Category: Sports News

Toronto Maple Leafs prospect Easton Cowan has his eyes peeled for the NHL next season.

The 20-year-old has won almost everything in his junior career, from the OHL regular season and playoffs MVP and the league's title to the Memorial Cup and that tournament's MVP honors. Following the London Knights' Memorial Cup win, Cowan joined Leafs Morning Take with Nick Alberga and Jay Rosehill to discuss his final year in junior and what's next.

"It's finally starting to sink in right around now," said Cowan when asked about the Memorial Cup win. "Just an unreal feeling bringing it home to London. It's just been great to spend these last couple of days with the guys, and just really enjoy our time together and celebrate the Memorial Cup."

One year ago, Cowan and the Knights were left licking their wounds following a 4-3 loss to the host Saginaw Spirit in the tournament final. However, with the type of talent London has, they knew it'd be possible to make it back if all of their players returned.

"Obviously, last year sucked and it was unfortunate, but I felt like all the guys and I just really focused on that this summer, to keep getting better. We all stay in touch. We're a super close group," Cowan said.

"And to be able to get back in the finals, that's what we wanted, and (Sam) O'Reilly said it at the beginning of the year, our goal is to win the last game, and that's what we did, so just super proud of this group."

Maple Leafs Prospect Easton Cowan Dominates Memorial Cup, Validates Return To Junior DecisionToronto Maple Leafs prospect Easton Cowan is a Memorial Cup champion with the OHL's London Knights.

Following a season with a historic point streak and 39 points (13 goals, 26 assists) in 17 playoff games, Cowan now has his eyes set on pro hockey. Last fall, he was one of the final cuts from Maple Leafs training camp, and after another huge year, he's looking to come into 2025's camp with the NHL on his mind.

"Every kid in my situation would probably say [the goal is] to make the NHL, and that's definitely my goal," Cowan said.

"I mean, I feel like I'm capable of doing that. I just got to keep getting bigger, keep getting faster, and keep getting stronger. It's just in my hands. I feel like I'm smart enough and able to play, but obviously, I got to get bigger and that's just in my hands. I'll take advantage of that this summer training in London, training a bit in Toronto too. It'll help me out a lot and I'm just super excited for camp, and I'll be ready for it for sure."

What's the message from the Maple Leafs after two straight Memorial Cup Finals? Relax a bit before getting into summer training.

"Everyone texted me [after the Memorial Cup win]," Cowan smiled.

"They want me to just relax now. Enjoy the time. Have some fun. And just get away from the game. It's been good for me. I mean, I've went on three long runs here with London, so just to be able to put the hockey sticks away, pull out the golf clubs, go to some patios with some friends, and just really enjoy my time, and get some food with people I haven't saw in a while, it's been huge.

"Just enjoying my time here for sure."

Maple Leafs Invite Knights Goaltender Austin Elliott To Training Camp After Memorial Cup TitleLondon Knights goaltender Austin Elliott has a ticket to an NHL training camp this fall.

When it comes to training camp in the fall, there could be a few spots in the Maple Leafs' top-six open for Cowan, especially if Mitch Marner, who's on the precipice of NHL free agency, leaves Toronto on July 1. While Marner's place could be up for grabs, there's also a spot on the second line's left wing, after several players played there in the postseason.

Cowan, who's dealt with the spotlight in the OHL's top market of London, believes he's ready to play under the bright lights in Toronto.

'A Big Part Of The Future Moving Forward': Why Maple Leafs GM Brad Treliving Is Confident In Re-Signing RFA Matthew KniesNine days after Matthew Knies admitted his desire to remain with the Toronto Maple Leafs beyond this season, Toronto general manager Brad Treliving said the same.

"I mean, ever since I got drafted here, I said London's kind of like the Toronto of the OHL. A lot of people love you, and then there's a lot of people who hate you. It's been good for me to kind of get that under my belt, the experience here, and I'll just keep doing my thing," he said.

"I know people are going to love me or people are going to hate me, and that's just how the world is these days, so I'll just keep doing my thing, and that's playing hockey and keep getting better and keep working hard."

One area of Cowan's game that Maple Leafs head coach Craig Berube mentioned needed improvement was his puck management. "A lot of players coming out of junior hockey, they still have the junior habits," said Berube.

"And he needs to show us that he doesn’t have all the junior habits anymore."

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The forward returned to junior in the final days of Toronto's training camp, and several months later, agreed that the decision to loan him back to the Knights was correct.

"My 200-foot game for sure has gotten better. I find I've been managing the puck so much better. That's what I wanted to work on this year too, and it was good for me to come back to the OHL, have another year, and keep developing," he said.

"Now I know when to take a risk and when not to, and I feel like I'm a very reliable player, can play both ends of the ice, and I'm a guy that, I want to be out there in the last minute, whether we're up a goal or down a goal, so I feel like I learned that a lot this year."

'He's Got A Say In The Process': Where Do Things Stand Between Maple Leafs GM Brad Treliving and Mitch Marner?Mitch Marner's future with the Toronto Maple Leafs still remains up in the air.

Cowan admitted his goal is to make the Maple Leafs out of camp, and he will need to prove it when he arrives in Toronto in the fall.

"I know I'm smart enough to play, so just being able to manage the puck well during camp will be huge for me. I know I kill penalties and I know I can play on the power play or five-on-five, four-on-four, so just being able to play in any situation will be huge for me, and just play simple," he said.

"You're not going to be able to beat guys wide every time or go through the stick. It's the NHL, and it's definitely a huge jump, and I'll be ready for camp for sure."

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Czech winger Jakub Vrána, 29, has spent the last decade in North America, mostly in the NHL, but rumors are circulating both in Sweden and in Czechia that Sweden will be the next stop for the free agent.

Prior to heading overseas in 2015, Vrána played for Linköping HC from age 15 to 19, starting with the club’s U-16 team and progressing to the SHL, where he recorded 34 points in 98 games as a teenager.

Swedish website HockeyNews.se claims to have directly asked Linköping HC GM Peter Jakobsson about Vrána.

“There is contact. We’ve had a good relationship over the years,” said Jakobsson.

But while admitting interest, the GM stopped short of saying that a deal is imminent.

“We know what qualities he possesses, but right now it is an uncertain situation,” said Jakobsson.

While he played in Linköping, Vrána was chosen 14th overall in the 2014 NHL Entry Draft by the Washington Capitals. He established himself as a regular NHLer, recording 52 points in 69 games for Washington in 2019-20, and he regularly represented Czechia at the IIHF World Championships.

However, his career eventually became marred by injuries, declining play and a spell in the NHL’s Player Assistance Program. Over the last four seasons, Vrána has only played in 110 NHL games, recording 49 points. He was also unable to earn a spot on the Czech national team roster last spring, getting cut prior to the 2024 Worlds in Prague.

Overall, Vrána has 223 points in 406 NHL regular season games with the Capitals, Detroit Red Wings, St. Louis Blues and Nashville Predators. He also has eight points in 38 playoff games, all with Washington, and was part of the 2018 Stanley Cup championship team.

Photo © Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

Swedish D-Man Returns Home On Long-Term Contract Swedish defenseman Gustav Lindström, 26, has signed a five-year contract with Djurgården, the Stockholm-based SHL club announced on Thursday.

Here's today's NHL Nugget – this Weekend's Way Back When looks back at some of the memorable moments NHL players have had during their time with the Stanley Cup.

Whether it's letting a horse drink from the Cup or baptizing a child, the championship trophy has been through a lot in its history.

Brian T. Dessart takes fans on a distinctive ride through the historic-laden NHL with the #NHLNugget. Check out NHLNugget.com to find where to follow NHL Nugget on social media. And for past NHL Nuggets, click here.  

Promo image credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

There is more turnover in an NHL offseason than in a game of beer league.

And the Detroit Red Wings have had their fair share of turnover, too. While the likes of Jake Walman are enjoying their first crack at the Stanley Cup with the Edmonton Oilers, other former Red Wings are seeking employment in different leagues.

Every Expiring Detroit Red Wings ContractAll good things come to an end.

Bookmark The Hockey News Detroit Red Wings team site to stay connected to the latest news, game-day coverage, and player features. 

On August 15th of 2023, the Red Wings traded Gustav Lindstrom to the Montreal Canadiens as part of a deal to bring in Jeff Petry. While that deal hasn’t worked out swimmingly for the Winged Wheel, it hasn’t been all roses and unicorns for the Canadiens.

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Lindstrom spent his 2023-24 season split between the Canadiens, Laval Rocket, and Anaheim Ducks. This past year, he only played for the Rocket, the Canadiens' AHL affiliate.

Earlier on Thursday, it was revealed that Lindstrom has signed a new contract. However, this one wasn’t for another NHL team.

Lindstrom has signed a five-year contract with Djurgarden of the SHL. The 26-year-old is a restricted free agent who is coming off a one-year $775,000 contract with the Canadiens organization. He collected 11 points in 42 AHL games.

📃✍🏻 Djurgården välkomnar med stor glädje Gustav Lindström till föreningen. Den 26-årige försvararen, med 174 matcher i NHL och ett SM-guld, har skrivit på ett femårigt avtal som sträcker sig till 2030.

▶️ Läs mer på https://t.co/81KFruaCez.#DIFHockey | #AlltidOavsettpic.twitter.com/RbG881GKOa

— Djurgården Hockey (@DIFHockeyse) June 5, 2025

Stability and consistency are essential to Lindstrom. He has played with six different teams in three different leagues over the past five seasons. With that volume of change happening around him, it’s no wonder he signed a five-year deal.

The NHL might not be in the cards anymore for the young defender, but at least he’s found a place to call home.

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The Tampa Bay Lightning announced they have hired Colorado Eagles associate head coach Dan Hinote as an assistant coach. 

Hinote helped lead the Eagles to a 43-21-5 record this season, best in the AHL's Western Conference. The Eagles led the league in goals for and had an AHL-best +65 goal differential. 

The 48-year-old began his coaching career as an assistant with the Columbus Blue Jackets from the 2010-2011 season through the 2013-14 season. He transitioned to a pro scout for four seasons before joining the US National Development Program's U17 and U18 teams. He then joined the Nashville Predators as an assistant for four seasons from 2020-21 through 2023-24.

We've hired Stanley Cup Champion and former NHL forward Dan Hinote as an assistant coach!

Welcome to Tampa ⚡️

📝: https://t.co/s5qmo71vUApic.twitter.com/7P3hjX8yCY

— Tampa Bay Lightning (@TBLightning) June 6, 2025

In his playing career Hinote recorded 38 goals and 90 points in 503 career NHL games with the Colorado Avalanche and St. Louis Blues. He won the 2001 Stanley Cup with Colorado. 

He also posted 84 points in 144 career AHL games with the Hershey Bears, scoring 28 goals and 59 points in 55 games and being named an AHL All-Star in 1999-2000.  

Check out The Hockey News' Tampa Bay Lightning team site for more updates. 

Make sure you bookmark The Hockey News' AHL Page for the latest news, exclusive interviews, breakdowns and so much more.      

Photo Credit: © Kyle Terada-Imagn Images

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

The confetti had barely settled when Denver Barkey and Oliver Bonk hoisted the Memorial Cup high—symbols of their London Knights’ unforgettable season. The Knights’ postseason run—which consisted of capturing a second consecutive OHL Championship and the storied Memorial Cup (which the Knights had lost out on last season)—was defined by grit, skill, and a relentless will to win, cemented their place in junior hockey lore.

AT LAST. pic.twitter.com/Bf1Y88clnN

— London Knights (@LondonKnights) June 2, 2025

Now, as the echoes of celebration fade, both Barkey and Bonk find themselves on the brink of an even bigger challenge: the jump to professional hockey with the Lehigh Valley Phantoms, the Philadelphia Flyers’ top affiliate.

Two Stars, One Journey

Barkey and Bonk have been household names in London for some time, embodying the Knights’ brand of high-tempo, smart, two-way hockey. Barkey, a dynamic forward with electrifying speed and a nose for the net, played a pivotal role in driving London’s offense, contributing in key moments with both goals and timely defensive plays.

Bonk, meanwhile, anchored the blue line with poise and maturity beyond his years. His steady presence, coupled with a knack for making crisp outlet passes and jumping into the rush when needed, made him indispensable. (Not to mention his "Bumper Bonk" title—a nod to how crucial he's been to the Knights' powerplay in the bumper role, despite that not being a position given to defensemen.)

Yet, as they prepare to trade in their junior jerseys for the orange and black of Lehigh Valley, both players know the path ahead is steep.

The Adjustment Curve

For Barkey, the most immediate challenge is physicality. At 5’9”, he’s not the biggest player—and in the AHL, where seasoned veterans and bruising defenders lurk around every corner, Barkey will need to build strength without sacrificing the very speed and agility that make him special. His game thrives on quick bursts, elusiveness, and relentless energy. If he can find that balance—bulking up enough to handle the rigors of a grinding schedule while maintaining his trademark shiftiness—he’ll carve out a role quickly.

Barkey’s defensive game will also come under the microscope. In junior hockey, his anticipation and high motor allowed him to disrupt plays with ease, but the AHL is less forgiving. He’ll need to adjust to tighter checking, more structured systems, and the higher pace of decision-making. But those who’ve watched him closely know he’s more than up for the task—his hockey IQ is a calling card that should help smooth the transition.

My opinion of Denver Barkey is that honestly I don't know what role he's going to fill at the NHL level, but I think he'll find a way to be a player you want on your team and you miss when he's not in the lineup. https://t.co/njk5lLU4fc

— Charlie O'Connor (@charlieo_conn) June 2, 2025

For Bonk, the leap to pro hockey poses a different set of challenges. While his game is already defined by calmness and sound positioning, he’ll be tested by bigger, faster, and more physically mature forwards than he’s faced in the OHL. He’s not the most imposing defenseman in terms of size, but his stick work, angles, and composure under pressure have drawn praise. Still, he’ll need to sharpen his physical game—using leverage, timing, and anticipation to separate opponents from the puck without getting caught flat-footed.

Another area of growth for Bonk will be asserting himself offensively. In London, he showed flashes of quarterback potential on the powerplay, but the AHL is a different beast. Developing confidence with the puck at the blue line, making quick reads, and finding shooting lanes will be key to unlocking his next level.

What They Bring—and Why It Matters

Both Barkey and Bonk bring intangibles the Flyers’ pipeline has long craved. Barkey’s motor, offensive creativity, and fearless approach to the game will inject much-needed spark and versatility into Lehigh Valley’s lineup—and, eventually, the Flyers’. He’s the type of player who can dictate the pace of games, play up and down the lineup, and bring a refreshing pop and fizz to the offense.

Bonk, meanwhile, offers the kind of poised, two-way reliability that NHL coaches love. He’s not particularly flashy, but he consistently makes the right play and approaches the game with a wisdom and maturity far beyond his 20 years. His ability to read the ice, make smart decisions under pressure, and join the rush selectively gives him the look of a future top-four defenseman—exactly the kind of player the Flyers hope to build around.

A Stepping Stone, Not a Finish Line

The jump from junior to the AHL is often described as the hardest in a young player’s career—a proving ground where even the most talented prospects must learn to adapt, compete, and mature. For Barkey and Bonk, this season with the Phantoms won’t be about immediate stardom; it’ll be about building habits, refining their games, and learning what it takes to succeed in the pros.

They’ve already proven they can win together—now they’ll try to prove they can grow together. For Flyers fans eager to see the next wave of homegrown talent, there’s every reason to believe that Barkey and Bonk are up to the challenge. Their story is only just beginning.