With the NHL's summer free agent pool shaping up to be one of the thinnest in recent memory, contending teams searching for meaningful offensive upgrades are pivoting their attention toward the trade and restricted free agent markets and one name is beginning to generate serious buzz league-wide.
Vegas Golden Knights winger Pavel Dorofeyev is emerging as one of the most coveted restricted free agents available this offseason, and the Winnipeg Jets are among the clubs paying closest attention.
Dorofeyev's ascent has been nothing short of remarkable as the 25-year-old compiled a career-high 35 goals in his first full NHL season in 2024–25, establishing himself as one of the league's most dangerous finishers.
Over the past two seasons, he has 72 goals and placing him tied for the 15th-most goals in the NHL alongside some of the league’s top offensive talents, including Boston Bruins forwards David Pastrnak and Morgan Geekie. Dorofeyev has been a particular menace on the power play, earning 20 of his 37 goals and 10 of his 27 assists with the man advantage this year.
His postseason performance has only accelerated the intrigue with ten goals and four assists for 14 points through 16 playoff games. Dorofeyev's current contract carries a cap hit of just $1,835,000 and will expired at the end of the season, leaving him as a restricted free agent. His breakout production will command a significant raise and could create an opening for Winnipeg.
The Jets spent last offseason overhauling their forward group following the departure of Nikolaj Ehlers and remained competitive, but offensive consistency proved elusive at times. General manager Kevin Cheveldayoff and his staff have identified adding a proven scoring winger as a top priority for a team still anchored by veterans Mark Scheifele, Kyle Connor, and Josh Morrissey.
Dorofeyev can work as a legitimate 35-goal threat capable of contributing at even strength and on the power play and would give Winnipeg exactly that kind of impact player.
The financial mechanics of a potential offer sheet are straightforward, if not without cost. A contract in the $4,680,077 to $7,020,113 range would require a first and third-round pick as compensation. A more aggressive offer, in the $7,020,114 to $9,360,153 bracket, would demand a first, second, and third-round selection.
Winnipeg currently holds its own first and third-round picks in each of the next two drafts, giving it the assets needed for a lower-tier offer. The second-round pick situation, however, is worth monitoring as they sent the pick to the Pittsburgh Penguins as part of last year's Luke Schenn deal. That said, NHL teams have reacquired draft picks specifically to position themselves for offer sheet opportunities before, and the Jets could explore a similar avenue if they view Dorofeyev as a legitimate option.
If Cheveldayoff believes Dorofeyev is the offensive catalyst to push the Jets back into legitimate Stanley Cup contention, the price of admission in both dollars and draft capital may well be worth it.
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.
Four-time NHL Stanley Cup champion Claude Lemieux's death on Thursday, May 28 was reported as an apparent suicide in Florida, according to multiple reports.
The Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office said a family member found the body shortly before 3:30 a.m. in the rear warehouse of the Andros Home furniture showroom, reports the Palm Beach Post, part of the USA TODAY Network.
The sheriff's office said the man presumed to be Lemieux was found after he failed to return to his home. Sheriff's investigators secured the store as detectives from PBSO's Violent Crimes Division gathered evidence.
Palm Beach County court records show that Lemieux lived in an apartment in Palm Beach Gardens as recently as April 2025. State business records list Lemieux as the registered agent for Andros Home, which incorporated in 2022.
USA TODAY Sports contacted the Palm Beach County Medical Examiner's Office but was notified that the information it has for Claude Lemieux is "exempt from public records."
The Palm County Medical Examiner's Office told USA TODAY Sports in response to an open records request that "all public records you have requested for Claude Lemieux are exempt from public records as specified under SB 474 - FS 406.135. (2) (c)."
The Floridastatute cited by the Palm County Medical Examiner’s Office was enacted in 2024 and exempts photos, videos, audio recordings and autopsy reports related to suicide victims from general public records requests.
Claude Lemieux stats
Lemieux, known for his pesky play and clutch goals, won his first Stanley Cup with the Canadiens in 1986. He won the Conn Smythe Trophy in 1995 as the New Jersey Devils swept the Detroit Red Wings in the Stanley Cup Final. Lemieux won his third championship with the Colorado Avalanche in 1996 and returned to the Devils for his fourth title 2000.
Lemieux played 21 NHL seasons and finished with 379 goals, 407 assists and 1,777 penalty minutes in 1,215 games.
He also had 80 goals, including 19 game-winners, 78 assists and 529 penalty minutes in 234 playoff games. He led the playoffs in goals in 1995 and 1997, with 13 each time.
U.S. President Donald Trump posted on social media to honor Lemieux, who he referred to as a "tremendous 'TRUMP' supporter":
"Claude Lemieux, a true Legend of the Game, and one of the fiercest competitors Hockey has ever seen, has passed away. Claude was a friend to the family, and a tremendous “TRUMP” supporter. He won 4 Stanley Cups with 3 different Teams — Montreal, New Jersey, and Colorado — His 80 Career Playoff Goals rank among the All Time Greats. Brendan, my thoughts are with you, Deborah, and the whole Lemieux family — You and your Dad were Warriors on the Ice. Claude will be missed by all who love Winning and Toughness."
Contributing: Palm Beach Post, Mike Brehm
If you or someone you know needs mental health resources and support, please call, textor chat withthe 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline or visit 988lifeline.org for 24/7 access to free and confidential services.
Nilan re-shared a photo from Monday of the two inside Montreal’s Bell Centre ahead of Game 3 of the Eastern Conference final series between the Canadiens and Hurricanes.
“You never know when you’re going to see someone for the last time Rest in Peace MonAmi,” Nolan posted, with the last word translating to “my friend” in French.
Nilan and Lemieux played together on the Canadiens for four-plus seasons, beginning in the 1983-84 season until the 1988 trade that sent Nilan to the Rangers.
They helped the Canadiens win the Stanley Cup in 86, the only Cup Nilan won in his career and one of four Lemieux enjoyed in his 21 seasons.
It appeared the two remained friendly 40-plus years later, with Nilan originally posting Monday the photo from Game 3 featuring the two sandwiching former teammate Sergio Momesso.
Claude Lemieux carries the torch in the opening ceremony of Game Three of the Eastern Conference Final between the Canadiens and the Hurricanes at the Bell Centre on May 25, 2026 in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. NHLI via Getty Images
One of his sons found him around 3 a.m. in the warehouse of the Lake Park, Fla. furniture store owned by Lemieux and his wife Deborah — Andros Home, per wpbf.com — after those close to him became worried that he had not come home, according multiple outlets.
Lemieux began his career with Montreal before heading to the Devils and then the Avalanche, winning two and one Cups with the franchises, respectively — and also played for the Coyotes, Stars and Sharks.
Lemieux and Nilan as part of the Canadiens’ 1987-88 roster. New York Post
He scored 379 goals and tallied 407 assists in 1,215 career games.
“Today is a dark day for the Canadiens family and the entire hockey community. I wish to express my most sincere and deepest condolences to Claude’s family and loved ones,” the Canadiens said via Geoff Molson, the owner and CEO of Groupe CH. “A fierce competitor who rose to the occasion in big moments, Claude was a relentless, courageous, and tenacious player who led the team to the highest honors. He embodied the very essence of being a Montreal Canadiens player. Today we mourn the untimely passing of one of our champions. Our thoughts are with his family on this difficult day.”
If you are struggling with suicidal thoughts or are experiencing a mental health crisis, you can call or text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org for free and confidential crisis counseling.
Gabriel Chiarot is headed to the 2026 Memorial Cup Final. The 2025 fifth-rounder is currently playing for the Kitchener Rangers, who booked a spot in the championship game after going 3-0 in the tournament's round-robin. Chiarot has already found the back of the net in Kelowna, as through his first three games, he has recorded a goal, an assist and six shots on goal.
Kitchener entered the tournament as favourites to lift the historic trophy. The Rangers won the OHL championship this year and have only lost two games since the start of the playoffs. In speaking with The Hockey News, Chiarot explained Kitchener's mentality heading into Sunday's Memorial Cup Final.
"We came in with the mindset that we're the best team here, and we're gonna win it all," said Chiarot. "I think we've done exactly that to this point. Obviously these teams are pretty good, but we know we're the best, and we just have to play like it."
Since the Rangers finished first in the round-robin, they gained an automatic berth into the Memorial Cup Final. This means the team will get four days off before facing off in the championship game. Overall, Chiarot and his teammates are not concerned about the extended break, as they faced similar situations throughout the 2026 post-season.
"We kind of dealt with this a little bit during the OHL playoffs. Sweeping a team in four games, and then having to wait a week to play the next round. So we're kind of used to stuff like this. But I think just not trying to think too much about the game, and what the stakes are. I know it's tough, especially for older guys. It could be their last game ever in junior hockey. So just try not to think too much of it, and just think of it as another game."
Being on a championship team can help with a prospect's development. Being exposed to high-stress situations early in their careers can help prepare a player for a future long post-season run at the pro level. When asked about some of the lessons he has learned over the past few months, Chiarot spoke about the benefit of being on a championship-winning team.
"Just learning how to play in these high-stakes games. Obviously, this is the biggest stage in junior hockey across Canada. Just learning how to be resilient through these tough games, and play with the lead, without the lead, things like that."
As for the Canucks, there have been some significant changes since Chiarot was drafted and signed his entry-level contract with the organization. This includes Henrik and Daniel Sedin taking over as Co-Presidents of Hockey Operations. Chiarot already has some experience working with the Sedins as they were on the ice with him at both Development and Training Camp last season.
"Going on the ice with them for Development Camp there, they're really skilled players, and it showed. They know a lot about the game. They've played for a long time in the NHL, and they've accomplished a lot of great things. They know what they're doing, and I think the belief in them is really high from Canucks fans and the organization."
Another person whom Chiarot had the chance to work with is current Abbotsford Canucks Head Coach Manny Malhotra. Last year, Malhotra not only helped out at Development Camp but was also behind the bench for Vancouver in their two-game 2025 Prospects Showcase against the Seattle Kraken. Chiarot has fond memories of working with Malhotra, who is the rumoured favourite to take over the Canucks' open Head Coach position.
"He's a tough coach. He praises his players a lot, and I think he does a good job of keeping everyone in check. We skated with him as well. He was my coach for the Prospects Tournament in Everett. Nothing but good things to say about him. He was great to me."
Gabriel Chiarot of the Kitchener Rangers (Photo Credit: Steve Dunsmoor/CHL)
As for Chiarot as a prospect, it is clear that he impressed Vancouver last year. It is not often that late-round picks sign ELC's right out of Training Camp, but that is exactly what happened with Chiarot. When asked about his development plan with the organization, Chiarot detailed what the Canucks wanted him to work on this past season.
"I think the main goal was to continue playing my game and not try to change my game into something I'm not. So I think I've done a good job of that this year. There's a little bit of talk about getting my agility better, and things like that, but the main focus was to just continue to play the way I play."
The big question for Chiarot is what happens next season. He is AHL-eligible, but could also head back to the OHL for one final season. At the moment, though, Chiarot remains focused on the task at hand, which is lifting the Memorial Cup on Sunday night.
Make sure you bookmark THN's Vancouver Canucks site and add us to your favourites on Google News for the latest news, exclusive interviews, breakdowns, and so much more. Also, don't forget to leave a comment at the bottom of the page and engage with other passionate fans through our forum. This article originally appeared on The Hockey News.
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 Boston Bruins, for the first time in a while, have a lot of good trade assets to use in the offseason to make substantial roster improvements.
But will general manager Don Sweeney be able to use his improved prospect pool and boatload of draft picks to find any deals to his liking?
The Bruins far exceeded expectations last season. After finishing with the fifth-worst record in the 2024-25 campaign, Boston ended the 2025-26 season with the league’s eighth-best record (45-27-10, 100 points) and a berth in the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
Despite the positive steps taken in the regular season, the playoffs were a painful reminder of how much the Bruins still lack the needed amount of elite skill and speed to compete at the highest level. The B’s lost to the Buffalo Sabres in a six-game first-round series.
Making it back to the playoffs in 2027 won’t be easy for the Bruins. They need roster upgrades at key positions, specifically at center and the right side of the blue line.
Let’s look at seven players the Bruins should consider pursuing on the trade market.
Robert Thomas, C, St. Louis Blues
2025-26 Stats: 25 G, 39 A in 64 GP
Contract: $8.125 million, expires after 2030-31 season
Thomas is exactly what the Bruins need most: A true No. 1 center in the prime of his career. The B’s have not been able to find this kind of player since Patrice Bergeron retired after the 2022-23 campaign. They signed Elias Lindholm to a seven-year, $54.25 million deal in 2024 free agency to be that kind of center, and so far that experiment has been a huge failure.
Thomas is just 26 years old and an elite playmaker who can also score 25-30 goals. He tallied 64 points in 64 games this past season and posted 80-plus points in each of the previous two seasons.
The cost to get Thomas would be extraordinarily high.
The Athletic’s Jeremy Rutherford reported on Feb. 26 that the Blues were seeking “three first-half-of-the-first-round assets ahead of the trade deadline. For example, that could mean an established young player, a drafted prospect and a draft pick who were all selected or could be taken in the first 15 or so picks.”
Chris Johnston wrote in The Athletic earlier this week that “the Blues attached an incredibly high price to Thomas while gauging interest ahead of the trade deadline and won’t be lowering the ask this summer.”
True first-line centers signed long-term at 26 years old are franchise building blocks. Drafting and developing is the best way to acquire one because they almost never get to free agency and cost a ton via trade.
Mason McTavish, C, Anaheim Ducks
2025-26 Stats: 17 G, 24 A in 75 GP
Contract: $7 million salary cap hit, expires after 2030-31 season
McTavish had a tough year in Anaheim. He saw his scoring drop by 11 points from the previous season and was a healthy scratch in multiple 2026 playoff games. His 12:25 of ice time per game in the postseason was almost three minutes less than his regular season playing time.
“I have zero evidence to suggest the Anaheim Ducks are the ones picking up the phone and calling teams about him,” The Athletic’s Pierre LeBrun wrote Wednesday. “But I know for a fact that several teams have inquired about him. He’s coming off a season in which he regressed after a contract stalemate delayed his start.”
McTavish tallied career highs of 22 goals and 30 assists during the 2024-25 campaign. Can he get back to, or exceed, that kind of offensive production on a different team? Maybe. He’s 23 years old and has an impressive offensive skill set. He is a strong playmaker (high-end passing and vision) who also has the ability to score 20-plus goals. He plays with a physical edge, too.
There’s risk with McTavish, though. If he doesn’t take his scoring production to another level — 70 to 80 points, for example — he could be just another expensive center not worthy of a top-six role on a contender. The Bruins already have one of those centers in Elias Lindholm.
Jason Robertson, LW, Dallas Stars
2025-26 Stats: 45 G, 51 A in 82 GP
Contract: RFA this summer
David Pastrnak is the only Bruins player since 2003 to score 40-plus goals in a season. He needs help — someone who can take on some of the scoring burden.
Robertson would be capable of doing that. He scored 45 goals and dished out 51 assists for the Stars this past season. He has scored 35-plus goals four times and has tallied at least 79 points in each of the last five seasons. Robertson has played well in the playoffs, too, posting 52 points in 62 career postseason games. He was especially effective in this year’s playoffs with six goals and two assists in six games.
Jason Robertson has scored a goal in SIX-STRAIGHT playoff games for the Stars going back to the 2025 postseason.
Robertson is a truly elite offensive player. The question is whether the Stars, who don’t have much salary cap space, will be able to pay him what he wants.
“The Stars have been adamant about their desire to sign the prolific scoring winger to a long-term extension, but finding the right number hasn’t been easy,” The Athletic’s Chris Johnston recently wrote in his trade board column. “Robertson has a case to exceed teammate Mikko Rantanen’s $12 million annual salary, given the 18 percent jump in the salary cap since Rantanen signed his deal.”
If Roberson actually becomes available on the trade market, the Bruins should at the very least pick up the phone and see how much it would cost to make a deal. He is exactly the kind of high-end goal scorer the B’s need.
Mavrik Bourque, C, Dallas Stars
2025-26 Stats: 20 G, 21 A, 82 GP
Contract: RFA this summer
If a trade for Robertson isn’t an option, then a pursuit of Bourque would make sense. Bourque has star potential, but it’s fair to wonder if he can reach his ceiling in Dallas with so many talented forwards ahead of him in the Stars’ loaded lineup.
Bourque tallied career highs with 20 goals, 21 assists and 82 games played this past season. His 36 even-strength points would have ranked fifth-most among B’s forwards.
The 2020 first-round pick could potentially be a No. 2 center in the near future, but on a contender he’s probably a very good No. 3 center. Either way, Bourque is a player who could thrive in a larger role on another team.
Shane Wright, C, Seattle Kraken
2025-26 Stats: 12 G, 15 A in 74 GP
Contract: $886,666 salary cap hit, expires after 2026-27 season
Wright is an interesting buy-low candidate. He was the No. 4 overall pick in the 2022 NHL Draft but hasn’t developed as expected, particularly offensively. Wright tallied 27 points this past season after posting a career-high 44 points (19 goals, 25 assists) in the 2024-25 campaign. He is a smart playmaker who is responsible defensively and still has plenty of room for growth offensively. Wright is capable of being a 20-goal scorer.
He is entering the final year of his entry-level contract. Could he thrive with a change of scenery? It’s possible. There are many reasons to believe Wright still hasn’t played his best hockey yet.
Olen Zellweger, D, Anaheim Ducks
2025-26 Stats: 7 G, 15 A in 76 GP
Contract: RFA this summer
The Ducks have a ton of defensemen able to hit free agency this summer, including captain Radko Gudas, John Carlson, Jacob Trouba and Zellweger.
Zellweger is just 22 years old and has shown a lot of potential as a puck-moving defenseman who plays with speed and skill. He’s also excellent at zone entries, which could make him valuable on the power play.
Zellweger was in and out of the Ducks’ lineup during the playoffs and appeared in just three of their 12 games over two rounds. He did, however, score a pretty clutch goal late in Game 5 of the second-round series versus the Vegas Golden Knights.
Zellweger is a left shot, which does not address the Bruins’ need for more depth on the right side of the blue line. He’s also not a shutdown defenseman with imposing physical traits. But his offensive skill and skating are impressive enough to considering pursuing him via trade.
Simon Nemec, D, New Jersey Devils
2025-26 Stats: 11 G, 15 A in 68 GP
Contract: RFA this summer
The Devils have a decision to make soon on Nemec’s future because he’ll be an RFA in July.
The No. 2 overall pick from the 2022 NHL Draft is listed at 6-foot-1 and 190 pounds. He’s a very good skater, he’s an excellent puck-mover, he shoots the puck a ton, and he has the ability to score 10-plus goals. His speed and ability to skate out of trouble in the defensive zone is something the Bruins desperately need after they struggled so much with the Sabres’ relentless forecheck during the 2026 playoffs. He’s also a right-shot, and the Bruins really need another one of those players on their blue line.
Nemec has underwhelmed a bit over three seasons with the Devils, but he has a ton of talent. Taking a gamble on Nemec reaching his potential is a safer bet than giving a huge long-term contract to a UFA defenseman such as Darryn Raddysh or Rasmus Andersson.
A change of scenery and a larger role could greatly benefit Nemec.
“Claude Lemieux, a true legend of the game, and one of the fiercest competitors hockey has ever seen, has passed away,” Trump wrote on Truth Social Thursday.
“Claude was a friend to the family, and a tremendous ‘Trump’ supporter.”
Claude Lemieux is honored at the Colorado Avalanche 30th anniversary on Dec. 11, 2025. NHLI via Getty ImagesFormer Montreal Canadiens player Claude Lemieux holds a torch as he enters the arena before Game 3 of the NHL Eastern Conference on May 25, 2026. Christinne Muschi/The Canadian Press via AP
Trump gushed over Lemieux’s achievements on the ice – particularly the four Stanley Cup wins he achieved with Montreal, New Jersey, and Colorado.
“Claude will be missed by all who love winning and toughness,” Trump signed off the post, including a MAGA hashtag.
Lemieux, 60, was found dead by his adult son in the warehouse of a furniture store owned by his family in Florida at around 3 a.m. after they became concerned he had not returned home, TMZ first reported.
Lemieux’s son Brendan, a professional ice hockey player in Switzerland, paid tribute to his dad on Instagram. He said, “I love you dad! My son’s favorite person is going to watch from above for a while. We will see you.”
Brendan, 30, shared a photo taken on the ice – where Claude was seen beaming as he held his grandson.
Brendan previously told USA Today in 2014 following the NHL draft that his dad was his “biggest role model on and off the ice.”
President Donald Trump dedicated a Truth Social post to “tremendous” supporter Claude Lemieux. AFP via Getty Images
“I’m proud of the career he had,” he said.
“I’m proud of the way he played, how hated he was. I just love that about him. I definitely want to follow in his footsteps. I want to be the guy that can step up and be that playoff performer.”
The late NHL star’s daughter Claudia Lemieux, 28, shared a remembrance from the New Jersey Devils, for whom her dad played two stints from 1990 through 1995 and then again in 1999-2000.
Claude Lemieux played for a number of teams during his career — including the New Jersey Devils. AP Photo/BILL KOSTROUN
“No words to express the level of devastation we feel,” she wrote under the post on her Instagram Story. “I love you forever daddy. Forever your only girl.”
The Devils described Lemieux, who was nicknamed “Pepe,” as a “clutch player on the ice” and someone who was “widely respected throughout the NHL – both as a trusted agent and valued colleague.”
“Claude leaves behind a lasting legacy within our game that he gave so much to,” the Devils said.
Claude Lemieux holds up the Stanley Cup after the Montreal Canadiens won in 1986. Bruce Bennett Studios via Getty Images
During his stellar career, Lemieux won his first Stanley Cup with the Montreal Canadiens in 1986 before scooping the prize with the New Jersey Devils in 1995 and Colorado Avalanche the following year.
He won his fourth Stanley Cup in 2000 after re-signing with the Devils.
Lemieux, who became a player agent after he retired, scored 80 postseason goals, the ninth-most all-time.
Lemieux recorded 379 goals and 407 assists in 1,215 regular-season games, and had 158 points in 234 playoff matches.
Claude Lemieux with his son, Brendan. Instagram / @brendan_lemieux
He played 1,449 regular-season and playoff games with six different teams from 1983-2009, finishing with Phoenix, Dallas and San Jose.
NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman called Lemieux “one of the greatest big-game players in hockey history.”
With Post wires
If you are struggling with suicidal thoughts or are experiencing a mental health crisis, you can call or text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org for free and confidential crisis counseling.
15 Mar 2000: Claude Lemieux of the New Jersey Devils looks on from the wall during a game against the Dallas Stars at the Continental Airlines Arena in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The Stars defeated the Devils 3-2. Mandatory Credit: Jamie Squire /Allsport | Getty Images
Here are your links for today:
Devils Links
Claude Lemieux has passed away at the age of 60:
The NHL Alumni Association is devastated to share that Claude Lemieux has passed away at the age of 60.
Born in Buckingham, Quebec, Claude was selected by the Montreal Canadiens in the second round of the 1983 NHL Entry Draft and would make his NHL debut just a few months later… pic.twitter.com/iohlATU6qz
The New Jersey Devils organization is deeply saddened by the news of the passing of former Devil Claude Lemieux.
A clutch player on the ice and greatly appreciated by Devils' fans off it, Claude's impact in bringing the first-ever Stanley Cup to New Jersey will forever be… pic.twitter.com/kDD9ZMAPOr
“Lemieux, nicknamed ‘Pepe,’ played 21 years in the NHL, winning the 1995 Conn Smythe Trophy and the four Cup titles — two with the New Jersey Devils and one each with the Colorado Avalanche and Montreal Canadiens. His 80 playoff goals rank ninth in NHL history and his 158 points are tied for 27th. Lemieux played 1,215 regular-season games, scoring 379 goals and 786 points and amassing 1,777 penalty minutes.” [The Athletic ($)]
Defensemen updates:
The Chris Johnston Show (May 28): On New Jersey… • Even if the report on Simon Nemec asking for a trade was false it doesn't mean he won't be traded. He will be looking for a long term contract similar to what Luke Hughes signed for. • CJ says his sense is Dougie Hamilton is… pic.twitter.com/mKAMOcfzI0
“The Devils have a lot of pieces in place, but also some major holes to reconcile. Here’s where the Devils stand going into the 2026-27 season.” [The Athletic ($)]
“A new deal won’t be cheap, even if Hischier takes a team-friendly discount. What could his next contract with the Devils look like?” [Devils on the Rush ($)]
“Former Golden Knights coach Bruce Cassidy called it ‘upsetting’ in a podcast Thursday that he can’t interview with other clubs after Vegas management declined reported requests by Edmonton and Los Angeles. ‘There were two teams that asked,’ Cassidy said on the Spittin’ Chiclets podcast. ‘It’s public knowledge now, and I would like to talk to them. I want to go to work. I’m a hockey coach.’” [Associated Press]
“For one reason or another, there are many young players who would benefit from a trade to a team that is interested in letting young players flourish. Here are a dozen such candidates:” [ESPN]
Vegas taking the Western Conference Final was a shocking result. Where does that series win rank among recent surprise playoff sweeps? [Daily Faceoff]
An interesting idea: “The NBA’s board of governors voted overwhelmingly Thursday to change the league’s draft lottery format beginning with the 2027 NBA draft, the league announced. The new format expands the lottery from 14 to 16 teams, including the 8-seed in each conference’s playoff picture, and adds anti-tanking measures where the bottom three teams are dealt lesser chances for the No. 1 pick while flattening odds for teams that do not qualify for the playoffs or the play-in tournament.” [ESPN]
Feel free to discuss these and any other hockey-related stories in the comments below.
The Hockey News released its list of the Top 100 NHL players this season in April, and four Montreal Canadiens have made the list. Yesterday, we covered Juraj Slafkovsky, who’s 94th on the list. Today, we look at the second Hab on the list, which is at number 48: Captain Nick Suzuki.
THN justifies his presence at number 48 because he’s the number one center the Canadiens have been looking for for years, adding that his chemistry with Cole Caufield and Slafkovsky is sublime. The magazine also praises the playmaker because he has racked up five 20-goal seasons in a row.
I find this ranking highly debatable. This season, Suzuki put up 101 points, a career mark, which was good for sixth overall in league scoring. That’s 20 more points than Tage Thompson, who lands in 32nd place after putting up 81 points in 81 games. Granted, offensive production shouldn’t be the only criterion to make the Top-100 ranking, and that’s exactly why Suzuki should be higher on the list.
All season long, he has had the toughest matchup, being pitted against the opponent’s top line more often than not and yet, on top of producing a career year offensively, he has earned a Selke Trophy nomination as the top defensive forward. Rumblings around the league are that he will likely win the trophy as well.
Since he was given the C in Montreal, becoming the youngest captain in Canadiens history, Suzuki has led by example on and off the ice. He’s put the team on his back in 2025-26, almost taking it single-handedly to the playoffs. For an encore, he was selected to represent Canada at the Olympics and was highly praised by coach Jon Cooper on the international stage before returning to lead the Habs to the playoffs.
While he might not have been all that productive at even strength in the playoffs, he’s still third in scoring with 16 points in 18 games. Granted, the list was published before he led Montreal through two playoff rounds and eliminated both the Tampa Bay Lightning and the Buffalo Sabres, but that just goes to show how good a player he has become.
The fact that he’s the third-best Canadiens player on the list is surprising. One could argue that Suzuki is the glue that holds this Habs’ team together, and while journalists from other markets are starting to take notice of what he accomplishes since the Olympics, he’s still grossly underestimated. He can attack, he can defend, he can do anything the coach wants him to do, and having such a Swiss army knife kind of player on your roster is any coach’s dream.
As we wait for news of who Vegas will meet in the Stanley Cup final (surely Carolina, no?), June is just around the corner, which means the draft, RFA decisions and prep for the UFA period with a thin class will be underway.
What the Islanders do, with two top-grade assets but a lot of holes, is of course continually on our minds and discussed a bit in one of the quotes and links below.
Islanders News
Maybe DeBoer could unlock Barzal more consistently, or help Horvat maintain his level of play from this past season. But even if they each bump up a slot, it still leaves the team without a franchise forward.
The Islanders have an incredible Calder winning defenseman and a Vezina finalist in net. Here are the other major pieces they need to contend, preferably sooner than later. [Athletic]
With the cap rising and the UFA market very thin, there will be “massive attempts” at big trades. Also: “My understanding is that New York Islanders GM Mathieu Darche has indicated to Lee’s agent, Neil Sheehy, that the team does have interest in re-signing Lee but that it needs to make a few other moves before it can go down that road.” [Athletic]
Mark Recchi discusses his four favorite leaders, including two Islanders legends in Bryan Trottier and Zdeno Chara. [Athletic]
On the ties between Bobby Valentine and Lou Lamoriello. [Newsday]
Danny Nelson and the U.S. were eliminated by Canada at the Worlds. [THN]
Elsewhere
How Mitch Marner went from Toronto playoff goat to Vegas Conn Smythe contender. [Sportsnet]
Former NHLer and Conn Smythe winner Claude Lemieux has died at 60, reportedly by suicide. (Trivia note: he was technically Islanders property at one point, as he was part of the three-way Steve Thomas-Wendel Clark trade, which is officially listed as the Islanders sending Thomas to the Devils for Lemieux before flipping the notoriously dirty pest to Colorado for Clark.) [Post] Patrick Roy is among those mourning his death. [Post] He had just rallied fans in the pre-game hype in Montreal for Game 3. [Athletic]
Bruce Cassidy is pretty unhappy that the Knights are blocking him from talking to other teams about coaching openings, and Vegas is unapologetic. [Athletic | Sportsnet | TSN]
The NHL lost a total legend on Thursday, when NHL legend Claude Lemieux passed away at the age of 60 in Florida.
Lemieux played 1,215 NHL regular-season games along with 234 playoff games, winning four Stanley Cups and one Conn Smythe Trophy.
Lemieux has the ninth-most playoff goals in NHL history with 80, and has the 27th most points with 158.
Lemieux won two Stanley Cups with ex-New York Islanders' coach Patrick Roy, in 1986 with the Montreal Canadiens and in 1996 with the Colorado Avalanche.
The duo were teammates for a decade total, first with the Canadiens from 1984 until 1990, then reuniting in Colorado from 1996 until 2000.
Roy eulogized Lemieux Thursday evening:
“I am deeply saddened to learn of Claude Lemieux's passing," Roy said in a statement to TVA's Renaud Lavoie. "Claude was an exceptional teammate, a fierce competitor, a key element in several of our greatest achievements, and a player who left his mark on our sport.
"His intensity and determination made him a player respected by his teammates and feared by his opponents. We shared unforgettable moments, memorable victories, and a shared passion for hockey. My thoughts are with his family and loved ones during this ordeal.”
Lemieux's Conn Smythe victory came in 1995 with the New Jersey Devils and then-general manager Lou Lamoriello.
Lamoriello, the Islanders' President of Hockey Operations and General Manager from 2018 until 2025, traded for Lemieux twice while with the Devils, first in 1990 and then early in the 1999-2000 season.
The Devils went on to win the Stanley Cup in 2000, with Lemieux playing a key role.
Lamoriello spoke to The Athletic about his relationship with Lemieux and his untimely passing.
"Lamoriello told The Athletic on Thursday how 'shocked' he was by the death of his former player and an agent with whom he negotiated contracts."
Lemieux, a player agent post-retirement, represented several active NHL players, including Pierre Engvall, signing his current contract with the Islanders and Lamoriello on July 1, 2023.
The NHL lost a total legend on Thursday, when NHL legend Claude Lemieux passed away at the age of 60 in Florida.
Lemieux played 1,215 NHL regular-season games along with 234 playoff games, winning four Stanley Cups and one Conn Smythe Trophy.
Lemieux has the ninth-most playoff goals in NHL history with 80, and has the 27th most points with 158.
Lemieux won two Stanley Cups with ex-New York Islanders' coach Patrick Roy, in 1986 with the Montreal Canadiens and in 1996 with the Colorado Avalanche.
The duo were teammates for a decade total, first with the Canadiens from 1984 until 1990, then reuniting in Colorado from 1996 until 2000.
Roy eulogized Lemieux Thursday evening:
“I am deeply saddened to learn of Claude Lemieux's passing," Roy said in a statement to TVA's Renaud Lavoie. "Claude was an exceptional teammate, a fierce competitor, a key element in several of our greatest achievements, and a player who left his mark on our sport.
"His intensity and determination made him a player respected by his teammates and feared by his opponents. We shared unforgettable moments, memorable victories, and a shared passion for hockey. My thoughts are with his family and loved ones during this ordeal.”
Lemieux's Conn Smythe victory came in 1995 with the New Jersey Devils and then-general manager Lou Lamoriello.
Lamoriello, the Islanders' President of Hockey Operations and General Manager from 2018 until 2025, traded for Lemieux twice while with the Devils, first in 1990 and then early in the 1999-2000 season.
The Devils went on to win the Stanley Cup in 2000, with Lemieux playing a key role.
Lamoriello spoke to The Athletic about his relationship with Lemieux and his untimely passing.
"Lamoriello told The Athletic on Thursday how 'shocked' he was by the death of his former player and an agent with whom he negotiated contracts."
Lemieux, a player agent post-retirement, represented several active NHL players, including Pierre Engvall, signing his current contract with the Islanders and Lamoriello on July 1, 2023.
Believe it or not, we're only a month away from the 2026 NHL Draft, which will be held from June 26-27 in Buffalo.
Hype is beginning to build for it, especially since the 2026 NHL Combine is also in Buffalo from June. 1-6. It's set to start on Monday and go through next Saturday, giving teams the chance to meet with and interview some of the top prospects. Teams can also get physical assessments for the players and review their medicals.
The Pittsburgh Penguins will have members of their front office there to talk with some of the players who could be available to them at No. 22 in the first round.
One of the players who could be there is defenseman Ryan Lin, who spent the 2025-26 season with the WHL's Vancouver Giants. He finished this past season with 14 goals and 57 points in 53 games and is set to play for the University of Denver during the 2026-27 season.
When I watch Lin play, the words "steady" and "reliable" come to mind. He's always in a good position and has good pinching tendencies. He really knows when to pull back and avoid what I like to call "30/70" pinches.
He also knows exactly when to jump into the play, and there were numerous moments throughout this season when he would smartly come down and absolutely rifle the puck. He's not afraid to rip it when he gets the chance.
Lin has experience quarterbacking the power play and has had some impressive keeps at the blue line. One example I keep coming back to is from the 2025 Hlinka Gretzky Semifinal between Canada and Team USA, when he dove across to keep the puck at the point. Tynan Lawrence then corralled the puck along the boards before cutting to the slot and firing the puck home.
He also moves the puck extremely well from his own zone, and an example of this comes from Vancouver's game against Kamloops this past season. Lin started from behind his net and quickly got a burst of speed coming out of his own zone. He quickly gained the red line before skating the puck into the offensive zone, dropping the puck off for a teammate. The puck was in the back of the net two seconds later, and it all started because of Lin's breakout.
He's a solid skater with good hockey IQ, but I still think he could bulk up a bit. He's currently listed at 5'11 and 176 lbs, but the important thing to remember is that he's still only 18.
Finally, his own-zone play is really solid, along with his gap control. He's an all-around solid defenseman who will have numerous teams looking at him in the first round.
The Penguins should be one of those teams, since they still need to add more to their defensive pipeline. It'll all come down to whether or not Lin is there when it's their turn to pick. If he is, he'd be a good pick with a chance to become a reliable top-four defenseman.
Believe it or not, we're only a month away from the 2026 NHL Draft, which will be held from June 26-27 in Buffalo.
Hype is beginning to build for it, especially since the 2026 NHL Combine is also in Buffalo from June. 1-6. It's set to start on Monday and go through next Saturday, giving teams the chance to meet with and interview some of the top prospects. Teams can also get physical assessments for the players and review their medicals.
The Pittsburgh Penguins will have members of their front office there to talk with some of the players who could be available to them at No. 22 in the first round.
One of the players who could be there is defenseman Ryan Lin, who spent the 2025-26 season with the WHL's Vancouver Giants. He finished this past season with 14 goals and 57 points in 53 games and is set to play for the University of Denver during the 2026-27 season.
When I watch Lin play, the words "steady" and "reliable" come to mind. He's always in a good position and has good pinching tendencies. He really knows when to pull back and avoid what I like to call "30/70" pinches.
He also knows exactly when to jump into the play, and there were numerous moments throughout this season when he would smartly come down and absolutely rifle the puck. He's not afraid to rip it when he gets the chance.
Lin has experience quarterbacking the power play and has had some impressive keeps at the blue line. One example I keep coming back to is from the 2025 Hlinka Gretzky Semifinal between Canada and Team USA, when he dove across to keep the puck at the point. Tynan Lawrence then corralled the puck along the boards before cutting to the slot and firing the puck home.
He also moves the puck extremely well from his own zone, and an example of this comes from Vancouver's game against Kamloops this past season. Lin started from behind his net and quickly got a burst of speed coming out of his own zone. He quickly gained the red line before skating the puck into the offensive zone, dropping the puck off for a teammate. The puck was in the back of the net two seconds later, and it all started because of Lin's breakout.
He's a solid skater with good hockey IQ, but I still think he could bulk up a bit. He's currently listed at 5'11 and 176 lbs, but the important thing to remember is that he's still only 18.
Finally, his own-zone play is really solid, along with his gap control. He's an all-around solid defenseman who will have numerous teams looking at him in the first round.
The Penguins should be one of those teams, since they still need to add more to their defensive pipeline. It'll all come down to whether or not Lin is there when it's their turn to pick. If he is, he'd be a good pick with a chance to become a reliable top-four defenseman.
Before the offseason ever achieved liftoff, the Philadelphia Flyers are already about to be down one superstar forward they could have considered signing to an offer sheet this summer.
While he is not a center, Dallas Stars winger Jason Robertson was, by far and away, the top RFA of the 2026 free agent class.
The 26-year-old scored 109 points in the 2022-23 season and racked up another 96 this season, scoring 40 goals for the third time in his NHL career.
Robertson also averaged a career-high 20:15 of ice time this season as he emerges as one of the NHL's premier two-way forwards to go with his goal-scoring exploits.
The problem, though, is that the Flyers probably won't even be able to take a crack at signing him now.
According to NHL insider Emily Kaplan's latest report for ESPN, "The Jason Robertson saga will finally see some clarity and all signs point to an extension in Dallas, rather than a trade."
Speaking of the offer sheet, Kaplan added that, "for one to actually happen, everything has to line up: cap space, draft-pick compensation, player buy-in and a team willing to push the risk. That's why the noise almost always outweighs the action."
There are not many legitimate offer sheet candidates on the free agent market this year for the Flyers anyway, or at least ones that move the needle like Robertson or a skilled young center would.
Pipe dreams like Adam Fantilli, Leo Carlsson, and Connor Bedard are almost assuredly not going to happen barring an unforeseen warp in time-space.
It isn't like the Flyers necessarily needed to add another winger, anyway, but any time you can add a player of Robertson's ilk to your roster, you have to do it.
That would have been an ambitious move for a Flyers team that just made the Stanley Cup playoffs for the first time since the pandemic, but ultimately, it doesn't seem like it's meant to be.
Plus, signing Robertson to the cap hit needed to choke the Stars out of his price range would have required the Flyers to fork over their first-round pick in each of the next four drafts, starting with 2027, which would severely inhibit their ability to add to the roster in other ways and build a sustainable team flush with young talent to complement the older players.
Going forward, though, the Flyers would be wise to consider other, more low-key offer sheet candidates.
