The Chicago Blackhawks are entering the off-season as a team to watch. With the Blackhawks having cap space to work with, it is certainly possible that they will look to bring in some new talent this off-season.
Adding a top-six winger would be significant for the Blackhawks, as Connor Bedard could use some more help around him. While this is the case, they also could look to upgradie their blueline. Due to this, they are now being urged to pursue a notable pending unrestricted free agent defenseman if he hits the free-agent market.
In a recent article for The Athletic, Scott Powers named Mario Ferraro as a defenseman the Blackhawks should consider targeting if he does not re-sign with the San Jose Sharks.
"The Blackhawks could use a veteran defenseman to bring some stability to their young group," Powers wrote. "From his defensive play to his toughness to his puck-moving ability, he could fit in well with what Chicago already has."
If the Blackhawks signed Ferraro, they would be bringing in a proven top-four defenseman who plays a strong all-around game. Due to this, he would have the potential to benefit the Blackhawks' defensive group if signed.
Ferraro's age undoubtedly adds to his appeal, as he is 27 years old. With this, he is right in his prime and will be for multiple more seasons. Thus, signing him would not come with much risk for the Blackhawks.
Ferraro appeared in 82 games this season with the Sharks, where he recorded seven goals, 16 assists, 23 points, 137 hits, and 150 blocks. With numbers like these, he would have the potential to be a strong pickup for the Blackhawks if they landed him. Yet, given his importance to the Sharks' blueline, the possibility of San Jose bringing him back is undoubtedly there.
The Athletic recently took a look at one free agent who each NHL team should try to sign during the off-season. When it came to the Montreal Canadiens, The Athletic's Arpon Basu argued that the Habs should consider making a push for former New York Rangers captain Jacob Trouba if he hits the market this off-season.
"This pick is more in theory than in practice, because the Canadiens tried hard at the trade deadline to add a physical, right-shot defenseman. With the uncertain status of prospect David Reinbacher and the continued right-left imbalance on their blue line, a player such as Trouba on a short-to-medium-term contract would be helpful," Basu wrote.
While Basu noted that there is a real chance that Trouba probably wouldn't sign with the Habs, he would have the potential to be a good fit on their blueline. The 32-year-old blueliner showed this season with the Anaheim Ducks that he can still be an impactful top-four defenseman. With this, he could provide the Canadiens' blueline with a nice boost if signed this off-season.
Trouba appeared in 81 games this season with the Ducks, where he recorded 10 goals, 25 assists, 35 points, 143 hits, and 149 blocks. With numbers like these, he not only provided the Ducks with a lot of physicality but also showed that he can still provide some offense from the point. With this, he could be a good fit on the Canadiens.
If the Canadiens signed Trouba this off-season, he could work well in their top four and on their penalty kill. Yet, even if Trouba played on Montreal's bottom pairing, he would still have the chance to be a nice pickup for the Habs. Let's see if they target him from here.
A win tonight would mark the second time Buffalo has earned five wins in their first six road contests in a single playoff year. Buffalo split the first two road games of this series, emerging victorious in the most recent road matchup between the two teams in Game 4 (3-2).
In his last six games, Zach Benson has registered six points (3+3).Benson has four goals in the playoffs and is the first Sabres skater age 21 or younger to register four or more goals in a single playoff year since Pierre Turgeon in 1988 (4; 18 years old).
Josh Doan’s plus-5 rating is the best mark by a Sabres forward in the first 11 games of their playoff career since Paul Gaustad (plus-5) and Derek Roy (plus-6) from April 22 to May 13, 2006. In his last eight games, Doan has registered 10 points (3+7), including at least one point in each of his last six contests.
In his last seven games, Rasmus Dahlin has posted seven points (2+5), including an assist in three straight games. With an assist tonight, Dahlin would join Owen Power as the only Sabres defensemen who have registered an assist streak of at least four games in this year’s playoffs. Dahlin would become just the fourth Buffalo defenseman all-time (Power, Alexei Zhitnik, Jason Woolley) to register an assist streak of four or more games in the playoffs.
Tage Thompson has tallied 11 points (4+7) in 11 playoff games thus far, including four points (2+2) in his last three games.Thompson’s four multi-point games in the playoffs are tied for the third most among all NHL skaters.
Bowen Byram has recorded four goals in the playoffs and is one goal
away from recording the most goals by a Sabres defenseman in a single playoff year all-time.
Mattias Samuelsson (43 hits; three goals) is the only NHL defenseman with 40 or more hits and three or more goals in the playoffs.
For the 10th consecutive season, the Detroit Red Wings are watching the Stanley Cup Playoffs from home.
Their fate was officially sealed after yet another late-season collapse, in which a once-comfortable lead above the playoff cut line vanished, culminating in a disappointing 5–3 loss and a chorus of boos from frustrated fans at Little Caesars Arena on April 11.
Down the stretch, it was McLellan who repeatedly decried what he viewed as "jerseys" on the ice, or players who weren't making a difference and weren't giving a complete, total effort.
So far, we’ve examined the lack of production from both Michael Rasmussen, Detroit’s former ninth-overall pick in the 2017 NHL Draft, and forward J.T. Compher, who hasn’t come close to delivering the level of production expected from a player carrying a $5.1 million cap hit.
While Appleton has never been a player that the clubs that he's played for so far in his NHL career expect to be a focal point of their offense, the Red Wings were counting on him to make more of an impact than he did in the second half of the season.
Appleton, whom the Red Wings inked to a two-year, $5.8 million deal last offseason with a cap hit of $2.9 million, began his tenure in Detroit on a positive note.
Not only did he score the game-winning goal against the Toronto Maple Leafs late in regulation in their fourth game of the season, but he was on track for around 35-40 points after his first month.
However, his offense began to taper off, and after the calendar flipped to 2026, was nearly nonexistent.
In fact, beginning on January 1, Appleton went 19 straight games without registering a single point, finally breaking that dismal streak with a pair of assists on March 2. But from that point on, he managed just one point over the next 14 games.
Ultimately, over his last 34 games of the season, Appleton scored just once.
Appleton was largely ineffective for the Red Wings in the second half of the season, leading to questions about whether or not he'll be offered a new contract upon the expiration of his current deal next summer - or if GM Steve Yzerman could potentially look to move on from him before then.
Never miss a story by adding us to your Google News favorites!
For action-packed issues, access to the entire magazine archive and a free issue, subscribe to The Hockey News at THN.com/free. Get the latest news and trending stories by subscribing to our newsletter here. And share your thoughts by commenting below the article on THN.com or creating your own post in our community forum.
The Philadelphia Flyers were one of the NHL's biggest surprises this season. This is because they not only made it into the playoffs, but they also advanced to the second round.
While the Flyers were swept by the Carolina Hurricanes, it is clear that they are heading in the right direction, and this year was a real success. Now, the Flyers should be looking to make some upgrades to their roster this summer.
Due to this, the Flyers have urged to try to land one of the NHL's best pending unrestricted free agents (UFAs) if they hit the market on July 1.
In a recent article for The Athletic, Kevin Kurz argued that the Flyers should make a push for defenseman Darren Raddysh if he does not re-sign with the Tampa Bay Lightning.
"The Flyers’ power play has been awful for five years running, including a last-place finish during this past regular season. Raddysh had 10 goals and 26 points on the power play this season, and would give the Flyers the big, booming shot that Rick Tocchet is seeking," Kurz wrote.
With the Flyers' power play needing help and their blueline lacking a high-impact offensive defenseman, Raddysh does stand out as an interesting potential target for the Flyers to consider. This is especially so when noting that Raddysh just had a monster year for the Bolts, posting 22 goals, 48 assists, and 70 points in 73 games.
If Raddysh could replicate his career year as a member of the Flyers, he would be a massive addition to their group. Yet, it is certainly hard to say with full certainty that he will, as he his previous career high in points was 37 during the 2024-25 season.
However, with the year that Raddysh just had, he would have the potential to give the Flyers' blueline more offense if signed. It will be interesting to see if the Flyers try to land him this summer because of it, but the Lightning are likely going to work hard to keep him in Tampa.
NHL 26 has been undefeated so far in the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
The simulation predicted both a four-game sweep of the Los Angeles Kings and a five-game defeat of the Minnesota Wild in round two for the Colorado Avalanche.
Now the Avalanche are four wins away from a berth in the Stanley Cup Final. What’s going to happen next? Let’s find out.
Game 1 — Golden Knights 5, Avalanche 2
The Vegas Golden Knights controlled Game 1 from the opening minutes and never fully let Colorado back into the matchup, riding a fast start and steady finishing touch to a 5–2 win in the Western Conference Final simulation.
William Karlsson opened the scoring at 4:52 of the first period, slipping a backhander through Scott Wedgewood’s five-hole to make it 1–0. Keegan Kolesar doubled the lead just minutes later, redirecting a Rasmus Andersson shot to push it to 2–0.
Colorado generated pressure midway through the period, with Martin Necas setting up Nathan MacKinnon for a clean look, but Carter Hart denied the attempt. Vegas kept pushing, and Noah Hanifin extended the lead to 3–0 late in the frame with a wrist shot over Wedgewood’s glove.
The Avalanche answered late in the period when Nazem Kadri finished a feed from Brett Kulak, beating Hart with a wrist shot to cut it to 3–1.
Colorado carried that momentum into the second period and closed the gap further when Gabe Landeskog spun and buried a backhand past Hart to make it 3–2.
Scott Wedgewood kept the Avalanche within reach with key saves, but Vegas regained control in the third. Tomas Hertl finished a rebound at the back door to make it 4–2, and Shea Theodore sealed the game with an empty-net goal late.
Final Stats — Game 1
Final Score: Golden Knights 5, Avalanche 2
Scoring (VGK): William Karlsson, Keegan Kolesar, Noah Hanifin, Tomas Hertl, Shea Theodore
Scoring (COL): Nazem Kadri, Gabe Landeskog
Shots on Goal: Golden Knights 33 — Avalanche 28
Goaltenders:
Scott Wedgewood (COL): 29 saves
Carter Hart (VGK): 26 saves
Multi-point players: Tomas Hertl (1G, 1A), Shea Theodore (1G, 1A)
Game 2 — Golden Knights 3, Avalanche 1
The Vegas Golden Knights stayed in full control of the series with another disciplined road win, defeating the Colorado Avalanche 3–1 behind an early strike, strong defensive structure, and a standout performance from Carter Hart to take a 2–0 series lead.
Jack Eichel opened the scoring early, finishing a Brett Howden feed on a one-timer to give Vegas a 1–0 advantage and set the tone for the night.
Colorado responded with pressure and possession, outshooting Vegas 10–6 in the first period, but Hart kept the Avalanche off the board with several key stops, including a glove save on a Josh Manson point shot, as the Golden Knights carried the lead into intermission.
The Avalanche continued to press in the second, nearly tying the game on multiple chances—most notably a rebound scramble where Devon Toews cleared Brett Howden from danger, and later a Toews rush opportunity that Hart again turned aside.
Vegas eventually doubled the lead midway through the period when Cole Smith scored through traffic after a defensive breakdown in front of Scott Wedgewood, despite Colorado continuing to control shot volume.
In the third, Colorado’s frustration grew as Josh Manson hit the post and additional chances from Valeri Nichushkin and Gabe Landeskog were denied by Hart, who stayed locked in down the stretch.
Late pressure came with Cale Makar generating a rebound look from the point, but Hart smothered the chance before Colorado could capitalize. Jack Eichel then sealed the game with an empty-net goal, with Nicolas Roy adding a late consolation marker for the Avalanche in the final seconds.
Final Stats — Game 2
Score: Golden Knights 3, Avalanche 1
VGK Goals: Jack Eichel (2), Cole Smith
COL Goal: Nicolas Roy
Shots On Goal: Avalanche 28 — Golden Knights 17
Assists (COL): Cale Makar, Ross Colton
Goaltending:
Carter Hart — 27 saves
Scott Wedgewood — 15 saves
Series: Golden Knights lead 2–0
Game 3 — Avalanche 1, Golden Knights 0
The Colorado Avalanche finally broke through in the Western Conference Final simulation, grinding out a tight defensive battle and getting just enough offense to edge the Vegas Golden Knights 1–0 in Game 3.
After nearly two scoreless periods defined by structure, saves, and limited space, the breakthrough finally arrived late in the second. With 4:03 remaining in the frame, Valeri Nichushkin and Gabe Landeskog drove hard to the net, creating chaos in front of Carter Hart. Amid the traffic, Nichushkin found a window and slipped a wrister through the five-hole to give Colorado the only goal it would need.
From there, the Avalanche leaned into a disciplined defensive effort, protecting the lead through a tense third period where space continued to shrink and every chance carried weight.
Scott Wedgewood stood tall throughout the night, turning aside Vegas pressure with 33 saves to secure the shutout bid, while Hart finished with 25 stops at the other end in a low-event, tightly controlled game.
Final Stats — Game 3
Score: Avalanche 1, Golden Knights 0
Scorer (COL): Valeri Nichushkin
Shots on Goal: Golden Knights 33 — Avalanche 26
Goaltending:
Scott Wedgewood — 33 saves (Shutout)
Carter Hart — 25 saves
Series: Golden Knights lead 2–1
Game 4 — Avalanche 3, Golden Knights 2 (3OT)
The Colorado Avalanche clawed their way back into the Western Conference Final simulation in dramatic fashion, outlasting the Vegas Golden Knights 3–2 in triple overtime to even the series at two games apiece in a marathon Game 4.
Colorado struck first at 4:08 of the opening period when Brock Nelson jumped on a Gabe Landeskog rebound and snapped it past Carter Hart to give the Avalanche an early 1–0 lead.
Vegas answered on the power play at 8:16 of the second period in a chaotic sequence. Mitch Marner created space with a slick deke through coverage, lost control of the puck in traffic, but it deflected off Valeri Nichushkin’s skate and trickled into the net to tie the game 1–1.
The Avalanche regained the lead early in the third. At 3:40, Martin Necas found Landeskog in the slot, and the captain blasted a one-timer past an outstretched Hart to make it 2–1.
Vegas responded late, tying the game with 8:36 remaining when Nic Dowd pounced on a loose puck at the doorstep and slid it under Scott Wedgewood’s pad to force overtime.
What followed turned into a war of attrition—three full overtime periods of grinding, chances, and survival on both ends.
Vegas controlled the shot volume throughout the night, but Wedgewood repeatedly kept Colorado alive, while Hart also stood tall to push the game deep into marathon territory.
Finally, the breakthrough came in triple overtime. After Nathan MacKinnon won a crucial offensive-zone draw, Sam Malinski fired a point shot that created a rebound in front. Martin Necas reacted quickest, snapping it over Hart’s glove to seal a 3–2 Avalanche victory and level the series.
Final Stats — Game 4
Score: Avalanche 3, Golden Knights 2 (3OT)
Shots on Goal: Golden Knights 60, Avalanche 42
COL Goals: Brock Nelson, Gabe Landeskog, Martin Necas (OT winner)
VGK Goals: Mitch Marner, Nic Dowd
Goaltending:
Scott Wedgewood — 58 saves
Carter Hart — 39 saves
Series: Tied 2–2
Game 5 — Avalanche 2, Golden Knights 0
The Colorado Avalanche carried their momentum from a triple-overtime classic into Game 5 and delivered a disciplined, defensive road win, shutting out the Vegas Golden Knights 2–0 to take a 3–2 series lead in the Western Conference Final simulation.
With both Scott Wedgewood and Carter Hart given the night off after the exhausting Game 4 marathon, Mackenzie Blackwood and Adin Hill stepped into the spotlight and delivered strong performances on both ends of the ice.
Colorado struck early once again, with Martin Necas opening the scoring to give the Avalanche a 1–0 lead and immediately tilt the pace in their favor.
From there, the game settled into a tight, low-scoring grind, with both goaltenders holding firm as chances came at a premium. Blackwood, however, was perfect when it mattered most, turning aside everything Vegas threw at him to keep Colorado in front.
The Avalanche finally added insurance in the closing seconds. With nine seconds remaining, Necas struck again, finishing into an empty net to seal the 2–0 victory and extend Colorado’s winning streak to three straight games.
Final Stats — Game 5
Score: Avalanche 2, Golden Knights 0
COL Goals: Martin Necas (2)
Shots on Goal: Avalanche 33 — Golden Knights 21
Goaltending:
Mackenzie Blackwood — 21 saves (Shutout)
Adin Hill — 32 saves
Series: Avalanche lead 3–2
Game 6 — Avalanche 3, Golden Knights 1
Desperation defined Game 6 from the opening puck drop, with the Vegas Golden Knights fighting to extend the series and the Colorado Avalanche trying to punch their ticket to the Stanley Cup Final in a tense, tightly played elimination game.
Neither side found the breakthrough through two periods, despite Colorado holding a 21–14 edge in shots on goal and controlling long stretches of possession. Both goaltenders stood firm, turning away chance after chance to keep the game scoreless heading into the third.
Vegas finally broke through at 2:26 of the final frame. Ivan Barbashev drove hard to the net, saw his initial attempt partially deflected, and stayed with the play to poke home the rebound past Mackenzie Blackwood, giving the Golden Knights a 1–0 lead.
Colorado answered quickly on the power play. Just over three minutes later, Ross Colton buried a one-timer off a Nic Roy feed, tying the game 1–1 while William Karlsson served a tripping penalty on Cale Makar.
With the game hanging in the balance late, the Avalanche struck again in familiar fashion. At 2:21 remaining in regulation, Artturi Lehkonen finished a feed from Logan O’Connor, snapping a shot from the left circle past Carter Hart to give Colorado its first lead of the night.
O’Connor then sealed the result with an empty-net goal, lifting the Avalanche to a 3–1 victory and sending them on to the Stanley Cup Final after winning four of the final five games in the series.
Final Stats — Game 6
Score: Avalanche 3, Golden Knights 1
COL Goals: Ross Colton, Artturi Lehkonen, Logan O’Connor (EN)
VGK Goal: Ivan Barbashev
Shots on Goal: Avalanche 34, Golden Knights 22
Goaltending: Mackenzie Blackwood — 21 saves
Carter Hart — 32 saves
Series Result: Avalanche win series 4–2, advance to Stanley Cup Final
What do you guys think will happen in round three? Let us know.
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.
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.
Never miss a story by adding us to your Google News favorites!
For action-packed issues, access to the entire magazine archive and a free issue, subscribe to The Hockey News at THN.com/free. Get the latest news and trending stories by subscribing to our newsletter here. And share your thoughts by commenting below the article on THN.com or creating your own post in our community forum.
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.
For action-packed issues, access to the entire magazine archive and a free issue, subscribe to The Hockey News at THN.com/free. Get the latest news and trending stories by subscribing to our newsletter here. And share your thoughts by commenting below the article on THN.com or creating your own post in our community forum.
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.
Drake Batherson says he was impressed with how his captain, Brady Tkachuk, handled all the non-hockey things that came his way this season.
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:
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?
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
Player
Pick
Lane Hutson
Over 0.5 assists
-170
Josh Doan
Over 0.5 points
-125
Rasmus Dahlin
Over 2.5 shots
-145
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.
img alt="Get a first bet encore up to $800 with the BET99 promo code COVERSNHL" width="100%" loading="lazy" src="https://img.covers.com/promo-articles/bet99nhlcreative2526.jpeg"Get a first bet encore up to $800 with BET99 bonus code COVERSNHL. (not available in Ontario)
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change. Not intended for use in MA. Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.
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.
Lane Hutson
Josh Doan