Being a rookie in the NHL is never easy.

Not only are you having to prove yourself at the highest level of hockey, but you're also having to learn how to fit in, carry yourself, be a professional and if you're coming over from Europe, then there's also the added burden of language, culture and so much more.

It can be a lot for a young guy, but everyone who's played has been there before so many are willing to lend a hand or take a guy under their wing.

I went around the locker room and asked each Carolina Hurricane who was the player(s) that helped them the most and some of the lessons they've carried with them. Here are their answers:

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Sebastian Aho

First NHL Season: 2016-17 (CAR)

“I’ve been fortunate to have a lot of good people around me. Coming into the NHL, honestly, probably Turbo [Teuvo Teravainen] was the guy. I wouldn’t say a mentor, but it was more so a guy I could lean on for a lot of stuff, not just hockey. It was a new culture for me. Everything was new really, so having somebody who had been in the league a few years already who knew how things rolled was obviously huge for me."

"There were also so many other guys. I want to say Jordo [Jordan Staal], I want to say Willy [Justin Williams], obviously Roddy [Rod Brind'Amour]. Roddy was huge too especially early on in my center career. Just a lot, a lot of video, a lot, a lot of details. Sometimes it felt like he was always on me, but at the same time, you know the guy wants to help you and he wants to make our team better. It was good stuff. Honestly guys that had been here, like Slavo [Jaccob Slavin], Pesc [Brett Pesce]. All these guys since day one have been great to me. It’s been a real pleasure to be a part of this group.”

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Frederik Andersen

First NHL Season: 2013-14 (ANA)

“The first guy on the team that kind of took me under their wing was Andrew Cogliano out in Anaheim. He was pretty young at the time too relatively, but he was still a veteran and had a lot of seasons under his belt. He was able to take me in as a rookie and make sure I felt like a part of the group and kept an eye on me a little bit. Bringing me out to dinners and all that type of stuff."

"His wife, Allie, is awesome. Just a great person. His family is great too. Saw them in Toronto a little bit and got to experience their Italian Sunday dinners. He just made me feel welcome and in the group right away. For me, I’m pretty shy as it is and was even more so as a young 23 year old. Not really knowing how much you belong yet or if you can hold your own and all that stuff. So just having chances to get to know some of the veterans and that type of stuff is big for young people just to feel welcome and feel like you can open up a little bit and be yourself."

"He was such a good pro and when he played, he was so dialed in and a true lead by example kind of guy. That rubs off on you and so you see how guys like that do it and you pick up certain things.”

Hurricanes Sign Frederik Andersen To Contract ExtensionThe Carolina Hurricanes have announced that they have signed goaltender Frederik Andersen to a one-year, $2.75 million contract extension. The Canes also shared that Andersen can earn bonuses of $250,000 for 35 games played, $250,000 for 40 games played, and $250,000 if the Hurricanes make the 2026 Eastern Conference Final and Andersen makes appearances in at least half of their post-season games. 

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Jackson Blake

First NHL Season: 2024-25 (CAR)

“Jacko [Jack Drury] was great, but I feel like everyone has helped me out. I know I can go to anyone and ask questions or stuff like that. You kind of have to do a little bit on your own because guys have their own things going on and stuff like that, but I feel you can always watch guys and stuff like that. I feel like everyone has been a big help."

"I sit next to KK [Jesperi Kotkaniemi] in the locker room so I talk to him probably the most out of anyone on the team and if I ever have questions, I’ll probably ask him since he’s right next to me and he’s easy to talk to.”

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Rod Brind’Amour

First NHL Season: 1989-90 (STL)

“For me, it wasn’t necessarily one guy. When I got to St. Louis, I was this young kid and back then, the league was older. They had the veteran guys and there weren't a lot of young, young guys. So I had a lot of guys and guys that I still see today."

"I remember Greg Millen was the goalie in St. Louis and I see him all the time because he’s still in the business. But he was always good. Paul MacLean was one of my first roommates. They stick the young guy with the old guy and he obviously had been around forever. So those guys help you and just take care of you. Dave Lowry, who, it’s funny now, because his kid is playing [Adam Lowry] and I remember him coming out onto the ice."

“Hully [Brett Hull] just yelled at you and made you feel bad. But then would take you out and laugh and be like, ‘What are you talking about?’ He was a great personality and you learned a lot from him too just by the way he played. But he was an interesting guy.”

"Those guys really took care of you and made sure you were in the right places and made sure they took you out to eat. Just little things that as a young kid, you don’t know what’s going on. When I was in St. Louis, those were the guys and then eventually, I became an older guy. When I got to Philly, it was a little different, but still Rick Tocchet was one of the veteran players and he was like, ‘Okay, you come hang out with me.’ That’s just the progression of it. I was fortunate that way.”

Did the veterans ever take you out on the town back then?

“It was interesting. I don’t know what it was, but they were always like, ‘You don’t need to come with us.’ They’d leave me out of it, or if I came, they’d make sure you got home. It was kind of weird, and I don’t know what it was about me, but they just said, ‘You’re not one of us in this regard and you don’t want to be.’ I guess they looked after me that way too. And like I said, by the time I got older, those days were done. Everything had changed. It was charter flights, so you’re not staying overnight in cities, which is where the trouble was. Now, they just eliminated all of that and the athletes coming up just had a way different mindset. It’s changed for the better in every which way.”

Did you have guys that you mentored?

“There’s certain guys that you take under your wing more. A guy that always comes to mind for me is [Chad LaRose] but that was just because he was so out there and he needed a lot of help. To me, it was always about guys' habits. Making sure they’re doing it right. I felt like by the time I became an old guy, these young guys were much better prepared. It was different. They’d been training all their life. It turned, so they didn’t need as much advice like, ‘Hey, you should be in the gym.’ They knew they had to be in the gym more, do a little extra, whatever. It was kind of already starting to turn by the time I got older.”

Hurricanes' Rod Brind'Amour Makes NHL HistoryWith their 5-4 double overtime win over the New Jersey Devils on April 29, the Carolina Hurricanes have officially moved on to the second round. The Hurricanes are now set to face off against the Washington Capitals in the next round, which should be a great series between the two Metropolitan Division rivals.

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Brent Burns

First NHL Season: 2003-04 (MIN)

“I had a lot of different guys. I learned a lot from Wes Walz, Andrew Brunette, Willie Mitchell, Pierre-Marc Bouchard, Marian Gaborik. I mean all these guys. Tried to learn from all kinds of different people. Some of them were younger and some of them were older.”

What's the biggest thing you learned from them that you still think about today?

“That’s a secret.”

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William Carrier

First NHL Season: 2016-17 (BUF)

“Matt Ellis. When I was in Rochester in the American League, he played a lot of games — I think he’s coaching in Buffalo now — but he just took me under the wing. I was more of a point-per-game guy coming out of junior and my role kind of had to change to make it in the NHL and he was a big part of showing me how to play safe defensively in your own zone and try to create loose pucks and create offense, but without turnovers and sacrificing defense and stuff like that. He was a big part of it.”

What was the biggest lesson you learned as a young guy breaking into the league?

“Just that you have to leave it in the locker room. I got a family back home and kids. You have some bad days and some days where you got scored on, you made a mistake and it cost the team, but you have to make sure you leave it there. You don’t bring it home and dwell on it. When 12 o’clock comes, you turn the page. You’re only as good as your last game and you just have to focus on the next one and keep it rolling. I think a lot of young guys get caught up in 10, 15 game goal droughts and then they start getting in their own heads. So just leave it at the rink. When you show back up, give it your best.”

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Jalen Chatfield

First NHL Season: 2020-21 (VAN)

“I got nobody. It was the COVID year and to be honest, I just had to figure it out on my own. Personally, I watched a lot of players and kind of picked up things they’ve done, but I never had anybody really mentor me. Maybe because I came into the league a little bit older. In the AHL, it was the same thing. Nobody really."

"Here, the whole D, I think we’re a pretty tight group. There’s a lot of good players back here. I wouldn’t say I have a mentor, but I’ve talked to Burnsie [Brent Burns] and the way he’s trained throughout his career and the stuff he used to do and Slavo [Jaccob Slavin] too. My biggest thing that I learned though was probably taking more rest because it’s a long season. That’s the biggest thing. But other than that, I didn’t really have a mentor or anything like that.”

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Shayne Gostisbehere

First NHL Season: 2015-16 (PHI)

“I had some great older guys in Philly. Whether it was Wayne Simmonds or Claude Giroux or Jake Voracek, I really leaned on those guys as a young guy, especially with just being on the power play at such a young age. It was such a big role to have and they really helped me evolve and find that confidence to play in the NHL and show me what it takes to play every day in the NHL.”

What was the biggest thing you learned?

“The day-to-day, nobody really prepares you for it until you’re really in it. It’s a different thing with pressure too. When you lack confidence, you have to find a way out there to find your game. Sometimes you just have to simplify things and dumb it down and do a lot of easier things out there and not try to do too much. It’s just finding that. It’s something that I’ve probably done my whole career, just finding that consistency of being the same player night in and night out.”

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Taylor Hall

First NHL Season: 2010-11 (EDM)

“If I had to pick one guy from my first couple of years, it would be Shawn Horcoff. He was our captain in Edmonton and he was a guy that was a really good pro, but he also liked to have fun and there were lots of laughs and lots of good times like that. So I think that’s what I took from him."

"As a younger player, there’s a lot of different ways that you can go and what kind of professional you’re gonna be and I think I looked up to him as well as a couple of other guys like Sam Gagner, Ryan Whitney, Ales Hemsky, Jason Strudwick. All the older guys that were good to me, but also pushed me and held me accountable when I needed it.”

'I Feel Very Fortunate To Be A Hurricane': Taylor Hall, Eric Tulsky On New Extension, Playoff SuccessThe Carolina Hurricanes signed Taylor Hall to a three-year contract extension earlier today, less than 24 hours after they eliminated the New Jersey Devils to advance to the second round.

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Mark Jankowski

First NHL Season: 2017-18 (CGY)

“My first captain in pro hockey would be Mike Angelidis. We had a good, veteran group down in Stockton. But my first NHL captain was Mark Giordano. He was great and somebody that you could really model yourself after. He was just a great pro and his career trajectory, from being undrafted to a Norris winner is just incredible and I was able to see him that season. So to just watch those guys when you’re such a young guy, it’s just someone to model yourself after."

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Seth Jarvis

First NHL Season: 2021-22 (CAR)

“Stepper. Derek Stepan. Him and Marty [Jordan Martinook] probably were the first two guys when I was on that kind of bubble of making the team that were talking to me on the ice. I wasn’t saying anything, I was just minding my own business and trying not to get in the way of anything. But Stepper was unbelievable for me and made me feel comfortable. He was the first guy to start joking around with me and chirping me and I think when he started chirping me, other guys started chirping me and that made me feel more comfortable and like a part of the team. So he did an unbelievable job. He was also part of my first goal, had an assist on my first hat trick. He was a sprinkle in my career and is someone that means a lot to me. It’s been great to be friends with him.”

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Tyson Jost

First NHL Season: 2017-18 (COL)

“I came in with Colorado so it was a really good group that I had. Nathan MacKinnon was one guy who really helped me out a lot and just seeing his dedication, the way he worked at his craft every day and me and him would go out on the ice early and whatnot. I also had Gabriel Landeskog, Erik Johnson and Tyson Barrie. Those three guys too were just outstanding. They were such great guys and I was just a 19 year old and didn’t even really know what to expect with the NHL."

"So all four of those guys were outstanding and they were really the core of Colorado, especially Landeskog and EJ, they were just such standup guys and I’ll have friendships with those guys for the rest of my life. We still talk every once in a while and shoot texts back and forth to each other. That core group of four really helped me get into the league. It’s not easy when you’re 19. There’s a lot of moving parts and you really don’t know what to expect, but they were awesome to me, for sure.”

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Pyotr Kochetkov

First NHL Season: 2022-23 (CAR)

“It’s a different time. We have a 10-hour change from Russia. Then there’s also food. When I came, I had to adapt to a smaller rink too because the KHL has different sizes everywhere.”

“There's a lot of different roles, mentalities and it's different when you're just adapting to work and life here. Three years I play here and every year, every month, I learn something new. It's an interesting process.”

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Jesperi Kotkaniemi

First NHL Season: 2018-19 (MTL)

“Probably just all the Finnish guys, mostly. I didn’t know the language that well when I got in the league so Joel Armia, Artturi Lehkonen and Antti Niemi, they taught me pretty well. Told me how all the things worked like the hotels and the restaurants and stuff. That was nice of them. The game here is a lot different than back home. We discussed a lot about hockey when I was there. Took a little bit to get going, but they were good teachers.”

What was the biggest challenge or culture shock for you coming over to North America?

“The biggest challenge really was learning the language. I understood stuff pretty well, but speaking-wise, it was a little tougher. You just kind of pick up daily habits, how they say 'good morning' and 'how are you?' That’s how you get started pretty much. They helped me a lot and I really appreciate it.”

"Going to restaurants too. We didn’t really do that too much back home. Mostly just cooked at home and ate homemade food. So going out pretty much ever night was a big change, but you get used to it. Now I pretty much do it all the time.”

Jesperi Kotkaniemi Dodges Catastrophe; Will Be Ready To Go For Round 2Obviously the play of the game, and the series, Tuesday night at Lenovo Center was Sebastian Aho's double-overtime winner.

The Finnish center one-timed the puck past Jacob Markstrom on the power play for a 5-4 win and to eliminate the New Jersey Devils in five games.

But to even get that power play opportunity in the first place, Jesperi Kotkaniemi had to take one for the team.

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Jordan Martinook

First NHL Season: 2015-16 (ARI)

“Shane Doan. He was obviously the captain when I came in and just the way he treated people. He had been around for 15, 16 years when I got in the league and he treated everybody like he was a first or second year. I just admired that about him. It didn’t matter if you were the traffic guy that would help you park your car or a security guy or a rookie or a 12-year vet. It didn’t really matter to him which I respected a ton."

"I think another guy I just respected and is a good friend of mine is Brad Richardson. He came to work and did what he had to do. In the NHL, you have to take over a role and when you’re given the role, you have to want to do it to the best of your ability. Watching him do the role that he did, I just admired that and tried to bring that into the way I play every night.”

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Dmitry Orlov

First NHL Season: 2011-12 (WSH)

“Obviously I didn’t speak English my first year, but I had both Alex Semin and Alex Ovechkin. I just tried to learn from them and try to understand American life. Tried to learn some English and try to figure on my own some things. It wasn’t easy, but every year you play, you learn more. I learned a lot too when I missed a full year with my injury recovery. How you have to respect the game and how you have to love it and miss it and be around your teammates. It’s important. I’m not the loudest person, but I still like the time when everybody is talking, chatting, joking around. When you’re done, you’re going to miss that. So you have to take the time and enjoy it all the time.”

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Eric Robinson

First NHL Season: 2018-19 (CBJ)

“When I first got to Columbus, I had a really good group of guys there that kind of showed me the way. It was older guys like Cam Atkinson, Nick Foligno and David Savard. Really good pros that had been doing it for a while. And then guys who were closer to my age, but had been around a bit, like Boone Jenner, Seth Jones and Josh Anderson. Those are names that come to mind for when I first got to Columbus. They had a good culture there and a good team when I got there. So those were kind of the guys that I leaned on to learn a lot of stuff from.”

What were the biggest things you took from those first few weeks and months?

“There’s lots of stuff. On ice, you obviously learn pretty quickly how to play the right way. In the NHL, if you make a mistake or turn the puck over, it can end up in your net pretty quick. So stuff like that on the ice, but off ice, just how to handle yourself, how to be a professional. How to compose yourself in the proper way to be a true pro.”

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Jack Roslovic

First NHL Season: 2017-18 (WPG)

“There were a couple guys. Matt Hendricks was really good. I think there were also just a lot of guys that led by example on my team in Winnipeg. As a young guy, it’s nice to come into an older group that has that wisdom and to be able to pass around and just be able to watch those guys every day. Those were probably my core mentors. In a couple years, maybe I can start to mentor a couple of guys, but I’m still trying to learn stuff.”

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Jaccob Slavin

First NHL Season: 2015-16 (CAR)

“From an overall, welcome to the league, this is kind of what you need to do perspective, Jordo [Jordan Staal] was that guy for me, even though he wasn’t a defenseman. Same position, my rookie year, it was John-Michael Liles. He helped me out a lot and made me feel welcome.”

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Jordan Staal

First NHL Season: 2006-07 (PIT)

“Mark Recchi would be my number one, for sure. When I first got to Pittsburgh, he actually took me in and I was able to hang out with his family for a couple of years. No better guy to be around hockey-wise. I learned a lot from him. Just talking hockey and understanding the game and trying to get better and really what it took to be a pro."

"He had an amazing career and I just kept an eye on whatever he was doing and how hard he worked and realized that it’s never easy, no matter how old you get and how long you go. There’s really no time off. You’re just always puck committed and I learned that right from the start. That if you want to have a long, successful career, you’re going to have to work and it’s going to be everyday and in every moment. He was definitely a big one for me.”

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Logan Stankoven

First NHL Season: 2023-24 (DAL)

“Joe Pavelski. When I first came into the league, in my first month or so, I got to live at his place. He opened up a spare room for me and Wyatt Johnston. That was really nice of him to do that and I enjoyed his company."

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Andrei Svechnikov

First NHL Season: 2018-19 (CAR)

“To be honest, it was a lot of guys. All of the guys who have played throughout the years."

"One moment though that I’ll never forget, it was my first year and I made a mistake in overtime [that cost us the game]. Faulker [Justin Faulk], he was on the team that year, he told me, ‘Hey, don’t worry. You’re going to make lots of mistakes, but just be positive. Don’t go in your head. Don’t think about it.’ Because that was my biggest thing that year. He just told me to be positive and not dwell on it.”

'Playoff Time Is My Time': Andrei Svechnikov Bouncing Back, Making Huge Postseason Impact For CarolinaIt's no secret that this past regular season wasn't a good one for Andrei Svechnikov.

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Sean Walker

First NHL Season: 2018-19 (LAK)

“I was lucky enough to be in LA where there were obviously so many great guys. Some of the standouts are guys like Drew Doughty, Anze Kopitar, Alec Martinez, Jake Muzzin. Great guys that have done it for a long time and done it at such a high level too. It was great to see just the way they worked every day. Even guys who had won multiple Stanley Cups were on the ice after practice working on stuff and getting better. It was great to see and it was a great first experience for me.”

What was the biggest thing you took away from them?

“I think it’s just about cherishing every day. Especially when you’re young and you’re just making it into the league, you don’t really know how long or if you’ll make it or stick, so I really tried to enjoy every day and I still enjoy every day. I think that’s something that’s really important for a lot of the guys.”

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Be sure to check out the Carolina Hurricanes 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs Hub for all postseason stories!  

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The Laval Rocket may be 2-0 up in its division semi-final series against the Cleveland Monsters, but the Montreal Canadiens’ elimination by the Washington Capitals means that the big club could now send some reinforcements to its farm team.

 Fowler Blanks Monsters, Rocket Takes 2-0 Lead
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On Saturday morning, the Habs assigned goaltender Cayden Primeau and center Oliver Kapanen to Laval. The move isn’t surprising since Primeau spent the entire second half of the season in the AHL after struggling mightily in the NHL from October to December. By the time he was sent down, his goals-against average had reached 4.70 and his save percentage was down to .836.

The Canadiens were forced to call up Primeau in the playoffs when goaltender Samuel Montembeau tore two muscles in his groin. Montreal needed someone to backup Jakub Dobes. Newly signed goaltender Jacob Fowler was ineligible since he only has an amateur tryout contract with the Rocket to finish this season, and his ELC kicks off at the start of next season.

Primeau saw no action against the Capitals, with Dobes getting the nod for every game. In the second half of his season in the AHL, the former seventh-round pick's stats were much better, with a 1.96 GAA and a .927 SP. Even though Fowler has won the first two games of the Rockets' series against the Monsters, it’s likely Primeau will be getting the top job back.

Cayden Primeau to Florian Xhekaj, into the middle for one-five, and it is a hat trick for Sean Farrell before the midway point of the game!

4-2 Laval. pic.twitter.com/t4zkFN8QK3

— Matt Drake (@DrakeMT) February 8, 2025

As for Kapanen, he has never played with the Rocket. The young center made the Canadiens out of camp, but after 18 games in the NHL, in which he picked up two points, the games looked to be a bit too fast for the youngsters. He was loaned back to Timra IK in the Swedish hockey league for the rest of the season. In 36 regular-season games, he picked up 35 points and added three points in six playoff games.

Kapanen could prove very useful to the Rocket. He played the top-six minutes in Sweden while also being used on the power play and the penalty kill. Pascal Vincent’s team did very well in the regular season, but having depth in the playoffs is always a plus.

The third game of the division semi-final will take place on Sunday at 3:00 PM in Laval. A win would send the Canadiens’ farm team to the division final.

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The 2025 off-season is going to be very intriguing. While the cap is going up significantly, the 2025 free agent class isn't considered very strong. Yes, there will be potentially high-end talent available like Mitch Marner, Sam Bennett, Nikolaj Ehlers, and Brock Boeser, but overall, teams may have to focus on trades to try and improve their rosters for the 2025-26 season. 

Latest From THN’s Vancouver Canucks Site:

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Canucks Make Change In Ownership As Paolo Aquilini Resigns 

One Year Ago Today: Canucks Defeat Predators 1–0, Advance To Round 2

Among the players projected to hit free agency are familiar names to Vancouver Canucks fans. There are a handful of players who have worn the jersey during their careers and will be looking for new contracts on July 1. With this in mind, here are some former Canucks who the organization could bring back this summer. 

Anthony Beauvillier

Anthony Beauvillier is having a very strong start to the playoffs for the Washington Capitals. The 27-year-old has five points in five games and is currently playing on the Capitals' first line beside Alex Ovechkin and Dylan Strome. A player who has delivered in the post-season multiple times throughout his NHL career, Beauvillier would also be a smart addition if the Canucks did pursue Mathew Barzal this off-season, as the two have chemistry from their time with the New York Islanders. 

Adam Gaudette

It took a while, but it looks like Adam Gaudette has finally developed into a solid bottom-six center. The former Hobey Baker Award winner had 19 goals this season with the Ottawa Senators and won over 50% of his faceoffs for the first time in his career. Ultimately, signing Gaudette is a low-risk move that could have significant benefits during the season. 

Andrei Kuzmenko

Bringing Andrei Kuzmenko back to the Canucks is an interesting idea. He had success during his rookie year with 39 goals, but struggled to adapt to the style of play Rick Tocchet wanted from the team. With a new coach and potentially a new game plan being introduced to the organization, re-signing Kuzmenko to play next to Elias Pettersson and on the power play could be exactly what is needed to provide an offensive spark to the team in 2025-26.

Michael Carcone

While Michael Carcone never played for Vancouver, he did sign an entry-level contract with the organization and spent multiple seasons with the Utica Comets. Seven years later, he has developed into a bottom-six winger who isn't afraid to get pucks on net. As was evident this season, depth is key, which is why signing a player like Carcone, who has produced at the NHL level, will be important this offseason.

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, be sure to leave a comment at the bottom of the page and engage with other passionate fans through our forum.

EDMONTON – Everyone’s life revolves around a calendar and a schedule.

Hockey players are no different.

The Edmonton Oilers know who their opponent is for the second round of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs. The Vegas Golden Knights will play the Oilers for the second time in the postseason.

Bookmark The Hockey News Edmonton Oilers team site to never miss the latest news, game-day coverage, and more. 

If their first meeting indicates how things will go, the matchup is certain to be intense. However, both teams have seen turnover since their last meeting.

The Golden Knights don’t have Laurent Brossoit, Logan Thompson, Alec Martinez, Chandler Stephenson, or Jonathan Marchessault. The Oilers have moved on from Jack Campbell, Philip Broberg, Cody Ceci, Vincent Desharnais, Klim Kostin, Nick Bjugstad, Ryan McLeod, Kailer Yamamoto, and Warren Foegele.

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When Do The Oilers Play Next?

Late on Saturday night, the NHL revealed the schedule for the second round for three of the four series. They will announce the schedule for the fourth series once Game 7 of the Winnipeg Jets and St. Louis Blues series has concluded.

Here is the second-round schedule for the Oilers vs. the Golden Knights. Bold font indicates the home games. All times listed are Mountain Time.

'Best Game As An Oiler': Connor McDavid Praises Connor BrownEDMONTON – “Go down the list, we had guys step up.”

Game 1: May 6 (Tuesday) - Edmonton at Vegas - 7:30 PM

Game 2: May 8 (Thursday) - Edmonton at Vegas - 7:30 PM

Game 3: May 10 (Saturday) - Vegas at Edmonton - TBD

Game 4: May 12 (Monday) - Vegas at Edmonton - TBD

Game 5: May 14 (Wednesday) - Edmonton at Vegas - TBD

Game 6: May 16 (Friday) - Vegas at Edmonton - TBD

Game 7: May 18 (Sunday) - Edmonton at Vegas - TBD

*Note: This story will be updated with new times once they are announced.

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The Dallas Stars defeated the Colorado Avalanche in their Game 7 matchup by a 4-2 final score. With this, the Stars are moving on to the second round, and former Carolina Hurricanes forward Mikko Rantanen is the main reason for it. 

After the Stars went down 2-0 early in the third period, Rantanen put Dallas on his back and simply dominated. The former Hurricanes forward recorded a hat trick and an assist in the third period, leading the Stars to their massive Game 7 comeback win. 

With this dominant performance, Rantanen finished the first-round series against his former club with five goals, seven assists, and 12 points. This included posting 11 points in his final three games of the series. Needless to say, he has been simply on fire, and the Stars' playoff run is still alive because of it. 

The Hurricanes traded Rantanen to the Stars in exchange for Logan Stankoven, a conditional 2026 first-round pick, a conditional 2028 first-round pick, a 2026 third-round pick, and a 2027 third-round pick at the NHL trade deadline. This was after Rantanen made it clear that he was not interested in signing an extension with the Hurricanes. Thus, Carolina moved him a little over a month after acquiring him from the Avalanche.

It will now be interesting to see if Rantanen can build on his hot streak with the Stars from here. Right now, he is showing no signs of slowing down. 

Recent Hurricanes News 

Hurricanes Sign Frederik Andersen To Contract ExtensionThe Carolina Hurricanes have announced that they have signed goaltender Frederik Andersen to a one-year, $2.75 million contract extension. The Canes also shared that Andersen can earn bonuses of $250,000 for 35 games played, $250,000 for 40 games played, and $250,000 if the Hurricanes make the 2026 Eastern Conference Final and Andersen makes appearances in at least half of their post-season games.  Former Hurricanes Star Has Big Playoff GameSince being traded to the Colorado Avalanche in January, former Carolina Hurricanes forward Martin Necas has undoubtedly had plenty of success. In 30 regular-season games following the trade, the 26-year-old forward recorded 11 goals, 28 points, and a plus-1 rating in 30 games. Now, he is only continuing to make a big impact during the post-season. Hurricanes Surging Forward Is Continuing To ImpressThe Carolina Hurricanes had an excellent first-round series against the New Jersey Devils. The Hurricanes knocked the Devils out in just five games and are now set to face off against the Washington Capitals in the second round because of it.  Hurricanes' Rod Brind'Amour Makes NHL HistoryWith their 5-4 double overtime win over the New Jersey Devils on April 29, the Carolina Hurricanes have officially moved on to the second round. The Hurricanes are now set to face off against the Washington Capitals in the next round, which should be a great series between the two Metropolitan Division rivals.

It's all come down to this for the St. Louis Blues and Winnipeg Jets.

One game. Winner take all. Survive and advance.

The Western Conference First Round series concludes with a Game 7 on Sunday at 6 p.m. at Canada Life Centre (FDSNMW, TBS, MAX, CBC, TVAS, SN, ESPN 101.1-FM).

It's the 200th Game 7 in Stanley Cup playoff history and the winner advances to face the Dallas Stars in the second round after the Stars eliminated the Colorado Avalanche, 4-2 on Saturday in Game 7 of that series. The loser will have its season come to a close.

"It's about seizing an opportunity for us. We’re in Game 7 of the playoffs," Blues coach Jim Montgomery said. "It’s what we’ve all dreamed of in that organization, in that locker room together. These are the moments. You don’t think about winning Game 1 when you’re playing in your basement or you’re playing street hockey or your playing knee hockey with your best friend or your brother, whatever the case may be. It's Game 7, it’s overtime and it’s about us seizing an opportunity. It’s an opportunity that we’ve earned and now we have to go seize it."

The Blues, who made it a winner-take-all series after a 5-2 win in Game 6 on home ice Friday to extend their winning streak at Enterprise Center to 15 games, are the lone remaining wild card team left in the Stanley Cup playoffs. And they have the last opportunity for a road team to win a game in this series after each has held serve going 3-0 on home ice through six games.

“I think both teams have proven the game that they want to play on their home ice. We’ve done it here, they’ve done it there. Now we have to go in and try to get to that game early," said Blues defenseman Cam Fowler, who leads all defensemen in scoring with 10 points (two goals, eight assists) in the playoffs and will be playing in his sixth career Game 7. "I think we can take a lot of the things that we’ve done here in our own building and transfer them to Winnipeg. But we know the situation we’re walking into, the team we’re playing against, the season they had, and they play really well on home ice. So we have to get off to a good start, stick to the things that we’ve done well in this series and look at those . Game 7, it’s a great opportunity for both teams, so we’re looking forward to the challenge.”

For the Blues, it's their first Game 7 since June 12, 2019 when they defeated the Boston Bruins 4-1 to win their first Stanley Cup in franchise history.

"'Binner' won it. 'Binner' was unreal for us in the first," said Blues captain Brayden Schenn, who was on the Cup-winning team along with Jordan Binnington, Oskar Sundqvist, Robert Thomas and Colton Parayko. "I’ve played in a couple Game 7s. You’ve got the whole hockey world glued to you and it’s going to be on us on Sunday night and I think both teams look forward to it.

"It’s what you play for. It’s one of those things where you have to have the ability to go enjoy the moment and take your work seriously but enjoy the moment while you’re there. It’s going to be a tough building to play in, we know that, but we feel like we haven’t had our best there yet and we’re looking forward (to it)."

Binnington is 2-0 in his career in Game 7s, both in the '19 Cup run when he stopped 29 of 30 in the second round against the Stars in a 2-1 double-overtime win on the memorable series-clinching goal by Oakville's Pat Maroon, and Binnington stopped 32 of 33 shots in the Cup Final against the Bruins.

His goals-against average is 0.82 in Game 7s with a .986 save percentage. Combine that with his performance in the 4 Nations Face-Off title game for Canada against the United States when he stopped 31 of 33 shots in a 3-2 overtime win, he is 3-0 with a 1.18 GAA and .958 save percentage.

"His track record speaks for itself," Fowler said of Binnington. "He was unbelievable when they won the Cup here. You saw what he could do in the 4 Nations tournament this year as a world-class goaltender, so we have all the trust and faith in him. And his demeanor, too. He’s calm, he’s collected back there.

"[Blues defenseman Philip Broberg] spoke to the way he can move the puck, and how that helps us as D-men. It puts us in a lot of good situations that help us move the puck up the ice. He’s the total package. He’s a huge reason why we are where we are and we’ll continue to lean on him because he’s shown everybody time and time again that he’s world class."

Montgomery, who was on the receiving end of the Binnington's performance against the Stars in '19 when he was coach of Dallas, knows what kind of goalie he has going in a big-stage game.

"Two words that come to mind right away is how calm he is and proven winner," Montgomery said. "He’s done it, he’s been there, he knows how to not only get himself in the right zone, but also how to give confidence to his team in front of him."

Montgomery is 1-2 career as an NHL coach in Game 7s, winning his most recent one as coach of the Bruins against the Toronto Maple Leafs in the Eastern Conference First Round last year.

"With my experience, I just think every time you go through it, the more grateful you are for the opportunity," he said. "The first time you're going through it, you're just really excited. I think the experience gives you the knowledge of what to expect, when to expect it, how to handle the peaks and the valleys that are going to naturally happen. Not only within the game but between the days leading up to the game."

What's going to be left from two teams that have slugged and slaughtered each other through six games (252 hits for Blues, 249 for Jets)? Who can reach their optimal game first? And can the Blues rattle Jets goalie and Connor Hellebuyck after he was pulled three times in Games 3, 4 and 6?

"I think definitely take momentum from this game, take it with us," said Blues forward Nathan Walker, who has three goals the past two games. "What has worked, use that to our advantage and obviously try and create our own energy there."

The Blues are 10-8 all-time in Game 7s and have won four in a row, looking to make it five straight on Sunday.

Fowler and fellow defenseman Ryan Suter lead the way each with five Game 7s played, and Schenn and older brother Luke Schenn, a defenseman for the Jets, will be the first brother combo to oppose each other in a Game 7 since Rob Niedermayer (Anaheim Ducks) and Scott Niedermayer (New Jersey Devils) in the 2003 Cup Final.

The Blues can become the fifth team in NHL history to win at least five consecutive Game 7s, following a foursome that all claimed six in a row: Carolina Hurricanes (2006-2022), New York Rangers (2012-2015), Bruins (1983-1994) and Detroit Red Wings (1949-1964).

The National Hockey League has officially released the full schedule dates for the Toronto Maple Leafs' second-round playoff series against the Florida Panthers.

Just one day after announcing that the series would start on Monday, May 5 at 8 p.m. ET, the league revealed more dates, including all seven games (if necessary) for Toronto's second-round series.

Only Game 2 has a start time. The league says that the game will start at 7 p.m. ET, one hour earlier than Game 1, which has an 8 p.m. ET start time, despite both teams playing in the Eastern time zone.

Maple Leafs vs Panthers: Game 1 Start Time and Date RevealedThe Toronto Maple Leafs are set to open the second round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs on Monday.

The order of Games 1-7 goes as follows (all times ET):

Monday, May 5 at 8p.m. Florida @ Toronto

Wednesday, May 7  at 7 p.m. Florida @ Toronto

Friday, May 9 TBD Toronto @ Florida

Sunday, May 11 TBD Toronto @ Florida

*Wednesday, May 14 TBD Florida @ Toronto

*Friday, May 16 TBD Toronto @ Florida

*Sunday, May 18 TBD Florida @ Toronto

Some notes about the schedule include a two-day breast between Games 4 and 5 and no Saturday night games on either weekend if the series goes the distance.

The Maple Leafs defeated the Ottawa Senators in six games to advance to the second round of the Stanley Cup Finals for the second time in the last three seasons. 

Maple Leafs’ ‘Business-Like’ Mindset Overcomes Potential Playoff Disaster to Advance to Second RoundKANATA, Ont. — When the final horn sounded at Canadian Tire Centre on Thursday, the Toronto Maple Leafs celebrated their 4-2 win against the Ottawa Senators, pushing them through to the second round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs.

There is one more game in the first round of the playoffs, as the Winnipeg Jets will host the St. Louis Blues in Game 7 action on Sunday. After that contest, the NHL is expected to reveal the start times for Games 3 and 4 of Toronto's series. The league will then release times for subsequent games as they become necessary.

Morgan Rielly, Maple Leafs Seek Redemption In 2023 Rematch Vs PanthersTwo years ago, the Toronto Maple Leafs walked into a second-round series against the Florida Panthers riding high from their first playoff series win since 2004. It was a long-awaited breakthrough for the franchise and the ‘Core Four,’ finally getting over the hump after years of early playoff exits. But the success was short-lived.

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The Golden Knights will open their second-round series with the Edmonton Oilers at home on Tuesday at 6:30 pm (pacific).

Game 2 is scheduled for Thursday, also at T-Mobile Arena and again at 6:30 pm.

The Golden Knights-Oilers schedule: pic.twitter.com/k7JTxDXT5X

— WillieGRamireZ (@WillieGRamirez) May 4, 2025

The series shifts to Edmonton for Games 3 and 4 on Saturday and Monday, May 12.

If necessary, Game 5 will be back in Las Vegas on Wednesday, May 14.

Game 6 would be in Edmonton on Friday, May 16.

A decisive Game 7 would return to Las Vegas on Sunday, May 18.

This marks the second time the Knights and Oilers will meet in the postseason after the teams faced one another in 2023, the year the Knights won the Stanley Cup.

Vegas won that series in six games, going 2-1 at home and 2-1 in Edmonton, including the series-clinching win on the road.

In 32 all-time meetings, the Oilers lead the series 17-13-2.

The Knights are 8-7-1 all-time against the Oilers at T-Mobile Arena.

At the Westgate Superbook in Las Vegas, the series price is a pick'em, each team priced at -110.

NHL

Second Round

Series Prices

Carolina Hurricanes -155
Washington Capitals +135

Florida Panthers -180
Toronto Maple Leafs +160

Edmonton Oilers -110
Vegas Golden Knights -110

— Jeff Sherman (@golfodds) May 2, 2025

Vegas goes from facing Minnesota's scoring machine Kirill Kaprizov to Edmonton's double-dose of offense in Hart Trophy finalist Leon Draisaitl and Connor McDavid.

McDavid, who finished the regular season with the league's sixth-highest 100 points, leads all skaters in the postseason with 11 points (2 goals, 9 assists). Draisaitl is tied with three others with 10 points (3 goals, 7 assists) this postseason.

"That'll be a fun series," veteran defenseman Brayden McNabb said. "They got the two-headed monsters who are two (of the top) players in the league, top five, whatever you want to categorize it, but it'll be a challenge for sure.

"I think they're a little bit more well-rounded than we saw them (in 2023), a little bit more depth for sure in all four lines, so we're gonna have to be on our game. We're gonna have to know who's on the ice and manage pucks, and it's gonna take everyone. We're gonna need everyone, use our depth. Hopefully, that helps us in the long run."

Stay updated with the most interesting Golden Knights stories, analysis, breaking news and more! Tap the star to add us to your favorites on Google News to never miss a story.  

With the 2025 NHL Entry Draft approaching fast, POHO and GM Kyle Dubas and the Pittsburgh Penguins have their work cut out for them. 

With a total of 30 picks over the next three drafts, including 11 this year - which could reduce to 10 if the conditional first-round pick from the New York Rangers defers to 2026 - there will be plenty of opportunity for the Penguins to add impact players. Of their 11 picks in 2025, six of them are in the first three rounds.

And, as of now, the Penguins will select ninth overall. The draft lottery will take place on May 5th - Pittsburgh has a five percent chance of getting the first overall pick - while the draft itself will be on Jun. 27-28.

Assuming they stay put at ninth, however, we have compiled a list of potential draft prospects that should fall around the Penguins' selection. 

We recently profiled center Jake O'Brien. Next up? That would be Swedish left wing Victor Eklund.

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Victor Eklund

DOB: Oct. 3, 2006
Position: Left Wing
Shoots: Right
Height: 5-foot-11
Weight: 161 pounds
Team: Djurgårdens IF (HockeyAllsvenskan) 

There is a pretty decent chance that - assuming the Penguins remain in the ninth overall draft slot after Monday's draft lottery - one of the teams just above Pittsburgh in draft order will snag Eklund.

But if he does fall to ninth overall, this pick should pretty much be a lock for the Penguins.

The younger brother of San Jose Sharks forward William Eklund, the 18-year-old Victor registered 19 goals and 31 points in 42 games for Djurgårdens IF whilst playing in Sweden's second-tier league in a pool of grown men. He spent some time playing with fellow 2025 NHL draft prospect Anton Frondell, who is expected by most to be selected within the top-five.

His size certainly isn't going to jump out at you. But his offensive toolset sure is.

NEW: Victor Eklund 2024-25 Mixtape. Showing his shot, skill, skating, and ability to make defensemen tap out with his forechecking and physicality. Think Chris Kunitz but faster and with better hands. Really big fan. Spent awhile on this, hope you enjoy.https://t.co/cy88m60eZI

— Jesse Marshall (@jmarshfof) February 6, 2025

Eklund has a penchant for putting pucks in the back of the net, but his vision, playmaking, and ability to create something out of nothing is rivaled by few in his draft class. He creates space in all areas of the ice, using his hockey smarts to find the open man, position himself to make plays, and expose the danger areas of the ice. 

His skating is above average - which helps him a ton - and he's also relentless on the forecheck. Eklund isn't afraid to go to the dirty areas of the ice to win battles on the wall and gain positioning at the net front, and his high-energy style and motor is somewhat resemblant of ex-Penguin forward Brandon Tanev.

Eklund could use some work in his defensive details, but his style of play should foster some growth in that area.

Djurgarden Pair Leads NHL Central Scouting 2025 Final European Skater Rankings NHL Central Scouting released its final rankings for the 2025 NHL Entry Draft on Tuesday and, among the international skaters, to no one’s surprise, the Djurgården pair of center Anton Frondell and right winger Victor Eklund top the list.

Similar to prospects such as Ville Koivunen and Rutger McGroarty, Eklund's skills are translatable to the NHL level. He's someone who probably won't need as much time stewing at lower levels of professional hockey, especially since he's already been playing against adults in Sweden and thriving.

He's simply a step ahead than just about everyone else around him on the ice, and he has pretty surefire point-per-game potential at the NHL level. And pair him with someone like Sidney Crosby? There may be an even higher ceiling for him to reach.

Eklund has star potential at the NHL level. If he is still available at ninth overall, it's an opportunity that the Penguins simply cannot pass on.

Penguins Draft Prospect Profile: Jake O'BrienWith the 2025 NHL Entry Draft approaching fast, POHO and GM Kyle Dubas and the Pittsburgh Penguins have their work cut out for them. 

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Dallas Stars right winger Mikko Rantanen took revenge against the team he used to see a future with for the long term.

Time ticked away in Rantanen's season as the Colorado Avalanche led the Stars 2-0 early in the third period. Just about 20 minutes later, it was Colorado's season that ended, and Rantanen was the biggest part of that happening.

"The belief in the group, the whole team of ours, there was no quitting at any point," Rantanen told ESPN's Emily Kaplan on the bench post-game.

First, let's rewind.

Rantanen was with the Avalanche for parts of 10 seasons. They drafted him 10th overall in 2015, and they won a Stanley Cup together in 2022. He recorded two 100-point seasons for them.

As January arrived without a contract in place for the then-pending UFA, the Avalanche traded him to the Carolina Hurricanes in a three-team blockbuster involving the Chicago Blackhawks. Rantanen told reporters in mid-March he never wanted to leave Colorado.

Rantanen didn't sign a new contract with the Hurricanes, so they traded him to the Stars at the NHL trade deadline. Rantanen signed an eight-year contract with a $12-million cap hit to stay in Dallas for the long term.

Fast forward to April, and Rantanen's Stars faced his former team, the Avalanche, in the first round.

Colorado struck first in Game 1. The Stars won the following two games.

Colorado tied it. Dallas took the lead again. Colorado tied it again.

During that time, Rantanen recorded two goals and eight points in six games. He already made a mark in the later stages of the series, with three points in Game 5 and four points in Game 6.

It all led up to a Game 7 on Saturday night, with less than 13 minutes left in the third period. The Stars were still not on the scoreboard.

Rantanen changed that.

He walked into the offensive zone and took a snapshot that beat Avalanche goaltender Mackenzie Blackwood, cutting the deficit to one.

His teammate, Matt Duchene, received a penalty for tripping Martin Necas, who went from Carolina to Colorado in the initial Rantanen deal. But Cale Makar got a tripping penalty to force 4-on-4 play and a Stars power play when Duchene hit the ice.

Rantanen once again took matters into his own hands. He skated around the net and scored on a wraparound while taking contact from Blackwood and falling to the ice. Just like that, it was a tie game, and Rantanen reignited the Stars crowd.

An all time revenge game from Mikko Rantanen 👏 pic.twitter.com/RaUOjb5wFB

— The Hockey News (@TheHockeyNews) May 4, 2025

The game could have went to overtime for the third time in the series, but Avalanche center Jack Drury, who also went to Colorado from Carolina, got a holding penalty. Dallas went back to the power play.

With four minutes left in the third frame, Rantanen found Duchene in the bumper position beside Blackwood's left post. Duchene then passed the puck past Blackwood and two Avs defenders to Wyatt Johnston. The 21-year-old finished the tic-tac-toe by beating Blackwood to complete the comeback and take a 3-2 lead. Rantanen earned the secondary assist.

As the Avalanche pulled the goalie to try to score with the extra attacker, Rantanen got the puck with seconds remaining in the series to secure the hat trick, the first one in the third period of a Game 7 in NHL history.

The Hockey News Playoff Frenzy Live: Join The Chat As Stars Win Game 7, Plus Round 1 WrapWelcome to The Hockey News Playoff Frenzy Live, streaming nightly during the first round of the NHL's Stanley Cup playoffs.

Rantanen's Stars looked like they were heading out of the playoffs. They're now sending the Avalanche home with their eighth straight Game 7 loss.

After the Stars celebrated, they shook hands with the Avalanche players. Rantanen called it an emotional moment.

"They're my brothers, you know?" Rantanen said. "I still love every one of them. Obviously, we were enemies in the series on the ice, but they're my dear friends off the ice."

The Stars now await the winner of Game 7 between the Winnipeg Jets and St. Louis Blues on Sunday. 

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Matt Coronato's blockbuster new contract extension with the Calgary Flames has made Tyson Foerster that much more expensive for the Philadelphia Flyers to keep.

Coronato, 22, signed a seven-year, $45.5 million contract ($6.5 million AAV) with the Flames Saturday, tying him down in Calgary through the 2031-32 season on the heels of a breakout 24-goal, 47-point campaign.

This was also Coronato's first full season in the NHL; last year, the Greenlawn, N.Y., native scored three goals and nine points in only 34 NHL games.

Coronato's contract, does, however, set the stage for the Flyers and Foerster, as the latter is a restricted free agent and due for a new contract on July 1.

Foerster, 23, is slightly older than Coronato, but with his 25 goals this season, Foerster has reached the 20-goal threshold in each of his first two full seasons in the NHL with room for plenty more.

Even despite Foerster's modest point-producing exploits (43 points in Year 2 vs. Coronato's 47 in Year 1), his elite defensive play and contributions on the power play and penalty kill make him equally valuable to the Flyers, if not more than Coronato is to the Flames.

Among the 13 forward lines in the NHL that played 500 or more minutes together, Foerster's line of himself, Noah Cates, and Bobby Brink allowed the fewest expected goals against per 60 minutes (2.17), per MoneyPuck.

Even better is that Foerster's line was dominant at both ends of the ice, controlling 58.3% of the expected goals. This ranked second among the 13 aforementioned lines, trailing Toronto's line of Matthew Knies, Auston Matthews, and Mitch Marner (58.4%) by 0.01%.

While the Flyers' offensive production was modest (28.8 expected goals for, ninth out of 13), they still created roughly the same as New Jersey did with Ondrej Palat, Jack Hughes, and Jesper Bratt (26.7 expected goals for) in 49 more minutes together.

For the sake of comparison, Evolving-Hockey last offseason predicted Winnipeg Jets forward Gabe Vilardi's next contract to be worth $21.94 million over four years ($5.485 million AAV), and Vilardi at the time was heading into the last year of a two-year bridge contract at a $3.437 million cap hit with a career-high 41 points.

After exploding for a career-high 27 goals and 61 points this season, Vilardi has made himself much more money after taking a bridge deal in 2023.

Last summer, Evolving-Hockey projected Foerster would receive a two-year extension worth $5.952 million ($2.976 million AAV), which is certainly out of the window now after the season he had.

If the Flyers want to preserve flexibility and opt to sign Foerster long-term now, they are very likely looking at something between Vilardi's old projection--roughly $5 million--and Coronato's new deal at $6.5 million.

Foerster might not have the same offensive ceiling as Coronato does, but his size, versatility, and two-way play are things the Flyers cannot readily replace. Plus, one must figure that Foerster's goal-scoring will drastically improve with a competent power play.

The Flyers' power play converted 15.6% of their opportunities this season, 12.2% of their opportunities last season, and 15% of their opportunities in 2022-23. 

The league average power play was 21.64% this season, 20.98% last season, and 21.31% in 2022-23.

That's a lot of goals Foerster and the Flyers are missing, but fortunately for the Flyers, it may help them save a heap of money on Foerster's next contract in the end.

Coronato has help set the bar, and it's now up to Foerster, his camp, and the Flyers to work towards an amicable middle ground for the future.

The NHL's off-season is nearly here, and that means fans and media will soon be speculating on which of the league's pending UFA players will wind up in certain markets. And Buffalo Sabres fans are probably dreaming about Buffalo spending to acquire some big-name talent. But now's your chance to weigh in -- in the comment section below -- and identify which soon-to-be-UFA players you want the Sabres to pursue.

To wit: do you think the Sabres should pursue Toronto Maple Leafs star right winger Mitch Marner? The 27-year-old is currently earning $10.9 million, and he's bound to get a major raise on his next contract. He had a career-high 75 assists and 102 points in 81 games, and that kind of production would be music to the Sabres' ears.

Meanwhile, what about Vancouver Canucks right winger Brock Boeser? The 28-year-old earned $6.65-million this season, and he's also going to be in high demand. Boeser generated 25 goals and 50 points in 75 games, and while there will be many interested parties in Boeser's services, perhaps there's a way the Sabres can lure him to Western New York.

Then there's Winnipeg Jets left winger Nikolaj Ehlers. The 27-year-old earned $6-million this year, and he posted 24 goals and 63 points in 69 games. Ehlers also will be hotly-pursued, and the Sabres will have to fend off other teams' advances for Ehlers, but Buffalo acquiring him isn't out of the realm of possibility.

Finally, there's veteran Dallas Stars center Mikael Granlund. The 33-year-old made $5-million this season, and while his offensive numbers (including 15 goals and 45 points in 52 games) aren't mind-blowing, his experience might be very valuable to Buffalo's cause. 

Should Sabres Follow Blues' Lead And File Offer Sheets To Blossoming Stars Like Leafs' Matthew Knies?The Buffalo Sabres are projected to have approximately $21.4-million in salary cap space to use this summer. Much of that money will have to go to the Sabres' RFAs, but Buffalo GM Kevyn Adams has an intriguing tool at his fingertips -- an offer-sheet for another team's up-and-coming young player.

The Sabres are projected to have approximately $21.4-million in salary cap space to use this summer. But they'll have to spend some of that money on RFA defenseman Bowen Byram, as well as the team's other notable RFAs. So unless Sabres GM Kevyn Adams moves out money on other fronts, it won't be easy for Buffalo to outbid other teams on the top free agents out there. 

But that shouldn't stop Sabres fans from dreaming, right? With that in mind, drop down into the comment section and let us know which players you want Buffalo brass to go after this summer. Your fellow Sabres fans will want to hear all about it.

For the New York Rangers, it was Mike Sullivan or bust in terms of their head coaching search. 

It was speculated that the Rangers could possibly take multiple weeks before naming a new head coach, but the second Mike Sullivan became available earlier this week, Rangers president and general manager Chris Drury pounced on the opportunity. 

It was no secret among other tea’s around the NHL that the Rangers were heavily pursuing Sullivan. 

Rangers Officially Hire Mike Sullivan To Be Head Coach, Bringing ‘Championship-Level Presence’Mike Sullivan will officially become the New York Rangers’ 38th head coach. 

“Chris Drury is known for being pretty secretive, he keeps his cards close to the chest,” Vince Z. Mercogliano of USA Today said. “He’s known around the league for not really revealing what he’s thinking, but it was well known around the league that Mike Sullivan was at the very top of his coaching wish list, not just this year, but in previous years as well.”

Drury showed how much he believes in Sullivan by reportedly giving him the highest annual salary for a coach in NHL history according to ESPN’s Emily Kaplan. 

There was a sense that if the Rangers weren’t able to land Sullivan that their coaching search would take a turn for the worst. 

“I think the Rangers would have considered it a failure and it would have been looked upon industry-wide as a failure if the Rangers hadn't convinced [Sullivan] to be their next head coach,” Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman said.

There’s nothing to worry about now as the Rangers got their guy in hopes that he can help turn around the franchise.

Two years ago, the Toronto Maple Leafs walked into a second-round series against the Florida Panthers riding high from their first playoff series win since 2004. It was a long-awaited breakthrough for the franchise and the ‘Core Four,’ finally getting over the hump after years of early playoff exits. But the success was short-lived.

The Panthers made quick work of Toronto in that 2023 series, jumping out to a 3-0 lead and closing it out in five games. The Leafs had home-ice advantage then, as they do again this year, but couldn’t capitalize, dropping the first two games at Scotiabank Arena before eventually bowing out in overtime of Game 5.

Now, the two teams are set to meet again in the second round, this time in the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs. Game 1 goes on Monday night in Toronto, and while the opponent is familiar, with certain similarities, the Leafs insist there are differences.

“I think it's always different,” said defenseman Morgan Rielly following Saturday’s optional skate. “They have different people over there. We have different people in here. So I think the playoff mindset in general remains the same, but I think there are differences with both teams and with structure and systems and whatnot. But the focus here over the next few days is going to be on us and doing what we need to do to get ready to play.”

The Leafs earned their spot in the second round after six games against the Ottawa Senators, closing out the series on Thursday. Compared to the emotional high of beating the Tampa Bay Lightning in 2023 – their first series win in nearly two decades – this year’s result came with more composure and a business-first attitude. 

“I think it's a bit different but equally as important,” Rielly said. “If you look at that series, look at this past series. On paper, there's no difference. You're doing what you came to do, and you move on. But inside of that, there's always going to be little differences. But I think for a group, we're happy with our result. But we're going to focus on what's to come and try to get ready for that.”

Maple Leafs Dismiss Tkachuk’s Intel Moves Ahead of Panthers ShowdownFlorida Panthers forward Matthew Tkachuk will study extensively before the second-round series against the Toronto Maple Leafs, and part of that session includes getting intel from his brother, Brady, who just played Toronto in the first round.

One of those differences is the experience of having been through that Florida series for the first time. While it ended abruptly, the group looks to apply what they learned, especially about falling behind early in the series.

“Well, we lost the first two or first three, but the first two at home. So we'll look to improve on that,” Rielly explained. “But certainly we're going to look at everything. We're not going to leave any stone unturned. If you look at that series, going down early is not what you want, and so obviously we'll look to improve on that.”

That series in 2023 was also the beginning of Florida’s run to the Stanley Cup Final, where they eventually lost to the Vegas Golden Knights. A year later, the Panthers finished the job, defeating the Edmonton Oilers in seven games to capture their first championship in franchise history. Over the past two seasons, no team in the NHL has played more playoff games than Florida.

As the 31-year-old points out, the Leafs are equipped with three former Panthers in Anthony Stolarz, Steven Lorentz, and Oliver Ekman-Larsson – all of whom won the Stanley Cup with Florida last season. They all offer some insight into the Florida system ahead of the rematch. 

“I think that could help us for sure,” Rielly said. “Obviously, there's differences in both teams in every team year after year, but we'll take any advantage we can get to those guys playing over there,” Rielly explained. “It might offer some insight, but it's important that we take these next couple of days get focused and get dialed in on structure and just get ready to play.”

Maple Leafs Tap Ex-Panthers to Gain Mental Edge in Stanley Cup Round 2The Toronto Maple Leafs will leverage the experience of former Stanley Cup champions Oliver Ekman-Larsson, Steven Lorentz, and Anthony Stolarz when the club opens their second-round playoff series against the Florida Panthers on Monday.

In the regular season, Toronto went 1-3-0 against Florida. With another crack at the Panthers, it’s another opportunity to take the next step. This time, Toronto hopes the story ends differently.

Rielly finished with two goals, one assist, and three points against the Senators in the opening round.

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Right winger Matt Coronato signed a seven-year extension with the Calgary Flames, the team announced on Saturday. 

Coronato will earn $6.5 million annually through the 2031-32 campaign on this next deal and has a 10-team no-trade clause in the final two years of the contract, according to PuckPedia.

This contract takes the 22-year-old through the beginning of his prime years as the Flames look to their youngsters to propel the team forward.

"Matt wants to be here long-term, and that says a lot about him and where this is kind of going, moving forward," Flames GM Craig Conroy said in a statement. 

Coronato had a breakout season with the Flames in the final year of his entry-level contract, scoring 24 goals and 47 points in 77 games. Only Flames veterans Nazem Kadri and Jonathan Huberdeau had more points than him on the team. 

Coronato also ended the season on a high note with a seven-game point streak where he scored four goals and four assists for eight points.

Coronato was a crucial piece to Calgary’s late-season push to make the Stanley Cup playoffs, but the team missed out by a tie-breaker scenario that favored the St. Louis Blues.

This was his first full season in the NHL, as he made 34 appearances last season. 

He spent most of that campaign with the AHL’s Calgary Wranglers, where he had an impressive 42 points in 41 games, along with a solid playoff campaign with six points in as many games.

Although the Flames missed out on post-season this time, having Coronato signed until he’s 29 years old is just one step to having the younger players take charge and drive the team back into the playoffs in the long term.

Along with Coronato, Flames rookie goaltender Dustin Wolf led the way for Calgary and its young core. In 53 games, the Flames' netminder had a 29-16-8 record, a 2.64 goals-against average and a .910 save percentage.

As part of Calgary’s young group of players, Zayne Parekh made his NHL debut in the final outing of the regular season. The ninth pick in the 2024 draft doesn’t require a new contract until the 2027-28 campaign, but he has the upside to join the young Flames’ core in the future.

Parekh scored in his debut against the Los Angeles Kings, clocking 20:31 of ice time and a plus-three rating. The 19-year-old came off a 107-point campaign with the OHL’s Saginaw Spirit, recording 33 goals and 74 assists in 61 games. He was the second defenseman in OHL/OHA history to score 30 goals in multiple seasons. Bobby Orr was the other D-man to accomplish that from 1964 to 1966.

NHL Rumor Roundup: Calgary Flames Could Face Another Busy SummerLast summer, the Calgary Flames were sellers, shipping out goaltender Jacob Markstrom and left winger Andrew Mangiapane after missing the playoffs. 

Left winger Joel Farabee and center Morgan Frost will also look to hit the ground running next season after recording six and 12 points with Calgary, respectively. The Flames acquired the 25-year-olds in a trade with the Philadelphia Flyers in January.

After this signing, Calgary GM Craig Conroy has a handful more RFAs to deal with heading into next season, including Frost. Connor Zary could be next on the list, as he emerges to be a middle-six forward on the roster. He finished the season with 13 goals and 27 points in 54 games. 

Others RFAs include center Sam Morton, right winger Adam Klapka and defenseman Kevin Bahl.