The  Vegas Golden Knights may not be slated to make a selection on Day 1 of the 2025 NHL Entry Draft, but on Day 2, they'll be one of the busiest teams, making six selections. 

The Golden Knights' first-round pick this season belongs to the Nashville Predators after they used the pick to acquire Tomas Hertl at the 2023-24 trade deadline, and the San Jose Sharks then used it to acquire Yaroslav Askarov. The Predators will make the 26th overall selection with the pick.

The Golden Knights will enter the draft in the second round, making the 58th overall selection. The Golden Knights haven't made a selection in the second round since 2022 when they took center Matyas Sapovaliv. The Golden Knights' first selection in this year's draft is the pick that the Tampa Bay Lightning took Nikita Kucherov in 2011. 

The Golden Knights are back in the draft in the third round, using the Washington Capitals' pick, which was moved in the Logan Thompson trade. The Golden Knights have a strong history of making strong selections in the third round, highlighted by Pavel Dorofeyev, Jonas Rondbjerg, Lukas Cormier and Mathieu Cataford, adding a bit of intrigue to the 91st pick. 

The middle rounds will see the Golden Knights make their final four selections. In the fourth round, the Golden Knights will make the 122nd pick, in the fifth round the 154th, and their final two picks will occur in the sixth round, making the 186th and the 187th overall selections. 

Second Round: 58th Overall

Third Round: 91st Overall

Fourth Round: 122nd Overall

Fifth Round: 154th Overall

Sixth Round: 186th Overall and 187th Overall

Once the draft begins, trades will occur. In the first round, a couple of teams might trade up or back, but on Day 2, when rounds 2-7 commence, trades will begin to occur at a rapid rate. The Golden Knights' draft order isn't set in stone, as they could trade back and acquire more picks or trade up, which would require them to trade multiple picks. 

The first round of the draft is set for Friday, Jun. 28, in Los Angeles, and rounds 2-7 will commence on Saturday. 

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With each passing day, more rumors about the Columbus Blue Jackets being involved in trades keep popping up. Two days from the Draft and nothing has changed. 

This time it's Rasmus Andersson that has popped up. 

The Calgary Flames are apparently trying to move the 28-year-old right shot defenseman, and that is a need that the Blue Jackets have. 

Andersson 9-year vet that has 231 NHL points, all for the Flames. 

RG.org has reported that the CBJ is looking into Andersson.  “The Flames are definitely listening and exploring their options. “I’m hearing the Blue Jackets, Red Wings, Canadiens, and Bruins have all looked into Andersson," per RG.org. 

“The Blue Jackets make a ton of sense,” the first source said. “They have all that space, they have two first-round picks this year, prospects, and some are NHL-ready." 

This is a need that the Jackets need to take a serious look at. 

Let us know what you think below.

Stay updated with the most interesting Blue Jackets stories, analysis, breaking news, and more!

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Blue Jackets Rumors: K'Andre Miller To Columbus?With the NHL Draft just a few days away and the start of free agency a week away, the NHL's silly season is in full swing, and the Blue Jackets look to be involved at some point.  Columbus Blue Jackets 2025 Draft Target: Lynden LakovicAs we inch closer to the 2025 NHL Draft on Friday, we continue to look at potential draft day targets for the Columbus Blue Jackets. As I mentioned in a previous article, with the Blue Jackets owning two draft picks within the same 10 picks with number 14 and 20, they will be looking at the same tier of players. Former Columbus Blue Jackets Forward Manny Malhotra Wins Calder CupFormer Columbus Blue Jackets forward Manny Malhotra, head coach of the Abbotsford Canucks of the AHL, won the Calder Cup last night by defeating the Charlotte Checkers in six games.

Evander Kane is headed to the Vancouver Canucks.

The Edmonton Oilers traded Kane to the Canucks in exchange for a fourth-round pick in the 2025 NHL draft. The selection originally belonged to the Ottawa Senators. Vancouver takes on Kane's $5.125-million cap hit for the last season of his four-year contract, according to Daily Faceoff's Frank Seravalli.

Kane, 33, released a statement on social media thanking the Oilers for the past four years and saying he's excited to join the Canucks.

"As my time with the Edmonton Oilers has now come to a close, I want to take a moment to sincerely thank the entire organization, my teammates, and the incredible community of Edmonton," Kane said in his statement.

"To the Oilers ownership, front office, coaching staff, and trainers — thank you for believing in me and giving me the opportunity to be a part of such a respected and passionate franchise. Your support meant everything, and I’ll always be grateful for the chance to compete in the blue and orange."

Kane signed with the Oilers on Jan. 27, 2022, after the San Jose Sharks terminated his contract earlier that month. He had six goals and six assists for 12 points in 21 playoff games. He missed the regular season after having surgery in September to repair two torn hip adductor muscles, two hernias and two torn lower abdominal muscles. He then had knee surgery on Jan. 9

Kane had 22 goals and 39 points in 43 games in 2021-22 when he joined Edmonton. In 2022-23, those totals dropped to 16 goals and 28 points in 41 games. In 2023-24, he had 24 goals and 44 points in 77 games.

"To my teammates — thank you for the battles, the friendships, and the memories," Kane said. "I’ll always remember the playoff runs, the highs and lows, and the pride of going to war with a special group of guys."

The 6-foot-2 left winger from Vancouver will join his sixth NHL team. He first played for the Atlanta Thrashers, which drafted him fourth overall in 2009. The Thrashers relocated to Winnipeg ahead of the 2011-12 season. The Winnipeg Jets traded him to the Buffalo Sabres in 2015, and Buffalo traded him to San Jose in 2018.

Kane made the playoffs for the first time with the Sharks, playing in two post-seasons for them. In Edmonton, he appeared in four playoff campaigns.

"To the fans — thank you for embracing me and showing unwavering support throughout my time in Edmonton," Kane said. "Rogers Place was always electric, and I’m proud to have played in front of such a passionate hockey city. My family and I have built some incredible relationships that will last forever."

Before Kane made the NHL, he played for the WHL's Vancouver Giants for parts of three regular seasons and four post-seasons.

"I’m incredibly excited for the next chapter of my career as I join the Canucks," Kane said. "It’s an honor to become part of an organization and team I grew up watching as a kid. Vancouver is a city that lives and breathes hockey, I’m looking forward to the opportunity to play in front of my hometown as I did many years ago as a Vancouver Giant."

Canucks GM Patrik Allvin said Kane will provide much-needed size and toughness to the team.

"We like the way he wins puck battles along the boards and handles himself in the dirty areas in front of the net," Allvin said in a news release. "Evander moves well around the ice and has proven to be a productive goal-scorer in the National Hockey League. We are excited to bring him back home to Vancouver, and our staff looks forward to working with him this coming season.”

After the trade, the Canucks have about $7.03 million in projected cap space, according to PuckPedia. They have three pending UFAs: right winger Brock Boeser, center Pius Suter and defenseman Noah Juulsen.

The Oilers, meanwhile, have about $17.09 million in space. Defenseman Evan Bouchard is a pending RFA with arbitration rights and is expected to take a big chunk out of that cap space. The Oilers' pending UFAs are Jeff Skinner, Trent Frederic, Corey Perry, Connor Brown, Kasperi Kapanen and John Klingberg.

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The NHL draft begins Friday. Here's the schedule, full draft order and more to know originally appeared on NBC Sports Philadelphia

The chase for the 2026 Stanley Cup is on.

The Florida Panthers last week secured a repeat championship triumph over the Edmonton Oilers. Now, front offices across the NHL will be working to put their teams in position to contend in the 2025-26 season and beyond.

The first tentpole on the offseason calendar is the NHL draft, which takes place over two days this week. The New York Islanders are set to kick off this year’s draft after moving up nine spots in the lottery.

The San Jose Sharks and Chicago Blackhawks hold the No. 2 and No. 3 overall selections, respectively, after picking first and second last year. San Jose and Chicago are among eight teams with multiple first-round picks.

The Nashville Predators and Philadelphia Flyers each own three first-rounders. Meanwhile, the Pittsburgh Penguins, Columbus Blue Jackets, Montreal Canadiens and Calgary Flames, along with the Blackhawks and Sharks, have two apiece.

So, from the full seven-round order to the event schedule and more, here’s what to know about the 2025 NHL Draft:

When is the 2025 NHL Draft?

This year’s NHL draft takes place from Friday, June 27, to Saturday, June 28.

What time is the 2025 NHL Draft?

Day 1 of the draft begins at 7 p.m. ET/6 p.m. CT/4 p.m. PT and includes only the first round.

The second day, featuring Rounds 2-7, gets underway at 12 p.m. ET/11 a.m. CT/9 a.m. PT.

Where is the 2025 NHL Draft being held?

The Peacock Theatre in Los Angeles is hosting the draft.

What TV channel is the 2025 NHL Draft on?

The first round of the draft will air on ESPN. NHL Network will carry the Day 2 broadcast.

How to stream the 2025 NHL Draft live online

Both days of the draft will be available to stream on ESPN.com and the ESPN app.

Who has the first pick in the 2025 NHL Draft?

The Islanders won the No. 1 overall pick despite boasting just 3.5% odds. This will be the fifth time New York picks No. 1 overall and the first since selecting center John Tavares in 2009.

Who are the top NHL draft prospects in 2025?

And OHL defenseman Matthew Schaefer is expected to become the sixth No. 1 pick in Islanders franchise history. Schaefer, 17, had seven goals and 15 assists with a plus-21 rating over 17 games last season with the Erie Otters before suffering a broken collarbone while playing for Canada at the world junior championship in December.

There have been just four defensemen picked first overall since 1997, with Owen Power of the Buffalo Sabres in 2021 being the most recent.

Among the other top prospects expected to come off the board early are OHL center Michael Misa, Swedish center Anton Frondell, Canadian center Caleb Desnoyers, Boston college center James Hagens, WHL center Roger McQueen, OHL winger Porter Martone and OHL center Jake O’Brien.

How many rounds are in the NHL draft?

There are seven rounds in the NHL draft.

How many picks are in the NHL draft?

A total of 224 selections will be made.

What’s the 2025 NHL Draft order?

Here’s the complete seven-round draft order:

Round 1

1. New York Islanders

2. San Jose Sharks

3. Chicago Blackhawks

4. Utah Mammoth

5. Nashville Predators

6. Philadelphia Flyers

7. Boston Bruins

8. Seattle Kraken

9. Buffalo Sabres

10. Anaheim Ducks

11. Pittsburgh Penguins

12. Pittsburgh Penguins (from Vancouver via NY Rangers)

13. Detroit Red Wings

14. Columbus Blue Jackets

15. Vancouver Canucks

16. Montreal Canadiens (from Calgary)

17. Montreal Canadiens

18. Calgary Flames (from New Jersey)

19. St. Louis Blues

20. Columbus Blue Jackets (from Minnesota)

21. Ottawa Senators

22. Philadelphia Flyers (from Colorado)

23. Nashville Predators (from Tampa Bay)

24. Los Angeles Kings

25. Chicago Blackhawks (from Toronto)

26. Nashville Predators (from Vegas via San Jose)

27. Washington Capitals

28. Winnipeg Jets

29. Carolina Hurricanes

30. San Jose Sharks (from Dallas)

31. Philadelphia Flyers (from Edmonton)

32. Calgary Flames (from Florida)

Round 2

33. San Jose Sharks

34. Chicago Blackhawks

35. Nashville Predators

36. Philadelphia Flyers

37. Washington Capitals (from Boston)

38. Seattle Kraken

39. Buffalo Sabres

40. Philadelphia Flyers (from Anaheim)

41. Montreal Canadiens (from Pittsburgh)

42. New York Islanders

43. New York Rangers

44. Detroit Red Wings

45. Anaheim Ducks (from Columbus via Philadelphia)

46. Utah Mammoth

47. Vancouver Canucks

48. Philadelphia Flyers (from Calgary)

49. Montreal Canadiens

50. New Jersey Devils

51. Boston Bruins (from St. Louis via Pittsburgh and Edmonton)

52. Minnesota Wild

53. San Jose Sharks (from Ottawa)

54. Calgary Flames (from Colorado via Washington)

55. Nashville Predators (from Tampa Bay)

56. Tampa Bay Lighting (from Los Angeles)

57. Seattle Kraken (from Toronto via Utah and Tampa Bay)

58. Vegas Golden Knights

59. Pittsburgh Penguins (from Washington)

60. Anaheim Ducks (from Winnipeg via New Jersey)

61. Boston Bruins (from Carolina via Colorado)

62. Chicago Blackhawks (from Dallas)

63. New Jersey Devils (from Edmonton via Utah)

64. Toronto Maple Leafs (from Florida)

Round 3

65. Vancouver Canucks (from San Jose via Vegas and NY Rangers)

66. Chicago Blackhawks

67. Nashville Predators

68. Philadelphia Flyers

69. Boston Bruins

70. New York Rangers (from Seattle)

71. Buffalo Sabres

72. Anaheim Ducks

73. Pittsburgh Penguins

74. New York Islanders

75. Detroit Red Wings (from NY Rangers via Utah)

76. Detroit Red Wings

77. Columbus Blue Jackets

78. Utah Mammoth

79. Montreal Canadiens (from Vancouver)

80. Calgary Flames

81. Montreal Canadiens

82. Montreal Canadiens (from New Jersey)

83. Edmonton Oilers (from St. Louis)

84. Pittsburgh Penguins (from Minnesota via Philadelphia and Nashville)

85. Pittsburgh Penguins (from Ottawa via St. Louis)

86. Toronto Maple Leafs (from Colorado via Nashville and San Jose)

87. Carolina Hurricanes (from Tampa Bay)

88. Los Angeles Kings

89. New York Rangers (from Toronto via Anaheim)

90. New Jersey Devils (from Vegas)

91. Vegas Golden Knights (from Washington)

92. Winnipeg Jets

93. Washington Capitals (from Carolina)

94. Dallas Stars

95. San Jose Sharks (from Edmonton)

96. Ottawa Senators (from Florida)

Round 4

97. Ottawa Senators (from San Jose)

98. Chicago Blackhawks

99. New Jersey Devils (from Nashville)

100. Boston Bruins (from Philadelphia via Toronto)

101. Anaheim Ducks (from Boston via Detroit)

102. Seattle Kraken

103. Buffalo Sabres

104. Anaheim Ducks

105. Pittsburgh Penguins

106. New York Islanders

107. Chicago Blackhawks (from NY Rangers)

108. Montreal Canadiens (from Detroit)

109. Columbus Blue Jackets

110. Utah Mammoth

111. New York Rangers (from Vancouver via Colorado)

112. Florida Panthers (from Calgary)

113. Montreal Canadiens

114. New Jersey Devils

115. San Jose Sharks (from St. Louis via Columbus)

116. Buffalo Sabres (from Minnesota via Anaheim)

117. Edmonton Oilers (from Ottawa via Vancouver)

118. Colorado Avalanche

119. Detroit Red Wings (from Tampa Bay)

120. Los Angeles Kings

121. Minnesota Wild (from Toronto)

122. Vegas Golden Knights

123. Washington Capitals

124. San Jose Sharks (from Winnipeg via Dallas)

125. Carolina Hurricanes

126. Dallas Stars

127. Tampa Bay Lightning (from Edmonton)

128. Florida Panthers

Round 5

129. Florida Panthers (from San Jose)

130. Pittsburgh Penguins (from Chicago via Toronto and Washington)

131. Nashville Predators

132. Philadelphia Flyers

133. Boston Bruins

134. Seattle Kraken

135. Buffalo Sabres

136. Anaheim Ducks

137. Toronto Maple Leafs (from Pittsburgh)

138. New York Islanders

139. New York Rangers

140. Detroit Red Wings

141. Minnesota Wild (from Columbus)

142. Utah Mammoth

143. Vancouver Canucks

144. Calgary Flames

145. Montreal Canadiens

146. Dallas Stars (from New Jersey)

147. St. Louis Blues

148. Pittsburgh Penguins (from Minnesota via NY Rangers)

149. Ottawa Senators

150. San Jose Sharks (from Colorado)

151. Tampa Bay Lightning

152. Los Angeles Kings

153. Toronto Maple Leafs

154. Vegas Golden Knights

155. Washington Capitals

156. Winnipeg Jets

157. Philadelphia Flyers (from Carolina)

158. Dallas Stars

159. Anaheim Ducks (from Edmonton)

160. Florida Panthers

Round 6

161. New Jersey Devils (from San Jose)

162. Chicago Blackhawks

163. Nashville Predators

164. Philadelphia Flyers

165. Boston Bruins

166. New York Rangers (from Seattle)

167. Buffalo Sabres

168. Anaheim Ducks

169. Pittsburgh Penguins

170. New York Islanders

171. New York Rangers

172. Detroit Red Wings

173. Columbus Blue Jackets

174. Utah Mammoth

175. Vancouver Canucks

176. Calgary Flames

177. Montreal Canadiens

178. New Jersey Devils

179. St. Louis Blues

180. Minnesota Wild

181. Ottawa Senators

182. Nashville Predators (from Colorado)

183. Carolina Hurricanes (from Tampa Bay)

184. Los Angeles Kings

185. Toronto Maple Leafs

186. Vegas Golden Knights

187. Vegas Golden Knights (from Washington)

188. Winnipeg Jets

189. Carolina Hurricanes

190. Dallas Stars

191. Edmonton Oilers

192. Florida Panthers

Round 7

193. Tampa Bay Lightning (from San Jose)

194. Chicago Blackhawks

195. Buffalo Sabres (from Nashville)

196. Los Angeles Kings (from Philadelphia)

197. Chicago Blackhawks (from Boston)

198. Seattle Kraken

199. Buffalo Sabres

200. Anaheim Ducks

201. Pittsburgh Penguins

202. New York Islanders

203. New York Rangers

204. Detroit Red Wings

205. Columbus Blue Jackets

206. Tampa Bay Lightning (from Utah)

207. Vancouver Canucks

208. Calgary Flames

209. Montreal Canadiens

210. San Jose Sharks (from New Jersey)

211. Detroit Red Wings (from St. Louis)

212. Tampa Bay Lightning (from Minnesota)

213. Ottawa Senators

214. Colorado Avalanche

215. Tampa Bay Lightning

216. Los Angeles Kings

217. Toronto Maple Leafs

218. Columbus Blue Jackets (from Vegas)

219. Buffalo Sabres (from Washington via San Jose)

220. Winnipeg Jets

221. Carolina Hurricanes

222. Dallas Stars

223. Edmonton Oilers

224. Florida Panthers

This time last year, Montreal Canadiens’ fans rejoiced when former captain and blueliner Shea Weber was elected to the Hockey Hall of Fame in his first year of eligibility. This year, all eyes were on Carey Price to see if he would imitate his former teammate and get in his first year of eligibility.

The 3:00 PM announcement came on Tuesday, and Price’s phone stayed silent. Instead, the phone rang for former nemesis and Boston Bruins’ captain Zdeno Chara, Chicago Blackhawks and Team Canada mainstay blueliner Duncan Keith, San Jose Sharks longtime forward Joe Thornton, long overdue Buffalo Sabres sniper Alexander Mogilny, Team USA’s Brianna Decker, and Team Canada’s Jenniffer Botterill on the players' side. On the builders’ side, Jack Parker and Daniele Sauvageau got the call. The Montreal Victoire GM became the first woman to be inducted into the builders’ category, a much-deserved honor, as she was the face of the women’s fight for a professional league and worked tirelessly to bring their dream to fruition.

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While it’s no doubt disappointing for Price not to get in right away, it’s not a no; it’s only a not just yet. There is no doubt that his turn will come, but he was part of a strong crop of players in their first year of eligibility, including Chara, Keith, Thornton, Ryan Getzlaf, Dustin Brown, and Tuukka Rask, to name a few. This year’s crop was superior to last year’s when Weber was elected. The 2024 first-year eligibility list included the likes of Pavel Datsyuk, Pekka Rinne, Patrick Marleau, David Backes, Jussi Jokinen, and Mikko Koivu.

It's hard to argue with any of this year’s inductees. Chara was the face of the franchise in Boston for years and led them to their first Stanley Cup in 39 years in 2011. He also played a whopping 1,680 games, scoring 680 points and accumulating 2,085 penalty minutes. Not only did he play a very physical style, but his size sometimes made him more susceptible to being called for penalties. On a lighter note, one could even add that he’s the sole ready Brad Marchand got away with some of his more questionable acts on the ice, hiding behind the Slovakian giant.

As for Keith, he was a significant cog in the Blackhawks’ dynasty in the 2010s when the Chicago outfit won three Cups in six years. During that span, the blueliner won the James Norris Trophy twice as the top defenseman in the league and the Conn Smythe trophy as the playoffs’ MVP in 2014-15. Additionally, Keith won two Olympic gold medals with Team Canada in 2010 and 2014.

While some will question why Price should be in the Hall since he didn’t win a Stanley Cup, it’s important to remember that it’s not the NHL Hall of Fame, but the Hockey Hall of Fame. Thorton got in this year, but hockey’s biggest prize always eluded him throughout his 24-year and 1,714-game career. Just like Price, Thornton only won the most significant individual awards in one of his seasons, grabbing the Art Ross and the Hart Trophies in 2005-06.

There’s no deadline for induction, though, and Price will have to wait a bit longer. This year’s inducted Mogilny had been eligible since 2009 and had an exceptional career. He skated in 990 games, collecting 1032 points in the process, including 473 goals. The Russian right winger was a fifth-round pick by the Sabres at the 1988 NHL Draft and played for five NHL teams, winning the Stanley Cup with the New Jersey Devils in 1999-2000. His only individual honor came in 2002-03 when he won the Lady Bring Trophy.

The temporary snub is a deception for Price, especially considering fellow goaltenders who went without winning a Cup, Henrik Lundqvist and Roberto Luongo, both of whom got in on their first year of eligibility. While Lundqvist did win 459 games and had a 2.43 goals-against average and a .918 save percentage (Price won 361 games, had a 2.51 GAA, and a .917 SV), the New York Rangers franchise cornerstone only ever won one of the league’s major awards, the Vezina Trophy in 2011-12. As for Luongo, he won 489 games, kept a 2.52 GAA and a .919 SV, and only netted one of the major individual awards, netting the William M. Jennings Trophy in 2010-11. Make no mistake, Price meets all the criteria, even though he could never raise Lord Stanley’s mug.

Next year, Price will be battling it out with the next crop of first-year eligible players, which will include Bruins’ former captain Patrice Bergeron, Phil Kessel, and Eric Staal. The fight may just be a little easier, although Bergeron should get in right away.

Photo credit: Eric Bolte-Imagn Images

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The July 1 start of the NHL's annual free-agent market is fast approaching. Most of the focus is on which club Mitch Marner will sign with and whether Sam Bennett will re-sign with the Florida Panthers. 

Meanwhile, Brock Boeser is starting to garner some attention in the rumor mill.

The 28-year-old spent nine seasons with the Vancouver Canucks, reaching or exceeding 45 points in eight of them. He's completed a three-year contract with an average annual value of $6.65 million and would prefer a long-term deal. 

A recent rumor linked Boeser to the New York Rangers and a reunion with former Canucks teammate J.T. Miller. However, more clubs are emerging as possible suitors. 

NESN's Kayla Gregoire recently indicated that Boeser is projected to receive a six-year contract with an $8.46-million cap hit. She cited Daily Faceoff's Frank Seravalli, suggesting the Boston Bruins could be a destination. 

RG.Org's James Murphy also has the Bruins looking at Boeser, citing a league source claiming he's been on their radar since last summer. He also believes the Minnesota Wild, Los Angeles Kings, Utah Mammoth, Detroit Red Wings and Montreal Canadiens could be in on Boeser. 

A Postmedia report suggested the Ottawa Senators could be among Boeser's suitors. They want to boost an offense that was tied for 18th this past season in goals (242). With $10.75 million in cap space and pending UFA forward Claude Giroux to re-sign, they don't have much cap room unless they shed some salary. 

The Canucks reportedly haven't closed the door on bringing back Boeser. If the rumored list of interested teams is anything to go by, his tenure in Vancouver appears to be over.

 

Turning to the Dallas Stars, their recent cost-cutting trade of Mason Marchment to the Seattle Kraken has renewed speculation over the status of Jason Robertson. 

The 25-year-old Robertson has a year left on his contract with a $7.75-million cap hit and will be RFA-eligible with arbitration rights next July. His name surfaced as a cost-cutting candidate following the Stars' elimination from the Western Conference final. 

Conflicting reports suggest the Stars are entertaining trade proposals or haven't spoken with other clubs about Robertson. Last Saturday, Pierre LeBrun of The Athletic reported they're listening to offers but aren't actively shopping the scoring winger. Whether they trade or re-sign him remains to be seen. 

Meanwhile, Buffalo Sabres GM Kevyn Adams lamented the amount of misinformation being spread about his club's off-season plans. While he dismissed rumors that he was planning to buy out defenseman Mattias Samuelson’s contract, he played coy about winger JJ Peterka's status. 

Peterka, 22, is an RFA without arbitration rights after completing his entry-level contract. Recent reports suggest the young forward would welcome a change of scenery. 

Seravalli listed the Rangers, Canucks, New York Islanders, Tampa Bay Lightning and Chicago Blackhawks as potential destinations for Peterka.

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Depending on what happens with pending unrestricted free agent (UFA) Jake Allen, the New Jersey Devils may need to look for a new backup goalie this off-season. Allen has still not re-signed with the Devils with July 1 rapidly approaching.  

If Allen ends up testing the market and signing elsewhere, it would be understandable if the Devils brought in a new, experienced goalie to replace him. While they have Nico Daws in their system, the Devils could want to add a proven backup goalie to their roster. 

In a recent article for Daily Faceoff, NHL insider Frank Seravalli questioned if New Jersey could target UFA goalie Dan Vladar, who previously played with Devils star goalie Jacob Markstrom on the Calgary Flames.

Seravalli writes:

"Jacob Markstrom is signed for one more year at a very reasonable number. Could he be reunited with close friend and former runningmate Dan Vladar from Calgary?"

After Allen, Vladar is arguably the second-best goalie in this year's free agency class. The 27-year-old netminder appeared in 30 games this season with the Flames, where he recorded a 12-11-6 record, a .898 save percentage, a 2.80 goals-against average, and two shutouts. Overall, it was a solid year for the 6-foot-5 netminder.

While Vladar may not be the flashiest name out there, he would have the potential to be a decent replacement if Allen leaves. The 2015 third-round pick has been a serviceable backup throughout his career and could be the same for the Devils because of it. Furthermore, he is also only 27 years old, so he is right in his prime. 

In 105 career NHL games over five seasons split between the Boston Bruins and Flames, Vladar has a 49-34-16 record, a .895 save percentage, and a 2.99 goals-against average.

Report: Devils Goalie Generating Serious InterestJake Allen is the New Jersey Devils' most notable pending unrestricted free agent (UFA). Devils general manager Tom Fitzgerald has been open about being interested in re-signing him, but the clock is certainly ticking with July 1 being less than a week away. 

Photo Credit: © Brett Holmes-Imagn Images

The 2025 Calder Cup champion Abbotsford Canucks are a team made up of resilience and hard work. The team’s work ethic and drive has been commendable throughout the postseason. Let’s take a look at how each member of the AHL Canucks’ Calder Cup Playoff roster was acquired. 

Joe Arntsen   

Arntsen, formerly the captain of the Lethbridge Hurricanes of the WHL, was signed by the AHL Canucks at the start of this season. His current deal expires at the end of Abbotsford’s playoff run. He has suited up for two of the AHL Canucks’ Calder Cup Playoff games. 

Arshdeep Bains

A fan favourite, Bains was signed to his NHL entry-level contract in March of 2022. Since then, he has been a key piece for Abbotsford both offensively and defensively. He averaged a point per game during the Calder Cup Playoffs with seven goals and 17 assists in 24 games. His current contract expires at the end of the 2024–25 season, making him an RFA. 

Sammy Blais 

Initially signed to a PTO with the Vancouver Canucks at the start of the 2024–25 season, Blais was sent down to Abbotsford after Vancouver’s training camp and has remained an important member of the AHL Canucks since. He scored six goals and 13 assists in 23 games and remained a physical presence for Abbotsford. With his dominant performances throughout the playoffs, it wouldn’t be a surprise if Blais found his way back to an NHL team in 2025–26. 

Guillaume Brisebois 

Brisebois has been a staple in the Canucks organization for virtually a decade. He was drafted 66th overall in 2015 by Vancouver and has split his playing time with the NHL club and their AHL affiliate. He is one of three active Abbotsford players who played with the Utica Comets, Vancouver’s old affiliate, with the others being Jett Woo and John Stevens. 

Phil Di Giuseppe 

An NHL and AHL veteran of sorts, Di Giuseppe joined the Canucks organization in 2021 after signing a one-year contract. He has earned multiple two-year deals since then, with his current one being in its final year. In both NHL and AHL play, Di Giuseppe has made a positive impact on the ice and fits into all spots in a lineup. 

Ty Glover

Glover joined the Canucks organization via trade. In October 2023, he and fellow Pittsburgh Penguins player Mark Friedman were acquired by Vancouver in exchange for Jack Rathbone and Karel Plasek. Glover has played a good depth role for the AHL Canucks during this postseason run, taking part in five games. 

Akito Hirose 

A free agent signing out of the NCAA, Hirose inked his entry-level deal in March of 2023 and soon followed this up with a two-year contract after an impressive seven-game showing with Vancouver. He has spent the past two seasons predominantly with Abbotsford and will become a group-6 UFA at the end of this season if not signed. 

Dino Kambeitz 

Abbotsford was familiar with Kambeitz when they signed him to a one-year deal back in July of 2024. Prior to joining the AHL Canucks, he had spent three seasons as a member of the Bakersfield Condors, a team Abbotsford had faced twice during this stretch. He and Glover have traded places in the lineup at times during this playoff run, with Kambeitz slotting into eight of the AHL Canucks’ matches. 

Linus Karlsson

You won’t find many Abbotsford fans who aren’t familiar with Karlsson. The team’s leading scorer was acquired by the Canucks organization back in 2019, as he was traded to Vancouver from the San Jose Sharks in exchange for Jonathan Dahlén. Since signing his entry-level contract and joining Abbotsford in 2022, he has remained a staple in the team’s offence. 

Jujhar Khaira 

The newest member of the AHL Canucks, Khaira is no stranger to the province of BC. Originally from Surrey, Khaira spent NHL time with the Edmonton Oilers (who drafted him 63rd overall in 2012), Chicago Blackhawks, and Minnesota Wild before being traded to Abbotsford in the AHL this season. 

Danila Klimovich 

Klimovich was Vancouver’s first selection in the 2021 NHL Draft, going 41st overall. He joined Abbotsford the season after he was drafted and has spent the past four seasons with the AHL Canucks. His entry-level contract expires after next season. 

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Kirill Kudryavtsev 

Kudryavtsev was a seventh-round selection for Vancouver in the 2022 NHL Draft, but during his time with Abbotsford, he has looked much better than what his draft round would suggest. The defender signed his entry-level contract with the Canucks in 2023 but did not make his organizational debut until the 2024–25 season. 

Jonathan Lekkerimäki

Lekkerimäki was Vancouver’s first-round pick in the 2022 NHL Draft, going 15th overall. Highly touted as one of the organization’s top prospects, he made his Abbotsford debut in 2024, around a year after inking his entry-level contract. The 2024–25 season was his first full year with the AHL Canucks. 

Victor Mancini

Mancini may have one of the more popular acquisition stories on this list, as he was one of three pieces sent to Vancouver as part of the J.T. Miller trade from January 2025. While he initially reported to Abbotsford during the regular season, Mancini also spent 16 games with the Canucks throughout the back half of the season. His playoff efforts have made him one of the team’s more highly-coveted assets. 

Cole McWard

McWard joined the Canucks organization around the same time as Hirose and was also signed out of the NCAA. The defender played his first game for Abbotsford at the start of the 2023–24 season. Lineup shifts throughout the Calder Cup Playoffs have forced him out of a regular spot, but he has still played in 12 of the team’s games. McWard currently is not under contract for the 2025–26 season. 

Ty Mueller

Vancouver selected Mueller 105th overall in the 2023 NHL Draft. He signed his entry-level contract last March and joined Abbotsford for his rookie season a few months later. As a first-year player, Mueller has been lights-out for Abbotsford, even making his NHL debut at the tail end of Vancouver’s 2024–25 season. 

Tristen Nielsen

Nielsen, a product of BC hailing from Fort St. John and spending three seasons with the Vancouver Giants, has been with Abbotsford since the team’s inaugural season. He signed an entry-level contract with the Canucks organization in 2023 and will become an RFA at the end of the 2024–25 season. 

Aatu Räty

A member of the AHL Canucks for the past three seasons, Räty became part of the Canucks organization after Vancouver traded their former captain, Bo Horvat, to the New York Islanders. During the Calder Cup Playoffs, he has been sidelined on a couple of occasions due to injuries. Even so, he has still registered three points in six games played.  

Max Sasson

Another successful NCAA free agent signing, Sasson inked a deal with the Canucks in March of 2023 after two seasons at Western Michigan University. His first season with Abbotsford was in 2023, during which he played in seven regular season games and six playoff matches. Sasson will be an RFA at the end of Abbotsford’s playoff run. 

Artūrs Šilovs

The playoff hero in 2024 with Vancouver and in 2025 with Abbotsford, Šilovs was selected by the Canucks in 2019 with the 156th overall pick. He signed his entry-level contract in the same year and didn’t make his Abbotsford debut until the 2021–22 season. Since then, he has split time with both Vancouver and its AHL affiliate. 

Nate Smith

Smith was a recent Abbotsford signee, having joined the team after signing with the Canucks organization on the first day of the 2024 free agency period. He has played a big depth role for the AHL Canucks since his arrival, dressing for 20 of Abbotsford’s 22 games. If he remains without a contract by the time the season ends, he’ll become a group-6 UFA. 

John Stevens

While Stevens didn’t end up playing in any of Abbotsford’s Calder Cup Playoff games, he has been an instrumental part of their leadership group since joining the Comets in the 2019–20 season. He played 45 games in the 2024–25 regular season and scored four goals and 11 assists. 

Nikita Tolopilo

An undrafted goaltender, Tolopilo signed an entry-level contract in March of 2023 and made his AHL debut a few months after that. He has mainly split Abbotsford’s starts with Šilovs throughout this span. After Abbotsford’s playoff run, Tolopilo will be an RFA.  

Christian Wolanin

Wolanin is a seasoned NHL and AHL defenceman who ended up in Abbotsford after signing a one-year contract in July of 2022. After an impressive 55-point season, he was signed to a two-year extension that ends after this current season. As a key piece of the AHL Canucks’ defensive core for the past few years, it’s in the team’s best interest to keep Wolanin in their ranks. 

Jett Woo

A longstanding part of the Canucks organization, having been picked 37th overall by the team in 2018, Woo has spent time with Vancouver’s AHL affiliate since 2020. Since signing his entry-level contract in 2019, Woo has inked short-term, one-year deals with the team that drafted him. Like many others in the organization, he’ll be an RFA once the end of the season hits. 

Chase Wouters

Abbotsford’s captain since the 2022–23 season, Wouters joined the team in their inaugural year. Prior to this, he spent four seasons with the Saskatoon Blades, three of these as captain. He inked a new deal with Abbotsford in June of 2024 which is set to expire after the 2025–26 season. 

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Will 6-foot-5 goalie with ‘very good upside to be a No. 1' interest Flyers in draft? originally appeared on NBC Sports Philadelphia

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

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

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

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

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

After the Trevor Zegras trade, the Flyers are slotted to make 10 picks, including three first-rounders and three second-rounders. Their first-round selections will come at No. 6 (own pick), No. 22 (Sean Walker trade) and No. 31 (Oilers trade).

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

To wrap things up:

Joshua Ravensbergen

Position: Goalie
Height: 6-foot-5
Weight: 191
Catches: Right
Team: Prince George

Scouting report

Arguably the top goalie in the draft, Ravensbergen possesses ideal size and athleticism for the position. He looks very technical in net and seems to read the play well, giving himself a good chance to make saves.

The 18-year-old was tied for third this season among WHL goalies with 51 games played. He was named a finalist for the league’s goaltender of the year award, going 33-13-4 with a 3.00 goals-against average and .901 save percentage.

The season prior, Ravensbergen went 26-4-2 with a 2.46 goals-against average, .907 save percentage and six shutouts. He was even better in the playoffs, finishing 9-2-1 with a 1.98 goals-against average, .931 save percentage and three shutouts.

“Ravensbergen’s certainly a guy that has the upside potential,” Dan Marr, the vice president of NHL Central Scouting, said June 11 in a phone interview with NBC Sports Philadelphia. “I still think he’s finding his way as to what type of goaltender he’s going to be, but he’s someone, when you project, who has got a very good upside to be a No. 1 goalie in the NHL one day.

“But you know, defense is a tough position to master; goaltending can be even more difficult to master. So he’s working on it, he’s in a good situation where he plays most of the games. You want a goalie that plays games.”

Ravensbergen is the top-ranked North American goalie by NHL Central Scouting. He’s the 24th overall player on EliteProspects.com and No. 1 among goaltenders. TSN’s Bob McKenzie has Ravensbergen at 34th overall and also as the draft’s top netminder, while Button has him at No. 29 and as the second-ranked goalie.

“It’s kind of debatable who’s going to be the first goalie off the board because there are a couple of really high-end Russian goaltenders,” Marr, who worked in scouting and player development for over 20 years, said. “Drafting a goalie, it’s what your comfort level is; with the teams, I don’t think a goalie goes high, but a goalie could sneak into the first found. Every team will assess their depth at that position, their needs.”

Fit with Flyers

Ravensbergen could be a super interesting option for the Flyers if he’s available at No. 31.

The organization knows well that a team can never have enough goaltending depth in its system. The club is still searching for a franchise goalie and it would help to have another candidate in the prospect picture.

The Flyers didn’t take a goalie last summer, but they grabbed two in the first three rounds of the 2023 draft. They selected Carson Bjarnason in the second round and Egor Zavragin in the third. Both had good developmental seasons in 2024-25.

Considering that the Flyers have six picks in the opening two rounds of this draft, it wouldn’t be a bad time for them to snag a goalie again.

More targets

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

• D-man who ‘could end up being a trophy winner’ has compelling combo for Flyers

• Swedish center with ‘no holes to his game’ could be solid pick for Flyers

On Tuesday, Quebecers celebrated their national holiday, Saint-Jean-Baptiste. A day that has been eventful in Montreal Canadiens’ history, from the blockbuster in 2017 that was meant to solve the first center conundrum when Jonathan Drouin arrived in Montreal in return for Mikael Sergachev to Artturi Lehkonen’s Cup Final trip-clinching goal.

On that special day for the province, it felt like a good idea to list who would be featured on my Mount Rushmore of Quebec hockey players. Of course, the list cannot only include Tricolore players, but they do dominate. Without further ado and in no particular order, here we go.

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Maurice Richard

Any Mount Rushmore of Quebec-born players has got to include the Rocket. The original Richard was so much more than a hockey player; he was the idol of a people and the leader the province needed to undergo social and political changes. He empowered the people of Quebec to shine and excel in their fields. The first player to score 50 goals in 50 games, the Rocket now has a trophy named after him, which is awarded annually to the league’s top goal scorer. When he left the game, Richard was leading all players in career points with his 966 points in 978 games.

Mario Lemieux

It’s impossible not to put the Magnifique on this list. Lemieux is arguably the best player in history, and it’s impossible to know what heights he could have reached had he not had to deal with chronic back pain and cancer. When he hung up his skates for good, he had played 915 games and picked up 1723 points for a 1.88 point-per-game average, not far behind Wayne Gretzky’s 1.92 PPG average. In addition to being a fantastic player, Lemieux saved the franchise that drafted him, the Pittsburgh Penguins, twice. Once as a player and once as an owner, when you think of hockey in Pittsburgh, you think of Super Mario, even though it is now the home of Sid the Kid.

Patrick Roy

I may catch some flak for this one since Roy doesn’t lead the NHL in goalie wins, but I believe he was an absolute force on the ice, not just because of how well he played, but also because of his mental strength. There should be a picture of Roy next to the word “clutch” in the dictionary. To this day, Roy remains the only player in history to win the Conn Smythe Trophy as playoffs MVP for two different teams and to win it three times in four Stanley Cup wins, which demonstrates the significant contribution he made to those victories. Brodeur might have won three Cups, but he never was the playoffs' MVP. In his 1,029-game career, Roy has a 551-315-131 record. Furthermore, he led the Canadiens to their last two Stanley Cups; without his elite goaltending, Montreal would still be stuck on 22 Cups.

Guy Lafleur

I was torn here between Flower and Le Gros Bill, but Lafleur is the last absolute offensive superstar who wore the Sainte-Flanelle and was part of that Canadiens’ dynasty in the 1970s. When Beliveau skated into the sunset, Flower took over the torch, and although it took him a couple of years, he eventually held it high for all to see. In 1,126 games, Lafleur put up 1,353 points while Beliveau, in just one less game, put up 1,219 points. Perhaps I’m showing my age here, and I went with Lafleur because I was lucky enough to see him play; that’s a possibility, but just like Richard, Lafleur was the people’s idol. Unlike many players, he was always frank and ready to give his opinion, which is another reason why people loved him. Quebecer’s reaction to his death in April 2022 said it all…

Photo credit: Eric Bolte - Imagn Images

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The Rockford IceHogs have signed forward Brett Seney to a two-year deal, it was announced Monday. 

Seney, a 2015 sixth-round pick of the New Jersey Devils, spent the entire 2024-25 season with Rockford, putting up 10 goals and 29 assists for 39 points in 58 regular season games. With the IceHogs having made the playoffs, Seney got into seven games with the team and accumulated three points. 

Having turned pro at the end of the 2017-18 season, Seney has gotten into 66 career NHL regular season games with the Devils, Toronto Maple Leafs and the Chicago Blackhawks. In that span, he has scored six goals and added eight assists for 14 points. 

Having served as the captain of Rockford this past season, the organization clearly values Seney as someone who can help guide the younger players coming through the system while also still being an important contributor himself. Although it remains to be seen whether Seney will see another NHL game, he seems content in his role with the IceHogs and that is a good thing. 

With former Toronto Maple Leafs winger Mitch Marner set to hit the free agency market on July 1st, no one will be surprised to hear that the Vegas Golden Knights would like to clear some cap space to make a firm offer to the 28-year-old offensive dynamo. Since joining the NHL, Vegas has had a habit of going after the big game and getting their target. Just think about Jack Eichel or Max Pacioretty when the Montreal Canadiens wanted to trade them.

Vegas has no problem moving on from big names, either. Just remember how they got rid of Marc-Andre Fleury after he posted 36 wins, a 1.98 goals-against average, and a .928 save percentage just four years after rolling out the red carpet for him at the expansion draft.

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Canadiens: Bob McKenzie Final Draft Ranking Is In…

With their sights set on Marner, the Knights need to clear cap space. They currently $9,615,000 in projected cap space with 17 of their 23 roster players signed. Two players who could be good candidates to move are centers, which could potentially interest the Canadiens, even if they could be stop-gap solutions.

32-year-old left-shot center William Karlsson has two years left on his eight-year pact, which had a $5.9 M AAV. After producing 60 points in 70 games during the 2023-24 season, there was a significant dip in his production last season, when he could only pick up 29 points in 53 games playing primarily on the Knights’ third line alongside the likes of Brett Howden, Reilly Smith, and Alexander Holtz. The fact that he missed two months of action certainly didn’t help either.

His contract includes a modified no-trade clause, according to which he can provide a 10-team no-trade list. It’s conceivable that the Canadiens could be on that list, even if it is a short one. After all, not everyone wants to play North of the border.

The price tag on his acquisition shouldn’t be too high either, after all, the Knights need to clear cap space, so they’re unlikely to be after roster players, and they have more or less given players away in the past, as seen with Logan Thompson or Pacioretty, for instance. The Habs have plenty of draft picks and prospects to trade, while Vegas only has six picks in this week’s draft and five at next year’s and no first-round pick in either year. Meanwhile, Montreal has 12 this year and nine next season.

The other possibility, which would clear even more cap space for Vegas, would be to move Tomas Hertl. The 31-year-old is also a left-shot center and has five years left on a contract with a $6.75M cap hit. He was acquired by the Knights in March 2024 and had already signed that big contract with the San Jose Sharks before being traded. The central issue, aside from the higher cap hit, is that he has a full no-movement clause, so the Canadiens would need to convince him to waive it to acquire him.

Last season, Hertl put up 61 points in 73 games playing on Vegas’ second line, and he sounds like a player who has the talent necessary to get the best out of Ivan Demidov and perhaps even Patrik Laine. However, a sizable contract with a 31-year-old that still has six years to go is quite a commitment, and chances are, the pact would hurt in the long run.

While an aging veteran with a big contract may not be Kent Hughes’ plan A to shore up his top six, the reality is that the market is saturated by buyers right now. With so few sellers, there will be plenty of disappointed sides once Summer is over.

Photo credit:  Brian Bradshaw Sevald-Imagn Images

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If the Philadelphia Flyers wish to move up in the first round of the 2025 NHL Draft, the Los Angeles Kings have presented them a golden opportunity to do so.

With an aging cupboard of core players, the Los Angeles Kings have traded a number of draft picks in recent seasons for the purpose of adding win-now talent.

Without a second- or fourth-round pick in the 2025 draft, the Kings are actively looking for ways to move their first-round pick, 24th overall, to patch the holes.

The Flyers, who still have six picks in the first two rounds of the upcoming NHL draft even after the Trevor Zegras trade, are in pole position to take advantage of such an opportunity. In fact, the Kings themselves think this.

In a recent interview with Zach Dooley, Kings director of amateur scouting Mark Yannetti pegged the San Jose Sharks and the Flyers as two teams his club could strike a deal with for mutual benefit.

“If you look at movement scenarios, like moving from 24 to 25, you’re very limited in your movement scenarios at 24," opined Yannetti. "Ones that make sense might be San Jose and Philadelphia, especially, would make sense. You can have too many draft picks, people are starting to realize that I think. It used to be that more is better but you’re starting to see logjams."

Yannetti is right in this assessment, at least as far as the Flyers are concerned. Matvei Michkov, Owen Tippett, Travis Konecny, and Tyson Foerster all spent time playing on their off-wings at varying points last season.

“It makes sense for a team like Philly or San Jose to move, and this is just me reading a situation. It doesn’t mean that they believe the same thing, but it makes sense for me,” added Yannetti. “I think the majority of teams would say in eight picks, you know, 24 to 31 or 24 to 32 you’re losing a tier. So, while we’re giving up that tier potentially, if you’re taking a 40, 45, or 48, you’re making up for losing that tier with a much higher level guy than we’d get at 88.”

Flyers Scouting Top Russian Prospects Ahead of NHL DraftWith the 2025 NHL Draft now less than a week away, the Philadelphia Flyers are continuing their due diligence down at the Gold Star Hockey Development Camp in Florida, which runs until June 26.

Notably, 40, 45, and 48 are all picks the Flyers have or had; the 45th pick was dealt to the Anaheim Ducks in Monday's Zegras trade.

It sounds a lot like Yannetti has a deal with the Flyers in mind at some point this week, though it's something Philadelphia would only do if and when a player they covet slides within range of a hypothetical trade with the Kings.

And that can be difficult to assess, given the Flyers themselves pick just two picks earlier at 22.

It's worth adding that there's a marked chance a deal between the Flyers and Kings could come together at some point, given the recent trade history between the two teams.

The Flyers got a 2027 third-round pick from the Kings at the NHL trade deadline on March 7 in exchange for Andrei Kuzmenko, 50% salary retention, and a seventh-round pick in this year's draft.

A little less recently, back on June 6, 2023, the Flyers received Helge Grans, Sean Walker, Cal Petersen, and a 2024 second-round pick. Walker, of course, eventually yielded Philadelphia the 22nd overall pick in this year's draft by way of Colorado.

Flyers Draft 2025: Who Are the Best (and Worst) Trade-Up Targets for Philly?With seven picks in the first two rounds of the 2025 NHL Draft, the possibilities are endless for the Philadelphia Flyers. They could use all seven picks, trade up once, trade up twice, or even trade down like they did in 2024.

As for what the Flyers might have to trade the Kings for the 24th pick, the Montreal Canadiens acquired the 21st pick from L.A. in last year's draft in exchange for Nos. 26, 57, and 198. A value equivalent for the Flyers might be this year's 31st and 48th picks.

Who the Flyers might trade up for, and at what position, remains unclear. But what is clear is that the Kings are unusually publicly congenial about the possibility.

John Tavares has made it clear he wants to remain a member of the Toronto Maple Leafs, but the club and the player are reportedly struggling to find a middle ground on a fair contract. At market value, it’s been speculated that Tavares could fetch a 3-year, $7.5 million contract extension, much like his former New York Islanders teammate Brock Nelson just inked with the Colorado Avalanche. Alternatively, Matt Duchene's recent contract extension in Dallas, where the forward signed for just $4.5 million per season, offers a different perspective.

On the recent edition of  TSN's Insider Trading, Pierre LeBrun opined that a four-year deal at $5 million per season might be enough to get it done. While that apparently hasn’t happened yet, the Leafs should be looking at shoring up the position regardless, and perhaps Mikael Granlund could be the right fit.

Tavares, at his peak, was a No. 1 center, which is why he signed a seven-year, $77 million deal when he came to Toronto on July 1, 2018. While his value may have diminished as a 34-year-old, he scored 38 goals last season as Toronto’s second-center option behind Auston Matthews. While an elite offensive player, Tavares has never been known for his skating. He’s made up for this, especially in recent seasons, with a high hockey IQ. He particularly excels on the power play and in the faceoff circle, an area of his game that has only improved over time since he became a Leaf.

Maple Leafs and John Tavares Reportedly 'Not Close' on Extension Will John Tavares remain a member of the Toronto Maple Leafs after his contract expires? According to the latest from The Athletic’s Pierre LeBrun, it’s not looking like a sure thing. In his NHL rumblings column published on Saturday, LeBrun revealed that the two sides are not close on finalizing a contract extension.

Granlund, much like Tavares, entered the NHL with a high pedigree when he was selected 10th overall by the Minnesota Wild in the 2010 NHL Draft. Dubbed the "Finnish Army Knife" by Stars GM Jim Nill upon acquiring him from the San Jose Sharks in March, Granlund has proven his ability to be a cerebral playmaker who would fit well on a line with someone like William Nylander. Granlund and Tavares differ massively, however, on the penalty kill and at the faceoff dot. While Tavares has excelled in the circle, Granlund has struggled; conversely, Granlund has been the better defensive player and penalty killer. As the Leafs focus on better defensive play, that might tip things in Granlund’s favor.

To make an informed decision, the Leafs' management would need to weigh the distinct advantages and disadvantages of making such a change. Here’s a breakdown of what the team would lose and gain by swapping Tavares for Granlund:

How The Maple Leafs Can Add A Center This Summer To Fix Their Depth ProblemWhen the Toronto Maple Leafs glance into the free agency cupboard on July 1, they may only be left with a few choices at center.

What is Lost if Tavares Departs:

• Elite Faceoff Ability: The most significant and unavoidable loss would be at the faceoff dot. The team would go from having a top-5% faceoff specialist to a below-average one, resulting in a tangible loss of puck possession at every stoppage.
• Proven Goal Scoring: The team would lose a proven 30-35 goal scorer. Tavares's finishing ability, particularly from in close, is a reliable source of offense that would be difficult to replicate from that position.
• A Premier Power-Play Weapon: The first power-play unit would lose its premier net-front presence and one of the league's most effective finishers in that specific role.

Can Matt Duchene’s Extension Offer Clues For John Tavares’ Next Contract With The Maple Leafs? One of the few center options the Toronto Maple Leafs could've had in free agency is now off the market.

What is Gained if Granlund Replaces Tavares:

• Penalty Killing Contribution: The team would gain a top-six forward who can be a core member of the penalty kill. This is a significant addition that addresses a perennial area of need and improves the team's overall defensive structure.
• Positional Versatility: The team would gain a player who can seamlessly transition between center and wing, granting the coaching staff immense flexibility for in-game line adjustments, injury management, and matchup optimization.
• A High-End Playmaker: The team would add a high-end, pass-first playmaker whose primary instinct is to distribute the puck, potentially unlocking even greater offensive output from the team's elite goal-scorers.
• Improved Team Speed and Transition: While not an elite skater himself, Granlund's high-end hockey sense and responsible puck management could lead to a more fluid 5-on-5 transition game, helping to mitigate the notable skating deficiencies of the player he would be replacing.

Granlund is a free agent on July 1 and is coming off a four-year deal that carried an average annual value of $5 million. If the Leafs could sign both players, it would certainly go a long way toward addressing their center depth issues.

Former Maple Leafs Forward Alexander Mogilny Finally Inducted Into Hockey Hall Of Fame After Years Of SnubsFinally, after nearly two decades away from the game, former Toronto Maple Leafs forward Alexander Mogilny will be inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame. Hockey Legend Joe Thornton Becomes First-Ballot Hall Of Famer After 24 NHL Seasons, Including Maple Leafs StintFormer Toronto Maple Leafs forward Joe Thornton is a first-ballot Hall of Famer. Former Maple Leafs Forward Matt Martin Announces Retirement, Joins Islanders' Front OfficeFormer Toronto Maple Leafs forward Matt Martin is calling it a career.

NHL free agency opens on July 1, and UFAs will be in high demand. 

To that end, THN.com has been chronicling the free agents who will be available if they don’t sign with their current clubs. We began with the top defensemen on the market, followed by the top wingers available, the top centers and the top goalies. 

We now turn our attention to the other best 10 depth forwards who will be playing for the highest bidder next year. Let’s get to it, in alphabetical order:

Anthony Beauvillier, C, Washington Capitals

The 28-year-old Beauvillier is a journeyman now, playing for five teams in the past three seasons alone. He’s capable of providing 10 to 15 goals in a full season, but his 2024-25 salary of $1.25 million won’t be increased by much, if at all, making him a second- or third-tier option for teams seeking scoring depth in their bottom six forwards.

Connor Brown, RW, Edmonton Oilers

Brown was terrific for the Oilers this past season, generating 13 goals and 30 points in 82 games and another five goals and nine points in 20 playoff games while earning just $1 million. Edmonton no doubt wants the 31-year-old back, but there could be a minor bidding war for Brown’s services, and he may choose to depart for a team that offers him more money.

Jonathan Drouin, LW, Colorado Avalanche

Drouin was injured and limited to 43 games for the Avalanche, but he still managed to produce 11 goals and 37 points after putting up 19 goals and 56 points in 79 games in 2023-24. Thus, Drouin is in a position to get a raise on the $2.5 million he earned last year. The 30-year-old has a lot of solid hockey left in him, and on the right team and line, he can have a massive impact on the scoresheet.

Joel Kiviranta, LW, Colorado Avalanche

Kiviranta posted 16 goals in 79 games this past season, a career high for the 29-year-old Finn while making only $775,000. He won’t break the bank by any means on his next contract, but a team looking for a bargain investment could do much worse than signing Kiviranta, who will almost assuredly get at least $1 million next season. 

Steven Lorentz, LW, Toronto Maple Leafs

The 29-year-old Lorentz won a Stanley Cup with the Florida Panthers in 2023-24, and he followed that up with a very solid eight goals and 19 points in 80 games with the Leafs this past year. But you’re not signing Lorentz for his offense. Rather, it’s his physical play and abilities on defense that make him valuable, and that will give him a healthy raise on the $775,000 he earned last season.

Andrew Mangiapane, LW, Washington Capitals

In 2021-22, Mangiapane amassed 35 goals and 55 points for the Calgary Flames, setting himself up for the $5.8-million cap hit he’s earned for the past three seasons. Unfortunately, he hasn’t put up more than 17 goals in those three years, so while he still has potential be an effective depth scorer on Washington or elsewhere, Mangiapane’s asking price on a new contract will fall considerably. He may need to sign a prove-it deal.

Victor Olofsson, LW, Vegas Golden Knights

The Golden Knights are famous for churning and burning through talent, and the 29-year-old Olofsson, who generated 15 goals and 29 points in 56 games last season, could be moving on. Olofsson made only $1.075 million last year, but some teams will look at his offensive production with the Buffalo Sabres, for whom he posted a combined 48 goals and 89 points in two seasons from 2021-23, and give him a better payday than what he settled for with Vegas.

Brandon Saad, LW, Vegas Golden Knights

Saad was cut loose by the St. Louis Blues halfway through the 2024-25 campaign, but he signed with the Golden Knights for a pro-rated $1.5-million cap hit, and he amassed six goals and 14 points in 29 regular-season games. At 32 years old, Saad is in the back nine of his NHL career, but any team seeking depth on the wing will take a look at him and potentially offer him the same amount of money on a one- or two-year deal. 

James van Riemsdyk, LW, Columbus Blue Jackets

The 36-year-old van Riemsdyk is one of the elder statesmen of the NHL, and he’s bounced between three teams – the Philadelphia Flyers, Boston Bruins, and Blue Jackets – in the past three seasons. That said, van Riemsdyk put up a respectable 16 goals in 71 games with Columbus last year, and his salary of $900,000 likely won’t increase. He can still offer a decent-enough net-front presence and above-average finishing skills.

Brandon Tanev, LW, Winnipeg Jets

Tanev had a combined 10 goals and 22 points split between the Seattle Kraken and Jets this past year at a salary of $3.5 million. The 33-year-old is a bottom-six winger who can add grit and snarl to a team, but his salary is certainly going to drop. He may ultimately choose a team that gives him his best shot at a Cup rather than choosing a team based on the money he’s offered.

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