Even more than normal, the Philadelphia Flyers and their scouts will have to be on top of their game, owning the 21st overall pick at the back end of the first round of the 2026 NHL Draft.
If the draft plays out the way this one prospect expert believes, the Flyers won't be able to believe their luck.
It's no secret that the Flyers would like to land the big fish No. 1 center at some point, but picking so late in the first round makes that unlikely.
On Tuesday, Brent Flahr and Danny Briere admitted as much in their pre-draft media availability.
One area they can upgrade on without needing a lottery ticket draft pick is the defense, and more specifically the left side, which Flahr referred to as a "little thin."
Fortunately, The Athletic prospects expert Corey Pronman has the Flyers double-dipping on left-shot defense in his latest NHL mock draft, and the Flyers end up landing quite the steal in the second round.
To start with the first round, though, Pronman has the Flyers going with 6-foot-4 Swedish defenseman William Hakansson, who was teammates with Flyers prospect Jack Berglund at the U20 World Juniors this past year.
"Hakansson reminds a lot of scouts of Stars defender Lian Bichsel at the same age, and this is the range he went in. The Flyers add a big, physical, mobile defenseman to a system which currently lacks that player type," Pronman wrote.
It's true, too, that the Flyers do actually need some size and mobility on defense.
Adam Ginning never panned out in Philadelphia, while Ty Murchison and Hunter McDonald profile as third-pairing defenders at best at this stage.
The 5-foot-9 Emil Andrae was dealt in the Joseph Woll trade, so the depth on the left side of the defense was only depleted further.
Hakansson, 18, has already played some pro hockey, appearing in 4 total games for Lulea HF in the SHL last season, as well as 31 this season, including some playoff action.
That experience alone makes him a safe but projectable bet for the Flyers who have nothing at the position going forward.
After going with the hulking Swede, Pronman goes defense again, this time having the Flyers take the undersized Xavier Villeneuve in the second round at 53rd overall.
In rankings compiled by EliteProspects, Villeneuve has been ranked as high as 10th overall by our own Tony Ferrari, and as low as 65th by Shane Malloy.
For what it's worth, the consolidated rankings have Villeneuve at 18th, EliteProspects have him at 13th, and Cam Robinson has him at 26th.
Basically, more in the public sphere view the 5-foot-10 defenseman as a first-round talent than not.
Villeneuve has drawn comparisons to Lane Hutson and former Flyers defenseman Shayne Gostisbehere, which also means, by extension, that he should have all the makings of a future power play quarterback.
The 18-year-old is by far the most dynamic defenseman in the draft class in terms of offense, but he isn't a big shooter and, obviously, isn't physical, as we can deduce from his diminutive stature.
If Villeneuve repeats history and indeed becomes the next Lane Hutson, passed on due to his size despite outstanding traits and production, the Flyers will have easily landed the steal of the 2026 NHL Draft.
Prompted by the Oilers' interest, the NHL conducted an investigation into the circumstances that led to Babcock's forced resignation from the Blue Jackets in September 2023 after just 78 days on the job. The league issued a statement June 18 that paves his path back to coaching.
“The League has completed its review of Mike Babcock’s tenure in Columbus, and of certain alleged conduct associated therewith," the statement reads. "Our investigation has concluded that, even in a light least favorable to Mr. Babcock, there is no current basis to restrict his employment in the League.”
Following the NHL's decision, the NHL Players Association released its own statement about the league's decision: “While we found the allegations of Mike Babcock’s conduct as the Columbus Blue Jackets’ head coach very concerning, the League has decided that there is no current basis on which to restrict his employment. Moving forward, we expect that Mr. Babcock will uphold the high standards required of NHL head coaches.”
The NHLPA initially conducted its own investigation in September 2023 into Babcock's conduct with the Blue Jackets, which prompted his resignation before the NHL getting involved. It felt at the time like Babcock's last chance to coach in the NHL, but that clearly wasn't the case.
Babcock, 63, is 12th in career NHL coaching wins, including a Stanley Cup title with the Red Wings, and his international success with Canada is legendary, having won gold medals in the Olympics (2010, 2014), world championships (2004) and world junior championships (1997).
His Columbus exit was prompted by accusations that he violated players' privacy during one-on-one summer meetings. Most of the allegations related to him pressuring players to reveal personal photos from galleries on their cellphones, which he and a few veteran players said was an attempt to learn about his new team, but that's not how all players took it.
Reports also surfaced that Babcock scrolled through the phone of a highly regarded young prospect while holding the phone for a length of time that made the player uncomfortable. Babcock resigned four days before the start of training camp in 2023, prompting former Blue Jackets president of hockey operations John Davidson and former general manager Jarmo Kekalainen to hold a joint press conference.
Before announcing that associate coach Pascal Vincent had signed a two-year contract to replace Babcock, they apologized to players who felt uneasy about Babcock's tactics. Davidson also said the team made a mistake with the hiring, which was already considered a second chance following allegations of bullying by Babcock in previous stops with the Toronto Maple Leafs and Detroit Red Wings.
Now, if the Oilers still want him, Babcock is cleared to coach again.
Despite missing the Stanley Cup Playoffs for the 10th consecutive season, future Hall of Fame forward Patrick Kane sounded as though he was interested in returning for what would be a third full season with the club.
But based on the latest reports from NHL Insider Pierre LeBrun, there is now some doubt on whether or not Kane will continue his career in Detroit.
According to LeBrun, Kane is "mulling things over" on whether to sign another extension with the Red Wings, or potentially seek other opportunities.
“Pending UFA Patrick Kane definitely wants to play another season, his agent Pat Brisson said on Wednesday. That’s all Brisson would share,” LeBrun wrote. “Kane, 37, put up 57 points in 67 games this past season, a solid 0.85 points per game average. My understanding is that the Red Wings do want Kane back and have made that clear. What remains undetermined is whether Kane wants to return. He certainly might, but he’s mulling things over at the moment about whether to stay put or head to market.”
In recent weeks, the Red Wings organization was rocked by the news that captain Dylan Larkin requested a trade, which could certainly play a factor in whether or not Kane wants to extend his time in the Motor City.
Kane, who signed with the Red Wings as an unrestricted free-agent in December 2023 and subsequently signed consecutive one-year extensions, expressed an interest in returning to Detroit not long after their season came to a close.
“I think there is mutual interest for me to come back and continue my career here. It’s been a great spot for me, my family, and my son, and I’ve definitely enjoyed my time here," Kane said in April during Detroit's season-ending media availability. "But there’s no rush. I’ll talk things over with my agent and my family, and we’ll see how everything plays out.
“I’d love to be part of the solution that gets this team over the hump. We have a good team here, and we can win. I think this team is better than some teams that are in the playoffs.”
Kane, who has been good friends with teammate Alex DeBrincat dating back to their days with the Chicago Blackhawks, confirmed his interest in continuing to play alongside him in April.
It's also worth noting that Larkin expressed his desire to remain with the Red Wings and be part of the solution to not only return the club to the postseason but vault them back into Stanley Cup contention.
However, changed his tune. Whether or not Kane chooses to do so remains to be seen.
Kane appeared in 67 games during the 2025-26 campaign and was fifth overall in team scoring, tallying 16 goals and 41 assists for 57 points.
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The New York Islanders will have four selections in the upcoming 2026 NHL Draft, which begins on Friday, June 26 at 7 PM ET.
General manager Mathieu Darche will have just one pick through the first three rounds, owning the No. 13 pick.
He moved the Colorado Avalanche's first-round pick (No. 29) in a deal with the St. Louis Blues for Brayden Schenn and his third-round pick (No. 77) to the New York Rangers for Carson Soucy.
Former Islanders general manager Lou Lamoriello moved his 2026 third-round pick (No. 45) to the Chicago Blackhawks to entice them to take on the final season of Josh Bailey's deal.
The Islanders do hold picks in rounds four through seven:
The expectation is that the Islanders will draft a right-handed defenseman with No. 13, unless someone from the top-10 falls out. Then it's about drafting the best player available.
The Pittsburgh Penguins were one of the NHL's biggest surprises this season. After entering the season expected by many to be one of the worst teams in the NHL, they instead finished second in the Metropolitan Division standings and made the playoffs.
Now, the Penguins should look to build off their momentum by putting together a strong off-season. It is clear that the Penguins have some roster needs to address if the hope to have another successful season in 2026-27. One of their top needs is a top-four left-shot defenseman.
When looking at trade candidates around the NHL that could make sense for the Penguins, Sabres defenseman Bowen Byram stands out in a major way. Byram has been generating trade interest as he enters the final season of his contract, as reported by TSN's Darren Dreger.
If the Penguins traded for Byram, he would instantly become their top left-shot defenseman. Furthermore, at just 25 years old, he could be an excellent fit on the retooling Penguins' roster. This is especially so if the Penguins could convince him to sign a long-term contract extension with them if they acquired him.
Ultimately, with the Penguins' blueline needing a boost, bringing in a star defenseman like Byram would make a lot of sense. In 82 games this season with Buffalo, the left-shot defenseman posted 11 goals, 31 assists, 42 points, and a plus-15 rating.
One of the Chicago Blackhawks' top needs of the off-season is an impactful left-shot defenseman. It is clear that the left side of their blueline is in need of a real boost.
Due to this, the Blackhawks should strongly consider targeting Sabres defenseman Bowen Byram. The 25-year-old defenseman has been creating plenty of chatter in the rumor mill as of late as a trade candidate.
Recently, TSN's Darren Dreger reported that Byram is generating interest from multiple teams this off-season. Given the Blackhawks' need for a top-four left-shot defenseman, it would make sense if they entered the sweepstakes for the Sabres blueliner.
"Multiple teams exploring a trade with the Buffalo Sabres involving Dman, Bo Byram. Byram has 1 yr left on his contract before becoming an unrestricted Free Agent. Agent, Darren Ferris has some history with marching players to the open market. Motivation for trade consideration," Dreger posted on X.
If the Blackhawks acquired Byram, he could be a strong fit on the their top pairing and would give them a clear option for both their power play and penalty kill because of his strong all-around play. Yet, even if he played second-pairing minutes for the Blackhawks, he would greatly improve their top four if acquired.
In 82 games this past season with the Sabres, Byram scored 11 goals and set new career highs with 42 points and a plus-15 rating. He also had four goals and seven points in 13 playoff games for the Sabres this spring. With numbers like these, he would be a strong pickup for a Blackhawks club looking to take that next step in 2026-27.
One of the Montreal Canadiens' top goals of the off-season should be to find an upgrade for their second-line center spot. It would be huge for the Habs to bring in another high-impact center as their Stanley Cup contender window is starting to open.
In a recent article for The Athletic, Arpon Basu named Boston Bruins forward Pavel Zacha as a potential trade fit for the Canadiens as they look to improve their forward group.
"One example of a player who might be available for a trade is Boston Bruins centre Pavel Zacha, with one year left on his contract at age 29. A left shot to complement Nick Suzuki, strong in the faceoff circle and able to play on both special teams, Zacha would be a great fit," Basu wrote.
When looking at the season Zacha just had for the Bruins, he would certainly have the potential to be a nice pickup for the Canadiens if acquired. In 78 games with the Bruins this season, he set new career highs 30 goals, 35 assists, and 65 points. He has also recorded at least 57 points in three out of his last four seasons. With numbers like these, he could slot nicely as Montreal's second-line center.
The Canadiens rarely make trades with the Bruins due to their historic rivalry. Although this is the case, it would make sense for Montreal to try to land Zacha this summer. It will be interesting to see if they target him from here.
The Ducks' 2025-26 season has been over for just over a month and with the 2026 NHL Entry Draft just around the corner, it feels like a good time to start recapping this past season for each player in the organization.
Today's edition of 'By the Numbers' will feature players who wore Nos. 11-20 this season.
If you missed the previous edition of 'By the Numbers', you can click here to read it.
Sam Colangelo
After getting a good chunk of playing time with the Ducks in 2024-25, there was an expectation that Colangelo would be one of the frontrunners for a depth spot on the NHL roster come 2025-26. He signed a new, two-year deal this past August, broke camp with the Ducks and was in the opening night lineup against the Seattle Kraken, but was a healthy scratch for the next four games. After being re-inserted into the lineup for six games, he was sent down to AHL San Diego. Aside from two separate call-ups with one NHL game apiece, Colangelo spent the rest of the season in the AHL.
Next season may be Colangelo's last shot at a full-time role, at least with the Ducks. He'll be 25 in December, is in the final year of his contract and has just 44 games of NHL experience under his belt. There are a few depth roles that need to be filled, especially if several of the Ducks' pending UFAs are moved on from. Lack of foot speed is an issue that Colangelo has pointed out in the past and hopes to improve. Improvement in that area would help him become a more complete player, as he tends to find the right spots to be in and has scoring prowess, but is sometimes a step slow to get there.
Nikita Nesterenko
While Nesterenko spent many calendar days with the NHL club, his total number of games played did not increase all that quickly. He played in 29 games over the course of three months and was healthy scratched for almost all of December. He even went on waivers, went unclaimed and was then recalled by the Ducks at one point.
A diligent forechecker, Nesterenko had a career night in the seventh game of the season, putting up four points. He checked more boxes for qualities that Quenneville was looking for in a bottom-6 forward than Colangelo or Ryan Strome and was rewarded with consistent playing time up until December.
Nesterenko will be 25 in September and is also in the final year of his contract after signing a two-year contract last June. He, like Colangelo, will be part of the competition looking to fill out the fringes of the Ducks' 2026-27 roster. He is capable of playing all three forward positions and also had stints on the penalty kill.
Drew Helleson
Helleson made the switch to No. 14 this past offseason after donning No. 43 for the early stages of his NHL career. When asked about the number switch, Helleson said he wanted to keep the number four in his jersey number somewhere, but also wanted to respect the legacy left by longtime Duck and former teammate Cam Fowler, who wore No. 4 during the 2010s and for much of the 2020s.
Helleson signed a new, two-year contract with the Ducks last summer and began the 2025-26 season as part of the bottom defensive pair alongside Pavel Mintyukov. When Radko Gudas went down with injury early in the season, Helleson jumped up to the top pair alongside Jackson LaCombe. The childhood friends meshed well initially as a pair, but Helleson began to struggle as his ice time increased.
May 8, 2026; Anaheim, California, USA; Anaheim Ducks defenseman Drew Helleson (14) moves the puck against the Vegas Golden Knights during the first period in game three of the second round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Honda Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
A return to the bottom pairing in January was where Helleson spent most of the rest of the season, save for a couple of stretches where he was a healthy scratch. After Gudas suffered an injury in Game 1 against the Edmonton Oilers, Helleson made his playoff debut alongside rookie Tyson Hinds. The pair played eight games together before Helleson's season came to an end due to a groin strain.
With John Carlson and Jacob Trouba both expected to hit free agency, there is a large hole on the Ducks' right side of defense. The possible departure of Gudas, who is also a pending UFA, could make that hole even larger. As it stands, the Ducks' right-handed defense (if they made zero additions) would consist of Helleson, Ian Moore and Tristan Luneau. That's just 203 combined games of NHL experience. Not quite the seasoned veterans you want if you're planning to make a long playoff run next season.
Ryan Strome
2025-26 was a difficult season for Strome. He began the season with an oblique injury, which forced him to miss the first month of the season. Subsequently, his injury led to an increased role for Beckett Sennecke, opening the gateway to what became a fantastic rookie season for the 2024 third overall pick.
When Strome returned, he found it difficult to break into the lineup due to Sennecke's emergence and the absence of a defined role. He didn't fit what Quenneville was looking for in his top-6, despite having the vision and passing ability to be a capable playmaker. He also didn't quite have the grit and high-energy level that Quenneville was seeking from his bottom-6 forwards.
A couple of healthy scratches at the beginning of December foreshadowed what the following months would be like for Strome, as he was shifted out wide from his natural center position upon his return to the lineup. Eventually, he became one of the customary healthy scratches on a game-to-game basis.
Jan 10, 2026; Buffalo, New York, USA; Anaheim Ducks center Ryan Strome (16) waits for the face-off during the third period against the Buffalo Sabres at KeyBank Center. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-Imagn Images
The lack of production and playing time started to become a focal point. $5 million is a lot of money to have sitting in the press box every night. With the writing seemingly on the wall, Verbeek did Strome right by dealing him to the Calgary Flames for a 2027 seventh-round pick at the trade deadline. This deal opened up cap space and freed up a roster spot for the Ducks and gave the Flames a reliable veteran to help steady their rebuild, a role that Strome embraced when he first came to Anaheim.
While Strome's Ducks career ended unceremoniously, he was a good steward for the team and was never afraid to speak casually about performances, whether individual or team-related. He was one of Verbeek's first free agent signings (alongside longtime friend Frank Vatrano) in the summer of 2022 and helped set the groundwork for where the Ducks are today.
Alex Killorn
This upcoming season, Killorn will be entering the final year of a four-year, $25 million contract that he signed in July 2023. Both he and Radko Gudas joined the Ducks organization on the same day. Previously, they were teammates when they entered the NHL with the Tampa Bay Lightning.
It was clear early on that Killorn's role would be to complement rookie Leo Carlsson, who had just been selected by the Ducks with the second overall pick a week prior. The pair were joined at the hip during training camp, but a finger fracture during one of the Ducks' preseason games ruled Killorn out for the first month of the regular season. Upon his return, he was back on Carlsson's line.
Injuries were the tale of Killorn's debut season with the Ducks as he underwent arthroscopic knee surgery that January to clear out a lingering issue. "It was just painful, and I felt like it was a negative part of my game," Killorn said. "I got it (cleaned up) and now I feel like there's no hindrances."
May 6, 2026; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Anaheim Ducks left wing Alex Killorn (17) warms up before the start of game two against the Vegas Golden Knights in the second round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at T-Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images
His role has remained relatively similar as the seasons have passed by. He was the reliable linemate for Cutter Gauthier while he got his feet wet during his first full NHL season, and continued to play alongside Carlsson. His penalty killing acumen has been one of his calling cards since arriving in Anaheim. Head coach Joel Quenneville and assistant coach Ryan McGill leaned on him especially this past season, putting him in a tandem with Ryan Poehling as the top penalty killing unit.
Killorn has not missed a game since that first season with Anaheim, showcasing his durability and endurance. He was one of three Ducks to play in all 82 regular season games this past season. Though he isn't the quickest skater by any means, his intelligence and strength when hanging onto pucks or engaging in board battles make up for his lack of foot speed. He has arguably been Verbeek's best free agent acquisition to date and while his $6.25 million AAV may have been eye-popping initially, he has managed to quell concerns about those numbers.
Troy Terry
Terry endured plenty this season, battling through a chronic hip impingement during the second half of the season and into the playoffs. He still managed to put up 57 points in 61 games and just missed out on his fifth consecutive 20-goal season, though he did hit the 50-point plateau for the fifth time in his career.
One of the team's top forwards and a staple on the power play, Terry has become much more of a facilitator over the past few seasons, following his 37-goal breakout in 2021-22. With players like Cutter Gauthier, Beckett Sennecke and Chris Kreider now on the team, there isn't as much of a burden for Terry to be a goalscorer. He does showcase his wicked wrist shot from time to time, with his shooting percentage hovering around 12 percent, feeling more appropriate than his scorching 19.3 percent during his 2021-22 campaign.
On Thursday, the Ducks announced that Terry underwent successful surgery to address his hip impingement and a labral tear. He is expected to be out for five to six months, which means he could be out until December.
Mar 30, 2026; Anaheim, California, USA; Anaheim Ducks right wing Troy Terry (19) skates on the ice during the second period against the Toronto Maple Leafs at Honda Center. Mandatory Credit: Griffin Hooper-Imagn Images
Terry's absence provides an opportunity for someone like Colangelo, Nesterenko or even Frank Vatrano, who was on the outskirts at the end of this past season, to step in and make an impact. Terry's scoring gradually decreased as the game progressed, with it clear that his injury was impacting his play. He had strong opening and closing performances against the Oilers, but the injury appeared to be taking its toll against the Vegas Golden Knights.
Hip issues can be tricky, as we saw with former Duck Ryan Kesler about a decade ago. The hope is that this surgery will give Terry a clean bill of health and help him get back to the level of play he was at before the hip impingement became an issue.
Chris Kreider
Kreider was acquired by the Ducks last June, following another New York Rangers saga that involved forcing out a player via trade. After Ducks general manager Pat Verbeek acquired Trouba from the Rangers in December 2024 following a brief strong-arm discussion with Rangers general manager Chris Drury, he circled back to grab Kreider for minimal cost (prospect Carey Terrance and a third-round pick) several months later.
The bounties were plentiful early and often for Kreider in his first season as a Duck. If he had any issues acclimating to the other end of the coast, it didn't show in his play as he became a mainstay on the top power play unit in his customary netfront position and the ideal complementary piece alongside Leo Carlsson and Terry on the top line. November was by far his most productive month. He scored seven goals and provided five assists with a plus-3 rating. He reached the 20-goal mark for the eighth consecutive season and was one of six Ducks who reached the 50-point threshold.
However, things took a downturn for Kreider once April hit. He registered three points (all assists) in seven games with a plus-0 rating and then had seven points in 12 playoff games. Most of that production came in the series-clinching Game 6 against the Oilers in the first round, when he had a goal and two assists. Outside of that, he had just four points and a minus-3 rating. He was a minus in every game of the second round against the Golden Knights, aside from Game 6. Despite the lack of production, Quenneville opted to stick with Kreider on the top line alongside Carlsson and Terry.
Apr 30, 2026; Anaheim, California, USA; Anaheim Ducks left wing Chris Kreider (20) reacts at the end of game six of the first round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs against the Edmonton Oilers at Honda Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
At 35, Kreider isn't getting any younger. But he didn't cost an exorbitant amount and provided secondary scoring. He probably shouldn't be on the top line again next season, but should be on a line with player(s) who can drive play and set up scoring opportunities for him. He is entering the final year of his seven-year, $45.5 million contract this upcoming season.
Kreider is a cerebral player who doesn't need the puck on his stick very long to make an impact. The lulls in his play may be concerning, especially for someone who received a lion's share of playing time at both 5v5 and the power play. After missing a portion of the 2024-25 season with various injuries, Kreider was relatively healthy this past season, save for a bout with hand, foot and mouth disease. A similar season production-wise in 2026-27 would be welcomed; it's just a matter of continuing to find that success in the latter stages of the season.
TSN revealed the top 10 players on their NHL trade bait board for the 2026 NHL off-season. A Pittsburgh Penguins forward was among the players listed, as Rickard Rakell made the cut.
Rickard is no stranger to being the subject of trade rumors, as he was one of the most-talked-about trade candidates during this past off-season. While trade speculation surrounding him died down a bit during the 2025-26 season due to the Penguins being a playoff team, he is finding himself right back in the rumor mill this summer.
With the Penguins being a team that is focused on the future, it is fair to wonder if they could trade a solid veteran forward like Rakell. This is especially so when noting that he has good trade value after having another strong season in 2025-26. In 60 games this campaign with the Penguins, he had 24 goals and 48 points.
This year's pending UFA forwards are not the strongest, either, so it would make sense if Rakell generated a lot of interest during the off-season. This is especially so when noting that he has a bargain $5 million cap hit through 2027-28.
Yet, given how well Rakell has continued to play for the Penguins, there is no question that trading him would hurt their top six. Nevertheless, it will be interesting to see what the Penguins decide to do with Rakell from here.
ARLINGTON, Va. (AP) — The Washington Capitals have signed coach Spencer Carbery to a multiyear contract extension.
The team announced the move Thursday and did not provide any additional details on the length or terms of the deal.
Washington missed the playoffs this past season for the first time in three seasons under Carbery. In 2024-25, the Capitals captured the top seed in the Eastern Conference and won a playoff series for the first time since 2018. Carbery won the Jack Adams Award as the league's top coach that season.
The 44-year-old Carbery is 134-83-29 with Washington. The Capitals are eighth in the league in point percentage since hiring him.
TSN insider Darren Dreger reported Thursday that he believes Anaheim Ducks forward Mason McTavish will be moved, adding another high-profile name to what is shaping up to be a busy summer around the NHL.
The saga between McTavish and the Ducks has been a simmering one for some time. The former third overall pick in the 2021 NHL Draft found himself bouncing around Anaheim's middle-six for much of last season, spending significant stretches on the third line and even finding himself a healthy scratch at times.
Reports suggest the two sides have been at odds over playing time concerns, and a reportedly difficult negotiation process when hammering out his current contract appears to have driven a wedge between the player and the organization that has never fully healed. Now, the Ducks appear ready to move on and find a return that better suits their needs.
The timing creates a fascinating opportunity for the Detroit Red Wings, who have the assets and the roster flexibility to make a run at the 23-year-old. McTavish is entering just the second season of a six-year deal carrying a $7 million annual cap hit, a number that could look like a bargain in short order if he finally takes the next step that many in the hockey world have been waiting on since he was drafted.
The situation in Detroit, however, carries its own layer of urgency as team captain Dylan Larkin recently requested a trade, sending shockwaves through an organization that has spent years building around him as its cornerstone. That development adds a complicated dimension to any potential McTavish pursuit.
On one hand, Larkin himself could conceivably be included in a package sent to Anaheim, giving the Ducks a proven, established center to build around while Detroit recoups significant value in return.
On the other hand, landing a player of McTavish's caliber and upside could be exactly the kind of move that gives Larkin reason to reconsider his request and buy back into what the Red Wings are building. It is a delicate situation for Detroit general manager Steve Yzerman to navigate, but one that could ultimately define the direction of the franchise for years to come.
At six-foot-one and 221 pounds, McTavish brings a physical presence and two-way capability that would fit well in Detroit with or without Larkin in the fold. If Larkin stays, McTavish could slide onto the top line at left wing alongside Larkin and Lucas Raymond, giving that unit a power forward dimension it has at times lacked.
If Larkin is dealt, McTavish could drop down and anchor the second line at center, taking on a more defined role and the opportunity to grow into the player his draft pedigree always suggested he could become.
McTavish has largely settled in as a 40 to 50 point player through his early NHL career, productive but not yet the star many projected when Anaheim selected him third overall five years ago. The Red Wings will need to find a deal that reflects where McTavish is right now while leaving room for the upside that still very much exists.
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The Senators have reportedly given up the NHL playing rights to Alex Formenton.
According to Postmedia's Bruce Garrioch, who quoted league sources, Formenton was removed from the club's free agent list last month after Stephen Halliday was re-signed.
So that means Formenton's status flips from restricted to unrestricted free agent.
That probably doesn't change a lot for the 26-year-old, whose NHL rights could have been acquired from the Sens for even the smallest of compensation.
Steve Warne and Gregg Kennedy discuss on Sens Nation how the NCAA eligibility rules can complicate NHL Draft evaulation.
Formenton was one of five players involved in a sexual assault trial that concluded last summer. All five were declared not guilty on all charges, and the judge stated in her findings that she did not find the complainant's evidence to be "credible or reliable."
The Senators announced last year that they wouldn't be bringing Formenton back and set about trying to trade his rights. But he hasn't played an NHL game in four years and now seems quite comfortable playing in Switzerland, putting up 23 points in 42 games this season.
Formenton is truly one of the game's fastest skaters and was chosen with the 2017 second-round pick the Senators got when they traded Curtis Lazar to Calgary. While Formenton played in parts of four seasons with the Sens, he only played one full NHL season. He scored 18 goals and 32 points in 79 games in 2021-22.
After being cleared of all charges, Formenton, Dillon Dube, Michael McLeod, and Cal Foote were then cleared to play by the NHL, but only Carter Hart has found NHL work again, helping lead the Vegas Golden Knights to within two victories of the Stanley Cup this spring.
It’s been a great season for Montreal Canadiens’ captain Nick Suzuki. Not only did he lead his team to the playoffs for a second consecutive season, but he also scored 101 points, reaching the 100-point mark for the first time in his career. He then helped the Habs to win their first two series of the Kent Hughes-Jeff Gorton era, putting up 16 points in 19 games and fulfilling key defensive missions. Over the last few years, he has established himself as Martin St-Louis’ go-to guy in most circumstances.
It used to be that his skills and efficiency were only recognized in Montreal. Still, his participation in the Olympics and in the 4 Nations Face-Off really opened some eyes, just like the ringing endorsement he got from Tampa Bay Lightning and Team Canada coach John Cooper. As a result, he managed to capture the first Frank J. Selke trophy of his career as the league’s top defensive forward.
This week, Sportsnet released an interesting ranking, showing which players put up the most points in the NHL when adding up the regular season and the playoffs, and while Suzuki doesn’t top the list, he’s not far behind. Despite being eliminated in the first round with his Edmonton Oilers, Connor McDavid leads the way with 144 points in 88 games. He’s followed by Nathan MacKinnon, who made it to the Western Conference Final with his Colorado Avalanche before being swept by the Vegas Golden Knights, but still has 142 points in 93 games to show for it. Nikita Kucherov, whose Lightning was taken down by the Habs in the first round, follows suit in third place with 136 points in 83 games.
Suzuki lands just at the foot of the podium, in fourth place with 117 points in 101 games, an impressive offensive output for a player who’s often tasked with defensive missions. It will be interesting to see what the centerman can come up with as an encore next season. Ever since joining the league, his production has trended up. Have we seen the ceiling yet? It appears doubtful. It stands to reason that if and when the Canadiens have a more menacing second line, Suzuki will have more breathing room on the ice, and his line won’t be seen as the only one opponents must contain.
The Chicago Blackhawks selected a franchise icon third overall in 2006 when they called Jonathan Toews' name. To say he lived up to the hype would be a wild understatement, as he is one of the greatest Blackhawks of all time.
Toews played for Chicago for the first 15 years of his NHL career. It would have been 16 had he not missed the entire 2020-21 season.
Ahead of 2025-26, Toews signed a one-year deal with the Winnipeg Jets after a few years away from the game. Some thought he might not end up coming back after his final game with Chicago in 2023, but he proved that he was capable of returning.
Not only did he return, but he also played in all 82 games with Winnipeg, his hometown team. In 82 games played, he had 11 goals and 18 assists for 29 points while continuing his domination in the face-off dot. It was a mediocre year for him compared to his career numbers, but his successful attempt at coming back proved to the hockey world and himself that he could do it.
Now, Jonathan Toews will retire from the National Hockey League at the age of 38. He shuts it down with 1149 games played, 383 goals, 529 assists, and 912 points.
Throughout his career, he won the Stanley Cup three times, the Conn Smythe Trophy, the Selke Trophy, and was named one of the 100 greatest players in NHL history during the league's centennial season. This resume will make him a first-ballot Hall of Fame player.
For a long time, Toews was a force down the middle of the ice. There were a few years during his prime when folks had him as one of the ten best players in the NHL due to his ability to do it all. He could score, defend with the best of them, and was as fierce a leader as has ever existed in the sport's history.
Toews was named captain at a young age. His nickname "Captain Serious" was perfect because he was obsessed with winning, and his competitive drive was the foundation of the Blackhawks for a decade. They won a lot because of it.
On January 19th, Toews made his return to the United Center for the first time as a road player. He received the reception that you'd expect. It was the type of ovation that you get if you win three Stanley Cups.
With this news, the celebration of Toews' career has only just begun. He will eventually have his number retired, be put in the Blackhawks Hall of Fame, and eventually be inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame.
A press conference will be held by the Winnipeg Jets on Friday, June 19th, to make it official.
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oronto Maple Leafs head coach Mike Babcock during the third period of an NHL hockey game against the Detroit Red Wings, Oct. 12, 2019, in Detroit.
It appears Mike Babcock will have a clear path to return to coaching.
On Thursday, the NHL released a statement regarding its investigation of Babcock.
“The League has completed its review of Mike Babcock’s tenure in Columbus, and of certain alleged conduct associated therewith,” the statement read. “Our investigation has concluded that, even in a light least favorable to Mr. Babcock, there is no current basis to restrict his employment in the League.”
The investigation comes amid rumblings that the Oilers want to hire Babcock to be their next head coach.
oronto Maple Leafs head coach Mike Babcock during the third period of an NHL hockey game against the Detroit Red Wings, Oct. 12, 2019, in Detroit. AP Photo/Duane Burleson
Edmonton consulted with the NHL Players’ Association to ensure it could hire Babcock without objection.
TSN reported that it seems final contract details are being arranged, but unless there is a last-mute rush, a press conference to introduce Babcock could come as early as next week.
The investigation centered around Babcock’s brief tenure in Columbus.
Babcock resigned from his post there before coaching a single game due to allegations of invading player privacy by asking them to share photos from personal phones.
It wasn’t the first time Babcock was accused of mistreating players.
One of the more known incidents occurred during the 2016-17 season, when Babcock was the bench boss in Toronto and told then-rookie Mitch Marner to rank his teammates on work ethic, which Babcock then shared with the team.
Marner’s teammates backed Marner and directed their anger at the “list incident” toward Babcock.
Mike Babcock addresses the media as the Columbus Blue Jackets introduce Babcock as their new head coach during a news conference on Saturday, July 1, 2023 in Columbus, Ohio. AP
It goes without saying that the Oilers are taking a big risk by moving forward with Babcock.
As Connor McDavid’s two-year extension begins next season, questions linger over whether the superstar will stay in Edmonton after it expires.
Having a head coach who is unpopular among many players could make it even harder for Edmonton to retain its biggest star.
The NHLPA also released a statement regarding the situation Thursday.
“While we found the allegations of Mike Babcock’s conduct as the Columbus Blue Jackets’ head coach very concerning, the League has decided that there is no current basis on which to restrict his employment,” it said. “Moving forward, we expect that Mr. Babcock will uphold the high standards required of NHL head coaches.”
Babcock’s career regular-season coaching record is 700-418-164.
He won the Stanley Cup with Detroit in 2008 and led Team Canada to Olympic gold in 2010 and 2014.
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