NHL Rumor Mill – July 24, 2026

by | Jul 24, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – July 24, 2026

Pursuing Connor Hellebuyck could be expensive for the Sabres; the Senators continue to search for a scorer; and an update on Canadiens defenseman Arber Xhekaj in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: I will be off Saturday (July 25) and Sunday (July 26). The next update to this site will be Monday, July 27. Enjoy the weekend, everybody!

WHAT COULD IT COST THE SABRES TO ACQUIRE CONNOR HELLEBUYCK?

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Ryan Lambert recently pondered whether it would be worth it for the Buffalo Sabres to acquire goaltender Connor Hellebuyck.

The Sabres were reportedly working on a trade for Hellebuyck with the Winnipeg Jets that fell through before the 2026 NHL Draft last month. It’s rumored the Jets sought the Sabres’ 2026 first-round pick (fourth overall), goaltender Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen, winger Jack Quinn, and a prospect.

Winnipeg Jets goaltender Connor Hellebuyck (NHL Images).

Lambert suggested a package of Luukkonen and Quinn (or a player of similar value), a pair of first-rounders (to replace the value of that fourth-overall pick from the original offer), and maybe a pair of decent prospects might get it done.

It would be a worthwhile bet for the Sabres but would raise the bar for them to exceed expectations.

WINNIPEG FREE PRESS: Ken Wiebe looks at what it might cost the Sabres now to acquire Hellebuyck from the Jets.

Promising defenseman Radim Mrtka would be a good addition, but Wiebe believes the Sabres would have to add one or two good forwards in the deal. They won’t part with Zach Benson or Konsta Helenius. Options could include Quinn, Jiri Kulich, Ryan McLeod, or Noah Ostlund.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Hellebuyck was reportedly open to waiving his no-movement clause to go to Buffalo. It was also reported that the Sabres wanted the Jets’ 2026 first-rounder (eighth overall), which may have spiked the deal.

The two sides could revisit those trade discussions, but Jets general manager Kevin Cheveldayoff will still insist on a significant return. With Hellebuyck under contract for five more seasons, he’s not in a hurry to move him, and it doesn’t appear that the three-time Vezina Trophy winner is pushing him for a trade.

SENATORS STILL SHOPPING FOR A SCORER

OTTAWA SUN: Callum Fraser reports Senators GM Steve Staios remains in the market for a scoring forward.

Staios acquired wingers William Eklund and Andre Burakovsky via trades and brought back forwards Claude Giroux and Nick Cousins.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Ryan Lambert looked at possible options available for the Senators.

Former Senator Vladimir Tarasenko is still out there in the free-agent market, but he’d have to take a pay cut to return to Ottawa. Patrik Laine is another, but he’s a streaky scorer with a long injury history.

Lambert noted that Brock Boeser of the Vancouver Canucks could be an option if he’s willing to waive his no-trade clause. Pavel Zacha of the Boston Bruins and Kirill Marchenko of the Columbus Blue Jackets have also surfaced in the rumor mill, but it’s questionable if they’re available.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Senators’ search for a pure scoring winger could carry on into the regular season.

Tarasenko has put up decent numbers, but his best years are now behind him. Laine’s declining speed has also been an issue, and he’s more of a power-play specialist now.

Boeser has been loyal to the Canucks despite their difficulties. The Bruins seem intent on re-signing Zacha. Blue Jackets GM Don Waddell swears that Marchenko will be in the Blue Jackets lineup this season.

UPDATE ON ARBER XHEKAJ

TVA SPORTS: According to Dave Pagnotta of The Fourth Period, the Philadelphia Flyers are interested in Arber Xhekaj.

The 25-year-old Montreal Canadiens defenseman is a restricted free agent, and he has been the subject of trade speculation since last season. The Calgary Flames were also believed to be interested in the rugged blueliner.

Pagnotta claimed the Canadiens and Xhekaj’s camp are still negotiating a new contract for this season.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: There have been mixed reports out of Montreal regarding Xhekaj’s value to the Canadiens. Some believe head coach Martin St. Louis lacks confidence in the big defenseman, but others believe his physical presence fills an invaluable role as the club’s enforcer.










NHL Rumor Mill – July 13, 2026

by | Jul 13, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – July 13, 2026

Will the Jets trade Connor Hellebuyck this summer, and could they go shopping for second-line depth? What’s the latest on the Predators? Find out in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

THE LATEST JETS SPECULATION

MIKE MCINTYRE ON SPORTS: Winnipeg Free Press columnist Mike McIntyre firmly believes Winnipeg Jets goaltender Connor Hellebuyck will be traded this summer, putting the odds “somewhere north of 95 per cent.”

Winnipeg Jets goaltender Connor Hellebuyck (NHL Images).

McIntyre isn’t sure when the deal will go down or where Hellebuyck will be traded, but he believes the Buffalo Sabres are the most logical landing spot for the 33-year-old netminder. He also suggested the San Jose Sharks as a suitable destination, with the Carolina Hurricanes a distant third.

Hellebuyck has five years left on his contract. That means Jets general manager Kevin Cheveldayoff can afford to be patient in waiting for the right deal for the three-time Vezina Trophy winner.

One reason McIntyre is certain Hellebuyck will be moved is that the Jets didn’t re-sign backup goalie Eric Comrie, instead signing former Edmonton Oilers starter Stuart Skinner to a two-year contract as a free agent.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It’s believed the Jets and Sabres had a deal in place involving Hellebuyck, but it fell through before the opening round of last month’s NHL Draft weekend. Some observers claim he’s still willing to waive his no-movement clause to go to Buffalo, but working out the return remains the sticking point.

Sabres goalie Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen was rumored to be part of the return in that June trade scenario, but he has a five-team no-trade list, and the Jets may have been on it.

THE WINNIPEG SUN: Massimo De Luca-Taronno doesn’t share McIntyre’s certainty that Hellebuyck will be traded. He felt that it was “increasingly likely” that the Jets’ franchise goalie would report to training camp this fall. He believes if a truly tempting trade offer were out there, Cheveldayoff would’ve pulled the trigger by now.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It’s a long summer, and deals involving big-name players can happen when we least expect it. For example, Erik Karlsson was traded from the San Jose Sharks to the Pittsburgh Penguins in August 2023.

Nevertheless, the longer the summer goes without any sign of a Hellebuyck trade, the less likely it’ll happen before the start of the regular season.

De Luca-Taronno felt the Jets must bolster their second-line forward depth. He suggested Buffalo Sabres winger Jack Quinn, New Jersey Devils forward Dawson Mercer, Vegas Golden Knights’ forward Brett Howden, and Seattle Kraken center Shane Wright as trade candidates.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Quinn was believed to be part of last month’s failed Hellebuyck trade to Buffalo. He could be part of the Jets’ asking price if the two clubs revisit that deal.

Howden’s performance last season makes it unlikely that the Golden Knights will part with him right now. Mercer frequently surfaced in trade rumors over the last two years, but new Devils GM Sunny Mehta could be reluctant to part with him. Wright is available, but the Kraken want a good young player in return.

UPDATE ON THE PREDATORS

THE TENNESSEAN: Alex Daugherty recently listed the players most likely to be moved by the Nashville Predators following their recent additions of forward Mavrik Bourque, defenseman Ilya Lyubushkin, and winger Alex Kerfoot.

The moves leave the Predators with 26 active players under contract, meaning three must be dealt to get down to the maximum of 23.

Daugherty doubted that Lyubushkin would play a game for the Predators. Acquiring him was a key part of the trade that brought Bourque to Nashville. He could be peddled to a club in need of blueline depth during training camp.

It may be time to find Jonathan Marchessault a new home. The 35-year-old winger’s production has declined since signing with the Predators two years ago. However, it could be difficult to convince a team to take on his $5.5 million average annual value through 2028-29.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It was rumored the Montreal Canadiens were interested in signing Marchessault before he opted to join the Predators. Given his age and how his production has sagged, it’s doubtful they’ll revisit that interest.

Joakim Kemell could also be peddled. The 22-year-old forward has offensive potential, but his development with the Predators’ AHL affiliate has stalled.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – June 28, 2025

by | Jun 28, 2025

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – June 28, 2025

The Islanders select Matthew Schaefer first overall in the first round of the 2025 draft, further details emerge in the new CBA extension, the Stars’ Jim Nill is GM of the Year again, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE FIRST ROUND OF THE 2025 NHL DRAFT

NHL.COM: An emotional Matthew Schaefer was chosen first overall by the New York Islanders in the opening round of the 2025 NHL Draft in Los Angeles.

The 17-year-old Erie Otters defenseman overcame a broken clavicle this season and the loss of his mother, Jennifer, to breast cancer and his billet mother, Emily Matson, to an apparent suicide last year.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Schaefer was the consensus pick as this year’s top prospect among scouts and analysts. He has tremendous character and determination to match his skills as a potential first-pairing NHL defenseman.

First-overall pick Matthew Schaefer (center) is flanked by second-overall pick Michael Misa (left) and third-overall pick Anton Frondell (NHL.com).

The San Jose Sharks chose center Michael Misa of the Saginaw Spirit with the second-overall pick. Center Anton Frondell of SHL club Djurgardens IF went third overall to the Chicago Blackhawks.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Other notable selections included center Caleb Desnoyers of the Moncton Wildcats going fourth overall to the Utah Mammoth. He’s the first QMJHL player to be a top-10 pick since the New York Rangers chose Alexis Lafreniere first overall in 2020.

James Hagens of Boston College began this season projected to become the top prospect in this draft. He tumbled to seventh, not because he played poorly but because those ahead of him had better seasons. Comedy actor Adam Sandler reprised his Happy Gilmore character to announce the Bruins had chosen Hagens, much to the young center’s delight.

The Nashville Predators selected Brady Martin with the fifth-overall pick. However, the 18-year-old Soo Greyhounds center wasn’t in attendance in Los Angeles, preferring to remain at home helping tend his family’s dairy farm in Elmira, Ontario. Martin was surrounded by family and friends watching the draft on a big-screen TV in his backyard.

Analysts were caught by surprise when the Columbus Blue Jackets went off the board to select Russian goaltender Pyotr Andreyanov with the 20th overall pick. It wasn’t as bad as when they (and everyone else) were left scratching their heads over the Blue Jackets selecting Yegor Chinakhov 21st overall in 2020, but the move still raised some eyebrows.

You can see the complete list of first-round picks and analysis at NHL.com. Rounds 2-7 will be held on Saturday starting at noon ET.

Meanwhile, the reaction to the decentralized format of this year’s draft on social media was overwhelmingly negative. My friend Scotty Wazz of The Face Off Hockey Show has the details.

I felt sorry for the prospects. The best day of their young careers was spoiled by this lifeless, overly long event. It lacked the energy and excitement of the previous format in NHL arenas, with executives from all 32 teams in attendance to announce their selections. Hopefully, the league returns to the tried-and-true previous formula. If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.

MORE DETAILS EMERGE FROM THE NEW NHL CBA

The NHL and NHL Players’ Association announced they had agreed to a four-year extension of their collective bargaining agreement (CBA). It will begin in 2026-27, pending ratification votes on both sides.

THE ATHLETIC: Chris Johnston and Pierre LeBrun revealed some additional key points in the new agreement.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: You can see the pertinent details originally reported (including an 84-game schedule beginning in 2026-27, reduction of contract terms, plugging the LTIR loophole) by following this link.

Training camp will be shortened from 21 days to 13 (18 days for rookies) to accommodate the 84-game schedule.

A salary cap will be introduced for the playoffs that applies only to the 20 players suiting up for each game. Teams will be able to shuffle their rosters between games, but the game-day lineup must be cap-compliant.

The minimum salary will be $850,000 in 2026-27, $900,000 in 2027-28, $950,000 in 2028-29, and $1 million in 2029-30.

Salary retention will still be allowed in trades, but a second retention on the same contract can only happen 75 regular-season days after the first one. That ends the use of a third-party broker in real time to facilitate a trade.

Neck protection will become mandatory beginning in 2026-27. Players with at least one NHL game before that season will be grandfathered and won’t be subject to this rule.

Fitness testing will no longer be permitted during training camp or the regular season.

Year-over-year increases on front-loaded contracts will be limited to 20 percent of the first year, down from 25 percent. The lowest year must be at least 71 percent of the highest year, up from 60 percent. For example, if the highest year’s compensation is $10 million, the lowest year’s compensation cannot be less than $7.1 million. The year-to-year differences cannot exceed $2 million.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Follow The Athletic’s link above for the entire list.

IN OTHER NEWS…

NHL.COM: Jim Nill of the Dallas Stars is the 2024-25 winner of the Jim Gregory General Manager of the Year Award. It’s the third straight year he’s received this honor, making him the first GM to win this award three times.

VEGAS HOCKEY NOW: The Golden Knights officially announced the re-signing of winger Brandon Saad. He agreed to a one-year contract with a cap hit of $2 million. The 32-year-old receives a base salary of $1 million with a $1 million signing bonus and a full no-trade clause.

TSN: The Edmonton Oilers officially announced the re-signing of forward Trent Frederic to an eight-year extension with an AAV of $3.85 million. This deal was initially reported several days ago, although the cap hit is slightly lower than the original report of $4 million.

THE SEATTLE TIMES: Kraken GM Jason Botterill intends to retain Philipp Grubauer rather than buy out the final two years of the struggling goaltender’s contract. “We believe that Philipp can bounce back from that situation,” said Botterill. “We think there’s an opportunity still for success here.”

THE BUFFALO NEWS: The Sabres signed forward Jack Quinn to a two-year contract extension with an AAV of $3.375 million. Quinn, 23, was slated to become a restricted free agent on July 1.

DAILY FACEOFF: Frank Seravalli reports Austin, Texas, is tossing its hat into the NHL expansion ring. The league has informed interested parties that the expansion fee is $2 billion. Atlanta, Houston, Indianapolis and New Orleans are also believed to be potential expansion markets.










Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – June 15, 2025

by | Jun 15, 2025

Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – June 15, 2025

A look at several offer-sheet candidates and more in the Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup

DAILY FACEOFF: Frank Seravalli recently listed five restricted free agents who could receive offer sheets this summer.

Matthew Knies of the Toronto Maple Leafs tops Seravalli’s list. He projected that the 23-year-old power forward could receive a five-year offer worth an average annual value of $11.7 million. That AAV would be at the high end of the second-highest compensation level ($9,360 million to $11,700,192), requiring four draft picks (two firsts, a second, and a third) as compensation for a successful signing.

Toronto Maple Leafs forward Matthew Knies (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Seravalli listed 15 teams that would meet the compensation pick requirement. Three of them (Edmonton, New Jersey and Vegas) can’t afford that contract. Montreal (with Carey Price on LTIR), Nashville, Philadelphia and Seattle have the cap room, but it would leave them little space to fill out the rest of the rosters.

Seravalli acknowledged that Knies stated last month that he prefers playing for Toronto, shooting down the notion of an offer sheet. His proposal of $11.7 million to Knies is based on a scenario where a club makes an offer too expensive for the Leafs to match. However, it’s doubtful a rival club is going to go that high.

The expectation among observers is that teams will target promising talent, like the St. Louis Blues did last summer when they signed Philip Broberg and Dylan Holloway from the Edmonton Oilers.

Buffalo Sabres winger JJ Peterka, New York Rangers winger Will Cuylle, St. Louis Blues goaltender Joel Hofer, and Dallas Stars center Mavrik Bourque were also on Seravalli’s list.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Those four are the type of promising players most likely to become offer-sheet candidates.

Seravalli projected a two-year offer for Peterka with an AAV of $9,360,152, requiring compensation of a first, a second, and a third-round pick. The Sabres have the cap space to match, but the threat of that offer sheet is why Peterka is among Seravalli’s list of summer trade candidates.

This list was published before the Rangers shipped Chris Kreider to the Anaheim Ducks, freeing up $6.5 million in cap space. Seravalli projected Cuylle getting a five-year offer sheet with an AAV of $7,020,113, requiring a first and second-round pick as compensation. However, the Rangers could easily afford to match that now.

Seravalli projected a two-year offer sheet with an AAV of $4,680,076 for Hofer, requiring a second-rounder in compensation. Bourque is projected to get a two-year deal at $2,340,037, requiring a third-rounder as compensation. Given the cap constraints of the Blues and Stars, those two have a good possibility of happening if Hofer and Bourque are willing to entertain offer sheets.

SPORTSNET: Cuylle, Hofer and Bourque also featured on Ryan Dixon’s list of offer-sheet candidates.

His list includes Vegas Golden Knights defenseman Nicolas Hague, Columbus Blue Jackets forward Dmitri Voronkov, Buffalo Sabres winger Jack Quinn, and Utah Mammoth forward Jack McBain.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Hague will likely be traded before becoming eligible for an offer sheet, but they could re-sign him if Alex Pietrangelo ends up on long-term injury reserve. There’s recent speculation suggesting he could start next season on LTIR, with some saying his playing days could be over.

The Blue Jackets have over $40 million in cap space for 2025-26. It’s unlikely any club will target Voronkov since it’ll be easily matched. No one’s going to overpay to get him.

Dixon suggested Quinn and McBain could be targeted later in the offseason if the Sabres and Mammoth use up their cap space re-signing other players and adding to their rosters. That’s a possibility worth watching, but it’ll also depend on the players’ willingness to sign an offer sheet.










NHL Rumor Mill – December 13, 2024

by | Dec 13, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – December 13, 2024

​Check out the latest on the Sabres, Hurricanes and more in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

LATEST SABRES SPECULATION

SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman reports the Buffalo Sabres are getting calls from other teams about Dylan Cozens. The 23-year-old right-shot center is two years removed from a 30-goal season but he’s struggling in 2024-25. He has five years left on his contract with an average annual value of $7.1 million, which Friedman believes helps his value in the trade market.

TSN: Darren Dreger reports no sense of panic among the Sabres’ organization despite their difficulties. Teams are calling in for promising young players like Jack Quinn but general manager Kevyn Adams isn’t moving him. He’s open to a trade that helps his team now but doesn’t want to force things.

THE ATHLETIC: Matthew Fairburn wonders what move could set the Sabres back after missing the playoffs for 13 consecutive seasons. They’re closer to last place in the league this season than they are to a playoff berth.

Buffalo Sabres forward Dylan Cozens (NHL Images).

Fairburn cited Adams saying he didn’t spend his $7 million in cap space because Quinn, forward JJ Peterka and goalie Devon Levi are restricted free agents next summer. However, Quinn has one goal this season, Peterka has one goal in his last 13 games, and Levi is back in the AHL.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: There are plenty of reasons why the Sabres have struggled over the years, from meddling ownership to poor management to a revolving door of coaches. The issue now is whether Adams and head coach Lindy Ruff can find a way to turn things around before their postseason drought stretches to 14 years and counting.

HURRICANES SHOPPING FOR A GOALTENDER

TSN: Pierre LeBrun reports the Carolina Hurricanes had discussions with the San Jose Sharks about Mackenzie Blackwood before the 28-year-old goaltender was traded to the Colorado Avalanche. They’re seeking insurance for starter Pyotr Kochetkov.

LeBrun mentioned Dan Vladar of the Calgary Flames, Anton Forsberg of the Ottawa Senators and Karel Vejmelka of the Utah Hockey Club as options. However, none of those teams are ready to be sellers.

The Hurricanes have spoken to the Anaheim Ducks about John Gibson. However, the asking price will have to go down before

SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman also noted the Hurricanes’ interest in Gibson. He said there’s been an on-again, off-again courtship between the Hurricanes and Ducks over Gibson for years.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Gibson has a 10-team no-trade list but these reports suggest the Hurricanes are on that list. The Hurricanes could prefer the Ducks retain part of his $6.4 million average annual value through 2026-27, but the Ducks could seek something substantial to make salary retention worthwhile.

RUMOR TIDBITS FROM THE LATEST “32 THOUGHTS” COLUMN

SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman reports New York Islanders general manager Lou Lamoriello isn’t tipping his hand about potential moves this season. His peers find it hard to believe that Lamoriello would move pending UFA center Brock Nelson if the Isles remain in playoff contention.

The Dallas Stars are expected to utilize its extra salary-cap space while Tyler Seguin recovers from hip surgery. Friedman indicates they’re doing due diligence on what centers and right-shot defensemen are available.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Stars are expected to put Seguin on long-term injury reserve and use the salary-cap savings to bolster their roster for the playoffs. Seguin is out for four to six months.

The Vancouver Canucks are trying to find a better fit for Vincent Desharnais. It hasn’t worked out as hoped for the 28-year-old defenseman, who signed a two-year contract in the offseason with the Canucks.

Seattle Kraken defenseman Will Borgen is being scouted as a potential depth addition.

Nashville Predators GM Barry Trotz is doing all he can to avoid making head coach Andrew Brunette the fall guy for the club’s struggles this season. Friedman speculated that little-used forward Juuso Parssinen could follow Dante Fabbro and Philip Tomasino out of Nashville.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Trotz might not have much choice if the losses keep mounting.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – September 16, 2024

by | Sep 16, 2024

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – September 16, 2024

The Blue Jackets sign James van Riemsdyk, the Devils bring in Kevin Labanc on a PTO, and Antti Raanta ends his NHL career. Check out the details on these stories and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH: The Blue Jackets signed free-agent winger James van Riemsdyk to a one-year, $900K contract.

The 35-year-old van Riemsdyk had 38 points in 71 games with the Boston Bruins last season. He’s a 15-season NHL veteran with previous stops with the Toronto Maple Leafs and Philadelphia Flyers.

Columbus Blue Jackets sign winger James van Riemsdyk (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: This signing came shortly after Blue Jackets general manager Don Waddell indicated his intention to shore up his forward depth by signing veteran players. Waddell probably isn’t done making additions via free agency and we can’t rule out a trade.

NEW JERSEY HOCKEY NOW: The Devils are reportedly close to signing Kevin Labanc to a professional tryout offer. The 28-year-old winger spent the past eight seasons with the San Jose Sharks.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Labanc was once a promising forward with the Sharks, reaching a career-high of 17 goals and 56 points in 82 games during the 2018-19 season. He hasn’t regained those heights as his production and ice time declined.

DAILY FACEOFF: Antti Raanta is ending his NHL career after 11 seasons with the Carolina Hurricanes, Arizona Coyotes, New York Rangers and Chicago Blackhawks. The 35-year-old Finnish goaltender intends to continue his playing career in Europe.

Raanta had a record of 139 wins, 80 losses, and 20 overtime losses in 277 NHL regular-season games with a 2.48 goals-against average, a save percentage of .915, and 20 shutouts. He also had a 9-9 record in the playoffs with a 2.48 GAA, a .911 SP and one shutout.

THE BUFFALO NEWS: Jack Quinn hopes to bounce back from a torn Achilles tendon and a broken left fibula that limited him to 19 points in 27 games during his sophomore campaign last season.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Quinn showed considerable promise as an offensive forward during his rookie season with 37 points in 75 games. He also put up solid numbers despite last season’s setbacks. A healthy 2024-25 could see the 22-year-old winger become invaluable to the Sabres’ offense.

SPORTSNET: Toronto Maple Leafs prospect Fraser Minten left Sunday’s prospect game in Montreal during the second period following a hit by Canadiens defenseman David Reinbacher. He did not return as he was held out of the remainder of the game for precautionary reasons.

RG.ORG: Speaking of the Canadiens, top prospect Ivan Demidov scored his first career goal in the KHL with SKA St. Petersburg. Former Washington Capitals star Evgeny Kuznetsov picked up the primary assist. The 18-year-old Demidov was chosen fifth overall in the 2024 NHL Draft.