The Pittsburgh Penguins were a great surprise this season. After many expected them to be among the worst teams in the NHL, the Penguins instead finished second in the Metropolitan Division standings and made the playoffs.
Sidney Crosby was one of the biggest reasons for the Penguins' major turnaround this season. This is because the 38-year-old center was once again dominant for the Penguins, posting 29 goals, 45 assists, and 74 points in 68 games. With this, Crosby averaged more than a point per game for the 21st season in a row.
Due to how wonderfully Crosby played this season, he has earned himself a nice shout-out.
The Hockey News had Crosby at the No. 12 spot for their top 100 players of the 2025-26 season rankings. Given how well Crosby played yet again this season, it is easy to understand why he has been named as one of the NHL's best players for this campaign.
Crosby just continues to thrive as his career carries on, and he is showing zero signs of slowing down. It is going to be fascinating to see what kind of season he will put together for the Pens in 2026-27 from here.
The Buffalo Sabres finally took a major step forward this season. This is because they not made the playoffs for the first time since 2011 but also had the best record in the Atlantic Division and made it to the second round of the post-season.
Rasmus Dahlin was a major reason for the Sabres' success this season. The 26-year-old defenseman had a monster season, scoring 19 goals and setting new career highs with 55 assists and 74 points in 77 games. He was also named a finalist for the Norris Trophy, but Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman Zach Werenski ended up taking it home.
Still, it was a spectacular 2025-26 season for Dahlin. Due to this, he has now received some major praise.
Dahlin was given the No. 15 spot in The Hockey News' top 100 NHL player rankings for the 2025-26 season. When looking at how dominant he was this season for the Sabres, it is not difficult to understand why he has been ranked as one of the best players in the NHL this season.
Dahlin jumped up pretty significantly from last year rankings, too, as The Hockey News had him at the No. 33 spot for the 2024-25 season.
Overall, it was undoubtedly a great year for Dahlin. It is going to be fascinating to see what he does as an encore for the Sabres during the 2026-27 season from here.
It was on this day in 1997 that the collective euphoria of the first Stanley Cup victory in 42 years washed over the city of Detroit in a sea of confetti and champagne.
Boosted by goals from Nicklas Lidstrom and Darren McCarty, the Detroit Red Wings swept the Philadelphia Flyers four games to none, capturing the Stanley Cup for the first time since 1955.
Goaltender Mike Vernon, who had won the Stanley Cup earlier in his career with the Calgary Flames, caught a leaping Steve Yzerman in his arms as the final horn sounded at Joe Louis Arena, sparking a celebration that everyone in attendance would remember for the rest of their lives.
Vernon would be named the recipient of the Conn Smythe Trophy as the most valuable player of the Stanley Cup Playoffs, while Yzerman soon received the Stanley Cup from NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman.
As Yzerman lifted the Cup into the air for the first time, the collective weight of over four decades of frustration melted away.
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Adam Proteau recently ranked the top 10 pending restricted free agents in the NHL for the 2026 NHL Off-Season. Philadelphia Flyers star forward Trevor Zegras made the cut, as he was given the No. 7 spot by Proteau.
When looking at the season Zegras just put together for the Flyers, it is certainly fair that he has been named one of the top pending RFAs by The Hockey News. The 25-year-old not only bounced back during his first season as a Flyer but together the best campaign of his career so far. In 81 games this season with the Flyers, he set career highs with 26 goals and 67 points.
With how well Zegras played this season for the Flyers, there is no question that he has set himself up for a nice raise for his next contract. Given how perfectly he has fit into the Flyers' system, he is a player that Philadelphia should be looking to lock up on a long-term deal as well.
It is going to be interesting to see what kind of contract Zegras gets from the Flyers. Getting him re-signed is easily one of the Flyers' most important tasks of the off-season.
While it may be the offseason in Nashville, things haven't exactly slowed down around the hockey world. Between front office changes, free agent speculation, trade rumours, and plenty of action overseas, there was no shortage of headlines this week.
From the Predators continuing to reshape their hockey operations department to some notable developments around the NHL, we've rounded up the biggest stories from the past week all in one place.
Grab a coffee, settle in, and catch up on everything you may have missed.
Up Next: Now that the Predators have their front office in place, their attention turns to the 2026 NHL Draft on June 26 & 27. Then, it's on to July 1 when free agency opens.
Stay updated with the most interesting Nashville Predators stories, analysis, breaking news, and more!
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Jun 6, 2026; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Vegas Golden Knights right wing Mitch Marner (93) scores his second goal against Carolina Hurricanes goaltender Frederik Andersen (31) during the second period in game three of the 2026 Stanley Cup Final at T-Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Lucas Peltier-Imagn Images
Lucas Peltier-Imagn Images
A sequence of events in a Stanley Cup Final that has gotten crazier by the minute has put the Carolina Hurricanes at a crossroads.
They blew a two-goal lead and lost Game 1, erased a two-goal deficit and won Game 2, and rallied from down four goals in Game 3, only to lose in double overtime on a fluky bounce.
They have lived the ups and downs of a tight series against the Vegas Golden Knights and head into Game 4 on Tuesday night with a razor-thin margin for error. While each of the first three games was decided by a single goal, close doesn’t count toward anything but a 2-1 deficit they now need to try to overcome.
“It’s part of the gig, and it’s never easy,” captain Jordan Staal said. “It’s never going to be easy, and we know that and we understand that. We’ve got a bigger hill to climb now, but we’re excited for the challenge and excited to keep playing hard and keep moving forward.”
Carolina faces several lingering questions, most notably who starts in net between Frederik Andersen and Brandon Bussi. Andersen played every minute of the first 15 playoff games before getting the hook at the second intermission Saturday night down 4-0, and Bussi was perfect in relief until a shot from Shea Theodore banked off the end boards and went in when the goaltender inadvertently redirected it with his left skate 5:38 into the second overtime.
Coach Rod Brind’Amour deferred the decision until after practice Monday, if not later.
“I don’t anticipate a lot of changes to our lineup,” Brind’Amour said on a video call with reporters Sunday. “We’ll see how (Andersen is) feeling. I haven’t made any decisions on the lineup, so I can’t tell you.”
It was not clear if Andersen was banged up in any way. The 36-year-old from Denmark also was not chiefly to blame for allowing four goals on 16 shots in Game 3.
“You obviously don’t want to give up some of the chances we’ve given up, but overall I thought he’s been fine,” Brind’Amour said. “You ask him to make the saves that he’s got to make, and I think he’s done that. A couple bad bounces, they are what they are. He’s been solid for us, Buss came in and was solid for us, so that’s got to continue.”
A too many men on the ice penalty flipped the momentum Saturday at Vegas, after Brind’Amour had two Golden Knights goals taken off the board by successful challenges. Reliable defenseman Sean Walker knocking the puck into his own net came at an inopportune time, as did fourth-line forward William Carrier failing to clear the zone.
Mitch Marner scored on each of those occasions and finished off the hat trick and a four-point second period with a breakaway goal. One emphasis moving forward will be trying to avoid Marner breaking through for quality chances.
“We have to know when he’s on the ice because that’s kind of how he loves to play,” Brind’Amour said. “If we can eliminate some of those, I call ’em freebies ... that’ll definitely help.”
It would also help to get Carrier back after he missed the third period and OT because of an upper-body injury. Brind’Amour did not have an update other than hope that Carrier would be good to go in Game 4.
With or without him, the Hurricanes face close to a must-win situation at the arena on The Strip nicknamed the “Fortress.” Only one team out of 39 that has fallen behind 3-1 in the final has come back to win it: Toronto in 1942.
Pointing out his team is a couple of shots away from what could be a 3-0 series lead, Brind’Amour is not worried about players dwelling over this deficit because they know how close it has been.
“I think we can tighten some things up and be a lot better, and I think we’re right there,” veteran winger Jordan Martinook said. “We’ll look at some things and see where we can improve and come back Tuesday ready to try and even this up.”
A competition of adorable rescue dogs that only the Stanley Cup Final could inspire will take place on Monday.
The NHL’s annual Stanley Pup is set to air across the United States and Canada, with all 32 of the league’s teams represented.
Suiting up for the Florida Panthers this year is Brad Marchound.
Some of the fun facts about Brad Marchound are that he has 12 pet rats and he led the league in chirping minutes, according to his player card.
Among the many talented puppy players joining Brad Marchound are Jack Eichowl, Seth Arfis, Matthew Schaefurry, Macklin Celewienie and brothers Jack and Quinn Chews.
There will also be a bunch of special celebrity guests who did not want to miss out on any of the furry fun, including Kenan Thompson, Flavor Flav, Anthony Anderson, Jean Smart, Brooke Shields, Kelli Giddish, Michael Strahan, Joel McHale, Kendall Vertes, and Emma Kenney.
Several NHL players, such as Alex Ovechkin, Seth Jarvis, Matthew Schaefer, Will Smith, Logan Thompson and Devin Cooley, are also expected to make cameo appearances.
One of the more surprising pieces of news in recent Detroit Red Wings history dropped on Thursday courtesy of NHL Insider Elliotte Friedman.
According to Friedman, he's heard from multiple confirmed sources that Red Wings captain Dylan Larkin, who was their first-round selection (15th overall) in the 2014 NHL Draft, has requested a trade from the only NHL club he's ever played for.
Larkin remains the only active player on Detroit's roster who participated in their most recent playoff appearance in 2016, which was his rookie campaign in the NHL.
But after 10 consecutive seasons of missing the playoffs, along with growing reports of an alleged "frosty" relationship with GM Steve Yzerman, Larkin has apparently decided his career would be better suited playing elsewhere.
Larkin, who holds a full no-trade clause as part of the eight-year contract extension he signed in 2023, is already being linked to a handful of NHL clubs.
During his recent "32 Thoughts" podcast, Friedman listed a handful of teams, including the New Jersey Devils, Dallas Stars, Tampa Bay Lightning, and Florida Panthers - but said above all else, the Minnesota Wild seem to make the most sense.
"I know a lot of people suspect New Jersey would make a lot of sense," Friedman said. "I'm looking at Dallas, I'm looking at Tampa Bay, I don't know that Florida could do this, but I think you always have to look at them."
"But I think the number one team everyone's looking at is Minnesota," he continued. "This has the Wild written all over it. I don't think Dallas is impossible, I don't think Tampa is impossible, and I don't know if he's gonna come to Canada, but Minnesota is the one team that everyone is talking about."
Larkin already has connections to Wild GM Bill Guerin, who was the GM of Team USA in the 2026 Winter Olympics. Larkin also played with Wild forward Matt Boldy and defenseman Quinn Hughes on Team USA.
Friedman then expressed doubt on whether the Wild could potentially include pending UFA forward Michael McCarron in a deal for Larkin, but did list center Danila Yurov and former Michigan State Spartan prospect forward Charlie Stramel as potential trade pieces.
"There's a deal there - Yurov, Charlie Stramel, and who knows what else," Friedman said. "It makes too much sense, but it's up to Yzerman, and it's up to Larkin."
Stramel, whom the Wild selected 21st overall in the 2023 NHL Entry Draft, scored 19 goals with 25 assists in 37 games for Michigan State this season.
Yurov, selected by the Wild with the 24th overall pick in 2022, scored 12 goals and 15 assists in 73 games in his rookie season this year, and added another goal and two assists in nine postseason games.
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The Montreal Canadiens' top goal of the off-season should be to upgrade their second-line center spot. When looking at trade candidates around the league, New York Islanders center Mathew Barzal stands out in a major way for the Canadiens to consider.
If the Canadiens brought in Barzal, they would be adding an elite playmaker to their top six. This would be huge for a Canadiens club that will be looking to take another big step in the right direction next season.
Barzal could work beautifully on a line with Alex Newhook and Ivan Demidov if acquired by the Canadiens. He would also give the Habs another major difference-maker for their power play, which would be huge.
Barzal would also be much more than a one-year rental for the Canadiens, which adds to his appeal. This is because Barzal has a $9.15 million cap hit until the end of the 2030-31 season.
With all of this, Barzal is certainly a center who the Canadiens should consider making a real push for this off-season. Perhaps the Canadiens could make a blockbuster trade with the Islanders for the second summer in a row after how well the Noah Dobson deal paid off for Montreal.
In 81 games this season with the Islanders, Barzal posted 19 goals, 53 assists, 72 points, and a plus-10 rating.
For several seasons, Swedish defenseman Mikael Wikstrand was a compelling prospect for the Ottawa Senators.
Wikstrand was a late pick, round 7, in the 2012 NHL Draft, and after three years of progress back home in Sweden, including a fine performance at the 2013 World Juniors, he arrived in Ottawa with a legit shot at an NHL job in the fall of 2015.
The plan was for Wikstrand to play in either Ottawa or with Binghamton in the AHL. In 2014-15, Wikstrand scored five goals and 20 points in 46 games with Sweden’s Frolunda HC, Daniel Alfredsson's old team.
But during training camp, Wikstrand left the Senators overnight without telling anyone.
According to Senators GM Bryan Murray, Wikstrand did call assistant GM Randy Lee from the airport. Murray says the player felt he wasn't ready and wanted to go home and play in Sweden.
However, he was under contract with the Senators, who immediately suspended him. In speaking with the media, Murray says he told him he could be a grocery clerk back home or play for a Swedish beer league team.
Wikstrand, whose hockey career was now officially in limbo, then announced that the reason he wanted to play in Sweden was because his brother had been diagnosed with leukemia. Wikstrand says he didn’t know if or when he would be back in Ottawa because his brother’s situation “might take a month before everything is fine, or it might take three years.”
“It was really bad of me (to not tell the Senators),” Wikstrand told Varmlands Folkblad’s Johan Ekberg several days after leaving Ottawa. “I should have told them why I wanted to play at home. But I'm a guy that keeps a lot of things for myself, keep it in the family. My agent did not know about it before either.”
Ottawa didn't want his development to stall out completely so three months later, in January 2016, they finally relented and loaned him to Farjestad BK for the remainder of their 2015-16 season.
“In an effort to further monitor his development, we have agreed to loan Mikael to Färjestad for the remainder of the season,” Murray said in a club statement. “We will retain his North American rights and should he change his outlook on working towards playing in the National Hockey League, we will be open to discussing a potential return at an appropriate time in the future.”
After lifting his suspension, it wasn't long before the Senators finally moved off their prospect completely, allowing him to get on with his career. In May of 2016, Wikstrand, who still had a year left on his ELC with the Senators, signed a four-year extension with Farjestad.
It was the end of the line for a player projected to at least be an AHL regular in 2015-16, but he was also a player Murray thought could potentially stick with the big club that year.
Wikstrand only played six more years of pro hockey, including an Olympic appearance in 2018 in Pyeongchang. Two years ago, due to injuries, he officially announced his retirement at age 30.
That, of course, makes life a little different for the club’s amateur scouting staff leading up to the 2026 NHL draft. Barring a trade, the Flyers will pick at 21st overall. It’s their lowest first-round spot since 2020.
So the Flyers know the draft is still critical to what they want to do, even when they’re lower in the order.
“We’ve said it for a long time, we wanted to build a team that was going to be here for a long time; not just to go for it for a year or two,” general manager Danny Briere said last month. “That’s still the same approach on my end.”
The Flyers have only five picks in this draft, which will be held June 26-27. The first round is Friday at 7 p.m. ET, while Rounds 2-7 are Saturday starting at 11 a.m. ET.
“I’ll tell you how I feel about drafts and I’ll be totally blunt with you,” TSN director of scouting Craig Button said Tuesday in a phone interview with NBC Sports Philadelphia. “I think it’s f—ing bulls–t when I hear about, ‘Oh, this draft isn’t as good.’ Here are the numbers. Approximately 45 players from any draft will play 350 games or more in the NHL. It might be 47 one year, 42 another year. That’s the number — you get 45 players that’ll play 350 games or more with varying degrees of success.
“And I know this about the draft. The teams that get good players from the draft say it was a good draft. The teams that don’t get good players from the draft say it wasn’t a good draft. So when people start telling me about a draft ahead of time, I call bulls–t.”
“What you’re trying to do is find a player that you feel has the potential to be an NHL player,” Button said. “That might be a third-line center, that might be a second-line scoring winger. Hey, listen, maybe you get David Pastrnak, who’s a superstar (drafted 25th overall in 2014).
“But the focus has to be on, ‘OK, what type of player do we like, what type of player do we think the guy can be?’ And then get after it and understand what the development path is, and then try to help that player be the best he can be. Put a stake in the ground and celebrate who you’re drafting.”
Before the draft arrives, we’re breaking down first-round targets for the Flyers.
Next up:
J.P. Hurlbert
Position: Winger Height: 6-foot Weight: 183 Shoots: Right Team: Kamloops
Scouting report
The Michigan-bound forward can put the puck in the net.
He has a goal-scoring prowess predicated on guile and confidence. He doesn’t own elite speed or size, but he can beat a goalie without help. He finds the right areas and finishes.
“He knows how to score in and around the net,” Button, a former NHL GM and scout, said. “He’s not going to carry the puck end to end, he’s not going to flash and dash you, but he’s real good at understanding how to get open in the offensive zone, how to take advantage in the offensive zone and he’s going to pay a price in the offensive zone.”
Hurlbert had a prolific one-and-done WHL season with Kamloops. Over 68 games, he led all rookies in goals with 42 and points with 97. He delivered a hat trick in his debut and finished with three on the year. And he didn’t turn 18 years old until after the season.
Button has Hurlbert slotted at No. 22 on his May 20 draft list. He sees a Kyle Palmieri “type of player” in Hurlbert. The 35-year-old Palmieri has played in 925 career NHL games, putting up 30 goals twice and 50 or more points four times.
“A player of his physical stature, he’s not a guy that goes and gets engaged physically and tries to overpower guys,” Button said. “You do it with your brain, your smarts, you anticipate, you get to the right spots — he does all of those things. And he pays the price. That’s why I say Kyle Palmieri.”
(Brian Johnson/Kamloops Blazers)
Fit with Flyers
Sure, the Flyers have a ton of young wingers, but Hurlbert would be a really nice addition to their prospect pool.
The Flyers could use more shoot-first, goal-scoring potential in their system. Maybe the high-end upside isn’t quite there because Hurlbert doesn’t overwhelm you with speed or power. Still, though, there’s a lot to like.
His type of point production at No. 21 seems like pretty good value. He’d further add to the Flyers’ promising outlook on the wing along with Martone, Foerster, Matvei Michkov, Alex Bump, Denver Barkey and Nikita Grebenkin.
Leadership — one of the biggest qualities the Vancouver Canucks will be targeting when it comes to bringing new players into the organization.
Vancouver will enter their rebuild with General Manager Ryan Johnson, co-Presidents of Hockey Operations Daniel and Henrik Sedin, and head coach Manny Malhotra at the helm. All four of these important franchise figures have stressed the importance of developing their culture, habits, and environment before focusing on the wins and losses.
Hence the emphasis on bringing in more leadership.
“You’re nothing if you don’t have leadership,” Johnson said on the 100% Canucks podcast on Thursday.
“It’s no secret that a lot of guys that I brought in, whether AHL contracts or NHL two-way contracts, if you look at it, I bet you 80% of them were captains somewhere. I always check — have they worn a letter on their jersey?”
Bringing players into a locker room that is expecting to go through some difficult seasons may be tough. One draw that may call to some players is the allure of returning to a familiar setting. These two league veterans have all taken on leadership roles with their respective teams — and both have ties to BC.
Brendan Gallagher’s Name Has Been Tied To The Canucks As Of Late
During this availability, the forward explained that he may be moving on from the Canadiens organization after being scratched for all but three of Montréal’s 19 post-season games this year. On Saturday, Steve Ewen of The Provincereported that Gallagher’s agent, Gerry Johannson, had been given the green-light by the Canadiens to look at potential trade scenarios.
Gallagher has spent his entire 14-season NHL career with the Canadiens, having been drafted by the team in 2010. He has worn a letter in all but three of these seasons.
The longtime Canadiens forward has had ties to BC from the beginning. Though initially from Edmonton, Gallagher played out the entirety of his junior hockey career with the Vancouver Giants of the WHL, including serving as captain in 2011–12. Even now, he still spends time in BC during the off-season.
A deal for Gallagher is something Vancouver would covet heading into a rebuild. If Montréal is willing to part with an asset in order for a team to take on Gallagher’s $6.5M AAV cap hit, the Canucks would not only be gaining a character veteran, but also acquiring something else in return.
Is Third Time The Charm For Luke Schenn And The Canucks?
Two-time Stanley Cup winner and two-time Canuck Schenn looks primed to be hitting free-agency come July 1. The 36-year-old defenceman has hopped around the league throughout the past few seasons, joining teams like the Buffalo Sabres, Winnipeg Jets, and Nashville Predators during playoff runs as of late.
A near 20-year NHL veteran, Schenn has joined the Canucks twice throughout his career, being acquired via trade in 2019 and then later signing with the team in free-agency in 2021. In conversations about his time in Vancouver, Schenn has talked at-length about how the organization gave him a “second opportunity” in the NHL and how he’s grateful to the team for doing so.
“Love everything about what it means to be a Vancouver Canuck. It’s a special organization and I had a great time there, they gave me my second opportunity there when I was down and out a little bit,” he told Donnie & Dhali in an interview at the end of May.
Schenn’s ties to BC run deeper than just his time with the Canucks. Like Gallagher, the defenceman played out his junior career in BC, as a member of the Kelowna Rockets, and still spends his off-seasons in the interior.
“When anyone asks me what my favourite spots to play [are], Vancouver’s right at the top of the list for me,” he added. “Kind of consider myself a bit of a BC guy now, playing junior here in Kelowna and spending my off-seasons in Kelowna.”
Schenn is a steady depth defenceman that would act well as a mentor for a Canucks blueline that currently only has two players above the age of 25 under contract. What would make things easier in bringing him in is his added familiarity with some of Vancouver’s veterans, as well as his experience playing under Johnson with the Utica Comets.
Mar 14, 2026; Buffalo, New York, USA; Buffalo Sabres defenseman Luke Schenn (5) and Toronto Maple Leafs center Dakota Joshua (81) fight during the first period at KeyBank Center. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-Imagn Images
Pending UFA coming off a seven-year deal worth a little less than $3M per. Good depth add who is from North Vancouver. 15-goal, 35-point player in 2023–24 with Nashville. Formerly the captain of the Milwaukee Admirals.
Pending UFA. Checks both the BC connection and former Canucks box. Heart-and-soul player who went undrafted and worked his way up to Vancouver. Fills a good depth role and is familiar with both the remaining pieces of the ‘old core’ and new management.
Pending UFA. Former 50-point player (2021–22) and current assistant captain for Utah. From Vancouver and played for the BCHL’s Coquitlam Express from 2010–11 to 2012–13. Doesn’t quite fit with the rebuild timeline.
Pending UFA, signed for $775k through 2025–26. From Salmon Arm and signed with Vancouver in free-agency in 2022 but was soon traded. Previous captain for Team Canada (U20 WJC in 2014–15) and assistant with the Edmonton Oil Kings.
Entering the final season of a three-year deal worth $4M per. From Surrey and has expressed interest in playing for Vancouver in the past. Former captain of the Seattle Thunderbirds during juniors.
Entering the final season of a three-year deal worth $3M per. Longtime Canuck who also played juniors in Kelowna and made BC his home during off-seasons as well. Will likely want to pursue a Stanley Cup.
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.
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McDavid was announced as the winner of the Ted Lindsay Award. Fellow players vote on the award for "the most outstanding player in the NHL."
He beat out the San Jose Sharks' Macklin Celebrini and Tampa Bay Lightning's Nikita Kucherov. The NHL Players' Association doesn't release vote totals.
McDavid is also a finalist for the Hart Trophy, the MVP award voted on by members of the Professional Hockey Writers Association. The winner will be announced later.
McDavid won the Ted Lindsay Award for the fifth time, tying Hall of Famer Wayne Gretzky for most times. It was known as the Lester B. Pearson Award when Gretzky won it.
Why Connor McDavid won Ted Lindsay Award
He led the NHL with 138 points in 82 games to earn his sixth career Art Ross Trophy, tied for the second-most in league history. He recorded his eighth season of 70 or more assists. He helped the Oilers reach the playoffs for the seventh consecutive season.
Connor McDavid surprised with Ted Lindsay Award
The NHL has stopped holding the annual awards show, so the recipients are surprised with the trophies in unexpected settings.
McDavid was golfing when he received the award. His parents, wife and friends were there.
“This award, coming from the guys that you play against every single night and battle against every single night, to have them recognize me with an award like this, means so much," McDavid said.
Other NHL awards winners
Vezina Trophy (goaltender): Tampa Bay Lightning's Andrei Vasilevskiy
Norris Trophy (defenseman): Columbus Blue Jackets' Zach Werenski
Calder Trophy (rookie): New York Islanders' Matthew Schaefer
Jack Adams Award (coach): Lightning's Jon Cooper
Selke Trophy (defensive forward): Montreal Canadiens' Nick Suzuki
Lady Byng Trophy (sportsmanship): Canadiens' Cole Caufield
A big subtraction from the Philadelphia Flyers roster feels inevitable at some point this summer, as does an addition. An oft-discussed name on defense appears to be the place to start.
With the addition of David Jiricek and the emergence of Oliver Bonk, it would benefit the Flyers to move on from aging veteran Rasmus Ristolainen at some point, regardless of whether or not they add John Carlson in free agency to bolster a miserable power play.
Daily Faceoff NHL insider Anthony Di Marco reports that the Flyers are very much willing to deal Ristolainen, 31, at the right price, and the big Finn still has plenty of suitors.
"According to team sources, the Flyers are still open to trading Ristolainen this summer – but are still holding firm on their asking price," Di Marco wrote.
"Among the teams who could have interest in Ristolainen, the Ottawa Senators have shown interest in him in the past. The Montreal Canadiens could be an option. Sources have suggested that they were among the closest of teams that almost acquired Ristolainen ahead of the trade deadline."
The Canadiens being one of the frontrunners for Ristolainen is interesting, considering they had a trade in place for Toronto Maple Leafs forward Matthew Knies, only to have the NHL reject the late paperwork after the buzzer.
Considering Alex Zharovsky was on the table for Knies, the Flyers may have been targeting prospects like center Michael Hage or defenseman David Reinbacher.
Given a deal never came to fruition, the Flyers likely pivoted to David Jiricek as an alternative to Reinbacher.
Ristolainen's situation will be one to watch throughout this summer; his injury history appears to be behind him for now, and teams know it would be in the Flyers' best interest to trade the veteran defenseman away.
Any kind of trade that keeps Ristolainen in the East with the Flyers comes with inherent potential to backfire, but so long as the Flyers stick to the guns and get what they want, it should be worthwhile in the end.
Could Joe Pavelski end up behing the bench for the Toronto Maple Leafs? According to Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman, it’s a possibility.
In the latest edition of the ‘32 Thoughts’ podcast, Friedman disclosed that the Maple Leafs are interest in Pavelski, even though most of the candidates who have seemingly moved onto the next round of interviews have some NHL head coaching experience.
Pavelski has been coaching his son, Nate, with the Madison Capitols 15U hockey team with Friedman saying he was told Joe is being seen as a Martin St. Louis style coaching candidate.
St. Louis was coaching his son’s peewee team before he was hired as coach as interim coach of the Montreal Canadiens in Feb of 2022. The interim tag was eventually removed. Given Montreal's sucess as of late under St. Louis, reaching the Eastern Conference final in 2026, it's clear to see why the Leafs may want to pursue this route.
The impact of bringing in someone like Pavelski is intriguing as he established himself as a player of authority and mentorship during his NHL career. In his playing days with the Dallas Stars, Pavelski invited 19-year-old Wyatt Johnson to live with him for two seasons in 2022-23 and 2023-24. Logan Stankoven, who was with the Stars as the time, also joined Pavelski and Johnston for much of the 2023-24 season.
Former Stars head coach Pete DeBoer recalled Johnston in particular benefitting from “true leadership.” Johnston led the Stars in goals with 32 in the 2023-24 season.
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