The roar inside Joe Louis Arena on May 16, 1996, still echoes through hockey history. In a tense, scoreless Game 7 between the Detroit Red Wings and St. Louis Blues, captain Steve Yzerman delivered one of the most unforgettable goals the NHL has ever seen.

Deep into double overtime, with every shot carrying the weight of an entire season, Yzerman gathered a loose puck near center ice after a neutral-zone turnover by Wayne Gretzky.

The Red Wings captain crossed the blue line and unleashed a blistering slapshot from nearly sixty feet away, a seemingly harmless attempt that suddenly rocketed past Blues goaltender Jon Casey and exploded into the top of the net.

Yzerman flew through the air in celebration as the Red Wings escaped with a 1-0 victory, winning the series and preserving Detroit’s Stanley Cup hopes in dramatic fashion. What made the moment even more remarkable was how unexpected it felt as only moments earlier, Casey had robbed Sergei Fedorov on a dazzling point-blank save that appeared certain to extend the game further. Then came Yzerman’s gamble, a laser beam from just inside the blue line that Casey never truly tracked.

The series had already become a clash of giants with Detroit entering the postseason after one of the greatest regular seasons in NHL history, finishing 62-13-7 with 131 points, the second-highest total ever recorded at the time. The Red Wings captured their second consecutive Presidents’ Trophy and were overwhelming favorites to win the Stanley Cup.

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Yet the Blues pushed them to the brink as St. Louis iced a roster overflowing with Hall of Fame talent, including Wayne Gretzky, Brett Hull, Al MacInnis, Chris Pronger, and Glenn Anderson. Detroit was forced to win Game 6 on the road simply to force a deciding game back at The Joe. In the defining moment of the series, Yzerman delivered when the Red Wings needed him most.

Awaiting Detroit in the Western Conference Finals was the Colorado Avalanche, a newly relocated franchise in its first season in Denver but already loaded with stars such as Joe Sakic, Peter Forsberg, Patrick Roy, and Claude Lemieux. The series would ignite one of the fiercest rivalries in sports history.

It featured the infamous hit by Lemieux on Kris Draper, a devastating collision that fueled years of hatred between the franchises. Colorado ultimately defeated Detroit in six games before capturing the Stanley Cup, but the bitterness and intensity forged during that series transformed both organizations forever.

Yzerman’s goal against the Blues became more than just a series winner. It was the spark that ignited a dynasty.The heartbreak of 1996 hardened Detroit into a champion. The Red Wings would return stronger, winning Stanley Cups in 1997, 1998, and 2002 while establishing one of hockey’s defining dynasties of the modern era.

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Secondary scoring was one of the most pressing issues facing the Winnipeg Jets this past season. The Jets averaged just 2.79 goals per game, tying the New York Islanders for the seventh-lowest rate in the entire NHL. 

Addressing the forward group will be among the top priorities for general manager Kevin Cheveldayoff this summer, and while this is not a free agent class loaded with marquee names, there is genuine depth available that could allow Winnipeg to meaningfully reshape their lineup. Here are three names Cheveldayoff should have at the top of his list.

Anthony Mantha, RW/LW, Pittsburgh Penguins

Mantha had a career season in Pittsburgh, finishing with 64 points and playing a meaningful role on a Penguins team that defied expectations and made the postseason despite many predicting a bottom-dwelling finish for the rebuilding club. 

The 31-year-old Quebec native is a consistent 40-plus point player who showed last season that when placed in the right role, he is capable of being a standout forward. Pittsburgh was a surprising destination for Mantha, and with the Penguins' future remaining uncertain, he may look to take his game somewhere with a better chance to win. 

Winnipeg could offer him exactly that, and a spot alongside Cole Perfetti on the second line could be a strong fit for both player and team.

Jason Dickinson, C, Edmonton Oilers

Finding reliable center depth is never easy, which is precisely why the Edmonton Oilers gave up a first round pick and Andrew Mangiapane to acquire Jason Dickinson. 

The 30-year-old from Georgetown is not a player who fills up the scoresheet, but his value lies in his high-end two-way play. Over the last three seasons, Dickinson posted a minus-14 rating despite playing for Chicago Blackhawks teams that went 77-138-31 during that span, the second-worst record and fewest wins in the league over that stretch. 

The fact that he held his own on those teams speaks to how dependable he is on both sides of the puck. Dickinson is also a proven penalty kill contributor, which is an area of need for a Jets team that finished with the 21st-ranked penalty kill this season. Adding a player of his caliber in that role alone could make a noticeable difference.

Oliver Bjorkstrand, RW, Tampa Bay Lightning

Bjorkstrand is something of a reclamation project, but one that carries real upside. The 31-year-old Danish winger was a consistent 50 to 60 point producer earlier in his career but saw his game regress this past season, finishing with just 32 points in 80 games while playing a bottom-six role with the Tampa Bay Lightning. 

Winnipeg could make a compelling case that they are the right landing spot to revive his game. Bjorkstrand thrives with top-six minutes and meaningful deployment, and the Jets could offer him both. On a multi-year deal, a return to form from Bjorkstrand would give Winnipeg a cost-effective and productive winger during what the organization hopes will be a continued championship push.

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The Senators’ 2020 NHL Draft just keeps on giving. 

Of course, that was the draft where the Senators had the most lucrative first round in franchise history.

At No. 3 overall, they landed their current best player in centre Tim Stützle, who already has 409 points in 447 games. That already ranks him seventh in franchise history. At No. 5 overall, they selected Jake Sanderson, who has quickly become one of the NHL’s top defencemen.

With their two picks at No. 3 and No. 5, Ottawa probably came away with the two very best players available in the draft.

The Senators continued to hit with their third first-round pick, selecting forward Ridly Greig. The Talented Mr. Ridly has developed into an important piece of Ottawa’s middle six and brings the kind of edge every team covets.

In the second round, the Senators grabbed a highly physical defenseman in Tyler Kleven at 44th overall, and in the third, they selected goalie Leevi Meriläinen, who probably saved the Sens playoff chances last year.

But even with their final pick at 181st overall, Ottawa’s scouting staff was still finding NHL players. That’s when they selected Cole Reinhardt, Greig’s teammate with the Brandon Wheat Kings. Reinhardt was a couple of years older than Greig and put up similar offensive numbers in their final year together in junior.

What you may not have noticed this season is that, after five years in Ottawa's farm system, Reinhardt has found regular big league work, playing in 59 NHL games this season.

He split between Vegas and Florida, where it was just a little warmer than his last five winters in Belleville.

Reinhardt appeared in 17 games for Ottawa last season, almost exclusively in a fourth-line role, recording two points. But he was often noticeable because of his skating and willingness to get involved, reminiscent of pesky Parker Kelly in his early days with the organization.

As a Group 6 free agent, Reinhardt was probably growing weary of life in the AHL. He signed a two-year contract with the Vegas Golden Knights, playing 44 games and recording seven points before being claimed off waivers by the Florida Panthers. 

When Reinhardt arrived in Florida, he immediately became the other Reinhart, but at least he could chirp (if he wanted to) that he's the Reinhardt with more D.

He did have a familiar face waiting for him in Donovan Sebrango. The two men spent three years together in Belleville, and as it happens, Sebrango was also claimed off waivers by the Panthers this season.

Life as a Panther agreed with Reinhardt, who produced eight points in 15 games.

That’s not exactly Sam Reinhart production, and it helped that but with that kind of points-per-game pace, even in a small sample size, combined with another year left on his contract, Cole may have positioned himself rather well with the Panthers next season.

For the record, both Cole and Sam are nicknamed ‘Reino,” though Cole joked in a chat with the Panthers website team that he may have to lean more heavily into “Cowboy,” his plan B nickname, to avoid confusion. Reinhardt grew up on a Calgary ranch and loves the Yellowstone TV franchise.

Yes, the Senators’ 2020 draft was overflowing, and it surely sits at the top of former GM Pierre Dorion's uneven resume, printed in Montserrat font (Extra Bold).

Sens fans still gush over that draft, mainly because of the franchise cornerstones it delivered in Stützle and Sanderson. But six years later, we’re still seeing potential from some of the lower-ranked names the Senators were calling long after the TV cameras had left.

By Steve Warne
The Hockey News

This article was first published at The Hockey News Ottawa. Check out more great Sens features from The Hockey News at the links below:  

Our One-On-One With Senators Winger Drake Batherson
Senators Defenseman Goes From 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs To Signing In Switzerland
Rasmus Ristolainen: A Deeper Look Into A Potential Senators Trade Target
What’s The Plan For Senators UFA Lars Eller?
Archive: The Year Erik Karlsson Became Ottawa's First Norris Trophy Winner At 22

For the first time in 11 years, the Bell Centre will be filled to the rafters for a Saturday night playoff game when the Montreal Canadiens host the Buffalo Sabres tonight at 8:00 PM. For a second round in a row, the Habs will have an opportunity to eliminate their rival in Game 6. They couldn’t do it against the Tampa Bay Lightning, but they still treated their fans to an instant classic. An unforgettable game that was still 0-0 after regulation and ended after nine minutes of overtime hockey with a Gage Goncalves goal. Two weeks later, will the young Habs be able to put the Sabres down for good?

In the last three games, Martin St-Louis’ men have had a slow start, and they’ll be looking to get rid of that bad habit. Cole Caufield has scored in the last three games, and 21 of his 51 goals in the regular season were scored on Saturday night, earning him the Mr. Saturday Night moniker. Are the stars aligning for a storybook ending to this series?

Why The Canadiens Are Operating Like A Well-Oiled Machine
Canadiens' Jakub Dobes Gets Big Praise From Nick Suzuki
Opinion: Canadiens’ Hughes, Forgotten Jim Gregory GM Of The Year Award Finalist

Historically, teams that have won Game 5 of a tied 2-2 series have qualified for the next round 80% of the time, with a 371-94 record. When they trail 3-2, the Sabres have a 1-14 record, for a measly .067 winning percentage. When the game is on the road, they have a 1-4 record, for a .200 winning percentage. Meanwhile, the Canadiens have a 36-28 record in Game 6 (.563); however, when that game is played at home, they are 19-10 for a .655 winning percentage. When they lead 3-2 in a series, the Habs have a 28-3 record for a whopping .903 winning percentage overall, and they are 8-1 (.889) when the game is played at home.

Fresh off their big 6-3 win, the Canadiens should start the game with the momentum, but the Sabres will be fighting with despair to save their season. If there’s no doubt about who will be in the net for Montreal, it’s a lot less clear for the visitors. Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen started the last game but was pulled after 40 minutes. Alex Lyon spent just under 14 minutes on the ice, allowing one goal before Lindy Ruff elected to pull him and use six skaters in a bid to come back into the game, or at least get some momentum back. The Canadiens could score in the empty net, but the Sabres were unable to generate grade-A opportunities, even though they enjoyed a two-minute power play.

Jake ‘The Snake’ Evans with a gritty garbage goal. I love it!#GoHabsGo#HockeyX#NHLPlayoffspic.twitter.com/HnBolpD5Qp

— Coach Mac (@CoachMac950) May 15, 2026

There are also some question marks up front for the Sabres. Tage Thompson is having a tough series and has been undisciplined in the last two games. At this stage, one has to wonder if he’s playing injured; what we’ve seen in this series does not reflect what the big winger can do when he’s on top of his game. Alex Tuch hasn’t even been a shadow of himself; the soon-to-be unrestricted free agent has yet to get on the scoreboard in this series and is minus-eight against the Sainte-Flanelle. So far, Zach Benson, Josh Doan and Josh Norris have been doing the heavy lifting, but life would be much easier for the Sabres if their top players found a way to have a positive impact. Captain Rasmus Dahlin has points in the last three games, but he’s still minus-one in this series, and like Thompson, he took a costly penalty in the last game. It will be interesting to see if Lindy Ruff elects to shake things up a bit with his team on the brink of elimination.

You can catch the game on CBC, TVAS, SN, and ABC at 8:00 PM, and if you’re planning to attend in person, make sure to leave early. There are several roadworks in Montreal this weekend, so public transportation may be your best option. Make sure to be in your seats by 7:50 PM if you do not want to miss the opening ceremony. According to BPM Sports’ Max Lalonde, Larry Robinson will be the torchbearer. Francis Charron and Gord Dwyer will be officiating, while Jesse Marquis and Scott Cherrey will be the linemen. If the Canadiens eliminate Buffalo tonight, they will start their third-round series against the Carolina Hurricanes on Tuesday night; if they fail, Game 7 will take place on Monday night in Buffalo.

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The Edmonton Oilers have been both directly and indirectly linked to the Vegas Golden Knights in recent days. As the Oilers move on from head coach Kris Knoblauch and reports suggest they've reached out to Vegas for permission to interview Bruce Cassidy, one insider has also linked John Tortorella to the Oilers. 

Granted, Torts in the middle of a playoff run, but he fits the mold of the coaching style Edmonton might want to pivot toward -- a complete opposite when compared to Knoblauch's style. 

Of course, with the recent sanctions levied against Vegas by the NHL, something that could have been avoided if Tortorella wasn't doing Tortorella things, it would be wise for the Oilers to stay away from going down that road. 

Trending Stories:

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Elliotte  Friedman noted on the 32 Thoughts podcast that the Oilers are looking for a coach who can push buttons. Someone who has won has the respect of the players and isn't afraid to handle top stars like Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl. Cassidy is deemed to be that guy, but so is Tortorella, who Friedman noted does not have a contract for next season. 

The NHL insider wondered if Torts would actually be the kind of coach the Oilers are prioritizing. He's got a history of holding top players accountable, even if it causes a storm of controversy, and it's clear from his latest stunt that he doesn't care about optics. 

What Edmonton has to be aware of is the downside of hiring a coach like that -- and there is a major downside, as the Golden Knights are learning.

The Golden Knights will ride this Tortorella train as far as they can during these playoffs. However, his stunt to avoid the media -- costing Vegas a second-round pick -- is not something the team will forget, even if they end up winning the Stanley Cup. With his childish defiance, Tortorella may have cost himself an extension, and it should almost definitely take him off Edmonton's radar. 

There are coaches who push, and there are coaches who push to blow things up, bringing the wrong kind of attention and drama. Tortorella is the latter. 

He eventually casts himself off every NHL team's island. He just can't help himself. His demeanor is unnecessary, and his attitude is tired. How do we know for sure? The NHL has finally said enough, having warned him and the Golden Knights for failing to follow league rules. The NHL almost never steps in and hands out a fine and punishment like this. They've decided it's time to set an example.

The Oilers need no part of that drama. It would put an unneeded target on their back. 

If the Golden Knights want to be known for their ruthless ways and they're prepared to deal with a coach like Tortorella, let them. It seems to be the modus operandi. For the Oilers, the optics around how they run things are already being questioned. There is no need to pile on if Tortorella becomes available this summer. 

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If the Stanley Cup Playoffs have been building toward a collision of power, speed, and star talent, the Western Conference Final has arrived exactly as advertised.

The Colorado Avalanche, champions in 2022 and winners of the 2025–26 Presidents’ Trophy, will meet the Vegas Golden Knights, the 2023 Stanley Cup winners, with a place in the Final now the only thing separating them from another championship run.

Game 1 of the series is scheduled for Wednesday at 8 p.m. ET on ESPN, marking the start of a matchup that features two of the league’s most complete and explosive teams.

Paths To The Conference Final

Colorado reached this stage by sweeping the Los Angeles Kings in four games before eliminating the Minnesota Wild in five. Vegas advanced after a six-game series win over the Utah Mammoth and followed it with another six-game victory against the Anaheim Ducks.

Both teams arrive tested, but not worn down—each carrying the confidence of having handled adversity without losing control of their identity.

A Clash Of Modern Powerhouses

The Avalanche and Golden Knights are not strangers to deep playoff runs. Colorado won the Stanley Cup in 2022. Vegas captured the Cup in 2023. Now, both franchises are one series away from returning to hockey’s biggest stage again.

This is Colorado’s eighth Western Conference Final appearance since relocating to Denver. The Avalanche hold a 3–4 series record at this stage, and in each of their three previous wins at this level, they went on to win the Stanley Cup.

Vegas, meanwhile, is making its fifth appearance in the round just before the Final in its first 10 seasons, also reaching the Western Conference Final in 2018, 2020, 2023, and now 2026, along with a semifinal berth in 2021 during the league’s realignment playoff format. The Golden Knights hold a 2–2 series record at this stage and have already won one Stanley Cup in franchise history.

Stars Driving The Series

Colorado enters with momentum and depth. The Avalanche lead all playoff teams in scoring at 4.11 goals per game.

Nathan MacKinnon remains the engine, producing 7 goals and 6 assists for 13 points, while maintaining a 1.44 points-per-game average this postseason. That number has also lifted his career playoff scoring rate to 1.31 points per game entering the 2026 playoffs, underscoring his long-term consistency in pressure moments.

Perhaps most strikingly, Colorado has had scoring contributions from 17 different players this postseason, marking the seventh time in NHL history a team has had at least 17 goal scorers through its first nine playoff games. Only the 1983 Calgary Flames, 1985 Chicago Blackhawks, 1987 Montreal Canadiens, 1988 Calgary Flames, 1988 Boston Bruins (who had 18), and 1993 Los Angeles Kings have matched or exceeded that level of scoring distribution.

Goaltending has also stabilized Colorado’s run. Scott Wedgewood has posted a 2.21 goals-against average, the second-best among remaining goaltenders, along with a .914 save percentage, tied for fourth among goalies still active in the postseason.

On the other side, Vegas brings one of the most dangerous offenses in the playoffs, averaging 3.67 goals per game, the third-highest mark in the postseason field.

Mitch Marner has been at the center of it all, recording 7 goals and 11 assists for 18 points, including his fifth multipoint game of the 2026 playoffs in Game 6 against the Anaheim Ducks—matching his career high for multipoint games in a single postseason, previously set in 2023 with Toronto.

Pavel Dorofeyev has surged into the spotlight with back-to-back multi-goal performances in Game 6 and enters the series as the leading goal scorer in the 2026 playoffs with nine goals.

Meanwhile, Brett Howden has carved out a unique niche in special teams dominance, scoring his third short-handed goal of the postseason, placing him in an eight-way tie for the most short-handed goals in a single playoff year in NHL history.

Betting Lines

Oddsmakers slightly favor Colorado, listing the Avalanche at -240, with Vegas at +200.

On the Stanley Cup futures board, Colorado sits at +130, while Vegas is listed at +700, reflecting both their dominance and the respect for their playoff consistency.

Everything points toward a tightly contested series between two teams capable of controlling games in different ways—Colorado through depth, pace, and scoring distribution, and Vegas through star-driven offense and timely finishing.

A Series Built For The Biggest Moments

There is no shortage of history between these two franchises. Colorado previously eliminated Vegas in six games during the 2021 playoffs, adding another layer of familiarity and unfinished business to the matchup.

Now, with both teams carrying championship pedigree and elite offensive form, the margin between them feels thinner than ever.

One series will define a return to the Stanley Cup Final. The other will end a season that still felt built for something more.

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It’s do or die for the Buffalo Sabres tonight in Game 6, while the Montreal Canadiens can clinch their berth to the Eastern Conference Finals on home ice.

Lane Hutson has been a stud for the Habs this postseason, and he highlights my Sabres vs. Canadiens predictions along with Josh Doan and Rasmus Dahlin.

Keep reading for my NHL picks for Saturday, May 16.

Best Sabres vs Canadiens props for Game 6

Game 6 Prop #1: Lane Hutson Over 0.5 assists 

-170 at BET99

The Montreal Canadiens are one win away from the Eastern Conference Final, and Lane Hutson has been a major driver behind the team’s success.

The blueliner has 10 assists in 12 games, with at least one helper in four straight contests and seven of his last nine.

Hutson has consistently tilted the ice in Montreal’s favor, controlling over 52% of the shot attempts at even strength – the second-best mark among all regulars in the Habs lineup.

Montreal has scored in bunches, averaging 4.2 gpg this series, and Hutson will have no problem factoring on at least one tonight.

Game 6 Prop #2: Josh Doan Over 0.5 points

-125 at BET99

Twenty-four-year-old Josh Doan has emerged as an important offensive piece for the Buffalo Sabres, sitting second on the team in playoff scoring with 10 points in 11 games.

Doan has found the score sheet in six straight outings, and the Sabres will need him to be productive in Game 6 to avoid elimination.

Doan has been dominant in terms of possession, controlling over 59% of shot attempts and 60% of expected goals at even strength. His 18 high-danger chances this postseason also lead the Sabres, and that’s another reason why he’ll pick up a point in Game 6.

Game 6 Prop #3: Rasmus Dahlin Over 2.5 shots (-145)

-145 at BET99

With the Sabres’ backs against the wall in Game 6, they’ll be throwing everything at the Canadiens net. That’s just business as usual for Rasmus Dahlin, though.

The Sabres captain has logged Over 2.5 shots on net in four of five games this series, and seven of his last eight overall.

Dahlin leads Buffalo in shots (38) and shot attempts (76) this postseason, and he won’t be shy to fire the puck with his team’s season on the line.

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With the Buffalo Sabres one loss away from elimination and a roaring Bell Centre already primed for celebration, Game 6 has turned into something simpler—and far heavier—than strategy or tactics: survival.

The Sabres will face the Montreal Canadiens in Game 6 of their Eastern Conference Second Round series on Saturday night at Bell Centre. Puck drop is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET, with Montreal holding a 3-2 series lead and a chance to close out the series on home ice.

A Season On The Brink

For Buffalo, there is no ambiguity left.

Win, and the series returns to KeyBank Center for a winner-take-all Game 7. Lose, and one of the franchise’s most emotional seasons in nearly two decades comes to an immediate end.

The weight of that reality is only amplified by the setting.

Saturday night at Bell Centre. “Hockey Night in Canada.” A building already known as one of the loudest arenas in the sport, now preparing for what Canadiens fans hope becomes a series-clinching celebration. Montreal defenseman Alexandre Carrier captured the anticipation in a single word: “unreal.”

Montreal’s Momentum Swing

That energy didn’t appear out of nowhere. It was earned in Game 5.

The Canadiens erased three separate Buffalo leads on Thursday night before pulling away with a 6-3 win, powered by a dominant middle stretch that flipped the series. Nick Suzuki led the charge with a goal and two assists, Juraj Slafkovsky added three helpers, and Cole Caufield extended his scoring streak to three straight games. Montreal closed the night with four unanswered goals to seize full control of the series.

Buffalo, for stretches, looked dangerous.

The Sabres got goals from Jason Zucker, Josh Doan, and Konsta Helenius, and even outshot Montreal 36-26. But the details that matter most in May turned against them—defensive breakdowns, lost structure under pressure, and momentum that slipped away too quickly. Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen was pulled after allowing five goals, with Alex Lyon finishing the night in relief.

Do Or Stay Alive

Now the series swings back into Montreal’s building with everything tilted toward the home side.

The Canadiens know how quickly a clinching game can unravel. Earlier this postseason, they failed to close out the Tampa Bay Lightning in Game 6 before ultimately finishing the series in Game 7 on the road. Head coach Martin St. Louis put it plainly: closing out a playoff series “takes your best. And more.”

Buffalo, though, has already proven it can walk through pressure this spring.

The Sabres eliminated the Boston Bruins in six games in the opening round—ending a 19-year playoff series drought—and they’ve already shown they can win at Bell Centre earlier in this series.

That matters now more than ever.

Because for all the noise waiting inside Montreal, the Sabres are not walking in searching for comfort or rhythm. They’re walking in with one purpose left to define their season: find a way to live to fight another day.

The Columbus Blue Jackets found out last week where they would land in the upcoming NHL Draft, and to no one's surprise, they didn't win the lottery. For the second straight year, they will pick #14, and for the second straight year, they might actually get lucky. 

Welcome to draft speculation season, where we will talk about all the potential draft targets for the CBJ. Could someone fall to them at #14, or will they reach for a player who is projected to be lower? Who know, but it's fun to speculate.

So, here we go. 

Target: Elton Hermansson - Örnsköldsvik, SWE

Height/Weight: 6'1' - 181 lbs. 

2026 Team:  MoDo Hockey - Hockey Allsvenskan - Sweden

Position: Right Shot Forward

2025-26 Stats With MoDo Hockey: 11g-10a-21 pts in 38 games. He also played 18 games of international play and had 33 points. 

THN Ranking: 12th - Kennedy, 14th - Ferrari

NHL Central Scouting: 5th overall for international skaters

What Scouts Have Seen

• Elite Playmaking & Vision: Hermansson is a high-octane offensive catalyst. His dual-threat capabilities inside the offensive zone allow him to dictate play off the rush and from the weak-side flank on the power play.  
• Dangling & Stick Skill: He possesses high-end one-on-one stickhandling skills. He frequently manipulates defenders with quick puck movements and creative edge work.
• Finishing Touch: Aside from high-end distribution, Hermansson handles the hardest part of the game naturally scoring goals. He possesses a quick, accurate shot and can score at a goal-per-game pace when playing in international junior circuits.

Weaknesses & Areas for Development

• At 174 pounds, Hermansson has a very wiry frame. He will need to significantly bulk up to withstand the grueling physical environment of the NHL and win more puck battles along the boards.
• Defensive Urgency: His commitment away from the puck is considered "just OK". Scouts frequently note that he lacks defensive consistency and needs to play with higher intensity and urgency when his team doesn't have possession.

What Scouts Are Saying

SportsNet.com - "He has adapted well since his promotion to the Allsvenskan in early December, making the most of his erratic usage. Hermansson has put up five of his 15 points in the last four games. Should this continue, he’s liable to shoot up this list just as he has shot up NHL Central Scouting’s list after being identified as Europe’s fourth ranked skater."

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The big question is whether or not GM Don Waddell will trade this pick or keep it. Being in the middle of the first round won't have many teams calling his phone, but he might be able to do something this year. Last year's draft was a bit weak after the first couple of picks, but this year might be different, as several players could fall that night, intrigue more teams to want to take a shot at that #14 pick. 

The CBJ did seem to get lucky with defenseman Jackson Smith, who just finished his freshman season at Penn State in historical fashion. Can they get lucky again this year?

Next Up For Columbus: The NHL Draft is on June 26 and 27 in Buffalo, where the CBJ will own pick #14.  

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The Vancouver Canucks cannot afford to lose their identity again.

For years, the organization has cycled through players, coaches, systems, and philosophies, trying to figure out what kind of team it actually wants to be. But over the final stretch of this season, Vancouver finally started showing signs of becoming something different — harder-working, more connected, more physical, and far more difficult to play against.

Honestly, the Canucks should look back at those earlier Travis Green-era teams. While they still lost games, they competed every night. The group worked hard, was difficult to play against, and gave fans something to cheer about as young players like Bo Horvat, Elias Pettersson, Quinn Hughes, and Brock Boeser were developing in front of their very eyes. 

That needs to become the standard again. The real challenge for Vancouver is not simply finding talent; it is building an identity strong enough that future players naturally fall into it. That is why the organization should consider re-signing these five unrestricted free agents ahead of the 2026–27 season.

Teddy Blueger

This should be the easiest decision on the list.

Blueger missed a large portion of the season with an injury, but when he came back, he immediately showed what type of leader he truly is. Even while hurt, he still brought accountability, professionalism, and leadership to the group.

Blueger comes from the Pittsburgh Penguins' model. He has seen how Sidney Crosby trains, how Stanley Cup teams operate, and what championship habits actually look like behind the scenes. He also won a Stanley Cup with the Vegas Golden Knights in a depth role, which matters because he understands exactly what contending teams need from bottom-six players.

That’s where Blueger’s value goes beyond the scoresheet.

The Canucks also made a statement at the trade deadline by refusing to move him unless they got proper value. That matters because it tells the league Vancouver values leadership players properly and will not simply give them away for nothing.

Curtis Douglas

Plain and simple, re-sign Douglas.

The forward has already helped create a new locker-room culture and identity in a very short amount of time. From celebrating goals and defending teammates to partaking in locker-room traditions where players have to high-five him despite him being the tallest guy in the room, Douglas has become a major personality within the group.

Those things matter more than people realize, especially if the Canucks want to maintain the identity they claimed they started building over the final five weeks of the season.

At 6’9”, Douglas gives Vancouver functional toughness. Adam Foote even described him as someone who can “drag our guys into the pile.”

There is also still untapped potential in his game. If Douglas continues developing, imagine trying to move a 6’9” forward planted at the top of the crease, creating screens and chaos around the net. That type of presence is difficult to defend. While the NHL has moved away from traditional enforcers, players like Douglas still matter because they provide functional toughness. 

Derek Forbort

Forbort has had unbelievably bad injury luck recently, but the Canucks should still consider bringing him back in a mentorship role.

He still brings value because he understands how to defend properly, kill penalties, block shots, support younger defencemen, and stand up for teammates.

Forbort also understands how to jump into the play and pick his spots offensively. You can already picture younger defencemen like Tom Willander and Zeev Buium learning when to activate offensively and when to stay back simply by watching a veteran like Forbort manage the game.

Especially with Vancouver losing a veteran presence like Tyler Myers, there is now an even bigger need for mentorship and stability on the back end, and Forbort fits that role perfectly.

Guillaume Brisebois

Brisebois is the definition of loyalty.

And honestly, players like this are usually forgotten until injuries hit.

The Canucks drafted him 66th overall in 2015 as part of the Eddie Läck trade, and he has spent his entire professional career with the organization ever since. Alongside Brock Boeser and Thatcher Demko, he is one of the organization's longest-serving players.

Despite never being guaranteed a full-time NHL role, Brisebois has continued signing contracts to stay in Vancouver and help wherever needed.

Every successful organization has players like Brisebois. He understands the system, stays ready, and can step into difficult situations without needing everything re-explained.

Joseph LaBate

LaBate’s journey coming full-circle with the Canucks, makes him an easy player to respect.

Originally drafted by Vancouver in 2011, he left the organization for years before returning to help provide depth and leadership. That willingness to come back says a lot about his professionalism and character.

LaBate still brings value because he can help stabilize the Abbotsford Canucks, mentor younger players, play physical hockey, finish checks, and step into NHL games when injuries happen.

The Canucks have spent years cycling through depth players who never truly fit the team's identity. Re-signing players like LaBate is less about finding stars and more about building low-cost culture pieces that understand the organization and embrace their role.

Vancouver does not need to become a contender overnight. But they do need to become a team opponents hate playing against again.

Make sure you bookmark THN's Vancouver Canucks site and add us to your favourites on Google News for the latest news, exclusive interviews, breakdowns, and so much more. Also, don't forget to leave a comment at the bottom of the page and engage with other passionate fans through our forum. This article originally appeared on The Hockey News.

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Toronto Maple LeafsGM John Chayka has a massive decision to make this off-season. Now that Craig Berube has been relieved of his duties as the Maple Leafs head coach, the vacant role must be filled with careful consideration.

With Chayka's history with the Arizona Coyotes, he has only ever hired one coach in his NHL career as a GM, and on the other hand, has only fired one head coach too.

Chayka was officially named the GM of the Coyotes franchise beginning in 2016-17. When he stepped in, the coach of Arizona at the time was Dave Tippett.

Tippettt was entering his eighth season as the bench boss of the Coyotes, but after finishing that campaign with a 30-42-10 record, Chayka fired Tippett and got the opportunity to bring in his own head coach.

Chayka went on to hire Rick Tocchett, and he went on to be an excellent coach later in his career, but for his tenure with the Coyotes, it was his first NHL head-coaching stint since 2009-10 with the Tampa Bay Lightning.

Report: Cassidy 'Extremely Unlikely' To Be Maple Leafs' Next Head Coach, Fresh Face in PlayThe Toronto Maple Leafs will be searching for a new head coach this off-season. However, Elliotte Friedman believes that Bruce Cassidy won't be the bench boss that the Maple Leafs ultimately decide on. Instead, they may look for a fresh face to be Toronto's 42nd coach.

Tocchett coached the Coyotes for four full seasons, with the final two being shortened due to COVID-19. In his first three years there, the team's record improved steadily. Eventually, Arizona was able to make it through the qualifying round in 2019-20 and got a sniff of the Stanley Cup playoffs.

They were eliminated in the first round of the post-season by the Colorado Avalanche in five games. His next season with the Coyotes would be his last, but Chayka was no longer a part of the franchise by that point.

Maple Leafs' John Chayka Keeps Cards Close To The Vest, Offers Vague Corporate Speak In Rationale For Craig Berube DismissalIt's not that there wasn't a good reason to dismiss Craig Berube as coach of the Leafs. It's that Chayka offered little reason for doing it.

At any rate, Tocchet would go on to join the Vancouver Canucks in 2022-23 and went on to win the Jack Adams Trophy in 2023-24. So while he didn't make a massive impact for the Coyotes, as a coach in general, Tocchet was a good hire.

As for the dismissal of Tippett, he went on to coach the Edmonton Oilers for parts of three years beginning in 2019-20. He led his team to two playoff campaigns, but managed to earn just one victory in both post-seasons combined.

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With the Toronto Maple Leafs missing the playoffs, many television networks are covering the Montreal Canadiens and realizing that Martin St-Louis’ team plays a highly entertaining brand of hockey and is having a lot of fun doing it. There’s more to the Habs’ “power of friendship” celebration than a gimmicky name; they really are a group of friends living the dream of playing, or working in, hockey for a living.

On Sportsnet’s Thursday night broadcast, former NHLer turned commentator Kevin Bieksa commented on the young Habs and the atmosphere around the team. He started by explaining that he has a knack for detecting false narratives, then added that what the Canadiens have going is anything but that. Having been in his share of hockey dressing rooms, Bieksa added that there is no bad blood, no cancer in the room, no issues and that the Canadiens are just a great tight knit group of guys enjoying each other and the game.

They have to be for things to run as smoothly as they have this season, and it’s not just on the ice, either; it includes the front office and the coaching staff. President of Hockey Operations Jeff Gorton and General Manager Kent Hughes not only work together, but they also ride to work together. When goalie coach Eric Raymond was dismissed, St-Louis looked genuinely shaken and told the media he felt as if he had just lost one of his best friends.

As for the players, you only had to look at their reaction when one of their teammates scored to know how they feel about one another. Whether it’s the star sniper of the team or the rookie that was looking to pop his playoff cherry, on Thursday, we saw Cole Caufield jump for joy, as if he were a volleyball player about to deliver a smash, when a teammate scored. When Ivan Demidov finally scored his first playoff goal, Phillip Danault gave him a heartfelt hug, just like coach St-Louis. When Brendan Gallagher came in for Game 5 against the Tampa Bay Lightning and scored the first goal, the bench erupted in celebration.

All love for Ivan Demidov on the #Habs bench by Martin St-Louis & Philip Danault after his 1st #NHL playoff goal #familypic.twitter.com/Kx4sHjLOfh

— Priyanta Emrith (@HabsInHighHeels) May 15, 2026

And it’s not only through the good times. Patrik Laine hasn’t played since October, and we’ve not heard a peep out of him. Samuel Montembeault has been cast aside this season after failing to find his game, and he didn’t moan or pout; no, he pranked Jakub Dobes after his Game 7 win over the Bolts. Gallagher was on track to play 1,000 games with the Canadiens before the end of his contract, but he took being a healthy scratch like a pro, saying he would always be ready when called upon. Arber Xhekaj was a healthy scratch for Game 7 of the first-round series against Tampa, and when the players came back to the room after the win, he was there to greet them with the widest smile on his face.

😂 pic.twitter.com/ylAURZ0Ybw

— x - Canadiens Montréal (@CanadiensMTL) May 15, 2026

Caufield, Nick Suzuki, Juraj Slafkovsky, and Kirby Dach may be the only ones to do the power of friendship celebration, but the whole team is living it.

Dobes, Fowler and Monty !!!!! #hockey #jakubdobes #nhl #montrealcanadiens #shorts #youtubeshortsEnjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.

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Ten years ago today, Sidney Crosby scored an overtime game winning goal in the Eastern Conference Final against the Tampa Bay Lightning.

Pittsburgh had dropped the opening game of the Eastern Conference Final to Tampa and Game 2 was going to overtime with the Penguins at risk of falling behind 2-0 in the series.

A chaotic opening 20 minutes of Game 2 saw the Penguins jump out 2-0 with goals from Matt Cullen and Phil Kessel.

Anton Stralman and Jonathan Drouin leveled the game at 2-2 with goals in the final few minutes of the period.

A scoreless second period and a scoreless third period were sending things to overtime.

One shot and the Penguins could be down 2-0 with their chances of surviving the series dramatically diminishing.

Then 40 seconds into overtime, Sidney Crosby happened on a beautiful setup from Bryan Rust.

The playoff overtime goal for Crosby was the first of his illustrious career.

Crosby’s goal evened the series for the Penguins, who won Game 3 to take a 2-1 series lead.

Pittsburgh would drop the next two games before rallying to win the series in seven.

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — Defenseman Jonas Brodin and center Joel Eriksson Ek were unable to play for Minnesota in the second-round series against Colorado in the NHL playoffs because of broken bones in their feet, the veteran stalwarts revealed Friday in season-ending interviews with reporters.

Brodin suffered a fracture in the big toe in his right foot when he blocked a shot in Game 5 of the Wild's first-round series against Dallas, requiring surgery and forcing him to miss the clinching win over the Stars and all five games against the Avalanche.

The Wild were eliminated on Wednesday in a 4-3 overtime loss in Denver, with both Brodin and Eriksson Ek relegated to watching the game on TV. Their defensive acumen, physical presence and playoff experience were all missed against the high-scoring Avalanche, who had the best regular season record in the league.

Brodin, who finished his 14th season in the NHL, all with the Wild, was aiming to return at the end of the conference finals if they were to advance.

“It’s awful to not play in the playoffs," Brodin said. "Best time of the year.”

Eriksson Ek, who finished his 10th season in the NHL, all with the Wild, broke the heel bone in his right foot in Game 6 against Dallas. He took part in practice in a limited basis before Game 3 against Colorado last week, but he said he was unable to fully push off the foot on the ice.

“You want to play,” Eriksson Ek said. “I just couldn't do it. Too painful to skate.”

Brodin also had to miss the Olympics this year when surgery on an earlier lower body injury kept him from playing for Sweden.

“It’s a frustrating year. We’ve got to stay positive and come back stronger next year,” Brodin said.

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AP NHL: https://apnews.com/hub/stanley-cup and https://apnews.com/hub/nhl