As the Philadelphia Flyers snoop for more ways to quietly improve their roster, one Dallas Stars forward has emerged as a potential trade target. He's just not Jason Robertson like everyone had hoped.
Rumors had previously surfaced that the Stars could trade Robertson, a former 100-point-scorer heading into the last year of his contract, to create cap space and flexibility down the road.
That may still be true, but a new report has suggested that the Flyers are interested in a different Stars forward of a lesser caliber, which would help Dallas towards its goal all the same.
According to Anthony Di Marco of Daily Faceoff, the Flyers are fans of Stars left winger Mason Marchment, a 6-foot-5 winger with 20 goals in consecutive seasons.
The 29-year-old has one year remaining on his contract with the Stars at a $4.5 million cap hit, which Dallas is presumably looking to shed to allocate funds elsewhere. Marchment has a 10-team no-trade list, according to PuckPedia.
"I have heard Marchment is a guy PHI likes. If they're looking to add size up front (which I believe they are) I wonder if they'll pursue him," Di Marco reported on his X account Wednesday afternoon.
Considering the Stars' salary cap pinch ($5 million to sign nine players) the Flyers could acquire Marchment at a relatively minimal cost. The two main questions are, of course, if the Flyers are on Marchment's no-trade list and if he'll stay beyond the 2025-26 season.
At 29 years old, Marchment is on the older side for the Flyers' roster, and Philadelphia may be better suited in the long-term giving guys like Jakob Pelletier, Nikita Grebenkin, or Alex Bump the NHL ice time rather than trading for Marchment for a year's worth of hockey.
Something else to consider is the possibility the Flyers flip Marchment to a contender at the NHL trade deadline, and being able to retain salary will give them the chance to earn the best possible return possible.
At the same time, the Flyers have only one retention slot available remaining due to the Scott Laughton and Kevin Hayes trades, so if they retain salary on a future Marchment deal, they won't be able to retain salary on further trades until the summer.
This is something that could potentially prohibit them from trading a player like Rasmus Ristolainen, for example, at some point next season.
If the Flyers trade for Marchment, he'll presumably slot into a top-nine role immediately, but management may want to make sure the former Panthers and Maple Leafs forward will stick around before rushing into any deals.
Marchment shares an agent, Paul Capizzano, with top Flyers defense prospect Oliver Bonk.
Panthers' Sam Bennett betting odds for next team officially come out with sizeable front runner ahead of the pack
After another bruising and productive postseason, Florida Panthers center Sam Bennett is gaining attention not just for his on-ice heroics but also for his uncertain future.
The 28-year-old has been a difference-maker in the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs, leading the league with 10 goals in 17 games to go with 6 assists, 58 shots, and a whopping 91 hits. He’s been instrumental during Florida’s Finals run, including a highlight-reel breakaway goal in Game 3 after delivering a thunderous hit to ignite the play.
This follows his 2024 playoff campaign where he produced 7 goals and 7 assists in 19 games during Florida's Cup win.
Over the past two postseasons, Bennett has racked up 17 goals and 13 assists in 36 games while playing a physical, agitating, and clutch brand of hockey. As a pending unrestricted free agent, teams across the league are watching closely—and sportsbooks are already lining up next-team odds for the rugged forward.
Betting Odds: Sam Bennett’s Next Team per FanDuel Sportsbook
The Panthers are the clear betting favorite to retain Bennett and for good reason. He's a perfect fit for Florida’s system with a fast and physical playstyle that works well in Paul Maurice's system and has proven to be successful in the playoffs. He’s already racked up a league-best 14 goals this postseason, including five goals over his last four games.
Florida has created a winning culture in a location that's very hard to beat with nice weather all year round and no-state tax that has allowed Bennett to keep more of his money. He's been vital to the success of the Panthers for the last three seasons and will likely be one of the main priorities for management this off-season.
Toronto Maple Leafs (+500)
A homecoming to Toronto is definitely a possibility as the Buds are desperately looking for playoff competitors with Bennett being one of the best in the league. Bennett’s grit and playoff prowess could be a massive addition to a Leafs team that has always struggled to close out series due to their stars failing to play at their best when it counts.
The Leafs could also benefit from his versatility as he's able to play center or wing. If Bennett is interested, Toronto will do everything they can to get him as they'll have extra cap space following the likely departure of Mitch Marner.
Vegas Golden Knights (+900)
The Golden Knights have built their identity on being aggressive with acquiring playoff-tested forwards like Bennett. If Vegas doesn’t retain all of its current free agents, there could be a roster and cap-space opening for a player with his unique blend of scoring touch and sandpaper that Vegas is known for as well as Florida. His game would mesh well with Bruce Cassidy’s system, particularly in heavy matchups.
Boston Bruins (+2200)
Boston has been on the hunt for a gritty forward who thrives in the playoffs and after last season's 33-39-10 record, they'll be looking to make some serious changes to get themselves back into playoff contention.
Bennett fits that bill of a Boston Bruin and could play the Charlie Coyle-style hybrid role up and down the lineup with his ability to play multiple positions. Cap gymnastics may be needed but the Bruins have a winning culture that is always enticing to free agents.
Los Angeles Kings (+2600)
The Kings are an intriguing dark horse. They have young, impactful centers but may look to add more physical edge and depth scoring. Edmonton disposed of LA for the fourth year in a row this postseason and could influence the Kings to try and make a serious move like bringing in Bennett.
If the Kings are looking to retool, his veteran presence could make sense—especially as a tone-setter on the road.
Ottawa Senators (+2600)
If Ottawa aims to accelerate its rebuild into playoff contention, a forward like Bennett makes sense. He brings experience and edge, and his Ontario roots might play well with fans and local interest. Still, the Sens would likely need to overpay to outbid a win-now contender.
Colorado Avalanche (+3400)
Colorado is a bit of a longshot considering their cap, but Bennett’s game has traits the Avs might appreciate, particularly his toughness, versatility, and postseason success.
He could slot in as a utility forward with significantly less pressure as he goes undercover behind their top stars like Nathan MacKinnon, Cale Makar and Gabriel Landeskog. Bennett would propel the Avalanche to potentially the best forward group in the NHL but it all depends on financial flexibility.
New York Rangers (+3400)
The Rangers have often lacked grit in the playoffs, and Bennett could help fix that. This season was a turbulent one in New York and they may be looking for a serious shakeup to the roster after closing in on a deal to send longtime Ranger Chris Kreider to the Ducks. Bennett's ability to draw penalties, create chaos, and contribute timely goals could complement New York’s elite skill players they already have in Mika Zibanejad and Artemi Panarin.
Vancouver Canucks (+3400)
Vancouver’s deep run last season showed they’re on the cusp. But after a dramatic season with locker room problems and losing a key player in J.T. Miller, they could be looking to add another big ticket winger that could help the Canucks back into the playoff picture.
Adding a playoff-tested player like Bennett would bring edge and scoring, especially on a team needing consistency from their forward group. The Canucks’ cap situation is tight, but if they create space, Bennett could thrive there.
New Jersey is building a dynamic core but could use some grit and playoff experience up front. Bennett could be an anchor on a line with younger talent, helping push the team further in the playoffs.
Detroit Red Wings (+3700)
Detroit’s slow but steady progress makes them a sleeper pick for Bennett. The Red Wings lack playoff seasoning as their roster is still very young and bringing in a player of Bennett's caliber could help them into the playoffs after just barely missing out the last two seasons.
Bennett could be a stabilizing two-way player in their top six, mentoring younger forwards with his playoff experience. Still, Detroit would be required to go all-in for a player like Bennett and they may not have enough cap space to make the move.
St. Louis Blues (+3700)
The Blues had he identity of a gritty, phyical team when they won the Stanley Cup back in 2019 and still today, they work well with forwards like Bennett. His gritty style fits their mold, and he’d be a solid piece in a team on the rise as the Blues are almost complete with their retooling phase. St. Louis may have some big upcoming contracts like keeping Jordan Kyrou and Robert Thomas for the rest of their careers which may limit the feasibility with the cap.
Buffalo is improving, but remains far from playoff contention. GM Kevyn Adams has been vocal about how aggressive the Sabres will be this off-season as their players are begging for a chance to play in meaningful games. Bennett would be a major asset for Buffalo as a locker-room leader, playoff performer and a cornerstone piece for a hopeful contender in the future. The Sabres have cap space, but it’s unlikely Bennett would choose a non-contender unless he's paid handsomely.
Anaheim Ducks (+4500)
Anaheim’s odds are long for a reason. While Bennett would provide leadership and energy, the Ducks are rebuilding and likely won’t be a competitive team in the near term. Like the Sabres, GM Pat Verbeek spoke out about wanting to be agressive this off-season and made the bold proclamation that he wants Anaheim back in the playoffs next season.
Bennett would be a key player in getting the Ducks back in contention and excel when getting there. He’d also be a solid mentor for a young roster, but it’s a fit better suited for a veteran on a long-term deal—something Bennett may not seek.
Playoff fact: You almost always win Stanley Cups on the strength of the play of your star players.
Also playoff fact: You also win Stanley Cups when your depth players are difference-makers as well.
The Florida Panthers choked off the head of the snake so well in Game 3 of the Stanley Cup final that the Edmonton Oilers' duo of Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl was limited to two shot attempts. That might be difficult for the Panthers to repeat, but with home-ice advantage and the last change, they'll have the opportunity to get the players they want out on the ice against the Oilers' stars.
Aleksander Barkov, Matthew Tkachuk and Sam Reinhart aren't exactly lighting the world on fire themselves, but the likes Brad Marchand, Sam Bennett, Anton Lundell and Nate Schmidt have been lights-out.
It's time for the likes of Evander Kane, Connor Brown, Viktor Arvidsson and John Klingberg to do the same.
Watch today's video column for more, and share your thoughts.
The volume was turned up inside Amerant Bank Arena for Game 3 of the Stanley Cup Final.
A total of 19,863 fans packed inside the Sunrise hockey barn to see their Florida Panthers battle the Edmonton Oilers in what was a tied series entering the contest.
It didn't take long for Florida to get their fans going, as Brad Marchand scored a goal 56 seconds into the game that had the building rocking.
That turned out to only be the beginning.
Hard Rock Bet had someone inside the building with a sound meter, checking to see how loud the crowd would get at different points of the game.
For the most part, the loudest moments saw the decibel levels somewhere between 100 and 110
At different points, the meter was running while Panthers fans were chanting Oilers goalie Stuart Skinner's name, while Miami Heat star Bam Adebayo was banging the pregame drum and during an intermission performance from worldwide entertainment star D.J. Khaled.
But the loudest the building got all night, according to the meter, was after Sam Bennett scored a breakaway goal during the second period.
According to the sound meter, the decibel level reached a whopping 130.9 dB.
The goal put the Panthers up 4-1 at the time. They would go on to win 6-1 and take a two games to one lead in the best-of-seven series.
Perhaps it was the buildup to the goal that helped the crowd get so loud.
Bennett had almost half the ice to skate down before scoring the goal, and in those couple of seconds, you could both hear and feel the crowd building to a potential crescendo.
It was an incredibly cool moment to be part of in a night that was full of them.
Florida beat down the Oilers in Game 3, and Edmonton's players seemed perfectly happy to engage and instigate much of the physical hostilities that came during the latter stages of the night.
How much of that bleeds over into Game 4 remains to be seen.
Regardless, it should be another loud night at the Cats' home barn.
Photo caption: Jun 9, 2025; Sunrise, Florida, USA; Florida Panthers forward Sam Bennett (9) scores against Edmonton Oilers goaltender Stuart Skinner (74) during the second period in game three of the 2025 Stanley Cup Final at Amerant Bank Arena. (Jim Rassol-Imagn Images)
The NHL Scouting Combine is over, yet there is still no consensus on how the top 10 of the 2025 NHL Draft should go. However, based on what has been reported, it is fair to assume that certain teams may be headed down a specific path.
Are the New York Islanders going to trade down from one? Will the Chicago Blackhawks move their pick up or down? What are the San Jose Sharks doing? All of these questions will be answered on June 27th, 2025.
The Blackhawks are almost certainly drafting a forward. The only defenseman going in the top six is Matthew Schaefer, who likely won’t even be there when Chicago comes up to pick. The assumption is that Michael Misa will also be unavailable at that time.
That leaves four forwards for Chicago to realistically consider unless something unexpected happens in the top two. Most could play center, but some may be better wingers in the long term. The Blackhawks need both.
This is how they stack up against each other after the combine:
1. James Hagens
At the start of the 2024-25 season, it felt like James Hagens was a lock to be the number one overall pick in the 2025 NHL Draft. Now, unless someone stuns, he likely won’t go higher than third and could even slip to the lower half of the bottom ten.
Hagens dominated with the USNTDP before this year. At Boston College, he had a good year, but more was expected from him. He wasn't Macklin Celebrini who won the Hobey Baker as a freshman a year prior, so he started to slip.
The problem is that college hockey is becoming a harder league than the CHL. If Hagens wanted to have 150 points playing there, he could have. That also would have likely locked him into being the first overall pick. Instead, he took Will Smith’s spot at BC and played well between Ryan Leonard and Gabe Perreault on the top line.
Hagens was also a top player on Team USA’s World Juniors team that went on to win the Gold Medal. No matter what, he's been noticeable.
This is a smaller player, which doesn’t help his case to be selected higher. However, there are plenty of young, smaller offensive stars in the league like Jack Hughes, Cole Caufield, and Logan Cooley. Although the Blackhawks already have some smaller forwards like Connor Bedard and Frank Nazar, passing on Hagens may fill them (and a lot of other teams) with regret one day.
2. Porter Martone
If Kyle Davidson sees a lot of these guys having the same ceiling, then the tie breaker could work in Porter Martone’s favor if the way he plays is something Chicago’s brass likes.
Martone is a big, physical power forward who will create time and space for himself and others in the NHL. Specifically, it is easy to picture Martone on a line with Connor Bedard, a smaller center.
Connor Bedard needs to shoot the puck more, and a player like Martone will help give him more room to do that. He can also score himself, which also makes him a good match for Bedard, who is an underrated playmaker.
Matthew Tkachuk is a comparison at the highest level for Martone. If he became that type of bruiser who could also have 80+ points consistently, that would be just what the Hawks need.
If Davidson is confident in his stance that Bedard and Nazar are true centers, Martone could be a home run draft pick.
3. Caleb Desnoyers
Caleb Desnoyers is the truest center in the 2025 NHL Draft. Think of guys like Sasha Barkov, Nico Hischier, or Anthony Cirelli. To predict that he will be as good as those guys is unfair, but he plays the same two-way style of game as they do.
Chicago is lacking centers like that in the organization. Connor Bedard and Frank Nazar will make their money in the offensive zone, so having a guy like Desnoyers around would go a long way, assuming he reaches his potential in the NHL.
His offensive ceiling might not be as high as a guy like Hagens or Martone, but his play in all three zones makes him worth considering with this draft pick.
4. Anton Frondell
Anton Frondell is similar to Caleb Desnoyers. He plays a strong two-way game that may allow him to become a good second-line center in the NHL. You know that you’re going to get an honest effort from him on every shift.
Frondell has a notable one-time shot and can shoot the puck with a little extra juice. Being Swedish gets him compared to other European stars from around the NHL, largely due to his production overseas this last season.
Like every other player in this class, there is a bit of risk associated with taking Frondell. However, he has the skills (and proven production in big-time leagues) to become a star in the National Hockey League. At minimum, he should be able to carve out a role on a good team.
These guys could go in any order, and one of them could even be selected in the top two. Anything is possible, but this is the way they should be ranked going in based on what we know following the scouting combine.
Yesterday, former San Jose Sharks head coach Bob Boughner landed a new job in the NHL as an assistant coach with the New York Islanders, joining Ray Bennett, who was also hired by the team. Boughner will work under Islanders head coach Patrick Roy as they look to turn the franchise around.
During his time with the Sharks, Boughner posted a record of 67-85-23. He was originally named interim coach after Pete DeBoer was fired and went on to spend three seasons as head coach from 2020 to 2022 before being let go.
He previously served as an assistant coach with the Sharks from 2015 to 2017, before leaving to become the head coach of the Florida Panthers. After being fired from that role, he returned to San Jose.
For the past three seasons, Boughner was the associate coach with the Detroit Red Wings, working under both Derek LaLonde and Todd McLellan.
He’ll have his work cut out for him with the Islanders. After a disappointing season that ended early, the team landed the first overall pick in the 2025 NHL Draft and now has a chance to reshape its future. Boughner will be a key part of that process on Roy’s coaching staff as they look to get the Islanders back into the playoffs.
Connor McDavid’s struggles on the road in Florida are frustrating fans and costing bettors big.
The Edmonton Oilers captain garners a lot of the attention from opposing defences yet most of the time, McDavid finds a way to get the puck in the back of the net. This has pushed sportsbooks to list the Newmarket native's betting props at absurd heights with McDavid being listed at over/under 1.5 points before every game.
Across five road playoff games in Florida between this season's finals and last, he has managed two goals and three assists but what’s more revealing is that at even strength, he’s contributed three of the five total points. McDavid has been held off the scoresheet entirely in three of those five contests, marking an unexpectedly quiet stripe for a player of his caliber.
This postseason, McDavid continues to dial up the production on the whole. He leads the NHL playoffs with 31 points, built from six goals and 25 assists in 19 games. In the first two games of the Stanley Cup Final, he was sensational with three assists, including one that was a highlight reel play, where he deked past Florida's Aaron Ekblad and Aleksander Barkov before dishing the puck to a wide open Leon Draisaitl.
The stark contrast between McDavid’s overall dominance and his Florida road performances is palpable and carries real weight for betting angles. His road output in Sunrise underperforms in terms of what his betting odds are: just five points in five games, and invisible in three of them.
If you’re weighing bets like Anytime Goalscorer or point props for McDavid in Florida, the numbers suggest that those wagers are far from lock-ins. He has multiple points in five of his ten career playoff games against Florida, meaning even at home his odds to land his listed over 1.5 points we can't bank on. When making a parlay for Game 4 on Thursday, I would consider looking to a different player.
The Boston Bruins are loaded with valuable picks in the 2025 NHL Draft, giving them a great opportunity to bolster one of the league’s worst prospect pools with some high-end talent.
After finishing with the fifth-worst record in the league this past season, the Bruins landed the No. 7 overall pick in the draft lottery. It’s the first top-10 pick for the Bruins since 2011 when they selected No. 9 overall (Dougie Hamilton) to complete the Phil Kessel trade with the Toronto Maple Leafs.
The Bruins traded their 2025 second-round pick two years ago when they acquired Dmitry Orlov and Garnet Hathaway from the Washington Capitals ahead of the 2023 trade deadline. But after making a bunch of moves at the 2025 trade deadline, Boston acquired two second-rounders for this draft. The B’s also own one pick in each of the remaining five rounds for a total of eight selections overall.
It remains to be seen whether the Bruins will keep all of these 2025 picks or trade any of them.
The last time the Bruins made a first-round pick in back-to-back years was 2016 and 2017. The last time they picked in the first and second rounds of the same draft was 2017. Boston has not made multiple second-round picks in the same draft since 2015.
It’ll be fascinating to see how Bruins general manager Don Sweeney manages his team’s draft capital.
“It’s always going to be what’s best for the organization. We’re in a unique position this year drafting in the top 10,” Sweeney said at a press conference Tuesday when asked about his team’s draft picks. “We haven’t been there for a significant amount of time. We’re excited about that. We have two second-round picks. Two first-round picks the following year. We’ve been an aggressive organization. Whether you want to point out fault in regards to trying to win and accomplish the ultimate goal, that’s what we’re here for.
“We will use the draft capital and try to improve our hockey club this year and moving forward in every capacity possible. It might be making the selection, but it won’t mean that we aren’t having conversations that say, ‘How do we improve our hockey club today and moving forward?’”
Here’s a list of all the Bruins’ picks in the 2025 draft (updated as of June 11, via Tankathon).
Early mock drafts present two exciting talents that the Red Wings are expected to select with their first-round pick.
The 2025 NHL Draft is fast approaching, set to begin in just over two weeks at the Peacock Theater at L.A. Live in Los Angeles. The first round will take place on June 27, with rounds two through seven scheduled for the following day, June 28.
Holding the 13th overall selection, the Detroit Red Wings are once again in position to add a key piece to their rebuild. Speculation around their potential pick is already heating up, with draft analysts offering early projections. NHL.com’s deputy managing editor Adam Kimelman and senior draft writer Mike G. Morreale have each made their predictions, listing off two highly sought-after prospects as likely targets for Detroit. Both players are considered top-tier talent and would bring significant upside to a Red Wings team still building toward long-term contention.
Eklund, 18, is a Swedish winger, who is coming off a great season for Djurgårdens IF in HockeyAllsvenskan, Sweden’s second-tier professional hockey league. He managed 19 goals and 12 assists for 31 points over 42 regular-season games in one of the most competitive leagues in all of Europe. He added to his success with another seven points in 16 playoff games.
In early prospect rankings, he is widely regarded as one of the top prospects in the 2025 NHL Draft class with some experts like The Hockey News' Tony Ferrari, who has Eklund listed as the fourth-best player available.
His development has been closely followed due to his consistent performance at Sweden's national teams, including runs where he proved he can be a difference maker like when he recorded four goals and two assists in seven games, helping Sweden earn a bronze medal at the 2024 IIHF World U18 Championship. He followed up the performance with a strong showing the following year with a pair of goals and four assists across 7 games.
NHL Central Scouting ranks him first among European skaters, and The Hockey Writers and TSN analyst Bob McKenzie have both placed him in the top 10 overall, between sixth and ninth picks. Hockey runs in Eklund’s blood as his father, Christian Eklund, played professionally for Djurgårdens IF, and his older brother William Eklund is a highly regarded prospect who was drafted in the seventh overall back in 2021 by the San Jose Sharks.
Carter Bear - Everett Silvertips
Bear, 18, showed a lot of promise with the Silvertips this past season, recording 40 goals and 42 assists for an astonishing 82 points in just 56 games. The Winnipeg native's season was derailed however, as he suffered a brutal Achilles injury in early March that ended his season. Insiders have noted Bear is ahead of schedule in his recovery and expects to be fully healthy for NHL training camps.
In early prospect rankings, he is widely regarded as one of the top prospects in the 2025 NHL Draft class with some experts like The Hockey News' Tony Ferrari, who have Bear listed as the seventh-best player available.
Bear hasn't yet had the chance to represent his country on the international stage like Eklund, but he's found success everywhere he's played, racking up 139 points in 123 games with Everett over the past two seasons.
The young forward has been elevated to an 'A' rating by NHL Central Scouting, alluding to the fact that Bear should be a first-round round. Analysts like Steven Ellis have highlighted Bear as the biggest riser in recent rankings, noting his high compete level and well-rounded game.
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The 2024-25 NHL season is quickly coming to a close.
July 1, officially the first day of a new season, is fast approaching and that means that contracts will be ending too.
There's two different kinds of statuses for players at the conclusion of a contract: unrestricted free agents (UFAs) and restricted free agents (RFAs).
UFAs are free to negotiate with any team once that July 1 date rolls in, but RFAs are restricted to the team that holds their rights. There's a little more nuance to it all, but that's pretty much the jist of it.
The Carolina Hurricanes don't have any main roster RFAs this season, but there are a handful of prospects who are finishing out their ELCs or extensions.
Here are a list of those players under team control who will either be in need of new deals or will be let go:
Ryan Suzuki
24, C 12g, 59pts, 69gp (AHL) Last Contract: 1 year, $775,000 (Arbitration Eligible - QO $814,000)
The 2019 first-round pick finally got to make his NHL debut this season, appearing in two games for the Canes.
Suzuki was an AHL All-Star as well this season for the Chicago Wolves and managed another very successful season not marred by injuries.
25, C 16g, 24pts, 68gp (AHL) Last Contract: 1 year, $775,000 (Arbitration Eligible)
The son of Hurricanes coach Rod Brind'Amour, Skyler signed a one-year, two-way deal with Carolina last season after mutually terminating a deal with the Florida Panthers/Charlotte Checkers. He was drafted in 2017 by the Edmonton Oilers.
Brind'Amour made his NHL debut at the end of the regular season and even scored his first career goal.
After being acquired by the Hurricanes as part of the Jake Guentzel deal, Smith signed a one-year extension with Carolina and was a solid depth piece for the team.
He was good at the AHL level and filled in for a few games at the NHL level when needed.
23, LHD 9g, 32pts, 67gp (AHL) Last Contract: 2 years, $925,000 (Arbitration Eligible)
The 2019 third-round defenseman had a good sophomore season in the American League, putting up career numbers, all while being a key piece for the Wolves in all situations.
Fensore earned an NHL callup at the end of the regular season and looked comfortable in the minutes he was awarded.
22, LHD 3g, 10pts, 69gp (AHL) Last Contract: 3 years, $810,000
The 2020 seventh-round pick took a bit of a step back offensively this season, but continues to be a strong defensive piece at the American League level.
Anttoni Honka
24, RHD 8g, 21pts, 42gp (NL - Swiss League) Last Contract: 3 years, $836,667 (Arbitration Eligible)
The offensive defenseman has not played in the American Hockey League for two seasons now, having been loaned out to Europe in each of the past two years.
He was drafted in the third-round of the 2019 draft.
Yaniv Perets
25, G 0.921 Sv%, 27gp (ECHL) / 0.846 Sv%, 4gp (AHL) / 0.857 Sv%, 1gp (NHL) Last Contract: 2 years, $805,000 (Arbitration Eligible)
Perets signed with the Hurricanes following his NCAA title-winning season in 2023.
He's struggled to keep up at the AHL level, but found success in the ECHL this season.
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The Pittsburgh Penguins need to improve the left side of their defense this off-season. Because of this, they have been connected to Vegas Golden Knights defenseman Nicolas Hague. However, the Penguins are reportedly not the only team in the mix for the big blueliner.
According to The Fourth Period, the Montreal Canadiens, Philadelphia Flyers, and Detroit Red Wings are also among the teams with interest in Hague.
With Hague being a 6-foot-6, 25-year-old defenseman, it is understandable that multiple teams would love to bring him in from Vegas. NHL clubs will forever value big, stay-at-home defenseman, so it is easy to see why he is a very hot commodity on the trade market right now.
When looking at the Penguins' roster, it is no secret that they could use a defenseman like Hague on their left side. He would provide them with a steady shutdown defenseman for their top four, which is undoubtedly a major need. In addition, he would be a clear choice for their penalty kill as well.
It will be interesting to see if the Penguins end up winning the Hague sweepstakes this off-season, but there is no question that they have some competition to do so.
The Athletic's James Mirtle generated some buzz earlier this week, reporting the Toronto Maple Leafs and Vegas Golden Knights discussed a three-team blockbuster with the Carolina Hurricanes that would've sent Mitch Marner to Vegas before the March trade deadline.
Following the deadline, it was reported that the Leafs and Hurricanes talked about a swap of Marner for Mikko Rantanen, but Marner declined to waive his no-movement clause. The Hurricanes instead shipped Rantanen to the Dallas Stars at the deadline.
The Hockey News' Nick Barden wrote that Marner returning to the Leafs is possible, but it feels unlikely. That means many clubs could be getting ready to try to sign him.
Mirtle cited reports claiming the Golden Knights have been interested in Marner for a while, including trade talks last summer. They lack the cap space to sign the 28-year-old right winger if he goes to market on July 1, with a projected $9.6 million available with 18 active roster players under contract.
Mirtle suggested they could free up room by trading William Karlsson, but Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman reported sources around the league believe he's not available. Meanwhile, Steve Simmons of the Toronto Sunreported there are some around the league who believe defenseman Alex Pietrangelo ($8.8-million cap hit) could end up on long-term injured reserve for the remaining two years of his contract.
If Pietrangelo goes on LTIR, it would give Vegas over $18 million in wiggle room to pursue Marner. However, there's no confirmation that the veteran blueliner's playing days are over.
Meanwhile, Nick Kypreos of the Toronto Starclaimed Nicolas Hague could become a cost-cutting candidate for the Golden Knights. He's an RFA with arbitration rights this summer and is a year from UFA eligibility. The 26-year-old defenseman completed a three-year deal with an average annual value of $2.294 million.
Kypreos claimed the Montreal Canadiens and Pittsburgh Penguins were “hot on the trail” for the 6-foot-6, 240-pound Hague. However, Marc Dumont of Montreal Hockey Now doesn't think he moves the needle for the Canadiens.
The Golden Knights could move Hague if unable to reach an agreement on a long-term deal. However, if Pietrangelo's career could be over, they might want to hang onto him rather than further deplete their blueline depth.
Meanwhile, the Marco Rossi trade speculation keeps rolling along. Contract talks between the 23-year-old RFA center and the Minnesota Wild are reportedly stalled, raising the possibility he'll become an offer-sheet target if the Wild don't sign or trade him before July 1.
NESN's Jay Pritchard thinks the Boston Bruins should consider acquiring Rossi, who is coming off a 60-point season. He believes his youth, skill and upside would make him a good fit with the Bruins.
Bruins GM Don Sweeney could be watching the Rossi situation. He has over $26 million in cap space next season with 14 active roster players under contract.
Rossi reportedly seeks a seven-year deal worth $7 million annually. That would be a significant investment for the Bruins on a promising player from another club who has not yet fully established himself as a top-six center.
Before signing a six-year, $65.4 million contract extension with the Toronto Maple Leafs in 2019, there was reportedly a chance that then-restricted free agent Mitch Marner could've inked an offer sheet with the Columbus Blue Jackets.
According to The Athletic's Aaron Portzline, Marner's agent, Darren Ferris, and former Blue Jackets GM Jarmo Kekäläinen, "at least discussed" inking the now-28-year-old forward to an offer sheet before Toronto signed him just after training camp got underway.
"The Jackets, under then-general manager Jarmo Kekäläinen, were desperate to show the world there could be life after Bread and Bob, but they would need some high-level reinforcements to make that happen. And they did, in fact, go big-game hunting that summer," Portzline reported.
"To this day, it’s hard to say how serious the talks were between the Blue Jackets and Toronto Maple Leafs star forward Mitch Marner, then a 22-year-old restricted free agent."
Portzline adds that the Blue Jackets, under GM Don Waddell, could take another swing at Marner on July 1 and offer him a contract which would make him the highest-paid player in the NHL, "if that's what it took to secure him."
It's yet another report to surface about the Toronto forward who appears destined to test the open market this summer. Since July 1 last year, Marner has had the chance to negotiate and sign an extension with the Maple Leafs, but hasn't done so, and won't even say he wants to return to Toronto.
"Always loved my time here," said the forward during locker cleanout day, in what could be the final team he speaks to the media as a Maple Leaf. "Like I said to you guys the other night, I've been so grateful. I haven't processed anything yet. It's still so fresh."
Other reports that have surfaced since the season concluded include a three-team trade in March, which could've seen Marner land with the Vegas Golden Knights while Toronto received Mikko Rantanen from the Carolina Hurricanes.
"Theoretically, the Leafs would have received Mikko Rantanen while the Golden Knights got Marner and sent something to Carolina," The Athletic's James Mirtle reported.
Earlier this month, Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman reported on 32 Thoughts that the Maple Leafs and Golden Knights discussed a Marner trade last summer. However, talks reportedly died down after Toronto asked for defenseman Shea Theodore, who Vegas wasn't willing to give up.
"I heard [Vegas] told people, 'You wanna watch Shea Theodore? You can buy a ticket to watch him play for us,'" Friedman said on 32 Thoughts earlier this month. "And they followed through on their word."
And finally, there was the report following the trade deadline, where Toronto asked Marner to waive his no-move clause to go to the Hurricanes in exchange for Rantanen. In the days following the deadline, Maple Leafs GM Brad Treliving addressed the report following a practice in Utah.
"We're aligned with Mitch. We're worried about this season, we're worried about the games we have coming up," Treliving said. "We want Mitch here for a long time."
A few days later, Marner admitted he felt something could occur leading into the trade deadline.
"I wasn’t focused on it," he said. "But, yeah, I’m here to play hockey with this team, like I said, and I’m focused with this team, and that’s what I can tell you."
According to Sportsnet's Nick Kypreos, Toronto's final offer to the Hurricanes included prospects Fraser Minten and Easton Cowan, along with two first-round picks. Kypreos added that the Maple Leafs were even comfortable offering Rantanen a contract worth $105 million over eight years.
Ultimately, the Maple Leafs moved Minten and two picks, including a 2026 first-rounder, to the Boston Bruins in exchange for Brandon Carlo. Toronto also added Scott Laughton at the deadline for Nikita Grebenkin and a conditional first-round pick.
Marner finished the regular season with 27 goals and 75 assists for 102 points in 81 games, the first time he's broken the 100-point threshold in the NHL. The forward, who's played alongside Auston Matthews for most of his career, scored two goals and 11 assists in 13 playoff games.
If this is indeed the end for Marner and the Maple Leafs, the forward finishes his career fifth all-time on the team's point list (741 points in 657 games), fifth in the club's all-time playoff points (63 points in 70 postseason games), and fourth in assists (520).
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Colorado Avalanche defenseman Cale Makar is the 2024-25 Norris Trophy winner, the NHL announced on Wednesday.
The voting results were heavily one-sided in Makar’s favor. The Avs' blueliner earned 176 first-place votes and accumulated 1,861 voting points. He had 595 more voting points than Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman Zach Werenski, the first runner-up.
Only three blueliners received first-place votes by the Professional Hockey Writers Association: Makar, Werenski (13) and Vancouver Canucks captain Quinn Hughes (2).
Hughes was the defending champion of the award but was injured for part of this season, hindering his chances of being the first player to win the award in two consecutive seasons since Niklas Lidstrom in 2008.
The 26-year-old was surprised with the trophy during a round of golf with his friends in Calgary, his hometown. After playing 11 rounds, the group stopped at Makar’s parents’ home, where they were waiting for him with the Norris.
Makar finished the regular season with 30 goals and 92 points, a career high in both categories. He’s also the first defenseman to finish in the top 10 of the NHL’s point leaders since Brent Burns with the San Jose Sharks in 2016-17. Burns had 29 goals and 76 points in that campaign.
The Colorado blueliner finished second on the team in points and goals behind Nathan MacKinnon’s 116 points and 32 tallies in the regular season.
A second Norris Trophy adds to what is already an impressive career with all the silverware Makar has brought home over the years. In addition to being the defenseman of the year twice, he also has a Calder Trophy, a Conn Smythe and a Stanley Cup. He has earned all these honors before turning 27 years old.
A few other D-men received second-place votes, including Winnipeg Jets’ Josh Morrissey with five votes. The Tampa Bay Lightning’s Victor Hedman and Dallas Stars’ Thomas Harley received one second-place vote each.
Calder Trophy winner and Montreal Canadiens rookie Lane Hutson appeared on this list. He earned 42 points, finishing ninth in the vote. He finished higher than Jake Sanderson, Evan Bouchard and former Norris Trophy winner Adam Fox.
Last postseason, he found himself seated in the Winnipeg Jets' press box as a healthy scratch more often than not.
This year, he's leading all defencemen in scoring in the Stanley Cup Final and has as many points as superstar Connor McDavid through the first three games of the final.
It is safe to say that veteran blueliner Nate Schmidt has found a comfortable home in Florida. He quarterbacks the second power play unit and has redeveloped a strong bond with his now two-time head coach Paul Maurice.
And more importantly, he's looking to buck an ugly trend.
Breaking into the league with the Washington Capitals, the highly-offensive Schmidt spent four seasons skating alongside Alex Ovechkin and Co., before being left unprotected at the 2017 NHL Expansion Draft, where the Vegas Golden Knights selected him from the Capitals' roster.
It just so happened that Washington won the Stanley Cup the very next season, without Schmidt.
He spent the next three years in Vegas, before joining Vancouver for one season. He was dealt to Winnipeg in the offseason in 2021, to which he played out most of his contract, before having the Jets buy him out last offseason.
But during his time in Winnipeg, it was another group of his former teammates that won the Cup, as Vegas celebrated with Stanley in the spring of 2023.
This time around, he is hoping for a different result: to be a part of the winning roster.
He has five assists in three Cup Final outings, including two multi-point efforts, while holding down important roles on the Panthers' special teams.
A long-lasting relationship with Coach Maurice also helps his case - something he didn't seem to have under the coaching of Rick Bowness in Winnipeg. Colin Miller and Logan Stanley earned considerable ice time over Schmidt in 2023-24 - both of which were factors leading to his dead cap hit this past season.
Florida own a 2-1 series lead over Edmonton in the Stanley Cup Final, to which Game 4 is set to be played on Thursday evening.
