Timberwolves vs. Nuggets Best bets: Odds, predictions, recent stats, trends for April 1

Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Denver Nuggets Preview 

The Minnesota Timberwolves (43-32) and Denver Nuggets (47-28) are all set to square off from Ball Arena in Denver.

The Timberwolves have won seven of their last 10 games and are on a two-game winning streak.

The Nuggets have gone .500 in their last 10 games. They have won back-to-back games.

The Timberwolves are currently 20-16 on the road with a point differential of 5, while the Nuggets have a 6-4 record in their last ten games at home. 

We’ve got all the info and analysis you need to know ahead of the game, including the latest info on the how to catch tipoff, odds, recent team performance, player stats, and of course, our predictions, picks & best bets for the game from our modeling tools and staff of experts.

Listen to the Rotoworld Basketball Show for the latest fantasy player news, waiver claims, roster advice and more from our experts all season long. Click here or download it wherever you get your podcasts.

Game details & how to watch Timberwolves vs. Nuggets live today

  • Date: Tuesday, April 1, 2025
  • Time: 10:00PM EST
  • Site: Ball Arena
  • City: Denver, CO
  • Network/Streaming:

Never miss a second of the action and stay up to date with all the latest team stats and player news. Check out our day-by-day NBA schedule page, along with detailed matchup pages that update live in-game.

Game odds for Timberwolves vs. Nuggets

The latest odds as of Tuesday:

  • Odds: Timberwolves (+117), Nuggets (-137)
  • Spread:  Nuggets -2
  • Over/Under: 230 points

That gives the Timberwolves an implied team point total of 114.54, and the Nuggets 115.58.
 
Want to know which sportsbook is offering the best lines for every game on the NBA calendar? Check out the NBC Sports’ Live Odds tool to get all the latest updated info from DraftKings, FanDuel, BetMGM & more!

Expert picks & predictions for Tuesday's Timberwolves vs. Nuggets game

NBC Sports Bet Best Bet

Please bet responsibly. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline at 1-800-522-4700.

Brad Thomas (@MrBradThomas) is betting on Anthony Edwards over 28.5 points…

Thomas: “Edwards is in line for a massive game.” The Nuggets give up nearly 25 points per game to shooting guards this season. He hasn’t gone over 25 since March 19th. This line would be 30.5 had he been playing great basketball. This is the perfect buy-low in a high paced game.”

Our model calculates projections around each moneyline, spread and over/under bet for every game on the NBA calendar based on data points like recent performance, head-to-head player matchups, trends information and projected game totals.

Once the model is finished running, we put its projections next to the latest betting lines for the game to arrive at a relative confidence level for each wager.

Here are the best bets our model is projecting for today’s Timberwolves & Nuggets game:

  • Moneyline: NBC Sports Bet is recommending a play on the Denver Nuggets on the Moneyline.
  • Spread: NBC Sports Bet is leaning towards a play ATS on the Minnesota Timberwolves at +2.
  • Total: NBC Sports Bet is leaning towards a play on the under on the Game Total of 230.

Want even more NBA best bets and predictions from our expert staff & tools? Check out the Expert NBA Predictions page from NBC Sports for money line, spread and over/under picks for every game on today’s calendar!

Important stats, trends & insights to know ahead of Timberwolves vs. Nuggets on Tuesday

  • The Timberwolves finished the regular season with a record of 3-0 against the the Nuggets
  • 5 of the Timberwolves' last 7 road matchups against the Nuggets have stayed under the Total
  • The Timberwolves have covered the Spread in 6 of their last 8 road games against the Nuggets

The Timberwolves have won 5 of their last 7 games at the Nuggets
 
If you’re looking for more key trends and stats around the spread, moneyline and total for every single game on the schedule today, check out our NBA Top Trends tool on NBC Sports!
 
Bet the Edge is your source for all things sports betting. Get all of Jay Croucher and Drew Dinsick’s insight weekdays at 6AM ET right here or wherever you get your favorite podcasts. 
 
Follow our experts on socials to keep up with all the latest content from the staff: 
- Jay Croucher (@croucherJD)
- Drew Dinsick (@whale_capper) 
- Vaughn Dalzell (@VmoneySports) 
- Brad Thomas (@MrBradThomas)

NFL Draft cornerback rankings: What is Travis Hunter's ideal role?

(This article was written with the assistance of Castmagic, an AI tool, and reviewed by our editorial team to ensure accuracy. Please reach out to us if you notice any mistakes.)

What is Travis Hunter's ideal role in the NFL — cornerback or receiver?

Nate Tice and Charles McDonald discussed that exact question on the latest edition of the "Football 301" podcast, where they also ranked the cornerbacks in the upcoming NFL Draft.

"As a cornerback, man, this is about as good as it gets ... He's No. 1 cornerback in this class," McDonald said. "And I think that any team that drafts him to play cornerback, you're getting someone who can be like a CB1, one of the best players in the league right off the bat."

They both emphasize his exceptional feel for the corner position, his elite athletic gifts and his special, rare ball skills. Tice describes Hunter as having an almost instinctual ability to bait quarterbacks and make plays in zone coverage, while McDonald praises his willingness to be a playmaker.

They both agree that Hunter's physical traits, including his speed, length, and ball skills, make him an incredibly valuable prospect. Though Hunter's physical frame might benefit from a bit more bulk for the NFL's tackling demands, his competitive nature and versatility shine through. 

They imagine his ideal role in the NFL as primarily focusing on cornerback responsibilities, while also having the potential to contribute as a receiver in a more limited, specialized role. 

Here is how they rank the cornerbacks in the upcoming draft:

Why: They praise Hunter for his incredible athleticism, instincts, and playmaking ability. His ability to play both cornerback and wide receiver at a high level is unique.

Why: Johnson's combination of size, instincts, and ball skills make him a top prospect. Although 2024 wasn't as strong due to injuries, his 2023 tape showed shutdown capabilities.

Why: Despite being from a smaller school and having an ACL injury, Revel's physical attributes and performance stood out as a top-level cornerback.

Why: Known for his versatility, Barron’s speed and physical ability make him a strong slot corner candidate despite not being an overwhelming presence outside.

Why: Hairston’s speed and athleticism defined him as a high-potential prospect, although concerns remain about his versatility. 

To hear more NFL discussions, tune into "Football 301" on Apple, Spotify or YouTube.

Sharks Make Roster Moves Ahead Of Ducks Game

San Jose Sharks defenseman Jack Thompson (26) carries the puck against the Toronto Maple Leafs during the first period at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images

The San Jose Sharks have adjusted their roster significantly with injuries at the NHL and AHL levels.

On Monday, San Jose sent down defenseman Luca Cagnoni and center Patrick Giles to the Barracuda. And recalled defenseman Jack Thompson.

Cagnoni hasn't struggled in his five NHL games, but he has more development. The 'Cuda are trending toward the postseason, but injuries to top scorers Andrew Poturalski and Jimmy Schuldt mean they need help.

Cagnoni can drive offense from the back, especially on the power play, where Poturalski is missed. Giles is a big, defensive center who can help shut down the other team's top forwards. 

Thompson has played 24 games in the NHL this season and has shown flashes of being an NHL-caliber d-man. With looks to the young guys like Giles and Cagnoni taking at least a pause, Thompson will get a chance to play higher in the Sharks lineup for the first time since the Trade deadline.

The San Jose Sharks visit the Anaheim Ducks on Tuesday before returning home for two games.

Latest On THN's San Jose Sharks site

Sharks Trade Acquisition Injured; Will Miss At Least Next Two Games

Timothy Liljegren Becoming A Steady Presence On The Sharks Blue Line

Maple Leafs' Craig Berube Is Praising Sharks Ahead Of Matchup

Stay updated with the most interesting Sharks stories, analysis, breaking news, and more! Tap the star to add us to your favorites on Google News to never miss a story.

Follow Max on Twitter: @Real_Max_Miller

Lane Hutson Wins Rookie of the Month Honors

Lane Hutson is right in the thick of the Calder race and right now, it’s too close to call. But being in the midst of that and in playoff position shows the impact the talented blueliner has had on the Montreal Canadiens. 

© Sam Navarro-Imagn Images

The NHL chronicled how close the vote was in the notice: 

Lane Hutson, who paced all rookies in the month of March with 14 assists and 15 points in 14 games (1-14—15) to lift the Canadiens (34-30-9, 77 points) into the final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference, has been named the NHL’s “Rookie of the Month” for March. Hutson edged Philadelphia Flyers right wing Matvei Michkov (5-9—14 in 16 GP), Anaheim Ducks left wing Cutter Gauthier (3-10—13 in 15 GP), St. Louis Blues center Zack Bolduc (8-3—11 in 15 GP), and San Jose Sharks teammates Will Smith (4-7—11 in 13 GP) and Macklin Celebrini (3-8—11 in 13 GP) for the honor.

Hutson pierces the offensive zone like few can. His stick and puck control has always been exceptional. I knew when I was watching him with the NTDP and covering more than a few of his games live that he had a chance to be a good NHL player. There was always a question about how far could his offense take him and it’s going to go further than many thought including me. 

The fact that he’s averaging over 22 minutes a game and his 59 points in 73 games is amazing. For the people saying he’s not great defensively, he’s blocked 109 shots. Does he have a few too many giveaways, yes, but that will get better but the positives far outweigh anything else. 

He’s the fifth best scoring defenseman in the NHL! I saw the Canadiens beat the Rangers in 1979. Back then, their stud defenseman was Larry Robinson. We talked about that team in my new book Game Winners. 

Oilers Projected Lineup Today Against Red-Hot Golden Knights

Zach Hyman and Brayden McNabb. (Perry Nelson-Imagn Images)

The Edmonton Oilers had a busy practice on Tuesday morning.

The big news was the presence of the injured Connor McDavid, Trent Frederic, and Evander Kane in non-contact jerseys. None of the three will play against the Vegas Golden Knights on Tuesday night, but it's an encouraging sign for each of them as Frederic skates with his new team for the first time, and the door is open for McDavid to return during their four-game road trip.

Bookmark The Hockey News Edmonton Oilers team site to never miss the latest news, game-day coverage, and more.

 The rest of the roster will have a formidable challenge in front of them as they take on the division-leading Golden Knights, who come into Tuesday's game riding a six-game win streak.

That hot streak, coupled with the recent injuries to McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, has effectively buried any chance the Oilers had at catching Vegas for the Pacific Division crown. The Golden Knights are nine points up on the Oilers with nine games remaining in the regular season.

Absent from Oilers practice was Mattias Ekholm, still struggling with a nagging injury that's kept him out of the lineup for the past two games. He's missed eight of the Oilers' eighteen games since the 4 Nations Face-Off. With Ekholm out, Jake Walman will remain on an offense-heavy top pairing with Evan Bouchard.

Trending Oilers Articles

Oilers April 2025 Schedule: The Big, Final PushOilers April 2025 Schedule: The Big, Final PushEDMONTON – The end is in sight.

Oilers Prospects: College Defenseman Damien Carfagna Signs Contract

Oilers Pivoted After Failed Jean-Gabriel Pageau Trade

Ex-Oiler Warren Foegele Hits New Heights In Los Angeles

Oilers 2025 Playoff Tickets: Buy Them Now With Pre-Sale

Oilers Weekly Highlights: March 23rd To 30thOilers Weekly Highlights: March 23rd To 30thEDMONTON – Life comes at you fast.

Up front, Jeff Skinner will slide back down to the third line, where he acquitted himself very well in McDavid and Draisaitl's absence, while Kasperi Kapanen brings his speed to Ryan Nugent-Hopkins' second line.

The first line remains the same from their win over Calgary on Saturday, though Draisaitl will almost certainly see minutes with almost every winger as Kris Knoblauch double-shifts him against Vegas' deep lineup.

With Stuart Skinner still out day-to-day, Calvin Pickard will get his third consecutive start for the first time this season. Pickard rebounded from his debacle in Seattle with a solid 26-save win over the Flames on Saturday, lifting his record to 18-8-1 despite an .899 save percentage. 

The puck drops between the Oilers and Golden Knights at 8:00 PM, on Sportsnet.

Add us to your Google News favourites, and never miss a story.

Brooklyn's 'Plan A' reportedly is to trade for Giannis Antetokounmpo

As the Milwaukee Bucks stumble toward the playoffs without Damian Lillard — and face plenty of questions even if Lillard returns this season — there are teams across the league keeping an eye on Giannis Antetokounmpo's situation. As has been reported at NBC Sports before, he is on top of most teams' "superstars to monitor" list because he is so competitive and Milwaukee seems to be sliding away from contention.

Add rebuilding Brooklyn to that list of interested teams, reports Brian Lewis at the New York Post.

"Multiple league personnel that have spoken with The Post say Giannis Antetokounmpo has been and remains Plan A for the Nets. If Antetokounmpo gets traded elsewhere this summer, that may make GM Sean Marks' path simple, tanking for another year and building through the lottery."

Let's provide some context for this report.

• The Bucks will not trade Antetokounmpo unless he demands it, league sources have told NBC Sports on multiple occasions. Milwaukee has no motivation to make a trade. Antetokounmpo is a top-three player in the world who drives winning on the court and drives the business model for the Bucks off it — fans pay for tickets to see him, sponsors pay to be associated with the franchise because of him.

• Antetokounmpo has not requested a trade.

• Antetokounmpo signed a three-year contract extension with the Bucks a year ago that does not even kick in until next season. He is under contract with the team until the summer of 2027 (he has a player option for the season after that).

• Milwaukee cannot trade Antetokounmpo and pivot to a rebuild because the Bucks don't control their own pick until 2031 (and even if a team sent them five first-round picks in a trade, how good would those picks be as Antetokounmpo lifts said team into the playoffs and likely contention).

• With his contract extension, even if Antetokounmpo requested a trade, the Bucks could slow-play finding a deal, instead looking for a way to upgrade their roster and keep Antetokounmpo happy and in Wisconsin.

• Antetokounmpo has fueled rumors more than once by saying that competing for a ring is the most important thing. The current iteration of the Bucks does not look like a title contender, and the roster is getting older.

• If Antetokounmpo requested a trade, literally every team in the league would at least call and kick the tires on a potential trade. Antetokounmpo is a two-time MVP in his prime, players like that do not become available in a trade.

• If Antetokounmpo requested a trade, he would want to be dealt somewhere he makes the team a legit title contender. Brooklyn would have a lot of other work to do to get there.

All of which is to say Brooklyn GM Sean Marks may have Antetokounmpo as "Plan A" but he had better have a "Plan B" and "Plan C" ready to go, too. Plan A is a real long shot.

Warriors vs. Grizzlies Predictions: Odds, recent stats, trends and best bets for April 1

Golden State Warriors vs. Memphis Grizzlies Preview 

The Golden State Warriors (43-31) and Memphis Grizzlies (44-31) are all set to square off from FedExForum in Memphis.

The Grizzlies are coming off a double-digit loss against the Boston Celtics last night. The Grizzlies fired head coach Taylor Jenkins over the weekend, and are hoping to use his departure as a springboard towards the postseason.

 The Warriors are currently 20-17 on the road with a point differential of 3, while the Grizzlies have a 3-7 record in their last ten games at home. 

We’ve got all the info and analysis you need to know ahead of the game, including the latest info on the how to catch tipoff, odds, recent team performance, player stats, and of course, our predictions, picks & best bets for the game from our modeling tools and staff of experts.

Listen to the Rotoworld Basketball Show for the latest fantasy player news, waiver claims, roster advice and more from our experts all season long. Click here or download it wherever you get your podcasts.

Game details & how to watch Warriors vs. Grizzlies live today

  • Date: Tuesday, April 1, 2025
  • Time: 8:00PM EST
  • Site: FedExForum
  • City: Memphis, TN
  • Network/Streaming:

Never miss a second of the action and stay up to date with all the latest team stats and player news. Check out our day-by-day NBA schedule page, along with detailed matchup pages that update live in-game.
Game odds for Warriors vs. Grizzlies
The latest odds as of Tuesday:

  • Odds: Warriors (-165), Grizzlies (+138)
  • Spread:  Warriors -3.5
  • Over/Under: 237 points

That gives the Warriors an implied team point total of 119.59, and the Grizzlies 117.76.
 
Want to know which sportsbook is offering the best lines for every game on the NBA calendar? Check out the NBC Sports’ Live Odds tool to get all the latest updated info from DraftKings, FanDuel, BetMGM & more!

Expert picks & predictions for Tuesday's Warriors vs. Grizzlies game

NBC Sports Bet Best Bet

Please bet responsibly. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline at 1-800-522-4700.

Brad Thomas (@MrBradThomas) is leaning towards Ja Morant over 24.5 points +190…

Thomas: “Morant will have a difficult matchup, but it’s hard to ignore how well Morant has been playing. He’s scored at least 25 points in six of his last seven games.”

Our model calculates projections around each moneyline, spread and over/under bet for every game on the NBA calendar based on data points like recent performance, head-to-head player matchups, trends information and projected game totals.

Once the model is finished running, we put its projections next to the latest betting lines for the game to arrive at a relative confidence level for each wager.

Here are the best bets our model is projecting for today’s Warriors & Grizzlies game:

  • Moneyline: NBC Sports Bet is recommending a play on the Golden State Warriors on the Moneyline.
  • Spread: NBC Sports Bet is leaning towards a play ATS on the Memphis Grizzlies at +3.5.
  • Total: NBC Sports Bet is leaning towards a play on the under on the Game Total of 237.

Want even more NBA best bets and predictions from our expert staff & tools? Check out the Expert NBA Predictions page from NBC Sports for money line, spread and over/under picks for every game on today’s calendar!

Important stats, trends & insights to know ahead of Warriors vs. Grizzlies on Tuesday

  • The Warriors have won 4 of their last 5 matchups against Western Conference Southwest Division teams
  • The Grizzlies' last 3 games at home versus the Warriors have stayed under the Total
  • The Warriors are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games as a favorite
  • The Warriors have gone 7-3 in their last 10 games

 
If you’re looking for more key trends and stats around the spread, moneyline and total for every single game on the schedule today, check out our NBA Top Trends tool on NBC Sports!
 
Bet the Edge is your source for all things sports betting. Get all of Jay Croucher and Drew Dinsick’s insight weekdays at 6AM ET right here or wherever you get your favorite podcasts. 
 
Follow our experts on socials to keep up with all the latest content from the staff: 
- Jay Croucher (@croucherJD)
- Drew Dinsick (@whale_capper) 
- Vaughn Dalzell (@VmoneySports) 
- Brad Thomas (@MrBradThomas)

Golden Knights' Jack Eichel Named First Star Of The Month

Vegas Golden Knights center Jack Eichel (9) celebrates after scoring an empty net goal against the Detroit Red Wings during the third period at T-Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images

Vegas Golden Knights center Jack Eichel has been named the NHL's first star of the month. 

The 28-year-old recorded eight goals and 23 points in 14 games in the month of March, propelling the Golden Knights to a 10-2-2 record. 

During the month, Eichel set the new Golden Knights record for points in a season and set a new career-high in points. This season, Eichel's scored 27 goals and 93 points, on pace to eclipse the 100-point mark for the first time in his career.

Here's what the NHL's press release had to say about his month:

"Eichel paced the League with 8-15—23 in 14 contests to propel the Pacific Division-leading Golden Knights (45-20-8, 98 points) to a 10-2-2 month as they seek their seventh playoff berth in eight NHL seasons. Eichel, who additionally finished among the March leaders in power-play assists (t-1st; 8), power-play points (2nd; 10), assists (t-4th; 15), even-strength points (t-9th; 13) and goals (t-12th; 8), found the score sheet in 13 of his 14 appearances – capped by a six-game run to close the month that featured four multi-point performances (March 20-29: 6-7—13). The No. 2 overall pick from the 2015 NHL Draft also collected his 600th career point in his 607th game, part of a four-point effort March 22 vs. DET (1-3—4); scored his fifth career hat trick and third with Vegas March 25 at MIN (3-0—3); and notched a pair of game-winning goals: March 5 vs. TOR (1-1—2) and March 23 vs. TBL (1-0—1). The 28-year-old Eichel ranks fourth in the NHL with 27-66—93 through 72 total appearances this season, already career highs for assists and points in a single campaign (ahead of 2018-19: 28-54—82 in 77 GP w/ BUF). He also sits among the 2024-25 leaders in power-play assists (3rd; 29), assists (t-4th; 66), plus/minus (5th; +35) and power-play points (t-5th; 34)."

Following Eichel as stars of the month were the Toronto Maple Leafs' John Tavares, who recorded 13 goals and 20 points in 15 games, and St. Louis Blues goaltender Jordan Binnington, who posted eight wins, a .910 SV% and a 2.21 GAA.

Eichel is having a stellar season and has kept his name in the Hart Trophy race all season long. He likely won't win the award but could find himself in the top five, which would be the highest he's placed in his career. 

Stay updated with the most interesting Golden Knights stories, analysis, breaking news and more! Tap the star to add us to your favourites on Google News to never miss a story.

Golden Knights' Jack Eichel Named Second Star Of The WeekGolden Knights' Jack Eichel Named Second Star Of The WeekVegas Golden Knights forward Jack Eichel has been named the NHL's second star of the week.

Five First-Year Coaches Having Strong Impacts On Their NHL Teams

Jim Montgomery (Jeff Curry-Imagn Images)

If we’re going to talk about new NHL coaches doing good things this season, we probably shouldn’t look past our newest candidate. 

Brad Shaw is a perfect 3-0-0 with the Philadelphia Flyers since taking over for John Tortorella last Thursday, so it doesn’t get any better than that.

But sample size is important. The candidates for this list of the NHL’s most effective first-year coaches all have at least 50 games with their new teams this year. 

Craig Berube hit that mark, but he missed the cut because he’ll be measured by his playoff results with the Toronto Maple Leafs.

With all that in mind, here are the five NHL bench bosses who have had the most impressive impacts on their new teams this season.

Travis Green, Ottawa Senators

Hired: May 7, 2024 – Record 39-28-6 – .575 points percentage

The Ottawa Senators have become a shining example of how strong ownership can lead to team success. It took Michael Andlauer a minute to get all his ducks in a row, but the organization is now headed in a positive direction after committing to Steve Staios as GM and to Travis Green as coach.

The Sens have deployed a dangerous power play, received decent goaltending and pumped up their offense since the trade deadline, going 8-3-1 and all-but-locking-in their first playoff berth since 2017. 

The team has also brought out the best in Green: Ottawa’s .575 points percentage this season is a career high, better than his parts of five seasons coaching the Vancouver Canucks and 21 games as interim coach of the New Jersey Devils last season.

Scott Arniel, Winnipeg Jets

Hired: May 24, 2024 – Record 51-19-4 – .716 points percentage

When Rick Bowness retired last spring after guiding the Jets to their second-best season in franchise history, Scott Arniel’s main task was to avoid letting the team slide backward after being elevated from an associate role.

Instead, he took them to new heights, starting the season with an eight-game winning streak and maintaining the pace to sit in pole position for their first-ever Presidents’ Trophy. 

Goaltender Connor Hellebuyck is a luxury to build from, but he’s not a one-man show. Top scorers Kyle Connor, Mark Scheifele and Nikolaj Ehlers are all headed toward career years, Cole Perfetti has taken the next step, and the power play is one of the most dangerous in the NHL.

For Arniel to deliver a season this dominant is a win in itself for the Jets. If he can help erase the memory of last year’s playoffs with a meaningful post-season run, all the better.

Top Five NHL Teams At Home In 2024-25: Kings, Jets And MoreTop Five NHL Teams At Home In 2024-25: Kings, Jets And MoreBy Anthony Carbone, The Hockey News intern

Ryan Warsofsky, San Jose Sharks

Hired: June 13, 2024 – Record 20-44-9 – .336 points percentage

You may be surprised to see the coach of a last-place team on this list. But Warsofsky deserves credit for delivering some positives in a tough environment, especially as a first-time NHL bench boss. 

It’s never easy to make the transition from assistant coach into a head job. Warsofsky has swept away the memories of his two years working under David Quinn and approached his task at hand with vigor and positivity — and it doesn’t hurt that good-natured alumni and franchise legends Joe Thornton and Patrick Marleau are both lending a hand behind the scenes.

Even after a trade-deadline sell-off, Warsofsky has maintained buy-in from veterans like Tyler Toffoli and can build off the infectious enthusiasm of future stars Macklin Celebrini and Will Smith. Add in another top lottery pick this summer, and the future is getting brighter in the Bay Area.

Dean Evason, Columbus Blue Jackets

Hired: July 22, 2024 – Record 33-30-9 – .521 points percentage

Evason hasn’t matched the .639 points percentage he put up during his 251 games coaching the Minnesota Wild. but he’s being measured by a different standard this season.

He hasn’t just moved the Blue Jackets from the Eastern Conference basement into potential playoff contention. He’s done it under the dark cloud of tragedy after Johnny Gaudreau’s passing in August.

On Monday’s 32 Thoughts podcast, Elliotte Friedman declared that Evason would be his man if he had a Jack Adams vote. Evason started his new job by giving the players the space they all needed to grieve in their own ways, then offered a clean sheet for everyone to show what they could bring to the table.

That environment has brought the very best out of established players like Zach Werenski, allowed role players like Mathieu Olivier to thrive and helped youngsters like Kent Johnson, Adam Fantilli and Kirill Marchenko all take steps forward. 

It’ll be tough to root against them if they can sneak into a playoff spot.

Jim Montgomery, St. Louis Blues

Hired: Nov. 24, 2024 – Record 31-16-6 – .642 points percentage

The only coach on this list who already has a Jack Adams, Montgomery is riding high now in St. Louis, barely four months after the Boston Bruins fired him.

He was the architect of Boston’s record-breaking regular season in 2022-23. Now, he’s doing special things in the Gateway City, as the Blues’ refusal to lose is starting to draw comparisons to their storybook run of 2019.

Montgomery is making GM Doug Armstrong look like a genius for acting fast and presenting an irresistible five-year contract offer just days after he became available last fall. If he can keep doing what he’s doing, he might be one of the few coaches to break through and enjoy a multi-year tenure in one market.

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.