Brad Marchand strolls into Team Canada's dressing room during the 4 Nations Face-Off with the kno...

<p>Brad Marchand strolls into Team Canada's dressing room during the 4 Nations Face-Off with the knowing grin of somebody dying to stir the pot.</p><p>"Man, you guys are fun to watch," he announces to no one in particular.</p><p>Marchand, the second-oldest Canadian player at the Olympic tuneup, approaches his stall. "Ho, ho, ho. I might be the biggest fan here."</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>"Atta boy, Mitchy," Marchand says in the direction of Mitch Marner, who scored an overtime goal against Sweden moments earlier. "Good job, Sid," he says to OT playmaker Sidney Crosby, who famously wears No. 87.</p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/821084/cropped_GettyImages-2200985208.jpg?ts=1770569167" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/821084/w220xh124_GettyImages-2200985208.jpg?ts=1770569167 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/821084/w320xh180_GettyImages-2200985208.jpg?ts=1770569167 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/821084/w640xh360_GettyImages-2200985208.jpg?ts=1770569167 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/821084/w768xh432_GettyImages-2200985208.jpg?ts=1770569167 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/821084/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2200985208.jpg?ts=1770569167 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Brian Babineau / Getty Images</span></figcaption></figure><p>"Nasty, 8-7," Connor McDavid interjects from a stall over.</p><p>"Risky play there at the end, 8-7!" Marchand adds with delight.</p><p>McDavid turns to face Marchand with the kind of natural, full-faced smile almost never seen from the stoic superstar. He can't wait for the punch line.</p><p>"Eh? Between the legs? Back to our zone? Not a big deal!" Marchand continues as Crosby and McDavid, two generational players, share a laugh.</p><p>That scene, <a href="https://x.com/NHL/status/1890162921029636477">captured</a> for a mic'd-up social media post, played out on Feb. 12, 2025. Crosby, McDavid, Marchand, and the rest of a stacked Canadian team open a three-game round-robin schedule at the Milan Cortina Games one year to the day with a tilt against Czechia on Thursday.</p><p>Marchand, 37, is the oldest NHLer - of any nationality - making his Olympic debut in Italy. It's safe to assume one of the sport's greatest left-wingers, agitators, and off-ice characters won't be wasting a single moment overseas.</p><p>"Marchy's not shy around anybody. That's just his personality," Canada defenseman Drew Doughty told theScore when asked about Marchand's antics at national team events. "The on-ice performance is why he made the Olympic team, but how he is off the ice is definitely another aspect of it."</p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/821085/cropped_GettyImages-107316238.jpg?ts=1770569373" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/821085/w220xh124_GettyImages-107316238.jpg?ts=1770569373 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/821085/w320xh180_GettyImages-107316238.jpg?ts=1770569373 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/821085/w640xh360_GettyImages-107316238.jpg?ts=1770569373 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/821085/w768xh432_GettyImages-107316238.jpg?ts=1770569373 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/821085/w1080xh607_GettyImages-107316238.jpg?ts=1770569373 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Steve Babineau / Getty Images</span></figcaption></figure><p>Canada's 22-man skater group features a preposterous 17 first-round picks, including four first overall phenoms and another five top-five selections. The rest: two third-round picks, one fourth-rounder, and two sixth-rounders.</p><p>The Boston Bruins selected Marchand in the third round, 71st overall, in 2006. He became a full-time NHLer during the 2010-11 campaign but didn't gain true first-liner status until 2015-16 - after the 2014 Winter Games. The Halifax, Nova Scotia, native enters this year's Olympic tournament with two Stanley Cup rings (Boston 2011, Florida Panthers 2025) and 1,188 points across 1,326 regular-season and playoff games.</p><p>Marchand, listed at roughly 5-foot-9 and 175 pounds, is Canada's shortest and lightest player yet arguably its most fearless.</p><p>"In those early years, no one was ever talking about Brad being someone who would make it," JP MacCallum, Marchand's offseason trainer for the past 25 years, said recently. "Nobody was having the conversation of, 'Oh yeah, he's going to be a consistent NHLer,' and produce the way he has. No one.</p><p>"But he worked on being explosive, powerful. He found a way to define his space on the ice because he was quick, agile in corners, and had tremendous strength for his size. That caught - and still catches - many bigger opponents off guard. It's not every day a 5-foot-9 guy stands you up in the corner."</p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/821083/cropped_GettyImages-2254788302.jpg?ts=1770569030" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/821083/w220xh124_GettyImages-2254788302.jpg?ts=1770569030 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/821083/w320xh180_GettyImages-2254788302.jpg?ts=1770569030 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/821083/w640xh360_GettyImages-2254788302.jpg?ts=1770569030 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/821083/w768xh432_GettyImages-2254788302.jpg?ts=1770569030 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/821083/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2254788302.jpg?ts=1770569030 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Eliot J. Schechter / Getty Images</span></figcaption></figure><p>Marchand's mom, Lynn, told <a href="https://www.audacy.com/weei/sports/brad-marchandfrom-cocky-kid-to-party-animal-to-nhl-superstar">WEEI</a> in 2016 that young Brad was not only an extremely energetic and competitive boy but also a mischievous one. That naughty side got him into loads of trouble over the first 12 or so years of his career.</p><p>The man whom Barack Obama referred to as the Little Ball of Hate sucker-punched, elbowed, slew-footed, cross-checked, clipped, speared, and high-sticked his way to an NHL-record eight suspensions totaling 28 games from 2011-22. Marchand was also fined five times during his devilish period, while several other controversial incidents didn't result in supplemental discipline - most notably multiple instances in which he licked an opponent.</p><p>"I have done things that have stepped over that line, and I've paid the price for it," Marchand wrote in <a href="https://www.theplayerstribune.com/articles/brad-marchand-built-for-boston-bruins">The Players' Tribune</a> in 2018. "But you know what? There's a lot of people out there in the hockey world who love to say, 'Winning is everything. It's the only thing.' But do they really mean it?</p><p>"How far are they willing to go? Maybe it was my size or just the way I was born, but I've always felt like you have to be willing to do anything - literally anything - in order to win. Even if that means being hated."</p><p>Before the 2016 World Cup, the so-called Rat King was veering toward a career filled with complementary production and endless drama. The eight-team event turned out to be a confidence-boosting launchpad. Marchand bagged a tournament-high five goals, including the title-clincher.</p><p>He then put together the most productive stretch of his life: four straight seasons of 85-plus points (85, 85, 100, 87) in his late 20s and early 30s.</p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/821269/cropped_GettyImages-611481884.jpg?ts=1770671594" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/821269/w220xh124_GettyImages-611481884.jpg?ts=1770671594 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/821269/w320xh180_GettyImages-611481884.jpg?ts=1770671594 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/821269/w640xh360_GettyImages-611481884.jpg?ts=1770671594 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/821269/w768xh432_GettyImages-611481884.jpg?ts=1770671594 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/821269/w1080xh607_GettyImages-611481884.jpg?ts=1770671594 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Bruce Bennett / Getty Images</span></figcaption></figure><p>Marchand revealed at the 4 Nations that the World Cup experience made him realize the elite of the elite tend to be irrationally confident in themselves.</p><p>"My mindset changed, and I started believing (I could make a major impact) every time I stepped on the ice," he said. "Whether it was true or not, I would tell myself I was the best player. I had that mindset - a little bit of an internal arrogance and confidence - and it helped me get to another level."</p><p>While Marchand's peak agitator days are long gone, he hasn't dropped the rat act altogether. The NHL Players' Association asked hundreds of its members which player they least enjoy playing against but would like to have on their team, and Marchand was the top vote-getter during the 2021-22, 2022-23, and 2023-24 seasons. He was also crowned the league's best <em>and</em> worst trash talker in 2019-20.</p><p>After being on the receiving end of a sucker punch from Sam Bennett in a 2024 playoff game, the former Bruins captain, following a trade to Florida a year later, quickly chirped at Bennett in the Panthers' group chat upon his arrival.</p><p>Marchand's recent off-ice antics include <a href="https://www.audacy.com/weei/sports/bruins/brad-marchand-goes-after-toronto-media-on-twitter">sparring</a> with media members on Twitter; talking openly about contentious issues, such as <a href="https://ca.sports.yahoo.com/news/nhl-hurricanes-marchand-trocheck-revenge-troll-revenge-after-blowout-win-over-bruins-162726490.html">escrow payments</a> and <a href="https://www.sportsnet.ca/nhl/article/marchand-credits-lack-of-state-tax-in-decision-to-re-sign-with-panthers/">state taxes</a>; "<a href="https://x.com/reporterchris/status/1935869507731669096">thanking</a>" teammates' old clubs on Instagram while celebrating Florida's 2025 Cup victory; and <a href="https://x.com/Arunthings/status/2008588478985236652">blaming</a> Maple Leafs fans for Marner's departure.</p><p>Love or hate him, Marchand's an entertainer in the entertainment business - a feisty, wisecracking rascal who welcomes the bright lights of stardom.</p><p>"He wears that chip on his shoulder so well," said ex-NHL defenseman Jason Demers, who played with Marchand in the QMJHL. "People try to figure out if it's a show, but that's him. He's authentic. What you see is what you get."</p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/821299/cropped_GettyImages-2260577355.jpg?ts=1770681273" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/821299/w220xh124_GettyImages-2260577355.jpg?ts=1770681273 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/821299/w320xh180_GettyImages-2260577355.jpg?ts=1770681273 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/821299/w640xh360_GettyImages-2260577355.jpg?ts=1770681273 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/821299/w768xh432_GettyImages-2260577355.jpg?ts=1770681273 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/821299/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2260577355.jpg?ts=1770681273 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Gregory Shamus / Getty Images</span></figcaption></figure><p>Marchand can play wing on any of Canada's forward lines. During Milan practices, he's skated with Nathan MacKinnon, whom he and Crosby train alongside every offseason, and Nick Suzuki. He can be a utility piece on special teams and assume an unofficial spokesperson role with extra media responsibilities.</p><p>Having someone with his on-ice versatility and off-ice swagger can only be a positive for the collective psyche of a group trying to win a gold medal.</p><p>"He's one of those rare guys that leads not only vocally but also by example," Demers said before suggesting that the mutual respect between Marchand and head coach Jon Cooper could lead to extra ice time. "I could see Brad getting some penalty-killing time, maybe some second-unit power-play time."</p><p>Marchand took a leave of absence from the Panthers earlier this season to support MacCallum, whose 10-year-old daughter, Selah, lost a battle with cancer in late October. Back home in Halifax, Marchand helped raise money for the family and coach MacCallum's Under-18 team as the father grieved.</p><p>MacCallum says his longtime client and close friend is more or less the same gregarious, hard-working, generous, ultra-competitive dude all these years later. But he's witnessed one key area of growth: Marchand's ability to remain present.</p><p>That change has been visible in Italy - when he <a href="http://x.com/NHL/status/2020944016808743178">jumped</a> while a team photo was being taken to avoid looking shorter than everyone else. And as he <a href="http://x.com/HabsOnReddit/status/2020616775264846251">said</a>, "Oui, je m'appelle Nick Suzuki," in his linemate's ear during a media scrum. And when he <a href="http://x.com/HockeyCanada/status/2020532760449016030">picked</a> "hardworking, gritty, handsome" as the three words he'd use to describe his playing style.</p><p>"He knows the spotlight on McDavid and on Crosby is so much greater than whatever happens to be on him," MacCallum said. "He can play in the shadows. He can produce then joke around. In any locker room, you want one of those guys that can keep everybody a little loose and break the ice, especially in moments when things get tense or the pressure gets high."</p><p><em>John Matisz is theScore's senior NHL writer. Follow John on Twitter/X (<a href="https://twitter.com/MatiszJohn">@MatiszJohn</a>) or contact him via email (john.matisz@thescore.com).</em></p>

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/34451513/related

What does Brad Marchand, first-time Olympian, have up his sleeve?

The "Breadman" is headed to Southern California.  The New York Rangers traded superstar Artemi Pa...

<p>The "Breadman" is headed to Southern California.</p><p>The New York Rangers <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3436478" href="https://thescore.com/news/3436478">traded</a> superstar Artemi Panarin to the Los Angeles Kings on Wednesday afternoon in exchange for forward prospect Liam Greentree, a conditional 2026 third-round pick, and a conditional 2028 fourth-rounder.</p><p>The third-rounder upgrades to a second-rounder if Los Angeles wins one playoff series this season, while the fourth heads to New York only if L.A. wins two series.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Time to hand out some grades.</p><h3>Los Angeles Kings</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/820520/cropped_GettyImages-2254247899.jpg?ts=1770239871" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/820520/w220xh124_GettyImages-2254247899.jpg?ts=1770239871 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/820520/w320xh180_GettyImages-2254247899.jpg?ts=1770239871 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/820520/w640xh360_GettyImages-2254247899.jpg?ts=1770239871 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/820520/w768xh432_GettyImages-2254247899.jpg?ts=1770239871 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/820520/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2254247899.jpg?ts=1770239871 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Jared Silber / Getty Images</span></figcaption></figure><p>The Kings have landed the most talented player available - arguably a top 20 skater on the planet - a month ahead of the NHL trade deadline. Bravo.</p><p>The sweetener, of course, is that Panarin arrives on a two-year, $22-million contract extension that will keep him in L.A. through the 2027-28 season.</p><p>The 34-year-old is a world-class playmaker with the fifth-most points in the league since his rookie campaign in 2015-16. The right-handed left winger led the Rangers in points in each of his seven campaigns in New York. Even amid retooling talk this year, he bagged 19 goals and added 38 assists for 57 points in 52 games.</p><p>The on-ice fit is virtually perfect. Aside from speedy winger Adrian Kempe and crafty defenseman Brandt Clarke, the Kings' attack is painfully uncreative, and Panarin is, if nothing else, an offensive catalyst. A puck-transporting king, he ranks fifth among all NHLers this year in zone exits per game and eighth in offensive-zone puck possession time, according to Sportlogiq.</p><p>Panarin, suddenly the Kings' highest-paid player, will be tasked with breathing life into an attack that sits in the bottom five in total goals, five-on-five goals, and power-play efficiency. With franchise icon and captain Anze Kopitar playing his final NHL season and longtime No. 1 defenseman Drew Doughty getting closer to the twilight of his career, the Kings decided to go bold.</p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/820521/cropped_GettyImages-2211043575.jpg?ts=1770240041" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/820521/w220xh124_GettyImages-2211043575.jpg?ts=1770240041 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/820521/w320xh180_GettyImages-2211043575.jpg?ts=1770240041 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/820521/w640xh360_GettyImages-2211043575.jpg?ts=1770240041 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/820521/w768xh432_GettyImages-2211043575.jpg?ts=1770240041 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/820521/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2211043575.jpg?ts=1770240041 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">MediaNews Group / Getty Images</span></figcaption></figure><p>The fascinating part of all of this is that I don't think this trade, as big as it is, necessarily pushes the Kings into the inner circle of Stanley Cup contenders. </p><p>L.A., a lockdown defensive team, sits one point behind the Western Conference cutline, and the West is an absolute gauntlet. The Central Division features three powerhouses in Colorado, Dallas, and Minnesota, while the Pacific is home to Vegas and Edmonton. Connor McDavid and the Oilers have famously ended the Kings' last four seasons in Round 1 - most recently winning in six games.</p><p>It wouldn't be surprising in the slightest if, even with Panarin leading the charge, L.A. loses again in the first or second round. The top of the West is lethal, and the Kings' ceiling is still not legitimate-Cup-contender high.</p><p>That said, general manager Ken Holland deserves props for betting on talent. If 2025-26 doesn't work out, the front office can rework the roster in the offseason and take another crack at a deep playoff run. Try again in 2027-28.</p><p>Bonus: Holland didn't get carried away with the extension length. Panarin turns 35 in October, which means his shift-to-shift impact will likely begin to decline soon. There's little chance this becomes an anchor contract.</p><p>The cherry on top is that the Kings surrendered zero premium assets.</p><p><strong>Grade</strong>: A</p><h3>New York Rangers</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/820528/cropped_GettyImages-2160117993.jpg?ts=1770242365" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/820528/w220xh124_GettyImages-2160117993.jpg?ts=1770242365 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/820528/w320xh180_GettyImages-2160117993.jpg?ts=1770242365 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/820528/w640xh360_GettyImages-2160117993.jpg?ts=1770242365 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/820528/w768xh432_GettyImages-2160117993.jpg?ts=1770242365 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/820528/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2160117993.jpg?ts=1770242365 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Bruce Bennett / Getty Images</span></figcaption></figure><p>Let's talk power dynamics.</p><p>Panarin had power over Rangers GM Chris Drury in two crucial ways. His contract included a no-move clause, and he wanted an extension attached to any trade. Panarin was, to a large extent, dictating his landing spot.</p><p>However, Drury had power over Panarin in one important way. While the Olympic roster freeze set the stage for an artificial "first" trade deadline across the league, deals can still be made between the end of the Winter Games and the official March 6 deadline. (Remember, Russia is banned from the Olympics, so there's no risk of Panarin getting hurt over the next few weeks.)</p><p>In that sense, Drury rushed the transaction, and the lack of patience resulted in an underwhelming return, especially considering the Rangers helped the Kings by retaining 50% of Panarin's $11.6 million salary in 2025-26.</p><p>Waiting out Holland through the break surely would have driven up the price.</p><p>Panarin was Drury's most valuable trade asset during what he's labelled a retool (but, in practice, is more a rebuild). The executive needed to reel in a first-round pick, an elite prospect, or both. Instead, he failed to pry a first out of L.A., and the centerpiece is a good but not great prospect.</p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/820530/cropped_GettyImages-2200006841.jpg?ts=1770243190" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/820530/w220xh124_GettyImages-2200006841.jpg?ts=1770243190 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/820530/w320xh180_GettyImages-2200006841.jpg?ts=1770243190 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/820530/w640xh360_GettyImages-2200006841.jpg?ts=1770243190 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/820530/w768xh432_GettyImages-2200006841.jpg?ts=1770243190 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/820530/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2200006841.jpg?ts=1770243190 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Michael Miller/ISI Photos / Getty Images</span></figcaption></figure><p>Greentree looks like a future NHLer, potentially one with a long career in the top six. He's, by all accounts, a solid addition. Yet the 20-year-old sniper doesn't project to move the needle at the NHL level, with scouts expressing concerns about the 6-foot-3, 216-pound winger's skating and compete level. The industry's preeminent prospect analyst, The Athletic's Corey Pronman, placed Greentree 134th in his <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6946124/2026/01/13/nhl-prospects-rankings-u23-celebrini-bedard/">January ranking</a> of all under-23 players associated with NHL clubs. Again, he's a good but not great prospect.</p><p>Acquiring Greentree and a first would have been a notable return. Greentree, plus a guaranteed second- and third-rounder, would have even made for a reasonable deal. But to trade Panarin for Greentree and two uncertain picks? Not good enough, even with Panarin heavily influencing negotiations.</p><p>In baseball terms, Drury didn't strike out. He hit a single - and that's it.</p><p><strong>Grade</strong>: C-</p><p><em>John Matisz is theScore's senior NHL writer. Follow John on Twitter/X (<a href="https://twitter.com/MatiszJohn">@MatiszJohn</a>) or contact him via email (john.matisz@thescore.com).</em></p>

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/34385443/related

Panarin trade grades: Kings address pressing need, Rangers get antsy

Welcome to the sixth edition of the All-Nobody Team!  This exercise scans all 32 teams for previo...

<p>Welcome to the sixth edition of the All-Nobody Team!</p><p>This exercise scans all 32 teams for previously obscure players who've begun to make meaningful names for themselves. As the league readies for the Olympic break, which relative nobodies can we now call somebodies?</p><p>As in years past, the player pool is limited to those who 1) were drafted after the second round or not at all, and 2) entered the season with fewer than 500 five-on-five minutes played in the regular season.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>(Stud Hurricanes defenseman Alexander Nikishin technically qualifies within these parameters. However, we chose to exclude the well-hyped rookie since he was far from an unknown commodity coming into the year.)</p><p>Below are three forwards, two defensemen, and one goalie who make up the 2025-26 All-Nobody Team. The next <a href="https://www.thescore.com/nhl/news/2127553">Carter Verhaeghe</a>, <a href="https://www.thescore.com/nhl/news/2262985">Michael Bunting</a>, <a href="https://www.thescore.com/news/2534318">Logan Thompson</a>, <a href="https://www.thescore.com/nhl/news/2839928">Michael Kesselring</a>, or <a href="https://www.thescore.com/nhl/news/3165975">Dustin Wolf</a> is in here somewhere.</p><h3>Justin Sourdif, F</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/820200/cropped_GettyImages-2253600825.jpg?ts=1770068416" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/820200/w220xh124_GettyImages-2253600825.jpg?ts=1770068416 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/820200/w320xh180_GettyImages-2253600825.jpg?ts=1770068416 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/820200/w640xh360_GettyImages-2253600825.jpg?ts=1770068416 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/820200/w768xh432_GettyImages-2253600825.jpg?ts=1770068416 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/820200/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2253600825.jpg?ts=1770068416 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Jess Rapfogel / Getty Images</span></figcaption></figure><p>There were two types of reactions to the Capitals acquiring Sourdif from the Panthers last June in exchange for a 2026 second-round pick and a 2027 sixth-rounder.</p><p>The first: confused pessimism. <em>Why in the world would Washington trade two picks, including a valuable second-rounder, for a 23-year-old with middling AHL stats and four NHL appearances? Who is this Sourdif guy, anyway?</em></p><p>Second: cautious optimism. <em>That's a steep price, but the Caps have a history of finding hidden gems. General manager Chris Patrick deserves the benefit of the doubt.</em></p><p>Sourdif, who signed a two-year, $1.65-million contract a few days after the trade, has made Patrick look clever. The center/right-winger has flashed tremendous quickness, competitiveness, and smarts to start his Caps tenure.</p><p>He's up to 26 points, thanks in large part to a developing shot, and is already one of Washington's top play-drivers (53.5% expected goals rate). The Caps have outscored the opposition 35-21 in the rookie's 707 five-on-five minutes.</p><p>Injuries to Pierre-Luc Dubois and Nic Dowd forced head coach Spencer Carbery to beef up Sourdif's usage early in the season. He's gone from fourth-line winger to second-line center matching up against Connor McDavid. Sourdif recorded five points (three goals, two assists) against the Ducks in early January and bagged the game-winner against the Hurricanes on Saturday.</p><p>"Sometimes, circumstances provide opportunity for young players, and then that opportunity, it's on them to take advantage of that," Carbery <a href="https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=2434608613619750">told reporters</a> after the five-point eruption. "That's exactly what he's done."</p><h3>Arseny Gritsyuk, F</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/820230/cropped_GettyImages-2254408360.jpg?ts=1770075188" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/820230/w220xh124_GettyImages-2254408360.jpg?ts=1770075188 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/820230/w320xh180_GettyImages-2254408360.jpg?ts=1770075188 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/820230/w640xh360_GettyImages-2254408360.jpg?ts=1770075188 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/820230/w768xh432_GettyImages-2254408360.jpg?ts=1770075188 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/820230/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2254408360.jpg?ts=1770075188 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Jason Mowry / Getty Images</span></figcaption></figure><p>Gritsyuk's emergence carries more weight than the other All-Nobody players.</p><p>The 2019 fifth-round pick entered the season as a veteran pro, having spent parts of five seasons in arguably the second-best league in the world - the KHL. The Devils winger turns 25 in March and is set to become a restricted free agent with arbitration rights in July, when his one-year entry-level deal ends.</p><p>New Jersey is last in the NHL in five-on-five offense, and Gritsyuk is tied with franchise forwards Nico Hischier and Jesper Bratt in five-on-five points (19) despite playing significantly fewer minutes. The six-foot Russian offers a versatile skill set, leading head coach Sheldon Keefe to use him on 14 different line combinations through 52 games (minimum 10 minutes as a group). He has a nasty release and sits third among NHL rookies in shots on goal (118).</p><p>Given the Devils' lack of secondary scoring, GM Tom Fitzgerald should be prioritizing a Gritsyuk extension over the Olympic break. He can be a top-nine fixture.</p><p>Off the ice, Gritsyuk has endeared himself to New Jersey fans through whimsical social media posts. He writes about adjusting to the NHL and American culture and shares video clips of his wife and daughter. He recently used Meta smart glasses to capture a <a href="https://x.com/devilsfanatics/status/2017292698600821119">day in the life</a> of an NHLer.</p><h3>Emmitt Finnie, F</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/820231/cropped_GettyImages-2249836647.jpg?ts=1770075630" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/820231/w220xh124_GettyImages-2249836647.jpg?ts=1770075630 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/820231/w320xh180_GettyImages-2249836647.jpg?ts=1770075630 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/820231/w640xh360_GettyImages-2249836647.jpg?ts=1770075630 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/820231/w768xh432_GettyImages-2249836647.jpg?ts=1770075630 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/820231/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2249836647.jpg?ts=1770075630 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Liv Lyons / Getty Images</span></figcaption></figure><p>The typical seventh-round pick has a long development arc. It can take one a handful of years to fix flaws, mature physically, and start to look like an NHLer.</p><p>Finnie, pick No. 201 out of 224 in the 2023 draft, is by no means a fully formed player. Yet, the 20-year-old from Lethbridge, Alberta, is no normal seventh-rounder, considering he ascended from relative obscurity to first-line left wing on a playoff-caliber team in short order. Get this: Finnie's 57 games are tied for eighth in the 2023 class and lead all 192 players chosen after the first round.</p><p>While Finnie is currently playing down the lineup amid a 19-game goalless drought, he's skated alongside captain Dylan Larkin and leading scorer Lucas Raymond for roughly half of his rookie campaign. He's capable of filling the worker bee role on a top-six line because he's a dogged forechecker who possesses enough pace and skill to elevate star linemates.</p><p>Finnie is one of three rookie forwards on the Wings but the only to stick with the big club the entire year. A pesky, net-driving game is a major reason why. His total production may be pedestrian (nine goals and 12 assists following a hot eight-point opening month), but his plus-15 penalty differential is tied for third among all NHLers.</p><h3>Elias Pettersson and Joel Nystrom, D</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/820233/cropped_GettyImages-2258154084.jpg?ts=1770076045" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/820233/w220xh124_GettyImages-2258154084.jpg?ts=1770076045 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/820233/w320xh180_GettyImages-2258154084.jpg?ts=1770076045 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/820233/w640xh360_GettyImages-2258154084.jpg?ts=1770076045 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/820233/w768xh432_GettyImages-2258154084.jpg?ts=1770076045 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/820233/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2258154084.jpg?ts=1770076045 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Derek Cain / Getty Images</span></figcaption></figure><p>Pettersson, 21, is best known outside of Vancouver for sharing a name with the Canucks' highest-paid player. But there's some substance to his story.</p><p>He's a throwback defenseman who can clear the front of the net, block shots, and issue heavy hits. He's also a plus skater for his size (6-foot-3, 209 pounds).</p><p>The 2022 third-rounder is part of a young wave on the back end. Vancouver's left side is essentially locked in for the foreseeable future, with Pettersson, Zeev Buium, and Tom Willander all showing promise in their early 20s.</p><p>Nystrom, who, like Pettersson, hails from Sweden, is in his first full season in North America. He needed a mere 23 NHL games to receive a contract extension from the Hurricanes ($4.9 million over four years starting next season).</p><p>Carolina loves the right-shot blue-liner's hockey sense. Nystrom isn't overly big, but he fits the club's pressuring play style. He's rocking an outrageous five-on-five expected goals rate of 60.5% while playing 15:10 a night.</p><h3>Brandon Bussi, G</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/820232/cropped_GettyImages-2256574739.jpg?ts=1770075830" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/820232/w220xh124_GettyImages-2256574739.jpg?ts=1770075830 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/820232/w320xh180_GettyImages-2256574739.jpg?ts=1770075830 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/820232/w640xh360_GettyImages-2256574739.jpg?ts=1770075830 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/820232/w768xh432_GettyImages-2256574739.jpg?ts=1770075830 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/820232/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2256574739.jpg?ts=1770075830 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Josh Lavallee / Getty Images</span></figcaption></figure><p>Bussi, a former standout at Western Michigan, signed with the Bruins as an undrafted free agent in March 2022. He spent three seasons in Boston's system before inking a one-year, two-way deal with the Panthers last July.</p><p>Florida tried to sneak the South Beach, New York, native through waivers before the season, but Carolina claimed him. Bussi's been on a meteoric rise ever since, taking control of the Hurricanes' net with other goalies sidelined.</p><p>In December, the 27-year-old became the fastest NHLer to earn 10 career wins (11 games) and, in February, accomplished the same feat with 20 wins (24 games). Following a strong performance against the Senators on Tuesday, he's 22-3-1 with a .905 save percentage. According to Sportlogiq, he's saved 23.3 goals above expected in 26 games.</p><p>"He's been so steady ever since he showed up here," Hurricanes captain Jordan Staal told reporters after the 4-3 victory over Ottawa. "He's steady but also makes the big saves, too, in big moments. Tonight was no different. There were probably four or five that were huge. He's been unbelievable."</p><p>Bussi, a big and aggressive right-catching netminder, has been filling highlight reels with athletic save sequences. He would garner down-ballot Calder Trophy votes if the season ended today and he were eligible (too old). The pending RFA is the NHL's best bargain: $775,000 against the cap.</p><p><em>John Matisz is theScore's senior NHL writer. Follow John on Twitter/X (<a href="https://twitter.com/MatiszJohn">@MatiszJohn</a>) or contact him via email (john.matisz@thescore.com).</em></p>

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/34380126/related

The All-Nobody Team: 6 NHLers quickly becoming somebodies

Combining his own perspective with what he's been hearing from those in and around the game, seni...

<p><em>Combining his own perspective with what he's been hearing from those in and around the game, senior NHL writer John Matisz breaks down the hot topics across the hockey landscape.</em></p><h3>Ranking 10 Panarin destinations</h3><p>Artemi Panarin, the crown jewel of trade assets for the retooling Rangers, is in complete control.</p><p>The pending unrestricted free agent is being held out of New York's lineup until further notice to avoid injury. His contract includes a full no-move clause. And his representation is talking directly to interested teams in hopes of facilitating a contract extension as part of what will surely be a massive trade.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>For all intents and purposes, Panarin is a midseason free agent.</p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/819859/cropped_GettyImages-2242282855.jpg?ts=1769820980" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/819859/w220xh124_GettyImages-2242282855.jpg?ts=1769820980 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/819859/w320xh180_GettyImages-2242282855.jpg?ts=1769820980 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/819859/w640xh360_GettyImages-2242282855.jpg?ts=1769820980 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/819859/w768xh432_GettyImages-2242282855.jpg?ts=1769820980 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/819859/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2242282855.jpg?ts=1769820980 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Bruce Bennett / Getty Images</span></figcaption></figure><p>Nearly half of the league has <a href="https://x.com/KevinWeekes/status/2017002084223025643">reportedly</a> "expressed interest" in acquiring the premier playmaker, though his $11.6-million cap hit complicates any deal.</p><p>As a follow-up to colleague Sean O'Leary's Panarin <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3457187" href="https://thescore.com/news/3457187">landing spots piece</a> from Jan. 17, here's a ranking of 10 destinations. They're in order of most likely to appeal to Panarin based on what we know about the 34-year-old winger.</p><ol>
<li>
<strong>Kings:</strong> cosmopolitan city, money to spend, desperate for scoring.</li>
<li>
<strong>Panthers:</strong> winning culture, Russian ties, nice weather, low taxes.</li>
<li>
<strong>Sharks:</strong> money to spend, young core led by Macklin Celebrini.</li>
<li>
<strong>Islanders:</strong> no moving required, core led by Matthew Schaefer.</li>
<li>
<strong>Lightning:</strong> same as Panthers but better long-term cap picture.</li>
<li>
<strong>Red Wings:</strong> ascendent Original Six club.</li>
<li>
<strong>Capitals:</strong> need for Alex Ovechkin successor.</li>
<li>
<strong>Wild:</strong> Stanley Cup contender with Russians.</li>
<li>
<strong>Stars:</strong> long Cup contention window.</li>
<li>
<strong>Mammoth:</strong> need for veteran producer.</li>
</ol><h3>Rookie Wallstedt on the trade block?</h3><p>Earlier this week, Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman and The Athletic's Michael Russo floated Jesper Wallstedt's name as a potential trade chip for the Wild.</p><p>Minnesota selected Wallstedt 20th overall in the 2021 draft. The Swedish netminder is in the middle of a fantastic rookie season - .914 save percentage, four shutouts, and 18.7 goals saved above expected in 22 appearances.</p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/819849/cropped_GettyImages-2251091613.jpg?ts=1769813175" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/819849/w220xh124_GettyImages-2251091613.jpg?ts=1769813175 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/819849/w320xh180_GettyImages-2251091613.jpg?ts=1769813175 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/819849/w640xh360_GettyImages-2251091613.jpg?ts=1769813175 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/819849/w768xh432_GettyImages-2251091613.jpg?ts=1769813175 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/819849/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2251091613.jpg?ts=1769813175 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Bruce Kluckhohn / Getty Images</span></figcaption></figure><p>The 31-14-10 Wild sit second in the Central Division. General manager Bill Guerin needs a top-six center and is motivated to stay aggressive following the grand-slam acquisition of Quinn Hughes. Hughes may eventually re-sign, but as of now, he's set to hit unrestricted free agency in 2027, meaning the Wild are guaranteed just two playoff runs (at most) with the superstar defenseman.</p><p>The Wild have a starting goalie in Filip Gustavsson, who's 27 and under contract through 2030-31. So I get why Wallstedt isn't an untouchable piece. But trading a 23-year-old with so much promise would be extremely risky.</p><p>"It's interesting," texted a member of an Eastern Conference front office. Having two starter-caliber goalies under 30 is "an embarrassment of riches that will get expensive quick, so I can understand leveraging it. The funny thing is, I think I would probably rather keep and build around Wallstedt?"</p><p>My two cents: Guerin shouldn't trade Wallstedt unless the center coming back is a proven, relatively young first-line pivot like Robert Thomas of the Blues.</p><h3>Doughty: 'I can definitely create more'</h3><p>Drew Doughty and Sidney Crosby are the only members of Team Canada with Olympic experience. Both won gold in Vancouver (2010) and Sochi (2014).</p><p>Asked in Buffalo on Thursday to evaluate his own game a couple of weeks out from the start of the men's tournament in Italy, Doughty let out a big sigh.</p><p>"I'm not doing well at all offensively," the Kings defenseman told theScore prior to a 4-1 loss to the Sabres. "But the sad thing is that I do feel like I'm playing really good hockey. I'm moving better. Yeah, I'm not at all happy with my production, but I am happy with my defensive game. I need to really play well these last five games."</p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/819854/cropped_GettyImages-2255439087.jpg?ts=1769816148" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/819854/w220xh124_GettyImages-2255439087.jpg?ts=1769816148 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/819854/w320xh180_GettyImages-2255439087.jpg?ts=1769816148 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/819854/w640xh360_GettyImages-2255439087.jpg?ts=1769816148 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/819854/w768xh432_GettyImages-2255439087.jpg?ts=1769816148 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/819854/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2255439087.jpg?ts=1769816148 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Andy Devlin / Getty Images</span></figcaption></figure><p>Doughty, who turned 36 in December, failed to record a point against the Sabres to extend his pointless skid to 14 games, including all 13 following Canada's roster reveal. Is the issue puck luck? Poor play? A mix of both?</p><p>"I could definitely do more. I'm probably not getting some of the bounces, too," said Doughty, before adding that reduced power-play time doesn't help.</p><p>"But, no, that's on me," he continued. "I'm definitely creating some chances, but at the same time I can definitely create more. I need to step up."</p><p>For what it's worth, Doughty sees his Olympic role being strictly defensive.</p><p>"That's all it'll be, and I've focused on that. Every night, I have the toughest matchups. I thrive on them and usually do a pretty good job of shutting down the other team's best players. And that's why Team Canada took me."</p><h3>Off-side D-man duty a serious test</h3><p>Prediction: There will be plenty of discussion about defensemen playing their off-sides during the Olympics. Canadian Shea Theodore, American Jake Sanderson, Swede Rasmus Dahlin, and Finn Miro Heiskanen all shoot left but could easily end up playing the entire tournament on the right side.</p><p>There are advantages and disadvantages to being a lefty RD or righty LD.</p><p>Atop the advantages: It's infinitely easier to fire off a high-quality one-timer.</p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/819835/cropped_GettyImages-2245408080.jpg?ts=1769803547" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/819835/w220xh124_GettyImages-2245408080.jpg?ts=1769803547 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/819835/w320xh180_GettyImages-2245408080.jpg?ts=1769803547 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/819835/w640xh360_GettyImages-2245408080.jpg?ts=1769803547 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/819835/w768xh432_GettyImages-2245408080.jpg?ts=1769803547 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/819835/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2245408080.jpg?ts=1769803547 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Andre Ringuette / Getty Images</span></figcaption></figure><p>"The challenges are more on the defensive side," Utah defenseman Mikhail Sergachev, who's frequently played on his off-side over a 10-year career, said.</p><p>Sergachev is a left-shot defenseman, which means his right hand controls his stick in all defensive situations. If he's tasked with swarming the puck carrier on the right side of Utah's zone, for instance, his stick shades toward the goal line, not the blue line. This subtle difference opens a passing lane on his left side, allowing the offensive player to funnel the puck into the slot more easily.</p><p>"It's tough for me in that specific situation because my stick is pointing to the outside (away from the high-danger area), not the inside," Sergachev said.</p><p>Overall, a defenseman playing his off-side is often forced into using his backhand - to pick up pucks off the wall, break up zone entries, make passes in transition - which is not ideal. It's awkward, unnatural, and anxiety-inducing.</p><p>There's minimal time and space in NHL games. If the 4 Nations Face-Off was any preview of what Olympic hockey might look like, oh boy, are we in for a fast-paced, tight-checking two weeks of action. Good luck, off-side D-men.</p><h3>Schaefer's the full package - and more</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/819820/cropped_GettyImages-2254290373.jpg?ts=1769794365" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/819820/w220xh124_GettyImages-2254290373.jpg?ts=1769794365 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/819820/w320xh180_GettyImages-2254290373.jpg?ts=1769794365 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/819820/w640xh360_GettyImages-2254290373.jpg?ts=1769794365 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/819820/w768xh432_GettyImages-2254290373.jpg?ts=1769794365 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/819820/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2254290373.jpg?ts=1769794365 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Bruce Bennett / Getty Images</span></figcaption></figure><p>Matthew Schaefer is apparently a man of his word.</p><p>The Islanders have swept their season series with the Rangers for the first time since 2017-18 - just as Schaefer half-jokingly predicted at the 2025 draft.</p><p>"We're going to beat the Rangers every time we play them," the first overall pick said last June. On Thursday, <a href="https://x.com/RyanFieldABC/status/2017074432485871957">Schaefer added</a> this playful jab after a 2-1 Isles win at Madison Square Garden: "Our fans are way louder than theirs."</p><p>On top of acing the eye test every single night, Schaefer's up to 14 goals and 22 assists for 36 points in 54 games while skating 24 minutes a night. The Isles are plus-13 with him on the ice at five-on-five - tops on the team.</p><p>Infectious personality, superstar talent - what's not to love about this kid?</p><p>My favorite tidbit: Schaefer, the NHL's youngest player, leads all defensemen in penalty differential. He's drawn 29 minor penalties - trailing only Connor McDavid (32) and Macklin Celebrini (31) - while taking 14 himself. That plus-15 differential is almost double No. 2 blue-liner Philip Broberg's plus-eight mark.</p><h3>Breakouts powering Buffalo's run</h3><p>The Sabres are on the heater of heaters - 20 wins in 24 games since Dec. 9.</p><p>Two weeks ago, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3456379" href="https://thescore.com/news/3456379">I wrote about</a> 23-year-old Josh Doan and his shift-to-shift two-way impact helping the rest of the forward group click into place. Noah Ostlund is another youngster breaking out - albeit in a more understated way.</p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/819841/cropped_GettyImages-2253625310.jpg?ts=1769807000" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/819841/w220xh124_GettyImages-2253625310.jpg?ts=1769807000 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/819841/w320xh180_GettyImages-2253625310.jpg?ts=1769807000 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/819841/w640xh360_GettyImages-2253625310.jpg?ts=1769807000 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/819841/w768xh432_GettyImages-2253625310.jpg?ts=1769807000 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/819841/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2253625310.jpg?ts=1769807000 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Glenn James / Getty Images</span></figcaption></figure><p>Ostlund, who's up to 18 points in 41 games at center and wing, was best known coming into the year for his offensive instincts and creative playmaking. But the 21-year-old rookie has gained a reputation for savvy off-puck play. He's leveraging hockey IQ to be in the right place at the right time.</p><p>"He reads the game really well, supports the puck really well in the defensive zone," Sabres forward Beck Malenstyn said. "If you get into a spot where you're under pressure, scrambling a bit, you can trust that he's going to go to the exact place the coaching staff wants a player in that scenario to go. If we're trying to execute an east-west breakout play, and I'm getting pinned in the corner, I can trust that he's going to be there as a safety valve.”</p><p>On one hand, former GM Kevyn Adams must be face-palming every time he tunes into a Sabres broadcast. He was fired three games into the epic run.</p><p>On the other hand, Adams can point to the trajectories of Doan, Ostlund, and other young studs in his next job interview. He brought these kids to Buffalo.</p><h3>No weak link (yet) in deep Atlantic</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/819855/cropped_GettyImages-2256951699.jpg?ts=1769816485" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/819855/w220xh124_GettyImages-2256951699.jpg?ts=1769816485 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/819855/w320xh180_GettyImages-2256951699.jpg?ts=1769816485 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/819855/w640xh360_GettyImages-2256951699.jpg?ts=1769816485 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/819855/w768xh432_GettyImages-2256951699.jpg?ts=1769816485 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/819855/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2256951699.jpg?ts=1769816485 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Gregory Shamus / Getty Images</span></figcaption></figure><p>We've been waiting years for this kind of season in the Atlantic Division - one in which the old and new guards collide to make a mess of the standings.</p><p>The 2025-26 Atlantic is shaping up to be one of the NHL's deepest divisions since the four-division format was introduced in 2013-14. All eight teams, from first-place Tampa Bay (.692) to last-place Toronto (.528), boast a points percentage of .500 or higher at roughly the two-thirds mark of the season. Toronto owns a higher PTS% than seven teams from across the league.</p><p>The 2013-14 Central, 2014-15 Central, 2018-19 Central, and 2019-20 Central are the only divisions with comparable one-to-eight depth. The '14-15 Central, which featured the Cup-winning Blackhawks, was absolutely stacked:</p><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>2014-15 Central</th>
<th>Points</th>
<th>PTS% </th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>St. Louis</td>
<td>109</td>
<td>.665</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Nashville</td>
<td>104</td>
<td>.634</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Chicago</td>
<td>102</td>
<td>.622</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Minnesota</td>
<td>100</td>
<td>.610</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Winnipeg</td>
<td>99</td>
<td>.604</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Dallas</td>
<td>92</td>
<td>.561</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Colorado</td>
<td>90</td>
<td>.549 </td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>The 2025-26 Atlantic is a slightly different story, as the Maple Leafs and seventh-place Senators are staying afloat mostly thanks to overtime losses.</p><p>Given Toronto's current skid (one win in nine games) and general direction (probable trade deadline sellers), the Leafs likely drop below .500 soon.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><center><u>                    </u></center></figure><p>What do you want to know, hockey fans?</p><p>There are three ways to submit a question for future NHL Inbox editions.</p><ul>
<li>Comment on this article in theScore app</li>
<li>Email John at <a href="mailto:john.matisz@theScore.com">john.matisz@thescore.com</a>
</li>
<li>Send John a message on X (<a href="https://x.com/MatiszJohn">@matiszjohn</a>)</li>
</ul>

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NHL hot topics: Panarin destinations, Doughty's recent play, and more

Doug Armstrong anticipated the question. His rationale was ready.  It was Dec. 31, and the genera...

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Why Canada has fallen so far behind in goaltending development

Any hope that former Maple Leafs star winger Mitch Marner would receive a warm welcome in his ret...

<p>Any hope that former Maple Leafs star winger Mitch Marner would receive a warm welcome in his return to Toronto was squashed last week.</p><p>Traveling Leaf fans booed Marner in his home rink during an eventual 6-5 Golden Knights overtime win in Las Vegas, and the <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3460391" href="https://thescore.com/news/3460391">boos will continue</a> - presumably in full-throated fashion - Friday night at Scotiabank Arena.</p><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3456379" href="https://thescore.com/news/3456379">As I wrote</a> over the weekend, the Leafs and Marner are better off without each other. Both parties needed the divorce. Heck, the fans needed relief, too.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>So, how's it going without Marner?</p><p>The Leafs own a 24-17-9 record and a .570 points percentage 50 games into Craig Berube's second year behind the bench. On pace for 93 points, Toronto currently holds down the ninth spot in the Eastern Conference.</p><p>The Leafs finished last season with a 52-26-4 record, a .659 points percentage, 108 points, and top seeding in the Atlantic Division before losing in Round 2 to the Panthers.</p><p>Let's try to make sense of the 2025-26 team and its arc.</p><h3>Welcome back, Peak Matthews</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/818608/cropped_GettyImages-2256118178.jpg?ts=1769101990" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/818608/w220xh124_GettyImages-2256118178.jpg?ts=1769101990 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/818608/w320xh180_GettyImages-2256118178.jpg?ts=1769101990 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/818608/w640xh360_GettyImages-2256118178.jpg?ts=1769101990 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/818608/w768xh432_GettyImages-2256118178.jpg?ts=1769101990 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/818608/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2256118178.jpg?ts=1769101990 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Michael Martin / Getty Images</span></figcaption></figure><p>Nobody has scored more goals than Auston Matthews since the Leafs captain made his legendary debut in October 2016. Yet for the majority of 2024-25 and the first three months of this season, Matthews mostly blended in.</p><p>He looked sluggish and encumbered - likely stalled by injuries, both nagging and new. His output reflected it: 14 goals and nine assists in his first 31 games. Then the Leafs broke for the holidays. Upon their return, Matthews resumed beating goalies at a superstar rate and hasn't let up since.</p><p>Matthews has gone from producing 0.60 goals and 0.74 points per game before the break to 0.85 and 1.46 in 13 post-break games off 11 goals and eight assists.</p><p>The points are nice and necessary - Matthews' $13.25-million cap hit trails only Leon Draisaitl's $14 million. But it's the eye test that's the most encouraging. Matthews is back to dominating shifts in a way few NHLers can. The 6-foot-3, 215-pound center is galloping through the neutral zone with purpose, making precise reads and passes, driving to the net with authority, and shooting the puck with his trademark mix of power, grace, and deception.</p><p>Sportlogiq data supports the "he's so back" vibe. Here's where Matthews ranks among all NHL forwards in a number of salient per-game metrics:</p><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Metric</th>
<th>Before break (rank)</th>
<th>After break (rank)</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Expected goals</td>
<td>0.46 (15th)</td>
<td>0.63 (4th)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Slot passes</td>
<td>2.00 (34th)</td>
<td>2.62 (11th)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Slot shots</td>
<td>2.00 (14th)</td>
<td>3.62 (1st)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Rush chances</td>
<td>1.19 (8th)</td>
<td>1.77 (2nd)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Cycle chances</td>
<td>1.23 (50th)</td>
<td> 1.69 (18th)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Forecheck chances</td>
<td>0.26 (95th)</td>
<td>0.54 (11th)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Rebound chances</td>
<td>0.13 (228th)</td>
<td>0.46 (10th)</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>With Marner gone, everything in Leafs land flows downstream from Matthews in a more pronounced way. The performances of fellow core pieces, especially William Nylander, are critical, of course, but Toronto's ceiling is heavily determined by Matthews. The Leafs need him to be extraordinary, even though his linemates have switched from Marner and Matthew Knies to Max Domi and Bobby McMann.</p><p>Surely at least some of Matthews' slow start can be attributed to Marner's departure. They formed one of the NHL's top duos for years in part because Marner is an all-world playmaker. He consistently creates advantageous shooting opportunities for linemates while shouldering a heavy defensive load.</p><p>Marner starred on both special teams. The penalty kill's been fine in his absence, while the power play's slumped. Simply put, Marner - Toronto's primary puck transporter and in-zone distributor for years - hasn't been adequately replaced. It's led to the worst goals per 60 power-play minutes rating of the Matthews era (5.43) and the December firing of assistant coach Marc Savard.</p><h3>Questions on blue line, in net</h3><p>The Leafs have six double-digit goal-scorers and rank seventh in goals per game, despite playing a dump-and-chase style. Generating offense isn't a major problem for them. What is an issue: defense, specifically the suspect personnel.</p><p>Toronto's blue line lacks mobility and puck skills. Too often, there's a palpable disconnect between the two defensemen and the three forwards on the ice. The Leafs rank 32nd out of 32 clubs in shot attempts against, shots on goal against, and slot shots against. They also sit 25th in offensive-zone possession time against. Teams that can't defend a lick miss the playoffs.</p><p>Brandon Carlo, Simon Benoit, and Philippe Myers have seen more minutes than expected with veteran stud Chris Tanev limited to 11 games by a potential season-ending injury. Oliver Ekman-Larsson - who's enjoying a terrific, team MVP-level campaign - is also currently sidelined.</p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/818627/cropped_GettyImages-2207620474.jpg?ts=1769111299" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/818627/w220xh124_GettyImages-2207620474.jpg?ts=1769111299 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/818627/w320xh180_GettyImages-2207620474.jpg?ts=1769111299 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/818627/w640xh360_GettyImages-2207620474.jpg?ts=1769111299 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/818627/w768xh432_GettyImages-2207620474.jpg?ts=1769111299 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/818627/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2207620474.jpg?ts=1769111299 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Thomas Skrlj / Getty Images</span></figcaption></figure><p>Goaltending, from a strictly puck-stopping perspective, has been quite good. The Leafs are tied for 10th in team save percentage (.897) during a season in which four goalies have started three or more games. The active goalies, Joseph Woll and Dennis Hildeby, are rocking matching .912 rates and similar goals saved above expected tallies (15.1 GSAx for Woll; 16.1 for Hildeby).</p><p>Strangely, Woll and Anthony Stolarz, the No. 1 guy on the preseason depth chart, have yet to be available at the same time this season. Woll was on personal leave in the fall, and before he could return, Stolarz went down with an injury.</p><p>Goaltending can help paper over a team's defensive shortcomings. The combination of Woll, Hildeby, and Stolarz has done just that, but not to the same degree as last year, when Toronto finished fourth in team save percentage (.905). The Leafs have been on the wrong end of too many comeback wins.</p><h3>Odds, needs, and the deadline</h3><p>Nylander, who leads the team with 48 points in 37 games, is out with a groin injury. Top-six winger Matthew Knies has said he's playing through an injury. It feels like the Leafs have run into some seriously poor luck on the health front.</p><p>In reality, Toronto is just one of many squads that's been without key pieces for big chunks of time in a weird year for injuries. (The condensed schedule doesn't help). The Leafs sit eighth in cumulative cap hit lost to injury, according to <a href="https://nhlinjuryviz.blogspot.com/2025/10/202526-team-injury-breakdowns.html">NHL Injury Viz</a>.</p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/818634/cropped_GettyImages-2216981004.jpg?ts=1769115233" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/818634/w220xh124_GettyImages-2216981004.jpg?ts=1769115233 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/818634/w320xh180_GettyImages-2216981004.jpg?ts=1769115233 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/818634/w640xh360_GettyImages-2216981004.jpg?ts=1769115233 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/818634/w768xh432_GettyImages-2216981004.jpg?ts=1769115233 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/818634/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2216981004.jpg?ts=1769115233 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Andrew Francis Wallace / Getty Images</span></figcaption></figure><p>Meanwhile, <a href="https://moneypuck.com/predictions.htm">MoneyPuck</a> lists the Leafs' playoff odds at 19.9% ahead of a pre-Olympics stretch of seven games in 12 days. The trade deadline falls six games and 12 days after the conclusion of the men's tournament in Italy.</p><p>A right-handed defenseman with offensive juice is the Leafs' biggest present and future need - hence <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3456159" href="https://thescore.com/news/3456159">recent reports</a> of interest in the Devils' Dougie Hamilton.</p><p>If Toronto loses five of its next seven games, tumbling down the standings, does general manager Brad Treliving spend the Olympic break strategizing for a sell-off? Conversely, would five wins push the executive into buy mode? Then again, a lack of draft capital and prospects (no first-round pick until 2028, no particularly enticing teenagers) makes buying very difficult. Trading away a goalie is easier said than done and would be a big-picture risk.</p><p>Option 3: Don't buy or sell - in other words, do little, or "sit."</p><p>Based on 50 games, and the fact that the club's top three trade chips (McMann, Scott Laughton, Troy Stecher) are worth re-signing, sitting may be the shrewd move.</p><p>This could be a transitional year. No Marner. No playoffs? Reshape the roster in the offseason.</p><p><em>John Matisz is theScore's senior NHL writer. Follow John on Twitter/X (<a href="https://twitter.com/MatiszJohn">@MatiszJohn</a>) or contact him via email (john.matisz@thescore.com).</em></p>

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What to make of the Maple Leafs 50 games into the post-Marner era

With the Feb. 4-22 Olympic roster freeze nearing and March 6 trade deadline roughly six weeks awa...

<p><em>With the Feb. 4-22 Olympic roster freeze nearing and March 6 trade deadline roughly six weeks away, here's a look at 25 of the most interesting names potentially available. Players are ranked based on odds of being traded and level of on-ice impact. All contract information courtesy of <a href="https://puckpedia.com/">PuckPedia</a>.</em></p><p><em>Tap on each player's name for analysis.</em></p><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Rank</th>
<th>Player</th>
<th>Team</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>1</td>
<td><a href="#Artemi%20Panarin">Artemi Panarin</a></td>
<td>Rangers</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2</td>
<td><a href="#Dougie%20Hamilton">Dougie Hamilton</a></td>
<td>Devils</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>3</td>
<td><a href="#Nazem%20Kadri">Nazem Kadri</a></td>
<td>Flames</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>4</td>
<td><a href="#Vincent%20Trocheck">Vincent Trocheck</a></td>
<td>Rangers</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>5</td>
<td><a href="#Alex%20Tuch">Alex Tuch</a></td>
<td>Sabres</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>6</td>
<td><a href="#Blake%20Coleman">Blake Coleman</a></td>
<td>Flames</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>7</td>
<td><a href="#Boone%20Jenner">Boone Jenner</a></td>
<td>Blue Jackets</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>8</td>
<td><a href="#Justin%20Faulk">Justin Faulk</a></td>
<td>Blues</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>9</td>
<td><a href="#Steven%20Stamkos">Steven Stamkos</a></td>
<td>Predators</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>10</td>
<td><a href="#Brayden%20Schenn">Brayden Schenn</a></td>
<td>Blues</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>11</td>
<td><a href="#Conor%20Garland">Conor Garland</a></td>
<td>Canucks</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>12</td>
<td><a href="#Elias%20Pettersson">Elias Pettersson</a></td>
<td>Canucks</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>13</td>
<td><a href="#Jordan%20Kyrou">Jordan Kyrou</a></td>
<td>Blues</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>14</td>
<td><a href="#Jonathan%20Marchessault">Jonathan Marchessault</a></td>
<td>Predators</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>15</td>
<td><a href="#Jordan%20Binnington">Jordan Binnington</a></td>
<td>Blues</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>16</td>
<td><a href="#Ryan%20O'Reilly">Ryan O'Reilly</a></td>
<td>Predators</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>17</td>
<td>
<a href="#Carson%20Soucy">Carson Soucy</a>*</td>
<td>Rangers</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>18</td>
<td><a href="#Brett%20Kulak">Brett Kulak</a></td>
<td>Penguins</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>19</td>
<td><a href="#Robert%20Thomas">Robert Thomas</a></td>
<td>Blues</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>20</td>
<td><a href="#Connor%20Murphy">Connor Murphy</a></td>
<td>Blackhawks</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>21</td>
<td><a href="#Jamie%20Oleksiak">Jamie Oleksiak</a></td>
<td>Kraken</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>22</td>
<td><a href="#Andrew%20Mangiapane">Andrew Mangiapane</a></td>
<td>Oilers</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>23</td>
<td><a href="#Jesperi%20Kotkaniemi">Jesperi Kotkaniemi</a></td>
<td>Hurricanes</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>24</td>
<td>
<a href="#Ondrej%20Palat">Ondrej Palat</a>*</td>
<td>Devils</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>25</td>
<td><a href="#Luke%20Schenn">Luke Schenn</a></td>
<td>Jets</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><h3><a id="Artemi Panarin" name="Artemi%20Panarin">1. Artemi Panarin, LW</a></h3><p><em>$11.64-million cap hit through 2025-26 (no-move clause)</em></p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Panarin ranks sixth in points per game over the past decade and remains one of the NHL's premier playmakers. If the Rangers are willing to retain half of the 34-year-old's salary, surely a handful of general managers will be presenting legitimate offers. That said, Panarin holds much of the power. He can pick his destination (no-move clause) and timeline (extension or test free agency).</p><h3><a id="Dougie Hamilton" name="Dougie%20Hamilton">2. Dougie Hamilton, D</a></h3><p><em>$9-million cap hit through 2027-28 (10-team "yes" trade list)</em></p><p>Hamilton was recently scratched, and his production is down. But the 32-year-old is still an effective right-handed offensive defenseman. The hard part for Devils GM Tom Fitzgerald will be finding a team that's on Hamilton's "yes" list and can stomach his deal. The term is fine, but $9 million is difficult to move midseason, which means New Jersey likely needs to retain salary here.</p><h3><a id="Nazem Kadri" name="Nazem%20Kadri">3. Nazem Kadri, C</a></h3><p><em>$7-million cap hit through 2028-29 (13-team "no" trade list)</em></p><p>Kadri, a key member of the 2022 Stanley Cup-winning Avalanche, is an ultracompetitive two-way center with three years left on his deal beyond this season. The 35-year-old's cap hit is palatable for most clubs in an era of cap growth. A half dozen playoff-bound teams could upgrade their second-line center, while a return to the Central Division (Avalanche, Wild, or Stars) is possible.</p><h3><a id="Vincent Trocheck" name="Vincent%20Trocheck">4. Vincent Trocheck, C</a></h3><p><em>$5.63-million cap hit through 2028-29 (12-team "no" trade list)</em></p><p>Trocheck is a faceoff-winning, all-situations forward who's on pace for 59 points in 68 games. He's also a leader on a completely reasonable contract. Put another way, GM Chris Drury will be fielding plenty of calls on Trocheck in the coming weeks. The Wild are an obvious fit. Cup-contending Minnesota needs a top-six center, and its GM, Bill Guerin, recently made Trocheck an Olympian.</p><h3><a id="Alex Tuch" name="Alex%20Tuch">5. Alex Tuch, RW</a></h3><p><em>$4.75-million cap hit through 2025-26 (5-team "no" trade list)</em></p><p>Tuch, a lifelong Sabres supporter who's blossomed into a fan favorite, may sign an extension. Yet, until a deal is finalized, the pending unrestricted free agent's future hangs in the balance. Tuch is a fast, 6-foot-4 winger with finishing chops. The combination of first-line talent, low cap hit, and limited trade protection makes him a hot commodity. Tuch likely doubles his yearly earnings moving forward.</p><h3><a id="Blake Coleman" name="Blake%20Coleman">6. Blake Coleman, LW</a></h3><p><em>$4.9-million cap hit through 2026-27 (10-team "yes" trade list)</em></p><p>Coleman checks off a lot of boxes: physical bottom-six winger. Culture-setter. Owner of two Cup rings. Contract includes a digestible cap hit and some term (but not too much term for a 34-year-old). Current team - the selling Flames - can talk trade with most clubs without having to check in with the player.</p><h3><a id="Boone Jenner" name="Boone%20Jenner">7. Boone Jenner, LW</a></h3><p><em>$3.75-million cap hit through 2025-26 (8-team "no" trade list)</em></p><p>Jenner, 32, has spent his entire 13-year career with the Blue Jackets and served as team captain for the past five. Despite a history of injuries, the hard-nosed winger pitches in offensively (25 points in 35 games) and holds his own defensively when healthy. He's one of the most appealing rental forwards.</p><h3><a id="Justin Faulk" name="Justin%20Faulk">8. Justin Faulk, D</a></h3><p><em>$6.5-million cap hit through 2026-27 (15-team "no" trade list)</em></p><p>Faulk jumps off the page as an appropriate Plan B for the various teams who lost the Rasmus Andersson sweepstakes. The minute-munching, shot-blocking right-handed blue-liner is quietly enjoying a highly productive age-33 season, bagging 11 goals in 50 games. He's on pace for a career-high 18.</p><h3><a id="Steven Stamkos" name="Steven%20Stamkos">9. Steven Stamkos, RW</a></h3><p><em>$8-million cap hit through 2027-28 (no-move clause)</em></p><p>Stamkos, who turns 36 in February, isn't the electric player he used to be, especially at even strength. Yet the dude remains lethal with the puck on his stick and sits tied for 31st in goals (21 in 49 games). Complicating factors include Nashville climbing back into the playoff hunt after a disastrous start; Stamkos' high cap hit; and the future Hall of Famer owning a no-move clause.</p><h3><a id="Brayden Schenn" name="Brayden%20Schenn">10. Brayden Schenn, C</a></h3><p><em>$6.5-million cap hit through 2027-28 (15-team "no" trade list)</em></p><p>Schenn's contract carries the same cap hit and trade protection as Faulk's but runs for one more year. The Blues captain has struggled to produce in his 17th season (19 points in 50 games), yet he's rocking a career-high faceoff win percentage. Schenn can be a solid third-line center for a playoff-bound club.</p><h3><a id="Conor Garland" name="Conor%20Garland">11. Conor Garland, RW</a></h3><p><em>$4.95-million cap hit through 2025-26 (zero trade protection)</em></p><p>Garland, 29, is this list's most unique case because any team that acquires him inherits the extension he signed with the Canucks last July. That deal - six years, $6 million cap hit, no-move clause - doesn't kick in until this coming offseason. Garland is speedy, possesses impressive playmaking skills, and wins a ton of puck battles for a guy listed at 5-foot-10 and 165 pounds.</p><h3><a id="Elias Pettersson" name="Elias%20Pettersson">12. Elias Pettersson, C</a></h3><p><em>$11.6-million cap hit through 2031-32 (no-move clause)</em></p><p>Pettersson's had a minor resurgence in 2025-26. However, his on-ice value still doesn't align with such a mammoth contract. That said, rebuilding Vancouver is motivated to cut deep into its core, and there must be teams out there (Carolina? Los Angeles?) that believe they can bring out Pettersson's best.</p><h3><a id="Jordan Kyrou" name="Jordan%20Kyrou">13. Jordan Kyrou, RW</a></h3><p><em>$8.13-million cap hit through 2030-31 (no-trade clause)</em></p><p>Kyrou, 27 years old and in the third year of an eight-year deal, is part of St. Louis' long-term core. At the same time, he's for a while been a prime suspect for a change of scenery trade, and the Blues are seemingly at a crossroads with their underperforming roster. Kyrou is a quick and crafty playmaker with strong underlying numbers and three 70-point seasons on his resume.</p><h3><a id="Jonathan Marchessault" name="Jonathan%20Marchessault">14. Jonathan Marchessault, RW</a></h3><p><em>$5.5-million cap hit through 2028-29 (no-move clause)</em></p><p>Marchessault is in a similar situation to Stamkos - mid-30s, contract with term, riding the Predators' roller coaster - except his season has been filled with injuries and inconsistent play, not goals. Still, the 2023 Conn Smythe Trophy winner has a long history of rising to the occasion (36 goals in 102 playoff games).</p><h3><a id="Jordan Binnington" name="Jordan%20Binnington">15. Jordan Binnington, G</a></h3><p><em>$6-million cap hit through 2026-27 (14-team "no" trade list)</em></p><p>Binnington's been flat-out terrible this season (.869 save percentage and minus-16 goals saved above expected in 28 appearances). His trade value is almost entirely reliant upon a heroic showing at the Olympics. If he plays well for Canada and the Blues enter full sell mode, interested parties will emerge.</p><h3><a id="Ryan O'Reilly" name="Ryan%20O'Reilly">16. Ryan O'Reilly, C</a></h3><p><em>$4.5-million cap hit through 2026-27 (zero trade protection)</em></p><p>Nashville's MVP through 49 games, O'Reilly hasn't gotten his flowers league-wide for an exceptional season. He's the definition of a detailed two-way center who's a playoff warrior and, at that cap hit, would be a tremendous addition for any center-seeking contender. The question is, does O'Reilly want to leave Nashville? While his deal lacks trade protection, GM Barry Trotz won't be making an O'Reilly trade without significant input from the soon-to-be 35-year-old.</p><h3><a id="Carson Soucy" name="Carson%20Soucy">17. Carson Soucy, D*</a></h3><p><strong><em>*Jan. 26: Soucy traded to Islanders for 2026 third-round pick</em></strong></p><p><em>$3.25-million cap hit through 2025-26 (12-team "no" trade list)</em></p><p>Soucy fits the "rental" stereotype perfectly. A veteran shutdown defenseman playing on an expiring deal, he can slot in nicely on a contender's third pair. Bonus: The Viking, Alberta, native can slide over to the right side in a pinch.</p><h3><a id="Brett Kulak" name="Brett%20Kulak">18. Brett Kulak, D</a></h3><p><em>$2.75-million cap hit through 2025-26 (zero trade protection)</em></p><p>Kulak was acquired from the Oilers in December in the Stuart Skinner-Tristan Jarry trade. He's a dependable third-pair guy with penalty-killing utility. The Penguins can flip him or keep him for what could be a fun stretch drive.</p><h3><a id="Robert Thomas" name="Robert%20Thomas">19. Robert Thomas, C</a></h3><p><em>$8.13-million cap hit through 2030-31 (no-trade clause)</em></p><p>Thomas is the one player on this list who, if declared officially available, would wreak havoc on 31 front offices. He's that good of a player. Thomas, who's currently on injured reserve, is an above-average first-line center in the prime of his career. He's an elite passer, only 26 years old, and under contract for five seasons after this one. The trade package sent back to St. Louis would be massive.</p><h3><a id="Connor Murphy" name="Connor%20Murphy">20. Connor Murphy, D</a></h3><p><em>$4.4-million cap hit through 2025-26 (10-team "no" trade list)</em></p><p>Murphy is the longest-tenured Blackhawks player by six years. He's also a pending UFA who doesn't fit into Chicago's long-term plans. The well-respected, physical blue-liner is suited to fill a third-pair spot elsewhere.</p><h3><a id="Jamie Oleksiak" name="Jamie%20Oleksiak">21. Jamie Oleksiak, D</a></h3><p><em>$4.6-million cap hit through 2025-26 (16-team "no" trade list)</em></p><p>Oleksiak is a 6-foot-7, 252-pound pending UFA defenseman who plays a straightforward game. While his cap hit isn't ideal, he could help improve a playoff-bound team's depth. Of course, Seattle is also in the playoff hunt.</p><h3><a id="Andrew Mangiapane" name="Andrew%20Mangiapane">22. Andrew Mangiapane, LW</a></h3><p><em>$3.6-million cap hit through 2026-27 (no-trade clause)</em></p><p>The Mangiapane-Oilers experiment has been a complete failure. Despite prominent usage early on, the former 35 goal-scorer hasn't found his footing in Edmonton and is now a consistent scratch. On one hand, the market for his services won't be robust. On the other, the Oilers' asking price won't be high.</p><h3><a id="Jesperi Kotkaniemi" name="Jesperi%20Kotkaniemi">23. Jesperi Kotkaniemi, C</a></h3><p><em>$4.82-million cap hit through 2029-30 (10-team "no" trade list)</em></p><p>Kotkaniemi, drafted third overall in 2018 by the Canadiens, is skating a career-low 11:13 a night for the Hurricanes. He was scratched earlier in the year, but perhaps he can fill a bottom-six center role elsewhere. The 25-year-old's cap hit is alright in an era of cap growth. The term, however, is rough.</p><h3><a id="Ondrej Palat" name="Ondrej%20Palat">24. Ondrej Palat, LW</a></h3><p><strong><em>*Jan. 27: Palat traded to Islanders with 2026 third-round pick, 2027 sixth-round pick for forward Maxim Tsyplakov</em></strong></p><p><em>$6-million cap hit through 2026-27 (10-team "no" trade list)</em></p><p>Palat, once an effective top-six winger, is a shell of his former self and now a whipping boy within the Devils' fan base. With an underwhelming game and anchor of a contract, he's become a negative asset. Can New Jersey wiggle its way out of this commitment somewhat gracefully and turn the page?</p><h3><a id="Luke Schenn" name="Luke%20Schenn">25. Luke Schenn, D</a></h3><p><em>$2.75-million cap hit through 2025-26 (zero trade protection)</em></p><p>Schenn is a plodding, physical defenseman in search of a third Cup at age 36. It would be a hell of a story if a team acquired he and brother Brayden and the former Flyers teammates shared the ice once again.</p><p><em>John Matisz is theScore's senior NHL writer. Follow John on Twitter/X (<a href="https://twitter.com/MatiszJohn">@MatiszJohn</a>) or contact him via email (john.matisz@thescore.com).</em></p>

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/34205596/related

Big board: Top 25 players who could be dealt before NHL trade deadline

<p><em>Combining his own perspective with what he's been hearing from those in and around the game, senior NHL writer John Matisz breaks down the hot topics across the hockey landscape.</em></p><h3>Marner, Leafs should have no regrets</h3><p>Amid the endless chatter about Mitch Marner and the Maple Leafs this week, one thought kept bouncing around my brain: Man, people sure seem to have short memories.</p><p>It's tempting to play the "Does the departed player miss his old team more than the team misses the player?" game. And, hey, I totally get why that kind of discourse flooded social media and why Thursday's TSN broadcast of the Leafs-Golden Knights game leaned into the juicy narrative. What-ifs are fun.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>But, in reality, neither Marner nor the Leafs should be regretting the divorce.</p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/817835/cropped_GettyImages-2255694122.jpg?ts=1768596005" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/817835/w220xh124_GettyImages-2255694122.jpg?ts=1768596005 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/817835/w320xh180_GettyImages-2255694122.jpg?ts=1768596005 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/817835/w640xh360_GettyImages-2255694122.jpg?ts=1768596005 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/817835/w768xh432_GettyImages-2255694122.jpg?ts=1768596005 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/817835/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2255694122.jpg?ts=1768596005 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Ethan Miller / Getty Images</span></figcaption></figure><p>The late June sign-and-trade that sent Marner to Vegas for the next eight years closed a chapter in Leafs history (and Marner's career) that was equal parts exhilarating, excruciating, and exhausting. His departure wasn't overly controversial in the moment because it was the logical next step.</p><p>Remember the playoff failures - two series victories in nine postseasons? The toxic relationship between homegrown star forward and Stanley Cup-starved fan base? How badly all three parties - team, player, fan base - needed to take a breather and redirect their energy elsewhere? Asking who's better off half a season later misses the entire point of opting to move on in the first place.</p><p>Everybody's better off, by default.</p><p>The 23-16-8 Leafs aren't a perfect team, but they're better off seeing what comes of spending Marner's salary on multiple pieces, even if it means one fewer 100-point two-way winger in the lineup. Marner's transition to Vegas hasn't been smooth on or off the ice, but he's better off establishing a new identity, even if it means fewer points, minutes, and reps at center to start.</p><p>It couldn't have been fun to be Marner on Thursday, <a href="https://x.com/Sportsnet/status/2012009885924540820">getting booed</a> by visiting fans on home ice. But that, and whatever vitriol next Friday's Leafs-Knights game in Toronto brings, is part of the transition and act of finally moving on.</p><h3>Doan and Sabres keep rolling</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/817811/cropped_GettyImages-2252679344.jpg?ts=1768584139" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/817811/w220xh124_GettyImages-2252679344.jpg?ts=1768584139 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/817811/w320xh180_GettyImages-2252679344.jpg?ts=1768584139 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/817811/w640xh360_GettyImages-2252679344.jpg?ts=1768584139 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/817811/w768xh432_GettyImages-2252679344.jpg?ts=1768584139 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/817811/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2252679344.jpg?ts=1768584139 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Icon Sportswire / Getty Images</span></figcaption></figure><p>Since Dec. 9, the Sabres lead the NHL in standings points collected (30 in 17 games) and points percentage (.882) off an expected but thrilling 15-2-0 run. A team doesn't go on a monthlong tear, climbing from last in the Eastern Conference to the first wild card, without nearly everything going well.</p><p>Top players Tage Thompson and Rasmus Dahlin have been sensational. Multiple lines have been highly productive, team defense has been locked in, and the three rostered goalies have combined for a .918 save percentage.</p><p>"We're not taking anything for granted. Every game is like a playoff game for us," Dahlin told theScore on Monday from his stall at Buffalo's KeyBank Center.</p><p>"After the 10-game winning streak we had, we lost a game," the team captain added, referencing a 5-1 road loss to the Blue Jackets on Jan. 3. "Right then and there, we told each other that this is going to be the biggest test of this season. Are we going to bounce back? Or not? What do we have in us?"</p><p>Spoiler alert: A lot. Five wins in their next six games to be exact, boosting their playoff odds to 56.6%, according to <a href="https://moneypuck.com/predictions.htm">MoneyPuck</a>. The Sabres have failed to make the postseason 14 straight years - an NHL record that's in danger of falling this spring.</p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/817816/cropped_GettyImages-2240495433.jpg?ts=1768586638" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/817816/w220xh124_GettyImages-2240495433.jpg?ts=1768586638 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/817816/w320xh180_GettyImages-2240495433.jpg?ts=1768586638 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/817816/w640xh360_GettyImages-2240495433.jpg?ts=1768586638 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/817816/w768xh432_GettyImages-2240495433.jpg?ts=1768586638 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/817816/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2240495433.jpg?ts=1768586638 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Bill Wippert / Getty Images</span></figcaption></figure><p>First-year Sabre Josh Doan has been the biggest standout during the run. Part of an offseason trade that sent dynamic forward JJ Peterka to Utah, Doan has emerged as a detail-oriented first-line winger, allowing the rest of the forward group to click into place. The 6-foot-2, 198-pound son of ex-NHLer Shane Doan is tremendously effective along the walls, disruptive on the forecheck, and skilled enough to facilitate and finish around the net. He moves the needle.</p><p>"He's an infectious type of player," head coach Lindy Ruff said.</p><p>"He looks like he's been playing in the league for 500 games," Dahlin said.</p><p>Doan, a 2021 second-round pick who turns 24 in February, is the perfect complement to a game-breaker like Thompson, assuming the Zach Hyman role alongside Connor McDavid or Auston Matthews. "You want to have a skilled guy, a dog, and then the third guy depends on the line," Sabres winger Jason Zucker said. "You have to have versatility throughout the lineup."</p><p>Zucker, a 15-year veteran on his fifth team, sees some Zach Parise in Doan.</p><p>"Really good netfront guy. Was always hounding pucks. Had a really good stick and created a lot of turnovers," Zucker said of Parise, a former stud winger for the Devils and Wild. "I'm impressed with Doaner's ability to turn pucks over and get pucks back. He's really good at keeping plays alive."</p><h3>Picking Point's potential replacement</h3><p>Brayden Point, one of the first six players named to Canada's Olympic team, needed to be helped off the ice during Monday's Lightning-Flyers game.</p><p>The Lightning say Point is out "week-to-week." Olympic men's hockey starts Feb. 11, four-and-a-half weeks from the time of his apparent leg injury.</p><p>Point struggled to start the year but recently started to look his electric self, racking up eight goals and 11 assists in his last 15 games. Despite him being a natural center, many penciled in the Calgary native as McDavid's right-winger, thanks to his quick feet and hands and off-puck habits. Most crucially, McDavid and Point were linemates for a stretch at the 4 Nations Face-Off.</p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/817731/cropped_GettyImages-2200228766.jpg?ts=1768518680" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/817731/w220xh124_GettyImages-2200228766.jpg?ts=1768518680 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/817731/w320xh180_GettyImages-2200228766.jpg?ts=1768518680 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/817731/w640xh360_GettyImages-2200228766.jpg?ts=1768518680 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/817731/w768xh432_GettyImages-2200228766.jpg?ts=1768518680 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/817731/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2200228766.jpg?ts=1768518680 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Brian Babineau/4NFO / Getty Images</span></figcaption></figure><p>Wyatt Johnston, Seth Jarvis, Connor Bedard, Mark Scheifele, Travis Konecny, and Sam Bennett will contend for a roster spot if Point's forced to bow out. General manager Doug Armstrong has said that Canada's injured Olympians will likely be replaced by players with similar skill sets and makeups.</p><p>Johnston, the unflappable 22-year-old Stars winger, is most comparable to Point. He marks off the handedness, speed, offensive versatility, and defense traits. Also, he leads the NHL in power-play goals while ranking top 10 in inner-slot shots, scoring chances generated off the cycle, and chances off rebounds. A couple of connections won't hurt his chances: Stars GM Jim Nill and ex-Stars coach Pete DeBoer are key members of Canada's brain trust.</p><p>Bedard and Bennett deserve serious consideration too. The other three, while stellar players in their own ways, seem to be a tier below.</p><h3>Maurice: NHL is harder, heavier, faster</h3><p>Paul Maurice sits second all time in NHL games coached, splitting 1,976 contests between Hartford/Carolina, Toronto, Winnipeg, and Florida. Three decades in, he remains one of the most insightful people in the entire sport.</p><p>On Monday, I asked Maurice about the uniqueness of 2025-26. With teams gritting through a condensed schedule caused by a three-week Olympic break, players have limited practice time, and a disproportionate number of them have been injured. How's the quality of hockey been at ice level?</p><p>"It's way harder, way heavier, and at times, faster," the 58-year-old reported.</p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/817739/cropped_GettyImages-2255636193.jpg?ts=1768524987" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/817739/w220xh124_GettyImages-2255636193.jpg?ts=1768524987 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/817739/w320xh180_GettyImages-2255636193.jpg?ts=1768524987 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/817739/w640xh360_GettyImages-2255636193.jpg?ts=1768524987 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/817739/w768xh432_GettyImages-2255636193.jpg?ts=1768524987 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/817739/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2255636193.jpg?ts=1768524987 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Minas Panagiotakis / Getty Images</span></figcaption></figure><p>Maurice believes his back-to-back Stanley Cup-winning Panthers have influenced the increase in physicality across the league. He's also noticed "more and more teams run a wing lock" - a reference to Florida's smothering, aggressive forechecking tactic. "Teams have adopted the styles that we stole from somebody else. It's made the game quite a bit more physical," he said.</p><p>Most teams, Maurice added, have shifted from playing a protect-the-slot zone defense (Vegas' preferred style during its 2023 Cup run) to an aggressive man-to-man defense (Florida's style). The change has led to different types of hockey being played in each conference, he said.</p><p>"In the West, I think it's faster, and that's just a function of how teams defend," Maurice said. "They will give you (open) ice, like Vegas does. You can win (playing that brand of hockey). They're a hell of a team, and we couldn't get a puck near the net when we played Vegas (in the 2023 final)."</p><h3>Texier, the Habs' latest project</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/817790/cropped_GettyImages-2255412341.jpg?ts=1768575817" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/817790/w220xh124_GettyImages-2255412341.jpg?ts=1768575817 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/817790/w320xh180_GettyImages-2255412341.jpg?ts=1768575817 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/817790/w640xh360_GettyImages-2255412341.jpg?ts=1768575817 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/817790/w768xh432_GettyImages-2255412341.jpg?ts=1768575817 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/817790/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2255412341.jpg?ts=1768575817 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Vitor Munhoz / Getty Images</span></figcaption></figure><p>Montreal signed Alexandre Texier to a two-year, $5-million contract extension Wednesday. The goal-scoring winger joined the club as a free-agent signee just two months ago, with his original deal having been terminated by the Blues.</p><p>Texier, 26, is another reclamation project for Canadiens president Jeff Gorton, GM Kent Hughes, and head coach Martin St. Louis. The franchise has gone out of its way to acquire 20-something forwards in need of a change of scenery, hoping St. Louis and his staff can wring out untapped potential. The full list follows.</p><ul>
<li>Kirby Dach, acquired in July 2022 trade</li>
<li>Sean Monahan, August 2022 trade</li>
<li>Alex Newhook, June 2023 trade</li>
<li>Patrik Laine, August 2024 trade</li>
<li>Joe Veleno, July 2025 signing after buyout</li>
<li>Texier, November 2025 signing after termination</li>
</ul><p>Monahan, who arrived in Montreal with a first-round pick then fetched the Habs another first on his way out of town, is the one home run. While the rest are a mixed bag of strikeouts and singles, attempting to resuscitate careers in such a manner is a worthwhile pursuit if done tastefully. I appreciate the hustle.</p><h3>No winner in year-old Miller trade</h3><p>Most high-profile trades end up in one of two buckets: win-win or win-lose. It's rare to revisit a trade almost a year later and declare it an L for both sides.</p><p>Yet, that's exactly what the Jan. 31, 2025, swap between the Rangers and Canucks is. A refresher: New York acquired J.T. Miller, Erik Brannstrom, and Jackson Dorrington in exchange for Filip Chytil, Victor Mancini, and a conditional draft pick that was flipped to the Pittsburgh Penguins in the Marcus Pettersson trade.</p><p>The fiery Miller was named New York's captain in the fall, but he's one of many Rangers floundering amid a miserable season. Brannstrom, a 300-game NHLer, is currently playing in Switzerland. Dorrington looks like an AHL lifer.</p><p>The oft-injured Chytil was supposed to fix the Canucks' center depth, but he's appeared in just 21 total games due to ongoing concussion issues. Mancini's spent more time in the AHL than the NHL.</p><p>It's no coincidence that Vancouver is <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3455486" href="https://thescore.com/news/3455486">ostensibly</a> on the rebuilding path and New York is <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3457129" href="https://thescore.com/news/3457129">officially</a> undergoing a retool 12 months after the Miller trade.</p><h3>Is expansion on the horizon?</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/817826/cropped_GettyImages-2242544452.jpg?ts=1768589090" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/817826/w220xh124_GettyImages-2242544452.jpg?ts=1768589090 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/817826/w320xh180_GettyImages-2242544452.jpg?ts=1768589090 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/817826/w640xh360_GettyImages-2242544452.jpg?ts=1768589090 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/817826/w768xh432_GettyImages-2242544452.jpg?ts=1768589090 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/817826/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2242544452.jpg?ts=1768589090 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Michael Martin / Getty Images</span></figcaption></figure><p>Reader eraldeb recently asked about expanding beyond 32 teams.</p><blockquote><p>Expansion in the future? There are many cities that can bid, but who really has a chance at gaining an NHL club? Houston? Atlanta? Quebec City? Portland? Kansas City? There are tons of cities!</p></blockquote><p>It's a near guarantee the NHL will expand to 34 teams at some point, perhaps within the next decade. Expansion fees of $2 billion or more per club await.</p><p>"It could well happen, and there's a tremendous amount of interest out there," NHL commissioner Gary Bettman told <a href="https://thehockeynews.com/MANDP/peer-to-peer/true-hockey-talk-gary-bettman-with-w-graeme-roustan">The Hockey News</a> earlier in January.</p><p>"We're not pushing expansion," the 73-year-old added. "If it happens, it will be, for lack of a better word, organic. Somebody will come in and say, 'We can check the four primary boxes. Let's have a good look together.'"</p><p>Ownership, market, and arena are three of the boxes, Bettman said. The fourth is more ambiguous: Will expanding to City X with Ownership Group Y in Year Z "make the game stronger, make the league stronger?"</p><p>From reading between the lines of league comments and my own off-the-record conversations with people in the sport, here's my ranking of the top possible cities.</p><ol>
<li>Atlanta, Georgia</li>
<li>Houston, Texas</li>
<li>Austin, Texas</li>
<li>Phoenix, Arizona</li>
<li>New Orleans, Louisiana</li>
</ol><figure class="article-segment--embed"><center><u>                    </u></center></figure><p>What do you want to know, hockey fans?</p><p>There are three ways to submit a question for future NHL Inbox editions.</p><ul>
<li>Comment on this article in theScore app</li>
<li>Email John at <a href="mailto:john.matisz@theScore.com">john.matisz@thescore.com</a>
</li>
<li>Send John a message on X (<a href="https://x.com/MatiszJohn">@matiszjohn</a>)</li>
</ul>

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The upcoming Olympics are throwing a wrench into the usual flow of NHL player movement. There's a...

<p><em>The upcoming Olympics are throwing a wrench into the usual flow of NHL player movement. There's a league-wide roster freeze from Feb. 4-22, so we could see fireworks in February. Then the March 6 trade deadline. Let's run through eight teams - four buyers and four sellers - that look primed to shape the trade market. (Note: salary cap information courtesy <a data-in-app-uri="" href="https://puckpedia.com/teams">PuckPedia</a>.)</em></p><h3>Calgary Flames</h3><p><strong>Record</strong>: 19-23-4<br><strong>Role</strong><em>: </em>Seller</p><p>The Flames need an infusion of high-end talent, and upside is best found at the top of the draft. Calgary sits 30th in points percentage and would benefit from dropping further in the standings to secure premium lottery odds.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>General manager Craig Conroy has four desirable pieces at his disposal to accelerate the process: right-handed defenseman Rasmus Andersson (29 years old, $4.6-million cap hit, pending unrestricted free agent), plus forwards Nazem Kadri (35, $7 million, contract runs through 2028-29), Blake Coleman (34, $4.9 million, 2026-27), and Ryan Lomberg (31, $2 million, pending UFA).</p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/817548/cropped_GettyImages-1516675547.jpg?ts=1768397136" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/817548/w220xh124_GettyImages-1516675547.jpg?ts=1768397136 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/817548/w320xh180_GettyImages-1516675547.jpg?ts=1768397136 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/817548/w640xh360_GettyImages-1516675547.jpg?ts=1768397136 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/817548/w768xh432_GettyImages-1516675547.jpg?ts=1768397136 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/817548/w1080xh607_GettyImages-1516675547.jpg?ts=1768397136 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Bruce Bennett / Getty Images</span></figcaption></figure><p>Andersson's contract includes a six-team no-trade list, Coleman has a 10-team trade list, and Kadri has a 13-team no-trade list, which makes navigating the market somewhat tricky. Still, Conroy is taking on risk every passing day.</p><p>Coleman, a proven playoff performer enjoying a solid season, was injured last week amid trade rumors. Not ideal. Andersson, whose value might be at its peak thanks to a strong first half and recent Olympic selection, will be putting his body on the line every shift for Team Sweden. Meanwhile, a handful of playoff-bound teams should be in hot pursuit of Kadri to upgrade at center.</p><h3>Carolina Hurricanes</h3><p><strong>Record</strong>: 28-15-4<br><strong>Role</strong>: Buyer</p><p>Most years during Rod Brind'Amour's tenure in Carolina have followed a familiar script. Regular-season excellence. Success early in the playoffs. Disappointment once key saves and goals dry up in the second or third round.</p><p>The organization has attacked the firepower issue head-on, acquiring high-profile forwards Jake Guentzel and Mikko Rantanen and promising blue-liner K'Andre Miller in three blockbusters since March 2024. (The Rantanen experiment, of course, was short-lived. He's now leading the Stars' attack.)</p><p>Carolina will be creative. They will be bold. Just how bold they'll be is the mystery.</p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/817547/cropped_GettyImages-2197151263.jpg?ts=1768396845" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/817547/w220xh124_GettyImages-2197151263.jpg?ts=1768396845 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/817547/w320xh180_GettyImages-2197151263.jpg?ts=1768396845 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/817547/w640xh360_GettyImages-2197151263.jpg?ts=1768396845 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/817547/w768xh432_GettyImages-2197151263.jpg?ts=1768396845 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/817547/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2197151263.jpg?ts=1768396845 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Jonathan Kozub / Getty Images</span></figcaption></figure><p>Does GM Eric Tulsky try to acquire a 2026 free-agency headliner in New York's Artemi Panarin or Buffalo's Alex Tuch? Does he opt for an immediate core piece in stud Blues center Robert Thomas? A reclamation project in Vancouver's Elias Pettersson? A unique winger in the Canucks' Kiefer Sherwood? A defenseman in New Jersey's Dougie Hamilton, St. Louis' Justin Faulk, or Anaheim's Pavel Mintyukov? Somebody nobody's thinking about?</p><p>Carolina's arguably better at asset management than any NHL team. Despite being in win-now mode, pulling the trigger on complicated deals, and locking up key youngsters, Tulsky has $16.9 million in cap space, five first-round picks from the next four drafts, and a solid prospect pool to work with.</p><p>Also, unlike most buyers, the Hurricanes have two well-established, 25-year-old forwards to dangle in trade talks. Andrei Svechnikov and Jesperi Kotkaniemi, both in the rumor mill of late, are change-of-scenery candidates.</p><h3>Dallas Stars</h3><p><strong>Record</strong>: 27-11-9<br><strong>Role</strong>: Buyer</p><p>Dallas is on pace for 112 points - two shy of the franchise record set in its 1999 Stanley Cup season. Despite their dominant performance, the Stars have been overshadowed by Colorado, the team they're most likely to meet in Round 2 of the playoffs.</p><p>The Stars can't expect to beat the Avalanche without improving the blue line. Esa Lindell and Miro Heiskanen form a reliably impactful top pair, but 24-year-old Thomas Harley needs help on the second unit. Harley has struggled this year in part because he's spent nearly all of his five-on-five minutes alongside third-pair guys Ilya Lyubushkin, Nils Lundkvist, and Alex Petrovic.</p><p>Veteran right-handed defensemen Andersson (Calgary), Hamilton (New Jersey), and Connor Murphy (Chicago) are three logical trade targets.</p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/817514/cropped_GettyImages-2252977498.jpg?ts=1768356512" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/817514/w220xh124_GettyImages-2252977498.jpg?ts=1768356512 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/817514/w320xh180_GettyImages-2252977498.jpg?ts=1768356512 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/817514/w640xh360_GettyImages-2252977498.jpg?ts=1768356512 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/817514/w768xh432_GettyImages-2252977498.jpg?ts=1768356512 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/817514/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2252977498.jpg?ts=1768356512 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Glenn James / Getty Images</span></figcaption></figure><p>GM Jim Nill loves midseason splashes, bringing in superstar winger Rantanen last year and shutdown defenseman Chris Tanev in 2023-24.</p><p>There are a few complicating factors this time around.</p><p>The Stars' salary cap situation is fuzzy. The club, which entered 2025-26 with virtually no cap space, is up to $3.3 million thanks to multiple players spending time on long-term injured reserve. That amount will triple if winger Tyler Seguin (torn ACL) is ruled out through the playoffs and placed on season-ending LTIR. A timeline update is expected after the Olympic break.</p><p>Secondly, while Dallas isn't completely devoid of futures, its draft capital is limited (no first-round picks in 2026 or 2028) and its prospect pool is shallow. Lastly, leading goal-scorer Jason Robertson is a pending restricted free agent. If Robertson's returning, the Stars can't handcuff themselves by absorbing a hefty multi-year contract (like Hamilton's) without carefully plotting next steps.</p><p>Dallas will almost certainly be active on the trade front. The extent of their activity is TBD.</p><h3>St. Louis Blues</h3><p><strong>Record</strong>: 18-21-8<br><strong>Role</strong><em>: </em>Seller</p><p>The Blues, led by GM Doug Armstrong and head coach Jim Montgomery, are a down-bad team that can shake up the NHL landscape if it so chooses.</p><p>This season has been extremely disappointing, and it's blatantly obvious the roster requires major surgery. But turnover is easier said than done when the Blues' UFA list consists of only Oskar Sundqvist, Mathieu Joseph, and Robby Fabbri.</p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/817549/cropped_GettyImages-1504331885.jpg?ts=1768398014" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/817549/w220xh124_GettyImages-1504331885.jpg?ts=1768398014 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/817549/w320xh180_GettyImages-1504331885.jpg?ts=1768398014 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/817549/w640xh360_GettyImages-1504331885.jpg?ts=1768398014 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/817549/w768xh432_GettyImages-1504331885.jpg?ts=1768398014 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/817549/w1080xh607_GettyImages-1504331885.jpg?ts=1768398014 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Jeff Vinnick / Getty Images</span></figcaption></figure><p>The intrigue instead surrounds the futures of first-line forwards Thomas and Jordan Kyrou, captain Brayden Schenn, top four defensemen Faulk and Colton Parayko, and starting goalie Jordan Binnington. Kyrou, Schenn, and Faulk seem more likely to be traded than the other three, but who knows?</p><p>The front office is tasked with deciding which players should be part of the core moving forward, then navigating various no-move and no-trade clauses.</p><p>Yet, it's entirely possible Armstrong plays it conservative, moving the UFAs and just one or two others. After all, this is a franchise allergic to rebuilding.</p><h3>Detroit Red Wings</h3><p><strong>Record</strong>: 28-16-4<br><strong>Role</strong>: Buyer</p><p>GM Steve Yzerman made only minor moves ahead of last year's deadline, citing exorbitant prices relative to the caliber of players available. Captain Dylan Larkin later <a href="https://www.thescore.com/nhl/news/3271971">expressed disappointment</a> with the lack of activity.</p><p>The sequence of events could be much different in 2026, with Detroit on a 103-point pace, slotted second in the Atlantic Division, and holding 72.7% <a href="https://moneypuck.com/predictions.htm">playoff odds</a>. The Original Six franchise hasn't looked this promising since its last postseason appearance in 2015-16 and has heaps of cap space ($26.9 million).</p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/817546/cropped_GettyImages-2255089829.jpg?ts=1768392371" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/817546/w220xh124_GettyImages-2255089829.jpg?ts=1768392371 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/817546/w320xh180_GettyImages-2255089829.jpg?ts=1768392371 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/817546/w640xh360_GettyImages-2255089829.jpg?ts=1768392371 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/817546/w768xh432_GettyImages-2255089829.jpg?ts=1768392371 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/817546/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2255089829.jpg?ts=1768392371 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Vitor Munhoz / Getty Images</span></figcaption></figure><p>The top of the lineup - Larkin, Lucas Raymond, Alex DeBrincat, Moritz Seider, Simon Edvinsson - is humming, but Detroit's depth leaves something to be desired. The two biggest needs are a two-way defenseman to beef up the second pair and a middle-six offensive contributor, preferably on the wing.</p><p>St. Louis defenseman Faulk and Vancouver left winger Jake DeBrusk make sense as realistic but dreamy fits. "Dreamy" is an important word here, as both players have term left on their deals and some kind of trade protection.</p><p>The Red Wings, who were frequently mentioned as a landing spot for Quinn Hughes in the lead-up to the Wild-Canucks blockbuster, are primed to go big-game hunting. The Eastern Conference is wide open, and Yzerman possesses the money, prospects, and young NHLers to complete a needle-moving trade.</p><h3>Vancouver Canucks</h3><p><strong>Record</strong>: 16-25-5<br><strong>Role</strong><em>: </em>Seller</p><p>The Canucks' front office this week dropped the ridiculous hedging ("hybrid retool") and expressed a desire to rebuild in the wake of the Hughes trade.</p><p>What a breath of fresh air. </p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/817550/cropped_GettyImages-2254996662.jpg?ts=1768398087" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/817550/w220xh124_GettyImages-2254996662.jpg?ts=1768398087 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/817550/w320xh180_GettyImages-2254996662.jpg?ts=1768398087 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/817550/w640xh360_GettyImages-2254996662.jpg?ts=1768398087 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/817550/w768xh432_GettyImages-2254996662.jpg?ts=1768398087 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/817550/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2254996662.jpg?ts=1768398087 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Jeff Vinnick / Getty Images</span></figcaption></figure><p>But, wait, Vancouver fans will be sold on this vision only when the club completes multiple transactions squarely aimed at the future. Remember, the Canucks are notorious for cutting corners and changing directions midstream.</p><p>Nevertheless, if GM Patrik Allvin is truly serious about rebuilding, things could get interesting beyond the obvious trade chips of pending free agents Sherwood, Evander Kane, Teddy Blueger, David Kampf, and Lukas Reichel.</p><p>Although core forwards Pettersson, Brock Boeser, and DeBrusk aren't perfect players and carry onerous contracts, surely there are teams out there wondering if the right coach and linemates can spark a late-20s turnaround.</p><h3>Minnesota Wild</h3><p><strong>Record</strong>: 26-12-9<br><strong>Role</strong><em>: </em>Buyer</p><p>Wild GM Bill Guerin pulled off one of the biggest trades in NHL history in December. Yet he can't be satisfied. Minnesota is guaranteed only two seasons with 2027 UFA Hughes, and the Central will be a gauntlet come playoff time.</p><p>With goaltending and defense in excellent shape, forward is the top priority. It's suboptimal that Joel Eriksson Ek is the lone legitimate top-six center.</p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/817551/cropped_GettyImages-2253692960.jpg?ts=1768398169" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/817551/w220xh124_GettyImages-2253692960.jpg?ts=1768398169 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/817551/w320xh180_GettyImages-2253692960.jpg?ts=1768398169 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/817551/w640xh360_GettyImages-2253692960.jpg?ts=1768398169 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/817551/w768xh432_GettyImages-2253692960.jpg?ts=1768398169 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/817551/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2253692960.jpg?ts=1768398169 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Icon Sportswire / Getty Images</span></figcaption></figure><p>Guerin can pursue another needle-mover - think Nashville's Ryan O'Reilly or St. Louis' Thomas - or bring in a hard-nosed veteran, like Calgary's Kadri or the Blues' Schenn. The latter option isn't the sizeable downgrade it might seem at first glance. Minnesota's forward group is unique. Wingers Kirill Kaprizov and Matt Boldy are two of the top play-driving wingers on the planet, meaning the Wild don't necessarily <em>need</em> O'Reilly or Thomas.</p><p>Minnesota has a fair amount of flexibility with $5.8 million in cap space and, if necessary, can try to carve out another $4 million or so by moving an underperforming pending UFA forward (Ryan Hartman or Vladimir Tarasenko).</p><p>The 2024 David Jiricek trade and Hughes blockbuster have significantly eaten the team's assets. The Wild don't have a 2026 first-round pick, a 2026 second-rounder, or a 2027 second-rounder. But they do have a 2027 first and an above-average group of prospects.</p><h3>New Jersey Devils</h3><p><strong>Record</strong>: 23-21-2<br><strong>Role</strong><em>: </em>Seller</p><p>The Devils are last on this list for a reason. They're a complete wild card.</p><p>On one hand, GM Tom Fitzgerald remains hopeful the struggling squad can turn its season around and earn a playoff spot (the preseason expectation). In fact, he <a href="https://www.youtube.com/live/HpULFzGfuUw">told reporters</a> Wednesday that he'd like to add to the forward group.</p><p>On the other hand, New Jersey is right up against the cap and handcuffed by numerous no-move and no-trade clauses. As a result, the Devils can't buy until they sell. Essentially, Fitzgerald needs first to clean up the mess he's made.</p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/817552/cropped_GettyImages-1201377208.jpg?ts=1768398289" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/817552/w220xh124_GettyImages-1201377208.jpg?ts=1768398289 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/817552/w320xh180_GettyImages-1201377208.jpg?ts=1768398289 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/817552/w640xh360_GettyImages-1201377208.jpg?ts=1768398289 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/817552/w768xh432_GettyImages-1201377208.jpg?ts=1768398289 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/817552/w1080xh607_GettyImages-1201377208.jpg?ts=1768398289 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Andy Marlin / Getty Images</span></figcaption></figure><p>Dawson Mercer and Cody Glass check the boxes of being useful forwards with relatively low cap hits and zero trade protection. But trading Mercer, in particular, would solve one problem while creating another.</p><p>Hamilton, who was recently scratched, would be easy to move if he didn't make $9 million a year and own a 10-team trade list. What a win it would be if Fitzgerald moved off Ondrej Palat, the underperforming veteran winger attached to a horrendous contract. Oh, right, Palat also has trade protection. The same goes for goalie Jacob Markstrom. Untangling the knot won't be easy.</p><p><em>John Matisz is theScore's senior NHL writer. Follow John on Twitter/X (<a href="https://twitter.com/MatiszJohn">@MatiszJohn</a>) or contact him via email (john.matisz@thescore.com).</em></p>

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<p><em>Canada <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3441400" href="https://thescore.com/news/3441400">unveiled</a> its 25-man roster for the 2026 Olympics on Wednesday - 14 forwards, eight defensemen, and three goalies. Let's discuss snubs, positional outlooks, and more ahead of the Feb. 11-22 men's hockey tournament in Milan, Italy. (Note: Players in bold were named to the roster back in June.)</em></p><h3>Forwards</h3><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>LW</th>
<th>C</th>
<th>RW</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Brandon Hagel</td>
<td><strong>Connor McDavid</strong></td>
<td><strong>Brayden Point </strong></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><strong>Sidney Crosby</strong></td>
<td><strong>Nathan MacKinnon</strong></td>
<td><strong>Sam Reinhart</strong></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Macklin Celebrini</td>
<td>Nick Suzuki</td>
<td>Mitch Marner </td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Brad Marchand</td>
<td>Anthony Cirelli</td>
<td>Tom Wilson</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td></td>
<td>Bo Horvat</td>
<td>Mark Stone</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p><strong>Notable snubs</strong>: <em>Connor Bedard, Sam Bennett, Morgan Geekie, Seth Jarvis, Wyatt Johnston, Mark Scheifele</em></p><p>Bedard, Scheifele, and Johnston all rank in the top 10 in NHL points per game among Canadian skaters. Geekie's 25 goals sit second in the country.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>There's no denying that general manager Doug Armstrong left a boatload of talent off the announced roster. Yet with a dose of context, none of the forward "snubs" listed above qualify as especially controversial.</p><p>Bedard and Jarvis are injured and don't have concrete return dates. Bennett is having a down year. Johnston, Geekie, and Scheifele are relatively easy to skip over as there are better options to fill their roles of two-way center (Johnston), sniper (Geekie), and offensive catalyst (Scheifele).</p><p>Bedard's exclusion will make headlines because the 2023 first overall pick is a household name in the middle of a fantastic season (44 points in 31 games). But the injury gave Armstrong an out. What if Bedard struggles upon his return?</p><p>Bennett is a proven playoff performer who thrived at the 4 Nations Face-Off earlier this year. However, shutdown center Cirelli is one of coach Jon Cooper's guys - nine years and two Stanley Cups together in Tampa Bay - and the bench boss had a heavy influence on the bottom of the roster.</p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/770600/cropped_GettyImages-2198981441.jpg?ts=1739553935" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/770600/w220xh124_GettyImages-2198981441.jpg?ts=1739553935 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/770600/w320xh180_GettyImages-2198981441.jpg?ts=1739553935 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/770600/w640xh360_GettyImages-2198981441.jpg?ts=1739553935 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/770600/w768xh432_GettyImages-2198981441.jpg?ts=1739553935 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/770600/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2198981441.jpg?ts=1739553935 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Vitor Munhoz/4NFO / World Cup of Hockey / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>Speaking of injuries, NHL teams will play roughly 15 games each between now and the Olympics. There's a good chance that several forwards named to the team Wednesday will be on the shelf come February. Perhaps Bedard and Bennett make their Olympic debuts after all. We'll see.</p><p>Canada is returning most of its 4 Nations forwards. Celebrini, Suzuki, Horvat, and Wilson are additions to a group that's gaining an extra body due to the larger Olympic roster. The ascendant Celebrini and matured Suzuki were no-brainers, while Horvat and Wilson bring versatile skill sets and ample size.</p><p><strong>Positional outlook</strong>: Canada has the finest collection of forwards in the world.</p><p>For starters, McDavid and MacKinnon are the first- and second-best players on the planet. The scoring leaderboard currently reads McDavid (69 points), MacKinnon (66), and Celebrini (60). Celebrini may be 19, but he's arguably already a top-10 NHLer. Oh, and Canada has a fourth first overall pick up front in presumed captain, past golden goal-scorer, and all-timer, Sidney Crosby.</p><p>Mix McDavid, MacKinnon, and Crosby, with speed demon Point, cerebral sniper Reinhart, and worker bee Hagel, and Cooper's got himself a pair of certifiably lethal scoring lines. The coaching staff could assemble an interesting two-way third line of Suzuki between Celebrini and Marner, and a fun blue-collar fourth line of Cirelli between agitators Marchand and Wilson. (Horvat and Stone could crack the top 12, too. The possibilities are endless.)</p><p>I like how the management group didn't overemphasize high-end skill or focus too much on filling specific roles. In other words, the forward group is well-balanced, and I wouldn't label any of the picks a reach. I expect Cirelli and Hagel to lead the penalty kill and the first power-play unit (probably McDavid, MacKinnon, Crosby, Reinhart, and Makar) to dominate.</p><h3>Defensemen</h3><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>LD</th>
<th>RD</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Devon Toews</td>
<td><strong>Cale Makar</strong></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Josh Morrissey</td>
<td>Colton Parayko</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Shea Theodore</td>
<td>Drew Doughty</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Travis Sanheim</td>
<td>Thomas Harley</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p><strong>Notable snubs</strong>: <em>Evan Bouchard, Jakob Chychrun, Matthew Schaefer</em></p><p>Canada's brain trust decided to bring back the same eight defensemen who suited up at 4 Nations, despite Schaefer's sensational showing as a rookie.</p><p>If I were in charge, I would've seriously considered Schaefer, if not picked him. He's already established himself as one of the nation's top eight D-men. Plus, going to Milan would have been an invaluable experience for an 18-year-old who's set to star on the 2028 World Cup and 2030 Olympic teams. Then again, Schaefer isn't a massive snub since I wouldn't consider any of the left-handed defensemen selected Wednesday as unworthy.</p><p>The angle for Bouchard making the team was simple: Who's going to run the top power-play unit if Makar gets injured? The rebuttal: Morrissey and Marner are excellent choices.</p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/771535/cropped_GettyImages-2199640301.jpg?ts=1740098143" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/771535/w220xh124_GettyImages-2199640301.jpg?ts=1740098143 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/771535/w320xh180_GettyImages-2199640301.jpg?ts=1740098143 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/771535/w640xh360_GettyImages-2199640301.jpg?ts=1740098143 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/771535/w768xh432_GettyImages-2199640301.jpg?ts=1740098143 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/771535/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2199640301.jpg?ts=1740098143 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Minas Panagiotakis / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>Chychrun feels like a victim of circumstance. If he were having the season he's having (first among defensemen in goals) and fresh off a 4 Nations run, then he's off to the Olympics. Instead, management saw no reason to remix the blue-line personnel.</p><p><strong>Positional outlook</strong>: The United States is in its own tier in terms of depth of talent on the back end. Sweden's arguably second in the global pecking order. Yet, Canada's no slouch. The third-ranked blue line is a major strength.</p><p>It all starts with the presumed first pair. Makar is the gold standard at the position, and Toews has long been one of the NHL's most underappreciated players. Expect the Avalanche duo to shoulder a significant workload in Italy.</p><p>The rest of the group is a nice blend of mobility, offensive creativity, play killing, and physicality. Morrissey, Theodore, and Harley are dynamic forces in all three zones. Doughty, who won Olympic gold medals in 2010 and 2014, brings veteran savvy and shift-to-shift reliability. Sanheim and Parayko offer strong defensive sticks, net-front strength, and special-teams utility.</p><p>"Parayko and Sanheim, we call it going through a car wash. They're all arms and legs. It's hard to get to the net," Armstrong said Wednesday.</p><h3>Goalies</h3><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Starter</th>
<th>Backup</th>
<th>No. 3</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Jordan Binnington</td>
<td>Logan Thompson</td>
<td>Darcy Kuemper</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p><strong>Notable snubs</strong>: <em>Mackenzie Blackwood, Scott Wedgewood</em></p><p>Avalanche teammates Blackwood and Wedgewood have been phenomenal this season, ranking first and second in save percentage among Canadian netminders.</p><p>Selecting Blackwood would have been hooked around promise and upside. A large, athletic netminder with elite physical traits, Blackwood has recently proven that his A-game is as good as any other Canadian goalie's A-game.</p><p>A Wedgewood pick would have been tied to intangibles. The 33-year-old journeyman is known for checking his ego at the dressing room door. He could have fit in as an overqualified, no-frills, cheerleader-type No. 3 goalie.</p><p><strong>Positional outlook</strong>: Goaltending is Canada's clear weakness. Unlike in previous Olympic cycles, there isn't a single star-caliber goalie to latch onto.</p><p>Binnington is the lone netminder returning from 4 Nations, with Adin Hill and Sam Montembeault losing their spots due to injury and poor performance.</p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/771058/cropped_GettyImages-2199640658.jpg?ts=1739888598" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/771058/w220xh124_GettyImages-2199640658.jpg?ts=1739888598 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/771058/w320xh180_GettyImages-2199640658.jpg?ts=1739888598 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/771058/w640xh360_GettyImages-2199640658.jpg?ts=1739888598 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/771058/w768xh432_GettyImages-2199640658.jpg?ts=1739888598 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/771058/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2199640658.jpg?ts=1739888598 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Minas Panagiotakis / Getty Images</span></figcaption></figure><p>Binnington, in fact, has been one of the worst goalies in 2025-26. Despite his .870 SV% sitting 58th out of the 60 guys who've appeared in 12 or more games, Armstrong said there was little internal debate over his inclusion.</p><p>After all, Binnington showed well at the 4 Nations, especially in the final game, and is a Cup champion. "Jordan's resume speaks for itself," said Armstrong, who's also GM of the Blues and drafted Binnington in the third round in 2011.</p><p>My take: Don't discount Binnington's puck skills. Canadian players and coaches loved how helpful he was on breakouts during 4 Nations action.</p><p>Thompson is among the league leaders in SV% and goals saved above expected for the second straight season. With how consistent he's been in the Capitals' crease, Thompson deserves Canada's starter job.</p><p>Kuemper is a 35-year-old Cup winner enjoying a strong year with the Kings. He's the third-stringer unless something drastic changes over the next month.</p><p><em>John Matisz is theScore's senior NHL writer. Follow John on Twitter/X (<a href="https://twitter.com/MatiszJohn">@MatiszJohn</a>) or contact him via email (john.matisz@thescore.com).</em></p>

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Team Canada roster analysis: Olympic snubs, positional outlooks, more

The wait is almost over. Each of the 12 countries competing in the men's hockey tournament at the...

<p>The wait is almost over. Each of the 12 countries competing in the men's hockey tournament at the 2026 Olympics in Milan, Italy, must submit a 25-man roster by Wednesday - 14 forwards, eight defensemen, three goalies.</p><p>Team Canada general manager Doug Armstrong and Team USA GM Bill Guerin both have extremely difficult decisions to make, and their roster-building skills will be heavily scrutinized if a gold medal isn't brought home.</p><p>Let's unpack some lingering questions relating to the two rosters, then take a stab at one final projection. (Note: the projected rosters are a prediction of which players each country will select, not my personal picks.)</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><h3>Team Canada</h3><p><strong>How do star youngsters fit into plans?</strong></p><p>Macklin Celebrini, Connor Bedard, and Matthew Schaefer are the best 20-and-under players on the planet. All three hail from Canada.</p><p>Celebrini is an MVP-caliber player. His 57 points in 38 games for the Sharks rank third in the NHL, though his shift-to-shift impact extends <a href="https://thescore.com/news/3429613">far beyond the box score</a>. Frequently drawing comparisons to Sidney Crosby thanks to a similar skill set and playing style, Celebrini could man a wing on any Canada forward line. It would be shocking if the North Vancouver, B.C., kid didn't get selected for the Feb. 11-12 tournament.</p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/815415/cropped_GettyImages-2251778948.jpg?ts=1766850830" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/815415/w220xh124_GettyImages-2251778948.jpg?ts=1766850830 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/815415/w320xh180_GettyImages-2251778948.jpg?ts=1766850830 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/815415/w640xh360_GettyImages-2251778948.jpg?ts=1766850830 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/815415/w768xh432_GettyImages-2251778948.jpg?ts=1766850830 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/815415/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2251778948.jpg?ts=1766850830 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Icon Sportswire / Getty Images</span></figcaption></figure><p>Bedard was enjoying a terrific third season (44 points in 31 games) when he suffered a shoulder injury on Dec. 12. While he's scheduled to return to action prior to the Olympics, the injury complicates an already shaky candidacy. As a sharpshooting winger rather than a two-way center like Celebrini, Bedard offers the coaching staff limited options regarding usage and deployment. His injury theoretically gives Armstrong a tiebreaker and an easy out. Leave Bedard off the roster, but keep a close eye on his return to the Blackhawks' lineup in case another forward gets hurt ahead of the Games.</p><p>Schaefer, the NHL's youngest player, is in contention for a blue-line spot. The minute-munching, smooth-skating 18-year-old deserves to make the team on merit. There's the long view to consider, too. If Schaefer's trending toward becoming the Cale Makar of his generation of Canadian D-men, wouldn't the Olympic experience be tremendously beneficial to both player and country?</p><p>Makar's already on the team. Devon Toews, Josh Morrissey, Shea Theodore, and Drew Doughty are virtual locks. That leaves three D-man spots to be filled by some combination of lefties Schaefer, Thomas Harley, Jakob Chychrun, and Travis Sanheim, and righties Colton Parayko and Evan Bouchard.</p><p><strong>How much snarl is too much snarl? </strong></p><p>Canada has no shortage of offensive geniuses, from Connor McDavid, Nathan MacKinnon, and Crosby to Mitch Marner, Brayden Point, and Sam Reinhart. A few Swiss Army knives (think Brandon Hagel) will also play key roles up front.</p><p>Then there's the agitator types. Canada had two on its 4 Nations Face-Off roster in Brad Marchand and Sam Bennett, and a third, Tom Wilson, has emerged in 2025-26. Olympic hockey follows the International Ice Hockey Federation rulebook, which isn't particularly fond of outwardly aggressive behavior, so handing coach Jon Cooper three agitators might be overkill.</p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/815424/cropped_GettyImages-2252274914.jpg?ts=1766856698" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/815424/w220xh124_GettyImages-2252274914.jpg?ts=1766856698 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/815424/w320xh180_GettyImages-2252274914.jpg?ts=1766856698 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/815424/w640xh360_GettyImages-2252274914.jpg?ts=1766856698 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/815424/w768xh432_GettyImages-2252274914.jpg?ts=1766856698 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/815424/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2252274914.jpg?ts=1766856698 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Eliot J. Schechter / Getty Images</span></figcaption></figure><p>Marchand deserves a spot based on his play for the Panthers. The 37-year-old winger would also add wisdom and levity to the dressing room and be first in line to take on team spokesperson duties during media availabilities.</p><p>Bennett, the reigning Conn Smythe Trophy winner, is a tricky player to evaluate. On one hand, he's in the middle of an unremarkable regular season in Florida. On the other hand, he's historically saved his best hockey for the playoffs and scored a massive goal in the 4 Nations final back in February.</p><p>Wilson, the Capitals' leader in goals, points, and forward ice time, is versatile. Standing 6-foot-4 and weighing 225 pounds, he's renowned as an enforcer who can punish opponents but also as a formidable offensive threat. In addition to his physicality and scoring ability, Wilson excels in many nuanced areas (forechecking, blocking shots, wall play, penalty killing, etc.).</p><p>To summarize: Marchand is invaluable, and Wilson brings more overall value than Bennett to a stacked group that's better off with two, not three, agitators.</p><p><strong>Which goalies are worth betting on?</strong></p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/815425/cropped_GettyImages-2252248836.jpg?ts=1766856816" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/815425/w220xh124_GettyImages-2252248836.jpg?ts=1766856816 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/815425/w320xh180_GettyImages-2252248836.jpg?ts=1766856816 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/815425/w640xh360_GettyImages-2252248836.jpg?ts=1766856816 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/815425/w768xh432_GettyImages-2252248836.jpg?ts=1766856816 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/815425/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2252248836.jpg?ts=1766856816 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Jamie Sabau / Getty Images</span></figcaption></figure><p>Jordan Binnington, a Stanley Cup winner who showed well at 4 Nations, will be on the team despite posting horrible numbers this season (.870 save percentage and minus-9.4 goals saved above expected through 23 games).</p><p>Logan Thompson is a virtual lock as the second goalie. The Capitals starter's rocking a .917 save percentage and plus-24.7 goals saved above expected in 27 contests.</p><p>Darcy Kuemper of the Kings and Mackenzie Blackwood of the Avalanche are reportedly in the running for the final netminder spot. The decision might come down to this: Does Armstrong want someone consistently good (Kuemper, 35) or potentially great (Blackwood, 29) in Canada's No. 3 goalie spot?</p><p>There's no wrong answer. But logically, if there's a chance the third goalie will see the crease at the Olympics, Canada should pick the guy whose on-ice abilities give them the best opportunity to win. That's high-upside Blackwood.</p><p><strong>Roster projection</strong></p><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>LW</th>
<th>C</th>
<th>RW</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Brandon Hagel</td>
<td>Connor McDavid</td>
<td> Brayden Point </td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Sidney Crosby</td>
<td>Nathan MacKinnon</td>
<td> Sam Reinhart</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Macklin Celebrini</td>
<td>Nick Suzuki</td>
<td>Mitch Marner </td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Brad Marchand</td>
<td>Anthony Cirelli</td>
<td>Mark Stone </td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Seth Jarvis</td>
<td></td>
<td>Tom Wilson</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>LD</th>
<th>RD</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Devon Toews</td>
<td>Cale Makar</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Josh Morrissey</td>
<td>Colton Parayko</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Shea Theodore</td>
<td>Drew Doughty</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Travis Sanheim</td>
<td>Matthew Schaefer</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Starter</th>
<th>Backup</th>
<th>No. 3</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Jordan Binnington</td>
<td>Logan Thompson</td>
<td>Mackenzie Blackwood</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><h3>Team USA</h3><p><strong>Do 'checkers' rule bottom of forward group?</strong></p><p>Most of the United States' forward group is non-controversial. Auston Matthews, Jack Eichel, Brady Tkachuk, Matthew Tkachuk, Jack Hughes, Matt Boldy, Jake Guentzel, Dylan Larkin, and Kyle Connor will likely fill the top nine.</p><p>Tage Thompson, author of the golden goal at the 2025 worlds and NHL leader in five-on-five goals over the past two seasons, is a virtual lock. That's 10.</p><p>The debate starts on the fourth line. Every country's manager sets out to build a squad capable of winning gold, and sometimes that process leads to picking players who fit a specific archetype. "If you can't check, it's probably not the tournament for you," <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6838128/2025/11/26/bill-guerin-united-states-olympic-roster-injuries/">Guerin told</a> The Athletic's Pierre LeBrun in November. Translation: It's great that Alex DeBrincat and Cole Caufield are both on pace for 40 goals, but by no means are either guaranteed a spot.</p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/815506/cropped_GettyImages-2246429070.jpg?ts=1766931232" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/815506/w220xh124_GettyImages-2246429070.jpg?ts=1766931232 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/815506/w320xh180_GettyImages-2246429070.jpg?ts=1766931232 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/815506/w640xh360_GettyImages-2246429070.jpg?ts=1766931232 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/815506/w768xh432_GettyImages-2246429070.jpg?ts=1766931232 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/815506/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2246429070.jpg?ts=1766931232 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Derek Cain / Getty Images</span></figcaption></figure><p>Michael Russo is the most plugged-in reporter covering Team USA. <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6911951/2025/12/23/usa-mens-hockey-roster-olympics-final-decisions/">He wrote</a> last week that Brock Nelson, the do-everything center for the juggernaut Avalanche, is "likely" to make the cut. That brings the count to 11 forwards.</p><p>Vincent Trocheck is an ultracompetitive right-handed center who can take important draws and kill penalties. J.T. Miller, Trocheck's Rangers teammate, is having an awful season by his standards. However, he was a heart-and-soul member of the 4 Nations team and offers a mix of speed, intensity, puck skills, and positional versatility that Guerin surely feels is too valuable to pass on.</p><p>The 14th and final spot is where things get incredibly interesting. There are about 10 viable options - Caufield, Clayton Keller, Matthew Knies, and Alex Tuch among the healthy guys - but Jason Robertson has the most compelling case. The 6-foot-3 Stars winger is tied for most points among Americans.</p><p><strong>Who rounds out talent-rich blue line?</strong></p><p>The Americans are loaded on the back end. Quinn Hughes and Charlie McAvoy, a potential first pairing, were named to the team in June. Jaccob Slavin, Brock Faber, Zach Werenski, and Jake Sanderson are virtual locks.</p><p>Slavin, arguably the top shutdown defender in the sport, has missed all but five games this season due to multiple injuries. He's currently out week-to-week with an upper-body issue. While Guerin could choose to leave Slavin off the roster, it would make more sense to select the Hurricanes star and then find a replacement later if he's ultimately ruled out through the Games.</p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/815502/cropped_GettyImages-2248296087.jpg?ts=1766929344" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/815502/w220xh124_GettyImages-2248296087.jpg?ts=1766929344 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/815502/w320xh180_GettyImages-2248296087.jpg?ts=1766929344 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/815502/w640xh360_GettyImages-2248296087.jpg?ts=1766929344 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/815502/w768xh432_GettyImages-2248296087.jpg?ts=1766929344 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/815502/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2248296087.jpg?ts=1766929344 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Christian Petersen / Getty Images</span></figcaption></figure><p>From there, two spots remain open for Seth Jones, Adam Fox, Jackson LaCombe, Noah Hanifin, and a handful of dark horses. Jones, who turned heads during the Panthers' Cup run, is a safe bet. He'd bring physicality and another right shot.</p><p>Rounding out the group is ... probably Fox, who's currently making his way back from injury. The cerebral two-way blue-liner has rebounded nicely after a down 2024-25, and USA coach Mike Sullivan is Fox's bench boss in New York.</p><p>LaCombe, whose stock has risen significantly over the past year, is undoubtedly Fox's biggest threat. The Ducks leader brings a bit of everything.</p><p><strong>Roster projection</strong></p><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>LW</th>
<th>C</th>
<th>RW</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Brady Tkachuk</td>
<td>Jack Eichel</td>
<td>Matthew Tkachuk </td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Jack Hughes</td>
<td>Auston Matthews</td>
<td>Matt Boldy </td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Kyle Connor</td>
<td>Dylan Larkin</td>
<td>Jake Guentzel </td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>J.T. Miller</td>
<td>Vincent Trocheck</td>
<td>Tage Thompson</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Jason Robertson</td>
<td>Brock Nelson</td>
<td></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>LD</th>
<th>RD</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Quinn Hughes</td>
<td>Charlie McAvoy</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Jaccob Slavin</td>
<td>Brock Faber</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Zach Werenski</td>
<td>Seth Jones</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Jake Sanderson</td>
<td>Adam Fox</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Starter</th>
<th>Backup</th>
<th>No. 3</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Connor Hellebuyck</td>
<td>Jake Oettinger</td>
<td>Jeremy Swayman</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p><em>John Matisz is theScore's senior NHL writer. Follow John on Twitter/X (<a href="https://twitter.com/MatiszJohn">@MatiszJohn</a>) or contact him via email (john.matisz@thescore.com).</em></p>

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/33902151/related

Olympic rosters: Lingering questions, final projections for Canada and USA

<p><em>Combining his own perspective with what he's been hearing from those in and around the game, senior NHL writer John Matisz breaks down the hot topics across the hockey landscape.</em></p><h3>Leafs spiraling toward big change</h3><p>The Maple Leafs are spiraling.</p><p>It's a familiar state for the Original Six franchise in the Auston Matthews era. However, the annual spiral tends to occur in April or May, not mid-December.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Toronto owns the NHL's longest active playoff streak, but the nine-year run is on life support thanks to a 15-13-5 record. There are few, if any, silver linings to this sideways season, as the Leafs sit 14th in the Eastern Conference through 33 games. They're bottom five in nearly every offensive and defensive category; passion and urgency levels have been laughable at times; the power play's a disaster; and, unlike in 2024-25, elite goaltending isn't saving the day.</p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/814688/cropped_GettyImages-2251273001.jpg?ts=1766238395" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/814688/w220xh124_GettyImages-2251273001.jpg?ts=1766238395 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/814688/w320xh180_GettyImages-2251273001.jpg?ts=1766238395 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/814688/w640xh360_GettyImages-2251273001.jpg?ts=1766238395 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/814688/w768xh432_GettyImages-2251273001.jpg?ts=1766238395 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/814688/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2251273001.jpg?ts=1766238395 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Kevin Sousa / Getty Images</span></figcaption></figure><p>It's abundantly clear the Leafs are a poorly built team filled with players who aren't suited for Craig Berube's preferred style of play. Berube recently called out his best players (and the team at large), which hints he's either lost the dressing room or is losing his mind trying to fix the on-ice product. (Or both.)</p><p>The most troubling development from a long-term perspective: Matthews, the player the franchise revolves around, is on pace for 63 points in 77 games. The captain hasn't been a consistently dominant force since 2023-24.</p><p>The Leafs, losers of four of their past six games, are in Nashville on Saturday night, Dallas on Sunday, and then host the Penguins on Tuesday to wrap up the pre-holidays schedule. It's December and the Preds own the worst points percentage in the NHL, yet Saturday's result looms large. The stakes are high.</p><p>General manager Brad Treliving gave Berube a public vote of confidence in November. If the spiral continues, even just for another game or two, the GM may feel he has no choice but to fire the coach. Berube isn't the only one responsible for the Leafs' dreadful year. But he's the easiest to move on from.</p><h3>First impressions of Minny Hughes</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/814648/cropped_GettyImages-2251780785.jpg?ts=1766190516" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/814648/w220xh124_GettyImages-2251780785.jpg?ts=1766190516 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/814648/w320xh180_GettyImages-2251780785.jpg?ts=1766190516 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/814648/w640xh360_GettyImages-2251780785.jpg?ts=1766190516 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/814648/w768xh432_GettyImages-2251780785.jpg?ts=1766190516 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/814648/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2251780785.jpg?ts=1766190516 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Brad Rempel / Getty Images</span></figcaption></figure><p>The stunning Wild-Canucks blockbuster is a week old.</p><p>Here are three notes following Quinn Hughes' first three Wild games:</p><p>1. Looking both weird and sharp in a green No. 43 jersey, Hughes has been up to his usual tricks, manipulating defenses and dictating the flow of play. He's recorded one goal, one assist, and six shots on goal. Minnesota's outscored the opposition 5-4 in his five-on-five minutes. Still, it's obvious the star player is adjusting to a new team and the team's adjusting to a new star.</p><p>2. Hughes' usage has been insane thus far: 26:55 in a 6-2 home win over Boston, 29:33 in a 5-0 home win over Washington, and 32:02 in a road win over Columbus. Keep in mind none of these totals include overtime action.</p><p>3. Hughes immediately assumed the power play quarterback role and has been paired almost exclusively with Brock Faber at even strength. (The American duo might share the ice at the Olympics.) Wild coach John Hynes will surely experiment with different pairs once Jonas Brodin and Jake Middleton return from injuries. Toss in Jared Spurgeon and David Jiricek, and Minny has the most talented and deep one-to-six blue line in the entire NHL.</p><h3>Bruins' retool slowly taking shape</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/814629/cropped_GettyImages-2250740530.jpg?ts=1766179034" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/814629/w220xh124_GettyImages-2250740530.jpg?ts=1766179034 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/814629/w320xh180_GettyImages-2250740530.jpg?ts=1766179034 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/814629/w640xh360_GettyImages-2250740530.jpg?ts=1766179034 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/814629/w768xh432_GettyImages-2250740530.jpg?ts=1766179034 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/814629/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2250740530.jpg?ts=1766179034 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Richard T Gagnon / Getty Images</span></figcaption></figure><p>Bruins GM Don Sweeney wasn't the most popular man in Boston to start 2025, having shipped out a handful of fan favorites - most notably franchise icon Brad Marchand - to kickstart a retool ahead of March's trade deadline.</p><p>Sweeney's approval rating is in much better shape to close out 2025.</p><p>Former Bruins Brandon Carlo and Trent Frederic haven't performed well in Toronto and Edmonton, while Charlie Coyle and Justin Brazeau are no longer playing for the teams Sweeney traded them to. Marchand is the lone flipped player who's found success (a Stanley Cup and hefty extension in Florida).</p><p>From the various return packages, Boston appears to have unearthed three long-term pieces up front in centers Casey Mittelstadt and Fraser Minten and winger Marat Khusnutdinov. A few prospects and draft picks are still to come.</p><p>The hiring of Marco Sturm is another 2025 victory. I'm told the organization is super happy with the first-time head coach's fit as both an on-ice tactician and off-ice communicator. The players feed off Sturm's energy and intensity.</p><h3>Top of 2026 draft class 'messy'</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/814628/cropped_GettyImages-2249394147.jpg?ts=1766178949" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/814628/w220xh124_GettyImages-2249394147.jpg?ts=1766178949 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/814628/w320xh180_GettyImages-2249394147.jpg?ts=1766178949 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/814628/w640xh360_GettyImages-2249394147.jpg?ts=1766178949 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/814628/w768xh432_GettyImages-2249394147.jpg?ts=1766178949 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/814628/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2249394147.jpg?ts=1766178949 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Michael Miller / Getty Images</span></figcaption></figure><p>NHL teams typically hold midseason amateur scouting meetings around this time, either shortly before or after the holidays and world juniors tournament.</p><p>One staffer for an Eastern Conference club used the word "messy" this week to describe the very top of the 2026 draft class. Presumptive No. 1 pick Gavin McKenna - a dazzling winger for Penn State who'll assume a prominent role on Team Canada starting next Friday - isn't tearing up the NCAA as expected. Meanwhile, North Dakota defenseman Keaton Verhoeff, Frolunda winger Ivar Stenberg, and Muskegon center Tynan Lawrence have all improved their draft stock enough to warrant consideration for the first overall selection in June.</p><p>As of now, the staffer doesn't see a franchise-altering talent in the class - nobody quite at the level of Matthew Schaefer (2025), Macklin Celebrini (2024), or Connor Bedard (2023). However, the first round is "pretty deep" in the staffer's eyes. There are 15-20 players worth getting "damn excited" about.</p><h3>Flyers missing dynamite young center</h3><p>Reader Nathan M. recently sent over a big-picture question about the Flyers.</p><blockquote><p>As a Flyers fan, I'd love your take on the direction and current state of the team. Are they in the Montreal/Ottawa category?</p></blockquote><p>The Flyers own the seventh-best points percentage in the NHL. The Rick Tocchet-led coaching staff and key players, especially offseason acquisitions Trevor Zegras and Dan Vladar, deserve major props for a 17-10-6 record.</p><p>If we're talking long-term outlooks, though, I don't see Philadelphia as a direct peer to Montreal and Ottawa. Philly's in strange territory. Its NHL roster and prospect pipeline are filled with good players, yet arguably zero great ones.</p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/814627/cropped_GettyImages-2206567446.jpg?ts=1766178780" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/814627/w220xh124_GettyImages-2206567446.jpg?ts=1766178780 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/814627/w320xh180_GettyImages-2206567446.jpg?ts=1766178780 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/814627/w640xh360_GettyImages-2206567446.jpg?ts=1766178780 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/814627/w768xh432_GettyImages-2206567446.jpg?ts=1766178780 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/814627/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2206567446.jpg?ts=1766178780 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Len Redkoles / Getty Images</span></figcaption></figure><p>The 25-and-over group, led by Travis Konecny, Sean Couturier, Owen Tippett, and Travis Sanheim, is nothing special in the grand scheme of a 32-team league. The under-25 group - mainly Matvei Michkov, Trevor Zegras, Jamie Drysdale, and prospects Porter Martone and Jack Nesbitt - doesn't project to be the nucleus of a future Stanley Cup contender like the core in Montreal. In Ottawa, Brady Tkachuk, Tim Stutzle, and Jake Sanderson form a Big Three.</p><p>All of that said, GM Daniel Briere does have runway to eventually trade for a needle-moving skater. I'd feel better about the Flyers' direction if Michkov and Martone were accompanied by a current or future dynamite first-line center.</p><h3>Depth issues sinking Jets' season</h3><p>Winnipeg is a torturous team at the moment.</p><p>After a 9-3-0 start the season, the reigning Presidents' Trophy winner has sagged to a blah 15-17-2 record and is tied for sixth in a top-heavy Central Division. The middle of the slide coincided with Connor Hellebuyck suffering a knee injury. (The stud goalie missed 12 games from Nov. 15 to Dec. 13.)</p><p>Most disheartening to Jets fans is the absence of secondary scoring.</p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/814607/cropped_GettyImages-2251580571.jpg?ts=1766167870" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/814607/w220xh124_GettyImages-2251580571.jpg?ts=1766167870 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/814607/w320xh180_GettyImages-2251580571.jpg?ts=1766167870 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/814607/w640xh360_GettyImages-2251580571.jpg?ts=1766167870 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/814607/w768xh432_GettyImages-2251580571.jpg?ts=1766167870 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/814607/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2251580571.jpg?ts=1766167870 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Jonathan Kozub / Getty Images</span></figcaption></figure><p>Mark Scheifele, Kyle Connor, Gabriel Vilardi, and Josh Morrissey - Winnipeg's three first-line forwards and No. 1 defenseman - have combined for 53 goals, or a whopping 53% of the club's total offensive output. The rest of the roster, from crafty playmaker Cole Perfetti to two-way captain Adam Lowry to offseason pickup Jonathan Toews to mobile defenseman Neal Pionk to lesser-known pieces, has pitched in just 47 goals through 40% of the season.</p><p>For context, Colorado's explosive four-pack of Nathan MacKinnon, Marty Necas, Artturi Lehkonen, and Cale Makar accounts for 49% of its total goals.</p><h3>How would 3-2-1-0 standings look?</h3><p>In response to an item in <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3411576" href="https://thescore.com/news/3411576">the last edition</a> of NHL Inbox, reader Trav S. is wondering how much the standings would change if the NHL adopted the 3-2-1-0 points system. (That's three points for a regulation win, two for an overtime/shootout win, one for an OT/SO loss, and zero for a regulation loss.)</p><p>Drum roll, please ... actually, never mind.</p><p>The playoff picture would be surprisingly similar.</p><p>Thirteen of 16 of the teams in a playoff spot as of Saturday morning would also make the postseason in the 3-2-1-0 system popularized by the PWHL.</p><p>The Western Conference divisional seeds would go completely unchanged, while the wild cards would switch from Los Angeles/San Jose to Utah/L.A.</p><p>In the East, the Metropolitan seeds would also go unchanged. But, in the Atlantic, Tampa Bay would replace Montreal, and Florida and Detroit would switch spots. The Islanders would drop from the first wild card position to second, and Boston would come in for Philadelphia to complete the bracket.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><center><u>                    </u></center></figure><p>What do you want to know, hockey fans?</p><p>There are three ways to submit a question for future NHL Inbox editions.</p><ul>
<li>Comment on this article in theScore app</li>
<li>Email John at <a href="mailto:john.matisz@theScore.com">john.matisz@thescore.com</a>
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https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/33803156/related

Leafs spiraling, early Hughes impressions, more NHL hot topics

Veteran forward Tyler Toffoli took a seat in the visitor's dressing room at Toronto's Scotiabank ...

<p>Veteran forward Tyler Toffoli took a seat in the visitor's dressing room at Toronto's Scotiabank Arena last week and immediately began fielding post-practice questions about 19-year-old Sharks teammate Macklin Celebrini.</p><p>"He's playing really well. He's just a really shitty guy," Toffoli deadpanned.</p><p>Laughter ensued as Celebrini stared at Toffoli from a neighboring stall. With a hooded Sharks sweater covering his hair and ears but his smiling face exposed, Celebrini looked like a giddy child trying to annoy an older sibling.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>"He's hard to be around," Toffoli, 33, quipped, "so you hope he just keeps scoring."</p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/814339/cropped_GettyImages-2251725642.jpg?ts=1766002476" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/814339/w220xh124_GettyImages-2251725642.jpg?ts=1766002476 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/814339/w320xh180_GettyImages-2251725642.jpg?ts=1766002476 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/814339/w640xh360_GettyImages-2251725642.jpg?ts=1766002476 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/814339/w768xh432_GettyImages-2251725642.jpg?ts=1766002476 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/814339/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2251725642.jpg?ts=1766002476 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Kavin Mistry / Getty Images</span></figcaption></figure><p>The playful interaction serves as a reminder of the magic unfolding before our eyes this NHL season. Celebrini is a sophomore with 104 games of experience who's also the third-youngest everyday player in a 32-team league. He doesn't turn 20 until June, which means he legally can't drink alcohol in the United States until after his third regular season.</p><p>Yet Celebrini is bordering on unstoppable. His 51 total points and 40 primary points both rank third behind Nathan MacKinnon and Connor McDavid. He's recorded three or more points in a single game nine times in two-plus months. The Flames were his latest victims: He scored two goals, including the eventual game-winner, and added two primary assists in a 6-3 Sharks home win Tuesday night.</p><p>"Every time you think he's going to maybe slow down and maybe hit a speed bump, he doesn't. He just keeps going," head coach Ryan Warsofsky told reporters afterward.</p><p>The buzz around Celebrini probably won't quiet down anytime soon either. His polished game is a sight to behold, he has a legitimate shot at representing Canada at the Olympics, and he's a Hart Trophy contender.</p><h3>Sidney Crosby 2.0</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/814343/cropped_GettyImages-2250722931.jpg?ts=1766002979" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/814343/w220xh124_GettyImages-2250722931.jpg?ts=1766002979 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/814343/w320xh180_GettyImages-2250722931.jpg?ts=1766002979 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/814343/w640xh360_GettyImages-2250722931.jpg?ts=1766002979 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/814343/w768xh432_GettyImages-2250722931.jpg?ts=1766002979 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/814343/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2250722931.jpg?ts=1766002979 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Richard Lautens / Getty Images</span></figcaption></figure><p>Celebrini entered 2025-26 on the trajectory of a franchise cornerstone.</p><p>The 2024 No. 1 pick gained universal respect (and a Calder Trophy finalist nod) for combining a comprehensive two-way game with 63 rookie points. People whispered about his stylistic similarities to Sidney Crosby.</p><p>Celebrini is outgrowing the "franchise cornerstone" tag and rocketing into "megastar" territory just 34 games into Year 2. Put another way, he's gone from being described to theScore as "probably a top 10 NHL forward" by an opposing head coach in late October to a being called a "top 10 player regardless of position" by a rival front-office member in mid-December. And the Crosby comparison? Everybody is comfortable talking about it publicly.</p><p>"I see the Sid similarities, for sure," Sharks forward Adam Gaudette said. "As Mack gets bigger and stronger, he'll fit that description even more. He's still a kid. Once he matures, man, it's going to be scary."</p><p>"Mack," Gaudette added, "can be the best player in the world at some point."</p><p>Celebrini is the kind of made-in-a-lab center with no glaring weaknesses. He possesses elite hockey sense, he skates extremely well, and he's an equally gifted passer and shooter. He transports the puck effectively, takes pride in his defensive duties, and brings a mix of swagger and doggedness to every shift.</p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/814365/cropped_GettyImages-2248324360.jpg?ts=1766018190" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/814365/w220xh124_GettyImages-2248324360.jpg?ts=1766018190 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/814365/w320xh180_GettyImages-2248324360.jpg?ts=1766018190 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/814365/w640xh360_GettyImages-2248324360.jpg?ts=1766018190 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/814365/w768xh432_GettyImages-2248324360.jpg?ts=1766018190 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/814365/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2248324360.jpg?ts=1766018190 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Icon Sportswire / Getty Images</span></figcaption></figure><p>Most of those superstar-making traits were present last season. So, beyond learning from a season's worth of games and having a productive offseason, what has allowed Celebrini to level up so significantly? For starters, he's leveraging his world-class shot by being more direct and decisive.</p><p>"He's got such a good, heavy shot, whether it's his one-timer or his wrist shot. Everything has power," Sharks assistant coach Jeff Ulmer told theScore.</p><p>"He's learned this year to not be so fine with it. Last year, he was really trying to pick these little spots to shoot from, whereas this year, for the most part, he's been firing pucks towards and on the net, and you can see the (benefit to this approach) in his numbers. Some of his assists are from a hell of a shot, where the goalie is suddenly out of position. We make a play and score."</p><p>Celebrini, who's attempting a high number of mid-range shots as a sophomore, is on pace for 43 goals after scoring at a 21-goal pace last year.</p><p>It's no accident that his shot lands in the 93rd percentile in average speed, according to <a href="https://www.nhl.com/nhl-edge/skaters/macklin-celebrini-8484801">NHL Edge</a>. He's a compact and powerful 6-feet, 190 pounds.</p><p>"He's able to generate so much transfer speed on his shot that it goes right through goalies," Ulmer said. "And he works on it: To his credit, he's out there, the first one on the ice during practice days. We're feeding him pucks. He wants more and more and more. Sometimes you have to kick him off the ice."</p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/814366/cropped_GettyImages-2251135499.jpg?ts=1766020566" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/814366/w220xh124_GettyImages-2251135499.jpg?ts=1766020566 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/814366/w320xh180_GettyImages-2251135499.jpg?ts=1766020566 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/814366/w640xh360_GettyImages-2251135499.jpg?ts=1766020566 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/814366/w768xh432_GettyImages-2251135499.jpg?ts=1766020566 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/814366/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2251135499.jpg?ts=1766020566 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Joe Sargent / Getty Images</span></figcaption></figure><p>Celebrini is super assertive - rarely out of position yet seemingly always near the puck thanks to a nonstop motor and quick reads. He chases down loose pucks without hesitation, supports teammates on defense, and often gains the inside track on opponents in physical battles.</p><p>"Mack competes. He's physical. He's not afraid to get into battles, get his nose dirty. His (defensive) tracking is really good," Sharks defenseman Mario Ferraro said. "We want him to make plays. So, when the puck is turned over, which is going to happen sometimes, he's the first one back. That's a big quality to have in your game, especially if you're a high-end skilled guy."</p><p>Added Ulmer: "He knows how to use his body. He can go into a battle against a 30-year-old power forward and come out with the puck 75% of the time."</p><p>Another area of progress year over year, according to Ulmer: Celebrini's cut down on low-percentage plays in the neutral zone.</p><p>"He's a driven kid," the coach said of Celebrini's Crosby-like itch to improve at all times. "Anything he can do to be a little bit better the next day, he'll do it. People will say that about most superstars, but that is how Mack is wired."</p><h3>Team Canada and MVP</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/814399/cropped_GettyImages-2215580770.jpg?ts=1766058325" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/814399/w220xh124_GettyImages-2215580770.jpg?ts=1766058325 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/814399/w320xh180_GettyImages-2215580770.jpg?ts=1766058325 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/814399/w640xh360_GettyImages-2215580770.jpg?ts=1766058325 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/814399/w768xh432_GettyImages-2215580770.jpg?ts=1766058325 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/814399/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2215580770.jpg?ts=1766058325 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Jonathan Nackstrand / Getty Images</span></figcaption></figure><p>Born in 2006, Celebrini is still eligible to play for Canada at the upcoming world juniors. He's so young that he doesn't have core memories from the last two times NHLers went to the Olympics - when Canada won gold in 2010 and 2014.</p><p>Still, Celebrini, who put up six points in eight World Championship games in May, has said in interviews that making the 2026 Olympic team is a motivating goal and would be a "huge honor" for a kid from North Vancouver, British Columbia.</p><p>Forwards Crosby, MacKinnon, McDavid, Brayden Point, and Sam Reinhart and defenseman Cale Makar were named to Canada's 25-man roster in June. The final 19 selections, including nine forwards, will be announced Dec. 31.</p><p>Celebrini should be a lock. He's proven himself to be one of the top 14 forwards on the planet, never mind just from Canada. His polished, team-first game would allow the coaching staff to play him with anyone on any line (how about Nick Suzuki between Celebrini and Mitch Marner?). Canada's stacked at center, so the Sharks alternate captain is likely being considered for left wing.</p><p>Age and relative inexperience are the only knocks on Celebrini. He doesn't play like a typical sophomore, however, so those theoretical disadvantages don't hold weight. Canada's decision-makers should view Celebrini's meteoric rise as an excuse to inject youthful energy into a veteran-heavy dressing room.</p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/814400/cropped_GettyImages-2249207246.jpg?ts=1766059110" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/814400/w220xh124_GettyImages-2249207246.jpg?ts=1766059110 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/814400/w320xh180_GettyImages-2249207246.jpg?ts=1766059110 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/814400/w640xh360_GettyImages-2249207246.jpg?ts=1766059110 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/814400/w768xh432_GettyImages-2249207246.jpg?ts=1766059110 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/814400/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2249207246.jpg?ts=1766059110 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Kavin Mistry / Getty Images</span></figcaption></figure><p>MacKinnon is the Hart Trophy favorite as 2025-26 nears its halfway point. But Celebrini, unquestionably the Sharks' MVP, is firmly in the conversation.</p><p>He leads San Jose with a plus-12 five-on-five goal differential, and he's recorded a point on 50% of the Sharks' 102 total goals (18 goals, 33 assists).<br>For context, MacKinnon and McDavid - another strong Hart contender - have earned a point on 42% and 48% of their teams' total goals, respectively.</p><p>On Tuesday, Celebrini became the fastest Shark and third-fastest teenager in league history to hit 50 points. The other teens: Wayne Gretzky and Crosby.</p><p>Team success matters to Hart voters, and the 17-14-3 Sharks currently occupy a playoff spot. If they can hold onto it, the end-of-season MacKinnon-Celebrini debate will be fierce. Remember, the Avalanche also employ Makar.</p><p>Celebrini will be one of the global faces of hockey in large part because he'll probably contend for the Art Ross Trophy every season for a decade. But it's his shift-to-shift impact, the three-zone brilliance, that makes him special. Check out the metrics in which Celebrini ranks top 20 among NHL forwards:</p><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Sportlogiq metric</th>
<th>'25-26 per-game rank</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Stick checks</td>
<td>2nd</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Blocked passes</td>
<td>3rd (tied)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Zone exits</td>
<td>3rd </td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>End-to-end rushes</td>
<td>3rd</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Slot-pass completions</td>
<td>4th</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Zone entries</td>
<td>6th</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Forecheck chances</td>
<td>8th</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>All scoring chances</td>
<td>15th</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>O-zone possession</td>
<td>19th</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p><em>John Matisz is theScore's senior NHL writer. Follow John on Twitter/X (<a href="https://twitter.com/MatiszJohn">@MatiszJohn</a>) or contact him via email (john.matisz@thescore.com).</em></p>

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/33779320/related

Celebrini is taking over the NHL at 19. Are the Olympics next?

The winner of the Quinn Hughes sweepstakes is ... the Minnesota Wild?  Hughes' tenure with the Va...

<p>The winner of the Quinn Hughes sweepstakes is ... the Minnesota Wild?</p><p>Hughes' tenure with the Vancouver Canucks came to a stunning, unexpected end Friday night as Minnesota came out of left field to land the defenseman.</p><p>It took a hefty package to get the deal done. The Wild sent three young NHLers - forwards Marco Rossi and Liam Ohgren, plus blue-liner Zeev Buium - to the Canucks, as well as a 2026 first-round selection.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Let's break it all down.</p><h3>Minnesota Wild</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/813699/cropped_GettyImages-2246705940.jpg?ts=1765588187" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/813699/w220xh124_GettyImages-2246705940.jpg?ts=1765588187 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/813699/w320xh180_GettyImages-2246705940.jpg?ts=1765588187 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/813699/w640xh360_GettyImages-2246705940.jpg?ts=1765588187 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/813699/w768xh432_GettyImages-2246705940.jpg?ts=1765588187 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/813699/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2246705940.jpg?ts=1765588187 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Jeff Vinnick / Getty Images</span></figcaption></figure><p>The Wild are one of a few NHL teams who most years are just kind of <em>there</em>. Good enough to sneak into the playoffs but without any real recent success. No series wins in a decade, no conference final appearances since 2003, and no Stanley Cup Final, period.</p><p>And, until recently, before the tantalizing Kirill Kaprizov burst onto the scene, the Wild were also the rare club to never have a top 10 player in the league.</p><p>Well, Minnesota now has arguably two top 10 players as part of its most talented roster in franchise history, with Hughes joining an enviable core of Kaprizov, Matt Boldy, Brock Faber, and Jesper Wallstedt. Acquiring Hughes is a seismic transaction from a team not previously linked to the player that also currently holds the third seed in the Central Division with a 17-9-5 record.</p><p>The trade alters the power dynamics in the Central, Western Conference, and league at large. Minnesota's stock immediately jumps from dark horse Cup threat to inner-circle contender. Hughes, the 2024 Norris Trophy winner, controls the game in a way few can through elite hockey sense, skating, and playmaking. Players of his caliber - a legitimate superstar at a premium position - are almost never available, especially on the trade market.</p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/813721/cropped_GettyImages-2159736604.jpg?ts=1765592115" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/813721/w220xh124_GettyImages-2159736604.jpg?ts=1765592115 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/813721/w320xh180_GettyImages-2159736604.jpg?ts=1765592115 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/813721/w640xh360_GettyImages-2159736604.jpg?ts=1765592115 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/813721/w768xh432_GettyImages-2159736604.jpg?ts=1765592115 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/813721/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2159736604.jpg?ts=1765592115 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Jeff Vinnick / Getty Images</span></figcaption></figure><p>General manager Bill Guerin was able to complete this trade because he and his staff have drafted and developed exceptionally well. Rossi was drafted ninth overall in 2020, Ohgren was selected 19th in 2022, Buium went 12th in 2024, and each has either lived up to or exceeded expectations. There aren't many GMs capable of offering a package with that much youth and name value - to say nothing of the 2026 first-round pick - and who knows if anybody but Guerin would pull the trigger. This is the epitome of a "win-now" trade.</p><p>Hughes' contract expires after the 2026-27 season, so it's possible the Wild have him for only two playoff runs. Then again, why count out an extension? There are worse places to play and Guerin and Hughes know each other through various USA Hockey events. With the new collective bargaining agreement fully kicking in next September, Minnesota can offer something no other club can: a front-loaded, bonus-heavy, eight-year monster contract. And this is a team that is unafraid to pay up to retain stars (see: Kaprizov).</p><p>Even if Hughes leaves in 2027, perhaps to compete alongside his brothers in New Jersey, this trade is worth making 10 times out of 10. The Wild's foundation is strong enough to get the most out of the Hughes experience, and while they'll miss Rossi, Ohgren, and Buium, you have to seize the moment at some point. You have to throw caution to the wind and acquire a special player who'll help you challenge for the Cup. You have to make the once-in-a-lifetime trade.</p><p><strong>Grade</strong>: A</p><h3>Vancouver Canucks</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/813700/cropped_GettyImages-2249855044.jpg?ts=1765588312" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/813700/w220xh124_GettyImages-2249855044.jpg?ts=1765588312 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/813700/w320xh180_GettyImages-2249855044.jpg?ts=1765588312 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/813700/w640xh360_GettyImages-2249855044.jpg?ts=1765588312 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/813700/w768xh432_GettyImages-2249855044.jpg?ts=1765588312 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/813700/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2249855044.jpg?ts=1765588312 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Leila Devlin / Getty Images</span></figcaption></figure><p>President Jim Rutherford and GM Patrik Allvin just traded the greatest defenseman - perhaps player - in Canucks history. Hughes is by far the best skater in this swap, and the team that moves the top player usually loses the trade down the road.</p><p>There's no way around the facts above, or the sinking feeling that the entire situation - of Hughes being on the block in the first place - could've been avoided if ownership and management stuck to one strategic long-term plan.</p><p>At any rate, it's the end of an era. Hughes' Canucks, featuring Elias Pettersson, Brock Boeser, J.T. Miller, Bo Horvat, Thatcher Demko, and many others, won two playoff series between 2019-20 and 2024-25. That's it.</p><p>As for what's arriving from Minnesota: there's ample hope to latch onto if this trade is indeed step one of a multi-year rebuild.</p><p>Buium, who's in the second year of his entry-level contract, is the crown jewel. He might one day blossom into a first-pair defenseman capable of running a high-end power play - or, basically, a poor man's Hughes.</p><p>Rossi, currently in the middle of the first season of a three-year, $15-million deal, is a small-statured center. The Canucks are desperate for young centers and Rossi's a decent start as a 24-year-old with a 60-point season on his resume.</p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/813734/cropped_GettyImages-1407563471.jpg?ts=1765597314" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/813734/w220xh124_GettyImages-1407563471.jpg?ts=1765597314 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/813734/w320xh180_GettyImages-1407563471.jpg?ts=1765597314 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/813734/w640xh360_GettyImages-1407563471.jpg?ts=1765597314 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/813734/w768xh432_GettyImages-1407563471.jpg?ts=1765597314 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/813734/w1080xh607_GettyImages-1407563471.jpg?ts=1765597314 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Jeff Vinnick / Getty Images</span></figcaption></figure><p>Ohgren, also in the second year of his ELC, has failed to record a point in 18 games this season. He does have top-six upside as a high-motor, two-way winger with special teams utility, though. He certainly qualifies as the deal's sweetener.</p><p>Toss in the 2026 first-rounder, which will likely be in the 20-30 range, and the Canucks have added three long-term core pieces and will have a pretty good opportunity to find a fourth at the draft. In other words, quantity over quality.</p><p>It's impossible to know how outrageous the packages from rival teams would've gotten ahead of the trade deadline. What Vancouver reeled in from the Wild is in the ballpark of a best-case scenario given Hughes' uncertain future.</p><p><strong>Grade</strong>: B-</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><center><u>                    </u></center></figure><h3>Reaction from across the league</h3><p>theScore asked people around the league for their two cents. A few answers:</p><p><strong>NHL head coach</strong>: "Win-win. Vancouver gets a haul of young players. I am not stamping any of them (as impact players), but they have a chance. And (the Canucks) need players. Minny gets a Norris candidate, and those kind of players are scary to give up. Minny takes a little player depth hit, and Vancouver - who needs the depth - gains it. Verdict: good hockey trade."</p><p><strong>NHL assistant GM</strong>: "Very surprising since you were hearing all about New Jersey and Detroit and just felt he was going East. But Vancouver got a good return. I'm a big Buium fan and Rossi has already proven to be a 25-goal and 60-point guy.</p><p>"Trade will really be judged on who the first-round pick turns out to be and if Minny re-signs Hughes. If they just get him for a year and a half, that's a lot to give up. But if they re-sign him, they are getting arguably the second-best offensive defenseman in the NHL behind Makar."<br><br><strong>Longtime member of an NHL team's front office</strong>: "It's a really interesting trade. For Minnesota, they do a good job of taking a swing at another core piece. Kaprizov, Boldy, Hughes, Faber, and Wallstedt all in a (multi-year) window is pretty good. Will be interesting to see them trying to win without a (proven) center.</p><p>"Tough for Vancouver when you know you are going to be trading the best player in the deal. They certainly did a good job of grabbing some nice young pieces and adding to the depth of their organization. They arguably don't have any core players now, though Buium could become pretty good. They have been caught in between trying to compete (and trying to retool or rebuild) so where does this leave them now?"</p>

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/33711227/related

Trade grades: Wild instantly become Cup contenders, Canucks score quantity

Finally, after months of inactivity, the NHL has some trade movement.  The 14-11-6 Edmonton Oiler...

<p>Finally, after months of inactivity, the NHL has some trade movement.</p><p>The 14-11-6 Edmonton Oilers completed two deals Friday.</p><p>The first: goalie Stuart Skinner, defenseman Brett Kulak, and a 2029 second-round draft pick moved to the Pittsburgh Penguins in exchange for goalie Tristan Jarry and forward Samuel Poulin.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The second: a 2027 third-round pick traded to the Nashville Predators for defenseman Spencer Stastney.</p><p>Let's break it all down.</p><h3>Edmonton Oilers</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/813627/cropped_GettyImages-2250027530.jpg?ts=1765552924" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/813627/w220xh124_GettyImages-2250027530.jpg?ts=1765552924 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/813627/w320xh180_GettyImages-2250027530.jpg?ts=1765552924 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/813627/w640xh360_GettyImages-2250027530.jpg?ts=1765552924 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/813627/w768xh432_GettyImages-2250027530.jpg?ts=1765552924 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/813627/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2250027530.jpg?ts=1765552924 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Len Redkoles / Getty Images</span></figcaption></figure><p>Oilers general manager Stan Bowman had a pressing issue on his hands.</p><p>A goaltending tandem of Stuart Skinner and Calvin Pickard is flat-out unacceptable for a team with Stanley Cup aspirations and superstar Connor McDavid under contract for just three more playoff runs. There's a mountain of evidence - 247 regular-season and playoff games in Edmonton for Skinner, 82 for Pickard - to support this claim. Bowman needed to act, and the sooner the better.</p><p>Acquiring Jarry of all goalies is an imperfect solution. But one with potential.</p><p>On one hand, the 30-year-old is a comparable goalie to Skinner, 27. Both have been given plenty of runway in the NHL, earning reputations for being inconsistent and coughing up soft goals in key moments.</p><p>On the other hand, Jarry is quietly enjoying a strong season. His .909 save percentage is well above the .898 league average (and Skinner's .891), and he's recorded a "quality start" in 11 of 13 games, according to Sportlogiq.</p><p>More importantly for the leaky Oilers, Jarry's stopping quality scoring chances at a high rate. Edmonton ranks 24th in slot shots against per game; Jarry sits 11th in slot shot SV% among goalies with 10 or more games played. The Oilers are 19th in inner-slot shots against; Jarry's sixth in inner-slot SV%.</p><p>Put another way, although Oilers fans are disappointed Bowman didn't reel in a stud goalie, there's a decent chance Jarry's a good fit - if he can stay healthy.</p><p>As for the nuances of the two interconnected trades ... oh boy.</p><p>Jarry's signed through 2027-28 at a $5.375-million cap hit, while Skinner is a pending unrestricted free agent making $2.6 million. If this swap isn't a net positive, the Oilers are stuck with a Skinner-like goalie and a dicey contract.</p><p>The inclusion of Kulak in this trade is significant. Not the flashiest player, Kulak has been a fixer of sorts on Edmonton's blue line for years. Somebody's struggling? Pair him with Kulak, and he'll get back on track. The Oilers included the 31-year-old in the deal for cap reasons. Stastney, the defenseman arriving via Nashville, is not a direct replacement but has upside.</p><p>To recap: the Oilers likely upgraded slightly at goalie, probably downgraded a bit on defense, brought in an AHLer in Poulin, and are down two draft picks.</p><p>I understand why Bowman pulled the trigger. He was desperate, and we can safely assume Jarry was the lone viable option on the goalie market. Still, there's a vibe of "hold on a second, this is your big move to solve a yearslong goaltending problem?!" Also, I don't like the risk attached to Jarry's contract.</p><p><strong>Grade</strong>: C-</p><h3>Pittsburgh Penguins</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/813628/cropped_GettyImages-2251228570.jpg?ts=1765553111" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/813628/w220xh124_GettyImages-2251228570.jpg?ts=1765553111 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/813628/w320xh180_GettyImages-2251228570.jpg?ts=1765553111 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/813628/w640xh360_GettyImages-2251228570.jpg?ts=1765553111 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/813628/w768xh432_GettyImages-2251228570.jpg?ts=1765553111 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/813628/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2251228570.jpg?ts=1765553111 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Leila Devlin / Getty Images</span></figcaption></figure><p>Just about every fan- and media-created mock trade involving Jarry included the Penguins retaining part of his salary. For the club to rid itself of the veteran's entire contract is a major victory for GM Kyle Dubas.</p><p>To not retain <em>and</em> acquire a useful defenseman in Kulak, a comparable goalie with no strings attached beyond this year in Skinner, and a second-rounder?</p><p>That's some excellent asset management, especially considering Pittsburgh has three young goalies in Arturs Silovs, Sergei Murashov, and Joel Blomqvist.</p><p>If the Sidney Crosby-led Pens remain in the playoff hunt over the next couple of months, Dubas can take one of three routes with Kulak. He can: keep Kulak for a playoff push, then let the pending UFA walk in free agency; keep Kulak for the push and re-sign him; or flip Kulak before the trade deadline in March.</p><p>The flexibility baked into this swap makes it a home run for Pittsburgh. The Penguins now have $9.16 million in projected cap space, according to <a href="https://puckpedia.com/">PuckPedia</a>.</p><p><strong>Grade</strong>: A</p><h3>Nashville Predators</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/813636/cropped_GettyImages-1333046818.jpg?ts=1765554062" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/813636/w220xh124_GettyImages-1333046818.jpg?ts=1765554062 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/813636/w320xh180_GettyImages-1333046818.jpg?ts=1765554062 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/813636/w640xh360_GettyImages-1333046818.jpg?ts=1765554062 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/813636/w768xh432_GettyImages-1333046818.jpg?ts=1765554062 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/813636/w1080xh607_GettyImages-1333046818.jpg?ts=1765554062 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Icon Sportswire / Getty Images</span></figcaption></figure><p>Prior to Friday's trade, Nashville had eight defensemen on its NHL roster, five of whom shoot left. Stastney, a lefty, might have been placed on waivers soon. So, instead of losing him for nothing, GM Barry Trotz grabs a pick.</p><p>You can quibble with how Nashville found itself in this spot with a 25-year-old third-pairing blue-liner. But I'm fine with the trade, given the Preds should be hoarding as many futures as possible for what should be a full-fledged rebuild.</p><p><strong>Grade</strong>: B-</p><p><em>John Matisz is theScore's senior NHL writer. Follow John on Twitter/X (<a href="https://twitter.com/MatiszJohn">@MatiszJohn</a>) or contact him via email (john.matisz@thescore.com).</em></p>

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/33706435/related

Trade grades: Oilers gamble on Jarry, Penguins make out like bandits

There's been just one NHL trade finalized since July (Lukas Reichel from Chicago to Vancouver), y...

<p><em>There's been just one NHL trade finalized since July (Lukas Reichel from Chicago to Vancouver), yet it feels like at least a few high-profile NHLers could be moved ahead of the March 6 trade deadline. Here's what five intriguing trade chips offer on the ice and the potential landing spots for each guy.</em></p><h3>Quinn Hughes, Canucks</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/813100/cropped_GettyImages-2245603412.jpg?ts=1765225887" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/813100/w220xh124_GettyImages-2245603412.jpg?ts=1765225887 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/813100/w320xh180_GettyImages-2245603412.jpg?ts=1765225887 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/813100/w640xh360_GettyImages-2245603412.jpg?ts=1765225887 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/813100/w768xh432_GettyImages-2245603412.jpg?ts=1765225887 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/813100/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2245603412.jpg?ts=1765225887 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Derek Cain / Getty Images</span></figcaption></figure><p><strong>The player</strong>: Hughes is a bona fide superstar - inarguably the second-best defenseman on the planet and arguably a top-10 player regardless of position. He's a franchise cornerstone who's banked countless MVP-level performances for the Canucks since his dazzling rookie season in 2019-20.</p><p>Consider this: During Hughes' tenure, Vancouver has outscored the opposition 414-356 with him on the ice while getting outscored 616-546 with him off the ice. That's a swing from 54% of the goals (Hughes on) to 47% (off).</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Hughes is under contract this season and next at a completely reasonable cap hit of $7.9 million. Given where the Canucks are headed (see: nowhere promising) and the possibilities elsewhere, Hughes is likely to be flipped to another team this year, in the offseason, or during the 2026-27 campaign.</p><p><strong>Potential landing spots</strong>: Players of Hughes' caliber very rarely become available. The juiciest part of the equation: He has zero trade protection in his contract, so theoretically, 31 teams can approach the Canucks with an offer.</p><p>New Jersey, which employs Quinn's brothers, Jack and Luke, is the no-brainer landing spot and is surely high on Quinn's list of preferred destinations.</p><p>However, Vancouver is after the best possible return (ideally addressing its need for centers), and it's the Red Wings, not the Devils, who seem to be the early front-runners. Detroit is on the rise. General manager Steve Yzerman has a bounty of young NHLers and A-to-B prospects to include in what's expected to be a three-to-five-piece package. Quinn played at the University of Michigan and spends time in the state during the offseasons.</p><p>That said, don't sleep on the Capitals, Hurricanes, Rangers, or Flyers.</p><p>Sensing a theme? That's five Metropolitan Division teams and one from the Atlantic. The chances of the Canucks sending Quinn to a Western Conference rival are slim - unless, of course, a West team offers something truly special.</p><h3>Steven Stamkos, Predators</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/813099/cropped_GettyImages-2188808110.jpg?ts=1765225652" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/813099/w220xh124_GettyImages-2188808110.jpg?ts=1765225652 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/813099/w320xh180_GettyImages-2188808110.jpg?ts=1765225652 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/813099/w640xh360_GettyImages-2188808110.jpg?ts=1765225652 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/813099/w768xh432_GettyImages-2188808110.jpg?ts=1765225652 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/813099/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2188808110.jpg?ts=1765225652 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Troy Parla / Getty Images</span></figcaption></figure><p><strong>The player</strong>: The first thing to know about Stamkos is that he's well past his prime. His mobility has shifted from a plus trait to questionable late in his career. His shot attempt and shot on goal rates have dropped over his two seasons in Nashville, and he isn't beating goalies cleanly on a consistent basis anymore. He's recorded eight goals and three assists in 29 games.</p><p>Put another way, if you think Stamkos is going to single-handedly solve your favorite team's goal-scoring problems, think again. That said, under the right circumstances, the soon-to-be 36-year-old is a highly intriguing option.</p><p>If the Predators retain 50% of Stamkos' salary to bring his cap hit down to $4 million this year and next, he's suddenly attractive as the missing ingredient in a Stanley Cup-contending top nine. The future Hall of Famer's finishing chops haven't completely eroded, and his leadership abilities would help any dressing room.</p><p><strong>Potential landing spots</strong>: Stamkos can pick his spot. He's in control with a full no-move clause. It's safe to assume he's focused on winning a third Cup, and staying with the 11-14-4 Predators simply won't help him achieve that.</p><p>New Jersey has reportedly discussed a Stamkos trade internally. The interest adds up, considering the Devils should be bringing in multiple top-nine forwards.</p><p>Other playoff-quality teams that could use an injection of depth scoring include Winnipeg, Ottawa, Utah, Los Angeles, and Minnesota. Among those five, the Senators jump off the page. There's a spot waiting for Stamkos - left wing, behind Brady Tkachuk - if he waives and the stars align on a fair trade.</p><h3>Jordan Kyrou, Blues</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/813094/cropped_GettyImages-2247409223.jpg?ts=1765225248" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/813094/w220xh124_GettyImages-2247409223.jpg?ts=1765225248 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/813094/w320xh180_GettyImages-2247409223.jpg?ts=1765225248 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/813094/w640xh360_GettyImages-2247409223.jpg?ts=1765225248 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/813094/w768xh432_GettyImages-2247409223.jpg?ts=1765225248 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/813094/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2247409223.jpg?ts=1765225248 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Steven Ryan / Getty Images</span></figcaption></figure><p><strong>The player</strong>: Kyrou is in only Year 3 of an eight-year, $65-million contract that includes a full no-trade clause. But the crafty two-way winger could probably use a change of scenery, and the underperforming Blues could use a shake-up.</p><p>Kyrou, who's out week-to-week with a lower-body injury, has recorded eight goals and eight assists in 28 games, putting him on pace for 49 points in 82 games. The 27-year-old butted heads with his former coach Craig Berube in late 2023, and he was scratched by current coach Jim Montgomery in November. Unsurprisingly, Kyrou's ice time has dwindled over the past two seasons.</p><p>He's a three-time 30-goal scorer and three-time 70-point getter. Kyrou can indeed produce, especially off the rush, and he owns the best five-on-five expected goals rate of all Blues players this year. As for the cap hit, $8.1 million is digestible in the new economic reality ($95.5 million upper limit and rising).</p><p><strong>Potential landing spots</strong>: The Kraken and Canadiens are the teams most often linked to Kyrou, who's been rumored to be on the block since June. The Seattle fit is obvious: It desperately needs game-breaking forwards. The Montreal fit is less obvious following offseason trades for Noah Dobson and Zack Bolduc; would they really want Kyrou's contract on the books at this point?</p><p>The Sharks and Blackhawks are fun landing spots. Both are on an upward trajectory, thanks to the emergence of superstars Macklin Celebrini and Connor Bedard. Yet both clubs could use an infusion of speed and skill in the top six and have enough cap space and desirable assets to entice St. Louis. It wouldn't be surprising if Kyrou waived his clause for a team on the rise.</p><h3>Alex Tuch, Sabres</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/813096/cropped_GettyImages-2208651726.jpg?ts=1765225477" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/813096/w220xh124_GettyImages-2208651726.jpg?ts=1765225477 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/813096/w320xh180_GettyImages-2208651726.jpg?ts=1765225477 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/813096/w640xh360_GettyImages-2208651726.jpg?ts=1765225477 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/813096/w768xh432_GettyImages-2208651726.jpg?ts=1765225477 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/813096/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2208651726.jpg?ts=1765225477 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Ben Ludeman / Getty Images</span></figcaption></figure><p><strong>The player</strong>: Tuch shouldn't be featured in any kind of "trade chips" story. He grew up a Sabres fan, arrived with a smile on his face following a 2021 trade, and has since put up 269 points in 311 games (trailing only Tage Thompson and Rasmus Dahlin). The winger also said in September that he loves living in Buffalo, loves being a Sabre, and would love to sign a long-term extension.</p><p>Yet here we are in December, and Tuch, who's been eligible for an extension since July, remains unsigned past this season. The Sabres, sitting last in the Eastern Conference with a 12-14-4 record and minus-14 goal differential, seem destined to miss the playoffs for an NHL-record 15th straight season.</p><p>It's not hard to connect the dots: Either the Sabres haven't offered Tuch a reasonable contract, or the 29-year-old's had a change of heart and would prefer to test free agency. Can you blame him? Buffalo's spinning its wheels, and Tuch can basically call his shot as a top unrestricted free agent.</p><p><strong>Potential landing spots</strong>: Tuch's on track for a third 30-goal season. He can be used in all situations and is better at stripping pucks from opponents' sticks than about 99% of NHL forwards. His $4.8 million cap hit is a certified bargain, and the only trade protection in his deal is a five-team no-trade list.</p><p>Virtually every playoff team will make a pitch if Sabres GM Kevyn Adams declares Tuch officially on the market. Two clubs come to mind immediately.</p><p>The Oilers are desperate for a top-six winger - especially one who shoots right and can skate and create alongside Connor McDavid. Tuch showcased his utility Tuesday by scoring an overtime goal on the road against Edmonton.</p><p>He would also fit in nicely on the Hurricanes with that aggressive defensive stick and finishing ability. Carolina, a franchise unafraid of making a big splash, has the cap space and assets to make the trade work for both sides.</p><h3>Kiefer Sherwood, Canucks</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/813092/cropped_GettyImages-2243440271.jpg?ts=1765224150" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/813092/w220xh124_GettyImages-2243440271.jpg?ts=1765224150 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/813092/w320xh180_GettyImages-2243440271.jpg?ts=1765224150 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/813092/w640xh360_GettyImages-2243440271.jpg?ts=1765224150 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/813092/w768xh432_GettyImages-2243440271.jpg?ts=1765224150 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/813092/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2243440271.jpg?ts=1765224150 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Icon Sportswire / Getty Images</span></figcaption></figure><p><strong>The player</strong>: Sherwood, a late bloomer who didn't achieve full-time NHLer status until his late 20s, is the type of forward half the league would love to acquire.</p><p>With 12 goals in 30 games following a career-high 19 last year, Sherwood's proven himself to be a fairly reliable finisher. The quick and edgy right-winger is a threat off the rush and relentless on the forecheck. He's extremely physical and disciplined, taking only 23 minor penalties since the start of 2024-25 despite delivering a league-leading 596 hits. Sherwood's nightly usage has risen from 12:10 in 2023-24 to 14:53 last season to 17:32 in 2025-26, largely because he's shown coaches he can contribute in all situations.</p><p>Each of those data points screams "ultimate playoff warrior."</p><p>Sherwood, who turns 31 in March, is a pending unrestricted free agent. His current $1.5 million cap hit can be easily absorbed by most buying teams.</p><p><strong>Potential landing spots</strong>: Minnesota, Columbus, Dallas, and Montreal are all reportedly interested in him. Vancouver will almost certainly push for a package centered around a first-round pick and a promising young skater.</p><p>The Wild might be the best fit among the reported suitors. GM Bill Guerin loves big, physical forwards who can pitch in offensively, and his current right-wing options beyond Matt Boldy and Mats Zuccarello are <strong>lackluster</strong>. Minnesota is one of the NHL's top draft-and-develop teams, which means it can part ways with a solid prospect and not miss a beat.</p><p>Consider Colorado a dark horse. The 21-2-7 Avalanche may be the last team that needs to make a splash, and the front office should be turning over every stone to ensure the roster's as deep as possible. Sherwood, a former Av, would have no issue keeping up in coach Jared Bednar's high-paced system.</p><p><em>John Matisz is theScore's senior NHL writer. Follow John on Twitter/X (<a href="https://twitter.com/MatiszJohn">@MatiszJohn</a>) or contact him via email (john.matisz@thescore.com).</em></p>

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/33690950/related

Big names in play? Analyzing 5 intriguing NHL trade chips

More from this series:   Canada 🇨🇦  United States 🇺🇸  European teams 🇪🇺   With Russia banned from...

<p><strong>More from this series:</strong></p><ul>
<li><em><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3408377" href="https://thescore.com/news/3408377">Canada</a> 🇨🇦</em></li>
<li><em><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3408396" href="https://thescore.com/news/3408396">United States</a> 🇺🇸</em></li>
<li><strong><em>European teams 🇪🇺</em></strong></li>
</ul><p>With Russia banned from international competition, Canada and the U.S. are the consensus favorites to claim gold at the 2026 Olympics. Which European countries can challenge them? Below we rank the participating nations from most to least likely to medal in the Feb. 11-22 tournament held in Milan, Italy.</p><p>(Note: The 12-team men's hockey field splits into three groups. The top two teams from each group advance to the quarterfinals, and the remaining two spots are determined by a qualifying round. A knockout stage then ensues.)</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><h3>Sweden 🇸🇪</h3><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-vGdHq" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/vGdHq/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="207" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">window.addEventListener("message",function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}});</script></figure><p>If there's one country that can go toe to toe with Canada and the U.S., it's Sweden, which has the requisite depth and high-end talent (most notably on the wings, led by Nylander) to win gold if things break its way.</p><p>The biggest development for Sweden two months into the NHL season is the emergence of Carlsson as an elite top-line center. The third-year Ducks pivot knocks Pettersson, Eriksson Ek, and Zibanejad into more appropriate roles down the lineup and generally beefs up a somewhat weak area on the roster.</p><p>The backbone of Team Sweden, as always, will be its blue line. The super experienced group has a healthy variety of offensive game-breakers (Dahlin, Hedman, Karlsson) and stay-at-home defenders known for slowing down the most dangerous players on the planet (Forsling, Ekholm, Brodin).</p><p>Goaltending is a minor concern with Markstrom struggling in the early going. We penciled him in as the No. 1 guy for now. Wallstedt, who has a .944 save percentage through 10 games, could begin the tournament as the starter if he stays hot.</p><h3>Finland 🇫🇮</h3><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="Finland 🇫🇮" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-emgHa" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/emgHa/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="391" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">window.addEventListener("message",function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}});</script></figure><p>The Finns' gold-medal chances were dealt a significant blow in September when the country's best player, center Aleksander Barkov, suffered a major knee injury. The Panthers captain is sidelined at least until late April.</p><p>Finland will still ice an intriguing forward group. The incredibly clutch Rantanen is its bona fide superstar, and each of the top three lines features multiple impactful two-way contributors. However, the fourth-liners and extras don't stack up well against depth pieces on Sweden, Canada, and the U.S.</p><p>As for the defense corps, well, it drops off a cliff after Heiskanen, who'll likely log 30 minutes a game in Italy. Finland may go only as far as its goaltending takes it. How does Saros fare after a disappointing two games at the 4 Nations Face-Off? Or is it Lankinen who'll be tasked with saving the day?</p><h3>Czechia 🇨🇿</h3><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-nVRkR" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/nVRkR/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="352" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">window.addEventListener("message",function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}});</script></figure><p>The Czechs boast legitimate firepower up front with Pastrnak and Necas. Multiple goalies are capable of getting hot enough to steal games against the tournament's powerhouses. That's a recipe for a Cinderella run all right, but they'll have to overcome concerns on the blue line - specifically the left side.</p><p>Czechia won gold at the 2024 World Championship with several players from this projected roster, including the 40-year-old Cervenka - a Czech league legend who's shown great chemistry with Pastrnak on the international stage.</p><h3>Germany 🇩🇪</h3><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-rsdF7" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/rsdF7/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="263" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">window.addEventListener("message",function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}});</script></figure><p>Germany is a rising power in men's hockey, having produced a few world-class players over the past decade and won a silver medal at the 2023 Worlds.</p><p>Coach Harold Kreis will lean heavily on his NHL contingent, which includes one megastar (Draisaitl), two young studs (Stutzle, Seider), one burgeoning talent (Peterka), and three less impactful pieces (Reichel, Sturm, Grubauer).</p><p>Germany's in Group C with the U.S., Denmark, and Latvia. It has enough juice to finish second behind the Americans and thus earn a quarterfinal berth.</p><h3>Switzerland 🇨🇭</h3><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-RQuGy" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/RQuGy/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="381" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">window.addEventListener("message",function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}});</script></figure><p>With an NHL-caliber top six up front and top four on the back end, Switzerland is much deeper than Germany on paper. The list above doesn't even include ex-NHL forwards Denis Malgin and Sven Andrighetto or veteran goalie Leonardo Genoni, all three of whom are national team stalwarts.</p><p>However, Switzerland's path to medaling could be significantly more difficult than Germany's because Group A also features Canada, Czechia, and France. Its Feb. 15 matchup against Czechia will be particularly huge for both teams.</p><h3>Slovakia 🇸🇰</h3><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-0LvXc" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/0LvXc/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="265" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">window.addEventListener("message",function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}});</script></figure><p>Slovakia fell off as a tertiary hockey power in the 2010s. But it's relevant again following a bronze medal at the 2022 Olympics (caveat: no NHL participation) and the selection of five players in the first rounds of the 2022 and 2023 drafts.</p><p>That core, led by Slafkovsky and Nemec, should blossom into a feisty squad by the 2030 Olympics. This time around, the Slovaks are the third-best team in Group B (Sweden, Finland, Italy) and thus fighting hard for a quarterfinal spot.</p><h3>Denmark 🇩🇰</h3><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-iTtGQ" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/iTtGQ/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="207" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">window.addEventListener("message",function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}});</script></figure><p>It's safe to say Andersen will have to be at his very best between the pipes for the Danes to make any sort of noise. That hasn't been the case for the 36-year-old this season in the NHL, but his body of work over a 13-year career suggests that stealing a game or two isn't beyond the realm of possibility, especially in Group C, which includes fellow underdogs Germany and Latvia.</p><h3>Latvia 🇱🇻</h3><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-fxP9E" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/fxP9E/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="236" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">window.addEventListener("message",function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}});</script></figure><p>Latvia doesn't have an NHL top-six forward, top-four defenseman, or reliable starting goalie. What it does have: a history of pulling off upsets at marquee tournaments. Canadians, in particular, can recall demoralizing losses to the plucky Latvians at the 2021 Worlds and 2025 world juniors.</p><h3>Italy 🇮🇹</h3><p>Italy will be the only nation in the tournament without a player who's suited up for an NHL game this season. The Italians project to be led by promising goalie Damian Clara, a 2023 second-round pick by the Ducks who's currently playing in Sweden. If the raw, 6-foot-6 20-year-old can put it all together for a brief stretch with the energy of the home crowd behind him, maybe Italy can eke out a win against Slovakia, its most gettable opponent in Group B.</p><h3>France 🇫🇷</h3><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-iwJgt" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/iwJgt/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="90" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">window.addEventListener("message",function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}});</script></figure><p>France is battling two extreme forces: its own dearth of talent and very tough competition in Group A. One standings point would be cause for celebration.</p>

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/33603103/related

Who can challenge for Olympic gold? Ranking projected European rosters

More from this series:   Canada 🇨🇦  United States 🇺🇸  European teams 🇪🇺   Olympic hockey is on th...

<p><strong>More from this series:</strong></p><ul>
<li><em><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3408377" href="https://thescore.com/news/3408377">Canada</a> 🇨🇦</em></li>
<li><strong><em>United States 🇺🇸</em></strong></li>
<li><em><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3408398" href="https://thescore.com/news/3408398">European teams</a> 🇪🇺</em></li>
</ul><p>Olympic hockey is on the horizon. The men's tournament is set for Feb. 11-22 in Italy, and final rosters are due in roughly four weeks, on Dec. 31.</p><p>Below is a projection of Team USA's 25-man Olympic roster. We picked players who we believe the United States' brain trust - led by general manager Bill Guerin - will take, not who we would personally select.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Note: Bolded players were named to the team in June.</p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/812297/USA_FORWARDS.jpg?ts=1764701553" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/812297/USA_FORWARDS.jpg?ts=1764701553 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/812297/USA_FORWARDS.jpg?ts=1764701553 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/812297/USA_FORWARDS.jpg?ts=1764701553 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/812297/USA_FORWARDS.jpg?ts=1764701553 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/812297/USA_FORWARDS.jpg?ts=1764701553 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution"></span></figcaption></figure><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-1DUUu" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/1DUUu/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="207" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">window.addEventListener("message",function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}});</script></figure><p><strong>Toughest omissions: </strong>Cole Caufield, Logan Cooley, Cutter Gauthier, Clayton Keller, Shane Pinto<strong> </strong></p><p>Did you really think an overtime loss to Canada in the 4 Nations Face-Off final would completely change Guerin's team-building philosophy? Not a chance.</p><p>The lower half of the U.S.' forward group will be filled mostly with heavier players who can check, which is why we omitted smaller, high-skill players like Caufield, Cooley, and Keller. Robertson, who's 6-foot-3, 204 pounds but doesn't have great speed or tenacity, is one pick we don't feel super confident about. That said, we couldn't deny him a roster spot based on how well he's played for the Stars all year (36 points in 28 games) - and especially of late.</p><p>Thompson and Knies are the only other projected forwards who weren't on the 4 Nations squad. A tantalizing one-time option for the top power-play unit, the 6-foot-6 Thompson's tied for third in goals over the past two seasons.</p><p>It's easy to see why Guerin would be infatuated with Knies, the 6-foot-3, 232-pound Maple Leafs winger who's strong on the puck and crafty in tight quarters. His game should translate well to a depth role on a loaded team, though he could climb the lineup to play with longtime linemate Matthews. </p><p>The Trocheck and Miller picks may raise some eyebrows, but U.S. head coach Mike Sullivan will surely be pounding the table for a right-handed center whom he can count on to win key defensive-zone draws. Pinto received consideration, but we gave Trocheck the edge because of how dependable he's been for Sullivan and the Rangers this season, when healthy. Sullivan gave Miller the "C" in New York, and while it's been a tough year, Team USA's decision-makers value the 33-year-old's competitive fire, toughness, and versatility.</p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/812296/USA_DEFENSEMEN.jpg?ts=1764701550" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/812296/USA_DEFENSEMEN.jpg?ts=1764701550 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/812296/USA_DEFENSEMEN.jpg?ts=1764701550 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/812296/USA_DEFENSEMEN.jpg?ts=1764701550 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/812296/USA_DEFENSEMEN.jpg?ts=1764701550 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/812296/USA_DEFENSEMEN.jpg?ts=1764701550 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution"></span></figcaption></figure><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-DiDWf" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/DiDWf/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="178" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">window.addEventListener("message",function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}});</script></figure><p><strong>Toughest omission: </strong>Jackson LaCombe</p><p>Most spots on the American blue line are spoken for. Hughes and McAvoy are already on the team. Slavin, Faber, Werenski, and Sanderson are virtual locks.</p><p>Fox has bounced back nicely after a down 2024-25 campaign that included a concerning performance at 4 Nations. While the 2021 Norris Trophy winner is battling an injury, and the timeline for his return is a little foggy, we believe Fox's playmaking chops would be hugely beneficial to the U.S.' defense corps.</p><p>The last spot could be filled by several defensemen, including 4 Nations member Noah Hanifin, defensive stalwart Mikey Anderson, or wily vet John Carlson. (Sorry, Lane Hutson fans, you'll have to wait until next Olympics.)</p><p>Realistically, Jones and LaCombe probably have the inside track. LaCombe is undoubtedly one of the NHL's brightest young D-men, but Jones gets the nod because he has the size and championship pedigree Guerin seemingly covets. It doesn't hurt that Jones' right shot balances out the group.</p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/812295/USA_GOALIES.jpg?ts=1764701551" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/812295/USA_GOALIES.jpg?ts=1764701551 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/812295/USA_GOALIES.jpg?ts=1764701551 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/812295/USA_GOALIES.jpg?ts=1764701551 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/812295/USA_GOALIES.jpg?ts=1764701551 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/812295/USA_GOALIES.jpg?ts=1764701551 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution"></span></figcaption></figure><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-VvvG8" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/VvvG8/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="148" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">window.addEventListener("message",function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}});</script></figure><p><strong>Toughest omission: </strong>Spencer Knight</p><p>This trio remains unchanged from 4 Nations.</p><p>Hellebuyck is currently out with a knee injury, but he's projected to return before the Olympics. The reigning Hart Trophy winner will be Team USA's starting goalie - at least to begin the tournament. If he struggles yet again in a big-game setting, anything can happen. The Americans have enviable depth.</p><p>Knight has been lights out for the Blackhawks this season and warrants consideration. However, neither Oettinger nor Swayman have played their way off the roster. Key context: If Guerin was willing to pick Swayman for 4 Nations amid the worst season of his career, it's hard to imagine the GM would leave the Bruins netminder off the Olympic team during a resurgent campaign.</p>

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/33591973/related

Projecting United States' 2026 Olympic men's hockey roster

https://rich-content.thescore.com/authors/john-matisz/content_cards

John Matisz

Senior NHL Writer

https://rich-content.thescore.com/authors/josh-wegman/content_cards