The Nashville Predators have announced that they've acquired forward Ross Colton and goalie Isak Posch from the Colorado Avalanche.
The Predators are sending back their own 3rd round pick in the 2026 NHL Draft, as well as Colorado’s 3rd round pick in the 2027 NHL Draft and goalie Magnus Chrona. Colorado's pick was previously acquired in another deal.
This is the first move that Chris MacFarland has made as general manager of the Predators. And it's a move to bring a player that he bought to the Avalanche to his new team.
Colton, 29 scored nine goals and 15 assists for 24 points in 73 games last season. He is known as a bit of a sparkplug who uses his body to energize his teammates. He had 159 hits last season, which was third on the Avalanche.
In a statement released by the Predators, MacFarland had this to say:
“We are very excited to add Ross Colton to our forward mix,” MacFarland said. “Ross is a versatile, two-way winger who will add sandpaper and grit into our middle six group.”
As for Posch, he is an AHL goalie who played the last two seasons with the Colorado Eagles. In the 2025-26 season, he had a record of 15-8-4.
MacFarland also commented on the acquisition of Posch.
“Isak Posch is a talented young netminder who was selected to play in the AHL All-Star game this past year,” MacFarland said. “He is a big goaltender who will add to our already impressive goalie depth.”
The Colorado Avalanche have traded forward Ross Colton (no salary retention) and goaltender Isak Posch to the Nashville Predators in exchange for a 2026 third-round pick (Predators), a 2027 third-round pick (Avalanche), and goaltender Magnus Chrona.
We have traded Players (F) Ross Colton and (G) Isak Posch to Nashville in exchange for Nashville’s own 3rd round pick in the 2026 NHL Entry Draft, Colorado’s own 3rd round pick in the 2027 NHL Entry Draft (previously transferred to Nashville in a prior transaction), and Player… pic.twitter.com/59E6WfYRlN
Ross Colton has been a name this entire season, especially at the trade deadline, as a player the Avalanche might want to move off for salary cap reasons, and now they have successfully done so without having to give up any draft picks or valuable prospects.
Moving off his $4 million cap hit now frees up just under $7 million for the Avalanche to re-sign some key free agents this summer.
Isak Posch was a young goaltender prospect who played pretty well with the AHL Colorado Eagles, finishing with a 15-8-7 record, a .891% save percentage, and a 2.78 goals-against average.
In return, Magnus Chrona is a 6-foot-6 goaltender whom the Tampa Bay Lightning drafted in the fifth round of the 2018 NHL Entry Draft. This past season with the Milwaukee Admirals, he had a down season compared to his previous seasons, finishing with a 9-11-6 record, a .894 SV%, and a 2.94 goals-against average.
Former Senator Vaclav "Vinny" Prospal is back in the NHL.
13 years after his long 1108-game NHL career came to a close, Prospal returned to the league on Monday when the St. Louis Blues signed him to a multi-year contract to be one of Jim Montgomery's assistant coaches, starting this fall.
In a team press release, Montgomery spoke highly of the former Senator, who played in Ottawa from 1998 to 2001.
Steve Warne and Gregg Kennedy discuss how new NCAA eligibility rule may affect NHL scouts' draft evaluations.
“Vinny brings a creative offensive mind, honed by his success as a player on the power play and five-on-five," Montgomery said.
Over the past three seasons, Prospal has been learning the North American coaching ropes as an assistant coach with the Rochester Americans, Buffalo's top farm club. Before that, he served three years as head coach of a pro team in Czechia, and did two years as an assistant coach of his national team.
Now 51, Prospal can look back on an outstanding NHL career, appearing in 1,108 games, 213 with Ottawa, and scoring 765 career points. He suited up for Czechia at the 2006 Winter Olympics, and twice won gold at the Worlds.
His arrival in Ottawa in March of 1998 was the end of a disappointing chapter for the Senators organization, which had nothing to do with Prospal. When the Sens drafted Quebec Junior phenom Alexandre Daigle in 1993, the entire hockey world thought they had acquired the game's next great superstar.
Daigle ended up being a good NHL player, but certainly not a great one. When they finally accepted that and moved on, the Senators dealt him to Philadelphia for Pat Falloon, who went second overall in the 1991 NHL Draft after Eric Lindros. Falloon never panned out either, and he played just 28 career games with the Sens.
But the Sens also got Prospal in that deal, and though he was merely a third-round pick by the Flyers, he was by far the best player in the deal.
In January of 2001, after his slow start to the season, Prospal was traded to Florida for a mid-round draft pick, which was a terrible decision in hindsight.
Prospal went on to play 818 more games in the NHL.
With each passing day, we are closer to July 1, the day free agency begins. As we inch closer to that, the likelihood of the Florida Panthers re-signing goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky decreases.
If the Panthers do move on from their longtime goaltender, seven years to be exact, they’ll need to be quick in finding a replacement.
Whether it’s through a trade or via free agency, the Panthers have high-end options to consider. Today, we are going to look at five options the Panthers can explore.
Connor Hellebuyck, Winnipeg Jets
Connor Hellebuyck is the big fish, the league-altering move that the Panthers can make. To bring Hellebuyck to Florida from the Winnipeg Jets, the Panthers will have to pay a premium price in a trade.
The move would be worth it, as Hellebuyck is a three-time Vezina Trophy winner with an Olympic gold medal to his name.
At 33 years old and entering the third season of a seven-year, $8.5-million contract, Hellebuyck would be the Panthers’ starting goaltender for a long time, following the footsteps of Bobrovsky.
Like Hellebuyck, Jordan Binnington is a proven winning goaltender who is coming off a difficult season despite starting in the gold medal game of the Olympics.
The St. Louis Blues might be looking to go in a different direction with Joel Hofer in net, and it appears time to move on from Binnington. A change of scenery could do the 32-year-old well.
Unlike Hellebuyck, Binnington is entering the final year of a $6-million contract. This could work out positively or negatively for the Panthers. If he doesn’t pan out, they can let him walk in free agency the following summer, but if he does well, there’s the risk that he can go hunting for a high-paying contract.
Binnington would cost less than Hellebuyck, but it still wouldn’t be cheap.
Jacob Markstrom is the third veteran goaltender the Panthers could trade for. At 36 years old, Markstrom would be a short-term option for the Panthers, and a reunion.
Markstrom began his career with the Panthers after they selected him with the first pick in the second round of the 2008 NHL draft. He would play just 43 games with the Panthers before moving to the Vancouver Canucks, Calgary Flames, and, most recently, the New Jersey Devils.
Markstrom’s past two seasons with the Devils haven’t been great, but could former Panthers assistant GM Sunny Mehta pull off a move with Bill Zito?
Frederik Andersen guided the Carolina Hurricanes to 13 of their 16 wins in the Stanley Cup playoffs, as he dealt with injuries in the last three wins.
He was outstanding through the first three rounds as the Hurricanes lost just one game.
Unlike the first three mentioned names, Andersen is a UFA, and acquiring him wouldn’t require the Panthers to trade for him. At 36 years old, Andersen would also be a short-term option for the Panthers.
Sebastian Cossa is the youngest goaltender of this group, but by far the least experienced.
At just 23 years old, Cossa has played just one NHL game but has posted stellar numbers in the AHL. As a former 2021 first-round pick, Cossa has the pedigree of a starting goaltender; he just hasn’t been provided the opportunity.
While it’s not usually in the Panthers’ nature to trade for young, unestablished players, it could be a calculated gamble that pays off greatly for the Panthers.
For action-packed issues, access to the entire magazine archive and a free issue, subscribe to The Hockey News at THN.com/free.
See more of The Hockey News on Google and save us as a preferred source.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.
Montreal Canadiens goaltender Jacob Fowler undoubtedly had a successful 2025-26 season. This is because he not only had success at the AHL level with the Laval Rocket but also proved to the Canadiens that he is ready for the NHL.
In 27 games this season with Laval, Fowler posted a 19-7-1 record, a 2.23 goals-against average, a .916 save percentage, and three shutouts. At the NHL level with the Canadiens, he had a 9-6-2 record, a .908 save percentage, a 2.43 goals-against average, and one shutout.
With numbers like these, it is clear that Fowler had a strong season in both leagues. However, with the 21-year-old having a ton of potential, it would not be surprising if we see him hit another new level next season.
Fowler has the potential to blossom into a star NHL goalie, and he should improve as he continues to gain more experience. If he does take another step forward next season, it would be huge for a Habs club that is entering its Stanley Cup window.
It is going to be interesting to see what kind of season Fowler can put together for the Canadiens in 2026-27. There is a lot to like about his game.
With the Stanley Cup playoffs now in the rearview, the landscape for the NHL offseason is becoming clearer by the day. The Anaheim Ducks are currently projected to have $38.8 million in cap space, and the biggest hole in their lineup remains on the right side of their blueline.
The Athletic’s Pierre LeBrun reported on Tuesday that veteran pending unrestricted free agent defenseman John Carlson (36), via his agent Rick Curran, has relayed to Ducks general manager Pat Verbeek that Carlson intends to remain unsigned and head to the UFA market on July 1.
“I’ve had good discussions with Pat,” Curran told LeBrun. “I told him how much John enjoyed his time in Anaheim. But his preference is to return and play in the East, closer to family and the familiarity with it. Pat was naturally disappointed but completely understood.”
The Ducks acquired Carlson at the 2026 trade deadline from the Washington Capitals in exchange for a conditional 2026 first-round pick and a 2027 third-round pick.
The goal of the acquisition was to reward the Ducks for their position in the standings, give them the best chance of making the playoffs, and the best chance of succeeding once there. Following the trade, Verbeek stated his intention to attempt to re-sign Carlson at the season’s end.
Carlson was injured at the time of the trade, but he returned to action on March 15, with 16 games remaining in the 2025-26 regular season. After some tense moments down the stretch where their standings position was in question, the Ducks qualified for the NHL Playoffs for the first time since 2018, going 7-6-3 with Carlson in the lineup.
To the Ducks’ lineup, Carlson brought with him a veteran poise and offensive production. He scored 14 points (3-11=14) while averaging 24:11 in 16 regular season games in Anaheim. He was instrumental in the Ducks’ first-round defeat of the Edmonton Oilers, and though he didn’t get the McDavid matchup during those games, he provided a quality two-way impact and notched four assists.
Carlson only tallied two assists in the Ducks second round series against the Vegas Golden Knights, as the entire team had a difficult time cracking the Knights’ zone coverage and penalty kill.
The Ducks were one of the NHL’s worst defensive teams in 2025-26, and are a young team looking to build on their year and become sustainable contenders for years to come. So, the acquisition of Carlson, who can mostly be considered an “offensive defenseman” at this stage in his career, and was on an expiring contract, may have caused some to scratch their heads. Especially given the reported availability of defensemen like MacKenzie Weegar, Colton Parayko, and Rasmus Ristolainen at the deadline, all of whom either have more term, are younger, and are better stylistic fits.
Reports indicate that Carlson’s preference will be to return to the East Coast on his next contract. Other Ducks right-shot defensemen Radko Gudas and Jacob Trouba are also pending UFAs, leaving Drew Helleson, Ian Moore, and Tristan Luneau as the only RHDs in the Ducks’ organization with NHL experience.
The first-round pick that the Ducks sent to Washington in exchange for Carlson will be the 18th overall pick on June 26. It will mark the first time since 2017 that the Ducks won’t have a pick on the first day of the NHL Draft.
The signing of T.J. Hughes out of the NCAA has been a wonder for the Colorado Avalanche. The Hobey Baker finalist, in his short span with the AHL Colorado Eagles, has already shown the fanbase and organization what's to come from him and how things can look even better.
Despite the Eagles losing to the Chicago Wolves in the Western Conference Finals in the Calder Cup Playoffs, as every game and series passed, Hughes managed to get more and more comfortable and show off different elements of his game that can really show how a successful training camp could have him as a runner-up for the final spot on the Avalanche 2026-27 opening night roster.
A Great Fit For The Middle-Six
After finishing his season with the University of Michigan and signing with the Avalanche, he played only two regular-season games before the team prepared for the playoffs, finishing with a goal and an assist. While his first couple of games showed some nervousness and unfamiliarity with the environment, in every game that followed, he showed increasing confidence with his linemates and the AHL's style of play.
By the end of the Eagles' run of the playoffs, he finished with four goals and 10 assists for 14 points in seventeen games played. That's the third most points on the team behind Tristen Nielsen (17) and Ivan Ivan (15). Before Game 3 of the Calder Cup Finals between the Toronto Marlies and the Wolves, Hughes is still ninth in terms of scoring in the entire playoffs.
What really stands out in his game is his playmaking, as he can read plays and make the most of them however he can, all while playing as the second-line center. He was able to follow the play well and be in position for loose pucks, and while four goals wasn’t the most on the team, his shot volume was high as he finished with 54 shots on goal, the second most on the team behind Neilsen (56) and still fourth most among all AHL playoff skaters.
What really interests me is how the Avalanche could use him if he makes the lineup. While he is naturally a center, we have seen him play on the right wing at times, which opens up possibilities within the lineup. He probably won't play a center role in the top six, but he could see time on the wing if the role fits or if there is an injury.
The most sense is in a bottom-six position right away as a center to utilize his skills to the fullest, with players like Parker Kelly, Logan O’Connor, and Nicolas Roy; many defensive players can help Hughes while matching his speed and skills on offense.
How This Offseason Could Determine His Role
The Avalanche are in for a ride this offseason, and it's already started pretty hot. From fans wanting head coach Jared Bednar fired to General Manager Chris MacFarland, who is leaving for the Nashville Predators, change is on the way, and we learned that from Joe Sakic at the end-of-season media conference.
The bottom six as a whole could look a lot different to start next season. Joel Kiviranta is an unrestricted free agent, and Jack Drury and Zakhar Bardakov are restricted free agents. I’ve made my case for why Drury should be a key focus for the Avalanche to keep, but we could see Kiviranta go, with Bardakov as another player between the Eagles and Avalanche on a two-way deal.
Then there's the cap situation: the Avalanche have just under $3 million in cap space, and that's not gonna be enough if they want to keep Drury and Brett Kulak. So we could be looking at cap casualties like Ross Colton or Valeri Nichushkin.
If this team wants to match last season's success, it needs production up and down the lineup, as it did. With how well Kelly played last season, the ability to get a full season of a healthy O’Connor, and hopes of re-signing Drury with Roy to fill out the center positions, a guy like Colton needs to go, given his cap hit and limited production.
Before signing Hughes, other playoff teams in the league thought Hughes could jump right into their lineup and help produce. With what Hughes showed this playoff run with the Eagles, it's time for the Avalanche to put that faith into him and reap the benefits of his cheap ELC to improve other areas of the team.
David Pagnotta: Re TJ Hughes (college free agent): Teams like Toronto and Edmonton have viewed him as a player that can step in and play with some of the big boys right out of the gate - The Sheet (4/3)
The Carolina Hurricanes have barely had time to pop the champagne and the sportsbooks are already moving on, posting their early Stanley Cup odds for the 2026-27 season.
As always with early markets, there are numbers that make sense and numbers that are going to raise eyebrows, and perhaps none raises more eyebrows than what oddsmakers have done to the Winnipeg Jets.
Just one season removed from winning the Presidents' Trophy as the NHL's best regular season team, the Jets find themselves tied for the eighth-worst Stanley Cup odds in the entire league at +8000.
That number puts Winnipeg in the same company as the New York Rangers, a team that finished with the third-worst record in the NHL this past season. The message from the sportsbooks is that they do not believe the Jets will improve next season and may actually get worse.
It is a stunning fall from grace for a franchise that was considered among the elite teams in the Western Conference not long ago. A combination of poor roster decisions and underwhelming additions derailed what should have been a serious Cup run, and Winnipeg ended up missing the playoffs entirely. The market is clearly pricing in that disappointment and expressing serious doubt about the organization's ability to course correct quickly.
Meanwhile, at the top of the board, the Colorado Avalanche open as the outright favorites at +700, with the Hurricanes right behind at +750 as they chase back-to-back titles and a chance to become the fourth consecutive repeat champion since 2016. The Vegas Golden Knights, fresh off a Finals appearance, are listed at +1000 as they look to go one step further next spring.
At the back of the pack, the Vancouver Canucks sit at +50000 and the Calgary Flames at +30000, two franchises that face significant rebuilding before entering any serious contention conversation.
But back to Winnipeg, because the Jets situation deserves a closer look before anyone writes them off entirely. The top of their forward group remains genuinely dangerous, with elite talent that most teams in the league would envy. The issue this past season was depth, and that is precisely where this summer's free agent market sets up favorably for them.
This is shaping up to be one of the stronger free agency classes in recent years when it comes to middle-six and bottom-six options, exactly the kind of players Winnipeg needs to replenish around their core stars.
General manager Kevin Cheveldayoff has cap space to work with and a clear understanding of where this roster needs to be fixed. If he hits on two or three of the right depth additions this summer, the Jets could look like a dramatically different team by October. A franchise with Connor Hellebuyck in net, a proven top-six and a replenished supporting cast is not a +8000 team.
For bettors willing to look past one difficult season, the Jets may represent the best value on the entire board heading into 2026-27. The sportsbooks have lost faith in Winnipeg and the Jets may make it a costly mistake for them.
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.
Now that the Carolina Hurricanes have emerged as Stanley Cup champions in just 19 games, it has become clear that there was no shame in the Senators' first-round exit.
The 'Canes lost one game in the Eastern Conference bracket, and it came on the heels of an 11-day layoff and back-to-back series sweeps.
The question most often asked now is:
“Who was Carolina's toughest opponent in the playoffs?”
The Hockey News Ottawa's Steve Warne discusses with Gregg Kennedy how new NCAA eligibility rules could lead to some sleeper picks at the draft.
Does it really matter?
For the record, when comparing the Hurricanes' four playoff foes, the Senators basically had the least effective offence and the most effective defence.
But more importantly, what can Sens GM Steve Staios glean from watching the 'Canes playoff run if he wants the Senators to enjoy similar success?
Apr 25, 2026; Ottawa, Ontario, CAN; Ottawa Senators left wingers Warren Foegele and Fabian Zetterlund and defenseman Carter Yakemchuk (58) and center Tim Stutzle (180 and defenseman Nikolas Martinpalo (33) stand on the ice following their loss of game four against the Carolina Hurricanes in the first round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at the Canadian Tire Centre. Mandatory Credit: Marc DesRosiers-Imagn
Patience
Carolina had Rod Brind’Amour as head coach for the last eight years through the highs and lows. He was an assistant for seven years before that. They kept most of their core together, including Conn Smythe winner Jordan Staal, who's been there throughout Brind’Amour’s entire head-coaching tenure, using the philosophy 'if you build it, they will come.'
'They,' in this case, is the likes of Taylor Hall and Nikolaj Ehlers who could smell a winner.
The Senators can’t run the same team back from last season and inspire confidence in their fans. However, if they believe in the core, then they need to keep them together and build around them.
Keep the core of Tkachuk (8 yrs), Stutzle (6 yrs), Sanderson (4 yrs), Batherson (6 full yrs) and Chabot (9 yrs) together and the missing pieces in free agency will come.
Structure
The Hurricanes' structure and ability to impose their will on their opponents with speed and cohesion were a huge part of their series against the Senators, and when they had that in the other series, it wasn’t even close.
The good news on that front is that Travis Green and his staff have definitely instilled structure within the game plan without sacrificing the natural skill of their star players.
However, it was Carolina dictating terms against the Senators and not the other way around during that playoff series.
So there is still work to be done.
Wisdom in Free Agency
Teams that try to right the ship in free agency often end up sinking, with ill-advised contracts being given out. Above all, the Senators should be looking to find players who fit the mould of a player who can fit with what Green is trying to do.
Carolina signed Ehlers to an eight-year deal because he's a player with high skill, but can also play with the pace that Brind’Amour was looking for.
The sign and trade to get K’Andre Miller allowed the Canes to get a mobile, puck-moving defenseman with size, which every team wants. It was also a shrewd piece of asset management that allowed Carolina to get Miller for the full eight-year extension.
These acquisitions weren't designed to be team-altering; they were meant to surround the core and fit with the team identity.
If you will forgive the baseball analogy, the Senators don’t need to swing for the fences this summer. They just need to advance the runners
They need to replace what's missing organically or through wisely spent free agent dollars, focusing on filling holes with the right player fit.
Cap Discipline
With the cap going up $8.5 million to $104 million next season, a lot of focus is on whether or not the Senators will spend to the cap. Michael Andlauer suggested at the recent Sens Alumni golf tournament that he's willing to do whatever it takes in that area.
As the Canes accepted the Stanley Cup on Sunday night, they were nearly $12 million under the cap. That should show that it’s the quality of money spent, not quantity.
Extensions for the likes of Jordan Spence (2026 RFA), Batherson, Zub, and Amadio (UFA’s in 2027) should be as much or more of a priority for Staios than summer spending on free agents.
All four will come at a cost. However, they are the known quantities. They fit what Green is trying to do.
Watch the Waiver Wire
The Senators had goaltending issues almost from the outset, with neither of their goalies being effective early on.
But Brandon Bussi was right there for the taking.
Bussi had no experience, and his performance this year was surely a surprise even to the Canes. The Senators' pro scouting needs to identify these types of players the way the Carolina's did, or the way the Florida Panthers did in claiming Sens defenseman Donovan Sebrango.
The Hurricanes are going to be a force for years to come based on these lessons. If Ottawa wants to keep pace, and perhaps meet them again later in the playoffs, they need to borrow from this model.
The Golden Knights are a win-now team, evidenced by them firing Bruce Cassidy with eight games left in the regular season and hiring Tortorella. The move worked as Tortorella turned around the slumping team, won the Pacific Division and three rounds of the playoffs before Vegas lost to the Carolina Hurricanes in the Stanley Cup Final.
One of the bigger available names, Peter Laviolette, was hired by the Los Angeles Kings. The Toronto Maple Leafs and Edmonton Oilers are far along in their coaching searches, which could take more names out of circulation. Craig Berube is available, but would a reunion with Mitch Marner be a good thing?
Here are potential candidates for the Golden Knights' coach opening:
Ryan Craig, Henderson Silver Knights coach
He's the coach of the Golden Knights' American Hockey affiliate and was an assistant coach on Vegas' 2023 championship team, so he'll be familiar to players. He got Henderson to the second round of the AHL playoffs this year. It seems as some point, he will get the job.
Hire from within
John Stevens and Dominique Ducharme are former NHL head coaches. Stevens was an assistant coach for the 2012 and 2014 champion Kings and the 2023 Golden Knights. Ducharme led the Montreal Canadiens to the 2021 Stanley Cup Final, getting past the Golden Knights along the way.
Jay Woodcroft, Anaheim Ducks assistant coach
Woodcroft worked with star players on the Edmonton Oilers in Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, and the Golden Knights have plenty of stars. Edmonton reached the conference finals in his first season in 2021-22 and had 50 wins in his second season. He was fired after a slow start in this third season.
Patrick Roy, former New York Islanders coach
He's a big name who had success in junior hockey. But he might not be a good fit because he has never advanced out of the first round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs. The Islanders replaced him with four games left in the regular season.
Marcus Pettersson wants to remain a member of the Vancouver Canucks.
The defenceman, who has a no-move clause in the six-year, $5.5M AAV contract he signed with Vancouver last February, had his name pop up in trade rumours within the past day or so. San Jose Sharks reporter Sheng Peng spoke on the veteran’s desire to move during this week’s episode of his podcast, San Jose Hockey Now.
“Pettersson is motivated to move, I think. That’s what I understand. That’s what I think. I don’t know that for sure.”
Earlier today, this thought was denied by CHEK TV’s Rick Dhaliwal, who obtained information via Pettersson’s agent, Peter Wallen. In Dhaliwal’s report, Wallen noted that Pettersson is “thrilled to see what the new management crew will bring and lead them to.”
Pettersson will be entering his 10th NHL season in 2026–27. Despite only just turning 30 in May, the defenceman has already been considered one of Vancouver’s veterans — the only players older than him with contracts through next season are Thatcher Demko and Kevin Lankinen.
Apr 14, 2026; Vancouver, British Columbia, CAN; Vancouver Canucks goalie Kevin Lankinen (32) watches as Los Angeles Kings forward Anze Kopitar (11) battles with defenseman Marcus Pettersson (29) in the third period at Rogers Arena. Mandatory Credit: Bob Frid-Imagn Images
Towards the end of the 2025–26 season, Pettersson spoke to The Hockey News about what he’s looking forward to about being a Canuck despite the rebuilding position the organization is in.
“We’re rebuilding. Everybody expects and thinks, it’ll be tough, but it doesn’t have to be. We can still win games. We’ve got great players. We’ve gone on runs — the December New York trip was a really good one for us — where we can actually see, ‘okay, we can string a few together and get off to a good start.’ Anything can happen.”
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.
As per an announcement from the team, Vegas Golden Knights General Manager Kelly McCrimmon has announced that head coach John Tortorella will not return to the team's coaching staff following the 2025-26 season.
Hired with just eight games left in the season, he took over for Bruce Cassidy and led the Golden Knights all the way to the Stanley Cup Final, where Vegas lost in six games to the Carolina Hurricanes.
Vegas Golden Knights General Manager Kelly McCrimmon has announced John Tortorella will not return to the team's coaching staff following the 2025-26 season.
— Vegas Golden Knights (@GoldenKnights) June 16, 2026
It was believed that the hiring was only meant to be temporary. It was more a change at the helm that was needed, with Cassidy's message no longer getting through, and the Golden Knights needing a push. Torts was the guy to give it to them.
However, as NHL insider Elliotte Friedman notes, "As Tortorella said before the Cup Final, his contract expires June 30. He still wants to coach. Vegas had indicated they wanted him for the rest of the season and had a plan for next year."
Where do the Golden Knights go from here? Many believe the plan is to hire Ryan Craig, the current AHL Henderson head coach and former Golden Knights assistant. He played for Kelly McCrimmon at WHL Brandon and it's expected he's their succession plan.
Where does that leave Tortorella?
The most obvious choices are the Toronto Maple Leafs and the Edmonton Oilers.
Tortorella has been linked to the Oilers, but mostly because they've been linked to almost everyone that coaches his style -- push hard and hold players accountable. They tried to interview Bruce Cassidy. That was squashed and it's not clear if the Golden Knights will change their stance on allowing an interview to take place, or if the Oilers even want one now. The Oilers then shifted to Mike Babcock, but the NHL is undergoing an investigation into his conduct from 2023. It's unclear how that whole process will shake out and if there will be hurdles to jump if the Oilers want to bring Babcock in.
Ironically, the safest and easiest option may be Torts.
A polarizing coach that doesn't always get along with media, he's said to be great with the players. He forces them into achieving attainable but often uncomfortable goals. Many players have moved on, but remembered their time with him. If he wants to coach, the Oilers' job might be attractive.
Then again, so might be the Toronto job. However, it seems unlikely the Maple Leafs are his landing spot. GM John Chayka said the team in in the final stages or hiring their coach, and they aren't allowed to speak with Tortorella yet. It seems odd they would be close to hiring someone they've not spoken with.
The Toronto Maple Leafs made a big trade on Tuesday with the Philadelphia Flyers, exchanging defensemen and goaltenders, along with a third-round pick going Toronto's way.
There are four players in this trade, but the centerpiece in terms of the return for Toronto is Emil Andrae. In fact, this trade alone has checked off multiple boxes for GM John Chayka and the Maple Leafs.
"It allowed us to create some flexibility," Chayka said of the trade on Tuesday.
Toronto's brass recognized that goaltending depth is a strength in the organization. Meanwhile, the Leafs defense could use a tweak or two as they struggled to break the puck out cleanly last season and finished with the second-most goals against in the NHL.
Acquiring Andrae satisfies a couple of needs for the Maple Leafs. That includes his ability to get up the ice, move the puck, and be a mobile defenseman. Those are all attributes that are limited in Toronto's back end ahead of this trade with Philadelphia.
"Emil Andrae is a player that I've watched for a number of years," Chayka said. "Smart, competitive player, helps us break the puck out more efficiently, a good puck-mover that can also join the rush."
Another perk to bringing in Andrae to the Leafs' roster is his age. The 24-year-old defenseman immediately becomes the youngest D-man on the team's regular roster, with 29-year-old Philippe Myers being the next youngest on that blueline.
"We're getting a good, young 'D,'" Chayka said. "We could use some more defense in that age group."
Andrae was drafted in the second round of the 2020 draft at 54th overall. The Swedish 5-foot-9 defenseman played 61 games with the Flyers last season, posting two goals and 11 assists for 13 points.
While averaging 15:20 of ice time in the regular season, Andrae finished with the second-best plus-minus rating at a plus-15 with Philadelphia. Only Noah Cates finished with a better rating, with a plus-26.
The addition of Andrae certainly checked multiple boxes as Chayka and the Maple Leafs kick off their off-season on the trade front, but the 2026 third-round pick that they also received isn't nothing.
Chayka was able to add another draft pick to Toronto's cupboards. The organization now has eight picks for the 2026 draft, four of which are coming in the first three rounds.
With plenty of work still to do, the reasoning behind a trade like this is reasonably clear.
See more of The Hockey News on Google — Save us as Preferred Source
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.
“Dad, there will never ever be enough words in the world to describe how incredibly lucky I was to have you as my dad,” Madison wrote. “Never in a million years would I have thought this day would come. There will forever be a void in my heart, but forever a spot just for you.
“The father, husband, son, man, friend, coach, hockey player, and everything in between that you were is truly indescribable. The lessons you taught me, the strength you showed me, and the person you pushed me to become every single day- I carry all of it with me.
Former Chicago Blackhawks forward Kyle Calder and his daughter, Madison Calder. Instagram/Madison Calder
“Thank you for being my biggest fan through every stage of my life. Thank you for loving me unconditionally. I would give anything for one more conversation, one more hug, one more ‘I love you,” or to hear your voice one more time.
“I love you more than anything in the world to the moon and back infinitely. Save me a spot on the ice, Dad. I know you’re skating around in heaven cheering all of us on from above. Fly high 6/15/26. Love, your Annie.”
Kyle Calder #19 of the Chicago Blackhawks skates against the Toronto Maple Leafs during NHL game action on February 3, 2004 at Air Canada Centre in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Getty Images
Calder was selected by the Blackhawks in the fifth round (No. 130) of the 1997 NHL Draft and played in 590 career games, including 18 Stanley Cup playoff games, with the Chicago Blackhawks, Philadelphia Flyers, Detroit Red Wings, Los Angeles Kings and Anaheim Ducks.
His best season was 2005-06 with the Blackhawks when when the forward set NHL career highs in goals (26) and points (59) in 79 games.
Chicago Blackhawks’ Kyle Calder (C) celebrates his goal with teammates Alex Zhamnov (13) and Phil Housley in Game 1 of their Stanley Cup playoff series against the St. Louis Blues at the Savvis Center in St. Louis, Missouri April 18, 2002. REUTERS
“The Chicago Blackhawks mourn the loss of Kyle Calder and extend our deepest condolences to Kyle’s family during this extremely difficult and tragic time,” Blackhawks owner Danny Wirtz said in a statement.
“Kyle approached life with the same passion, intensity and incredible dedication that defined his play. His commitment to the game remained strong long after his professional career ended, sharing his love for hockey with all generations of players through his work with Little Blackhawks, local youth teams and the Chicago Blackhawks Alumni Association. While Kyle’s time with us was far too short, I’m comforted in knowing his legacy will live on for many years to come.”
Calder last played with the Ducks in the 2009-10 season.
He retired after playing 27 games for Bakersfield of the ECHL in 2011-12.
After that, Calder remained involved in youth hockey and coached teams in Chicago, Los Angeles and Boston since 2018.
The Carolina Hurricanes have barely had time to pop the champagne and the sportsbooks are already moving on, posting their early Stanley Cup odds for the 2026-27 season. As always with early markets, there are some numbers that make sense and others that are going to raise a few eyebrows around the league.
Leading the way is the Colorado Avalanche, who open as the outright favorites at +700. The Hurricanes sit right behind them at +750, giving Carolina a realistic shot at becoming the fourth back-to-back Stanley Cup champions since 2016. The Vegas Golden Knights, who fell short in the Final this spring, are listed at +1000 as they look to rebound and finish the job next time around.
At the other end of the board, the Vancouver Canucks find themselves at the very back of the pack at +50000, with the Calgary Flames just ahead of them at +30000. Both franchises have considerable ground to cover before anyone seriously considers them legitimate contenders.
The Detroit Red Wings open at +6600, a number that raises questions when you consider they were among the better teams in the league before a late-season collapse knocked them completely out of playoff contention.
This places them behind surprising teams that finished worst than the Red Wings last season like the Toronto Maple Leafs, San Jose Sharks and tied with the New York Islanders. The odds feel like they are pricing in the uncertainty surrounding the franchise rather than the talent on the roster, and that uncertainty is real and significant.
Hanging over Detroit heading into the offseason is the trade request from captain Dylan Larkin and how the organization will choose to handle it. If the Red Wings make substantial additions in an effort to convince Larkin to stay, the team could look dramatically different and considerably more dangerous by training camp. If they move him, they figure to receive a sizeable return in assets that could accelerate the rebuild or restock the core depending on the direction Larkin's replacement takes the team.
Beyond the Larkin situation, Detroit enters the offseason with legitimate foundational pieces already in place. Lucas Raymond and Moritz Seider represent two of the better young players at their respective positions in the league, and Justin Faulk provides experienced veteran presence on the back end. Perhaps equally compelling is the collection of players entering contract years, a group that includes Alex DeBrincat, Andrew Copp and goaltender John Gibson.
Players with something to prove in a contract year have a way of elevating their games, and if that group collectively steps up, Detroit could be a much more dangerous team than the current odds suggest.
If general manager Steve Yzerman makes the right moves this summer, whether that means keeping Larkin or maximizing his return, Detroit's true cup odds may look very different from what the sportsbooks are currently offering and might be the most interesting number on the entire board.
Never miss a story by adding us to your Google News favorites!
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.
6/15/26. Love, your Annie.” 
