The San Jose Sharks are looking to get back into playoff contention as soon as they can, and while they may have to go through one more season of struggling before they can make a playoff push, there are some players they can target that can help them become a tougher team to play against.

One player they could look at bringing in is New York Rangers' forward Matt Rempe, who is a pending restricted free agent (RFA), and with the roster changes they're going through right now, they could be open to trading him, or not matching an offer sheet.

Rempe is arguably the toughest hitter in the NHL right now, and while some fans have questioned his antics because of the odd high hit, he is still a scary forward to play against. In 42 games last season, he scored three goals and added five assists for eight points and had 67 penalty minutes. 

At 6-foot-9, 254 pounds, he would be an incredible addition to the Sharks' bottom six, and with the opportunity for an increased role, he could find a way to contribute offensively if he learns how to become a net-front presence. 

He would be a risky addition, but he would pay off in a big way if he helps the Sharks become a feared team to play against. Right now, he may not cost any more than $1 million annually on his next contract, but the Rangers may ask for a third-round pick in return for him. If that's the asking price, they should be all over it.

Sharks Should Explore Offer Sheets This SummerOver the past few weeks, there has been a lot of talk regarding the potential of offer sheets and how they may be used more this summer than in years past. There are likely a handful of teams that are well positioned to take a chance on an offer sheet, and one of them is the San Jose Sharks. Former Sharks Head Coach Lands New GigYesterday, former San Jose Sharks head coach Bob Boughner landed a new job in the NHL as an assistant coach with the New York Islanders, joining Ray Bennett, who was also hired by the team. Boughner will work under Islanders head coach Patrick Roy as they look to turn the franchise around. Sharks Should Avoid Buying Out Marc-Édouard Vlasic This SummerThe San Jose Sharks have a lot of questions that need answering this summer. Will they try and move up in the draft? What’s the plan for their players on expiring contracts? Will they look to land a big fish in free agency? There are plenty of unknowns—but one question that shouldn’t even come up is whether the Sharks should buy out Marc-Édouard Vlasic.

Coming out of the NHL Scouting Combine last weekend, the Buffalo Sabres got the lowdown on a number of prospects that could be their with the ninth selection at the 2025 Draft in Los Angeles later this month, but barring a trade up they will have to rely on the player they want slipping through the cracks.  

The NY Islanders are likely to select defenseman Matthew Schaefer with the top overall pick, but there is no accurate read on how the remaining seven picks will break. That seems to be reflected in various mock drafts that have emerged since the combine. After Schaefer, names like Michael Misa, Caleb Desnoyers, and rising star Anton Frondell are likely to go in the top five, but at that point, any of a number of players could be there for the Sabres at #9.  

Other Sabres Stories

Is Peterka In Prime Position For Big Payday?

Sabres Summer Dilemmas - Bowen Byram

Sabres Facing An Off-Season Of Change

Soo Greyhounds center Brady Martin attracted a great deal of attention at the NHL Scouting Combine, but with the top of the first round chock full of centers, there is a possibility that he could be there for the Sabres with the ninth overall pick. 

According to the Hockey News Draft Preview, the 6’0”, 178 lb. pivot is a throwback to the old-school NHL, growing up in small town Elmira, Ontario, where his gym routine was whatever was needed to maintain the family’s farm. Martin nearly tripled his point output in his second OHL season with the Greyhounds (33 goals, 39 assists), and had an excellent showing for Canada at the Under-18s with 11 points in seven games. 

 

"I haven't got to into hockey training, and we're just kind of farm strong, is what they call it. That's kind of how I grew up and put on a lot of strength and muscle," Martin said.  "I grew up and always had responsibilities and was disciplined, so I think that helps comes through (in playing) hockey."

Follow Michael on X, Instagram, and Bluesky @MikeInBuffalo

The Hockey News Big Show is here to break down the Stanley Cup final and look at some big topics around the NHL and beyond, with longtime coach Bruce Boudreau giving his expert insight.

Which Oilers Player Is More Clutch Between Draisaitl And McDavid? by The Big Showundefined

Here’s what Katie Gaus, Michael Traikos and Bruce Boudreau discussed in this episode:

1:13: The Oilers made NHL history in the Stanley Cup final by winning a game after trailing 3-0. How does a win like this change things for Edmonton?

5:23: Was the second period more Florida’s fault or all Edmonton’s doing to get back in the game?

6:52: What does Boudreau make of the officiating? 

9:45: Stuart Skinner was pulled after the first period, Pickard went in and shut the door. Were you surprised at all by the goalie pull after the first? And is Pickard the Game 5 starter?

14:34: If you're coaching Florida, what are you saying after that game? How are you ensuring your team is ready to bounce back for a quick turnaround for Game 5? What about Edmonton?

17:11: Do you think Florida is best suited to be unfazed by blowing a 3-0 lead? 

20:48: What has stood out to Boudreau in this series, good or bad? 

25:36: The last Cup final that had more overtime games was Toronto and Montreal in 1951, when all five games required OT. Will this series match that?

28:01: Predictions for Game 5?

30:53: Thoughts on the Chris Kreider trade, and what else should the New York Rangers be looking to do? 

33:17: Should Mitch Marner go to the New York Rangers? 

38:14: Jonathan Toews gears up to make his NHL return, so where do we see him landing?

42:08: Connor Hellebuyck wins Hart Trophy as MVP. Do we agree with this?

43:45: Who is more clutch: Leon Draisaitl or Connor McDavid?

45:23: This is the best Stanley Cup final since when?

Watch the full Episode here 

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

The Buffalo Sabres enter the offseason as a team motivated to make changes after missing the playoffs for the 14th straight season, but GM Kevyn Adams may be facing a bigger challenge than expected this summer. Not only does he have to deal with RFA defenseman Bowen Byram and the contractual situation of winger JJ Peterka, the NHL landscape is in flux due to the increase of the salary cap over the next three seasons. 

Pierre LeBrun of the Athletic on TSN1050’s Overdrive said that based on the chatter from league GM’s and player agents going into the offseason, there are no sellers other than the Pittsburgh Penguins, and that bottom-dwelling teams like the San Jose Sharks and Chicago Blackhawks, and teams on the cusp like the Utah Mammoth are looking to buy either in free agency or in the trade market.  

Other Sabres Stories

Is Peterka In Prime Position For Big Payday?

Sabres Summer Dilemmas - Bowen Byram

Sabres Facing An Off-Season Of Change

This trend was reflected in the Chris Kreider deal to Anaheim on Thursday. The Ducks have a young core group and added veteran blueliners Radko Gudas and Jacob Trouba last season. GM Pat Verbeek hired three-time Cup winning head coach Joel Quenneville and is expected to be a player in free agency to get Anaheim back in the playoffs. 

How does this affect the Sabres? In the positive column, there are likely plenty of clubs who are interested in dealing for a potential top-pairing blueliner in Byram or a young scoring winger in Peterka, but the negative is if everyone is interested in buying, there may not be many clubs who are willing to swap players under control back to Buffalo. Another issue is the willingness of the Sabres to get in a bidding war for free agents. In spite of Adams claiming that he has never been denied any financial resources by owner Terry Pegula, Buffalo the last two years has not come close to spending to the cap.  The trade market is also filled with potholes, since many players likely have Buffalo crossed off as a destination on their no-trade list. 

With all these factors, it may be close to impossible to make the changes necessary for the Sabres a playoff contender. 

 

Follow Michael on X, Instagram, and Bluesky @MikeInBuffalo

With the 2025 NHL Entry Draft approaching fast, 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, perhaps it's fitting to take a look at a player they seem to like a lot - and a player who will, likely, be drafted in the top-five.

That player would be right winger Porter Martone. 

Should The Penguins Trade Up For Higher Draft Pick?With the month of June in full swing, buzz around the 2025 NHL Entry Draft is heating up.

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Porter Martone

DOB: Oct. 26, 2006 (Age 18)
Position: Right wing
Shoots: Right
Height: 6-foot-3
Weight: 208 pounds
Team: Brampton Steelheads (OHL)

Rumor has it that Dubas is very high on Martone. At the recent NHL scouting combine in Buffalo, it was reported by The Athletic's Josh Yohe and several others that he took Martone to dinner and had a lengthy interaction with him.

It's also worth noting that Martone was part of Team Canada at the IIHF World Championship in May, and he thoroughly impressed Canada's brass at the event.

NHL Draft Prospect Porter Martone Impresses Team Canada Staff At World ChampionshipUnlike most NHL drafts, there hasn't been a sure-fire first-overall pick all season long. Several talented prospects were part of the conversation, even if defenseman Matthew Schaefer is now the front-runner.

In fact, Martone gave folks a "self-scouting" report of sorts.

"I'm a big power forward who has a really good hockey IQ," Martone said. "I try to be a hard player to play against. You see the NHL playoffs right now, and it's hard, they play hard. I just try to go out there and be a hard player to play against. When I get a chance in the offensive zone, I can drain it."

And, by all accounts, that seems pretty spot-on. 

Porter Martone with his 14th goal in his 12th game. Only Michael Misa has more among all CHLers pic.twitter.com/urU75n8Ut6

— Cam Robinson (@Hockey_Robinson) November 2, 2024

The big-bodied forward put up big numbers in the OHL for the Steelheads this season, registering 37 goals and 98 points in just 57 games. He has advanced hockey IQ and playmaking skills, and he can stickhandle in a phone booth and beat you anywhere in any zone on the ice.

He has a shot that will play at the NHL level, he has passing ability that will certainly translate, his hands are elite, and - again - that hockey sense is nothing to scoff at.

TIC-TAC-GOAL🚨🤯@DallasStars prospect Angus MacDonell finishes off a beauty play with Porter Martone and Finn Harding, giving @OHLSteelheads their second of the night!🐟#OHL | @CHLHockey | #TexasHockeypic.twitter.com/I4oHNfNUEK

— Ontario Hockey League (@OHLHockey) February 22, 2025

PORTER MARTONE MAKES IT LOOK EASY‼️#SteelStrongpic.twitter.com/n3u6ssWXst

— Brampton Steelheads (@OHLSteelheads) October 8, 2023

But another thing that stands out is his play at the net-front. He would be extremely useful on an NHL power play with his ability to battle for positioning and his willingness to use his frame and physicality to create and capitalize on second-chance opportunities. Martone is hard to play against because of his rare combination of skill, size, and physicality, and he's a player who is almost always going to win puck battles and one-on-one situations.

He's a bit heavy-footed, and - much like Penguins' prospect Rutger McGroarty - his skating will need to improve a bit for him to truly hit his potential at the NHL level. But, like McGroarty, his ability to outthink opponents with his vision and IQ allow him to play a speed game mentally, which could help compensate for any lack of skating ability. 

2 Prime Penguins Breakout Candidates For 2025-26 SeasonThe Pittsburgh Penguins are currently retooling their roster as they look to become a playoff team again. Because of this, the Metropolitan Division club will be hoping that some of their young players will take a notable step forward in their development next season.

Martone is, arguably, the most skilled forward in this entire draft class. And, yes, that includes Michael Misa. He also plays with a competitive fire that is hard for anyone in his class to rival.

Most projections have Martone being drafted in the top-five. If Dubas wants Martone as much as it seems, he will have no choice but to trade up.

If that's ultimately what Dubas and his staff decide to do, the Penguins will be getting a good one. The sky is the limit for Martone, and there is a decent chance that he can make an impact at the NHL level relatively quickly.

And those are the types of prospects the Penguins desperately need in their organization.

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

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Photo credit: Natalie Shaver - OHL Images

Sharks star Celebrini earns unanimous NHL All-Rookie Team honors originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

Macklin Celebrini might have gotten snubbed for the Calder Memorial Trophy, but the Sharks’ young star still earned recognition for his prolific rookie NHL season.

Celebrini unanimously was voted to the NHL’s All-Rookie Team, joining Calder winner Lane Hutson and Calgary Flames netminder Dustin Wolf as the only unanimous selections for the 2024-25 season.

NHL All Rookie Team pic.twitter.com/RX0k1F1UIO

— Mike Morreale (@mikemorrealeNHL) June 12, 2025

Philadelphia Flyers wing Matvei Michkov, Anaheim Ducks forward Cutter Gauthier and Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman Denton Mateychuk rounded out the 2024-25 All-Rookie Team.

Celebrini logged 63 points (25 G, 38 A) in 70 appearances for San Jose during the 2024-25 season, turning the Sharks into a must-watch team despite having the NHL’s lowest point total.

Macklin Celebrini goes top shelf with an incredible no-look goal 😱 pic.twitter.com/0Xbp6MDr8v

— Sharks on NBCS (@NBCSSharks) November 8, 2024

The 19-year-old superstar finished second among NHL rookies in goals behind Michkov (26) and second behind Hutson (60) in assists.

After being selected No. 1 overall in the 2024 NHL Draft, Celebrini not only lived up to the hype but exceeded it in a debut season that ranks among the sport’s best ever for an 18-year-old skater.

As San Jose seeks to regain its footing among the NHL’s elite, Celebrini gives the Sharks an invaluable blue-chip prospect to anchor an aggressive rebuild that has seen the proud franchise assemble a stockpile of exciting young talent.

Download and follow the San Jose Hockey Now podcast

Florida Panthers forward Sam Reinhart is one of the team's top stars, and he has undoubtedly made an impact during this year's Stanley Cup Final. In Game 4's loss to the Edmonton Oilers, Reinhart scored the late goal that forced overtime and recorded three points. This was after he had a goal and an assist in Game 3 against Edmonton.

Reinhart's awesome play is certainly not going unnoticed, as NHL legend Wayne Gretzky had some massive praise for the Panthers star forward. While on TNT, 'The Great One' had this to say about Reinhart:

"Sam Reinhart might be one of the smartest players to ever play our game."

Wayne Gretzky on TNT:

"Sam Reinhart might be one of the smartest players to ever play our game." 😳

— Greg Wyshynski (@wyshynski) June 13, 2025

This is a huge compliment, especially when noting that Gretzky is the greatest player in the history of the sport. Clearly, Reinhart is playing the game the right way if No. 99 views him as one of the smartest players the NHL has ever seen.

When looking at how excellently Reinhart has played, he has earned this major compliment from Gretzky. Reinhart had another strong season in 2024-25, recording 39 goals and 81 points in 79 games. He also finished second in the Selke Trophy voting, so he is far more than just an offensive talent. 

It will now be interesting to see if Reinhart can stay hot after getting this huge compliment from Gretzky from here. 

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Photo Credit:  © Geoff Burke-Imagn Images

One clear area that the St. Louis Blues should aim to improve this off-season is their center depth. Their third-line center spot, in particular, could use a boost, and there are some interesting players the Blues could consider targeting in free agency this year to help fix that need.

One pending unrestricted free agent who could make a lot of sense for the Blues to target this off-season if he hits the market on July 1 because of this is Carolina Hurricanes forward Jack Roslovic.

If the Blues brought in Roslovic, he would certainly have the potential to provide them with more depth scoring. This is because the 6-foot-1 forward has been a solid offensive contributor throughout his career, and this carried over to this season with the Hurricanes. In 81 games this campaign with the Metropolitan Division club, he posted 22 goals and 39 points. He has also hit the 40-point mark twice during his career.

With numbers like these, Roslovic could be a solid addition to the Blues' third line and second power-play unit. In addition, the 2015 first-round pick also offers good versatility, as he can play both center and on the wing. Thus, the Blues could use him in multiple situations, which certainly adds to his appeal. 

Overall, on a short-term, affordable deal, a player like Roslovic would have the potential to be a nice pickup for the Blues. It will be fascinating to see if they end up making a push for him this off-season from here. 

Ex-Blues Defenseman Fined Twice By NHL Player SafetyFormer St. Louis Blues defenseman Jake Walman is losing some money from his pocket.

Photo Credit: © Marc DesRosiers-Imagn Images

Bruins acquire defenseman Victor Soderstrom in trade with Blackhawks originally appeared on NBC Sports Boston

The Boston Bruins have made their first trade of the NHL offseason.

They have acquired the rights to 24-year-old defenseman Victor Söderström from the Chicago Blackhawks in exchange for defenseman prospect Ryan Mast and a 2025 seventh-round draft pick, the B’s announced Friday evening.

Söderström is a right-shot defenseman who was the No. 11 overall pick by the Arizona Coyotes in the 2019 draft. He played four seasons between the NHL and AHL from 2020-21 through 2023-24.

Söderström went back to his native Sweden to play for Brynas IF Gavle in the 2024-25 campaign. He tallied 37 points (nine goals, 28 assists) in 49 games and won the Borje Salming Trophy as the best defenseman in the SHL.

His rights were traded from the Utah Mammoth (formerly the Coyotes) to the Blackhawks before the trade deadline in March.

The Bruins still need to sign Söderström to a contract for him to play with the Original Six franchise next season. He’s technically a restricted free agent, per PuckPedia.

The Bruins could use a defenseman with Söderström’s offensive skill set. They also need depth on the right side of their blue line after trading Brandon Carlo to the Toronto Maple Leafs in March. Right-shot defenseman Henri Jokiharju is an unrestricted free agent, too.

Mast was a sixth-round pick of the Bruins in 2021. He played for the AHL’s Providence Bruins this past season.

(Header/feature image courtesy of Megan DeRuchie-The Hockey News)

In the world of hockey, it’s easy to spot the brash and loud—those who let their confidence crash through locker rooms and media scrums. But sometimes, it’s the quieter ones, the players who let their game do the talking, who end up writing the most compelling stories.

That’s Emil Andrae.

The 23-year-old Swedish defenseman may not be the most physically imposing figure on the ice at 5-foot-9, but his impact is undeniable. Anyone who’s been paying attention to how the Flyers have managed their defensive depth knows the writing is already on the wall: Andrae is the next man up. And he’s getting closer with each passing day.

It’s not just a hunch or hopeful projection—it’s a trend backed by real organizational behavior. Any time the Flyers have needed a defenseman in the past season and a half, Andrae is almost always the first call. He’s been trusted with NHL minutes, even when the team has had other promising options in the pipeline. That says something. That says a lot.

BEHOLD: EMIL ANDRAE’S FIRST NHL GOAL! #VGKvsPHI | #LetsGoFlyerspic.twitter.com/CsGi4IR8S0

— Philadelphia Flyers (@NHLFlyers) November 26, 2024

Now, sure—critics will point to the final stretch of the 2024–25 season, where Andrae’s game hit some speed bumps. And yes, some of those games weren’t his finest. But, as much as some of the armchair analysts try to avoid it like the plague, context is everything.

The Flyers, as a whole, were doing better under then-interim head coach Brad Shaw, but had little to play for once they were eliminated from playoff contention. They were able to enjoy a final fleeting moment of success after what was generally a thorny season, but it was evident they knew it might not last.

On an individual scale, Andrae was placed in a pairing with Egor Zamula—two defensemen who simply didn’t mesh. It’s not fair to point the finger solely at either player, but sometimes the puzzle pieces just don’t click.

Yet through that, Andrae never looked overwhelmed. He never looked out of place. And that matters.

Because what Andrae does bring to the table—especially for a Flyers blue line that’s historically leaned heavier, tougher, and more conservative—is a refreshing injection of skill, poise, and offensive instinct. He’s a puck-mover with vision. He jumps into the rush with confidence. He’s fearless at the offensive blue line. His size? Sure, that’s always going to be a talking point for some fans. But you don’t need to be 6-foot-3 to break a forecheck with your legs and a smart first pass. You don’t need to be the biggest guy on the ice to understand how to control space and tempo.

Andrae’s skating is smooth and deceptive, and he processes the game with the maturity of a veteran. His foundation is already built for the NHL pace—the rest is just about reps.

Meanwhile, the Flyers have a growing crop of exciting defensive prospects. Oliver Bonk turned heads in London this year. Spencer Gill was a flashy swing at the draft. Helge Grans has tools and upside. But none of them have the NHL minutes that Andrae has already logged. None of them have shown they’re quite ready to handle the tempo, spacing, and decisions of the big leagues just yet. 

Could that change once Bonk and Gill get some professional experience, or if Grans shows strides in his game? Absolutely. But as it stands right now, Andrae has those aforementioned attributes in abundance. And he’s getting better each time.

.@NHLFlyers Emil Andrae in his 8 games so far this season:

51.27% GF (1st on D)
55.26% CF (1st on D)
57.56% xGF (2nd on D behind York)

13.45 iCF/60 (1st on D)
0.42 iXGF/60 (1st on D)

To say he has been good is an understatement. He also instantly looks #Flyers best PP Dman.

— Alexander Appleyard (@avappleyard) November 12, 2024

Don’t forget, too, that Flyers brass is watching closely. They’ve seen the progress in Lehigh Valley. They’ve seen the way he leads a breakout, quarterbacks a power play, and battles in the corners despite being outsized most nights. They’ve seen that Andrae isn’t just holding on—he’s growing into something bigger.

With rumblings of a defensive shakeup on the horizon—Rasmus Ristolainen's name has arisen yet again in trade talks, RFA Cam York has yet to sign a new contract—the door is cracked open. And if Andrae puts together a strong training camp, there’s every reason to believe he can secure a spot on the NHL roster out of the gate.

He won’t be the guy who blows you away with one highlight-reel play, then goes through the motions the rest of the night. He’s the guy who puts his head down and builds trust over 200-foot shifts, the guy who breaks up a play in the defensive zone, turns it up ice, and hits a winger in stride. That’s the kind of defenseman modern teams need—and that’s exactly what Andrae is shaping into.

What’s more: he wants it. He’s not satisfied just being next in line. He’s trying to leapfrog the line altogether.

As long as he embraces the natural learning curve that comes with being a young NHL defenseman—and continues to bring consistency and confidence—there’s little reason the Flyers shouldn’t make space for him. He doesn’t need to wait for the house to dial his number. He’s already on the front porch, banging on the door.

And if they’re smart, the Flyers will sprint to let him in.

The Stanley Cup Final has been an excellent show so far, with the Edmonton Oilers and the Florida Panthers being pretty evenly matched in three of the first four games. In all but one game, overtime was needed to crown a winner, and Thursday night’s game was no exception. The Cats tied up the game at 4-4 with less than 20 seconds remaining in regulation after having been up 3-0 early in the game. Connor McDavid and company had to dig to overcome the disappointment of the dying seconds and then score the game-winning goal through Leon Draisaitl.

The German’s game winner was his fourth overtime goal of these playoffs, which constitutes a new record. The previous record of three was co-held by four players, including two former Montreal Canadiens: Maurice “Rocket” Richard (1950-51) and Corey Perry (2016-17 with the Anaheim Ducks). Boston Bruins’ Mel Hill (1938-39) and Panthers’ forward Matthew Tkachuk (2022-23). With at least two games remaining in the final, the 29-year-old Hart Trophy runner-up still has time to improve the mark.

Canadiens: Will Kent Hughes Need A New Plan?
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In his famous career, Richard scored six playoff overtime goals, three more than any other player in franchise history. Kirk Muller, Russ Courtnall, and Jacques Lemaire each had three. The Rocket played 133 postseason games with the Canadiens and scored 82 goals, which is 0.62 goals per game. In the regular season, the first man to score 50 goals in 50 games scored 544 lamplighters in 978 career games for a 0.56 goal-per-game, meaning that the Rocket was an even better scorer when it mattered the most.

Meanwhile, Draisaitl has 52 goals in 94 playoff games for 0.55 goals-per-game in the postseason and 399 regular-season lamplighters in 790 games for 0.51 goals-per-game. It’s not by much, but his average is also better in the Spring tournament. In 11 seasons with the Alberta outfit, the center has had four seasons with 50+ goals.

Fittingly, he won his first Rocket Richard Trophy as the league’s top sniper this season with 52 goals. He was the only player to reach the 50-goal mark this season, with the Toronto Maple Leafs’ William Nylander coming in second place with 45 goals and the Washington Capitals’ legend Alex Ovechkin coming in third with 44 goals.

Photo Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images

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After months of speculation, the New York Rangers traded Chris Kreider, shipping him to the Anaheim Ducks on Thursday for a prospect and a draft pick. 

The Hockey News’ Adam Proteau believes the move indicates the two clubs are open for business. For the Rangers, it clears Kreider's $6.5-million cap hit from their books for the next two years, increasing their salary-cap space for next season to $14.9 million with 18 active roster players under contract.

THN.com’s Remy Mastey observed that the cost-cutting move provides Rangers GM Chris Drury with the cap flexibility to be a major player in this summer's free-agent market.

Daily Faceoff's Frank Seravalli believes the Rangers could pursue Los Angeles Kings defenseman Vladislav Gavrikov via free agency. Meanwhile, RG.Org's Daria Tuboltseva cited a source claiming they're interested in Ivan Provorov if the 28-year-old Columbus Blue Jackets rearguard hits the open market. 

The trade also raises questions over whether Drury is done peddling current Rangers. 

Trade rumors have dogged defenseman K'Andre Miller and left winger Alexis Lafreniere for several weeks. Miller is an RFA with arbitration rights coming off a disappointing 2024-25 campaign. Lafreniere has yet to achieve his much-anticipated breakout performance despite signing a lucrative seven-year extension last October.

Before the Kreider trade was finalized, Larry Brooks of the New York Post wondered if the deal might make Mika Zibanejad more amenable toward waiving his no-movement clause. He noted that Zibanejad and Kreider became inseparable in recent years. 

If Zibanejad waived his clause, finding a trade partner to take on all five years remaining in his contract could be a tough sell. The 32-year-old center is signed through 2029-30 with an average annual value of $8.5 million. His declining production since his career-best 91-point performance in 2022-23 won't help his value in the trade market.

Meanwhile, there's growing conjecture over the health of Alex Pietrangelo. 

Steve Simmons of the Toronto Sun recently cited sources around the league suggesting the 35-year-old Vegas Golden Knights defenseman could end up on long-term injured reserve for the remaining two years of his contract. The Hockey News’ Julian Gaudio cited Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman saying Pietrangelo's health was in question for 2025-26, but he had no confirmation as to the seriousness of his injury status. 

Pietrangelo skipped playing for Canada in the 4 Nations Face-Off in February to prepare for the playoffs. Friedman indicated this could be a situation where the Golden Knights are trying to determine the veteran defenseman's health before the start of next season.

If Pietrangelo is questionable for the start of next season, the Golden Knights could put him on LTIR and use the cap savings on a major signing in this summer's free-agent market. However, that only works if he's out for the entire regular season. If he returns at any point during the season, the Golden Knights must shed salary to accommodate his return.

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 Carolina Hurricanes' 2024-25 season came to a close a few weeks prior, falling in five games to the Florida Panthers in the Eastern Conference Final.

While the team's main roster is still primarily set, there's a few pieces that will be without contracts.

Whether they get offered extensions or wind up moving on somewhere else is to be seen, but here's the players whose deals are set to expire on July 1.

Check out the Canes' 2025 RFAs here.

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Brent Burns

40, RHD
6g, 29pts, 82gp, 20:57 ATOI
Last Contract: 8 years, $8 million AAV

Burns' offensive game has certainly taken a hit as he ages, but the veteran defenseman has managed to find himself in a useful niche for the Hurricanes as he's adapted his game to more of a shutdown role.

The 40-year-old ironman is still a good player (especially on the penalty kill) due to his high hockey IQ and active stick and I could see him returning on a short and cheap, veteran deal.

Lots of interest on both sides to make something happen.

'We Love It Here And Would Love For It To Work Out': Brent Burns 2024-25 Exit InterviewThe Carolina Hurricanes' 2024-25 season came to a close earlier this week as the team lost in five games to the Florida Panthers in the Eastern Conference Final.

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Dmitry Orlov

33, LHD
6g, 28pts, 76gp, 20:00 ATOI
Last Contract: 2 years, $7.75 million AAV

Despite how his season may have ended, Orlov was an effective defenseman for the Hurricanes the last two years paired alongside Jalen Chatfield.

The Russian was part of one of the top puck possession pairs in the league and he played a lot of big minutes for Carolina.

But there's no denying how tough of a look the Eastern Conference Final was for him, especially in Game 3.

Orlov should still have interest around the league, but the Canes have younger options coming up (Alexander Nikishin), so they can't afford to create a logjam there.

'Of Course You Want To Stay': Dmitry Orlov 2024-25 Exit InterviewThe Carolina Hurricanes' 2024-25 season came to a close earlier this week as the team lost in five games to the Florida Panthers in the Eastern Conference Final.

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Eric Robinson

29, LW/RW
14g, 32pts, 82gp, 12:16 ATOI
Last Contract: 1 year, $950,000  

Robinson looked to be potentially on the outside coming into training camp, but a strong preseason got him a shot on the roster and he never looked back.

The veteran forward was a perfect fit for the Canes with his fast skating and physical forechecking and he was also able to slot up and down the lineup.

A career year has set him up for a significant pay raise, but there's still interest on both sides to make something work.

'I'm Definitely Interested In Re-Signing': Eric Robinson 2024-25 Exit InterviewThe Carolina Hurricanes' 2024-25 season came to a close earlier this week as the team lost in five games to the Florida Panthers in the Eastern Conference Final.

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Jack Roslovic

28, C/RW
22g, 39pts, 81gp, 13:49 ATOI
Last Contract: 1 year, $2.8 million 

It's not often that you see a 20+ goal scorer as a healthy scratch in the postseason, but that was sort of the story for Jack Roslovic this season.

There's no denying that there's talent there, especially with how effective of a scorer he was to start the season and his strong faceoff numbers, but the stylistic fit just didn't seem to be there and in the playoffs, the Canes opted to go with different options.

Healthy Scratch To Impact Player: Jack Roslovic Stepping Up For Carolina HurricanesJack Roslovic wasn't on the ice when the Carolina Hurricanes clinched their first-round series. He wasn't even on the bench.

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Tyson Jost

27, C
4g, 9pts, 14gp (AHL) / 4g, 9pts, 39gp, 10:22 ATOI (NHL)
Last Contract: 1 year, $775,000

Jost entered the Hurricanes' training camp as the odd-man out and started the year in the AHL. 

However, he worked his way back up to the NHL before an injury sidelined him too.

A useful utility forward, Jost was well liked in the room and was the type of player that would do anything asked of him.

'I Know I'm A Good Player': Tyson Jost Hoping To Make Most Of Opportunity With CarolinaThe 26-year-old veteran of nearly 500 NHL games is hoping prove he belongs in the league again after finding himself as a NHL/AHL tweener.

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Juha Jaaska

27, LW/C/RW
12g, 33pts, 53gp (AHL) / 0g, 4pts, 18gp (NHL)
Last Contract: 1 year, $850,000

After nine seasons in Liiga, Finland's top league, the Hurricanes took notice of Jaaska and offered him his first North American deal.

The versatile forward clicked immediately in Chicago, and eventually, his hard work was rewarded with an extensive look in the NHL.

I feel like an extension makes sense for both sides here.

Carolina Hurricanes Rookie Picks Up First Career Point Against Toronto Maple LeafsJuha Jaaska assisted on the game winner for his first NHL point.

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Riley Stillman

27, LHD
3g, 9pts, 35gp (AHL) / 0pts, 5gp (NHL)
Last Contract: 1 year, $775,000

Stillman spent the majority of the regular season as the seventh defenseman for Carolina, but was eventually leapfrogged by a couple of rookie standouts (Scott Morrow and Alexander Nikishin) later in the season and in the playoffs.

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Spencer Martin

30, G
0.909 Sv%, 31gp (AHL) / 0.846 Sv%, 9gp (NHL)
Last Contract: 1 year, $775,000

The journeyman goaltender didn't have as strong of an NHL stint as he did for Carolina last year, with only one NHL game with a save percentage over 0.900 this season.

However, he had strong AHL numbers on a team that had a lot of growing pains.

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Dustin Tokarski

35, G
0.897 Sv%, 21gp (AHL) / 0.902 Sv%, 6gp (NHL)
Last Contract: 1 year, $775,000

When Frederik Andersen wound up on the shelf following knee surgery in November, the Hurricanes realized that they had to shore up their goaltending position for a bit and so they signed the veteran to a deal off of his AHL PTO.

From sitting at home without a gig to eventually getting back into some NHL action is not a bad swing at all.

Dustin Tokarski Leads Carolina To Victory Nearly Two Years Since Last StartThe 35-year-old veteran stopped 27 shots in Carolina's 4-1 win over the Columbus Blue Jackets.

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Joakim Ryan

31, LHD
2g, 8pts, 59gp
Last Contract: 1 year, $775,000

The Swedish defenseman returned to North America after three years in the SHL and was a veteran presence on a very young Chicago Wolves squad.

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Recent Stories

• The Carolina Hurricanes' 2025 RFAs
• Jaccob Slavin Finishes Top-10 In Norris Voting For League's Top Defenseman
• Pair Of Hurricanes Prospects Earn Unprecedented Honor

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This Stanley Cup final rematch between the Edmonton Oilers and the Florida Panthers has been so tight after four games that three of the four games required overtime.

Games 1, 2 and 4 have required at least one extra frame. The Oilers’ Leon Draisaitl scored the overtime-winner in Game 1, while Brad Marchand was the hero for the Panthers in Game 2. 

It didn’t seem like Game 4 would need an extra frame after Florida took an early 3-0 lead and then blew it to trail 4-3 to the Oilers late in regulation.

Another clutch moment transpired as Panthers right winger Sam Reinhart equalized with 19.5 seconds remaining in the third period to force overtime yet again.

But for Florida, Reinhart’s goal was put to waste when Draisaitl won Game 4 for Edmonton to tie the series 2-2. This was his second overtime-winner in this series and fourth in the playoffs, an NHL single-playoff record.

The 100th Stanley Cup final game to go to overtime in NHL history also puts this series in a likelier scenario to tie a 74-year-old record of most overtime games in Cup final history. 

The Oilers and Panthers have already matched six other Stanley Cup finals in second place with three games that required overtime.

The last time a final had three games go to overtime was in 2014 between the Los Angeles Kings and the New York Rangers. The Kings won that series in five games, thanks to a famous Alec Martinez series-clincher in overtime of Game 5.

Only one final had more overtime matchups.

In 1951, the Toronto Maple Leafs defeated the Montreal Canadiens in a five-game series. All those games went to overtime, and four of them ended 3-2. (Check out the article from the April 28, 1951, issue of The Hockey News for more.)

With at least two more games to play in this final between the Panthers and the Oilers, there is a possibility that there could be another game that requires the extra frame.

That would give this series sole possession of the final with the second-most games that went to overtime and a chance to tie the 1951 Leafs and Canadiens record. And with that, we will quote Fifty Mission Cap by The Tragically Hip for some more information about that ’51 final and the player who scored the Cup-clincher.

“Bill Barilko disappeared that summer. He was on a fishing trip. The last goal he ever scored won the Leafs the Cup. They didn’t win another until 1962, the year he was discovered.”

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The Chicago Blackhawks want to add more talent to their forward group this summer. They will draft a forward with the third overall pick, but that player won’t make an impact for a few years. 

Chicago also doesn’t want guys who will be given albatross contracts in free agency. Kyle Davidson is better off making trades for younger, better available players. 

There are a lot of rumors out there this time of year. Right now, Jason Robertson of the Dallas Stars and Alexis Lafreniere of the New York Rangers are a part of those whispers. 

Robertson is a more accomplished player, but they have both had a ton of production at the NHL level. Robertson brings skill to the table where Lafreniere is more of a power forward. 

In 2024-25, Robertson had 80 points in 82 games for the second year in a row. In 2022-23, his best year in the NHL, he had 46 goals and 63 assists for 109 points. Going into his age-26 season, if he has the right team around him and even more minutes, he can get back to that level. 

The Stars are a great team, but no one player is the main star on the team. If he came to Chicago, he’d be the top offensive guy on the roster until Connor Bedard takes that big step. A player like Robertson may even be just what Bedard needs to have that first point per game season in the NHL. 

As for Lafreniere, a former number one overall pick, he had a big-time drop-off in 2024-25. After having 28 goals and 57 points a year ago, he had 17 goals and 28 assists on a disappointing Rangers team. 

To get Lafreniere, it would cost less in a trade than Robertson, but it would still not be cheap. The Rangers may still believe that they can get good value for their former top overall selection. 

Although he may not be what the Rangers had hoped, he’d be a middle-six gem with top-line potential on the Chicago Blackhawks. Lafreniere can get to the front of the net and make plays while being a sound winger in the 200-foot game. 

If either of these guys is actually on the block, as the rumors suggest, Kyle Davidson needs to be working the phones. They are not the only young players available right now via a trade, but they are each incredibly intriguing. 

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