What went down behind the scenes of K’Andre Miller’s breakup with the New York Rangers and arrival to the Carolina Hurricanes?

It actually went down basically as everybody could have expected, at least according to Miller’s agent Ian Pulver. 

Pulver praised Rangers president and general manager Chris Drury for his transparency throughout the whole process and how he handled it all. 

“It turned into a bit of a whirlwind,” Pulver said. “Chris Drury, who was completely aboveboard the whole time with the Miller situation and very professional, was in communication with me, was unsure whether he wanted to do a long-term deal… 

“There were several teams that reached out and the Hurricanes stepped to the plate, expressed interest, and then they had to construct a deal with the Rangers, which got done in the meantime. Discussions are going on with the Hurricanes to discuss parameters of a contract. And one thing led to another, and now K’Andre Miller is a Carolina Hurricane.”

The Rangers agreed to a sign-and-trade with the Hurricanes on July 1 where they received a second-round pick in the 2026 NHL Draft, a conditional first-round pick in the 2026 or 2027 NHL Draft, and defenseman Scott Morrow.

Miller ultimately signed an eight-year $60 million contract with the Hurricanes. 

“It’s a big price to pay, but we think he’s a great fit for our system,” Hurricanes general manager Eric Tulsky said. “You hear me talk a lot about how hard our scouting department works to identify players who will fit. He was one of them.”

K'Andre Miller Admits That The Constant Noise Surrounding Him And The Rangers Was On His MindK’Andre Miller’s departure from the New York Rangers was a long time coming. 

Despite the constant noise surrounding his name during the 2024-25 season, Miller spoke highly about his time with the Rangers, and he’s now ready to move forward into this next chapter.

“I think there was a lot of noise throughout the season,” Miller said. “It was definitely in the back of my head that something could happen, might happen. I loved my time in New York and it was great. I’m excited for what’s to come in Carolina.”

The Chicago Blackhawks could be a team to watch when it comes to the trade market. With the club still building up their roster, it would be understandable if they moved out some pieces who they do not view as long-term parts of their roster. 

Because of this, let's go over three Blackhawks who could end up being traded now. 

Connor Murphy 

Connor Murphy has been a popular name in the rumor mill for quite some time, and that should only continue this off-season. He is entering the final season of his contract, so he could be a valuable trade chip for the Blackhawks if they elect to move him.

It is no secret that NHL teams will forever value big right-shot defenseman, and Murphy is just that. Thus, teams looking for a steady defensive defenseman with experience certainly could look to add Murphy, whether it is during the summer or this upcoming season. 

In 68 games this past season with the Blackhawks, Murphy recorded two goals, 19 points, 117 hits, and 160 blocks. 

Lukas Reichel

Lukas Reichel has had trouble taking that next step with the Blackhawks, and it has led to the 23-year-old winger being the subject of trade speculation. With the Blackhawks having several promising young forwards in their system, it is hard to determine if the 2020 first-round pick will be a long-term part of Chicago's plans. 

Reichel appeared in 70 games this past season with the Blackhawks, where he posted eight goals, 22 points, and a minus-16 rating. While the Blackhawks could certainly keep Reichel to see if he breaks out next year, it also would be understandable if they moved him to give him a fresh start. 

Ilya Mikheyev

The Blackhawks brought in Ilya Mikheyev this past off-season in what was a cap dump trade for the Vancouver Canucks. Overall, the decision to acquire Mikheyev paid off for the Blackhawks, as the 30-year-old forward scored 20 goals and set a new career-high with 34 points in 80 games.

With Mikheyev having a solid season, there could be some interest in him if the Blackhawks make him available. He is a solid top-nine two-way forward who provides solid secondary scoring when playing at his best, so he could be a nice pickup for a team needing help on the wing. He is also entering the final season of his contract and can become an unrestricted free agent (UFA) next summer, so he could be a player to keep an eye on. 

Insider Reveals Why Blackhawks Had Quiet Free AgencyLast off-season, the Chicago Blackhawks went on a shopping spree in free agency. They added an array of veteran players, including Teuvo Teravainen, Tyler Bertuzzi, TJ Brodie, Alec Martinez, Craig Smith, and Pat Maroon, in hopes of taking a step forward in their rebuild. 

Photo Credit: © Marc DesRosiers-Imagn Images

NHL free agency began over a week ago, and as is the case every year, there are under-the-radar signings that stand out upon reflection. 

Whether it’s a veteran taking a cheap deal, a young player trying to crack an NHL lineup or a good re-signing, some of the smaller deals deserve a closer look.

Here are five of the most under-the-radar signings, in no particular order.

Brent Burns, D, Colorado Avalanche

One year, $1 million, plus $4 million in performance bonuses

It’s not often that an upper-level defenseman for two decades at the NHL level is considered an under-the-radar player, but it’s because the 40-year-old Burns remains one of the oldest active players in the NHL.

Burns’ offensive numbers have fallen off in recent years, but this past season in Carolina, he still got 29 points while averaging 20:57 of ice time. In Colorado, he’ll play considerably less than that, keeping him fresh throughout the year and allowing him to focus on his strengths, including shooting and making solid breakout passes.

Burns will earn a $3-million bonus at 10 games played, but he’ll get another $1 million if he plays 70 games and averages 23 minutes or more, which is unlikely. It’s a good signing for Avalanche GM Chris MacFarland, and we expect he will thrive playing alongside Colorado’s many top-tier talents.

Evgenii Dadonov, RW, New Jersey Devils

One year, $1 million, plus $2.25 million in performance bonuses

Dadonov, 36, has bounced around the NHL since 2020-21, playing on four different teams during that span. 

He has performance bonuses that could boost the cap hit of the deal to $3.25 million, including $250,000 every 10 games played until he reaches 50 and $300,000 for making the playoffs and playing at least 40 games. New Jersey will be thrilled to pay out those bonuses if he reaches them, because he can still put up some excellent secondary scoring.

Getting someone who scored 20 goals and 40 points for Dallas last season is the type of depth signing that will likely only look like great business by Devils GM Tom Fitzgerald.

Radek Faksa, C, Dallas Stars

Three years, $2 million AAV

Faksa has produced a maximum of 20 points in each of his past six seasons, so $2 million might seem a bit high at first glance.

Faksa is still only 31 years old, however, and his defensive acumen, faceoff success and mistake-free game are what brought him back to Dallas after a season away from the organization in St. Louis. Faksa’s three-year pact is a wise depth investment from Stars GM Jim Nill. He won’t make many highlight reels, but he’ll be an important bottom-six forward for the cap-strapped Stars, which lost Mikael Granlund in free agency.

Alex Steeves, LW, Boston Bruins

One year, $850,000

After a successful NCAA career at Notre Dame, Steeves has spent the past four years in the Maple Leafs organization, becoming one of the most potent AHL players in that span. 

This past season, Steeves was named a second-team AHL all-star after putting up a career-best 36 goals and 62 points in 59 games. But he’s never gotten a long look with the Leafs, playing only 14 NHL games. The 25-year-old could get a much longer look with the retooling Bruins, and at the bargain basement price tag of $850,000, he could prove to be one of the NHL’s best investments this coming year.

Steven Lorentz, LW, Toronto Maple Leafs

Three years, $1.35 million AAV

Despite being an ECHLer in 2018-19, Lorentz won a Calder Cup in the AHL that season and a Stanley Cup with the Florida Panthers in 2023-24. 

This past season in Toronto, Lorentz matched his career high in points, with 19. But it’s Lorentz’s skills as a physical forward and penalty-killer that have earned him a three-year deal with the Leafs. 

His 199 hits were the second-most on the Leafs in 2024-25. He also averaged only 10:33 of ice time, but 1:08 of that was on the PK. 

As the cap rises in the coming years, Lorentz’s salary will be close to the league minimum, making his contract a savvy move by Buds GM Brad Treliving.

Get the latest news and trending stories by following The Hockey News on Google News and by subscribing to The Hockey News newsletter here. And share your thoughts by commenting below the article on THN.com.

Before Toronto Maple Leafs forward Ryan Reaves calls it a career, he hopes to hit the milestone of 1,000 games.

The 38-year-old sat down with Andy Strickland and Cam Janssen of the Cam & Strick Podcast this week. Reaves reflected on his career, living in Vegas during the summer, the Toronto traffic, and what it's been like to be part of the Toronto Maple Leafs.

This past year wasn't the easiest for Reaves. The veteran forward cleared waivers and was sent to the AHL's Toronto Marlies at the trade deadline to make room for the incoming additions of Scott Laughton and defenseman Brandon Carlo.

It was the first time Reaves had been in the AHL since 2011. He played three games with the Marlies, scoring one goal.

"They didn't tell me I had to go play. I was actually skating with the skills coach for a couple weeks, but the boys went on the road for a couple road trips and I started getting bored. I hadn't seen anybody, I just wanted to be part of something," he said.

"So I called and said I'm going to come down and practice with the Marlies, and it was just a really good group of guys down there, so I was like, I'll jump into a couple home games and stay ready if I was called on. Unfortunately, I wasn't, but I think I just got to the point where I just wanted to be around the boys again and not just sit at home and bag skate by myself."

'I Know I'm A Better Player Than I Was In Utah': Matias Maccelli Believes He's Ready For Top-Six Role With Maple LeafsMatias Maccelli was attempting to make a putt when his friend began yelling about a trade to the Toronto Maple Leafs.

One particular moment that went viral while with the Marlies was when his visor was pushed all the way up during warmups. Per AHL rules, Reaves had to wear a visor during games, a rule that doesn't exist in the NHL.

"It's funny about the visor because the first game, it was tilted all the way up, right, and I didn't really think anything of it, I just thought it was just going to fly under the radar, but it was all over the internet. So then, I was like, 'Oh s**t, everybody's tweeting this out.' Game two I played, I was like, somebody's going to say something and nobody said anything," he smiled.

"And then game three, the GM (Ryan Hardy) down there came up to me and said, 'Okay, the league called and they said they want you to put the visor down.' So I was like, 'Ah, damn.' So I go out there and I look at one of the refs and was like, 'Hey, how low do you want this thing to go?' He's like, 'What do you mean?' I was like, 'Well, they said they called and that I got to put this low.' The ref goes, 'I don't give a s**t what you do."

'Couldn't Ask For Anything Better': How Former Maple Leafs Defenseman Jake Muzzin Is Helping Develop The Next Crop Of Toronto DefendersAs Toronto Maple Leafs 2024 first-round pick Ben Danford finishes a battle drill at the organization's development camp, he receives a stick-tap from Jake Muzzin.

Reaves spends his summer in Vegas. He played four seasons with the Golden Knights from 2018 to 2021. When Mitch Marner departed the Maple Leafs for the Golden Knights, signing an eight-year contract with a $12 million annual average value, he had mentioned Reaves as a player with whom he's had conversations about the living situation in Vegas.

"I went out for dinner with Mitchy yesterday," he smiled.

"Mitchy earned the right to go wherever he wants, and he's dedicated his whole career to Toronto, a hometown guy, and he's poured everything he had into it, and sometimes it's just time to move on. There's not much else to say about that. I'm happy for him. He deserved the contract he got. Wish him the best here for sure."

Mitch Marner Reveals When He Knew He’d Test NHL Free Agency While Under Maple Leafs ContractMitch Marner is a Vegas Golden Knight, officially unveiled on Tuesday in an introductory news conference with the Vegas local media.

But does Reaves believe Marner received unfair treatment in Toronto?

"I think they can be a little ruthless to him. I guess just because he's the hometown guy and sometimes fans want to point fingers at somebody," he said.

"I think there's two sides to the fans in Toronto. I think there's the ones that just want to win so bad that they're willing to drag anybody through the dirt, and then there's the loyal fans that just want to cheer on a good team. There's a lot of fans there, so you get a lot of both. It's tough for any player when you're reading all the hate that you get and it's probably just frustrating."

Maple Leafs Sign Former Canadiens Forward Michael Pezzetta To Two-Year, $1.575 Million ContractThe Toronto Maple Leafs have made their first free-agent signing.

Reaves, though, added that as a player, you're going to find negative fans anywhere you play.

"There's always going to be people who find something negative to say. Doesn't matter what market you're in, there's always somebody who just wants to drag you down, and you just can't pay attention to that," said Reaves.

"I like Toronto. To be honest, I don't go out a lot there. I cannot stand the traffic, and so I don't make my way downtown, it's like a 45-minute drive for me because they just shut down a couple lanes there. I've probably been downtown, besides a game, maybe three, four times the whole year."

'My Favorite Player Growing Up Was Mats Sundin' Nicolas Roy Reacts To Be Traded To Maple Leafs In Mitch Marner DealNic Roy was on a trip with family and friends when he found out that he was being traded from the Vegas Golden Knights to the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Reaves was then asked about a couple of Toronto's core players, such as Auston Matthews, who just finished up his first year as captain of the Maple Leafs. "I feel like he looks a little more reserved than he is when he's talking to the cameras," he said, "but he's a great guy that loves to joke around, hangs out with the boys. He was one of boys in Toronto for sure."

Matthew Knies had another career year with Toronto and just signed a massive seven-year, $46.5 million extension with the Maple Leafs. Reaves called him a player who doesn't come around very often in the NHL.

"I said at the very beginning of the year last year, he's the one guy I was most excited to see. You do those skates before training camp and you're just kind of playing five-on-five shinny. He just looked, like his confidence was sky-high and he's a big, strong guy," Reaves said.

"Again, one of those guys that they don't come around very often, where they play really physical, they can put the puck in the net, it's hard to take the puck off him, he's good in front of the net, has got good hands. He's kind of the complete package of what you want out of a player."

Why Matthew Knies 'Wanted To Go Long-Term' On Six-Year Extension With The Maple LeafsToronto Maple Leafs forward Matthew Knies was never interested in signing an offer sheet.

He also spoke glowingly about William Nylander.

"He's one of the most skilled players I've ever played with," Reaves said, before being asked to compare both Matthews and Nylander.

"I think they're just different. I think Matthews is very good at finding spots to score. He is one of the most accurate shots out there. He plays very hard defensively, a really good stick. Willy, you just can't take the puck off him because he's so good on his edges, and he can fly with the puck, going any direction. He'll make one move and make you miss, and Matty can do that too. I think they're just a little bit different skill-wise."

'This Is For Real Now': Matthews, Tavares, Nylander Texts Help Welcome New Maple Leafs ProspectsIn the hours—and likely days—after the Toronto Maple Leafs selected Tyler Hopkins with their third-round pick in the 2025 NHL Draft, the 18-year-old sifted through all of the messages received about being selected.

There are questions about Reaves' future with the Maple Leafs. He's someone who's nearing the end of his playing career, and his enforcer play style isn't used in the league anymore. He played 35 games this past season with a Maple Leafs team that's looking to contend for a Stanley Cup and didn't register a goal.

Reaves only has one more year left on his contract, which he signed with Toronto in 2023, but what's next? Does he see himself back in Toronto for the start of next season? What are his goals as his career begins to wind down?

"I still want to play. I'm 83 games from 1,000 right now, so I would love to be able to hold on for another two years and hit that and then ride into the sunset. I don't think I can make it past two more years, but I would love to get that, and I think the dream is always the Stanley Cup.

"When I first came into the league, I remember looking at my wife and I was like, 'Wouldn't it be cool if I hit 100 games in the NHL?' And then I hit 100 and I was like, 'Imagine I hit 200.' All of a sudden I was at 500 and then thought maybe I chase 1,000 here.

"For a player who plays like me, I think it would be a pretty cool accomplishment, so Stanley Cup, 1,000 games, in that order, so I would love to have the opportunity to try and get it."

(Top photo of Reaves: Wendell Cruz / Imagn Images)

The Senators' 2025 development camp wrapped up this past Friday after three days of on and off-ice sessions.

The first two days of camp provided the public and local media with their first opportunity to observe many of the draft picks from the past few years, as well as the organization's latest selections from the 2025 NHL Draft.

There were a few noted absentees. Lucas Ellinas (104th, 2024, shoulder) and Tyson Dyck (206th, 2022, undisclosed) were missing because of their situations, while the two Russians the Senators selected in this year's draft -- Dmitri Isayev (149th, LW) and Andrei Trofimov (213th, G) -- remained at home.

The camp still featured 29 skaters, 20 of whom were drafted by the Senators.

The majority of the first two days were spent with the group split, with half working on hockey drills on one pad of the Bell Sensplex and the other half sharing a separate pad with skating consultant Shelley Kettles.

One of the most obvious observations from camp was the sheer size of the blue liners.

Tomas Hamara, a left-shot puck-moving defenceman who will graduate to the AHL this season in Belleville after three seasons in the OHL, is listed at 6'0". The other nine defencemen listed on the development camp roster were all 6'2" or taller.

Their pipeline of defensive prospects is comprised of redwoods, aligning it with recent trends within the league. No defenceman shorter than 6'0" was taken at the 2025 NHL Draft.

"If you look at all the teams that have won over the last handful of years, the back ends are big and long and can play physical," player development coach Andrew Gordon outlined while explaining why the Senators have so many tall defencemen. "(They) can move the puck, but they all have similar characteristics.

"If you look league-wide, there was not a single (defenceman) drafted this year under six feet. So, it's not just us. The (way the) draft went last year, it was kind of funny, but it wasn't by design. We knew the type of player we wanted to get, but we just picked the next best player in line.

"It's not exactly like we're looking for a guy above six four every time, but that's the way it fell on our list. So we'll take it, because in the long run, if you want to compete with teams like Florida, Vegas and Colorado, which have been winning lately, those are the teams that have the big back ends."

It is a tall collection of talent, but in watching the drills, many of the defencemen can skate at a high level.

Throughout the week, Logan Hensler, the 23rd overall selection in this year's draft, put his four-way skating ability on full display in the drills.

Hensler's talent extends beyond his skating, however.

"When you throw puck in the corner, he's able to handle himself against big boys," stated Gordon while detailing what impressed him about Hensler's camp. " He's able to make plays out of the corners in tight spaces.

"When I saw him in the winter, that was one of the things I liked. He could take the puck in the corner in his (defensive) zone, and he could do what he wanted with it. It is just a matter of time. He can put a guy on his back and make a play. He's got the vision and the skill set to do it. What I saw (in camp) was an extension of what we believed he was. He's going to be a good player."

Prognosticators have been quick to point out that the Senators' system has depth at several positions but lacks a lot of safely projectable high-end skill.

What separated last year's seventh overall selection, Carter Yakemchuk, from his peers in camp was the noticeable leap in skill.

The only thing that stood out more than Yakemchuk's skill on the back end was Gabriel Eliasson's thirst for violence. Even in a friendly environment, the 6'7" Swede, asserted himself physically and tried to impose his size on his competitors. Eventually, on the second day, it culminated in a skirmish with undrafted free agent invitee Owen Pilling.

Getting back to Yakemchuk's unique combination of size, skating, and offensive aptitude, his talent almost earned him the opportunity to start the season in Ottawa, but those same traits were on full display in his on-ice sessions.

Yakemchuk's standout skill would have been dulled by a display of skill from the Senators' collection of forwards, but much like their defensive counterparts, their forwards are characterized by their size and skating ability.

Some skill was on display, however. In the first day's cycle drills, Bruno Idzan, the Senators' sixth-round pick in the 2025 NHL Draft, showed an ability to navigate tight spaces with some solid handles. Cameron O'Neill, a fifth-rounder from the 2022 NHL Draft who is playing out of UMass, had some nice moments as well.

Fresh off his Memorial Cup victory with the London Knights, Blake Montgomery's blend of size and speed was entertaining to watch firsthand (see above video). He already looks like a projectable top-nine player for the Senators in the future, but if his processing and hands can approach his quickness, perhaps there is a chance he can be more.

"Mainly just using my speed with my size better," said Montgomery when describing what he wants to improve this season. "I feel like at a lot of points, I could skate around fast. But, (I want to) feel good about using my frame as much as I can. I just want to fill (my body) out and be better at that."

Oskar Pettersson looked more polished than many of the forwards, but at 21 years of age and having played parts of two seasons in Belleville, that should not come as a surprise. He consistently finished plays throughout his two days, which was intriguing because he has not produced a ton at the AHL level yet.

In 67 games in Belleville last season, Pettersson only tallied nine goals and 15 points. The AHL can be a tough league for young players experiencing their first full season of professional hockey in North America, but in speaking with a Belleville source, Pettersson also spent a majority of the season learning a new position, centre, on the team's third line.

Pettersson was awarded the Jonathan Pitre Award as the camp's hardest-working player, but his progress will be worth monitoring this season. If he ascends the lineup and takes on a larger offensive role playing with more skilled players, he could have an opportunity to play games with the Senators this season.

Finally, the size and athleticism of the Senators' goaltenders were notable. Newcomers like Lucas Beckman (4th rd, 2025) and the recently signed Jackson Parsons were impressive, but Vladimir Nikitin shone with some remarkable saves.

Many organizations have put a premium on drafting tall goalies. Filling a net and giving shooters little room to take a shot can be crucial, but technical skill and athleticism remain vital to any goaltender's success. Although the sample size was small, it is encouraging to see the Senators strike a balance with the goaltending talent they have on the ice. Although it will always feel odd to hear players like Beckman refer to themselves as small when they stand at 6'2".

Coming up tomorrow: Sam Gagner, the Senators' new Director of Player Development, offered some thoughtful perspectives on hockey IQ during development camp. Stay tuned for a closer look at his approach.

By Graeme Nichols
The Hockey News/Ottawa

More Sens Headlines:
Is Carter Yakemchuk In The Ottawa Senators' NHL Plans For This Fall?
Dissecting The Senators' Intriguing New Right-Shot Defensive Depth Chart
Claude Giroux Reveals Why He Signed Back In Ottawa
Senators Sign Lars Eller, Offseason NHL Additions Are Now 'Most Likely' Complete
Senators Clarify Their Goaltending Picture for Next Season
Senators Acquire Defenseman Jordan Spence From Los Angeles

Over the three days that the Montreal Canadiens’ development camp lasted, fourth-round pick and 133rd overall selection LJ Mooney stood out to me. It wasn’t because he was only 5-foot-7 and 157 pounds; no, it was because of how intensely he played on the ice. He skated with Gallagher-like determination or Hutson-like intensity when trying to recover a puck that had just been stolen from him.

Martin Lapointe said post-draft that they were trying to hit a homerun when they selected Mooney in the fourth round despite his small frame, because the talent and the skills were there to make him a much earlier selection. Those words came back to me while watching him, and it made sense.

2 Former Canadiens Who Are Still Free Agents
Interesting News About The Canadiens’ First Pick At The Last Draft
Canadiens: Could Hughes Take A Big Bite Out Of The Salary Cap?

Since then, I came across a scouting report written by Elite Prospects’ USHL/NCAA scout Sebastian High (with an assist from @HabsOnReddit), and it was an interesting read, especially considering how vital size and physicality turned out to be in the playoffs this past season.

Thinking back to this LJ Mooney game report I wrote (while on a bus through the Rockies to Canmore).

The Montreal Canadiens are the perfect organization to optimize the odds of Mooney’s NHL upside.#GoHabsGo have both a good eye for development paths and the patience required. pic.twitter.com/0Tm8dYcmCN

— Sebastian High (@high_sebastian) July 9, 2025

High praised the impressive level of violence in his play, and that he had no qualms launching himself into players that were a foot taller and 50 pounds heavier than himself, he even called him a pint-sized hurricane to deal with.

Of course, like most, if not every, 18-year-old prospect, Mooney is not a finished product, and High did cover his downsides. Most notable was the fact that he tends to try the impossible play, the Hail Mary passes. To me, that’s not overly worrying. Lane Hutson had a tendency to try too hard when he first joined the Canadiens, but he learned to pick his spots in time, and the Canadiens are the type of team that will allow for growing pains, especially under Martin St-Louis.

It used to be that if you made a mistake in Montreal, Michel Therrien or Claude Julien would sit you on the bench, and you’d spend the rest of the game with a front-row seat to watch the action. This is no longer the case. Not for young players learning in any case, it takes quite a few occurrences for the coach to crack the whip.

High even concludes by saying that the prospect will need to work on numerous aspects of his game in college, but that there's a path, even if it’s a narrow one, to a top-six role in the NHL. Encouraging words to say the least, but it’s now all down to the play and how hard he’ll be willing to work in college, but watching him at development camp made it abundantly clear that there is nothing to worry about there. Mooney said it himself; he uses his side, and the fact that people doubt him serves as motivation to work harder and prove them wrong. That’s always been a winning formula.

Photo credit: © Pierre Bourgault/Club de hockey Canadien inc.

---

Canadiens stories, analysis, breaking news, and more! Tap the star to add us to your favorites on Google News, never to miss a story.  

Follow Karine on X @KarineHains Bluesky @karinehains.bsky.social and Threads @karinehains.

Bookmark The Hockey News Canadiens' page for all the news and happenings around the Canadiens.

Join the discussion by signing up to the Canadiens' roundtable on The Hockey News.

The Hockey News Big Show is here to discuss the biggest topics as the NHL off-season is well underway.

How Many 2025 NHL Draft Picks Could Immediately Make The Jump? by The Big Showundefined

Here’s what Michael Traikos, Ryan Kennedy and Drew Shore discussed in this episode:

01:30: Are hockey’s enforcers the same off the ice as on the ice?

04:00: Gavin McKenna commits to Penn State. What does it mean for the junior hockey and NCAA landscape? For Drew, what was it like playing college hockey?

06:55: Does college hockey benefit players more than major junior?

09:00: Is the NCAA more difficult than the WHL?

11:30: The Edmonton Oilers traded Sam O’Reilly to the Tampa Bay Lightning in exchange for Isaac Howard. Thoughts?

14:30: Where do we see Howard playing? Is it OK when young players call their shots and refuse to sign with the team that drafted them? Why didn't Howard want to play for the Lightning? 

16:40: What was Drew’s experience like in rookie and development camps?

18:30: Are there any surprises from the NHL’s summer development camps?

21:00: Summer training: what are the early summer routines like? How long after a season ended should someone start to train? What’s the diet like? What kind of gym work happens?

23:00: Would Drew be on the ice constantly in the off-season?

25:30: How much did Drew’s diet change in the off-season?

28:40: How many players from the 2025 draft could go straight to the NHL?

32:45: What makes you able to tell if players are ready for the NHL level right away?

35:00: Who's the best UFA still on the market?

40:00: In honor of the Nittany Lions signing McKenna, what's your favorite NCAA mascot name?

42:00: What's the best summer food?

42:55: Yay or nay: kids playing organized hockey in the summer

Watch the full Episode here 

Subscribe to The Hockey News Big Show on your preferred platform.

Last off-season, the Chicago Blackhawks went on a shopping spree in free agency. They added an array of veteran players, including Teuvo Teravainen, Tyler Bertuzzi, TJ Brodie, Alec Martinez, Craig Smith, and Pat Maroon, in hopes of taking a step forward in their rebuild. 

However, Blackhawks general manager Kyle Davidson had a different game plan when it came to July 1 this year. Instead of using their high amount of cap space to bring in new talent, the Blackhawks were incredibly quiet in free agency, only signing depth forward Dominic Toninato to a two-year, two-way contract.

During a recent episode of 32 Thoughts: The Podcast, NHL insider Elliotte Friedman revealed that the Blackhawks were not very happy with how last season went with some of their veteran additions, so they went in a different direction this year in free agency. 

"They weren't exactly thrilled with how things went last year with some of their vets, and I think they just decided 'we're not going to do that again,'" Friedman said about the Blackhawks. "So, I'm not surprised they were pretty quiet."

Friedman then noted that the Blackhawks aren't a club that the NHL's top free agents will sign with as they continue to build their roster.

"I can understand why the Blackhawks did not want to repeat what happened a year ago. The best free agents, they aren't going there right now. They aren't going there right now. So, you're not going to sit there and say we're making some of the same mistakes we thought we had a year ago."

With this, it is understandable that the Blackhawks took a more conservative approach with free agency this year. This is especially so when noting that this year's free agency class was notably weaker. In addition, the Blackhawks have several impressive prospects who should be competing for spots on the NHL roster in training camp.

Nevertheless, it is going to be fascinating to see how the Blackhawks perform next season after their quiet off-season from here. 

NHL Rumors: Blackhawks Should Target Top Free Agent LeftThe Chicago Blackhawks currently have over $22 million of cap space to work with. Because of this, they are in a prime position to add to their roster, and one area that they could look to improve before the season is here is their forward group. 

Photo Credit: © David Kirouac-Imagn Images

LAS VEGAS -- Golden Knights star Jack Eichel knows what it means to leave an organization and city that brought you into the NHL, and then having to start over in a brand-new city.

Which is why the 2015 second overall pick is more than willing to lend a hand with the newest Golden Knight, Mitch Marner, who arrived last week via a sign-and-trade deal with the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Marner, an area native of Toronto, was taken by the Maple Leafs two picks after Eichel in the same draft.

"Having went through the situation of leaving an organization in the city and having a fresh start in Vegas, I think I can relate, to a point, to some of the things he's going through," Eichel said. "I think he's obviously had his own situation, and however that ended, I'm sure he's super excited to have a fresh start and be in a place like Vegas, and I know he'll excel.

"I'm looking forward to continuing to get to know him and then getting the opportunity to play with him."

Eichel spoke to The Hockey News via phone call Tuesday, discussing the Marner acquisition, his summer vacation on the East Coast, preparation for the 2025-26 campaign, and looking forward to returning with a fresh mindset in September.

During the "Leaf Morning Take" podcast, Vegas coach Bruce Cassidy said it's hard to predict if Eichel and Marner will end up on the same line, but he is looking forward to seeing the two when camp opens in September.

"There needs to be chemistry, first of all," Cassidy said. "And there might be some automatically, and there might be none, you never know. They're going to get an opportunity at some point, whether it's early on or later, to play together. Because you want to see what it looks like.

"Mark Stone was up there with Jack last year, pretty good hockey player, right? So we have (Tomas) Hertl, we have (William) Karlsson, so (Marner's) going to get a good center, and what's the best fit where he can play his game? I'll say this about Jack and Mitch, they're probably both distributors first, so it'll be interesting to see if they do play together. And I'm sure they will in situations, even if they're not in the same line, and see how that works out if one of them becomes more of a shooter. But those questions will all get answered as we go along."

Said Eichel: "Obviously, incredible signing in addition to our team, world-class player and somebody whose game I really admire and respect. Somebody who can create so much and do so much in different areas of the game. Had some brief conversations with Mitch, and everyone that I've spoken to that knows him, that's been around him, has the best of things to say about him. So we're super excited to have him in Vegas."

With training camp still a couple of months out, Eichel said his summer vacation at home in Massachusetts has been nothing short of relaxing.

"It's been good," he said. "I mean, it's always nice to be able to come home and see some friends and some family and catch up.

"Obviously, the season is a whirlwind and you're constantly in the mode of preparing for the next game and trying to put your efforts towards winning hockey. In the offseason, I think it's just a little bit of a mental reset, given the time and demand of the season. Give your body a rest, and then get back to training and figure out what you want to try and do to improve yourself and come back in good shape."

Outside of spending time with family and friends, breathing in life off the ice, Eichel said he hasn't done anything special or out of the ordinary in the gym during the offseason, but has stuck to a regimen that will have him ready for the start of camp in September.

"I think it's about being consistent and then obviously finding ways or things that you want to try and improve on in your body, and something that will help you respond better on the ice," he said. "So, for me, it's always been the simple things. You want to lift weights, you want to try and get some running in, obviously keep your conditioning and cardio at a good point, and just try and give yourself the opportunity to feel as good as you can on the ice. I don't really think that there's necessarily a special sauce. It's more so, for me, about consistency."

Eichel is coming off his best season, which saw him register career-bests in points (94) and assists (66). The 28-year-old earned his fourth All-Star bid, and finished fifth in voting for both the Hart and Selke awards.

He also finished third in the voting for the Lady Byng Memorial Trophy, presented each year to the "player adjudged to have exhibited the best type of sportsmanship and gentlemanly conduct combined with a high standard of playing ability."

His high character has been on display this week, with time dedicated toward community outreach, beginning Monday with Vegas coach Bruce Cassidy's second annual Cassidy Murray Golf Classic.

The event benefits the Cassidy Murray Foundation, named in honor of 13-year-old Cassidy Murray, who was killed in a water accident in Aruba in 2022. Cassidy Murray and Bruce Cassidy’s teenage daughter, Shannon, were classmates and best friends.

On Tuesday, the star center was in Vermont, making an appearance at a hockey camp.

Saturday, the fan favorite will captain a squad of current and former Golden Knights in the Battle For Vegas charity softball event at Las Vegas Ballpark.

Later this month his JE9 Hockey Camp will be held at City National Arena.

With most of the components in place and the Knights signing players almost daily, questions continue to revolve around a contract extension that could make Eichel the highest-paid player in franchise history.

Eichel, who helped deliver Vegas its first Stanley Cup in 2023, said it's the last thing he's worried about while enjoying his summer vacation.

"Obviously, happy in Vegas, the organization has been great to me," Eichel said. "I think that that stuff kind of takes care of itself, and I kind of worry more so about the things I can control and try to prepare for next season."

Many Seattle Kraken fans are excited to get to know Lane Lambert, the coach, for this upcoming NHL season, but did you know that Lambert had a lengthy career as a right-handed center in his playing days? Let's take a look at Lane Lambert, the player, before we get a chance to see Lane Lambert, the coach, in the next few months.

Lambert was born in Melfort, Saskatchewan in Canada in 1964. He began his junior career in 1980 with the Swift Current Broncos of the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League, scoring 97 points in 55 games. After that standout season, he signed to play in the Western Hockey League with the Saskatoon Blades notching an impressive 237 points in 136 games between two seasons. Lambert was also was very familiar with the penalty box, serving a total of 237 penalty minutes in those two years.

The Detroit Red Wings selected Lambert in the 2nd round of the 1983 NHL Draft. The 25th overall pick shared the draft stage with Hall-of-Famers such as Pat LaFontaine, Cam Neely, and Steve Yzerman. In addition, fellow head coach Bruce Cassidy, who is currently the head coach of the Vegas Golden Knights, was also drafted in 1983, by the Chicago Blackhawks.

Lambert Immediately started playing for the Red Wings in the fall of 1983, where he spent two full and one partial seasons. In his Red Wings tenure, he scored 65 points (36 goals and 29 assists). Lambert also racked up 349 penalty minutes in 176 games, mostly due to fighting. In his first three NHL seasons, he dropped the gloves a total of 37 times.

The 1986-87 season saw Lambert start on the New York Rangers roster, playing only 18 games, before being traded to the Quebec Nordiques where he played the remainder of the season and until 1989. In his time with the Nordiques, he recorded 55 points and 139 penalty minutes in 89 total games. 1989 would be the last season that Lambert would play in the NHL.

Between 1989 and 1996, Lambert played overseas primarily in Germany for Duesseldorf EG and Switzerland for Ajoie HC and Langnau SC, with an additional 58 games for the Canadian National Team.

From 1996 and 2001, Lambert played the remainder of his pro career in the International Hockey League, splitting time with the Cleveland Lumberjacks and Houston Aeros. In 1999, he helped the Aeros win the Turner Cup which was the IHL championship trophy at the time. Once he was done playing, he quickly turned to coaching, starting as an assistant coach with the WHL's Moose Jaw Warriors in 2002.

Even though Lambert is well past his playing days, he still has quite a bit in the tank as a coach. We look forward to seeing the energy and competitiveness he brings to the bench this upcoming season as the Kraken look to rebound from last year.

Related

Video: Lane Lambert Officially Introduced As Kraken Head Coach — “Felt Like Joining a Family”

Lambert featured photo by - via hockeydb.com

Lambert hero photo by - via Detroit Free Press

The Colorado Avalanche are today’s focus in an NHL off-season series examining each team’s prospect pool.

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

Initial Thoughts

I’m not going to sugarcoat things. The Avalanche have one of the most barren prospect pools in all of hockey. 

They traded their one high-end prospect at the deadline this past year when they acquired Brock Nelson, sending Calum Ritchie to the New York Islanders. They recently acquired Gavin Brindley in a trade that saw Charlie Coyle and Miles Wood head to the Columbus Blue Jackets. That helped, but it’s not nearly enough.

Brindley is a fantastic middle-six prospect who brings a high-end motor and some impressive skill. He’s always been questioned because of his stature, but he’s never let that get in the way of his ability to make a positive impact. He struggled in his first full AHL season, but he was constantly using his speed and tenacity to get involved. His style of play should fit right in with the Avs’ top players.

Oskar Olausson’s time to prove himself is getting shorter, as the speedy Swede hasn’t found his footing in the AHL. The 22-year-old has shown himself to be an excellent transition player and a decent playmaker, but he hasn’t found a way to consistently impact the game offensively. Olausson is a good shooter, skilled passer and a decisive puckhandler. He has all of the tools, but he hasn’t figured out how to leverage them in the North American game. 

The Avalanche have a bit more promise on the back end. 

Mikhail Gulyayev is a potential impact player, with high-end skating and some nice puck-moving as a passer. Gulyayev plays the game with a ton of speed, and he could be a valuable depth offensive blueliner for the Avs one day. His KHL contract runs through this season so we could see him make the jump at the end of the year. His defensive game needs a bit of work, but he’s a fun player to watch. 

One of the Avs’ most promising defensive prospects, Sean Behrens, missed all of this past season with a knee injury he suffered during a practice scrimmage in October. Behrens has been a very successful defender who plays a sound two-way game and uses his skating to take the puck away. A healthy season will go a long way, but we may not see Behrens at full strength until the latter half of the season. 

Tory Pitner played his freshman season at the University of Denver and registered just one assist, but his game has always been centered on the defensive side of the puck. His best shifts are when the opposing team can’t get anything going, and Pitner closes lanes down and uses an intelligent stick to kill momentum. He’s not a fun player to watch, but coaches love a no-nonsense defender.

2025 NHL Draft Class

Round 3, 77th overall - Francesco Dell'Elce, D, UMass-Amherst (NCAA)

Round 4, 118th overall - Linus Funck, D, Lulea Jr. (Swe.)

Round 7, 214th overall - Nolan Roed, C, Tri-City (USHL)

In the third round, Colorado picked Francesco Dell’Elce, a 20-year-old defender from UMass. He had a unique path, going from prep school in his original draft year to the BCHL and then the NCAA this past season. Dell’Elce has always had an offensive touch, using his skating to escape and open lanes against forecheckers, but he’s never been truly elite, which has held him back. The Avalanche made an interesting swing on a late bloomer. 

In the fourth round, Colorado took a bet on a big, Swedish blueliner who has shown some flashes of puckhandling and passing ability that could translate to the next level. In Funck’s own end, he is more of a stick-checker than a player who takes the body. He dislodges the puck, jumps on it and makes a quick first pass. He isn’t quite dynamic enough to be a big offensive performer, but he has the tools to be a solid, defensively focused transition defender. 

After splitting 2023-24 between high school and the United States League, Nolan Roed garnered some NHL attention as a draft-plus-one forward who put up almost a point per game for the Tri-City Storm. He’s heading to St. Cloud State next season, and his game will be tested there. His offense comes from being an off-puck complementary player to his linemates. Roed times play well and gets into pockets at the right moment. It will be interesting to see how his NCAA campaign goes in the fall.

Strengths

Most teams have at least one area of strength. The Avalanche have a couple of nice prospects, but calling any one position or any group of prospects a true strength is being too optimistic. 

For the most part, Colorado’s best prospects play Avs-style hockey. Brindley, Gulyayev and Olausson are all high-pace speedy players. Having a type and sticking to it is important. The Avalanche, at the very least, do that when they can. 

Weaknesses

While you could realistically say everything is a weakness, the Avs don’t have any players who realistically have a chance of playing center at the next level. 

A few players are listed as centers, but they are long shots to play, and if they do, they’ll likely move to the wing. Max Curran, Christian Humphreys and Nolan Roed are all potentially centers, but the upside is quite low. 

The Avs have no centers in the system if we're being blunt. Losing Ritchie at the deadline in March took away their top prospect and their lone center prospect. 

Hidden Gem: Mikhail Gulyayev, D

Just about every prospect in the Avalanche’s pipeline could be considered a hidden gem, but Gulyayev plays in the KHL, and he doesn’t get the love some of the top players from that league get because he doesn’t rack up an insane amount of points. That said, he’s a gifted skater and a puck-mover. The Avs thrive with defenders who can make plays on the back end and evade pressure. Gulyayev might be the next man up in that line.

Next Man Up: Gavin Brindley, RW

Colorado doesn’t have anyone who is immediately ready to jump into the lineup, but Brindley could make the most immediate impact if he’s called up. His speed and energy could bring some value to the bottom six, or he could be used in spots in the top six. He has the requisite skill, but he just needs a bit of time to adjust after a middling AHL rookie year. Brindley has the highest upside of any forward they have in the system, but that doesn’t mean he’s ready to jump into the NHL. 

Prospect Depth Chart Notables

LW: Nikita Prishchepov, Christian Humphreys, Cooper Gay, Chase Bradley, Taylor Makar

C: Max Curran, Nolan Roed

RW: Gavin Brindley, Oskar Olausson

LD: Sean Behrens, Mikhail Gulyayev, Francesco Dell’Elce, Saige Weinstein, 

RD: Tory Pitner, Linus Funck, Nikita Ishimnikov

G: Ilya Nabokov, Ivan Yunin, Louka Cloutier

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.

Here are five reasons why Gabe Perreault will have a successful rookie season. 

1. Perrault has had success at every level. He dominated both junior hockey, with the USNTDP, and collegiate hockey with Boston College… Is the NHL next? Very possible. 

2. He’s primarily a playmaker, but is also capable of scoring. A potential dual threat. 

3. He has a mentor with 859 NHL games and 516 points to his name. An invaluable resource to lean on. Gabe calls him Dad, the rest of us know him as Yanic. 

4. According to PuckPedia.com, he is expected to play on the second line, alongside J.T. Miller and Will Cuylle. Not a bad line to start your first professional season. 

5. He got a taste of NHL action. Using his experience from his five game stint at the tail end of last season, he knows what’s expected at the NHL level.

After ending the season in the Colorado Avalanche's system, former New York Islanders prospect William Dufour has signed a one-year deal with the KHL's HC Lada for the 2025-26 season:

Nouvelle aventure en KHL pour mon grand ti-loup pour la saison 2025-2026 🏒🥅 pic.twitter.com/pGIyqffNxC

— 🎗️ Karine Côté 🎗 (@KarineCote1974) July 9, 2025

Dufour, drafted in the fifth round of the 2022 NHL Draft, played three seasons in Bridgeport, recording 44 goals and 47 assists in 169 games. He did play one NHL game against the Boston Bruins during the 2022-23 season.

Known for his scoring prowess, recording 56 goals in his final season with the OHL's St. John Sea Dogs, he ultimately did not develop in the Islanders' system.

Dufour was part of the trade that sent Brock Nelson to the Avalanche in the early morning of Trade Deadline Day. 

In 12 games with the AHL's Colorado Eagles, Dufour had one goal and three assists for four points. 

Stay updated with the most interesting Islanders stories, analysis, breaking news and more! Tap the star to add us to your favorites on Google News to never miss a story.

PHOTO: Brad Penner-Imagn Images

Only 73 players in NHL history have played at least 20 seasons. 

The 2024-25 campaign saw four players accomplish this major milestone, as Sidney Crosby, Alex Ovechkin, Corey Perry and Ryan Suter all just completed their 20th seasons.

Now, unless there are any sudden changes, four more players under contract are set to play in their 20th NHL seasons in 2025-26. (Marc-Edouard Vlasic and Jack Johnson can also join the list if they sign a new contract. They're currently UFAs.)

Evgeni Malkin, C, Pittsburgh Penguins

Evgeni Malkin entered the NHL during the 2006-07 season and immediately cemented himself as a legitimate star with the Pittsburgh Penguins. In 78 games as a rookie, he posted 33 goals, 52 assists and 85 points.

Malkin, 38, undoubtedly has put together a Hall of Fame-worthy career. In 1,213 NHL games with the Penguins, he’s put up 514 goals, 832 assists, 1,346 points and a plus-28 rating. He has also won an array of awards, including the Calder Memorial Trophy, Art Ross Trophy (2009 and 2012), Hart Memorial Trophy and Ted Lindsay Award. He also helped lead the Penguins to three Stanley Cup championships and is a three-time first-team all-star.

While Malkin’s time as one of the NHL’s top superstars has passed, he is still a solid top-six forward at this stage. The 6-foot-5 Russian recorded 16 goals and 50 points in 68 games this past season. With numbers like these, he is still a key part of Pittsburgh’s roster, and it will be intriguing to see what kind of season he puts together in the final year of his contract.

Kris Letang, D, Pittsburgh Penguins 

Kris Letang has been a crucial part of Pittsburgh’s blueline throughout his career, and that should remain the case next season.

The 38-year-old defenseman reaching his 20th season is quite impressive, as he’s recovered from two strokes and surgery to close a small hole in the heart.  

In 1,161 career games with the Penguins, he has recorded 175 goals, 597 assists, 772 points and a plus-85 rating. The Montreal native is also a two-time second-team all-star, a Masterton Trophy winner and a three-time Stanley Cup champion.

Anze Kopitar, C, Los Angeles Kings 

The Los Angeles Kings captain has not shown any signs of slowing down. Anze Kopitar, 37, is still one of the NHL’s top two-way centers, posting 21 goals, 67 points and a plus-14 rating in 81 games this past season.

In 1,454 career NHL games, all with the Kings, Kopitar has put up 440 goals, 838 assists, 1,278 points and a plus-108 rating. The 11th overall pick in 2005 has won the Stanley Cup and Selke Trophy twice each, the Lady Byng Trophy three times and the Mark Messier NHL Leadership Award in 2022. He’s also played in the All-Star Game five times.

Overall, Kopitar has been one of the game’s top forwards for so many years now, and that should remain the case during his 20th season. The Slovenian superstar is easily one of the greatest players in Kings history.

Jordan Staal, C, Carolina Hurricanes 

At just 36 years old, Jordan Staal could be the first player taken in the 2006 NHL draft to play his 20th NHL season in 2025-26. After being selected second overall by the Penguins, Staal immediately made their roster in 2006-07 and has been one of the game’s top defensive forwards since. 

Fast forward to today, and Staal is currently the captain of the Carolina Hurricanes. In 75 games this past season with the Metropolitan Division club, he posted 13 goals, 36 points and a plus-15 rating. He remains a key part of the Hurricanes’ roster, just like he has been for his 13-year tenure there. 

In 1,328 career games split between the Penguins and Hurricanes, Staal has recorded 298 goals, 413 assists, 711 points and a plus-62 rating. He is also a Stanley Cup champion and a two-time Selke Trophy finalist.

Get the latest news and trending stories by following The Hockey News on Google News and by subscribing to The Hockey News newsletter here. And share your thoughts by commenting below the article on THN.com.

The Montreal Canadiens have had themselves an active off-season. Their biggest move was acquiring defenseman Noah Dobson from the New York Islanders. However, the Canadiens also made another trade that has the potential to a very good one for them. 

On July 1, the Canadiens acquired forward Zach Bolduc from the St. Louis Blues in exchange for defenseman Logan Mailloux. While Mailloux has the potential to emerge as a good NHL defenseman, it is hard not to like the Canadiens bringing in Bolduc to their roster.

Bolduc just had a breakout season with the Blues in 2024-25, as he set new career highs with 19 goals, 17 assists, 36 points, and 108 hits. With numbers like these, he is already capable of providing solid offense and should give the Canadiens' middle six a nice boost immediately.

Yet, when noting that Bolduc is only 22 years old and just getting his NHL career started, he should only improve as he continues to gain more experience. The potential for Bolduc to emerge as a legitimate top-six forward is there, as he already has a nice mix of skill, speed, and grit. Thus, he is precisely the kind of young, promising forward a team on the rise like the Canadiens should be taking a chance on. 

Overall, Bolduc is already a very solid player, and he likely has not hit his ceiling yet. If he takes another step forward in this campaign, he could emerge as a key part of the Canadiens' roster. It will be fascinating what kind of season he puts together in 2025-26 from here. 

Will The New CBA Bring Big Changes To Players’ Style?The League and the NHLPA announced on Tuesday that the new Collective Bargaining Agreement has been ratified. As expected, the new deal, which will take effect at the start of the 2026-27 season, will bring numerous changes, and one of them should be particularly popular with the players.

Photo Credit: © Connor Hamilton-Imagn Images