Former Columbus Blue Jackets forward Manny Malhotra, head coach of the Abbotsford Canucks of the AHL, won the Calder Cup last night by defeating the Charlotte Checkers in six games.

The Canucks finished the regular with a 44-24-2-2 record, which was good enough for second in the Pacific Division. Abbotsford beat Tucson, Coachella Valley, Colorado, and Texas before beating Charlotte in the Final.

Manny was hired by Abbotsford in May of 2024 after spending a few seasons with the Toronto Maple Leafs Organization.

Malhotra played 344 of his 991 career NHL games with Columbus. He scored 53 goals and totaled 145 points for the Jackets. Two months into the 2015–16 season, Malhotra signed a professional try-out contract with the Lake Erie Monsters on December 3, 2015. He played in 23 games and had six points. He was drafted 7th overall by the New York Rangers in 1998.

Congrats to Manny Malhotra and the Abbotsford Canucks on their Calder Cup Championship.

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Former Blue Jackets Draft Pick And Calder Cup Champion Signs In EuropeAnother former Blue Jacket has found a new home in Europe.  2025 NHL Draft Order Officially ReleasedThe 2025 NHL Draft is this Friday, and the Blue Jacket picks are official.  Columbus Blue Jackets 2025 Draft Target: Cameron ReidWe are officially four days away from the 2025 NHL Draft and there are no shortage of news and rumors. Today, we saw Trevor Zegras be dealt to the Anaheim Ducks and it seems like there could be more moves like that happening over the next few days. The Columbus Blue Jackets could find themselves dipping into the trade market as well as we lead up to the draft. There are some reports suggesting that they are willing to part with one of their first round picks to make the team better now.

On Monday morning, the Anaheim Ducks traded forward Trevor Zegras to the Philadelphia Flyers in exchange for Ryan Peohling, a 2025 second-round pick, and a 2026 fourth-round pick.

Moving on from Zegras after a pair of injury-riddled seasons that followed two 60-plus point seasons to start his career was a bold and divisive move by Ducks general manager Pat Verbeek, and one that has a likelihood of reflecting poor asset management.

Ducks Trade Trevor Zegras to the Flyers

Ducks GM Pat Verbeek on Trevor Zegras-Ryan Poehling Trade

A Timeline of Trevor Zegras' Tenure with the Anaheim Ducks

However, the Ducks did acquire a piece in the trade that fills a significant need within their depth chart and that provides a more suitable fit to what Verbeek is building in Anaheim.

"The big thing is we're trying to retool the roster in a way that all the pieces fit cohesively, where you have different players on different lines that complement each other," Verbeek told media following the trade.
"So, I think from that aspect, that's ultimately the decision that we came to, just kind of reshaping and retooling our roster."

Before Monday’s trade, the Ducks had $32.19 million in cap space and a need for a true two-way middle-six center who could provide depth offense, absorb difficult matchups, and boost the NHL’s 29th-ranked penalty kill.

Poehling (26) is on the lower end of the middle-six center spectrum, perhaps closer to the label of a bubble top-nine center, but he does provide what the Ducks were missing down the middle of their depth chart.

"Ryan's 6-foot-2, he's 215 pounds. He has really good speed and, as I had mentioned before, (improving) some of the special teams, Ryan is the No. 1 guy that goes over (the boards) for the Flyers on a penalty kill, and (we're) looking to improve in that area," Verbeek said.
"He is certainly going to add speed and he's going to add penalty-killing ability for our roster. I'm trying to shore up certain aspects of our special teams play, players who can do a good job there."

Career to Date

Poehling is a former first-round draft pick (25th overall in 2017) of the Montreal Canadiens out of St. Cloud State University and the USNTDP. He played three seasons in the NCAA between 2016 and 2019, tallying 13 (7-6=13) points in 35 games as a freshman, 31 points (14-17=31) in 36 games as a sophomore, and 31 points (8-23=31) in 36 games as a junior.

He signed his ELC in the offseason before the 2019-20 season and split his time that year between the AHL, where he scored 13 points (5-8=13) in 36 games for the Laval Rocket, and NHL, where he scored two points in 27 games for the Habs.

He spent the entirety of the 2020-21 season in the AHL, producing at a near point-per-game level with 25 points (11-14=25) in 28 games before suffering a wrist injury that required surgery, forcing him to miss the remainder of the season.

He played a total of 85 games for the Habs throughout his first three NHL seasons, totaling 22 points (13-9=22) before he was traded along with Jeff Petry to the Pittsburgh Penguins in exchange for a 2023 fourth-round pick and Mike Matheson.

Poehling played one season with the Pens and scored 14 points (7-7=14) in 53 games, but wasn’t extended a qualifying offer and became an unrestricted free agent in the summer of 2023.

The Philadelphia Flyers inked him to a one-year contract with an AAV of $1.4 million on July 1, 2023, and extended him to a two-year deal with an AAV of $1.9 million on Jan. 26, 2024.

In his two seasons on the Flyers, he assumed a third-line center role, produced 59 points (23-36=59) in 145 games, and was their second-most utilized forward on the penalty kill (235:16 TOI).

On-Ice Impact

Poehling has the makeup of a positively impactful two-way center who has prioritized the defensive side of the puck to this point in his career, and who hasn’t seen the offense fully click at the NHL level in his four full NHL seasons.

His skating stride isn’t technically perfect, but it doesn’t hinder his explosion, four-way mobility, or ability to cover vast amounts of ice. He’s tenacious on the forecheck and backcheck, displaying proper angling and sealing techniques with a disruptive stick, and he’s astute in defensive zone coverage.

An underrated aspect of his game is his ability to transition. He displays proper puck-supporting routes as pucks move throughout the defensive zone on breakouts, is confident and decisive with the puck on his stick, and makes smart decisions upon entry when the blueline is afforded. He makes deft connecting plays in the neutral zone and does well to present himself as a passing option. With a tad more effectiveness at the critical moments of a developing play, he could easily uncover another layer to his offensive production.

Poehling will likely never produce at a 50-plus point level consistently, but with his skill, 40 points per season is within reason, a decent output for a two-way third-line center behind an offensive duo of Mason McTavish and Leo Carlsson in the top six.

Poehling has one year remaining on his contract and is set to become an unrestricted free agent upon expiry. If the fit in Anaheim is seamless, he could earn an extension and a stable roster spot as a bottom-six center for the foreseeable future.

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Ducks Announce 2025-26 Preseason Schedule

Photo Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

While it was reported that the Montreal Canadiens had interest in Trevor Zegras some time ago, including at last year’s draft, GM Kent Hughes had since moved on from the former Anaheim Ducks player. The former ninth overall pick at the 2019 draft was once a promising prospect who oozed talent, but injuries have plagued his last two seasons, and he didn’t progress as expected, posting 15 points in 31 games in 2023-24 and 32 points in 57 games this past season.

When the Canadiens were interested in Zegras, they were drawn to his pure offensive skills and talent. However, after selecting Ivan Demidov and Michael Hage at the 2024 draft, their interest shifted elsewhere. It’s not that a team can have too much offensive talent, but you build a contender by carefully putting together an ensemble cast with complementary skills. The best example is probably the current champions, the Florida Panthers, who have found that balance. In contrast, the runner-up, the Edmonton Oilers, are still struggling to surround the best player in the world with the right pieces to take that last step.

Should The Canadiens Take A Run At Tavares?
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Canadiens: Bob McKenzie Final Draft Ranking Is In…

Speaking to the media after the trade, Ducks GM Pat Verbeek indicated that Zegras wanted to play center. Still, they saw him more as a winger, and they already had their top two centers in Leo Carlsson and Mason McTavish. This made Zegras surplus to requirements, and while the return obtained may seem underwhelming, it simply reflects how much his value had declined.

To land Zegras, the Philadelphia Flyers only had to give former Canadiens player Ryan Poehling, the 45th pick at Friday’s draft, and a 2026 fourth-round draft pick. The pivot who was drafted 25th overall by the Canadiens at the 2017 draft and has since become a good depth center after being traded to the Pittsburgh Penguins in the Jeff Petry trade that landed the Canadiens Mike Matheson. He then signed with the Flyers as a free agent and posted 28 points in 77 games during the 2023-24 season and 31 points in 68 games this past season. His last two years have been more productive than Zegras's, and his style of play is more fitting for the Ducks’ needs at center.

For those who are lamenting the fact that it wouldn’t have been costly for the Canadiens to roll the dice on Zegras, you can be glad that Montreal is not in that stage anymore. At this stage of their rebuild, the Habs have more precise needs, they’re no longer seeing what raw assets they can acquire and foster as part of their foundation. They now know that they need and a player like Zegras just isn’t it.

At 6-foot and 185 pounds, he wouldn’t help address the Canadiens’ need for a big forward who can provide some physicality. If the playoffs taught us one thing, it’s that the Canadiens need more size and players who can handle the physical toll of the postseason. Players who can go to the dirty areas and establish a physical presence. Cole Caufield might have become less of a perimeter player, but he is still just 5-foot-8 and 175 pounds, try as he may, he remains easy to move off the puck in heavy traffic, he doesn’t have the big frame to protect the puck in those areas.

There’s no guarantee the Canadiens will be able to address that need through a trade or on the free agency market this Summer, but Hughes will try and to do that, he needs to target the right players. Forget about Mason McTavish, Verbeek’s chat with the media made it clear yesterday that he’s not going anywhere.

The top six players, especially centers, are tough to acquire when you don’t draft them. Hughes did try when he traded for Kirby Dach, believing in his potential, and so far, the 6-foot-4 and 221-pound pivot hasn’t lived up to it. At his end-of-season press conference, the Canadiens’ GM stopped short of saying that this upcoming season would be the big center’s last chance, but he did say it would be a crucial season for him.

Insane goal from 2019 Draft eligible Kirby Dach. No idea why people have him dropping... top 5 talent pic.twitter.com/XgCty1hAqm

— World Hockey Report (@worldhockeyrpt) April 8, 2019

If Dach was to show up to camp in fine form and find the form he was showing before suffering a knee injury in the second game of the 2022-23 season, he could a fantastic internal answer to the Canadiens’ need. He would however need to find a way to remain healthy, which has proven tricky for him since the start of his career. He has never played a full 82-game season, the most he has played in one campaign is 70 games and that was back in 2021-22.

In other words, Dach could be the solution, but there are a lot of ifs and buts there. When the puck drops on the new season, he will be entering the final year of the four-year contract he signed shortly after being traded to Montreal. That deal has a $3,362,500 AAV and once it’s up, he will be a RFA. So far, he’s not done anything to show he would deserve a significant raise or a long-term contract as a part of the Canadiens’ young core. The 24-year-old needs a big year and the Canadiens also need a big year from him.

Photo credit: Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images

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Another former Blue Jacket has found a new home in Europe. 

Former 2013 2nd round draft pick Dillon Heatherington has signed with EHC München of the Deutsche Eishockey Liga based out of Munich, Germany.

Per a EHC München press release, Christian Winkler, Managing Director Sports at Red Bull Ice Hockey: "Dillon is a player we've had on our radar for several years. He's characterized by his absolute dedication to the team and leadership qualities. He enjoys playing where things can get tough: in the corners and in front of the goal. Dillon comes to Munich highly motivated. 

In the same press release Heatherington says, "Red Bull Munich is a top-notch organization recognized worldwide. They treat everyone with great respect, which is certainly exceptional. I can't wait to get to Munich and meet my new teammates, the organization's staff, and the fans. I want to settle in quickly and get to know the city and Munich culture. The goal, of course, is to win every game. I want to quickly do my part and help us grow together as a team and improve throughout the season. I'm really looking forward to this new chapter."

Heatherington never played a game for Columbus and made his NHL debut for the Dallas Stars after he was traded on March 1, 2017, for forward Lauri Korpikoski. He's played 23 NHL games and has two points. 

Heatherington also played three years for the Jackets AHL affiliate, Springfield Falcons, Lake Erie Monsters, and then the Cleveland Monsters. In total, he played 104 games in the AHL for Columbus, scoring 4 goals and totaling 22 points. He also helped the Monsters win the Calder Cup in 2016 by playing in 15 games. 

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2025 NHL Draft Order Officially ReleasedThe 2025 NHL Draft is this Friday, and the Blue Jacket picks are official.  Columbus Blue Jackets 2025 Draft Target: Cameron ReidWe are officially four days away from the 2025 NHL Draft and there are no shortage of news and rumors. Today, we saw Trevor Zegras be dealt to the Anaheim Ducks and it seems like there could be more moves like that happening over the next few days. The Columbus Blue Jackets could find themselves dipping into the trade market as well as we lead up to the draft. There are some reports suggesting that they are willing to part with one of their first round picks to make the team better now. On This Day: In 2014 & 2017, The Blue Jackets Make Two Huge TradesOn June 23, 2014, and June 23, 2017, Jarmo Kekäläinen made two massive trades that would reshape the Blue Jackets franchise. In 2011, the Jackets also made another trade that would turn out to be the worst in CBJ history. 

Sharks legend Joe Thornton inducted into Hockey Hall of Fame Class of 2025 originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

After years of dominating on the ice, a Sharks legends will enter hockey’s most prestigious club.

It was announced Tuesday that Joe Thornton was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame’s Class of 2025.

Welcome to the Hockey Hall of Fame, Joe Thornton.#HHOF2025 | #HHOFpic.twitter.com/2RzNNlmwtI

— Hockey Hall of Fame (@HockeyHallFame) June 24, 2025

Thornton spent 15 seasons in San Jose from 2005 to 2020, helping usher in Northern California’s golden era of hockey that featured the Sharks consistently among the NHL’s most successful franchises over that span.

Thornton, fondly known by hockey fans as “Jumbo,” joined the Sharks during a blockbuster midseason trade with the Boston Bruins during the 2005-06 NHL season.

Thornton wasted no time making an impression on his new fanbase, taking home the prestigious Hart Memorial Trophy, awarded to the NHL’s most valuable player, during his first season in San Jose.

“Jumbo” would go on to become a franchise icon, with his infectious joy and unmistakable smile forever synonymous with his status as one of the most beloved players to ever don a Sharks sweater.

Thornton’s 1,539 career points rank 14th all time in NHL history, placing him in elite company as one of only 16 players ever to surpass the 1,500-point milestone. He also finished his illustrious 24-year career ranked top 10 all time in assists (seventh, 1,109) and regular-season games played (sixth, 1,714).

While Thornton’s playing days are over, his impact still can be felt on the franchise as he remains closely involved with the franchise, fittingly serving as a mentor for San Jose’s next crop of young stars.

Download and follow the San Jose Hockey Now podcast

Sharks legend Joe Thornton inducted into Hockey Hall of Fame Class of 2025 originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

After years of dominating on the ice, a Sharks legends will enter hockey’s most prestigious club.

It was announced Tuesday that Joe Thornton was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame’s Class of 2025.

Welcome to the Hockey Hall of Fame, Joe Thornton.#HHOF2025 | #HHOFpic.twitter.com/2RzNNlmwtI

— Hockey Hall of Fame (@HockeyHallFame) June 24, 2025

Thornton spent 15 seasons in San Jose from 2005 to 2020, helping usher in Northern California’s golden era of hockey that featured the Sharks consistently among the NHL’s most successful franchises over that span.

Thornton, fondly known by hockey fans as “Jumbo,” joined the Sharks during a blockbuster midseason trade with the Boston Bruins during the 2005-06 NHL season.

Thornton wasted no time making an impression on his new fanbase, taking home the prestigious Hart Memorial Trophy, awarded to the NHL’s most valuable player, during his first season in San Jose.

“Jumbo” would go on to become a franchise icon, with his infectious joy and unmistakable smile forever synonymous with his status as one of the most beloved players to ever don a Sharks sweater.

Thornton’s 1,539 career points rank 14th all time in NHL history, placing him in elite company as one of only 16 players ever to surpass the 1,500-point milestone. He also finished his illustrious 24-year career ranked top 10 all time in assists (seventh, 1,109) and regular-season games played (sixth, 1,714).

While Thornton’s playing days are over, his impact still can be felt on the franchise as he remains closely involved with the franchise, fittingly serving as a mentor for San Jose’s next crop of young stars.

Download and follow the San Jose Hockey Now podcast

There was a debate for a little bit as to who the New York Islanders should select No. 1 overall at the 2025 NHL Draft after the club won its first draft lottery since 2009.

But, since the draft combine, 17-year-old defenseman Matthew Schaefer has emerged as the clear-cut favorite. On Monday, TSN's Bob Mackenzie released his final draft rankings, citing that Schaefer is the unanimous No. 1 selection.

"The true testament to defenceman Matthew Schaefer’s prodigious talent and boundless potential as the undisputed No. 1 prospect in the NHL’s Class of 2025 can be found in the numbers. Not the goals or assists or points or penalty minutes or plus-minus or any analytics. Just look at his games played this season: 17 in the regular season for the OHL’s Erie Otters; two in the inaugural CHL-U.S. NTDP Prospects Challenge; and two for Team Canada at the 2025 World Junior Championship. Twenty-one games in all. If, as expected, Schaefer is taken No. 1 overall by the New York Islanders at the NHL draft June 28 in Los Angeles, it will be unprecedented. That is, no No. 1 pick will have ever played so few games in his draft year as Schaefer."

-

Mackenzie also projects that Long Island native James Hagens, who was the consesus No. 1 pick for a few years before falling a bit, will fall to the Boston Bruins at No. 7.

With 'prodigious talent and boundless potential,' Matthew Schaefer tops McKenzie's NHL Draft Ranking | TSNIf, as expected, Matthew Schaefer is taken No. 1 overall by the Islanders, it will be unprecedented. That is, no No. 1 pick will have ever played so few games in his draft year as Schaefer.

The 2025 NHL Draft begins at 7 PM ET on Friday. 

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.

PHTO: GREG WOHLFORD/ERIE TIMES-NEWS / USA TODAY NETWORK

On Monday, TSN’s Bob McKenzie released his final draft ranking. Unsurprisingly, Matthew Schaefer from the Erie Oters leads the way just ahead of Michael Misa and Porter Martone. Anton Frondell and Caleb Desnoyers complete the top five. But unless there is a significant coup by Kent Hughes before the first round kicks off on Friday night, all these players will be long gone from the board when the Montreal Canadiens make their first selection at 16th overall.

Who does the insider have at 16th overall? QMJHL product Justin Carbonneau. The Blainville-Boisbriand Armada player and Lévis native has had a great season, scoring 89 points in 62 games. Nick Bobrov attended many of his games, indicating that the Canadiens have at least some interest in the prospect.

Should The Canadiens Take A Run At Tavares?
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Canadiens: Hage Is Committed To Getting Bigger

At the combine, the Canadiens met the young man and, speaking to TVA Sports’ journalist afterwards, the Quebecer confirmed it would be an honour for him to be the first Quebecer picked in the first round by the Canadiens since Louis Leblanc in 2009.

There has been some chatter about his body language on the ice and his decision to dismiss his agent via email, but given the talent displayed on the ice, I doubt they’d pass on him for that reason.

At 17th overall, the Windsor Spitfires center is Jack Nesbitt. At nearly 6-foot-5 and weighing in at 185 pounds, the left-shot pivot put up 64 points in 65 games this season in the OHL. He’s got the size and the compete level to impose himself physically, and he’s not afraid to get to the dirty areas and battle for pucks. This is the kind of player the Canadiens could need to make a longer appearance in the playoffs, even though he won’t be ready right away.

Of course, McKenzie’s list doesn’t mean things will unfold exactly that way, but the man has in-depth prospect knowledge and is generally well-informed. We’ll see on Friday night if things unfold as he believed they should.

Photo credit: Michael Augello

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2025 NHL mock draft roundup: Final No. 7 pick predictions for Bruins originally appeared on NBC Sports Boston

The 2025 NHL Draft is of the utmost importance to the Boston Bruins.

They have the No. 7 overall pick — their highest first-round selection since 2011. If the Bruins keep the pick and don’t trade it, the position they need to target is center.

The Bruins were lucky to have a top-tier center tandem in Patrice Bergeron and David Krejci for well over a decade. The franchise has been unable to draft a worthy replacement for either player, but that drought could end this year.

The 2025 draft class is loaded with quality centers. We might even see seven of them taken in the top 10 picks.

A talented wing such as Porter Martone or Victor Eklund could be enticing, but the Bruins desperately need a top-six center, and given how expensive that kind of player is to acquire via trade or free agency, the most effective way to get one is through the draft.

Which players should the Bruins consider with the No. 7 pick? Here’s a roundup of projections from recent expert mock drafts, including our own.

Nick Goss, NBC Sports Boston: Jake O’Brien, C, Brantford (OHL)

“It’s no secret the Bruins need a center. They haven’t drafted well at that position for a long time. Luckily for the B’s, they have a top 10 pick (their first since 2011) in a draft that’s loaded with quality centers.

O’Brien is the best center available at this point in Round 1. He has a really strong two-way skill set with the high-end offensive talent to consistently create scoring chances for himself and teammates. He tallied 66 assists in 66 games for Brantford last season.”

Kevin Sousa/Getty Images

Corey Pronman, The Athletic: Roger McQueen, C, Brandon (WHL)

“Despite their needs, I don’t think Boston is as hard pressed to take a center here as the organizations in front of them, in part because six centers in a row just got picked. I could see the Bruins lean toward winger Martone or defenseman Radim Mrtka for that reason but it wouldn’t surprise me as well if they took another center. McQueen, O’Brien and Hagens would all be possible fits here.”

Scott Wheeler, The Athletic: James Hagens, C, Boston College (NCAA)

“Everyone I’ve talked to in the last week or so seems to think O’Brien/Martin/Hagens don’t get past the Flyers and Bruins at 6-7, and yet one of the top eight guys has to go outside the top seven. I’ve also heard the Bruins have looked into moving up. I do think it’s interesting that the Flyers and Bruins seem to like the same three guys and pick back-to-back, though, and Hagens just makes so much sense for the Bruins as that high-end piece to build around if he’s there.”

Lyle Richardson, Bleacher Report: Victor Eklund, RW, Djurgarden (Sweden)

“With only one natural right wing among their top 15 prospects, the Boston Bruins could use this opportunity to address that particular need. They could turn to Victor Eklund of the SHL’s Djurgårdens IF. NHL Central Scouting ranked him No. 2 among international skaters.

“Eklund is the younger brother of San Jose Sharks forward William Eklund. The 5’11”, 170-pound Swede had 31 points in 42 games this season for Djurgårdens’ HockeyAllsvenskan squad, helping them earn promotion to the SHL alongside teammate and fellow NHL prospect Anton Frondell.

“NHL.com’s Mike G. Morreale considers him to be the second-best right wing in this year’s draft. Corey Pronman praised Eklund’s speed and creativity, while Steven Ellis cited his playmaking and excellent shot. Eklund will likely spend next season with Djurgårdens IF, where he’ll garner valuable experience against SHL talent. He has the potential to become a top-six right wing for the Bruins.”

Minas Panagiotakis/Getty Images

Alex Daugherty, The Tennessean: Jake O’Brien, C, Brantford (OHL)

“The Bruins need to reload up the middle and O’Brien has the potential to be a top-six center that can lead the way. He had 98 points in 66 games with the Bulldogs last season.”

Sam Russell, Bleacher Nation: Brady Martin, C, Sault Ste. Marie (OHL)

“Martin is an accomplished two-way player and has solid defensive instincts. His game doesn’t involve any unnecessary risks and is good at cutting passing lanes in the neutral zone.”

With the 2025 NHL Entry Draft later this week, POHO and GM Kyle Dubas and the Pittsburgh Penguins have their work cut out for them. 

Since the Penguins have a total of 30 picks over the next three drafts, including 11 this year - which could reduce to 10 if the conditional first-round pick from the New York Rangers defers to 2026 - there will be plenty of opportunity for the Penguins to add impact players. Of their 11 picks in 2025, six of them are in the first three rounds.

After the results of the draft lottery on May 5, the Penguins - as of now - will select 11th overall, dropping down two spots from where they originally were at ninth. And, normally, at this point, we compile a list of potential draft selections who could be available at 11 - which includes the likes of players such as right wing Justin Carbonneau, defenseman Radim Mrtka, and defenseman Jackson Smith.

However, with the recent report that the Penguins are interested in moving up in the draft, we have begun to profile some players who are likely to be drafted in the top-five. 

We already spotlighted right wing Porter Martone. Next up? Center James Hagens.

Penguins Draft Prospect Profile: Porter MartoneWith the 2025 NHL Entry Draft approaching fast, POHO and GM Kyle Dubas and the Pittsburgh Penguins have their work cut out for them. 

James Hagens

DOB: Nov. 3, 2006 (Age 18)
Position: Center
Shoots: Left
Height: 5-foot-11
Weight: 177 pounds
Team: Boston College (NCAA)

There was a point last year when folks were projecting Hagens - prior to his freshman season at Boston College - to be selected first overall in the 2025 draft.

With the emergence of defenseman Brandon Schaefer and forward Michael Misa, he has fallen ever-so-slightly. But, if the Chicago Blackhawks and Penguins would, indeed, be interested in executing a trade to bump the Penguins up to the third overall selection, Hagens wouldn't be a bad consolation prize by any means.

In his freshman season with Boston College, Hagens registered 11 goals and 37 points in 37 games. That may not "wow" anyone - and he could stand to find a bit more finishing touch in his game - but the centerman's playmaking ability, offensive instincts, and smarts stand out.

FRESHMAN JAMES HAGENS WITH THE BIGGEST GOAL OF HIS CAREER TO SECURE THE W IN THE FINAL MINUTES 🔥 pic.twitter.com/lD8eOmR4xt

— Spittin' Chiclets (@spittinchiclets) March 28, 2025

Although undersized, Hagens's speed and ability to thwart defenders makes him a threat. He is especially dangerous off the rush, where his vision and playmaking are really brought out of the woodwork. 

He is also a decent two-way presence, as he's able to backcheck, catch just about anyone with his speed, and has good puck skills in all three zones. 

Hagens may not be an elite scoring threat - and this is a bit worrisome to some scouts, who see him as a potential complementary piece of the puzzle in a top-six - but he is an offensive threat every time he touches the ice. He proved as much in his time with the U.S. National Development Team, as he put up 35 goals and 87 points in 57 games from 2022-24.

If the Penguins do trade up in the draft, they'll have some tough decisions to make. But Hagens is certainly an option for them, as his floor is higher than most, even if the ceiling isn't.

Can The Penguins Trade Up For Blackhawks' Third Overall Pick?It has been rumored that the Pittsburgh Penguins would like to trade up in the 2025 NHL Draft.

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Feature image credit: Eric Canha-Imagn Images

While the Nashville Predators aren't the oldest franchise in the NHL, they have a lot of history of picking in the first round of the NHL Draft.

In its 27-year history, the Predators have selected 25 times in the first round. Amongst those first-round selections, some have had massive success in Nashville, others have found it elsewhere, and a few have been busts.

With the Predators picking fifth, 23rd and 26th overall in this year's draft, we take a look back at every first-round pick by Nashville. 

1998: David Legwand (center, 2nd overall) 

The original Nashville Predator, center David Legwand, was the organization's first-ever draft pick at second overall in 1998. 

As one of the top prospects in his draft class, Legwand scored 105 points in 59 games for the OHL's Playmouth Whalers during the 1997-98 season.

He contracted mononucleosis during Predators training camp and ended up playing an extra season in the OHL, recording 80 points in 55 games. 

Legwand spent the bulk of his career with the Predators, playing in 956 games and scoring 566 points. Legwand was traded to the Detroit Red Wings at the end of the 2013-14 season, which coincided with the expiration of his contract with Nashville. 

He'd play 1,136 games in the NHL and score 618 points. 

1999: Brian Finley (goalie, 6th overall) 

It's always a risk to take a goalie so high, but the Predators took the jump in selecting Barrie Colts goaltender Brian Finley with the sixth overall pick.

It should be noted that the Predators passed on goalie Ryan Miller in this draft, who was selected by the Buffalo Sabres 138th overall and would go on to win the Vezina Trophy in 2010.

During the 1998-99 season, Finley posted a 23-14-1 record with the Colts, holding a 2.92 goals-against average and a .917 save percentage. He'd play three more seasons in the OHL before joining the Predators during the 2002-03 season. 

He'd played one game that season with the Predators, coming in relief of Tomas Vokoun. Finley allowed three goals on 13 shots. He'd spend some time with the Milwaukee Admirals, winning the Calder Cup in 2004. 

Finley got his second shot with the Predators during the 2005-06 season, where he'd allow seven goals on 41 shots in a loss to the Florida Panthers. He signed with the Boston Bruins during the 2006 offseason, playing two games before retiring in 2007. 

2000: Scott Hartnell (forward, 6th overall) 

One of the most notable "tough guys" in NHL history, Prince Albert Raiders forward Scott Harnell got his NHL start with the Predators. 

Amounting 230 penalty minutes in 128 games played in the Western Hockey League, Hartnell also proved that he could find the back of the net, scoring 91 points in that stretch.

He quickly made an impact as one of the Predators' heavy hitters, recording 48 penalty minutes in 75 games in his rookie year. Hartnell had three seasons with the Nashville Predators, during which he accumulated 100+ penalty minutes. 

Hartnell still found ways to be productive. During the 2006-07 season, he had a plus/minus of 19. To the Predators' misfortune, he really hit his stride when he was traded to the Philadelphia Flyers in 2007. 

With the Flyers, Hartnell eclipsed 140 penalty minutes in four straight seasons and had a career high 67 points in 82 games during the 2010-11 season. He also helped the Flyers reach the 2010 Stanley Cup Final.

He'd play over 1,200 NHL games, score 707 points and log 1,809 penalty minutes. 

Hartnell returned to Nashville for the 2017-18 season, which was his final year. He recorded 24 points in 62 games and 82 penalty minutes. 

2001: Dan Hamhuis (defenseman, 12th overall) 

The first defenseman to be selected by the Predators in the first round, Prince George Cougars defenseman Dan Hamhuis put up some impressive junior numbers.

During the 2000-01 season, he had 59 points in 62 games. His second season with the Predators, coming out of the 2005 NHL lockout, was the best of his career. Hamhuis had 38 points in 82 games and a plus/minus of 11. 

He was a consistent producer with the Predators, but, similar to Harnell, he found his stride when he left for another team. Hamhuis signed with the Vancouver Canucks in 2010 and the following season made a run to the Stanley Cup Final. 

In back-to-back seasons with Vancouver, he had a plus/minus of 29 and just his second 30+ point season of his career in 2011-12. Hamhuis would also win a Gold Medal with Canada at the 2014 Winter Olympics. 

Hamhuis returned to Nashville to play his final two seasons in 2018. He recorded 13 points in 117 games. 

2002: Scottie Upshall (forward, 6th overall) 

Six seems to be the magic number for the Predators, as three of five picks in the first round from 1998 to 2002 have been at the number six spot.

This time, the Predators went for Kamloops Blazers forward Scottie Upshall, who put up 83 points in 61 games in his draft season. He was also known for his tougher style of play, racking up 139 penalty minutes during the 2001-02 season. 

Upshall struggled to find a consistent spot on the Predators' roster. Between 2002 and 2007, he bounced back and forth between Nashville and Milwaukee. His best season was in 2005-06, where he scored 34 points in 48 games and had a plus/minus of 14.

He still found himself back in Milwaukee the following season before he was traded to the Philadelphia Flyers in 2007 for two draft picks and Peter Forsberg.

Upshall found a permanent spot in the NHL playing 759 games between the Predators, Flyers, Phoenix Coyotes, Columbus Blue Jackets, Florida Panthers and St. Louis Blues. His best season came in 2013-14, when he had 37 points in 76 games. 

He played his final game in the NHL during the 2017-18 season with the St. Louis Blues. Upshall played one more professional season with Ambri-Piotta of the Swiss-A hockey league before retiring. 

New reports suggest Vegas Golden Knights as heavy favourites to land Toronto's Mitch Marner.

The Mitch Marner sweepstakes have dominated headlines over the past few weeks with new reports coming everyday on where the superstar winger is considering going. We started to see more clarity with the frontrunners recently with reports coming out on top contenders but Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman dropped the biggest tidbit of information yet.

On Monday, he reported on his podcast "32 Thoughts" that the Vegas Golden Knights are now being looked at as the team to beat when it comes to signing Marner.

More NHL: Toews To Join Hometown Winnipeg Jets Next Season

We recently explained current betting odds on Marner and that it was good time to pull the trigger on a bet for him to go to Vegas and time may be quickly running out. Free agency opens up next Tuesday on July 1st and there's no telling when Marner will come to a decision.

Some insiders have noted it may be some time after that Marner decides who he wants to sign with, including a report from Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman saying there may be a team that will offer Marner a contract with a certain time limit for a decision as the team would like time to go out and make more decisions. 

There's no telling who Marner will go with but the reports of him being interested in joining a Western Conference team, a contender and one that will be willing to pay him around $12-14 million per season all fit the Vegas mold. 

The Golden Knights have just $9.61 million in projected cap space currently but many insiders have noted that Marner may be willing to take a shorter term deal to help accommodate whatever team he is signing with.

Vegas has also proven to be a hyper-aggressive franchise when it comes to making impactful roster moves and could very easily make a trade that would clear enough cap space to bring in Marner. 

Nothing is ever confirmed until it happens but if betting odds are still available, you can feel comfortable in taking a shot at Marner joining the Golden Knights that is still listed at +185 on FanDuel Sportsbook.

More NHL: 2026 Stanley Cup Odds: Oilers, Panthers Lead Early Contenders But One Unexpected Favourite Emerges

Marner’s elite playmaking and two-way ability would slot perfectly into the Knights’ system, giving them another dynamic weapon alongside Jack Eichel and Mark Stone. With a proven championship core already in place, Marner could be the piece that puts them over the top, making +1200 odds a potential steal before any deal becomes official.

The Wraparound is here to discuss the NHL and more in rapid-fire topics. This episode looks at Monday's big trade before focusing on the Atlantic Division teams.

How Creative Will The Maple Leafs Need To Be With John Tavares' Next Contract? by The Wraparoundundefined

Here's what Emma Lingan, Michael Augello and David Alter discussed in this episode:

1:00: Reacting to the Anaheim Ducks’ trade of Trevor Zegras to the Philadelphia Flyers

4:00: Will Kevyn Adams and the Buffalo Sabres be able to take full advantage of the trade market for players like Bowen Byram and JJ Peterka?

9:00: Will the Montreal Canadiens trade or extend Patrik Laine? What about Mike Matheson?

14:05: What could a new contract look like for John Tavares and the Toronto Maple Leafs?

18:10: Is Vladimir Tarasenko a buyout candidate for the Detroit Red Wings?

22:00: Can the Florida Panthers afford to re-sign all three of their big free agents (Sam Bennett, Aaron Ekblad and Brad Marchand)? If not, who stays and who goes?

26:30: What will the free agent market look like for former Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman Nick Perbix?

30:30: Did the Boston Bruins make the right choice extending Mason Lohrei for two years at $3.2 million average annual value?

33:05: What will a potential extension look like for Claude Giroux and the Ottawa Senators?

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Promo image credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images