This is Part 2 of a series ranking all 32 NHL teams by tiers for the 2025-26 season. Part 1 featu...

This is Part 2 of a series ranking all 32 NHL teams by tiers for the 2025-26 season. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3327804" href="https://thescore.com/news/3327804">Part 1</a> features the bottom 16 teams and was published Thursday.Keep in mind: This exercise rolls out a few weeks before training camps open, and tiers are based on personal projections for only the coming season, not each franchise's long-term trajectory. Tier 8 teams are furthest away from winning the 2026 Stanley Cup, while Tier 1 teams are closest. Teams are listed alphabetically within each tier.<h2>Tier 4: Moderately dangerous</h2>Probable playoff team unlikely to go on deep run<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><h3>Los Angeles Kings</h3>Ken Holland's first offseason as Kings general manager was uninspiring.The longtime NHL executive brought in Corey Perry and Joel Armia to replace Tanner Jeannot and Trevor Lewis at forward (fine); replaced Vladislav Gavrikov and Jordan Spence with Brian Dumoulin and Cody Ceci on defense (huge net negative); and replaced David Rittich with Anton Forsberg in goal (sure).The Kings' attack is slow and predictable. None of their moves fixed that issue.That said, Los Angeles does have enough quality players to secure a Western Conference playoff spot in what's expected to be Anze Kopitar's final season.<h3>Montreal Canadiens</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/798805/cropped_GettyImages-2211418665.jpg?ts=1756121141" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/798805/w220xh124_GettyImages-2211418665.jpg?ts=1756121141 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/798805/w320xh180_GettyImages-2211418665.jpg?ts=1756121141 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/798805/w640xh360_GettyImages-2211418665.jpg?ts=1756121141 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/798805/w768xh432_GettyImages-2211418665.jpg?ts=1756121141 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/798805/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2211418665.jpg?ts=1756121141 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Vitor Munhoz / Getty Images</figcaption></figure>The Canadiens' rebuild has been executed to near perfection by president Jeff Gorton and GM Kent Hughes. But even a diehard fan would admit the club's 91 points and playoff berth in 2024-25 exceeded preseason expectations.That's the tricky part about projecting the 2025-26 Canadiens: weighing their immense upside against inevitable regression. Case in point, Nick Suzuki is a legitimate first-line center, but he may never post 89 points again. At the same time, Montreal's floor and ceiling are both higher now thanks to offseason trades for Noah Dobson and Zack Bolduc and developmental leaps by Juraj Slafkovsky, Ivan Demidov, Lane Hutson, and Kaiden Guhle.I'm super high on the Habs long term, and they're a playoff team this season.<h3>New Jersey Devils</h3>It's easy to doubt the Devils, a squad built around a superstar who's struggled to stay healthy. Jack Hughes missed 40 total regular-season games over the past two seasons and was sidelined for their first-round loss to Carolina.GM Tom Fitzgerald bolstered the bottom six of his forward group this summer; however, the lineup still needs one or two top-six wingers.As for the bull case ... Nico Hischier and Jesper Bratt are elite, the defense corps is versatile, and Jacob Markstrom and Jake Allen form an above-average netminding duo. If it all clicks on the ice, the relatively young Devils have plenty of prospects, draft capital, and cap space, which would allow them to add a significant piece midseason.<h3>New York Rangers</h3>The 2023-24 Rangers won the Presidents' Trophy and went on a deep playoff run. 2024-25 was a tumultuous, culture-changing year in which they made many transactions and missed the playoffs. The outcome of their 2025-26 season seems destined to end up somewhere between those two extremes.A high-level recap of the aggressive eight-month retool: Chris Kreider, Filip Chytil, Kaapo Kakko, Jacob Trouba, Ryan Lindgren, K'Andre Miller, and coach Peter Laviolette are out, while J.T. Miller, Juuso Parssinen, Vladislav Gavrikov, Scott Morrow, Will Borgen, Carson Soucy, and coach Mike Sullivan are in.I wouldn't say New York is dramatically better or worse, just refitted - while still icing difference-makers Artemi Panarin, Adam Fox, and Igor Shesterkin.<h3>St. Louis Blues</h3>The Blues don't have the sexiest roster and they aren't a serious Cup contender. But St. Louis has a fairly high floor under coach Jim Montgomery.The club went 35-18-7 last year following Montgomery's midseason hiring. The tactically sharp bench boss has an above-average first-line center at his disposal in Robert Thomas, who's very much in his prime. Free-agent signee Pius Suter should excel in the 3C spot behind Thomas and captain Brayden Schenn. Jordan Binnington and Joel Hofer are an adequate goalie duo.Hofer, Jimmy Snuggerud, Dylan Holloway, Jake Neighbours, and Philip Broberg all have intriguing upside cases. The Blues are a textbook solid team.<h3>Utah Mammoth</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/798806/cropped_GettyImages-2187312278.jpg?ts=1756122702" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/798806/w220xh124_GettyImages-2187312278.jpg?ts=1756122702 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/798806/w320xh180_GettyImages-2187312278.jpg?ts=1756122702 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/798806/w640xh360_GettyImages-2187312278.jpg?ts=1756122702 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/798806/w768xh432_GettyImages-2187312278.jpg?ts=1756122702 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/798806/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2187312278.jpg?ts=1756122702 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Minas Panagiotakis / Getty Images</figcaption></figure>In the 2024 edition of this exercise, I said Utah earning a 2025 playoff berth was a "coin flip." The team improved but finished seven points shy of the cutline.I'm eager to up the ante this time: The Mammoth are highly likely to make the playoffs, as this is the strongest Arizona/Utah roster in at least a decade.The attack features game-breakers in Clayton Keller, Logan Cooley, Dylan Guenther, and JJ Peterka to go along with a reliable crew of workmanlike forwards. I'm not entirely sure what to expect from the defense corps - Michael Kesselring is gone, John Marino and Sean Durzi are healthy after combining for only 65 games played last season, and youngsters Dmitri Simashev and Maveric Lamoureux will battle for ice time. The Mammoth's goaltending is nothing special, but it's not a concern either. Andre Tourigny is an awesome coach.<h2>Tier 3: Scary at full potential</h2>Cup win within reason, though lots has to go right<h3>Tampa Bay Lightning</h3>The hockey world seems to have Lightning fatigue, which is understandable considering all the attention they've received through two Stanley Cup victories and two Cup Final losses in 11 seasons. But don't sleep on them out of boredom: They're dark-horse Cup contenders.The Jon Cooper-coached squad put up a plus-75 goal differential last season. Brayden Point between Jake Guentzel and Nikita Kucherov was arguably the top trio in hockey while second-liner Brandon Hagel recorded 90 points. Defenseman Victor Hedman and goalie Andrei Vasilevskiy turned back the clock.None of Tampa Bay's critical core pieces are especially young (Hagel, 26, is the youngest) or terribly old (Hedman's 34), so it's reasonable to expect similar results in 2025-26. Questionable depth is what holds this team back from Tier 2.<h3>Toronto Maple Leafs</h3>The Mitch Marner era is over. It was time for both parties to move on, and there's conceivably a world in which the Maple Leafs are better off without the dazzling playmaker over the course of a season. (His cap space has been reallocated to the likes of forwards Nicolas Roy, Matias Maccelli, and Dakota Joshua.)The forward group looks equipped to handle the rigors of playoff hockey, while the defense corps has also been reshaped to that end under GM Brad Treliving. Anthony Stolarz and Joseph Woll provide stability between the pipes. The Leafs own the NHL's longest active playoff streak - nine years, two total series wins - and will undoubtedly earn an Atlantic Division spot in 2025-26.Auston Matthews is a transcendent goal-scoring talent staring down two challenges: staying healthy all season and producing without Marner around.<h3>Washington Capitals</h3>The 2024-25 regular season was magical for the Capitals. Alex Ovechkin broke the all-time goals record, several players enjoyed career years (in part due to inflated shooting percentages), and the team accumulated 111 points. That will be hard, if not impossible, to replicate.Washington's front office turned over a third of the roster in the 2024 offseason but has been fairly quiet this offseason. That isn't necessarily a bad thing. Last year's performance had enough substance to justify largely standing pat, plus there's tons of runway to bring in reinforcements before the playoffs, which is why the team lands in Tier 3. A well-run organization with a rising star of a coach in Spencer Carbery, the Caps are primed to make noise once again.<h3>Winnipeg Jets</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/798839/cropped_GettyImages-2214527023.jpg?ts=1756142225" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/798839/w220xh124_GettyImages-2214527023.jpg?ts=1756142225 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/798839/w320xh180_GettyImages-2214527023.jpg?ts=1756142225 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/798839/w640xh360_GettyImages-2214527023.jpg?ts=1756142225 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/798839/w768xh432_GettyImages-2214527023.jpg?ts=1756142225 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/798839/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2214527023.jpg?ts=1756142225 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Jonathan Kozub / Getty Images</figcaption></figure>The reigning Presidents' Trophy-winning Jets, one of last season's biggest surprises, have become a "wake me up when ..." team. As in, wake me up when Connor Hellebuyck becomes a dependably clutch performer, because the world's finest goalie has underwhelmed in the playoffs for too many years.(For starters, Winnipeg should be reducing Hellebuyck's workload in the regular season. He shouldn't, under any circumstances, appear in 60 games.)Hellebuyck aside, the Jets are hoping someone like Cole Perfetti can take a sizable step forward offensively to compensate for the free-agency loss of fellow winger Nikolaj Ehlers. Winnipegger Jonathan Toews is back in the NHL after two full seasons off - a heartwarming story, but the circumstances make it impossible to pinpoint how impactful the 37-year-old will be in the second-line center spot.<h2>Tier 2: Secondary Cup favorites</h2>Elite, title-contending team with minor concerns<h3>Carolina Hurricanes</h3>Seven seasons of Rod Brind'Amour behind the bench. Seven postseason appearances, including three deep runs. Zero trips to the Cup Final.A lack of timely scoring and saves has continually held the Hurricanes back come playoff time. GM Eric Tulsky acquired dynamic winger Nikolaj Ehlers and rangy defenseman K'Andre Miller to help with the former and is running it back in goal with Frederik Andersen and Pyotr Kochetkov. Did Tulsky do enough?It's a question that can't fairly be asked yet since Carolina loves to chase the biggest name available during the season (see: Jake Guentzel and Mikko Rantanen) and has $10.6 million in cap space and the futures to pull off another whopper. The Canes have put themselves in a favorable position to finally win the East.<h3>Colorado Avalanche</h3>Colorado doesn't have to worry about its marquee players. When healthy, Nathan MacKinnon, Cale Makar, Gabriel Landeskog, and Devon Toews reliably perform at star/superstar levels.However, the front office clearly thought the supporting cast was insufficient. The Avalanche traded longtime core piece and pending free agent Mikko Rantanen in January as part of a flurry of moves aimed at deepening the lineup. Mackenzie Blackwood, Martin Necas, Jack Drury, Brock Nelson, and Scott Wedgewood were acquired midseason, while Victor Olofsson and Brent Burns were signed as free agents.It's safe to say the Avalanche narrowed the gap between their elite talents and the rest of the roster. It's too early to tell if they bet on all of the right players.<h3>Dallas Stars</h3>The Stars have been knocking at the door the past three seasons, advancing to the Western Conference Final each time. An optimist looks at Dallas' 2025-26 campaign and envisions them barreling through the door with superstar defenseman Miro Heiskanen healthy and superstar forward Mikko Rantanen fully settled in.Seriously, Heiskanen is a top-five defenseman on the planet (points aren’t everything!), and Rantanen is an absolute menace every spring (22 points in 18 playoff games last year following a trade out of Carolina to bring his career total to 123 in 99 games). The rest of the roster is a nice blend of veterans, mid-career guys, and rookies, the vast majority of them valuable contributors.The coaching change from Pete DeBoer to Glen Gulutzan and No. 1 goalie Jake Oettinger's mixed playoff results are keeping Dallas a tick below Tier 1.<h2>Tier 1: Primary Cup favorites</h2>Star-studded, deep, battle-tested - a cut above the rest<h3>Edmonton Oilers</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/798840/cropped_GettyImages-2219113501.jpg?ts=1756142312" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/798840/w220xh124_GettyImages-2219113501.jpg?ts=1756142312 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/798840/w320xh180_GettyImages-2219113501.jpg?ts=1756142312 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/798840/w640xh360_GettyImages-2219113501.jpg?ts=1756142312 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/798840/w768xh432_GettyImages-2219113501.jpg?ts=1756142312 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/798840/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2219113501.jpg?ts=1756142312 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Steph Chambers / Getty Images</figcaption></figure>Leon Draisaitl turns 30 in October. Connor McDavid is 29 in January.The Oilers may have a bunch more chances to challenge for the Stanley Cup (assuming McDavid signs a contract extension), but every playoff run adds mileage to a generational duo that's no longer young. No team in the NHL is in title-or-bust mode like back-to-back finals loser Edmonton.GM Stan Bowman acquired Isaac Howard and Andrew Mangiapane - two quality bets - this offseason to help the attack, but he otherwise kept his powder dry. I don't love the idea of the Oilers entering such an important season with Stuart Skinner and Calvin Pickard in goal, though they can still upgrade the position (and bring in another defenseman) in the months ahead.<h3>Florida Panthers</h3>Florida is gunning for a fourth straight trip to the Cup Final and third Cup in a row. Does that seem too ambitious? Doubt the Panthers at your own peril.After re-signing Sam Bennett, Brad Marchand, and Aaron Ekblad, the Panthers are returning roughly the same squad that beat the Oilers in six games in late June. GM Bill Zito has invested heavily in his winning core, with seven forwards and three defensemen now under contract through 2029-30.Star winger Matthew Tkachuk will miss the start of the campaign following offseason surgery, but that's no reason to drop Florida to Tier 2. No matter which playoff spot the Panthers grab, they'll be a force to be reckoned with.<h3>Vegas Golden Knights</h3>The calculus for slotting the Golden Knights in Tier 1 is pretty simple: An ultra-aggressive front office added one of the league's best forwards to a well-coached team that was already rich in talent, led by the excellent Jack Eichel.Yes, defenseman Alex Pietrangelo is all but retired (big blow), and role players Nicolas Roy, Nicolas Hague, and Victor Olofsson are gone (minor blow). But Vegas shouldn't miss a step, though there is an elephant in the room: Can Mitch Marner pop off in the playoffs for the first time in a decade?The Golden Knights won the Cup in 2022-23, lost in the first round the next year, and got ousted by the Oilers in five games in the second round last season. If all goes according to plan, Vegas will get back to going on deep runs.John Matisz is theScore's senior NHL writer. Follow John on Twitter/X (<a href="https://twitter.com/MatiszJohn">@MatiszJohn</a>) or contact him via email (john.matisz@thescore.com).

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Ranking NHL teams by tiers: The top 16

This is Part 1 of a two-part series ranking all 32 NHL teams by tiers for the 2025-26 season. Par...

This is Part 1 of a two-part series ranking all 32 NHL teams by tiers for the 2025-26 season. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3327805" href="https://thescore.com/news/3327805">Part 2</a>, featuring the top 16 teams, was published Friday.Keep in mind: This exercise rolls out a few weeks before training camps open, and tiers are based on personal projections for only the coming season, not each franchise's long-term trajectory. Tier 8 teams are furthest away from winning the 2026 Stanley Cup, while Tier 1 teams are closest. Teams are listed alphabetically within each tier.<h2>Tier 8: Worst of the worst</h2>In league of their own - and not in good way<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><h3>Chicago Blackhawks</h3>When I look at Chicago's roster, I see a forward group with a single top-line forward in Connor Bedard, a promising yet very green back end led by Alex Vlasic, and an unproven goalie brimming with potential in Spencer Knight.In other words, I see a team headed straight for the Central Division's basement for the fourth straight year - and thus favorable draft lottery odds.Blackhawks fans will still be hooked on the on-ice product. Top storylines include Bedard's goal output (only 23 in 82 games last year as a sophomore), center Frank Nazar's development (the recently extended 21-year-old attended the United States' Olympic summer camp), and coach Jeff Blashill's impact.<h3>San Jose Sharks</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/798203/cropped_GettyImages-2192216933.jpg?ts=1755708083" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/798203/w220xh124_GettyImages-2192216933.jpg?ts=1755708083 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/798203/w320xh180_GettyImages-2192216933.jpg?ts=1755708083 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/798203/w640xh360_GettyImages-2192216933.jpg?ts=1755708083 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/798203/w768xh432_GettyImages-2192216933.jpg?ts=1755708083 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/798203/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2192216933.jpg?ts=1755708083 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Thearon W. Henderson / Getty Images</figcaption></figure>The Sharks finished 2023-24 with the worst goal differential in the salary cap era: a putrid minus-150 over a miserable 19-win season. Last year, the rebuilding club improved ever so slightly to a minus-105 differential and 20 wins.Expect much of the same this coming season - a tiny step in the right direction for a young core that's years away from contending for a playoff spot.San Jose drafted Will Smith (fourth overall in 2023), Macklin Celebrini (first in 2024), and Michael Misa (second in 2025) in the past three years. The front office has once again set itself up for a top-five pick. Gavin McKenna, future Shark?<h2>Tier 7: Heavy roster construction</h2>Walkover most nights, potential standings free fall<h3>New York Islanders</h3>The Islanders are in an interesting spot.They selected franchise cornerstone Matthew Schaefer first overall in June after unexpectedly winning the draft lottery. Their top decision-maker, Mathieu Darche, is a first-time GM tasked with performing major surgery on a middling roster. He has runway, and the hefty return for Noah Dobson was a nice start.The challenge is in choosing an appropriate path. Darche could strip the roster down to the studs by trading the likes of Bo Horvat and Mat Barzal, or opt for a less drastic rebuild, or retool to remain semi-competitive every year.No matter the choice, New York won't be winning many games in 2025-26.<h3>Pittsburgh Penguins</h3>There's a decent chance the Penguins end up with the NHL's worst record. Yet here they are in Tier 7 instead of Tier 8 for two reasons.One, it's difficult to project the kind of drop-off we'll see from 38-year-old Sidney Crosby, 39-year-old Evgeni Malkin, and 39-year-old Kris Letang. (In Crosby's case, maybe none at all?) Two, it's hard to predict how active GM Kyle Dubas will be on the trade market, with Bryan Rust and Rickard Rakell headlining a group of veteran contributors attached to digestible contracts.As much as the hockey world would like to see Crosby chase another Cup, he'd have to slip on another jersey first. The Penguins are not a playoff team.<h2>Tier 6: Notch below playoffs</h2>2025-26 won't be a banner season, for various reasons<h3>Boston Bruins</h3>On one hand, Boston has an elite player at three positions - winger David Pastrnak, blue-liner Charlie McAvoy, goalie Jeremy Swayman.On the other hand, the Bruins have arguably the NHL's worst collection of centers (1C Elias Lindholm and 2C Casey Mittelstadt), no wingers of note beyond Morgan Geekie, and a talent cliff on defense after Hampus Lindholm.Squint hard enough and you can see GM Don Sweeney's grand vision of rebuilding around those three late-20s stars. In the short term, this squad is, at best, mediocre. The Bruins will struggle mightily to score goals.<h3>Buffalo Sabres</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/798374/cropped_GettyImages-2207044019.jpg?ts=1755803804" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/798374/w220xh124_GettyImages-2207044019.jpg?ts=1755803804 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/798374/w320xh180_GettyImages-2207044019.jpg?ts=1755803804 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/798374/w640xh360_GettyImages-2207044019.jpg?ts=1755803804 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/798374/w768xh432_GettyImages-2207044019.jpg?ts=1755803804 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/798374/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2207044019.jpg?ts=1755803804 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Bill Wippert / Getty Images</figcaption></figure>I originally placed the Sabres in Tier 5, moved them back to Tier 6, U-turned to 5 again, and finally settled on 6. The flip-flopping was a product of liking but not loving the roster while debating the strength of the Eastern Conference.It'd be fantastic if Buffalo rewarded its tortured fan base by snapping a league-record drought of 14 seasons. I believe in a lot of their players (Tage Thompson and Rasmus Dahlin are both criminally underrated) and, to some degree, coach Lindy Ruff. However, there are only eight playoff spots in each conference, and on paper, the Sabres are in the 9-12 range in the messy East.Part of that projection is based on the Dylan Cozens and JJ Peterka trades aging poorly. Peterka in particular will pop off in his new home, Utah.<h3>Calgary Flames</h3>The Flames are one of the toughest teams to get a firm handle on.Last season, they surprised a lot of people, including me, by collecting 96 points and narrowly missing the playoffs. Dustin Wolf, who finished second in Calder Trophy voting, is a certified stud between the pipes. Core forwards Connor Zary, Matt Coronato, and Joel Farabee are still developing. Coach Ryan Huska's lineup card is filled with competent, high-intensity players.What Calgary's sorely missing is a superstar (or two). Maybe dazzling 19-year-old blue-liner Zayne Parekh blossoms into one. But the club would be better off in the long run if it chased draft lottery odds over a playoff spot in 2025-26.<h3>Nashville Predators</h3>The big question for the Predators: Was last year's 30-win showing a one-off train wreck, or actual proof GM Barry Trotz swung for the fences and struck out?In July 2024, Trotz bet on pedigree and veteran savvy when he handed high-profile free agents Steven Stamkos, Jonathan Marchessault, and Brady Skjei a combined $108.5 million. The first season of the multi-year experiment yielded underwhelming stats, eyebrow-raising soundbites, and endless frustration.It wouldn't be a massive shock if the Preds bounce back and enjoy a 40-win season. That said, we can't gloss over the fact that all of the club's difference-makers are 30 or older - from the 2024 signees to Ryan O'Reilly, Juuse Saros, Roman Josi, and Filip Forsberg. Older players typically decline, not level up.Translation: Things could get worse before they get better in Nashville.<h3>Philadelphia Flyers</h3>I liked the Rick Tocchet coaching hire. I liked the Trevor Zegras acquisition a lot. I think Matvei Michkov is going to have a monster sophomore season.But I simply can't take the Flyers seriously until they figure out their goaltending. Samuel Ersson (45 starts), Ivan Fedotov (24), and Aleksei Kolosov (13) combined for a .872 save percentage in 2024-25. That was the lowest SV% of the cap era, and the painful display wasn't a fluke: Philadelphia has finished 32nd out of 32 teams in save percentage in three of the past five seasons.The 2025-26 tandem will be Ersson and free-agent signee Dan Vladar. It's a minor upgrade (Vladar is fairly dependable) but far from a satisfying solution.<h3>Seattle Kraken</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/798380/cropped_GettyImages-2207286295.jpg?ts=1755805143" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/798380/w220xh124_GettyImages-2207286295.jpg?ts=1755805143 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/798380/w320xh180_GettyImages-2207286295.jpg?ts=1755805143 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/798380/w640xh360_GettyImages-2207286295.jpg?ts=1755805143 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/798380/w768xh432_GettyImages-2207286295.jpg?ts=1755805143 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/798380/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2207286295.jpg?ts=1755805143 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Ryan Sirius Sun / Getty Images</figcaption></figure>Seattle lands in Tier 6 because of the many what-ifs circling its playoff case.What if youngsters Matty Beniers, Shane Wright, and Kaapo Kakko all make enormous developmental leaps? What if second-line center Chandler Stephenson lives up to his inefficient contract? What if starter Joey Daccord plays at a Vezina Trophy-caliber level? What if new coach Lane Lambert squeezes every bit of value out of a decidedly mid roster?Fat chance all, or even most of, these what-ifs hit for the Kraken.Pending free agents Jaden Schwartz, Mason Marchment, Eeli Tolvanen, Jordan Eberle, and Jamie Oleksiak give GM Jason Botterill trade ammunition.<h2>Tier 5: Standings purgatory</h2>Legitimate shot at playoff spot, if stars align<h3>Anaheim Ducks</h3>Anaheim, last a playoff team when Randy Carlyle was behind the bench in 2018, is starting to turn a corner. The top six up front, top four on the blue line, and No. 1 goalie spots have solidified following years of uncertainty. Plus, Joel Quenneville will be a significant upgrade on Greg Cronin at coach.The Ducks leaped from 59 points in 2023-24 to 80 last season. They should tack on 10 or so points this season thanks mainly to internal growth. (Cutter Gauthier, Leo Carlsson, Mason McTavish, Jackson LaCombe, Olen Zellweger, Pavel Mintyukov, and Lukas Dostal are all 25 years old or younger.) I don't see a very high ceiling for this club, though - maybe 95 points. Will that be enough?It's a complete toss-up if Anaheim makes the playoffs.<h3>Columbus Blue Jackets</h3>Columbus is basically the Anaheim of the Eastern Conference. The Blue Jackets have inched closer to becoming legitimately competitive every passing offseason and can now finally ice a lineup capable of ending a lengthy playoff drought.The Blue Jackets' path to the postseason is murkier than the Ducks', however. For starters, if the Rangers return to form, the Metropolitan Division will have four playoff-worthy clubs (Hurricanes, Devils, Capitals, Rangers) battling for three spots. Also, the super-deep Atlantic could gobble up both East wild cards.These dynamics put pressure on Columbus to tack 7-10 points onto last season's 89-point output. The team has enough emergent talent - namely Adam Fantilli, Kent Johnson, and Kirill Marchenko - to pull it off.<h3>Detroit Red Wings</h3>This is a massive season for the Red Wings, who haven't competed in a playoff game since 2016. Fans have grown impatient with GM Steve Yzerman.It's true, the so-called Yzerplan has involved a long list of questionable transactions, especially over the past few years. But June's acquisition of John Gibson from Anaheim was a win. A Gibson-Cam Talbot tandem should make goaltending a tangible strength for a club that's banking on sizable jumps from early-20s skaters like Lucas Raymond, Moritz Seider, Marco Kasper, and Simon Edvinsson in order to snatch one of the East wild cards.Todd McLellan, who's entering his first full season in Detroit, is a solid coach. Bonus: Yzerman has $12 million in cap space to spend on reinforcements.<h3>Minnesota Wild</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/798378/cropped_GettyImages-2209405979.jpg?ts=1755804313" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/798378/w220xh124_GettyImages-2209405979.jpg?ts=1755804313 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/798378/w320xh180_GettyImages-2209405979.jpg?ts=1755804313 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/798378/w640xh360_GettyImages-2209405979.jpg?ts=1755804313 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/798378/w768xh432_GettyImages-2209405979.jpg?ts=1755804313 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/798378/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2209405979.jpg?ts=1755804313 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Stephen Maturen / Getty Images</figcaption></figure>The Wild have made the postseason in 11 of the past 13 years. After more or less running it back, they'll challenge again for a playoff spot in 2025-26.Kirill Kaprizov, Matt Boldy, and Brock Faber provide the star power and the likes of Ryan Hartman, Marcus Foligno, and Jared Spurgeon check off the reliable-veteran box. What's missing from coach John Hynes' lineup card is a high-impact second tier. The likes of Joel Eriksson Ek, Filip Gustavsson, Mats Zuccarello, Marco Rossi, Zeev Buium, and Jacob Middleton need to level up.If that second tier can't provide surplus value, the Wild are easy first-round fodder - or worse, one Kaprizov injury from missing the playoffs.<h3>Ottawa Senators</h3>Canada's capital city is optimistic about its hockey team - and rightfully so. The Senators took a massive step forward in 2024-25 and, despite not making any big splashes this summer, boast an extremely well-balanced roster.Ottawa has a nice mix of snipers, passers, and worker bees in a forward group that needs to finish its chances more often, having scored the second-fewest five-on-five goals last season. The blue line has a ton of potential with pairings of Jake Sanderson and Artem Zub, Thomas Chabot and Nick Jensen, and Tyler Kleven and Jordan Spence. Linus Ullmark is a top-10 NHL goalie.The Sens are slightly ahead of the Wings in the Atlantic Division pecking order.<h3>Vancouver Canucks</h3>Vancouver's best forward, Elias Pettersson, has been a shell of his former self since signing an eight-year, $92.8-million contract extension. A season-plus in, he's closer to you-are-what-you-are territory than bounce-back candidate.The forward group, in general, leaves something to be desired. (Filip Chytil, a perfectly respectable third-line center, will line up behind Pettersson in the 2C slot - not ideal!) Meanwhile, it's difficult to predict starting goalie Thatcher Demko's performance given his poor injury luck in recent years.Vegas, Edmonton, and Los Angeles are the top teams in the Pacific Division. Vancouver, led by superstar defenseman Quinn Hughes, will battle Anaheim and a few Central teams (St. Louis, Utah, Minnesota) for a wild card spot. John Matisz is theScore's senior NHL writer. Follow John on Twitter/X (<a href="https://twitter.com/MatiszJohn">@MatiszJohn</a>) or contact him via email (john.matisz@thescore.com).

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Ranking NHL teams by tiers: The bottom 16

The NHL offseason has slowed to a crawl, and yet it feels like an abnormally high volume of notab...

The NHL offseason has slowed to a crawl, and yet it feels like an abnormally high volume of notable players remains in some version of limbo. We check in on the uncertainty and add key context to all the unfinished business.<h3>Jason Robertson, Stars</h3>Dallas is a legitimate Stanley Cup contender. Robertson is the club's best left winger. Why, then, is his name popping up in the NHL rumor mill?The Stars are in a sticky salary-cap situation with lots of money and term dedicated to core pieces while Robertson, a 2026 restricted free agent, looks to cash in too. Mikko Rantanen, Wyatt Johnston, Roope Hintz, Miro Heiskanen, and Jake Oettinger will make a combined $45.6 million annually for the rest of the decade, and rising star Thomas Harley can sign an extension any time.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/794704/cropped_GettyImages-2209988370.jpg?ts=1752779907" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/794704/w220xh124_GettyImages-2209988370.jpg?ts=1752779907 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/794704/w320xh180_GettyImages-2209988370.jpg?ts=1752779907 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/794704/w640xh360_GettyImages-2209988370.jpg?ts=1752779907 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/794704/w768xh432_GettyImages-2209988370.jpg?ts=1752779907 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/794704/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2209988370.jpg?ts=1752779907 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Sam Hodde / Getty Images</figcaption></figure>Having too many high-quality 20-something players is a textbook "champagne problem." It's nonetheless one Stars general manager Jim Nill must solve somehow, whether or not he keeps Robertson.A cerebral playmaker, Robertson followed up a 109-point 2022-23 with back-to-back seasons of 82 games, 80 points, and defensive improvements. He's due for a hefty raise from the $7.8 million he'll make this coming season.The Stars hold all the cards and could choose to hang onto Robertson for two years. But they've also got a proactive front office that's surely debating the trade option. The Maple Leafs, Kings, and Red Wings come to mind as good stylistic fits.<h3>Rasmus Andersson, Flames</h3>Andersson is a physical, minute-munching right-shot defenseman who blocks shots, kills penalties, and can move the puck. His cap hit of $4.6 million is tremendous value and his no-trade list is limited to six teams.Flames GM Craig Conroy should be sifting through a stack of offers. But Andersson, a 2026 unrestricted free agent, has his sights set on landing in Las Vegas, reports <a href="https://www.tsn.ca/nhl/insider-trading-mitch-marner-s-move-to-vegas-florida-panthers-masterclass-steals-the-spotlight-1.2329486">TSN's Pierre LeBrun</a>. That information becoming public diminishes Conroy's leverage.<figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/794811/cropped_GettyImages-2208238486.jpg?ts=1752864674" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/794811/w220xh124_GettyImages-2208238486.jpg?ts=1752864674 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/794811/w320xh180_GettyImages-2208238486.jpg?ts=1752864674 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/794811/w640xh360_GettyImages-2208238486.jpg?ts=1752864674 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/794811/w768xh432_GettyImages-2208238486.jpg?ts=1752864674 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/794811/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2208238486.jpg?ts=1752864674 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Jamie Sabau / Getty Images</figcaption></figure>Calgary could trade Andersson to one of the other 30 teams, but the return package would likely be underwhelming because everybody's aware of the Golden Knights connection. Or Conroy could send him to Vegas, where there's an opening on the top pair after Alex Pietrangelo announced he'll be sidelined for the foreseeable future (or perhaps permanently) due to a major injury.Even with Pietrangelo's contract on injured reserve, however, Vegas is in a cap crunch and will be prioritizing an extension for stud center and fellow 2026 UFA Jack Eichel. Complicating matters is the fact that Conroy didn't get a home-run return in the 2024 Noah Hanifin trade with the Golden Knights.It's probably best for Calgary to wait until the season starts to see what Andersson (with some salary retained) can fetch as a rental for a non-Vegas team.<h3>Connor McDavid, Oilers</h3>How's this for strange times: Sidney Crosby and Connor McDavid both have uncertain futures. Yes, Crosby most likely sticks it out in Pittsburgh and retires as a Penguin. But there's a nonzero chance the soon-to-be 38-year-old gets fed up with losing and opts to chase a fourth Cup in another uniform.The chances of McDavid leaving Edmonton are higher - although, like Crosby, the smart money's on him staying loyal to his only NHL home.<figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/794705/cropped_GettyImages-2219070656.jpg?ts=1752780181" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/794705/w220xh124_GettyImages-2219070656.jpg?ts=1752780181 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/794705/w320xh180_GettyImages-2219070656.jpg?ts=1752780181 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/794705/w640xh360_GettyImages-2219070656.jpg?ts=1752780181 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/794705/w768xh432_GettyImages-2219070656.jpg?ts=1752780181 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/794705/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2219070656.jpg?ts=1752780181 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Steph Chambers / Getty Images</figcaption></figure>McDavid's been eligible to sign an extension with the Oilers since July 1, and it's July 21. That alone is significant given what's at stake for the franchise and a generational player dying to win his first championship. McDavid, who's about to enter his 11th season, could be digesting a second straight Cup Final loss. Or waiting to see what management has up its sleeve in terms of late roster upgrades. Or considering an exit. Or a combination of all three.Training camp doesn't start for two months, and McDavid isn't a free agent until next summer. Oilers brass would be happy to hand him a blank check, so money isn't the issue. In other words, it's no time to panic in Edmonton. But ... until No. 97 puts pen to paper, the idea of him playing elsewhere remains real.<h3>Mason McTavish, Ducks</h3>McTavish is an RFA who slots in nicely behind Leo Carlsson on Anaheim's center depth chart. He should command around $7 million annually on a long-term deal - a palatable cap hit for a team with $21 million available.But GM Pat Verbeek has made a habit of grinding players down during extension talks. Just ask Troy Terry, Trevor Zegras (traded within two years of signing his second contract), and Jamie Drysdale (gone within 15 months).July is "probably the most that Mason McTavish has been available," insider Jeff Marek said July 11 on the <a href="https://x.com/sekeresandprice/status/1943765386325111109/">"Sekeres &amp; Price"</a> show. "And if he is available? Start the lineup of teams that are looking for a second-line center."<figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/794814/cropped_GettyImages-2178805801.jpg?ts=1752865030" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/794814/w220xh124_GettyImages-2178805801.jpg?ts=1752865030 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/794814/w320xh180_GettyImages-2178805801.jpg?ts=1752865030 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/794814/w640xh360_GettyImages-2178805801.jpg?ts=1752865030 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/794814/w768xh432_GettyImages-2178805801.jpg?ts=1752865030 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/794814/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2178805801.jpg?ts=1752865030 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Sean M. Haffey / Getty Images</figcaption></figure>Available, in this case, means via trade or offer sheet. While the Ducks would likely match any contract McTavish signs with a rival (mainly because they don't need the draft-pick compensation), it's still an interesting situation to monitor. Last year's offer-sheet drama between St. Louis and Edmonton went down in mid-August.McTavish would be a great add for the Canadiens, Flames, or Blackhawks.The 21-year-old is probably best known to casual fans as the guy who made an <a href="https://x.com/RobTheHockeyGuy/status/1561183883164393473">unbelievable defensive effort</a> in the gold-medal game of the 2022 world juniors. The 2021 third overall pick is 6-foot-1 and 219 pounds. He's effective in the faceoff circle and has some power-play utility as a dual-threat option.<h3>Marco Rossi, Wild</h3>The Wild and Rossi shouldn't be having any trouble hammering out an extension.Rossi, an RFA turning 24 in September, recorded the second-most points on the team last season (60 in 82 games). The smart, skilled, highly competitive 5-foot-9 Austrian is a homegrown top-six center. Minnesota has $10 million in cap space and no other significant spots to fill to finalize its 2025-26 roster.Problems lurk below the surface, however. Coach John Hynes demoted Rossi to the fourth line in the playoffs, dropping his nightly usage from 18 minutes in the regular season to 11 in the first-round series loss to Vegas. GM Bill Guerin's top to-do list item at the moment is to lock up Kirill Kaprizov. The superstar winger, who's been eligible for an extension since July 1, is due for Leon Draisaitl-type money (around $14 million average annual value) starting in 2026-27.<figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/794703/cropped_GettyImages-2210019439.jpg?ts=1752779742" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/794703/w220xh124_GettyImages-2210019439.jpg?ts=1752779742 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/794703/w320xh180_GettyImages-2210019439.jpg?ts=1752779742 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/794703/w640xh360_GettyImages-2210019439.jpg?ts=1752779742 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/794703/w768xh432_GettyImages-2210019439.jpg?ts=1752779742 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/794703/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2210019439.jpg?ts=1752779742 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Ellen Schmidt / Getty Images</figcaption></figure>Guerin <a href="https://www.startribune.com/wild-havent-signed-marco-rossi-yet-but-they-hold-the-hammer/601413796">has said</a> there's no rush to sign, trade, or match an offer sheet for Rossi. If he stays, a short-term extension makes sense, since it gives both player and team flexibility. If he leaves, a trade is far more likely than an offer sheet.Half of the league could use a second-line center, and Rossi still has upside.The Hurricanes desperately need to upgrade at 2C (Jesperi Kotkaniemi isn't going to cut it) and have plenty of cap space. Ditto for the Sabres, who picked Jack Quinn one spot before Rossi went to the Wild in the 2020 draft. Mammoth bench boss Andre Tourigny coached Rossi in junior, and they don't have as much wiggle room, but trading top-six winger Nick Schmaltz (plus a pick) could make the math work. Guerin wants to make a so-called "hockey trade" here.<h3>Tristan Jarry and Erik Karlsson, Penguins</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/794796/cropped_GettyImages-2209151009.jpg?ts=1752856285" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/794796/w220xh124_GettyImages-2209151009.jpg?ts=1752856285 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/794796/w320xh180_GettyImages-2209151009.jpg?ts=1752856285 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/794796/w640xh360_GettyImages-2209151009.jpg?ts=1752856285 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/794796/w768xh432_GettyImages-2209151009.jpg?ts=1752856285 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/794796/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2209151009.jpg?ts=1752856285 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Icon Sportswire / Getty Images</figcaption></figure>The rebuilding Penguins are the NHL's designated seller ahead of the season.Forwards Rickard Rakell and Bryan Rust will dominate every trade-bait board on the internet until they're moved. Jarry and Karlsson, meanwhile, are Pittsburgh's less obvious but ultimately more interesting trade chips.GM Kyle Dubas recently created a goalie logjam by acquiring AHL playoff MVP Arturs Silovs. The presences of Silovs and the promising Joel Blomqvist make Jarry expendable. The Oilers, for one, might view the 30-year-old former All-Star with a career save percentage of .909 as a worthwhile gamble. A Jarry-Stuart Skinner tandem beats another year of Skinner-Calvin Pickard if Edmonton can add Jarry on a reduced cap hit ($5.4 million).A Karlsson trade could be tricky to finalize, but the market for his services is probably more robust than Jarry's. The Pens would again need to retain salary as Karlsson's cap hit is $10 million for two years. Then Dubas would need to convince the three-time Norris Trophy winner to waive his no-move clause. Both hurdles can be cleared. Karlsson is a desirable asset at $5 million. The Swede looked rejuvenated during 4 Nations Face-Off action, and without a Cup at 35, he should be motivated to assume a smaller role on a contender.John Matisz is theScore's senior NHL writer. Follow John on Twitter (<a href="https://twitter.com/MatiszJohn">@MatiszJohn</a>) or contact him via email (john.matisz@thescore.com).

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Unfinished business: 7 players to watch in back half of NHL offseason

Welcome to NHL Inbox, a monthly forum in which readers can ask me anything hockey-related, and I ...

Welcome to NHL Inbox, a monthly forum in which readers can ask me anything hockey-related, and I try my best to deliver an insightful answer.Note: the questions below were lightly edited for clarity and brevity.<figure class="article-segment--embed"><center>                    </center></figure><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/794555/cropped_GettyImages-2159835493.jpg?ts=1752684415" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/794555/w220xh124_GettyImages-2159835493.jpg?ts=1752684415 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/794555/w320xh180_GettyImages-2159835493.jpg?ts=1752684415 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/794555/w640xh360_GettyImages-2159835493.jpg?ts=1752684415 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/794555/w768xh432_GettyImages-2159835493.jpg?ts=1752684415 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/794555/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2159835493.jpg?ts=1752684415 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Dave Sandford / Getty Images</figcaption></figure>T.J. asks: Out of the Sharks, Blackhawks, Ducks, Red Wings, and Sabres, which team is on track for the most successful rebuild? Which team or teams have had the least successful rebuilds and have to restart? Is there a specific formula for a successful rebuild? If so, which factors are most important?<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>San Jose is the winner here.General manager Mike Grier has continually turned old core pieces (Tomas Hertl, Brent Burns) and established NHLers who don't factor into the long-term plan (Jake Walman, Mackenzie Blackwood) into futures. The payoff: tons of draft capital, a stacked prospect pool, and a clean cap sheet. Most crucially, Grier has assembled an enviable under-24 core headlined by Macklin Celebrini, Michael Misa, Will Smith, Sam Dickinson, and Yaroslav Askarov. Ryan Warsofsky, promoted to head coach last summer, is the right leader.The Sharks have laid such a strong foundation that something would have to go horribly wrong for them not to emerge as a top 10 NHL team in 5-10 years.The Red Wings and Sabres are at the other end of the spectrum. Detroit's timeline stagnated in large part due to GM Steve Yzerman's poor free-agent signings in three consecutive offseasons (2022-24). Buffalo, whose all-time playoff drought has reached 14 seasons, occupies a unique position in the league. The roster looks capable of claiming a wild-card spot, but the stink of the past and empty seats have led to shortcuts in the team-building process.As for a rebuilding formula, there's no magical one-size-fits-all approach.However, a few things stand out: <ul>
<li>You must hit home runs on high first-round picks</li>
<li>You must give young NHLers runway to develop</li>
<li>You must avoid long-term contracts for veterans</li>
</ul>There's one giant caveat to this entire discussion: luck plays a significant role. It's extremely helpful if the bottoming-out portion of your rebuild aligns with a strong draft class and even more fortuitous if lottery balls bounce your way.<figure class="article-segment--embed"><center>                    </center></figure><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/794572/cropped_GettyImages-2191985985.jpg?ts=1752691728" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/794572/w220xh124_GettyImages-2191985985.jpg?ts=1752691728 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/794572/w320xh180_GettyImages-2191985985.jpg?ts=1752691728 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/794572/w640xh360_GettyImages-2191985985.jpg?ts=1752691728 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/794572/w768xh432_GettyImages-2191985985.jpg?ts=1752691728 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/794572/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2191985985.jpg?ts=1752691728 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Chase Agnello-Dean / Getty Images</figcaption></figure>Andrew D. asks: How can the Blackhawks improve next season, as they haven't improved at all since drafting Connor Bedard? Do you think GM Kyle Davidson should be gone? Let's start with the second question: No, Davidson shouldn't be gone.Chicago finished with 61 points in 2024-25, a nine-point improvement on Bedard's rookie season. That's not a huge leap, but it's a step forward. Big picture, Davidson has constructed a promising blue line, acquired a starting goalie in Spencer Knight, and taken swings on high-upside forwards early in the draft.He gets a B-minus grade for his full body of work since March 2022.That said, ownership should be asking Davidson a few tough questions at this point in the rebuild, including: "How are you going to keep Bedard, who's currently eligible for a contract extension, happy in 2025-26 and beyond?"I count only one top-line forward on the Hawks' current roster, and it's Bedard. While GMs should never recklessly chase short-term fixes to long-term problems, Davidson needs to add offensive juice to his forward group. Youngsters Frank Nazar and Oliver Moore look primed to blossom into impact NHLers one day; they don't qualify as proper Bedard running mates right now.Davidson has ammunition to acquire a legitimate top-six forward in the form of two first-round picks and three seconds in the much-hyped 2026 draft. Chicago's own 2026 first should be off-limits (it could be Gavin McKenna!). However, the club's other first, originally Florida's and likely to land late in the first round, is more expendable. Many clubs will also be interested in those seconds.<figure class="article-segment--embed"><center>                    </center></figure><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/794651/cropped_GettyImages-144086912.jpg?ts=1752761087" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/794651/w220xh124_GettyImages-144086912.jpg?ts=1752761087 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/794651/w320xh180_GettyImages-144086912.jpg?ts=1752761087 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/794651/w640xh360_GettyImages-144086912.jpg?ts=1752761087 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/794651/w768xh432_GettyImages-144086912.jpg?ts=1752761087 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/794651/w1080xh607_GettyImages-144086912.jpg?ts=1752761087 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Denis Brodeur / Getty Images</figcaption></figure>Bowenable asks: What are the three most unknown rules in hockey? I scanned the NHL's 234-page rulebook and didn't find much that would fall under "most unknown." However, there are some quirky rules worth sharing.Rule 9.2 pertains to jersey numbers. I knew fractions, decimals, and triple digits were banned, but I didn't realize zero and double zero were also on the can't-wear list. Defenseman Neil Sheehy was the last player to wear No. 0, and goalie Martin Biron was the last to rock No. 00. The NHL banned both numbers in 1996-97, which means a player today has the option of wearing Nos. 1 through 98 (Wayne Gretzky's 99 is retired across the league).Rule 10.1 is about sticks, including maximum length. "No stick shall exceed 63 inches in length from the heel to the end of the shaft," it reads, "nor more than 12.5 inches from the heel to the end of the blade." What's interesting here is that players can submit a request for a length exemption, but only if they're 6-foot-6 or taller. This tells me the NHL unofficially considers 6-foot-6 not just tall but the start of the freakishly tall tier. Zdeno Chara, 6-foot-9 in shoes and 7-feet on skates, famously used a 67-inch stick.Rule 10.4 deals with broken goalie sticks. Did you know that, unlike a forward or defenseman, "a goalkeeper may continue to play with a broken stick until a stoppage of play or until he has one legally provided to him" by a teammate?Rule 66.1 covers forfeited games. There hasn't been a forfeit in the NHL in 70 years. But, if a game is indeed declared forfeited before puck drop, the final score will be 1-0, and "no player shall be credited with any personal statistics."<figure class="article-segment--embed"><center>                    </center></figure><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/794678/cropped_GettyImages-2213353057.jpg?ts=1752767057" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/794678/w220xh124_GettyImages-2213353057.jpg?ts=1752767057 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/794678/w320xh180_GettyImages-2213353057.jpg?ts=1752767057 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/794678/w640xh360_GettyImages-2213353057.jpg?ts=1752767057 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/794678/w768xh432_GettyImages-2213353057.jpg?ts=1752767057 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/794678/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2213353057.jpg?ts=1752767057 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Tyler Tate / Getty Images</figcaption></figure>Gary T. asks: With the speculation about two expansion teams coming soon, thus bringing the number of NHL teams to 34, what do you consider too many teams? Do you think the NHL or other North American leagues would move to a tiered/relegation-type system like in European soccer at some point?I think 32 is ideal because it means 16 teams per conference, with eight of 16 making the playoffs. Plus, the on-ice product is superb in 2025, boasting a near-perfect blend of speed, skill, scoring, defending, and rough stuff.While I understand why the NHL is open to expanding again ($$$), jumping from 32 to 34 teams feels riskier than leaping from 30 to 32, especially when paired with the 84-game schedule coming in 2026-27. The talent pool would be further diluted, and it'd be a chore to keep up with activity across the league. Fans aren't asking for any of this."The game is growing and there's more countries playing and producing high-end players, so maybe overall there's a bigger talent pool to draw from and that balances everything out," former Canucks assistant GM Chris Gear told me for a <a href="https://www.thescore.com/nhl/news/2801816">2024 story</a> about expansion. "But, I do think you want to be careful. If you expand too many times, too quickly - before that pool of players broadens enough - you might just be watering down the league a little bit."The NHL won't move to a tiered/relegation-type system for many reasons. First and foremost, the pro hockey infrastructure is too weak. AHL and ECHL teams don't have big enough fan bases or arenas to support promotions.<figure class="article-segment--embed"><center>                    </center></figure><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/794664/cropped_GettyImages-2186526428.jpg?ts=1752764878" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/794664/w220xh124_GettyImages-2186526428.jpg?ts=1752764878 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/794664/w320xh180_GettyImages-2186526428.jpg?ts=1752764878 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/794664/w640xh360_GettyImages-2186526428.jpg?ts=1752764878 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/794664/w768xh432_GettyImages-2186526428.jpg?ts=1752764878 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/794664/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2186526428.jpg?ts=1752764878 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Mark Blinch / Getty Images</figcaption></figure>Matt H. asks: With the salary cap finally rising significantly, will the gap be bridged between the teams in the lower-tax states (Florida, Texas, etc.) and the higher-grossing teams (Toronto, New York, etc.)? From a team-building perspective, will it level the playing field in free agency?We're in for a ride: The cap is increasing from $88 million in 2024-25 to $95.5 million in 2025-26 to $104 million in 2026-27 to $113.5 million in 2027-28.That's a $25.5 million jump over four seasons - unprecedented growth.Clubs with owners willing to spend to the upper limit of the cap every season, no matter what, should benefit greatly during this stretch because not every owner can afford to go all out financially all the time. (We already see this with signing bonuses: the teams willing to pay out a large chunk of a player's earnings in bonuses have a distinct advantage.) The contrast will likely be most noticeable among rebuilding teams, where the richest will still spend plenty of money, but the poorest will struggle to hit the cap's floor.Yes, it'll help bridge the gap between teams in low-tax areas and teams in high-tax areas. But I also believe that the entire tax discourse is overblown.Having more of your paycheck end up in your bank account is a major factor, yet by no means the only meaningful one for unrestricted free agents.Do you have a chance to win a Stanley Cup? Do you like the owner, GM, and head coach? Will you have a prominent on-ice role? Are the facilities first class? Are your aging parents somewhat close? How are the nearby schools? Weather?<figure class="article-segment--embed"><center>                    </center></figure>What do you want to know, hockey fans?There are three ways to submit a question for future NHL Inbox editions:<ul>
<li>Comment on this article in theScore app</li>
<li>Email senior NHL writer John Matisz at <a href="mailto:john.matisz@theScore.com">john.matisz@thescore.com</a>
</li>
<li>Send John a message on X (<a href="https://x.com/MatiszJohn">@matiszjohn</a>)</li>
</ul>

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NHL Inbox: Best rebuild? Quirkiest rules? Impact of rising salary cap?

With the entry draft and opening of free agency in the rearview mirror, the NHL is entering the s...

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1 quick thought on all 32 NHL teams as offseason activity slows

The NHL's annual free-agent frenzy is underway. The action started a day early this year, with re...

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NHL free agency: Analysis of the biggest moves

The NHL salary cap will increase to $95.5 million in 2025-26, marking the biggest year-to-year ju...

The NHL salary cap will increase to $95.5 million in 2025-26, marking the biggest year-to-year jump ($7.5 million) since the cap arrived two decades ago.This means most clubs have ample cap space to make a splash when free agency officially opens at 12 p.m. ET Tuesday. One issue: a lot of the high-profile pending unrestricted free agents - most notably Sam Bennett, John Tavares, and Matt Duchene - recently re-signed with their current teams."Anybody can go and look at the list of potential (impact) free agents and see there aren't that many," Red Wings general manager Steve Yzerman told reporters Saturday.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Nevertheless, with seemingly every franchise in the league but the Penguins looking to improve and names like Mitch Marner, Brad Marchand, and Aaron Ekblad still available, there will be drama. Here are three teams to watch:<figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/792400/cropped_GettyImages-2189000939.jpg?ts=1751222832" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/792400/w220xh124_GettyImages-2189000939.jpg?ts=1751222832 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/792400/w320xh180_GettyImages-2189000939.jpg?ts=1751222832 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/792400/w640xh360_GettyImages-2189000939.jpg?ts=1751222832 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/792400/w768xh432_GettyImages-2189000939.jpg?ts=1751222832 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/792400/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2189000939.jpg?ts=1751222832 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Jonathan Kozub / Getty Images</figcaption></figure>Golden Knights: Vegas and Toronto are <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3304873" href="https://thescore.com/news/3304873">reportedly</a> discussing a sign-and-trade deal that could send pending UFA and superstar winger Marner to Sin City. The Golden Knights have only $5.6 million in cap space next season, <a href="https://puckpedia.com/">according to PuckPedia</a>, so GM Kelly McCrimmon has to jump through some financial hoops. Defenseman Alex Pietrangelo may end up on long-term injured reserve, while defenseman Nic Hague and center Nick Roy are among several players potentially on the move. If Vegas strikes out with Marner, don't be surprised if it pivots to Marchand or fellow winger Nikolaj Ehlers. Coach Bruce Cassidy desperately needs an offensive catalyst (or two) on the wings.Hurricanes: Carolina has made the playoffs in each of Rod Brind'Amour's seven years behind the bench, yet has never advanced to the Stanley Cup Final. The club acquired a game-breaking forward midseason in back-to-back years, but both Jake Guentzel and Mikko Rantanen were gone before the next campaign. GM Eric Tulsky is armed with $26.7 million in cap space - a luxury for a Cup contender. While Marner is the only pending UFA of the superstar variety, Ehlers would be an OK consolation prize. Mikael Granlund could make sense at second-line center. The Canes are the type of team that won't hesitate to offer a restricted free agent an offer sheet (Marco Rossi? Mason McTavish?) or pull off a massive trade. They're a highly motivated group.Ducks: GM Pat Verbeek has <a href="https://www.nhl.com/ducks/news/ducks-gm-verbeek-discusses-not-retaining-cronin-as-coach-and-other-topics">stated publicly </a>that he wants to be aggressive in an attempt to make the 2026 playoffs. He's reshaped a chunk of the roster over the past seven months, swapping out Trevor Zegras, John Gibson, Cam Fowler, and Brian Dumoulin for Chris Kreider, Jacob Trouba, and Ryan Poehling. Marner (if still available), Ehlers, and sniping winger Brock Boeser are obvious targets to upgrade what remains a below-average forward group. Ekblad would be an interesting addition to the right side of a blue line that already has Trouba and Radko Gudas. Anaheim has a whopping $36 million in cap space but must be careful with a bunch of key extensions on the horizon.<h3>Goalie trade market heating up?</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/792379/cropped_GettyImages-2206771502.jpg?ts=1751214022" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/792379/w220xh124_GettyImages-2206771502.jpg?ts=1751214022 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/792379/w320xh180_GettyImages-2206771502.jpg?ts=1751214022 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/792379/w640xh360_GettyImages-2206771502.jpg?ts=1751214022 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/792379/w768xh432_GettyImages-2206771502.jpg?ts=1751214022 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/792379/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2206771502.jpg?ts=1751214022 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Debora Robinson / Getty Images</figcaption></figure>Yzerman finally put an end to Gibson's years-long residency in the rumor mill Saturday, acquiring the American goalie from the Ducks in exchange for veteran backup Petr Mrazek and two draft picks."We think John has a lot of good hockey in him," Yzerman said of a 31-year-old who peaked in his 20s and earns $6.4 million a year through 2026-27.Also on Saturday, the Blues avoided a potential offer sheet by inking promising youngster and pending RFA Joel Hofer to a two-year deal.Edmonton, Philadelphia, Carolina, Utah, and San Jose are among the teams that need (or surely could use) an upgrade at either starter or backup. Yet the big UFA prize is ... 34-year-old Jake Allen. Other intriguing but ultimately middling options include Anton Forsberg, Alex Lyon, and Dan Vladar (if he doesn't re-sign with Calgary). The second tier of UFAs - James Reimer, Alexandar Georgiev, Vitek Vanecek, Ilya Samsonov, etc. - offers little hope.<figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/769007/cropped_GettyImages-2197162820.jpg?ts=1751223062" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/769007/w220xh124_GettyImages-2197162820.jpg?ts=1751223062 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/769007/w320xh180_GettyImages-2197162820.jpg?ts=1751223062 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/769007/w640xh360_GettyImages-2197162820.jpg?ts=1751223062 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/769007/w768xh432_GettyImages-2197162820.jpg?ts=1751223062 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/769007/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2197162820.jpg?ts=1751223062 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Jeff Vinnick / Getty Images</figcaption></figure>Perhaps the Gibson deal is a wink toward further trade activity. Vancouver's Thatcher Demko and Arturs Silovs, the Islanders' Semyon Varlamov, Columbus' Elvis Merzlikins, Pittsburgh's Alex Nedeljkovic, and Chicago's Arvid Soderblom all leap off the page as trade candidates this summer.Demko, who's proven himself to be a top-10 NHL goalie when healthy, is the most desirable. The Canucks re-upped Kevin Lankinen through 2029-30 in February and have the developing Silovs under contract for another year. One of Vancouver's three goalies is surely on the move at some point this offseason, and Demko would yield by far the biggest return. The American has a season and $5 million left on a deal that leads him to 2026 free agency.Varlamov is old but reliable, boasting a .916 save percentage in 621 career games. The 37-year-old is stuck behind star Ilya Sorokin on the depth chart of a team in transition on Long Island. His $2.75 million cap hit through 2026-27 is palatable, although he has some power with a 16-team no-trade list.<h3>5 team-related draft trends</h3>Blackhawks: Chicago left Day 1 with Anton Frondell, Vaclav Nestrasil, and Mason West - three large forwards with high upside. The Blackhawks doubled down on size in Rounds 2-7, with all five picks listed at 6-foot-2 or taller. The club asked prospects at the scouting combine to name the toughest draft-eligible player in their respective league. WHLers said defenseman Ashton Cumby, so the Hawks spent the 162nd pick on the soon-to-be 20-year-old fighter."We felt the need to get a little bit harder, tougher, to protect some of our skilled guys," director of amateur scouting Mike Doneghey told reporters.<figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/792361/cropped_GettyImages-2187217826.jpg?ts=1751204954" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/792361/w220xh124_GettyImages-2187217826.jpg?ts=1751204954 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/792361/w320xh180_GettyImages-2187217826.jpg?ts=1751204954 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/792361/w640xh360_GettyImages-2187217826.jpg?ts=1751204954 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/792361/w768xh432_GettyImages-2187217826.jpg?ts=1751204954 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/792361/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2187217826.jpg?ts=1751204954 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Dennis Pajot / Getty Images</figcaption></figure>Stars: Dallas didn't make a selection until the third-last pick of the third round. The Stars used No. 94 on 5-foot-8, 160-pound goal-scoring winger Cameron Schmidt. It wasn't a reach (some scouts view the fast, highly skilled Schmidt as a first-round talent), but it certainly creates a tidy narrative about Stars GM Jim Nill and his belief in a specific type of player. Nill selected 5-foot-8, 170-pound goal-scoring winger Logan Stankoven 47th overall in 2021. Stankoven is, of course, now a member of the Hurricanes thanks to the Rantanen trade.Kings: Four of Los Angeles' nine picks were in their second year of eligibility - Kristian Epperson (88th overall), Caeden Herrington (120th), Petteri Rimpinen (152nd), and Brendan McMorrow (196th). The Kings have a history of drafting late bloomers, most notably selecting future NHLers Tanner Pearson and Wayne Simmonds as re-entries. Older prospects are often closer to the finished product, which, depending on the player, can be seen as a positive.<figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/792362/cropped_GettyImages-2222636823.jpg?ts=1751205042" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/792362/w220xh124_GettyImages-2222636823.jpg?ts=1751205042 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/792362/w320xh180_GettyImages-2222636823.jpg?ts=1751205042 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/792362/w640xh360_GettyImages-2222636823.jpg?ts=1751205042 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/792362/w768xh432_GettyImages-2222636823.jpg?ts=1751205042 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/792362/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2222636823.jpg?ts=1751205042 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Jeff Vinnick / Getty Images</figcaption></figure>Hurricanes: As I mentioned in my <a href="https://thescore.com/news/3304131">Day 2 cheat sheet</a>, Carolina can be counted on to do three things at the draft: trade down, pick undersized, skilled forwards, and select multiple Russians. The Hurricanes didn't disappoint over the weekend, trading out of the first round Friday and then making two more pick-swap deals Saturday. They selected tiny Swedish forward Viggo Nordlund in the sixth round and used four of their seven picks on Russian players. Third-rounder Kurban Limatov - a 6-foot-4 blue-liner from Moscow - could be one of the steals of the draft. Pundits had him pegged as an early second-round talent."If other teams are afraid to draft a player from a certain country, that's really out of our control," assistant GM Darren Yorke <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/2935281" href="https://thescore.com/news/2935281">told theScore</a> after last year's draft, which included six Russian picks. "It's very simple: We're just trying to get the best hockey players as we can, irrespective of where they're born."Penguins: Kyle Dubas' obsession with current and former Soo Greyhounds players continues. The Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, native and ex-GM of the storied OHL franchise picked Soo forwards Travis Hayes and Jordan Charron at Nos. 105 and 154. Michael Bunting, Conor Timmins, Jared McCann, Jack Campbell, Rasmus Sandin, Nick Ritchie, Matt Murray, and Joe Thornton are among the many Greyhounds players who've played for or been drafted to Dubas' teams in Toronto and Pittsburgh. Dubas has also hired plenty of staff with Soo connections, including former Maple Leafs coach Sheldon Keefe.<h3>7 league-related draft notes</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/792366/cropped_GettyImages-2222644212.jpg?ts=1751208916" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/792366/w220xh124_GettyImages-2222644212.jpg?ts=1751208916 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/792366/w320xh180_GettyImages-2222644212.jpg?ts=1751208916 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/792366/w640xh360_GettyImages-2222644212.jpg?ts=1751208916 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/792366/w768xh432_GettyImages-2222644212.jpg?ts=1751208916 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/792366/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2222644212.jpg?ts=1751208916 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Juan Ocampo / Getty Images</figcaption></figure>Friday's first round was unique, with almost two-thirds of the selections made by just eight teams. Chicago, Nashville, Pittsburgh, and the Islanders each made three picks, while Columbus, Calgary, Philadelphia, and San Jose had two apiece.The class featured a disproportionate number of massive humans. Fifteen draftees, including 11 skaters, are listed at 6-foot-6 or taller. There was a run on huge defensemen to start Round 2, with Simon Wang (6-6), Jacob Rombach (6-7), Blake Fiddler (6-5), Carter Amico (6-6), and Peyton Kettles (6-6) all going within the first seven picks.It was a rough year for Finland - only nine Finnish-born draftees, with the lone first-rounder (Sascha Boumedienne) actually playing for Sweden internationally.The WHL showed extremely well, finishing second to the OHL in draftees produced (38-33). Both Canadian junior leagues had nine first-round players.The U.S. National Team Development Program had a down year. No active NTDP players were selected in Round 1 for the first time since 2008. That said, first-rounders James Hagens, Logan Hensler, William Horcoff, and Cullen Potter all spent time at the NTDP before moving on to the NCAA.<figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/792367/cropped_GettyImages-2222548968.jpg?ts=1751208999" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/792367/w220xh124_GettyImages-2222548968.jpg?ts=1751208999 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/792367/w320xh180_GettyImages-2222548968.jpg?ts=1751208999 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/792367/w640xh360_GettyImages-2222548968.jpg?ts=1751208999 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/792367/w768xh432_GettyImages-2222548968.jpg?ts=1751208999 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/792367/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2222548968.jpg?ts=1751208999 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Matt Winkelmeyer / Getty Images</figcaption></figure>Meanwhile, with the Kings picking Henry Brzustewicz at No. 31, the OHL's London Knights again had a presence in the first round. The perennial NHL talent factory has produced at least one first-rounder in nine of the past 11 drafts.Lastly, a big-picture take on the 2025 class from Mark Dennehy. The Devils' chief amateur scout called it "a bit of a crazy draft" with the high number of pick swaps and so little consensus on late-round players. He pointed out how the draftees were 12 or 13 years old when the pandemic hit in 2020, causing them to lose valuable development time during a crucial age due to league shutdowns."They could skate, they could shoot pucks, they could stickhandle (on their own), but there was a time when nobody was playing (games) because we couldn't," Dennehy said. "How much effect that's had on this group, I don't know. But I'm sure there are (late-round) players who will pop because their development has been somewhat stunted by that lack of competition."John Matisz is theScore's senior NHL writer. Follow John on Twitter (<a href="https://twitter.com/MatiszJohn">@MatiszJohn</a>) or contact him via email (john.matisz@thescore.com).

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Teams to watch on July 1, draft trends, and other NHL offseason items

Capitals assistant general manager Ross Mahoney dropped some knowledge earlier this week, informi...

Capitals assistant general manager Ross Mahoney dropped some knowledge earlier this week, informing D.C.-based reporters that, on average, about 52 players from every draft enjoy meaningful NHL careers (minimum 250 games).The 2025 class "could be a little bit lighter" on NHLers, Mahoney noted. In the next breath, the longtime scout added that sometimes, a class surprises talent evaluators. A stacked group of prospects can look ordinary five years later while a so-called weak one can look extraordinary in due time.What tends to determine the quality of a draft class' depth? The players chosen in Rounds 2-7.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Below is a cheat sheet for Day 2 of the 2025 draft in Los Angeles, which begins at 12 p.m. ET on Saturday and will be broadcast on NHL Network/ESPN+ in the United States and Sportsnet/Sportsnet One in Canada.<h3>4 intriguing players</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/791891/cropped_GettyImages-2191628695.jpg?ts=1750876283" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/791891/w220xh124_GettyImages-2191628695.jpg?ts=1750876283 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/791891/w320xh180_GettyImages-2191628695.jpg?ts=1750876283 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/791891/w640xh360_GettyImages-2191628695.jpg?ts=1750876283 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/791891/w768xh432_GettyImages-2191628695.jpg?ts=1750876283 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/791891/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2191628695.jpg?ts=1750876283 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Getty Images</figcaption></figure>Jack Ivankovic: The Mississauga, Ontario, native checks off a lot of boxes for a modern goalie - efficient skater, extremely athletic, highly competitive, nice hands. Each trait was on display in May at the Under-18 worlds, where Ivankovic's tournament-best netminding helped lead Canada to a gold medal.Ivankovic didn't hear his name called Friday mostly because he's 5-foot-11. That may seem silly, but the Predators' Juuse Saros was the only sub-6-footer among the 103 goalies who dressed in an NHL game last season. Ivankovic told theScore he's well on his way to pass the 6-foot mark: He's grown half an inch since May, he has big feet and hands, and he's got tall-man genes (a 6-foot-5 father).Ivankovic is headed to the University of Michigan in the fall following two seasons with the OHL's Brampton Steelheads. He's making the jump to face stiffer competition, spend more time in the gym, and learn from goalie coach Kevin Reiter, who's worked with NHLers like Jeremy Swayman and Jake Oettinger. The deal was sealed by a promise of starter's minutes in his freshman year."I couldn't turn it down," said Ivankovic, who looks up to 5-foot-11 Saros and 6-foot-1 Rangers star Igor Shesterkin."Their skating and hockey IQ are really next level. Those are two things I really look at in my game," he said. "They're playing in the NHL and doing really well and are a similar height, so why can't I do the same one day?"<figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/792253/cropped_GettyImages-2218398702.jpg?ts=1751082599" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/792253/w220xh124_GettyImages-2218398702.jpg?ts=1751082599 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/792253/w320xh180_GettyImages-2218398702.jpg?ts=1751082599 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/792253/w640xh360_GettyImages-2218398702.jpg?ts=1751082599 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/792253/w768xh432_GettyImages-2218398702.jpg?ts=1751082599 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/792253/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2218398702.jpg?ts=1751082599 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Bill Wippert / Getty Images</figcaption></figure>Simon Wang: There might not be anyone in the 2025 class who fits the description "raw prospect" better than Wang. He's a tremendous skater in general, and that's extra impressive considering he's a gigantic defenseman (6-foot-6 and 220 pounds with the longest wingspan measured at the combine at 82.25 inches). Wang is lauded for his agility and competitive streak. However, his questionable hockey sense throws a wrench into an otherwise lofty projection.Born in Beijing, Wang started playing hockey at 4 years old. He moved to Toronto at 12 to continue his development and has been on an upward trajectory ever since. He went in the fifth round of the 2023 OHL Draft, split 2024-25 between Jr. A and the OHL, and is off to Boston University in the fall.It's very possible Wang makes history Saturday. He's expected to pass Kevin He (109th overall to the Jets in 2024) as the highest Chinese-born draft pick.L.J. Mooney: In a few years, Mooney will either be a feel-good story who's starting to prove his doubters wrong or a forgettable prospect whose flaws have been exposed at the pro level.Mooney is a diminutive winger out of the U.S. National Team Development Program. He boasts elite skating, standout puck skills, and above-average smarts. There's a fearlessness to his game that reminds scouts of Canucks forward Conor Garland. But there are significant concerns over his build (5-foot-7, 157 pounds), recent injuries relating to that build, and bouts of inconsistency.In other words, Mooney's a low-floor, high-ceiling player - boom or bust. He's worth a flier in the back half of the draft but he may ultimately go undrafted.Malcolm Spence: It's easy to envision Spence developing into a middle-six winger for 15 NHL seasons. His attention to detail is excellent, he forechecks and backchecks with a vengeance, and he doesn't hurt for size and strength (6-foot-2, 201 pounds). The knock against him? Limited dynamic skill.Spence was projected to go in the first round by most pundits, and he'll make some team super happy Saturday. He screams "future Carolina Hurricane," so the easy money's on the Canes selecting him with the second pick of Round 2.<h3>4 teams to watch</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/791871/cropped_GettyImages-1504491580.jpg?ts=1750869142" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/791871/w220xh124_GettyImages-1504491580.jpg?ts=1750869142 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/791871/w320xh180_GettyImages-1504491580.jpg?ts=1750869142 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/791871/w640xh360_GettyImages-1504491580.jpg?ts=1750869142 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/791871/w768xh432_GettyImages-1504491580.jpg?ts=1750869142 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/791871/w1080xh607_GettyImages-1504491580.jpg?ts=1750869142 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Bruce Bennett / Getty Images</figcaption></figure>Montreal Canadiens: Led by president Jeff Gorton and GM Kent Hughes, the Habs entered Friday with a league-high 12 selections. They packaged their two first-rounders (Nos. 16 and 17) to acquire impact blue-liner Noah Dobson from the Islanders in the afternoon. It was a win-now move worth pulling the trigger on. The Canadiens still own No. 41 for helping Pittsburgh facilitate the 2023 Erik Karlsson trade and also hold a second top-50 pick with their own second-rounder (49). Montreal's prospect pipeline is deep and diverse. Expect the Canadiens to select the best player available with each Day 2 pick.Pittsburgh Penguins: GM Kyle Dubas has a mediocre record through seven years of drafting in Toronto and Pittsburgh. His work Friday was a <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3304505" href="https://thescore.com/news/3304505">mixed bag</a>. Day 2 offers eight picks, including 73rd, 84th, and 85th, to bring the top-100 total to six. As the Pens transition between eras, they have a middling farm system but a whopping 30 selections spread across 2025, 2026, and 2027.Carolina Hurricanes: The Canes never fall in line. Take last year's draft weekend: They swapped picks three times, flipping a first to Chicago for two seconds, then a second to Columbus for a third and fifth, then a third to Chicago (2024) for another third (2025). Carolina used six of its 10 selections on Russian players despite many teams shying away from Russians due to a lack of live viewings and signability concerns. They also aren't afraid of undersized forwards, with four of their five forward picks listed below 6 feet.Anaheim Ducks: Ducks assistant GM Martin Madden has led or co-led the club's draft since 2008, and boy, does he have an eye for defensemen. Jake Gardiner, Justin Schultz, Sami Vatanen, Cam Fowler, Josh Manson, Hampus Lindholm, Shea Theodore, Marcus Pettersson, Brandon Montour, and Josh Mahura are all Martin-era picks, and they've all played at least 250 NHL games. Jackson LaCombe, Henry Thrun, Jamie Drysdale, Olen Zellweger, Pavel Mintyukov, Tristan Luneau, and Stian Solberg are all trending to hit 250 as well. The Ducks have nine Day 2 picks; surely one will become an everyday D-man.John Matisz is theScore's senior NHL writer. Follow John on Twitter (<a href="https://twitter.com/MatiszJohn">@MatiszJohn</a>) or contact him via email (john.matisz@thescore.com).

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - JUNE 27: NHL commissioner Gary Bettman talks before the first round of the 2025 Upper Deck NHL Draft at the Peacock Theater on June 27, 2025 in Los Angeles, California.

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NHL draft Day 2 cheat sheet: Intriguing players, teams to watch

Senior NHL writer John Matisz offers his insights on the most interesting picks and notable moves...

Senior NHL writer John Matisz offers his insights on the most interesting picks and notable moves Friday night during the opening round of the NHL draft.<h3>Isles make franchise-altering pick</h3>Mathieu Darche's first pick as Islanders GM is a no-brainer that immediately changes the club's trajectory. Matthew Schaefer is a safe bet to blossom into a minute-munching top-pair defenseman. He has the foundation - elite hockey sense, wonderful puck skills, exemplary skating, ample bite and size - to potentially challenge for a Norris Trophy down the road. The Islanders, who traded blue-liner Noah Dobson to Montreal earlier Friday, jumped nine spots during the draft lottery. The club last picked first overall in 2009 (John Tavares).<h3>Sharks don't overthink it at No. 2</h3>After some predraft buzz linking Anton Frondell to the Sharks, general manager Mike Grier makes the logical choice by selecting the consensus top forward in the class. Michael Misa, a projected impact top-six center, has a bulletproof profile. He's a dual offensive threat who's fast, physical, and competitive. The Oakville, Ontario, native put up an OHL-high 134 points in 65 games. San Jose has built an enviable young core - Macklin Celebrini and Misa at center, Will Smith and William Eklund on the wing, Sam Dickinson on defense, and Yaroslav Askarov in net.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><h3>Hawks play it safe with Anton Frondell</h3>Chicago selects a two-way center in Frondell over a handful of other viable options, including Porter Martone, James Hagens, and Caleb Desnoyers. Frondell boasts arguably the best shot in the class and earns comparisons stylistically to Panthers center Anton Lundell. The 6-foot-1, 205-pounder recorded the highest points-per-game rate ever for an 18-year-old playing in Sweden's second-best pro league. The Blackhawks have grabbed a bunch of high-octane forwards in recent drafts, most notably sniper Connor Bedard, so Frondell adds a different element to their core.<h3>Utah finds second-line center at No. 4</h3>Caleb Desnoyers, an all-around forward out of the QMJHL's Moncton Wildcats, brings needed depth to Utah's center group. The club will be icing a one-two-three punch of Logan Cooley, Desnoyers, and Barrett Hayton sooner than later. Desnoyers is known for his detail-oriented game, playmaking, bite, and big-game performances. The Mammoth are becoming the main character of the offseason: They acquired and extended star forward JJ Peterka from the Sabres on Wednesday, just made a sizable splash in the top five of the draft, and are expected to be active in free agency.<h3>Preds take chance on late-rising Martin</h3>Predators GM Barry Trotz said in 2023 that he wants to take some "high-end swings" at the draft. Picking Brady Martin at fifth is a swing, but it's not necessarily a high-end one with more talented players still available. Martin is the biggest late-season riser of the class due to phenomenal showings at the U-18 worlds and scouting combine. A proven goal-scorer in the OHL, Martin is competitive and physical to the point of instilling fear in opponents. He projects to be an all-situations top-six forward. Nashville last picked in the top 10 of the draft in 2013. The Predators also have the 23rd and 26th selections. Do they leave Day 1 with a player from each position? It's very possible.<h3>James Hagens' slide ends with Bruins</h3>Hagens was the consensus No. 1 prospect coming into the season. Then he put up 37 points in 37 games for Boston College as a freshman. He slid to seventh mostly due to overscouting. Hagens' game was nitpicked over several years in the spotlight, and within a few seasons, there may be a high-picking club - perhaps the Flyers, who drafted winger Porter Martone sixth - that regrets passing on the dynamic center. Hagens possesses sick skating, puck skills, and vision. He rockets to the top of Boston's prospect pool.<h3>Top 10 rounded out by 3 intriguing kids</h3>At No. 8, the Kraken snag arguably the most creative player in the class in playmaking center Jake O'Brien. (Seattle's now five drafts into its existence and has yet to select a defenseman or goalie in the first round.) At No. 9, the Sabres pick up 6-foot-6 Czech Radim Mrtka two days after acquiring another giant right-handed defenseman, Michael Kesselring. (Totally defensible pick for Buffalo, given the need and talent.) At No. 10, the size-loving Ducks take a tremendously skilled 6-foot-5 center in Roger McQueen. (He could be great value for Anaheim; however, McQueen was still on the board mostly due to concerns related to a back injury that kept him out for all but 20 WHL games this year.)<h3>Penguins, Flyers both go off the board</h3>OK, now we have some jaws dropping around the league. Pittsburgh and Philadelphia (thanks to a trade with the Penguins) call upon two players who'd been projected to go much later at Nos. 11 and 12, respectively. The Penguins take Benjamin Kindel, an undersized forward with high hockey IQ and silky hands. He recorded 99 points in 65 WHL games for Calgary but probably could have been picked in the 20s. The Flyers select Jack Nesbitt. While the 6-foot-4 center needs to fill out his frame, he's already a strong net-front presence. However, considering Nesbitt's lackluster skating and the better names that are still available, it's an uninspiring pick.<h3>Teams call on 3 relentless forwards</h3>One theme of the 2025 class is that there's plenty of dogged forwards. The Red Wings had three staring at them with the 13th pick and chose Carter Bear. A high-floor winger who bagged 40 goals in 56 WHL games for Everett, he reminds scouts of Lightning star Brandon Hagel. Then there's Braeden Cootes, whom the Canucks took two picks later at No. 15. Cootes is a Swiss Army knife of a right-shot center. Vancouver is getting energy, physicality, forechecking, and leadership with Cootes. Canucks GM Patrik Allvin, who didn't pick until the 93rd selection last year, needed to add a center to the organization's pipeline. A third dogged forward? Victor Eklund, arguably the best player available for the Islanders at No. 16. The 5-foot-11, 170-pound winger plays a power game. He's speedy, aggressive, dependable in all three zones - a dog with a bone.<h3>Blues select boom-or-bust goal-scorer </h3>St. Louis' farm system is thin at center, with little promise beyond 2023 first-round pick Dalibor Dvorsky, and the club holds just three total picks this weekend (19th, 147th, and 179th). But the Blues can't help themselves with sniping winger Justin Carbonneau still around after Calgary took Cole Reschny off the board at No. 18. Carbonneau is considered a boom-or-bust prospect. He's a strong skater, owns a wicked shot, and is by no means small (6-foot-1, 192 pounds). He scored 46 goals in 62 QMJHL games this past season. His bust potential comes from his inconsistent decision-making. Given the other options at this point of the draft, this is a totally justifiable pick at No. 19.<h3>Senators take another RHD in Hensler </h3>Last year, Sens GM Steve Staios only picked players listed at 6-foot-2 or taller with his six selections in his first draft for the team. Right-handed defenseman Carter Yakemchuk was Ottawa's lone 2024 first-rounder. And now, with the top selection of his second draft, Staios takes another right-handed blue-liner in Logan Hensler. The mobile 6-foot-2 Wisconsin freshman is a savvy pick at 23rd overall; there's top-four potential. (Ottawa traded No. 21 to get Nos. 23 and 67 from Nashville.)<h3>Isles, Preds, and Pens all over draft board </h3>If it feels like every third pick is being made by one of three teams, it's because the Islanders, Predators, and Penguins have combined for nine selections in the first 26. New York's enjoyed a franchise-altering day with Schaefer (No. 1), Eklund (16), and Kashawn Aitcheson (17). That's a franchise blue-liner, top-six winger, and second-pair blue-liner. Nashville's done well too with Martin (No. 5), defenseman Cameron Reid (21), and winger Ryker Lee (26) all reasonable choices. Pittsburgh's work is less encouraging with the Kindel reach at No. 11, though Bill Zonnon (22) and William Horcoff (24) are two personal favorites.<h3>Keep an eye on Capitals and Lakovic</h3>The Capitals are one of the NHL's smartest organizations. They like to bet on upside at the draft - something more teams should do. They're also not afraid to go against the grain on player types, taking large forwards who don't have a defined physical game when other clubs won't. Aliaksei Protas (91st overall in 2019) and Ilya Protas (75th in 2024) are two success stories. Keep an eye on Lynden Lakovic, Washington's first on Friday at No. 27. The sharpshooting 6-foot-4 winger took a huge step this season. Some scouts are worried about his compete level, which is probably why he fell into the Capitals' lap here.<h3>High school QB West is Chicago-bound</h3>The Blackhawks take the flier of the first round at No. 29. Mason West is a 6-foot-6 playmaking center out of the Minnesota high school system. He's extremely skilled and quick. The risk is related to West's unique path: The longtime football quarterback is committed to playing his senior season at Edina High in the fall, with the stated goal of winning a state title. West is off to USHL Fargo for the 2025-26 hockey season, then Michigan State for hockey in 2026-27. Chicago clearly loves the kid; the Hawks acquired the 29th pick from Carolina in exchange for the 34th and 62nd picks in 2025, plus a fifth-rounder in 2027.<h3>Rare multi-goalie Round 1</h3>Two goalies were drafted in Round 1 for only the second time since 2012. This time Columbus and San Jose pounced in the back half, with the Blue Jackets surprising the hockey world with small but super-smart netminder Pyotr Andreyanov at No. 20 and the Sharks ending right-catching goalie Joshua Ravensbergen's slide at 30. Ravensbergen, a 6-foot-5, extremely athletic kid out of North Vancouver, British Columbia, is the consensus top guy in the class.

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2025 NHL Draft: Analysis of Round 1

With the 2025 NHL Draft beginning Friday in Los Angeles, theScore's Kyle Cushman, John Matisz, an...

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NHL mock draft: Final projections for class of 2025

Editor's note: Kashawn Aitcheson was selected 17th overall by the New York Islanders at the 2025 ...

Editor's note: Kashawn Aitcheson was <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3301178" href="https://thescore.com/news/3301178">selected 17th overall</a> by the New York Islanders at the 2025 NHL Draft on Friday.Sudbury Wolves forward Nathan Villeneuve chipped the puck out of the defensive zone on a routine play late in an OHL game on Jan. 18, 2024.He was quickly met by a prowling Barrie Colts defenseman, who slammed Villeneuve's 6-foot, 195-pound body to the ice. It was the kind of punishing open-ice hit that 30 years ago would make the latest Don Cherry "Rock'em Sock'em" highlight tape - a thunderous yet legal body check. A teammate immediately came to Villeneuve's defense and engaged in a spirited 30-second fight with the deliverer of pain, Barrie blue-liner Kashawn Aitcheson.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/8e4WrP3wklw?si=khZHjP8yF7RAAknx&amp;start=49" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></figure>Over the next day or two, the Wolves' team group chat lit up with a proposal straight out of a Hollywood movie script: $500, a Wolves player wrote, to the teammate who seriously injures Aitcheson in the next Sudbury-Barrie game."Put a bounty on a kid's head? In today's environment, you just can't do stuff like that," Colts general manager Marty Williamson, then also the team's head coach, said of a potentially explosive situation he managed to diffuse by sitting Aitcheson for Sudbury games until the OHL concluded an investigation.Villeneuve and forward Evan Konyen received 15- and 10-game suspensions, respectively. A March 2024 <a href="http://chl.ca/ohl/article/ohl-concludes-investigation-into-sudbury-wolves-hockey-club/">press release</a> noted that the players violated the OHL's social media policy "in a manner detrimental to the welfare of the League, one that would greatly compromise player safety and the overall integrity of the game."Aitcheson, a top prospect in the 2025 NHL Draft, which goes Friday and Saturday in Los Angeles, shrugged off the bizarre saga in a recent interview with theScore. At the time, he didn't think any Wolves would go through with the injury attempt. Still, Aitcheson said, it's comforting to know he can get into people's heads. "If that's what other teams are doing - thinking about me after games - I'm doing something right," he laughed.That's Aitcheson: he'll kill you with physicality on the ice and kindness off it.<figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/791589/cropped_30646448__37A9306_jpg_Colts_Content_20250401_010845.jpg?ts=1750692255" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/791589/w220xh124_30646448__37A9306_jpg_Colts_Content_20250401_010845.jpg?ts=1750692255 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/791589/w320xh180_30646448__37A9306_jpg_Colts_Content_20250401_010845.jpg?ts=1750692255 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/791589/w640xh360_30646448__37A9306_jpg_Colts_Content_20250401_010845.jpg?ts=1750692255 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/791589/w768xh432_30646448__37A9306_jpg_Colts_Content_20250401_010845.jpg?ts=1750692255 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/791589/w1080xh607_30646448__37A9306_jpg_Colts_Content_20250401_010845.jpg?ts=1750692255 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Handout / Barrie Colts</figcaption></figure>Aitcheson, listed at 6-foot-2 and 199 pounds, brings a lot to the table. He tallied the third-most goals among OHL defensemen, scoring 26 in 64 regular-season games this past campaign and four more in the playoffs. He's the <a href="https://www.nhl.com/draft/prospects">ninth-ranked</a> North American skater on NHL Central Scouting's final list and sits <a href="https://www.tsn.ca/nhl/with-prodigious-talent-and-boundless-potential-matthew-schaefer-tops-mckenzie-s-nhl-draft-ranking-1.2325555">13th overall </a>on Bob McKenzie's TSN list, which relies on a scout survey.The 18-year-old is projected to be drafted in the first half of Round 1, likely in the 10-16 range. There's a slight chance he sneaks into the top 10 thanks to a few factors: a lack of elite defensemen available, his skill set, and his swagger."I'll block a shot with my teeth to win a game," <a href="https://x.com/penguins/status/1936531509848015107">Aitcheson said</a> in his scouting combine interview with decision-makers from the Pittsburgh Penguins, who own the No. 11 pick. "All I want to do is win. That's all I ever think about.""The biggest strength," a former director of amateur scouting said of Aitcheson's top-10 case, "is the fact that he's a throwback type of player."Aitcheson's brief stint as a football running back shows in his fearless nature. He embraces all contact, wills pucks past the goal line with his wicked one-time shot, and celebrates goals like they're 90-yard touchdowns.In January, Aitcheson recorded a Gordie Howe hat trick (goal, assist, fight) against the Owen Sound Attack, the fisticuffs following a devastating <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xKKVsV8oxT4">open-ice hit</a>. In February, he sniped in overtime against the Saginaw Spirit before <a href="https://x.com/OHLHockey/status/1895309291747430682">bowing at center ice</a> in celebration. In March, No. 77 for Barrie again answered the bell in a playoff game versus the Niagara IceDogs after yet another <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6gkxcSdPiEQ">monster collision</a>.<figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/791577/cropped_GettyImages-2218277608.jpg?ts=1750687164" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/791577/w220xh124_GettyImages-2218277608.jpg?ts=1750687164 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/791577/w320xh180_GettyImages-2218277608.jpg?ts=1750687164 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/791577/w640xh360_GettyImages-2218277608.jpg?ts=1750687164 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/791577/w768xh432_GettyImages-2218277608.jpg?ts=1750687164 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/791577/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2218277608.jpg?ts=1750687164 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Chase Agnello-Dean / Getty Images</figcaption></figure>Those are just a few examples of the game-shifting abilities of a Toronto teenager who dropped the gloves nine times and bagged eight overtime goals from the preseason to the end of the playoffs. "Kash," as he's known to family and friends, also flashed his physicality and offensive touch at showcase events like the CHL USA Prospects Challenge and OHL Top Prospects Game."I notice guys are careful when Kash is on the ice. You have to keep your head up," Brampton Steelheads goalie and friend Jack Ivankovic said. "He's a player who plays hard every single shift and likes getting under your skin. I've definitely heard a few chirps from him throughout the past couple of years."Tristan Bertucci, Aitcheson's most common defense partner in 2024-25, has learned to steer opposing forwards toward Aitcheson's side of the ice."Kash's physicality almost scares forwards from coming to the middle and making space for themselves," Bertucci said. "He takes away that option, which is really what you're trying to do all the time as a defenseman. You want to force the other team's forwards to be less creative and dump pucks in. If that happens, they lose possession. That's a really valuable skill to have."<figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Compilation of hits (and a couple fights) of dman Kashawn Aitcheson from the Barrie Colts during his <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NHLDraft?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NHLDraft</a> year. Kash is a missile and throws bone crushing hits, as seen in the clips. The physical aspect of his game makes him an extremely attractive prospect. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/2025NHLDraft?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#2025NHLDraft</a> <a href="https://t.co/4SUExiuP5a">pic.twitter.com/4SUExiuP5a</a>— Ryan McArthur (@ryanpmcarthur) <a href="https://twitter.com/ryanpmcarthur/status/1925526429074141493?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 22, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure>Aitcheson watches opponents' feet, chest, and shoulders for tells."As soon as a forward shows he's going to cut into the middle, the game slows down for me. You feel yourself meeting them for a hit, and you know it's going to be a big one," said Aitcheson, who models his game after Boston's Charlie McAvoy but is a closer stylistic match to Anaheim's Jacob Trouba.Aitcheson will be an instant fan favorite in whichever market he's drafted into. If all goes well, he'll one day land on the second pair during even-strength action and the first pair shorthanded. But there's work to do before turning pro. His skating, for one, lacks explosiveness. Some scouts aren't sold on his hockey sense, or if he'll be able to rack up goals and assists at higher levels."There are some moments where he gets a bit too excited about jumping at the body check," the former director of scouting said of another minor concern.Here's what swings the evaluation back to positivity: Scouts wanted Aitcheson to level up offensively as a draft-eligible player, and he did. His passing chops, movement in the offensive zone, and shooting accuracy have all improved."I just think he's so coachable," Williamson said. "When he walks out of video sessions, I look at my coaches and go, 'Wouldn't you love 20 of those guys?' A lot of kids come in and are like, 'Yeah, coach. Yeah, coach. Yeah, coach.' With Kash, it's always a really good discussion about what he was thinking. He wants to talk it out. Understand. Improve. Get into the details." <figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/791590/cropped_31635419_250429_BCvsOG_GM3-3217_jpg_Colts_Content_20250430_031616.jpg?ts=1750692398" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/791590/w220xh124_31635419_250429_BCvsOG_GM3-3217_jpg_Colts_Content_20250430_031616.jpg?ts=1750692398 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/791590/w320xh180_31635419_250429_BCvsOG_GM3-3217_jpg_Colts_Content_20250430_031616.jpg?ts=1750692398 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/791590/w640xh360_31635419_250429_BCvsOG_GM3-3217_jpg_Colts_Content_20250430_031616.jpg?ts=1750692398 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/791590/w768xh432_31635419_250429_BCvsOG_GM3-3217_jpg_Colts_Content_20250430_031616.jpg?ts=1750692398 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/791590/w1080xh607_31635419_250429_BCvsOG_GM3-3217_jpg_Colts_Content_20250430_031616.jpg?ts=1750692398 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Handout / Barrie Colts</figcaption></figure>Aitcheson gets his aggressive playing style from his uncle Chris, a former Division III forward at now-defunct Becker College in Massachusetts. He still remembers cheering Chris on during his many fights in Ontario Junior A.Aitcheson's leadership skills - ranging from sticking up for his teammates on the ice to having a special handshake with each off it - formed at an early age, too. His parents divorced while he was young, which meant a lot of uncertainty, bouncing from house to house, and extra care for his younger brother, King."I'd get my brother up for school while my mom's at work, make him lunch, and be that older brother role model for him," Aitcheson recalled. "I'd make sure King needs to be where he needs to be - on time and everything. It helped me mature quickly and set me up to be a protective teammate."Aitcheson wore an assistant captain's "A" for Barrie this past season. Williamson said he'll be captain or co-captain (with Utah Mammoth first-rounder Cole Beaudoin) in 2025-26. That and his playoff-style game have combined to make him one of the most unique defensive prospects in the past few years."He's going to make life miserable on the other team's best players," the scout said when asked to summarize Aitcheson's ultimate utility in the NHL."NHL teams are dying for a guy like this," Williamson added."You just don't see this type of player all that often anymore."John Matisz is theScore's senior NHL writer. Follow John on Twitter (<a href="https://twitter.com/MatiszJohn">@MatiszJohn</a>) or contact him via email (john.matisz@thescore.com).

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/31626467/related

'Teams are dying for a guy like this': Meet Kashawn Aitcheson, throwback D-man

With 6:49 left in the third period Tuesday, Connor McDavid accepted the puck on the half boards. ...

With 6:49 left in the third period Tuesday, Connor McDavid accepted the puck on the half boards. The Oilers superstar, desperate to generate something, was immediately swarmed by the stick and body positioning of Panthers defenseman Gustav Forsling, who forced a McDavid dump-in.Forsling's partner, Aaron Ekblad, won a battle in the corner and sent the puck back up the strong-side wall. Winger Carter Verhaeghe made a breakout pass, and a few seconds later, center Aleksander Barkov found Sam Reinhart across the neutral zone. The Florida Man of the night deposited the puck into an open Edmonton net to make it 4-0 in Game 6 of the Stanley Cup Final.Amerant Bank Arena erupted. Hats and plastic rats rained down for Reinhart's third tally. McDavid slumped on the Oilers' bench. The Panthers knew then that the final six-plus minutes were a formality. The 2025 Cup was theirs - a second consecutive championship, fully and completely earned.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/790962/cropped_GettyImages-2220030482.jpg?ts=1750249996" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/790962/w220xh124_GettyImages-2220030482.jpg?ts=1750249996 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/790962/w320xh180_GettyImages-2220030482.jpg?ts=1750249996 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/790962/w640xh360_GettyImages-2220030482.jpg?ts=1750249996 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/790962/w768xh432_GettyImages-2220030482.jpg?ts=1750249996 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/790962/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2220030482.jpg?ts=1750249996 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Icon Sportswire / Getty Images</figcaption></figure>"Just as good as the first one," Reinhart, who finished with four goals on four shots in the 5-1 clincher, said as his teammates hoisted the Cup around him.Like that surgically executed empty-net goal, the Panthers put on a master class in team-first hockey throughout their 23-game playoff run. In defeating Tampa Bay in five games, Toronto in seven, Carolina in five, and Edmonton in six, they became only the 10th team to repeat as champions.It was the club's third straight Cup Final appearance, putting it in dynasty territory. It's notable that both Cups came against a generational player, and that Florida demoralized teams, going 23-2 when leading after one period and 33-1 when leading after two in the playoffs since 2023. Florida also dominated on the road on this third run, winning 10 of 13 games. In the final specifically, the Panthers held the lead for a record 255:49 to the Oilers' 33:51.The 2024-25 Panthers were, in a word, inevitable."This is way harder than I thought it would be. To win twice, we put so much work into this. I'm so proud of this group," Sam Bennett said. The second-line center with ordinary regular-season numbers bagged 15 goals - including a record 13 on the road - in 23 brilliant games. Florida's No. 1 hitter collected 11 of 18 first-place votes to claim the Conn Smythe Trophy.The Panthers dressed 22 skaters in the playoffs, none of them weak links - 19 scored at least once while six reached 20 points. The line-by-line results are outrageous. Barkov, the top-line center, was on the ice for 19 goals for and 15 against at five-on-five despite facing the stiffest possible competition. Bennett finished at 17-11, Anton Lundell 24-8, and Tomas Nosek 5-1.Lundell, Brad Marchand, and Eetu Luostarinen were magical together. The trio will go down as arguably the most effective third line of the salary-cap era.<figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/790965/cropped_GettyImages-2219970491.jpg?ts=1750250299" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/790965/w220xh124_GettyImages-2219970491.jpg?ts=1750250299 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/790965/w320xh180_GettyImages-2219970491.jpg?ts=1750250299 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/790965/w640xh360_GettyImages-2219970491.jpg?ts=1750250299 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/790965/w768xh432_GettyImages-2219970491.jpg?ts=1750250299 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/790965/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2219970491.jpg?ts=1750250299 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Icon Sportswire / Getty Images</figcaption></figure><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/790963/cropped_GettyImages-2220660758.jpg?ts=1750250091" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/790963/w220xh124_GettyImages-2220660758.jpg?ts=1750250091 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/790963/w320xh180_GettyImages-2220660758.jpg?ts=1750250091 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/790963/w640xh360_GettyImages-2220660758.jpg?ts=1750250091 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/790963/w768xh432_GettyImages-2220660758.jpg?ts=1750250091 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/790963/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2220660758.jpg?ts=1750250091 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Christian Petersen / Getty Images</figcaption></figure>The enviable depth provided cover. Someone like Verhaeghe could go quiet for a stretch and it didn't put a dent into the operation. The clutch shooter would then snap out of it to pot the winning goal in a game in which one of the Panthers' other top nine forwards were having an off night.The depth also showed on defense (2.43 goals against per game, 86.4% penalty kill rate). The lineup featured the Selke Trophy winner in Barkov; a Selke finalist in Reinhart; other ultra-responsible forwards like Matthew Tkachuk, Marchand, Lundell, and Luostarinen; a large, rangy, and mobile defense corps; and a Hall of Fame-bound goalie in Sergei Bobrovsky.Not a single soul cares about Barkov's eight-game goal drought after he and Forsling limited McDavid to two points in the final four games."Their forecheck was great and they tilted the rink," McDavid <a href="https://x.com/JayOnSC/status/1935229953299145134/">told reporters</a>. "They were able to stay on top of us all over the place. We were never really able to generate any momentum up the ice. We kept trying the same thing over and over again, just banging our heads against the wall."Credit to them. They played well."Rival fan bases can pout all they want about the weather and tax advantages enjoyed by Florida-based teams. Those advantages are real (if not overblown) yet also completely irrelevant if the organization's poorly run. The Panthers wandered in the wilderness for two decades.The current juggernaut roster is the product of pro scouting excellence. Only four of the 23 players who saw playoff action were drafted by the Panthers (Barkov, Ekblad, Lundell, and Mackie Samoskevich). The rest were signed through free agency (11), acquired via trade (seven), or picked up on waivers (Forsling).General manager Bill Zito, a finalist or winner of the NHL's executive of the year award four of his five seasons in Florida, has taken a ton of risks - he won't make a first-round pick between 2022 and 2027 due to aggressive trades. But those picks matter little considering the 2025-27 firsts turned into irreplaceable contributors Tkachuk, Seth Jones, and Marchand."That guy is the biggest dawg I think I've ever played with. He's incredible," Bennett said of Marchand, who was acquired with Jones in separate trades ahead of March's deadline."The best leader. He leads by example, he speaks up. He's fearless out there," Bennett added about 37-year-old Marchand, who looked fantastic in a third-line role, posting 20 points. "I have been telling him this whole playoffs, 'We're following you.' And we followed him this whole playoff run."<figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/790966/cropped_GettyImages-2218501976.jpg?ts=1750250377" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/790966/w220xh124_GettyImages-2218501976.jpg?ts=1750250377 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/790966/w320xh180_GettyImages-2218501976.jpg?ts=1750250377 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/790966/w640xh360_GettyImages-2218501976.jpg?ts=1750250377 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/790966/w768xh432_GettyImages-2218501976.jpg?ts=1750250377 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/790966/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2218501976.jpg?ts=1750250377 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Brian Babineau / Getty Images</figcaption></figure><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/790967/cropped_GettyImages-2219978788.jpg?ts=1750250480" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/790967/w220xh124_GettyImages-2219978788.jpg?ts=1750250480 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/790967/w320xh180_GettyImages-2219978788.jpg?ts=1750250480 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/790967/w640xh360_GettyImages-2219978788.jpg?ts=1750250480 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/790967/w768xh432_GettyImages-2219978788.jpg?ts=1750250480 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/790967/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2219978788.jpg?ts=1750250480 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Eliot J. Schechter / Getty Images</figcaption></figure>Zito turned over more than a third of last year's lineup. And he made that many changes and felt confident there wouldn't be too many issues - if any - because of head coach Paul Maurice. While Maurice's system isn't easy for players to adjust to, it can be liberating once a player settles in. Panthers hockey is smothering hockey, and it requires full buy-in from everyone."Can't give the coaching staff enough credit. They did a lot of video with me when I got here. Completely different system than what I'm used to," Jones, a champion at 30, said. "But they said at the end of the day, everyone here has to trust their instincts. Be aggressive in what you do. And that's what we did. Each guy trusts each other and they trust the system."Jones added, "Bill Zito believed in me and gave me a chance. This is (the) best day of my life."<figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/790964/cropped_GettyImages-2220660476.jpg?ts=1750250124" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/790964/w220xh124_GettyImages-2220660476.jpg?ts=1750250124 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/790964/w320xh180_GettyImages-2220660476.jpg?ts=1750250124 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/790964/w640xh360_GettyImages-2220660476.jpg?ts=1750250124 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/790964/w768xh432_GettyImages-2220660476.jpg?ts=1750250124 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/790964/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2220660476.jpg?ts=1750250124 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Brian Babineau / Getty Images</figcaption></figure>The Panthers paced themselves, looking unmotivated at times in the regular season. They finished third in the Atlantic Division, then beat a higher-seeded team every round. They showed resilience in games and series, most notably beating Toronto after falling behind 2-0 in the series and 2-0 midway through the first period of Game 3, and bouncing back following a Game 1 overtime loss to Edmonton.From a purely vibes and culture perspective, the Panthers check off several dynastic boxes. The leadership group - from the loquacious Maurice to heart-and-soul assistant captain Tkachuk to introverted captain Barkov - is diverse and focused on the right things. High standards. Consistency. Respect from everybody and to everybody on the roster, from the stars to the role players.The Cup handoff order spoke volumes. Barkov lifted the Cup first, as is tradition. It then went to first-time winners like Nate Schmidt, Jones, Nosek, Vitek Vanecek, and A.J. Greer. Bennett, the playoff MVP, was the 17th guy to raise it. No big deal. "We really love each other as a group," Bennett said.The Panthers' trajectory changed once Maurice and Tkachuk arrived in the summer of 2022. Neither move was a guaranteed home run at the time but both ultimately led to a legendary celebration at the famous Elbo Room beach bar in Fort Lauderdale last June. How about now, a year later?<figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
I’m in <a href="https://t.co/p8UK4wsvEB">https://t.co/p8UK4wsvEB</a>— Matthew Tkachuk (@TKACHUKycheese_) <a href="https://twitter.com/TKACHUKycheese_/status/1935260007324377175?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 18, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure>"We've gotta be a dynasty now," said Tkachuk, who fought through <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3301377" href="https://thescore.com/news/3301377">significant injuries</a> during the run. "Three finals in a row, two championships. This team is so special. 'Stanley Cup champion.' This never gets old."John Matisz is theScore's senior NHL writer. Follow John on Twitter (<a href="https://twitter.com/MatiszJohn">@MatiszJohn</a>) or contact him via email (john.matisz@thescore.com).

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/31580515/related

Champions again: Inevitable Panthers make dynasty case

Welcome to NHL Inbox, a monthly forum in which readers can ask me anything hockey related and I t...

Welcome to NHL Inbox, a monthly forum in which readers can ask me anything hockey related and I try my best to deliver an insightful answer.Note: the questions below were lightly edited for clarity and brevity.<figure class="article-segment--embed"><center>                    </center></figure><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/790247/cropped_GettyImages-2213352996.jpg?ts=1749817784" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/790247/w220xh124_GettyImages-2213352996.jpg?ts=1749817784 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/790247/w320xh180_GettyImages-2213352996.jpg?ts=1749817784 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/790247/w640xh360_GettyImages-2213352996.jpg?ts=1749817784 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/790247/w768xh432_GettyImages-2213352996.jpg?ts=1749817784 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/790247/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2213352996.jpg?ts=1749817784 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Tyler Tate / Getty Images</figcaption></figure>T.J. asks: Will the NHL ever return to the 1-8 seeding playoff format? I feel that the divisional playoff format is stale, as watching the same matchups each year gets repetitive. Teams are missing out on rivalries outside of their division.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>I've received a bunch of questions similar to this one. Fans seem ready for a change after 12 years of the NHL trying to manufacture regional rivalries.The current format (three seeds per division, two wild cards per conference) has led to too many <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3257556" href="https://thescore.com/news/3257556">repeat matchups</a> over a short period and too many excellent teams being eliminated in Rounds 1 and 2. Reverting to the 1-versus-8 format, which the NHL used from 1994 through 2013, would give the 82-game regular season extra weight and lessen the likelihood of a division winner facing off against a strong opponent in the opening round. Reseeding after each round is another exciting and equitable feature of the 1-versus-8 setup.Commissioner Gary Bettman has been consistent on this topic, saying he sees no issues with the format and doesn't like the idea of a play-in round. "Best team to win the (Stanley) Cup has got to get through the best teams," Bettman <a href="https://www.thescore.com/nhl/news/3246253/bettman-no-plans-to-change-playoff-format-or-extend-overtime">told reporters</a> in March. "And you know what? Having great matchups in the first round, that's terrific. That's not a problem, that's a great thing."Bettman, 73, hasn't revealed his timeline for retirement, but he won't be running the league forever. If his successor is looking for some early public relations victories, reimagining the playoff format would be a good start.The worst part of the current setup is that Round 3 tends to feature two teams who deserve to be there and two who have technically earned their spots but also probably benefited from the rigid bracket setup. Case in point: 2021 was the last time a conference final series required all seven games.<figure class="article-segment--embed"><center>                    </center></figure><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/790249/cropped_GettyImages-2147022482.jpg?ts=1749818015" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/790249/w220xh124_GettyImages-2147022482.jpg?ts=1749818015 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/790249/w320xh180_GettyImages-2147022482.jpg?ts=1749818015 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/790249/w640xh360_GettyImages-2147022482.jpg?ts=1749818015 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/790249/w768xh432_GettyImages-2147022482.jpg?ts=1749818015 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/790249/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2147022482.jpg?ts=1749818015 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Nic Antaya / Getty Images</figcaption></figure>wingsfan13 asks: Do you believe in the Yzerplan/GM Steve Yzerman? Lots of solid draft picks, but most of the free-agent signings have been disastrous. Vladimir Tarasenko, Andrew Copp, J.T. Compher, Justin Holl, Erik Gustafsson, and Ville Husso are the obvious ones, and I think everyone's still confused about the Jake Walman trade. And now Yzerman's on coach No. 2. What grade would you give Yzerman's tenure?Former general manager Ken Holland left Yzerman with a mess of a roster in April 2019. Yzerman's made progress over the past six years through the so-called "Yzerplan," yet sustained on-ice success still feels like a pipe dream.Let's start with drafting and developing. Cornerstone pieces Moritz Seider, Lucas Raymond, Simon Edvinsson, and Marco Kasper are all first-round success stories. But Detroit's turned only a few players selected beyond the opening round into everyday NHLers despite averaging 9.8 picks per draft.The GM also fumbled the blue-line construction by betting on the wrong veterans - 2022 signees Ben Chiarot and Olli Maatta, 2023 signee Holl, 2023 trade acquisition Jeff Petry, and 2024 signee Gustafsson. Oh, and that aforementioned Walman swap? Yzerman traded the top-four defenseman and a second-round pick to San Jose for literally nothing. Massive misread.Yzerman hasn't found an answer between the pipes and <a href="https://thescore.com/news/3271971">disappointed</a> captain Dylan Larkin by not adding talent ahead of the most recent trade deadline. The team regressed from 91 points in 2023-24 to 86 in 2024-25. The flip side to the conservatism: Detroit has mountains of cap space moving forward.My main take is that Yzerman would be on the hot seat if he were somebody else. Ownership trusts him six years into a mediocre rebuild more than it should because he's a franchise icon. The overall grade here is C-minus.<figure class="article-segment--embed"><center>                    </center></figure><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/790204/cropped_GettyImages-2219870895.jpg?ts=1749777479" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/790204/w220xh124_GettyImages-2219870895.jpg?ts=1749777479 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/790204/w320xh180_GettyImages-2219870895.jpg?ts=1749777479 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/790204/w640xh360_GettyImages-2219870895.jpg?ts=1749777479 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/790204/w768xh432_GettyImages-2219870895.jpg?ts=1749777479 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/790204/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2219870895.jpg?ts=1749777479 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Bruce Bennett / Getty Images</figcaption></figure>Slinger92 asks: Do you think the NHL will ever start assessing penalties or disallowing goals if a player isn't wearing his mouth guard properly? I haven't seen Matthew Tkachuk score a goal without his mouth guard hanging out.Fun question, especially with Tkachuk scoring twice in Game 4 of the Stanley Cup Final on Thursday night, but the answer is no. The mouth guard isn't a mandatory piece of equipment, so players like Tkachuk aren't violating a rule.I do find it comical that grown men turn the mouth guard into an adult soother or chew toy, defeating its protective qualities. To each their own, I guess!?<figure class="article-segment--embed"><center>                    </center></figure><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/790192/cropped_GettyImages-2187213018.jpg?ts=1749772458" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/790192/w220xh124_GettyImages-2187213018.jpg?ts=1749772458 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/790192/w320xh180_GettyImages-2187213018.jpg?ts=1749772458 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/790192/w640xh360_GettyImages-2187213018.jpg?ts=1749772458 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/790192/w768xh432_GettyImages-2187213018.jpg?ts=1749772458 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/790192/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2187213018.jpg?ts=1749772458 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Dennis Pajot / Getty Images</figcaption></figure>ahawthorne56812 asks: The days of Patrick Roy and Carey Price are gone, and Jordan Binnington is NOT Olympic-starter quality. What Canadian prospects can bring back the days of those Hall of Fame-caliber goalies?I hate to break it to you, but there isn't a single Canadian goalie in the NHL now or in the pipeline who fits that lofty description. Canada has fallen way behind Russia, the United States, and Sweden in the elite netminder category, and a course correction could take a decade or longer.That said, we're talking about the unpredictable world of goaltending here. A B-level prospect could blossom into a star NHL starter by the 2030 Olympics.Here are three names to watch:Mackenzie Blackwood, Avalanche: Goalie experts love Blackwood, believing the 28-year-old still has upside. A physical freak, the muscular 6-foot-4 netminder is extremely athletic for his size. Projecting him as a future Hall of Famer would be crazy, but there's a decent chance he someday surpasses Binnington's tier of goalie and earns Vezina Trophy consideration.Sebastian Cossa, AHL Grand Rapids: The 2021 first-round pick has shown flashes of brilliance for the Red Wings' top affiliate, posting a .909 save percentage in 84 games over the past three seasons. While the hype train from his draft year has slowed, Cossa remains on an NHL starter's trajectory. He's 22, large (6-foot-6, 209 pounds), technically sound, and agile between the pipes.Joshua Ravensbergen, WHL Prince George: Ravensbergen, 18, is a late bloomer expected to go in the first round of June's draft. The 6-foot-5 right-catching goalie is best known for his elite puck tracking. He's at least a few years away from NHL duty, yet undoubtedly one of the most promising netminding prospects out of Canada since Price (drafted fifth overall in 2005).<figure class="article-segment--embed"><center>                    </center></figure><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/790114/cropped_GettyImages-83377776.jpg?ts=1749747068" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/790114/w220xh124_GettyImages-83377776.jpg?ts=1749747068 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/790114/w320xh180_GettyImages-83377776.jpg?ts=1749747068 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/790114/w640xh360_GettyImages-83377776.jpg?ts=1749747068 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/790114/w768xh432_GettyImages-83377776.jpg?ts=1749747068 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/790114/w1080xh607_GettyImages-83377776.jpg?ts=1749747068 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Dave Sandford / Getty Images</figcaption></figure>Lance A. asks: I believe in soccer, only the players on the pitch at the end of extra time are allowed to participate in the shootout. Are NHL teams allowed to switch goalies for the shootout? Are there any specific rules? Do you know if any team has done it in the past? What were the reasons for the change?A team is indeed allowed to switch goalies before the shootout.The NHL rule book states, "All players are eligible to participate in the shootout unless they are serving a 10-minute misconduct or have been assessed a game misconduct or match penalty." One wrinkle: A team can't replace a goalie in the middle of a shootout for performance reasons. The netminder must be injured.According to the NHL's stats and research department, a team has called upon a cold goalie just seven times in the 20-season history of the shootout, although four were because of injury:<figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="Coming in cold" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-O70Ri" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/O70Ri/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="606" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",(function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}}))}();
</script></figure><div> </div><div> </div>Former Leafs coach Ron Wilson told reporters in 2008 that he was "playing the percentages" by replacing Vesa Toskala with Curtis Joseph after 65 minutes."I'm not going to hesitate to do that until we get Tosk a little more practice - a different way of thinking on stopping the other team in shootouts," <a href="https://www.cbc.ca/sports/hockey/oilers-edged-by-stars-in-shootout-1.600213">Wilson said</a> of Toskala's 2-9 shootout record at the time. "I had nothing to lose."<div> </div><figure class="article-segment--embed"><center>                    </center></figure><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/790234/cropped_GettyImages-2207522981.jpg?ts=1749814808" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/790234/w220xh124_GettyImages-2207522981.jpg?ts=1749814808 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/790234/w320xh180_GettyImages-2207522981.jpg?ts=1749814808 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/790234/w640xh360_GettyImages-2207522981.jpg?ts=1749814808 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/790234/w768xh432_GettyImages-2207522981.jpg?ts=1749814808 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/790234/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2207522981.jpg?ts=1749814808 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Jamie Sabau / Getty Images</figcaption></figure>Chris M. asks: Suggestion: If a team scores while up six-on-five because of a delayed penalty, it should still get a power play. Thoughts? This could possibly increase scoring and be a momentum changer.I don't love it. The six-on-five time created by a delayed penalty is an extension of the upcoming power play and should thus be treated as such.Two related thoughts: The NHL should adopt the <a href="https://www.thescore.com/pwhl/news/2840542">"jailbreak" rule</a> introduced by the PWHL, where a shorthanded goal frees the player from the penalty box. I like the idea of teams being rewarded for shorties, and in theory, more aggressive penalty kills lead to defensive breakdowns and power-play goals. As far as juicing scoring-chance numbers, it's a win-win. Also, the shorthanded team shouldn't be allowed to ice the puck. This rule has never made sense to me, and it confuses new fans. Killers shouldn't get a free pass.<figure class="article-segment--embed"><center>                    </center></figure>What do you want to know, hockey fans?There are three ways to submit a question for future NHL Inbox editions:<ul>
<li>Comment on this article in theScore app</li>
<li>Email senior NHL writer John Matisz at <a href="mailto:john.matisz@theScore.com">john.matisz@thescore.com</a>
</li>
<li>Send John a message on Twitter/X (<a href="https://x.com/MatiszJohn">@matiszjohn</a>)</li>
</ul>

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Edmonton's Game 3 implosion aside, the Stanley Cup Final has been as advertised - tight, exhilara...

Edmonton's Game 3 <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3298197" href="https://thescore.com/news/3298197">implosion</a> aside, the Stanley Cup Final has been as advertised - tight, exhilarating, and full of storylines. The Panthers hold a 2-1 lead over the Oilers with Game 4 set for Thursday night in Sunrise, Florida."I don't think our best has shown up all series long, but it's coming," Oilers captain Connor McDavid told reporters following the 6-1 defeat in Game 3.There's weight to McDavid's words. Down 3-0 in last year's final, Edmonton dominated Florida in Game 4, then won Games 5 and 6 to force a title-decider.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Below we lay out each team's mid-series Cup case.<h3>Panthers' case</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/789985/cropped_GettyImages-2219513865.jpg?ts=1749680999" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/789985/w220xh124_GettyImages-2219513865.jpg?ts=1749680999 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/789985/w320xh180_GettyImages-2219513865.jpg?ts=1749680999 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/789985/w640xh360_GettyImages-2219513865.jpg?ts=1749680999 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/789985/w768xh432_GettyImages-2219513865.jpg?ts=1749680999 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/789985/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2219513865.jpg?ts=1749680999 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Eliot J. Schechter / Getty Images</figcaption></figure>This Cup Final rematch was well-hyped for a variety of reasons, including the stylistic clash between a forechecking giant (Florida) and a fast-break nightmare (Edmonton). It turns out one team doesn't care for the contrast.The Panthers are capable of trading rush chances if a game becomes a track meet, whereas the Oilers tend to get stuck in the mud if a game hinges on puck retrievals, board battles, and cycles. Put another way, Florida's better at playing Edmonton's preferred style than Edmonton is at playing Florida's.A chief reason for the imbalance: There are no passengers in the Panthers' top nine. Aleksander Barkov, Sam Reinhart, Matthew Tkachuk, Sam Bennett, Carter Verhaeghe, Anton Lundell, Brad Marchand, Eetu Luostarinen, and Evan Rodrigues are all impact players in their own right and, perhaps most importantly, are highly intelligent players who consistently adapt their game to the style du jour.Reinhart, for instance, is both a master of the little details (getting pucks off the wall and into space, deflecting wide point shots, intercepting opponents' passes) and a lethal sniper off the rush. The winger, declared fully healthy by coach Paul Maurice on Tuesday, has been misfiring a ton lately but did snap a five-game goal drought in Game 3. It came off a hard forecheck, of course.<figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/789935/cropped_GettyImages-2218853804.jpg?ts=1749665971" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/789935/w220xh124_GettyImages-2218853804.jpg?ts=1749665971 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/789935/w320xh180_GettyImages-2218853804.jpg?ts=1749665971 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/789935/w640xh360_GettyImages-2218853804.jpg?ts=1749665971 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/789935/w768xh432_GettyImages-2218853804.jpg?ts=1749665971 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/789935/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2218853804.jpg?ts=1749665971 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Icon Sportswire / Getty Images</figcaption></figure>Bennett and Marchand accounting for eight of Florida's 14 goals must be keeping Edmonton coach Kris Knoblauch up at night. It's starting to feel inevitable that the rest of the top nine - three total goals - will pop off. Tkachuk, who's bagged five goals off 90 shot attempts in the playoffs, is due.Meanwhile, the Panthers' sparingly used fourth line is serviceable.Resilience runs through the forward group, and it'll be extra important in the last stretch of the final. From Jonah Gadjovich (team-low 7:40 a night) to Barkov (20:24, each second against stiff competition), there's an understanding that a goal against or a cheap shot against is not cause for panic. Go back out there and score one yourself. Go out and draw a penalty.<h3>Oilers' case</h3>The hill to climb, while not impossibly steep, is still a challenging one.To recap: The Oilers need to win three of four. They're not as healthy as the opposition, with Zach Hyman out for the series and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins a game-time decision for Thursday. There are questions about goaltending quality and an inability to stay out of the penalty box. And McDavid and Leon Draisaitl are coming off a game in which they combined for one shot attempt.As for the optimistic view, Edmonton boasts not only the greatest player of his generation and arguably the second-best player on the planet but also irrefutable evidence that Nos. 97 and 29 can rise to the occasion. The Oilers own a confidence-boosting 18-2 record in Games 4-7 in the Knoblauch era.<figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/789937/cropped_GettyImages-2218348641.jpg?ts=1749666145" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/789937/w220xh124_GettyImages-2218348641.jpg?ts=1749666145 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/789937/w320xh180_GettyImages-2218348641.jpg?ts=1749666145 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/789937/w640xh360_GettyImages-2218348641.jpg?ts=1749666145 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/789937/w768xh432_GettyImages-2218348641.jpg?ts=1749666145 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/789937/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2218348641.jpg?ts=1749666145 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Andy Devlin / Getty Images</figcaption></figure>They also have the first two games of this series as proof the Panthers are solvable. Both games went to overtime and the aggregate five-on-five score was 5-4 for Florida. One goal is nothing in a hotly contested Cup Final.There's a chance the referees put their whistles away following a penalty-filled Game 3. The Oilers would be fine with that shift because they've killed off only 67% of penalties and tend to thrive in games with fewer stops and starts. In general, Edmonton, a team filled with wily veterans, has surely learned its lesson around the extracurricular stuff.For how surgical the Panthers can be, they play with fire by applying so much pressure in the neutral and offensive zones. Do that enough times against McDavid and you'll eventually pay. Sergei Bobrovsky is a future Hall of Famer, but he's not spoken about in the same terms as countryman Andrei Vasilevskiy or other all-time clutch goalies for a reason - he isn't impenetrable.The Oilers need fewer low-percentage "Bouch bombs" off the stick of Evan Bouchard and more high-danger chaos. McDavid, Draisaitl, and Corey Perry have been tremendous as Knoblauch's so-called nuclear option, controlling 69% of the attempts, 69% of the shots, and 71% of the goals in 25 minutes together. With a maximum of four games remaining in the season, McDavid and Draisaitl can empty the tank and throw everything they have at Bobrovsky.John Matisz is theScore's senior NHL writer. Follow John on Twitter (<a href="https://twitter.com/MatiszJohn">@MatiszJohn</a>) or contact him via email (john.matisz@thescore.com).

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The Oilers and Panthers are about to clash in another Stanley Cup Final. Their original matchup w...

The Oilers and Panthers are about to clash in another Stanley Cup Final. Their original matchup was thrilling. The sequel promises to be a classic. These questions will decide if Edmonton triumphs or Florida keeps the crown:<h3>Can Draisaitl make an emphatic impact?</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/788454/cropped_GettyImages-2217547389.jpg?ts=1748829437" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/788454/w220xh124_GettyImages-2217547389.jpg?ts=1748829437 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/788454/w320xh180_GettyImages-2217547389.jpg?ts=1748829437 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/788454/w640xh360_GettyImages-2217547389.jpg?ts=1748829437 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/788454/w768xh432_GettyImages-2217547389.jpg?ts=1748829437 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/788454/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2217547389.jpg?ts=1748829437 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Andy Devlin / Getty Images</figcaption></figure>Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl form a peerless 1-2 punch. Their incredible offensive feats blow open games and tilt close matchups. The German second-line center constantly enhances his reputation as a playoff performer and two-way beast.Last year’s Cup Final was a rare exception: Hand and rib injuries muted Draisaitl’s influence, and he was held to three assists. Forced to carry Edmonton, McDavid won the Conn Smythe Trophy in defeat.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="🏒 McDrai's scoring by round" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-cEa5x" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/cEa5x/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="340" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",(function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}}))}();
</script></figure>The Oilers avoided a humbling sweep and almost clinched their first championship since 1990 with a hobbled Draisaitl. Now, he's healthy, comparatively fresh, and raring to dominate. Because of Edmonton's efficient romp through the Western Conference, Draisaitl played two fewer games and 37 fewer minutes from Rounds 1-3 than he did last year.The Oilers are opening a series at home - and would host a potential Game 7 - for the first time since Round 1 in 2024. They'll own last change and can aim to build momentum at a frenzied Rogers Place before heading to Sunrise. That segment of the series won't faze Draisaitl - he's the postseason leader with 14 road points and bagged most of his goals in the regular season (28 of 52) on enemy ice.<h3>How do blue lines handle divergent attacks?</h3>Both teams have deeper rosters compared to last year, and it shows.The Oilers are the playoffs' top offensive squad, ranking first in goals for (4.06 per game) and expected GF (4.05), according to Sportlogiq. The Panthers are tops at defending - first in goals against (2.29) and expected GA (2.52).Edmonton, with its 8.4 scoring chances generated off the rush per game, can skate you out of the building. McDavid, alone, has been credited with a whopping 29 rush chances (Draisaitl is tied with Toronto's William Nylander for second with 17). Florida defensemen can't afford loose gaps, especially in the neutral zone.The Panthers are a well-oiled forechecking machine that can grind you down. They're elite at disrupting best-laid plans of the defenseman retrieving dump-ins deep in the zone. The first forechecker lays the body as Florida's other skaters stealthily set up behind him to choke off potential breakout opportunities. Oilers blue-liners must be quick and decisive with the puck.<h3>Which second-tier forward stays hot?</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/788054/cropped_GettyImages-2156789017.jpg?ts=1748626514" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/788054/w220xh124_GettyImages-2156789017.jpg?ts=1748626514 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/788054/w320xh180_GettyImages-2156789017.jpg?ts=1748626514 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/788054/w640xh360_GettyImages-2156789017.jpg?ts=1748626514 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/788054/w768xh432_GettyImages-2156789017.jpg?ts=1748626514 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/788054/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2156789017.jpg?ts=1748626514 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Dave Sandford / Getty Images</figcaption></figure>Each team boasts bona fide star forwards in McDavid and Draisaitl, and Aleksander Barkov and Sam Reinhart. A rung below - in the overflowing second tier of the forward groups - is an intriguing battle of red-hot players.Florida's Sam Bennett leads the postseason with 10 goals and has recorded at least one point in 12 of 17 games. The 29-year-old center always elevates his play in the spring - his career points per game rate jumps from 0.49 in the regular season to 0.71 in the playoffs.Bennett makes his living around the blue paint. Proof: His 19 inner-slot shots rank second to McDavid, plus he accidentally/purposefully delivered an elbow to the head of the opposing goalie in Rounds 2 and 3. A pending unrestricted free agent, Bennett could be playing his final games in a Panthers uniform.Ryan Nugent-Hopkins is Edmonton's indispensable supporting piece. The plain but effective winger also produces better in the playoffs (0.88 career points per game compared to 0.78 in the regular season). The pressure's on him to continue to cook alongside McDavid and Corey Perry, with another second-tier guy, sniping winger Zach Hyman, out for the series due to injury.Nugent-Hopkins, the longest-serving Oiler, is fourth in playoff scoring with 18 points (half of which were collected in the conference final) and third among Oilers forwards in ice time, thanks to heavy special-teams usage.<h3>Can Skinner keep up with Bobrovsky?</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/788070/cropped_GettyImages-2159166573.jpg?ts=1748633105" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/788070/w220xh124_GettyImages-2159166573.jpg?ts=1748633105 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/788070/w320xh180_GettyImages-2159166573.jpg?ts=1748633105 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/788070/w640xh360_GettyImages-2159166573.jpg?ts=1748633105 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/788070/w768xh432_GettyImages-2159166573.jpg?ts=1748633105 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/788070/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2159166573.jpg?ts=1748633105 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Bruce Bennett / Getty Images</figcaption></figure>At one end is a future Hall of Famer with a Stanley Cup, two Vezina Trophies, and a .935 save percentage (including two shutouts) in the Panthers' past 10 games.At the other is a wildly inconsistent netminder who was demoted to the Oilers' backup role midway through the first round. He returned to the crease in Round 2 after his partner was injured and posted a .944 save percentage (including three shutouts) in the Oilers' last seven games.Sergei Bobrovsky versus Stuart Skinner is a battle of goalies with different backgrounds who are similarly dialed in entering the Cup Final. The edge still goes to Bobrovsky for his well-rounded skill set, track record, and veteran savvy. But, if Skinner can keep up, Edmonton will be in good shape overall.<h3>Is Edmonton's PK a liability?</h3>A year ago, the Oilers' impenetrable penalty kill allowed one power-play goal - Evan Rodrigues' deflection early in the final - over its last 17 playoff games. This year, Edmonton's been scored on in droves and enters the rematch with the worst kill rate in history (66%) for a Cup finalist.Prone to slow starts, the PK gave up five multi-goal efforts within the first three games of the Kings, Golden Knights, and Stars series. Dallas almost rallied to tie Game 5 of the conference final after its power play's rapid lateral puck movement freed Roope Hintz, who stood alone at the hash marks, to roof a shot over Skinner.<figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="🚨 Goals by game state" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-8O6WJ" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/8O6WJ/2/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="400" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",(function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}}))}();
</script></figure>Florida's as dominant as Edmonton at five-on-five and zaps more man advantages. With an excellent 87.9% kill rate, the Panthers have let in nine fewer power-play goals despite lacking discipline and going down shorthanded 3.41 times per game (Oilers are at 2.94).At the other end, Matthew Tkachuk's eight power-play points - he's one shy of Draisaitl's league lead - reflect how he can strain a defense from the goal-line area and overwhelm goalies with tips, quick releases, and nice feeds.<h3>Are Florida's leads safe?</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/788068/cropped_GettyImages-2216998185.jpg?ts=1748632050" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/788068/w220xh124_GettyImages-2216998185.jpg?ts=1748632050 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/788068/w320xh180_GettyImages-2216998185.jpg?ts=1748632050 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/788068/w640xh360_GettyImages-2216998185.jpg?ts=1748632050 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/788068/w768xh432_GettyImages-2216998185.jpg?ts=1748632050 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/788068/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2216998185.jpg?ts=1748632050 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Eliot J. Schechter / Getty Images</figcaption></figure>If the Panthers are up at intermission, they're winning the game.That's what the past three postseasons have taught us about the Paul Maurice-coached club. Florida is 20-0 overall and 7-0 in the 2025 playoffs when leading after 20 minutes and 29-0 and 10-0, respectively, when leading after 40.The Panthers are a stout defensive team with a calm, big-game goalie. They're never satisfied offensively, either, pushing constantly to fatten leads.However, if one team's suited to reverse this mystifying game script trend, it's the Oilers. Edmonton's armed with the biggest game-breakers on the planet in McDavid and Draisaitl. Each guy can single-handedly take over a game in its late stages like prime Steph Curry. Together, the odds increase exponentially.The Oilers have been credited with six comeback victories this postseason and famously nearly came back from a 3-0 series deficit in last year's final.<h3>What did Oilers learn from 2024?</h3>When the NHL expanded beyond six teams, repeat Cup Finals became a rarity. Oilers versus Panthers is the fifth immediate rematch to occur in the modern era. It's the first since Sidney Crosby's championship breakthrough.<figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="✌️ Cup Final rematches" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-d6SVh" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/d6SVh/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="400" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",(function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}}))}();
</script></figure>Early rematches involved famous dynasties. Canadiens juggernauts outclassed the expansion Blues and post-Bobby Orr Bruins. The last stand of the invincible Islanders delayed Wayne Gretzky's ascent to the mountaintop and his own prolonged reign.Crosby's youthful Penguins teams were big underdogs, but they slayed the 2009 Red Wings by protecting home ice and their own net.For these Oilers to exact revenge, their offense needs to strike in the coming days. Edmonton failed to set the tone in last year's final, only scored twice over the first eight periods, and almost ran out of time to find Bobrovsky's weak spots and mount a miraculous turnaround.John Matisz and Nick Faris cover the NHL for theScore.

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7 Oilers-Panthers questions that'll swing Stanley Cup rematch

No shouts to the heavens. No jumps for joy. No exuberance, period.  The Florida Panthers' celebra...

No shouts to the heavens. No jumps for joy. No exuberance, period.The Florida Panthers' celebration on Wednesday was about as tame as they come for a team that had just clinched a spot in the Stanley Cup Final."It's all business," forward Matthew Tkachuk told reporters after Florida's come-from-behind 5-3 victory over Carolina. "We've got a bigger job to do."<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>For a third straight year, the Panthers will compete for the Cup, having raised it in 2024 and lost it in 2023. The dominance extends further: In 2022, with roughly the same core group of players but a different head coach, the club posted a league-best 58-18-6 record before bowing out in Round 2.<figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/787781/cropped_GettyImages-2216921859.jpg?ts=1748551785" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/787781/w220xh124_GettyImages-2216921859.jpg?ts=1748551785 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/787781/w320xh180_GettyImages-2216921859.jpg?ts=1748551785 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/787781/w640xh360_GettyImages-2216921859.jpg?ts=1748551785 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/787781/w768xh432_GettyImages-2216921859.jpg?ts=1748551785 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/787781/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2216921859.jpg?ts=1748551785 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Josh Lavallee / Getty Images</figcaption></figure>Putting aside the nontransferable parts of the Panthers' existence (notably low taxes and beautiful winter weather), what can the NHL's 31 other teams learn?theScore asked three people for their big-picture takeaways from this Panthers run: <a href="https://www.eliteprospects.com/staff/38955/jack-han">Jack Han</a>, a hockey coach and analyst with AHL and NHL experience and the author of the <a href="https://jhanhky.gumroad.com/l/hockeytactics2025">2025 Hockey Tactics</a> ebook; an anonymous member of an NHL front office; and an anonymous NHL assistant coach.<h3>Full-scale buy-in, savviness matters</h3>The ability to limit the opposition's offensive zone time and puck possession has become a hallmark of coach Paul Maurice's era in Florida. The Panthers pressure the puck and gap tightly, especially in the neutral zone, and it often results in scoring chances and goals the other way. They love a counterpunch."They have an incredible commitment to a playing style and identity that pushes the tempo and makes it really challenging for opponents," the front-office member said. "And they obviously have tremendous buy-in.""Resilience sticks out," the coach said, adding: "They have skilled players who are also gritty. And it's the will - grit - that comes out this time of year."<figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/787863/cropped_GettyImages-2217358733.jpg?ts=1748539460" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/787863/w220xh124_GettyImages-2217358733.jpg?ts=1748539460 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/787863/w320xh180_GettyImages-2217358733.jpg?ts=1748539460 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/787863/w640xh360_GettyImages-2217358733.jpg?ts=1748539460 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/787863/w768xh432_GettyImages-2217358733.jpg?ts=1748539460 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/787863/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2217358733.jpg?ts=1748539460 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Bruce Bennett / Getty Images</figcaption></figure>That buy-in promotes composure and stubbornness. The Panthers have proven time and again that they're perfectly comfortable in uncomfortable situations. They recorded seven comeback wins in the 2024 playoffs; after Wednesday's win, they have four this year. Florida dropped the first two games against Toronto in Round 2, didn't flinch, and went on to win four of the next five.Defenseman Nate Schmidt shared his early impressions of the Panthers' culture in late October. The 2024 free-agent signee was blown away by the attention to detail by the coaches and players. He said Panthers players are constantly discussing on-ice tactics with each other, and in those early days Schmidt heard from a few teammates about how to execute "Panther hockey.""It's a hell of a self-policing system," he told theScore.So, what are the lessons?One, competitiveness and malleability might be underrated skills. That may seem crazy - who doesn't value competitiveness? - but there's no denying Florida has a disproportionate number of ultra-competitive, versatile players.Two, savviness matters. So many Panthers find a way to contribute on off nights through <a href="https://www.thescore.com/nhl/news/2912350">strong wall play</a>, penalty drawing, or other unglamorous acts.Three, it probably doesn't hurt to have a diverse set of leaders. The loquacious Maurice is a much different person and leader than introverted captain Aleksander Barkov, who's much different than Tkachuk, a pesky, heart-and-soul type. The different styles complement each other.<h3>Don't shrug off pro scouting</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/787697/cropped_GettyImages-2213174401.jpg?ts=1748464286" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/787697/w220xh124_GettyImages-2213174401.jpg?ts=1748464286 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/787697/w320xh180_GettyImages-2213174401.jpg?ts=1748464286 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/787697/w640xh360_GettyImages-2213174401.jpg?ts=1748464286 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/787697/w768xh432_GettyImages-2213174401.jpg?ts=1748464286 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/787697/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2213174401.jpg?ts=1748464286 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Icon Sportswire / Getty Images</figcaption></figure>The Panthers have dressed 23 players this postseason. Only four - Barkov, Aaron Ekblad, Anton Lundell, and Mackie Samoskevich - are draft picks. The other 19 were acquired through free agency (11), trade (seven), or waivers (one).All of those acquisitions required input from Florida's pro scouting staff, which isn't large by NHL standards (four people are listed under "pro scout" in the team's online staff directory) but is clearly valued by management. Eetu Luostarinen and Niko Mikkola are two standout finds, while the early 2021 pickup of Gustav Forsling is arguably the greatest waiver claim in league history."I have no information on how the Panthers do it - their process, what's going on behind the scenes - but if you look just at outcomes, it's impressive," Han said. "They bring in all these players and they become key contributors."<figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/787794/cropped_GettyImages-2216998158.jpg?ts=1748518745" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/787794/w220xh124_GettyImages-2216998158.jpg?ts=1748518745 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/787794/w320xh180_GettyImages-2216998158.jpg?ts=1748518745 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/787794/w640xh360_GettyImages-2216998158.jpg?ts=1748518745 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/787794/w768xh432_GettyImages-2216998158.jpg?ts=1748518745 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/787794/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2216998158.jpg?ts=1748518745 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Eliot J. Schechter / Getty Images</figcaption></figure>As Han points out, the Panthers are constantly upgrading, and each upgrade has a cascading effect - say, the third-line center bumps down to the fourth line and suddenly dominates. Improving depth piece by piece also allows a star player like Tkachuk to fly under the radar if he logs a poor game or series. Nobody cares to break down the winger's meh postseason because the Lundell-centered third line has sparkled, and the team keeps advancing.The amateur scouting process is, to use Han's words, "very rigorous" across the board in the NHL. There's a ton of resources dedicated to finding the right players, and the methodologies are detailed. By contrast, pro scouting is "relatively haphazard" for many teams. The investment isn't particularly high."There are some instances in the NHL where pro scouting is a place where you give people breaking into the front-office side of the game some experience," Han said. "It could be a recently retired player. It could be so-and-so's brother or so-and-so's son. I would say that across the league pro scouting is probably the area where there's the least amount of craftsmanship."The lesson? Reassess your pro scouting processes. Are you doing enough?<h3>Find balance between risk, discipline</h3>The Panthers haven't made a pick in the first round of the draft since 2021 (Samoskevich, 24th overall) and don't have a first-rounder until 2028, thanks to trades for Tkachuk (2025), Seth Jones (2026), and Brad Marchand (2027).Trading firsts isn't a novel strategy. Most win-now GMs do it. What's different about Florida's Bill Zito is how often he's put his neck on the line. The Tkachuk trade, for one, looks like a no-brainer in hindsight, but sending 100-point winger Jonathan Huberdeau, top-pair defenseman MacKenzie Weegar, a decent prospect, and a first to Calgary was a massive gamble in July 2022."Zito has balls and that's what I respect about him," the front-office member said. "He could have gotten fired over a lot of decisions he made if they had gone the other way. He's not risk-averse, that's for sure."<figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/787696/cropped_GettyImages-2156512230.jpg?ts=1748464175" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/787696/w220xh124_GettyImages-2156512230.jpg?ts=1748464175 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/787696/w320xh180_GettyImages-2156512230.jpg?ts=1748464175 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/787696/w640xh360_GettyImages-2156512230.jpg?ts=1748464175 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/787696/w768xh432_GettyImages-2156512230.jpg?ts=1748464175 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/787696/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2156512230.jpg?ts=1748464175 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Bruce Bennett / Getty Images</figcaption></figure>Zito's paired this aggressive streak with a disciplined approach to pending unrestricted free agents. The Panthers don't overpay on extensions but aren't opposed to re-signing key pieces. For every Brandon Montour who leaves town for a payday, there's a Sam Reinhart - a player who wants to remain a Panther and thus finds common ground (i.e. a team-friendly contract) with the club.Regardless of the player's stance, Zito doesn't get into public spats. The GM wishes outgoing players good luck, then pivots to a replacement. No drama."Who's the last player to get run out of Florida?" Han asked rhetorically.Zito, 60, is a lawyer by trade who previously worked as an agent for NHLers, including Tuukka Rask, Tim Thomas, and Brian Rafalski. He broke into hockey operations in 2013, spending seven years in Columbus as an assistant GM. Hired by the Panthers in 2020, he's been nominated for the Jim Gregory General Manager of the Year Award four times in five seasons.The lesson? Be honest. Be fair. Be decisive. A good reputation will follow.John Matisz is theScore's senior NHL writer. Follow John on Twitter (<a href="https://twitter.com/MatiszJohn">@MatiszJohn</a>) or contact him via email (john.matisz@thescore.com).

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3 things NHL teams can learn from the juggernaut Panthers

Two rounds are over, and the third's in full swing. What have we learned about the NHL through 72...

Two rounds are over, and the third's in full swing. What have we learned about the NHL through 72 playoff games? Let's dig into some big-picture observations ahead of Thursday's Game 2 between Carolina and Florida.<h3>⭐ 3 skater-related trends</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/786707/cropped_GettyImages-2213578831.jpg?ts=1747848028" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/786707/w220xh124_GettyImages-2213578831.jpg?ts=1747848028 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/786707/w320xh180_GettyImages-2213578831.jpg?ts=1747848028 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/786707/w640xh360_GettyImages-2213578831.jpg?ts=1747848028 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/786707/w768xh432_GettyImages-2213578831.jpg?ts=1747848028 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/786707/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2213578831.jpg?ts=1747848028 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Richard Rodriguez / Getty Images</figcaption></figure>1. The NHL has gradually evolved into a league that orbits around the elite.Yes, depth is vitally important, and by no means are NHL superstars impacting the game at the level of the NBA's megastars or the NFL quarterback. However, to my eye, a certain caliber of player - basically, the Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl, Nathan MacKinnon, Nikita Kucherov class - seems to be flat-out dominating games more frequently and with greater ease in 2025.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Mikko Rantanen's unbelievable seven-game heater of nine goals and nine assists against the Avalanche and Jets is a prime example. The Stars' front office looks brilliant for acquiring such a transcendent talent midseason.A couple of crack theories: A diluted talent pool (expansion) and offense-friendly changes to the rulebook have created a star-friendly environment.I don't have a bunch of stats to support my claim. But, as the chart below shows, the number of individual three-point games in an NHL season peaked during Wayne Gretzky's prime, then spiked again over the past four years.<figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title=":ice_hockey_stick_and_puck: 3-point boom" aria-label="Interactive area chart" id="datawrapper-chart-Xj4px" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/Xj4px/2/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="400" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",(function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}}))}();
</script></figure>2. Speaking of Rantanen, this is a golden age for Finnish hockey.The country of 5.6 million is well represented in the conference finals, with 12 of its 43 NHL forwards and defensemen still competing for the Stanley Cup.Dallas' lineup includes Rantanen, fellow first-liners Roope Hintz and Mikael Granlund, No. 1 defenseman Miro Heiskanen, and second-pair blue-liner Esa Lindell. Florida's got stud centers Aleksander Barkov and Anton Lundell, underrated winger Eetu Luostarinen, and big D-man Niko Mikkola. Carolina has Sebastian Aho and Jesperi Kotkaniemi. Edmonton rosters Kasperi Kapanen.3. The NHL has always been welcoming to large defensemen. But the big dude can't be a sluggish, basic stay-at-home rearguard nowadays. He must be a strong, agile skater who uses his size to defend in different ways, whether outmuscling opponents or eliminating time and space through less forceful tactics such as a tight gap, angling, and stick checks.There was a brief period when the league fixed its gaze upon small blue-liners for their puck-moving skills. The big boys went to work, became competent offensively, and have squeezed the little guys out. Check out the average heights and weights for each remaining team's blue line (top six defensemen):<ul>
<li>Hurricanes: 6-foot-1, 204 pounds</li>
<li>Panthers: 6-foot-3, 208 pounds</li>
<li>Oilers: 6-foot-3, 205 pounds</li>
<li>Stars: 6-foot-4, 213 pounds</li>
</ul><h3>📉 Shots on goal declining</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/786689/cropped_GettyImages-2216164355.jpg?ts=1747842363" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/786689/w220xh124_GettyImages-2216164355.jpg?ts=1747842363 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/786689/w320xh180_GettyImages-2216164355.jpg?ts=1747842363 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/786689/w640xh360_GettyImages-2216164355.jpg?ts=1747842363 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/786689/w768xh432_GettyImages-2216164355.jpg?ts=1747842363 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/786689/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2216164355.jpg?ts=1747842363 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Bruce Bennett / Getty Images</figcaption></figure>Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Final started frenetically, with both teams forechecking hard, delivering hits, and slinging pucks at the opposing goalie. About five minutes into the first period, Frederik Andersen gloved a Gustav Forsling point shot. As the whistle blew, I glanced at the scorebug in the top left corner of the broadcast and noted the shot counter. 1 Florida, 0 Carolina.Wait, one shot on goal? Total? Really?!It wasn't the first time I had this reaction in recent weeks. The shot counter hasn't matched the level of activity on the ice fairly often during the playoffs.The NHL started tracking shot attempts in 2007-08, which means we have 18 seasons of data. The 2024-25 regular season and 2024-25 playoffs both rank dead last in shots on goal generated per 60 minutes, according to <a href="https://evolving-hockey.com/">Evolving-Hockey</a>. Through 72 postseason games, at least one team has been limited to 20 or fewer shots in 22 contests. Washington recorded a playoff-low 14 shots in its second-round opener.Interestingly, 2024-25 sits at the other end of the spectrum in shot attempts generated per 60 - or the combined shots on goal, missed shots, and blocked shots in an average regulation game. The 2024-25 regular season and playoffs sit second and third, respectively, in attempts per 60 in the 18-season sample.<figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/786685/cropped_GettyImages-2215612364.jpg?ts=1747842025" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/786685/w220xh124_GettyImages-2215612364.jpg?ts=1747842025 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/786685/w320xh180_GettyImages-2215612364.jpg?ts=1747842025 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/786685/w640xh360_GettyImages-2215612364.jpg?ts=1747842025 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/786685/w768xh432_GettyImages-2215612364.jpg?ts=1747842025 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/786685/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2215612364.jpg?ts=1747842025 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Icon Sportswire / Getty Images</figcaption></figure>So, minimal shots on goal but loads of shot attempts. What's going on?In short, shooters are missing the net and getting shots blocked by the other team at unusually high rates. Two factors come to mind immediately.One, as ex-Flyers coach John Tortorella explained to me in January, NHLers have never been so willing to block shots or so good at clogging shooting lanes. Most clubs defend in layers, too, so it's become increasingly difficult to get the puck through to the goalie, even in a random regular-season game.Two, the NHL is obsessed with grade A scoring chances. Attackers are pursuing the best possible scoring opportunity instead of settling for a low-percentage look such as an unscreened point shot. They miss the net often because they're being tricky (one-timer off east-west pass) or precise (picking a corner). Part of this is a response to how advanced goalies have become.Perhaps unsurprisingly, each conference finalist sat near the top of the league in key shot quality categories during the regular season, according to Sportlogiq. Expected goals: Oilers second, Canes third, Stars fifth, Panthers seventh. Inner-slot shots: Stars second, Oilers third, Canes fourth, Panthers 12th.<h3>🥅 Load management for the win</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/786704/cropped_GettyImages-2215288998.jpg?ts=1747846038" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/786704/w220xh124_GettyImages-2215288998.jpg?ts=1747846038 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/786704/w320xh180_GettyImages-2215288998.jpg?ts=1747846038 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/786704/w640xh360_GettyImages-2215288998.jpg?ts=1747846038 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/786704/w768xh432_GettyImages-2215288998.jpg?ts=1747846038 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/786704/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2215288998.jpg?ts=1747846038 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Leila Devlin / Getty Images</figcaption></figure>NHL teams have adopted a load management approach to goaltending over the past handful of years. While there are a few exceptions, most 82-game workloads are either split roughly down the middle between two netminders or divided up at about 50 starts for the No. 1 goalie and 32 for the backup.The main objective is to keep the top goalie healthy and in peak form come playoff time, and it's proven to be a smart way of doing business. There have been 19 Cup winners in the salary-cap era, and only two had a goalie who appeared in 60 or more games during the regular season.Here's the full list of Cup winners backstopped by goalies who played in at least two-thirds of regular-season games (minimum of 55 appearances):<ul>
<li>2024 Panthers: Sergei Bobrovsky, 58 appearances</li>
<li>2022 Avalanche: Darcy Kuemper, 57</li>
<li>2015 Blackhawks: Corey Crawford, 57</li>
<li>2012 Kings: Jonathan Quick, 69</li>
<li>2011 Bruins: Tim Thomas, 57</li>
<li>2009 Penguins: Marc-Andre Fleury, 62</li>
<li>2007 Ducks: Jean-Sebastien Giguere, 56</li>
</ul>Put another way, 12 of 19 winners were led by a goalie with 54 or fewer appearances.Jake Oettinger (58 appearances), Bobrovsky (54), Stuart Skinner (51), and Andersen (22 due to injury) are the last goalies standing this year.Now, there's no magic number here. The Stars may win the Cup with a 58-game goalie because teams reach the top of the mountain for a whole host of reasons, and those reasons change year to year. Still, the trend is undeniable: It's wise to carefully monitor your starting goalie's workload.<h3>🤔 Carolina remains outlier</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/786716/cropped_GettyImages-2210785463.jpg?ts=1747849971" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/786716/w220xh124_GettyImages-2210785463.jpg?ts=1747849971 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/786716/w320xh180_GettyImages-2210785463.jpg?ts=1747849971 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/786716/w640xh360_GettyImages-2210785463.jpg?ts=1747849971 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/786716/w768xh432_GettyImages-2210785463.jpg?ts=1747849971 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/786716/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2210785463.jpg?ts=1747849971 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Minas Panagiotakis / Getty Images</figcaption></figure>The Hurricanes are the NHL's most unique franchise. This isn't a new development, but every passing year provides additional reference points.Nobody plays the game as aggressively as the Canes. Defense, offense, whatever, they never stop skating. It's an extreme example of a team buying into a specific style, from the front office to the coaches to the players.Nobody's braintrust is as eclectic as Carolina's. Owner Tom Dundon is involved enough in the day-to-day activities that he'll study videos of prospects as if he were a scout. GM Eric Tulsky is a certified genius with a PhD in chemistry who views the sport through a different lens than most. One of his assistant GMs, Tyler Dellow, rose to prominence in hockey circles as a sharp analytics writer.At the draft table, the Hurricanes aren't afraid to take chances on two riskier types of prospects: under-contract Russians and small, skilled forwards. They love swapping picks. In free agency, they unemotionally let veterans walk.The NHL roster is missing an offensive superstar. The Hurricanes had one in Rantanen, of course, but traded him. Like it or not, Carolina's different than the rest.John Matisz is theScore's senior NHL writer. Follow John on Twitter (<a href="https://twitter.com/MatiszJohn">@MatiszJohn</a>) or contact him via email (john.matisz@thescore.com).

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What this postseason has revealed about the state of the NHL

Mitch Marner stared at the ice, shell-shocked and heartbroken, as the quickest post-series handsh...

Mitch Marner stared at the ice, shell-shocked and heartbroken, as the quickest post-series handshake line in recent memory wrapped behind him. The winger then raised his stick to salute the sparse crowd alongside his teammates.He hung his head again before gliding off the Scotiabank Arena ice.That somber moment won't be the lasting image of Marner in a Maple Leafs uniform. Instead, it'll be the 28-year-old <a href="https://x.com/NastyKnuckles/status/1924269309041283512">screaming</a> "Wake the f--k up!" at the Leafs bench in the second period of Sunday's Game 7, when, ironically, Marner himself needed to be shaken out of a daze in the middle of a woeful 6-1 loss to the Panthers.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/786378/cropped_GettyImages-2215808242.jpg?ts=1747651574" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/786378/w220xh124_GettyImages-2215808242.jpg?ts=1747651574 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/786378/w320xh180_GettyImages-2215808242.jpg?ts=1747651574 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/786378/w640xh360_GettyImages-2215808242.jpg?ts=1747651574 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/786378/w768xh432_GettyImages-2215808242.jpg?ts=1747651574 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/786378/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2215808242.jpg?ts=1747651574 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Claus Andersen / Getty Images</figcaption></figure>This Leafs team was supposed to be "different." It was during the regular season and for stretches of a 13-game postseason. But not when adversity struck. Fans were instead treated to familiarity - another meltdown.Toronto couldn't handle a strong push from Florida to start Sunday's second period, failed to show any life in the third, and soon watched a handful of disgusted patrons throw jerseys onto the ice. The Leafs, up 2-0 in the second-round series, put forth unacceptable performances in Games 5 and 7."For me, it's all between the ears. It's a mindset," Leafs head coach Craig Berube told reporters after the loss. "These guys are capable of doing it. You've just got to execute, and we didn't execute."Marner, Auston Matthews, William Nylander, and Morgan Rielly are now 0-6 in Game 7s - an unfathomably poor record for such a talented core. Even more troubling, that core has scored more than one goal in just one of those elimination games.This playoff run, which included seven wins, technically stands as the deepest of the Matthews-Marner era. But it doesn't feel like progress when the core has produced only two series victories in nine years. What a waste of a decade.It's the hope - the small, blissful bursts of belief - that kills Leafs fans' spirits.So, what now? <h3>Shanahan and Marner</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/786379/cropped_GettyImages-2172014422.jpg?ts=1747651991" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/786379/w220xh124_GettyImages-2172014422.jpg?ts=1747651991 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/786379/w320xh180_GettyImages-2172014422.jpg?ts=1747651991 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/786379/w640xh360_GettyImages-2172014422.jpg?ts=1747651991 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/786379/w768xh432_GettyImages-2172014422.jpg?ts=1747651991 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/786379/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2172014422.jpg?ts=1747651991 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Nick Lachance / Getty Images</figcaption></figure>Change is most definitely on its way in Leaf land. It's a matter of how much.For starters, general manager Brad Treliving and Berube shouldn't be worried about their jobs. Both were hired within the past two years and are generally viewed in a positive light. Treliving has most notably built out a formidable blue line, while Berube implemented a much-needed north-south brand of hockey.Their boss, on the other hand, is all but gone. President Brendan Shanahan, hired in 2014 and on an expiring contract, has overseen the whole era. He drafted the core players, coddled and paid them, and held onto them for too long. Shanahan's on his third GM (previously Lou Lamoriello, Kyle Dubas) and fourth permanent head coach (Randy Carlyle, Mike Babcock, Sheldon Keefe).Moving on from Shanahan is an obvious move. What Maple Leaf Sports &amp; Entertainment CEO Keith Pelley does with the president position is less clear.Does Pelley find an elder statesman to oversee Treliving? Does he promote Treliving to president, allowing him to bring in a new GM? Would that GM, presumably a first- or second-timer, come from within (assistant GM Brandon Pridham, for instance) or elsewhere (Mathieu Darche of the Lightning comes to mind)? Or does Treliving become a one-man show as president/GM?<figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/786380/cropped_GettyImages-2185178529.jpg?ts=1747654414" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/786380/w220xh124_GettyImages-2185178529.jpg?ts=1747654414 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/786380/w320xh180_GettyImages-2185178529.jpg?ts=1747654414 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/786380/w640xh360_GettyImages-2185178529.jpg?ts=1747654414 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/786380/w768xh432_GettyImages-2185178529.jpg?ts=1747654414 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/786380/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2185178529.jpg?ts=1747654414 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Mark Blinch / Getty Images</figcaption></figure>Toronto had four pending unrestricted free agents in its Game 7 lineup. Two - Max Pacioretty and Steven Lorentz - are afterthoughts in the big picture because the others are Marner and former captain John Tavares, a pair of longtime core pieces who made a combined $21.9 million in 2024-25.Marner has been both a lovable character and punching bag for the fan base since 2019, when he squeezed every last dollar out of the Leafs on his second NHL contract. He's a Selke Trophy-caliber forward who's scored at a 92-point pace over his career but has consistently failed to rise to the occasion in the playoffs. Although the Leafs attempted to re-sign Marner midseason, Treliving also asked him to waive his no-movement clause around the trade deadline in an effort to acquire superstar Mikko Rantanen from the Hurricanes.The odds of Marner returning are close to zero. The team's better off spending his cap hit on multiple players, while Marner desperately needs a scenery change. Despite his postseason struggles, Marner will command upwards of $14 million a year as the top UFA. Potential landing spots include Carolina, Los Angeles, Chicago, Detroit, and Utah.<h3>Tavares and the rest</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/781491/cropped_GettyImages-2210942910.jpg?ts=1745173542" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/781491/w220xh124_GettyImages-2210942910.jpg?ts=1745173542 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/781491/w320xh180_GettyImages-2210942910.jpg?ts=1745173542 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/781491/w640xh360_GettyImages-2210942910.jpg?ts=1745173542 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/781491/w768xh432_GettyImages-2210942910.jpg?ts=1745173542 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/781491/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2210942910.jpg?ts=1745173542 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Mark Blinch / NHL / Getty Images</figcaption></figure>Tavares' situation is not so cut and dried. On one hand, most Leafs fans would like Treliving to get rid of another part of the problem. On the other, Tavares really wants to stay in Toronto. If he's willing to take a major discount ($4.5 million a year range) and a lesser role, he might be the Leafs' best bet for third-line center. The 34-year-old just put up 74 points in 75 games.Regardless of Tavares' future, this is fully Matthews' and Nylander's team.Matthews, who struggled to score goals all season amid injury issues, is under contract for three more years. Nylander, coming off an up-and-down postseason and a career-high 45 regular-season goals that ranked second in the NHL, is locked up for seven more campaigns. Both own no-movement clauses.Matthew Knies, arguably Toronto's best forward in the playoffs, is another high-impact piece for the present and future. Treliving needs to sign the pending restricted free agent to a long-term deal sooner rather than later. The power winger is an offer-sheet candidate, and the Leafs can't afford to lose him like the Oilers lost RFAs Dylan Holloway and Philip Broberg last offseason.The other Leafs signed past 2026-27: forward Max Domi, defensemen Rielly, Chris Tanev, Oliver Ekman-Larsson, and Jake McCabe, and goalie Joseph Woll. The club's other netminder, Anthony Stolarz, is a 2026 UFA and thus eligible to sign an extension on July 1. Toronto seems set in net for a while.The Leafs enter the offseason with $26.9 million in 2025-26 cap space, <a href="https://puckpedia.com/team/toronto-maple-leafs">according to PuckPedia</a>. Sixteen of 23 NHL roster spots are currently filled.Offseason priority No. 1: acquire two top-six forwards - one to replace Marner at first-line right wing, another to replace Tavares at second-line center.Treliving must also address the lack of offensive punch in the forward group's bottom six. Toronto received just seven playoff goals from its third and fourth lines in the postseason, with Domi and Pacioretty accounting for six. (Pacioretty, of course, played a chunk of the series on Line 2, as well.)<figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/786381/cropped_GettyImages-2215615619.jpg?ts=1747656843" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/786381/w220xh124_GettyImages-2215615619.jpg?ts=1747656843 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/786381/w320xh180_GettyImages-2215615619.jpg?ts=1747656843 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/786381/w640xh360_GettyImages-2215615619.jpg?ts=1747656843 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/786381/w768xh432_GettyImages-2215615619.jpg?ts=1747656843 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/786381/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2215615619.jpg?ts=1747656843 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Carmen Mandato / Getty Images</figcaption></figure>The defense corps, while old, is in pretty good shape overall. It's rangy, strong, and mobile. Dynamism is the one issue. There's limited offensive creativity beyond Rielly. Adding a gifted puck-moving middle-pair guy would go a long way.As for options, forward Easton Cowan is the club's only A-level prospect on the cusp of making the NHL, and he's no savior. Florida's Sam Bennett and Colorado's Brock Nelson would be fantastic fits at 2C, and Vancouver's Brock Boeser would look nice on Matthews' wing. But, with such a lackluster UFA class, the Leafs will be one of a dozen (if not dozens of) teams vying for those players' services. (Heck, Bennett and Nelson might re-sign before July 1.)The trade route could be more fruitful. One factor Treliving can't ignore - especially in pursuing a Marner replacement - is the psychological component of the playoff failures. The core pieces are all wired similarly. The lineup and dressing room need more stone-cold killers like Brad Marchand.The backdrop to the offseason is an increasingly competitive Atlantic Division. The Panthers and Lightning will be forces again next year. The Senators, Canadiens, and Red Wings are only getting better. What makes another frustrating playoff exit exponentially more painful for Leafs fans is that their team set itself up for success this year by winning the division.Over the Matthews-Marner era, the franchise has mixed up the leadership dynamic, added sandpaper, improved the goaltending, revamped the blue line, and swapped out GMs and coaches. Somehow, none of it has led to a conference final appearance. Not one. Will next year be any different?John Matisz is theScore's senior NHL writer. Follow John on Twitter (<a href="https://twitter.com/MatiszJohn">@MatiszJohn</a>) or contact him via email (john.matisz@thescore.com).

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What's next for Leafs after yet another excruciating playoff exit?

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John Matisz

Senior NHL Writer

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theScore Staff

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Kyle Cushman

News editor

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