The Buffalo Sabres hiring of former Columbus GM Jarmo Kekalainen as a senior advisor was an essential move to add an experienced hockey executive to their management staff, something that has been lacking for the balance of the time that owner Terry Pegula bought the club in 2011. 

With the club missing the playoffs for the 14th straight season, it is expected that Sabres GM Kevyn Adams is going to make a series of moves involving some of the club’s young core pieces and the addition of Kekalainen represents some insurance that Adams goes in the right direction. 

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Sabres Facing An Off-Season Of Change 

The club faces decisions in every sphere of their roster. In goal, the club has to sign youngster Devon Levi to a new contract coming off his entry-level deal, but after a strong second-half in 2023-24 that earned him a five-year extension, Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen struggled as the full time starter last season. Do the Sabres choose to deal Luukkonen with a lack of starters in free agency or the trade market? Do they trust Levi to take the reins after playing well in the AHL but struggling at the NHL level the last two years? 

On defense, the future of Bowen Byram seems to be leaving Buffalo in favor of a destination where he can be a top pairing blueliner, but Adams must bring back NHL-ready talent in a deal for the 23-year-old, preferably a defenseman of comparable age that can partner with Rasmus Dahlin or Owen Power. There are also questions of the future of Mattias Samuelsson, who continues to struggle with injury and inconsistency. 

Up front, Adams must deal with the restricted free agency of winger JJ Peterka and the persistent rumors that he would prefer to play elsewhere. The offer sheet option may not be as big a threat to the Sabres as some might think, since Buffalo has ample cap space to match one and that would lock Peterka in a place that he reportedly does not want to play. 

If Buffalo cannot get the 23-year-old signed, a deal involving Peterka as with Byram, has to bring back NHL talent that can play with the Sabres this season. All these dilemmas are critical to the immediate future of the club and their success or failure will determine whether they will have a chance of making the postseason or extending their playoff drought to 15 years. 

Follow Michael on X, Instagram, and Bluesky @MikeInBuffalo

Younger brother of Flyers prospect is ‘complete' center and option at No. 6 originally appeared on NBC Sports Philadelphia

The 2025 NHL draft is a huge one for the Flyers’ rebuild.

Not only does Danny Briere have a lot of high-round picks at his disposal, but he also could be creative in how he uses them.

“There are all kinds of possibilities here,” the Flyers’ general manager said in April. “I think it’s really exciting going into it. It’s powerful to have so many picks like that. I think a lot of teams will be wanting to have discussions with us to make some things happen — teams that don’t have picks or teams that want to tweak things.”

So it’s a busy time for the Flyers leading up to the draft, which will be held June 27-28. The first round is Friday at 7 p.m. ET, while Rounds 2-7 are Saturday starting at noon ET.

“There are really good players in this draft,” TSN director of scouting Craig Button said last Tuesday in a phone interview with NBC Sports Philadelphia. “Maybe people say it’s not a good draft; I’m not buying it. I think this draft has got lots of good players.”

The Flyers are slotted to make 11 picks, including three first-rounders and four second-rounders. Their first-round selections will come at No. 6 (own pick), No. 22 (Sean Walker trade) and either No. 31 or 32 (Oilers trade).

Before the draft arrives, we’re breaking down first-round targets for the Flyers.

Next up:

Caleb Desnoyers

Position: Center
Height: 6-foot-2
Weight: 178
Shoots: Left
Team: Moncton

Scouting report

Flyers fans should recognize the name.

Caleb Desnoyers is the 18-year-old brother of Flyers prospect Elliot Desnoyers, a 2020 fifth-round pick who made his NHL debut in February 2023.

The younger Desnoyers has developed into one of the better prospects among the 2025 draft class. He sees the ice at an exceptional level and loves to play the full length of the rink.

“I see Caleb as a second-line center, but someone I want on my team,” Button, a former NHL GM and scout, said. “He might be more that. I know Caleb really likes to pattern his game after Jonathan Toews, and we know what type of player he was — Jonathan Toews is an elite Hall of Famer.

“But that style of game, somebody that if he’s not scoring, he’s helping you in so many other ways. And he’s always helping you in someway. He’s a great competitor, he’s really smart.”

Desnoyers was second in the QMJHL with 1.50 points per game this season. He put up 35 goals and 49 assists through 56 games. He scored a league-best 11 game-winning goals, had a plus-51 rating and won 63.7 percent of his faceoffs. On his list, Button has Desnoyers ranked as the seventh-best player in the draft.

“If you asked me to put it into a percentage, I would be 80 or 85 percent certain that he’s a second-line center and a two-way for sure,” Button said. “And maybe he has got a 15, 20 percent chance to be a No. 1. I’m not ruling him out, but you make these types of projections. That’s what I see him as — I use the term, he’s in it to win it. That’s how Caleb plays. He’s a hell of a leader, he’s just a really, really well-rounded, complete player.”

In the playoffs, Desnoyers had a terrific run with 30 points (nine goals, 21 assists) over 19 games, leading Moncton to the QMJHL title. EliteProspects.com has him at No. 7 overall on its list, while NHL Central Scouting has him pegged as the seventh-ranked North American skater.

“He might be like Ryan O’Reilly,” Button said.

The Predators’ center has a Stanley Cup ring and a Selke Trophy on his résumé.

“Ryan O’Reilly, when he was in his prime,” Button said, “we’re talking elite second-line center.”

Fit with Flyers

The good thing is the Flyers likely have a lot of familiarity with Desnoyers, who plays a position of need.

The potential of him complementing Matvei Michkov down the road has appeal to it. Desnoyers’ hockey IQ and vision would jibe well with Michkov, who reads the ice through a unique lens and can finish.

Could the Flyers want a player with a higher ceiling? That’s possible, and maybe a different center will be there for them. But Desnoyers and Jett Luchanko would be solid down the middle for the future.

“There are elite second-line centers in the league,” Button said. “And they’re important to your team. … How many true No. 1 centers are there in the league — 10, 12? And Edmonton has two of them.”

More targets

• Hagens is ‘Matt Duchene type of player’ who could be on Flyers’ radar at No. 6

• Flyers would probably love if Barkov-like prospect is available at No. 6

• ‘Fascinating,’ 6-foot-5 center has tons of intrigue for Flyers at No. 6

That Carter Verhaeghe has been an integral part of the Florida Panthers' run to three straight Stanley Cup finals (and one championship to date) is not a matter of debate.

The gifted left winger has consistently made an impact for the Panthers and has gained a reputation for being one of the most clutch goal-scorers in the game today, having scored seven game-winning goals between the regular season and playoffs this year. He has also scored three series-winning goals and 12 playoff game-winners since 2022, according to NHL.com.

The fact is, Verhaeghe is always thinking about being a difference-maker.

"I always see him talking to himself on the bench," said teammate Aaron Ekblad. "It's in his DNA. It's something he thinks about morning, noon and night, is scoring goals. He's got the iPad in between shifts, seeing what he can do differently."

Verhaeghe's road to NHL glory is fairly well-known at this point. Originally selected by the Toronto Maple Leafs in the third round of the 2013 draft, he played a couple of games for the AHL's Marlies but was dealt to the New York Islanders before going any further. He never put on a New York jersey in a game either, as he was later dealt to Tampa Bay, where he won a Stanley Cup as a bit player in his first NHL season.

The Lightning infamously didn't qualify him as an RFA, and the cross-state Panthers pounced. All of a sudden, then-coach Joel Quenneville was putting him on a line with Aleksander Barkov.

"I have to credit management and Bill (Zito) for finding me from Tampa," Verhaeghe said. "I thought I was going back, and it didn't work out, so Bill gave me an opportunity. 'Q' put me with 'Barky' almost right away, we developed some good chemistry, and it took off from there. My mindset was to keep on building every day and run with the opportunity that I wanted to get for so long. I wasn't going to let it slip."

But before all that, Verhaeghe had made another interesting stop in his pro career: the ECHL. During his Islanders tenure, Verhaeghe played for AHL Bridgeport, but he also suited up for parts of two seasons with the Missouri Mavericks. It wasn't part of his master plan, but it turned out to be good for the burgeoning young forward.

"My first time there, I wasn't very happy," Verhaeghe said. "But after I got down there and settled down, my mindset was really good. I wasn't focused on making the NHL right away, like tomorrow – it was a process. Trying to get better every day and picking up things from coaches or watching games."

Verhaeghe put up great numbers for Missouri, putting up 57 points in 36 games over the course of two seasons. Two years later, while part of Tampa Bay's system, he led the AHL's Syracuse Crunch in scoring, and the rest is history.

Verhaeghe may not have wanted to go to suburban Kansas City en route to his NHL career, but his time with Missouri ended up being a stepping stone. And being in Kansas City, at least the barbecue was good.

"Yeah," he said. "They have great barbecue."

Promo image credit: James Guillory-Imagn Images

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The Kalamazoo Wings announced the return of Joel Martin’s ‘Game On’ Street Hockey camps for Summer 2025, powered by NHL STREET™, along with partnerships with The Kalamazoo Promise and Kzoo Parks. The initiative facilitates free of cost camps for 200-plus children in Kalamazoo’s inner city.

Five Street Hockey camps will be held at Kalamazoo’s Upjohn and LaCrone Parks from June to August, exclusively for Kzoo Parks Summer Camps. Each camper is set to receive free admission to the almost two-hour event, an official NHL STREET™ Jersey, a street hockey stick and a swag bag, courtesy of The Kalamazoo Promise.

“The K-Wings are proud of the return of NHL STREET™, and we’re so excited to partner with The Kalamazoo Promise and Kzoo Parks,” Toni Will, Kalamazoo Wings General Manager and Governor, said in a news release. “It's always a no-brainer to team up with local organizations that commit to serving the next generation, and most especially organizations that care about making an impact in underserved communities like they both do.”

NHL STREET™ is the premier ball hockey experience designed to provide kids ages 6 to 16 and their families with the best of what youth sports can be: having fun, staying active, making friends and creating great memories.

Established in 2005, The Kalamazoo Promise allows students who graduate from the Kalamazoo Public Schools and meet the basic requirements to receive up to 100% of tuition and mandatory fees paid for at any in-state public community college or university. Currently, over 8,700 students have used The Promise for higher education with over $230 million invested in that span.

“The Kalamazoo Promise is excited to partner with the NHL STREET™ hockey experience to bring this unique opportunity to our community,” Von Washington, CEO of The Kalamazoo Promise, stated. “We believe in the power of sports to positively impact children's lives, and we are committed to providing access to quality programs that promote physical activity, teamwork and leadership skills. Moreover, participating in NHL STREET can have a positive impact on the mental well-being of children.

“Engaging in team sports has been shown to boost self-esteem and confidence, reduce stress and anxiety, and promote social connections. These benefits are especially important for children who may be facing challenges or adversity in their personal lives.”

Kzoo Parks offers a variety of programs for Kalamazoo’s youth annually, with financial assistance available to those in need. The camps participating in the ‘GAME ON’ are affiliated with Camp Kzoo & Super Rec Summer Camps.

Last summer, the K-Wings hosted 64 campers across two summer camps in Kalamazoo. This summer, by partnering with the two pillars in the Kalamazoo community, the Wings continue their commitment to bring the game to a new generation while breaking down barriers for youth athletes to get involved in sports.

Camps will be hosted and coached by Joel Martin, K-Wings Director of Hockey Operations and Head Coach. K-Wings players & staff, KOHA staff (Kalamazoo Optimist Hockey Association), along with Kzoo Parks camp counselors, will also assist Martin in the camp.

The children will learn basic hockey fundamentals and participate in a hockey tournament inside an NHL STREET™ branded street hockey arena.

“We’re proud to see NHL STREET™ making a real impact in our community by giving kids a fun, accessible way to stay active and build confidence through street hockey,” Martin said. “This program wouldn’t be possible without the incredible support from our partners — Kzoo Parks and The Kalamazoo Promise. Their commitment to youth enrichment and inclusive recreation has helped bring this vision to life, and we’re excited to continue growing together.”

Photo Courtesy of the Kalamazoo Wings.

New Philadelphia Flyers head coach Rick Tocchet has made the first two additions to his coaching staff, but he still needs one more. How about an NHL legend who just left the Vancouver Canucks?

Tocchet, after hiring Yogi Svejkovsky and Jay Varady, still needs to find a dedicated coach to replace the departed Brad Shaw on the defense and penalty kill sides of things.

All he needs to do now is place a call to Sergei Gonchar, his old friend from Vancouver.

Gonchar, 51, was just replaced by the Canucks with Tocchet out of the picture and new head coach Adam Foote opting to build his own coaching staff.

The two-time Stanley Cup champion (as a coach) was a defense development coach and assistant coach with Tocchet while the two were with the Pittsburgh Penguins, and Gonchar again joined Tocchet in Vancouver in 2022-23, reprising his role as a development coach.

In his first full season under Gonchar and Tocchet, Canucks captain Quinn Hughes erupted for 17 goals and 92 points, smashing his previous career highs of eight and 76, respectively.

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Penguins star Kris Letang had two of his three most productive NHL seasons under Gonchar, who also oversaw the development of defensemen like Brian Dumoulin, Marcus Pettersson, Erik Gudbranson, John Marino, Jamie Oleksiak, and Olli Maatta.

Tocchet and the Flyers would assuredly love to have a coach like Gonchar join the coaching staff, especially given the importance of player development at this point in the rebuild.

A guy who's won three Stanley Cups - two as a coach and one as a player - and played in 1,301 NHL regular season games may know a thing or two about the league. It helps, of course, that Gonchar scored 811 points as a defenseman, with 427 of them coming on the power play.

Defensemen like Cam York, Jamie Drysdale, Egor Zamula, and Emil Andrae still need to grow and learn, and prospects like Spencer Gill and Oliver Bonk will be joining the fold soon. All would benefit equally from Gonchar's tutelage if Tocchet and the Flyers can make the hire.

No solution for the last assistant coach opening was apparent, but perhaps the news of Gonchar leaving the Canucks changes things. What happens next could be massive for the Flyers.

Jonathan Toews aims for NHL return with new betting odds revealed for his next team

Jonathan Toews is officially eyeing an NHL comeback, according to multiple reports and the question becomes: where will the three-time Stanley Cup champion end up? 

After stepping away from the game due to long COVID and Chronic Immune Response Syndrome, the former Blackhawks captain announced he’s ready to return and sportsbooks like FanDuel have already released odds on his potential destination.

Before stepping away from hockey, Toews played 53 games during the 2022–23 season, tallying 15 goals and 16 assists for 31 points. His faceoff percentage remained strong at 63.1%, and he continued to be relied upon in defensive situations.

With Toews expressing interest in winning another Cup, speculation has swirled around contenders and potential fits, from his hometown Winnipeg Jets to reunion possibilities with former coaches. Now, bettors can get in on the action and wager on where “Captain Serious” might suit up next.

More NHL: 2025 Stanley Cup Final Betting Preview: Oilers-Panthers Set for Epic Rematch

Jonathan Toews Next Team Betting Odds Per FanDuel Sportsbook

• Winnipeg Jets +210
• Toronto Maple Leafs +300
• Colorado Avalanche +470
• Vegas Golden Knights +650
• Edmonton Oilers +1100
• Tampa Bay Lightning +1500
• Detroit Red Wings +1900
• Anaheim Ducks +2200
• New York Rangers +3400
• Dallas Stars +4500
• Los Angeles Kings +4500
• Washington Capitals +4500
• Minnesota Wild +4500
• Florida Panthers +4500
• New York Islanders +5000
• Calgary Flames +5000
• New Jersey Devils +5000
• Chicago Blackhawks +5500
• Carolina Hurricanes +5500
• Boston Bruins +6000

More NHL: 2026 Stanley Cup Odds: Oilers, Panthers Lead Early Contenders But One Unexpected Favourite Emerges

Top Contenders in Toews Sweepstakes:

Winnipeg Jets (+210)

Toews returning to Winnipeg would be a storybook homecoming and could be the final piece for a Jets team poised to contend. The Jets dominated the 2024–25 regular season with a league-best 56–22–4 record, earning the Presidents’ Trophy. 

Kyle Connor led the charge with 97 points, while Connor Hellebuyck secured his second straight Vezina Trophy with elite goaltending. But with captain Adam Lowry sidelined for 5–6 months after hip surgery, the Jets could use Toews’ leadership and experience down the middle. If Toews is chasing one more Stanley Cup, few teams offer a better shot than Winnipeg.

Anaheim Ducks (+2200)

This is a long shot on paper, but offers one of the most intriguing storylines. Anaheim just hired Joel Quenneville, Toews’ coach during Chicago’s dynasty run, as their new head coach. 

The Ducks are rebuilding, but a veteran like Toews could help mentor young players while giving Quenneville a familiar leader to help establish a new culture in Anaheim. We even outlined this possibility in a previous article about how Toews could fit in Anaheim’s system and at +2200 odds, this bet could be a steal.

Colorado Avalanche (+470)

Colorado remains a perennial Cup contender, and Toews would add playoff-tested depth to a core led by Nathan MacKinnon and Cale Makar. He wouldn’t need to carry the load but could play a crucial shutdown role in key matchups. He’d be joining a roster that already knows how to win.

More NHL: New Mitch Marner Next Team Betting Odds Highlight Unexpected Frontrunner

Toronto Maple Leafs (+300)

It’s always a circus in Toronto, but the Leafs remain a team on the cusp. Adding Toews could help tilt the balance, especially given their need for reliable two-way forwards in the postseason.

Plus, the spotlight would make for a high-profile final act to his career and further solidify his legend status by ending the Maple Leafs' Cup Curse. 

Vegas Golden Knights (+650)

Vegas never shies away from veteran additions and already proved it can win with a deep, physical roster. With some cap gymnastics, Toews could be the next puzzle piece in another deep playoff run.

Edmonton Oilers (+1100)

If Edmonton doesn’t capture the 2025 Stanley Cup, look for them to be aggressive in free agency. Toews could fill a similar role as Corey Perry, who's provided veteran leadership and grit as well as playoff IQ that very few have.

Toews joining the back-to-back Western Conference Champions would give him one of the best chances to chase a ring alongside Connor McDavid.

More NHL: Connor McDavid, Nathan MacKinnon Highlighted in 2026 Hart Trophy Odds

London Knights goaltender Austin Elliott has a ticket to an NHL training camp this fall.

Following his 31-save performance in the Memorial Cup Final to help the Knights win their third championship, the OHL announced that Elliott, who just finished his fifth season of junior hockey, earned a spot at Toronto Maple Leafs training camp in September.

"London Knights goaltender Austin Elliott has been a key difference maker this season," the OHL posted to X on Sunday night, "and he earned a free-agent invite to the Maple Leafs training camp this off-season!"

Maple Leafs Prospect Easton Cowan Dominates Memorial Cup, Validates Return To Junior DecisionToronto Maple Leafs prospect Easton Cowan is a Memorial Cup champion with the OHL's London Knights.

Elliott finished his junior career with the best season to date after joining OHL London after four seasons with the WHL's Saskatoon Blades. The 21-year-old netminder has a record of 52-3-0 with the Knights.

His three losses came at different points this year: one in the regular season, one in the OHL playoffs, and one in the Memorial Cup.

Elliott was the top goaltender in the OHL this season, with a .924 save percentage in 33 games. Although he went 16-1 in the league's playoffs, his save percentage dipped to .906 through 17 games. However, the Strathmore, Alberta, native returned to form in the Memorial Cup, allowing eight goals in five games and finishing the tournament with a .943 save percentage.

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The University of Massachusetts Lowell commit was named an all-star at the tournament and was awarded the top goaltender honor after stopping 31 of 32 shots in London's Memorial Cup win over the WHL's Medicine Hat Tigers.

Three players from London's championship-winning team are set to participate in Toronto's training camp. Joining Elliott is Toronto's 2023 first-round (28th overall) pick, Easton Cowan, who led all OHL players in playoff points, and forward Landon Sim, who signed a one-year AHL contract with the Toronto Marlies in May.

Elliott participated in Maple Leafs development camp in the summer of 2023.

Cowan will push for a spot on Toronto's NHL roster following a standout season. Sim, who scored 12 goals and three assists for 15 points in 17 OHL playoff games, will look to stand out and earn an AHL roster spot. Elliott will look to impress Toronto's management before beginning his college hockey career in Lowell, Massachusetts.

Tanev, Gourde Contracts And Deferred Money Provide A Blueprint For Maple Leafs To Re-Sign John TavaresJohn Tavares wants to stay in Toronto. The former Maple Leafs captain made that clear when speaking to reporters shortly after his team was eliminated in the second round at the hands of the three-time defending Eastern Conference champion Florida Panthers. This desire, coupled with the Maple Leafs' cap constraints, begs the question: How can both sides find common ground? Reportedly, the Maple Leafs would welcome him back, but not at the hefty $11 million per season salary cap hit that came with his first contract in Toronto. Recent contracts signed by other players offer a compelling glimpse into potential solutions.

Cowan can join the Marlies if he doesn't make the Maple Leafs out of camp. After losing former Toronto prospects Fraser Minten and Nikita Grebenkin at the NHL's trade deadline in March, the Marlies will be looking for scoring in the offseason.

You have to wonder if Cowan and Sim, teammates of nearly four seasons, can put together a strong debut season in pro hockey.

Photo credit: @LondonKnights / X

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Stars part ways with former Sharks coach Pete DeBoer after conference final loss originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

After three consecutive trips to the Western Conference Final, the Dallas Stars are parting ways with head coach Pete DeBoer.

General manager Jim Nill made the announcement Friday, saying DeBoer had been “relieved of his head coaching duties” and that the team would immediately begin its search for its next head coach.

“After careful consideration, we believe that a new voice is needed in our locker room to push us closer to our goal of winning the Stanley Cup,” Nill said. “We’d like to thank Pete for everything that he has helped our organization achieve over the past three seasons and wish him nothing but the best moving forward.”

DeBoer was questioned for days after he decided to bench goalie Jake Oettinger in Game 5 of the recently completed conference final against the Edmonton Oilers, which turned out to be DeBoer’s final game in charge.

“No one’s a bigger fan of Jake Oettinger than me, as a person or a goalie,” DeBoer said. “There’s one motive, and that’s how do we survive this and get it to a Game 6. And I have to live with those consequences. If it works, great, we’re in Edmonton tonight and you guys are telling me how awesome a move it was. And when it doesn’t, I’ve got to stand up here and do this, and I understand.”

DeBoer finishes his three-year tenure with the Stars with a 149-68-29 record in 246 regular-season games. DeBoer had a 29-27 record in 56 Stanley Cup Playoff games.

Though the Stars advanced to the conference final in three consecutive seasons, the team never advanced to the Stanley Cup Final.

DeBoer has been an NHL head coach since 2008 with previous stops including the Florida Panthers (2008-11), New Jersey Devils (2011-15), San Jose Sharks (2015-2019) and Vegas Golden Knights (2019-2022).

The opening game of the 2025 Stanley Cup Final was a fun and exciting affair that saw the hometown Edmonton Oilers pick up a comeback victory over the Florida Panthers.

Florida held a brief, two-goal lead early in the second period before allowing the Oilers to score once in the second, once in the third and then again in overtime to pick up the Game 1 victory and take an early lead in the best-of-seven series.

Now the Cats will look to achieve what they set out to do before the series began, and that’s head back to South Florida with a series split.

While they didn’t play their best game in Edmonton, Florida can still take solace in that they were leading for a decent amount of Game 1 and was one shot away from earning the opening victory for themselves.

The Panthers will certainly be looking for ways to sustain more offensive pressure and get more pucks on net.

They may have finished with 32 shots on goal during Game 1, but only eight of them came during the third period and overtime.

Once Florida began playing with a lead during the second period, their offense became much less consistent.

How they respond will be key.

In terms of the Panthers lineup, forward A.J. Greer remains day-to-day with a lower-body injury.

On a positive note for Florida, Greer skated on Thursday and remains a possibility to rejoin the lineup in Game 2.

We’ll have to wait and see if Panthers Head Coach Paul Maurice has any updates on Greer’s status following Florida’s morning skate on Friday at Rogers Place.

Here are the Panthers projected lines and pairings for Game 2 in Edmonton:

Evan Rodrigues – Sasha Barkov – Sam Reinhart

Carter Verhaeghe – Sam Bennett – Matthew Tkachuk

Eetu Luostarinen – Anton Lundell – Brad Marchand

A.J. Greer – Tomas Nosek – Jonah Gadjovich

Gus Forsling – Aaron Ekblad

Niko Mikkola – Seth Jones

Nate Schmidt – Dmitry Kulikov

Scratches: Mackie Samoskevich, Uvis Balinskis, Jesper Boqvist, Nico Sturm, Jaycob Megna

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Photo caption: Jun 4, 2025; Edmonton, Alberta, CAN; Edmonton Oilers right wing Corey Perry (90) blocks Florida Panthers goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky (72) in the third period in game one of the 2025 Stanley Cup Final at Rogers Place. (Perry Nelson-Imagn Images)

New Pittsburgh Penguins coach Dan Muse has a mountainous task ahead of him.

Muse, who was most recently an assistant with the New York Rangers, has to balance the needs of the here and now with the long-term needs of the Penguins. We’re not sure that a veteran coach, let alone a first-timer like Muse, will be up to that challenge.

“From his success in developing college and junior players, to his impactful work with veteran players during his time in the NHL, Dan has shown a proven ability to connect with players at all stages of their careers and help them to reach their potential,” Penguins GM Kyle Dubas said in the announcement.

There’s no question Muse has a well-balanced resume. The 42-year-old was an assistant for the 2013 NCAA-champion Yale Bulldogs, and he led Chicago of the USHL to the Clark Cup in 2017 before becoming an NHL assistant, first with the Nashville Predators from 2017 to 2020, then with the Rangers. So he’s acutely aware of the needs of veteran NHL teams, and he’s also cognizant of turning young players into pros. 

The problem with the Penguins is they’re buried in the mushy middle of the NHL, not good enough to be a playoff team and not bad enough to land elite players through the draft.

They’ve got an aged core that includes stars Sidney Crosby, Kris Letang, Evgeni Malkin and Erik Karlsson, and they’ve got young players on the way who are intent on cracking the NHL lineup next fall, such as Rutger McGroarty. To say they’re selling a mixed message to their fan base is a serious understatement.

The Penguins could use more change this off-season, with goaltending being arguably a priority.

Another question mark is the status of Karlsson, who hasn’t worked out to expectations since he arrived in Pittsburgh in 2023. Karlsson has a full no-movement clause in the remaining two years of his expensive contract, but at 35 years old, he came to the Pens intent on competing for a Stanley Cup, and barring some miraculous turnabout, that isn’t going to happen. So if Dubas can find a home for Karlsson somewhere else, he’d be a fool not to move him.

That brings the conversation back to Muse. By the time the 2025-26 season arrives, the Penguins’ lineup could look different than it looks right now. But Crosby, Malkin and Letang – all of who have their own no-movement clauses – are still likely to be with the Pens next fall. 

So what is Muse being asked to do here – win for the stars who only have a couple of seasons left in their careers, or take his lumps in the standings and try to build a new culture of winning for a new generation of players? 

To be sure, there’s no uniform philosophy for the lineup, and that could prove to be a significant problem. It doesn’t matter who is behind Pittsburgh’s bench – the Pens are going to have a very tough go of it.

The Penguins are strung between two competitive poles, and Muse has to find a balance between competing right away and being a consistent winner in the long haul. His job could shepherd the Pens into a new golden generation – or it could result in more of the same disappointment.

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The Chicago Blackhawks hired Jeff Blashill with the hope that his experience at different levels will allow him to get them going in the right direction. His time spent with great veterans and young players alike is seemingly perfect for this organization. 

A lot of the players already on the team need some help around them to take their game to another level. When that happens, winning will follow them on a more consistent basis. 

Three players, in particular, will take big steps under Blashill as he will set the tone for the new era.

Connor Bedard, F 

The Chicago Blackhawks have their entire future being built around Connor Bedard. The first overall pick in the 2023 NHL Draft has been great as a teenager in the NHL, but now he will be expected to take a big step as a point-producing forward.

Under Jeff Blashill, Bedard will be the focal point of the team’s offense. He has worked with superstar forwards like Henrik Zetterberg, Pavel Datsyuk, Dylan Larkin, Steven Stamkos, Nikita Kucherov, and Brayden Point in the past. That knowledge may help him get Bedard to another tier. 

Part of Blashill’s plan has to be figuring out what position Bedard will stick at in the long term. Is he a center or a winger? Once that is squared away, Bedard should be able to focus his game differently. Either way, expect him to become even more of an impact player under his new coach’s watch.

“Connor’s gonna get to another level,” Blashill said when he was first asked about Bedard. Another level means turning into one of the great offensive players in the NHL right now. "Like other superstars in this league, he has the drive, the want, to be the very, very best he can be."

Blashill already has a connection starting with Connor Bedard, which is important. He didn't take long to learn as much as he could about his young star. As Blashill is around Bedard's game more going forward, these mindsets will lead to success. 

Alex Vlasic, D 

Alex Vlasic had moments in 2024-25 where he was the best defenseman on the team. As Seth Jones was sent away and more young players started to come along, the pressure wasn’t as heavy on Vlasic. This was not Vlasic’s rookie year, but it was his big breakout that allowed him to stay in the NHL for the entire season.

Vlasic won a Gold Medal with Team USA this spring at the World Championships. In the role of a defensive defenseman there, his confidence in his own end has to be as high as it ever has. 

A coach like Blashill will help young Vlasic go from being a solid player to a borderline star. In his new coach’s system and with some power play time, Vlasic may get himself into consideration for the Olympics in Milan 2026. 

Expect Blashill to help him reach that potential by having him push the puck up the ice to an improved group of forwards while staying committed to his skills in his end. 

“The scouts here have done an excellent job," Blashill said of the organization's recent success in acquiring talent. "We have a number of great young players. We have an opportunity to have depth at every position and potential superstars at every position, and that’s very unique in this league."

Vlasic is one of the young players who create the depth on defense that Blashill is referring to. With other new players ready to patrol the blue line for this team, like Sam Rinzel and Artyom Levshunov, Vlasic will be one of the guys relied on to lead that depth. 

Frank Nazar, F

The Chicago Blackhawks called Frank Nazar up from the AHL's Rockford IceHogs in the middle of the 2024-25 season, and he never went back down. The offense he created, his ability on the penalty kill, and the mature game he brought to the team allowed him to stick around. 

Nazar’s offense started to show towards the end of the NHL regular season. He kept it going in the IIHF World Championships with Team USA. He co-led this Gold Medal-winning team in scoring. 

Like Vlasic, Nazar will benefit from this experience with Jeff Blashill leading the way. The new head coach will give young Nazar a lot of ice time in a top-six role, as long as he continues to produce and play well in all three zones. 

In this new Blackhawks era led by Blashill, who will surely cater to the young guys, Nazar will thrive with the expectations placed on him. Alongside some of the other young talent on the team, great development is coming up. 

"We want to score a lot and give up a little," was a half-joking answer given by Blashill when asked about his philosophy. As a head coach, he's the kind of guy who wants his most talented offensive players to be creative while respecting the defensive side of the puck. These three guys will be pillars in that quest. 

Visit The Hockey News Chicago Blackhawks team site to stay updated on the latest news, game-day coverage, player features, and more.

The Florida Panthers have been receiving steady contributions from their blueline during the playoffs.

Florida’s defensemen have accounted for 15 goals and 41 points through 18 postseason games.

Now it’s not terribly surprising to see players like Aaron Ekblad to have 11 points or Seth Jones to have three goals, but the resurgence of defenseman Nate Schmidt has been a pleasant surprise.

In Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Final against the Edmonton Oilers on Wednesday night, Schmidt had a gorgeous assist on a first period power play goal by Brad Marchand.

It was Schmidt’s first point in seven games for Florida.

He wasn’t done there, picking up another primary assist on Sam Bennett’s second goal of the game early in the second period.

Schmidt is now up to three goals and nine points during the postseason, but we have to wonder if his Game 1 helpers will spark some additional offensive production.

The veteran blueliner has seen his points come in bunches during the playoffs.

He scored three goals in a two-game span against the Tampa Bay Lightning in the first round, then he logged four assists in five games during round two against the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Those were all his postseason points prior to his two-assist outing in Edmonton, which was also Schmidt’s third multi-point game of the playoffs.

Will this be the start of another bust of offense from Schmidt?

The timing would be great for Florida, who find themselves down 0-1 in the series after dropping Game 1 in overtime.

Game 2 is set for Friday night at Rogers Place.

Considering the way his postseason has gone, placing a couple bucks on a Schmidt anytime point may be worth contemplating.

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Photo caption: Apr 22, 2025; Tampa, Florida, USA; Florida Panthers defenseman Nate Schmidt (88) is congratulated after he scored a goal against the Tampa Bay Lightning during the third period in game one of the first round of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Amalie Arena. (Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images)

The Philadelphia Flyers and New York Rangers are currently dealing with the same problem, and a K'Andre Miller trade might be the easiest way to resolve the issue.

Miller, 25, is a pending restricted free agent whose name has been dangled in trade rumors for a long time now, dating back as far as last season.

According to Cam Robinson of EliteProspects, the Rangers are letting other NHL teams know that Miller is available via trade at this week's scouting combine ahead of the 2025 NHL Draft.

As a restricted free agent, of course, the Flyers and other teams can simply bypass a Miller trade altogether and instead opt to sign the former first-round pick to an offer sheet when free agency opens on July 1.

At the same time, if the Flyers wanted to guarantee Miller's signature, they can beat other teams to the punch with a trade. In that case, they would have to weigh their trade offer against the compensation they would pay the Rangers from an offer sheet, which depends on Miller's salary from the offer sheet.

The Flyers have a similar situation growing in their hands, as an RFA defenseman of their own, Cam York, is in need of a new contract.

The issue is that, according to Anthony Di Marco of Daily Faceoff, York's camp and the Flyers have yet to make meaningful progress on a contract extension.

One thing the Flyers and Rangers can offer each other that few other teams can is a direct swap of their two disgruntled defenders, who come with different sizes and skillsets.

York, 24, was drafted 14th overall by the Flyers in the 2019 NHL Draft with the intention of developing him into a premier two-way defenseman with high-end offensive chops. To this point, though, York's best season has seen him produce 10 goals and 30 points while operating primarily as a safety valve for the buccaneering Travis Sanheim, who's scored 18 goals and 74 points over the last two seasons.

Miller, on the other hand, already has a 40-point season under his belt, scoring nine goals and 43 points in the 2022-23 season. At 6-foot-5, Miller is much larger than York and would be a much better alternative to a bottom-pairing player with little scoring upside like Nicolas Hague.

The former 22nd overall pick has played his best hockey alongside Adam Fox, a heady, highly intelligent puck-mover with an elite offensive skillset.

So, while the Flyers don't have an Adam Fox on their team, it's possible Miller could unlock a player like Jamie Drysdale.

Among all defense pairings that played 300 minutes together, Miller and Fox led the NHL with an expected goals percentage of 66.7%. In terms of generating offense, the duo led the league with 4.11 expected goals for per 60 minutes, per MoneyPuck.

If you're the Flyers, and you consider how average the team has been in the scoring department, trading Miller has to be intriguing, to say the least.

Another thing to consider: in 2024-25, the Flyers were 30th in the league in scoring from defensemen with just 132 points coming from the blueline. Only San Jose and Boston were worse. Just 25.1% of the Flyers' assists came from defensemen this season, which was 31st in the NHL ahead of only Dallas.

With John Tortorella and Brad Shaw out of town, and with Rick Tocchet building an entirely new coaching staff, there are no guarantees York will continue to insulate Sanheim on a regular basis.

That change alone could further drive Sanheim's scoring down and force the Flyers to deploy a more traditional partnership between left- and right-shot defenders. And Miller's size and skill are things the Flyers don't have on their defense aside from Sanheim.

If management insists on having a hulking cast of rearguards for future playoff runs, Miller is a great place to start if changes are made.

A trade between division rivals is hard to come by these days, but perhaps the Flyers and Rangers could find some motivation to find an agreement ahead of the 2025 NHL Draft later this month.

It's worth noting, too, that Miller and Flyers trade target Marco Rossi share an agent in Ian Pulver. It would be worth Philadelphia's while to consider killing two birds with one stone and address two big roster holes before free agency even opens.