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Report: Maple Leafs Trade Mitch Marner To Vegas Golden Knights, Agrees To Eight-Year Deal Worth $12 Million AAV

Mitch Marner is on his way to Las Vegas.

Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman reports that the Toronto Maple Leafs have traded Marner to the Vegas Golden Knights just one day before the star player was set to become an unrestricted free agent.

Friedman reports that Vegas signed Marner to an eight-year deal worth $12 million per season. Vegas needed to make a trade with Toronto by 11:59 p.m. ET in order to offer the eighth year. The trade ends much speculation about the player's future in Toronto. He had been linked in a potential trade to Vegas dating back to last season.

According to TSN's Bob McKenzie, forward Nic Roy is the only return in the deal, making it a 1-for-1 trade for Marner's rights. 

Roy was speculated as part of the reported talks between the two clubs when word broke on Saturday.

Report: Maple Leafs And Golden Knights Discussing Mitch Marner Sign And Trade, Could Include Nic RoyReport: Maple Leafs And Golden Knights Discussing Mitch Marner Sign And Trade, Could Include Nic RoyThe Mitch Marner sweepstakes could end before free agency begins.

Vegas' interest in the All-Star forward reportedly went back as far as last summer when Marner's future came into question. On July 1, 2024, the player was eligible to sign a contract extension with the Leafs but never engaged in those discussions. In recent days, word came that the Golden Knights, Maple Leafs and Carolina Hurricanes had worked on a three-team trade that would have sent Marner to Toronto on a couple of occasions, but that the package never satisfied the Canes, thus ending that speculation.

Marner addressed his future on few occasions last season. When he reported to training camp he opened by saying he would not take questions or comment on his future. When word came to light of Carolina's attempt to land Marner ahead of the NHL trade deadline in a deal that would have seen forward Mikko Rantanen join Toronto. Marner declined the request and Rantanen was traded to the Dallas Stars and subsequently signed an eight-year deal worth $12 million per season.

The trade on Monday effectively ends the Marner era in Toronto. He leaves the Maple Leafs as the fifth-leading scorer in franchise history with 221 goals and 520 assists in 657 games. A local boy, Marner was drafted fourth overall in the 2015 NHL Draft and played nine seasons for his hometown club. But it ends on a bit of a sour note. The Leafs won just two playoff rounds during his tenure with the club. He was often scapegoated for the team's lack of postseason success.  In his final game as a Leaf, he was booed when he touched the puck in the last few shifts as they fell 6-1 in Game 7 of their second-round series against the eventual Stanley Cup Champion Florida Panthers. It's a cautionary tale of a superstar that should have had more success beyond his individual accomplishments, which were plentiful, and should no doubt help a Vegas Club that has established success.

(Photo credit: IMAGN Images)

Report: Maple Leafs Trying To Re-Sign Steven Lorentz Before Free Agency OpensReport: Maple Leafs Trying To Re-Sign Steven Lorentz Before Free Agency OpensThe Toronto Maple Leafs are reportedly attempting a last-minute effort to re-sign pending unrestricted free agent Steven Lorentz. Maple Leafs Trade for Matias Maccelli: Why Toronto Acquired Winger From Utah MammothMaple Leafs Trade for Matias Maccelli: Why Toronto Acquired Winger From Utah MammothThe Toronto Maple Leafs have acquired Matias Maccelli from the Utah Mammoth in exchange for a conditional third-round draft pick in 2027, which will convert to a second-round draft pick in 2029 if Maccelli record at least 51 points in the 2025-26 NHL season. Maple Leafs Prospects Easton Cowan And Ben Danford Highlight 2025 Development Camp RosterMaple Leafs Prospects Easton Cowan And Ben Danford Highlight 2025 Development Camp RosterThe Toronto Maple Leafs have announced their roster for this year's development camp.
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Wheeler exceptional through 8 scoreless innings to hand Phillies win over Padres

Wheeler exceptional through 8 scoreless innings to hand Phillies win over Padres originally appeared on NBC Sports Philadelphia

Talk about starting the week (and the homestand) off right.

The Phillies wrapped up June on a strong note, collecting their 50th win of the season Monday against the Padres, 4-0.

The club finished the month 14-13, and while it was a stretch teetering along the .500 mark, the Phillies enter July sitting two games up on the Mets in the NL East. Only the Dodgers have a better record in the National League.

To be able to say that, even with the offensive coin toss they’ve had over the past few weeks, is a feat in itself.

It’s a broken record when it comes to Zack Wheeler starts but the Phillies are spoiled rotten when he takes the mound. Wheeler went 8.0 innings for the first time this season and didn’t allow a run on six hits. It’s the first time he’s reached double-digit strikeouts (10) since Apr. 18 against the Marlins (13). Monday also marked his third straight scoreless outing.

It’s greatness. Time and time and time again.

If you give up a leadoff walk in an inning, there’s a good chance you’ll have to pay for it. In Matt Waldron’s second of six walks of the night, he sent Max Kepler to first on four pitches. Kepler would cross home plate two batters later.

One inning later, Kepler was inches away from helping the Phillies go up three more runs … if it weren’t for one of the best catches to ever happen at Citizens Bank Park.

With two men on, Kepler drilled a ball to deep center field and Jackson Merrill snatched it over the fence. The timing and extension from the 6-foot-3 center fielder was impeccable and he brought the ball, and everyone in the ballpark, back to Earth to end the third.

It’s OK though because the next time the offense was up, utter chaos ensued on the basepaths. Bryson Stott walked, then stole his 13th bag of the season. Brandon Marsh out-hustled Luis Arraez on a groundout to first, which somehow scored Stott. A wild pitch advanced Marsh and he then read a Trea Turner dribble up the third baseline so well, both he and Turner were safe.

Given Turner’s level of consistency this season, it’s borderline absurd his offensive contributions have been discussed so little. Turner is the only player in the National League with over 100 hits (102). The closest to him is Shohei Ohtani, who has eight less with only a one-game differential.

Small ball was what got the job done Sunday in Atlanta to collect a series win. Perhaps the Phillies realized it was a solid enough recipe once again.

When you have your ace on the mound, usually a few runs is all you need.

The addition of a Nick Castellanos long ball was a nice touch, though. It was his second home run in four days.

For the first time in 24 days, Bryce Harper was back in the starting lineup. The club reinstated him from the 10-day injured list prior to Monday’s game. Harper was dealing with right wrist inflammation, and at this point, he said he didn’t think he “was going to take any other steps forward of feeling better.”

It’s something he and the Phillies will be monitoring for the remainder of the season.

What’s clear though – is how much better the lineup operates with him. Yes, that’s a given because it’s Harper – but having a lineup that stretches out just that bit more is what the Phillies have desperately missed since he went on the IL.

Pitchers approach the Phillies differently when No. 3 is in. Harper didn’t have a hit in his return but walked and was hit by a pitch.

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Knicks, Russell Westbrook will have mutual interest once NBA free agency begins

With the Knicks looking to add depth as they continue their quest to win an NBA Championship, nine-time All-Star Russell Westbrook could be a fit in New York.

According to SNY NBA Insider Ian Begley, there will be mutual interest between Westbrook and the Knicks when the free agency period officially tips off at 6:00 p.m.

Begley notes that Knicks are one of several teams who will have interest in Westbrook, and that the Knicks currently have a $5 million tax-payer exemption and the veteran’s minimum that they can offer to free agents.

Mark Stein and Jake Fischer were the first to report that Westbrook was a target for the Knicks.

Westbrook, 36, spent last season with the Denver Nuggets, averaging 13.3 points, 6.1 assists, and 4.9 rebounds while appearing in 75 regular season games, including 36 starts.

A nine-time All-Star, three-time assists champion, two-time scoring champion, and the league MVP in 2016-17,  Westbrook has played 17 seasons in the NBA, with his first 11 years coming in an Oklahoma City Thunder uniform. Since then, Westbrook has made stops in Houston, Washington, Los Angeles (Lakers and Clippers), and Denver.

Adding Westbrook would give the Knicks a proven veteran point guard behind Jalen Brunson, and would provide an immediate upgrade over players like Cam Payne and Tyler Kolek.

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Yankees Injury Notes: Fernando Cruz lands IL, Austin Wells dealing with finger issue

The Yankees announced right-handed reliever Fernando Cruz has been placed on the 15-day injured list with a left oblique strain.

In corresponding moves, right-hander Geoff Hartlieb has been signed to a major league deal and added to the Yanks' active roster. To make room for Hartlieb, who had been pitching for Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, on the 40-man roster, infielder CJ Alexander has been designated for assignment.

Curz sustained the injury while warming up with a medicine ball in the weight room on Sunday, manager Aaron Boone told reporters ahead of the Yankees series opener against the Toronto Blue Jays. He went for an MRI on Monday morning, but the club is still waiting to know the grade of the strain to determine the length of time the reliever will be out. The IL designation was retroactive to June 28.

Cruz had been a stalwart of the back end of New York's bullpen during his first season in The Bronx, pitching to a 3.00 ERA and 1.000 WHIP in 33.0 innings over 32 games. He had 54 strikeouts to 14 walks while allowing 13 runs (11 earned) on 19 hits.

Added this offseason in a trade with Cincinnati that sent catcher Jose Trevino to the Reds, Cruz's success is based on a devastating split-finger pitch that has bamboozled batters. He has a 60.2 whiff rate on the pitch, which he is throwing 59.3 percent of the time. Overall, the righty's 49.6 percent whiff rate and 41.2 percent strikeout rate are both in the 100th percentile for all MLB pitchers.

Hartlieb has pitched to a 3.34 ERA and a 1.286 WHIP in 35.0 innings over 24 games at Triple-A this year. The 31-year-old has 38 strikeouts to 10 walks and finished 12 games, collecting two saves. He appeared in five games last season for the Colorado Rockies, allowing 10 runs (nine earned) on 13 hits and four walks over 9.0 innings pitched.

Alexander spent just 13 games in the Yanks organization at Scranton/Wilkes-Barre after he was claimed by the organization following his DFA by the Athletics organization on June 5. The 28-year-old corner infielder had a .196 average and .498 OPS over his 46 at-bats there. In six games with the A's at the big league level this year, he had three hits in 17 at-bats.

This is the second time Cruz has been on the IL after right shoulder inflammation caused him to miss 15 days in late May.

Austin Wells dealing with finger issue

Wells is having a circulation issue in one of his fingers and will miss his second-straight game on Monday night.

Testing over the past two days ruled out any blood clots.

"It’s not something that bothers him from a performance standpoint," Boone told reporters, via Chris Kirschner.

Boone said he will likely not return to the lineup until Wednesday, which means JC Escarra will catch Tuesday's day game after a night game.

Through 69 games this year, Wells is slashing .214/.275/.424 for a .699 OPS (93 OPS+) with 11 home runs and 45 RBI.

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Hot Takes From The 2025 NHL Draft

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Here are seven Hot Takes From The 2025 NHL Draft:

1. The Islanders were the overall winners for these reasons: A. They got the best player available; B. Matthew Schaefer could make the Isles varsity; C. GM Mathieu Darche was not suckered into sentimentality to take the Long Island prospect. 

2. The Sharks added to their extremely young core with forward Michael Misa. In a handful of years, San Jose will become a team to reckon with. 

3. The Rangers' choice of left winger, Malcolm Spence could have been a first-rounder. He'll prove to be a pleasant sleeper. 

4. Mason West, the Blackhawks 29th overall selection, is the most interesting pick of the draft. The 6’6”, 218 pound forward, is also a Division I recruited quarterback and committed to play hockey at Michigan State. 

5. Nashville’s fifth overall selection, Brady Martin surprised me. Nashville left a lot of talent on the board. That makes me wonder, did they fall in love with the person or the player? 

An Intensive Opinion On Rangers Drafting 2025An Intensive Opinion On Rangers Drafting 2025Except for the first four or five "Automatic" Draft choices, opinions differ when the 2025 edition is examined.

6. The Canadiens took a chance on LJ Mooney, cousin of Utah’s Logan Cooley, and he won’t disappoint. Montreal has a thing for developing smaller players, and Mooney is next. 

7. Ethan Wyttenbach is an overlooked pick from the draft. The inaugural winner of The USHL’s Gaudreau Award, got drafted by the Flames. The same team that drafted Johnny, 14 years ago.

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Do The Florida Panthers Have Room For Brad Marchand After Reportedly Re-Signing Aaron Ekblad At A Discount?

The Florida Panthers entered the off-season with another Stanley Cup championship and three big-name players on expiring contracts: Sam Bennett, Aaron Ekblad and Brad Marchand.

Bennett and Ekblad have been part of the Panthers' back-to-back Cup-winning core. Marchand joined in at the 2025 NHL trade deadline. Panthers GM Bill Zito has said they're discussing ways to keep all three of them, but there's little to no cap flexibility to make that happen.

Now, Bennett and Ekblad signed eight-year contract extensions, with the latter's coming to fruition the day before free agency at around a $6.1-million cap hit, according to Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman and TSN's Pierre LeBrun. It wouldn't have been a surprise if Ekblad got a raise on his previous $7.5-million cap hit had he hit the UFA market. Instead, the 29-year-old took a pay cut of $1.4 million annually for a total of $11.2 million.

Bennett, 29, agreed on an eight-year contract worth $8 million per year. The Conn Smythe Trophy winner was one of the top pending UFA centers after recording 22 points in the playoffs and a career-high 51 points during the regular season.

That means the Panthers have about $4.9 million in projected cap space, according to PuckPedia. They acquired goaltender Daniil Tarasov from the Columbus Blue Jackets to fill in the backup role, but he's a pending RFA who also needs a new contract.

Anton Lundell, Brad Marchand and Aaron Ekblad (Nick Turchiaro-Imagn Images)

If the Panthers want Marchand to stay, they don't have much room to pull it off.

Marchand, 37, finished an eight-year contract with a $6.125-million cap hit. He had 20 points in Florida's Cup run and 51 points in 71 games between the Panthers and Boston Bruins during the regular season.

The Bruins' former captain is expected to get a raise, not a pay cut. TSN projects Marchand to make $8.1 million per year on his next contract, with Darren Dreger reporting the Bruins, Toronto Maple Leafs and Utah Mammoth having strong interest in trying to sign him if he hits free agency. But Dreger also reported that the outside messaging expects Marchand to stay in Florida.

Since Marchand is over 34 years old, he could sign a one-year contract loaded with performance bonuses. The bonuses don't count toward the cap hit unless a team's potential bonuses exceed 7.5 percent of its total cap hit, according to PuckPedia. If the bonuses would have brought the team over the salary cap, that extra money would carry over to the following season, with the salary cap ceiling is expected to rise again.

Marchand could be the only Panthers player to carry performance bonuses if both parties agree on that structure. Another option includes deferred salary, which is expected to be banned in the next collective bargaining agreement.

Time will tell whether the Marchand and the Panthers stay together after a memorable run to the Stanley Cup. But one thing's for sure: if there's a will, there's a way.

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.

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Celtics sign big man Luka Garza to two-year deal: Report

Celtics sign big man Luka Garza to two-year deal: Report originally appeared on NBC Sports Boston

The Boston Celtics made their first free-agent addition of the offseason on Monday night.

Shortly after reportedly losing Luke Kornet in free agency to the San Antonio Spurs, the Celtics bolstered their frontcourt depth by signing Luka Garza to a two-year contract worth $5.5 million, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania.

Garza, 26, was initially selected by the Detroit Pistons in the second round of the 2021 NBA Draft. After an illustrious college career at Iowa that included the Lute Olsen Award as the Division 1 Player of the Year, Garza played one season in Detroit before spending his next three NBA seasons with the Minnesota Timberwolves.

🔊 Celtics Talk – EMERGENCY POD: Out with Luke, in with Luka… Luke Kornet signing with the Spurs | Listen & Subscribe | Watch on YouTube

Garza averaged 3.5 points and 1.4 rebounds over 5.6 minutes per game in 39 appearances off the bench last season for Minnesota. The Timberwolves turned down his team option on Monday, making him an unrestricted free agent.

Boston’s frontcourt remains a glaring weakness after trading Kristaps Porzingis and losing Kornet. Veteran big man Al Horford is a free agent, making Garza and Neemias Queta the only centers currently on the Celtics’ roster.

Updated Celtics depth chart

Here’s a look at Boston’s depth chart after adding Garza. New additions are listed in bold.

  • Guards: Derrick White, Anfernee Simons, Payton Pritchard, JD Davison
  • Wings: Jaylen Brown, Sam Hauser, Georges Niang, Baylor Scheierman, Jordan Walsh, Miles Norris, Jayson Tatum*
  • Bigs: Neemias Queta, Luka Garza, Xavier Tillman

*Tatum is expected to miss most or all of the 2025-26 season while recovering from Achilles surgery.

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Nicolas Batum poised to return to Clippers on a two-year deal worth $11.5 million

Clippers forward Nicolas Batum looks to pass the ball as Denver Nuggets guard Jamal Murray defends
Nicolas Batum (33), who said he intended to stick with the franchise that saved his career, is poised to sign a two-year contract with the Clippers. (David Zalubowski / Associated Press)

Nicolas Batum plans on re-signing with the Clippers on a two-year contract for $11.5 million with a team option for the second season, according to people with knowledge of negotiations not authorized to discuss it publicly.

Batum, 36, had declined his option of $4.9 million with the Clippers for next season that made him an unrestricted free agent, but he always had intention of returning to the organization that he says saved his career.

Read more:James Harden to sign two-year, $81.5 million deal with the Clippers

Viewed as one of the Clippers’ top role players and veteran presence in the locker room, Batum averaged 4.0 points, 2.8 rebounds and 1.1 assists last season. He shot 43.7% from the field, 43.3% from three-point range and played in 78 regular-season games.

After the Clippers were knocked out of the first round of the playoffs in May, Batum was asked if he wanted to return to the team.

“If they want me to,” the 18-year veteran said.

Get the best, most interesting and strangest stories of the day from the L.A. sports scene and beyond from our newsletter The Sports Report.

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.

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Islanders sign Alexander Romanov to eight-year, $50 million contract extension

The Islanders announced Monday that they've signed defenseman Alexander Romanov to an eight-year, $50 million contract extension, keeping the 25-year-old in New York for the foreseeable future.

Romanov was acquired by the Isles in 2022 from the Montreal Canadiens in exchange for a first-round pick in that year's draft (No. 13 overall). Since joining New York, he's recorded 15+ assists and 20+ points in each of his three seasons.

The defenseman totaled 16 assists and four goals over 64 games during the 2024-2025 season. He also racked up 20 penalty minutes and was a plus-minus of +5 across 22:18 minutes on the ice per game, while leading the team defensemen in hits (147) and blocked shots (165).

Overall in 354 NHL games with the Islanders and Canadiens, Romanov has recorded 17 goals and 66 assists for a total of 83 points. Plus, he scored two points (one goal, one assist) over 13 career Stanley Cup Playoff games -- his goal in Game 4 of the 2021 Stanley Cup Final made him the youngest defenseman (21) in Montreal team history to score in the Final.

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Eight Anaheim Ducks Players Receive Qualifying Offers, Three Do Not

Less than 24 hours before unrestricted free agency opens at 9 am PST on Tuesday, teams were to extend qualifying offers to pending restricted free agents before the 2 pm PST deadline on Monday to retain their rights.

2025 Anaheim Ducks Draft Grades, Analysis

Ducks GM Pat Verbeek on John Gibson Trade

The Anaheim Ducks entered Monday, the first day of their annual development camp, with just under $36 million in cap space, five RFAs on their NHL roster, and six RFAs on their AHL roster.

The Ducks announced they have extended qualifying offers to pending RFAs Mason McTavish, Drew Helleson, and Lukas Dostal from the NHL roster and Judd Caulfield, Sam Colangelo, Jan Mysak, Tim Washe, and Calle Clang from the AHL roster.

Center Isac Lundestrom (25), Brett Leason (26), and Josh Lopina did not receive qualifying offers and will become unrestricted free agents on Tuesday.

Isac Lundestrom was an Anaheim first-round pick (23rd overall in 2018) seven years ago and played 337 games for the Ducks, totaling 84 points (35-49=84).

The Ducks claimed Brett Leason off waivers in Oct 2022 from the Washington Capitals (56th in ’19). He played 184 games for the Ducks in his three seasons in Anaheim, scoring 48 points (22-26=48).

Josh Lopina was a Ducks draft pick (98th in ’21) who was never able to crack the NHL roster at any point in his tenure with the organization. He played three-plus seasons with the San Diego Gulls of the AHL and scored 44 points (20-24=44) in 203 games.

The Ducks now have 21 players on their NHL roster, including Helleson, Dostal, and McTavish, who just received QOs.

Ducks Trade John Gibson to the Red Wings for Petr Mrazek, Draft Picks

Ducks GM Pat Verbeek Speaks After 1st Round of 2025 NHL Draft

Ducks Select Roger McQueen With 10th Overall Pick in 2025 NHL Draft

Photo Credit: Anne-Marie Sorvin-Imagn Images

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John Oliver will rename this Minor League Baseball team the ‘Moon Mammoths'

John Oliver will rename this Minor League Baseball team the ‘Moon Mammoths' originally appeared on NBC Sports Philadelphia

The Detroit Tigers’ Double-A Erie SeaWolves will be renamed the Erie Moon Mammoths after being picked by John Oliver of HBO’s “Last Week Tonight.”

Oliver devoted a May 4 segment to names and promotions of minor league baseball teams, announcing: “We are willing to use all of our resources and stupidity to give one Minor League Baseball team a total rebrand. We will give you a new team name, a new mascot. We will even throw you a theme night. It will be personalized and it will be bespoke.”

Two weeks later, Oliver selected Erie from among 47 team submissions. Oliver said the northwestern Pennsylvania team had given 11 reasons it should be picked, including the team had pioneered cotton candy hot dogs and pointed out “The SeaWolves play baseball nowhere near the sea.”

Oliver announced Sunday he had chosen Moon Mammoths, using Bob Costas’ voice as narrator of a promotional video introducing the moniker.

The name was inspired by the 1991 discovery of woolly mammoth remains by George Moon, a Summit Township resident who found a bone while scuba diving in Lake Pleasant, about eight miles south of Erie. The mammoth remains are housed in the State Museum of Pennsylvania in Harrisburg.

Erie, which has won the past two Eastern League championships, will be renamed the Moon Mammoths for games on July 19, Aug. 19, Sept. 12 and Sept. 13.

Major League Baseball said Monday the team will wear jerseys with a rising moon with the team’s name across the chest, a moon on sleeves and a patch with a woolly mammoth wearing a space helmet.

Oliver is expected to attend the July 19 game against the Chesapeake Baysox, called a “Mammoth Fun” night. The first 1,000 ticketed fans will receive a Moon Mammoths squishy toy and there will be postgame fireworks. George Moon was also invited to attend.

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The Wraparound: Is Sam Bennett's New Contract The Steal Of The NHL Off-Season?

Welcome to The Hockey News Wraparound with a rapid-fire look at recent news ahead of NHL free agency. Today's show focuses mainly on the Atlantic Division.

Is Sam Bennett's New Contract The Steal Of The NHL Off-Season? by The WraparoundIs Sam Bennett's New Contract The Steal Of The NHL Off-Season? by The Wraparoundundefined

Here's what Emma Lingan, Karine Hains, and Diandra Loux discussed in today's episode:

0:00: Initial reactions to the Minnesota Wild’s acquisition of Vladimir Tarasenko

3:19: Will Matthew Knies’ extension with the Toronto Maple Leafs turn out to be a bargain?

6:27: Could the Buffalo Sabres consider hanging on to Bowen Byram?

9:57: How surprising was it that Claude Giroux didn’t explore free agency?

13:25: Could Mike Matheson be on the move from the Montreal Canadiens?

15:40: Breaking down the Canadiens’ acquisition of Noah Dobson

17:25: Can Morgan Geekie live up to his contract extension with the Boston Bruins?

19:26: Will Sam Bennett’s extension with the Florida Panthers be the steal of the off-season?

22:15: Will Conor Sheary get calls in free agency after his contract with the Tampa Bay Lightning was terminated?

24:05: Making sense of Isaac Howard’s situation with the Tampa Bay Lightning

27:08: Will the acquisition of John Gibson help make the Detroit Red Wings competitive immediately?

See below for where to subscribe to the show for future episodes.

Apple Podcasts

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Amazon

Promo image credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images

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Red Wings Could Be Dark Horse for RFA Rossi With Austrian Connection

Red Wings could be a surprisingly strong contender for restricted free agent Marco Rossi, thanks to their unique Austrian connection with Marco Kasper.

The Red Wings are looking towards trades rather than relying on free agency this upcoming off-season, according to GM Steve Yzerman and the Minnesota Wild present an interesting option on their trade block. 

Austrian winger and restricted free agent Marco Rossi played a large role for the Minnesota Wild next season and reports indicate he's looking for a bigger contract. The 23-year-old is seeking a contract that reflects both his performance as a top-two line centre and the premium value of players of his caliber at the position.

This could open up the door for the Red Wings to nab a young player that has very high upside after finishing with 60 points last season. The 2020 ninth-overall pick is quite undersized at 5-foot-9 and reports, like one from EliteProspects' Cam Robinson, suggest this has given teams some pause when looking to add him. 

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

The Wild offered Rossi to the Buffalo Sabres for forward JJ Peterka and the deal was declined. This is a good sign for Detroit as it may not take as much as expected to land the young centre. One of the most appealing aspects of Rossi is his close connection to Red Wings forward Marco Kasper, as both players hail from Austria. 

The two have played on national teams together like during the 2021 IIHF U-20 World Junior Championships and could make for a great second line fit for the Red Wings. Kasper played roughly 11 to 17 games at wing last season, according to MoneyPuck and Rossi has better numbers on the face-off dot. 

More Red Wings: Yzerman "Not Optimistic" With Red Wings Chances in Free Agency

Rossi could be a valuable asset, having played significant power play minutes for the Wild last season with the second-most among forwards. He can help provide a solid second-unit centre that could lead to overall better numbers on the man advantage for Detroit. 

The package back to Minnesota will be telling as they will likely be wanting a player back in return that can play NHL minutes like Michael Rasmussen or Jonatan Berggren plus potentially prospects and picks but the chance of getting Rossi would be a massive boost to Detroit's top-six forward group.  

Players like Brad Marchand and Martin St. Louis have shown how smaller forwards can thrive in the NHL, typically from the wing. The Red Wings could take a similar long term approach with Rossi, especially if he develops strong chemistry with Kasper. That unique Austrian connection could become a compelling advantage Detroit can offer, one no other NHL team can match, as Kasper is currently the only other Austrian born player in the league.

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NHL News: Multiple Penguins Not Receiving Qualifying Offers

While speaking to reporters, including Matt Vensel, GM Kyle Dubas confirmed that the Pittsburgh Penguins  will not be sending qualifying offers to any of their restricted free agents (RFAs) besides Philip Tomasino, Connor Dewar, and Vasily Ponamarev (to retain his NHL signing rights). 

Thus, Pierre-Olivier Joseph, Emil Bemstrom, Taylor Gauthier, and Raivis Ansons will not be receiving qualifying offers from the Penguins before July 1 and will become unrestricted free agents. 

Joseph appeared in 47 games last season split between the St. Louis Blues and Penguins, where he posted zero goals, three assists, 36 hits, and a minus-22 rating. 

Bemstrom, 26, had one assist, 12 hits, and an even plus/minus rating in 14 games with Pittsburgh this past season. He also recorded 23 goals and 48 points in 48 games with their AHL affiliate, the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins. 

Gauthier, 24, had an 18-10-2 record, a .928 save percentage, and a 2.06 goals-against average in 30 games this past campaign with the Wheeling Nailers of the ECHL. 

Ansons, 23, had one goal, 12 penalty minutes, and a plus-3 rating in nine games this season with Wilkes-Barre/Scranton. The 6-foot-1 forward was selected by the Penguins with the 149th overall pick of the 2020 NHL Entry Draft. 

Ex-Penguins Forward Lands Extension With OilersEx-Penguins Forward Lands Extension With OilersAccording to PuckPedia, former Pittsburgh Penguins forward Kasperi Kapanen is signing a one-year, $1.3 million contract to stay with the Edmonton Oilers. 

Photo Credit: © Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images