Boston Bruins captain Brad Marchand revealed he underwent elbow, groin, and abdominal surgeries t...

Boston Bruins captain <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/100" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/100">Brad Marchand</a> revealed he underwent elbow, groin, and abdominal surgeries this offseason to address issues that plagued him throughout the 2023-24 campaign.Though the veteran forward is behind the eight-ball in terms of his preparation, he still hopes to be a participant when training camp opens Sept. 18."I didn't do a whole lot of training until about two weeks ago. ... The goal is to try to be ready for camp or, if not (then), very shortly after," he <a href="https://www.nhl.com/bruins/video/locker-room-raw-brad-marchand-6361451939112">said</a> Tuesday. "But I'm just kind of getting back in the swing of things here now. I'm going to hit it all head-on."<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Marchand tore a tendon in his elbow last summer and played through the issue. He suffered the other two ailments in the last month of the season."They kept bugging me into the summer, so I figured I'd get them taken care of," he explained, according to <a href="https://www.nhl.com/news/brad-marchand-aims-to-be-ready-for-camp-after-3-surgeries">NHL.com's Amalie Benjamin</a>. Despite the injuries, Marchand didn't miss a regular-season game. He totaled 29 goals and 67 points while averaging just over 19 minutes of ice time per contest.The 36-year-old missed two second-round games after suffering an upper-body injury on a hit from Florida Panthers forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3949" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3949">Sam Bennett</a>."The biggest thing is probably getting conditioning back up to speed. ... My strength's kind of there already," Marchand said. "Power and conditioning, I think, is where I need to focus to get back to where I need to be."Marchand underwent surgery to repair both hips in May 2022 and was initially given a six-month recovery timeline. He returned one month ahead of schedule and only missed the first seven games of the 2022-23 campaign.The Halifax native is about to embark on his 16th NHL campaign and final season of his eight-year deal with the Bruins. However, Marchand isn't interested in talking about any contract negotiations publicly."I won't ever talk about contract stuff in the media. ... I think there's enough respect between the two sides that we can deal with it," he said.

BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - MAY 17: Brad Marchand #63 of the Boston Bruins skates against the Florida Panthers during the second period in Game Six of the Second Round of the 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs at the TD Garden on May 17, 2024 in Boston, Massachusetts. The Panthers won 2-1 to advance to the Eastern Conference final.

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Marchand underwent 3 offseason surgeries, hopes to be ready for camp

Leon Draisaitl's eight-year, $112-million extension will contribute to a tricky salary-cap situat...

<a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3948" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3948">Leon Draisaitl</a>'s eight-year, $112-million extension will contribute to a tricky salary-cap situation for the Edmonton Oilers, but general manager Stan Bowman wouldn't have it any other way."Players like Leon are special," he <a href="https://www.nhl.com/oilers/video/raw-draisaitl-bowman-09-03-24-6361455878112">told</a> reporters Tuesday. "There's not many people in the world that can play hockey like he does. There's no way we could ever replace what Leon brings to the table. ... For me, it was never a question. "Certainly, there's going to be challenges in the future, but that's for us to figure out down the road." <div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Draisaitl's $14-million cap hit will make him the highest-paid player when his new contract begins in 2025-26, but Bowman has more major negotiations on his to-do list.Key defenseman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/7827" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/7827">Evan Bouchard</a> is due for a significant raise on his $3.9-million average annual salary. He's eligible for an extension before he becomes a restricted free agent next summer.<a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/4560" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4560">Connor McDavid</a> can put pen to paper on a new contract starting next summer. His cap hit will undoubtedly exceed Draisaitl's hefty price tag.Bowman is realistic about what he needs to do to balance the Oilers' high-end talent and their depth."The math is what it is," he said. "So you have to have low-priced players coming into your team each year, whether that's through a young player who's moving out of the junior ranks or American League and getting in the NHL, or if you could find ... some experienced players taking less money (on) shorter-term deals."Edmonton already lost two young players because of its salary-cap outlook. The Oilers <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3056982" href="https://thescore.com/news/3056982">declined</a> to match the St. Louis Blues' two-year offer sheets for <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/9214" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/9214">Dylan Holloway</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/8601" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/8601">Philip Broberg</a>.Meanwhile, Draisaitl is thrilled to have his negotiations behind him."I take great pride in being an Oiler. ... I love nothing more than wearing that jersey and representing our city and our great fans," he said. "I'm really, really happy and excited to hopefully be an Oiler for life." The German forward added that he's had "numerous conversations" with McDavid about staying in Edmonton long term."Do I hope that Connor follows along? I'd be lying if I said no," Draisaitl said with a laugh. Bowman believes he's sent a strong message to McDavid by getting his longtime teammate under contract before the 2024-25 season. "We want to win, we're going to do everything in our power, and hopefully that's going to be something that Connor likes to hear," he said.

EDMONTON, ALBERTA - JUNE 13: Leon Draisaitl #29 of the Edmonton Oilers warms up before taking on the Florida Panthers in Game Three of the Stanley Cup Final at Rogers Place on June 13, 2024 in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.

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Bowman: 'Never a question' to re-sign Draisaitl despite cap outlook

Unrestricted free-agent forward Filip Zadina signed a two-year deal with HC Davos of the Swiss Na...

Unrestricted free-agent forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/7707" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/7707">Filip Zadina</a> signed a two-year deal with HC Davos of the Swiss National League, the club announced Monday.Zadina spent this past season with the last-place San Jose Sharks, amassing 23 points and a career-high 13 goals in 72 outings. He signed a one-year, $1.1-million deal with the Western Conference club last July. Zadina was set to become a restricted free agent upon its expiration, but the Sharks didn't tender him a qualifying offer, allowing him to hit the open market.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Zadina spent the first five seasons of his career in Detroit after the Red Wings selected him sixth overall at the 2018 NHL Draft. He was considered one of the top scorers in his class after he lit up the QMJHL with 44 goals and 82 points in 57 outings during the 2017-18 campaign as a member of the Halifax Mooseheads.However, that success didn't translate to the NHL level. Zadina scored just 28 goals in 190 games as a Red Wing. Detroit placed Zadina on waivers last summer, and both sides agreed to terminate the remaining two seasons of his three-year, $5.48-million contract. The Czech winger forewent $4.56 million in salary as a result.A report out of Czechia last week suggested Zadina was going to sign a professional tryout contract with the Buffalo Sabres. But his agent Darren Ferris refuted that claim to the <a href="https://x.com/LLysowski/status/1828425159826440632">Buffalo News' Lance Lysowski</a>.Ferris added that he was in the process of completing a contract for Zadina with another team. Zadina, 24, totaled 91 points in 262 NHL games.

SAN JOSE, CA - APRIL 1: Filip Zadina #18 of the San Jose Sharks skates between plays in the second period against the Seattle Kraken at SAP Center on April 1, 2024 in San Jose, California.

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Filip Zadina signs 2-year deal in Switzerland

Rory McIlroy offered a candid take on the apparent lack of progress in the negotiations between t...

<a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///pga/players/599" href="https://thescore.com/pga/players/599">Rory McIlroy</a> offered a candid take on the apparent lack of progress in the negotiations between the PGA TOUR and LIV's Saudi backers that would bring both circuits together."Anyone that cares about golf, I think, has to be frustrated," he said Thursday at East Lake, according to <a href="https://x.com/GOLF_com/status/1829546157225484490">GOLF.com</a>. "I think anyone that cares about the PGA TOUR has to be frustrated because we're … not putting forward the absolute best product that we can."I get the argument that these guys left and that was their choice and whatever. But I just think that it's gone on long enough. I think everyone is trying to find a solution, it's just a solution is hard to get to."<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>He added, "Even though I was on the wrong side of things (at) the U.S. Open with <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///pga/players/437" href="https://thescore.com/pga/players/437">Bryson (Dechambeau)</a> and I, you're only really going to get that four times a year at most. I think the game of golf deserves having those sort of things happen more."The PGA TOUR and Saudi Public Investment Fund first announced a framework agreement in June 2023.In March, PGA TOUR commissioner Jay Monahan said a merger was still the "best outcome" for the sport, but he was unable to provide any significant updates on the state of negotiations.Details have remained scarce. Two days after the one-year anniversary of the initial merger announcement, the PGA TOUR <a href="https://www.pgatour.com/article/news/latest/2024/06/08/pga-tour-enterprises-transaction-subcommittee-releases-statement-on-negotiations-with-pif">said</a> "more progress was made" in its recent talks with PIF.Monahan <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3062409" href="https://thescore.com/news/3062409">asked</a> for patience Wednesday, emphasizing that he's aiming to achieve "the best and right outcome at the right time."McIlroy, meanwhile, expressed concerns about what might happen if the talks drag on for much longer."If it doesn't happen soon, then honestly, I think PIF and the Saudis are going to have to look at alternative options, right?" he said. "I think that's probably the next step in all this if something doesn't get done."McIlroy entered Friday's action tied for 10th place at the TOUR Championship.

ATLANTA, GA - AUGUST 29: Rory McIlroy walking down the sixteenth fairway during the first round of the 2024 PGA Tour Championship on August 29, 2024 at East Lake Golf Club in Atlanta, Georgia.

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Rory: Golf fans 'frustrated' by lengthy PIF negotiations

The Ottawa Senators and unrestricted free-agent forward Nick Cousins agreed to a one-year, $800,0...

The Ottawa Senators and unrestricted free-agent forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/2113" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/2113">Nick Cousins</a> agreed to a one-year, $800,000 deal, the team announced Thursday.Ottawa reached out to Cousins when free agency opened on July 1, but he was seeking a longer contract and more money at the time, according to <a href="https://x.com/SunGarrioch/status/1829241857705951556">Postmedia's Bruce Garrioch</a>.Cousins spent the last two seasons with the Florida Panthers and helped the club capture its first Stanley Cup championship this spring. He appeared in 12 contests during the playoff run, logging one assist while averaging less than nine minutes of ice time per game.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>The Belleville native suited up for 69 regular-season matchups in 2023-24, scoring seven goals to go with 15 points.Philadelphia drafted Cousins in the third round in 2011. A veteran of 592 NHL games, the 31-year-old has spent time with the Flyers, Arizona Coyotes, Montreal Canadiens, Vegas Golden Knights, Nashville Predators, and Panthers over 10 seasons.Cousins has racked up 71 goals, 180 points, 766 hits, and 312 penalty minutes during his NHL tenure.

SUNRISE, FLORIDA - JUNE 24: Nick Cousins #21 of the Florida Panthers hoists the Stanley Cup after Game Seven of the 2024 Stanley Cup Final between the Edmonton Oilers and the Florida Panthers at Amerant Bank Arena on June 24, 2024 in Sunrise, Florida.

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Senators sign Nick Cousins to 1-year deal

Clayton Keller is a big fan of Utah's offseason moves ahead of the franchise's first season in Sa...

<a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/5592" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/5592">Clayton Keller</a> is a big fan of Utah's offseason moves ahead of the franchise's first season in Salt Lake City. "All the guys that we traded for and signed are great players and guys that have won Stanley Cups or been in those high-pressure situations," he told <a href="https://allcitynetwork.com/getting-to-know-u-tah-forward-clayton-keller/">ALLCITY Network's Craig Morgan</a>. "I think that's only gonna help our group and push us in the right direction."We're at a time now where we really are taking that next step and we want to win. ... I think we're a fun team to watch."<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Utah largely focused on its blue line this summer, bringing in <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/5594" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/5594">Mikhail Sergachev</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/8622" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/8622">John Marino</a>, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/1555" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/1555">Ian Cole</a>.Keller and the Arizona Coyotes have missed the playoffs the last four seasons. They were in the fight in 2023-24 and only sat two points out of a wild-card spot in January, but their hopes were dashed by a 14-game winless streak.The franchise appeared in the 2020 playoff bubble, beating the Nashville Predators in the qualifier before falling to the Colorado Avalanche in the first round. That showing was Keller's first and only taste of playoff action so far, and he impressed with four goals and seven points in nine contests. However, the 26-year-old is feeling particularly driven after seeing good friend and fellow St. Louis native <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/5591" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/5591">Matthew Tkachuk</a> succeed with the Florida Panthers."I've had some decent seasons, but I haven't proven anything really," Keller said. "Where you really make the noise is in the playoffs, when you're in those high-pressure situations. It was just super cool to see Matthew Tkachuk win this year. Just seeing the performance he put on the last two playoffs is unbelievable and definitely motivating."Though Keller's eight-season tenure in Arizona is now over, with the team's relocation to Utah, he was able to leave his mark on the franchise. His 86 points in 2022-23 tied Keith Tkachuk (1996-97) for the most points by a Coyotes player in a single season.Keller totaled 76 points in 78 games this past season and has back-to-back 30-goal campaigns under his belt, but he's confident he can keep growing. "I still have another level that I can get to, and I know I can get to it, and I will because of how I work and how much better my mindset has gotten throughout the years," he explained. "Before, I would let my emotions get in the way, but I have really put in work on that side of things; really believing in myself and having that strong mindset."I think that's what makes all the best players in every sport is the mind. I can't wait to get the season started."Arizona selected Keller with the seventh overall pick in the 2016 NHL Draft. He's scored 166 goals and 418 points in 520 career contests.

RALEIGH, NORTH CAROLINA - JANUARY 27: Clayton Keller #9 of the Arizona Coyotes skates during the first period against the Carolina Hurricanes at PNC Arena on January 27, 2024 in Raleigh, North Carolina.

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Keller: Utah's offseason additions will push team in 'right direction' 

Chicago Blackhawks goaltender Laurent Brossoit is expected to be sidelined for five-to-seven week...

Chicago Blackhawks goaltender <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/2077" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/2077">Laurent Brossoit</a> is expected to be sidelined for five-to-seven weeks after undergoing meniscus surgery on his right knee, the team announced Wednesday.Under his current timeline, Brossoit could return to action during the Blackhawks' preseason slate or miss the first few games of the regular season.Brossoit signed a two-year deal at a $3.3-million cap hit with Chicago as an unrestricted free agent this summer.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>The 31-year-old was outstanding for the Winnipeg Jets while serving as <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3997" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3997">Connor Hellebuyck</a>'s backup last campaign, logging a .927 save percentage, 2.00 goals against average, and a 15-5-2 record across 23 appearances.Brossoit won the Stanley Cup as a member of the Vegas Golden Knights in 2023. He owns a .911 save percentage and a 64-46-13 record in 140 showings over 10 seasons split between the Jets, Knights, and Edmonton Oilers.The British Columbia native is expected to form a tandem with <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/2204" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/2204">Petr Mrazek</a> upon his return. Mrazek performed admirably with the struggling Blackhawks last season, logging a .908 clip in 56 games.

WINNIPEG, CANADA - JANUARY 11: Goaltender Laurent Brossoit #39 of the Winnipeg Jets looks on during a third period stoppage in play against the Chicago Blackhawks at the Canada Life Centre on January 11, 2024 in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada.

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Blackhawks' Brossoit sidelined 5-7 weeks after knee surgery

Seattle Kraken goaltender Philipp Grubauer expressed confidence in his team being well-equipped t...

Seattle Kraken goaltender <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/1801" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/1801">Philipp Grubauer</a> expressed confidence in his team being well-equipped to make some noise in the Pacific Division this upcoming season."For sure," he told <a href="https://www.nhl.com/nhl-network/topic/nhln-latest-video/nhl-tonight-grubauer-interview-6361114736112">NHL Network</a> on Tuesday night. "It was so tight last year, right? ... You can't miss a beat. You've gotta start from the beginning, from Game 1. And so many teams made so many upgrades and signed so many new guys. It's really tough to tell right now ... but we definitely have a good chance of making it to the playoffs again."The Kraken missed the postseason by 17 points this past spring after making the playoffs for the first time in franchise history the year prior. Seattle was only two points out of a wild-card spot before the All-Star break, but it ultimately faded from the picture by going 13-16-3 the rest of the way, which featured an eight-game winless streak in March.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>In an attempt to return to the playoffs, general manager Ron Francis brought in defenseman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/4487" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4487">Brandon Montour</a> and forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3080" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3080">Chandler Stephenson</a> on July 1. The former won the Stanley Cup with the Florida Panthers in June, while the latter helped the Vegas Golden Knights capture their first championship in 2023. "I don't think the year we had last year was our year. ... But cards are going to get dealt new again," Grubauer said. "We're excited to get back out there. We have players coming in who won recently - not 10 years ago, the game's changed quite a bit. They bring a certain type of experience. "We have players, too, that feel more and more comfortable with their role, and we grow together as a team. We know what we're capable of."Grubauer has manned the Kraken's crease for their first three years of existence, but he has yet to log a season save percentage over .900 in the Emerald City. The German missed two months of the 2023-24 campaign because of injuries but showed some promise upon his return in February, logging a .912 save percentage and a 9-7-1 record in his last 19 appearances.Grubauer is under contract for three more seasons and carries a cap hit of $5.9 million. He signed with Seattle as an unrestricted free agent in July 2021. The 32-year-old owns a career .911 clip and 158-122-32 record in 344 appearances, split between the Kraken, Colorado Avalanche, and Washington Capitals. Grubauer won the Stanley Cup with the Capitals in 2018.

SEATTLE, WASHINGTON - MARCH 30: Philipp Grubauer #31 of the Seattle Kraken skates during warm ups ahead of a game against the Dallas Stars at Climate Pledge Arena on March 30, 2024 in Seattle, Washington.

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Grubauer: Kraken 'definitely have a good chance' of returning to playoffs

By this time next year, Minnesota Wild general manager Bill Guerin will be mostly free of the cap...

By this time next year, Minnesota Wild general manager Bill Guerin will be mostly free of the cap constraints that came with buying out <a href="https://www.thescore.com/nhl/players/697">Ryan Suter</a>'s and <a href="https://www.thescore.com/nhl/players/733">Zach Parise</a>'s contracts three summers ago, but that doesn't mean the executive will sit idle this season."We're trying to win," he said Tuesday during an appearance on <a href="https://www.iheart.com/podcast/462-paul-allen-26980875/episode/92noon-10am-hour-827--209719444/#transcription">KFAN FM 100.3</a>. "We've got some salary-cap obstacles, but you know, I think we have performed well under the situation that we put ourselves in. I'm looking forward to it, but ... I'm not like, 'Oh my God, we'll just wait till next (year).' No, we have this year."The buyouts currently account for $14.74 million in dead cap for the second straight season. In 2025-26, Suter and Parise will combine for just under $1.67 million.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>The Wild finished the 2023-24 season with a 39-34-9 record and missed the postseason for the first time since 2019. Despite their ongoing cap issues, Guerin believes Minnesota can be one of the last 16 teams standing come next spring. "My expectations are to get back into the playoffs and win the Stanley Cup. ... I think there are some teams that are in a rebuild or whatever, but we are not," he said. "The one thing that really hurt us last year were injuries. If we can stay healthy, we can get back to our 100-plus-point seasons and get back into the playoffs and improve on what we've done."He added, "Players have bad years, coaches get fired, teams miss the playoffs. That happens. The big thing is is that we bounce back."A handful of key players missed significant time for Minnesota this past season, including captain <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/1873" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/1873">Jared Spurgeon</a>, forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/1489" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/1489">Marcus Foligno</a>, and rearguard <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/2600" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/2600">Jonas Brodin</a>. Guerin also called for more offense from some of his forwards."What we need is the guys that scored 10 (goals) but usually score 20 to get back to 20. (<a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/1646" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/1646">Marcus</a>) <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/1646" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/1646">Johansson</a>'s got to have a better year. (<a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/9426" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/9426">Frederick</a>) <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/9426" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/9426">Gaudreau</a>'s got to have a better year. (<a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/10525" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/10525">Matt</a>) <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/10525" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/10525">Boldy</a> has to have a better start. (<a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/7294" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/7294">Kirill</a>) <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/7294" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/7294">Kaprizov</a> has to have a better start. (<a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3289" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3289">Ryan</a>) <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3289" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3289">Hartman</a> can have a better year. ... Foligno, if he can stay healthy, we need him in the 15-20-goal range," the GM said."These are guys you know, if you've done it once, you can do it again. They're capable."The Wild have had a modest offseason, but it sounds as though the franchise is banking on some of its youngsters taking big steps. Guerin thinks 2022 first-round pick <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/12756" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/12756">Liam Ohgren</a> can be an "impactful player" this year, while the plan is to get top goalie prospect <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/10757" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/10757">Jesper Wallstedt</a> into some "more action."

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - JUNE 28: General Manager Bill Guerin Minnesota Wild speaks with the media before the first round of the 2024 Upper Deck NHL Draft at Sphere on June 28, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

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Guerin hopes Wild will 'bounce back' as buyout constraints continue

The Panthers have drawn the ire of opposing fan bases thanks to their snarly, physical style of p...

The Panthers have drawn the ire of opposing fan bases thanks to their snarly, physical style of play, but forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3949" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3949">Sam Bennett</a> and Florida aren't here to make friends."There's definitely a lot of people that don't like the way I play," he said Tuesday during an appearance on "<a href="https://www.tsn.ca/bennett-on-panthers-cup-run-going-to-back-to-back-finals-and-what-he-ate-out-of-the-stanley-cup-1.2166360">First Up with Korolnek &amp; Colaiacovo</a>," adding, "I think it goes for a lot of guys on our team, actually. It's kind of part of what makes us successful, I think. We have so many guys that are willing to do whatever it takes to win."It can be hard, it can be nasty at times, but sometimes it's necessary. ... We have a lot of guys that have bought into that. It's showed (in) how much success we've had over the last two years."<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>The Panthers led all teams with 1,035 hits this past playoffs - 286 clear of the Edmonton Oilers in second place - and ranked fifth in hits per 60 minutes (42.42). That also contributed to Florida's 11:42 penalty minutes per game, which was the second-most among all squads to make it past the first round.Just like the postseason before, the Panthers got under their opponents' skin on a number of occasions. New York Rangers forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/2542" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/2542">Chris Kreider</a> risked getting ejected when he threw <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/5591" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/5591">Matthew Tkachuk</a>'s mouthguard during a particularly tense moment in the Eastern Conference Final.Bennett himself was the subject of the Boston Bruins' rage after he collided with <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/100" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/100">Brad Marchand</a> in the second round, causing the captain to miss two games. Head coach Jim Montgomery insinuated intention on Bennett's part, saying he "knew what he was doing," while forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/5614" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/5614">Trent Frederic</a> conceded that "the whole team ticks everyone off."Before the Stanley Cup Final, Tkachuk argued that the Panthers had actually cleaned up their act."There's nothing after the whistle," he said. "There's no nonsense or chirping or really anything that's not just playing hard. So that's probably a big difference from last year. This year, we're super disciplined."Florida did cut down on its parade to the penalty box during its second straight run to the final. During the 2023 Stanley Cup Playoffs, the Cardiac Cats were averaging around 18 penalty minutes per game.Bennett was at the center of one of the Panthers' most controversial moments one year ago. He slammed Toronto Maple Leafs rookie <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/10575" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/10575">Matthew Knies</a> onto the ice during the second round and avoided being penalized. Knies sustained a concussion from the hit.Bennett said the incident hasn't made him a popular guy in the Toronto area, where he's spending his offseason. "Since I'm here all summer, I walk by fans, (they) see me all the time," he said. "They actually always have something to say. They hate me, but they always end with, 'I want you to be a Leaf one day.'" Bennett can become an unrestricted free agent next summer.

SUNRISE, FL - JUNE 24: Sam Bennett #9 of the Florida Panthers prepares for a face-off against the Edmonton Oilers in Game Seven of the Final of the 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs at the Amerant Bank Arena on June 24, 2024 in Sunrise, Florida.

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Panthers' Bennett: Nastiness sometimes 'necessary'

Canucks goaltender Thatcher Demko isn't expected to be ready for training camp and Vancouver's pr...

Canucks goaltender <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/5557" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/5557">Thatcher Demko</a> isn't expected to be ready for training camp and Vancouver's preseason games in September as he works his way back from a knee injury, sources told <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5719525/2024/08/23/canucks-offseason-thatcher-demko/?source=emp_shared_article">The Athletic's Thomas Drance and Rick Dhaliwal</a>.Though the Canucks hope Demko will be good to go for their regular-season opener on Oct. 9 against the Calgary Flames, his return isn't a sure thing.Demko hasn't played since Game 1 of Vancouver's first-round clash against the Nashville Predators in April. He played the entirety of the Canucks' 4-2 victory, turning aside 22 of 24 shots, but the club then labeled him as questionable for the remainder of the series.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>The Vezina Trophy finalist missed 14 games in the late stages of the regular season with a knee injury, but he started the last two contests before the playoffs. Demko's latest ailment isn't the same as what sidelined him down the stretch, but it's to the same knee, according to <a href="https://x.com/FarhanLaljiTSN/status/1782844182081728947">TSN's Farhan Lalji</a>.Canucks head coach Rick Tocchet <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/2913008" href="https://thescore.com/news/2913008">said</a> prior to Game 5 of the second round that Demko was improving "immensely," but he ultimately didn't return, and Vancouver lost to the Edmonton Oilers in seven contests.The Canucks are poking around the goaltending market and appear to be most interested in unrestricted free-agent netminder <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/7694" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/7694">Kevin Lankinen</a>, per Drance and Dhaliwal.Lankinen appeared in 24 games with the Predators this past season, posting an 11-6-0 record to go along with a .908 save percentage and 2.82 goals against average. The 29-year-old carried a $2-million cap hit in 2023-24, and <a href="https://evolving-hockey.com/stats/contract_projections/?_inputs_&amp;con_season=%2220232024%22&amp;con_team=%22All%22&amp;con_pos=%22All%22&amp;con_status=%22All%22&amp;con_agent=%22Yes%22&amp;con_period=%221%3A%20July%201st%20-%20July%2031st%22&amp;con_signs_with=%22UFA%3A%20Different%2C%20RFA%3A%20Same%22&amp;con_8yr=%22On%22&amp;dir_con=%22Contract%20Projection%20Tables%22&amp;con_player=%22Kevin%20Lankinen%22&amp;con_cap=%2288000000%22">Evolving-Hockey</a> projects him to sign a one-year, $1.466-million deal. Vancouver has just under $191,000 in cap space, according to <a href="https://puckpedia.com/team/vancouver-canucks">PuckPedia</a>.<a href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/2995">Antti Raanta</a> and <a href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/573">Martin Jones</a> are also available on the free-agent market.The Canucks re-signed <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/10508" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/10508">Arturs Silovs</a> to a two-year pact with an $850,000 cap hit in July. Silovs showed his potential in the playoffs in Demko's absence, registering five wins and a .898 save percentage in 10 outings. However, the 23-year-old is still inexperienced and has only nine regular-season games under his belt.Vancouver also inked <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/10522" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/10522">Jiri Patera</a> to a two-year, two-way pact. The 25-year-old suited up for six games for the Vegas Golden Knights this past season, owning a .893 clip and 3.98 goals against average in limited action.Demko recorded a 35-14-2 record in 51 appearances in 2023-24, as well as a .918 save percentage and 2.45 goals against average.

VANCOUVER, CANADA - APRIL 21: Thatcher Demko #35 of the Vancouver Canucks looks on during the first period in Game One of the First Round of the 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs against the Nashville Predators at Rogers Arena on April 21, 2024 in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.

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Report: Demko not expected to be ready for training camp

New Blue Jackets president and general manager Don Waddell hopes his first year at the helm will ...

New Blue Jackets president and general manager Don Waddell hopes his first year at the helm will usher in a new outlook in Columbus. "The one thing is, I'm not saying it was everybody, but losing was acceptable (here) and losing is not acceptable," he said, according to <a href="https://www.nhl.com/news/general-manager-don-waddell-says-columbus-blue-jackets-must-change-approach">NHL.com's Dave McCarthy</a>. "We have a ways to go building this, but our goal every year should be to win the Stanley Cup, not just to win some games. It's a mindset." The Blue Jackets haven't made the playoffs since 2020. Their .421 points percentage over the past four seasons ranks 29th in the NHL, and they've finished last in their division in back-to-back campaigns.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Columbus finished 2023-24 with a 27-43-12 record and was a distant 25 points from the second wild-card spot in the Eastern Conference.Waddell conceded that Columbus had to contend with plenty of injuries, including to captain <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/2058" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/2058">Boone Jenner</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/5587" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/5587">Patrik Laine</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3267" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3267">Damon Severson</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/5520" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/5520">Zach Werenski</a>, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/13830" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/13830">Adam Fantilli</a>, but he didn't view them as an excuse for poor play. "(They) fell out of the race pretty quick (and) they just kind of played out the season," he said. "And we have to change that."Columbus has made some major changes over the past handful of months, firing longtime general manager Jarmo Kekalainen in February and replacing him with Waddell in May. Waddell then dismissed head coach Pascal Vincent from his post in June and hired Dean Evason one month later. The executive is certain the Jackets' new bench boss will help right the ship. "It's all about starting with accountability, a structure in place, and culture will get there," Waddell explained. "Back in Carolina, when I took over and I hired Rod Brind'Amour, Rod was great about executing a plan. And I believe Dean Evason has the same mold. "It has to be about hockey. ... So the No. 1 priority is to prepare ourselves every night. It doesn't mean you are going to win every night, but prepare yourself so you have a chance to win."The Jackets weren't very active on the free-agent market, only adding forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3000" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3000">Sean Monahan</a> and defenseman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/572" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/572">Jack Johnson</a>.However, Waddell <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3056574" href="https://thescore.com/news/3056574">honored</a> Laine's trade request on Monday, shipping the winger and a 2026 second-round pick to the Montreal Canadiens in exchange for defenseman <a href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/12690">Jordan Harris</a>.

COLUMBUS, OHIO - APRIL 16: The Columbus Blue Jackets salute the fans after defeating the Carolina Hurricanes 6-3 in their season finale at Nationwide Arena on April 16, 2024 in Columbus, Ohio.

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Waddell looking to bring change to Jackets: 'Losing was acceptable'

The Seattle Kraken signed franchise cornerstone and restricted free-agent center Matty Beniers to...

The Seattle Kraken signed franchise cornerstone and restricted free-agent center <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/10775" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/10775">Matty Beniers</a> to a seven-year extension with a $7.14-million cap hit, the team announced Tuesday.Beniers won the Calder Trophy as the league's top rookie after logging 24 goals and 57 points in 80 games in 2022-23. He wasn't as effective in his sophomore season, potting 15 tallies and 37 points in 77 outings as the Kraken missed the playoffs for the second time in their first three seasons.However, Beniers improved in the faceoff circle, winning 47.4% of his draws in Year 2 compared to just 42.2% in Year 1. <div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>The 21-year-old is the franchise's first-ever draft pick. Seattle selected him with the second overall selection in 2021. "Matty has been a core part of our team since making his NHL debut, not only on the ice but in his commitment to our community and our fans," general manager Ron Francis <a href="https://www.nhl.com/kraken/news/kraken-beniers-agree-on-seven-year-deal">said</a> in a statement. "Signing Matty to a new contract was a top priority for our offseason, and we are excited to have it done. "We're looking forward to seeing Matty take the next steps as a player and watching him contribute to many more memorable moments for our franchise."Though he's about to embark on his third full NHL season, Beniers has already established himself as the Kraken's first-line center. During his stellar rookie campaign, Seattle outscored opponents 63-41 and dictated 52.6% of the expected goals with Beniers on the ice at five-on-five, according to <a href="https://www.naturalstattrick.com/playerreport.php?fromseason=20192020&amp;thruseason=20212022&amp;stype=2&amp;sit=5v5&amp;stdoi=oi&amp;rate=n&amp;v=p&amp;playerid=8482665">Natural Stat Trick</a>. Beniers made his NHL debut in April 2022 shortly after his second NCAA campaign at Michigan ended with a national semifinal loss to Denver. He impressed in a 10-game stretch to end the Kraken's regular season, totaling three goals and nine points.The Massachusetts native also put up seven points in 14 contests during Seattle's run to the second round during the 2023 Stanley Cup Playoffs.

SEATTLE, WASHINGTON - APRIL 11: Matty Beniers #10 of the Seattle Kraken skates during the second period of a game against the San Jose Sharks at Climate Pledge Arena on April 11, 2024 in Seattle, Washington.

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Kraken sign Beniers to 7-year extension with $7.14M AAV

After a tough couple of seasons on and off the ice, Patrik Laine is ready to use what he's learne...

After a tough couple of seasons on and off the ice, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/5587" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/5587">Patrik Laine</a> is ready to use what he's learned about himself to help guide his new chapter with the Montreal Canadiens."I think, most importantly, it's been just about Patty as a person more than Patty the hockey player," he <a href="https://www.nhl.com/canadiens/video/media-op-laine-6360671762112">told</a> reporters Monday. "One thing I've noticed is that, when you're not enjoying whatever you do, you're probably not gonna be able to perform, and that's kind of where I've been at."He added, "Now, I'm happier than ever off the ice. I've done a lot of work on myself to get me back to this point where I'm actually super excited about playing."<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Laine spent most of the 2023-24 campaign in the NHL/NHLPA player assistance program, citing his mental health as the reason for his absence.The 26-year-old requested a trade from Columbus after spending four seasons with the Blue Jackets. General manager Don Waddell <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3056574" href="https://thescore.com/news/3056574">pulled the trigger</a> on Monday, sending Laine and a 2026 second-round pick to Montreal for defenseman <a href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/12690">Jordan Harris</a>. Laine began his career in Winnipeg after being drafted by the Jets in 2016, and the Finn is looking forward to being back north of the border."I don't think there was much to be said in that sense that I needed convincing to come to Montreal," he said. "It's the biggest hockey market there is. I've played in Canada before, and I loved every minute of it. I miss being back there, where hockey is the No. 1 thing."He continued, "For some people, it might not be the easiest place to go, but I've always liked being in the spotlight on the ice, and I feel like when there's a lot of pressure, I feel like in those times I've usually always been at my best. I'm (welcoming) the challenge with open arms."Laine strung together three straight 30-goal seasons in Winnipeg, including a 44-goal effort in 2017-18. He's aiming to reach new heights in Montreal."I don't want to come back as a 30-goal-scorer," he said. "I want to come back as a 40-, 50-(goal-scorer). I've done that previously, and it's not by accident."Laine unveiled his mental health initiative, "From Us To You," in August. He said he's now better equipped to handle negativity, which he knows will serve him well in a tough market."Passion is a great thing," he said. "When we're not playing great, I'm sure it's a lot of negativity, but I feel like it's only because people care. ... I know people want us to win, and people want us to get better, and that's what we're trying to do every single day."

MONTREAL, QC - FEBRUARY 12: Patrik Laine #29 of the Columbus Blue Jackets celebrates his power-play goal during the third period against the Montreal Canadiens at Centre Bell on February 12, 2022 in Montreal, Canada. The Columbus Blue Jackets defeated the Montreal Canadiens 2-1.

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Laine 'happier than ever,' ready to embrace Montreal 'spotlight'

The Edmonton Oilers declined to match the St. Louis Blues' offer sheets for forward Dylan Hollowa...

The Edmonton Oilers declined to match the St. Louis Blues' offer sheets for forward <a href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/9214">Dylan Holloway</a> and defenseman <a href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/8601">Philip Broberg</a>, the teams announced Tuesday. The Blues <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3053259" href="https://thescore.com/news/3053259">signed</a> Holloway to a two-year pact worth $2.29 million annually and Broberg to a two-year contract with a $4.58-million cap hit last Tuesday. The Oilers had seven days to match."It's really not reflective of the players at all," Oilers general manager Stan Bowman said of the decision to let Broberg and Holloway walk, per <a href="https://www.tsn.ca/nhl/video/~2963862">TSN</a>. "I want to be clear on that. ... This came down to a business decision relative to our short-term as well as long-term viability for our roster with the salary cap."<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Edmonton receives a second-round pick and a third-rounder in 2025 as compensation for Broberg and Holloway, respectively.The Oilers <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3056104" href="https://thescore.com/news/3056104">acquired</a> winger <a href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/11112">Vasily Podkolzin</a> from the Vancouver Canucks and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3056208" href="https://thescore.com/news/3056208">sent</a> rearguard <a href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/2858">Cody Ceci</a> to the San Jose Sharks in exchange for blue-liner <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/10886" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/10886">Ty Emberson</a> in the lead-up to Tuesday's 9:30 a.m. ET deadline.Edmonton is believed to have offered Broberg a two-year contract with an average annual value of $1.1 million, while the deal on the table for Holloway was for three years with an approximate cap hit of $1.05 million, according to <a href="https://x.com/andystrickland/status/1825883367826391253">Bally Sports Midwest's Andy Strickland</a>. The Oilers selected Broberg with the eighth overall pick at the 2019 NHL Draft and scooped up Holloway at 14th overall one year later.Broberg appeared in 12 regular-season games with Edmonton in 2023-24, totaling two assists while averaging 11:37 minutes of ice time per contest. He then suited up for 10 playoff contests during the Oilers' run to the Stanley Cup Final, adding two goals and three points while playing just under 16 minutes a night.Though the Swede is a left-handed shot, he predominantly played alongside <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3124" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3124">Darnell Nurse</a> on the second pair for the last five games of the final against the Florida Panthers, prying the spot away from the right-handed Ceci.Broberg, 23, played in a career-high 46 matchups in 2022-23 and owns 13 points in 81 games spread across three seasons. The Oilers reportedly granted him permission to seek a trade in December after he frequently watched games from the press box as a healthy scratch.Holloway, meanwhile, amassed six goals and nine points in 38 games this past regular season. He appeared in all 25 of the Oilers' playoff clashes in the spring, registering five tallies and seven points.The 22-year-old made his NHL debut during the 2022 Stanley Cup Playoffs. He slotted into the lineup for 51 games the following season, chipping in with three goals and nine points.Both Broberg and Holloway spent time with the AHL's Bakersfield Condors in 2023-24, with the former notching 38 points (five goals, 33 assists) in 49 games, and the latter racking up 16 points (10 goals, six assists) in 18 appearances.The Blues also traded a 2028 third-round pick and the rights to defenseman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/13961" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/13961">Paul Fischer</a> to Edmonton for future considerations on Tuesday.St. Louis selected Fischer in the fifth round of the 2023 NHL Draft. The 19-year-old spent last season at the University of Notre Dame.The Oilers currently have just under $950,000 in cap space, per <a href="https://puckpedia.com/team/edmonton-oilers">PuckPedia</a>, but forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/56" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/56">Evander Kane</a> and his $5.125-million cap hit may start the year on long-term injured reserve. The Blues, meanwhile, have a tad over $465,000 in cap space.

EDMONTON, CANADA - MAY 29: Philip Broberg #86 of the Edmonton Oilers warms up before Game Four of the Western Conference Final of the 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs against the Dallas Stars at Rogers Place on May 29, 2024, in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.

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Oilers decline to match Blues' offer sheets for Broberg, Holloway

Veteran forward Taylor Hall is champing at the bit to return to the ice after missing the majorit...

Veteran forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/1690" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/1690">Taylor Hall</a> is champing at the bit to return to the ice after missing the majority of the 2023-24 season with injuries."I'm really confident I'll be a solid contributor for the Blackhawks this year," he told the <a href="https://chicago.suntimes.com/blackhawks/2024/08/18/blackhawks-taylor-hall-acl-recovery-nhl-fantasy-hockey-shooting-technique">Chicago Sun-Times' Ben Pope</a>. "What makes me say that is the hockey I've played and the preparation I've done this summer. ... I know I can be a difference-maker for our team."Hall, 32, appeared in only 10 games last season after Chicago acquired him from the Boston Bruins in June 2023.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>He missed one contest due to a shoulder injury he suffered in the second game of the season before sitting out three more after aggravating it a week later. Hall then injured his knee in early November. Although he played in two more contests, Hall soon underwent ACL surgery and was ruled out for the remainder of the campaign."I feel like that year off allowed me to be more mentally fresh, and hopefully I can use that this coming season," Hall said. "Not a lot of players get three-quarters of a year off after playing 14 seasons, so I intend to come back hungry."Hall largely focused on his shooting during his lengthy recovery process. He's hoping to flirt with his second career 30-goal season."I would love to score a few more goals this year than in the past," he said. "I'm usually good for 20 every year, but to get up near 30, that would be a lot of fun for me at this age. "That's a little bit of a goal of mine - to not only shoot the puck more, but (also) to get in better spots where I'm taking one-timers more, shooting off the pass more, and just adding that back into my game."Hall last hit the 20-goal mark in 2021-22. Most of Chicago's offensive responsibilities this past season fell to Bedard, who led the Blackhawks with 61 points in 68 games despite missing time with a broken jaw.Along with getting Hall back within their ranks, the Blackhawks also added the likes of <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3250" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3250">Tyler Bertuzzi</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/921" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/921">Pat Maroon</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3291" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3291">Teuvo Teravainen</a>, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/8560" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/8560">Ilya Mikheyev</a>. Hall can become an unrestricted free agent next summer. He's the highest-paid forward on Chicago's roster with a cap hit of $6 million.

CHICAGO, IL - OCTOBER 21: Chicago Blackhawks left wing Taylor Hall (71) looks on during a game between the Vegas Golden Knights and the Chicago Blackhawks on October 21, 2023 at the United Center in Chicago, IL.

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Hall intends to 'come back hungry' after missing most of 2023-24 season

San Jose Sharks head coach Ryan Warsofsky is eager to see how top prospects Macklin Celebrini and...

San Jose Sharks head coach Ryan Warsofsky is eager to see how top prospects <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/15142" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/15142">Macklin Celebrini</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/13841" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/13841">Will Smith</a> will motivate each other in their first NHL season."Our whole team has to be more competitive in everything we do, and I preach that a lot," Warsofsky said, according to <a href="https://www.nhl.com/news/macklin-celebrini-expected-to-be-immediate-leader-for-sharks">NHL.com's Tom Gulitti</a>. "But now we've got inner competitiveness with those two guys. I'm sure they both want Rookie of the Year. I'm sure they both want to have more points at the end of the year, and that's good. "I want that. ... We've got to have some team success, and when you have team success, individual success comes with that. So, I'm excited to see their competition, their inner drive to push each other."<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>The Sharks selected Smith fourth overall in 2023. The 19-year-old signed his entry-level contract in May following a strong freshman year with Boston College that saw him lead the NCAA with 46 assists and 71 points in 41 games.Celebrini went first overall at this summer's draft. He won the Hobey Baker Award as the top player in men's college hockey after putting up 32 goals and 64 points in just 38 outings as a 17-year-old rookie for Boston University. Celebrini inked his entry-level pact in July.Both players are centers. Sharks general manager Mike Grier said last month that the plan is to play them at their natural position rather than line them up on the wing, per <a href="https://www.nbcsportsbayarea.com/nhl/san-jose-sharks/macklin-celebrini-will-smith-mike-grier/1753607/">NBC Sports' Joaquin Ruiz</a>.Grier has previously <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/2936650" href="https://thescore.com/news/2936650">emphasized</a> that he wants to insulate the two youngsters "so they don't feel like they've got the weight on their shoulders," but Celebrini and Smith still project to take on sizeable roles in 2024-25.Warsofsky foresees the Sharks leaning on Celebrini in particular. "He's so driven," the bench boss said. "I think, at times, we're going to have to reel him back, just because he wants to go, go, go. But he's a super competitive, self-driven young person, which you don't see a lot this day and age. That's what impressed me the most."He's going to be a guy that won't wear a letter (this season), but he's going to drive our team just the way he carries himself at such a young age."Not to be outdone, Smith <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3052883" href="https://thescore.com/news/3052883">said</a> in August that his goal is to be "a huge contributor" in his first NHL campaign. Grier has acquired a host of players this summer to help usher in the Celebrini and Smith era, scooping up <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/1737" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/1737">Tyler Toffoli</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3917" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3917">Alexander Wennberg</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3255" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3255">Barclay Goodrow</a>, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/6367" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/6367">Jake Walman</a>.

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - JUNE 28: Macklin Celebrini poses for a portrait after being drafted by the San Jose Sharks with the first overall pick during the 2024 Upper Deck NHL Draft at Sphere on June 28, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

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Sharks coach looking forward to 'competition' between Smith, Celebrini

The Colorado Avalanche could have captain Gabriel Landeskog back within their ranks sooner rather...

The Colorado Avalanche could have captain <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/2034" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/2034">Gabriel Landeskog</a> back within their ranks sooner rather than later. "He's trying to make a return here sometime near the start of the season, and if that goes well, it would be a really big boost for us," head coach Jared Bednar said Saturday, according to <a href="https://www.nhl.com/news/gabriel-landeskog-could-return-near-start-of-avalanche-season">NHL.com's Tom Gulitti</a>. "So, that's something we're all a little anxious about, but really excited about as well."Landeskog has been sidelined by knee injuries since helping the Avalanche win the Stanley Cup in 2022.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>The 31-year-old underwent knee surgery in March 2022 before returning for the playoffs. He went under the knife again almost four months after hoisting Lord Stanley's Mug and was initially given a 12-week timeline.Landeskog then received a knee cartilage transplant in May 2023. There was hope he could play in the 2024 playoffs, but it never came to fruition after Colorado was eliminated in the second round. He skated with the Avalanche in January for the first time since undergoing surgery.The Swede <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/2917149" href="https://thescore.com/news/2917149">expressed</a> hope he could play in 2024-25 this past May but noted there was "no point" in setting a target return date.Bednar said Saturday that Landeskog's return hinges solely on whether the veteran "feels well enough" to ramp up his recovery."It's been a long time now, so there's no rush," the bench boss said. "It's just all with what he's feeling comfortable with. … Just what he's been able to do both in the gym with his training off the ice and what he's been able to do on the ice, we're certainly optimistic that he'll be able to come back."Despite the missed time, Landeskog still ranks sixth in Avs history in games played (738), eighth in goals (248), and ninth in points (571). He also sits eighth with 67 playoff points in 69 outings.Colorado selected Landeskog second overall in 2011. He's under contract for five more seasons with a cap hit of $7 million.The Avalanche currently have around $2 million in cap space, according to <a href="https://puckpedia.com/team/colorado-avalanche">PuckPedia</a>.

DENVER, COLORADO - OCTOBER 12: Gabriel Landeskog #92 of the Colorado Avalanche carries the Stanley Cup prior to the game against the Chicago Blackhawks at Ball Arena on October 12, 2022 in Denver, Colorado.

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Bednar: Landeskog trying to return 'near the start of the season'

Columbus Blue Jackets general manager Don Waddell is still trying to trade Patrik Laine, but the ...

Columbus Blue Jackets general manager Don Waddell is still trying to trade <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/5587" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/5587">Patrik Laine</a>, but the executive knows there's a realistic possibility that the forward will have to stay put for the time being. "This is a different situation than any that I've really dealt with," he said during a recent appearance on TSN's "<a href="https://post.futurimedia.com/chumam/playlist/listen-51503.html">OverDrive</a>." "I've had players that have requested trades, and sometimes you trade them, sometimes you don't. ... (Laine has) been very vocal about it, way before I got here, that he does not want to play for the Blue Jackets. There was a lot of things that went on in the locker room, and he just doesn't want it."This is different because it's harder to bring him back knowing the situation. But saying that, that might be the option. We're into the summer, he's got a high cap hit for two years. I'm talking to teams every day, I've got two or three teams engaged right now, we'll see where it goes."<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>He added: "I can try to do it, but if there's not a deal to be made, he's going to have to come back here to camp, and we'll welcome him back and try to make the best out of the situation."Laine has played for the Jackets for four seasons since being traded by the Winnipeg Jets.The Finn appeared in 18 games in 2023-24 due to injuries. He entered the NHL/NHLPA player-assistance program in January. Reports <a href="https://www.thescore.com/news/2925910">emerged</a> in mid-June that the Jackets were working with Laine on a trade, but teams couldn't speak to him directly while he was in the program. He was <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3043914" href="https://thescore.com/news/3043914">cleared</a> to return from the program in late July.Laine is still recuperating from shoulder surgery, and his recovery timeline is unclear, according to <a href="https://x.com/FriedgeHNIC/status/1816871751902499183">Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman</a>.Waddell doesn't appear to be too bothered by the idea of having to wait until the season for the right deal to materialize. "You know, (if) he gets back to where he can be as a goal-scorer ... someone might say, 'You know what, that's a good value, let's go make a deal for him,'" he said. "So, there's still a lot that can play out."Laine has two seasons remaining on the four-year pact he signed with Columbus in July 2022. He carries a cap hit of $8.7 million and is due a total of $9.1 million in 2024-25.Waddell isn't sure if Laine will report to training camp if he's still a Blue Jacket, but he suspects he would "eventually" show up because of his hefty salary.The Jackets hired Waddell as GM in May. Laine, 26, was drafted by the Jets second overall in 2016 and hit the 40-goal mark once with Winnipeg.

COLUMBUS, OH - FEBRUARY 25: Columbus Blue Jackets left wing Patrik Laine #29 looks on during the game between the Columbus Blue Jackets and the Edmonton Oilers at Nationwide Arena in Columbus, Ohio on February 25, 2023.

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Waddell: Laine 'does not want to play' for Jackets but may be only option

Bruins restricted free-agent goaltender Jeremy Swayman may be one of the few people in Boston not...

Bruins restricted free-agent goaltender <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/9893" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/9893">Jeremy Swayman</a> may be one of the few people in Boston not worried about his lack of a new contract with training camp one month away."There's a lot of confidence (it'll get done)," he said during an interview with <a href="https://nesn.com/video/jeremy-swayman-confident-bruins-contract-extension-will-happen/">NESN</a>. "I say that because I've treated it like business as usual this year. ... I've been working out with our guys, our staff, our players, and I know that there's something special building in this locker room this year."I can't be more excited about that. I know that it'll take care of itself with time, and all I can do is control how I'm gonna be a better goalie for the Boston Bruins this year. That's all I'm focused on. It'll work out. I couldn't be happier to be a Bruin." <div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Boston currently has around $8.6 million in projected cap space, per <a href="https://puckpedia.com/team/boston-bruins">PuckPedia</a>, and Swayman is the club's only notable player who remains unsigned. <a href="https://evolving-hockey.com/stats/contract_projections/?_inputs_&amp;con_season=%2220232024%22&amp;con_team=%22All%22&amp;con_pos=%22All%22&amp;con_status=%22All%22&amp;con_agent=%22Yes%22&amp;con_period=%221%3A%20July%201st%20-%20July%2031st%22&amp;con_signs_with=%22UFA%3A%20Different%2C%20RFA%3A%20Same%22&amp;con_8yr=%22On%22&amp;dir_con=%22Contract%20Projection%20Tables%22&amp;con_player=%22Jeremy%20Swayman%22&amp;con_cap=%2288000000%22">Evolving-Hockey</a> projects him to ink a four-year pact with a $6.253-million cap hit, which would handsomely reward the Alaskan for his stellar 2023-24 campaign.Swayman shared the crease with 2023 Vezina Trophy winner <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3922" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3922">Linus Ullmark</a> during the regular season, putting up a 25-10-8 record, .916 save percentage, and 2.53 goals-against average across 44 appearances.The 25-year-old took over in the playoffs, though, posting a dazzling .933 save percentage and 2.15 goals-against average in 12 showings en route to Boston's second-round exit. Swayman <a href="https://evolving-hockey.com/stats/goalie_standard/?_inputs_&amp;std_gl_table=%22On-Ice%22&amp;std_gl_team=%22All%22&amp;std_gl_str=%22All%22&amp;std_gl_adj=%22Score%20%26%20Venue%22&amp;std_gl_range=%22Seasons%22&amp;std_gl_span=%22Playoffs%22&amp;std_gl_group=%22Team%2C%20Season%22&amp;std_gl_age1=%2217%22&amp;std_gl_age2=%2250%22&amp;std_gl_dft_yr=%22All%22&amp;std_gl_status=%22All%22&amp;std_gl_info=%22No%22&amp;std_gl_players=null&amp;std_gl_fa=%2250%22&amp;std_gl_season=%2220232024%22">ranked second</a> among all netminders in goals saved above average (9.61) and goals above expected (11.64) at all strengths in the postseason, trailing only <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/8558" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/8558">Igor Shesterkin</a> in both categories.The Bruins opened the door for Swayman to take over as the true No. 1 after trading Ullmark to the Ottawa Senators in June.Swayman played out this past season on a one-year, $3.475-million deal after going through the arbitration process last offseason. Boston filed at $2 million, while Swayman's camp came in at $4.8 million.He was eligible to go through arbitration again this summer but elected not to. Last August, Swayman said he didn't want to go through third-party contract negotiations "ever again."The Bruins have been busy this offseason despite their starting goalie remaining unsigned. They brought in forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3001" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3001">Elias Lindholm</a> and defenseman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3174" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3174">Nikita Zadorov</a> on July 1, and Swayman was thrilled by both additions."There's a ton of momentum building in our locker room now. ... I know that everyone that's gonna come in this locker room is going to embrace the culture that we've built," he said. Swayman added, "There's a lot of great things to come." Selected by the Bruins in the fourth round in 2017, Swayman owns a career .919 save percentage and 79 wins across 132 contests.

BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - MAY 17: Jeremy Swayman #1 of the Boston Bruins tends goal against the Florida Panthers during the second period in Game Six of the Second Round of the 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs at the TD Garden on May 17, 2024 in Boston, Massachusetts. The Panthers won 2-1 to advance to the Eastern Conference final.

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Bruins RFA Swayman not worried about contract talks: 'It'll work out'

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