NHL fans have heard Brock Nelson's name plenty of times over the past few weeks as Friday's trade...

NHL fans have heard Brock Nelson's name plenty of times over the past few weeks as Friday's trade deadline approaches.What exactly does Nelson - the consensus top "rental" center on the market - bring to the table? And how might he fit on four playoff-bound teams?Let's dig into it.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><h3>What Nelson offers</h3>Nelson, 33, has spent his entire 12-year career on Long Island.The Islanders, who own a 27-25-7 record and a minus-11 goal differential, are five points back of the Eastern Conference playoff cut line with 23 games remaining heading into Monday night's game against the Rangers. If general manager Lou Lamoriello chooses to keep Nelson - which is possible, since he discussed an extension with Nelson's agent earlier this season - the executive will be making a massive mistake. Nelson is one of the only impactful unrestricted free agents available in a seller's market and thus should command a hefty return package, most likely two premium assets.The high-level view: Nelson is a big, all-situations center. He's recorded 19 goals and 22 assists in 59 games for 0.69 points per game. That's his lowest average since 2020-21, though most of the drop-off can be attributed to a lack of power-play points (one goal, two assists). The 2024-25 Isles have been horrendous with the man advantage, scoring on just 11.5% of opportunities.<figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/772816/cropped_GettyImages-2197160678.jpg?ts=1740778647" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/772816/w220xh124_GettyImages-2197160678.jpg?ts=1740778647 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/772816/w320xh180_GettyImages-2197160678.jpg?ts=1740778647 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/772816/w640xh360_GettyImages-2197160678.jpg?ts=1740778647 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/772816/w768xh432_GettyImages-2197160678.jpg?ts=1740778647 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/772816/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2197160678.jpg?ts=1740778647 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Icon Sportswire / Getty Images</figcaption></figure>The zoomed-in view suggests Nelson is a complete player with few weaknesses.Nelson creates offense at a very high rate. He's deceptively fast (especially at 6-foot-4 and 205 pounds) and uses those wheels to consistently enter the offensive zone with possession and generate scoring chances off the rush. Nelson loves to occupy net-front real estate and produces a ton of inner-slot shots and deflections. He's also an unselfish playmaker who rarely overhandles the puck or makes himself vulnerable to turnovers.The table below provides a snapshot of Nelson's offensive capabilities.<figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="Brock Nelson mania" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-4OsQM" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/4OsQM/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="313" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",(function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r=0;r<e.length;r++)if(e[r].contentWindow===a.source){var i=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";e[r].style.height=i}}}))}();
</script></figure>Nelson is also reliable in the faceoff circle, winning a career-high 52.8% of his draws this season. He doesn't get credited with many body checks or blocked shots, but he's by no means soft. Among eligible forwards, Nelson's in the 94th percentile this season in loose-puck recoveries per game, 95th in puck-battle wins per game, 97th in blocked passes per game, and 98th in stick checks per game. Translation: Nelson operates a truly elite defensive stick.Check out Nelson's puck pursuit on a PK shift over the weekend:<figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/B2VKlM8wNyo?si=JBNAhYuqjBIcLc3m&amp;start=232&amp;end=285" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></figure><h3>Intriguing trade destinations</h3><div> </div>New Jersey Devils: There might not be a playoff-bound team more desperate for an upgrade at center. The talent gap between Jack Hughes/Nico Hischier and Erik Haula/Curtis Lazar is far too wide - plus, Hughes was hurt Sunday.Nelson's contract includes a 16-team no-trade list, so he controls part of the process. On paper, New Jersey could be a desirable landing spot - a quality squad located near Long Island with enough future cap room for an extension. Nelson wouldn't have to uproot his wife and four kids in the event of a trade.To make the financials work this season, New Jersey could dangle Ondrej Palat and his $6-million cap hit through 2026-27. That said, New York would probably view Palat's inclusion as a reason to ask for an even better package.The Devils have done a fantastic job drafting and developing defensemen. Luke Hughes, Simon Nemec, Anton Silayev, and Seamus Casey are all 21 or younger. A Nelson package could be centered around Casey and a high pick.<figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/773252/cropped_GettyImages-2182126622.jpg?ts=1741029887" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/773252/w220xh124_GettyImages-2182126622.jpg?ts=1741029887 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/773252/w320xh180_GettyImages-2182126622.jpg?ts=1741029887 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/773252/w640xh360_GettyImages-2182126622.jpg?ts=1741029887 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/773252/w768xh432_GettyImages-2182126622.jpg?ts=1741029887 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/773252/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2182126622.jpg?ts=1741029887 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Darcy Finley / Getty Images</figcaption></figure>Winnipeg Jets: First-line center? Check. Third-line center? Check. Fourth-line center? Check.In Mark Scheifele, Adam Lowry, and Vladislav Namestnikov, the Jets have three pivots who fit perfectly on a Stanley Cup contender depth chart. The missing piece, of course, is a second-line center. Winnipeg GM Kevin Cheveldayoff has plenty to offer Lamoriello, starting with the club's 2025 first-round pick and recent top-30 selections Colby Barlow and Brad Lambert.Geography is on Cheveldayoff's side: Nelson is from Warroad, Minnesota, which is 130 miles southeast of Winnipeg. The Jets typically strike out in free agency but do well at retaining core pieces. If Nelson enjoys his time in Winnipeg, which might include a deep playoff run, the cap situation is healthy enough to absorb his extension. Don't sleep on the possibility of the Jets going all-in.Toronto Maple Leafs: It's no secret the Leafs are shopping for a center to slot in behind Auston Matthews and John Tavares. It's also no secret that this is a crossroads year; playoff failures are piling up, Tavares and winger Mitch Marner are on expiring contracts, and the conference is relatively open.Toronto has never claimed the Atlantic Division's top seed in the Matthews era. Adding Nelson to the middle six would increase the Leafs' odds of finally doing it. Nelson could bump current third-line center Max Domi to the wing where he belongs. Or coach Craig Berube could double down on the top six and place Nelson on Tavares' left wing to form a Nelson-Tavares-William Nylander super line.While a Nelson deal would require retention or money coming off Toronto's books, general manager Brad Treliving has the goods to make a splash. Top assets include Florida's second-rounder this year, Toronto's first-rounder in 2026, and well-regarded prospects Easton Cowan and Fraser Minten.Colorado Avalanche: The Avalanche have been retooling midseason. The goalie tandem has turned over, Martin Necas and Jack Drury are in for the departed Mikko Rantanen, and Ryan Lindgren is now on the third defense pair. The main theme is surrounding superstars Nathan MacKinnon and Cale Makar with better depth.Nelson would look phenomenal in coach Jared Bednar's up-tempo system, while current second-line center Casey Mittelstadt jumps off the page as an appealing trade chip. It hasn't worked out for Mittelstadt in Colorado, yet he's a 26-year-old playmaking center under contract through 2026-27 at $5.75 million annually. There's a world in which he pops as a third-liner on another club.The Avs have limited cap space, and captain Gabriel Landeskog might return to the lineup ahead of the playoffs. Still, the Nelson fit is extremely intriguing.John Matisz is theScore's senior NHL writer. Follow John on Twitter (<a href="https://twitter.com/MatiszJohn">@MatiszJohn</a>) or contact him via email (john.matisz@thescore.com).

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How a Brock Nelson trade could boost 4 playoff-bound teams

Seth Jones got his wish.  Less than two weeks after talking publicly about wanting to play for a ...

Seth Jones got his wish.Less than two weeks after <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3221533" href="https://thescore.com/news/3221533">talking publicly</a> about wanting to play for a contender, Jones is off to Florida. The Panthers acquired the 6-foot-4, 213-pound defenseman Saturday in a <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3225750" href="https://thescore.com/news/3225750">four-piece trade</a> with the Blackhawks.Florida receives Jones and a 2026 fourth-round draft pick from Chicago in exchange for goalie Spencer Knight and a first-rounder in either 2026 or 2027.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>The Blackhawks are retaining 26.3% of Jones' salary to drop the annual cap hit from $9.5 million to $7 million. His deal runs through the 2029-30 season.<h3>Florida Panthers</h3>Important context off the top: the Panthers have no interest in being cautious. Not at this point in franchise history as the reigning Stanley Cup champion and a team with a legitimate chance to make a third consecutive Cup Final. Florida is the definition of a win-now team, and this is definitely a win-now move.It's splashy and a tad crazy. Jones, 30, is under contract for five seasons after this one, and Knight and the first-rounder count as high-end assets.<figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/773007/cropped_GettyImages-2191968999.jpg?ts=1740889972" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/773007/w220xh124_GettyImages-2191968999.jpg?ts=1740889972 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/773007/w320xh180_GettyImages-2191968999.jpg?ts=1740889972 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/773007/w640xh360_GettyImages-2191968999.jpg?ts=1740889972 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/773007/w768xh432_GettyImages-2191968999.jpg?ts=1740889972 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/773007/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2191968999.jpg?ts=1740889972 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Michael Reaves / Getty Images</figcaption></figure>Bringing in Jones is also an undeniably savvy move in the short term.Jones completes the blue line, filling the top-four hole left by Brandon Montour's offseason departure. Coach Paul Maurice can now trot out lefty Gustav Forsling with righty Aaron Ekblad and lefty Niko Mikkola with righty Jones. That's an extremely large (three guys 6-foot-4 or taller), mobile, and experienced group that can handle a massive workload. (The Nate Schmidt-Dmitry Kulikov third pair will be lucky to log 10 minutes a night in the playoffs.)Jones immediately upgrades both special teams. He leads all NHL defensemen this season in points per 60 minutes on the power play. A capable distributor and shooter from the point, Jones is a better option for the four-forward first unit than Ekblad, though Maurice might see it differently. At worst, Jones can star on PP2, help the penalty kill, and provide offensive pop at even strength (Jones is tied for 18th in total points per game among D-men).Jones puts pucks onto forwards' sticks. Transition play has been the 2013 fourth-overall pick's bread and butter over the years - although, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3227763" href="https://thescore.com/news/3227763">as I mentioned</a> earlier this week, he's taken a slight step back in that department in 2024-25. Maybe the concerns about Jones' skating will be muted in Florida, with the environment he's playing in improving drastically overnight. He can blend in easier as the No. 2 defenseman versus No. 1 guy in Chicago.<figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/773006/cropped_GettyImages-2156520123.jpg?ts=1740889831" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/773006/w220xh124_GettyImages-2156520123.jpg?ts=1740889831 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/773006/w320xh180_GettyImages-2156520123.jpg?ts=1740889831 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/773006/w640xh360_GettyImages-2156520123.jpg?ts=1740889831 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/773006/w768xh432_GettyImages-2156520123.jpg?ts=1740889831 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/773006/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2156520123.jpg?ts=1740889831 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Dave Sandford / Getty Images</figcaption></figure>Jones is undeniably a huge winner here. He expressed a desire to be elsewhere and the Blackhawks finalized a deal pretty quickly despite the onerous contract. Jones, who knows Panthers general manager Bill Zito from overlapping time in Columbus, is now on his fourth team in 13 NHL seasons. He's played just 37 playoff games, never advancing past the second round.Before the Jones trade, it's possible one or both of the Panthers' high-profile pending unrestricted free agents - Ekblad and power forward Sam Bennett - were headed for another club this summer. Tossing a long-term deal onto the books (even at that reduced cap hit) further complicates matters.More pressingly, what's the plan at backup goalie? There's no way the Panthers enter the playoffs with a Sergei Bobrovsky-Chris Driedger tandem, right? Surely, Zito's working the phones to acquire a better second-stringer.Florida owns just one pick in the first three rounds of the next two drafts. It would be a little crazy if Zito traded that 2026 second over the next week. But crazy's a good vibe right now for the club. The Panthers haven't looked their best for stretches of the regular season yet find themselves atop the Atlantic Division with 20 games left. The Eastern Conference is wide open.Grade: A-<h3>Chicago Blackhawks</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/773018/cropped_GettyImages-1238858971.jpg?ts=1740915250" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/773018/w220xh124_GettyImages-1238858971.jpg?ts=1740915250 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/773018/w320xh180_GettyImages-1238858971.jpg?ts=1740915250 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/773018/w640xh360_GettyImages-1238858971.jpg?ts=1740915250 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/773018/w768xh432_GettyImages-1238858971.jpg?ts=1740915250 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/773018/w1080xh607_GettyImages-1238858971.jpg?ts=1740915250 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Chase Agnello-Dean / Getty Images</figcaption></figure>This deal accomplishes three things for the Blackhawks.It rids the team of a veteran who no longer wanted to be part of their program. It brings in a hungry young goalie who has more upside than any other goalie in the organization. And it ups Chicago's first-rounder tally to four over the next two drafts (or a whopping 12 over a five-year stretch from 2022-26).Factoring in Jones' messy contract situation (hefty cap hit, lengthy term, no-move clause), general manager Kyle Davidson made out well. It's a relatively fair deal for both teams - though the Chicago-bound assets are less concrete.The pick, which will be in the back half of the opening round, isn't guaranteed to turn into an NHLer, let alone an impact one. If I were Davidson, I'd weaponize two to three of the upcoming firsts to acquire young NHLers. Trading Jones makes the Blackhawks worse in the moment (hoo boy, that blue line stinks) and, let's face it, cornerstone Connor Bedard won't tolerate losing forever.<figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/773016/cropped_GettyImages-2199127495.jpg?ts=1740915036" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/773016/w220xh124_GettyImages-2199127495.jpg?ts=1740915036 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/773016/w320xh180_GettyImages-2199127495.jpg?ts=1740915036 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/773016/w640xh360_GettyImages-2199127495.jpg?ts=1740915036 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/773016/w768xh432_GettyImages-2199127495.jpg?ts=1740915036 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/773016/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2199127495.jpg?ts=1740915036 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Dilip Vishwanat / Getty Images</figcaption></figure>Knight, meanwhile, has fantastic pedigree as a 2019 first-rounder who's performed well at the NCAA, AHL, and NHL levels. The smart, athletic, technically sound 23-year-old has earned a quality start in 11 of 21 starts this season, posting a solid .907 save percentage in the process.The problem with a package based around a young goalie is the wide range of outcomes. Trajectories, even for promising ones, are extremely difficult to predict relative to forwards and defensemen. It wouldn't be overly surprising if Knight blossomed into a longtime starter or if he tapped out as an OK backup.The Blackhawks' three retention slots are now filled (Jake McCabe, Mikko Rantanen and Jones), so they're unable to play third-party broker during deadline week. Still, retaining $2.5 million versus $4.75 million (50%) on Jones is a win.Grade: B+John Matisz is theScore's senior NHL writer. Follow John on Twitter (<a href="https://twitter.com/MatiszJohn">@MatiszJohn</a>) or contact him via email (john.matisz@thescore.com).

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/30452229/related

Trade grades: Panthers score vital piece in Jones; Hawks get options

Welcome to the fourth edition of NHL Inbox, a monthly forum in which readers can ask me anything ...

Welcome to the fourth edition of NHL Inbox, a monthly forum in which readers can ask me anything hockey-related and I try my best to deliver an insightful answer. Thanks to the hundreds of people who've submitted a question thus far.Note: The questions below have been lightly edited for clarity and brevity.<figure class="article-segment--embed"><center>                    </center></figure><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/772638/cropped_GettyImages-2197818520.jpg?ts=1740692230" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/772638/w220xh124_GettyImages-2197818520.jpg?ts=1740692230 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/772638/w320xh180_GettyImages-2197818520.jpg?ts=1740692230 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/772638/w640xh360_GettyImages-2197818520.jpg?ts=1740692230 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/772638/w768xh432_GettyImages-2197818520.jpg?ts=1740692230 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/772638/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2197818520.jpg?ts=1740692230 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Leah Hennel / Getty Images</figcaption></figure>Chris G. asks: I'll start by admitting I'm a huge Flames fan. Why isn't Dustin Wolf getting more Calder Trophy love? Most experts thought Calgary would be a bottom-five team. Wolf has singlehandedly kept us out of that conversation and into the wild-card race. Yes, Macklin Celebrini and others are having great seasons, but has any rookie been more valuable to their team than Wolf? <div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Wolf's Calder case is compelling: 20 wins in 35 starts for an upstart club. He ranks 10th in save percentage (.913) and 18th in goals saved above expected per 60 minutes (0.33) among 50 goalies with 20-plus games.It's totally fair to say no rookie has been more valuable to his team than Wolf.Goalies traditionally get overlooked in the early stages of the Calder debate due to a lighter workload than skaters, and the fact that voters can't take their eyes off the shiny new offensive creator. Wolf, 23, and partner Dan Vladar split crease time down the middle in the first half, while top pick Celebrini, hockey savant Matvei Michkov, and transition king Lane Hutson filled highlight reels.Another factor: The Calder is officially awarded to the "most proficient" rookie. In other words, it honors the best rookie, not necessarily the most valuable.With roughly 25 games left, Wolf and Celebrini are in the top tier. Celebrini boasts an extremely advanced skill set for an 18-year-old and leads all rookies in goals and points per game. He's currently the Sharks' No. 1 center.Fair or not, some voters consider team performance. The narrative will be on Wolf's side if the Flames sneak into the playoffs and he sits at around 50 appearances. Of course, Celebrini could counter by popping off offensively.Steve Mason was the last netminder to claim the Calder in 2008-09.<figure class="article-segment--embed"><center>                    </center></figure><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/772765/cropped_GettyImages-2202490622.jpg?ts=1740756516" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/772765/w220xh124_GettyImages-2202490622.jpg?ts=1740756516 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/772765/w320xh180_GettyImages-2202490622.jpg?ts=1740756516 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/772765/w640xh360_GettyImages-2202490622.jpg?ts=1740756516 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/772765/w768xh432_GettyImages-2202490622.jpg?ts=1740756516 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/772765/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2202490622.jpg?ts=1740756516 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Patrick Smith / Getty Images</figcaption></figure>633788perfect asks: Ovi goal chase: What do you think about all of Alex Ovechkin's empty-netters? I don't think he has that many more than Wayne Gretzky. Do you think he should be discredited for having so many on the power play? If Ovi played in Gretz's era, or if Gretz played now, do you think Ovi would have the record by now based on things like the size of goalie pads? Overall, taking everything into account, who is the better goal-scorer?Despite all the fuss over Ovechkin's seven empty-net goals in 43 games this season, the Russian has just nine more than Gretzky in total (64-55).No, I don't think Ovechkin should be discredited for scoring so many of his goals on the power play (320 to Gretzky's 213). For one, a goal is a goal regardless of the game situation, and scoring is arguably the hardest thing to do in hockey. Also, Ovechkin's power-play prowess speaks to his playing style, especially late in his career.Young Ovechkin was an incredibly fast, remarkably physical sniper. It felt inevitable he'd will a puck past the goal line every game. Old Ovechkin is a slower, less physical player. He's leveraging hockey IQ to rack up goals as he approaches his 40th birthday.The goal totals would be tight if Ovechkin and Gretzky played in the same era, though I think Ovechkin would be slightly ahead. His sole objective on the ice is to score, whereas Gretzky became the all-time leader in goals almost by accident. Gretzky, with his one-of-a-kind vision, was a playmaker first, a goal-scorer second. He thought the game way better than any of his peers.Put simply, Ovechkin is the purer goal-scorer, while Gretzky is a significantly better player overall.<figure class="article-segment--embed"><center>                    </center></figure><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/772617/cropped_GettyImages-2200689168.jpg?ts=1740681825" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/772617/w220xh124_GettyImages-2200689168.jpg?ts=1740681825 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/772617/w320xh180_GettyImages-2200689168.jpg?ts=1740681825 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/772617/w640xh360_GettyImages-2200689168.jpg?ts=1740681825 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/772617/w768xh432_GettyImages-2200689168.jpg?ts=1740681825 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/772617/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2200689168.jpg?ts=1740681825 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Kirk Irwin / Getty Images</figcaption></figure>therealcowtown asks: Is Seth Jones as good a player as I think he is, and will he be a bargain as the salary cap rises? Also, what kind of return do you think the Blackhawks would get for him if they do trade him? Jones seems to be underrated by the stats-obsessed, new-school crowd and overrated by the eye-test-loving, old-school crowd. The truth is somewhere in the middle: the 30-year-old would plug in nicely as the No. 2 or No. 3 defenseman on a Stanley Cup-contending team, not the No. 1 guy he's been for four years on the rebuilding Blackhawks."He'd be an awesome guy to have in your top four," said someone working in a rival front office. "But he's slowed down a lot with his injury and isn't a true offensive D-man."Jones logs a team-high 24:30 a night and has racked up 27 points in 42 games this season. However, his trademark transition game has sagged a bit, with his skating speed, zone-entry, and zone-exit numbers all down on a per-game basis. The slight step back could be related to different factors: a November foot injury that sidelined him for a month, trying to do too much on a poor team, or aging quickly as a 6-foot-4 blue-liner. It may be a mix of all three.Whatever the case, Jones has <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3221533" href="https://thescore.com/news/3221533">talked publicly</a> about wanting to move on, which is much easier said than done. Jones makes $9.5 million annually through 2029-2030, and his no-move clause gives him control over the process.The Blackhawks would likely have to retain salary, and keeping 50% is no small amount even with the cap rising. Involving a third team would help divvy up the retention. But those types of deals are difficult to assemble in a crunch.It feels like a Jones trade is better suited for draft weekend.The return is almost impossible to predict given the circumstances. But if I'm Chicago, I'm not looking at this as a get-out-of-jail-free card. General manager Kyle Davidson doesn't have to do anything. The Blackhawks need to ice a competitive lineup sooner rather than later, and trading Jones immediately creates another hole on the roster.<figure class="article-segment--embed"><center>                    </center></figure><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/772495/cropped_GettyImages-2150385904.jpg?ts=1740610865" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/772495/w220xh124_GettyImages-2150385904.jpg?ts=1740610865 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/772495/w320xh180_GettyImages-2150385904.jpg?ts=1740610865 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/772495/w640xh360_GettyImages-2150385904.jpg?ts=1740610865 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/772495/w768xh432_GettyImages-2150385904.jpg?ts=1740610865 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/772495/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2150385904.jpg?ts=1740610865 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Jeff Haynes / Getty Images</figcaption></figure>Ben V asks: I'd like to hear a detailed explanation of why Milwaukee is never on short lists of potential NHL expansion/relocation sites. I've heard rumblings the Blackhawks own some sort of proximity clause that limits Milwaukee from getting a team. If true, it must have an expiration date. I doubt the NHL would give out such an absolute to one owner. If there isn't a clause, why not Milwaukee? They have a state-of-the-art arena. Wisconsin is a huge hockey hotbed; attendance would not be an issue. Instant rivalries with Chicago and Minnesota. There doesn't seem to be a whole lot of cons. What am I missing?Future expansion is by far the most popular topic among submitted questions.Fans clearly want to know if the buzz about the NHL potentially growing to 34 teams is substantive. The short answer: yes. By all accounts, it's a matter of when, not if, the league expands. Personally, I'd label Houston, Atlanta, and Phoenix the front-runners, though New Orleans is an <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3221386" href="https://thescore.com/news/3221386">intriguing new option</a>.<figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="Milwaukee expansion map" aria-label="Locator map" id="datawrapper-chart-X3C6f" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/X3C6f/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="487" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",(function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r=0;r<e.length;r++)if(e[r].contentWindow===a.source){var i=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";e[r].style.height=i}}}))}();
</script></figure>So why not Milwaukee? The chief criterion would be a group with an interest in making a bid."While there was some interest expressed at earlier points in time about the potential of owning a franchise in Milwaukee, there has been no interest expressed in Milwaukee in the relatively recent past," NHL deputy commissioner Bill Daly told theScore in an email earlier this week.Ben's points about the ready-made fan base, relatively new arena, and geographical rivalries are accurate. First and foremost, though, the city needs a prospective ownership group with deep pockets, a good reputation, and league-wide utility. The NHL wouldn't be in Salt Lake City if Utah owner Ryan Smith didn't check those boxes; he's a billionaire embedded in the tech industry who's established a track record as owner of the NBA's Utah Jazz and other teams.Gary Bettman's NHL has prioritized non-traditional markets (Nashville, for instance), novelty (a Big Four sports team in Las Vegas!?), and large TV markets (Phoenix). Milwaukee profiles similar to Quebec City but without any NHL history - established hockey market, solid arena. Milwaukee's regional population is similar to Raleigh, where the Carolina Hurricanes reside.That said, Daly noted Milwaukee's place on the map isn't a major issue."There is no currently effective 'proximity clause' that has ever been given or granted to any NHL franchise," he said when asked about the idea of a Milwaukee club infringing on the Blackhawks' regional territory. New York has three teams in close proximity and Los Angeles has two. <figure class="article-segment--embed"><center>                    </center></figure><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/772628/cropped_GettyImages-2201061075.jpg?ts=1740687188" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/772628/w220xh124_GettyImages-2201061075.jpg?ts=1740687188 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/772628/w320xh180_GettyImages-2201061075.jpg?ts=1740687188 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/772628/w640xh360_GettyImages-2201061075.jpg?ts=1740687188 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/772628/w768xh432_GettyImages-2201061075.jpg?ts=1740687188 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/772628/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2201061075.jpg?ts=1740687188 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Icon Sportswire / Getty Images</figcaption></figure>Brian H. asks: Do coaches keep track of why their players get thrown out of the faceoff dot? Seems to me that if teams and coaches knew why it was happening then they could work on changing whatever's wrong midgame.I ran this question past an assistant coach who handles the forwards - and, by extension, faceoffs - for his NHL team. He said he's pretty hands-off during the game. A vibe develops, and players naturally adjust to the standard set by the linesmen that night.The coach then went on a rant about how linesmen have become increasingly strict over the past few years. Faceoff violations are "black and white" in 2025. It's gotten to a point, he said, where wingers are spending valuable practice time working on draws because they're forced to fill in for centers so often."I understand they want to make it fair and call faceoffs by the book, but it's gone too far, in my opinion," the coach said. "There's enough delays in the game as is. We don't need more. There's got to be a happy medium."I found myself nodding along as the coach explained the trend. It does seem like centers are being thrown out of a high percentage of draws these days.The NHL evaluates its on-ice officials throughout the regular season. Only the top performers work playoff games. This dynamic, the coach theorized, has led to linesmen putting an unnecessarily heavy emphasis on faceoff etiquette. Sure, kick out the worst offenders. But let's not nitpick every single little detail.<figure class="article-segment--embed"><center>                    </center></figure><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/772757/cropped_GettyImages-910807706.jpg?ts=1740754020" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/772757/w220xh124_GettyImages-910807706.jpg?ts=1740754020 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/772757/w320xh180_GettyImages-910807706.jpg?ts=1740754020 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/772757/w640xh360_GettyImages-910807706.jpg?ts=1740754020 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/772757/w768xh432_GettyImages-910807706.jpg?ts=1740754020 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/772757/w1080xh607_GettyImages-910807706.jpg?ts=1740754020 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Jeff Vinnick / Getty Images</figcaption></figure>CheeseMan40 asks: Why do some owners, who seem to have limited knowledge of running teams, like to have so much involvement? These owners usually end up hindering the team for many years by trying to make silly moves that make a team capable of drawing in a crowd but not winning much.Sports team owners dominated at least one business sector on their way to becoming fabulously rich. Most get so used to being the smartest person in boardrooms that being the dumbest one in a room full of hockey people is a shock to the system. Some will respond by trying to micromanage decisions big and small.I've always believed an owner can do whatever he or she wants with his team; they pay the bills. But the cons outweigh the pros in micromanaging.The smart owners instead hire the right executives and let them cook. Does that mean he or she can't sit in on scouting meetings? No. But the owner should be listening more, talking less. There's a fine balance to strike between being completely invisible to your staff and being overwhelmingly hands-on.<a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3053433" href="https://thescore.com/news/3053433">Outgoing</a> Lightning owner Jeff Vinik, who's often cited as one of the NHL's best owners, seems to have mastered this approach. He doesn't meddle in the day-to-day, yet he's around enough to interact with staff, players, fans, and community leaders. Tampa Bay is a well-run club, and it starts at the top.<figure class="article-segment--embed"><center>                    </center></figure>What do you want to know, hockey fans?There are three ways to submit a question for future editions of NHL Inbox:<ul>
<li>Comment on this article in theScore mobile app</li>
<li>Email senior NHL writer John Matisz at <a href="mailto:john.matisz@theScore.com">john.matisz@thescore.com</a>
</li>
<li>Shoot John a message on Twitter/X (<a href="https://x.com/MatiszJohn">@matiszjohn</a>)</li>
</ul>

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NHL Inbox: Discrediting Ovi? Wolf for Calder? Milwaukee expansion?

"Rental" becomes one of the most used words in hockey around this time every season. The spotligh...

"Rental" becomes one of the most used words in hockey around this time every season. The spotlight shines bright on pending unrestricted free agents - and rightfully so, seeing as UFAs drive trade activity ahead of the deadline.But what about the other, typically younger guys moving midseason? We're talking about "change of scenery" trades, like the Jan. 30 deal between the Flyers and Flames. Forwards Morgan Frost and Joel Farabee, 25 and 24, weren't part of Philadelphia's long-term plan, so the club shipped them to Calgary.Let's check in on seven NHLers who could use a change of scenery ahead of the March 7 deadline. (Note: we skipped Elias Pettersson and Seth Jones since both cases are very public and have been discussed ad nauseam.)<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><h3>Dylan Cozens, Sabres</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/771336/cropped_GettyImages-2190562201.jpg?ts=1740062786" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/771336/w220xh124_GettyImages-2190562201.jpg?ts=1740062786 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/771336/w320xh180_GettyImages-2190562201.jpg?ts=1740062786 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/771336/w640xh360_GettyImages-2190562201.jpg?ts=1740062786 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/771336/w768xh432_GettyImages-2190562201.jpg?ts=1740062786 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/771336/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2190562201.jpg?ts=1740062786 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Minas Panagiotakis / Getty Images</figcaption></figure>The Cozens situation checks many of the classic change-of-scenery boxes.The player and team are underperforming for a second straight season. The front office is under fire locally (coming up on 14 seasons of no playoffs in Buffalo!) and must be, at the very least, considering a major shakeup to the roster. Multiple reports have surfaced regarding several clubs inquiring about the player, and each team surely believes Cozens would excel in a new environment.Ultimately, the Sabres are weighing the risk and reward of moving a two-way center who put up 31 goals and 68 points as a 21-year-old. Cozens may not be confident or productive right now, but there's a difference-maker in there.The 24-year-old nicknamed the "Workhorse from Whitehorse" is locked in at $7.1 million per year through 2029-30 - in other words, his entire prime. In a rising cap world, that AAV will soon be peanuts if he can regain his form.Sabres general manager Kevyn Adams is likely selling low here. Yet, desperate times call for desperate measures.<h3>Lawson Crouse, Utah</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/771992/cropped_GettyImages-2194469327.jpg?ts=1740346833" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/771992/w220xh124_GettyImages-2194469327.jpg?ts=1740346833 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/771992/w320xh180_GettyImages-2194469327.jpg?ts=1740346833 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/771992/w640xh360_GettyImages-2194469327.jpg?ts=1740346833 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/771992/w768xh432_GettyImages-2194469327.jpg?ts=1740346833 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/771992/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2194469327.jpg?ts=1740346833 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Icon Sportswire / Getty Images</figcaption></figure>Crouse has missed one game this season - a healthy scratch on Feb. 4.One sitting doesn't necessarily mean the player's permanently in the coach's doghouse, even if said player is the club's associate captain. Yet, Crouse's scratch signaled to the league that not everything is going according to plan.Crouse, 27, is on pace for only 17 points in 81 games after back-to-back 40-point campaigns. While the 6-foot-4 power forward contributes in other ways through physicality and responsible two-way play, the lack of offense is concerning. Utah GM Bill Armstrong is motivated to build a sustainable winner. And unlike in the cash-poor Arizona era, Armstrong has a green light to be proactive in the trade market. Crouse is a serviceable NHLer, but you have to give to get in needle-moving deals. His team-friendly contract ($4.3 million through 2026-27) would make him highly desirable to a specific demographic of teams.Winnipeg and Buffalo both struggle to attract talent in free agency and need middle-six help. The Jets, who sit atop the Western Conference, are motivated to add in the lead-up to the deadline. Could Crouse be the missing piece to Winnipeg's forward group? Or does a club like the Sabres swoop in?Crouse already has a scenery change on the resume. The Panthers sent him to the Coyotes in August 2016, just 14 months after picking him 11th overall.<h3>Max Domi, Maple Leafs</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/771452/cropped_GettyImages-2191994711.jpg?ts=1740062896" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/771452/w220xh124_GettyImages-2191994711.jpg?ts=1740062896 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/771452/w320xh180_GettyImages-2191994711.jpg?ts=1740062896 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/771452/w640xh360_GettyImages-2191994711.jpg?ts=1740062896 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/771452/w768xh432_GettyImages-2191994711.jpg?ts=1740062896 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/771452/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2191994711.jpg?ts=1740062896 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Kevin Sousa / NHL / Getty Images</figcaption></figure>Teammate Nick Robertson's stagnant production and discontent with the Maple Leafs has been widely chronicled. Domi, who's underwhelmed in a middle-six role, is a sneaky relocation candidate.Once a 28-goal man, Domi lost his scoring touch somewhere en route to Toronto, where he signed in 2023. He has 12 goals in 129 Leafs appearances. He endured goal droughts that lasted more than 20 games this season on both sides of a random December hot streak. He's also taken the most penalties and owns the worst penalty differential among Toronto forwards for the second straight year.The aging agitator became a journeyman long before his 30th birthday, which he'll celebrate next Sunday. Domi's cycled through seven teams in 10 NHL seasons and has been involved in four trades, including at the deadline in 2022 and 2023.Domi's four-year contract extension, signed on the eve of free agency last summer, carries a $3.75-million cap hit and a 13-team no-trade list. Cutting bait is a worthwhile option to explore. Maybe Toronto could send Domi with a sweetener to a bubble or rebuilding club that values his playmaking ability and wealth of experience.<h3>Erik Karlsson, Penguins</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/771453/cropped_GettyImages-2197160093.jpg?ts=1740062976" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/771453/w220xh124_GettyImages-2197160093.jpg?ts=1740062976 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/771453/w320xh180_GettyImages-2197160093.jpg?ts=1740062976 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/771453/w640xh360_GettyImages-2197160093.jpg?ts=1740062976 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/771453/w768xh432_GettyImages-2197160093.jpg?ts=1740062976 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/771453/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2197160093.jpg?ts=1740062976 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Jamie Sabau / NHL / Getty Images</figcaption></figure>Pittsburgh is precariously close to the Eastern Conference basement and owes Karlsson $10 million annually through 2027. He needs to be in the playoff mix to justify his price tag. Karlsson's composure and silkiness with the puck help him conjure offense in the rough-and-tumble postseason while less creative players struggle to elude checks.That's never been a problem for Karlsson. He scored off the rush and added two primary assists during Sweden's futile yet gripping run at the 4 Nations Face-Off. He was the lone backpedaling defenseman on the ice for two overtime goals against, but overall, he seemed rejuvenated by the competition level and intense atmosphere.Unlike Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, and Kris Letang, Karlsson doesn't have deep ties or unyielding loyalty to Pittsburgh. He's never played in a Stanley Cup Final. Even at 34, big games are more fun when he's involved.There's one hang-up: Acquiring Karlsson would be expensive. The Penguins and a trade partner can't loop in an additional club to assume some of his current cap hit. A maximum of three teams can pay a share of one contract, and the Sharks retained some of Karlsson's salary when they moved him in 2023 following his third Norris Trophy season.<h3>Casey Mittelstadt, Avalanche</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/771455/cropped_GettyImages-2192464041.jpg?ts=1740063088" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/771455/w220xh124_GettyImages-2192464041.jpg?ts=1740063088 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/771455/w320xh180_GettyImages-2192464041.jpg?ts=1740063088 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/771455/w640xh360_GettyImages-2192464041.jpg?ts=1740063088 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/771455/w768xh432_GettyImages-2192464041.jpg?ts=1740063088 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/771455/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2192464041.jpg?ts=1740063088 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Matthew Stockman / Getty Images</figcaption></figure>Last year's Mittelstadt-for-Bowen Byram thunderclap got hockey sickos excited. The rare one-for-one swap materialized without warning when teams dealt from a position of strength - Colorado had a glut of puck-moving defensemen, and Buffalo had promising forwards - to fill an important need.The 26-year-old Mittelstadt hasn't bombed as Colorado's second-line center. He's producing at a 44-point pace for a playoff lock. Yet he's miscast as a key reinforcement for NHL scoring leader Nathan MacKinnon, who continues to be overworked.Mittelstadt's passing is an asset, but he's bad at faceoffs (42% win rate), has been a defensive drag, and doesn't kill penalties or challenge goalies. Opponents held him to two goals on 33 shots in his past 40 games. The Avalanche's share of high-danger scoring chances in his five-on-five shifts has plummeted to 42% from 55% last season following the Byram trade, per Natural Stat Trick.Other Western Conference heavyweights ice strong center duos. The Oilers boast Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl. The Stars have Matt Duchene and Roope Hintz. William Karlsson of the Golden Knights complements Jack Eichel. Colorado needs an upgrade, and paradoxically, Mittelstadt might benefit from joining a less talented or more balanced forward corps that doesn't force him to follow MacKinnon over the boards.<h3>Vladimir Tarasenko, Red Wings</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/771461/cropped_GettyImages-2186580362.jpg?ts=1740063645" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/771461/w220xh124_GettyImages-2186580362.jpg?ts=1740063645 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/771461/w320xh180_GettyImages-2186580362.jpg?ts=1740063645 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/771461/w640xh360_GettyImages-2186580362.jpg?ts=1740063645 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/771461/w768xh432_GettyImages-2186580362.jpg?ts=1740063645 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/771461/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2186580362.jpg?ts=1740063645 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Mike Mulholland / Getty Images</figcaption></figure>Tarasenko, a longtime Blues cornerstone, jumped ship to the Rangers as a rental in 2023. He went on to sign with the Senators, orchestrated a deadline trade to the juggernaut Panthers, celebrated his second Stanley Cup win, and inked a two-year contract with Detroit to continue touring the Atlantic Division.The fit has been clunky. Tarasenko's a sporadic scorer in the middle of a top-heavy lineup. Through 55 games, his seven goals are 10 fewer than he buried for the listless 2023-24 Senators in a similar time frame.Tarasenko entered the 4 Nations break as Detroit's eighth-leading point producer over the previous 20 games. The Red Wings caught fire in the span, tallying a league-best .775 points percentage to surge into the playoff picture. Head coach Todd McLellan, the architect of the turnaround, can afford to allot Tarasenko's minutes to younger wingers.The Russian veteran would need to waive his no-trade clause for a third straight year to be dealt. Maybe he'd reunite with Florida or approve a move to another contender that can absorb his $4.75-million cap hit and protect him on defense. Tarasenko scored big goals during the '24 Cup run - including a series winner against the Rangers - as the designated sniper on a lionhearted third line with Anton Lundell and Eetu Luostarinen.<h3>Trevor Zegras, Ducks</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/771459/cropped_GettyImages-2185658847.jpg?ts=1740063298" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/771459/w220xh124_GettyImages-2185658847.jpg?ts=1740063298 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/771459/w320xh180_GettyImages-2185658847.jpg?ts=1740063298 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/771459/w640xh360_GettyImages-2185658847.jpg?ts=1740063298 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/771459/w768xh432_GettyImages-2185658847.jpg?ts=1740063298 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/771459/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2185658847.jpg?ts=1740063298 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Patrick McDermott / Getty Images</figcaption></figure>Note: Zegras <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3225979" href="https://thescore.com/news/3225979">was suspended</a> for three games Monday for interfering with Detroit’s Michael Rasmussen.Zegras accepted a pass at the center red line and was off, two-on-one during four-on-four action. He completed a <a href="https://x.com/NHL/status/1893463254573138236">nifty give-and-go</a> passing sequence with Ducks teammate Jackson LaCombe, then fired the puck into the back of the net. Anaheim 1, Boston 0, in an eventual 3-2 Ducks win.On Saturday night, we saw the best of Zegras. He'd be excused from all change-of-scenery discussions if he consistently showcased that version of himself. However, the fact of the matter is that Zegras has long been a frustrating winger for Anaheim GM Pat Verbeek and his head coaches.To summarize, the 2019 ninth overall pick is a supremely skilled playmaker who's simultaneously not productive enough (0.69 career points per game) and not strong enough defensively to warrant "star" status of any kind.Zegras, who's in the middle season of a three-year deal paying him $5.75 million annually, is reportedly available for the right price. A recent run of poor health luck - Zegras missed 51 games last season and 22 games this campaign due to three different injuries - is undoubtedly giving rival teams reason for pause.The 23-year-old is miscast as a franchise cornerstone in Anaheim. He's closer to being a complementary piece than a superstar. An acquiring club would be betting on Zegras flourishing in a more insulated role on and off the ice.John Matisz and Nick Faris cover the NHL for theScore.

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7 NHLers who could use a change of scenery ahead of trade deadline

Team Canada captain Sidney Crosby was the first to hoist the 4 Nations Face-Off trophy, and he di...

Team Canada captain Sidney Crosby was the first to hoist the 4 Nations Face-Off trophy, and he did so emphatically late Thursday night inside TD Garden. The oldest player in an adrenaline rush of a nine-day midseason event let out a roar before handing the silver prize to veterans Brad Marchand and Drew Doughty.Prime-time superstars Nathan MacKinnon and Connor McDavid were next.McDavid, scorer of the golden goal in a thrilling, tight-as-they-make-'em <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3209593" href="https://thescore.com/news/3209593">3-2 overtime victory</a> over the United States, stopped short of lifting the trophy above his head. The muted celebration looked awkward, borderline ridiculous for a generational talent who'd long been clamoring for best-on-best hockey.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/771595/cropped_GettyImages-2200977773.jpg?ts=1740136541" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/771595/w220xh124_GettyImages-2200977773.jpg?ts=1740136541 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/771595/w320xh180_GettyImages-2200977773.jpg?ts=1740136541 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/771595/w640xh360_GettyImages-2200977773.jpg?ts=1740136541 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/771595/w768xh432_GettyImages-2200977773.jpg?ts=1740136541 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/771595/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2200977773.jpg?ts=1740136541 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Ben Jackson/4NFO / Getty Images</figcaption></figure>Yet it was wholly appropriate. McDavid wants the first giant NHL trophy he raises to be the Stanley Cup. Plus, the one-off tournament split between Montreal and Boston became centered on more substantive things. Real things.Unexpectedly epic games and amped-up patriotism - not a random trophy."I just hope Canada's proud because every player in that room is proud to be a Canadian. And yeah, we needed a win. Not only our team, but Canada needed a win," head coach Jon Cooper said in his postgame press conference, sounding relieved. "The players bared that on their shoulders."This one was different. This wasn't a win for themselves. This was a win for 40-plus-million people, and the guys knew it, and they delivered."That's right: This tournament became personal for Canada. The Americans didn't just beat them 3-1 in a round-robin meeting. They poked the bear. The U.S. initiated three fights in the first nine seconds. Two American bash brothers, Matthew and Brady Tkachuk, talked confidently about dethroning Canada. "It's our time right now," Matthew <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3219032" href="https://thescore.com/news/3219032">said</a>.It became personal because Team USA general manager Bill Guerin invited Canada's chief antagonist, Donald Trump, to the championship game. It became personal because the U.S. president talked about making Canada the "51st state" on a phone call Thursday morning with the entirety of the U.S. squad.<figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/771596/cropped_GettyImages-2200092811.jpg?ts=1740137191" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/771596/w220xh124_GettyImages-2200092811.jpg?ts=1740137191 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/771596/w320xh180_GettyImages-2200092811.jpg?ts=1740137191 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/771596/w640xh360_GettyImages-2200092811.jpg?ts=1740137191 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/771596/w768xh432_GettyImages-2200092811.jpg?ts=1740137191 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/771596/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2200092811.jpg?ts=1740137191 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Minas Panagiotakis / Getty Images</figcaption></figure>Team Canada didn't get distracted by the political tension or sporting-world buzz south of the border. With 15 Cup winners on the roster, and three of the five best players on the planet in McDavid, MacKinnon, and Cale Makar, it knew on-ice results would be all that mattered in the end, and that aiming to be the last team standing would require its undivided attention."We're out there playing for the flag, not the cameras," winger Brandon Hagel <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3220737" href="https://thescore.com/news/3220737">famously said</a> of accepting Matthew Tkachuk's invitation to fight last week.Cooper mentioned the "Canadian way" Thursday night and other times in the tournament. That phrase captures everything from unselfish play on the ice to "walking into a restaurant and opening the door for somebody to walk in first."Like the rest of the tournament, the championship game was hockey in its purest form. Break-neck pace. Fierce intensity. Functional physicality. Intentional defending. Finesse. Big-time saves. The type of high-performing environment in which the smallest mistake leads to a goal.It was, without exaggeration, some of the best hockey we've ever seen.The atmosphere once again was electric. Chants of "U-S-A! U-S-A!", "John-ny Hock-ey! John-ny Hock-ey!", and "JOOORRDAAN" provided the soundtrack. Jordan is, of course, the villainous Jordan Binnington - Canada's goalie who won Game 7 of the 2019 Stanley Cup at TD Garden. He was sensational, especially in a frenzied OT, stopping 31 total shots while turning aside a conga line of chirps and bumps designed to get under his skin.<figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/771597/cropped_GettyImages-2200990499.jpg?ts=1740140493" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/771597/w220xh124_GettyImages-2200990499.jpg?ts=1740140493 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/771597/w320xh180_GettyImages-2200990499.jpg?ts=1740140493 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/771597/w640xh360_GettyImages-2200990499.jpg?ts=1740140493 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/771597/w768xh432_GettyImages-2200990499.jpg?ts=1740140493 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/771597/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2200990499.jpg?ts=1740140493 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Chase Agnello-Dean/4NFO / Getty Images</figcaption></figure>The starting goalie job for the 2026 Olympics is officially Binnington's to lose. He's proven himself to be one of the true clutch netminders of this era."Binner's a winner," Doughty said prior to the tournament."I don't think I have enough words, to be honest with you," Crosby told reporters after the win. "He was incredible. So much poise."Mitch Marner assumed the role of Jarome Iginla on the winner. He assisted on that stamp-worthy, legacy-enhancing McDavid tally like "Iggy" did for Crosby at the 2010 Olympics. The Maple Leafs winger, loser of three Game 7s in Boston, was a difference-maker Thursday, also setting up the game-tying goal and nearly connecting with McDavid for a back-door tap-in late in regulation.Crosby and McDavid tied for the team lead with five points. MacKinnon, with four goals in four games, was named tournament MVP. Other 4 Nations standouts for Canada included the fearless Hagel, the clutch Sam Bennett (who was scratched in the first game), slick substitute defenseman Thomas Harley, speed-demon center Brayden Point, and USA forecheck dismantler Makar."You become the best version of yourself in these tournaments," Marchand said earlier in the week. For him, that meant being Canada's <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3222451" href="https://thescore.com/news/3222451">top spokesman</a>.<figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/771601/cropped_GettyImages-2200954149.jpg?ts=1740144114" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/771601/w220xh124_GettyImages-2200954149.jpg?ts=1740144114 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/771601/w320xh180_GettyImages-2200954149.jpg?ts=1740144114 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/771601/w640xh360_GettyImages-2200954149.jpg?ts=1740144114 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/771601/w768xh432_GettyImages-2200954149.jpg?ts=1740144114 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/771601/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2200954149.jpg?ts=1740144114 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Chase Agnello-Dean/4NFO / Getty Images</figcaption></figure>Heading into Thursday's showdown, the Canada-USA matchup could be boiled down to these 15 words: Canada had history, experience, and star power, and the U.S. had swagger, grit, and goaltending. It was a coin flip. In this particular game, Canada won. In the next, the U.S. might be victorious.While both teams were dealing with absences, the USA's blows were significant - Charlie McAvoy didn't dress due to a shoulder injury, and Matthew Tkachuk logged only 6:47 due to a lower-body injury. Still, the Americans battled and received stud performances from the likes of Auston Matthews (two primary assists), Brady Tkachuk (goal, five hits), Jaccob Slavin (textbook defensive play all night), and Dylan Larkin (deadly scoring chance virtually every shift)."We left absolutely everything out there," Brady told reporters.Make no mistake, the U.S. is a hockey superpower. The 4 Nations roster was relatively young and inexperienced in must-win games. The core will be a year older and wiser in Italy and should be in the running for an Olympic medal.Also, the tournament doesn't take on a life of its own without the Tkachuk brothers bringing the group-chat heat in the first Canada game. That round-robin meeting posted massive TV ratings in both countries, overshadowing NBA All-Star Weekend and setting up days of feverish media coverage in the U.S. Hockey was, for once, the main character in North American sports.<figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/771603/cropped_GettyImages-2200978514.jpg?ts=1740144282" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/771603/w220xh124_GettyImages-2200978514.jpg?ts=1740144282 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/771603/w320xh180_GettyImages-2200978514.jpg?ts=1740144282 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/771603/w640xh360_GettyImages-2200978514.jpg?ts=1740144282 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/771603/w768xh432_GettyImages-2200978514.jpg?ts=1740144282 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/771603/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2200978514.jpg?ts=1740144282 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Bruce Bennett / Getty Images</figcaption></figure>The pessimistic way for serious fans to look at 4 Nations: It took way too long for best-on-best to return. The optimistic view: Damn, that was worth the wait.The international calendar calls for a rotation between the Olympics (2026, 2030) and World Cups (2028, 2032) for the foreseeable future. The bar for those events, as far as quality of hockey, has been set insanely high.This tournament would've been a dud without full-hearted investment from each participating player - including the Swedes and Finns. They produced a stellar on-ice product, and the storylines couldn't have been scripted better.Except for the ending, if you're a Canadian fan. That - the tense buildup, the wild finish - was perfect. Crosby passed the Best Player In The World torch years ago, but on Thursday, he handed McDavid the red-and-white version. From one 3-2 OT golden-goal author to another.Canadian kids, spoiled with transcendent talents and four straight victories at best-on-best men's competitions, now face a tough decision in road hockey.Sid or Connor?John Matisz is theScore's senior NHL writer. Follow John on Twitter (<a href="https://twitter.com/MatiszJohn">@MatiszJohn</a>) or contact him via email (john.matisz@thescore.com).

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Hockey in its purest form: 4 Nations brought best out of best - and Canada

Before he boldly accepted Matthew Tkachuk's invitation to fight off the opening faceoff and spoke...

Before he boldly accepted Matthew Tkachuk's <a href="https://thescore.com/news/3219032" target="_blank">invitation to fight</a> off the opening faceoff and spoke about <a href="https://thescore.com/news/3220737" target="_blank">playing for the flag</a> rather than the drama, Brandon Hagel was the most anonymous player on Team Canada.Consider the scene inside Canada's dressing room following last Friday's practice in Brossard, Quebec. There was Hagel, sitting quietly at his stall as a swarm of reporters hung onto every word uttered by neighbor Brad Marchand. One reporter finally acknowledged Hagel's existence and asked for a chat. Sure, he said. The only problem: He was boxed in by all the bodies.Hagel laughed, maneuvered out of his stall, pulled on a red Team Canada baseball cap, and met the reporter in a quieter spot. He was then asked about the early days of his 4 Nations Face-Off experience and the journey that led to it. He went on to call both the last decade and the last few days a "whirlwind."<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>"The opportunity here," Hagel said, pausing a couple of beats to soak in the surreal environment. "It's just a dream, you know?"<figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/771185/cropped_GettyImages-2199640635.jpg?ts=1739920324" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/771185/w220xh124_GettyImages-2199640635.jpg?ts=1739920324 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/771185/w320xh180_GettyImages-2199640635.jpg?ts=1739920324 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/771185/w640xh360_GettyImages-2199640635.jpg?ts=1739920324 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/771185/w768xh432_GettyImages-2199640635.jpg?ts=1739920324 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/771185/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2199640635.jpg?ts=1739920324 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Minas Panagiotakis / Getty Images</figcaption></figure>Hagel - who's from Morinville, Alberta, population 10,000 - became a household name roughly 32 hours later. He was the Canadian who dropped the gloves 2 seconds into an epic Saturday night showdown against the United States. It was him who thrust his arms up and down to egg on an already bonkers crowd."He's not afraid of the moment," Canada head coach Jon Cooper said prophetically a day before Hagel's center-ice fight with Tkachuk, "even though his road here has been much different than most."Hagel, 26, was never drafted by a Western Hockey League team. He signed with the Red Deer Rebels as a free agent and eventually caught the eye of NHL scouts. The Sabres selected him in the sixth round, 159th overall, in 2016.However, Buffalo chose not to sign Hagel within its two-year window. In the summer of 2018, right around his 20th birthday, the wiry winger started thinking about life after hockey. He made a promise to himself: If he didn't make meaningful progress toward signing a contract by Christmas, he'd enroll in university to chase another career, perhaps teaching.<figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/771186/cropped_GettyImages-2196600831.jpg?ts=1739920490" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/771186/w220xh124_GettyImages-2196600831.jpg?ts=1739920490 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/771186/w320xh180_GettyImages-2196600831.jpg?ts=1739920490 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/771186/w640xh360_GettyImages-2196600831.jpg?ts=1739920490 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/771186/w768xh432_GettyImages-2196600831.jpg?ts=1739920490 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/771186/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2196600831.jpg?ts=1739920490 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Mark LoMoglio / Getty Images</figcaption></figure>School was on the back burner not even halfway to the holidays, as Hagel popped off in his fourth WHL season (he'd finish 2018-19 with 102 points in 66 games). NHL teams circled. He signed with Chicago, turned pro a few months later, and then played 175 games for the Blackhawks and their AHL affiliate over parts of four seasons. His name first hit the mainstream when the rebuilding Hawks traded Hagel to Cooper's Lightning for a haul - two first-round picks and two prospects. With Tampa Bay, he's done nothing but level up.Hagel recorded 64 points in 81 games in 2022-23, 75 in 82 games last season, and is on pace for 92 in 82 this year. He left for 4 Nations in a tie with Nathan MacKinnon for third in the NHL in five-on-five points - 39 in 55 games."It's just a little bit of that confidence," Hagel said, "where you get yourself into a spot in the league where you're like, f---, I can put some pucks in the net as well. You start doing some stuff maybe you haven't done in the past."Hagel believes time spent around hockey savants Patrick Kane and Nikita Kucherov has changed his trajectory. "You see a lot, you hear a lot, you learn a lot, and you just go out there and try to replicate it," the 6-foot-2, 180-pounder said. "No better way of getting better than learning from the best."He took this line of thinking to the extreme this past summer. Hagel ditched the usual plan of working with a skills coach to do drills under Kucherov's watch. "I texted Kuch: 'Hey, when I get to town do you mind if I hop on with you?'" Hagel recalled. "He messages back: 'Yep. Don't miss a day or you're out.'"<figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/771244/cropped_GettyImages-2199887506.jpg?ts=1739970820" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/771244/w220xh124_GettyImages-2199887506.jpg?ts=1739970820 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/771244/w320xh180_GettyImages-2199887506.jpg?ts=1739970820 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/771244/w640xh360_GettyImages-2199887506.jpg?ts=1739970820 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/771244/w768xh432_GettyImages-2199887506.jpg?ts=1739970820 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/771244/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2199887506.jpg?ts=1739970820 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Minas Panagiotakis / Getty Images</figcaption></figure>Hagel, who's in the first season of an eight-year deal paying him $6.5 million annually, is something between a wondrous complementary player and a star in his own right. He's speedy, skilled, and works his butt off. Every shift, he grabs the game by the lapels, pursuing the puck and engaging in battles like it's his last moment. Superstars like Kucherov adore the detail in his game.With Canada, he's getting a regular five-on-five shift, plus penalty-killing duty. He has eight shots on goal (second on the team) and an assist in three games. "He's a Swiss Army knife type of guy who can play all over the lineup and in different situations," Canada defenseman Josh Morrissey said."He does all of these things that probably don't make their way into the newspaper - until you're in a tie game with seven minutes left and you need a penalty kill and you need the puck chucked out of the corner 200 feet," Cooper said. "The guy who's doing it is Brandon Hagel. He was brought here to excel in those situations, and he does that. He's just another alpha in a room full of alphas."Canada's 25-man roster features 14 first-round draft picks, including three No. 1 overall selections. No one else signed his entry-level contract as a free agent, and Mark Stone (178th overall in 2010) was the only guy picked later than Hagel."It's insane," Morrissey said of Hagel's story."His ascension from playing as a 20-year-old in junior, having an uncertain future, and then making the most of every opportunity since - that's a lesson a lot of people, hockey players, people outside the game, everyone can learn from Hags. It's taken a lot of hard work, I'm sure, but also I see it as him capitalizing on opportunities and making the most out of every situation."<h3>Matthews due ahead of final</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/771187/cropped_GettyImages-2199886391.jpg?ts=1739920612" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/771187/w220xh124_GettyImages-2199886391.jpg?ts=1739920612 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/771187/w320xh180_GettyImages-2199886391.jpg?ts=1739920612 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/771187/w640xh360_GettyImages-2199886391.jpg?ts=1739920612 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/771187/w768xh432_GettyImages-2199886391.jpg?ts=1739920612 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/771187/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2199886391.jpg?ts=1739920612 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Andrea Cardin/4NFO / Getty Images</figcaption></figure>Auston Matthews, the most prolific goal-scorer of his generation, entered the 4 Nations event with zero goals in his final six games with the Maple Leafs.He also failed to score against Finland and Canada, extending his goalless streak to eight games before sitting out Monday's meeting with Sweden with "upper-body soreness." Matthews will return to the U.S. lineup Thursday, and, as is the case for many players on a relatively young American squad, it will be the biggest game of his life. At the very least, he needs to generate scoring chances.To be clear, Matthews hasn't been invisible in the tournament, which should give U.S. fans confidence that a breakout may be coming. Matthews, who's registered two shots on goal off seven attempts, rang the crossbar against the Finns. He earned a primary assist on Jake Guentzel's goal off the rush in the same game. His chemistry with Jack Hughes has been building every shift.Despite playing one fewer game than most teammates, Matthews leads Team USA with eight slot passes. He also owns a team-high 62.9% win percentage on faceoffs and defended extremely well. He's skated for 20 minutes a night."Our team's going to go as he goes," center Jack Eichel said of Matthews ahead of the tournament.<h3>Top battle-zone alert: USA's slot</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/771188/cropped_GettyImages-2200092941.jpg?ts=1739920836" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/771188/w220xh124_GettyImages-2200092941.jpg?ts=1739920836 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/771188/w320xh180_GettyImages-2200092941.jpg?ts=1739920836 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/771188/w640xh360_GettyImages-2200092941.jpg?ts=1739920836 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/771188/w768xh432_GettyImages-2200092941.jpg?ts=1739920836 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/771188/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2200092941.jpg?ts=1739920836 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Minas Panagiotakis / Getty Images</figcaption></figure>The U.S. won its round-robin game against Canada for a handful of reasons. The biggest was the lockdown team defense on display most of the match, especially when the U.S. was defending its 2-1 lead in the third period.Led by Matthews and defenseman Jaccob Slavin, the Americans kept clogging the middle of the ice. There was at least one stick or body - often more than one - occupying space wherever Canadian skaters ventured.Canada actually controlled the flow of play, according to two Sportlogiq metrics: total time the puck spent in the offensive zone (25:50 versus 19:25 for the U.S.) and offensive-zone puck-on-stick possession time (7:29 versus 4:34).The Canadians also recorded 34 slot-driving plays to the Americans' 19, but they struggled to get those dangerous shots through traffic, barely edging the U.S. in slot shots on goal (14-12). That means 20 opportunities to score on goalie Connor Hellebuyck died on the stick of a Canadian player.Superstar defenseman Cale Makar was too ill to dress for the first matchup but will be in Canada's lineup Thursday. He's a rare player capable of slicing and dicing his way through layers of defense. Tip: Watch the U.S. slot.<h3>Cooper's personal rivalry tale</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/771184/cropped_GettyImages-2198402697.jpg?ts=1739919808" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/771184/w220xh124_GettyImages-2198402697.jpg?ts=1739919808 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/771184/w320xh180_GettyImages-2198402697.jpg?ts=1739919808 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/771184/w640xh360_GettyImages-2198402697.jpg?ts=1739919808 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/771184/w768xh432_GettyImages-2198402697.jpg?ts=1739919808 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/771184/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2198402697.jpg?ts=1739919808 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Minas Panagiotakis / Getty Images</figcaption></figure>Cooper, 57, was born in Prince George, British Columbia, and raised by a Canadian father and American mother. The family would splinter during the international hockey events of his youth: Christine was a "staunch" U.S. supporter while the rest of the family cheered for Canada.One Christmas, Cooper bought Christine a rock displaying a photo of the Miracle on Ice team from the 1980 Olympics. It had an interactive button."Every time you walked by it and hit the button," Cooper recalled, "it would be (ABC announcer) Al Michaels: 'Do you believe in miracles? Yes!'"Cooper, one of the great storytellers in NHL circles, laughed as he pictured his father Robert and Christine - a proud San Franciscan who never changed her citizenship after a move to Canada - reacting differently to Michaels' call."I thought my dad was going to kill me," he cracked. "Because, for the rest of time, she would just press it any time they were in an argument. It would just drive him nuts."Cooper shared this tale after being asked if he had any personal connections to the Canada-U.S. rivalry. While the Lightning coach noted the U.S. didn't beat Canada in the 1980 final, his American mother's patriotism has always stuck with him. "Miss her every day," he said of Christine, who died in 2020.<h3>Quick hits</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/771161/cropped_GettyImages-2200291407.jpg?ts=1739916509" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/771161/w220xh124_GettyImages-2200291407.jpg?ts=1739916509 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/771161/w320xh180_GettyImages-2200291407.jpg?ts=1739916509 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/771161/w640xh360_GettyImages-2200291407.jpg?ts=1739916509 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/771161/w768xh432_GettyImages-2200291407.jpg?ts=1739916509 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/771161/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2200291407.jpg?ts=1739916509 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Steve Babineau/4NFO / Getty Images</figcaption></figure>Connor's chance: The championship game provides Kyle Connor with an opportunity for redemption. So far, the Jets' speedy sniper - whose 30 goals in 56 games rank sixth in the NHL - has underwhelmed for Team USA with one shot on goal and one assist. Connor was demoted to the fourth line midway through the opening game, with the Tkachuk brothers hopping on Eichel's wings and never looking back. Similar to Canada's Seth Jarvis, Connor has failed to flash his slippery game-breaking ability in such a tight-checking environment. Unless he pops in the final game, Connor will likely be on the outside looking in when it comes time to select next year's U.S. Olympic roster.More Petey blues: Elias Pettersson signed an eight-year, $92.8-million contract extension with Vancouver on March 8, 2024. Since then, he's produced 48 points in 69 NHL games and had zero points in three 4 Nations games for Sweden. Pettersson can be an impact defensive center; however, the Canucks aren't paying him seven figures a year strictly for shutdown reasons. The 26-year-old was virtually invisible for Sweden, and his ice time reflected it (13:32 a night to rank ninth among forwards). Meanwhile, less-heralded Wild center Joel Eriksson Ek was tremendous over 19:44 a night: He had a goal and an assist, and he constantly broke up the other team's attack.Props all around: The NHL announced that 10.1 million people tuned in across North America for the round-robin meeting between Canada and the U.S. That's the highest rating for a non-Stanley Cup Final game since 2014 and a 203% improvement over the 2016 World Cup of Hockey meeting between the same countries. The quality of hockey in this event and Saturday's WWE-style tilt (fights, hits, booing) are producing the ratings.But the players also deserve credit for how they've handled themselves off the ice. Whether it's Marchand, Sidney Crosby, the Tkachuk brothers, or virtually any other 4 Nations competitor, the NHL's best have happily put themselves in front of cameras. They've been unafraid to show personality or provide a headline-making quote. (Hey, anyone up for a pregame group chat on Thursday?) This is exactly what "growing the game" looks like.John Matisz is theScore's senior NHL writer. Follow John on Twitter (<a href="https://twitter.com/MatiszJohn">@MatiszJohn</a>) or contact him via email (john.matisz@thescore.com).

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4 Nations: Hagel's coming-out party, Matthews is due, and more

MONTREAL - Matthew Tkachuk sat down at an interview station in the bowels of the Bell Centre late...

MONTREAL - Matthew Tkachuk sat down at an interview station in the bowels of the Bell Centre late Saturday night. A grey towel rested on his shoulders. His game face still on, he looked like a boxer who'd gone 10 rounds, finally caught his breath, and wanted to immediately relive all the bloody glory.He fielded multiple questions about the most explosive start to a major-league hockey game in recent memory. Was Tkachuk's game-opening fight - one of three within the first nine seconds of action - related in any way to Canadian fans relentlessly booing the U.S. national anthem?"No, no," the proud American scoffed.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>"That's called me, Brady, and Millsy in a group chat during the day."<figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/770813/cropped_GettyImages-2199893119.jpg?ts=1739716021" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/770813/w220xh124_GettyImages-2199893119.jpg?ts=1739716021 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/770813/w320xh180_GettyImages-2199893119.jpg?ts=1739716021 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/770813/w640xh360_GettyImages-2199893119.jpg?ts=1739716021 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/770813/w768xh432_GettyImages-2199893119.jpg?ts=1739716021 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/770813/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2199893119.jpg?ts=1739716021 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Vitor Munhoz/4NFO / Getty Images</figcaption></figure>Brady Tkachuk, knee to knee and sharing a microphone with Matthew in front of a giant 4 Nations Face-Off media contingent, was asked a few minutes later about plotting back-to-back-to-back fights in a text message thread with his brother and fellow forward J.T. Miller."Well, there was a little discussion during the day" said Brady, the younger but larger Tkachuk."Tell the truth. You can tell him the truth," Matthew said, interjecting to nudge Brady like only a big brother can. "Yeah," a suddenly enthusiastic Brady continued, "there was a group chat going on today."The brotherly exchange underlined the central theme of a truly electric 3-1 Team USA victory. The U.S., with its relatively young lineup filled with fiercely competitive stars, arrived at the rink Saturday prepared to do whatever it took to deliver a message to Canada and the greater hockey world."It's our time right now," Matthew said.<figure class="article-segment--embed"><center>                    </center></figure><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/770815/cropped_GettyImages-2199903590.jpg?ts=1739716231" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/770815/w220xh124_GettyImages-2199903590.jpg?ts=1739716231 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/770815/w320xh180_GettyImages-2199903590.jpg?ts=1739716231 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/770815/w640xh360_GettyImages-2199903590.jpg?ts=1739716231 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/770815/w768xh432_GettyImages-2199903590.jpg?ts=1739716231 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/770815/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2199903590.jpg?ts=1739716231 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Andre Ringuette/4NFO / Getty Images</figcaption></figure>First came the deafening boos during the U.S. national anthem - a response to political tension between the neighboring countries. Second came Matthew Tkachuk challenging Canada's Brandon Hagel to a center-ice showdown.The combatants quickly assumed boxing stances then threw haymakers for 25 seconds. Hagel even saluted the crowd with a WWE-style celebration."He just told me we were going, and I wasn't saying no," said Hagel, who's fought just twice in 100-plus NHL games since Sept. 2023."A little bit of the talk was that these guys were going to take over the 'Canadian way,'" Hagel added. "But we're not going to let it happen."The building officially on tilt, left winger Brady lined up at center and immediately dropped his mitts to take on Sam Bennett, who had been inserted into Canada's lineup in part to interfere with the brothers and their shenanigans. A minute later, Brady dapped Matthew upon entry to the penalty box. It was a scene straight out of "The Mighty Ducks" - the 2025 Bash Brothers."We knew what the crowd was going to be like," Brady said of USA being the villain in a hostile environment. "We knew that was the role that we're just built for."<figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/770814/cropped_GettyImages-2199888513.jpg?ts=1739716084" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/770814/w220xh124_GettyImages-2199888513.jpg?ts=1739716084 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/770814/w320xh180_GettyImages-2199888513.jpg?ts=1739716084 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/770814/w640xh360_GettyImages-2199888513.jpg?ts=1739716084 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/770814/w768xh432_GettyImages-2199888513.jpg?ts=1739716084 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/770814/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2199888513.jpg?ts=1739716084 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Minas Panagiotakis / Getty Images</figcaption></figure>The puck was actually handled on the third faceoff of the game. However, after a quick whistle, Miller initiated a fight with monstrous Canadian defenseman Colton Parayko. The American got fed. The noise rose to an impossibly high volume, all 21,000-plus people in the Bell Centre along for the ride. Six players were in the box serving major penalties with 19:51 on the game clock."Mayhem," Canada head coach Jon Cooper said of the start.One fight is notable. Three in a row to open a game is stranger than fiction in an era in which we see one fight every four NHL games. Don't these guys have day jobs? What about injury risks? "What a start. NHL GMs are dying right now," a prominent NHLPA agent texted theScore during the chaos."Not many times do you get to suit up and fight for your country," explained Bennett, who sounded more like a soldier than a hockey player as he spoke.The marquee matchup of the 4 Nations' round-robin schedule had been highly anticipated, especially following an exceptionally strong first three games of the tournament. But nothing could prepare anyone for the primal, arm-hair-raising atmosphere, which was enhanced by pregame hype from legendary MMA fighter Georges St-Pierre. (Canada prime minister Justin Trudeau was also in attendance - though he didn't appear on the Jumbotron like other celebrities.)<figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/770816/cropped_GettyImages-2199892585.jpg?ts=1739716559" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/770816/w220xh124_GettyImages-2199892585.jpg?ts=1739716559 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/770816/w320xh180_GettyImages-2199892585.jpg?ts=1739716559 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/770816/w640xh360_GettyImages-2199892585.jpg?ts=1739716559 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/770816/w768xh432_GettyImages-2199892585.jpg?ts=1739716559 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/770816/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2199892585.jpg?ts=1739716559 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Minas Panagiotakis / Getty Images</figcaption></figure>For a moment, it felt like a full line brawl was next on the fight card and that the fisticuffs would end only if NHL commissioner Gary Bettman grabbed the PA announcer's microphone and threatened indefinite suspensions. But both teams put the sideshow to the side following the Miller-Parayko throwdown.Chippy, precise, and fast-paced hockey arrived in its place. Not a single inch of ice went uncontested in the first 20 minutes. Forward Dylan Larkin notably bumped Canadian goalie Jordan Binnington to cause an early scrum, while defenseman Charlie McAvoy delivered two thunderous body checks on Connor McDavid shortly after the Canadian superstar opened the scoring.Media members tried to contextualize the chaos in the first intermission. One former NHLer turned well-known broadcaster who's played for his country couldn't believe his eyes. "That was INSANE," he said, repeatedly. A writer with four decades of experience labelled it the most "emotionally charged" period he's seen. Others in the press box simply wore a look of disbelief.While the temperature was turned down in the second and third periods, neither disappointed from an entertainment perspective. After two periods, the Americans were up 2-1 with offensive-zone time nearly even (4:28-4:03 for Canada) and odd-man rushes tied 2-2. In the third, the Canadians generated limited offense from the middle of the ice. It turned out to be their downfall.<figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/770818/cropped_GettyImages-2199902183.jpg?ts=1739716892" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/770818/w220xh124_GettyImages-2199902183.jpg?ts=1739716892 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/770818/w320xh180_GettyImages-2199902183.jpg?ts=1739716892 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/770818/w640xh360_GettyImages-2199902183.jpg?ts=1739716892 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/770818/w768xh432_GettyImages-2199902183.jpg?ts=1739716892 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/770818/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2199902183.jpg?ts=1739716892 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Minas Panagiotakis / Getty Images</figcaption></figure>Canada's blue line, already depleted thanks to a tournament-ending injury to Shea Theodore, lost top defenseman Cale Makar to illness right before Saturday's game. Makar's replacement, Thomas Harley, filled in nicely, and Brayden Point and Hagel stood out up front, yet the offense kept running into American sticks and bodies. Captain Sidney Crosby struggled to create all night and, in an uncharacteristic move, turned the puck over to Matt Boldy late in the second.Boldy quickly moved the puck to Larkin, who fired it off the rush without hesitation to trigger the blaring of Team USA anthem "Free Bird.""There's no, like, 'Ah, I need to get it to this guy," Brady said of the Americans not overthinking it on offense. "Everybody just has each other's backs. Whatever play they make, support and say they made the right play. That starts from our grassroots at the U.S. (National Team Development) Program, with the <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3215032" href="https://thescore.com/news/3215032">connections that we have</a> and just the bond that we have already."Cooper and his players didn't sound or look overly discouraged in the Canada locker room. There's still plenty of hope. Monday features the final two round-robin games - Canada versus Finland and USA versus Sweden. The Americans punched their ticket to next Thursday's championship by beating Canada, who can join them with a regulation win over the Finns.<figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/770820/cropped_GettyImages-2199904235.jpg?ts=1739717575" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/770820/w220xh124_GettyImages-2199904235.jpg?ts=1739717575 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/770820/w320xh180_GettyImages-2199904235.jpg?ts=1739717575 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/770820/w640xh360_GettyImages-2199904235.jpg?ts=1739717575 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/770820/w768xh432_GettyImages-2199904235.jpg?ts=1739717575 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/770820/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2199904235.jpg?ts=1739717575 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Vitor Munhoz/4NFO / Getty Images</figcaption></figure>When Zach Werenski grabbed his phone after the victory, he was shocked by the sheer number of messages. The defenseman told theScore that amid words of encouragement and congratulations from family and friends were texts from teammates and rival players. The stunned NHLers raved about the drama, the atmosphere, the fact they had just watched an instant classic, and how good this entire 4 Nations tournament has been for the sport.Matthew Tkachuk missed a chunk of the third after suffering a lower-body injury. Like Makar, his status is up in the air as the event shifts to Boston. But whatever's ailing him, it didn't dampen his postgame mood. Beating Canada in Canada on Saturday night, in that fashion, for Americans of a certain age and era - it means the world. They're sick of the rivalry being one-sided at best-on-best events at the men's level."To us, this is as big of a game as it gets," Matthew said."This is what you dream about."John Matisz is theScore's senior NHL writer. Follow John on Twitter (<a href="https://twitter.com/MatiszJohn">@MatiszJohn</a>) or contact him via email (john.matisz@thescore.com).

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'It's our time': Epic showdown reveals USA desperately wants Canada's crown

MONTREAL - NHL Players' Association executive director Marty Walsh noted during a Wednesday after...

MONTREAL - NHL Players' Association executive director Marty Walsh noted during a Wednesday afternoon press conference that the league's newly unveiled international calendar sets the stage for the next "Golden Goal."The hockey world didn't have to wait long for another classic moment.The 4 Nations Face-Off's opening game between Canada and Sweden was nothing short of phenomenal. The Bell Centre crowd of 21,105 was rocking, with a hair-raising roar for Mario Lemieux in the pregame ceremony and chants of "Crosby! Crosby! Crosby!" in the middle of the overtime period.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/770378/cropped_GettyImages-2199289300.jpg?ts=1739458285" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/770378/w220xh124_GettyImages-2199289300.jpg?ts=1739458285 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/770378/w320xh180_GettyImages-2199289300.jpg?ts=1739458285 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/770378/w640xh360_GettyImages-2199289300.jpg?ts=1739458285 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/770378/w768xh432_GettyImages-2199289300.jpg?ts=1739458285 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/770378/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2199289300.jpg?ts=1739458285 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Andre Ringuette/4NFO / Getty Images</figcaption></figure>Sidney Crosby, Connor McDavid, and Nathan MacKinnon connected for a gorgeous opening-shift goal, Sweden mounted a late comeback, and Mitch Marner sniped off a snap shot with 3:54 remaining in a thrilling 10-minute OT.Canada received two points in the standings, while Sweden received one.Let's dig into what the opener taught us about the two teams, with a heavy emphasis on Canada (who next plays Saturday night against the U.S.).<h3>Canada's superpower is star power</h3>We saw Crosby turn back the clock with three primary assists. He controlled the game in a way only No. 87 can: power, finesse, and clutch production.We saw McDavid hit the turbo button multiple times on his first shift. He didn't let up, either, transporting the puck like a man possessed virtually all night.We saw MacKinnon draw a penalty and finish a dream tic-tac-toe sequence in the opening minute. In overtime, he was a scoring-chance machine.<figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/770365/cropped_GettyImages-2199291775.jpg?ts=1739454748" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/770365/w220xh124_GettyImages-2199291775.jpg?ts=1739454748 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/770365/w320xh180_GettyImages-2199291775.jpg?ts=1739454748 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/770365/w640xh360_GettyImages-2199291775.jpg?ts=1739454748 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/770365/w768xh432_GettyImages-2199291775.jpg?ts=1739454748 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/770365/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2199291775.jpg?ts=1739454748 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Andre Ringuette/4NFO / Getty Images</figcaption></figure>No other 4 Nations team's top of the lineup compares to Canada's. That is a lethal weapon in such a short tournament. Heck, three of the five best players on the planet - McDavid, MacKinnon, defenseman Cale Makar - shared the ice at various points in OT. It felt inevitable that one of them would help end it.Cooper leaned on his superstars a fair bit Wednesday, with McDavid leading the game in forward ice time at 21:26 and MacKinnon not far behind (19:56). Expect those totals to rise moving forward. TV timeouts have been extended for 4 Nations, which means high-usage players have extra time to recuperate and get right back out there. Advantage, star-studded Canada.<h3>Pace-of-play bar set extremely high</h3>The biggest overarching takeaway from the opener was the exhilarating pace."That's probably the fastest hockey I've ever played, to be honest," Canada defenseman Drew Doughty said following the game.Doughty isn't some wide-eyed rookie with limited reference points. The 17-year veteran has hoisted the Stanley Cup twice and won two Olympic gold medals. "Not only did you have to move more with your legs, mentally you (had to have your) head on a swivel at all times," he said."Playoff-type atmosphere," added Makar. "But the pace was maybe better than the playoffs. A lot of back and forth, and not a lot of time to create plays or make plays."<figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/770367/cropped_GettyImages-2199290819.jpg?ts=1739455271" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/770367/w220xh124_GettyImages-2199290819.jpg?ts=1739455271 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/770367/w320xh180_GettyImages-2199290819.jpg?ts=1739455271 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/770367/w640xh360_GettyImages-2199290819.jpg?ts=1739455271 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/770367/w768xh432_GettyImages-2199290819.jpg?ts=1739455271 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/770367/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2199290819.jpg?ts=1739455271 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Andrea Cardin/4NFO / Getty Images</figcaption></figure>It makes sense when you think about it. International hockey features All-Star-caliber rosters, and the last best-on-best event was eight-plus years ago. NHL games are much faster in 2025 than 2016. If the breakneck pace continues, forwards and defensemen who can't keep up will be vulnerable targets.I'm not talking about guys like Canada's Mark Stone or Team USA's Matthew Tkachuk, who aren't strong skaters but think the game at such a high level that they still play fast. I'm referencing the likes of Sweden's Mika Zibanejad (who struggled against Canada) as well as Esa Lindell and Olli Maatta on Finland.Doughty was chasing the play at times. Most notably, he had a horrible gap on Sweden's second goal, basically begging longtime Kings teammate Adrian Kempe to skate into the slot and snipe (which he did).<h3>Loss of Theodore will be felt</h3>Top-four defenseman Shea Theodore exited the game with a wrist injury. His tournament is over after logging just seven minutes. This is a significant loss for Canada and potentially for his NHL club, the Stanley Cup-contending Golden Knights."It's heartbreaking for the kid," Cooper said.<figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/770370/cropped_GettyImages-2199271406.jpg?ts=1739455673" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/770370/w220xh124_GettyImages-2199271406.jpg?ts=1739455673 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/770370/w320xh180_GettyImages-2199271406.jpg?ts=1739455673 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/770370/w640xh360_GettyImages-2199271406.jpg?ts=1739455673 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/770370/w768xh432_GettyImages-2199271406.jpg?ts=1739455673 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/770370/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2199271406.jpg?ts=1739455673 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Minas Panagiotakis / Getty Images</figcaption></figure>Canada's five-man blue line survived, communicating well on the bench and ice while keeping shifts short. "Credit to our 'D' to keep it (steady, given the circumstances) and still jump up in the rush and still be an offensive threat," Marner said of the group's performance shorthanded.To my eye, Devon Toews was Canada's sharpest blue-liner. Partner Makar and Josh Morrissey were both solid. Doughty took a while to settle in but still deserves a passing grade for his meat-and-potatoes work, especially since it was only his seventh game in the last 10 months. Colton Parayko did Parayko things, which is to say he was reliable until he needed to make a skilled play late in the third period; he iced the puck and Sweden scored right off the ensuing faceoff.Big and mobile Travis Sanheim, Canada's only scratch on defense, will draw in against the Americans. This is how I'd handle the defensemen if I were Cooper: Keep Toews with Makar, create a shutdown duo of Morrissey and Doughty, and then play Sanheim and Parayko mostly in sheltered minutes.<h3>Cirelli line quietly effective</h3>Anthony Cirelli's first-game numbers don't jump off the page.The 27-year-old Lightning center was on the ice for two goals against and the shot attempts weren't lopsided (10-9 Canada in total attempts, 1-1 in high-danger attempts) during 10:37 of five-on-five action. Cirelli, who also logged almost a minute on the penalty kill, won three of eight faceoffs in all situations.<figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/770371/cropped_GettyImages-2199291657.jpg?ts=1739455995" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/770371/w220xh124_GettyImages-2199291657.jpg?ts=1739455995 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/770371/w320xh180_GettyImages-2199291657.jpg?ts=1739455995 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/770371/w640xh360_GettyImages-2199291657.jpg?ts=1739455995 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/770371/w768xh432_GettyImages-2199291657.jpg?ts=1739455995 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/770371/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2199291657.jpg?ts=1739455995 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Andrea Cardin/4NFO / Getty Images</figcaption></figure>Yet, Cirelli was very effective in the 4C spot for Canada. The puck always seemed to head north when he was on the ice, and he blocked a 97.6-mph Victor Hedman slap shot late in the third period.Cooper trusts Cirelli. Keep an eye on his usage and deployment Saturday.Linemate Brandon Hagel - another Lightning forward - also had a strong game. He pursues the puck as well as anyone in the NHL and is an underrated playmaker. The line's third member, Travis Konecny, was energetic in limited action. He was credited with three hits, yet it felt like he delivered 10.I like the idea of inserting resident pest Sam Bennett into the lineup for Saturday's tilt against the Americans. He and Konecny are Canada's answer to the Tkachuk brothers - guys who can drag their team into the fight and, more importantly, draw penalties. The problem is, who sits out? Maybe Seth Jarvis?On the goalie front, Jordan Binnington did his job in Game 1. He wasn't perfect but made a few key saves. He's better suited for a chaotic style of play than Canada's No. 2, Adin Hill, who's a less athletic blocking goalie.<h3>Rapid-fire Team Sweden thoughts</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/770373/cropped_GettyImages-2199268025.jpg?ts=1739456934" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/770373/w220xh124_GettyImages-2199268025.jpg?ts=1739456934 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/770373/w320xh180_GettyImages-2199268025.jpg?ts=1739456934 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/770373/w640xh360_GettyImages-2199268025.jpg?ts=1739456934 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/770373/w768xh432_GettyImages-2199268025.jpg?ts=1739456934 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/770373/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2199268025.jpg?ts=1739456934 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Vitor Munhoz/4NFO / Getty Images</figcaption></figure><ul><li>After losing puck battle after puck battle and failing to record a shot on goal in the opening 14 minutes, Sweden slumped into the dressing room for the first intermission down 2-0. Whatever was said behind closed doors helped because the players returned with a vengeance. Big props.</li></ul><ul><li>It sucks to drop an OT game in this format, especially after erasing a two-goal deficit in the third period. Defenseman Erik Karlsson <a href="https://x.com/MollieeWalkerr/status/1889895175658545430">called</a> the defeat "a little bit of a nut-kicker," which is a succinct way to frame it.</li></ul><ul><li>Coach Sam Hallam is looking smart. Filip Gustavsson, who many penciled in as Linus Ullmark's backup to start the tournament, was outstanding. He faced 26 shots and at least 10 were dangerous.</li></ul><ul><li>Two other standouts: Gustav Forsling (the long, slick-skating defenseman really thrives in an up-tempo environment) and Rickard Rakell (the big winger was strong on the forecheck and executed a screen on Sweden's first goal).</li></ul>John Matisz is theScore's senior NHL writer. Follow John on Twitter (<a href="https://twitter.com/MatiszJohn">@MatiszJohn</a>) or contact him via email (john.matisz@thescore.com).

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What the 4 Nations opener taught us about Canada, Sweden

MONTREAL - Jon Cooper was in an odd spot for the final six months of 2024. He had been named Cana...

MONTREAL - Jon Cooper was in an odd spot for the final six months of 2024. He had been named Canada's head coach for the 4 Nations Face-Off but only knew the initial six NHL stars who'd be on his lineup card.So, Cooper did what anybody would do."The bar napkins took a beating," Cooper said Tuesday during 4 Nations media day at Bell Centre, with Team Canada general manager Don Sweeney and the event's freshly unveiled <a href="https://x.com/lukefoxjukebox/status/1889334030447091771/">silver trophy</a> seated directly to his right.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/770070/cropped_GettyImages-2198962089.jpg?ts=1739314514" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/770070/w220xh124_GettyImages-2198962089.jpg?ts=1739314514 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/770070/w320xh180_GettyImages-2198962089.jpg?ts=1739314514 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/770070/w640xh360_GettyImages-2198962089.jpg?ts=1739314514 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/770070/w768xh432_GettyImages-2198962089.jpg?ts=1739314514 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/770070/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2198962089.jpg?ts=1739314514 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Andre RInguette/4NFO / Getty Images</figcaption></figure>The fantasy booking is over for Cooper. He spent Monday and Tuesday on the ice with all of Canada's players in advance of Wednesday night's tournament opener against Sweden. The forward trio eliciting the most eyeball emojis is force-of-nature superstar Nathan MacKinnon between all-time great Sidney Crosby and perennial Selke Trophy contender Mark Stone. (For the record, the "other top line" features Connor McDavid, Sam Reinhart, and Mitch Marner.)The MacKinnon-Crosby tandem was telegraphed. The Cole Harbour, Nova Scotia, natives skate together in the summers. Cooper noted they've been inseparable in Montreal, chirping each other like brothers. "It's just natural to put those guys together," Cooper said. "Is it going to work? We don't know."Stone was tapped as the third wheel due to his rugged, responsible style and hockey sense. Cooper's staff thinks Stone's success with Golden Knights center Jack Eichel suggests there's a fit with MacKinnon, another powerful transition player. "If you can get a guy with that kind of speed coming through the middle of the ice," Stone said, "you can hold onto pucks, then chip it to them, and it just backs (the defensive pressure) off so much."Here are nine other things we learned at media day.<h3>Chip still on Doughty's shoulder</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/770073/cropped_GettyImages-2198981342.jpg?ts=1739315427" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/770073/w220xh124_GettyImages-2198981342.jpg?ts=1739315427 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/770073/w320xh180_GettyImages-2198981342.jpg?ts=1739315427 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/770073/w640xh360_GettyImages-2198981342.jpg?ts=1739315427 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/770073/w768xh432_GettyImages-2198981342.jpg?ts=1739315427 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/770073/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2198981342.jpg?ts=1739315427 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Vitor Munhoz/4NFO / Getty</figcaption></figure>At worst, Drew Doughty will be a heart-and-soul soldier for Canada."This tournament means the world to me," the defenseman said Tuesday.At best, Doughty will be a leader and Canada's go-to shutdown guy. Doughty, who's been paired in practice with slick-skating Shea Theodore, is deeply motivated. "It's good for me to be here to resurrect my career a little bit," the two-time Olympic medalist said. "A lot of people have me written off."This <a href="https://www.thescore.com/nhl/news/2719075">isn't the first time</a> Doughty has talked about feeling underappreciated.I don't disagree with the take; Doughty is indeed underrated in 2025. But, I also don't believe the lack of attention or credit is personal. The 35-year-old plays a relatively boring brand of hockey for a West Coast club during an era of immense skill. Fair or not, the Kings stalwart slips through the cracks.<h3>Binnington's handles could be X-factor</h3>Canada is starting the tournament with the Blues' Jordan Binnington between the pipes, the Golden Knights' Adin Hill backing up, and the Canadiens' Sam Montembeault as the third goaltending option. No surprises. Expect Hill to play at some point.A side plot: Binnington plays the puck as often as any goalie in the NHL. This can be helpful for controlling dump-ins, kick-starting breakouts, and launching stretch passes. In all likelihood, Binnington will help Canada's rush attack.<figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/770108/cropped_GettyImages-2197896895.jpg?ts=1739326019" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/770108/w220xh124_GettyImages-2197896895.jpg?ts=1739326019 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/770108/w320xh180_GettyImages-2197896895.jpg?ts=1739326019 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/770108/w640xh360_GettyImages-2197896895.jpg?ts=1739326019 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/770108/w768xh432_GettyImages-2197896895.jpg?ts=1739326019 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/770108/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2197896895.jpg?ts=1739326019 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Icon Sportswire / Getty Images</figcaption></figure>That said, there's also a potential downside to consider in a short tournament. Will Binnington's love for playing the puck create confusion among players who don't know his style well and lead to breakdowns in the defensive end?Colton Parayko is Binnington's only full-time teammate on Canada."I know he plays the puck well, so that'll be a little bit different," defenseman Cale Makar said. "I haven't really played with a goalie who can play it up ice and stuff like that, so we'll have to read and react off that."<h3>Team USA's chasing 'fierce' identity</h3>Strong at every position, the U.S. has the best team on paper top to bottom. And, as we saw Tuesday with Johnny Gaudreau's dad <a href="https://x.com/usahockey/status/1889413025977020798">joining</a> Team USA's practice and team photo while a No. 13 Gaudreau jersey <a href="https://x.com/BR_OpenIce/status/1889448409242746944">hung</a> in the dressing room, this is a group ready to rally for more than a trophy or medal.We've never seen a U.S. men's team this talented and deep, which leaves us wondering what the squad's identity will be under head coach Mike Sullivan."We have fierce competitors, first and foremost," Sullivan said. "But, I think we have the ability to play a speed game, and I think we have the ability to play a skilled game. And then we have the types of players on our team that are going to drag us into the fight, so to speak."J.T. Miller probably best fits the entirety of that description.<h3>Landeskog no small missing piece</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/607770/cropped_GettyImages-607562434.jpg?ts=1739332492" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/607770/w220xh124_GettyImages-607562434.jpg?ts=1739332492 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/607770/w320xh180_GettyImages-607562434.jpg?ts=1739332492 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/607770/w640xh360_GettyImages-607562434.jpg?ts=1739332492 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/607770/w768xh432_GettyImages-607562434.jpg?ts=1739332492 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/607770/w1080xh607_GettyImages-607562434.jpg?ts=1739332492 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Bruce Bennett / Getty Images</figcaption></figure>It's easy to forget about Gabriel Landeskog, the Avalanche captain who's been sidelined by a knee injury since Colorado won the 2022 Stanley Cup.Because Landeskog has been gone so long (the 32-year-old's still working on an NHL comeback), it's flown under the radar that the Swedes will miss him."Gabe, in his prime, would have been a great addition for us. He's a great player. I love his tenacity. I love his grit," defenseman Mattias Ekholm said of Sweden's multi-time alternate captain. "He's a guy you follow, right? He's a leader and, I mean, I could see him on the first line for us."The left-wing depth chart of Filip Forsberg, Rickard Rakell, Jesper Bratt, and Viktor Arvidsson could use Landeskog and his mature power forward game."I hope he gets healthy, I hope he gets back. It's unfortunate," Ekholm added.<h3>Isles' Nelson caught in the middle</h3>Brock Nelson considers 4 Nations a "mental break" from the speculation surrounding his future. Reading between the lines of his comments Tuesday, it seems like the pending unrestricted free agent's preference is to not get traded before the March 7 deadline and instead sign a contract extension with the Islanders.<figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/770157/cropped_GettyImages-2197825583.jpg?ts=1739335932" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/770157/w220xh124_GettyImages-2197825583.jpg?ts=1739335932 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/770157/w320xh180_GettyImages-2197825583.jpg?ts=1739335932 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/770157/w640xh360_GettyImages-2197825583.jpg?ts=1739335932 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/770157/w768xh432_GettyImages-2197825583.jpg?ts=1739335932 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/770157/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2197825583.jpg?ts=1739335932 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Len Redkoles / Getty Images</figcaption></figure>However, until there's a deal in place, all options are on the table."People have already decided for me a couple times what's going to happen," said Nelson, whose contract carries a $6-million cap hit and includes a 16-team no-trade clause. "It's all outside (noise), and we'll handle everything, and everything will sort itself out.""I want what's best for me, my family, and team, and everything," he added.Nelson, a Team USA forward, noted he loves playing for GM Lou Lamoriello and that his agent has a great relationship with the legendary NHL executive.<h3>Matthew Tkachuk's marketability rising</h3>Marquee annual events like All-Star Weekend, the draft, and the awards show offer the NHL's corporate partners a vehicle to double down on promotions.4 Nations is no different. Two things sat on each interview stand during media day: microphones (of course) and one-to-four BodyArmor bottles.BodyArmor is the official sports drink of the NHL - and 4 Nations. On Tuesday, the company announced a multi-year deal with Team USA's Matthew Tkachuk, one of the sport's most colorful characters on and off the ice.Tkachuk, 27, said on a typical game day he'll down 12-to-14 BodyArmor-branded sport waters, as well as a bottle or two of its fruit punch sports drink. "Everything is real. The flavors are real. The ingredients are real," he said.Tkachuk's a hot commodity following two 100-point seasons and the Panthers' Cup win. He also recently signed with clothing company Perry Ellis.<h3>Finns won't go down without fight</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/770159/cropped_GettyImages-2198985109.jpg?ts=1739336278" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/770159/w220xh124_GettyImages-2198985109.jpg?ts=1739336278 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/770159/w320xh180_GettyImages-2198985109.jpg?ts=1739336278 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/770159/w640xh360_GettyImages-2198985109.jpg?ts=1739336278 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/770159/w768xh432_GettyImages-2198985109.jpg?ts=1739336278 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/770159/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2198985109.jpg?ts=1739336278 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Andre RInguette/4NFO / Getty Images</figcaption></figure>Finland is embracing the underdog role, which is probably the smart strategy.There's simply no denying the Finns are the fourth-best team in the four-team tournament. Heck, they were in tough before injuries to Miro Heiskanen, Rasmus Ristolainen, and Jani Hakanpaa decimated an already weak blue line.Esa Lindell, on his best days a solid second-pair defenseman for the Stars, is going to log a ton of ice time. The same goes for hulking Panthers rearguard Niko Mikkola.Coach Antti Pennanen refused to name Finland's opening-game starting goalie Tuesday, even though Predators star Juuse Saros feels like the obvious pick over Kevin Lankinen and Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen of the Canucks and Sabres, respectively. There's a tiny chance Pennanen goes with the hotter hand in Lankinen.Honestly, I appreciate the suspense.<h3>Don't sleep on young Sanderson</h3>Jake Sanderson, who recently replaced an injured Quinn Hughes, is on the outside looking in as Team USA's seventh defenseman. Given his trajectory, though, the 22-year-old could sneak into the top four at next year's Olympics.Sanderson is the Senators' most-used and top-scoring defenseman this season. At the break, he ranks highly league-wide in four key defensive metrics tracked by Sportlogiq - loose-puck recoveries (fourth), defensive-zone denials (ninth), total defensive plays (10th), and blocked passes (13th)."He's one of the best skaters in the league, without a doubt," teammate Brock Faber said of Sanderson. "The details of his game - he takes pride in a lot of similar things that I do. Good stick, blocks shots, cares about the defensive part of his game. A lot of times, he isn't pushing for offense or pushing for points, then getting out of position. He's so solid up and down the sheet."The Hughes-less blue line, as currently constructed: Zach Werenski and Charlie McAvoy, Jaccob Slavin and Adam Fox, Faber and Noah Hanifin.<h3>Best soundbites from media day</h3><ul><li>
"I don't take anything personally." - a deadpanning Eichel when asked if he'd take the American national anthem being booed at Bell Centre to heart</li></ul><ul><li>
"Yeah, I'm getting older ..." - a smiling Victor Hedman on playing for Sweden alongside a Nylander for a third time (2010 worlds with father Michael; 2017 worlds and 2025 4 Nations with son William)</li></ul><ul><li>
"I don't think so ... unless (Hurricanes teammate Sebastian) Aho challenges me." - a joking Seth Jarvis on the possibility of <a href="https://x.com/THNRyanKennedy/status/1889406420115689930">4 Nations fisticuffs</a>
</li></ul><div> </div><ul><li>
"This is hockey heaven." - an eloquent McAvoy on the mood one day from puck drop on the first best-on-best tournament in eight-plus years</li></ul>John Matisz is theScore's senior NHL writer. Follow John on Twitter (<a href="https://twitter.com/MatiszJohn">@MatiszJohn</a>) or contact him via email (john.matisz@thescore.com).

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10 things we've learned leading up to 4 Nations Face-Off opener

"Men are men."  Those three words transport Zach Werenski, Matthew Tkachuk, and 20 other 1997-bor...

"Men are men."Those three words transport Zach Werenski, Matthew Tkachuk, and 20 other 1997-born American hockey players back to the Ann Arbor Ice Cube west of Detroit. The players can visualize the 2013-14 U.S. National Team Development Program coaching staff arranging long black horizontal pads to shrink the playing surface to a small square at one end of the rink. They can hear the screech of the coach's whistle, skates carving up the ice, bodies colliding at full throttle, and teammates exchanging expletives."There'd be two or three guys per team, our coach Donnny Granato would flip a puck in, and guys would run each other. We'd be blowing each other up in practice," said Werenski, the Blue Jackets' longtime top defenseman.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Werenski dreaded drawing fellow future NHLers Noah Hanifin and Jordan Greenway. Both were hovering around 6-foot-4 and 190 pounds at 16 years old, and there was nowhere to hide in the "men are men" drill. Werenski remembers close friends going so hard that they'd be "hating each other for the rest of the day.""There was almost a scrap like every single practice," Tkachuk said. "The No. 1 thing in hockey is competitiveness and one-on-one battles," the Panthers winger added. "That drill, in itself, teaches you everything you need to know about that skill set."<figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/769815/cropped_GettyImages-625367374.jpg?ts=1739213195" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/769815/w220xh124_GettyImages-625367374.jpg?ts=1739213195 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/769815/w320xh180_GettyImages-625367374.jpg?ts=1739213195 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/769815/w640xh360_GettyImages-625367374.jpg?ts=1739213195 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/769815/w768xh432_GettyImages-625367374.jpg?ts=1739213195 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/769815/w1080xh607_GettyImages-625367374.jpg?ts=1739213195 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption">Werenski and Tkachuk battle along the boards during an NHL game in 2016 Kirk Irwin / Getty Images</figcaption></figure>More than half of that <a href="https://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/stats/leagues/seasons/teams/0065632014.html">2013-14 Under-17</a> team made it to the NHL. Some bounce in and out of the league, others are middle-of-the-lineup skaters, and a handful are stars. Remarkably, five will suit up for Team USA at the 4 Nations Face-Off: Werenski, Tkachuk, Hanifin, Charlie McAvoy, and Auston Matthews.Captain Matthews and alternates Tkachuk and McAvoy are the elected leaders for a 4 Nations team filled with NTDP alumni. In total, 15 of 23 players spent at least one year in Ann Arbor or Plymouth, Michigan, where the program moved in 2015. The NTDP is a rite of passage for Americans chasing the NHL dream."It's a candy store for elite hockey players," former coach Danton Cole said.<figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/769855/cropped_GettyImages-143260204.jpg?ts=1739220872" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/769855/w220xh124_GettyImages-143260204.jpg?ts=1739220872 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/769855/w320xh180_GettyImages-143260204.jpg?ts=1739220872 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/769855/w640xh360_GettyImages-143260204.jpg?ts=1739220872 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/769855/w768xh432_GettyImages-143260204.jpg?ts=1739220872 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/769855/w1080xh607_GettyImages-143260204.jpg?ts=1739220872 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption">Team USA celebrates winning gold at the 2012 U18 world championship in Sweden AFP / Getty Images</figcaption></figure><figure class="article-segment--embed"><center>                    </center></figure>Founded in 1996, the NTDP is the brainchild of legendary bench boss Jeff Jackson, who's currently head coach at Notre Dame. Jackson believed two unsatisfied parties - the elite American player and USA Hockey - could benefit from establishing a resource-rich residency program at a centralized location.Players could receive better coaching, use better facilities, and get more exposure, while the national body could one day reap the rewards of a deeper player pool and stronger ties between player and country. The U.S. was an easy out in mid-'90s international tournaments, with only three combined medals at the men's world juniors and men's world championships in the 16 years following 1980 Olympic gold.NTDP assistant executive director Scott Monaghan calls the first three or four age groups the program's "pioneers." Those players took a chance on a concept foreign to hockey: 40 teens in one facility studying, lifting weights, eating well, and playing a disorienting schedule of games cobbled together against junior, college, and international opponents. Jackson borrowed the idea from soccer, but "quite frankly," Monaghan laughed, "we were making it up as we went."<figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="Nation building" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-K0GA0" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/K0GA0/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="478" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",(function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r=0;r<e.length;r++)if(e[r].contentWindow===a.source){var i=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";e[r].style.height=i}}}))}();
</script></figure>Over time, as international results improved and alumni like Phil Kessel and Patrick Kane carved out illustrious careers, the NTDP transitioned from an alternative path to a North Star. "Now the first thing out of their mouth is, 'This is what I've dreamed about my whole life,'" Monaghan said of recent recruits.Players typically spend two seasons at the NTDP - Year 1 on the U17 team, and Year 2 on the U18 team. While the U18 season is challenging in its own right, the U17 year is "pure survival," according to Granato. Adversity is everywhere."It's so new and taxing for the kids," said Granato, the former Buffalo Sabres coach. "It's Kryptonite. These kids were Superman in their hometowns, home regions. They imposed their will on the game and got picked for the national team. And then we put them up against USHL teams and each guy gives up size, strength, and three-to-four years of experience. They get pounded. Their confidence - and their parents' confidence - takes a real hit in the process."Granato held a classroom session on the 1997-born group's first day in Ann Arbor. He asked each player to write their top skills on a piece of paper and hand it over. "I can't argue with any of these. You nailed it," he recalls telling the class."But," Granato continued, "that's bantam or midget hockey." Those strengths, he noted, won't necessarily be your main strengths if you want to crack the NHL. You need transferable skills. You need to adapt.Current Sharks forward Luke Kunin was in the room that day, and he evolved to make himself indispensable. "When he was a young kid, he was power-play guy, point guy," Werenski said of the group's future captain. "Now he's eight years in as an NHLer - made a great career for himself - and he keeps playing the right way. He's reliable, kills penalties, knows his role."<figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/769872/cropped_GettyImages-457952578.jpg?ts=1739229076" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/769872/w220xh124_GettyImages-457952578.jpg?ts=1739229076 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/769872/w320xh180_GettyImages-457952578.jpg?ts=1739229076 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/769872/w640xh360_GettyImages-457952578.jpg?ts=1739229076 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/769872/w768xh432_GettyImages-457952578.jpg?ts=1739229076 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/769872/w1080xh607_GettyImages-457952578.jpg?ts=1739229076 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption">Matthew Tkachuk during a game against Providence College in 2014 Richard T Gagnon / Getty Images</figcaption></figure>Matthew Tkachuk stickhandled his way through entire teams as a youth player in the St. Louis area. But he hit a wall in that first year away from home. Defenders no longer fell for his fancy moves, and he didn't have separation speed to compensate. Despite being a star NTDP recruit and adding a couple of inches of height, Tkachuk finished last among U17 left wingers in points."I wasn't going to make it to the NHL as that type of player," Tkachuk said. "I really had to adapt, and I spent a lot of time working in and around the net. Working on my shot. Working on the shot mindset. Working on skating. All of that stuff to try and become more of a power forward. I think that helped me so much because, in that U18 year, I took off (with 95 points in 65 games)."Tkachuk remains a below-average skater - yes, even with a Stanley Cup ring and a pair of 100-point NHL seasons before the age of 28. He gets to where he needs to be in a timely fashion thanks to smarts and positioning. He can play a fast brand of hockey because he hustles and anticipates exceptionally well.Werenski's struggles at the NTDP were mostly internal. He arrived with the skating ability, vision, shooting, and passing that scouts drool over, but he lacked confidence. Werenski would look over at Hanifin, this self-assured "man-child" billed as the next great American blue-liner, and wonder if he'd ever feel or look like that, let alone earn a spot on the U17 team's first power-play unit."It was the first time I was really challenged," said Werenski, a dominant youth player in Michigan. "And that challenge brought on some self-doubt."<figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/769907/cropped_GettyImages-1247797687.jpg?ts=1739242788" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/769907/w220xh124_GettyImages-1247797687.jpg?ts=1739242788 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/769907/w320xh180_GettyImages-1247797687.jpg?ts=1739242788 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/769907/w640xh360_GettyImages-1247797687.jpg?ts=1739242788 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/769907/w768xh432_GettyImages-1247797687.jpg?ts=1739242788 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/769907/w1080xh607_GettyImages-1247797687.jpg?ts=1739242788 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption">Granato on the bench with the Sabres for an NHL game in 2023 Joe Hrycych / Getty Images</figcaption></figure>Werenski, who's in contention for the Norris Trophy this season, credits Granato for helping him get his bearings. The coach regularly reminded him of his abilities while simultaneously pushing him to get better in every aspect of the game. It worked. Werenski, like Hanifin, left the NTDP for college following one season. He immediately made an impact at the University of Michigan.Matthews was one of the first 1997-born kids to be offered a spot at the NTDP. The future Maple Leafs sniper was a relative unknown out of Arizona; however, he quickly lived up to expectations as the team's top forward. People best remember his size, drive, and natural command of the game.Assistant coach Nick Fohr likes to share one particular story. A few months into that U17 year, Matthews was close to returning from a broken femur but hadn't been medically cleared. This meant he would miss the next few games."Donny and I walk out to watch practice," recalled Fohr, who still coaches at the NTDP. "Auston had gone on the ice early to do some work with the goalies. They were doing a drill where you cut to the middle of the ice and fire a shot. He comes in, shoots, scores. He skates right by us in the corner and stares us down. He comes in next time, does the same thing, and stares us down again. He looked at us, like, 'I am ready. I am telling you, I am ready.'"Granato can picture young Matthews vividly. He swears the kid winked, too.<figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/769939/cropped_GettyImages-2198755422.jpg?ts=1739249751" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/769939/w220xh124_GettyImages-2198755422.jpg?ts=1739249751 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/769939/w320xh180_GettyImages-2198755422.jpg?ts=1739249751 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/769939/w640xh360_GettyImages-2198755422.jpg?ts=1739249751 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/769939/w768xh432_GettyImages-2198755422.jpg?ts=1739249751 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/769939/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2198755422.jpg?ts=1739249751 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption">NTDP alumni Matthews and Miller chat during Monday's Team USA practice in Montreal Vitor Munhoz/4NFO / Getty Images</figcaption></figure>Matthews was eventually summoned to the older squad and starred at the U18 world championship. That team, with Cole as head coach, featured three 4 Nations forwards down the middle - Jack Eichel, Dylan Larkin, and Matthews. Team USA won gold and repeated the next year with the 1997s.Matthews, who's gone on to score more goals than anyone else since breaking into the NHL in 2016, left the NTDP with 179 points in 104 games.In those early stages of his superstar trajectory, Matthews would sometimes get frustrated because his linemates couldn't fully keep up with him. Granato pointed out in a private meeting that he'd likely run into the same problem at the NHL level. So, the coach told Matthews, let's figure out right now how to, one, accept this reality, and two, push your linemates to improve."The biggest thing with a guy like Auston was that it was always hockey, hockey, hockey," said Steven Ruggiero, a defenseman who joined the '97 group for Year 2, made his way to the ECHL, and is now retired from hockey."You'd get off the ice and some guys would be hustling out of the rink to shut down for the night, and there Auston would be getting a stick off the rack to shoot pucks. He's going to go work on his technique so he can toe drag better, catch and release better. Then he'd pull it off in a game the next weekend and it all made sense. He really obsessed over the little intricacies."This is what Cole means by the NTDP being "a candy store for elite hockey players." It's a place with virtually unlimited ice time. Video sessions. Stiff competition. Access to some of the brightest up-and-coming coaches, plus professionals in strength and conditioning, mental skills, and academics.The 1997-born group, particularly in their U17 year, embodied what the NTDP is supposed to be about. The players built metaphorical calluses in those intense practices, in those classroom sessions, in a tough USHL season (11-20-0-1 record), in the gym, and in their own minds. "We want to take the best young players and put them in an environment where they are going to fail," Monaghan said."We have a saying right near the locker room door in Plymouth: 'Take responsibility for your development,'" the longtime USA Hockey administrator added. "That's what it comes down to. And it's not just about your time at the NTDP. That's anywhere in sports. You have to put in the work to really grow."John Matisz is theScore's senior NHL writer. Follow John on Twitter (<a href="https://twitter.com/MatiszJohn">@MatiszJohn</a>) or contact him via email (john.matisz@thescore.com).

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How the USNTDP's U17 crucible forged this 4 Nations team

Vancouver's soap-opera era is over.  On Tuesday, Canucks executive Jim Rutherford confirmed a lon...

Vancouver's soap-opera era is over.On Tuesday, Canucks executive Jim Rutherford <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3202993" href="https://thescore.com/news/3202993">confirmed</a> a long-rumored rift between star centers J.T. Miller and Elias Pettersson. On Friday, Miller became a New York Ranger again. Drafted by the Rangers 15th overall in 2011, Miller's headed back to the Big Apple as the headliner in a six-piece deal.<figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="J.T. Miller trade" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-RT2tJ" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/RT2tJ/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="213" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",(function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r=0;r<e.length;r++)if(e[r].contentWindow===a.source){var i=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";e[r].style.height=i}}}))}();
</script></figure>Hours later, the Canucks flipped their newly acquired 2025 first-round pick, forward Danton Heinen, defenseman Vincent Desharnais, and forward Melvin Fernstrom to the Penguins for defenseman Marcus Pettersson and forward Drew O'Connor.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Let's dig into what all of this means for Vancouver and New York.<h3>Rangers</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/768312/cropped_GettyImages-2190299782.jpg?ts=1738376073" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/768312/w220xh124_GettyImages-2190299782.jpg?ts=1738376073 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/768312/w320xh180_GettyImages-2190299782.jpg?ts=1738376073 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/768312/w640xh360_GettyImages-2190299782.jpg?ts=1738376073 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/768312/w768xh432_GettyImages-2190299782.jpg?ts=1738376073 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/768312/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2190299782.jpg?ts=1738376073 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Derek Cain / Getty Images</figcaption></figure>Everything about Miller's a roller coaster.His production: 99 points in 2021-22 and 103 points last year, but 82 in 2022-23 and on a 72-point pace this season. His default state: ultra-competitive, which is fantastic in a vacuum but can rub certain people the wrong way (see: Elias Pettersson and likely other teammates over Miller's 13-year career).His two-way ability: tangible most of the time, but Miller can completely check out on defense for full games or weeks. His contract: $8 million per year is reasonable (when he's playing to his potential), but the final few seasons of a deal that ends in 2030 may get dicey considering Miller turns 32 in March.Put another way: Miller's for long stretches been a top 10-20 forward in the NHL, but he's also been a good-but-not-great player for stretches, capable of driving people nuts, and not particularly young or light on the cap.It's hard to predict which version the Rangers will get following the third trade of Miller's career, though the change of scenery should bring out his best. His versatility as a speedy, physical, clutch, dual-threat forward is rare, and his fiery streak can be a net positive in the right environment.<figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/768295/cropped_GettyImages-2159882885.jpg?ts=1738369600" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/768295/w220xh124_GettyImages-2159882885.jpg?ts=1738369600 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/768295/w320xh180_GettyImages-2159882885.jpg?ts=1738369600 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/768295/w640xh360_GettyImages-2159882885.jpg?ts=1738369600 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/768295/w768xh432_GettyImages-2159882885.jpg?ts=1738369600 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/768295/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2159882885.jpg?ts=1738369600 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Bruce Bennett / Getty Images</figcaption></figure>The Rangers' center depth is now Miller, good buddy Vincent Trocheck, Mika Zibanejad, and Sam Carrick. While none are under 30 or enjoying career years, that's a quality unit. At the very least, Miller's undoubtedly a short-term upgrade on 25-year-old Chytil, who may tap out as a solid third-line center.The big question: did Rangers general manager Chris Drury appreciably lift his team's ceiling with this trade, or was it closer to an act of desperation? The Rangers - a popular preseason pick to come out of the Eastern Conference - were sitting five points out of a playoff spot ahead of Friday's slate.Drury's pulled off three notable midseason trades to bring in Miller and blue-liner Will Borgen (who recently signed a five-year extension) while sending out Chytil, middle-six winger Kaapo Kakko, and captain Jacob Trouba. Picks and lesser-known players were also exchanged, but the bottom line for 2024-25 is quality over quantity at forward and youth over leadership on defense.Of course, New York's absorbed risk in all three shake-ups. Here, it's Miller's volatility and age mixed with the uncertainty surrounding the conditional pick. All in all, I don't dislike the move for Drury, but I also don't love it.Grade: B-<h3>Canucks</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/768297/cropped_GettyImages-2187943773.jpg?ts=1738369730" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/768297/w220xh124_GettyImages-2187943773.jpg?ts=1738369730 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/768297/w320xh180_GettyImages-2187943773.jpg?ts=1738369730 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/768297/w640xh360_GettyImages-2187943773.jpg?ts=1738369730 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/768297/w768xh432_GettyImages-2187943773.jpg?ts=1738369730 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/768297/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2187943773.jpg?ts=1738369730 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Icon Sportswire / Getty Images</figcaption></figure>Let's work through these Friday night swaps one at a time."Meh" is the first word that comes to mind about the Miller return.Miller, undersized veteran puck-mover Brannstrom, and middling defensive prospect Dorrington fetched the Canucks only one premium asset: the conditional opening-round pick. Chytil is valuable but a history of concussions dampens his overall value. Mancini, 22, is a large, right-handed defenseman with some upside, yet there's a decent chance he's a career third-pair guy.Rutherford and GM Patrik Allvin sold Miller at a discount because the entire NHL knew about the fractured relationship with Elias Pettersson. Regardless of the nitty-gritty details and human element of such a complicated situation, losing a (usually) premier forward over an off-ice issue is a massive blow.The flip side: Miller held the hammer with a full no-move clause, limiting the number of suitors and minimizing the Canucks' leverage; Vancouver increased its cap flexibility by not retaining salary; and internal drama came to an end.Oh yeah, and that first-rounder: they flipped it right away to the Penguins.<figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/768328/cropped_GettyImages-1407402654.jpg?ts=1738381539" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/768328/w220xh124_GettyImages-1407402654.jpg?ts=1738381539 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/768328/w320xh180_GettyImages-1407402654.jpg?ts=1738381539 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/768328/w640xh360_GettyImages-1407402654.jpg?ts=1738381539 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/768328/w768xh432_GettyImages-1407402654.jpg?ts=1738381539 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/768328/w1080xh607_GettyImages-1407402654.jpg?ts=1738381539 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Jeff Vinnick / Getty Images</figcaption></figure>The main piece arriving is rangy defenseman Marcus Pettersson. The Canucks were desperate for help behind Quinn Hughes and Filip Hronek, and Pettersson is more than capable of stabilizing the second pair. The 28-year-old is a pending unrestricted free agent Vancouver surely wants to re-sign.O'Connor, another pending UFA, can pump some forechecking juice into the Canucks' forward group and chip in on the penalty kill. Otherwise, the rest of the Vancouver-Pittsburgh deal is a wash. No needle-moving or unique players.After all of this, the spotlight on Elias Pettersson shines brighter than ever. Maybe he and everyone else in the organization moves on and his production and Selke Trophy-caliber defense permanently returns. Maybe the front office is only getting started with Friday's two deals and Elias Pettersson is dealt before his own trade protection kicks in this summer.It's extremely difficult to grade the Canucks here, given the various layers. At a high level, though, they simply didn't get enough in return for a player of Miller's caliber, and then paid slightly too much for two non-star pending UFAs.Cumulative grade: CJohn Matisz is theScore's senior NHL writer. Follow John on Twitter (<a href="https://twitter.com/MatiszJohn">@MatiszJohn</a>) or contact him via email (john.matisz@thescore.com).

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Trade grades: No team wins big as J.T. Miller returns to Rangers

Welcome to the third edition of NHL Inbox - a monthly forum in which readers can ask me anything ...

Welcome to the third edition of NHL Inbox - a monthly forum in which readers can ask me anything hockey-related and I try my best to deliver an insightful answer. Thanks to the 80-plus people who've submitted questions thus far.Note: The questions below have been lightly edited for clarity and brevity.<figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/767849/cropped_GettyImages-2189275122.jpg?ts=1738174759" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/767849/w220xh124_GettyImages-2189275122.jpg?ts=1738174759 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/767849/w320xh180_GettyImages-2189275122.jpg?ts=1738174759 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/767849/w640xh360_GettyImages-2189275122.jpg?ts=1738174759 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/767849/w768xh432_GettyImages-2189275122.jpg?ts=1738174759 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/767849/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2189275122.jpg?ts=1738174759 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Mike Mulholland / Getty Images</figcaption></figure>deitch asks: Who's the most promising player on the Wings' current squad?<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>"Most promising" leaves a lot of room for interpretation, but I think I'm being asked to identify the young NHLer with the highest ceiling. With forward Lucas Raymond and defenseman Moritz Seider already well-established, I'll go with Swedish blue-liner Simon Edvinsson.Edvinsson, who turns 22 next week, eased into the NHL with nine games in 2022-23 and 16 last year. He's now a full-timer, logging the third-most minutes among Detroit defensemen (20:44 nightly, including 1:46 on the penalty kill). He leads the defense corps with a 51.3% expected goals rate at five-on-five. The Wings have outscored opponents 31-25 in those 825 minutes.Edvinsson is also a wonderfully graceful skater for a 6-foot-6, 209-pound defenseman. That rare length and mobility combination gives him enviable reach. He effortlessly covers a ton of ice and is exceptional at turning defense into offense - say, a crafty stick check into a smooth defensive-zone exit.<figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Simon Edvinsson's blue line keep that led to Larkin's goal. Great use of that reach. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LGRW?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#LGRW</a> <a href="https://t.co/dBLJ7t1XEm">pic.twitter.com/dBLJ7t1XEm</a>— Ryan Hana (@RyanHanaWWP) <a href="https://twitter.com/RyanHanaWWP/status/1770976759422365882?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 22, 2024</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure>Dan Watson, Edvinsson's coach in AHL Grand Rapids the previous two seasons, believes his former player has really popped as an NHLer because he's developed a "B" game. Beyond his skating and puck skills, Edvinsson offers value in his physicality, shot-blocking, and straightforward playmaking.Seider's already a top-pair guy while 2023 first-round pick Axel Sandin-Pellikka is progressing well as a pro in Sweden. It's hard to predict usage and deployment over the long term, but the foundation of the blue line is strong."If you put Mo and Simon together, whenever that may come this season or down the road, you have a formidable one-two punch on D for what Detroit hopes is a really long time," Watson said of the righty Seider and lefty Edvinsson.Edvinsson was one of four defensemen taken early in the 2021 draft: Owen Power went first overall, Luke Hughes went fourth, Edvinsson sixth, and Brandt Clarke eighth. In a redraft of only blue-liners, I'd select Edvinsson first.<figure class="article-segment--embed"><center>                         </center></figure><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/767886/cropped_GettyImages-1330309613.jpg?ts=1738186341" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/767886/w220xh124_GettyImages-1330309613.jpg?ts=1738186341 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/767886/w320xh180_GettyImages-1330309613.jpg?ts=1738186341 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/767886/w640xh360_GettyImages-1330309613.jpg?ts=1738186341 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/767886/w768xh432_GettyImages-1330309613.jpg?ts=1738186341 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/767886/w1080xh607_GettyImages-1330309613.jpg?ts=1738186341 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> NHL Images / Getty Images</figcaption></figure>Derek L. asks: Can we get some insight into what an NHL front office looks like? What are the titles and job descriptions that help teams run effectively?The best way to answer this question is to focus on a successful club based in a mid-sized hockey market (and therefore doesn't have endless resources).In other words, the Stars.Jim Nill is Dallas' general manager. He's hockey operations' public face, top delegator, and chief strategist. The 66-year-old oversees dozens of people while holding the hammer on any decision relating to players and coaches. Like all NHL GMs, Nill must tactfully "manage up" to keep ownership happy.Nill has two influential assistant GMs. Scott White is in charge of scouting and doubles as the GM of Dallas' AHL affiliate, while resident CBA expert Mark Janko is responsible for managing the salary cap and negotiating contracts with players and staff. Ex-Stars forward Rich Peverley works closely with all three as the team's director of player personnel. Hockey ops then branches off into amateur scouting, pro scouting, player development, and analytics.Player development and analytics have become increasingly important in the last 20 years. In the salary cap era, every GM relies upon both to gain edges, big or small, over his 31 peers.The Stars employ four analytics staffers and four player development staffers, according to the team's online <a href="https://www.nhl.com/stars/team/front-office">staff directory</a>. (Check out my in-depth <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/2848474" href="https://thescore.com/news/2848474">March 2024 feature</a> for much more on the rise of analytics within NHL front offices.)<figure class="article-segment--embed"><center>                         </center></figure><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/767815/cropped_GettyImages-2196502284.jpg?ts=1738164994" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/767815/w220xh124_GettyImages-2196502284.jpg?ts=1738164994 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/767815/w320xh180_GettyImages-2196502284.jpg?ts=1738164994 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/767815/w640xh360_GettyImages-2196502284.jpg?ts=1738164994 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/767815/w768xh432_GettyImages-2196502284.jpg?ts=1738164994 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/767815/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2196502284.jpg?ts=1738164994 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Derek Cain / Getty Images</figcaption></figure>John K. asks: Some questions for those of us in hockey pools. 1) If a shot is deflected by a defensive player before hitting the goalie, does the offensive player who originally shot the puck get credited with a shot on goal? 2) Is a hit crossbar or post considered a shot on goal? 3) If the puck is sent down the ice as a harmless clearing attempt or dump-in but still reaches the goalie, is it jotted down as a shot on goal? 4) If a goalie stops a puck that's clearly wide of the net, perhaps out of the crease's blue paint, is he still credited with a save?1) Yes, the offensive player who originally took the shot is credited with a shot on goal in this scenario. That said, there's another layer to consider: If a defensive player directs the puck to the net with no help from an offensive player, a shot on goal is not automatically awarded. It becomes a shot on goal only if the puck crosses the line for an "own goal." All goals count as shots on goal.2) No, posts and crossbars aren't shots on goal. They're "missed" shot attempts. Now, if the puck hits the goalie before ringing the post or crossbar, that is a shot on goal (assuming the puck was deemed on target when it hit the goalie).3) Yes, a clearing attempt or dump-in that makes its way to the goalie is an official shot on goal, given the goalie is preventing the puck from entering his net. It's not a shot on goal if he's playing the puck well outside his crease.4) No, a puck that's judged to be going wide (for instance, well outside the frame of the goal) is not a shot on goal.<figure class="article-segment--embed"><center>                         </center></figure><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/767868/cropped_GettyImages-2195391383.jpg?ts=1738181617" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/767868/w220xh124_GettyImages-2195391383.jpg?ts=1738181617 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/767868/w320xh180_GettyImages-2195391383.jpg?ts=1738181617 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/767868/w640xh360_GettyImages-2195391383.jpg?ts=1738181617 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/767868/w768xh432_GettyImages-2195391383.jpg?ts=1738181617 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/767868/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2195391383.jpg?ts=1738181617 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Leila Devlin / Getty Images</figcaption></figure>Sam M. asks: How did Montebeachball make Team Canada?This question about Canadiens goalie Sam Montembeault landed in my inbox minutes after he and Montreal fell 9-2 to Pittsburgh on Dec. 12.Montembeault and the Habs have both rebounded, but the question remains relevant. The 4 Nations Face-Off is approaching and Canada's goalies, as announced on Dec. 4, are Adin Hill, Jordan Binnington, and Montembeault.Given the lack of bona fide stars in Canada's goaltending pool, I understand the logic behind picking Hill and Binnington - they're a couple of reliable veterans who've won a Stanley Cup. The Montembeault selection, while not terrible, raised eyebrows then and looks even more peculiar in hindsight.Logan Thompson, Stuart Skinner, Darcy Kuemper, Cam Talbot, and Mackenzie Blackwood were also available. Thompson, who signed a six-year extension with the Capitals on Monday, boasted the most impressive numbers in early December - and still does today. He's lapping other Canadians in save percentage (.927), quality start percentage (85.2), and goals saved above expected per 60 minutes (1.04). If not for Connor Hellebuyck, Thompson would be a front-runner for the Vezina Trophy.Thompson <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3197573" href="https://thescore.com/news/3197573">recently said</a> Hockey Canada never contacted him during the selection process - despite reaching out to others in case of an injury. Odd.To me, the Montembeault pick was an upside play, with the thinking going something like this: if we're committed to Hill and Binnington, why not bring a third-stringer who could blossom into our starter before the 2026 Olympics?If that was part of the calculus, I'd much rather take a flier on the moment's hottest goalie and hope he's playing well in February. Of course, Thompson was the hottest back in December and still is two weeks from the event.<figure class="article-segment--embed"><center>                         </center></figure><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/767903/cropped_GettyImages-1238663675.jpg?ts=1738189835" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/767903/w220xh124_GettyImages-1238663675.jpg?ts=1738189835 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/767903/w320xh180_GettyImages-1238663675.jpg?ts=1738189835 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/767903/w640xh360_GettyImages-1238663675.jpg?ts=1738189835 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/767903/w768xh432_GettyImages-1238663675.jpg?ts=1738189835 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/767903/w1080xh607_GettyImages-1238663675.jpg?ts=1738189835 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Xinhua News Agency / Getty Images</figcaption></figure>Pablodiablo asks: I've never been a fan of Olympic hockey, with or without NHLers, mainly because the Olympics occur right when the NHL season starts to intensify. I believe Olympic hockey should follow the lead of Olympic soccer, in that there's an age limit. In soccer, it's 23, with an exemption allowing up to three players older than 23. Hockey could do something similar. Thoughts?This idea of under-23 Olympic rosters seemed like a stretch at first glance. Did you see how little buzz men's hockey created with no NHLers in Beijing in 2022?On second read, I gave the "something similar" phrase extra attention and started to come around on the outside-the-box concept. However, the problem with doing U23 rosters without NHL participation is that most of the best U23 players are under NHL contract and play in the NHL or AHL.So, in the spirit of "something similar," what if the age group dipped to U20 and only amateurs were eligible? This format would bring the top teenagers together, which, thanks to the annual world junior championship, we know creates great theater. The Beijing rosters were filled largely with ex-NHLers or journeymen pros. A U20 tournament would be filled with future NHL stars.There would be Olympic medals on the line for up-and-comers playing in places like Canadian major junior, American college, and European junior, and the ever-present "Are NHLers going to the Olympics?" storyline would die off.That said, I prefer Olympic hockey with NHLers. It makes for true best-on-best hockey and specialty events help break up the regular season.<figure class="article-segment--embed"><center>                    </center></figure>What do you want to know, hockey fans?There are three ways to submit a question for future editions of NHL Inbox:<ul>
<li>Comment on this article in theScore mobile app</li>
<li>Email senior NHL writer John Matisz at <a href="mailto:john.matisz@theScore.com">john.matisz@thescore.com</a>
</li>
<li>Shoot John a message on Twitter/X (<a href="https://x.com/MatiszJohn">@matiszjohn</a>)</li>
</ul>

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NHL Inbox: Montembeault on Canada? Most promising Red Wing? U23 Olympics?

Dylan Guenther curls deep in the Utah Hockey Club's zone. He weaves through neutral ice then stra...

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'Let the stick do the work': How and why NHLers customize their 'weapon'

There were rumblings that the upcoming break for the 4 Nations Face-Off tournament would spur a f...

There were rumblings that the upcoming break for the 4 Nations Face-Off tournament would spur a flurry of early trade activity in the NHL.Well, Friday's three-team, eight-piece swap certainly qualifies as activity.<figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-d1U6D" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/d1U6D/6/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="288" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",(function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r=0;r<e.length;r++)if(e[r].contentWindow===a.source){var i=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";e[r].style.height=i}}}))}();
</script></figure>Let's break down the blockbuster from all three perspectives.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><h3>Carolina Hurricanes</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/767118/cropped_GettyImages-2192058052.jpg?ts=1737774697" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/767118/w220xh124_GettyImages-2192058052.jpg?ts=1737774697 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/767118/w320xh180_GettyImages-2192058052.jpg?ts=1737774697 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/767118/w640xh360_GettyImages-2192058052.jpg?ts=1737774697 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/767118/w768xh432_GettyImages-2192058052.jpg?ts=1737774697 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/767118/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2192058052.jpg?ts=1737774697 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Michael Martin / Getty Images</figcaption></figure>The Hurricanes were recently rumored to be pursuing a pair of star-caliber forwards in Canucks J.T. Miller and Elias Pettersson. Oh, what simple times.General manager Eric Tulsky completely outdid himself with this whopper.Rantanen is a borderline superstar - a top-10 forward and top-15 skater in the NHL. An elite shooter and passer, he's on pace for a third straight 40-goal, 100-point season. The 6-foot-4, 215-pounder, who's nicknamed "The Moose," is a heady power forward often found swarming the opposing crease. He plays all three forward positions and contributes in every game state.Rantanen, 28, had always been a bit overshadowed in Colorado by Nathan MacKinnon and Cale Makar. The three of them won a Stanley Cup together in 2022 and are young enough to be the foundation of another championship club, but a contract impasse with management has ended the partnership.In Carolina, Rantanen will share the spotlight with fellow countryman Sebastian Aho.The Finn can drive his own line or link up with Aho and Andrei Svechnikov to form a loaded top trio. While coach Rod Brind'Amour lost a first-line winger in Necas and a fourth-line center in Drury, he's gained a proven difference-maker. Clutch scoring has been an Achilles heel for the Canes; Rantanen's put up 101 points in 81 playoff games. He immediately becomes their go-to scorer.<figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/767101/cropped_GettyImages-2192035160.jpg?ts=1737769640" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/767101/w220xh124_GettyImages-2192035160.jpg?ts=1737769640 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/767101/w320xh180_GettyImages-2192035160.jpg?ts=1737769640 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/767101/w640xh360_GettyImages-2192035160.jpg?ts=1737769640 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/767101/w768xh432_GettyImages-2192035160.jpg?ts=1737769640 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/767101/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2192035160.jpg?ts=1737769640 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Icon Sportswire / Getty Images</figcaption></figure>With their eccentric owner and <a href="https://www.thescore.com/nhl/news/2848474">brainy</a> hockey operations crew, the Hurricanes spent the first five years of Brind'Amour's tenure obsessing over value and sustainability. They'd pursue big names but never pull the trigger on a deal.The organization stepped out of its comfort zone last season with the Jake Guentzel acquisition. This trade doubles down on the all-in approach. It's also a recognition that Tulsky A) believes Carolina's core is strong enough to challenge for a Cup and B) believes it needed an infusion of talent to increase its odds of advancing past the conference finals for the first time since 2006.Making this move now, rather than in the final days before the March 7 deadline, gives Rantanen runway to acclimatize to his new life on and off the ice. Bringing him in at $4.625 million versus his full $9.25 million, while removing Necas' deal from the books, leaves the door open for future trades.Hall, meanwhile, is a third-liner at this stage of his career. He seemed to be regressing in Chicago, so perhaps a change of scenery puts him on the right track. If it doesn't, no biggie. Hall, 33, is a pending unrestricted free agent.Rantanen is also a pending UFA. The fact that this swap doesn't include an extension means Carolina is assuming risk. It's not the likeliest scenario, but this bold move could blow up in Tulsky's face if a deep playoff run doesn't materialize and Rantanen walks. The GM did part with a few quality assets.Grade: A<h3>Colorado Avalanche</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/527187/cropped_GettyImages-1393722058.jpg?ts=1737769479" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/527187/w220xh124_GettyImages-1393722058.jpg?ts=1737769479 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/527187/w320xh180_GettyImages-1393722058.jpg?ts=1737769479 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/527187/w640xh360_GettyImages-1393722058.jpg?ts=1737769479 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/527187/w768xh432_GettyImages-1393722058.jpg?ts=1737769479 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/527187/w1080xh607_GettyImages-1393722058.jpg?ts=1737769479 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Gregg Forwerck / Getty Images</figcaption></figure>Despite reports of the Avalanche and Rantanen being far apart in negotiations, an in-season trade seemed far-fetched. Pending UFA stars almost always re-sign with their current team, plus Colorado is attempting to win another Cup.In other words, there's serious shock value to this transaction, even if it makes sense for Colorado to move on from a player who clearly isn't seeing eye to eye with GM Chris MacFarland. The enviable trio of MacKinnon, Makar, Rantanen is now MacKinnon, Makar ... Necas? That's the Avs' new reality.That's not to rag on Necas. He's a stud who had a phenomenal first quarter of the season before cooling off in Q2, but he's up to 55 points in 49 games. He's super quick and skilled, ranking very highly among all NHL skaters in zone exits, zone entries, and end-to-end rushes per game. His style matches Colorado's.Most importantly for the Avs, Necas is younger and cheaper than Rantanen. He just turned 26 and is locked in at $6.5 million per year through 2025-26. The Czechia native will be a UFA but (likely) won't command Rantanen money.<figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/767138/cropped_GettyImages-2193596123.jpg?ts=1737782349" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/767138/w220xh124_GettyImages-2193596123.jpg?ts=1737782349 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/767138/w320xh180_GettyImages-2193596123.jpg?ts=1737782349 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/767138/w640xh360_GettyImages-2193596123.jpg?ts=1737782349 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/767138/w768xh432_GettyImages-2193596123.jpg?ts=1737782349 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/767138/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2193596123.jpg?ts=1737782349 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Katie Januck / Getty Images</figcaption></figure>The rest of the package is somewhat notable. Drury, 24, is ultimately a depth player, but he's on the books for only $1.725 million this season and next. The picks are helpful for a contending team that's traded away plenty in the past.I reached out to a handful of executives, coaches, and agents for instant reaction to one of the most intriguing trades in years. Each person commented on how the Avs made out fairly well, given the circumstances. "If you can't sign a player to the terms you want, then you have to do something like this," texted one assistant GM working for a team not involved in the deal.Also: it feels as if Colorado - which already turned over its goalie tandem earlier this season - will stay active. This might be Step 1 of many before March 7.As for a grade, Colorado traded the best player involved - a superstar, no less. The rationale may be reasonable, but it'll be difficult for the Avs to win this deal.Grade: B- <h3>Chicago Blackhawks</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/767103/cropped_GettyImages-1408241132.jpg?ts=1737769951" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/767103/w220xh124_GettyImages-1408241132.jpg?ts=1737769951 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/767103/w320xh180_GettyImages-1408241132.jpg?ts=1737769951 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/767103/w640xh360_GettyImages-1408241132.jpg?ts=1737769951 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/767103/w768xh432_GettyImages-1408241132.jpg?ts=1737769951 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/767103/w1080xh607_GettyImages-1408241132.jpg?ts=1737769951 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Bruce Bennett / Getty Images</figcaption></figure>GM Kyle Davidson has reacquired the 2025 third he sent to Carolina last June in exchange for a 2024 third. Why trade a third for a third? The Blackhawks really wanted to draft Jack Pridham and didn't think the forward would be available by the time they picked again. He ended up going 92nd overall.I'm surprised an NHLer and almost $4.7 million in retained salary didn't net Chicago something juicier than a third. Perhaps Hall's $6-million cap hit downgraded him to a negative asset on the trade market. Either way, a second would've been nice considering Davidson's doing Tulsky a solid.Still, no major complaints about a rebuilding team flipping unused cap space - which can't carry over to next season - for another draft-day lottery ticket.Grade: CJohn Matisz is theScore's senior NHL writer. Follow John on Twitter (<a href="https://twitter.com/MatiszJohn">@MatiszJohn</a>) or contact him via email (john.matisz@thescore.com).

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Trade grades: Opportunistic Canes land missing piece in blockbuster

The Montreal Canadiens were thoroughly outplayed by the Red Wings Thursday night, leading to a 4-...

The Montreal Canadiens were thoroughly outplayed by the Red Wings Thursday night, leading to a 4-2 loss and thus no progress in the standings."As a group, we've grown and matured enough to turn the page on this," forward Kirby Dach told reporters following an uninspired effort in which Montreal recorded seven high-danger scoring chances to Detroit's 17.Dach wasn't just repeating an eye-roll-worthy cliche. The Habs have been one of the NHL's hottest teams since losing 9-2 at home Dec. 12, winning 13 of their next 19 games. Through 48 games, they're tied with the Rangers and Senators with 52 points, one shy of the last Eastern Conference playoff spot.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>In other words, Montreal's advanced past the pushover phase of the rebuild.<figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="Canadiens" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-IXdkL" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/IXdkL/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="217" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",(function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r=0;r<e.length;r++)if(e[r].contentWindow===a.source){var i=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";e[r].style.height=i}}}))}();
</script></figure>The rebuild began in earnest with the hirings of general manager Kent Hughes and head coach Martin St. Louis midway through 2021-22. The Canadiens remained loyal to a long-term timeline and that patience is beginning to pay off. Montreal isn't a Stanley Cup contender - heck, making the playoffs is far from a guarantee - but it's operating like an organization that believes it can become one if it doesn't get caught up in the moment and sticks to the overall plan.Little baggage remains from the early days of Hughes-St. Louis, and unlike recent rebuilds elsewhere, Montreal hasn't made any premature free-agent splashes or other moves that amount to one step forward and two steps back.If anything, the Habs have done the opposite - taking one step back and two steps forward, over and over and over. It all starts with thinking outside the box.<figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/766937/cropped_GettyImages-1407401907.jpg?ts=1737673161" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/766937/w220xh124_GettyImages-1407401907.jpg?ts=1737673161 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/766937/w320xh180_GettyImages-1407401907.jpg?ts=1737673161 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/766937/w640xh360_GettyImages-1407401907.jpg?ts=1737673161 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/766937/w768xh432_GettyImages-1407401907.jpg?ts=1737673161 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/766937/w1080xh607_GettyImages-1407401907.jpg?ts=1737673161 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Bruce Bennett / Getty Images</figcaption></figure>Montreal's targeted a certain type of player via trade (20-something forwards who could use a change of scenery) with the goal of rehabilitating the player's game so he can either join the long-term core or be flipped again. Sean Monahan, Dach, Alex Newhook, and Patrik Laine were all low-risk, high-reward bets. Not all of the reboots will work as well as Monahan's (the Habs netted out two first-round picks), but none can be viewed as failures.Why not try to unearth a quality player or two while building out a roster?Hockey sense is a skill you're either born with or tap out on at a young age, conventional wisdom suggests. St. Louis, who earned induction into the Hockey Hall of Fame in large part due to his smarts, disagrees with that framing. So he's been teaching hockey sense to NHLers - how to better position yourself on the chessboard and read plays as they develop."The biggest thing he says is that he's going to teach the four guys who don't have the puck, so that the guy with the puck is able to make better reads and better decisions," captain Nick Suzuki explained last September.Suzuki and sniper Cole Caufield - both locked up into the 2030s at reasonable cap hits - continue to grow as producers and leaders. Kaiden Guhle and Lane Hutson, different players but two cornerstones on the blue line, are just 23 and 20. Power forward Juraj Slafkovsky may be a work in progress, but he's shown flashes of star potential. Starter Sam Montembeault and backup Jakub Dobes form an unproven but promising tandem. Top prospect Ivan Demidov, set to join the Habs next year, has accumulated 37 points in 46 KHL games.<figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/766935/cropped_GettyImages-2159747033.jpg?ts=1737673097" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/766935/w220xh124_GettyImages-2159747033.jpg?ts=1737673097 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/766935/w320xh180_GettyImages-2159747033.jpg?ts=1737673097 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/766935/w640xh360_GettyImages-2159747033.jpg?ts=1737673097 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/766935/w768xh432_GettyImages-2159747033.jpg?ts=1737673097 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/766935/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2159747033.jpg?ts=1737673097 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Candice Ward / Getty Images</figcaption></figure>Demidov's a crucial piece. He has NHL superstar potential, and Montreal needs a skater in that tier to transition into the more competitive phase of its timeline. Since no front office or coaching staff is perfect, and in turn no rebuild is perfect, Demidov also represents the Canadiens righting a wrong.Game-breaker Logan Cooley was available in the 2022 draft, and Hughes took Slafkovsky first overall. Game-breaker Matvei Michkov was on the board in 2023, and Hughes took David Reinbacher at fifth. Both Montreal picks could turn out fine in the long run, but the Habs probably passed on the higher-ceiling players.The vibes shifted when Hughes called Demidov's name in Las Vegas last June. The selection checked off an important box and brought the Habs closer to their ultimate goal, which is still well off in the distance. The club is trending toward playing meaningful games down the stretch, and three calendar years into the Hughes-St. Louis experiment, that's all you can ask for.<h3>Power plays can't be stopped</h3>If the current league-wide success rate of 21.4% holds over the rest of the schedule, 2024-25 will stand as the best season for power plays since 1985-86. It will also be the third year in a row in which the average finishes at 21% or higher and the ninth straight year of 19% or higher - one heck of a run.The modern man advantage is lethal for various reasons. Clubs load up one unit with their top offensive creators regardless of position, zone entries are incredibly efficient, and there are more elite shooters than ever.<figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/766897/cropped_GettyImages-2184875427.jpg?ts=1737661523" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/766897/w220xh124_GettyImages-2184875427.jpg?ts=1737661523 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/766897/w320xh180_GettyImages-2184875427.jpg?ts=1737661523 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/766897/w640xh360_GettyImages-2184875427.jpg?ts=1737661523 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/766897/w768xh432_GettyImages-2184875427.jpg?ts=1737661523 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/766897/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2184875427.jpg?ts=1737661523 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Jamie Sabau / Getty Images</figcaption></figure>Capitals head coach Spencer Carbery recently shared a few other theories.Power plays, Carbery explained in early January, are completely "dialed in" tactically nowadays. Penalty-kill strategy isn't overly creative, so the PK can be picked apart in pregame scouting meetings and then exploited on the ice. "It's so hard to catch a power play off guard with being an aggressive penalty kill. You know who's going to pressure where and when," he said.Carbery, whose squad ranks 10th with a 23% power play, added that he's noticed coaches focusing a lot of their power-play instruction on the net-front area. Cross-crease playmaking and flash screens have become forms of art."Net presence - you hear the buzzword all the time," Carbery said. "So, teams are doing a really good job with (feeding) those elite shooters and making sure that a (screener) is right on top of your goalie so he's having to look around."The modern power play is a tornado. There's so much puck and body movement, with the puck travelling east-west constantly and players often switching roles in the middle of an offensive-zone possession. As Carbery summarized, "it's really, really hard to have a good plan defensively on the penalty kill when power plays are so interchangeable with all of their pieces."<h3>Quick hits</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/766120/cropped_GettyImages-2193213091.jpg?ts=1737586370" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/766120/w220xh124_GettyImages-2193213091.jpg?ts=1737586370 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/766120/w320xh180_GettyImages-2193213091.jpg?ts=1737586370 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/766120/w640xh360_GettyImages-2193213091.jpg?ts=1737586370 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/766120/w768xh432_GettyImages-2193213091.jpg?ts=1737586370 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/766120/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2193213091.jpg?ts=1737586370 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Jeff Vinnick / Getty Images</figcaption></figure>Texas J.T.: The Rangers, Devils, Hurricanes, and Stars are the four teams linked to Canucks forward J.T. Miller. I'm not necessarily predicting he'll end up in Dallas, but I do like the fit between player and team. First of all, the Stars have the cap space to absorb every cent of Miller's $8-million salary thanks to Tyler Seguin's LTIR status and Jamie Benn's contract coming off the books this summer. Secondly, the Stars' 25th-ranked power play could use Miller's downhill shooting. Finally, Dallas seems like the kind of franchise and market Miller would waive his no-move clause for. Less external pressure, better tax situation, balmy weather, and a Stanley Cup-contending roster.Uh-oh Sweden: Sweden's goaltending is on shaky ground with less than a month until the start of the 4 Nations Face-Off. Jacob Markstrom and Linus Ullmark are both sidelined by injury, leaving presumed third-stringer Filip Gustavsson as the lone healthy netminder. While Ullmark looks primed to return to the Senators' lineup sooner than later, Markstrom's out four-to-six weeks with an MCL sprain. Ouch for the Devils and his country. Sweden isn't stacked at forward like Canada or the United States; its strengths are supposed to be on the back end and in net. Is Sam Ersson of the Flyers the next man up?Free Willy: If it feels like William Nylander has gotten a disproportionate number of breakaways this season, it's because he has. As of Thursday morning, the smooth-skating Maple Leafs winger led all NHLers with 12 breakaway attempts (Jordan Kyrou and Alex Tuch were tied for second at 10 apiece) and five breakaway goals (Kyrou and Travis Konecny each had four). Nylander's on pace to blast past the totals from last year's breakaway kings - 16 attempts each for Konecny and David Pastrnak and six goals for Konecny.<figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/766900/cropped_GettyImages-2190962677.jpg?ts=1737661686" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/766900/w220xh124_GettyImages-2190962677.jpg?ts=1737661686 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/766900/w320xh180_GettyImages-2190962677.jpg?ts=1737661686 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/766900/w640xh360_GettyImages-2190962677.jpg?ts=1737661686 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/766900/w768xh432_GettyImages-2190962677.jpg?ts=1737661686 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/766900/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2190962677.jpg?ts=1737661686 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Bill Wippert / Getty Images</figcaption></figure>Buy-low candidate: There's been plenty of chatter about Buffalo potentially trading center Dylan Cozens. Buying teams should be (and probably are) also asking about winger Jack Quinn, who would cost significantly less to acquire. Quinn's stock has plummeted since he posted 37 points in 75 games as a rookie in 2022-23. The 23-year-old's suffered multiple injuries, lost confidence, failed to produce, and watched his ice time sag under a new coach. He was picked eighth overall in 2020 for a reason, though, and a different environment could do wonders for resetting the pending restricted free agent's career.Underappeciated Kucherov: The hockey world's been desensitized to Connor McDavid's brilliance for a while now. However, I'd argue we take Nikita Kucherov for granted to a greater degree. The buzz around the Russian puck wizard has been muted this year despite his league-leading 1.59 points per game and second-most primary points (55, two back of Leon Draisaitl). Most impressively, Kucherov boasts 70 total points - 20 more than Brayden Point and Brandon Hagel, who are tied for second in Lightning scoring.John Matisz is theScore's senior NHL writer. Follow John on Twitter (<a href="https://twitter.com/MatiszJohn">@MatiszJohn</a>) or contact him via email (john.matisz@thescore.com).

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Habs' near-perfect rebuild, top J.T. Miller fit, and 5 other NHL items

The 2024-25 NHL season hit its midway point on Thursday. It's a perfect time to take a quick tour...

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1 quick thought on all 32 NHL teams at midway point of season

"What's in the bag?"  "Big Mac."  "Play you for it. First one to miss ... "  "Watches the winner ...

"What's in the bag?""Big Mac.""Play you for it. First one to miss ... "<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>"Watches the winner eat."For sports fans of a certain vintage, that on-screen exchange between Auston Matthews and Connor McDavid should sound awfully familiar.The two 1997-born captains feature in a new McDonald's commercial throwing back to the iconic "Showdown" theme of the 1990s. The previous iterations, launched in '93 and '97, showcased trick shots from NBA legends <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1shK-j_u6LI&amp;ab_channel=VCRchivist">Larry Bird and Michael Jordan</a> and NHL greats <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eLmwElcaF7c&amp;ab_channel=KidThunder10">Wayne Gretzky and Mats Sundin</a>. This one includes references to Nickelback, T-ball, and chipped teeth.<figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/0C2k3LVbvmE?si=-hHHuzSjVCIfABVr" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></figure>The national ad coincides with a special "Showdown" menu at McDonald's locations in Canada. Among the six limited-time items: the "Smoky Quarter Papi," "Big Mac-David," "Power Play Poutine," and "Celly Sundae."Matthews and McDavid recently answered a series of emailed questions from theScore relating to the campaign, as well as a few NHL and lifestyle topics.Note: the transcript below has been lightly edited for length and clarity.<figure class="article-segment--embed"><center>                    </center></figure>Both of you were born after the first "Showdown" commercial with Bird and Jordan, but I'm sure you've seen it a few times. What jumps out at you about it?McDavid: I think it's a great commercial! Watching two of the best basketball players of all time having fun and going head to head is very entertaining. Even watching the commercial now, 30-some-odd years later, it still resonates and makes an impact.Matthews: Two special basketball players, to say the least, so just seeing them together interacting was really cool, basketball fan or otherwise."Try that, Mr. Fancy Stick" is a great line in the Sundin/Gretzky one. Do you have memories of watching it as a kid? What do you like about the "Showdown" theme, in general?McDavid: Absolutely. Mats and Gretz are two of my all-time favorites. What I loved about the "Showdown" is that it gave Auston and I a fun and creative way to battle it out on the ice. I hope fans enjoy watching our commercial as much as I enjoyed watching the past ones.Matthews: I was still young when this one came out. Yet, rewatching it now makes me really appreciate being part of this. Mats is one of the best players and captains to ever play for the Leafs, and Wayne's pedigree speaks for itself. Just really cool to see the two of them interacting.<figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/764003/cropped_GettyImages-1384864769.jpg?ts=1736207033" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/764003/w220xh124_GettyImages-1384864769.jpg?ts=1736207033 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/764003/w320xh180_GettyImages-1384864769.jpg?ts=1736207033 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/764003/w640xh360_GettyImages-1384864769.jpg?ts=1736207033 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/764003/w768xh432_GettyImages-1384864769.jpg?ts=1736207033 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/764003/w1080xh607_GettyImages-1384864769.jpg?ts=1736207033 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Andre Ringuette / Getty Images</figcaption></figure>You've been featured in a handful of commercials over the years. Do you get nervous on set or is it all just fun? Also, do you think your acting skills have significantly improved?McDavid: This was a fun and busy two-day shoot we did back in September. Being with Auston - not to mention his dog, Felix - we were able to keep the mood really light. I've shot quite a few commercials in my career, and although I've felt like I've gotten better, I'm an athlete, not an actor.Matthews: I always get some nerves, yet these are fun opportunities, which I appreciate. I try to go in with an open mind and enjoy it. Not sure about my acting skills improving yet, but I can hope the more reps the better I get.Switching gears to the NHL, I'm curious, what's your favorite road arena? Why? Best memory there?McDavid: I always like playing in Montreal. The rink is always so loud, and the fans are super into the game.Matthews: The first game I ever played was in Ottawa, and being our provincial rival, that will always have a spot in my mind. Playing in places like Vegas is also super cool environment and only play there once a year.If the NHL were to one day expand outside of North America, which city or cities would you like them to go to first?McDavid: London, England, only because I think it's a great city and would be nice to visit.Matthews: It would be cool to see teams in European cities, and of course staying within North America, I would love to see a team in Mexico.<figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/764004/cropped_GettyImages-2186690805.jpg?ts=1736207194" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/764004/w220xh124_GettyImages-2186690805.jpg?ts=1736207194 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/764004/w320xh180_GettyImages-2186690805.jpg?ts=1736207194 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/764004/w640xh360_GettyImages-2186690805.jpg?ts=1736207194 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/764004/w768xh432_GettyImages-2186690805.jpg?ts=1736207194 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/764004/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2186690805.jpg?ts=1736207194 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Codie McLachlan / Getty Images</figcaption></figure>What's something about the other guy that people don't know much about or don't appreciate as much as they should? It could be something on the ice, off it, anything.McDavid: This is tough because our lives are pretty well-documented, but I would say something most people wouldn't know is that Auston is a great tennis player. He loves tennis and loves to run his agent all over the court.Matthews: Davo is a really fun and smart guy to be around. He is easygoing and just a great person, which most people already know. He also is a great all-around athlete.Who's the most underrated player in the NHL? What do you like about his game?McDavid: Tough to say with how many great players there are in the league, but players are always the best judges of talent from my perspective. For me, I would say it's Martin Necas. He's so fast, so skilled, and tough to defend.Matthews: There is just so much great talent in the league. Travis Konecny is a really effective player on both sides of the puck and competes hard.Last one for you two: If you had a chance to sit down with your rookie self and pass along some advice, what would you say?McDavid: Enjoy playing in the league. It goes by faster than you could imagine. I'm 10 years in, and it feels like it's just been a flash.Matthews: Enjoy every minute and embrace it as it goes by quickly.John Matisz is theScore's senior NHL writer. Follow John on Twitter/X (<a href="https://twitter.com/MatiszJohn">@MatiszJohn</a>) or contact him via email (john.matisz@thescore.com).

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McDavid, Matthews on 'Showdown' commercial, underrated NHLers, more

Welcome to the fifth edition of the All-Nobody Team!  This exercise scans all 32 NHL teams for pr...

Welcome to the fifth edition of the All-Nobody Team!This exercise scans all 32 NHL teams for previously obscure players who've begun to make meaningful names for themselves. With the midway point of the season near, which relative nobodies can we now call somebodies?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. (The workload threshold expands to 1,500 minutes for goalies.)<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Below are the three forwards, two defensemen, and one goalie of the 2024-25 All-Nobody Team. The next Carter Verhaeghe (2020-21), Michael Bunting ('21-22), Logan Thompson ('22-23), or Michael Kesselring ('23-24) is in here.<h3>Jackson Blake, Hurricanes, F</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/763313/cropped_GettyImages-2177943283.jpg?ts=1735846537" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/763313/w220xh124_GettyImages-2177943283.jpg?ts=1735846537 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/763313/w320xh180_GettyImages-2177943283.jpg?ts=1735846537 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/763313/w640xh360_GettyImages-2177943283.jpg?ts=1735846537 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/763313/w768xh432_GettyImages-2177943283.jpg?ts=1735846537 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/763313/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2177943283.jpg?ts=1735846537 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Icon Sportswire / Getty Images</figcaption></figure>One way to decipher how serious a team is about winning is to peruse its list of rookies. How many have appeared in at least one game? Any full-timers?Edmonton is the only team without a single rookie on the books this season. Four other clubs, including Carolina, have dressed just one. The Hurricanes are firmly in contention mode and look every bit like a legitimate Stanley Cup threat in 2024-25. Blake, a 21-year-old all-around winger, is their lone youngster, essentially the kid brother in a dressing room filled with veterans.It's a fitting dynamic for someone who frequented players-only spaces as a boy (his dad, Jason Blake, played in the NHL from 1998 to 2012). The younger Blake has suited up for all 38 Canes games, pitching in eight goals and four assists despite logging only 11:38 a night. Carolina has outscored the opposition 13-10 in his 360 five-on-five minutes - no small feat for an unheralded rookie.Star forward Marty Necas leads the team with five game-winning goals; Blake is second with four. Here's a clip of the University of North Dakota product unleashing a lethal wrist shot for the eventual winner back on Nov. 27:<figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Jackson Blake, you are unreal. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UNDproud?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UNDproud</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LGH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#LGH</a> <a href="https://t.co/AJs5BdJx9L">pic.twitter.com/AJs5BdJx9L</a>— North Dakota Hockey (@UNDmhockey) <a href="https://twitter.com/UNDmhockey/status/1861962978595135530?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 28, 2024</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure>Blake possesses silky hands. However, what's really endeared him to head coach Rod Brind'Amour is his non-stop motor and 200-foot sensibilities. This tenacious brand of hockey has blended well with the Hurricanes' patented style and led to a ton of penalties - 13 drawn and 10 taken, which rank first and fifth, respectively, among NHL rookies. Surely, Brind'Amour would love it if those numbers were more lopsided in the direction of "drawn."Blake made his NHL debut last year in the Canes' final regular-season game. It allowed the Hobey Baker Award finalist to get a feel for the pros and also burn a year off his entry-level contract. He's a restricted free agent in 2026.<h3>Nikolai Kovalenko, Sharks, F</h3>Goalies Alexandar Georgiev and Mackenzie Blackwood were at the center of the Dec. 9 blockbuster between Colorado and San Jose. The trade included five other pieces, with Kovalenko counting as the fascinating side character.In fact, the 25-year-old Russian winger was essential to completing the deal. San Jose, the team trading the better goalie, needed a sweetener, and Kovalenko has upside. He's not a big man at 5-foot-10 and 180 pounds, but he's proven over 304 KHL games, six AHL games, and 40 NHL games to be incredibly sturdy on his skates. He leverages a low center of gravity in battles in the corners and along the walls to either break the puck out of the defensive zone or generate high-quality looks offensively.<figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/763310/cropped_GettyImages-2190007255.jpg?ts=1735846321" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/763310/w220xh124_GettyImages-2190007255.jpg?ts=1735846321 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/763310/w320xh180_GettyImages-2190007255.jpg?ts=1735846321 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/763310/w640xh360_GettyImages-2190007255.jpg?ts=1735846321 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/763310/w768xh432_GettyImages-2190007255.jpg?ts=1735846321 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/763310/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2190007255.jpg?ts=1735846321 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Ezra Shaw / Getty Images</figcaption></figure>Wall play is an <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/2912350" href="https://thescore.com/news/2912350">overlooked yet integral</a> part of the winger job description. It's especially important for guys like Kovalenko, who are expected to handle the dirty work for their highly skilled linemates. So far, so good in San Jose, where the 2018 sixth-rounder has contributed five points in 10 games (versus eight in 28 Avs games) alongside Macklin Celebrini, Tyler Toffoli, and Alex Wennberg.If Kovalenko can continue to provide value as the third wheel of an offensive line, he'll enjoy a long career. Maybe even beside a star like Celebrini.A fun fact, as recently <a href="https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/san-jose-sharks/players/nikolai-kovalenko-shares-his-excitement-for-opportunity-with-sharks-has-rare-physical-attribute">uncovered</a> by The Hockey News' Max Miller: Kovalenko, who's the son of former NHL winger Andrei Kovalenko, was born with different colored eyes. His left eye is blue, while his right is hazel/green.<h3>Maxim Tsyplakov, Islanders, F</h3>The Islanders sit 28th in both points percentage (.449) and goal differential (minus-21), and fans are rightfully starting to turn on general manager Lou Lamoriello. That said, acquiring Tsyplakov is one move safe from criticism.<figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/763309/cropped_GettyImages-2190645487.jpg?ts=1735846151" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/763309/w220xh124_GettyImages-2190645487.jpg?ts=1735846151 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/763309/w320xh180_GettyImages-2190645487.jpg?ts=1735846151 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/763309/w640xh360_GettyImages-2190645487.jpg?ts=1735846151 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/763309/w768xh432_GettyImages-2190645487.jpg?ts=1735846151 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/763309/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2190645487.jpg?ts=1735846151 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Andrew Mordzynski / Getty Images</figcaption></figure>Now, Tsyplakov is far from a perfect player. He takes too many penalties and turns the puck over too often. But, on the whole, the undrafted left winger signed out of Russia in May has been a rare bright spot on Long Island, recording 19 points in 39 games mainly with Brock Nelson and Kyle Palmieri.Seven goals and 12 assists in almost half a season may seem unremarkable. A few bits of context help clarify. One, Tsyplakov doesn't have much help; the Isles are a bottom-five offensive team. Two, his 16 five-on-five points lead all rookies - yes, he's been more productive than Celebrini, Matvei Michkov, and Logan Stankoven. Three, the Isles have outscored opponents 27-20 during Tsyplakov's five-on-five minutes and tilted the ice to the tune of a 55.6% expected-goals rate (fifth among Isles, <a href="https://evolving-hockey.com/">according to Evolving-Hockey</a>).Lamoriello plucked Tsyplakov out of Spartak Moscow after the 26-year-old bagged 31 goals in 65 games in his sixth KHL season. The physical 6-foot-3, 210-pounder (team-high 92 hits) is a pending RFA with arbitration rights.<h3>Declan Chisholm, Wild, D</h3>The Wild, like most teams, have a player-of-the-game tradition. The reigning MVP presents the quirky trophy - in this case, an oversized chain-link necklace carrying a sign inscribed with the word "HARD" - to the new MVP."Warrior Chizzy!" forward Mats Zuccarello yelled to a room of hollering players Dec. 14. Chisholm accepted the trophy before delivering a brief speech.<figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Chizzy with the chain ⛓️ <a href="https://t.co/LozrTIviAC">pic.twitter.com/LozrTIviAC</a>— Minnesota Wild (@mnwild) <a href="https://twitter.com/mnwild/status/1868059834077299008?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 14, 2024</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure>At that moment, Chisholm was still catching his breath from a star performance. He posted one assist, three shots, two hits, four blocked shots, and two takeaways in 18:59 as Minnesota took down Philadelphia 4-1.The Wild claimed Chisholm, a fifth-round pick of the Jets, off waivers last January. He was an AHL-NHL tweener then. Chisholm is a full-time NHLer after tapping further into the offensive toolkit that helped him knock on the door (instincts, shooting, skating) while polishing his off-puck game. He's averaging 17:16 a night this season, including eight games of 20-plus minutes.The heavier workload is, in part, out of necessity, with blue-line leaders Jonas Brodin, Jake Middleton, and Jared Spurgeon all missing time due to injury."He's growing as a player, and we're counting on him more and more, and he's done a good job," Wild bench boss John Hynes <a href="https://www.nhl.com/wild/video/hynes-postgame-vs-nashville-12-31-6366592917112">told reporters</a> this week.<h3>Isaiah George, Islanders, D</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/763317/cropped_GettyImages-2187555094.jpg?ts=1735846999" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/763317/w220xh124_GettyImages-2187555094.jpg?ts=1735846999 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/763317/w320xh180_GettyImages-2187555094.jpg?ts=1735846999 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/763317/w640xh360_GettyImages-2187555094.jpg?ts=1735846999 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/763317/w768xh432_GettyImages-2187555094.jpg?ts=1735846999 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/763317/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2187555094.jpg?ts=1735846999 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Minas Panagiotakis / Getty Images</figcaption></figure>George, who doesn't turn 21 until February, is the youngest player on our All-Nobody Team and fifth-youngest defenseman to appear in a game this year.He's an excellent skater with good gap control and a decent frame (6-foot-1, 196 pounds). Unsurprisingly, George is also still fairly raw, with his early-season promotion to the Islanders a reaction to injury woes. The plan for his first year of pro has been turned upside down: instead of playing 25 AHL games and four NHL games by this point of the season, he's at four AHL and 25 NHL.Regardless, the smiley blue-liner quickly earned the trust of head coach Patrick Roy and a spot in the top four on Noah Dobson's left side. Games against the Oakville, Ontario, native's hometown team have provided extreme highs and lows. On Dec. 21, George scored his first goal at Scotiabank Arena - a game-winner, no less - but then on Thursday, Maple Leafs forward Max Domi rocked George with a reverse hit. He's now in concussion protocol.Following that Dec. 21 game, George <a href="https://x.com/Sportsnet/status/1870663828989698450/video/1">told CBC</a> that this season's been a "dream come true." The 2022 fourth-rounded added: "I'm soaking it all in. Coming each day to the rink to learn, get better, and just help the team win."Here's hoping he makes a speedy recovery.<h3>Dustin Wolf, Flames, G</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/763318/cropped_GettyImages-2186499153.jpg?ts=1735847246" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/763318/w220xh124_GettyImages-2186499153.jpg?ts=1735847246 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/763318/w320xh180_GettyImages-2186499153.jpg?ts=1735847246 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/763318/w640xh360_GettyImages-2186499153.jpg?ts=1735847246 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/763318/w768xh432_GettyImages-2186499153.jpg?ts=1735847246 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/763318/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2186499153.jpg?ts=1735847246 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Icon Sportswire / Getty Images</figcaption></figure>Including Wolf in this exercise feels almost like cheating. On one hand, to the casual fan, he was indeed a relative nobody coming into the season. On the other, he was a top prospect with AHL hardware and some NHL experience.At any rate, Wolf met the qualifications for inclusion (he was the fourth-last pick in the 2019 draft!), and he's blossomed into something close to a household name thanks to a tremendous first half. Wolf is undersized for a modern goalie at 6-foot and 166 pounds, but he's rocking a .914 save percentage. He and veteran partner Dan Vladar have played 19 games each for Calgary, though Wolf's numbers are far superior.Wolf, 23, is one of, if not the biggest, reason why the Flames haven't fallen out of the Western Conference playoff race. He's earned a quality start in 63% of his outings (12 of 19) and holds a positive goals above expected rate on the season (plus-5.4 goals saved total or 0.28 saved per 60 minutes).Put another way, Wolf has been as advertised. He deserves Calder Trophy love.John Matisz is theScore's senior NHL writer. Follow John on Twitter (<a href="https://twitter.com/MatiszJohn">@MatiszJohn</a>) or contact him via email (john.matisz@thescore.com).

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Toronto Maple Leafs fans craved seismic change this past spring in the wake of the club's seventh opening-round playoff loss in eight Auston Matthews seasons.The offseason brought roster turnover but nothing "seismic." Punching-bag star forward Mitch Marner returned to compete alongside a handful of newcomers, including defenseman Chris Tanev and goalie Anthony Stolarz.Craig Berube replaced Sheldon Keefe as head coach in a move that certainly qualified as "big" but didn't necessarily satisfy the fan base's desires.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Wait, wait, wait ... aren't the core players the problem?<figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/760988/cropped_GettyImages-2188521956.jpg?ts=1734387585" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/760988/w220xh124_GettyImages-2188521956.jpg?ts=1734387585 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/760988/w320xh180_GettyImages-2188521956.jpg?ts=1734387585 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/760988/w640xh360_GettyImages-2188521956.jpg?ts=1734387585 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/760988/w768xh432_GettyImages-2188521956.jpg?ts=1734387585 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/760988/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2188521956.jpg?ts=1734387585 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Kevin Sousa / Getty Images</figcaption></figure>Two-plus months into the season, the Leafs have accumulated 40 points in 31 games - the exact same amount Keefe's Leafs registered in the first 31 games last year. The journey to bank those 40 points has looked markedly different, however, with Berube overhauling the team's playing style dramatically.That's no exaggeration: Berube's Leafs are a borderline elite defensive squad. They're tied for the fifth-fewest goals against per game heading into Tuesday's slate thanks to tremendous goaltending, improved penalty killing, and smothering even-strength play. Toronto's leaped from 20th in the NHL to seventh in expected goals against per game at five-on-five action.Aside from (totally fair) concerns about the injury histories of Stolarz and partner Joseph Woll, there are no major red flags to worry about on defense.Gains made on one side of the puck may be impacting the other side negatively. The Leafs, whose 2.97 goals per game are tied with the Kraken for 19th in the league, have become a team that favors straightforwardness over creativity, dump-ins over rush attacks, and shot quantity over shot quality.Take a look at four illustrative Sportlogiq metrics:<figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="5V5 STAT (PER GAME)" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-hEF4Y" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/hEF4Y/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="246" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",(function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r=0;r<e.length;r++)if(e[r].contentWindow===a.source){var i=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";e[r].style.height=i}}}))}();
</script></figure>It seems almost impossible for a roster with so much juice to rank last in chances off the rush. But the coach clearly wants to minimize risk (pucks in deep, pucks on net with traffic - all of the cliches), and the players are more or less delivering. (Marner, a super crafty playmaker, is thriving in this new system, racking up 41 points in 31 games to tie for ninth in league scoring.)<figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/760990/cropped_GettyImages-2188976545.jpg?ts=1734387777" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/760990/w220xh124_GettyImages-2188976545.jpg?ts=1734387777 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/760990/w320xh180_GettyImages-2188976545.jpg?ts=1734387777 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/760990/w640xh360_GettyImages-2188976545.jpg?ts=1734387777 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/760990/w768xh432_GettyImages-2188976545.jpg?ts=1734387777 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/760990/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2188976545.jpg?ts=1734387777 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Mark Blinch / Getty Images</figcaption></figure>There's a "what if" scenario here. Matthews, who torched the league for 69 goals last season, missed nine games to deal with an undisclosed injury and, when healthy, hasn't been at the peak of his powers. (His 10 goals are tied for fourth on the team.) If Matthews gets going, and the goal-starved bottom two lines start pitching in, Toronto's attack may suddenly look half-dangerous.Of course, none of these changes - good or bad - matter unless Berube's Leafs execute in the postseason. A chief reason why this group has failed is because the offensive drivers disappear for periods and games at a time. Does the new playing style unlock clutch performances, or does it make it even more unlikely Matthews, Marner, or someone else takes over a series?Either way, general manager Brad Treliving is tasked with adding offensive pop ahead of the trade deadline (an offense-first third-line center and offense-first bottom-pair blue-liner, perhaps) while not subtracting from the defense.<h3>KJ breakout SZN alert</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/760607/cropped_GettyImages-2187254675.jpg?ts=1734203673" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/760607/w220xh124_GettyImages-2187254675.jpg?ts=1734203673 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/760607/w320xh180_GettyImages-2187254675.jpg?ts=1734203673 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/760607/w640xh360_GettyImages-2187254675.jpg?ts=1734203673 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/760607/w768xh432_GettyImages-2187254675.jpg?ts=1734203673 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/760607/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2187254675.jpg?ts=1734203673 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Icon Sportswire / Getty Images</figcaption></figure>The Blue Jackets are this year's version of the 2023-24 Flyers - a young, hard-working squad unexpectedly in the mix for a playoff spot in mid-December.Kent Johnson's breakout on the wing is a significant driving force.Previously a perimeter player who almost exclusively created offense through pull-ups and east-west passing, Johnson's suddenly an unpredictable attacker. He's been dangerous off the rush and in tight to the goalie this season after a summer of work on skating speed and puck-protection moves.Johnson, 22, is up to nine goals and nine assists in 17 games while logging a career-high 17:48 a night. He's bounced back well following a 14-game stint on the sidelines in late October and November to nurse an injured shoulder.<figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/760617/cropped_GettyImages-2175711363.jpg?ts=1734210680" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/760617/w220xh124_GettyImages-2175711363.jpg?ts=1734210680 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/760617/w320xh180_GettyImages-2175711363.jpg?ts=1734210680 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/760617/w640xh360_GettyImages-2175711363.jpg?ts=1734210680 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/760617/w768xh432_GettyImages-2175711363.jpg?ts=1734210680 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/760617/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2175711363.jpg?ts=1734210680 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Icon Sportswire / Getty Images</figcaption></figure>Three advanced statistics help paint a fuller picture of his improvements:<ul>
<li>7 high-danger shots on goal (source: NHL Edge)</li>
<li>23 speed bursts over 20 mph (NHL Edge)</li>
<li>34 end-to-end rushes (Sportlogiq)</li>
</ul>Johnson recorded eight high-danger shots on goal, 29 speed bursts over 20 mph, and 47 end-to-end rushes in 46 total games for Columbus last year. He's on pace to destroy those marks by his 46th game this season, with a projected 19 high-danger shots, 62 speed bursts, and 92 end-to-end rushes.The combination of a clean slate and physical maturity has also contributed to the breakout, which isn't out of nowhere for the 2021 fifth overall pick and 40-point rookie. Johnson, who's thriving under new coach Dean Evason, has packed on 12 pounds since fall 2022. He's now listed at 6-foot, 180 pounds.Johnson's in Year 1 of a three-year deal paying him $1.8 million annually. That deal, which leads him to restricted free agency, looks like a steal right now.<h3>Storytime with Brian Burke</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/760945/cropped_GettyImages-1330400204.jpg?ts=1734375200" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/760945/w220xh124_GettyImages-1330400204.jpg?ts=1734375200 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/760945/w320xh180_GettyImages-1330400204.jpg?ts=1734375200 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/760945/w640xh360_GettyImages-1330400204.jpg?ts=1734375200 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/760945/w768xh432_GettyImages-1330400204.jpg?ts=1734375200 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/760945/w1080xh607_GettyImages-1330400204.jpg?ts=1734375200 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> NHL Images / Getty Images</figcaption></figure>Love or hate his hockey commentary, Brian Burke is a fantastic storyteller. The former GM of four different NHL teams can command a room with his candor.One of Burke's favorites is about his first draft as Canucks GM in 1999."It was the worst first round in the history of the league," he told a room of business professionals at the recent <a href="https://www.primetimesport.ca/">PrimeTime sports conference</a> in Toronto.Patrik Stefan was the first pick. Pavel Brendl went fourth overall. Between those two forgettable top prospects: the Sedin twins - Henrik and Daniel - at second and third. "We didn't even like the twins in their draft year. We went to the world juniors in Winnipeg, and they were very average," Burke said.Thomas Gradin, Vancouver's Sweden-based amateur scout, called Burke later in the season to urge him to give the Sedins one last chance at the world championships in Norway. "OK, Thomas, I'll come over and watch, and we'll let this nonsense go. We're not drafting them," Burke recalled of his response.He continued: "I saw one shift with these twins on the big ice, against men, and I was like, 'Oh my God, we have to get them both.' One shift cured me."<figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/760948/cropped_GettyImages-621806338.jpg?ts=1734376165" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/760948/w220xh124_GettyImages-621806338.jpg?ts=1734376165 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/760948/w320xh180_GettyImages-621806338.jpg?ts=1734376165 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/760948/w640xh360_GettyImages-621806338.jpg?ts=1734376165 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/760948/w768xh432_GettyImages-621806338.jpg?ts=1734376165 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/760948/w1080xh607_GettyImages-621806338.jpg?ts=1734376165 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Bruce Bennett / Getty Images</figcaption></figure>Once he actually gave the Sedins a chance, Burke quickly became enamored with their character. They lived in a house in Ornskoldsvik, Sweden, that had been in the Sedin family for 150 years - family guys. They were incredible athletes - soccer stars and workout fiends - and extremely respectful kids.It took three trades, all registered on draft day, to land the second and third picks and convince the Thrashers, who were hosting, to select Stefan first.<ul>
<li>Trade 1: defenseman Bryan McCabe and Vancouver's first-round pick in 2000 to Chicago for fourth overall in 1999</li>
<li>Trade 2: fourth overall in 1999 and two third-rounders in 1999 to Tampa Bay for first overall in 1999</li>
<li>Trade 3: first overall in 1999 and a 2000 third-rounder to Atlanta for second overall and third overall in 1999</li>
</ul>Burke fully understood how the twins tick in the season following their draft year. He flew to Europe to watch a Swedish Hockey League game, and ..."They were just horseshit," Burke said. "I went over to Thomas Gradin after the game and said, 'Those guys better have the flu or I'm firing you before we leave this rink.' I went over to talk to them, and the twins said they had a calculus test earlier in the day. They stayed up until 4 a.m. studying and both did very well on the test. 'Great answer, great answer.'"And the rest, as they say, is history. Hockey Hall of Fame history.<h3>Quick hits</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/760606/cropped_GettyImages-2188522194.jpg?ts=1734203435" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/760606/w220xh124_GettyImages-2188522194.jpg?ts=1734203435 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/760606/w320xh180_GettyImages-2188522194.jpg?ts=1734203435 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/760606/w640xh360_GettyImages-2188522194.jpg?ts=1734203435 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/760606/w768xh432_GettyImages-2188522194.jpg?ts=1734203435 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/760606/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2188522194.jpg?ts=1734203435 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Kevin Sousa / Getty Images</figcaption></figure>Last visor-less players: It dawned on me the other day that we're getting close to finding out the answer to a fun trivia question. Ryan O'Reilly, Matt Martin, Zach Bogosian, Jamie Benn, and Ryan Reaves are the only active NHLers playing without a protective shield on their helmets. (Visors became mandatory for new players a decade ago.) Martin, 35, will likely retire at the end of the season. Reaves, 37, is surely done once his contract expires in 2026. Bogosian, 34 and also a year away from free agency, might have one short-term contract left in him. That leaves Benn, 35, and O'Reilly, 33. My money's on O'Reilly - the younger, better player - becoming this generation's Craig MacTavish. I still can't believe MacT wasn't wearing a helmet in 1997! Will we look back in, say, 2050, and feel similarly about O'Reilly's visor-less ways?MVP-caliber splits: The Canucks are a completely different team with Quinn Hughes on the ice. Vancouver owns 59% of the shot attempts, 59% of the scoring chances, and 63% of the goals at five-on-five with their captain between the boards, according to <a href="https://www.naturalstattrick.com/">Natural Stat Trick</a>. With Hughes on the bench, the club owns 43% of attempts, 43% of chances, and 44% of goals. Those are stunning, Hart Trophy-esque on/off splits. Hughes, who leads all NHL blue-liners with 1.17 points per game, has been dominant in all three zones while other key pieces (Thatcher Demko, J.T. Miller, Brock Boeser, Elias Pettersson) have been sidelined or struggling for huge chunks of the season.<figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/760897/cropped_GettyImages-801178504.jpg?ts=1734363248" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/760897/w220xh124_GettyImages-801178504.jpg?ts=1734363248 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/760897/w320xh180_GettyImages-801178504.jpg?ts=1734363248 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/760897/w640xh360_GettyImages-801178504.jpg?ts=1734363248 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/760897/w768xh432_GettyImages-801178504.jpg?ts=1734363248 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/760897/w1080xh607_GettyImages-801178504.jpg?ts=1734363248 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Bruce Bennett / Getty Images</figcaption></figure>Sabres spiral: Buffalo owns the longest playoff drought in NHL history. The Lindy Ruff-coached team is 0-7-3 in its past 10 games and 11-16-4 on the season. Yep, the drought's headed for a 14th season. The one constant over 14 years isn't a front-office executive or coach or player - it's owner Terry Pegula. He's horrendous at hiring GMs, doesn't give his GMs enough resources to build a proper staff, meddles too much in day-to-day operations, pisses off superstar players like Jack Eichel, and refuses to spend to the upper limit of the salary cap. Those are five cardinal sins for an owner, especially in the NHL's hard-cap system. High state taxes and a <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3152150" href="https://thescore.com/news/3152150">lack of palm trees</a> have little to do with the dysfunction in Sabres land. It starts at the top.Not just book smart: Alex Kerfoot has shown over an eight-year career that he can assume the role of third wheel on pretty much any forward line. It's rare to be so versatile within one lineup, let alone three (Avalanche, Maple Leafs, now Utah). What makes Kerfoot different? "His brain. He's so smart," Utah head coach Andre Tourigny said of Kerfoot's hockey IQ. Kerfoot, who studied economics at Harvard, is almost always in the right position, skates and moves the puck well, never cheats for offense, and has enough offensive juice to hang with first-liners like Clayton Keller and Nick Schmaltz. He's a connector type during five-on-five action and a disrupter on the penalty kill. Kerfoot, 30, is third among NHL forwards in shorthanded ice time this season.John Matisz is theScore's senior NHL writer. Follow John on Twitter (<a href="https://twitter.com/MatiszJohn">@MatiszJohn</a>) or contact him via email (john.matisz@thescore.com).

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