In a stunning move on Sunday, June 21, the NHL team that just had its two-time defending champion status revoked reloaded in a big way.
The Florida Panthers, who missed the Stanley Cup playoffs this past season in a year riddled with injuries, have reportedly traded for Ottawa Senators captain Brady Tkachuk, uniting him with his brother Matthew — undoubtedly a special Father's Day gift for their dad Keith, a U.S. Hockey Hall of Famer.
Brady and Matthew Tkachuk won gold together at the 2026 Winter Olympic Games in Milano Cortina in a stunning upset of Canada.
The Senators will reportedly receive a plethora of picks in the blockbuster deal, including two in the upcoming NHL draft.
According to Elliotte Friedman, the return is the No. 9 and No 25 picks in the 2026 NHL draft — the latter of which was acquired earlier on June 21 by trading Mackie Samoskevich to the Seattle Kraken — a 2029 first-round pick and a second in 2030. Tkachuk waived his no movement clause to allow the deal to happen.
Per reports from the Ottawa Citizen, Tkachuk had indicated to the Senators he would not re-sign in Ottawa when his contract expires in two years, upping the urgency to make a move. It's the second time in the past 12 months an American player muscled his way off a Canadian roster, with Quinn Hughes doing something similar with the Vancouver Canucks partway through the 2025-26 season when he was traded to the Minnesota Wild.
The Senators did not get any players in dealing Tkachuk, instead landing two first-round picks in the 2026 NHL entry draft (Nos. 9 and 25 overall), a first-round pick in 2029, and a second-round pick in 2030.
Brady Tkachuk contract
Tkachuk is on the back end of a seven-year, $57.5 million contract with an AAV of $8.2 million. He has two years remaining on the deal and is anticipated to become a free agent in the 2028 offseason unless he signs an extension with the Panthers. Matthew Tkachuk, for his part, is on the fifth year of an eight-year, $76 million contract ($9.5 million AAV), and is slated to become a free agent in 2030.
Brady Tkachuk stats
Tkachuk, who has served as Senators captain since 2021, logged 59 points last season with 22 goals and 37 assists. He played in 60 games, the lowest total in a full season in his career, and had 221 shots with a shot percentage of 10%.
In his career, Tkachuk has scored 213 goals and has 250 assists. He has spent his entire career in Ottawa to date and leaves with the fourth-most goals in Senators history.
Ottawa Senators left wing Brady Tkachuk on the ice during the second period at Madison Square Garden in March.
Brady Tkachuk will play alongside his brother next season after a blockbuster NHL trade.
The Senators agreed to send the 26-year-old veteran winger to the Panthers for Florida’s two first-round picks this year (ninth and 25th), their first-round pick in 2029 and second in 2030, according to multiple reports.
Brady, a three-time All-Star, will join his brother Matthew Tkachuk with the Panthers.
The duo won a gold medal together with Team USA earlier this year at the Olympics.
Ottawa Senators left wing Brady Tkachuk on the ice during the second period at Madison Square Garden in March. JASON SZENES FOR THE NEW YORK POST
Earlier in the day, the Panthers dealt Mackie Samoskevich to the Seattle Kraken in exchange for a 2026 first and a 2027 second-round pick, which ultimately set the stage for this blockbuster deal afterwards.
Brady Tkachuk had 22 goals and 37 assists for Ottawa this past season, which saw the club swept by the eventual Stanley Cup champion Carolina Hurricanes.
Brady Tkachuk has two seasons left on his seven-year, $57.5 million deal, which he originally signed with the Senators in 2021.
The contract does have a full no movement clause, but according to The Athletic, he provided Ottawa a four-team list of preferred destinations, including Florida, the Golden Knights, Hurricanes and Wild.
Brady Tkachuk seen against the Carolina Hurricanes in Round 1, Game 4 of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs on April 25, 2026, in Ottawa, ON, Canada. Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
He is contract extension eligible next summer.
AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster
The Senators are coming off a disappointing playoff run, in which they were swept by the Hurricanes in the first round, which followed a 4-2 opening round loss to the Maple Leafs the season prior.
The Panthers finished a disappointing 40-38-4 and out of the playoffs last season after winning two straight Stanley Cups.
What was expected to be a busy week for the Florida Panthers ahead of the 2026 NHL Draft got off to an early start.
On Sunday, with many celebrating Father’s Day, the Panthers made a pair of significant moves.
First, Florida traded young forward Mackie Samoskevich to the Seattle Kraken in exchange for a 2026 first-round pick (25th overall) and a conditional 2027 second-round pick.
The condition on the pick is that Florida will receive either Columbus’ or Winnipeg’s second rounder, via Seattle, depending on which one ends up being a higher selection.
That leaves the Panthers with two first-round selections and two second-round selections at this week’s draft, which is pretty remarkable for a team that won back-to-back Stanley Cups in 2024 and 2025 and that still features a loaded roster full of talent locked up to long-term, team-friendly deals.
With his newfound riches in the form of draft capital, Panthers General Manager Bill Zito turned around and swung a blockbuster.
Florida sent both 2025 first-round picks, along with a 2029 first-round pick and a 2030 second-round pick to the Ottawa Senators in exchange for their captain Brady Tkachuk.
Tkachuk is under contract through the 2027-28 season, making an average annual value (AAV) of $8.2 million.
This teams Brady up with his older brother Matthew in South Florida.
Over the past several years, the Tkachuk brothers have gradually but increasingly received a taste of what being teammates would be like, starting with the 2023 NHL All-Star Game in Sunrise.
After the experience the two shared at the NHL's 4 Nations Face-Off in February of 2025, followed by helping the United States win gold at the 2026 Winter Olympics, it started to feel like the brothers teaming up as professionals was a foregone conclusion.
The two elite forwards will only add to the Panthers incredibly talented and deep roster that includes Sasha Barkov, Sam Reinhart, Brad Marchand, Sam Bennett, Gus Forsling, Aaron Ekbald, Carter Verhaeghe, Seth Jones and Anton Lundell, just to name a few.
Following the trade, Florida now has 13 forwards and six defensemen under contract for next season, not including any players like Sandis Vilmanis, Marek Alscher or Jack Devine, all of whom played in the NHL last season and are on two-way deals.
After acquiring the younger Tkachuk, the Panthers will be left with just over $7 million in cap space for next season, according to PuckPedia.
They still need to sign a pair of NHL goaltenders and any depth pieces they’d like to add, so we’ll see how things play out for Zito and his staff in the coming days.
The NHL Draft is set for this Friday and Saturday from Buffalo, with the new league year and free agency arriving a few days later on July 1.
Photo caption: Apr 18, 2026; Raleigh, North Carolina, USA; Ottawa Senators left wing Brady Tkachuk (7) reacts against the Carolina Hurricanes during the second period in game one of the first round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Lenovo Center. (James Guillory-Imagn Images)
Victor Olofsson has become one of those quietly useful NHL forwards who never quite stays in one place long enough to settle in, but keeps finding ways to contribute wherever he lands.
Soft-spoken and understated, he doesn’t draw attention off the ice—and he doesn’t need to on it. His calling card is simple but dangerous: a quick, punishing release that punishes even the smallest defensive lapse.
Olofsson isn’t going to blow by defenders like a Connor McDavid-type skater, nor does he create offense through elite separation speed. But give him half a step in the offensive zone, and the puck is gone—often before a goaltender has time to react. That split-second trigger is what makes him so difficult to contain.
The 30-year-old Swedish winger spent the first 60 games of the season with the Colorado Avalanche, finishing with 11 goals and 14 assists for 25 points. He quietly provided value in key moments, with three of his goals standing as game-winners and two coming on the power play. He also recorded the first hat trick of his NHL career on Oct. 28 in a win over the New Jersey Devils at Ball Arena.
Olofsson was originally acquired as part of the Nazem Kadri trade that sent the veteran center to the Calgary Flames in exchange for prospect Max Curran, a conditional 2027 second-round pick, and a conditional 2028 first-round pick. In 18 games with Calgary, he added two goals and four assists.
A full season with the Flames in 2026-27 would almost certainly allow Olofsson to settle into a defined power-play role, where his shot remains his most valuable asset and an underrated weapon.
There’s also another detail that often gets overlooked, but matters to coaches: discipline. Olofsson is not an undisciplined player by any means. In 60 games with the Avalanche, he logged just six penalty minutes, and in 18 games with Calgary, he didn’t take a single penalty. For a coaching staff that values clean, mistake-free hockey while still needing a player who can provide offense at a low cost, that combination carries real value.
There’s also a human element that can’t be ignored. Olofsson and his family have been living out of suitcases for stretches over the past two seasons. After six years in Buffalo, he’s bounced from Vegas to Colorado to Calgary in quick succession—and his wife, Taylor, gave birth to their second child during the Olympic break. That kind of instability adds up.
At some point, hockey fit and life fit start to overlap. For Calgary, the decision becomes fairly straightforward. With the salary cap continuing to rise, a deal in the $1.75–$2.25 million range feels like solid value for a player who can still change a game with a single clean look at the net.
If the Flames are looking for continuity and a low-risk scoring touch, this is the type of player you don’t overthink. You keep him, you stabilize the role, and you let the shot do the talking.
While the majority of the hype in the Bay Area later this week will be focused on the San Jose Sharks’ second overall pick, assuming nothing changes, the Sharks will enter the 2026 NHL Draft with a total of seven picks, five of which will take place on the second day of the annual event.
The first pick they hold on the second day will be the 62nd overall pick, which originally belonged to the Colorado Avalanche. The Sharks acquired the pick as part of the trade that sent MacKenzie Blackwood to Denver.
Throughout the years, a number of successful players have been taken with the 62nd overall selection, which for quite a while was a part of the third round.
There have been two players drafted 62nd overall that went on to play 1,000 or more games in the NHL, one of which is still active. Kris Letang of the Pittsburgh Penguins is the all-time games played leader amongst 62nd overall picks, with 1,235 games played, all with Pittsburgh. The first player drafted 62nd overall to hit the 1,000 game threshold, though ironically had the same first name as Letang, Kris Draper. Despite being drafted by the Winnipeg Jets in 1989, Draper played the majority of his career with the Detroit Red Wings.
Eight players drafted 62nd overall have reached the 500-game threshold, including long-time St. Louis Blues captain David Backes and former Sharks Jeff Norton and Paul Martin. At this point, only 11 total players drafted 62nd overall have appeared in 200 or more games, though.
More recently, Lane Hutson was drafted 62nd overall by the Montreal Canadiens in 2022, and after a couple of seasons with Boston University, he stepped into the NHL and made an immediate impact. The 62nd overall pick in 2023, Felix Unger Sorum, has already made his NHL debut as well for the Carolina Hurricanes. The 2024 and 2025 picks, Jacob Battaglia and Ivan Ryabkin, have yet to make an appearance in the NHL, but there’s still plenty of time.
Based on historical precedent, it seems that the Sharks likely won’t get an NHLer with the 62nd overall pick, but if they do, odds are they’ll be getting an impact player for quite a while. Of course, every player and every draft are different, so only time will tell how the pick pans out for the Sharks.
If there is any silver lining for the Colorado Avalanche following a disappointing end to their season, it’s the strength of the message coming from inside the room: this group still wants another run at it.
A season that concluded with a Presidents’ Trophy, 121 points, and a Western Conference Final sweep that left more questions than answers nonetheless produced a clear organizational throughline — belief in Jared Bednar remains intact. That confidence isn’t limited to the front office, either, with Joe Sakic, the club’s president of hockey operations, standing firmly behind his head coach.
That stance comes with context that extends beyond public opinion. While segments of the fan base and portions of the media called for a coaching change in the wake of the playoff exit, Sakic ultimately leaned on the group that carries the most weight inside the building: the players. In a locker room built around a championship core and still viewed internally as being within its contention window, that voice carries significant influence. Moving against it would risk introducing the kind of internal fracture that can derail even the most talented roster.
But perhaps the strongest endorsement came from within the dressing room itself.
Superstar defenseman Cale Makar, who appeared in just two games during the series while managing a shoulder injury, was among the most vocal in support of Bednar. As outside observers questioned whether a decade behind the bench had dulled the coach’s message, Makar offered a firm rebuttal in the immediate aftermath of the Avalanche’s sweep at the hands of the Vegas Golden Knights in the Western Conference Final.
“Coaches are coaches. He means so much to this team and he’s allowed us to play our games,” Makar said via The Athletic's Mark Lazerus. “He deserves a lot of credit for getting us to this point. He’s not playing the game, he’s not out on the ice. He’s giving us everything he possibly can, information-wise, to go out there and be the best we can be.”
For Makar, the relationship with the coaching staff extends beyond tactical decisions or in-game adjustments. It is rooted in accountability — a shared responsibility that carries through both success and failure, particularly in a postseason where injuries limited his own ability to contribute.
“You feel like you let people down, and he’s one of those guys,” Makar added. “You feel like he works so hard, the whole coaching staff, everybody, you just feel like you let them down a little bit.”
That sentiment reflects what Sakic ultimately gathered from within the locker room: a group that still favors continuity despite a playoff finish that fell short of expectations.
That context carries weight in Colorado.
Bednar has now spent a decade behind the Avalanche bench, guiding the franchise through multiple division titles, a Stanley Cup championship in 2022, and sustained regular-season success that has kept Colorado among the league’s elite. However, the postseason trajectory since that title — first-round exits, a second-round loss, and now a sweep in the Western Conference Final — has naturally prompted external questions about whether the message has begun to lose its edge.
Internally, however, the conclusion remains unchanged — at least for now.
The Avalanche enter the offseason with the sting of an abrupt playoff exit, but also with recent organizational history serving as a reminder of how quickly trajectories can shift. The last time Colorado captured the Presidents’ Trophy, in 2021, they were eliminated in six games by the Vegas Golden Knights despite taking a 2–0 series lead. The following season, they responded by winning the Stanley Cup.
Whether this group can replicate that response will ultimately define how this core is judged when the stakes rise again.
One change from last year’s roster is already confirmed. Ross Colton will not return after being traded to the Nashville Predators alongside goaltender Isak Posch in exchange for a third-round pick in the 2026 NHL Draft and a third-round selection in 2027 — the latter originally owned by Colorado.
Nearly three weeks ago, news broke from NHL Insider Elliotte Friedman that Detroit Red Wings captain Dylan Larkin, whom the club selected in the first round of the 2014 NHL Draft, had requested a trade.
Larkin's reported trade request is a change in tune from what he had to say in April following the conclusion of Detroit's season, which unfortunately resulted in falling short of earning a berth in the Stanley Cup Playoffs for the 10th straight season.
Further complicating things was Larkin's reported initial trade list that included only the Vegas Golden Knights, the Minnesota Wild, and Florida Panthers - all teams who have one or more teammate of his from Team USA in last year's Four Nations Face-Off and the 2026 Milan Winter Olympics earlier this spring.
While reports have emerged that Larkin and his representatives are willing to expand his limited trade list, did one of those teams just reveal its hand in what could be the first step toward pursuing the Red Wings captain?
Earlier on Sunday, the Panthers dealt forward Mackie Samoskevich to the Seattle Kraken in exchange for the No. 25 pick in the NHL Draft, and a second-round pick in next year's Draft.
We have acquired Tampa Bay’s 2026 first-round selection (previously acquired by Seattle) and a 2027 second-round selection (conditional) from the Seattle Kraken in exchange for forward Mackie Samoskevich.
A pending restricted free agent, Samoskevich counted $775,000 against the salary cap and also played college hockey at the University of Michigan.
To date, there have been no official statements from Larkin, his agent Pat Brisson, or Red Wings GM Steve Yzerman regarding the reported trade request.
The Panthers, who are in the Atlantic Division with the Red Wings, advanced to the Stanley Cup Final three straight seasons from 2023 through 2025, and won consecutive titles.
They weren't able to defend the Stanley Cup this season, as their roster was decimated by injuries. But by most projections, they should be right back in the mix of things in 2025-26.
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Dustin Wolf is one of the pillars of the Calgary Flames rebuild. As a former two-time AHL Goalie of the Year and one-time MVP, he's yet to duplicate that level of success in the NHL. In the minors, his record was 97-32-10, and through 128 games with the Flames, he's 60-52-12.
According to Wolf's career splits at Hockey Reference, he's already secured a victory against 24 NHL teams. Still, he has yet to pick one up against some of the league's heavyweights, including several Western Conference powerhouses.
For the Flames to take the next step in their rebuild and become serious contenders, Wolf is going to need to slay some past demons and start piling up victories against these clubs.
Which NHL teams has Wolf not beaten yet?
Detroit Red Wings (0-2-0)
The Detroit Red Wings haven't been to the playoffs since 2016-17, when Wolf was still playing U16 AAA hockey. During their meeting on Feb. 1, 2025, he allowed two goals in a 2-1 loss, and last year, Wolf allowed four goals in a 5-1 loss on Mar. 16, 2026. Heading into next season, the Red Wings remain one of two Original Six franchises he has yet to beat.
Ottawa Senators (0-2-0)
Since becoming the Flames' number one goalie in 2024-25, the Ottawa Senators have been a playoff team, losing in the first round in each of the past two seasons. Interestingly, Wolf's first NHL loss (4-1) came against the Senators on Nov. 11, 2023, and then Ottawa defeated him a year later on Nov. 25, 2024. They didn't play against one another in 2025-26.
Tampa Bay Lightning (0-2-0)
In the past two seasons, the Tampa Bay Lightning have had the NHL's fourth-best record at 97-53-14, including two wins over Wolf in his only appearances against the club. The Lightning shut out the Flames, 3-0, on Feb. 27, 2025, before defeating them 5-1 on Nov. 26, 2025. Surprisingly, in their last meeting, Wolf played a career-low 5:52, allowing three goals on just four shots.
Washington Capitals (0-2-0)
Against the NHL's all-time leading scorer, Wolf has given up two goals to Alex Ovechkin, while the Washington Capitals remain a perfect 2-0-0 against the young netminder. He lost a 5-2 decision on Mar. 18, 2024, the night Ovechkin had two, and they followed that up with a 3-1 victory at the Saddledome on Jan. 28, 2025.
Dallas Stars (0-3-0)
The Dallas Stars are one of the top teams in the Central Division and in the Western Conference. Since Wolf's debut on Apr. 12, 2023, the Stars are 6-1-2 against the Flames, while their star has remained winless in three games. During their first meetings in 2024-25, Wolf gave up ten goals in 6-2 (Dec. 8) and 5-2 (Mar. 27) losses. In their only meeting last season, the Stars walked away with a 6-1 win, chasing Wolf after four goals and 26:02 of ice time.
St. Louis Blues (0-4-0)
Over the past three seasons, the St. Louis Blues are 124-96-26, good enough for the 16th-best record in the NHL. However, they are 4-0-0 against Wolf and are 8-0-1 overall against the Flames. In their meeting, St. Louis picked up a 5-3 victory on Mar. 28, 2024, and followed that up with a 4-1 win on Jan. 16, 2025. Last season, Wolf gave up seven goals over two meetings, losing 4-2 on Oct. 11 and 3-2 on Nov. 11.
Toronto Maple Leafs (0-4-0)
The Toronto Maple Leafs, along with the Red Wings, remain the only Original Six franchises Wolf has yet to beat, with a 0-4-0 record against them. In their first two meetings, on Feb. 4, 2024, and Mar. 17, 2024, Wolf surrendered five goals in each contest on the way to 6-3 and 6-2 losses. Despite being the second-worst team in the Eastern Conference last season, Toronto put eight goals past Wolf, picking up a 4-3 victory on Oct. 28 and a 4-2 win on Feb. 2.
Colorado Avalanche (0-5-0)
Over the past two seasons, no other team has won more games than the Colorado Avalanche, who are 104-45-15 and won the Presidents' Trophy in 2025-26. Meanwhile, the Avalanche are just one of two teams to collect 17 points against the Flames since 2023-24, with an 8-0-1 record dating back to the year Wolf first faced them.
His first appearance against the club was a no-decision, on Mar. 12, 2024, a 6-2 loss. In 2024-25, Wolf went 0-2-0 with seven goals against, losing 4-2 contests on both Feb. 6 and Mar. 14. Meanwhile, last season, he was 0-3-0, losing 9-2 on Mar. 30, finishing the night with a .750 SV%, his fourth-worst total of the campaign. He then lost two games 3-1 within seven days of one another on Apr. 9 and Apr. 14.
23 years ago today, the NHL held its annual draft, and it was one for the ages. One of the most spectacular crops of first-round talent seen in years. That year, the Montreal Canadiens had the 10th overall pick, and they opted for Belarus-born forward Andrei Kostitsyn.
While he was no doubt a talented player, Kostitsyn played only 398 NHL games, during which he recorded 222 points. When the Canadiens gave up on him and traded him to the Nashville Predators for a couple of draft picks at the 2011-12 deadline, he finished the season with them, then headed to the KHL and never looked back.
In an average draft year, taking the Belarusian might not have been a bad pick, but in 2003, when the Canadiens drafted him, there were plenty of highly talented players still available. At number 11, the Philadelphia Flyers picked Jeff Carter, who would go on to play 1321 games in the NHL, putting on 851 points and winning two Stanley Cups with the Los Angeles Kings.
Speaking of the Kings, at number 13 they picked Dustin Brown, who played 1,296 NHL games, scoring 712 points, and led them to two Stanley Cups as team captain, with Carter as a teammate. In 2023, Los Angeles installed a statue of Brown outside its arena.
Just after the Kings, at number 14, the Chicago Blackhawks grabbed Brent Seabrook, who spent his whole 15-season career in Chicago, playing 1114 games, and was an integral part of the core that netted the Hawks two Stanley Cups.
At 17, the New Jersey Devils picked Zach Parise, another member of the 1,000 games club. At 19, the Anaheim Ducks selected Ryan Getzlaf, and they made out like bandits when they also picked up the almost immortal Corey Perry, who has yet to retire at 28th overall. The pair would lead them to a Stanley Cup win a couple of years later. The list goes on and on. Brent Burns, Ryan Kessler, Mike Richards, and Brian Boyle were also picked in the first round.
But the steal of the draft was the Boston Bruins, who selected Patrice Bergeron with the 45th overall pick, straight out of the Canadiens’ system. The elite two-way center became a regular Frank J. Selke trophy winner, led the Bruins to a Stanley Cup, and will likely be inducted into the Hall of Fame shortly. The Nashville Predators are a close second, though, as they acquired Shea Weber with the 49th overall pick. It’s also worth mentioning that in the seventh round, the San Jose Sharks landed Joe Pavelski, while the Hawks also landed Corey Crawford in the second round and Dustin Byfuglien in the eighth round.
Meanwhile, the Canadiens also added Cory Urquhart, Maxim Lapierre, Ryan O'Byrne, Corey Locke, Danny Stewart, Christopher Heino-Lindberg, Mark Flood, Oskari Korpikari, Jimmy Bonneau, and Jaroslav Halak, who can probably be seen as their best selection, in the ninth and final round.
Hindsight is always 20/20, as they say, but it’s hard to fathom how the Canadiens could leave so much talent on the table when it was right there ripe for the picking.
For well over a century now, the sport of hockey at its various levels has helped galvanize the bonds between fathers and their children. Whether it's playing on an outdoor rink, at the local arena, or just watching on TV, when a game of hockey breaks out, even the grumpy or stoic tend to open up with the people around them.
Not a single player in the NHL, including the Senators, would be where they are today without the support of at least one of their parents or guardians. But quite a few current Senators had a little extra nudge, with fathers who actually played in the NHL.
As kids, they heard all the NHL war stories from their dads, who coached them and shared what it takes to play in the league.
The list has grown smaller over the past few years with the exits of Josh Norris, Jakob Chychrun, Mark Kastelic, Patrick Brown, and Roby Jarventie, who all had Dads who played in the league.
Here are the current Ottawa Senators who grew up completely immersed in NHL hockey before stepping out of their father's shadow and into the limelight.
Drake and Norm Batherson
Imagn Images
Okay, we're taking liberties. Drake's father, Norm, never actually played in the NHL, but since he was briefly part of the Senators organization, playing for their top farm club in PEI, we're going to make an exception. Former Senators enforcer Dennis Vial is Batherson's uncle.
Ridly and Mark Greig
Imagn Images
Ridly Greig's father, Mark, played nine seasons in the NHL, suiting up for the Hartford Whalers, Toronto Maple Leafs, Calgary Flames and Philadelphia Flyers. Ridly's late uncle, Bruce, briefly played for the California Golden Seals. Greig's sister, Dara, will play for the Ottawa Charge this fall.
Jake and Geoff Sanderson
Imagn Images
With Geoff having eight different NHL stops in his career, the Sanderson family moved around a lot. Geoff had 700 points in just over 1100 NHL games, with stops in Hartford, Carolina, Vancouver, Buffalo, Columbus, Phoenix, Philadelphia and Edmonton. The Sandersons may have chosen to play different positions, but they share the gift of phenomenal skating ability.
Brady and Keith Tkachuk
Imagn Images
Keith had an outstanding NHL career with Winnipeg, Phoenix, St. Louis, and Atlanta. He's one of the NHL's few 500-goal scorers not in the Hall of Fame. It will be interesting to see if he gets the call on Monday to be part of the 2026 class.
Jorian and Shean Donovan
Imagn Images
The Donovans hold the distinction of being the only father-son team to both play for the modern-day Senators. With the wild number of injuries on Ottawa's blue line, Jorian got into his first two NHL games this season. Shean had a well-travelled NHL career, playing 951 games with seven organizations. His final three seasons were in Ottawa.
With the emergence and success of the PWHL, it won't be long before we can do this list on Mother's Day, making a list of Senators whose moms played pro hockey.
For now, whether you're celebrating your dad or you're the one being celebrated (or both), we wish you a Happy Father's Day.
By Steve Warne The Hockey News
This article was published first at The Hockey News, read more at THN at the links below:
Zakhar Bardakov’s exit from the Colorado Avalanche wasn’t a surprise inside the organization. It was a path that had always been on the table.
When the Avalanche signed Bardakov out of Russia, his contract included a clause allowing a return to the KHL if he was assigned to the American Hockey League — a detail that quietly shaped the ceiling of his NHL opportunity from the start.
When he arrived in Denver ahead of training camp, his struggles in defensive-zone drills were noticeable. Still, he gradually adapted to the North American game and earned praise from captain Gabriel Landeskog for his work ethic and physical tools.
"He's a really good skater, a powerful guy, and he continues to adapt to this game here," Landeskog said following a December win over the Vancouver Canucks. "I thought he's done a great job. Training camp, he earned that spot, continues to work well and work hard, and it's not easy for anybody."
That early progress, however, never fully translated into a consistent role.
Bardakov scored his first career goal in an 8-4 win over the New Jersey Devils on Oct. 28 and finished the season with one goal and nine assists in 60 games. While he showed flashes of effectiveness, his role remained limited throughout the year.
For much of the season, he averaged roughly six minutes of ice time per game, often buried near the bottom of Colorado’s forward rotation. There was a late-season bump in usage, with his average climbing to just over seven and a half minutes per night down the stretch as injuries and lineup adjustments created additional opportunity, but it didn’t meaningfully change his standing within the group.
The Avalanche also briefly assigned Bardakov to the Colorado Eagles, where he scored a goal in his lone AHL appearance. Under normal circumstances, that assignment would have marked the beginning of a longer developmental stretch in the minors. Instead, it became a turning point.
Because Bardakov wasn’t a traditional prospect.
At 25 and already established in Russia’s top league, he wasn’t arriving in North America as a long-term project meant to spend extended time in the AHL. And with a contractual clause allowing him to return to the KHL if that scenario came into play, the framework of his decision was already in place.
Most players in Colorado’s system work through the AHL to earn NHL opportunity. Bardakov’s path was built differently from the start.
With no clear route to a larger role in Colorado and the option to return home still available, he ultimately chose to continue his career in the KHL.
For the Avalanche, it’s another roster departure in a season defined by turnover. For Bardakov, it’s a return to a league where a more defined role — and more consistent ice time — already awaits.
Bardakov’s departure also doesn’t necessarily close the door on a future NHL return. In most cases involving European signings, the organization retains the player’s NHL rights for a set period of time, meaning the Avalanche would still control his path back to the league if he chooses to revisit North America later.
For now, however, the forward shifts his focus back to a more familiar environment in Russia after a brief and limited stint in Colorado.
SEATTLE (AP) — The Seattle Kraken acquired young forward Mackie Samoskevich from the Florida Panthers for the No. 25 pick in the NHL draft on Friday and a second-rounder next year, the teams announced Sunday.
Samoskevich is a 23-year-old with 64 points in 160 regular-season and playoff games who gives the Kraken a much-need infusion talent after they missed the playoffs for the fourth time in their five years of existence. He is a restricted free agent who needs a new contract.
“Mackie is a talented young player who we are excited to bring into the fold,” Seattle general manager Jason Botterill said. “He has speed, skill and scoring ability. A Stanley Cup champion with the Panthers in 2025, Mackie’s a player who can contribute offensively and add a spark to our lineup.”
Trading Samoskevich for picks clears space as the Panthers retool following a season that got derailed by injuries after they won the Stanley Cup back to back in 2024 and ’25. The 25th pick, a late first-rounder, originally belonged to rival Tampa Bay, while the second will be the higher of Winnipeg's or Columbus'.
Samoskevich was the No. 24 pick in the 2021 draft who then played at Michigan alongside new Kraken teammate Matty Beniers.
When the San Jose Sharks sent the 20th overall pick to the Buffalo Sabres in exchange for the 27th overall selection and Michael Kesselring, a question immediately popped in my mind: just how different are the players often available at 20th overall and 27th overall?
Of course, the obvious fact of the matter is that the Sharks will have seven less players to choose from when they take the stage, but is there a major difference in the caliber of player at each draft choice? Let’s take a look.
Hockey Hall of Famers
The most obvious place to start: how many players from each draft position have found themselves enshrined at the Hockey Hall of Fame in Toronto?
Three players drafted 20th overall have been inducted to the Hall of Fame at this point, but more could follow in the near future.
The first 20th overall pick inducted into the Hall was Larry Robinson in 1995. The legendary defenseman was drafted 20th by the Montreal Canadiens during the 1971 NHL Draft. He went on to play 1,384 games in the NHL, the majority of which came in Montreal, although he finished his career with the Los Angeles Kings. He’s the NHL’s all-time leader in plus/minus, finishing his career with a +722, and won six Stanley Cups as a player.
Michel Goulet was the next 20th overall selection inducted in the Hockey Hall of Fame, earning that honor in 1998 after 15 seasons and 1,089 games in the NHL. He was selected 20th overall by the Quebec Nordiques in 1979.
Most recently, legendary goaltender Martin Brodeur, who was selected 20th overall by the New Jersey Devils in 1990, was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2018 after setting numerous records throughout his career.
27th overall is a bit tricky in regards to the Hockey Hall of Fame, as technically two players drafted with that pick have gone on to be enshrined at the Hall of Fame, but only one was inducted as a player. Joe Nieuwendyk is the sole 27th overall pick to be inducted into the Hall for his playing career.
The Calgary Flames selected Nieuwendyk in the 1985 NHL Draft, and at the time, the 27th overall pick was in the second round. He went on to play 1,257 career games in the NHL for a number of different teams, and he was a three-time Stanley Cup Champion.
Colin Campbell was inducted into the Hall of Fame as a builder, but he was also selected 27th overall by the Pittsburgh Penguins during the 1973 NHL Draft.
For the sake of the on-ice argument, we won’t count Campbell toward the total of 27th overall picks to make it to the Hockey Hall of Fame since it wasn't based on his playing performance. As a result, there were three Hall of Famers drafted 20th overall and only one Hall of Fame player drafted 27th overall.
While the Hall of Fame is a nice accomplishment, quite a few great players never get that honor and it's far from the only milestone worth looking at.
1000+ Games Played
Longevity is key to a successful NHL career. If a player makes it past the 1,000-game plateau, it means they were an impact player in some regard, even if they weren’t necessarily a superstar. With a late first-round pick, general managers aren’t looking for the next Macklin Celebrini or Sidney Crosby; typically, they’re looking for their long-term third-line center or second-pairing defenseman. While they certainly won’t be disappointed if they strike gold, it’s not the expectation.
Five players drafted 20th overall have played 1,000 or more games in the NHL: Brent Burns, Robinson, Brodeur, Goulet, and Travis Zajac.
At 27th overall, there have been six players to pass the 1,000-game threshold. Scott Mellanby, Nieuwendyk, John Carlson, Tie Domi, Scott Gomez, and Steve Staios all were able to hit that milestone before retiring, and Carlson is still going.
200+ Games Played
Now that we’ve gone over impact players, the next question becomes, how many legitimate NHL players have been picked with each selection? Although calling someone an NHLer is often subjective, the threshold we’ll use for this is 200 games played, as it’s very difficult for a player to hang in the league for that long if they’re playing above their skill level.
There have been 32 players selected 20th overall who have gone on to play in 200 or more NHL games during their career. California native Beau Bennett was the last player to meet the criteria, as he finished his playing career with exactly 200 games played.
That number drops slightly with the 27th overall selection, as only 28 players drafted 27th overall have appeared in 200 or more NHL games. With that being said, it’s not a substantial difference.
Overall, it appears that, as expected, the 20th overall pick does have a higher chance at producing a superstar player and an NHLer in general. With that being said, the 27th overall pick has historically had quite a few effective role players with lengthy careers.
While the 20th overall selection gives the Buffalo Sabres a wider prospect pool to choose from, the 27th overall pick produces effective players at a similar rate, meaning the Sharks didn’t give up much value at all to add a useful defenseman, Michael Kesselring, to their blue line.
All-in-all, it appears both teams got exactly what they needed from the trade. The Sabres get a slightly higher chance of getting a player that will eventually crack the NHL, while the Sharks kept their lottery ticket and added the exact type of player they’d hope to get with the 20th overall selection in Kesselring.
The Ducks' 2025-26 season has been over for just over a month and with the 2026 NHL Entry Draft just around the corner, it feels like a good time to start recapping this past season for each player in the organization.
Today's edition of 'By the Numbers' will feature players who wore Nos. 41-50 this season.
If you missed the previous edition of 'By the Numbers', you can click here to read it.
Nathan Gaucher
After playing in almost 200 AHL games, Gaucher finally got the call to the NHL at the end of the regular season. He appeared in three games and while he didn’t get much ice time due to his limited role on the fourth line, he showed that he should probably be in the NHL as a full-time depth option next season.
More of a defensive stalwart than an offensive dynamo, Gaucher spent most of his third professional season in the AHL with the San Diego Gulls. He found himself in a middle-6 role as head coach Matt McIlvane’s choice to center the Gulls’ checking line. He set a new career high with 29 points in 62 games, scored his first professional hat trick and also spent time on the Gulls’ penalty kill.
Gaucher has battled injuries throughout his pro career, which has stalled his development slightly. But his call-up this past season was a nice reward for the work that he’s done over the past three seasons. Capable of playing on the wing in addition to down the middle, Gaucher could slide into the hole left by Jansen Harkins, should the Ducks decide not to bring him back.
Tim Washe
Washe joined the Ducks late last season, signing with them right after winning an NCAA Championship with Western Michigan. He appeared in the final two games of the 2024-25 NHL season.
After being one of the final training camp cuts, Washe spent the first three months of the season with the Gulls, putting up 27 points in 36 games. He was named an AHL All Star and represented the Gulls at the AHL All-Star Game in Rockford alongside goaltender Calle Clang.
Apr 28, 2026; Edmonton, Alberta, CAN; Anaheim Ducks forward Tim Washe (42) follows the play against the Edmonton Oilers in game five of the first round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Rogers Place. Mandatory Credit: Perry Nelson-Imagn Images
Washe was recalled by the Ducks in January, filling the role of fourth line center while Leo Carlsson recovered from Morel-Lavallée surgery. He scored his first NHL goal on Jan. 16 in a 3-2 shootout win against the Los Angeles Kings and never returned to the AHL, finding a role as the Ducks’ fourth line center even after players like Carlsson and Mikael Granlund returned from injury.
In the playoffs, Washe, along with Jeff Viel and Ian Moore was tasked with keeping Connor McDavid off the scoresheet. The unorthodox line fared quite well in their expedition, too, though perhaps it can be argued that McDavid wasn’t at full health. But who is during the playoffs?
Washe is in the final year of a two-year contract that he signed with the Ducks last August. He will be a restricted free agent at the end of the 2026-27 season and have arbitration rights. As of now, the expectation is that he will begin the 2026-27 season as the Ducks’ fourth line center. He was also used heavily on the penalty kill as the season progressed, with his knack for winning faceoffs being heavily valued.
Nik Brouillard
Now the Gulls’ all-time leader in games played, Brouillard returned to San Diego after stops in Hartford and Coachella Valley. Brouillard also became the all-time leader in goals scored among Gulls defensemen. On top of all of that, he was also chosen to represent Team Canada at the Spengler Cup, where he put up two points in three games and was named to the Spengler Cup All-Star Team.
A versatile player, Brouillard set the blueprint for Ian Moore, able to rotate between forward and defense. Brouillard didn’t spend as much time on the wing this past season as he had previously, though, primarily suiting up as a defenseman on the Gulls’ bottom pair.
With his AHL-only deal expiring this summer, it would make sense for both parties to reunite for another season. The Gulls recently signed captain Ryan Carpenter to a one-year extension, bringing back an experienced veteran. Brouillard would provide the same qualities.
Ross Johnston
If this is the end of Johnston’s tenure with the Ducks, then what a run it’s been. General manager Pat Verbeek claimed him off waivers from the New York Islanders during preseason in 2023. His acquisition at the time was a puzzling one, but did add forward depth with players like Brock McGinn injured at the time.
While Johnston’s physicality and size made him a nasty customer, his lack of foot speed didn’t fare very well at times in Greg Cronin’s man-to-man defensive scheme. He often drew the ire of Ducks fans, who called for other players to fill his spot in the lineup.
Feb 3, 2026; Anaheim, California, USA; Anaheim Ducks left wing Ross Johnston (44) controls the puck against the Seattle Kraken during the second period at Honda Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
Johnston was much more of a spectator during his second season with the Ducks, playing in just 43 games due to healthy scratches and two separate injuries. But he did play alongside Cutter Gauthier early in his rookie season, when Cronin wanted Gauthier to focus on getting back to basics. Mason McTavish also had a stint on the fourth line alongside Johnston for similar purposes.
With Joel Quenneville entering the picture this past season as the new head coach, Johnston once again got the first crack of being on the fourth line. But contrary to the previous two seasons, he was sprinkling in some offense alongside his physicality and the occasional fight.
He picked up his first career Gordie Howe hat trick in October in a 5-2 win against the Nashville Predators, collecting three points that night. He had two multi-point efforts this past season and set a new career high in assists (11) and points (14). A lower-body injury prematurely ended his regular season in March, but he returned for the playoffs, drawing in against the Vegas Golden Knights.
Johnston is a pending UFA and it’s unclear whether he’ll be returning. Quenneville and Verbeek do seem to like his grit, physicality and overall nastiness. But Johnston is also 32 and his play style doesn’t necessarily hold up well as players age.
Beckett Sennecke
Sennecke was one of the Ducks’ top performers this season. It was unclear at the start whether he would remain with the Ducks all season long, but he quickly put that notion to bed. He was the beneficiary of Ryan Strome suffering an oblique injury just before the season opener, being elevated to the second line after spending most of training camp on the fourth line.
60 points was good enough for third among all Ducks skaters in 2025-26, third in Calder Trophy voting and a spot on the NHL All-Rookie team. Sennecke became the eighth NHL All-Rookie Team selection in franchise history, joining Cutter Gauthier, Trevor Zegras, John Gibson, Hampus Lindholm, Frederik Anderson, Bobby Ryan and Paul Kariya.
Apr 3, 2026; Anaheim, California, USA; Anaheim Ducks right wing Beckett Sennecke (45) controls the puck against the St. Louis Blues during the second period at Honda Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
Sennecke isn’t short of confidence, attempting crafty moves whenever he can. Sometimes, those moves would be performed recklessly, leading to turnovers and scoring chances against. It’s a situation that isn’t unfamiliar for many young players trying to make their mark in the league. Quenneville benched Sennecke at various points throughout the season, with Sennecke understanding that there’s a time and a place for these moves.
With Troy Terry expected to be out until December while recovering from hip impingement surgery and a torn labrum, Sennecke is one of the players who will be relied upon to shoulder the load. Depending on what offseason moves the Ducks make, Quenneville might even opt to stack his top line with Gauthier, Carlsson and Sennecke.
Eric Nilson
The Ducks selected Nilson in the second round of last year's draft. He spent the past season in the NCAA with Michigan State, playing mostly on the second line with Nashville Predators prospect Ryker Lee.
A defensively responsible player, it was difficult for Nilson to consistently generate his own offense during his first collegiate season. He had just 11 points in 35 games, but also missed time while competing for Sweden in the World Juniors. He had three points in seven games at the tournament, helping Sweden win gold for the first time since 2012.
With Michigan State's No. 1 center Charlie Stramel now signed to the Minnesota Wild, there is an opportunity for Nilson to grab more ice time. 2024 fourth overall pick Cayden Lindstrom, who would be Nilson’s main competition, didn’t fare much better than him in 2025-26, putting up just 10 points in 31 games.
Another offseason full of strength and conditioning should allow Nilson to have a much more productive season offensively in 2026-27.
Noah Warren
It’s been slow-going for Warren, whose development has been plagued by injuries. He’s played 60 games in consecutive seasons, which is encouraging, though most of his playing time this season came on the Gulls’ bottom pair.
Warren is the protypical stay-at-home defenseman, using his size and length to negate opposing opportunities before they can develop. His speed and agility while defending the rush has improved since his arrival in San Diego, which has turned him into a reliable defender. He isn’t going to shock anyone with his offensive abilities, but he did manage 12 points this past season.
Sep 22, 2025; Anaheim, California, USA; Utah Mammoth left wing Brandon Tanev (13) moves the puck against Anaheim Ducks defenseman Noah Warren (47) during the first period at Honda Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
Though the Ducks’ right-hand side of defense is a bit in flux right now with John Carlson departing and Jacob Trouba and Radko Gudas also potentially on their way out, it’s difficult to imagine Warren having a spot on the Ducks next season, at least right away. He’ll have to beat out the likes of Ian Moore, Drew Helleson and Tristan Luneau, who all have NHL experience.
But with Luneau expected to be in the NHL full-time next season, Warren will likely slide into a top-4 role with the Gulls and be able to prove that he is getting closer to deserving an NHL call-up.
Nico Myatovic
Myatovic’s offensive ceiling probably isn’t as high as most guys who are drafted where he was (33rd overall). He’s scored 19 points in consecutive seasons, his first two as a professional. Where he thrives the most is defensively and on the forecheck. Alongside Gaucher and Judd Caulfield, the trio was relied upon to be a defensively stout line. Myatovic also spent plenty of time on the Gulls’ penalty kill.
He’s still a couple of years away from an NHL call-up, thought his play style would be complementary to the likes of Leo Carlsson, Cutter Gauthier and Beckett Sennecke. A puck hound who can forecheck well, recover pucks and feed high-level playmakers is exactly the type of player you need on a team with Stanley Cup aspirations. Just ask the Carolina Hurricanes.
Whoever the Gulls’ next head coach is may be able to find an expanded role for Myatovic, who spent time on the top line at various points of the season.
Stian Solberg
In his first full season in North America, Solberg logged big minutes on the left side of the Gulls’ defense. He spent most of the season as part of the top-4, playing alongside both Roland McKeown and Tristan Luneau. He had 24 points in 71 games and racked up 102 penalty minutes.
Solberg’s trademark physicality was on display all season, which became a double-edged sword at times if he decided to go out of his way to finish a thundering hit and inadvertently pulled himself out of position.
Jul 1 2025; Irvine, California, USA; Anaheim Ducks prospect Stian Solberg looks on during a drill at Anaheim Ducks Development Camp at Great Park Ice. Mandatory Credit: Derek Lee-The Hockey News
For as promising as Solberg has already looked, especially recently in the IIHF World Championship, the Ducks can afford to be patient with his development. Jackson LaCombe mans the helm on the left side of the Ducks’ defense, followed by the likes of Pavel Mintyukov and Olen Zellweger. Tyson Hinds received a late-season call-up and showed that he could be an NHL regular next season as well.
Solberg will likely begin next season with the Gulls again, logging heavy minutes as one of their top left-handed options. Injuries can come at any time, so it’s possible that he sees NHL action at some point next season. But it seems unlikely for now.
EDMONTON, Alberta (AP) — The Edmonton Oilers re-signed Jason Dickinson to a five-year contract worth $20 million on Sunday, preventing the defensive-minded center from testing the free agent market.
Dickinson will count $4 million against the salary cap through the 2030-31 NHL season. He was set to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1, three days before his 31st birthday.
Instead, Dickinson will be counted on to provide depth in Edmonton as the organization looks to get over the hump and win the Stanley Cup following a decade of trying and falling short despite having two of the best players in the league in Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl.
Dickinson fit in well with the Oilers after they acquired him from Chicago in early March ahead of the trade deadline. He averaged roughly 15 minutes of ice time a game the rest of the season and 12 in the playoffs, becoming one of the team's most frequently penalty killers.
Re-signing Dickinson was one item on a lengthy offseason checklist for general manager Stan Bowman. Hiring a coach could be next, along with potentially trading longtime defenseman Darnell Nurse and upgrading the goaltending position.
