Standing at 5'8" and weighing 157 pounds, he may not have the imposing size of some forwards, but his skill set more than compensates for it.
In the 2024-25 season, Shabanov recorded 67 points (23 goals, 44 assists) in 65 regular-season games, followed by an impressive 20 points (10 goals, 10 assists) in 21 playoff games . His performance earned him a spot in the KHL All-Star Game in both 2023 and 2025.
What Shabanov Brings to Philadelphia
Shabanov's game is characterized by exceptional puckhandling, agility, and speed. His ability to navigate tight spaces and create scoring opportunities makes him a valuable asset. Despite his smaller stature, he has consistently produced offensively, demonstrating resilience and adaptability.
His versatility allows him to play both right wing and center, providing the Flyers with flexibility in their lineup.Shabanov's left-handed shot and offensive instincts could complement the team's existing talent, potentially enhancing their powerplay and overall scoring depth.
Integration into the Flyers' System
Transitioning from the KHL to the NHL presents challenges, including adapting to a different style of play and increased physicality. However, Shabanov's experience and success in a competitive league like the KHL suggest he possesses the skill and determination to make this leap.
An interesting development is that Matvei Michkov, a fellow Russian and Flyers prospect, has followed Shabanov on Instagram. Given Michkov's selective social media presence, this could indicate a budding connection that might ease Shabanov's integration into the team and city.
Looking Ahead
The addition of Maxim Shabanov signifies the Flyers' commitment to enhancing their offensive lineup with skilled and dynamic players. While the transition to the NHL will require adjustment, Shabanov's track record in the KHL and his particular skill set offer promising potential. His presence could invigorate the Flyers' offense and contribute to the team's pursuit of success in the upcoming seasons.
As the Flyers continue to build and refine their roster, Shabanov's arrival adds an exciting dimension to their offensive strategy. Fans and analysts alike will be keen to see how his talents translate to the NHL stage.
The Florida Panthers' Stanley Cup final rematch with the Edmonton Oilers is underway, but that hasn't stopped some pundits from pondering what the off-season might hold for the NHL’s defending champions.
Before the final began, Steve Simmons of the Toronto Sunreported that the word out of Florida was that pending UFA center (and potential Conn Smythe Trophy candidate) Sam Bennett wanted to remain with the Panthers. He indicated the feeling was mutual if they could find a way to make the dollars work.
Bennett, who turns 29 on June 20, is completing a four-year contract with a team-friendly average annual value of $4.425 million. His evolution in recent years into a chippy-but-versatile two-way forward who elevates his game in the post-season will make him among the top targets in this summer's NHL UFA market.
It could cost the Panthers between $7 million and $8 million annually to keep Bennett in the fold. That will take a significant bite out of their projected $19 million of cap space for next season, which could hamper efforts to re-sign or replace their other UFAs.
Aaron Ekblad is among that group. The longtime Panthers defenseman is coming off an eight-year contract with an average annual value of $7.5 million. On Tuesday, he told reporters he hoped to remain a Panther.
According to Simmons, the Panthers don't have much interest in re-signing Ekblad. However, he also claimed last June they intended to trade the veteran blueliner and use the savings to re-sign Brandon Montour, who subsequently bolted for the Seattle Kraken as a UFA last July.
Ekblad could get his wish if he's willing to accept a pay cut on a shorter contract. Otherwise, his tenure with the Panthers could end on July 1.
The Montreal Canadiens, meanwhile, hold two first-round picks (16th and 17th overall) in the upcoming 2025 NHL draft. GM Kent Hughes could use them to add to his already deep prospect pool, but The Athletic's Chris Johnston recently reported Hughes is open to using one of those picks as trade bait to address a more immediate need.
Johnston also suggested that Logan Mailloux could be available. He indicated that the 22-year-old prospect defenseman isn't a player the Canadiens have to move, but thinks the youngster could be had for the right price.
TVA Sports noted Johnston's speculation about Montreal's potential trade bait, claiming they had an opportunity to ship Mailloux to the Anaheim Ducks in a deal for Trevor Zegras last year. However, that fell through when the Canadiens selected winger Ivan Demidov fifth overall in last year's draft.
The Hockey News’ Karine Hains observed recent conjecture swirling about Minnesota Wild center Marco Rossi and Dallas Stars left winger Jason Robertson. She wondered if Mailloux could be used in a package offer for Rossi, or if those first-rounders might pique the Stars' interest if they'd prefer futures in return for Robertson.
The Vancouver Canucks announced they have hired Iowa Wild head coach Brett McLean as an assistant coach.
McLean has been head coach of Iowa for the past two seasons, totalling a record of 54-74-10-6, missing the Calder Cup Playoffs both seasons.
The 46-year-old retired from professional hockey after the 2016-17 season and joined the Iowa Wild as an assistant the next season. He served in that role for three seasons before earning a promotion to the Minnesota Wild where he was also an assistant.
General Manager Patrik Allvin announced today that the #Canucks have named Kevin Dean, Brett McLean, and Scott Young Assistant Coaches. pic.twitter.com/Ny0kjqF82L
In his playing career McLean was a ninth round selection of the Dallas Stars in 1997. He recorded 56 goals and 162 points in 385 NHL games split between the Chicago Blackhawks, Colorado Avalanche, and Florida Panthers. He notched 21 points in 36 career AHL games with the Rockford IceHogs.
Winnipeg's final opponent of the 2024-25 season has determined it needs to change direction.
On Friday morning, the Dallas Stars announced the firing of head coach Peter DeBoer. The move comes after Dallas dropped the Western Conference Final 4-1 to Edmonton, after beating Winnipeg in six games to eliminate the Jets.
“After careful consideration, we believe that a new voice is needed in our locker room to push us closer to our goal of winning the Stanley Cup,” Stars' GM Jim Nill said in a statement. “We’d like to thank Pete for everything that he has helped our organization achieve over the past three seasons and wish him nothing but the best moving forward.”
Joining the Stars for the 2022-23 season, DeBoer got Dallas to the Western Conference Final each of the past three years at the helm, going 149-68-29 in the process. His Stars earned the Central Division banner last year.
The other 'Mr. Game Seven' didn't even make it to a sixth game in the Western Conference Final this time around, as DeBoer pulled starter Jake Oettinger after his backstop allowed two goals on the game's opening two shots.
He then publicly ostracized Oettinger for his performance not only in the game but lifetime against the Oilers in the playoffs.
"I didn't take that lightly and I didn't blame it all on Jake," the veteran coach said. "But the reality is if you go back to last year's playoffs, he's lost six of seven games to Edmonton, and we gave up two shots on two goals in an elimination game. So, it was partly to spark our team and wake them up. And it was partly knowing that the status quo had not been working. That's a pretty big sample size."
The 26-year-old goaltender went 36-18-4 this season with a respectable 2.59 goals against average and a .909 save percentage. he won four of six games against Winnipeg in the second round. 2024-25 was the first season of his eight-year, $66 million contract extension.
For DeBoer, it was the penultimate season of his contract, to which the season ending with a Conference Final loss was no longer deemed good enough.
For his career, DeBoer is 662-447-152 with Florida, New Jersey, San Jose, Vegas and Dallas. He lost twice in the Stanley Cup Finals, having not made it to the dance since 2016.
Toronto Maple Leafs prospect Easton Cowan has his eyes peeled for the NHL next season.
The 20-year-old has won almost everything in his junior career, from the OHL regular season and playoffs MVP and the league's title to the Memorial Cup and that tournament's MVP honors. Following the London Knights' Memorial Cup win, Cowan joined Leafs Morning Take with Nick Alberga and Jay Rosehill to discuss his final year in junior and what's next.
"It's finally starting to sink in right around now," said Cowan when asked about the Memorial Cup win. "Just an unreal feeling bringing it home to London. It's just been great to spend these last couple of days with the guys, and just really enjoy our time together and celebrate the Memorial Cup."
One year ago, Cowan and the Knights were left licking their wounds following a 4-3 loss to the host Saginaw Spirit in the tournament final. However, with the type of talent London has, they knew it'd be possible to make it back if all of their players returned.
"Obviously, last year sucked and it was unfortunate, but I felt like all the guys and I just really focused on that this summer, to keep getting better. We all stay in touch. We're a super close group," Cowan said.
"And to be able to get back in the finals, that's what we wanted, and (Sam) O'Reilly said it at the beginning of the year, our goal is to win the last game, and that's what we did, so just super proud of this group."
Following a season with a historic point streak and 39 points (13 goals, 26 assists) in 17 playoff games, Cowan now has his eyes set on pro hockey. Last fall, he was one of the final cuts from Maple Leafs training camp, and after another huge year, he's looking to come into 2025's camp with the NHL on his mind.
"Every kid in my situation would probably say [the goal is] to make the NHL, and that's definitely my goal," Cowan said.
"I mean, I feel like I'm capable of doing that. I just got to keep getting bigger, keep getting faster, and keep getting stronger. It's just in my hands. I feel like I'm smart enough and able to play, but obviously, I got to get bigger and that's just in my hands. I'll take advantage of that this summer training in London, training a bit in Toronto too. It'll help me out a lot and I'm just super excited for camp, and I'll be ready for it for sure."
What's the message from the Maple Leafs after two straight Memorial Cup Finals? Relax a bit before getting into summer training.
"Everyone texted me [after the Memorial Cup win]," Cowan smiled.
"They want me to just relax now. Enjoy the time. Have some fun. And just get away from the game. It's been good for me. I mean, I've went on three long runs here with London, so just to be able to put the hockey sticks away, pull out the golf clubs, go to some patios with some friends, and just really enjoy my time, and get some food with people I haven't saw in a while, it's been huge.
When it comes to training camp in the fall, there could be a few spots in the Maple Leafs' top-six open for Cowan, especially if Mitch Marner, who's on the precipice of NHL free agency, leaves Toronto on July 1. While Marner's place could be up for grabs, there's also a spot on the second line's left wing, after several players played there in the postseason.
"I mean, ever since I got drafted here, I said London's kind of like the Toronto of the OHL. A lot of people love you, and then there's a lot of people who hate you. It's been good for me to kind of get that under my belt, the experience here, and I'll just keep doing my thing," he said.
"I know people are going to love me or people are going to hate me, and that's just how the world is these days, so I'll just keep doing my thing, and that's playing hockey and keep getting better and keep working hard."
One area of Cowan's game that Maple Leafs head coach Craig Berube mentioned needed improvement was his puck management. "A lot of players coming out of junior hockey, they still have the junior habits," said Berube.
"And he needs to show us that he doesn’t have all the junior habits anymore."
The forward returned to junior in the final days of Toronto's training camp, and several months later, agreed that the decision to loan him back to the Knights was correct.
"My 200-foot game for sure has gotten better. I find I've been managing the puck so much better. That's what I wanted to work on this year too, and it was good for me to come back to the OHL, have another year, and keep developing," he said.
"Now I know when to take a risk and when not to, and I feel like I'm a very reliable player, can play both ends of the ice, and I'm a guy that, I want to be out there in the last minute, whether we're up a goal or down a goal, so I feel like I learned that a lot this year."
Cowan admitted his goal is to make the Maple Leafs out of camp, and he will need to prove it when he arrives in Toronto in the fall.
"I know I'm smart enough to play, so just being able to manage the puck well during camp will be huge for me. I know I kill penalties and I know I can play on the power play or five-on-five, four-on-four, so just being able to play in any situation will be huge for me, and just play simple," he said.
"You're not going to be able to beat guys wide every time or go through the stick. It's the NHL, and it's definitely a huge jump, and I'll be ready for camp for sure."
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Czech
winger Jakub Vrána, 29,
has spent the last decade in North America, mostly in the NHL, but
rumors are circulating both in Sweden and in Czechia that Sweden will
be the next stop for the free agent.
Prior to heading overseas in 2015,
Vrána played for
Linköping HC from age 15
to 19, starting with the club’s U-16 team and progressing to the
SHL, where he recorded 34 points in 98 games as a teenager.
“There is contact. We’ve had a good relationship over the
years,” said Jakobsson.
But while admitting interest, the GM stopped short of saying that
a deal is imminent.
“We know what qualities he possesses, but right now it is an
uncertain situation,” said Jakobsson.
While he played in Linköping, Vrána was
chosen 14th overall in the 2014 NHL Entry
Draft by the Washington
Capitals. He established himself as a regular NHLer, recording 52
points in 69 games for
Washington
in 2019-20, and he
regularly represented Czechia
at
the IIHF
World
Championships.
However,
his career eventually became marred by injuries, declining play and a
spell in the NHL’s Player Assistance Program. Over the last four
seasons, Vrána
has only played in
110 NHL games, recording 49 points. He was also unable to earn a spot
on the Czech national team roster last spring, getting cut prior to
the 2024 Worlds in Prague.
Overall,
Vrána
has
223 points in 406 NHL regular season games with the Capitals, Detroit
Red Wings, St. Louis Blues and Nashville Predators. He also has eight
points in 38 playoff games, all with Washington, and was part of the
2018 Stanley Cup championship team.
Here's today's NHL Nugget – this Weekend's Way Back When looks back at some of the memorable moments NHL players have had during their time with the Stanley Cup.
Whether it's letting a horse drink from the Cup or baptizing a child, the championship trophy has been through a lot in its history.
Brian T. Dessart takes fans on a distinctive ride through the historic-laden NHL with the #NHLNugget. Check out NHLNugget.com to find where to follow NHL Nugget on social media. And for past NHL Nuggets, click here.
There is more turnover in an NHL offseason than in a game of beer league.
And the Detroit Red Wings have had their fair share of turnover, too. While the likes of Jake Walman are enjoying their first crack at the Stanley Cup with the Edmonton Oilers, other former Red Wings are seeking employment in different leagues.
On August 15th of 2023, the Red Wings traded Gustav Lindstrom to the Montreal Canadiens as part of a deal to bring in Jeff Petry. While that deal hasn’t worked out swimmingly for the Winged Wheel, it hasn’t been all roses and unicorns for the Canadiens.
Lindstrom spent his 2023-24 season split between the Canadiens, Laval Rocket, and Anaheim Ducks. This past year, he only played for the Rocket, the Canadiens' AHL affiliate.
Earlier on Thursday, it was revealed that Lindstrom has signed a new contract. However, this one wasn’t for another NHL team.
📃✍🏻 Djurgården välkomnar med stor glädje Gustav Lindström till föreningen. Den 26-årige försvararen, med 174 matcher i NHL och ett SM-guld, har skrivit på ett femårigt avtal som sträcker sig till 2030.
Stability and consistency are essential to Lindstrom. He has played with six different teams in three different leagues over the past five seasons. With that volume of change happening around him, it’s no wonder he signed a five-year deal.
The NHL might not be in the cards anymore for the young defender, but at least he’s found a place to call home.
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The Tampa Bay Lightning announced they have hired Colorado Eagles associate head coach Dan Hinote as an assistant coach.
Hinote helped lead the Eagles to a 43-21-5 record this season, best in the AHL's Western Conference. The Eagles led the league in goals for and had an AHL-best +65 goal differential.
The 48-year-old began his coaching career as an assistant with the Columbus Blue Jackets from the 2010-2011 season through the 2013-14 season. He transitioned to a pro scout for four seasons before joining the US National Development Program's U17 and U18 teams. He then joined the Nashville Predators as an assistant for four seasons from 2020-21 through 2023-24.
We've hired Stanley Cup Champion and former NHL forward Dan Hinote as an assistant coach!
In his playing career Hinote recorded 38 goals and 90 points in 503 career NHL games with the Colorado Avalanche and St. Louis Blues. He won the 2001 Stanley Cup with Colorado.
He also posted 84 points in 144 career AHL games with the Hershey Bears, scoring 28 goals and 59 points in 55 games and being named an AHL All-Star in 1999-2000.
(Header/feature image courtesy of Megan DeRuchie-The Hockey News)
The confetti had barely settled when Denver Barkey and Oliver Bonk hoisted the Memorial Cup high—symbols of their London Knights’ unforgettable season. The Knights’ postseason run—which consisted of capturing a second consecutive OHL Championship and the storied Memorial Cup (which the Knights had lost out on last season)—was defined by grit, skill, and a relentless will to win, cemented their place in junior hockey lore.
Now, as the echoes of celebration fade, both Barkey and Bonk find themselves on the brink of an even bigger challenge: the jump to professional hockey with the Lehigh Valley Phantoms, the Philadelphia Flyers’ top affiliate.
Two Stars, One Journey
Barkey and Bonk have been household names in London for some time, embodying the Knights’ brand of high-tempo, smart, two-way hockey. Barkey, a dynamic forward with electrifying speed and a nose for the net, played a pivotal role in driving London’s offense, contributing in key moments with both goals and timely defensive plays.
Bonk, meanwhile, anchored the blue line with poise and maturity beyond his years. His steady presence, coupled with a knack for making crisp outlet passes and jumping into the rush when needed, made him indispensable. (Not to mention his "Bumper Bonk" title—a nod to how crucial he's been to the Knights' powerplay in the bumper role, despite that not being a position given to defensemen.)
Yet, as they prepare to trade in their junior jerseys for the orange and black of Lehigh Valley, both players know the path ahead is steep.
The Adjustment Curve
For Barkey, the most immediate challenge is physicality. At 5’9”, he’s not the biggest player—and in the AHL, where seasoned veterans and bruising defenders lurk around every corner, Barkey will need to build strength without sacrificing the very speed and agility that make him special. His game thrives on quick bursts, elusiveness, and relentless energy. If he can find that balance—bulking up enough to handle the rigors of a grinding schedule while maintaining his trademark shiftiness—he’ll carve out a role quickly.
Barkey’s defensive game will also come under the microscope. In junior hockey, his anticipation and high motor allowed him to disrupt plays with ease, but the AHL is less forgiving. He’ll need to adjust to tighter checking, more structured systems, and the higher pace of decision-making. But those who’ve watched him closely know he’s more than up for the task—his hockey IQ is a calling card that should help smooth the transition.
My opinion of Denver Barkey is that honestly I don't know what role he's going to fill at the NHL level, but I think he'll find a way to be a player you want on your team and you miss when he's not in the lineup. https://t.co/njk5lLU4fc
For Bonk, the leap to pro hockey poses a different set of challenges. While his game is already defined by calmness and sound positioning, he’ll be tested by bigger, faster, and more physically mature forwards than he’s faced in the OHL. He’s not the most imposing defenseman in terms of size, but his stick work, angles, and composure under pressure have drawn praise. Still, he’ll need to sharpen his physical game—using leverage, timing, and anticipation to separate opponents from the puck without getting caught flat-footed.
Another area of growth for Bonk will be asserting himself offensively. In London, he showed flashes of quarterback potential on the powerplay, but the AHL is a different beast. Developing confidence with the puck at the blue line, making quick reads, and finding shooting lanes will be key to unlocking his next level.
What They Bring—and Why It Matters
Both Barkey and Bonk bring intangibles the Flyers’ pipeline has long craved. Barkey’s motor, offensive creativity, and fearless approach to the game will inject much-needed spark and versatility into Lehigh Valley’s lineup—and, eventually, the Flyers’. He’s the type of player who can dictate the pace of games, play up and down the lineup, and bring a refreshing pop and fizz to the offense.
Bonk, meanwhile, offers the kind of poised, two-way reliability that NHL coaches love. He’s not particularly flashy, but he consistently makes the right play and approaches the game with a wisdom and maturity far beyond his 20 years. His ability to read the ice, make smart decisions under pressure, and join the rush selectively gives him the look of a future top-four defenseman—exactly the kind of player the Flyers hope to build around.
A Stepping Stone, Not a Finish Line
The jump from junior to the AHL is often described as the hardest in a young player’s career—a proving ground where even the most talented prospects must learn to adapt, compete, and mature. For Barkey and Bonk, this season with the Phantoms won’t be about immediate stardom; it’ll be about building habits, refining their games, and learning what it takes to succeed in the pros.
They’ve already proven they can win together—now they’ll try to prove they can grow together. For Flyers fans eager to see the next wave of homegrown talent, there’s every reason to believe that Barkey and Bonk are up to the challenge. Their story is only just beginning.
