Category: Ice Hockey

The Pittsburgh Penguins had the 30th-ranked power play during the 2023-24 season, clicking at just 15.3%. Only the Columbus Blue Jackets and Philadelphia Flyers had worse power plays (15.1% and 12.2% respectively). Like the Penguins, both of those teams missed the playoffs. 

The 15.3% was shocking, given the immense talent the Penguins deployed on their first unit and how they have usually had at least an average power play, often well above average, throughout Sidney Crosby’s career. It was one of the main reasons why the Penguins missed the playoffs for a second consecutive season, before missing for a third straight year in the 2024-25 season. 

The dreadful unit cost assistant coach Todd Reirden his job, paving the way for the Penguins to hire David Quinn to coach the PP and the defense. His work with the defensemen wasn’t great, but he helped simplify the Penguins’ PP and took a unit that finished 30th in 23-24 and got it up to sixth in 24-25. The Penguins’ PP clicked at 25.8% this season, just .1% off from the Tampa Bay Lightning’s 25.9%. 

Last season’s PP looked a lot crisper, especially with the puck movement. The players were zipping the puck around with authority and also had a lot more of a shoot-first mentality compared to the 23-24 season, when they were playing hot potato at the blue line. They were also a lot better in front of the net and caused havoc, which led to some garbage goals. 

Defenseman Matt Grzelcyk wasn’t good at 5v5, but he was the Penguins’ best power play quarterback during the regular season. He ran the show at the point, finishing with 15 power-play assists. He won’t be the quarterback again in 25-26, meaning that the Penguins will likely have to rely on one of Erik Karlsson (if he doesn’t get traded) or Kris Letang to quarterback the top unit. Letang has done it for most of his career, but his game has slowed down over the last couple of seasons. On the other hand, Karlsson can still drive 5v5 offense, but isn’t as effective as a power-play quarterback. 

It will be up to Todd Nelson to determine who the best quarterback is for that unit, as he will be in charge of it this season. Nelson was brought in as an assistant coach for head coach Dan Muse’s staff after serving as the head coach of the Hershey Bears for the previous three seasons. Before that, he served as an assistant coach for the Dallas Stars for four seasons and has worked with various other teams throughout his long coaching career. 

It will also be his job to ensure that each PP group has a high level of cohesion, along with minimal confusion. It’s something he highlighted when he spoke to reporters during development camp in early July. 

“You don’t have to overthink the power play,” Nelson told reporters. “I think the biggest thing is working together, getting pucks to the net, attacking the net. Make sure that when you shoot the puck, you have to retrieve those loose puck battles, come with speed off the breakout, and just everybody working together. That’s the biggest thing, is trying to find the personnel that work well with each other because you are dealing with high-end skill.”

Everyone should know their exact role when participating in every PP opportunity. Players are going to make mistakes, but it’s about limiting them as much as possible so the team doesn’t get burned with countless shorthanded opportunities or goals. The Penguins only gave up five shorthanded goals last year, a stark improvement from the 12 they allowed during the 2023-2024 season, which tied for the league lead with the Montreal Canadiens. 

Should Two Top Forward Prospects Make Penguins' Opening Night Roster?Even if the Pittsburgh Penguins aren’t making a huge push to be Stanley Cup contenders in 2025-26, they have had a relatively active summer up to this point. 

Regarding personnel, the Penguins experimented with separate units for Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin at times last season. They worked at times, but this has historically been a top PP unit that works with the two-headed monster on the ice together. When opposing teams have those two to worry about, plus other players like Bryan Rust, Rickard Rakell, or even Rutger McGroarty and Ville Koivunen, it quickly gets daunting. 

Koivunen, in particular, got 21:21 of PP time in eight games to end the regular season last year and never looked out of place. Three of his seven total points came on the PP, and he was using his vision and playmaking ability each time he was out there. He may get more of a look on the top unit or at least on the second unit, assuming he makes the team out of training camp and the preseason.

If the Penguins can get some fresh, innovative ideas from a new staff to build upon what worked last year on the PP, they could have an even deadlier man-advantage for the upcoming season. 

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Featured Image Credit: Andy Abeyta/The Desert Sun / USA TODAY NETWORK

It has now been almost once month since free agency opened, so the majority of this year's notable unrestricted free agents (UFAs) have been signed. Although this is true, there are also a few interesting players who still have not found their new homes. 

Former Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Matt Grzelcyk is among the top UFAs remaining, and it is pretty surprising, given the season he just had.

While the Penguins in 2024-25, Grzelcyk had the best offensive season of his career thus far. In 82 games with the Metropolitan Division club, he scored one goal and set new career highs with 39 assists and 40 points. With numbers like these, he would have the potential to be a nice addition for a team needing more offense from the point and help on the power play. 

Grzelcyk should eventually find his new team, even if it is taking him longer than most expected. Besides being able to provide solid offense from the point, his high amount of experience also adds to his appeal. 

When looking at teams around the league that could use some help on the left side of their blueline, the Calgary Flames, Colorado Avalanche, and New York Rangers are three clubs that stand out. Perhaps one of them could end up being a fit for Grzelcyk.

Nevertheless, it will be interesting to see what happens with Grzelcyk this summer. Although he has yet to be signed, that should change before the season begins. 

Ex-Penguins Goalie Signs With Overseas ClubThe Graz 99ers of the ICEHL in Austria have announced that they have signed former Pittsburgh Penguins goalie Maxime Lagace. 

Photo Credit: © Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images

Each year, The Athletic’s Scott Wheeler kills time in the off-season by writing a re-draft of the previous NHL draft. This year, he takes on the 2022 class, which was, incidentally, the last time the draft was held in Montreal. That year, talking heads and pundits alike agreed that there were no generational talents available. However, it was still the year the Montreal Canadiens won the lottery and secured the first-overall pick.

It was the first time since 1980 that they got the first pick. Back then, they had grabbed Doug Wickenheiser, who played only 556 games in his NHL career, spending four seasons with the Canadiens. As you know, they selected Juraj Slafkovsky with that pick as plenty of fans attended the draft wearing pre-made Shane Wright jerseys. Let’s see if Wheeler agrees with their pick.

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Unsurprisingly, in hindsight, The Athletic’s journalist believes Logan Cooley should have been the first overall pick. He uses mainly his offensive stats to back his decision, mentioning that the Utah Mammoth pivot is the only one from that draft to be his team’s first-line center and leads his draft class in goals (45), goals-per-game (0.29), assists per game (0.41), and points per game (0.69).

You can’t argue with numbers. Cooley is more productive than Slafkovsky, who currently has 111 points in 200 games for a 0.56 point-per-game average. However, the Canadiens’ power forward sample size is bigger since Cooley has featured in only 157 games. Furthermore, according to last season’s numbers, Cooley tends to score in bunches. He has had four three-point games this past season, compared to two for Slafkovsky. Cooley has the most extended dry spell with a six-game pointless streak compared to the Habs’ player, five.

Cooley has got a 30-second edge in average time-on-ice, which goes to show just how important he is for his team, to his credit. Most of Wheeler’s argument is based on statistics, though; there’s more to the game than points. As Kent Hughes said not so long ago, Slafkovsky wasn’t drafted to score in bunches; he was drafted to do more than that.

Still, if you think about it, had the Canadiens picked Cooley, they may not be trying to acquire a second top-six center this offseason; they would have Nick Suzuki and Cooley. With Ivan Demidov’s arrival, he would slot in on the first line alongside Suzuki and Cole Caufield. There would still be a hole on the wing, but one could argue that wingers are easier to find than centers.

Cooley’s selection would undoubtedly have been a good one, but Slafkovsky’s wasn’t a bad one, and we’ve yet to see the big Slovak’s ceiling. When he comes to camp this season, it will be interesting to see if he’ll be able to get things going right away, instead of being on the slow burn for the start of the season.

In the second place of the draft, Wheeler doesn’t have blueliner Simon Nemec, whom the New Jersey Devils originally picked (he had him going seventh to the Chicago Blackhawks) in that spot. Still, he does have another defender, Lane Hutson. The Calder Trophy winner makes the most significant jump of the exercise, going from pick 62 to pick number two.

Wheeler not only calls Hutson an elite defenseman but also confesses to having debated putting him number one overall ahead of Logan Cooley, weighing the value of a good but not superstar first-line center versus an all-star blueliner. He ultimately adds that he could change his mind if he were to redo the exercise at the decade mark.

It’s also worth noting that in his pre-draft rankings, the writer had him going 17th overall, way higher than he was picked, and he feels vindicated in that sense. All teams passed on him and even Montreal did, picking Owen Beck and Filip Mesar ahead of him. He then goes on to mention excerpts of the aforementioned pre-draft ranking. Further showing how write he was… It’s impossible to blame him there, given how tremendously well Hutson’s first season with the Canadiens went.

No other Canadiens make the first round, with Filip Mesar falling completely off the board. It’s impossible to argue that, since he has yet to make any significant impact so far. He couldn’t dominate in junior hockey, scoring 51 and 52 points in his two seasons with the Kitchener Rangers before being brought up to the AHL last season, where he put up 18 points in 42 games. During the Laval Rocket’s playoff run, he only got to suit up in one of the 13 games.

However, Owen Beck gets an honourable mention, meaning that he very nearly snuck in the first round. As you’ll recall, he was selected 33rd overall by the Canadiens, the first pick of the second round.

Photo credit: Rob Gray-Imagn Images

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New Pittsburgh Penguins' defenseman Connor Clifton is thrilled for his opportunity in a new place and on a new team this season.

And - as it turns out - he has some familiarity with a few people in the Penguins' organization.

On Tuesday, Clifton spoke about his connection to new head coach Dan Muse from his collegiate years. But he also has a prior connection to Penguins' assistant general manager Jason Spezza.

Spezza, 42, played 18 NHL seasons, amassing 363 goals and 995 points in in 1,248 career games. Not particularly known as a fighter - he had 604 total penalty minutes in his career - Spezza didn't drop the gloves very often at all. 

However, he did drop the gloves with Clifton during the young defenseman's NHL debut with the Boston Bruins on Nov. 16, 2018. 

 “Yeah, I’ve got to talk to him about that, too, actually," Clifton remarked. "I was just trying to survive my NHL debut - just trying to survive out there - and ended up getting a fight with him. I know he doesn’t fight often. It was quick, and we served our time in the box.

He continued: "But, yeah, it was funny… he was looking for it more than me, I was just trying to survive out there for game one. I had a little laugh with him - I think it must have been a year or two after when he was in Toronto - and I hear, ‘Round Two?’ And I was like, ‘No man, we already got ours.’"

Clifton, 30, has spent parts of seven seasons in the NHL between the Bruins and Buffalo Sabres, and he has registered 15 goals, 77 points, and 290 penalty minutes in 384 games.

New Penguins' Defenseman Looks Forward To 'Fresh Start'New Pittsburgh Penguins’ defenseman Connor Clifton missed a few important calls back on Jun. 28 while the 2025 NHL Draft was happening. 

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Feature Image Credit: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images

Even if the Pittsburgh Penguins aren’t making a huge push to be Stanley Cup contenders in 2025-26, they have had a relatively active summer up to this point. 

Many are still waiting on what feels like inevitable trade news regarding at least one of Erik Karlsson, Rickard Rakell, or Bryan Rust, but GM and POHO Kyle Dubas has already made a lot of small moves - some, seemingly, placeholder moves to fill the roster flip at the deadline, and others upside moves for younger players in need of a change.

As it stands now, the Penguins have 13 forwards, eight defensemen, and two goaltenders on their active roster. And two players who are not listed on the roster?

That would be young forward prospects Ville Koivunen and Rutger McGroarty. 

Koivunen, 22, and McGroarty, 21, both made strong impressions in a small sample size to close out the 2024-25 season. Koivunen was nearly point-per-game playing alongside both Evgeni Malkin and Sidney Crosby in the top-six, registering seven points in eight games. And McGroarty wasn’t far behind, either, before a lower-body injury ended his season, as he put up a goal and three points in five games with Crosby.

The Penguins are at a point in their rebuild where they need to start getting a feel for which of their near-NHL-ready prospects will be part of their future plans. Koivunen and McGroarty both showed a lot of promise in their season-ending NHL stints, and they certainly showed that they are NHL-ready.

The problem is that - given those moves the Penguins have made so far to fill up their roster space - it’s far from a guarantee that they’ll even make the opening night roster.

Will Owen Pickering Make The Opening Night Roster?The Pittsburgh Penguins will have a lot of decisions to make regarding some of their young players before the puck drops on the regular season Oct. 7 against the New York Rangers.

Dubas said just prior to free agency that the Penguins are not just going to hand opportunities to even their most promising young prospects and that they’d have to earn their way onto the roster during training camp. And that’s why he intended on - and followed through on - acquiring and signing players to shorter-term deals.

“I think the key thing is that we want these guys to earn it,” Dubas said. “So, if we just start handing the guys spots, we’re going to very quickly lose what I think the Penguins have been about for a very long time and what’s made the Penguins a great team in the league since the early 90s.”

He added: “It’s right there for them. We’re not going to block them, but they’re going to have to go out and prove that they can be here, and they’re going to have to earn their way here… It’s trying to find that balance between not blocking players but making them earn it and also having enough depth to be competitive on a nightly basis.”

So, realistically, who will Koivunen and McGroarty be competing against to make the roster, and do both of them have a realistic shot at cracking the roster from the jump?

To be clear, a lot of this depends on what happens with Rakell and Rust. If both are on the roster to begin the season, it definitely complicates matters for both players. But since - as of now - both are still in Pittsburgh, it’s best to operate on the assumption that they will still be around, at least, for now. 

Right now, here are the 13 forwards on the Penguins’ active roster, according to Puckpedia:

• Crosby
• Malkin
• Rust
• Rakell
• Kevin Hayes
• Tommy Novak
• Anthony Mantha
• Danton Heinen
• Noel Acciari
• Blake Lizotte
• Philip Tomasino
• Justin Brazeau 
• Connor Dewar

Can Connor Dewar Prove Penguins Right This Year?The Pittsburgh Penguins took a chance on forward Connor Dewar before the 2025 NHL trade deadline when they acquired him and defenseman Conor Timmins from the Toronto Maple Leafs. 

Assuming that no one else gets moved off the roster, the players already on the roster who figure to be in competition for spots - along with Koivunen and McGroarty - are Heinen, Tomasino, Brazeau, Acciari, Hayes, and Dewar. In addition, there will be a few other prospects competing for those same spots as well, which will include the likes of Tristan Broz, Avery Hayes, Sam Poulin, and Filip Hallander - the reigning Swedish Hockey League (SHL) forward of the year after recording 26 goals and 53 points in 51 games with Timra IK.

In other words, making the roster is certainly an uphill climb for both Koivunen and McGroarty if there are no other moves to alter the current roster prior to puck drop on Oct. 7. But, despite that, the young forwards are two of the best prospects in the Penguins’ system, and their sample size at the end of last season should give them a leg up on pretty much every other prospect who will be vying for a spot as long as they show up ready to compete at camp.

And if only one makes the roster?

Honestly, this is a tough exercise because both showed they are ready in their own right. Koivunen’s age makes it a bit more pertinent for him to be in the NHL mix now, and his AHL season in 2024-25 certainly earned him that opportunity, as he put up 21 goals and 56 points in 63 games and finished third among rookies in scoring.

But McGroarty’s all-around game is hard to ignore, as was his chemistry with Crosby. He heated up in the back half of the AHL season and experienced immense growth from the start of the season - when he made the team out of camp and played three NHL games before being sent to the AHL - to the end of the season. Him starting in the AHL probably wouldn’t be as unpalatable as Koivunen starting there, only because it would give him a chance to prove he can sustain his production and growth from the end of 2024-25.

In all honesty, however, both deserve an NHL roster spot. And, as long as they don’t fail camp, Penguins’ fans should expect to see their names on the final roster following training camp.

Don't Sleep On Filip Hallander This FallThe Pittsburgh Penguins were encouraged by what Rutger McGroarty and Ville Koivunen brought to the table at the end of the 2024-25 season, and rightfully so.

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Feature Image Credit: Jeff Curry-Imagn Images

The Pittsburgh Penguins took a chance on forward Connor Dewar before the 2025 NHL trade deadline when they acquired him and defenseman Conor Timmins from the Toronto Maple Leafs. 

The Penguins were helping the Leafs out since they were busy with other deals on deadline day and only had to give up a 2025 fifth-round pick for both players. They let both play in the lineup down the stretch before ultimately deciding to re-sign Dewar to a one-year contract on July 1.

Timmins was traded to the Buffalo Sabres during the second day of the 2025 NHL Draft on June 28. 

Going back to Dewar, he had no goals and three assists in 31 games for the Maple Leafs before compiling four goals and seven points in 17 games with the Penguins. He was chipping in offensively and was a pain in the butt to deal with in front of the net and the corners. He was forechecking his butt off, making it hard for opposing teams to go from defense to offense. 

The Penguins want to see more of that from Dewar this upcoming season, but he will have to earn it since there is a lot of competition for bottom-six playing time right now.

If he nails down a spot and plays well, there's a chance the Penguins could look to flip him at the trade deadline since he is only signed for this year. 

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Featured Image Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images

The Buffalo Sabres trade that sent defenseman Connor Clifton and a 2025 second round pick to Pittsburgh for Conor Timmins and minor leaguer Isaac Beliveau was made in part because the Sabres coveted Timmins, a 26-year-old native of St Catharines, ON. Another factor according to GM Kevyn Adams was that Clifton would likely not be back after the final year of his three-year, $10 million contract. On Tuesday, Clifton spoke to the Pittsburgh media for the first time and did not hold his tongue regarding his two-year stay with the Sabres organization.

“I wasn’t too happy with it. I think I was all over the place. I wouldn’t even say last year, really the past two years. My game, it’s kind of been at a standstill.” Clifton said. “There’s been a lot of mental battles along the way. There was a couple of (healthy) scratches two years ago, too. My whole time in Buffalo, I feel like I kind of lost myself.”

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The 30-year-old signed with the Sabres the summer following their narrowly finishing behind Florida for the second Eastern Conference playoff spot. Adams did not make any roster changes, other than adding Clifton – coming off the Boston Bruins record-breaking President’s Trophy campaign in 2022-23 – and veteran Erik Johnson to bolster the Buffalo blueline. Clifton was excited to join the club under Don Granato, who had coached him in the US National Development Program, and because he was slated to play a top-four role alongside either Rasmus Dahlin or Owen Power. By the end of the season, the New Jersey native was playing on the bottom-pairing, and Granato had been replaced by Lindy Ruff. 

Clifton played the same bottom-pairing role last season, finishing fifth in average ice time (16:03) and points (16) in 73 games.  

“The change of scenery, I got that call that I’m going to be a Pittsburgh Penguin, I was really excited for the change. I want to get back to my old self and how I play and the impact that I have on the game.” Clifton said. ““There’s always setbacks on your journey, I’m pretty proud of the journey I’m on. I think I have a lot left to give. I’m really excited for a fresh start in Pittsburgh and can’t wait to get started.” 

Follow Michael on X, Instagram, and Bluesky @MikeInBuffalo 

After winning consecutive Mike Richter Awards as the NCAA’s top goaltender, signing with the Buffalo Sabres, and going 5-2-0 at the end of the 2022-23 season, the expectations  Devon Levi were extremely high. Since then, the 23-year-old netminder has not been able to repeat his success at the NHL level,  but has been one of the best goalies in the American Hockey League. 

In NHL.com’s list of the Top-10 goalies under the age of 25, Levi was ranked eighth. 2025 Calder Trophy nominee Dustin Wolf was the top ranked on the list, followed by Spencer Knight of the Chicago Blackhawks, Yaroslav Askarov of the San Jose Sharks, and Leevi Meriklainen of the Ottawa Senators.  

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While any ranking is subjective, the concern for the Sabres has to be that the perception of Levi’s progress is that it is not as positive as other goalies, who are still in college or just entered their pro careers. Montreal’s Jacob Fowler – who played two years at Boston College before playing for Laval during the AHL regular season and Calder Cup Playoffs, and Detroit prospect Trey Augustine –, a two-time World Junior gold medalist who plays for Michigan State, are considered better prospects. Jett Greaves of the Columbus Blue Jackets was ranked just ahead of Levi, with Minnesota’s Jesper Wallstedt, and Pittsburgh’s Joel Blomqvist finishing up the Top 10. 

Levi is a restricted free agent, but was not eligible for arbitration or an offer sheet, leaving the young goalie in a situation with little leverage. With the signing of veteran Alex Lyon earlier this month, the Sabres will have an open competition, but the 23-year-old’s waiver exempt status makes it likely that Levi starts next eason in Rochester unless he impresses at training camp.  

Follow Michael on X, Instagram, and Bluesky @MikeInBuffalo 

The Graz 99ers of the ICEHL in Austria have announced that they have signed former Pittsburgh Penguins goalie Maxime Lagace. 

Lagace spent each of the last two seasons in the Swedish Hockey League (SHL) with Farjestad BK. In 31 games with the SHL squad in 2024-25, he posted a 17-10-0 record, a .886 save percentage, and a 2.64 goals-against average.

Lagace was with the Penguins organization during the 2020-21 season, where he primarily played in the AHL. In nine games with the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins that campaign, he had a 4-3-2 record, a .907 save percentage, and a 2.30 goals-against average. He also made one appearance with Pittsburgh, where he recorded a 29-save shutout in their season finale against the Buffalo Sabres. 

Lagace's time with the Penguins ended the following off-season, as he signed a one-year contract with the Tampa Bay Lightning in free agency. In 20 career NHL games over four seasons split between the Vegas Golden Knights, Penguins, and Lightning, Lagace had an 8-9-1 record, a .870 goals-against average, and a 3.90 goals-against average. 

Ex-Penguins Forward Signs With New TeamFormer Pittsburgh Penguins forward Daniel Sprong is heading overseas, as he has signed a one-year contract with CSKA Moscow of the KHL.

Photo Credit:  © Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images

Of all the NHL teams that improved this off-season, the Montreal Canadiens may have improved the most. 

Trading for a No. 1 defenseman, Noah Dobson, from the New York Islanders really elevates Montreal’s game, and acquiring up-and-coming right winger Zack Bolduc from the St. Louis Blues improves the Habs’ attack up front.

But looming not too far in the distance is a showdown we anticipate could be one of the most compelling battles in the league next season – the Canadiens’ rivalry with the Ottawa Senators. If things shake out in the standings the way we think they may, Montreal and Ottawa could wind up fighting it out for one of the last Stanley Cup playoff spots in the Eastern Conference.

This past season, Ottawa got into the post-season with a fourth-place finish in the highly competitive Atlantic Division. Montreal squeezed into the playoffs with their fifth-place finish in the Atlantic. 

Next season, however, there may be only four Atlantic teams that get into the playoffs, as the Metropolitan Division’s New York Rangers could bounce back and give the division four representatives in the post-season. If the Columbus Blue Jackets prove last year’s improvement was for real, they may even end their drought.

If that’s what comes to pass, the battle in the Atlantic will be ferocious. The back-to-back defending Cup-champion Florida Panthers are locks to be a playoff team in 2025-26. The Toronto Maple Leafs – which led the Atlantic this past season – are also all but guaranteed to be a playoff team this coming year. The same goes for the Tampa Bay Lightning, which bolstered their lineup in 2025.

That leaves a slew of teams – the Canadiens, Senators, Detroit Red Wings, Buffalo Sabres and Boston Bruins – competing for what could only be one playoff berth. And out of those five teams, we feel that Ottawa and Montreal are best-positioned to return to the playoffs. But if only one of them can make it, that will certainly crank up the heat of an already-hot Montreal and Ottawa rivalry.

Make no mistake: this rivalry is already intense.

Senators fans don’t forget Arber Xhekaj hitting and injuring former prospects Angus Crookshank and Viktor Lodin in the AHL and a rookie tournament, respectively. A high pre-season hit that knocked Tim Stutzle out of the game and earned Xhekaj a major penalty last fall caused a stir as well. And Canadiens fans, along with Brendan Gallagher, have accused Stutzle of embellishment in the past. Both teams virtually forgot about the play to tussle during an important game this past April.

This upcoming season, the Canadiens and the Senators will square off four times – once at the start of November, again at the start of December, once in mid-January and one final time on March 11. That final game will be particularly important, as it will come after the league’s 2026 trade deadline. At that point, Montreal and Ottawa’s lineups will be as good as they can be, and fans of both clubs will pack the Senators’ arena to watch them battle.

The close proximity between the Senators and Canadiens and playoff matchups from the last decade have already built a strong rivalry. But if either club puts a dagger in the heart of its rival and prevents them from making the playoffs, this rivalry will be scorching. That’s good news for league executives whose blueprint for success hinges on building up rivalries within divisions.

If we’re being honest, we think the Canadiens have a shot at leapfrogging over the Senators. Montreal has been proactive in improving its lineup, while Ottawa has largely stood pat with its group from last year and filled the gaps. We’re not suggesting teams that make big off-season moves are guaranteed to do better than teams that have been static with their lineup. But the Canadiens’ dynamic attack might just prove to be better than that of the Senators.

Time will tell whether this prognostication is correct. But if a heightened Sens/Habs rivalry is in the cards this season, their battles will be epic. One lost point here or there might just be the difference between a team making or missing the playoffs, so every Canadiens and Senators game will have major repercussions on their season. That’s exactly the type of development that will boost the league’s business.

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The Hockey News’ NHL summer splash rankings continue with the Toronto Maple Leafs.

As part of this ongoing series, we’re analyzing every team’s off-season, examining which teams improved, stayed the same or got worse with their moves (or lack thereof) this off-season. Each column will break down additions and departures, including hirings and firings.

You can see the teams that finished lower than the Maple Leafs at the bottom. But first thing’s first – let’s get to Toronto’s changes, and see why we’re ranking them 26th overall in the NHL summer splash rankings.

Additions

Matias Maccelli (LW), Dakota Joshua (LW), Nicolas Roy (C), Michael Pezzetta (LW), Henry Thrun (D)

The Breakdown: Faced with the loss of superstar right winger Mitch Marner, Maple Leafs GM Brad Treliving used Marner’s salary cap space to balance out Toronto’s group of forwards. 

First, Treliving traded for Maccelli from the Utah Mammoth. He then acquired Roy in the sign-and-trade that sent Marner to the Vegas Golden Knights. Finally, Treliving brought on two rugged wingers: Joshua in a trade with the Vancouver Canucks, and former Montreal Canadien Pezzetta in free agency.

Maccelli should start the year in Toronto’s top six, trying to make the most of his playmaking skills. Joshua, Roy and Pezzetta – the latter of whom may begin the season in the press box as a healthy scratch – will make the Leafs’ bottom six more abrasive and responsible at both ends of the ice. 

It was always going to be nearly impossible to replace the scoring Marner brought to the table, so Treliving used his cap space to make the Leafs a different type of team.

If Maccelli can rebound from his down season in 2024-25, when he had 18 points in 55 games, and if Joshua and Roy can amp up the two-way play, the Leafs will once again be a playoff team in the hyper-competitive Atlantic Division. This is an optimist’s point of view, but Treliving and Leafs brass are gambling their jobs that it will work out in their favor.

Departures

Mitch Marner (RW), Ryan Reaves (RW), Pontus Holmberg (LW), Max Pacioretty (LW), Alex Steeves (LW), Jani Hakanpaa (D), Brendan Shanahan (president)

The Breakdown: Marner was the biggest UFA on the market this summer, and in more than one respect, his departure is devastating, as it would be for any team that lost a creative and dominant regular-season performer of his caliber. 

But the losses for Toronto didn’t stop there. Treliving freed up cap space by dealing Reaves to the San Jose Sharks, while Holmberg (now with the Tampa Bay Lightning), Steeves (now a Boston Bruin), Pacioretty and Hakanpaa (both UFAs) have also become ex-Leafs.

With the exception of Marner, all of the aforementioned Leafs forwards are essentially replaceable. Holmberg bounced between Toronto’s third and fourth lines with not a lot of success, while Pacioretty, admittedly a terrific playoff performer for the Buds last spring, has trouble staying healthy. Reaves and Steeves were fringe players who finished the year with the AHL’s Toronto Marlies. So in the macro picture, aside from Marner, the forwards Toronto has acquired this summer are arguably better than the forwards Toronto has lost.

Marner’s exit seemed to be in the cards for months, if not years, when he didn’t sign a contract extension. Treliving – essentially powerless to stop Marner (and his no-trade clause) from orchestrating his departure – did what he could with the talent available in free agency and trades. But when it comes to pure upper-tier talent, the Leafs have taken a major blow. And they now have to prove they can thrive in the post-Marner Era.

Toronto Maple Leafs Changed Their DNA After AllThe Toronto Maple Leafs didn’t use all their salary cap space right as NHL free agency opened, which suggested they weren’t done yet.

The Bottom Line

There may be more departures (and additions) if Treliving intends to use the $2.9 million he currently has in cap space and bring in more experience. A top-six winger is obviously the priority for the Maple Leafs, as their goaltending and defense corps are all firmed up to the satisfaction of management. After all, the Leafs won the regular-season Atlantic title last year, and they still have a lot of Grade-A talent that will keep them in the mix to win the Atlantic again this coming season.

With established stars under long-term contracts – Auston Matthews, William Nylander and John Tavares – an up-and-coming elite power forward in left winger Matthew Knies, a highly touted prospect in left winger Easton Cowan, a solid group of blueliners and a netminding tandem that’s the envy of many teams, the Leafs aren’t going to be a playoff bubble team. A bite from the injury bug may hamper Toronto’s effectiveness, but there’s a good deal of depth at just about every position with this team, and that should help the Maple Leafs weather any health-related storm.

Still, the reason the Leafs are rated so low in the NHL summer splash rankings is directly due to the loss of Marner. He was Toronto’s leading offensive force last year, had a career year in assists (75) and points (102), and the Buds didn’t have a realistic replacement for his skill set.

The Maple Leafs can still have a great year without Marner, but they’re going to be a significantly different type of team – prioritizing snot and ruggedness over offensive dominance – and the results of that change in philosophy remain to be seen.

Summer Splash Rankings

26. Toronto Maple Leafs

27. Dallas Stars

28. Calgary Flames

29. Los Angeles Kings

30. Winnipeg Jets

31. Chicago Blackhawks

32. Buffalo Sabres

Nov 8, 2024; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Class of 2024 Hockey Hall of Fame inductee Shea Weber (left) is greeted by Hockey Hall of Fame members before a game against between the Detroit Red Wings and Toronto Maple Leafs during the first period at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images

There is little doubt the 2016 trade that saw Shea Weber go from the Nashville Predators to the Montreal Canadiens for P.K. Subban is still one of the most debated deals in the history of both teams.

Who was the better defenseman? We dig back into The Hockey News archives to see what an NHL scout and assistant GM thought.

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Mar 11, 2019/vol. 72, issue 11

SHEA WEBER Vs. P.K. SUBBAN

Because they were dealt 1-for-1, Weber and Subban will always be compared. So let’s do just that

BY TOM THOMPSON

THERE WAS NOTHING SUBTLE about the trade. Shea Weber in exchange for P.K. Subban. One for one. Two productive right-handed defensemen in their primes. Both had been named all-stars on multiple occasions and had played for Canada at the Olympics. It is a credit to the two players that the fans in both cities were displeased with the trade. Needless to say, there are far more hockey fans in Montreal than there are in Nashville, and they have never been shy in, as Danny Gallivan would say, “expressing their displeasure.” At the time of the trade, the Canadiens were coming off a disappointing non-playoff season and for the next two seasons struggled to rebuild a contender. This year, they appear to be on the right track. Nashville was just coming off an impressive playoff performance and was moving into the elite group of top NHL teams, where they remain. Weber and Subban have been key members of their new teams. Both have encountered injuries, but for the first time in a year, both appear to be healthy. Fans and media continue to debate the merits of the trade. Your conclusion should be based on answering a simple question: who is a better hockey player, Weber or Subban? Before we answer the question, let’s make sure we clear away the smoke so we can more clearly see the fire.

THE SPORT AND THE GAME

Professional hockey, like all other professional sports, has two aspects. The first is simply “the sport,” players competing as a team trying to win every game and, ultimately, the Stanley Cup. The second may be called “the game.” Pro hockey is a business. Careers are short. Competition for NHL contracts is fierce. Players want to maximize the revenue they receive during their careers and open up doors for additional revenue aside from their contracts. Subban plays “the game” much better than Weber. He engages the fans at all times, he is always providing fresh material to the media, and he dresses in public in a distinctive style. Weber does none of these things. As a result, there are no major network features on him to publicize the All-Star Game, and I’m not aware of him being in any television commercials as a spokesman for major corporations. His public profile is much lower than that of Subban. For all of this, I say well done for Subban. The attention he creates is good for hockey. But that said, it should not be a factor in comparing how he and Weber perform on the ice. EDGE: SUBBAN

ROLES

Both players have been workhorses throughout their careers, each averaging more than 24 minutes per game in the regular season and 25 minutes per game in the playoffs. Obviously, both play a lot at full strength, but their method of usage in those situations is different. Weber throughout his career has consistently been matched against the opposition’s top players. Subban has not been. Both have been on their team’s first power-play units. Weber is on his team’s first penalty-killing unit. Subban is not. Both players are used at times in the game when their team needs to score. Weber is always used in late-game situations when his team is defending a lead. Usually Subban is not. Weber’s role is more versatile. EDGE: WEBER

PUCK SKILLS

Both Subban and Weber are good playmakers. Subban carries the puck more and joins the rush more frequently. More of his plays are in the offensive zone, resulting in assists. Weber is an exceptional passer in the defensive zone. A significant difference between the two is that Subban gives the puck away to the opposition more than twice as frequently as Weber. It is clear to all hockey fans that there is no comparison in shooting. Subban’s shot is above average. Weber is one of the best point shooters in history. His quick release and accuracy are both at the elite level, and the speed of his shot has been recorded at levels matched only by Zdeno Chara. EDGE: WEBER

SKATING

Weber is much better in backward skating and agility. Subban works hard at this part of his game, but it is herky-jerky, and he often has to play opponents at an angle because his pivots are very average. Weber may be the best backward skater for a big man I have seen. He is fluid and balanced and able to use his stick effectively to block passing lanes while skating backward. His pivots are smooth and powerful. Weber does not have blazing speed going forward, but he is fluid with good acceleration. Subban is very determined, driving through opponents and breaking loose from checks. However, he appears to be slower than in past seasons. In a game against Carolina, Sebastian Aho blew by him in an empty-net situation with the game on the line. EDGE: WEBER

OFFENSIVE PRODUCTION

It is interesting to note that over the course of their lengthy NHL careers, Subban and Weber have accumulated points at a similar rate. However, their offensive styles are quite different. Subban carries the puck much more than Weber. He gives head fakes, he stickhandles, he holds opponents off with one hand and often makes smart plays. He has a good shot from the point, but nothing exceptional. Weber carries the puck far less than Subban. He makes excellent first passes in the defensive zone. He does not join the rush as much. In the offensive zone, Weber is always trying to place himself into good shooting position. He is one of the best shooters from the point I have ever seen. His release is quick and the shots are lethal – powerful and accurate. Subban’s top goal-scoring total in a season is 16. Weber has exceeded or matched this total eight times and has twice scored 23 goals. Weber’s top assist total is 33. Subban has exceeded that total four times with his top total being 45. EDGE: NEITHER

DEFENSIVE PLAY

Subban is a good NHL defenseman who has not been used on a regular basis, either in Montreal or in Nashville, against the opposition’s best players. Weber has always been matched on a nightly basis against the best the opposition has to offer. I recently scouted him in consecutive games against Colorado and Boston. He played virtually every shift against the top two scoring lines in the NHL. He was superb. Montreal won both games. Both Nathan MacKinnon and Gabriel Landeskog of Colorado made it clear Weber had been a major impediment to their line throughout the game. Weber’s superior size, strength, aggressiveness and agility put him far ahead of Subban on the defensive side of the puck. Subban works hard defensively, but he often commits penalties in trying to defend. Even though Weber has recorded more than 50 percent more hits than Subban, it is Subban who has more than 50 percent more penalty minutes than Weber. EDGE: WEBER

CONCLUSION

The only area in which Subban can match Weber is offensive production, where very different methods produce relatively similar results. Weber may be the best defender in hockey against top offensive players. Subban does not often play against these stars. Subban is a very average physical force. Weber is a behemoth who effectively wears down opponents. Even though he plays a much more aggressive game defensively, Weber takes significantly fewer penalties than Subban. He also gives the puck away to the opposition less frequently. Both defensemen are better than average offensively, but Weber is far superior in all other aspects of his play. Shea Weber is a better defenseman than P.K. Subban.

Tom Thompson has been an NHL scout/director/assistant GM since 1985.

The Nashville Predators are today’s focus in the NHL prospect pool overview series.

Tony Ferrari digs into the Predators’ strengths and weaknesses, latest draft class, positional depth chart, next player in line for an NHL opportunity and more. A player who no longer holds rookie eligibility in the NHL is considered graduated and no longer a prospect for these exercises, with few exceptions.

Initial Thoughts

It’s tough to figure out what the Predators are trying to be right now.

The team is trying to compete after a poor season, but the Preds also made three first-round picks to bolster their pipeline.

GM Barry Trotz said he wants to see if the veteran group can bounce back. Adding prospects to the pipeline, at the very least, gives Nashville a chance to come out of what could be a disaster with a head start on the rebuild.

Matthew Wood is one of the top prospects in the system for Nashville, signing his entry-level contract after three solid seasons in the NCAA. He dealt with some ups and downs in college but ultimately finished fairly strong. 

Wood got into six NHL games, and he will likely be in the lineup to start the season. His finishing ability and size are the assets the Preds want him to showcase. Wood isn’t the fleetest of foot, and he doesn’t drive a line, but as a complementary offensive weapon, Wood has the tools to be a very effective winger. 

The Predators have waited for Joakim Kemell to break through and force his way into the NHL lineup, but it hasn’t happened just yet. The 21-year-old Finn has always been praised for his lethal shooting ability. Kemell can throw some of his weight around at times as well. Unfortunately, Kemell has poor habits when it comes to shooting location. His two full AHL seasons have been fairly steady, putting up 41 and 40 points, but he hasn’t looked dominant or threatening as a goal-scorer quite yet.

Teddy Stiga was one of the best value picks of the 2024 NHL draft. Although he is a bit on the smaller side at just 5-foot-10, his freshman season in the NCAA proved the Preds may have found a very important piece for the future. 

Stiga is relentless in all facets of the game, consistently working to get pucks back by getting in on attacks or chasing down loose pucks into the corners. Offensively, he helps drive his line’s success by providing his linemates with a hard-working, skilled player to work with. Stiga wasn’t given much run with Boston College’s top players last year, but he still managed to put up 30 points in 36 games. This upcoming year, he could be reunited with USA Hockey National Team Development Program teammate James Hagens on the top line, and the duo could tear up the NCAA. 

The Preds love players with a blend of skill and physicality, and Egor Surin brings that in spades. He can crush a player along the wall or below the goal line, pick up the puck and deke a defender on his way to the net. Surin had a good year in the KHL, and he has two more years on his contract in Russia. Altering speed and learning to play a bit more refined defensive hockey will be a big step for the entertaining Russian. 

Kalan Lind is a wrecking ball, constantly looking to inflict pain on defenders whenever he’s hunting them down on the forecheck. Lind is the kind of player that teams value for his playoff impact when the rules become more relaxed and the game gets heavier. He’s never going to be a big scorer at the NHL level, but he could play a very steady depth role and break out in the post-season. He has some good playmaking ability at times, but his on-puck game has plenty of room for growth.

Although he’s been traded twice now, David Edstrom is a very good player. It’s why he went from Vegas to San Jose in the Tomas Hertl trade, and it’s why Nashville wanted him in the trade that sent Yaroslav Askarov to the Sharks. 

Edstrom is a big, mobile, reliable center who plays the game the way coaches want. He’s got solid two-way utility and connects plays well as a passer. After a couple of seasons in the Swedish League, he’ll play in the AHL after getting a taste in the playoffs.

The Predators have been enamored with the development and play of Tanner Molendyk over the last couple of years, but they’ve been patient in not rushing him into the NHL. He finished his junior career with a WHL championship before falling in the Memorial Cup final, but he did a great job in using his mobility and intelligence to dictate play from the back end. He will likely join the AHL’s Milwaukee Admirals this season, and it wouldn’t shock anyone if he gets off to a solid start and finds himself in the NHL at some point. 

U-23 Players Likely to Play NHL Games This Season 

Zachary L’Heureux (LW), Fedor Svechkov (C)

2025 NHL Draft Class

Round 1, 5th overall - Brady Martin, C, S.S. Marie (OHL)

Round 1, 21st overall - Cameron Reid, D, Kitchener (OHL)

Round 1, 26th overall - Ryker Lee, RW, Madison (USHL)

Round 2, 35th overall - Jacob Rombach, D, Lincoln (USHL)

Round 2, 58th overall - Jack Ivankovic, G, Brampton (OHL)

Round 4, 122nd overall - Alex Huang, D, Chicoutimi (QMJHL)

Round 6, 163rd overall - Daniel Nieminen, D, Pelicans (Fin.)

The Nashville Predators had the opportunity to alter their future with three first-round picks and five picks in the top 60. They opted for a mix of safe picks and risky selections. Only time will tell if the 2025 NHL draft class will have the effect that Preds fans and management hope it can.

With the fifth pick, the Predators sought a player who would bring physicality, drive and an endless motor. Those are the reasons Trotz gave for taking Brady Martin in the top five. Martin is a missile on the ice, constantly looking to throw his weight around and level opponents along the boards.

Martin may not have quite the offensive upside of some of the other players available, but he is nearly a surefire bet to be a solid NHLer. His offensive game isn’t anything to shy away from, either. He can bang and crash, cleaning up garbage around the net. He also has a solid shot from the slot. Martin creates offense through his physical play, winning battles on the boards or turning pucks over on the forecheck. Martin may not be a No. 1 center, but he should be an effective player nonetheless.

At 21st overall, the Predators took a swing on one of the most intriguing defenseman in the draft, Cameron Reid. He’s a high-level skater who loves to attack up ice and join the rush. In the offensive zone, his mobility to walk the line and fire crisp passes all over the ice makes him dangerous. He can beat opponents off the blueline to open up more opportunities to make plays. The six-foot Reid needs to work on his defensive game, particularly when the play gets hemmed in his own end, but the upside is enticing. 

Speaking of enticing upside, Ryker Lee was so much fun to watch this season for Madison in the United States League. His puckhandling is tantalizing, creating space with his hands and manipulating the position of the puck to open passing or shooting lanes. His defensive game is a work in progress, but his offensive tools are absolutely unreal at times. Lee has a fantastic shot, but his creativity and touch as a passer make him special. His skating needs to develop so that he can better use his skills, which makes the move to Michigan State such a smart one. College will allow him to refine his craft against bigger, stronger competition. 

Jacob Rombach is a physical defensive defenseman. He won’t try to make flashy or skilled plays, understanding the limitations of his game and playing within them. The 6-foot-6 defender is a smooth skater who reads play and cuts it down as quickly as possible. He has the tools to make a good breakout pass or connecting play, but his offensive game won’t blow anyone away. Rombach is a throwback in some ways, bringing the big hits and physical edge that teams love. 

The Predators replenished their goalie pipeline by adding Jack Ivankovic. He may not have been the first goalie off the board, but he was in the top tier of netminders in this class. His six-foot size was the one limiting factor for NHL scouts, but his technical game and athleticism are exactly what they should want. Ivankovic has been a fixture for Team Canada at the junior levels because he can not only give his team a chance to win but also steal games. 

Alex Huang was talked about as a potential first-rounder heading into the season. The defenseman’s mobility and passing were impressive throughout the campaign. Huang took advantage of the QMJHL's softer defensive structure to find passing lanes or room to change the angle. His defensive play was inconsistent, and Huang’s overall issue is that he has struggled to consistently impact the game at both ends when the pace and pressure increase.

With their final pick of the draft, Nashville took Daniel Nieminen. The 19-year-old Finnish blueliner has always been an excellent skater, but this year, he showed just how well-rounded his game is. His puck-moving ability is impressive and efficient. Nieminen uses his skating defensively as well, cutting off play and gapping up quickly to take away the time to make a play.

Strengths

For a team that has struggled to find a true No. 1 center for most of its existence, the Predators prioritized drafting players with at least some center experience. 

Wood and Joey Willis have played some center, but they’ll likely wind up as wingers at the next level. But their centers who have an actual chance of sticking there are solid bets. 

The recently drafted Martin is a one-man wrecking crew who has some intriguing upside. Surin is a high-energy center who plays fast and skillfully. Felix Nilsson is a complete, do-it-all center who understands how to advance play on just about every shift. Edstrom is a strong two-way center with the size and mobility to be an effective middle-six pivot. The Preds may not have a true No. 1 in the pipeline still, but they have a handful of centers who could all be legitimate options in the middle six. 

Weaknesses

The Predators have done a fairly good job of rebuilding the prospect pool, but the one area they haven’t really addressed yet is the right side of the defense. 

They have a couple of low-upside long shots, but they don’t have a potential top-four blueliner. On the left side, they have Molendyk, Reid and maybe Rombach or Nieminen, depending on how much rope you want to give them. Jack Matier and Andrew Gibson look like depth players at most, and the more recent draft picks don’t come with much pedigree. Finding a young D-man on the right side will be key to building toward the next era. 

Hidden Gem: Felix Nilsson, C/W

With incredible intelligence and a tactical approach to the game, Nilsson has grown quite a bit since being drafted in 2023. The 19-year-old had a bit of a breakout season in the SHL with 22 points in 40 games. 

Nilsson is a playmaker who makes crisp passes as he works his way around the ice like a chess player. He uses his teammates and positions himself to receive return passes, working give-and-gos around the ice. In the offensive zone, Nilsson consistently funnels pucks to dangerous scoring areas. The ability to read the play and make the correct passes with perfect timing and weight makes Nilsson a very steady center.

Next Man Up: Matthew Wood, C/W

While most of the projected lineups have Wood listed in the bottom six, his offensive habits and dual-threat ability will work best in the top six. 

Wood has consistently been able to play alongside high-end players as a passing option in give-and-go plays or on the boards in transition. Wood keeps pace, fills space and understands how to present the puck carrier with an outlet at every turn. He stays connected to his linemates, keeping good spacing. Wood is likely to bounce around the lineup, but if he gets a shot in the top six, he could be a sneaky Calder candidate. 

Prospect Depth Chart Notables

LW: Matthew Wood, Teddy Stiga, Joey Willis, Kalan Lind, Reid Schaefer, Viktor Norringer

C: Brady Martin, Egor Surin, Felix Nilsson, David Edstrom, Adam Ingram

RW: Ryker Lee, Joakim Kemell, Aiden Fink, Hiroki Gojsic, Ozzy Wiesblatt

LD: Tanner Molendyk, Cameron Reid, Adam Wilsby, Jacob Rombach, Daniel Nieminen, Viggo Gustafsson

RD: Jack Matier, Andrew Gibson, Alex Huang, Kasper Kulonummi

G: Jack Ivankovic, Jakub Milota, Magnus Chrona

For a deeper dive into the prospect pool with player rankings, check out the Yearbook and Future Watch editions of The Hockey News in print.

Ahead of the 2023 NHL Trade Deadline, the Chicago Blackhawks traded Patrick Kane to the New York Rangers. The decision to move on from him was not an easy one for the organization, but one they felt was necessary at the time.

Chicago ended up finishing with the third-worst record, and the lottery balls fell their way. The Blackhawks won the first overall pick, which gave them the privilege to select Connor Bedard. 

It wasn't wise not to even consider bringing Kane back once they secured Bedard. He, along with Jonathan Toews, who they also forced out, would have been the perfect mentors for their young superstar prospect. Instead, Toews took two years off, and Kane moved on to the Detroit Red Wings. 

Kane’s impact on Bedard would have helped him both on and off the ice. In terms of hockey, Kane is one of the most productive offensive wingers of all time. Having him on the top line with Bedard from the jump would have helped the kid’s production, which would have allowed him to reach a premier confidence level early. 

Off the ice, Kane is obsessed with winning and making himself better. He is still productive in his late 30s, and that is a result of his dedication. With Kane to look up to, it may not have taken almost three years for Bedard to take action on his skating/speed issues. He likely would have been more motivated to improve with each passing day if he had the opportunity to watch Kane up close. 

Instead of letting their generational stars lead the way, Chicago opted to bring in guys like Corey Perry, Nick Foligno, Taylor Hall, and Patrick Maroon, among others, to be leaders. Those are all great players, but none of them have the impact that a guy like Kane (or Toews) has. 

Bedard came into the league and was already so much better than everyone else on his team. If Kane were there, that would not have been the case.

Kane is signed to another one-year deal with Detroit, so in theory, he can come back one day. However, based on Kyle Davidson’s previous comments, it doesn’t sound likely ever to happen. Instead, Bedard will have to keep learning what it takes to be a star from scratch, although the Blackhawks could have had an elite example already waiting for him. 

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