SCF Open Thread: Game 6: Carolina Hurricanes at Vegas Golden Knights (6:00 p.m.)

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - JUNE 09: Goaltender Brandon Bussi #32 of the Carolina Hurricanes stands on the ice during pregame before Game Four of the Stanley Cup Final between the Carolina Hurricanes and the Vegas Golden Knights at T-Mobile Arena on June 09, 2026 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Brian Babineau/NHLI via Getty Images) | NHLI via Getty Images

Will this be the final game of the 2025-26 NHL season with the Carolina Hurricanes closing out their championship run in Game 6 or will the Vegas Golden Knights force a Wednesday night Game 7?


The theme of Game 5 was double trouble as both teams got their power play going. Vegas got on the board first from Pavel Dorofeyev but Carolina stormed back. Captain Jordan Staal scored to tie the game for Carolina, which extended his goal streak to five games. It was all Carolina from then on with Andrei Svechnikov scoring two on the power play with a Sebastian Aho tally sandwiched in between. Dorofeyev tried to spark another Vegas comeback but Brandon Bussi held the fort down and Carolina walked away with a 4-2 win, one victory away from hoisting the Stanley Cup.

Vegas Golden Knights

The Golden Knights are suddenly in an adverse position down 3-2 to Carolina and facing elimination. A concern almost as great as standing on the brink of elimination as they hope to extend the series to a Game 7 is the health of an important player in their lineup, center William Karlsson. He left the previous game after an awkward hit to the upper body and now the Swede has been ruled out for tonight’s contest and likely Game 7 if it gets to that. Hints are pointing to Reilly Smith drawing into the lineup instead.

Another concern for Vegas is that their goaltending is experiencing another valley. John Tortorella affirmed his belief snd commitment to his netminder Cater Hart but after giving up at least four goals in each game this series, Vegas needs a better outing from him if they are going to make a comeback to take the Stanley Cup.

Projected Lineup

Ivan Barbashev — Jack Eichel — Pavel Dorofeyev

Brett Howden — Reilly Smith – Mitch Marner

Tomas Hertl — Colton Sissons — Mark Stone

Cole Smith — Nic Dowd — Keegan Kolesar

Brayden McNabb — Shea Theodore

Noah Hanifin — Rasmus Andersson 

Dylan Coghlan — Jeremy Lauzon

Carter Hart

Adin Hill

Carolina Hurricanes

Speaking of goaltending, Carolina is riding the wave of random themselves, hoping Brandon Bussi has one more solid performance in him to get the Hurricanes across the finish line.

Now that Carolina is in the driver’s seat to close out the Stanley Cup victory, discussion has turned to the likely Hurricane to win the Conn Smythe. Captain Jordan Staal has the best case especially with his five-goal streak in this series.

Projected Lineup

Andrei Svechnikov — Sebastian Aho — Seth Jarvis

Taylor Hall — Logan Stankoven — Jackson Blake

Nikolaj Ehlers — Jordan Staal — Jordan Martinook

William Carrier — Mark Jankowski — Eric Robinson

Jaccob Slavin — Jalen Chatfield

K’Andre Miller — Sean Walker

Shayne Gostisbehere — Alexander Nikishin

Brandon Bussi

Pyotr Kochetkov

Follow along in the comments below!

Hurricanes vs Golden Knights Expert Picks & Game 6 Best Bets

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The Carolina Hurricanes can put the Vegas Golden Knights to bed tonight with a win in Game 6 of the Stanley Cup Final.

However, Jack Eichel & Co. won't go down without a fight.

Our experts have put together a slew of Hurricanes vs. Golden Knights predictions and NHL picks for Sunday, June 14, including the smattering of selections below.

Hurricanes vs Golden Knights expert picks tonight

PickOdds
Neil Parker: Hurricanes Brandon Bussi Over 21.5 saves-110
Todd Cordell:  HurricanesSeth Jarvis Over 0.5 points-140
Todd Cordell: Golden Knights Jack Eichel anytime goal scorer+215

Odds courtesy of BET99.

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Neil Parker's expert pick: Golden KnightsBrandon Bussi Over 21.5 saves

Price: -110 at BET99

In addition to winning consecutive starts, Carolina Hurricanes netminder Brandon Bussi was particularly sharp in Game 5, with 23 saves and 2.84 goals saved above expected.

Meanwhile, the Vegas Golden Knights have consistently tilted the ice in their favor for stretches throughout the series:

  • 11 shots on 26 attempts in the second period of Game 1
  • 23 shots on 35 attempts in the second and third periods of Game 2
  • 23 shots on 43 attempts in the second and third periods of Game 3
  • Nine shots on 22 attempts in the third period of Game 4
  • 13 shots on 25 attempts in the third period of Game 5.

The Golden Knights should place an even higher emphasis on testing Bussi early and often in Game 6, and I'd recommend playing this prop down to -125.

Todd Cordell's expert pick: HurricanesSeth Jarvis Over 0.5 points

Price: -140 at BET99

Seth Jarvis leads Carolina forwards in time on ice and sits third in expected goals. Carolina has fared very well during his minutes, creating more expected goals and high-danger chances with Jarvis on the ice than any other player.

It has translated to success on the scoreboard — Carolina has scored 10 times with Jarvis on the ice — but only three points for Jarvis. That’s a 30% involvement rate, which is not even half of what he managed over the course of the season.

Look for Jarvis to get back on the scoresheet in Game 6. I'd bet this to -150.

Todd Cordell's expert pick No. 2: HurricanesJack Eichel anytime goal scorer

Price: +270 at BET99

Jack Eichel hasn’t scored in the Stanley Cup Final, but it’s not for a lack of opportunities. He's taken 25 shot attempts and generated 14 scoring chances, ranking him near the top of the Golden Knights in both categories.

He also leads the team in offensive zone faceoffs and percentage of draws taken in the offensive zone. John Tortorella is doing his best to put Eichel in good spots to produce.

Eichel has scored on only 4% of his shots in the playoffs after finishing at a 10.38% rate during the regular season.

There's no better time for him to break through than in a do-or-die Game 6. I'd play Eichel to +200.


More Golden Knights vs. Hurricanes Game 6 picks


Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
Not intended for use in MA.
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Hurricanes claim second Stanley Cup with Game 6 win over Golden Knights

Hurricanes claim second Stanley Cup with Game 6 win over Golden Knights originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

Welcome back to the summit, Carolina.

The Hurricanes took down the Vegas Golden Knights 3-0 in Game 6 Sunday night to win the Stanley Cup.

It’s the second championship in Hurricanes history, ending a 20-year drought with the last triumph coming in 2005-26.

After the first four games of the series featured the two sides exchanging wins, Carolina stamped its authority with a 4-2 victory in Game 5 to make it two straight wins — and one away from the title.

But doing so in the Vegas atmosphere wouldn’t be easy. Now it’s been done.

Just about four minutes into the opening period, Taylor Hall found himself open on the break for a 1v1 shot. He drilled it home.

The second goal came with about six-and-a-half minutes to go in the second period. With the Golden Knights camped in their defensive box, Jackson Blake smacked it home with force. Logan Stankoven recorded the assist.

Carolina held it down from there with Brandon Buss coming out with several important saves.

In the closing minutes, Nikolaj Ehlers made it 3-0 off an empty net. He had some work to do to create the angle but made it happen.

The Hurricanes now see their 20-year wait for the title come to a close. They topped the Metropolitan Division with a win-loss-overtime loss record of 53-22-7. The 113-point total trailed only the Colorado Avalanche’s 121, though Colorado could not optimize its tag as favorites.

Carolina last won the Stanley Cup in 2005-06 after defeating the Edmonton Oilers 3-1 in Game 7. The franchise also made the final in 2001-02, its only other appearance, but lost 4-1 to the Detroit Red Wings despite taking the opening game on the road.

The Golden Knights, which started play in 2017, made its third appearance in the final — still a remarkable feat despite two losses. Vegas first made it in its debut campaign before falling short to the Washington Capitals 4-1 — also after winning Game 1, but at home.

Vegas then claimed its first championship in 2022-23 after a brilliant 9-3 Game 5 win against the Florida Panthers, right before their dominant stretch.

Hurricanes head coach Rod Brind’Amour also put himself in the history books by winning a title with the franchise as both a player (captain, too) and head coach. He’s made the playoffs in each of his eight seasons leading the team, finally breaking through this year.

He made the conference finals three times, including his debut head-coaching season.

Only six other players have achieved the feat of winning a title as a player and a coach for the same team. The last example transpired in 1956 with Montreal Canadiens’ Toe Blake.

Brind’Amour will be tasked with the tough ask to repeat as champions, though his resume indicates his side will likely be back in the mix.

Carolina is the latest example of a major professional league team ending a championship drought this season. The New York Knicks just claimed the NBA title after 53 years, while Arsenal ended a 22-year Premier League title wait.

Potential Sabres Trade Or Free Agent Acquisitions – Jake DeBrusk


The Buffalo Sabres could go a number of different ways as the NHL enters trade season leading into the NHL Draft in two weeks, and the beginning of free agency on July 1. Based on a lengthy impasse between pending UFA Alex Tuch, most insiders are expecting the 30-year-old to sign elsewhere since there continues to be a considerable gap between what Tuch’s representatives are looking for and what Sabres GM Jarmo Kekalainen is willing to pay him. 

There is a slim possibility that Buffalo could get something significant in return for the Syracuse, NY native if they arrange a sign-and-trade, so that another club can have him on an eight-year deal and spread out the AAV to lower the cap hit, but with the likely scenario that he simply walks away when free agency opens next month, Kekalainen will have to pivot to fill the scoring gap. 

Over the next few weeks, we will look at potential options for the Sabres. Some of the possibilities are not going to match Tuch’s stats, that absence may have to be filled by youngsters like Konsta Helenius, Jiri Kulich, or Noah Ostlund, but Kekalainen will potentially need to find a veteran winger to replace Tuch in the top six.

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A challenge for Kekalainen will be to find a veteran either with no trade protection or willing to waive whatever clause they have to come to Buffalo. One possible option could be Vancouver Canucks winger Jake DeBrusk. Similar to the situation that Edmonton has with Darnell Nurse, the 29-year-old forward has a no-move for 2026-27, but next summer that turns into a modified 15-team no-trade, which would allow the Canucks to move the former Bruin to more than half the league. 

That situation would encourage DeBrusk to work with new Canucks GM Ryan Johnson to find a new home. The veteran forward played the first seven years of his career in Boston, and has scored 20 or more goals five times; including both seasons in Vancouver. There is little doubt that Johnson is implementing a full rebuild, and is likely willing to move players in their late 20’s or early 30’s who do not fit the Canucks timetable for younger, retainable prospects. 

From the Buffalo perspective, DeBrusk is a good fit, since he provides cost-certainty at a reasonable $5.5 million AAV for five more seasons. Kekalainen may be loathe to move any of his young forwards, who proved last season that they are ready to contribute in the NHL next season, but he could be attainable for a high draft pick and a player or good prospect. 

Follow Michael on X, Instagram @MikeInBuffalo

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Flames' Huberdeau Tops Athlon Sports' List of NHL's Worst Contracts

As the NHL offseason kicks into high gear with the Stanley Cup only hours or days away from being awarded, sports publications are busy creating content to keep fans engaged in the down months. Recently, Athlon Sports posted the top five worst contracts in the four North American sports leagues, and put Calgary Flames forward Jonathan Huberdeau at the top of the NHL list. 

After scoring a career high 115 points during the 2021-22 season, thanks to 30 goals and 85 assists, the Florida Panthers traded the former third overall pick to the Flames on July 22, 2022. Within a month, then general manager Brad Treliving signed Huberdeau to an eight-year deal worth $84 million, which carries an annual cap hit of $10.5 million.

In Calgary, it took Huberdeau over two seasons to reach 115 points. During his first campaign in 2022-23, he had only 15 goals and 40 helpers for 55 points, a 47-point decline in production. Unfortunately, the following season wasn't any better, with only 12 goals and 52 points. Meanwhile, Huberdeau tied Yegor Sharangovich for the Flames' worst plus-minus rating at minus-29. 

At first glance, a casual fan would think that Huberdeau may have played through an injury, explaining his sharp decline in points. However, he missed only three games in those first two seasons. Moreover, he missed a total of four games over the first three seasons in Calgary, scoring 55 goals and 169 points with a minus-40 rating.

In 2025-26, Huberdeau was looking to build upon a 28-goal and 62-point performance from the previous season. Through 50 games, he had ten goals and 15 assists for only 25 points. On Feb. 5, 2026, the Flames announced that he would miss the remainder of the season, opting to have hip surgery and hoping for a clean slate to start the 2026-27 season.

As of right now, Huberdeau has five years remaining on his deal, which expires at the end of the 2030-31 season. He's currently owed $52.5 million, making it almost impossible to trade him. Moreover, he currently has the NHL's 11th-highest cap hit and has a full no-movement clause, meaning he'd have to sign off on any potential move.

When Huberdeau joined the Flames, he had one year remaining from his deal with the Panthers, which paid him $5.9 million. However, since his extension began ahead of the 2022-23 season, he's gone on to score 50 goals, record 89 assists, and total 139 points. Among NHL players over the past three seasons, he ranks 165th in goals, 133rd in assists, and 139th in points.

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Today In Canadiens’ History: Montreal Drafted a Hall of Fame Member

On June 14, 1977, the NHL draft was held in Montreal, and while the Montreal Canadiens didn’t hit any home runs in the first round, picking Mark Napier and Norm Dupont, they did find a diamond in the rough with the last pick of the second round, when they called Rod Langway to the stage.

Unfortunately, they would only keep the talented blueliner for four seasons, from 1978-79 to 1981-82, when they traded him to the Washington Capitals. He was part of a four-player package with Brian Engblom, Doug Jarvis and Craig Laughlin that netted the Canadiens Rick Green and Ryan Walter. The latter would have one of the best seasons of his career that year, putting up 75 points, but he was never able to replicate the feat. Still, both Green and Walter went on to play big roles in the Canadiens’ 1985-86 Stanley Cup conquest.

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Meanwhile, Langway would go on to play 994 NHL games, putting up 329 points, picking up 851 penalty minutes, and finishing with a plus-276 rating. However, after winning a Cup with the Canadiens in 1978-79, he never won another championship. He last played in the NHL in 1992-93, having only played with the Canadiens and the Capitals. However, he wasn’t ready to hang them up yet and spent three seasons in minor leagues (ECHL, IHL, and AHL).

He was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2002 and, unsurprisingly, chose to be inducted in the Capitals' colours, the team he spent 11 seasons with. Langway won two Norris Trophies, was elected to the NHL All-Star Teams three times and took part in six All-Star games.


Follow Karine on X @KarineHains Bluesky @karinehains.bsky.social and Threads @karinehains.  

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Hurricanes vs Golden Knights Anytime Goal Scorer Predictions & Parlay for Game 6

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Carter Hart has conceded at least four goals in each of the first five games in what has been a very high-scoring series.

With Hart bleeding goals, I am leaning towards Carolina players with my Hurricanes vs. Golden Knights goal scorer predictions.

Let's break down my NHL picks for Game 6.

Hurricanes vs Golden Knights goal scorer predictions for Game 6

Player to score a goalOdds
Hurricanes Taylor Hall+335
Hurricanes Seth Jarvis+215
Golden Knights Jack Eichel+215
💲Goal scorer parlay+2000

Goal scorer pick: Taylor Hall +335 

Taylor Hall leads the Carolina Hurricanes in this series with 37 shot attempts at 5-on-5 and ranks second to Jordan Staal in scoring chances.

His 5-on-5 prowess is especially important tonight. Refs tend to put whistles away in elimination games, which leads to less special teams and more full-strength hockey.

Hall has been Carolina’s best shot-generator throughout the entire playoffs, and the edge is even more decisive on the road, where Sebastian Aho’s line tends to draw the toughest matchups.

I see value in backing Hall to +310.

Goal scorer pick: Seth Jarvis (+215)

Rod Brind ‘Amour has given Seth Jarvis more ice time than any other forward in this series. He’s playing a lot at 5-on-5, he’s featured on both special teams units, and he is defending leads late.

That kind of usage makes him a scoring threat regardless of the game circumstances. Even if Carolina is conservative while playing from ahead, Jarvis will be among those first over the boards in empty-net situations.

He is also a prime regression candidate. He has converted 47 scoring chances and 6.16 expected goals into just four goals these playoffs.

With Carter Hart struggling to find his game, and Jarvis seeing top-tier usage, he’s someone I want to get behind.

Bet to +200.

Goal scorer pick: Jack Eichel (+215)

Jack Eichel hasn’t scored in the Stanley Cup Final but it’s not for a lack of opportunities. He has taken 25 shot attempts and generated 14 scoring chances, ranking him near the top of the Vegas Golden Knights in both categories.

He also leads the team in offensive zone faceoffs and percentage of draws taken in the offensive zone. John Tortorella is doing his best to put Eichel in good spots to produce.

Eichel has scored on only 4% of his shots in the playoffs after finishing at a 10.38% rate during the regular season.

There's no better time for him to break through than in a do-or-die Game 6. I'd play Eichel to +200.

Hurricanes vs Golden Knights anytime goal parlay

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Former Islanders Defenseman Sebastian Aho Signs With Sweden's Växjö Lakers

Former New York Islanders defenseman Sebastian Aho has signed a two-year contract with the Växjö Lakers of the Swedish Hockey League.

Aho, 30, was drafted with the 139th pick in the 2017 NHL Draft by the Islanders and played 190 career NHL games with the team from 2017 to 2024, amassing 11 goals and 39 assists for 50 points.

Following the 2023-24 season, he signed a two-year, $1.55 million AAV one-way deal with the Pittsburgh Penguins, but he never suited up in a regular-season game for them.

In 56 regular-season games with the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins across the 2024-25 and 2025-26 seasons, Aho recorded two goals and 26 assists for 28 points, as well as one assist in 10 playoff games.

Aho's contract with the Lakers will keep him in Sweden through the 2027-28 season.

Flyers Prospect Early Favorite to Win 2027 Calder Trophy

After a strong end to the 2025-26 season, winds are already in the sails of the Philadelphia Flyers with momentum building throughout the offseason.

A big reason for that momentum, and perhaps even the playoff run, is rookie forward Porter Martone, who joined the Flyers at the NHL level at the very end of the season after a year in the NCAA with Michigan State University.

Martone, 19, is still technically a rookie, which makes him eligible to win the 2027 Calder Trophy.

With five points in 10 playoff games and 10 points in nine regular season games, the Flyers winger's early production has also made him an early favorite to win that Calder Trophy.

On Saturday, The Hockey News published its shortlist of the five leading candidates to be named the NHL's Rookie of the Year next season, and Martone was the very first name on the list. 

"The 19-year-old became the youngest player in Flyers history to score in their postseason debut and recorded points in the team’s first three games against the Pittsburgh Penguins," Eric Cruikshank wrote. "This strong first impression solidified Martone as a top-six forward for the Flyers and earned him a spot on Canada’s World Championship roster, where he put up 5 points in 10 games.

Flyers Linked to Top Swedish Winger Prospect Ahead of 2026 NHL DraftFlyers Linked to Top Swedish Winger Prospect Ahead of 2026 NHL DraftThe Philadelphia Flyers could be targeting one of the purest talents in the 2026 NHL Draft.

"Martone is the prototype for the NHL’s modern power forward, possessing the hands and playmaking to be an offensive threat in space while also using his frame to gain advantages over opponents in tight areas of the ice. . . He likely has the highest goal-scoring upside of the upcoming rookie class and should be one of the pre-season frontrunners for the Calder."

Martone was an instant hit for the Flyers and head coach Rick Tocchet, who opted to use the teenager in the top-six ahead of someone like sophomore starlet Matvei Michkov.

Now that the 2025 No. 6 overall pick knows what the NHL pace is like--and the pace of the Stanley Cup playoffs--the adjustment should be even smoother next season.

Without a doubt, Martone is the top candidate for the 2027 Calder Trophy heading into next season.

Predators 2026 NHL Draft Targets: Viggo Björck

It's that time of year again; we are just two weeks away from the 2026 NHL Draft. With the 2026 Stanley Cup Finals getting near the end, the attention will soon turn to the draft, free agency, and then the start of the 2026-27 season.

However, for a team like the Nashville Predators, their focus has been on the draft and the offseason for quite some time. So, let's look at a potential draft target for them. Today, we are going to look at Viggo Björck, the Swedish forward out of Djurgården (SWE J20).

For most, the first thing that stands out is his speed and size. At 5-foot-9 and 177 pounds, he is one of the smallest players in the draft, but he's also one of, if not the fastest players. He drives a lot of plays using his speed and typically averages around 20 minutes per night at just 17 years old. 

Scouts point out that he has slick passing, great awareness and vision, and isn't afraid to shoot the puck. So, adding him into a young Predators offence alongside the likes of Matthew Wood, Joakim Kemell, and Brady Martin would make them a team to watch in the next few seasons. 

Scout's Takes:

Here are some of the scouting reports put out by the most notable scouts/hockey writers in the NHL.

"While his numbers will be nothing to lose your mind over, the fact that Björck played on the first line – often skating in more than 20 minutes a night – as a 17-year-old in one of the top leagues in the world is bonkers. Björck was electric at the World Juniors, showing a high-end blend of hockey sense and raw skill."
- Steven Ellis ~ Daily Faceoff
"Some people will shy away from his size, but Bjorck never shies away from battling in the hard areas of the ice. He plays quick and fast and his three-zone detail has resulted in his coaches at the pro level in Sweden trusting him in all situations."
- Jason Bukala `~ Sportsnet 
"Bjorck can play with the puck on a string and make plays as a natural facilitator who has a ton of poise and vision, but he also plays in and out of give-and-gos, will go to the net and finish off plays and has great overall sense on and off the puck. He’s also a quick and fast skater who can play at different paces and challenge both in straight lines and on cuts and turnbacks, even if he’s not a true burner for his size."
- Scott Wheeler ~ The Athletic 

Draft Projection

Many 2026 NHL Draft mock drafts have Björck going somewhere in the 6-8 range, with some having him jump into the top five. That said, very few have him falling to number 10, where the Predators pick. Regardless, if he were to fall down to 10, or the Predators could move up in the draft, Björck is a name they should strongly consider calling.

NHL Draft Preview: 10 Players The Senators Could Target At No. 32

When the Senators make the 32nd overall pick at the NHL Draft in Buffalo on June 26, they'll likely be selecting a player they believe should have gone earlier.

Speaking recently on TSN 1200, Senators head scout Don Boyd said there will likely be a tier of about eight players on their list that could realistically be in play when their turn arrives at the end of the first round.

They think five of their higher-ranked players might drop to 32, and they also have three players ranked 33-35 that they'd be happy with, too. So the Sens are probably confident they'll end up with one of eight or nine specific players.

The Hockey News Wrap Around Show discusses the idea of the Senators going after Vancouver's Jake DeBrusk.

Since we don't have access to the Sens' ranked list of 32, and we don't know who other teams will pick, any reference to this tier of eight players is just speaking in generalities. 

However, The Hockey News Draft Preview provides an interesting glimpse at the prospects we project to go in the range Boyd mentioned. To round things out, we even expanded the list to ten players.

So, using our Draft Preview issue rankings from 26 through 35, here's a look at some of the names who could be in play when the Senators are on the clock.

#26 Marcus Nordmark, LW — Djurgårdens IF Jr. (Sweden)

Height: 6-foot-1 Weight: 180 pounds
2025-26 Stats: 25 GP, 14 G, 24 A, 38 PTS (Djurgården Jr.)

It's hard not to be intrigued by a player who thrives in a best-on-best. Nordmark led Sweden in scoring at the Hlinka Gretzky Cup, but he's probably one of the most polarizing players in this range. His supporters see a skilled winger with top-six NHL potential thanks to his offensive creativity, but critics wonder why a player with his talent doesn't dominate more consistently. His father, Robert, was a defenseman in the NHL in the late 1980s.


#27 Maddox Dagenais, C — Quebec Remparts (QMJHL)

Height: 6-foot-3 Weight: 195 pounds
2025-26 Stats: 62 GP, 30 G, 32 A, 62 PTS

Another player with NHL bloodlines, Maddox is the son of former Montreal Canadiens winger Pierre Dagenais. Maddox enjoyed a breakout season, scoring at a point per game clip and winning the QMJHL award for best pro prospect. Scouts love his shot and saw some games where he was a legitimate power forward. But being that player more consistently will be the challenge next season. 


#28 Tobias Trejbal, G — Youngstown Phantoms (USHL)

Height: 6-foot-4 Weight: 188 pounds
2025-26 Stats: 30-9-3, 2.12 GAA, .916 SV%

The Czech goalie was named the top goaltender in the USHL after posting a .916 save percentage. Scouts praise his athleticism, size and calm presence in the crease. He's headed for UMass in 2027 and will be a target in this month's CHL import draft.


#29 Ryan Roobroeck, C — Niagara IceDogs (OHL)

Height: 6-foot-4 Weight: 215 pounds
2025-26 Stats: 49 GP, 30 G, 28 A, 58 PTS

A year before being draft eligible, Roobroeck scored 41 goals in the OHL last season. Between that and his impressive size, it had people thinking he might be a lottery pick this year. His stats dipped this season due to a season-ending lower-body injury in February. Some scouts see a future power forward with a pro-calibre shot, while others want to see him use his size more and become harder to play against. He's already played three seasons for Niagara and has been able to produce despite that team's ongoing struggles on and off the ice.


#30 Niklas Aaram-Olsen, LW — Örebro Jr. (Sweden)

Height: 6-foot-1 Weight: 183 pounds
2025-26 Stats: 29 GP, 20 G, 20 A, 40 PTS

The Norwegian winger impressed scouts at the Under-18 World Championship and already has experience in Sweden's top professional league, playing 16 games this season. Evaluators praise his skating, hockey sense and shot. Many see him as one of the safer prospects in this range because he plays a mature, well-rounded game.


#31 Markus Ruck, C — Medicine Hat Tigers (WHL) *

Height: 6-foot-0 Weight: 167 pounds
2025-26 Stats: 68 GP, 21 G, 87 A, 108 PTS

At this point in the draft, it's going to be awfully hard to turn down a player in his draft year who just won the WHL scoring title with 108 points. According to one scout, NHL analytics departments are particularly fond of his game. Skeptics wonder how much of his production was helped by playing with his twin brother, Liam, on a loaded Medicine Hat roster, but few question his hockey IQ.


#32 Juho Piiparinen, RD — Tappara (Liiga)

Height: 6-foot-1 Weight: 201 pounds
2025-26 Stats: 29 GP, 0 G, 3 A, 3 PTS

Piiparinen played the entire season in the Finnish men's league, which is certainly a feather in his cap. The biggest question revolves around his offensive ceiling, and a first-round selection needs to be able to deliver at least some of that. But many believe he has the tools to become a reliable NHL defenseman,


#33 Jaxon Cover, LW — London Knights (OHL) *

Height: 6-foot-1 Weight: 185 pounds
2025-26 Stats: 67 GP, 20 G, 32 A, 52 PTS

Cover only began playing organized hockey five years ago after first excelling in roller hockey. Scouts rave about his athleticism, creativity, and his snap shot is off the charts. Because he is still relatively new to elite-level hockey, many believe he has a lot more room to improve than almost anyone in the draft. And he's already pretty darn good. 


#34 Brady Knowling, G — U.S. National Team Development Program

Height: 6-foot-5 Weight: 202 pounds
2025-26 Stats: 12-10-0, 3.73 GAA, .880 SV%

The Boston University commit was chosen to play for Team USA at the Hlinka Gretzky and the World Juniors. At 6-foot-5, he has all the physical attributes teams look for in a modern NHL goaltender. Scouts have seen him dominate games against top competition and praise his athleticism and competitive level. The concern, as it is for most teenagers at this range, is consistency.


#35 Yegor Shilov, C — Victoriaville Tigres (QMJHL)

Height: 6-foot-1 Weight: 180 pounds
2025-26 Stats: 63 GP, 32 G, 50 A, 82 PTS

Shilov might be the highest-risk, highest-reward player in this group. Scouts praise his offensive instincts, puck skills and ability to create scoring chances. However, concerns about his compete level and play away from the puck appear repeatedly in scouting reports. One evaluator described him as a classic boom-or-bust prospect whose talent could make him a first-round bargain or a disappointment.


* Predictions? Granted, I'm no draft guru by any stretch, but I do like to read up and watch player highlights. If they're still there, it's hard not to like Jaxon Cover (pronounced like clover) or Markus Ruck.

Wearing Sidney Crosby's number 87, Cover's puck skill, fierce snap shot, and fearlessness at the net are pretty crazy, especially for a young man with only five years of organized hockey. The Sens won with Shane Pinto, who didn't play competitive hockey until he was 15.

As for Ruck, again, it's tough to turn down a player in his draft year who just won the WHL scoring title with 108 points.

Of course, the Senators only need two teams ahead of them to see these players the same way.

No matter how it plays out, Boyd says the Senators have identified an eight-player tier they'd be comfortable selecting from, so they'll have plenty of intriguing choices available when their turn arrives in Buffalo.

By Steve Warne
The Hockey News

The Homegrown Dream Team: The Best Players The Senators Ever DraftedThe Homegrown Dream Team: The Best Players The Senators Ever DraftedFrom Daniel Alfredsson to Brady Tkachuk, we assemble the ultimate homegrown roster, both active and all-time.2026 DRAFT PREVIEW l 79112026 DRAFT PREVIEW l 7911The Hockey News' 2026 Draft Preview edition features our countdown of the top 100 prospects for the NHL draft, with in-depth scouting reports for each player. Also, you'll find Team Reports for all 32 NHL organizations that examine short- and long-term needs and cap situations. Plus, we have feature stories on Gavin Mc

Canadiens' Prospect Will Have Company Soon

Last week, Alexander Zharovsky arrived in Montreal and wasted no time starting his on-ice training. On the very next day, he was at the Montreal Canadiens’ training facility in Brossard, and he’s hit the ice every day since then. Habs player development consultant Paul Byron was with him, but no other Canadiens’ player up to this weekend.

On Saturday, Zharovsky’s countryman Ivan Demidov landed back in Montreal, according to his significant other’s Instagram account, and it’s safe to assume that the talented winger will soon hit the ice with his childhood friend.

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Not only did he tell the media at the dressing room clearout day that he would train with Zharovsky this Summer, but his work ethic is also second to none, and he’s not the kind to spend a lot of time on the ice. Back in February, when the Canadiens were off during the Olympics and had told players to take a break, he and Lane Hutson ended up skating on an outside rink in Notre-Dame-de-Grace.

While Demidov failed to capture the Calder Trophy because of Matthew Schaefer’s incredible rookie season with the New York Islanders, the soon-to-be sophomore still led all rookies in points with 62 points in 82 games.

If Kent Hughes manages to get a real second-line center to ride along with the youngster next season, we should see a significant increase in production. While Oliver Kapanen did well in the first part of the season, centering him, he struggled after the Olympics break, which no doubt impacted Demidov’s point production.

It will be interesting to see Demidov skate alongside Zharovsky in Brossard in the coming days and, in July, to see how the prospect handles the Canadiens’ development camp, which he will attend for the first time after missing last year’s edition due to visa issues.


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Carolina Hurricanes @ Vegas Golden Knights Stanley Cup Final Game 6: Lineups, Game Preview and How to Watch

What - Game 6 (3-2)
When - 8 p.m., Sunday, June 14
Where - T-Mobile Arena; Las Vegas, NV
How to Watch - ABC, CBC, Sportsnet, TVA Sports


The Stanley Cup is in the building.

After a Game 5 win on Thursday, the Carolina Hurricanes are now just one win away from winning the Stanley Cup and they'll have two cracks at the Cup, starting tonight in Vegas.

The Hurricanes have been firing on all cylinders in the last few games, with all four lines going, the power play being red hot and Brandon Bussi solidifying the net.

Jordan Staal has also put the team on his back with a monstrous Final, and he's put himself right there in the Conn Smythe conversation.

But the series isn't done yet.

The Golden Knights still have a lot of talent (even though they'll be without center William Karlsson) and they're capable of pulling off another two wins, so the Canes are going to have to bring their best game of the season if they want to secure eternal glory.


Streaks

  • Jordan Staal (6g, 1a) has goals in five straight games.
  • Sebastian Aho (1g, 4a) has points in four straight games.
  • Nikolaj Ehlers (1g, 5a) and Shayne Gostisbehere (3a) have points in back-to-back games.

Game Notes

  • Carolina and Vegas have never met in the postseason before.
  • This is both team's third trip to the Stanley Cup Final in franchise history (CAR - 2002, 2006, 2026; VGK - 2018, 2023, 2026).
  • William Carrier played for the Golden Knights from 2017-2024, winning the Cup with them in 2023.
  • Noah Hanifin (2015-2018) and Dylan Coghlan (2022-2024) both played for Carolina.
  • The Hurricanes went 0-2 against the Golden Knights in the regular season, with both games taking place in October.
  • All-time, the Canes have a 9-7 record against Vegas.

Key Matchups

Projected Starting Goalies

  • Brandon Bussi: 2-1; 0.908 Sv%; 2.18 GAA
  • Carter Hart: 14-7; 0.909 Sv%; 2.59 GAA

Leading Scorers

  • Goals - Logan Stankoven (11) / Brett Howden (14)
  • Points - Taylor Hall & Jackson Blake (18) / Mitch Marner (29)

Power Play

  • Carolina - 18.1% (13/72)
  • Vegas - 21.3% (13/61)

Penalty Kill

  • Carolina - 91.2% (62/68)
  • Vegas - 81.3% (52/64)

Hurricanes Projected Lineup

Andrei Svechnikov - Sebastian Aho - Jordan Martinook
Taylor Hall - Logan Stankoven - Jackson Blake
Nikolaj Ehlers - Jordan Staal - Seth Jarvis
William Carrier - Mark Jankowski - Eric Robinson

Jaccob Slavin - Jalen Chatfield
K'Andre Miller - Sean Walker
Shayne Gostisbehere - Alexander Nikishin

Brandon Bussi
Frederik Andersen

Injuries and Scratches: Mike Reilly, Jesperi Kotkaniemi, Nicolas Deslauriers, Pyotr Kochetkov


Golden Knights Projected Lineup

Ivan Barbashev - Jack Eichel - Pavel Dorofeyev
Brett Howden - Tomas Hertl - Mitch Marner
Brandon Saad - Colton Sissons - Mark Stone
Cole Smith - Nic Dowd - Keegan Kolesar

Brayden McNabb - Shea Theodore
Noah Hanifin - Rasmus Andersson
Dylan Coghlan - Jeremy Lauzon

Carter Hart
Adin Hill

Injuries and Scratches: William Karlsson (undisclosed), Kaedan Korczak, Braeden Bowman, Jaycob Megna,  Ben Hutton, Reilly Smith


Recent Articles

Jordan Staal's Case For The Conn Smythe

How One Small Swap Sparked Carolina's Top Line

Brandon Bussi Dazzles In Big Break

Carolina Hurricanes Power Play Heating Up At Perfect Time

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Hurricanes vs Golden Knights Props & Stanley Cup Final Game 6 Best Bets

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No player on the Hurricanes has been on the ice for more high-danger chances than Seth Jarvis in this series.

My Hurricanes vs. Golden Knights props and NHL picks expect that to lead to production in Game 6. Be sure to read our full Hurricanes vs. Golden Knights predictions for more.

Best Hurricanes vs Golden Knights props for Game 6

PlayerPickBET99
Golden Knights Shea Theodore Over 1.5 shots-115
Golden Knights Seth JarvisOver 0.5 points-140
Golden Knights Rasmus AnderssonOver 1.5 blocks-180

Game 6 Prop #1: Shea Theodore Over 1.5 shots (-115)

Shea Theodore has been the Vegas Golden Knights’ most consistent shot-generator against the Carolina Hurricanes.

He's recorded 2+ shots on goal in four of five games, and attempted 5+ shots in all of them. Nobody on the team has attempted more shots.

He's playing on the top pairing at 5-on-5 and quarterbacking the No. 1 power-play unit, giving him prime usage to get the job done.

With this being an elimination game, John Tortorella will be even more reliant on his top defenseman. I'd play to -130.

Game 6 Prop #2: Seth Jarvis Over 0.5 points (-140)

Seth Jarvis leads Carolina forwards in time on ice and sits third in expected goals. Carolina has fared very well during his minutes, creating more expected goals and high-danger chances with Jarvis on the ice than any other player.

It has translated to success on the scoreboard — Carolina has scored 10 times with Jarvis on the ice — but only three points for Jarvis. That’s a 30% involvement rate, which is not even half of what he managed over the course of the season.

Look for Jarvis to get back on the scoresheet in Game 6. I'd bet this to -150.

Game 6 Prop #3: Rasmus Andersson Over 1.5 blocks (-180)

Rasmus Andersson is bleeding shots like no other. He's allowed 138 shot attempts at 5-on-5, which is 18 more than the next closest player in the series.

He's played more than all but Theodore and is starting plenty of shifts in the defensive zone. Clearly, that’s making his life difficult.

Andersson blocked multiple shots in four straight games. Playing for their season, Tortorella will be tempted to shorten the bench and sink or swim with his Top-4 defensemen.

Look for Andersson to continue producing blocks and play this to -195.

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The Hockey News Sunday Recap: Columbus Blue Jackets

Blue Jackets Have Potential Free Agent Target In Predators ForwardBlue Jackets Have Potential Free Agent Target In Predators ForwardThe Blue Jackets should consider signing this Predators forward if he hits the market.

When looking at this year's pending UFAs, one player who could make a lot of sense for the Blue Jackets to look to sign is Nashville Predators forward Erik Haula. 

Haula may not be the flashiest of players, but he would have the potential to be a solid pickup for the Blue Jackets on a short-term deal. The 35-year-old forward showed this season that he is still capable of providing decent secondary offensive production. Due to this, he could be a solid fit if signed by the Blue Jackets. 

Milan Lucic Retires, But The Dalton Prout Fight Lives OnMilan Lucic Retires, But The Dalton Prout Fight Lives OnLucic played in 1,172 career NHL games.

Former Boston Bruins forward Milan Lucic has announced his retirement from professional hockey through the NHLPA's official X account.   

Anytime people who follow the Columbus Blue Jackets hear the name Milan Lucic, they immediately go back to a night in November of 2014, when defenseman Dalton Prout served up a bit of humble pie for the rugged Lucic.  

REPORT: Three Teams In Running For Dylan LarkinREPORT: Three Teams In Running For Dylan LarkinLarkin requested a trade out of Detroit last week.

NHL Insider Frank Seravalli has cited The Detroit Free Press' Helene St. James, and confirmed that Dylan Larkin has submitted a three team list for a trade out of Detroit. 

The three teams are the Florida Panthers, Minnesota Wild, and, to no one's surprise, the Vegas Golden Knights. Shocker, right? 

2 Blue Jackets Ranked Among NHL's Best Pending UFAs2 Blue Jackets Ranked Among NHL's Best Pending UFAsThe Blue Jackets have two of the NHL's top pending UFAs as we inch closer to July 1.

Due to this, in a recent article for The Athletic, Chris Johnston ranked the top 50 pending unrestricted free agents (UFAs) in the NHL. Without much surprise, two notable Columbus Blue Jackets made the cut: Mason Marchment and Boone Jenner.  

On This Date: The Columbus Blue Jackets Trade For Damon SeversonOn This Date: The Columbus Blue Jackets Trade For Damon SeversonSeverson is going into his 4th season with the Columbus Blue Jackets.

The Columbus Blue Jackets made a significant move in an attempt to bolster their blue line, acquiring defenseman Damon Severson from the New Jersey Devils. In exchange, the Devils received a third-round pick in the 2023 NHL Draft. 

A Look At Who The Cleveland Monsters Have Under Contract for 26-27A Look At Who The Cleveland Monsters Have Under Contract for 26-27The Cleveland Monsters finished with a record of 37-26-6-3 and won a playoff series.

DEFENSE

  • Boston Buckberger - ELC signed through 2028. Played for the Univ. of Denver last season. 
  • Charlie Elick - ELC signed through 2029. Played for the Tri-City Americans of the AHL last season. 
  • Guillaume Richard - ELC signed through 2027 - Played in Cleveland last season. 
  • Luca Marrelli - ELC signed through 2029 - Played in Cleveland last season. 
  • Caleb MacDonald - ELC signed through 2027 - Played in Cleveland last season.
A Look At The Cleveland Monsters Free Agent Situation Going Into Free AgencyA Look At The Cleveland Monsters Free Agent Situation Going Into Free AgencyThe Cleveland Monsters finished with a record of 37-26-6-3 and won a playoff series.

RESTRICTED FREE AGENTS 

  • Hunter McKown - Has arbitration rights. Not eligible for UFA until 2031 unless the team fails to qualify him an offer this Summer.
  • Jack Williams - Not eligible for UFA until 2030 unless the team fails to qualify him an offer this Summer.
  • Corson Ceulemans - Not eligible for UFA until 2031 unless the team fails to qualify him an offer this Summer.
Blue Jackets Have Free Agent Target In Kings Gritty CenterBlue Jackets Have Free Agent Target In Kings Gritty CenterShould the Blue Jackets look to add Scott Laughton this summer?

One way that the Blue Jackets should be looking to improve their depth is through the free agent market. One pending unrestricted free agent (UFA) who could make a lot of sense for the Blue Jackets to pursue this summer if they hit the market is Los Angeles Kings center Scott Laughton.

A Look At The Cleveland Monsters AHL Contract SituationA Look At The Cleveland Monsters AHL Contract SituationThe&nbsp;<a href="https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/columbus-blue-jackets">Columbus Blue Jackets</a>&nbsp;AHL affiliate Cleveland Monsters have a lot of work to do to get ready for the 26-27 season. CBJ GM Don Waddell and Monsters GM Chris Clark are going to earn their paycheck this Summer that's for sure.&nbsp; &nbsp;

OFFENSE - EXPIRING AHL CONTRACTS

  • Riley Bezeau - Expiring. Will be UFA on July 1. 
  • Justin Pearson - Expiring. Will be UFA on July 1.
  • Tate Singleton - Expiring. Will be UFA on July 1.
Former Columbus Blue Jackets Head Coach Back In The NHLFormer Columbus Blue Jackets Head Coach Back In The NHLFormer&nbsp;<a href="https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/columbus-blue-jackets">Columbus Blue Jackets</a>&nbsp;head coach Pascal Vincent has found himself back in the NHL.&nbsp;

Former Columbus Blue Jackets head coach Pascal Vincent has found himself back in the NHL. 

The Seattle Kraken have announced that they've added Vincent as an assistant coach for the upcoming season. 

Blue Jackets Should Boost Blueline By Signing Big Sabres DefenderBlue Jackets Should Boost Blueline By Signing Big Sabres DefenderThe Blue Jackets have a free agent target to consider in Sabres defenseman Logan Stanley.

When looking at this year's pending unrestricted free agents (UFAs), Buffalo Sabres defenseman Logan Stanley is an interesting potential option for the Blue Jackets to consider.   

Is Sergei Ivanov Signing With Columbus Or Not?Is Sergei Ivanov Signing With Columbus Or Not?Sergei Ivanov was drafted in the 2022 NHL Draft as the 138th overall pick.

Back in March, ESPN's Rachel Kryshak reported that Don Waddell told her that "the organization believes Ivanov is ready, and he confirmed his intention to come to North America when his KHL contract expires after this season."

Blue Jackets Should Target Blackhawks Pending UFA ForwardBlue Jackets Should Target Blackhawks Pending UFA ForwardIf Ilya Mikheyev tests free agency, the Blue Jackets should consider making a push for him.

Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman reported last month that the Blackhawks have made Mikheyev's signing rights available for trade. With Mikheyev being a solid top-nine forward who provides decent secondary scoring and strong defensive play, the Blue Jackets should consider pursuing him.   

Zach Werenski Won The Norris, But Four Voters Didn't Think He Was Worth A VoteZach Werenski Won The Norris, But Four Voters Didn't Think He Was Worth A VoteColumbus Blue Jackets Defenseman Zach Werenski won the 2026 Norris Trophy by getting 1,589 total points and 113 first-place votes.

Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman Zach Werenski never seems to get the respect he deserves. Even after he was awarded the 2026 Norris Trophy, there were some media and fans who refused to give him his flowers.   

Blue Jackets Re-Sign Gritty Forward Prospect For 2026-27 SeasonBlue Jackets Re-Sign Gritty Forward Prospect For 2026-27 SeasonJames Malatesta is staying with the Blue Jackets.

The Blue Jackets have announced that they have signed forward James Malatesta to a one-year, two-way contract for the 2026-27 season. 


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

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Let us know what you think below.

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