NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – July 2, 2025
Mitch Marner reveals why he left the Leafs for the Golden Knights, reaction to the biggest moves during the opening day of free agency, and much more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.
MITCH MARNER SHEDS LIGHT ON HIS DECISION TO LEAVE THE MAPLE LEAFS
TORONTO SUN: Former Maple Leafs winger Mitch Marner was formally introduced as the newest member of the Vegas Golden Knights during a press conference in Las Vegas on Tuesday.
The 28-year-old winger was part of a sign-and-trade agreement between the two clubs on June 30, agreeing to an eight-year, $96-million contract. Speaking with the media for the first time since the deal, he revealed the reasons why he changed teams.
Former Toronto Maple Leafs winger Mitch Marner (NHL Images).
Marner said Vegas was his first choice. Golden Knights general manager Kelly McCrimmon said the trade between the two teams was agreed to during the first round of the 2025 NHL Draft last Friday. He said they wanted the sign-and-trade to get the eighth year on his new contract, as it slightly lowered the average annual value.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Under the existing CBA, a team can re-sign its own player to a maximum eight-year contract. Had the Golden Knights waited until free agency opened on July 1 to sign Marner, the deal would’ve been a maximum of seven years.
Under the next CBA, the maximum contract will be seven years for re-signing a player, and six years if they become an unrestricted free agent (UFA) starting in 2026-27.
The Golden Knights have been interested in Marner for some time. They attempted to acquire him at the March trade deadline in a three-way deal involving the Carolina Hurricanes. However, his wife was pregnant and he didn’t want to leave Toronto at that time. “And I was still very committed to playing in Toronto, and wanted to focus on being there and finishing a job there,” Marner said.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Marner released a statement thanking the Leafs and their fans, acknowledging that he came up short trying to end their long Stanley Cup drought.
It’s a sad end to Marner’s nine seasons in Toronto. He was one of the greatest players in franchise history, sitting fourth all-time with 520 assists and fifth with 741 points. However, his postseason struggles drew the wrath of Leafs Nation, greasing the skids for his inevitable departure.
Marner will add more offense to the Golden Knights’ forward lines, and his elite two-way game will also help them defensively. However, his hefty new contract leaves them top-heavy with expensive forwards, leaving little cap space to address their lack of overall roster depth that has prevented them from repeating as Stanley Cup champions since winning the Cup two years ago.
REACTION TO SOME OF THE NOTABLE MOVES OF THE OPENING DAY OF FREE AGENCY
SPECTOR’S NOTE: I listed most of yesterday’s notable signings and trades here. However, I was unable to post my reactions as I was busy grading the biggest UFA signings for Bleacher Report. You can read those by following this link.
The New York Rangers traded defenseman K’Andre Miller to the Carolina Hurricanes in exchange for defenseman Scott Morrow, a conditional first-round pick in 2026, and a 2026 second-round pick. The Hurricanes signed Miller to an eight-year, $60-million contract with an average annual value (AAV) of $7.5 million.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Miller struggled with consistency during his tenure with the Rangers. The Hurricanes are betting he’ll blossom under head coach Rod Brind’Amour’s system.
The Vancouver Canucks signed goaltender Thatcher Demko to a three-year contract extension with an AAV of $8.5 million.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Demko has a year left on his current deal with a cap hit of $5 million. The 29-year-old netminder was a finalist for the Vezina Trophy in 2023-24, but a nagging lower-body injury limited him to 23 games last season.
The Canucks hope Demko’s injury woes are in the past. His new cap hit is among the league’s highest for goaltenders, but the short term suggests the injury issue remains a concern.
The Hurricanes also re-signed forward Logan Stankoven to an eight-year, $48 million contract. The AAV is $6 million.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Stankoven was acquired from the Dallas Stars as part of the return in the Mikko Rantanen trade in March. A versatile forward who can play center or wing, the 22-year-old had 38 points in 78 games last season between the Stars and Hurricanes, and five goals and eight points in 18 playoff games.
The Hurricanes are betting on Stankoven’s potential to become a second-line forward. They will be hoping this gamble pays off better than the one they made in Jesperi Kotkaniemi, who hasn’t played up to expectations as a second-line center.
The Los Angeles Kings signed forwards Corey Perry and Joel Armia, defensemen Cody Ceci and Brian Dumoulin, and goaltender Anton Forsberg.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: This would be quite a haul for the Kings if most of those players were five years younger. It appears they’ve gotten older, not better.
The Boston Bruins acquired winger Viktor Arvidsson from the Edmonton Oilers for a 2027 fifth-round pick, and signed forward Tanner Jeannot to a five-year contract with an AAV of $3.4 million.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Bruins did the Oilers a favor by taking Arvidsson and his $4 million cap hit off their books. However, the 32-year-old winger hasn’t been the same since back surgery sidelined him for most of the 2023-24 campaign. They brought in Jeannot to bolster their toughness, but the deal is too long and too expensive for a fourth-line forward.
The Edmonton Oilers signed winger Andrew Mangiapane to a two-year contract with an AAV of $3.6 million.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Mangiapane had a career-best season (35 goals, 55 points) in 2021-22, but his production has dropped off since then. He’s part of the Oilers’ efforts to offset the gaps in their forward lines following the departures of Arvidsson, Perry, Evander Kane and Connor Brown.
The Montreal Canadiens traded defenseman Logan Mailloux to the St. Louis Blues for forward Zachary Bolduc.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: This deal should benefit both clubs. The Canadiens drew from their depth in young defensemen to get a promising middle-six forward who tallied 19 goals as a rookie last season. The Blues added a mobile young blueliner with top-four potential to their defense corps.
The Philadelphia Flyers signed Dan Vladar to a two-year, $6.8 million contract with an AAV of $3.4 million.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Flyers’ goalie depth was dreadful last season. Vladar should be a reliable backup for young starter Samuel Ersson.
The Pittsburgh Penguins traded goaltender Alex Nedeljkovic to the San Jose Sharks for a 2028 third-round pick.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Salary dump by the Penguins, clearing his $2.3 million cap hit from their books. Nedeljkovic will back up promising Yaroslav Askarov in San Jose.
IN OTHER NEWS…
DAILY FACEOFF: Winger Nikolaj Ehlers is the top player remaining in the UFA market. Other notables include defenseman Dmitry Orlov, center Pius Suter and winger Jack Roslovic.
RG.ORG: Utah Mammoth defenseman Mikhail Sergachev is pleased with the new CBA, singling out the elimination of escrow that annually withheld a portion of a player’s salary to balance potential revenue shortfalls. With league revenues more stable and predictable, escrow is being phased out.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Escrow was an annoying issue for the players for years. They’re understandably happy that they won’t have to deal with those clawbacks.
THE HOCKEY NEWS: Reports suggest Flyers forward Tyson Foerster suffered a biceps injury that could sideline him for some time. Flyers general manager Daniel Briere said Foerster suffered an injury during the 2025 World Championships and came down with an infection that required surgery. There’s been no timeline for his return.
TSN: Long-time hockey analyst and insider Bob McKenzie has retired after 48 years as a journalist. His long career included stops with The Globe & Mail, The Hockey News, and the Toronto Star before joining TSN.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: McKenzie was the gold standard for hockey insiders. He was well-liked and highly regarded around the league, and was also the go-to source for information on top NHL prospects. I had only brief interactions with McKenzie, but he was always kind and helpful. Here’s to a long, happy and healthy retirement, Bobfather.
DETROIT HOCKEY NOW: Former Red Wings star Alex Delvecchio passed away on Tuesday at age 93.
A skillful, disciplined and durable playmaker, Delvecchio spent his entire 24-year NHL career with the Red Wings from 1950-51 to 1973-74, winning three Stanley Cups and the Lady Byng Memorial Trophy three times. He’s among their franchise leaders with 1,550 games played, 456 goals, 825 assists and 1,281 points. Delvecchio also had 104 points in 121 playoff games. He was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1977.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: My condolences to Delvecchio’s family, friends, former teammates, and the Red Wings organization.
Whew. After all the activity of the past two days, and what might yet transpire over the summer as teams finalize their 23-man rosters, you can bet that program sales will be brisk once the new season kicks in. Such summer activity could include offer-sheets, with the most vulnerable at this writing being the NY Islanders, Florida, Montreal and Vegas.
Here are the 32 teams listed from most cap space to least, with the number following the $$ showing the number of players committed to up to this point, followed by the names of remaining unsigned RFAs.
San Jose $34,390,832 – 20 – RD Jack Thompson; C/LW Thomas Bordeleau
Anaheim $28,988,812 – 19 – C Mason McTavish; RD Drew Helleson; G Lucas Dostal
Winnipeg: $22,313,810 – 20 – C Gabriel Vilardi; LD Dylan Samberg; C Morgan Barron C Rasmus Kupari
Chicago $21,320,357 – 22 – LD Wyatt Kaiser; RD Louis Crevier; G Arvid Soderblom
Calgary $19,787,500 – 21 – C Morgan Frost; C Connor Zary
Columbus $19,657,502 – 22 – LW Dmitri Voronkov; RW Mikael Pyyhtia
Carolina $19,032,625 – 22 – No RFAs
Pittsburgh $18,205,237 – 22 – No RFAs
Detroit $15,336,628 – 22 – LW/RW Elmer Soderblom
Seattle $13,557,621 – 18 – RW Kaapo Kakko; C/LW Tye Kartye; LD Ryker Evans
Buffalo $12,865,319 – 22 – G Devon Levi; LD Bowen Byram; RD Connor Timmins
Minnesota $10,961,835 – 21 – C Marco Rossi
Utah – $10,907,143 – 21 – C Jack McBain
Nashville $10,116,039 – 21 – RW Luke Evangelista
New Jersey $9,594,167 – 20 – LD Luke Hughes; C/RW Cody Glass
Colorado $7,550,000 – 18 – No RFAs
Washington $6,950,000 – 22 – C Hendrix Lapierre
Los Angeles $6,768,333 – 22 – RW Alex Laferriere
Ottawa $5,069,286 – 21 – LD Donovan Sebrango
Toronto $4,983,081 – 23 – LW/RW Nick Robertson
Philadelphia $4,616,905 – 23 – LD Cameron York
NY Islanders $3,543,334 – 23 – W Maxim Tsyplakov; C/RW Marc Gatcomb; W Emil Heineman
Tampa $2,730,001 – 21 – No RFAs
Boston $2,081,667 – 23 – No RFAs
NY Rangers $1,552,976 – 22 – No RFAs
Edmonton $950,834 – 22 – No RFAs
St. Louis – $663,444 – 23 – No RFAs
Vancouver $556,667 – 22 – No RFAs
These 4 teams are currently over the cap by the amounts shown
Dallas $1,794,916 – 22 – No RFAs
Florida $2,175,000 – 21 – RW/C Mackie Samoskevich
Montreal $4,454,167 – 22 – G Jakub Dobes; LD Jayden Struble
Vegas $7,613,571 – 23 – RW Alexander Holtz; C/RW Cole Schwindt; RWJonas Rondbjerg
Florida can temporarily solve their cap issue if Tkachuk starts year on LTIR, but that’s just a temporary fix. Ultimately I think they may need to trade a player like Verhaege.
Montreal has the Price LTIR to play and Vegas has Peitrangelo.
But Dallas…. it looks like they will have to do something before the season starts.
My guess is Rodrigues will be the odd man out and get traded from panthers. He has no trade protection and has value
Unless Seguin’s injury woes are worse than we’ve been led to believe. He isn’t getting any younger either. That’s a potential $9.85 mil LTIR situation.
@MrBruin, Florida still has to sign Samoskevich and he’ll probably be $2-$3M annually, so Florida really will have a $4-$5M problem to solve.
Rodrigues cap is only $3M so he alone won’t solve that.
They def still have work to do once Tkachuk can play. Will be really interested to see if he’ll go through with surgery that puts him out longer term.
The Blues just placed veteran D Nick Leddy and his $4 mil cap hit on waivers. He has a 16-team no-trade list – but that’s it.
Highly doubt there will be a claim, so he’s headed for the AHL.
George, once the Habs put price on LTIR they’ll have plenty of room to sign their two RFAs. A young backup goalie off his rookie season and a depth defenseman. No team will be signing either of them to an offer sheet that can’t be matched.
True. But it could force Montreal into paying more than they intended.
Also true, George. But Dobes has played 16 games in his career, and if the Habs don’t like the price they can use Kahkonen as the back up.
Struble is a 5/6 D at this point. Don’t see more than 2 million.
Agreed. I was thinking about those teams deep into re-builds who might see prospect value in the two and so go – not overboard or anything – but a bit higher than expected and that Montreal might not match – teams with reams of cash like San Jose, Chicago, Pittsburgh
Nice post! Thank you!
I’m a little shocked that Granlund went to Anaheim instead of a place like Carolina who needs a 2C to replace Kotkanemi. It screams of money grab by him instead of wanting to compete and win now.
I was a little shocked (happily) with what the Rangers got for KAndre. I had been hoping he signed an offer-sheet that got NY a 1 & 3. Well they did much better than that.
There were 2 late adds by the Rangers yesterday (Wing Raddysh and D Pouliot) both for 2 years. I didn’t love those moves as they could steal opportunity/ice time from more talented young guys. It also eats up cap space that Rangers could have saved and used better, later. Hopefully Sullivan has a better development plan for the younger players than Lavy did, so we’ll see.
Foleyd7 do not knock the Ducks….they are well positioned to take a huge step forward next season and I peg them as a playoff contender. They were a tough team to play last season and only got better so far this off season. I would not be surprised if they finish as 3rd seed in the Pacific.
Agreed. Beautiful Southern California, up n coming team. Good pay. No brainer to me.
I’m a fan of what they are building in Anaheim. I think they were a sleeper to make the playoffs without Granlund, but he should help that push.
But there is a difference between chasing the playoffs and chasing the Stanley Cup. Just surprised that Granlund would chase a few extra $ instead of going to a true contender and trying to win it all.
Agree. Ducks depth and new coach should have them make a leap
Oilers and Kings will not be as good imho. Oilers depth is still lacking and their D is…
Kings got older and their D is suspect.
The Ducks could finish 3rd and i would not blink.
July 2nd 2025 Ducks are tied for 1st overall and chasing the cup just like everybody else
Ducks might get in next season, but I would bet they don’t. Should get closer though. Just not sure who falls out of a playoff spot? As always injuries to key guys. A team or 2 always gets hit.
They have a bunch of good young players just starting in the NHL or on their way.
And like Chrisms said, nice place to live, up and coming team and a great paycheck. What’s not to like?
Foley.. Just goes to show what hockey people outside the NY fan base think of players. I was mildly shocked by both return and also the contract Miller got. I’d be surprised if Perreault isn’t on roster. Can’t imagine he would’ve left BC to play in AHL.
Even though this was a weak UFA class there were a few top players that can score goals and help teams that needed help in that department
Sweeney did a brutal job and should be fired
Needed a 2nd pairing Dman who can play doth ends equally well and signed a 3rd pairing guy
Signed Geekie which was a no brainer
Needed to add a couple of 2nd line wingers who can score but instead signed 3rd and 4th line players ..
They were better off taking care of their own and letting the kids play this coming year .. pocket the cap $$$ for next years UFA class
The Jeannot contract was a head scratcher for sure. I like the player but I don’t see him getting back to the 2021 production he had yet Sweeney paid him like it’s a given.
Joe, much like the Pittsburgh situation, Sweeney might have tried to entice a 2nd pairing D and 2nd line wingers who can score, but there was simply no interest amongst those UFAs to join a team that figures to be a non-playoff team for several seasons.
We just don’t know one way or another, but players are pretty much into recognizing such possibilities.
It’s happened to Ottawa until this past season, and is still happening to Detroit, Anaheim, Buffalo, San Jose, Chicago, Columbus and Philadelphia, and there’s no way anyone can suggest it can’t happen to Boston (or Pittsburgh) simply because it’s Boston and Pittsburgh.
George O. this season Kyle Dubos interview stated Penguins not looking for Big Long Term Contracts especially players in their thirties. Could be tanking for higher 2026 draft pick? Believe their intentions trade Erik Karlsson. Following off-season many contracts expire, lots of money to spend.
Rumor – Penguins going to sign or signed Anthony Manta to one year 2.5 million contract?
I’m not suggesting it couldn’t happen in Pittsburgh but I don’t believe that was the case this year. Dubas was on record saying he wouldn’t be targeting top or even mid tier free agents. He is looking at trades for younger players or rfas.
Why would Dubas want a 6′ 4″ softie? I don’t think this guy has made deliberate body contact since he came into the league.
Hi Speed Kills
See below for my post re my suggestions for Pens
Re
“Could be tanking for higher 2026 draft pick? “… Dubas promised Crosby (to get him re-upped) that he’d make moves to get Pens back into playoffs during Crosby’s extension.
He’s (Dubas) publicly stated (including last weekend) a few times; that he’s making moves towards ensuring playoffs by the end of Sid’d current contract.
Not sure what to trust from his mouth.
Also, tanking, and somehow finishing last; still has at least 75% chance that any other team gets McKenna
They won’t be tanking
Re: “Believe their intentions trade Erik Karlsson. “… an absolute MUST; and a MUST To retain 50%… that gets a return of a young NHLer under contract AND a prospect (under contract) that is fully expected to play in NHL this year
Re: “Following off-season many contracts expire, lots of money to spend.” Yep
Re
“Rumor – Penguins going to sign or signed Anthony Manta to one year 2.5 million contract”
Although I’m hoping for mostly 28 and younger signings; signing Mantha (30) ;6’5” ,235, 2 years removed from 82 Game pace of 26 goals; for 2*$2.5 M is a great low risk move
I expect a healthy Mantha (@ $2.5 M) to out perform the total of the Sloth known as Hayes AND Accari (their total Cap $5.5 M, and their average age is 33.5
So I’m good with Mantha at 2*$2.5 M
Fingers crossed
Anthony Mantha signs ?Penguins rooster includes at least 15 forwards. Mantha providing he’s healthy could play Top 6. Sounds like trades coming?
👍👍
PuckPedia says 1yr @ $2.5 M for Mantha
Dubas MUST waive and demote the leagues slowest skater (and only s 100’ player) —Hayes; so that swift footed, eager, better youth can play
He should have been bought out; and we can’t afford to flip assets to move him; so demotion is mandatory
8787
Right now with Penguins who plays Top 4 D especially wanting trade Karlsson?
2026 draft – not just McKenna, other top prospects with great potential.
Penguins forwards agree somehow they can trade / subtract Hayes or Acciari? By signing Mantha prelude to bigger trade like trading Rikard or Rust?
Hi Speed Kills
Barring the MANDATORY punt of Karllsson top 4 are
Tanger, Karllsson, Pickering; Graves (he better improve!!)
Wotherspoon and Clifton bottom pairing
Re McKenna; would be ecstatic to get him; but at very very best we’d have maybe a 7% chance of getting him; more likely 0%-3% chance ; so more than 97% chance of NOT getting him
Other top 10 prospects not worth muddling around in bottom 3rd of league; much better to make some moves to vie for playoffs (as Dubas has already promised Sid AND fans)
Dubas must waive and demote Hayes (slowest skater in league and only plays 100’ of rink) . playing him over younger, faster , 200’ players who get 1/6th or less than what he is getting this year ($5.25 M) is a firable offence
Accairi (at a lesser urgency than Hayes; but still needed) should also be demoted and replaced with youth
Uh oh
Dubas back to his old tricks
Although signing 26 yr old 6’3” , 215 RD Kemp to play for WBS;
He (Dubas) got back on his tiny-tunes ways and signed 5’9” , 178 lb Harvey-Pinard
Habs fans, what are we getting with this guy?
Does he play his size? Or way above his weight-class?
North east pa is getting another temporary resident for gods sake. Jeez.
Bang on Chrisms
He’s still gned 6 or 7 at $1.5 M or less in the last 2 days
Let them battle it out in camp (along with our current WBS roster)
Winners stay; losers waived. If they get picked up (they won’t all be) then so be it
If they Clear; they then become resident “temps” in Scranton or Moosic or Pittston or Wilkes-Barre
Fair cheap low risk strategy to lock down 4th liners/depth forwards and 7th and 8th D
We still need to move Karlsson; and as well I’d love a 2C (Vilardi would be perfect) so that Gino can move to wing
Joki is the #4 d for bruins. And he will do just fine. There were only 2 wingers Boeser and ehlers. In ufa class. Bruins did what they could. Jeannot will be a fan fave but was way to much term for what he is
#4 with Bruins says it all otherwise # 5-6 on a lot other teams
Don’t know if Sweeney tried but there were a few 20+ goal scorers available maybe they just didn’t want to play in Boston
Tanner will be a fan favorite but that don’t win hockey games .. the $$ and term were to much to long
He had 26 million… he could’ve signed Geekie which which he did and then bring in another top UFA goal scorer and still take care of what he needed to sign with his own UFA & RFA … use his own young players to fill out roster
Jokiharu ha never played on a good team his entire career.He will be fine as a4 with the Bruins other D men!Mcavoy,Lindholm,Zadorov with another year to adjust and Lohreiand Peeke should be manageable.Swayman should help in thisregard. Now on the forward side things look Bleak. The Bruins have arguably the worst forward group in the entire NHL.
Very happy in getting Mangiapane for what I think is a great price. Haven’t watch a lot of him lately but his style should mesh well in edm.
Agree
If Oilers can somehow tradd Henrique and (possibly separately) get a top 6 winger; well then!!
Although I don’t want Rusty to go; and , Oilers still need to convince Henrique to go:
Suggestion
Henrique for Rust (50% retained)—- that’s a net $500 K cap trade
Pens get in return:
Philp
O’Reilly
Jarventie
Oil have top 2 lines of:
McD, Drai, RNH, Rust, Hyman, Mangiapane
3rd line: Janmark, Kappy; Frederick
With 4th line/depth: Podkolson, Tomasek, jones, Savoie
1Oilerfan, agree on Mangiapane, his signing was a reasonable as it got yesterday. Especially only 2 years. Compare that to who they lost – Brown & Perry – and give the Oil credit for not biting on either of those 2 deals, as I am sure they had the the opportunity too.
To me it, other than a few exceptions, the teams that avoided yesterday’s UFA’s and the deals given to older depth players, were the true winners.
Well done Bowman, hold your powder and shop in the bargain bin.
8787, can’t see the Oil making that deal. Henrique has value at 3C, and he can play wing higher up. Philp will start the year as their 4C, all signs point to him being ready. Big, skates & checks.
I also believe Savoie will be given every opportunity to earn a spot in the top 6 out of camp. If he doesn’t, he will go back to Bakersfield and get big minutes in all situations. They are trying to develop a top 6 winger, playing 11 minutes on the 4th line won’t do that. Up to him to earn it now.
If he doesn’t, Mangiapane also gets a shot.
The Oil aren’t trading O’Reilly & Henrique for Rust after moving up in the draft to get O’Reilly. They need youth, not another 30 something.
As 1Oilerfan said, see what happens during the year, keep some space for the TDL.
Good points Ray
Yes there is some value at 3C for Henrique; but declining (and fast IMO).
I don’t think he still has it in him to jump up to the top 6 unless it’s an emergency for a few shifts; max a game or two
I get the not wanting Rusty (older) because he has term
If he’d been just this year left he’d have been a perfect fit
I’d have Mangiapane in top 6 before Fredericks
Fredericks has 3rd line written all over him
Mangiapane has the potential hands and “knack” to play in top 6
I think Fredericks must have still been in pain and that is why his play was weak since acquisition
Bowman must have got assurances that he is either already 100% healed; or will be by fall; or he (Bowman) would not have signed him to that term
That is the general consensus here regarding Frederic 8787. High ankle sprain, if the more severe variety, it takes a full off season to heal. How long it took him to even play suggests it is.
IMO he slots into the role Kane played, but younger and less expensive. But doesn’t score as much as Kane used too. Draisaitl loves playing with Podkolzin, he creates turnovers and can cycle, Frederic plays a similar game so he may well get time in top 6.
I think Knoblach likes flexibility and will move guys around. I see they signed Lazar to compete with Philp for the 4C job. No handouts which is good. Less size, but still 90th percentile for wheels. Has roots here, good room guy, as he captained the Edmonton Oil Kings to Memorial Cup.
They’re more than good enough to make the playoffs, see what the season brings.
Plenty of regrettable deals made yesterday IMO, so not making one when trying to improve seems like a bit of a win. Had to be tempted.
I think the your Pens are doing it right. They realize what they are, and are pragmatic enough to know they can’t fix it in one off season. At least not this one. This likely takes a while.
Lots of points to replace by Leafs
Good return by Rangers (Miller); but also good move by Canes; good contract for Miller; Win-Win-Win
Reasonable signing (Mangiapane) by Oilers; still need to try and trade Henrique and make a move for a top 6 winger
Congrats on your retirement Mr. McKenzie
Although playing well before my time; I understand he was s legend; condolences out to the Delvechio family
Finally Dubas doing something right
Signing low risk (can bury all/most of Cap hit for season) low cost; 28 or under; bigger players; that could benefit from change of scenery
Brazeau 27 (6’5”, 225)- 3 @ $1.5 M- excellent signing
Wotherspoon : 27 (6’1”, 198); 2 @ $1M
Target these guys at/less than or near to $1.15 M (fully bury)
Leason: 26 (RW/C); 6’5”, 225
Bastian: 27 (W); 6’ 4” , 210
Kalyiev :24 (W) ; 6’ 2”, 210
Offer sheet (or trade) targets
Valardi (RW , can play C):25; 6’ 3” , 220; 82 game pace: 31-40-71
Byram (LD), 24, 6’1”, 208
Voronkov (C/W) 25; 6’ 4”, 240; 82 game pace 25-26-52
McTavish (C/W) 22; 6’1”; 220; 82 game pace: 24-33-57
McBain (C); 22; 6’4”, 220; only plaid 3 full seasons; player on the rise; 13-14-27 (playing < 12 mins/game for Mammoth)
Baron (C); 26; 6’4” , 220, should come relatively cheap
Tsyplokov (W); 6’ 3”, 190; 82 G pace 12-27-39 (note thats playing for Isles and playing 13 mins/game
I think the Oiler roster is set to start the season.
They have a lot of wild cards on the table when it comes to the forwards and I think they need time to evaluate how it will all work before making moves.
Will Mangiapane have chemistry with Mcdavid or Leon…while hopeful we seen Skinner and Arvidsson struggle so let’s not get ahead of ourselves.
Will Frederic slot top 6 wing and be effective and productive or be a better fit somewhere on the third line?
How effective will Hyman be in terms of production after his surgery?
Will the Oilers try and run 3 scoring lines? Slotting RNH as 3 C where he is more comfortable playing than LW.
Who of Tomasek Savoie, Philp or Hutson lands a spot or two and how effective will they be?
I think it’s best to let things unfold during the season and evaluate as the season goes. What they think they need today as it relates to forwards may not be what they really need
Fair points
I would not play Fredericks in top 6
I really would try and move *Henrique (for space) and have Fredericks with Janmark
*Use space to try and get a reclamation UFA forward (28 or younger) that just may find their game again next to McD of Drai
If that reclamation asset fails; then put Fredericks up in top 6
8787 you mention Henrique but he has a nmc as well. I don’t think he has any intention of going elsewhere imo.
Hi 1Oilerfan
Yes I know he is trade protected. I am sure he’d like to stay as well
Nothing stopping Bowman from approaching him though
“Lots of points replace by Leafs.”
8787 agree losing Marner’s regular season points will hurt. Maple Leafs want another Top 6 – rumor trade for Nazem Kadri. He’s 34 with 7 million cap hit for few years. How is Kadri or another Top 6 going solve Maple Leafs issues? Also, Maple Leafs traded their 2026 first and second round picks and 2027 first round pick.
Providing healthy defending Stanley Cup Champions Panthers team, the Lightning, and improving teams Canadians and Senators; path for Maple Leafs advance in playoffs or make playoffs more difficult.
“ good contract for Miller; Win-Win-Win”
Have you seen Miller play? This wasn’t a JT Miller trade, it was Kandre. I was not only hoping, but praying NY didn’t give him his QO. 7.5 x 8? Yikes!
Unless this guy does a complete 180, this is a god awful contract.
I like what Hughes has done so far, the team is markedly improved on last years squad.
Dobson and Bolduc over Savard and Heineman.
Sammy Blais over Pezzetta.
Demidov starting here over KHL.
Dach and Laine starting instead of IR
Armia and Dvorak gone as there is no more room for them.
What I like is that each move is well thought out. Having read Hughes and Gorton talk about why they acquired each player the amount of analysis and thought that went into their decisions is impressive.
They are surely like other GMs in this, which should give us here pause about our comments and points of view.
I expect the Habs to be quiet going forward. I don’t see any more assets or current roster players they can afford to swap. And I certainly anticipate the possibility of them not making the playoffs this year. IMO if Dach isn’t ready to start the season at pace then the second line will be slow to gain traction. As others have pointed out, being out of the playoffs by mid November is ominous.
LJ,
The Habs didn’t have Dach, Laine or Demidov to start the year and they made the playoffs.
I agree that we never know how things will play out and how much other teams will have improved.
Last year I don’t think any of us (Hab fans here) had any expectations of making the playoffs.
I think it’s reasonable to say this is an improved team over last year and fair to expect a playoff .
IWMCB
I agree on Sammy Blais, he’ll be the 13th forward on the team, his energy and physicality will count in the playoffs.
Unlike Pezzetta, he’ll get playing time
Ahem. If you recall, I had pegged them for the playoffs early on. And not only will that experience help those still around who were there, but they are exponentially stronger heading into this season through the changes made.
Then George, you could hold a gathering of those who did in a phone booth (remember those ;-))
Yes, HF30, but there is there is always the chance that Dach will have another ponderous start, essentially meaning the Habs won’t have him for a number of starts – again. I understand Bolduc has played centre, so maybe he can slot in.
IMO Hughes and Gorton have been great in Montreal. It doesn’t make me happy to say that.
Another excellent off season.
Great job of acquiring a lot of quality assets and using them when opportunities arose. The Dobson deal is the best example. Bolduc is another with both teams dealing from positions of strength, for positions to help a weakness.
You’re gonna love the energy and 200 foot game from Sammy Blais. He was a locker room team leader for Canucks AHL team that took home the Calder trophy. Can take the odd penalty from his exuberance, but he definitely leaves it all in the ice.
Nice. Thanks.
Pastrnak.. McAvoy.. Swayman are the Bruins core … you have to build around them and adding 3rd and 4th line players aren’t going to improve team ..
Boston print is bashing Sweeney big time and for good reason …. Watching your team be out of the playoff race in December makes for a long winter
Seen him play many times at the old Olympia stadium. “Fats” is one of best old memories of that old barn. The Power Line of Alex, Gordie and Frank Mahovlich was one of the best in all hockey history!
Gotta wonder if Pastrnak has had discussions with GM/Coach on the future plan. Not just this year, but the next 2-4 years.
That is probably his sweet spot for performance before a dip begins.
Pastrnak can probably sacrifice 1 year if there is a replan to jump forward next year, but I don’t really see it.
Could it ever get to the point in the next year where the best interest of Boston and Pastrnak is to split and let Boston do a full on rebuild? foleyd
The Bruins will be fine I wouldn’t underestimate them too many good players not to compete. Of course they need more scoring but it wasn’t available so they added depth players who can be hard to play against. Swayman and being healthy is key to their success and will need to win plenty of 3-2 and 2-1 games. I’d like to see them move Korpisalo and let the kid be backup.
Can’t win every game 2-1
Don’t have to win every game 2-1 just a lot and I said also 3-2. I think Montreal made playoffs with like 90 points. Bruins could go 42-30-10 and have 94 points. like I said if Swayman returns to form and Charlie and Lindholm are healthy than I like there chances. Consider me an optimist
Obe ,the Bruins have the worst group of forwards in the NHL.Look at their players. They have a 1st line and at best 3 third lines.Stop with the hard to play against bull sh…t.That does not win you games,talent does.
Agree Sr, need talent to win in the NHL first and foremost. Without it, you’re not winning anything.
Now having talent that is also hard to play against and you can go on playoff runs.
We maybe got one of the C’s we need long term on Friday, we’ll see in 4 years or so if he can become that guy. Meaning a multiple playoff series winning top 6 C. It’s a start.
Well said Obe. Joe, maybe you should watch Sweeney’s press conference. He lays out what the strategy was pretty well and it was pretty clear on deficiencies from last year. They never intended to go get an ehlers or boeser, they wanted to get players to be harder to play against. They did that. They also want to give middle and bottom six players a chance to compete and show what they can do. Next year isnt about making the playoffs. Thats a given. Its about continuing the retool. Sweeney did a fine job with the exception of the length on Tanner J contract. Now, if he hits close to the 20 goal mark he hit as a rookie…
Lyle: This site takes a lot of work on a daily basis (you take, what, a few days off around Christmas?) so as things slow for hockey and most of us are drawn elsewhere, a “bravo” for your work. This site is a quality, go to source for hockey news.
Yesterday took even more effort to keep up with a fountain of information. I don’t know how you do it, man. But I’m glad you do. Hopefully you can sneak in a much deserved break soon.
And while this is first and foremost about Lyle, George, thanks for the research you share here too. Much good work appreciated.
Thanks, LJ. I appreciate the kind words, and the support of you and everyone else who regularly follows this site. Cheers!
hear hear
Yeah, many thanks! I’m more of a reader than a commenter, but I appreciate the content and also the civil tone from most of the commenters (which no doubt involves some effort on the part of the host).
What the difference thus far between this years Bruins team being built and the Bruins team that played the last 2-3 months of last season .. where are they better ? … they actually struggled the whole season
Injuries. No H Lindholm, no McAvoy most notably. Thats 2 of your top 4 D and that would derail any team. Health is a major factor to success in todays NHL.
GW77, why didn t they use the LTIR clause and bring players in to help the group knowing both injuries were long term.
The Bruins weren’t prepared to lose #37 & # 46 in the same season and #74 the next … there was no plan in place & that falls on the GM …
Joe, disagree. How could they not be prepared to lose Bergy and Krecji? They were nearing retirement and were on 1 year deals. Pretty sure it wasn’t a surprise. Tried and failed (so far) with Lindholm.
What should they have been prepared to do? You can’t pick up a 1 & 2C at Home depot.
How many 1 and 2C’s were available as UFA’s yesterday? If by trade which assets to you move to get one, Pasta or McAvoy + is what the cost would have been.
I do not get the contract handed out to Jeannot. I would bet $100 that does not age well.
Tanner Jeannot is not getting this team into the playoffs.
Overall, Sweeney did as well as expected outside of Jeannot. Crappy UFA class, none of these guys would make us a contender.
Maybe the B’s can sneak in, but would take the bet that they don’t. I would prefer they sell again at the deadline.
Joe the plan to replace 37 and 46 is the draft, and the top 10 of it. Or get lucky and hit on a later pick, but luck isn’t a plan.
Joe they let 74 walk for nothing as a UFA. They got NOTHING for him which was a waste. He did it also with Torrey Krug. It is incompetence to let players leave as UFAS and get nothing for them.
Sr, most playoff teams do that when a player wants to wait until end of the season to negotiate. And actual contenders almost always do, I can’t really think of a team like Boston was in 23/24 with 109 pts, that didn’t keep a top 6 player who was a pending UFA.
Going by what you suggest Florida should have traded Bennett and Ekblad, who didn’t get a deal done until after the season was finished.
Think they both stay put if Florida loses to TB or Toronto? Think the team wants to keep them both?
Maybe, but I wouldn’t assume that.
Actually just thought of a team that did it. COL with Rantanen.
While it is true that no one player is bigger than the team., Toronto will have to adjust to Marner leaving.
First, the former GM made big mistakes handing out NMC and paying him all that money. This is what Tre snd the rest of the fan base had to endure:
A me-first brat that put himself and his needs above the team. Great passionate departure letter to the fans but we all know the truth.
Getting Roy out of it was an even bigger fist to Vegas snd to Marner. Toronto should have let Vegas deal with s higher AAV and Marner with one less year.
Marner may have gotten 93 on his Vegas jersey but he didn’t get to or never will get to wear 93 in Toronto. The one who used to wear it was a complete hockey player.
He wasn’t an invisible man in the playoffs. He wasn’t scared to get hit, he didn’t throw his fives on the bench. He didn’t scream “wake the f—-up!!!” to his teammates during the playoffs.
In my opinion he wasn’t fit to wear an “A” in Toronto.
Real leaders like Doug Gilmour, Wendel Clark, Rick Vaive, Rob Ramage, Darryl Sittler, George Armstrong, Dave Keon, Borje Salming and many others are ones the fan base revere.
Good riddance Marner.
Quick to turn on em huh?
Where you get the joeman from
You used Joeman a couple of years back, if I remember correctly. I recall like 4 or 5 variations of “Joe.”
Tell us how you really feel Frank!
I disagree with some of that but can appreciate a great rant, and that was a great rant.
I wonder if Frank will be making the same rant next year with Auston Matthews front and centre.
Wouldn’t surprise me in the least.
After all it makes no sense that the Leafs as a team just weren’t good enough this year.
No, no, no, it’s one guy – that guy. It’s all on him.
8787,
You asked what are the Pens getting in RHP.
He’s an energy guy, all heart no fear type of player who unfortunately never fully recovered from a broken leg.
He has to be at 110% to play in the NHL.
He’ll probably play for Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins