The Chicago Blackhawks selected a franchise icon third overall in 2006 when they called Jonathan Toews' name. To say he lived up to the hype would be a wild understatement, as he is one of the greatest Blackhawks of all time.
Toews played for Chicago for the first 15 years of his NHL career. It would have been 16 had he not missed the entire 2020-21 season.
Ahead of 2025-26, Toews signed a one-year deal with the Winnipeg Jets after a few years away from the game. Some thought he might not end up coming back after his final game with Chicago in 2023, but he proved that he was capable of returning.
Not only did he return, but he also played in all 82 games with Winnipeg, his hometown team. In 82 games played, he had 11 goals and 18 assists for 29 points while continuing his domination in the face-off dot. It was a mediocre year for him compared to his career numbers, but his successful attempt at coming back proved to the hockey world and himself that he could do it.
Now, Jonathan Toews will retire from the National Hockey League at the age of 38. He shuts it down with 1149 games played, 383 goals, 529 assists, and 912 points.
Throughout his career, he won the Stanley Cup three times, the Conn Smythe Trophy, the Selke Trophy, and was named one of the 100 greatest players in NHL history during the league's centennial season. This resume will make him a first-ballot Hall of Fame player.
For a long time, Toews was a force down the middle of the ice. There were a few years during his prime when folks had him as one of the ten best players in the NHL due to his ability to do it all. He could score, defend with the best of them, and was as fierce a leader as has ever existed in the sport's history.
Toews was named captain at a young age. His nickname "Captain Serious" was perfect because he was obsessed with winning, and his competitive drive was the foundation of the Blackhawks for a decade. They won a lot because of it.
On January 19th, Toews made his return to the United Center for the first time as a road player. He received the reception that you'd expect. It was the type of ovation that you get if you win three Stanley Cups.
With this news, the celebration of Toews' career has only just begun. He will eventually have his number retired, be put in the Blackhawks Hall of Fame, and eventually be inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame.
A press conference will be held by the Winnipeg Jets on Friday, June 19th, to make it official.
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oronto Maple Leafs head coach Mike Babcock during the third period of an NHL hockey game against the Detroit Red Wings, Oct. 12, 2019, in Detroit.
It appears Mike Babcock will have a clear path to return to coaching.
On Thursday, the NHL released a statement regarding its investigation of Babcock.
“The League has completed its review of Mike Babcock’s tenure in Columbus, and of certain alleged conduct associated therewith,” the statement read. “Our investigation has concluded that, even in a light least favorable to Mr. Babcock, there is no current basis to restrict his employment in the League.”
The investigation comes amid rumblings that the Oilers want to hire Babcock to be their next head coach.
oronto Maple Leafs head coach Mike Babcock during the third period of an NHL hockey game against the Detroit Red Wings, Oct. 12, 2019, in Detroit. AP Photo/Duane Burleson
Edmonton consulted with the NHL Players’ Association to ensure it could hire Babcock without objection.
TSN reported that it seems final contract details are being arranged, but unless there is a last-mute rush, a press conference to introduce Babcock could come as early as next week.
The investigation centered around Babcock’s brief tenure in Columbus.
Babcock resigned from his post there before coaching a single game due to allegations of invading player privacy by asking them to share photos from personal phones.
It wasn’t the first time Babcock was accused of mistreating players.
One of the more known incidents occurred during the 2016-17 season, when Babcock was the bench boss in Toronto and told then-rookie Mitch Marner to rank his teammates on work ethic, which Babcock then shared with the team.
Marner’s teammates backed Marner and directed their anger at the “list incident” toward Babcock.
Mike Babcock addresses the media as the Columbus Blue Jackets introduce Babcock as their new head coach during a news conference on Saturday, July 1, 2023 in Columbus, Ohio. AP
It goes without saying that the Oilers are taking a big risk by moving forward with Babcock.
As Connor McDavid’s two-year extension begins next season, questions linger over whether the superstar will stay in Edmonton after it expires.
Having a head coach who is unpopular among many players could make it even harder for Edmonton to retain its biggest star.
The NHLPA also released a statement regarding the situation Thursday.
“While we found the allegations of Mike Babcock’s conduct as the Columbus Blue Jackets’ head coach very concerning, the League has decided that there is no current basis on which to restrict his employment,” it said. “Moving forward, we expect that Mr. Babcock will uphold the high standards required of NHL head coaches.”
Babcock’s career regular-season coaching record is 700-418-164.
He won the Stanley Cup with Detroit in 2008 and led Team Canada to Olympic gold in 2010 and 2014.
BOSTON (AP) — The Boston Bruins said Thursday they are retiring Patrice Bergeron’s No. 37 as part of a ceremony next season.
The date will be shared later, following the NHL schedule release that is expected next month.
Bergeron is set to join fellow 2011 Stanley Cup champion Zdeno Chara with his number in the rafters. Bergeron, when it happens, will be the 14th player to have his number retired by the storied franchise.
He spent his entire 19-year career in the league with the Bruins, playing 1,464 games counting the regular season and playoffs. That included the title run in 2011 and more trips to the final in ’13 and '19.
“Patrice was the kind of rare, generational talent that every team wanted,” owner Jeremy Jacobs said in a statement. “He was a deftly skilled playmaker and the undeniable greatest defensive forward in the NHL’s history. But it was the leadership he provided on the ice and in the locker room that made him truly stand apart and an all-time legend of the Boston Bruins.”
Bergeron succeeded Chara as captain in 2020 and served three seasons in that role before retiring. He called this an honor that is difficult to put into words.
“When I arrived in Boston as an 18-year-old, I could never have imagined receiving this recognition one day," Bergeron said. “I have always believed that any success I had was only possible because of the people around me. I was fortunate to play alongside incredible teammates, learn from outstanding coaches and staff and be supported by an organization that believed in me from the very beginning.”
The contract Bobrovsky is seeking has an AAV of $6-$7 million, depending on the term.
While the money may be steep for a netminder coming off a poor season, the real boggling part of this report is the term Bobrovsky is demanding.
To begin, Bobrovsky is 37 years old and will be 38 when the 2026-27 season begins. In many cases, goaltenders’ careers don’t even last that long, let alone have the ability to play at the standard Bobrovsky showed.
Prior to the difficult 2025-26 season, Bobrovsky guided the Panthers to back-to-back Stanley Cup wins and another finals appearance, posting a .915 save percentage, .906 SP, and .914 SP.
If Bobrovsky signed a seven-year contract, he would be under contract until his mid-40s. Only five goalies have ever played until 45, and the most recent goaltender to play beyond 40 years old is Marc-André Fleury, who was a backup netminder who played just 26 games.
Other examples are Martin Brodeur, Craig Anderson, Roberto Luongo, Tim Thomas, Jonathan Quick, and Mike Smith. Luongo was the only netminder to play more than 40 games in his final season.
Signing Bobrovsky to a contract with that term comes with plenty of risk. He likely wouldn’t play out the full contract, as in many cases, older players who sign long-term deals end up on the long-term injury reserve before they retire.
Still, Bobrovsky would have to be paid out, whether his contract is attached to the salary cap or not.
In all, Bobrovsky is a Panthers legend, but the NHL is a business, and GM Bill Zito can’t afford to overpay for an aging goaltender because of the fan base’s feelings towards him.
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The Winnipeg Jets will make seven selections at the 2026 NHL Draft, beginning with the eighth-overall pick.
The Jets officially know where they will be picking when the 2026 NHL Draft gets underway.
Photo by Bill Stretcher/USA Today
The NHL announced the complete order of selection for the upcoming draft, with Winnipeg currently holding seven picks across six rounds.
The Jets’ first selection will come early, as general manager Kevin Cheveldayoff and his scouting staff own the eighth-overall pick. It marks the organization’s highest draft position since selecting Patrik Laine second overall at the 2016 NHL Draft.
Winnipeg is currently without a second-round pick, as its original selection at No. 39 overall belongs to the Pittsburgh Penguins. The pick was moved as part of the March 2025 trade that brought veteran defenceman Luke Schenn to the Jets.
The Jets will return to the draft floor in the third round with the No. 71 overall selection.
Winnipeg is also without its original fourth-round pick, as the No. 103 overall selection now belongs to the Montreal Canadiens following a series of transactions involving the New Jersey Devils.
The Jets do, however, own a fourth-round selection at No. 116 overall, originally belonging to the Edmonton Oilers, before moving through Boston and Buffalo.
Winnipeg also holds an additional seventh-round selection, picking at No. 220 overall with a choice originally belonging to the Buffalo Sabres.
The Jets’ complete list of 2026 NHL Draft selections:
Round 1: No. 8 overall
Round 3: No. 71 overall
Round 4: No. 116 overall (from Edmonton via Boston and Buffalo)
Round 5: No. 135 overall
Round 6: No. 167 overall
Round 7: No. 199 overall
Round 7: No. 220 overall (from Buffalo)
After making five selections at the 2025 NHL Draft, Winnipeg will enter this year’s event with two additional picks and an opportunity to continue building its prospect pipeline.
The Jets have relied heavily on the draft throughout Cheveldayoff’s tenure, with much of the organization’s core being built internally. Players such as Mark Scheifele, Josh Morrissey, Kyle Connor, Cole Perfetti and Connor Hellebuyck were all selected by Winnipeg and developed within the organization.
The first round of the 2026 NHL Draft will take place Friday, June 26, with Rounds 2-7 following Saturday, June 27.
While it’s been known for a while that the Toronto Maple Leafs are selecting first in the 2026 NHL Entry Draft, the league officially revealed its order of selection.
The Leafs, as of this writing, will have eight picks in the 2026 NHL Draft ranging from No. 1 to No. 169.
In addition to picking first overall, the Leafs will next pick in the second round (60th overall). That’s the pick they received from the Los Angeles Kings in the trade that sent forward Scott Laughton out west. The pick originally belonged to the Buffalo Sabres.
After that, the Leafs will have two picks in the third round. They have their own pick (69th) and the Philadelphia Flyers pick (85th) that was acquired this week in the trade that sent goaltender Joseph Woll and defenseman Simon Benoit to Philly.
In the fourth round, the Leafs will select 114th. This pick was acquired from the Seattle Kraken in the Bobby McMann trade in the last deadline. The pick originally belonged to the Anaheim Ducks.
In the fifth round, the Leafs have two picks. They have their own (133rd overall) and the 158th overall pick they acquired the Colorado Avalanche trade they made in the deadline deal that sent Nicolas Roy back to the Western Conference.
In the sixth round, the Leafs will pick 169th overall using San Jose’s pick in the deal that sent Timothy Lilljegren to the Sharks back in 2024.
Toronto doesn’t have any picks in the seventh round.
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ANAHEIM, Calif. (AP) — Anaheim Ducks forward Troy Terry is expected to miss the start of the upcoming season after undergoing hip surgery.
Terry will make a full recovery in five to six months after surgery “to address hip impingement and a labral tear,” the Ducks announced in a statement Thursday. Terry had the surgery on June 9, and he has begun the rehabilitation process.
The 28-year-old Terry had 19 goals and 38 assists during the regular season before getting the first playoff experience of his nine-year NHL career last spring. He had three goals and eight assists in 12 games while Anaheim reached the second round, but the team announced after the season ended that Terry needed surgery for a chronic hip impingement.
Terry has been the Ducks' most consistent offensive presence during the team's seven-year postseason drought. The two-time All-Star selection has four career 20-goal seasons, and he has scored at least 50 points in five consecutive seasons, getting a career-high 67 in the 2021-22 season.
NEW YORK — The NHL said it completed a review of Mike Babcock’s tenure in Columbus, cleared him to coach the Edmonton Oilers if they opt to hire him.
The league launched an investigation at the request of the NHL Players’ Association in light of the Edmonton Oilers’ interest in hiring Babcock. The league in a statement said even in the least favorable light, there was no basis to restrict Babcock’s employment.
It was not immediately clear if or when the Oilers would name Babcock coach. They have been looking for a replacement since firing Kris Knoblauch following a first-round playoff exit that came after back-to-back trips to the Stanley Cup Final.
A message sent to union representatives was not immediately returned.
Babcock, 63, has not coached in the NHL since 2019, when he was fired by Toronto 23 games into his fifth season in charge. The Blue Jackets hired him on July 1, 2023, and Babcock resigned in September after his requests for personal photos from players in an attempt to get to know them drew criticism as an invasion of privacy.
The NHL dropped its planned investigation at the time because Babcock stepped down. It got underway this week after the final ended
Babcock coached Detroit to the Stanley Cup in 2008 and has made two other trips to the final, along with guiding Canada to Olympic gold medals in 2010 and ’14.
The Calgary Flames are currently in rebuilding mode, with a promising pipeline that could aid their transition over the next few seasons.
While players like Zayne Parekh, Matvei Gridin, Yan Kuznetsov, and Hunter Brzustewicz all took massive steps this season and are likely locks for NHL roster spots next year, several other prospects are knocking on the door. Here are a few players looking to earn call-ups and NHL ice time next season.
Abram Wiebe (Wranglers) - Initially considered a secondary piece in the trade that sent Rasmus Andersson to the Vegas Golden Knights, Wiebe has proven his value. Drafted 209th overall by Vegas in 2022, he appeared in four games for the Flames late last season and is slated to skate for the Wranglers next year. He earned multiple Defenceman of the Week awards during his sophomore season at North Dakota and was named to the NCHC All-Academic Team, finishing the year with 29 points (5g, 24a) in 40 games.
Cole Reschny (NCAA) - Reschny is expected to return to North Dakota next season for continued development. While he could be ready for professional minutes with the Wranglers, his consistent offensive skill, hockey sense, and solid two-way game suggest he will soon be wearing a Flaming ‘C.’ As the Flames look to bolster their center depth, Reschny is a prime candidate; he suited up for Team Canada at the 2026 IIHF World Junior Championships, recording 8 points (5g, 3a) in 5 games, and averaged nearly a point per game at North Dakota with 35 points (6g, 29a) in 36 games. He was named NCHC Rookie of the Year in 2025-26.
Ethan Wyttenbach (NCAA) - Wyttenbach had a breakout 2025-26 season with Quinnipiac University, tallying 59 points (25g, 24a) in 40 games. Drafted 144th overall by the Flames in 2025, the 5’10", 180-pound winger has shown clear progress. While he may remain in the NCAA for another season, he is quickly becoming a name to watch in the Calgary prospect pool.
Aydar Suniev (Wranglers) - Suniev saw action with the Flames last season and, while he needs to refine his defensive play, he brings a lethal shot and an undeniable nose for the net. On a team desperate for offence, Suniev could carve out a permanent role if he continues to produce and improves his play away from the puck. Drafted 80th overall in 2023, the 21-year-old has played seven career NHL games and recorded his first NHL point, an assist, against the Utah Mammoth on April 12, 2026.
Tyson Gross (Flames) - One of the most touted free agents out of the college ranks last season, Gross recorded 41 points (18g, 23a) in 36 games with St. Cloud State before signing an entry-level deal with his hometown Flames. He finished the season in Calgary, playing six games and scoring his first career NHL goal against the Colorado Avalanche. He brings size, hockey sense, and reliability in the faceoff circle.
Samuel Honzek (Flames) - Honzek is currently bridging the gap between prospect and pro. He made the Flames roster out of training camp last season and was effectively playing alongside Mikael Backlund in a shutdown role before a season-ending injury sidelined him. He was performing at a high level, and he will look to reclaim his spot once training camp begins.
Rory Kerins (Wranglers) - While the window may be closing for Kerins, he remains a top prospect due to his strong AHL performance and his persistent drive to earn NHL minutes. Success will ultimately come down to him making the most of his opportunities when called upon. Kerins, the Flames' 174th overall pick in 2020, was named an AHL All-Star in 2025 and followed up the strong campaign with another in 2026, recording 57 points (22g, 35a) in 56 games for the Wranglers. He has recorded four assists in nine career NHL games.
The league launched an investigation at the request of the NHL Players’ Association in light of the Edmonton Oilers’ interest in hiring Babcock. The league in a statement said even in the least favorable light, there was no basis to restrict Babcock’s employment.
It was not immediately clear if or when the Oilers would name Babcock coach. They have been looking for a replacement since firing Kris Knoblauch following a first-round playoff exit that came after back-to-back trips to the Stanley Cup Final.
Babcock, 63, has not coached in the NHL since 2019, when he was fired by Toronto 23 games into his fifth season in charge. The Blue Jackets hired him on July 1, 2023, and Babcock resigned in September after his requests for personal photos from players in an attempt to get to know them drew criticism as an invasion of privacy.
A statement from the NHLPA called the allegations very concerning and said, "Moving forward, we expect that Mr. Babcock will uphold the high standards required of NHL head coaches.”
The NHL dropped its planned investigation at the time because Babcock stepped down. It got underway this week after the final ended
Babcock coached Detroit to the Stanley Cup in 2008 and has made two other trips to the final, along with guiding Canada to Olympic gold medals in 2010 and ’14.
A former Colorado Avalanche forward whose career spanned nearly a decade across the NHL and multiple playoff runs is officially stepping away from professional hockey after 700 games.
Pierre-Édouard Bellemare has retired following 10 NHL seasons with five teams, closing the book on a career that made him the most experienced French-born player in league history.
Bellemare last suited up for the Seattle Kraken in 2023-24, finishing his NHL career with 138 points (64 goals, 74 assists) and a +22 rating across stints with the Philadelphia Flyers, Vegas Golden Knights, Colorado Avalanche, Tampa Bay Lightning, and Kraken.
He was selected by Vegas in the 2017 NHL Expansion Draft and became part of the Golden Knights’ inaugural roster, helping shape the early identity of the franchise.
Over his career, Bellemare appeared in 85 playoff games, recording five goals and 10 assists, and twice reached the Stanley Cup Final — falling with Vegas in 2018 and Tampa Bay in 2022.
His time in Colorado came between 2019 and 2021, where he served as a dependable depth forward and penalty-kill presence during a competitive stretch for the Avalanche.
Bellemare’s international career ended in emotional fashion at the Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026, where he represented France for the final time following a 5-1 loss to Germany in qualification play.
The moment quickly turned reflective after the final whistle.
“That was my last game,” Bellemare said. “I had to reach the quarterfinals to keep on wearing this jersey. It’s a bit tough emotionally, but I’ve never played just for myself, and I’m not going to start now.”
In his final Olympic appearance, Bellemare also scored France’s lone goal — a brief highlight in an otherwise difficult outing.
The moment carried added meaning as it came against longtime NHL goaltender Philipp Grubauer, a former teammate from both Colorado and Seattle.
After the game, Grubauer reflected on seeing his former teammate close out his international career.
“Ha … I was emotional shaking Pierre-Edouard’s hand,” Grubauer said. “I wanted to give him a hug. He’s such a good player. He’s had a fantastic career, but he’s also an incredible person.”
Bellemare will finish the season with HC Ajoie in Switzerland’s National League before officially retiring from professional hockey.
Across his NHL career, he played for the Flyers, Golden Knights, Avalanche, Lightning, and Kraken, finishing with 64 goals and 74 assists for 138 in 700 games.
NHL Insider Darren Dreger said last week that the Edmonton Oilers were interested in hiring disgraced former Columbus Blue Jackets "Head Coach" Mike Babcock.
Well, Oilers fans, get ready, because it's happening.
ESPN's Emily Kaplan and NHL Insider Elliotte Friedman reported on Thursday that the NHL investigation into Mike Babcock's actions while coach of the Columbus Blue Jackets is wrapping up, and he will be cleared to coach again.
The NHL released a statement on the investigation.
"The league has completed its review of Mike Babcock's tenure in Columbus, and of certain alleged conduct associated therewith. Our investigation has concluded that, even in the light least favorable to Mr. Babcock, there is no current basis to restrict his employment in the league."
The Edmonton Oilers are expected to hire Mike Babcock.
Sources: The Edmtn Oilers are consulting with the NHLPA to see if there are objections that must be resolved before potentially hiring Mike Babcock. Amid allegations of invading players privacy, Babcock resigned in CBJ as Head Coach in 2023. Further investigation may be required.
A couple of weeks ago was the third anniversary of the rumors that the CBJ were going to hire Mike Babcock.
A few weeks after the rumors started, Mike Commodore came out with a blistering video about Babcock. He publicly bashed both Babcock and the Columbus Blue Jackets.
Commodore went on a calm, NSWF rant about how "disappointed" he was to see "Babs the Bully" back in the NHL. Commie asked, "Am I surprised? No, I'm not!" Commodore went on to say that he never believed Babcock was retiring. He said he also feels Babcock went into the CBJ front office and told them "whatever they wanted to hear," "blah blah blah," so he could get the job, claiming he changed; meanwhile Commie thinks otherwise. " Babs the bully ain't changing."
Commodore went on to say he hopes this experiment fails miserably. "With all due respect to my buddies that are in the Blue Jackets Organization, I hope this Babcock experiment is a complete disaster, on every single level."
Let's hope Commodore keeps the same energy that he had back in 2023.
Next Up For Columbus: The NHL Draft is on June 26 and 27 in Buffalo, where the CBJ will own pick #14.
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With our first change in the first-round draft order, the Philadelphia Flyers have a new team to keep an eye on in the 2026 NHL Draft.
On Thursday, the San Jose Sharks traded the 20th overall pick to the Buffalo Sabres, who have now jumped the Flyers in the draft order, in exchange for the 27th overall pick and defenseman Michael Kesselring.
By moving down seven spots, the Sharks acquire a defender in Kesselring who is just 26 years old and one season removed from showing legitimate second-pairing promise.
The Sabres, who turned a dreadful start into a wildly successful season, have now interestingly moved up in the draft order, rather than trading that first-round pick to further improve the team... at least for now.
There has been some wide speculation as to what the Flyers were planning to do with the 21st overall, be it taking a center like Ilia Morozov, a power forward like Maddox Dagenais, or a dynamic defenseman like Xavier Villeneuve.
Should free agent Alex Tuch not return to the Sabres and leave for another team, Buffalo could opt to add a more robust combination of size and skill, via Morozov or Dagenais, to replace him in the long-term.
Behind breakout star Konsta Helenius, the Sabres also don't have a sure thing at center for the future.
Josh Norris has had health issues, while Ryan McLeod is best served reprising his role as one of the best third-line centers in the NHL.
The Flyers have been linked to both Dagenais and Morozov and met with both players at the recent NHL scouting combine, and there aren't players with equal size and skill quite like them in the draft slots that follow.
Of course, the Flyers will still be left with their choice of the two, but Dagenais is seen as more of a winger at the next level, despite his ability to play in the middle and on the flank.
If the center in Morozov goes, the Flyers' remaining options at the position would include Jack Hextall, a distant relative of Flyers legend Ron Hextall, the 6-foot-7 Brooks Rogowski, CHL scoring champ Markus Ruck, and Yegor Shilov.
It's worth reminding, too, that the Flyers moved up in the draft last year, and they could certainly do so again if needed, even if it's just to beat the Sabres to the punch.
The New Jersey Devils finished in the bottom third of the NHL standings in 2025-26, and there are a lot of reasons to explain this. Between an off-ice injury to Jack Hughes early in the year, subpar goaltending, and a gauntlet of an Eastern Conference, making the playoffs just wasn’t in the cards.
With all those reasons that kept them down, there's plenty to believe it won’t happen again. However, they can’t run it back with the same group of philosophy. With Sunny Mehta leading the way now, things will be different.
Part of their path to getting better is making trades. The Devils don’t have the elite pipeline of young players they did when Tom Fitzgerald was earlier in his tenure, but they do have assets other teams would want. These three would be the most enticing to other organizations:
12th Overall Pick
The 12th overall pick may be in play for the New Jersey Devils. There is a chance that this pick would turn into a complete stud, but it isn’t as sure as selecting in the top three. For a team that is trying to get over the hump into the playoffs, it might be a pick better served as trade bait.
If the Devils are going to trade this pick, you can be certain that they are getting something of significance back. Whether it’s used in a huge blockbuster or even some top-six help on the wing, it will serve the Devils well if they are correct in their process.
Simon Nemec
Obviously, stars like Jack Hughes, Nico Hischier, and Jesper Bratt are the most valuable players in the organization. However, they are not trading any of those three anytime soon. Of the players that they may actually move, Simon Nemec is at the top of the list.
The second overall pick in the 2022 NHL Draft has had some ups and downs to begin his NHL career. He has mostly been unhappy with his usage, but he is also a 22-year-old defenseman with under 200 games played in the NHL.
It is going to take some time, as it does for all young defensemen, but Nemec has the tools to be a star. This upside may be what lands the Devils a good return if they do decide to move on.
Dawson Mercer
Simon Nemec isn’t the only good, young player that the Devils have to offer. Dawson Mercer isn’t as impactful or has the same upside at a premier position as Nemec, but he does have, as a former first-round pick himself, the tools to impact NHL games as a middle-six goal-scoring forward.
Mercer is good for 20 goals a year with no issue. However, he did have one career year in that department (2022-23) with 27 goals. Mercer is also good for just about every game. He has played in every single game to begin his NHL career: 410 consecutive games played. That includes the COVID-19 era, where players were being shut down for days at a time due to illness. He never missed even once.
Unfortunately, he didn’t take the steps that the Devils were hoping he would, but he is still a solid middle-six forward who can play center or wing. Mercer doesn't drive offense, but he can make plays with great linemates if presented the chance.
As part of a big trade with layers, there is no reason another contender wouldn’t love to have him. He won't move the needle on a deal, but he'd be a notable sweetener.
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NASHVILLE — The Nashville Predators hired longtime NHL player and former Boston Bruins executive Jamie Langenbrunner as a special assistant to new general manager Chris MacFarland.
Langenbrunner, who scored 243 goals with Dallas, New Jersey and St. Louis during an 18-year career that included a pair of Stanley Cup victories, will focus on professional scouting, collegiate free-agent scouting and recruiting, and special assignments with the Predators.
The 50-year-old Langebrunner spent more than a decade with the Boston Bruins after retiring in 2013. He worked in various capacities with the Bruins, including stints as a development coach and director of player development before becoming assistant general manager in 2022.
A member of the U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame, Langenbrunner won the Cup with Dallas in 1999 and New Jersey in 2003. He also served as captain of the silver-medal-winning U.S. Olympic hockey team at the 2010 Vancouver Olympics.
