Category: Ice Hockey

ST. LOUIS -- Now that the 2024-25 season is behind and the Florida Panthers repeated as Stanley Cup champions, it's a quick turnaround for everyone looking ahead to 2025-26.

For the St. Louis Blues, the focus turns to the 2025 NHL Draft in Los Angeles on June 27-28, where they'll -- barring trade(s) -- have a first-, a fifth-, and a sixth-round pick and no rest for the weary because free agency then kicks off July 1st. 

There's also a development camp, which takes place June 30-July 3 and features some of the top prospects in the organization, but for the immediate needs, what will be the focus of the Blues to improve on their 44-30-8 record and entry into the playoffs for the first time in three years?

The center position seems to be a logical place, but since we last wrote on some prospective targets in the UFA market, even taking a stab at the RFA market should general manager Doug Armstrong go down that route, the center position has dwindled with the recent signings of Brock Nelson back to the Colorado Avalanche and Matt Duchene re-signing with the Dallas Stars, among others. 

What will happen with pending restricted free agent Joel Hofer, who could be in line for an offer sheet should the goalie and the Blues not come to an agreement by July 1?

Do the Blues look to alter the blue line, where it has already been confirmed that veteran Torey Krug's days in the NHL are likely over barring a miraculous recovery from an arthritic condition in his left ankle? Will veterans Justin Faulk and/or Nick Leddy be in play on the trade market?

The Blues have all sorts of options on the table and just north of $13 million in cap space at their disposal should they get the green light to use it or choose to use it. 

The NHL’s free-agency period is fast approaching, so it’s time to break down the key free agents who will soon be on the open market. 

We began the process by looking at the top seven looming UFA defensemen. And today, we’re turning our attention to the league’s top-six soon-to-be UFA wingers.

1. Mitch Marner, RW, Toronto Maple Leafs

Far and away the most high-profile UFA, Marner is heavily rumoured not to be returning to the Maple Leafs, his hometown team and only employer in his nine-year NHL career. Marner set new personal bests on offense in 2024-25, including 75 assists and 102 points in 81 games. He’s going to get a significant raise on the $10.9 million he made last season, and the only question is which new team he’ll be playing for next year.

At 28 years old, Marner is in his prime, and he’s likely to choose a team close to winning a Stanley Cup. That could be the Carolina Hurricanes, Los Angeles Kings, Vegas Golden Knights or a different team. But regardless of where he goes, Marner is going to be earning north of $12 million, and there will be plenty of teams willing to pony up that amount for him.

2. Brad Marchand, LW, Florida Panthers

Few NHLers earned themselves more of a raise in the 2025 post-season than Marchand, who posted 10 goals and 20 points in 23 playoff games. Marchand was always likely to get some sort of raise heading into the playoffs, but his dominance when games matter most is what will be driving his asking price well beyond the $6.125 million he earned in 2024-25.

The 37-year-old Marchand may be looking at his final NHL contract, so contract length could be the difference between him choosing one team over another. But there’s no question teams including the Panthers, Maple Leafs and Boston Bruins will be highly motivated to add his championship pedigree and dogged-determination-to-win to the table. Marchand did all the right things this year, and his salary is going to get a giant boost because of it.

3. Brock Boeser, RW, Vancouver Canucks

In eight full NHL seasons, Boeser has posted six seasons in which he’s had at least 23 goals, and while the 2024-25 campaign was a down year for him, in 2023-24, he put up a career-best 40 goals and 73 points in 81 games. Staying healthy has been an issue for the 28-year-old, but that’s not going to stop many teams from offering Boeser much more than the $6.65 million he earned last season.

At the end of last year, Boeser talked like his days as a Canuck are over. And the Minnesota native may well want to play closer to home. But a number of teams will be jostling to employ him, and he ultimately may choose a team he sees as being closest to winning a Cup. Could that be the New York Rangers? Maybe the Bruins or Maple Leafs? Time will tell, but it’s clear Boeser will be one of the first UFAs snapped up once July 1 arrives.

4. Nikolaj Ehlers, LW, Winnipeg Jets

The 29-year-old Ehlers tied his career-high in assists (39) this season, and with 63 points in 69 games, he came within one point of matching his career best in points. It couldn’t have come at a better time for the lifelong Jet, and now, he’s assured of being the subject of a bidding war for his services.

Ehlers’ 2024-25 salary of $6 million will be dwarfed by his next contract, which is likely to be for seven or eight seasons in length. Winnipeg has done well when it comes to retaining its free agents, so there’s a chance Ehlers remains a Jet. But if his asking price gets too high, Winnipeg may part ways with him. And a team like the Detroit Red Wings or Chicago Blackhawks could turn out to be his new employer.

5. Patrick Kane, RW, Detroit Red Wings

When he left the Blackhawks in 2023, Kane had his longevity as an elite winger questioned by some. But since then, mostly as part of a young Wings team, Kane has shown he has lots left in his competitive tank, posting two years of at least 20 goals and 47 points.

Now, Kane has a different choice before him: sticking with Detroit and trying to get the Red Wings into the post-season for the first time since 2016, or going in another direction, and signing with a team like the Leafs, Rangers, Minnesota Wild or Kings. The 36-year-old is likely looking for a two or three-year contract, but so long as his average annual salary is in the area of $4 million, Kane will have his choice of several potential employers. 

6. Claude Giroux, RW, Ottawa Senators

When he went home to play for the Senators in 2022, Giroux was coming off a year in which he put up 21 goals and 65 points in a season split between the Panthers and Philadelphia Flyers. But after his first season in Ottawa, where he posted 35 goals and 79 points, Giroux’s productivity has fallen off in successive seasons, dropping to 15 goals and 50 points last season.

Thus, Giroux’s asking price for his next contract will probably be for a maximum of the $6.5 million he made in 2024-25. Surely, the Sens will be interested in bringing him back, but Giroux could choose to sign with a different team. Ottawa isn’t flush with cap space, so perhaps another team – say, the Montreal Canadiens – could swoop in and scoop him up.

In any case, teams that lose out on one of the aforementioned UFA wingers could make Giroux a priority, and that should keep his salary around the same number as it was last year. 

7. Jamie Benn, LW, Dallas Stars

Benn has spent the entirety of his 16-season NHL career with the Stars, and while Dallas GM Jim Nill is on record as saying he wants Benn to finish his career as a Star, the reality is the Stars have limited cap space after signing center Matt Duchene. Needless to say, while Benn was always going to have to sign for far less than the $9.5 million he earned in each of the past eight seasons, the Stars are going to have to move money around to even have a hope of retaining Benn’s services.

Another potential issue for Benn is that his offensive numbers took a serious hit in 2024-25, as he generated only 16 goals and 49 points in 80 regular-season games. And in 18 playoff games, Benn produced only one goal and three points.

Teams will value Benn’s experience and grit, but the 35-year-old may have a tough choice to make this summer: take the biggest payday he can find, regardless of where it is, or accept a gigantic pay cut to sign with a true Cup contender.

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Back on Jun. 4, the Pittsburgh Penguins hired Dan Muse as the 23rd coach in franchise history.

And, now, his supporting cast has been made official.

On Jun. 20, the Penguins announced that they have brought on assistant coaches Todd Nelson, Nick Bonino, and Rich Clunen as well as Troy Paquette, who will be the team's assistant video coach under Madison Nikkel. 

Andy Chiodo will remain on the staff as the team's goaltending coach.

Nelson, 56, has been the head coach of the AHL's Hershey Bears - affiliate of the Washington Capitals - for the past three seasons and won back-to-back Calder Cups in 2023 and 2024. He has also coached the Chicago Wolves and Grand Rapids Griffins as part of his AHL resume - earning 450 total AHL wins, which is the fifth-highest mark in AHL history - and his coaching experience at the NHL level includes the now-defunct Atlanta Thrashers, Dallas Stars, and Edmonton Oilers - which was a brief stint as head coach in 2014-15.

A bonus nuggest? Nelson, a former defenseman, was drafted by the Penguins in 1989, appearing in only one NHL game with the organization.

“With over two decades of coaching experience, Todd brings a championship pedigree and a winning history that speaks for itself,” Muse said. “He has consistently demonstrated an exceptional ability to get the most out of his players, most recently in Hershey, and his leadership qualities and wealth of experience will be a tremendous asset to our team as we continue to build a culture of excellence.”

'I Couldn't Be More Excited To Get Started Here': 3 Takeaways From Dan Muse's Introductory Press Conference As Penguins' Head CoachOn Wednesday, Pittsburgh Penguins president of hockey operations and general manager Kyle Dubas formally introduced Dan Muse as the 23rd head coach in franchise history at PPG Paints Arena in Pittsburgh, Pa.

Bonino, 37, said publicly that he would be joining the Penguins' staff on Wednesday. He was selected in the sixth round (173rd overall) by the San Jose Sharks in the 2007 NHL Entry Draft and spent parts of three seasons with Pittsburgh, winning back-to-back Stanley Cups in 2016 and 2017.

He was part of the famous "HBK Line" - which also included Phil Kessel and Carl Hagelin - that helped lead Pittsburgh to its 2016 championship. Bonino did see a short-lived second stint in Pittsburgh during the 2022-23 season post-trade deadline, appearing in only three games due to injury.

In his NHL career - primarily as a responsible, shutdown two-way centerman - Bonino registered 159 goals and 358 points in 868 games, including 27 goals and 66 points across his two full seasons in Pittsburgh. 

Former Penguin Set To Join Coaching Staff For 2025-26 SeasonA few weeks after it was announced that Dan Muse would become the 23rd head coach in Pittsburgh Penguins franchise history, it appears that a former Penguin will be joining his coaching staff as well.

“Nick's understanding of what it takes to win at the NHL level is unmatched, and his unique experience as a player who filled many different roles over the course of his career will only help him as an assistant coach,” Muse said. “His familiarity with the Penguins organization, as well as my familiarity with him as a player, and person, made him a great fit for this role, and we’re excited to welcome him to our coaching staff as he enters the next phase of his career.”

An assistant for the Anaheim Ducks last season, the 37-year-old Clune was also involved with the Toronto Maple Leafs organization in player development as well as with the AHL's Toronto Marlies as an assistant coach in 2023. 

The specific roles on the coaching staff for Nelson, Bonino, and Clune have yet to be announced.

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Featured image credit: Andy Abeyta/The Desert Sun / USA TODAY NETWORK

Denver, Colo. - The Colorado Avalanche announced on Friday morning that both Matthew Stienburg and Jason Polin have signed one-year deals with the organization through the 2026 season.

Both Stienburg and Polin were RFAs heading into this upcoming offseason.

Another one!

We've signed Matthew Stienburg to a one-year contract. pic.twitter.com/GfCLnPq3a2

— Colorado Avalanche (@Avalanche) June 20, 2025

From Halifax, Nova Scotia, Stienburg spent most of last season nursing an upper-body injury. Prior to sustaining his injury on November 1st, he played in three games with the Eagles, earning three points (1G/2A). He returned during the Eagles' postseason run, playing in three total games before they were eliminated by the Abbotsford Canucks.

Stienburg made his NHL debut on October 16th with the Avalanche, finishing the stint off with eight total games. During his time with the Avalanche, on October 30th, he made a hit against the boards that earned him a two-game suspension for charging. His suspension was served during a call-up to the Avalanche for their playoff run against the Dallas Stars.

The 24-year-old was selected by the Avalanche in the 3rd round of the 2019 NHL Draft. Prior to his professional career, he played with Cornell University, appearing in 73 games and tallying 46 points (20G/26A).

We've signed Jason Polin to a one-year contract through the 2025-26 season ✍️ pic.twitter.com/z1qFI4M4vb

— Colorado Avalanche (@Avalanche) June 20, 2025

From Holt, Michigan, Jason Polin appeared in 39 regular-season games for the Colorado Eagles last season, totaling 19 points (11G/8A) despite missing a good portion of the season due to injury. He dressed for seven games in their most recent postseason run, during which he scored his first professional postseason goal.

The 26-year-old made his NHL debut in January of 2024 and has appeared in nine games for the Avalanche. He scored his first NHL goal on January 16th, 2024 against the Ottawa Senators.

Polin has skated in 88 AHL games, earning 30 total points (15G/15A) across that run. He signed with the Colorado Eagles as a college free agent in March of 2023.

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It's been said before, and I'll repeat it: Pittsburgh Penguins president and general manager Kyle Dubas appreciates his people.

Nearly one year after bringing in Toronto Maple Leafs Director of Player Personnel, Wes Clark, the Penguins have added two more coaches who've spent time in Toronto's organization. Pittsburgh hired former Toronto Marlies assistant coach Rich Clune and video coach Troy Paquette on Friday afternoon, rounding out the team's coaching staff under new bench boss Dan Muse.

Clune was most recently an assistant coach with the Anaheim Ducks. He spent one season with the NHL club after holding a similar role on the Marlies' coaching staff for part of the year prior, after assistant coach Eric Wellwood went on medical leave. 

The 38-year-old ran Anaheim's power play last season, which finished at an NHL-worst 11.8 percent. The Ducks also finished 25th in the league with 80 points. Clune had been captain of the Marlies for part of two seasons (2020-21 to 2021-22) before shifting into a development role with the organization after retirement in August 2022. 

Following former Anaheim head coach Greg Cronin's dismissal in April, questions arose about the rest of the team's coaching staff. A month later, the Ducks announced that Clune and assistant coach Brent Thompson would not return next season.

Can Matt Duchene’s Extension Offer Clues For John Tavares’ Next Contract With The Maple Leafs? One of the few center options the Toronto Maple Leafs could've had in free agency is now off the market.

This will be Clune's second season behind an NHL bench as an assistant coach.

"Rich brings a wealth of knowledge across every level of professional hockey, spanning from his 15-year playing career to his time in development and coaching at the AHL and NHL levels over the past three years," Muse said.

"Rich’s experience in coaching, development and as a former player and captain will be extremely valuable in this role, and we’re excited for his addition to our coaching staff."

'We Were Down 2-0 And You Got Us Here': Paul Maurice's Viral Stanley Cup Comment Serves As A Painful Reminder For Maple LeafsWhen the Florida Panthers defeated the Edmonton Oilers to win their second consecutive Stanley Cup, some Toronto Maple Leafs fans lamented another missed opportunity. After all, the Maple Leafs were the only team to push Florida to seven games during its championship run.

After four seasons with the Marlies, Paquette joins the Penguins as an assistant video coach. Before joining AHL Toronto in 2021, Paquette spent three seasons with the OHL's Kingston Frontenacs (2018 to 2021) and two as a goaltending coach with USports' Queen's University (2019 to 2021).

The 29-year-old will work underneath video coach Madison Nikkel, who's been with the Penguins since 2019.

Possible Maple Leafs Trade Target Gone As Kraken Land Former Prospect Mason MarchmentAny hopes the Toronto Maple Leafs had of re-acquiring Mason Marchment were dashed Thursday , as the Dallas Stars traded the gritty forward to the Seattle Kraken in exchange for a 2026 third-round pick and a 2025 fourth-round selection in the NHL Draft. The Maple Leafs are in the hunt for more forward depth, and Marchment brings plenty of playoff experience, having played with the Stars in the Western Conference Final for the third consecutive season.

(Top photo: Toronto Marlies / X)

Earlier this week, it was reported that Mitch Marner's camp had not engaged in contract talks with the Toronto Maple Leafs. It seemed certain that the 28-year-old winger would move on to another club when free agency begins on July 1. 

However, TSN's Darren Dreger reported Tuesday that Marner had not informed the Leafs that he wouldn't return. He added that they could still be part of the bidding when he goes to market. 

Dreger also indicated that Marner and his representatives intend to take their time fielding contract offers and visiting with the interested clubs, planning to reach a decision by mid-July. 

The Marner camp may be willing to keep the Maple Leafs in the mix, but they could move on without him by July 1. Whatever they do leading up to that date will be the determining factor. 

PuckPedia indicates the Leafs have $25.7 million in cap space with 17 active roster players under contract. Part of it will go toward a new contract for RFA power forward Matthew Knies, and perhaps re-signing UFA forwards John Tavares and Max Pacioretty to affordable short-term deals.  

The rest could be used to attempt a major acquisition via trade at the upcoming NHL Draft (June 27-28) or via free agency.  

Sam Bennett could become a Leafs target if the Florida Panthers center tests the market on July 1. However, the 2025 Conn Smythe Trophy winner reportedly doesn't have Toronto on his list of preferred destinations. 

Maple Leafs Snubbed? Sam Bennett Reportedly Has No Interest In Toronto If He Hits Free AgencyWhen the Toronto Maple Leafs look for free agents to sign on July 1, they’ll no doubt go big game hunting. And while the Leafs would certainly be interested in a player like Sam Bennett, it appears the feeling isn't mutual. According to FanDuel Sports reporter Andy Strickland, Bennett does not have Toronto on his list of possible destinations if he is unable to sign an extension with the Florida Panthers.

Speaking of UFA forwards, Brock Boeser will be among the notable names available on July 1. The 28-year-old right winger has scored 20-plus goals six times in his nine seasons with the Vancouver Canucks, including a career-best 40 goals in 2023-24. 

Ben Kuzma of The Province wonders if Boeser might head to New York and reunite with former Canucks teammate J.T. Miller, who was traded to the Rangers in January. He pointed out they could use a top-six scoring winger after shipping Chris Kreider to the Anaheim Ducks last week. 

Kuzma projected Boeser could seek a long-term deal with an average annual value of $8.5 million on his next contract. If so, that could put him out of the Rangers' price range. 

Larry Brooks of the New York Post reported the Rangers have around $14.5 million in cap space after re-signing center Matt Rempe earlier this week. He anticipates part of that will go toward re-signing RFAs Will Cuylle and K'Andre Miller, or Miller's replacement if he's traded. 

It could take up $10 million of their cap space to retain Cuylle and Miller, leaving little to add Boeser without making another cost-cutting trade. 

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The NHL Draft and free agency have yet to come, but the Ducks already have their preseason prepped and ready to go.

Anaheim will play seven preseason games, with three of those coming at home. Two of their preseason games will be played at neutral sites (Ontario, Calif. and Bakersfield) while the remaining two will be played on the road in San Jose and Los Angeles.

Ducks’ Dostal Talks 2024-25 SeasonGoaltender Lukáš Dostál had quite the season. He set new career-highs in wins, games played and wins. He also had the Ducks’ only shutout for the second consecutive season.

This is the first time that an NHL matchup will be played in Bakersfield since 2015, when the Kings played the Arizona Coyotes. The Ducks’ preseason game in Ontario last season against the Los Angeles Kings marked the fourth edition of the “Empire Classic”.

After playing the Utah Hockey Club during the preseason of their inaugural season, Anaheim will face them once again, but this time while known officially as the Utah Mammoth.

The Ducks’ preseason schedule looks like this (all times in PST:

1. Sunday, Sept. 21 @ Los Angeles - Toyota Center (Ontario, Calif.) @ 3 p.m.
2. Monday, Sept. 22 vs. Utah - Honda Center @ 7 p.m.
3. Wednesday, Sept. 24 vs. Los Angeles - Honda Center @ 7 p.m.
4. Saturday, Sept. 27 @ Los Angeles - Dignity Health Arena (Bakersfield, Calif.) @ 3 p.m.
5. Monday, Sept. 29 vs. San Jose - Honda Center @ 7 p.m.
6. Wednesday, Oct. 1 @ San Jose - SAP Center @ 7 p.m.
7. Saturday, Oct. 4 @ Los Angeles - Crypto.com Arena (Staples Center) @ 1 p.m.

Tickets for the Ducks’ three preseason home games are included in season ticket holders’ (Orange Alliance) memberships.

Featured image caption: Apr 13, 2025; Anaheim, California, USA; Colorado Avalanche and Anaheim Ducks players skate across the Ducks logo at center ice in the second period at Honda Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

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Florida Panthers forward Brad Marchand went on his social media on Thursday night and decided to troll some teams for letting specific players go that ended up winning the Stanley Cup with the Panthers. 

Marchand posted a photo of Sam Bennett and tagged the Calgary Flames saying "thanks for the MVP @CalgaryFlames." 

The veteran forward did it for 19 players on the team. One of them was former Minnesota Wild defenseman Dmitry Kulikov.

Brad Marchand is on one, thanks the #mnwild for Dmitry Kulikov 😂😂 pic.twitter.com/DcUpWNz6BB

— Alex Micheletti (@AlexMicheletti) June 20, 2025

Kulikov played one season for the Wild before he was traded to the Anaheim Ducks for future considerations. He was eventually dealt to the Pittsburgh Penguins before he ended up in Florida. 

But Marchand didn't seem to care. He tagged the Minnesota Wild instead. 

With the season being officially over, the NHL franchises’ attention turns to the draft, free agency, and roster composition. The Dallas Stars announced yesterday that they had signed pending UFA Matt Duchene to a four-year contract with an AAV of $4.5 million.

Reigning GM of the year Jim Nill is wasting no time since he also traded Mason Marchment to the Seattle Kraken for a third-round pick at the 2026 draft and a fourth-round pick at the 2025 draft, clearing some cap space in the process. Even with that deal, however, the Stars only have $4,955,084 million in projected cap space and have yet to sign Jamie Benn, the longest-tenured captain in team history.

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It could be a struggle for the Stars to fit everyone under the cap, as they’ve only 16 players on their active roster for the upcoming season. Benn, Evgeny Dadonov, Mikael Granlund, Colin Blackwell, Brendan Smith, and Cody Ceci are all UFAs, and, more interestingly for the Montreal Canadiens, Mavrik Bourque is an RFA.

A Plessisville, Quebec native, Bourque was drafted 30th overall at the 2020 draft and is a 23-year-old right-shot center. The 5-foot-11 and 181-pound forward has been trending up since his draft year. He played two full seasons with the Texas Stars in the AHL, scoring 47 points in 70 games in his initial season and then increasing to 77 points in 71 games the following year.

He spent the last season with the Stars in Dallas in a limited role on a deep team. He averaged just 12:41 of ice time skating in the bottom-six. Dobber’s prospect report described him as quick and slippery, and he’s indeed shown to be that so far, but his small frame could be prohibitive for the Canadiens.

The talent is there, and he’s the kind of player who could benefit significantly from working with Martin St-Louis, and he’s the right age to fit with the Canadiens’ window of opportunity. It’s no secret that the Canadiens need to do something about their depth down the middle, with Kirby Dach having failed to pan out as a second-line center so far and Alex Newhook being perhaps best suited to a winger role.

Photo credit:  Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images

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The Jonathan Toews sweepstakes are over, as it has been confirmed that the three-time Stanley Cup champion will be joining the Winnipeg Jets for this upcoming season. First reports came from TSN’s Pierre LeBrun, who added that Toews will be joining his hometown team on a one-year contract.

The 37-year-old won’t register as a Jets player until July 1 when free agency officially opens, but the agreement is there, and the stage for an NHL comeback is set.

The kid from St. Vital is coming home. pic.twitter.com/8Gh9EmziGQ

— Winnipeg Jets (@NHLJets) June 20, 2025

In a statement, Toews said, "I’m grateful to be making my return to the NHL with the Winnipeg Jets. It’s very special to come home and play in front of my family and friends in Manitoba. The Jets have been on the rise over the last few seasons and I’m eager to join the group and help however I can."

Toews' contract with the Jets will have an average annual value of $2 million with $5 million in performance bonuses. Certainly a decrease from his previous eight-year deal with Chicago, which paid him $10.5-million per season, but it makes sense given his age and time away from the league.

Next year will mark three seasons that Toews has been away from the game. He announced that he would be stepping away from the Chicago Blackhawks after his contract expired at the end of the 2022-23 campaign. He played 53 games, scoring 15 goals and 16 assists for 31 points in that season.

He was forced to step away after suffering from long COVID and chronic immune response syndrome. However, he spent his time off searching for recovery strategies in India and other countries around the world. 

Now, with the certainty that he is coming back to the NHL, he’ll be looking to add what is already an incredible career.

Toews has accomplished several feats and milestones in his 15-year career. He’s won three Stanley Cups with the Blackhawks and even took home the Conn Smythe Trophy in their 2010 Cup win.

In addition to all the team success he’s had as the captain of Chicago, he has some individual hardware, too. Toews was awarded the Selke Trophy for his defensive efforts during the 2012-13 campaign and was also presented with the Mark Messier NHL Leadership Award in 2014-15.

Toews could have a chance to be a part of the team to break Canada’s 32-year Stanley Cup drought. The Jets have proven to be a top team in the league this past season, and winning the Cup with Winnipeg may end up at the top of Toews’ list of achievements.

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The New York Rangers have signed defenseman Matthew Robertson to a two-year contract extension. 

He was set to become a restricted free agent on July 1. 

The deal is two-way the first year and one-way in the second and Robertson will make a league minimum of $750,000 at the NHL level. 

Robertson was selected by the Rangers in the second round in the 2019 NHL Draft, but he didn’t make his NHL debut until this past season.

The 24-year-old has spent the majority of his time since being drafted with the Hartford Wolf Pack of the American Hockey League.

Not long ago, Jonathan Toews made it clear that he intended to return to the National Hockey League in 2025-26. Toews last played with the Chicago Blackhawks in the final game of the 2022-23 season. Since then, he's been recovering and preparing his body for a potential return to action.

Before anybody knew he was going to take some time away, the Chicago Blackhawks had already declared that they would not bring Toews back. Everybody, including Toews, seemed to be at peace with that decision.

Once he became serious about signing, plenty of good teams started to line up. However, one team was deemed to be the favorite for a variety of reasons. That team is the Winnipeg Jets. 

Of course, Winnipeg is one of the best teams in the NHL. They fell out during the second round to an excellent Dallas Stars team, but that doesn't take away from the President's Trophy-winning season that they had. 

Signing with an elite team that needed center help up and down the lineup made the most sense for Toews. He would be able to play on any of the lines outside of the first, which is manned by Mark Scheifele. 

The Jets are also the hometown NHL team for Toews. He is from St. Vital, so going back to Manitoba always made sense for him. 

On Friday, that dream of playing in the NHL at home became a reality for Toews. He signed a one-year deal with the Jets, but the contract can't be registered until July 1st. The team already made it official on social media. 

Winnipeg Jets (@NHLJets) on XThe kid from St. Vital is coming home.Winnipeg Jets (@NHLJets) on XThe kid from St. Vital is coming home.

Getting over the hump in the playoffs has been an issue for the Jets in the past, including this year. A guy like Toews, who has had many deep runs in the postseason, will be a great help.

In addition to winning the Stanley Cup three times, Toews also has two Olympic Gold Medals and one World Cup of Hockey championship. The man has done a lot of winning. Character and leadership have been a big part of his game. Winnipeg could use some more of that after taking a nice step in 2024-25.

On a personal note, this is a win for Toews. He will finally return after being gone for so long. It is also great for the Jets, who need a proven winner with an elite mentality in the locker room. 

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Per a report from Pierre LeBrun, Jonathan Toews and the Winnipeg Jets are in agreement on a contract that cannot be signed until July. 1 when the free agency window opens. 

Toews will be joining the second NHL team of his career after spending the first 15 years of his career with the Chicago Blackhawks. The 37-year-old scored 372 goals and 883 points in 1067 games during his Blackhawks tenure, taking home three Stanley Cups, a Selke Trophy, a Conn Smythe Trophy and the Mark Messier Leadership Award. 

Throughout his illustrious hockey career, Toews has proven that no matter the stage, his teams find a way to win. The Winnipeg native is a member of the Triple Gold Club, having won gold at the World Juniors, World Championship, and the Olympics. 

At this point in his career, the Jets will likely use Toews in a shutdown role. Trusting him to drive a line offensively might be too tall an ask, but asking him to provide leadership, win faceoffs, and be potent defensively is exactly what he is capable of doing.

At the moment, no details about numbers have been shared, but LeBrun confirmed that the length of the contract will be one year. 

It will be a one-year deal for Toews in Winnipeg https://t.co/qzjLiiOTVp

— Pierre LeBrun (@PierreVLeBrun) June 20, 2025

"The three-time Stanley Cup champion is expected to ink a short-term contract, likely one-year, that may be painted with various goal-oriented bonuses, such as games played and points totals," said David Pagnotta in a report he shared earlier about Toews' situation. 

Throughout the process, the Toronto Maple Leafs, Colorado Avalanche and the Tampa Bay Lightning were pushing hard to sign Toews, but several reports indicated that his hometown team were always the favourite. In the end, the future Hall of Famer will receive the opportunity to play where he grew up. 

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Jonathan Toews Looking To Make His Decision Prior To The Draft; Jets Considered a FavouriteThree-time Stanley Cup winner, Conn Smythe Trophy winner, and former Chicago Blackhawks centre Jonathan Toews is planning a return to the NHL, and a recent report states that Toews is looking to make his decision prior to the 2025 NHL draft, and the Winnipeg Jets are considered one of his possible landing spots.

Three-time Stanley Cup Champion Jonathan Toews set to join hometown Winnipeg Jets, according to multiple reports. 

Former Blackhawks captain Jonathan Toews is set to join his hometown Winnipeg Jets, per multiple reports. 

Winnipeg Jets (@NHLJets) on Xundefined

In a stunning twist to the NHL offseason, multiple reports confirm that Jonathan Toews is expected to sign with the Winnipeg Jets, signaling a long-anticipated return to the game and to his hometown.

The 36-year-old Toews, who hasn't played since the 2022–23 season due to health-related issues, has reportedly been training and feels ready to make a comeback. Now, the former Chicago Blackhawks captain and three-time Stanley Cup champion is on the verge of joining a Jets team looking to stay in the Western Conference playoff mix.

Toews was quoted as saying "I’m grateful to be making my return to the NHL with the Winnipeg Jets. It’s very special to come home and play in front of my family and friends in Manitoba. The Jets have been on the rise over the last few seasons and I’m eager to join the group and help however I can.”

Winnipeg Jets (@NHLJets) on XJONATHAN TOEWS IS A WINNIPEG JET

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Toews, a native of Winnipeg, Manitoba, played his entire 15-year NHL career with the Blackhawks, notching 883 points (372 goals, 511 assists) in 1,067 games, and earning a Conn Smythe Trophy in 2010. His leadership and two-way play were hallmarks of Chicago’s dynasty years, and his presence in Winnipeg could provide a significant locker room and on-ice boost.

While the contract details have yet to be made public, the expected deal is believed to be short-term and incentive-heavy, allowing Toews to ease back into the NHL pace while giving Winnipeg additional veteran depth at center.

Jets' Odds Could Shift with Toews' Return

Sportsbooks have begun to take notice. The Jets, previously listed around +3500 to win the Stanley Cup on most major platforms, could see their odds shorten slightly if Toews officially signs and is cleared to play. While his exact on-ice role remains to be seen, his playoff experience and championship pedigree add intangible value, particularly in a Western Conference wide open behind favorites like Edmonton and Dallas.

For futures bettors, this move may represent a low-risk, high-upside play. If Toews stays healthy and contributes on special teams or in key faceoff situations, Winnipeg's depth could give them a serious edge come spring.

Keep an eye on updated odds as the signing becomes official—sharper markets may react early.

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Czech defenseman Michal Kempný, 34, has signed a one-year contract with Brynäs IF, the Gävle-based SHL club announced on Friday.

“It’s an honor to be part of such a fantastic organization with a proud tradition and passionate fanbase,” said Kempný. “I look forward to meeting everyone in the organization and becoming part of the Brynäs family. I can’t wait to get started.”

“Michal is a player who has won at several different levels in his career,” said Brynäs sports director Johan Alcén. “He has incredible experience and is a guy who is driven by competition and wants to win. We’ve received many great references for Michal and it feels really good and exciting that Michal will play for us.”

Originally from Hodonín in southeastern Czechia, Kempný played junior hockey just across the border in Skalica, Slovakia and then played in the Czech Extraliga for Kometa Brno and Slavia Prague and for one season in the KHL for Avangard Omsk.

Never drafted by an NHL team, Kempný signed as a free agent with the Chicago Blackhawks in 2016 at age 26. From 2016 to 2022, he played 247 NHL regular-season games for the Hawks and Washington Capitals, recording 63 points and 146 penalty minutes. He also recorded six points in 30 playoff games and was a member of Washington’s 2018 Stanley Cup championship team.

Kempný signed as a free agent with the Seattle Kraken in 2022 but was assigned to the AHL and, after two games, his contract was terminated by mutual agreement. He then signed with Sparta Prague on Oct. 25, 2022, where he spent the following three seasons.

There Will Be A New Czech Champion - Třinec's 5-Year Reign Ended By Sparta After five long years, Oceláři Třinec’s reign as Extraliga champion is over, following the team’s quarterfinal defeat at the hands of Sparta Prague before a sellout crowd of 17,220 at O2 Arena on Monday.

Internationally, Kempný has represented Czechia at five IIHF World Championships, winning a gold medal on home ice in 2024, and at the 2016 World Cup of Hockey.

Kempný joins a Brynäs team that is coming off a season in which it shattered all expectations. Just after being promoted from the HockeyAllsvenskan, Brynäs finished first overall in the regular season and made it to the SHL finals, where it lost to Lulea in six games.

In addition to Kempný, the club’s roster includes ex-NHLers Jakob Silfverberg, Johan Larsson, Robert Hägg, Oskar Lindblom, Christian Djoos, Axel Jonsson-Fjällby, Mattias Norlinder and goaltender Erik Källgren.

Last year’s team included defensemen Charles-Édouard D’Astous and Victor Söderström – however, D’Astous has signed with the Tampa Bay Lightning and Söderström, whose rights have been traded twice in the past few months, has signed with the Boston Bruins.

Photo © Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images

Robert Hägg Returns To Sweden Swedish defenseman Robert Hägg, 30, has signed a one-year contract with Brynäs IF, the Gävle-based SHL club announced on Wednesday. Hägg is returning to Sweden after spending the past 11 seasons in North America, split between the NHL and AHL in six different organizations.