A major career milestone awaits Calgary Flames forward Ryan Strome on Tuesday night as he prepares to skate in the 900th game of his NHL career when the Calgary Flames face the New York Rangers at Madison Square Garden.
The veteran forward is no stranger to the building. Strome spent four seasons with the Rangers from 2018 to 2022 and also played earlier in his career across town with the New York Islanders, giving him nearly a decade of experience playing in New York.
Originally selected fifth overall in the 2011 NHL Draft by the Islanders, Strome has built a long and steady career that has included stops with the Islanders, Rangers, Edmonton Oilers, Anaheim Ducks, and now the Flames.
Reaching the 900-game mark is something the veteran forward doesn’t take lightly.
“Been lucky to do this for a long time and feel very privileged,” Strome told the FlamesTV media on Tuesday. “Every hundred games seems to have its new challenges and I think it’s a great time to reflect for a quick second and just see where you’re at and look forward to the next hundred.”
"Been lucky to do this for a long time."
Ryan Strome speaks on getting to play in his 900th career game tonight in New York. pic.twitter.com/xMajr68wgT
Playing the milestone game in New York makes the moment even more meaningful given his history in the city.
“Anytime you get to come to New York, it’s a special place, playing for the Islanders and the Rangers I spent almost 10 years here so… anytime you get (to play) a former team it brings that extra joy and excitement and you bring that little extra passion to the game.”
Strome’s start in Calgary has been a strong one. Since joining the Flames, the forward has recorded three points — including a goal and two assists — in his first two games with the club. He made an immediate impact in his debut against the Carolina Hurricanes, finding the back of the net and finishing with a two-point performance.
The opportunity in Calgary also provides Strome with a larger role than he held earlier this season in Anaheim. With the Flames navigating a transition and focusing on a younger roster, the experienced forward has quickly stepped into a leadership role while logging increased minutes.
Now, with game No. 900 on the horizon, Strome will mark the milestone in a city where much of his career unfolded — and against a team that played a major part in his NHL journey.
A major career milestone awaits Calgary Flames forward Ryan Strome on Tuesday night as he prepares to skate in the 900th game of his NHL career when the Calgary Flames face the New York Rangers at Madison Square Garden.
The veteran forward is no stranger to the building. Strome spent four seasons with the Rangers from 2018 to 2022 and also played earlier in his career across town with the New York Islanders, giving him nearly a decade of experience playing in New York.
Originally selected fifth overall in the 2011 NHL Draft by the Islanders, Strome has built a long and steady career that has included stops with the Islanders, Rangers, Edmonton Oilers, Anaheim Ducks, and now the Flames.
Reaching the 900-game mark is something the veteran forward doesn’t take lightly.
“Been lucky to do this for a long time and feel very privileged,” Strome told the FlamesTV media on Tuesday. “Every hundred games seems to have its new challenges and I think it’s a great time to reflect for a quick second and just see where you’re at and look forward to the next hundred.”
"Been lucky to do this for a long time."
Ryan Strome speaks on getting to play in his 900th career game tonight in New York. pic.twitter.com/xMajr68wgT
Playing the milestone game in New York makes the moment even more meaningful given his history in the city.
“Anytime you get to come to New York, it’s a special place, playing for the Islanders and the Rangers I spent almost 10 years here so… anytime you get (to play) a former team it brings that extra joy and excitement and you bring that little extra passion to the game.”
Strome’s start in Calgary has been a strong one. Since joining the Flames, the forward has recorded three points — including a goal and two assists — in his first two games with the club. He made an immediate impact in his debut against the Carolina Hurricanes, finding the back of the net and finishing with a two-point performance.
The opportunity in Calgary also provides Strome with a larger role than he held earlier this season in Anaheim. With the Flames navigating a transition and focusing on a younger roster, the experienced forward has quickly stepped into a leadership role while logging increased minutes.
Now, with game No. 900 on the horizon, Strome will mark the milestone in a city where much of his career unfolded — and against a team that played a major part in his NHL journey.
A major career milestone awaits Calgary Flames forward Ryan Strome on Tuesday night as he prepares to skate in the 900th game of his NHL career when the Calgary Flames face the New York Rangers at Madison Square Garden.
The veteran forward is no stranger to the building. Strome spent four seasons with the Rangers from 2018 to 2022 and also played earlier in his career across town with the New York Islanders, giving him nearly a decade of experience playing in New York.
Originally selected fifth overall in the 2011 NHL Draft by the Islanders, Strome has built a long and steady career that has included stops with the Islanders, Rangers, Edmonton Oilers, Anaheim Ducks, and now the Flames.
Reaching the 900-game mark is something the veteran forward doesn’t take lightly.
“Been lucky to do this for a long time and feel very privileged,” Strome told the FlamesTV media on Tuesday. “Every hundred games seems to have its new challenges and I think it’s a great time to reflect for a quick second and just see where you’re at and look forward to the next hundred.”
"Been lucky to do this for a long time."
Ryan Strome speaks on getting to play in his 900th career game tonight in New York. pic.twitter.com/xMajr68wgT
Playing the milestone game in New York makes the moment even more meaningful given his history in the city.
“Anytime you get to come to New York, it’s a special place, playing for the Islanders and the Rangers I spent almost 10 years here so… anytime you get (to play) a former team it brings that extra joy and excitement and you bring that little extra passion to the game.”
Strome’s start in Calgary has been a strong one. Since joining the Flames, the forward has recorded three points — including a goal and two assists — in his first two games with the club. He made an immediate impact in his debut against the Carolina Hurricanes, finding the back of the net and finishing with a two-point performance.
The opportunity in Calgary also provides Strome with a larger role than he held earlier this season in Anaheim. With the Flames navigating a transition and focusing on a younger roster, the experienced forward has quickly stepped into a leadership role while logging increased minutes.
Now, with game No. 900 on the horizon, Strome will mark the milestone in a city where much of his career unfolded — and against a team that played a major part in his NHL journey.
It’s been a whirlwind of a year for Jaroslav Chmelař.
For any fifth-round pick, it’s an uphill battle to eventually crack an NHL roster, and it was no different for Chmelař, who was selected by the New York Rangers with the 144th overall pick in the 2021 NHL Draft.
Over the years, Chmelař has climbed the Rangers’ prospect rankings, culminating in this season, where he earned some NHL time.
While he may have yet to carve out a permanent role with the Blueshirts, the 22-year-old forward expressed his gratitude for his time in the NHL thus far.
“Really, really special,” Chmelař said of the nine NHL games he’s played in. “If you would have told me that in the summer, I would have told you, ‘I’m going to do my best.’ Now that I've been up here a couple of times, it's a dream come true. Being around the guys, learn from them, see what they do on the ice it’s been awesome.”
Chmelař has been called up a couple of times throughout the 2025-26 campaign, as Mike Sullivan was informed earlier in the season that Chmelař was the Hartford Wolf Pack's best and most consistent player.
Spending most of his time in the American Hockey League over the course of the season, Chmelař has thrived, playing top-six minutes in a prominent role with the Wolf Pack.
In 46 games with the Wolf Pack, the Czech native has recorded eight goals, 17 assists, and 25 points.
It’s taken quite a while for Chmelař to make a name for himself, but he always knew making the NHL was within his reach.
“I think it’s just dedication,” Chmelař said of the strides he’s made. “Everybody has that goal, to come up here and stay. I’ve been doing my best the past few years to achieve that goal.”
Chmelař has been playing a bottom-six role with the Rangers, averaging 8:14 minutes in nine games.
On March 5 in the Rangers’ 6-2 win over the Toronto Maple Leafs, Chmelař scored his first NHL goal in grand fashion on a breakaway, and the celebration said all you needed to know about the young rookie’s emotions.
“I can't really describe how special it was. It was insane,” Chmelař emphasized. “Scoring the first one at Madison Square Garden, where all the people went crazy, it’s just a feeling I will never forget.”
Given the Rangers’ current situation, in the midst of a “retool” as Chris Drury put it in his Jan. 16 letter to fans, Chmelař, along with other prospects, have a real opportunity to audition for a permanent spot in New York’s lineup moving into the future.
“Every time I step on the ice, I want to put my name up there, and put the best game for everybody to see,” Chmelař said. “I want to be helpful for teammates, so hopefully good things come out of that.”
It’s been a whirlwind of a year for Jaroslav Chmelař.
For any fifth-round pick, it’s an uphill battle to eventually crack an NHL roster, and it was no different for Chmelař, who was selected by the New York Rangers with the 144th overall pick in the 2021 NHL Draft.
Over the years, Chmelař has climbed the Rangers’ prospect rankings, culminating in this season, where he earned some NHL time.
While he may have yet to carve out a permanent role with the Blueshirts, the 22-year-old forward expressed his gratitude for his time in the NHL thus far.
“Really, really special,” Chmelař said of the nine NHL games he’s played in. “If you would have told me that in the summer, I would have told you, ‘I’m going to do my best.’ Now that I've been up here a couple of times, it's a dream come true. Being around the guys, learn from them, see what they do on the ice it’s been awesome.”
Chmelař has been called up a couple of times throughout the 2025-26 campaign, as Mike Sullivan was informed earlier in the season that Chmelař was the Hartford Wolf Pack's best and most consistent player.
Spending most of his time in the American Hockey League over the course of the season, Chmelař has thrived, playing top-six minutes in a prominent role with the Wolf Pack.
In 46 games with the Wolf Pack, the Czech native has recorded eight goals, 17 assists, and 25 points.
It’s taken quite a while for Chmelař to make a name for himself, but he always knew making the NHL was within his reach.
“I think it’s just dedication,” Chmelař said of the strides he’s made. “Everybody has that goal, to come up here and stay. I’ve been doing my best the past few years to achieve that goal.”
Chmelař has been playing a bottom-six role with the Rangers, averaging 8:14 minutes in nine games.
On March 5 in the Rangers’ 6-2 win over the Toronto Maple Leafs, Chmelař scored his first NHL goal in grand fashion on a breakaway, and the celebration said all you needed to know about the young rookie’s emotions.
“I can't really describe how special it was. It was insane,” Chmelař emphasized. “Scoring the first one at Madison Square Garden, where all the people went crazy, it’s just a feeling I will never forget.”
Given the Rangers’ current situation, in the midst of a “retool” as Chris Drury put it in his Jan. 16 letter to fans, Chmelař, along with other prospects, have a real opportunity to audition for a permanent spot in New York’s lineup moving into the future.
“Every time I step on the ice, I want to put my name up there, and put the best game for everybody to see,” Chmelař said. “I want to be helpful for teammates, so hopefully good things come out of that.”
It’s been a whirlwind of a year for Jaroslav Chmelař.
For any fifth-round pick, it’s an uphill battle to eventually crack an NHL roster, and it was no different for Chmelař, who was selected by the New York Rangers with the 144th overall pick in the 2021 NHL Draft.
Over the years, Chmelař has climbed the Rangers’ prospect rankings, culminating in this season, where he earned some NHL time.
While he may have yet to carve out a permanent role with the Blueshirts, the 22-year-old forward expressed his gratitude for his time in the NHL thus far.
“Really, really special,” Chmelař said of the nine NHL games he’s played in. “If you would have told me that in the summer, I would have told you, ‘I’m going to do my best.’ Now that I've been up here a couple of times, it's a dream come true. Being around the guys, learn from them, see what they do on the ice it’s been awesome.”
Chmelař has been called up a couple of times throughout the 2025-26 campaign, as Mike Sullivan was informed earlier in the season that Chmelař was the Hartford Wolf Pack's best and most consistent player.
Spending most of his time in the American Hockey League over the course of the season, Chmelař has thrived, playing top-six minutes in a prominent role with the Wolf Pack.
In 46 games with the Wolf Pack, the Czech native has recorded eight goals, 17 assists, and 25 points.
It’s taken quite a while for Chmelař to make a name for himself, but he always knew making the NHL was within his reach.
“I think it’s just dedication,” Chmelař said of the strides he’s made. “Everybody has that goal, to come up here and stay. I’ve been doing my best the past few years to achieve that goal.”
Chmelař has been playing a bottom-six role with the Rangers, averaging 8:14 minutes in nine games.
On March 5 in the Rangers’ 6-2 win over the Toronto Maple Leafs, Chmelař scored his first NHL goal in grand fashion on a breakaway, and the celebration said all you needed to know about the young rookie’s emotions.
“I can't really describe how special it was. It was insane,” Chmelař emphasized. “Scoring the first one at Madison Square Garden, where all the people went crazy, it’s just a feeling I will never forget.”
Given the Rangers’ current situation, in the midst of a “retool” as Chris Drury put it in his Jan. 16 letter to fans, Chmelař, along with other prospects, have a real opportunity to audition for a permanent spot in New York’s lineup moving into the future.
“Every time I step on the ice, I want to put my name up there, and put the best game for everybody to see,” Chmelař said. “I want to be helpful for teammates, so hopefully good things come out of that.”
DENVER — Brett Kulak won’t need much of a scouting report tonight.
Few players in the league know the inner workings of the Edmonton Oilers quite like the veteran defenseman, who spent years inside their locker room and helped them reach back-to-back Stanley Cup Finals. Now, after a whirlwind season that has already taken him through three organizations, Kulak finds himself on the opposite side again — armed with firsthand knowledge of one of the NHL’s most explosive offenses.
This matchup carries a unique wrinkle: it will be Kulak’s third time facing Edmonton this season, and his second different team while doing it.
Kulak began the year with the Oilers before being traded in December to the Pittsburgh Penguins as part of the deal that sent goaltender Tristan Jarry to Edmonton. His Penguins debut came against his former club on Dec. 16, and just over a month later he lined up across from them again.
Brett Kulak speaks to the media on facing his old team yet again.
Now the journey has taken yet another turn.
Just before the trade deadline, Pittsburgh dealt Kulak to the Colorado Avalanche in exchange for defenseman Samuel Girard and a 2028 second-round pick. The move placed him on his third team in as many months — and set up yet another reunion with the franchise he once helped push to consecutive Western Conference titles.
Inside Knowledge
Kulak knows exactly what kind of challenge awaits.
"They're a high-octane offense, obviously very dangerous; they know how to put the puck in the net. I'm just looking...to limit time and space, have good gaps, and make sure your legs are ready to work."
And that starts with the league’s most dangerous weapon.
Connor McDavid, the Oilers’ captain, leads all NHL skaters this season with a top speed of 24.61 mph, according to NHL EDGE tracking. His pace is matched only by his production: McDavid has piled up 35 goals and a league-leading 73 assists for a league-best 108 points.
Connor McDavid is one of the greatest hockey players of this generation. Credit: Neville E. Guard
Containing that kind of firepower requires a full-team effort.
If Colorado hopes to slow Edmonton down, it will take more than Kulak’s familiarity with his former teammates. Every Avalanche skater will need to stay disciplined, manage gaps, and be prepared for the relentless pace the Oilers bring every night.
Colorado’s Focus: Play Their Game
Still, even with his insider knowledge, Kulak said the Avalanche’s approach isn’t built around tailoring the game plan to one opponent — or worrying about what his former teammates might know about his tendencies.
The Hockey News asked Kulak whether facing a team so familiar with his style requires strategic adjustments. He said the focus remains largely internal.
"Lots of our meetings here is pretty much all about us and the style we want to play," he explained. "Those are the things I take from the meetings. There's a couple things you're obviously keeping in mind on the style of play, the team you're playing against brings in, but for the most part, I think we're playing our game."
No Secrets in the Modern NHL
Head coach Jared Bednar echoed that philosophy, noting that in today’s NHL, information is readily available — basically Spygate 2.0, now with 4K video and no sneaky cameras.
"There's just so much information out there," he told The Hockey News. "The best way to break down the Oilers or any other team is just watch. We have every shift of every game available to us. So you spend the time, you watch it, you learn tendencies of individuals of their team, what the structure of their team is. You give your team the pertinent information and you go from there.
"On a day like today, I go through it all and ask Brett, 'Did I miss anything that's important?' He's like, 'Pretty much nailed it.' The information is there for you to watch and learn and all the coaches kind of do the same thing in their respective areas. So there's no real secrets nowadays."
For Kulak, the situation almost feels like a spy returning to familiar territory — only now he’s wearing different colors.
And against an Oilers team built on speed and skill, that knowledge could prove valuable, even in a league where, as Bednar put it, there are no secrets left.
DENVER — Brett Kulak won’t need much of a scouting report tonight.
Few players in the league know the inner workings of the Edmonton Oilers quite like the veteran defenseman, who spent years inside their locker room and helped them reach back-to-back Stanley Cup Finals. Now, after a whirlwind season that has already taken him through three organizations, Kulak finds himself on the opposite side again — armed with firsthand knowledge of one of the NHL’s most explosive offenses.
This matchup carries a unique wrinkle: it will be Kulak’s third time facing Edmonton this season, and his second different team while doing it.
Kulak began the year with the Oilers before being traded in December to the Pittsburgh Penguins as part of the deal that sent goaltender Tristan Jarry to Edmonton. His Penguins debut came against his former club on Dec. 16, and just over a month later he lined up across from them again.
Brett Kulak speaks to the media on facing his old team yet again.
Now the journey has taken yet another turn.
Just before the trade deadline, Pittsburgh dealt Kulak to the Colorado Avalanche in exchange for defenseman Samuel Girard and a 2028 second-round pick. The move placed him on his third team in as many months — and set up yet another reunion with the franchise he once helped push to consecutive Western Conference titles.
Inside Knowledge
Kulak knows exactly what kind of challenge awaits.
"They're a high-octane offense, obviously very dangerous; they know how to put the puck in the net. I'm just looking...to limit time and space, have good gaps, and make sure your legs are ready to work."
And that starts with the league’s most dangerous weapon.
Connor McDavid, the Oilers’ captain, leads all NHL skaters this season with a top speed of 24.61 mph, according to NHL EDGE tracking. His pace is matched only by his production: McDavid has piled up 35 goals and a league-leading 73 assists for a league-best 108 points.
Connor McDavid is one of the greatest hockey players of this generation. Credit: Neville E. Guard
Containing that kind of firepower requires a full-team effort.
If Colorado hopes to slow Edmonton down, it will take more than Kulak’s familiarity with his former teammates. Every Avalanche skater will need to stay disciplined, manage gaps, and be prepared for the relentless pace the Oilers bring every night.
Colorado’s Focus: Play Their Game
Still, even with his insider knowledge, Kulak said the Avalanche’s approach isn’t built around tailoring the game plan to one opponent — or worrying about what his former teammates might know about his tendencies.
The Hockey News asked Kulak whether facing a team so familiar with his style requires strategic adjustments. He said the focus remains largely internal.
"Lots of our meetings here is pretty much all about us and the style we want to play," he explained. "Those are the things I take from the meetings. There's a couple things you're obviously keeping in mind on the style of play, the team you're playing against brings in, but for the most part, I think we're playing our game."
No Secrets in the Modern NHL
Head coach Jared Bednar echoed that philosophy, noting that in today’s NHL, information is readily available — basically Spygate 2.0, now with 4K video and no sneaky cameras.
"There's just so much information out there," he told The Hockey News. "The best way to break down the Oilers or any other team is just watch. We have every shift of every game available to us. So you spend the time, you watch it, you learn tendencies of individuals of their team, what the structure of their team is. You give your team the pertinent information and you go from there.
"On a day like today, I go through it all and ask Brett, 'Did I miss anything that's important?' He's like, 'Pretty much nailed it.' The information is there for you to watch and learn and all the coaches kind of do the same thing in their respective areas. So there's no real secrets nowadays."
For Kulak, the situation almost feels like a spy returning to familiar territory — only now he’s wearing different colors.
And against an Oilers team built on speed and skill, that knowledge could prove valuable, even in a league where, as Bednar put it, there are no secrets left.
He brings snarl. He knows what it takes to win a Stanley Cup, and he plays a two-way game that makes the Islanders just harder to play against.
Serving as the No. 2 center, he was also brought in to mentor 21-year-old forward Calum Ritchie. That mentoring has already begun.
"[Ritchie] cannot have a better mentor than Brayden Schenn," Islanders head coach Patrick Roy told local reporters on Tuesday morning. "I mean, he's exactly the type of player Ritchie is. So I feel like it's going to be good for Cal. He's such a good hockey player. Great hands, great skills, sees the eyes well, moves the puck well. So, I mean, I feel like it's a great fit for him."
For Schenn, he had some great mentors show him the ropes and loves paying it forward whenever he can.
“When I was young, I had a lot of guys look after me — Danny Briere, Claude Giroux, Scott Hartnell, Wayne Simmonds, Kimmo Timonen, the list goes on," Schenn said. "When I came to St. Louis, I had a lot of guys in my corner helping me out, too.
"When you’re young in this league, you need help. It’s a man’s game, and it comes at you fast. When I got to St. Louis, I felt like I owed it to the next guy. Jake Neighbours lived at my place. Jimmy Snuggerud lived at my place. You help the young guys as much as they want help.
Schenn's locker room stall is right next to Ritchie's -- that's by design. And the mentorship has
"Playing with Cal, he’s extremely talented," Schenn said. "He’s a high pick with a lot of skill. You can tell he’s just getting his feet wet in the NHL, and there’s a lot of untapped potential there."
Quotes are courtesy of New York Islanders (@NYIslanders).
With Los Angeles Kings captain and top-line center Anze Kopitar retiring at the end of the season, there is going to be a giant gaping hole in the team's roster.
It seemed assumed that 23-year-old Quinton Byfield would be the eventual successor of Kopitar and blossom into the team's first-line center. However, to this point, the second-overall pick of the 2020 draft hasn't grown into the role like the organization probably hoped.
Therefore, Kings GM Ken Holland may need to work the phones again this summer to find some help up the middle if they want to remain a playoff contender.
Byfield has 13 goals and 33 points in 60 games, which isn't the level of a first-liner. It seems sensible to find another middleman to support Byfield, like a first-line and second-line center tandem.
Here are four centers that the Kings can look to in the upcoming off-season, in no particular order.
Nick Schmaltz, Utah Mammoth
Nick Schmaltz is the only player on this list who will be a UFA at the end of the year. He's in the final year of a five-year contract that paid him $5.85 million per season.
Schmaltz will likely require a significant raise in his new deal, as he is on pace for the best campaign of his 10-year career.
The 30-year-old has already reached a personal best with 24 goals this season, along with 35 assists and 59 points. With that production across 64 games for the Utah Mammoth, Schmaltz is on track to record 75 points, blowing his career-high 63 points from last year out of the water.
In January, there were reports about the Kings potentially pursuing Schmaltz in the off-season, and that makes plenty of sense for the organization.
There have been some soft trade rumors regarding Elias Pettersson ahead of the passing of the NHL trade deadline. However, nothing has been done on that front.
Part of the reason that Pettersson hasn't been moved by the Vancouver Canucks is likely because of his current contract. He's only in the second-year of an eight-year deal that pays him $11.6 million per season.
Elias Pettersson (Bob Frid-Imagn Images)
Taking on the rest of Pettersson's contract isn't an easy task, especially when his recent play is considered. The 27-year-old has 13 goals and 38 points in 56 games. Not to mention, he finished with 15 goals and 45 points in 64 games last season, the worst totals of his NHL career.
While Pettersson hasn't been playing to what he's worth against the salary cap, the Canucks are reportedly not interested in retaining his salary. It's not surprising that that would be a deal-breaker for GMs across the NHL, including Holland.
But in a perfect world, Vancouver's Pettersson would be a great candidate to be a top-six center on Los Angeles. Don't forget, though the Swede has struggled in the past couple of years, before that, he registered 89- and 102-point campaigns.
Maybe he just needs a change of scenery.
Robert Thomas, St. Louis Blues
Robert Thomas was one of the stars who was reportedly available at the trade deadline this year. Ultimately, the St. Louis Blues did not move him, which is likely because the asking price was fairly high, and he also has a no-trade clause on his contract.
With that, he's in the third year of an eight-year deal, earning an average annual value of $8.125 million. That contract lasts until the end of the 2030-31 season.
There haven't been plenty of connections or strong rumors linking the Kings and Robert Thomas together. But there was a conversation where TSN's Darren Dreger said that Thomas could be a fit in Los Angeles.
Thomas, 26, has 15 goals and 40 points in 46 appearances this season. He's on a six-game point streak, recording 10 points in that span. Last year, he registered a career-high 81 points, made up of 21 goals and 60 assists.
Vincent Trocheck, New York Rangers
Many expected the New York Rangers to trade away Vincent Trocheck at the passing trade deadline. However, Rangers GM Chris Drury couldn't find a deal that matched his or the player's preference.
In fairness to the Blueshirts, even though Trocheck would've fetched them a valuable return, there is no rush to move the veteran center as he has term left on his contract.
It was made clear that Trocheck prefers to stay in the Eastern Conference if he were to get traded. So even if Holland wants to circle back on the 32-year-old in the summer, the chances of agreeing on a deal seem unlikely, especially with his 10-team no-trade clause beginning July 1.
For action-packed issues, access to the entire magazine archive and a free issue, subscribe to The Hockey News at THN.com/free. Get the latest news and trending stories by subscribing to our newsletter here. And share your thoughts by commenting below the article on THN.com or creating your own post in our community forum.
With Los Angeles Kings captain and top-line center Anze Kopitar retiring at the end of the season, there is going to be a giant gaping hole in the team's roster.
It seemed assumed that 23-year-old Quinton Byfield would be the eventual successor of Kopitar and blossom into the team's first-line center. However, to this point, the second-overall pick of the 2020 draft hasn't grown into the role like the organization probably hoped.
Therefore, Kings GM Ken Holland may need to work the phones again this summer to find some help up the middle if they want to remain a playoff contender.
Byfield has 13 goals and 33 points in 60 games, which isn't the level of a first-liner. It seems sensible to find another middleman to support Byfield, like a first-line and second-line center tandem.
Here are four centers that the Kings can look to in the upcoming off-season, in no particular order.
Nick Schmaltz, Utah Mammoth
Nick Schmaltz is the only player on this list who will be a UFA at the end of the year. He's in the final year of a five-year contract that paid him $5.85 million per season.
Schmaltz will likely require a significant raise in his new deal, as he is on pace for the best campaign of his 10-year career.
The 30-year-old has already reached a personal best with 24 goals this season, along with 35 assists and 59 points. With that production across 64 games for the Utah Mammoth, Schmaltz is on track to record 75 points, blowing his career-high 63 points from last year out of the water.
In January, there were reports about the Kings potentially pursuing Schmaltz in the off-season, and that makes plenty of sense for the organization.
There have been some soft trade rumors regarding Elias Pettersson ahead of the passing of the NHL trade deadline. However, nothing has been done on that front.
Part of the reason that Pettersson hasn't been moved by the Vancouver Canucks is likely because of his current contract. He's only in the second-year of an eight-year deal that pays him $11.6 million per season.
Elias Pettersson (Bob Frid-Imagn Images)
Taking on the rest of Pettersson's contract isn't an easy task, especially when his recent play is considered. The 27-year-old has 13 goals and 38 points in 56 games. Not to mention, he finished with 15 goals and 45 points in 64 games last season, the worst totals of his NHL career.
While Pettersson hasn't been playing to what he's worth against the salary cap, the Canucks are reportedly not interested in retaining his salary. It's not surprising that that would be a deal-breaker for GMs across the NHL, including Holland.
But in a perfect world, Vancouver's Pettersson would be a great candidate to be a top-six center on Los Angeles. Don't forget, though the Swede has struggled in the past couple of years, before that, he registered 89- and 102-point campaigns.
Maybe he just needs a change of scenery.
Robert Thomas, St. Louis Blues
Robert Thomas was one of the stars who was reportedly available at the trade deadline this year. Ultimately, the St. Louis Blues did not move him, which is likely because the asking price was fairly high, and he also has a no-trade clause on his contract.
With that, he's in the third year of an eight-year deal, earning an average annual value of $8.125 million. That contract lasts until the end of the 2030-31 season.
There haven't been plenty of connections or strong rumors linking the Kings and Robert Thomas together. But there was a conversation where TSN's Darren Dreger said that Thomas could be a fit in Los Angeles.
Thomas, 26, has 15 goals and 40 points in 46 appearances this season. He's on a six-game point streak, recording 10 points in that span. Last year, he registered a career-high 81 points, made up of 21 goals and 60 assists.
Vincent Trocheck, New York Rangers
Many expected the New York Rangers to trade away Vincent Trocheck at the passing trade deadline. However, Rangers GM Chris Drury couldn't find a deal that matched his or the player's preference.
In fairness to the Blueshirts, even though Trocheck would've fetched them a valuable return, there is no rush to move the veteran center as he has term left on his contract.
It was made clear that Trocheck prefers to stay in the Eastern Conference if he were to get traded. So even if Holland wants to circle back on the 32-year-old in the summer, the chances of agreeing on a deal seem unlikely, especially with his 10-team no-trade clause beginning July 1.
For action-packed issues, access to the entire magazine archive and a free issue, subscribe to The Hockey News at THN.com/free. Get the latest news and trending stories by subscribing to our newsletter here. And share your thoughts by commenting below the article on THN.com or creating your own post in our community forum.
With Los Angeles Kings captain and top-line center Anze Kopitar retiring at the end of the season, there is going to be a giant gaping hole in the team's roster.
It seemed assumed that 23-year-old Quinton Byfield would be the eventual successor of Kopitar and blossom into the team's first-line center. However, to this point, the second-overall pick of the 2020 draft hasn't grown into the role like the organization probably hoped.
Therefore, Kings GM Ken Holland may need to work the phones again this summer to find some help up the middle if they want to remain a playoff contender.
Byfield has 13 goals and 33 points in 60 games, which isn't the level of a first-liner. It seems sensible to find another middleman to support Byfield, like a first-line and second-line center tandem.
Here are four centers that the Kings can look to in the upcoming off-season, in no particular order.
Nick Schmaltz, Utah Mammoth
Nick Schmaltz is the only player on this list who will be a UFA at the end of the year. He's in the final year of a five-year contract that paid him $5.85 million per season.
Schmaltz will likely require a significant raise in his new deal, as he is on pace for the best campaign of his 10-year career.
The 30-year-old has already reached a personal best with 24 goals this season, along with 35 assists and 59 points. With that production across 64 games for the Utah Mammoth, Schmaltz is on track to record 75 points, blowing his career-high 63 points from last year out of the water.
In January, there were reports about the Kings potentially pursuing Schmaltz in the off-season, and that makes plenty of sense for the organization.
There have been some soft trade rumors regarding Elias Pettersson ahead of the passing of the NHL trade deadline. However, nothing has been done on that front.
Part of the reason that Pettersson hasn't been moved by the Vancouver Canucks is likely because of his current contract. He's only in the second-year of an eight-year deal that pays him $11.6 million per season.
Elias Pettersson (Bob Frid-Imagn Images)
Taking on the rest of Pettersson's contract isn't an easy task, especially when his recent play is considered. The 27-year-old has 13 goals and 38 points in 56 games. Not to mention, he finished with 15 goals and 45 points in 64 games last season, the worst totals of his NHL career.
While Pettersson hasn't been playing to what he's worth against the salary cap, the Canucks are reportedly not interested in retaining his salary. It's not surprising that that would be a deal-breaker for GMs across the NHL, including Holland.
But in a perfect world, Vancouver's Pettersson would be a great candidate to be a top-six center on Los Angeles. Don't forget, though the Swede has struggled in the past couple of years, before that, he registered 89- and 102-point campaigns.
Maybe he just needs a change of scenery.
Robert Thomas, St. Louis Blues
Robert Thomas was one of the stars who was reportedly available at the trade deadline this year. Ultimately, the St. Louis Blues did not move him, which is likely because the asking price was fairly high, and he also has a no-trade clause on his contract.
With that, he's in the third year of an eight-year deal, earning an average annual value of $8.125 million. That contract lasts until the end of the 2030-31 season.
There haven't been plenty of connections or strong rumors linking the Kings and Robert Thomas together. But there was a conversation where TSN's Darren Dreger said that Thomas could be a fit in Los Angeles.
Thomas, 26, has 15 goals and 40 points in 46 appearances this season. He's on a six-game point streak, recording 10 points in that span. Last year, he registered a career-high 81 points, made up of 21 goals and 60 assists.
Vincent Trocheck, New York Rangers
Many expected the New York Rangers to trade away Vincent Trocheck at the passing trade deadline. However, Rangers GM Chris Drury couldn't find a deal that matched his or the player's preference.
In fairness to the Blueshirts, even though Trocheck would've fetched them a valuable return, there is no rush to move the veteran center as he has term left on his contract.
It was made clear that Trocheck prefers to stay in the Eastern Conference if he were to get traded. So even if Holland wants to circle back on the 32-year-old in the summer, the chances of agreeing on a deal seem unlikely, especially with his 10-team no-trade clause beginning July 1.
For action-packed issues, access to the entire magazine archive and a free issue, subscribe to The Hockey News at THN.com/free. Get the latest news and trending stories by subscribing to our newsletter here. And share your thoughts by commenting below the article on THN.com or creating your own post in our community forum.
ST.
LOUIS – Has the ink
even dried yet on the paperwork that sent Brayden Schenn to the New
York Islanders on Friday?
Maybe.
Maybe not, but no matter what, that reunion is already upon us.
Schenn,
a staple for hockey in St. Louis and the St. Louis Blues the past
nine seasons, who was in his third season as captain, makes his
return to face his old club here on Tuesday when the suddenly hot
Blues (25-29-9) host the Islanders (35-23-5) at 6:30 p.m. in a
nationally televised game on TNT.
Perhaps
it’s best that things played out this way, get it out of the way as
quick as you can so the player doesn’t have to think about it
looking down the road, but for the 34-year-old, down the road
literally meant a few short days.
“I
don’t even know how to describe it. Weird,” Schenn
said Tuesday morning.
“When you get traded, you don’t think it’s going to happen that
fast with everything. Just coming in, a couple former teammates came
over yesterday playing mini sticks with my kids, now you’re facing
them tonight, but the reality is it’s going to be different for
sure. I got a job to do and play those guys hard, talk to them
after.”
On
Tuesday, Schenn will be, for the first time, opposing someone in a
Blues sweater since 2017. That’s a long time. But there’s a lot
of reflection about where he was and where he is now.
“Where
do I start with everything,” Schenn
said. “Just first and
foremost, it’s an incredible place to play. The organization, the
people, my teammates, a lot of good friends. Not just from this team
but from the whole time I’ve been here. The fans and the people in
the community are extremely special. They’re always there to help
you out, they’re always here to cheer you on. It was just a great
place to play for nine and a half years.”
The
Blues will give their former captain obviously a thunderous ovation.
A Stanley Cup champion, a big reason why they won it, won’t be
forgotten.
“I
hope to get a good reception,” Schenn
said. “Obviously
that’s what every player hopes for anyways. The fans were so good
to me when I was here. I tried to come in with my time here, play the
right way. I’ve said it before, play for the guys who wore the
jersey before me. It’s been a great organization with a long
history with a lot of great players. You feel like you owe it to them
to go out there and put in a solid effort every night you wore the
Bluenote. I’ve had a lot of people in this organization and in the
community that’s helped along the way.”
Blues
coach Jim Montgomery knows it won’t be easy to see Schenn on the
other side.
“It’s
going to be hard, being honest,” Montgomery
said. “Meant a lot
what he did in his career here as a Blue. Won a Cup, incredible
teammate, incredible person in our community. His family, awesome;
his wife, his kids. And then for me personally, coming here, he was
unbelievable to work with as a captain. The communication was always
there. I always knew where his heart and head was and what he stood
for. I can’t thank him enough for how much he helped me.
“I
think he’s going to get a huge reception. And deservedly so. He
earned it.”
Former
teammate and Blues winger Dylan Holloway agreed.
“I
can’t imagine his turnaround, but it’s going to be weird for us
too,” Holloway said.
“He’s such a big part of our locker room. He’s a huge presence,
huge personality and ultimately a great captain, a great leader and
great friend. It’s definitely going to be weird to see him and
hopefully he gets the ovation he deserves. He’s done a lot for this
organization, a lot for all of us.
“He
meant a lot to me. Great captain, great leader. I think of him as a
great friend too. A friend for life. He’s just such a good guy. We
were definitely able to have some good (memories) together with the
whole team. I can’t speak enough about his character.”
Blues
center Robert Thomas said, “It’s
going to be really weird obviously. I think it’s going to be more
weird for him than us, but hopefully he gets an amazing ovation. He’s
been such a true leader here, such a a big part of bringing the city
the first Stanley Cup. I know the fans will really show the
appreciation for him tonight.”
But
for Schenn, it was time to move on. He came to that realization when
the Blues asked him for a second straight deadline if he’d waive
his no-trade clause. Last year, it was still a full NTC. This year,
it was a modified 15-team NTC.
“Last
year, we had good momentum building into the playoffs,” Schenn
said.
“They asked me, obviously wasn't ready and made the playoffs and
worked out in that regard.
“When
you get asked two times in two years, the second makes your decision
a lot easier, I would say. Not because I didn't love the organization
and the city and everything else.
They
felt like they needed to go in a different direction and me and Justin Faulk were the guys out this year. That's just the reality of
the business. No hard feelings. It's just kind of what you're faced
with the business and where they're heading in their direction. I’m
happy to be a part of this Islander organization. It’s been
unbelievable for this short amount of time. The guys have been
extremely welcoming. Everyone in the organization’s helped me out
as much as they can. It’s not an easy transition moving midseason
with three kids and everything else, but obviously the people around
me made the transition as easy as possible.”
So
when he steps on the ice Tuesday for keeps, just let the emotions go.
“There’s
not much you can do,” Schenn said. “It’s been a crazy four
days, five days. Not much sleep with everything that’s going on.”
-
- -
Theo
Lindstein will make his NHL debut against the Islanders.
The
defenseman, who was recalled along with Otto Stenberg on Monday from
Springfield of the American Hockey League, will become the third of
three first-round picks by the Blues in 2023 to play in the NHL now,
along with Stenberg and Dalibor Dvorsky.
“Unreal.
I’m excited. It’s going to be fun,” Lindstein
said.
“I’ve got my family and it’s going to be fun.
“All
of us were in that first round there and to have everyone here, it’s
nice to have ‘Dvo.’ He speaks Swedish too. It’s good for me and
for Otto too. It’s cool that we’re here together.”
Lindstein’s
play in Springfield as of late had been really coming on, and
Lindstein credits former Blues associate coach and current
Thunderbirds coach Steve Ott for the transition.
Lindstein
had six points (four goals, two assists) in 19 games since Ott
replaced Steve Konowalchuk on Jan. 19.
“Since
‘Otter’ got down to Springfield, I feel like my game has been way
better and I’ve been skating a lot more and getting used to the ice
over here,” Lindstein
said.
“It took a couple games to get used to everything, but I feel good
right now and ready to go tonight.
“Just
play my game, use my skating more. Skate out from situations out on
the ice and use my body more without the puck. That’s the thing
we’ve been talking about and I’ve been feeling way better the
last couple weeks.”
Lindstein
will be paired with Colton Parayko, who returns after missing five
games with back spasms.
“I
think any time you get a talented young man like that ... I saw him
this morning and talked to him about what a wonderful opportunity it
is,” Montgomery
said.
“His smile and his eyes … he’s just so excited to play tonight.
I think that energy’s going to be really good for us having to play
in less than 48 hours after our last game coming back from two time
zones.”
-
- -
Blues
Projected
Lineup:
Dylan
Holloway-Robert Thomas-Jimmy Snuggerud
Jonathan
Drouin-Pavel Buchnevich-Otto Stenberg
Jake
Neighbours-Dalibor Dvorsky-Jordan Kyrou
Alexey
Toropchenko-Jack Finley-Pius
Suter
Philip
Broberg-Logan
Mailloux
Theo
Lindstein-Colton Parayko
Cam
Fowler-Tyler
Tucker
Joel
Hofer will
start in goal; Jordan
Binnington will
be the backup.
Healthy
scratches include Jonatan
Berggren, Nathan Walker, Oskar
Sundqvist, Justin Holl and
Matthew
Kessel. The
Blues report no injuries.
-
- -
Islanders
Projected
Lineup:
Emil
Heineman-Bo Horvat-Mathew Barzal
Calum
Ritchie-Brayden Schenn-Ondrej Palat
Anders
Lee-Jean-Gabriel Pageau-Simon Holmstrom
Anthony
Duclair-Casey Cizikas-Marc Gatcomb
Matthew
Schaefer-Ryan Pulock
Adam
Pelech-Tony DeAngelo
Carson
Soucy-Scott Mayfield
Ilya
Sorokin will
start in goal; David
Rittich will
be the backup.
Healthy
scratches include Maxim Shabanov, Kyle MacLean and Adam Boqvist. Kyle
Palmieri (ACL), Alexander Romanov (upper body) and Semyon Varlamov
(knee) are out.
For action-packed issues, access to the entire magazine archive and a free issue, subscribe to The Hockey News at THN.com/free. Get the latest news and trending stories by subscribing to our newsletter here. And share your thoughts by commenting below the article on THN.com or creating your own post in our community forum.
ST.
LOUIS – Has the ink
even dried yet on the paperwork that sent Brayden Schenn to the New
York Islanders on Friday?
Maybe.
Maybe not, but no matter what, that reunion is already upon us.
Schenn,
a staple for hockey in St. Louis and the St. Louis Blues the past
nine seasons, who was in his third season as captain, makes his
return to face his old club here on Tuesday when the suddenly hot
Blues (25-29-9) host the Islanders (35-23-5) at 6:30 p.m. in a
nationally televised game on TNT.
Perhaps
it’s best that things played out this way, get it out of the way as
quick as you can so the player doesn’t have to think about it
looking down the road, but for the 34-year-old, down the road
literally meant a few short days.
“I
don’t even know how to describe it. Weird,” Schenn
said Tuesday morning.
“When you get traded, you don’t think it’s going to happen that
fast with everything. Just coming in, a couple former teammates came
over yesterday playing mini sticks with my kids, now you’re facing
them tonight, but the reality is it’s going to be different for
sure. I got a job to do and play those guys hard, talk to them
after.”
On
Tuesday, Schenn will be, for the first time, opposing someone in a
Blues sweater since 2017. That’s a long time. But there’s a lot
of reflection about where he was and where he is now.
“Where
do I start with everything,” Schenn
said. “Just first and
foremost, it’s an incredible place to play. The organization, the
people, my teammates, a lot of good friends. Not just from this team
but from the whole time I’ve been here. The fans and the people in
the community are extremely special. They’re always there to help
you out, they’re always here to cheer you on. It was just a great
place to play for nine and a half years.”
The
Blues will give their former captain obviously a thunderous ovation.
A Stanley Cup champion, a big reason why they won it, won’t be
forgotten.
“I
hope to get a good reception,” Schenn
said. “Obviously
that’s what every player hopes for anyways. The fans were so good
to me when I was here. I tried to come in with my time here, play the
right way. I’ve said it before, play for the guys who wore the
jersey before me. It’s been a great organization with a long
history with a lot of great players. You feel like you owe it to them
to go out there and put in a solid effort every night you wore the
Bluenote. I’ve had a lot of people in this organization and in the
community that’s helped along the way.”
Blues
coach Jim Montgomery knows it won’t be easy to see Schenn on the
other side.
“It’s
going to be hard, being honest,” Montgomery
said. “Meant a lot
what he did in his career here as a Blue. Won a Cup, incredible
teammate, incredible person in our community. His family, awesome;
his wife, his kids. And then for me personally, coming here, he was
unbelievable to work with as a captain. The communication was always
there. I always knew where his heart and head was and what he stood
for. I can’t thank him enough for how much he helped me.
“I
think he’s going to get a huge reception. And deservedly so. He
earned it.”
Former
teammate and Blues winger Dylan Holloway agreed.
“I
can’t imagine his turnaround, but it’s going to be weird for us
too,” Holloway said.
“He’s such a big part of our locker room. He’s a huge presence,
huge personality and ultimately a great captain, a great leader and
great friend. It’s definitely going to be weird to see him and
hopefully he gets the ovation he deserves. He’s done a lot for this
organization, a lot for all of us.
“He
meant a lot to me. Great captain, great leader. I think of him as a
great friend too. A friend for life. He’s just such a good guy. We
were definitely able to have some good (memories) together with the
whole team. I can’t speak enough about his character.”
Blues
center Robert Thomas said, “It’s
going to be really weird obviously. I think it’s going to be more
weird for him than us, but hopefully he gets an amazing ovation. He’s
been such a true leader here, such a a big part of bringing the city
the first Stanley Cup. I know the fans will really show the
appreciation for him tonight.”
But
for Schenn, it was time to move on. He came to that realization when
the Blues asked him for a second straight deadline if he’d waive
his no-trade clause. Last year, it was still a full NTC. This year,
it was a modified 15-team NTC.
“Last
year, we had good momentum building into the playoffs,” Schenn
said.
“They asked me, obviously wasn't ready and made the playoffs and
worked out in that regard.
“When
you get asked two times in two years, the second makes your decision
a lot easier, I would say. Not because I didn't love the organization
and the city and everything else.
They
felt like they needed to go in a different direction and me and Justin Faulk were the guys out this year. That's just the reality of
the business. No hard feelings. It's just kind of what you're faced
with the business and where they're heading in their direction. I’m
happy to be a part of this Islander organization. It’s been
unbelievable for this short amount of time. The guys have been
extremely welcoming. Everyone in the organization’s helped me out
as much as they can. It’s not an easy transition moving midseason
with three kids and everything else, but obviously the people around
me made the transition as easy as possible.”
So
when he steps on the ice Tuesday for keeps, just let the emotions go.
“There’s
not much you can do,” Schenn said. “It’s been a crazy four
days, five days. Not much sleep with everything that’s going on.”
-
- -
Theo
Lindstein will make his NHL debut against the Islanders.
The
defenseman, who was recalled along with Otto Stenberg on Monday from
Springfield of the American Hockey League, will become the third of
three first-round picks by the Blues in 2023 to play in the NHL now,
along with Stenberg and Dalibor Dvorsky.
“Unreal.
I’m excited. It’s going to be fun,” Lindstein
said.
“I’ve got my family and it’s going to be fun.
“All
of us were in that first round there and to have everyone here, it’s
nice to have ‘Dvo.’ He speaks Swedish too. It’s good for me and
for Otto too. It’s cool that we’re here together.”
Lindstein’s
play in Springfield as of late had been really coming on, and
Lindstein credits former Blues associate coach and current
Thunderbirds coach Steve Ott for the transition.
Lindstein
had six points (four goals, two assists) in 19 games since Ott
replaced Steve Konowalchuk on Jan. 19.
“Since
‘Otter’ got down to Springfield, I feel like my game has been way
better and I’ve been skating a lot more and getting used to the ice
over here,” Lindstein
said.
“It took a couple games to get used to everything, but I feel good
right now and ready to go tonight.
“Just
play my game, use my skating more. Skate out from situations out on
the ice and use my body more without the puck. That’s the thing
we’ve been talking about and I’ve been feeling way better the
last couple weeks.”
Lindstein
will be paired with Colton Parayko, who returns after missing five
games with back spasms.
“I
think any time you get a talented young man like that ... I saw him
this morning and talked to him about what a wonderful opportunity it
is,” Montgomery
said.
“His smile and his eyes … he’s just so excited to play tonight.
I think that energy’s going to be really good for us having to play
in less than 48 hours after our last game coming back from two time
zones.”
-
- -
Blues
Projected
Lineup:
Dylan
Holloway-Robert Thomas-Jimmy Snuggerud
Jonathan
Drouin-Pavel Buchnevich-Otto Stenberg
Jake
Neighbours-Dalibor Dvorsky-Jordan Kyrou
Alexey
Toropchenko-Jack Finley-Pius
Suter
Philip
Broberg-Logan
Mailloux
Theo
Lindstein-Colton Parayko
Cam
Fowler-Tyler
Tucker
Joel
Hofer will
start in goal; Jordan
Binnington will
be the backup.
Healthy
scratches include Jonatan
Berggren, Nathan Walker, Oskar
Sundqvist, Justin Holl and
Matthew
Kessel. The
Blues report no injuries.
-
- -
Islanders
Projected
Lineup:
Emil
Heineman-Bo Horvat-Mathew Barzal
Calum
Ritchie-Brayden Schenn-Ondrej Palat
Anders
Lee-Jean-Gabriel Pageau-Simon Holmstrom
Anthony
Duclair-Casey Cizikas-Marc Gatcomb
Matthew
Schaefer-Ryan Pulock
Adam
Pelech-Tony DeAngelo
Carson
Soucy-Scott Mayfield
Ilya
Sorokin will
start in goal; David
Rittich will
be the backup.
Healthy
scratches include Maxim Shabanov, Kyle MacLean and Adam Boqvist. Kyle
Palmieri (ACL), Alexander Romanov (upper body) and Semyon Varlamov
(knee) are out.
For action-packed issues, access to the entire magazine archive and a free issue, subscribe to The Hockey News at THN.com/free. Get the latest news and trending stories by subscribing to our newsletter here. And share your thoughts by commenting below the article on THN.com or creating your own post in our community forum.
The Philadelphia Flyers claimed Luke Glendening off waivers from the New Jersey Devils.
Although quiet during the NHL trade deadline, the Devils placed three players on waivers: Luke Glendening, Maxim Tsyplakov, and Evgenii Dadonov.
Of these three, Glendening was the only player to be claimed. Dadonov and Tsyplakov are now available to rejoin the team.
Glendening played 52 games for the Devils, recording four assists.
He signed a one-year, $775,000 deal on Oct. 7, 2025, after joining training camp on a professional tryout.
Over 13 seasons, the undrafted 36-year-old has played 916 NHL games for four teams.
Glendening made his Flyers debut on March 7 against the Pittsburgh Penguins.
Make sure you bookmark THN's New Jersey Devils site for THN's latest news, exclusive interviews, breakdowns, and so much more.
THN.com/free
For action-packed issues, access to the entire magazine archive and a free issue, subscribe to The Hockey News at THN.com/free. Get the latest news and trending stories by subscribing to our newsletter here. And share your thoughts by commenting below the article on THN.com or creating your own post in our community forum.
