ST. LOUIS -- The St. Louis Blues have traded Jordan Kyrou to the Washington Capitals for forward Connor McMichael, the No. 16 pick in the 2026 NHL Draft, and forward Milton Gastrin, a 2025 second-round pick.
It brings an end to Kyrou's career with the Blues, who selected the forward with the 35th pick in the 2016 Draft (second round).
The 28-year-old has five years remaining on a contract that pays $8.125 million average annual value and a full no-trade clause, so he had to approve the move to D.C. There is no salary retained by the Blues in the trade, and they currently hold four picks in the first round this year (No. 11, 15, 16 and 29).
Last season, Kyrou played in 72 games and had 46 points (18 goals, 28 assists). In 488 regular-season games played over eight NHL seasons, Kyrou had 378 points (168 goals, 210 assists).
McMichael, 25, played in 78 games for Washington last season and had 46 points (14 goals, 32 assists). In six seasons for the Capitals, he had 154 points (67 goals, 87 assists).
McMichael, a first-round pick in 2019 (No. 25), is a restricted free agent with arbitration rights; he had a career year in 2024-25 with 57 points and 26 goals.
Gastrin, 19, was originally drafted by the Capitals with the 37th pick in 2025.
He played played last season for MoDo Hockey in the Swedish Hockey League and had 24 points (10 goals, 14 assists) in 39 games.
Blues general manager Doug Armstrong will address the trade on Wednesday at 11 a.m.
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ST. LOUIS -- The St. Louis Blues have traded Jordan Kyrou to the Washington Capitals for forward Connor McMichael, the No. 16 pick in the 2026 NHL Draft, and forward Milton Gastrin, a 2025 second-round pick.
It brings an end to Kyrou's career with the Blues, who selected the forward with the 35th pick in the 2016 Draft (second round).
The 28-year-old has five years remaining on a contract that pays $8.125 million average annual value and a full no-trade clause, so he had to approve the move to D.C. There is no salary retained by the Blues in the trade, and they currently hold four picks in the first round this year (No. 11, 15, 16 and 29).
Last season, Kyrou played in 72 games and had 46 points (18 goals, 28 assists). In 488 regular-season games played over eight NHL seasons, Kyrou had 378 points (168 goals, 210 assists).
McMichael, 25, played in 78 games for Washington last season and had 46 points (14 goals, 32 assists). In six seasons for the Capitals, he had 154 points (67 goals, 87 assists).
McMichael, a first-round pick in 2019 (No. 25), is a restricted free agent with arbitration rights; he had a career year in 2024-25 with 57 points and 26 goals.
Gastrin, 19, was originally drafted by the Capitals with the 37th pick in 2025.
He played played last season for MoDo Hockey in the Swedish Hockey League and had 24 points (10 goals, 14 assists) in 39 games.
Blues general manager Doug Armstrong will address the trade on Wednesday at 11 a.m.
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.
It's become a pretty common theme across the league that former Pittsburgh Penguins frequently end up in front offices, scouting, player development, and behind the bench.
And another such case has emerged.
On Tuesday, the New York Islanders named former Penguins' forward and two-time Stanley Cup champion Pascal Dupuis to their front office staff as the Director of Player Development. He was previously part of the Shawnigan Cataractes of the QMJHL for the last six seasons, working as an assistant coach, Assistant General Manager, and - for the last three years - as the Hockey Operations Assistant Director and Director of Player Development.
"Pascal's perspective will be invaluable for our developing players who are trying to find their way to the Islanders," General Manager and Executive Vice President Mathieu Darche said in a statement released by the team. "We couldn't be more excited to welcome him to the organization."
Dupuis - known as "Duper" to his teammates and to fans - spent parts of his final nine NHL seasons with the Penguins, winning Cups in 2009 and 2016 with the team. He was a staple in their top-nine, with many of those minutes being played alongside Sidney Crosby and Chris Kunitz. Unfortunately, injuries ended his 15-year NHL career prematurely, but in 452 career games with the Penguins, he registered 109 goals and 247 points.
With a large chunk of his production coming with Pittsburgh, Dupuis recorded 190 goals and 409 points in 871 career NHL games.
The Chicago Blackhawks have lots of options when it comes to the off-season. The draft, free agency, and trades are all ways for Kyle Davidson to improve the roster before the sport goes mostly idle for the summer.
A report that came out on Tuesday from ESPN suggested that the Chicago Blackhawks are still interested in Toronto Maple Leafs forward Matthew Knies, and they would be willing to move the 4th overall pick in the 2026 NHL Draft.
The NHL draft is days away and free agency begins on July 1.
If the Hawks made a move like this to acquire Knies, regardless of what it costs, he would instantly make the team better both on and off the ice.
For one, despite being just 23 years old, Knies has some big-game experience under his belt. He played a big role on some good teams at the University of Minnesota, and every year with the Toronto Maple Leafs has been a playoff year except for this past one.
In 2024-26, the Leafs lost in seven games to the eventual champion Florida Panthers in the second round. It was an emotional roller coaster for Knies and his teammates, which will be a long-term learning lesson. His five goals and two assists in 15 playoff games showed great postseason ability, despite being one of the younger contributors on the team.
That familiarity with big moments could make him a great asset around the young Blackhawks players who haven't experienced much in the NHL.
In addition to this leadership that Knies can provide off the ice, he is an incredibly good player on the ice. He missed Mitch Marner in 2025-26, but he still had 23 goals and 43 assists for 66 points in 79 games played.
As Knies continues to improve and develop, he would be perfect alongside Connor Bedard on the top line. They are both capable of scoring goals and making plays, which may allow them to feed off each other well.
The Maple Leafs won't trade Matthew Knies for just anything, especially knowing that they still have Auston Matthews, William Nylander, and the number one overall pick coming in, but the Blackhawks do have the assets needed to make a move of this caliber.
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 on the article below on THN.com or by creating your own post in our community forum.
The Chicago Blackhawks have lots of options when it comes to the off-season. The draft, free agency, and trades are all ways for Kyle Davidson to improve the roster before the sport goes mostly idle for the summer.
A report that came out on Tuesday from ESPN suggested that the Chicago Blackhawks are still interested in Toronto Maple Leafs forward Matthew Knies, and they would be willing to move the 4th overall pick in the 2026 NHL Draft.
The NHL draft is days away and free agency begins on July 1.
If the Hawks made a move like this to acquire Knies, regardless of what it costs, he would instantly make the team better both on and off the ice.
For one, despite being just 23 years old, Knies has some big-game experience under his belt. He played a big role on some good teams at the University of Minnesota, and every year with the Toronto Maple Leafs has been a playoff year except for this past one.
In 2024-26, the Leafs lost in seven games to the eventual champion Florida Panthers in the second round. It was an emotional roller coaster for Knies and his teammates, which will be a long-term learning lesson. His five goals and two assists in 15 playoff games showed great postseason ability, despite being one of the younger contributors on the team.
That familiarity with big moments could make him a great asset around the young Blackhawks players who haven't experienced much in the NHL.
In addition to this leadership that Knies can provide off the ice, he is an incredibly good player on the ice. He missed Mitch Marner in 2025-26, but he still had 23 goals and 43 assists for 66 points in 79 games played.
As Knies continues to improve and develop, he would be perfect alongside Connor Bedard on the top line. They are both capable of scoring goals and making plays, which may allow them to feed off each other well.
The Maple Leafs won't trade Matthew Knies for just anything, especially knowing that they still have Auston Matthews, William Nylander, and the number one overall pick coming in, but the Blackhawks do have the assets needed to make a move of this caliber.
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 on the article below on THN.com or by creating your own post in our community forum.
Pascal Dupuis was hired by the Islanders on Tuesday.
The Islanders have a new face of their development department.
Pascal Dupuis was named director of player development on Tuesday, the team announced. The man Dupuis replaced, Eric Cairns, is no longer in hockey operations for the Isles, according to The Post’s Ethan Sears.
Serving in various roles for the Shawinigan Cataractes of the Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League over the past six seasons — from assistant coach to assistant general manager — Dupuis brings robust experience in multiple aspects of running an organization.
Pascal Dupuis was hired by the Islanders as Director of Player Development on Tuesday. Getty Images
A partial owner of his former club, Dupuis also stepped into a dual role as hockey operations assistant director and director of player development for the past three campaigns.
“Pascal is exactly the kind of person we want shaping the next generation of Islanders,” Islanders GM Mathieu Darche said. “His story is one every young player in our system can learn from as nothing was handed to him. He was undrafted, found his way to the NHL through his tireless work ethic, and built a career playing over 800 NHL games and finishing with him being a part of multiple Stanley Cup Championships.
“Pascal’s perspective will be invaluable for our developing players who are trying to find their way to the Islanders. We couldn’t be more excited to welcome him to the organization.”
Dupuis is a former left wing and a veteran of 871 NHL games, over which he played for the Wild, Rangers, Thrashers and Penguins.
In addition to competing for two of the Penguins’ Stanley Cup-winning teams in 2009 and 2016, Dupuis surpassed 400 points (409) over 14 seasons.
SAN JOSE, Calif. (AP) — The San Jose Sharks traded William Eklund and two other forwards to the Ottawa Senators on Tuesday for the ninth pick in the draft.
San Jose acquired that pick for Eklund and prospects Kasper Halttunen and Brandon Svoboda. The Sharks now have the Nos. 2, 9 and 27 picks in the first round of the draft Friday night.
Eklund, a Swede who turns 24 in October, was second on the team with 38 assists, fourth with 53 points and seventh with 15 goals. He has 163 points in his first 252 NHL games and is signed for three more seasons at a salary cap hit of $5.6 million, with additional team control in restricted free agency beyond that in 2029.
“William is a dynamic and skilled forward who plays with a competitive edge,” Senators general manager Steve Staios said. “We are excited to welcome him to the Senators organization, and he will fit in well with our core group of players.”
The ninth pick was part of the return Ottawa got from Florida for Brady Tkachuk in that trade over the weekend.
SAN JOSE, Calif. (AP) — The San Jose Sharks traded William Eklund and two other forwards to the Ottawa Senators on Tuesday for the ninth pick in the draft.
San Jose acquired that pick for Eklund and prospects Kasper Halttunen and Brandon Svoboda. The Sharks now have the Nos. 2, 9 and 27 picks in the first round of the draft Friday night.
Eklund, a Swede who turns 24 in October, was second on the team with 38 assists, fourth with 53 points and seventh with 15 goals. He has 163 points in his first 252 NHL games and is signed for three more seasons at a salary cap hit of $5.6 million, with additional team control in restricted free agency beyond that in 2029.
“William is a dynamic and skilled forward who plays with a competitive edge,” Senators general manager Steve Staios said. “We are excited to welcome him to the Senators organization, and he will fit in well with our core group of players.”
The ninth pick was part of the return Ottawa got from Florida for Brady Tkachuk in that trade over the weekend.
The 2028 first-round pick the Colorado Avalanche sent to the Calgary Flames in the Nazem Kadri deal has already changed hands again.
In a notable summer move, the Flames have added former second-overall pick Simon Nemec along with winger Maxim Tsyplakov in a multi-piece trade with the New Jersey Devils, a deal that brings both immediate NHL help and longer-term upside while reshuffling a handful of future draft assets.
Nazem Kadri spoke to The Hockey News upon his return to Colorado.
Heading the return for New Jersey is a package that includes a conditional 2027 first-round pick (VGK), a conditional 2028 first-round pick (COL), a 2026 second-round pick (NYR), and defenceman Etienne Morin. Both first-round selections are top-10 protected, softening the risk on Calgary’s end while still underlining the cost of acquiring two young, NHL-established players.
Kadri was traded back to the Avalanche at the deadline for a slew of draft picks, Victor Olofsson, and Max Curran. Credit: Ron Chenoy - Imagn Images
Nemec is the centerpiece of the move, a right-shot defenceman who was selected second overall by New Jersey in the 2022 NHL Draft and has already accumulated significant NHL experience at a young age. He appeared in 68 games during the 2025-26 season, finishing with 26 points (11 goals, 15 assists) and 26 penalty minutes, marking his most productive campaign to date. Since debuting in 2023-24, he has now reached 155 career NHL games, steadily expanding his role and offensive impact from the blue line.
On the international stage, Nemec has been a consistent presence for Slovakia. He suited up in all six games at the 2026 Milano Cortina Olympics, collecting two assists as Slovakia finished just shy of the podium in fourth place. That followed a bronze-medal performance at the 2022 Beijing Olympics, giving him two Olympic appearances before turning 23.
His development track has been highlighted by standout performances at every level. Nemec captained Slovakia at the 2021 Hlinka Gretzky Cup, earning tournament MVP honors after recording six points, and later set a record for most points by an 18-year-old defenceman at the 2022 IIHF World Championship with six points in eight games.
Tsyplakov is the second portion of the deal. Credit: Bob DeChiara
Tsyplakov arrives as a different kind of addition — a late-blooming, physical winger whose path to the NHL has been built through extended professional experience overseas and a rapid adjustment to North American play. Across 126 NHL games with the New York Islanders and New Jersey Devils, he has posted 39 points, including 12 goals and 27 assists. After signing as an undrafted free agent in 2024, he quickly established himself as a regular in New York before being moved to New Jersey during the 2025-26 season, where he added 22 more appearances.
Prior to his NHL arrival, Tsyplakov spent parts of nine seasons in the KHL with Spartak Moscow, appearing in 327 games and recording 121 points, including 63 goals and 58 assists. His game is built around size, straight-line speed, and a direct, physical style that has translated effectively at the NHL level.
The 2028 first-round pick was one of several draft assets the Colorado Avalanche moved in recent seasons while pursuing a Stanley Cup. However, Colorado has begun to recoup some of that draft capital in smaller increments.
General manager Joe Sakic acquired two picks from the Nashville Predators in exchange for Ross Colton and goaltender Isak Posch: a 2026 third-round pick and a 2027 third-round pick originally belonging to Colorado.
The 2027 third-round selection returns to the Avalanche after previously being sent to Nashville in the Juuso Pärssinen trade. It was later included in a separate transaction during the 2025 trade deadline involving Ryan Lindgren.
The 2028 first-round pick the Colorado Avalanche sent to the Calgary Flames in the Nazem Kadri deal has already changed hands again.
In a notable summer move, the Flames have added former second-overall pick Simon Nemec along with winger Maxim Tsyplakov in a multi-piece trade with the New Jersey Devils, a deal that brings both immediate NHL help and longer-term upside while reshuffling a handful of future draft assets.
Nazem Kadri spoke to The Hockey News upon his return to Colorado.
Heading the return for New Jersey is a package that includes a conditional 2027 first-round pick (VGK), a conditional 2028 first-round pick (COL), a 2026 second-round pick (NYR), and defenceman Etienne Morin. Both first-round selections are top-10 protected, softening the risk on Calgary’s end while still underlining the cost of acquiring two young, NHL-established players.
Kadri was traded back to the Avalanche at the deadline for a slew of draft picks, Victor Olofsson, and Max Curran. Credit: Ron Chenoy - Imagn Images
Nemec is the centerpiece of the move, a right-shot defenceman who was selected second overall by New Jersey in the 2022 NHL Draft and has already accumulated significant NHL experience at a young age. He appeared in 68 games during the 2025-26 season, finishing with 26 points (11 goals, 15 assists) and 26 penalty minutes, marking his most productive campaign to date. Since debuting in 2023-24, he has now reached 155 career NHL games, steadily expanding his role and offensive impact from the blue line.
On the international stage, Nemec has been a consistent presence for Slovakia. He suited up in all six games at the 2026 Milano Cortina Olympics, collecting two assists as Slovakia finished just shy of the podium in fourth place. That followed a bronze-medal performance at the 2022 Beijing Olympics, giving him two Olympic appearances before turning 23.
His development track has been highlighted by standout performances at every level. Nemec captained Slovakia at the 2021 Hlinka Gretzky Cup, earning tournament MVP honors after recording six points, and later set a record for most points by an 18-year-old defenceman at the 2022 IIHF World Championship with six points in eight games.
Tsyplakov is the second portion of the deal. Credit: Bob DeChiara
Tsyplakov arrives as a different kind of addition — a late-blooming, physical winger whose path to the NHL has been built through extended professional experience overseas and a rapid adjustment to North American play. Across 126 NHL games with the New York Islanders and New Jersey Devils, he has posted 39 points, including 12 goals and 27 assists. After signing as an undrafted free agent in 2024, he quickly established himself as a regular in New York before being moved to New Jersey during the 2025-26 season, where he added 22 more appearances.
Prior to his NHL arrival, Tsyplakov spent parts of nine seasons in the KHL with Spartak Moscow, appearing in 327 games and recording 121 points, including 63 goals and 58 assists. His game is built around size, straight-line speed, and a direct, physical style that has translated effectively at the NHL level.
The 2028 first-round pick was one of several draft assets the Colorado Avalanche moved in recent seasons while pursuing a Stanley Cup. However, Colorado has begun to recoup some of that draft capital in smaller increments.
General manager Joe Sakic acquired two picks from the Nashville Predators in exchange for Ross Colton and goaltender Isak Posch: a 2026 third-round pick and a 2027 third-round pick originally belonging to Colorado.
The 2027 third-round selection returns to the Avalanche after previously being sent to Nashville in the Juuso Pärssinen trade. It was later included in a separate transaction during the 2025 trade deadline involving Ryan Lindgren.
Another day, another update to the Florida Panthers goaltending situation.
As the 2026 NHL Draft and new league year approaches, the Panthers are once again viewed as one of the teams to beat in the race for the next Stanley Cup.
The move gives Florida arguably the best and deepest forward group in the league, but leaves the Panthers with just over $7 million in cap space, according to PuckPedia, and one gaping hole on their would-be championship roster: They don’t have any goaltenders signed for next season.
In recent weeks, the Panthers have been linked to a pair of goalies who are currently under contract – Winnipeg’s Connor Hellebuyck and St. Louis’ Jordan Binnington – while still maintaining negotiations with their longtime goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky.
Hellebuyck makes an average annual value (AAV) of $8.5 million through the 2030-31 season while Binnington is entering the final year of a deal that pays him a $6 million AAV.
It’s been continuously reported that Bobrovsky and the Panthers remain far apart in those negotiations, with a recent report by former Sun-Sentinel columnist Dave Hyde suggesting that Bob’s ask was as high as $42 million over three years (a $14 million AAV), which would make him the highest paid goaltender in the league by far (New York’s Igor Shesterkin makes an AAV of $11.5 million followed by Tampa’s Andrei Vasilevskiy at $9.5 million).
THN Florida recently learned that the Panthers were exploring goaltending options who would come with much lower price tags, such as free agent Stuart Skinner or Calgary veteran Devin Cooley, but those who follow the Panthers know that Zito should never be counted out of a situation until he says he’s officially out.
That brings us to Tuesday’s press conference, when Zito was asked if the door was still open for an extension for Bobrovsky following the combination of trading for Tkachuk and Bob’s apparent high contract ask.
“Until doors close, you never know,” Zito said. “Bob is a guy that has done so much for our organization, and we continue to evaluate every single day and try to be better. There are no doors closed here, ever.”
We’ll see what that means for Bobrovsky in South Florida and whether he and the Panthers can find some common ground between now and July 1, when he becomes an unrestricted free agent.
Bobrovsky, who will be 38 years old on Opening Night, originally signed a 7-year, $70 million contract with the Panthers in 2019.
During his time in Florida, Bob led the Cats to the postseason in each of his first six seasons, capped off by three straight Stanley Cup Final appearances and back-to-back championships in 2024 and 2025.
We will find out in the coming days whether Bobrovsky will remain with the Panthers and potentially finish his career in South Florida, or if he’ll move on in search of a higher payday.
Photo caption: Apr 4, 2026; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Florida Panthers goalie Sergei Bobrovsky (72) looks on against the Pittsburgh Penguins before the first period at PPG Paints Arena. (Mark Alberti-Imagn Images)
Another day, another update to the Florida Panthers goaltending situation.
As the 2026 NHL Draft and new league year approaches, the Panthers are once again viewed as one of the teams to beat in the race for the next Stanley Cup.
The move gives Florida arguably the best and deepest forward group in the league, but leaves the Panthers with just over $7 million in cap space, according to PuckPedia, and one gaping hole on their would-be championship roster: They don’t have any goaltenders signed for next season.
In recent weeks, the Panthers have been linked to a pair of goalies who are currently under contract – Winnipeg’s Connor Hellebuyck and St. Louis’ Jordan Binnington – while still maintaining negotiations with their longtime goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky.
Hellebuyck makes an average annual value (AAV) of $8.5 million through the 2030-31 season while Binnington is entering the final year of a deal that pays him a $6 million AAV.
It’s been continuously reported that Bobrovsky and the Panthers remain far apart in those negotiations, with a recent report by former Sun-Sentinel columnist Dave Hyde suggesting that Bob’s ask was as high as $42 million over three years (a $14 million AAV), which would make him the highest paid goaltender in the league by far (New York’s Igor Shesterkin makes an AAV of $11.5 million followed by Tampa’s Andrei Vasilevskiy at $9.5 million).
THN Florida recently learned that the Panthers were exploring goaltending options who would come with much lower price tags, such as free agent Stuart Skinner or Calgary veteran Devin Cooley, but those who follow the Panthers know that Zito should never be counted out of a situation until he says he’s officially out.
That brings us to Tuesday’s press conference, when Zito was asked if the door was still open for an extension for Bobrovsky following the combination of trading for Tkachuk and Bob’s apparent high contract ask.
“Until doors close, you never know,” Zito said. “Bob is a guy that has done so much for our organization, and we continue to evaluate every single day and try to be better. There are no doors closed here, ever.”
We’ll see what that means for Bobrovsky in South Florida and whether he and the Panthers can find some common ground between now and July 1, when he becomes an unrestricted free agent.
Bobrovsky, who will be 38 years old on Opening Night, originally signed a 7-year, $70 million contract with the Panthers in 2019.
During his time in Florida, Bob led the Cats to the postseason in each of his first six seasons, capped off by three straight Stanley Cup Final appearances and back-to-back championships in 2024 and 2025.
We will find out in the coming days whether Bobrovsky will remain with the Panthers and potentially finish his career in South Florida, or if he’ll move on in search of a higher payday.
Photo caption: Apr 4, 2026; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Florida Panthers goalie Sergei Bobrovsky (72) looks on against the Pittsburgh Penguins before the first period at PPG Paints Arena. (Mark Alberti-Imagn Images)
Summer blockbuster season has arrived in Calgary, with the Flames landing former No. 2 overall pick Simon Nemec and winger Maxim Tsyplakov in a major trade that signals a clear push to reshape both their present and future.
In return, Calgary sends a substantial package that includes a conditional 2027 first-round pick (VGK), a conditional 2028 first-round pick (COL), a 2026 second-round pick (NYR), and defenceman Etienne Morin. Both first-round selections are top-10 protected, giving the Flames some measure of insurance while still paying a steep price for two NHL-ready pieces.
Nemec stands out as the headliner of the deal — a former second-overall pick still early in his career but already carrying meaningful NHL experience. The right-shot defenceman appeared in 68 games during the 2025-26 season, posting a career-high 26 points (11 goals, 15 assists) along with 26 penalty minutes. Over three NHL seasons since his debut in 2023-24, he has now played 155 games, steadily building confidence and offensive impact from the blue line.
Internationally, Nemec has been a key figure for Slovakia on the world stage. He represented his country at the 2026 Milano Cortina Olympics, recording two assists in six games as Slovakia finished just outside the medals in fourth place. That came after a bronze-medal run at the 2022 Beijing Olympics, marking two separate Olympic appearances before the age of 23.
His résumé stretches back into junior and international dominance. Nemec captained Slovakia at the 2021 Hlinka Gretzky Cup, where he was named tournament MVP after posting six points. He followed that with a standout performance at the 2022 IIHF World Championship, setting a tournament record for the most points by an 18-year-old defenceman with six points in eight games.
Tsyplakov is headed to this third NHL club. Credit: Bob DeChiara
The Flames also bring in Maxim Tsyplakov, a late-blooming winger whose path to the NHL has been far less conventional but no less impactful in terms of physical presence and versatility. In 126 NHL games split between the New York Islanders and New Jersey Devils, Tsyplakov has recorded 39 points, including 12 goals and 27 assists. He originally joined the Islanders as an undrafted free agent in 2024, quickly earning a regular role before being moved to New Jersey during the 2025-26 season, where he added 22 more games to his resume.
Before arriving in North America, Tsyplakov built an extensive professional foundation in Russia’s KHL, playing 327 games with Spartak Moscow and producing 121 points, including 63 goals and 58 assists. His game has translated into a heavy, north-south style that brings size and straight-line speed to an NHL lineup.
Summer blockbuster season has arrived in Calgary, with the Flames landing former No. 2 overall pick Simon Nemec and winger Maxim Tsyplakov in a major trade that signals a clear push to reshape both their present and future.
In return, Calgary sends a substantial package that includes a conditional 2027 first-round pick (VGK), a conditional 2028 first-round pick (COL), a 2026 second-round pick (NYR), and defenceman Etienne Morin. Both first-round selections are top-10 protected, giving the Flames some measure of insurance while still paying a steep price for two NHL-ready pieces.
Nemec stands out as the headliner of the deal — a former second-overall pick still early in his career but already carrying meaningful NHL experience. The right-shot defenceman appeared in 68 games during the 2025-26 season, posting a career-high 26 points (11 goals, 15 assists) along with 26 penalty minutes. Over three NHL seasons since his debut in 2023-24, he has now played 155 games, steadily building confidence and offensive impact from the blue line.
Internationally, Nemec has been a key figure for Slovakia on the world stage. He represented his country at the 2026 Milano Cortina Olympics, recording two assists in six games as Slovakia finished just outside the medals in fourth place. That came after a bronze-medal run at the 2022 Beijing Olympics, marking two separate Olympic appearances before the age of 23.
His résumé stretches back into junior and international dominance. Nemec captained Slovakia at the 2021 Hlinka Gretzky Cup, where he was named tournament MVP after posting six points. He followed that with a standout performance at the 2022 IIHF World Championship, setting a tournament record for the most points by an 18-year-old defenceman with six points in eight games.
Tsyplakov is headed to this third NHL club. Credit: Bob DeChiara
The Flames also bring in Maxim Tsyplakov, a late-blooming winger whose path to the NHL has been far less conventional but no less impactful in terms of physical presence and versatility. In 126 NHL games split between the New York Islanders and New Jersey Devils, Tsyplakov has recorded 39 points, including 12 goals and 27 assists. He originally joined the Islanders as an undrafted free agent in 2024, quickly earning a regular role before being moved to New Jersey during the 2025-26 season, where he added 22 more games to his resume.
Before arriving in North America, Tsyplakov built an extensive professional foundation in Russia’s KHL, playing 327 games with Spartak Moscow and producing 121 points, including 63 goals and 58 assists. His game has translated into a heavy, north-south style that brings size and straight-line speed to an NHL lineup.
The NHL's Board of Governors met on Tuesday, and one of the topics they discussed was the pending sale of the Pittsburgh Penguins to the Hoffmann Family from Fenway Sports Group.
The sale was put to a vote, and it passed unanimously.
NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman confirmed to reporters after the meeting that the sale should close before the first round of the 2026 NHL Draft on Friday.
Commissioner Bettman: Penguins sale to Hoffman family should close before the draft
Shortly after the sale was approved, the Penguins released a statement stating that Geoff Hoffmann will serve as the team's Governor, while the alternate governors will be Greg Hoffmann, David Hoffmann, and Kyle Dubas.
"This is a defining moment for our family," Geoff Hoffmann said. "The Penguins represent everything Hoffmann Family of Companies stands for — community, excellence, and long-term thinking. We look forward to building on the team’s success by providing support and resources to both Kyle Dubas and the hockey operations team, as well as the established leadership group on the business side. We're proud to represent this storied franchise and are eager to become an active, invested part of the Pittsburgh community."
In addition to the Penguins, the Hoffmann Family owns the ECHL's Florida Everblades. The Everblades have now won the Kelly Cup five times after winning it this past season.
