Anyone who follows Montreal Canadiens players’ wives and girlfriends on social media will tell you that they, too, form a bit of a team. They look like a tight-knit group, and it’s always been the case. In the playoffs this year, they all wore custom jackets. A few years ago, Carey Price’s wife, Angela, and Jeff Patry’s wife, Julie, started a clothing line together, and this season, the latter started a podcast called Never Offside with Tyler Toffoli’s wife, Cat.
In the latest episode of Never Offside, the ladies welcomed their husbands to the show and chatted about various topics. Early on, both players texted Cole Caufield to see who he would text or call back first. It took over 20 minutes, but he called Toffoli first, prompting laughs and the conclusion that he likes him better.
Among the stories told was the explanation of how Petry ended up with bloodshot eyes in the playoffs in 2021, and it’s a perfect example of how tough hockey players are. In the series against the Winnipeg Jets, the defenseman was hit by Paul Stastny and unfortunately put his finger through the camera hole on the boards, breaking his finger. At the hospital, he was told he could have an operation on it that would end his playoffs, or have it put in a cast and try to play like that. Being a hockey player, he chose the second option, but as they held the finger in place to put on the cast, he passed out from the pain. It was so painful that he had his breath when he came too, and he held it so hard that all of the blood vessels in his face blew.
Petry also shared his craziest on-the-road story, and it was a good one, from this season with the Detroit Red Wings, during a road trip where traveling had been hell due to a snowstorm. The team had to make an emergency landing to let him off. The defenseman has a severe peanut allergy, and after eating soup on a flight, his throat got scratchy; he injected his EpiPen, which solved nothing. He was then given a second shot, which didn’t resolve the issue. There was a third shot available on the plane, but they told him that if they gave it to him, he could have a heart issue. Petry was devastated to make the trip from hell take even longer, but he had no choice.
While Petry didn’t leave the Canadiens in the best circumstances (he requested a trade since his family had moved back to the USA during the pandemic), he was an essential part of the Montreal defense corps for eight seasons. In the 508 games he played in Montreal, he scored 248 points and had to fulfill the responsibilities of a first defenseman through Shea Weber’s numerous injuries.
As for Toffoli, he spent less than two seasons in Montreal but quickly became a fan favourite, scoring 70 points in 89 games. He was also a key part of the Canadiens’ attack during the 2021 Stanley Cup run, contributing 14 points in 22 games. Kent Hughes' trade of him to the Flames in February 2022 marked the starting point of the Canadiens’ rebuild. In return for Toffoli, Hughes got Tyler Pitlick, Emil Heineman, a conditional first-round pick in 2022 (which became Filip Mesar), and a fifth-round pick at the 2025 draft.
The hour-long episode was worth a listen, with both Petry and Toffoli telling some interesting stories. If you want a good laugh, you can take a look at Petry’s combine picture, which was mentioned in the episode. Let’s say that he had quite the hairstyle…
The Tampa Bay Lightning's “winning culture” played a large part in one of their top pending UFAs sticking around for the long term with a significantly lower cap hit.
The 33-year-old’s production is also not the same as when he signed his last contract extension in November 2018. He tallied a career-high 25 goals and 64 points in 82 games in 2017-18, his first full season in the NHL. He’s hit 48 points three times since then, but not more. This year, he had 31 points in 57 games.
But Gourde was part of the team's back-to-back Stanley Cup championships in 2020 and 2021, and he doesn’t think their competitive window is closed.
“We want to win – I think we’re right there,” Gourde said in Monday’s press conference. “I’m so excited for the future and what’s coming.”
The undrafted center played parts of his first six NHL seasons with the Lightning.
Ahead of the 2021-22 season, the Seattle Kraken claimed him in their expansion draft. Gourde had four years remaining on his expiring six-year contract worth $5.17 million annually.
However, he returned to the Lightning two days before the trade deadline when they acquired him and right winger Oliver Bjorkstrand in a three-team trade with the Kraken and Detroit Red Wings. Tampa GM Julien BriseBois traded Michael Eyssimont, two first-round picks and a second-rounder for the former Kraken forwards.
The Saint-Narcisse, Que., native shared how excited he was to return to the Lightning and that Tampa was always at the top of his list, whether it’s a trade or a contract in free agency.
“I love Tampa,” Gourde said. “That was the biggest thing for me, getting some term… And play in Tampa for the remaining years of my career.”
In 21 regular-season games with the Lightning this season, Gourde recorded one goal and 13 assists while averaging 17 minutes of ice time. In the playoffs, he recorded one helper in five games against the Florida Panthers. Gourde also had six goals and 11 assists for 17 points in 36 games with the Kraken this year.
The Lightning made a similar transaction in the 2024 off-season to re-acquire defenseman Ryan McDonagh. Like Gourde, he was a key piece of Tampa’s back-to-back championships.
They also traded defenseman Mikhail Sergachev to the Utah Mammoth in exchange for blueliner J.J. Moser, prospect Conor Geekie, a 2024 seventh-round draft pick and a 2025 second-rounder.
Although the Lightning lost in the first round to the Florida Panthers for the second straight year, they finished second in the Atlantic Division for the first time since 2019-20.
The Lightning also have a core of Brayden Point, Guentzel, Brandon Hagel and Anthony Cirelli under contract through at least 2030. Gourde and defenseman Erik Cernak are also part of that group, while captain Victor Hedman and left winger Nick Paul are signed through 2028-29. Superstar right winger Nikita Kucherov still has two seasons left on his contract, while goalie Andrei Vasilevskiy has three years left.
Tampa Bay appears to have the parts in place to continue to strive for the Stanley Cup championship. Now, they just have to execute on that.
“The culture is the same culture that we had when we won,” Gourde said.
Winnipeg Jets prospect Jacob Julien took home the Memorial Cup with the London Knights last night, defeating the Medicine Hat Tigers in the finals.
The Knights had lost to the Tigers in the preliminary round, but answered back in the finals with a resounding 4-1 win. Julien got the scoring started for the Knights in the first period before Toronto Maple Leafs prospect Easton Cowan and Philadelphia Flyers prospect Denver Barkey combined for three goals in the second period. 2026 projected first overall pick Gavin McKenna scored in the third period for the Tigers, but it wasn't enough to mount a comeback.
The 20-year-old finished the tournament with two goals and four points in five games, improving on his three assists in four games in last year's tournament. It's the third time the Knights have won the Memorial Cup, winning it for the first time since 2016.
Julien was phenomenal all season long for the Knights, scoring 11 goals and 54 points in 65 games in the regular season before adding another six goals and 19 points in 17 postseason games en route to back-to-back OHL championships.
Listed at 6'4 181 lbs, Julien was a trusted defensive center for HC Dale Hunter. He used his size and physicality to shut down many of the best players the CHL has to offer.
The London, ON native was a fifth-round pick (146th overall) in the 2023 NHL Entry Draft and is poised to join the Manitoba Moose in the AHL next season.
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Winning three Memorial Cups in 20 years might not sound like anything too incredible, until of course you consider that it's probably more difficult than even the Stanley Cup to win.
When the London Knights captured the championship with a 4-1 over the Medicine Hat Tigers Sunday night, they ended an era that saw the likes of Easton Cowan, Denver Barkley, Jacob Julien, Oliver Bonk and Kasper Halttunen play their last games of junior hockey. But nobody would be surprised to see the Knights contend for the title again in 2025-26.
Because that's pretty much what they do. Every year.
No team in hockey has had the sustained success the Knights have enjoyed over the past two-plus decades and it all starts and ends with Mark and Dale Hunter, who combine winning with developing talent for the NHL better than anyone in the business.
Watch today's video column for more, and share your thoughts.
Mitch Marner betting odds for next team officially come out with surprising front runner ahead of the pack
As the NHL offseason storylines intensify, one remains at center stage and that's Mitch Marner, the Toronto Maple Leafs' superstar winger.
After a fabulous 102-point regular season and a playoff run where he tallied 13 points in as many games, Marner's future with Toronto is anything but certain.
With growing concerns about playoff performance in late stage games as well as harsh criticism from the public and local media, it appears Marner's days as a Maple Leaf might be over.
Entering unrestricted free agency this summer, rumors are swirling about where the 28-year-old will land on July 1st or if he will ultimately choose to stay in his hometown of Toronto.
Recent, we explored a set of potential set of odds put together by Covers.com on where Marner will go next. However, FanDuel Sportsbook has released official betting odds for Marner's next team, offering insight into how the hockey world views the Leafs’ star winger's future. Here's a breakdown of the top contenders:
Mitch Marner Next Team Odds (via FanDuel Sportsbook)
Chicago Blackhawks +430
Toronto Maple Leafs +430
Carolina Hurricanes +470
Vegas Golden Knights +500
Anaheim Ducks +750
Los Angeles Kings +850
Florida Panthers +1900
Utah Mammoth +1900
Pittsburgh Penguins +2600
Columbus Blue Jackets +2900
Philadelphia Flyers +3500
New York Islanders +3500
Detroit Red Wings +3500
San Jose Sharks +3500
Tampa Bay Lightning +6000
Ottawa Senators +6000
Winnipeg Jets +6000
All Other Teams +6000
Chicago Blackhawks (+430)
Tied for the shortest odds, the Blackhawks present a compelling case. With rising star Connor Bedard leading the charge, adding Marner could create one of the league's most formidable top lines. Chicago's ample cap space and a fanbase eager for resurgence make this a noteworthy possibility.
Toronto Maple Leafs (+430)
Despite the trade rumors, the Maple Leafs remain in contention to retain Marner. While a last-minute extension hasn't been ruled out, the team's direction and Marner's aspirations will play pivotal roles in this decision.
Carolina Hurricanes (+470)
The Hurricanes, known for their consistent playoff appearances, might view Marner as the missing piece to propel them to a Stanley Cup. His offensive prowess could complement their structured gameplay, potentially ending their Stanley Cup Finals drought.
Vegas Golden Knights (+500)
Vegas has a history of making bold moves to enhance their roster. Marner's addition could bolster their offensive depth, aligning with their win-now mentality plus the move has already been discussed according to insider reports from last summer.
In the midst of a rebuild, the Ducks are accumulating young talent. Marner's experience and skill could provide leadership and elevate the play of emerging stars like Trevor Zegras and Leo Carlsson. General Manager Pat Verbeek has been vocal about wanting his squad to make the playoffs next season and would love to make an add to ensure that, making Marner the perfect for in mind.
Los Angeles Kings (+850)
The Kings are transitioning into a competitive phase, blending veteran presence with youthful energy. Marner could be the catalyst to team continuing to build and try to get past the defending Western Conference Champion Edmonton Oilers.
Florida Panthers (+1900)
Heading into their third straight Stanley Cup Final, the Panthers might seek to add Marner to maintain their momentum. His versatility could fit seamlessly into their dynamic offensive schemes. The team is going to lose some key pieces this offseason and could add new ones back in with Marner.
Utah Mammoth (+1900)
As the NHL's newest franchise, the Mammoth are poised to make a significant splash. Securing a marquee player like Marner would instantly elevate their profile and competitiveness plus seems like a move team owner Ryan Smith is known for considering his aggressive nature with his NBA team, the Denver Nuggets.
Pittsburgh Penguins (+2600)
With Sidney Crosby's career winding down, the Penguins might aim to maximize their current window. Marner's addition could rejuvenate their offensive core and provide a bridge to the next generation.
The Blue Jackets are in search of a game-changer to revitalize their franchise. Marner's skill set could be the cornerstone of their rebuilding efforts.
Philadelphia Flyers (+3500)
Undergoing a transformation, the Flyers could view Marner as a foundational piece to expedite their return to contention. His playmaking abilities would be a boon to their evolving roster.
New York Islanders (+3500)
The Islanders, known for their defensive structure, might benefit from Marner's offensive flair. His presence could provide the scoring punch they've been seeking.
Detroit Red Wings (+3500)
Under Steve Yzerman's guidance, the Red Wings are assembling a promising squad. Marner could be the veteran leader to guide their young talents into a new era of success.
In a phase of rebuilding, the Sharks might see Marner as a player to build around, accelerating their return to playoff contention.
Tampa Bay Lightning (+6000)
With a history of success, the Lightning could consider Marner to maintain their competitive edge, especially as they manage aging core players.
Ottawa Senators (+6000)
The Senators are cultivating a young, energetic team. Adding Marner could provide the experience and skill to guide their ascent in the standings.
Winnipeg Jets (+6000)
The Jets might explore acquiring Marner to bolster their offensive depth and support their existing stars in a bid for deeper playoff runs.
🌐 All Other Teams (+6000)
While not front-runners, other NHL teams remain in the mix, potentially offering unique opportunities or packages that could appeal to Marner and the Maple Leafs.
When the Chicago Blackhawks took on the Pittsburgh Penguins on April 11th, 2023, nobody expected it to have an impact on NHL history the way that it did. Entering the game, the Pittsburgh Penguins needed to beat the Blackhawks, one of the basement teams in the league, to secure a postseason berth for the 17th year in a row.
After a scoreless first period, the Chicago Blackhawks took a 1-0 lead in the second thanks to a goal scored by Connor Murphy. They took that lead into the second intermission.
In the final frame, the course of history took a turn. After Evgeni Malkin tied it up 5:28 into the third, the Penguins looked like they had the momentum they needed to pull it off.
That was until 10:22, when Buddy Robinson put Chicago ahead for good with his first goal in a Blackhawks sweater. A handful of empty netters and meaningless goals followed for both sides, but it was Robinsin’s goal that allowed the Blackhawks to secure a victory.
Not only did this goal keep the Penguins from making it to the playoffs, ending their streak at 16 years, but many teams were also impacted (both good and bad).
For one, the Florida Panthers are the team that took that final playoff spot. One year after winning the President’s Trophy, they struggled with consistency but snuck in thanks to the Penguins’ loss.
Florida rode the wave to the Stanley Cup Final. They were defeated by the Vegas Golden Knights, but it was the start of something special. They got back to the Final again in 2023-24 and won the Cup for the first time in franchise history. Now, they are looking to repeat with a berth in the final again in 2024-25.
If they don’t sneak in thanks to the Buddy Robinson goal in 2022-23, they might overreact and make moves that don’t allow them to do what they’ve done since.
On the playoff run that the Panthers had as a result of getting in over the Penguins, they ended the Boston Bruins’ season, which saw them have the best record in the history of the NHL. In the second round, they defeated the Toronto Maple Leafs, who then fired almost their entire front office.
Even the Montreal Canadiens were impacted as they missed out on a lottery pick that they would have received as a result of a trade.
As for the Chicago Blackhawks themselves, earning those two points in the win seemed like a detriment to their lottery odds at the time, but they ended up winning it anyway. If they weren’t the third-worst team in the NHL, they likely wouldn’t win the lottery and the right to select Connor Bedard.
All of these dominoes fell the way they did because of Buddy Robinson scoring his only goal with the Chicago Blackhawks. One goal scored by a journeyman on his way out of the league changed history for a lot of teams.
The San Jose Sharks will be looking to bolster their roster this offseason, and while they have some solid options heading toward free agency, one of those options is now off the board.
Yanni Gourde, who is 33 years old, signed a six-year extension with the Tampa Bay Lightning on Monday (June 2) that has a $2.33 million average annual value. This season, he scored seven goals and added 24 assists for 31 points through 57 games, which comes out to a 0.54 points-per-game average.
The Sharks likely would have considered adding him if he hit the open market this summer, but after the recent news, they won't have a chance to sign him.
As hockey fans await the start of the Stanley Cup final between the Edmonton Oilers and Florida Panthers, some pundits are pondering Connor McDavid's future in Edmonton.
McDavid has a year remaining on his contract and will be UFA-eligible next July. The Oilers can sign their 28-year-old captain to an extension on July 1.
Larry Brooks of the New York Post acknowledged that McDavid could re-sign “without fuss or muss” this summer, becoming the first Oilers icon to spend his entire NHL career in Edmonton. However, he also wondered if No. 97 might follow the example of former Oiler Mark Messier and head to the New York Rangers next summer with or without a championship.
Bruce Arthur of the Toronto Star noted the dream of McDavid returning home to Toronto hasn't died for some Maple Leafs fans. He thinks the only way that happens is if the Oilers' superstar wins the Stanley Cup this year and decides he needs a bigger challenge, like helping the Leafs end their 58-year Cup drought.
Arthur admits the notion is a long shot. So is Brooks' idea of McDavid signing with the Rangers.
In Messier's day, the Oilers' dynasty was dismantled because their eventual-bankrupt owner couldn't afford to maintain a Cup contender in an era without cost certainty. Today, the Oilers are a contender with stable, deep-pocketed ownership, playing under a salary cap system with revenue sharing that allows them to retain their biggest stars.
Prediction: the Oilers sign McDavid this summer to an eight-year extension, making him the NHL's highest-paid player starting in 2026-27.
Meanwhile, speculation persists over whether Mitch Marner re-signs with the Toronto Maple Leafs or tests the UFA market on July 1.
The Toronto Star's Gord Stellick believes the Vegas Golden Knights will aggressively pursue the 28-year-old right winger this summer. He claimed they weren't happy with their second-round post-season exit and could shed some aging players for younger talent.
The Hockey News’ Julian Gaudio cited Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman claiming the Golden Knights discussed a trade last summer involving Marner with the Golden Knights. He believes it fell through because the Leafs wanted defenseman Shea Theodore as part of the return, and there was no guarantee that Marner would agree to the move.
Speaking of the Golden Knights, Damien Cox suggested the Leafs should follow Vegas' example by trading futures for players who can help them win the Stanley Cup. He also advocated re-signing Marner, as his departure would hurt their offense and special teams play.
Given GM Brad Treliving's recent remarks about changing the Leafs' DNA, Marner's return seems unlikely. Assuming he does and Treliving follows Vegas' example, there's no guarantee they would reach the same level of success as the Golden Knights.
In an unexpected but welcomed announcement on Monday morning, the Ottawa Senators revealed they signed defenceman Tyler Kleven to a two-year contract worth an average annual value of $1.6 million.
The terms of Kleven's deal represent a bridge deal that can bring the defenceman to restricted free agency at the conclusion of the 2026-27 season.
The Fargo, North Dakota native was slated to be a restricted free agent this summer, but with his signing, the Senators have taken one of their biggest internal items of business off their agenda.
Kleven took marked steps in his development in his first full NHL season. He tallied four goals and added six assists in 79 games while exhibiting strong defensive habits that continued to progress as the season went on.
According to Evolving-Hockey's 'total defence' (DEF) metric that combines a player's defensive contributions at five-on-five and while shorthanded into one single value, only Jake Sanderson and Artem Zub compiled more defensive value for the Senators than Kleven in 2024-25.
Most of Kleven's minutes were sheltered because he played on the third pairing in favourable matchups, but it is worth noting that Sanderson and Zub led the Senators in average shorthanded ice time per game, while Kleven only logged 19 minutes and 46 seconds of shorthanded ice time all season for an average of 15 seconds per game.
Should Travis Green and the coaching staff afford Kleven more defensive responsibilities and allow him to play regularly on the penalty kill, he should have a real opportunity to create more value for himself and the team. There is also the fact that Kleven spent most of his minutes playing alongside relatively inefficient partners in Nik Matinpalo, Jacob Bernard-Docker and Travis Hamonic.
Irrespective of who his partner was, the Senators tended to be on the wrong side of the shots (CF%), shots on goal (SF%), total goals (GF%), and expected goal (xGF%) battle.
A deeper look under the hood via HockeyViz, however, reveals that Kleven had strong isolated defensive metrics.
In the postseason, Kleven looked incredibly comfortable defending, but equally, there was a poise with the puck to elude the forecheckers and create extra time and space to generate clean exits.
His postseason play was an eye-opening performance that helped foster a belief that there is another level to his two-way game that he can reach more consistently as he gains experience and his confidence continues to grow.
Having a more effective partner would also benefit Kleven, and there is every reason to believe that will happen in 2025-26. With news that Nick Jensen had surgery this offseason to correct an undisclosed lower-body injury, it is widely believed the Senators are looking to add a right-shot defenceman to guard against the possibility that Jensen either will not be ready to start the season or may not be able to return to the level that he demonstrated in the first three months of the season.
If Kleven were a natural right-shot, he would certainly merit consideration for a top-four role. Heck, he may still get it if the asking prices in the free agent and trade markets are prohibitively expensive. With so many other organizations electing to use left-shot defencemen rather than overpay for lesser alternatives because of their handedness, the Senators could follow suit. They could pair Kleven with Chabot before targetting strong defensive left-shot options like Jon Merrill or Calvin de Haan in free agency.
The likelihood of the top-of-the-class free agents choosing Ottawa as a destination is small, but the path of using Kleven on his off-side would prevent the organization from having to overpay on the trade market as well. With an already thin farm system and the loss of their 2026 first-rounder as punishment for the organization's involvement in the Evgenii Dadonov scandal, moving a ton of futures or valued pieces off the parent roster may not be desirable.
It all depends on the return.
If the Senators find that right-shot alternative, however, it will allow Kleven to remain on the third pairing, where he would likely partner with the returning Jensen. Even if it takes time for Jensen to return to his pre-injury level, he represents a significant improvement over the alternatives.
Whereas Kleven's partners last season were more of the prototypical third-pairing sorts, Jensen is a hardworking defender who can skate and move the puck effectively - which, in theory, would create a balanced duo and give the organization three strong pairings to build off.
While Lane Hutson got most of the media attention when it came to Montreal Canadiens’ rookies, Emil Heineman was no slouch either. The Swedish winger, drafted 43rd overall by the Florida Panthers, was acquired in the Tyler Toffoli deal with the Calgary Flames in February 2022. Although he took some time to reach the NHL, he was worth the wait.
In his first full season in the NHL, Heineman showed he is ready to do whatever it takes to help his team win, even if it’s not the most glamorous job. Martin St-Louis put him on the fourth line alongside Jake Evans and Joel Armia, and the 23-year-old took to the job like a fish to water.
Unfortunately for the youngster, he suffered a freak injury when he was hit by a car in Utah in early January, which derailed his production in what had been a very respectable offensive season for a fourth-line player. The accident sidelined him until February 22, and once he returned, he could only muster a single point in 21 games, compared to 17 points in the first 41 games. In the end, he scored 10 goals and recorded eight assists in the regular season, totaling 18 points.
While his ten goals were most welcome on a team that has struggled for offensive production in the past, it’s not his offensive input that was the most valuable to the Canadiens, but his forechecking abilities. In just 62 games, he landed 173 hits, the fourth most on the team and the highest average per game with 2.79.
Heineman utilizes his 6-foot-2, 198-pound frame effectively to land punishing hits and dispossess opponents’ defensemen. He also has the speed necessary to get possession of the puck and feed it to his linemates.
Overall, I believe the youngster deserves a B+ for his performances this season. It’s not easy for a European player to adapt to the North American style of play, and Heineman was able to do it flawlessly after just one season in the AHL. His ability to perform with consistency allowed him to beat the likes of Joshua Roy for a spot in the NHL, and he never looked back.
After the Canadiens’ elimination in the first round, he was called upon to represent Sweden at the World Championships, where he recorded three points in 10 games and finished the tournament with a plus-2 rating and a bronze medal.
Photo Credit: David Kirouac-Imagn Images
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The TK-O-Train won't be leaving town anytime soon.
The Senators announced on Monday that defenceman Tyler Kleven has signed a two-year contract extension. It carries a $1.6 million average annual value through the 2026-27 season. The 23-year-old became a full-time NHL player this season, appearing in 79 regular season games and all six of Ottawa’s playoff matchups.
"Tyler’s game elevated as our season progressed,” president of hockey operations and general manager Steve Staios in a team release. “He proved to be a reliable defenceman for us during the playoffs and we expect his game will continue to mature and develop.”
Kleven was scheduled to become an RFA on July 1st. He's the second RFA defenceman that Staios has signed this off-season. He inked Nik Matinpalo to a two-year, one-way contract extension worth $875,000 a season.
More details and analysis on this breaking story coming shortly here at The Hockey News Ottawa.
Jesper Fast announced his retirement from professional hockey on Monday.
The 33-year-old Carolina Hurricanes right winger suffered a neck injury in the final game of the 2023-24 regular season, missed the playoffs and underwent neck surgery that August. He didn't play in the 2024-25 season.
"I never took for granted the privilege of playing in the best league in the world," Fast said in a statement the Hurricanes released. "I am grateful for all of the teammates, coaches, staff and fans from the Rangers and Hurricanes who made my time in the NHL so special, and for my family for everything they did to help me achieve and live my dream.
"I'd also like to thank Nassjo HC and HV71, organizations that played a vital role in my development into an NHL player."
Although Fast was a sixth-round draft pick in the 2010 NHL draft, the 157th overall pick ranks 24th overall in career scoring from that draft class, with 248 points in 703 games, and 24th in most goals, with 91.
He broke into the NHL with the Rangers in 2013-14, playing 11 games in the regular season but recording his first point in three playoff games. His first career goal came in November 2014 against the Philadelphia Flyers.
Fast split the 2013-14 and 2014-15 campaigns between the Rangers and their AHL affiliate, but he appeared in 19 games during the Blueshirts' run to the Stanley Cup final in 2015, putting up three goals and six points. He became an NHL full-timer in 2015-16, recording 30 points in 79 games. He bested that total in two of his 11 career seasons, with 33 points in 2017-18 and 34 points in 2021-22.
After logging a career-high 16:36 average ice time in 2019-20, Fast left the Rangers to sign a three-year contract worth $2 million annually with the Hurricanes. He re-signed with Carolina for two years in 2023.
In the 2023 post-season, Fast not only scored the overtime-winner in Game 2 of the first round against the New York Islanders but also the series-clincher against the New Jersey Devils in Game 5 of the second round.
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:
Anton Frondell
Position: Center Height: 6-foot-1 Weight: 198 Shoots: Left Team: Djurgarden
Scouting report
The 18-year-old Swede is one of the better players in the draft and arguably the second-best at his position.
When it comes to talent down the middle in this class, Michael Misa leads the charge as a 134-point prospect and the consensus No. 2 overall pick. Then, Frondell could be next among the pivots.
“I think Michael Misa and Anton Frondell have kind of, in my view, separated themselves,” Button, a former NHL GM and scout, said. “After that, the next group of centers, I think they’re all in a similar group.”
Frondell possesses NHL size and an excellent shot. He reads the ice well and can do a little bit of everything. As the third-ranked player in the draft on Button’s list, Frondell has some qualities similar to Aleksander Barkov, the Panthers’ center who just won his third Selke Trophy.
“Now, ‘Sasha’ Barkov is elite,” Button said. “Style of game, type of player; I’m not going to tell you he’s ‘Sasha’ Barkov, but that’s the type of game that Anton plays. He’s just what I would call a complete, two-way player. He can play heavy, he can play skilled, he can play fast, he can play defense, he can play offense. Much like Barkov, Barkov’s never going to be a 100-point player, but he’s an incredibly valuable player.”
Playing against men in HockeyAllsvenskan, a pro league a tier below the SHL, Frondell put up 25 points (11 goals, 14 assists) and a plus-11 rating over 29 games for Djurgarden. He did so in just 12:13 minutes per game.
If there’s concern, it’s that Frondell might not be ultra dynamic or have the highest ceiling. He also dealt with some leg injuries this season.
“Once he got up and running,” Button said, “he really showed that he can have a real impact.”
(Michael Miller/Getty Images)
Fit with Flyers
Given that center is one of their biggest organizational needs, Frondell should be appealing to the Flyers. While there’s debate about his ceiling, there doesn’t seem to be a real low floor. There’s clear top-six potential, he can play the wing and he has all-situation strengths.
“He’s so smart,” Button said. “He just knows how to play — everywhere.”
With his size and shot, Frondell could provide the Flyers a nice balance down the middle in the future. Jett Luchanko, the club’s first-rounder from last summer, is a speed-driven, pass-first center.
The Flyers should have a solid read on Frondell. They evaluate Sweden heavily, led by their director of European scouting Joakim Grundberg.
