Ottawa Senators captain Brady Tkachuk said he experienced brief vision loss Saturday against the ...

Ottawa Senators captain <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/7845" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/7845">Brady Tkachuk</a> said he experienced brief vision loss Saturday against the New York Islanders.Tkachuk explained his vision slowly "started going" after he delivered a check in the corner. He left the game and returned to start the third period but exited again after one shift."I feel great. I mean, that was one of the weirdest, honestly scary moments," Tkachuk told reporters Tuesday. "All the tests came back clear and fine. Everything's all good."<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>The 26-year-old stumbled near the benches just before he initially left the game. Tkachuk clarified that Ryan Pulock's stick didn't hit him.<figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Brady Tkachuk has gone to the Senators locker room after coming back to start the 3rd period. <a href="https://t.co/QVB13JS5Ly">pic.twitter.com/QVB13JS5Ly</a>— TSN (@TSN_Sports) <a href="https://twitter.com/TSN_Sports/status/2043043214748168431?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 11, 2026</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure>Tkachuk noted he "got everything back really quick" once he sat down on the bench.Senators head coach Travis Green told reporters Monday that Tkachuk is <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3521658" href="https://thescore.com/news/3521658">expected to be ready</a> for Game 1 of the playoffs.Tkachuk said he isn't sure if he will play in Ottawa's regular-season finale against the Toronto Maple Leafs on Wednesday but is "ready to go for what's to come."The Senators are in the second wild-card spot in the Eastern Conference but could still pass the Boston Bruins. Tkachuk has 22 goals and 59 points in 60 games. He missed 20 contests earlier in the campaign after undergoing thumb surgery.

OTTAWA, CANADA - OCTOBER 13: Brady Tkachuk #7 of the Ottawa Senators leaves the ice after warmup prior to an NHL game against the Nashville Predators on October 13, 2025 at Canadian Tire Centre in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.

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Tkachuk briefly lost his vision vs. Islanders: 'Scary' moment

The Denver Pioneers beat the Wisconsin Badgers 2-1 to claim the NCAA men's hockey national champi...

The Denver Pioneers beat the Wisconsin Badgers 2-1 to claim the NCAA men's hockey national championship Saturday.It's Denver's third title in the five seasons, all under head coach David Carle. The Pioneers also won in 2022 and 2024. It's the program's record-extending 11th all-time title.<a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaah/players/17962" href="https://thescore.com/ncaah/players/17962">Kyle Chyzowski</a> tipped a <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaah/players/14647" href="https://thescore.com/ncaah/players/14647">Boston Buckberger</a> point shot for the game-winning goal with just under six minutes left.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
MAKE SURE TO TIP 🫰💵 Kyle Chyzowski tips in a shot from Boston Buckberger to take the lead! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MFrozenFour?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MFrozenFour</a> x 🎥 ESPN / <a href="https://twitter.com/DU_Hockey?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DU_Hockey</a> <a href="https://t.co/meGDT2tnv1">pic.twitter.com/meGDT2tnv1</a>— NCAA Ice Hockey (@NCAAIceHockey) <a href="https://twitter.com/NCAAIceHockey/status/2043115122537988316?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 11, 2026</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure>Wisconsin outshot Denver 30-15 and led 1-0 until <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaah/players/14675" href="https://thescore.com/ncaah/players/14675">Rieger Lorenz</a> tied the game 7:31 into the third period.Denver goaltender <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaah/players/17810" href="https://thescore.com/ncaah/players/17810">Johnny Hicks</a> was named the Frozen Four's Most Outstanding Player. He finishes his freshman campaign unbeaten after making 78 saves in the Frozen Four. He took over as the Pioneers' starter in January and went 16-0 with one tie, which Denver won in a shootout."I'm just so happy that we could get it done with this group," Hicks told ESPN's Colby Cohen. "We've gone through so much adversity this year. I'm just so proud of everyone."The Pioneers knocked off the reigning champions Western Michigan in their regional final. Denver then bested No. 1-ranked Michigan in the Frozen Four semifinals in double overtime Thursday.The Frozen Four all-tournament team featured Denver's Chyzowski, Lorenz, Buckberger, and Hicks, plus Wisconsin's <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaah/players/14978" href="https://thescore.com/ncaah/players/14978">Vasily Zelenov</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaah/players/14700" href="https://thescore.com/ncaah/players/14700">Ben Dexheimer</a>.

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - APRIL 9: The Denver Pioneers react after a game-tying goal from Rieger Lorenz #14 of the Denver Pioneers during the Division I Men's Ice Hockey Championship against the Wisconsin Badgers held at T-Mobile Arena on April 9, 2026 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

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Denver wins 3rd Frozen Four in 5 seasons

Forward Michael Hage will return to the University of Michigan for the 2026-27 campaign and isn't...

Forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaah/players/14982" href="https://thescore.com/ncaah/players/14982">Michael Hage</a> will return to the University of Michigan for the 2026-27 campaign and isn't signing with the Montreal Canadiens this season, reports <a href="https://x.com/FriedgeHNIC/status/2043074677791220021?s=20">Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman</a>.Hage, who was drafted 21st overall by the Canadiens in 2024, tallied 13 goals and 52 points in 39 games this season as a sophomore. He was tied for third in NCAA scoring.The Wolverines won the Big Ten title but lost in the Frozen Four semifinals to Denver on Thursday. Michigan hasn't won the national championship since 1998.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Hage led Canada in scoring at the world juniors with 15 points in seven games.The Canadiens retain the 19-year-old's signing rights until August 15, 2028.Montreal inked <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/14986" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/14986">Ivan Demidov</a> after his KHL campaign and just before the NHL playoffs last season. He featured in the Canadiens' lineup for all five first-round games against the Washington Capitals after appearing in two regular-season contests.The Habs have clinched a playoff spot and are currently second in the Atlantic Division.

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - JANUARY 16: Michigan Wolverines forward Michael Hage (19) skates with the puck during a college hockey game between the Minnesota Golden Gophers and Michigan Wolverines on January 16, 2026, at 3M Arena at Mariucci in Minneapolis, MN.

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Report: Canadiens prospect Hage returning to Michigan

Ottawa Senators captain Brady Tkachuk exited Saturday's 3-0 win over the New York Islanders with ...

Ottawa Senators captain <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/7845" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/7845">Brady Tkachuk</a> exited Saturday's 3-0 win over the New York Islanders with an undisclosed issue.Senators head coach Travis Green said postgame that Tkachuk "wasn't feeling well" and didn't offer any other update, according to <a href="https://x.com/jkamckenzie/status/2043059461971923392?s=20">The Athletic's Julian McKenzie</a>.Tkachuk initially left the game after <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3313" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3313">Ryan Pulock</a>'s stick appeared to clip him up high in front of the Islanders' bench. He came back to begin the third period but left again after taking a shift and didn't return.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Brady Tkachuk has gone to the Senators locker room after coming back to start the 3rd period. <a href="https://t.co/QVB13JS5Ly">pic.twitter.com/QVB13JS5Ly</a>— TSN (@TSN_Sports) <a href="https://twitter.com/TSN_Sports/status/2043043214748168431?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 11, 2026</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure>Tkachuk has 22 goals and 59 points in 60 games. He's third on the Senators in scoring.The 26-year-old missed 20 games earlier in the season after undergoing thumb surgery.The Senators clinch a playoff spot if the Detroit Red Wings lose in any fashion Saturday against the New Jersey Devils.

OTTAWA, CANADA - OCTOBER 13: Brady Tkachuk #7 of the Ottawa Senators skates against the Nashville Predators at Canadian Tire Centre on October 13, 2025 in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.

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Tkachuk exits Senators' win with undislosed issue

The Colorado Avalanche signed University of Michigan standout forward T.J. Hughes to a one-year, ...

The Colorado Avalanche signed University of Michigan standout forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaah/players/17723" href="https://thescore.com/ncaah/players/17723">T.J. Hughes</a> to a one-year, entry-level contract beginning next season, the team announced Saturday.An undrafted free agent, Hughes was one of three finalists for the Hobey Baker Award, which Detroit Red Wings prospect <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/15099" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/15099">Max Plante</a> won Friday.Hughes was second in NCAA scoring this season with 57 points in 40 games. His 22 goals were tied for ninth in the nation.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Michigan lost in double overtime against Denver in the Frozen Four semifinals Thursday, ending the 24-year-old's collegiate career.Hughes racked up 69 goals and 179 points in 156 total games over four campaigns at Michigan. He has the most career points by a Wolverine since Kevin Porter, who featured for Michigan from 2004-08.The Hamilton, Ontario, native notched four assists in four contests at the Spengler Cup with the first-ever U.S. Collegiate Selects team.

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - APRIL 9: T.J. Hughes #13 and Adam Valentini #92 of the Michigan Wolverines celebrate after a goal against the Denver Pioneers during the Division I Men's Ice Hockey Championship held at T-Mobile Arena on April 9, 2026 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

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Avalanche sign Michigan standout Hughes

Minnesota-Duluth forward and Detroit Red Wings prospect Max Plante won the Hobey Baker Memorial A...

Minnesota-Duluth forward and Detroit Red Wings prospect <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/15099" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/15099">Max Plante</a> won the Hobey Baker Memorial Award as the top player in men's college hockey Friday.Plante bested Denver defenseman and San Jose Sharks draft pick <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/13991" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/13991">Eric Pohlkamp</a> and Michigan forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaah/players/13465" href="https://thescore.com/ncaah/players/13465">T.J. Hughes</a> for the honor. He's the youngest of the three.The 20-year-old sophomore tallied 25 goals and 52 points in 40 games this season, ranking third in collegiate scoring behind Quinnipiac forward and Calgary Flames prospect <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaah/players/16345" href="https://thescore.com/ncaah/players/16345">Ethan Wyttenbach</a> and Hughes. Plante's 25 goals finished tied for second in the nation behind Dartmouth's <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaah/players/17820" href="https://thescore.com/ncaah/players/17820">Hayden Stavroff</a>.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Minnesota-Duluth knocked off Penn State in its regional semifinal before losing to Michigan.Plante featured for the U.S. world junior team earlier this year, notching one goal in three games.The Red Wings drafted Plante 47th overall in 2024.Notable NHLers to win the Hobey Baker in recent years include <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/15142" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/15142">Macklin Celebrini</a> (2024), <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/13830" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/13830">Adam Fantilli</a> (2023), <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/10510" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/10510">Cole Caufield</a> (2021), and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/8539" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/8539">Cale Makar</a> (2019). <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/12722" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/12722">Isaac Howard</a> won the award last year.

ALBANY, NEW YORK - MARCH 29: Max Plante #10 of the Minnesota Duluth Bulldogs skates against the Michigan Wolverines during the NCAA Division I Men's Ice Hockey Regional Championship final at the MVP Arena on March 29, 2026 in Albany, New York. The Wolverines won 4-3 to advance to the Frozen Four.

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Red Wings prospect Plante wins Hobey Baker as NCAA's top player

The Anaheim Ducks signed general manager Pat Verbeek to a multi-year contract extension, the team...

The Anaheim Ducks signed general manager Pat Verbeek to a multi-year contract extension, the team announced Friday.Verbeek has been Ducks GM since February 2022. Anaheim is third in the Pacific Division with 89 points and on the verge of making the playoffs for the first time since 2018."Pat has done exactly as we hoped, having turned the Ducks into what we believe are perennial contenders for the next decade," Anaheim owners Henry and Susan Samueli said in a statement. "We are beyond thrilled to see the team continue developing into what is already an exciting, winning team ready to take the next step."<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Verbeek drafted <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/13838" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/13838">Leo Carlsson</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/15128" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/15128">Beckett Sennecke</a>, and he traded for <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/12716" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/12716">Cutter Gauthier</a>. In the past year, he's signed <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/13808" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/13808">Jackson LaCombe</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/9753" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/9753">Lukas Dostal</a>, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/10696" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/10696">Mason McTavish</a> to extensions. Verbeek made a splash on deadline day by acquiring veteran <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/1445" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/1445">John Carlson</a> from the Washington Capitals.Anaheim also promoted Mike Stapleton to senior vice president and associate GM. Stapleton has been with the Ducks since 2014, serving as assistant GM since May 2024.

MONTREAL, QUEBEC - JULY 08: Pat Verbeek of the Anaheim Ducks attends the 2022 NHL Draft at the Bell Centre on July 08, 2022 in Montreal, Quebec, Canada.

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Ducks sign GM Verbeek to multi-year extension

Toronto Maple Leafs goaltender Anthony Stolarz exited Wednesday's 4-0 loss against the Washington...

Toronto Maple Leafs goaltender <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/9766" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/9766">Anthony Stolarz</a> exited Wednesday's 4-0 loss against the Washington Capitals after he sustained a lower-body injury while making a save.Stolarz made a left pad stop on <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/15076" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/15076">Cole Hutson</a> less than three minutes into the game before going down in considerable discomfort and needing help off the ice.<figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Anthony Stolarz goes down the tunnel after an apparent injury. <a href="https://t.co/0MGc1Pt9MB">pic.twitter.com/0MGc1Pt9MB</a>— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) <a href="https://twitter.com/Sportsnet/status/2042028383337406680?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 8, 2026</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/8266" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/8266">Joseph Woll</a> made 14 saves on 17 shots in relief.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Stolarz entered Wednesday's contest with a .892 save percentage and a 3.29 goals against average in 25 games.The 32-year-old missed 33 games earlier this season with an upper-body injury. Stolarz played a career-high 34 contests during the 2024-25 campaign.Stolarz inked a four-year extension with a $3.75-million cap hit in September. The new contract begins next season.The Maple Leafs are eliminated from playoff contention and sit 15th in the Eastern Conference. Toronto had made the postseason in each of the previous nine campaigns.

TORONTO, ON - APRIL 08: Toronto Maple Leafs Goaltender Anthony Stolarz (41) is taken out of the game due to an injury during the first period of the NHL regular season game between the Washington Capitals and the Toronto Maple Leafs on April 8, 2026, at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto, ON, Canada.

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Stolarz sustains lower-body injury while making save vs. Caps

Seattle Kraken president of hockey operations Ron Francis is stepping down at the end of the seas...

Seattle Kraken president of hockey operations Ron Francis is stepping down at the end of the season, the team announced Wednesday.Francis moved into the president role last summer after serving as the Kraken's general manager for the franchise's first six years, starting his tenure two years before Seattle's inaugural 2021-22 campaign. Jason Botterill succeeded him as GM and will lead the team's hockey operations following Francis' departure."Ron and I agreed that this is the right moment to make a thoughtful transition for both Ron and the organization, and move in a new direction," Kraken CEO Todd Leiweke said in a statement.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>The Kraken have lost six straight games to fall out of the wild-card race in the Western Conference. Seattle has made the playoffs once, upsetting the Colorado Avalanche in the 2023 first round before losing in seven games to the Dallas Stars."It has been an honor to help launch and lead the Seattle Kraken over the past seven years," Francis said. "I am proud of the culture we built, the people we brought together, and the milestones we achieved, including our historic first playoff run."Francis was previously GM of the Carolina Hurricanes from 2014-18. The team didn't make the playoffs during his tenure.The Toronto Maple Leafs, Nashville Predators, and New Jersey Devils are teams currently without general managers.

SEATTLE, WASHINGTON - APRIL 22: Seattle Kraken President of Hockey Operations Ron Francis speaks to the media during a press conference at the Kraken Community Iceplex on April 22, 2025 in Seattle, Washington.

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Kraken president Francis stepping down

The Colorado Avalanche clinched the Central Division and the top seed in the Western Conference w...

The Colorado Avalanche clinched the Central Division and the top seed in the Western Conference with a 3-1 win over the St. Louis Blues on Tuesday.The result locks in a first-round matchup between the Dallas Stars and Minnesota Wild as the No. 2 and No. 3 seeds in the Central, with home-ice advantage for the series still to be determined. The Stars have a two-point lead over the Wild in the standings with four games remaining for both teams.Colorado leads the Carolina Hurricanes by six points in the race for the Presidents' Trophy, awarded to the club with the best regular-season record.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>The Avalanche last won the Central in 2023.Dallas and Minnesota have met twice in the Stanley Cup Playoffs, facing off in the first round of the 2016 and 2023 postseasons. The Stars took both series in six games.

ST. LOUIS, MO - APRIL 7: Gabriel Landeskog #92 and Scott Wedgewood #41 both of the Colorado Avalanche celebrate after defeating the St. Louis Blues on April 7, 2026 at the Enterprise Center in St. Louis, Missouri.

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Avalanche clinch Central title to lock in Stars-Wild 1st-round matchup

The New Jersey Devils parted ways with general manager Tom Fitzgerald, the team announced Monday....

The New Jersey Devils parted ways with general manager Tom Fitzgerald, the team announced Monday.Fitzgerald had served as the Devils' GM since January 2020 after initially joining the organization in 2015 as an assistant GM. New Jersey promoted him to president of hockey operations in addition to his role as GM when he signed an extension in January 2024.The 57-year-old's contract ran through next season, reports <a href="https://x.com/PierreVLeBrun/status/2041288314079117393?s=20">TSN's Pierre LeBrun</a>. Fitzgerald was also an assistant general manager on the USA's Olympic men's hockey team this year.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>"It was apparent to everyone that the best course of action is to move on for the benefit of the team," Fitzgerald said in a statement.New Jersey sits 13th in the Eastern Conference with a 40-34-3 record. The Devils made the playoffs just twice in Fitzgerald's tenure, losing in the second round in 2023 before getting ousted by the Carolina Hurricanes in five games in the first round last year."As we prepare to move forward, it is important I acknowledge our fans. I recognize we have not delivered in the way you expect and deserve, and I understand and share in your frustration," Devils managing partner David Blitzer said. "This is a critical offseason for our franchise, and we will explore all avenues that best position the Devils to compete for a Stanley Cup once again."The franchise has had only five general managers since moving to New Jersey in 1982.The Devils join the Toronto Maple Leafs and Nashville Predators as teams searching for a GM. Fitzgerald was the first captain in Predators history and featured for Nashville from 1998-2002. He also played for the Maple Leafs from 2002-04.New Jersey has five games left in the regular season.

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - JUNE 29: General manager Tom Fitzgerald of the New Jersey Devils looks on during the 2024 Upper Deck NHL Draft Rounds 2-7 at Sphere on June 29, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

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Devils part ways with GM Fitzgerald

Toronto Maple Leafs star William Nylander is committed to the franchise, barring a rebuild.  "Unl...

Toronto Maple Leafs star <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/4180" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4180">William Nylander</a> is committed to the franchise, barring a rebuild."Unless it was a full rebuild and we were going to get rid of everybody, then it's a different story," Nylander told <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7165619/2026/04/02/william-nylander-maple-leafs-future-retool-pelley-treliving/">The Athletic</a> on Wednesday. "Then you take that conversation then. But just to do a retool or whatever, I don't even know, but I mean, I still want to be here, yeah."The Maple Leafs fired general manager Brad Treliving on Monday after nearly three seasons at the helm. Toronto is 14th in the Eastern Conference with a 32-30-13 record and is set to miss the playoffs for the first time since 2016, when Nylander was 19 years old.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Nylander had a "good conversation" with his now ex-GM Treliving before the March 6 trade deadline and was content with the message he received."Brad said that he doesn't want to rebuild or anything. He just wants to retool and stuff. That sounded fine for me," Nylander explained.Despite Treliving's exit, the organization's sentiment appears unchanged. MLSE CEO Keith Pelley, who will hire Toronto's next head of hockey operations, doesn't believe the team needs a complete rebuild."We all know the Toronto Maple Leafs have foundational pieces in place," Pelley <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3511980" href="https://thescore.com/news/3511980">said</a> Tuesday. "If we're able to surround them with the right culture, with the right structure, with the right personnel, both on and off the ice, then I would say we would be in a retool, not a rebuild."Nylander is signed through 2031-32 at an $11.5-million cap hit. Leafs captain <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/5586" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/5586">Auston Matthews</a>, on the other hand, only has two seasons left on his contract after this campaign concludes. Nylander hasn't considered how Matthews' future will impact his own decisions down the road."I mean, I haven't really thought about it, like that far. Once they just told me (rebuilding is) not what they want to do - try to keep winning here or try to start winning (Stanley Cups)," Nylander said.He added, "If that point in time comes, then I'll think about that then."Nylander called this season "super frustrating and rattling" but said he's "not too worried" about the Leafs' future."You just look at Boston this year. They were not in the playoffs last year, and they're having a pretty good season this year," Nylander said.

TORONTO, CANADA - MARCH 25: William Nylander #88 of the Toronto Maple Leafs skates against the New York Rangers during the third period in their NHL game at Scotiabank Arena on March 25, 2026 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

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Nylander committed to Leafs barring rebuild

MLSE president and CEO Keith Pelley doesn't believe the Toronto Maple Leafs need a complete rebui...

MLSE president and CEO Keith Pelley doesn't believe the Toronto Maple Leafs need a complete rebuild."We all know the Toronto Maple Leafs have foundational pieces in place," Pelley said Tuesday during his media availability less than 24 hours after the Maple Leafs fired Brad Treliving as general manager."If we're able to surround them with the right culture, with the right structure, with the right personnel, both on and off the ice, then I would say we would be in a retool, not a rebuild."<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>With the Leafs sitting 14th in the Eastern Conference and on the verge of missing the playoffs for the first time since 2016, Pelley emphasized that he wants the next head of hockey operations to prioritize a data-driven approach."They have to be data-centric. They have to really understand data and the importance of data and where data is moving," Pelley said. "We have just completed a complete rebuild of (MLS club Toronto FC), all using data combined with cultural checks. That's what we will do, and every single decision that we will make will be evidence-based."Evidence-based decisions are never wrong. That's not to say that there's not room for the heart, that doesn't mean there's not room to check culture, but it's evidence-based."When asked whether Toronto will hire a president and a GM, Pelley said there's "not a definitive one way" to structure the organization. Noting the search for the next head of hockey operations is "absolutely wide open," Pelley added that he'd ideally like to hire a general manager by the end of May and that GM experience isn't a prerequisite.Pelley, who has been in his role at MLSE since April 2024, highlighted two teams in particular that the Maple Leafs didn't expect would leapfrog them in the standings."We definitely didn't see the train coming, which was the Buffalo Sabres and the Montreal Canadiens, and how strong those two teams are," Pelley said."Along with the likes of Detroit and Ottawa, (and) Boston, with a strong spine, have been able to retool. And Florida and Tampa are always strong. But Buffalo and Montreal have shown (as) young energetic teams, they're going to be here for a long time."Additionally, Pelley reiterated that he hasn't been, and won't be, involved in roster decisions."I'm not here to be a scout. I'm not here to be a coach. I'm not here to be a general manager. And I have no desire on giving any input on who should play left wing," Pelley said.Pelley also confirmed that assistant general managers Brandon Pridham and Ryan Hardy will run the Maple Leafs' hockey operations into the offseason."At the end of the day, this is the most important decision that I will likely make in my tenure at MLSE," Pelley said.

Toronto, ON - May 23: MLSE President & CEO Keith Pelley speaks to the media one day after MLSE announced they would not be renewing the contract of Leafs president Brendan Shanahan. PD Nick Lachance/Toronto Star Nick Lachance/Toronto Star (Nick Lachance/Toronto Star via Getty Images)

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MLSE CEO: Leafs not in rebuild, next GM must be 'data-centric'

The Toronto Maple Leafs fired general manager Brad Treliving before Monday's win against the Anah...

The Toronto Maple Leafs fired general manager Brad Treliving before Monday's win against the Anaheim Ducks, a decision that caught players off guard."It's a real tough one, because Brad brought us all in here, tremendous belief in us, and we just didn't deliver," <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/794" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/794">John Tavares</a> <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-sOJ5tz8oew">said</a> postgame, who noted the team was informed of the news just before warmups. "It falls on us, starting with myself."The former captain added, "It's just shocking. I think whenever you receive the news, it's shocking, and you're just disappointed."<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>The Maple Leafs are 14th in the Eastern Conference with a 32-30-13 record. Toronto is set to miss the playoffs for the first time since 2016.<a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/4180" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4180">William Nylander</a> reiterated that Treliving isn't the only reason the Leafs have disappointed this campaign."Just shows what we did this year wasn't good enough," Nylander said. "That sucks because that comes on the players, too. It's not just his fault."Treliving's firing shifts the spotlight to head coach Craig Berube and his uncertain future with the organization."I don't think about (my future in Toronto), guys," Berube said. "I mean, I really don't. Like, you probably think I'm bullshitting you, but I'm not. I feel for Brad right now and his family. That's what I feel right now."Berube said it was "difficult" to receive the news of Treliving's firing."But that's the business, and that's what happens," Berube said. "We didn't live up to expectations this year, and that's what happens."He added, "We wanted to build something here, and last year we were right there, but we didn't succeed. This year, we obviously dropped off. I mean, I don't know what to say, guys. I feel for him and his family right now."

TORONTO, CANADA - NOVEMBER 5: John Tavares #91 of the Toronto Maple Leafs is joined by his family before being presented a golden stick by Toronto Maple Leafs General Manager Brad Treliving for 500 career at the Scotiabank Arena on November 5, 2025 in Toronto, ON, Canada.

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Tavares shocked by Treliving firing: 'We just didn't deliver'

Minnesota-Duluth beat Penn State 3-1 in the Albany regional semifinal of the NCAA men's hockey to...

Minnesota-Duluth beat Penn State 3-1 in the Albany regional semifinal of the NCAA men's hockey tournament Friday.The loss ends Gavin McKenna's freshman campaign.McKenna, who is the potential first overall pick in June's NHL draft, finished with 15 goals and 51 points in 35 games. He's tied for third in NCAA scoring, and paced Penn State in points. McKenna is a top-10 finalist for the Hobey Baker as the top player in men's collegiate hockey.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>The Whitehorse, Yukon native made the move from the WHL to Penn State last summer. The 2025-26 campaign was the first that allowed players who had played in the CHL to compete in the NCAA.UMD freshman Hunter Anderson netted the game-winning goal with 5:13 left after a McKenna pass was broken up.<figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
.<a href="https://twitter.com/UMDMensHockey?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@UMDMensHockey</a> TAKES THE LEAD ‼️<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NCAAHockey?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NCAAHockey</a> x 🎥 ESPN2 <a href="https://t.co/hb3ltAOMyX">pic.twitter.com/hb3ltAOMyX</a>— NCAA Ice Hockey (@NCAAIceHockey) <a href="https://twitter.com/NCAAIceHockey/status/2037732811927351393?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 28, 2026</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure>Minnesota-Duluth advances to face Michigan, the No. 1 team in the nation, for a spot in the Frozen Four on Sunday.Penn State lost in the Frozen Four semis last year against Boston University. It was the first Frozen Four appearance in program history.McKenna had a felony assault charge <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3473539" href="https://thescore.com/news/3473539">dropped</a> in February, but he still faces other offenses. His formal arraignment is scheduled for April 8, according to <a href="https://www.psucollegian.com/news/crime_courts/gavin-mckenna-waives-preliminary-hearing-ahead-of-big-ten-tournament/article_849ae938-8476-4411-ad2f-88499c8ac984.html">The Daily Collegian</a>.

ALBANY, NY - MARCH 27: Penn State Nittany Lions Forward Gavin McKenna (72) skates with the puck against Minnesota Duluth Bulldogs Defenseman Adam Kleber (6) and Minnesota Duluth Bulldogs Forward Luke Bibby (28) during the first period of the NCAA Men's Hockey Regional Tournament game between the Penn State Nittany Lions and the Minnesota Duluth Bulldogs on March 27, 2026, at MVP Arena in Albany, NY.

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Penn State loses to UMD, ending McKenna's NCAA season

Washington Capitals forward Pierre-Luc Dubois was issued a match penalty for intent to injure aga...

Washington Capitals forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/5588" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/5588">Pierre-Luc Dubois</a> was issued a match penalty for intent to injure against St. Louis Blues forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/6443" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/6443">Robert Thomas</a> on Tuesday.Dubois slammed Thomas down to the ice in the third period. Thomas was also assessed a minor penalty for interference.<figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Pierre-Luc Dubois has received a match penalty for intent to injure on Robert Thomas 😳🤕 <a href="https://t.co/SjP9H2zJbS">pic.twitter.com/SjP9H2zJbS</a>— Gino Hard (@GinoHard_) <a href="https://twitter.com/GinoHard_/status/2036628788415439247?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 25, 2026</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure>Thomas left the game but passed concussion protocol and is healthy, Blues head coach Jim Montgomery <a href="https://x.com/StLouisBlues/status/2036641961382158751?s=20">said</a> postgame.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>A match penalty results in an automatic suspension pending review from the Department of Player Safety.Dubois had nine points and four penalty minutes in 19 games entering Tuesday's contest.Thomas leads St. Louis with 16 goals and 46 points in 52 games.

WASHINGTON, DC - MARCH 18: Pierre-Luc Dubois #80 of the Washington Capitals shoots the puck against the Ottawa Senators at Capital One Arena on March 18, 2026 in Washington, DC.

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Paul Maurice coached his 2,000th NHL game Monday when his Florida Panthers beat the Seattle Krake...

Paul Maurice coached his 2,000th NHL game Monday when his Florida Panthers beat the Seattle Kraken 5-4 in a shootout.Maurice joined Scotty Bowman as the only head coaches to reach the milestone. Bowman coached 2,141 total games, a mark Maurice is on track to reach during the 2027-28 season."I don't feel like 2,000 is the end of it for me," Maurice said postgame, according to team reporter <a href="https://x.com/JamesonCoop/status/2036630743284060220?s=20">Jameson Olive</a>. "It wasn't hang out until a number. ... We like our group. We like what we've built. I love coming to the rink, and I love working here. I love living in Florida, and I love these guys."<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
An all-time milestone for an all-time coach 👏 <a href="https://t.co/qxirzxcRGR">pic.twitter.com/qxirzxcRGR</a>— Florida Panthers (@FlaPanthers) <a href="https://twitter.com/FlaPanthers/status/2036581304297226310?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 24, 2026</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure>Rick Bowness owns the NHL record for most games coached. The Columbus Blue Jackets bench boss has served as head coach, assistant, or associate for 2,751 contests and counting.Maurice got his first NHL gig in 1995 with the Hartford Whalers when he was 28 years old. The 59-year-old has also coached the Toronto Maple Leafs, Carolina Hurricanes, and Winnipeg Jets.The Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, native won his first Stanley Cup in his 26th season in 2024 with Florida, and he followed it up with another in 2025.Maurice now owns an all-time record of 951-799-151 with 99 ties. He ranks third in wins behind Bowman (1,244) and Anaheim Ducks head coach Joel Quenneville (1,008).

MONTREAL, CANADA - JANUARY 08: Head coach Paul Maurice of the Florida Panthers handles bench duties during the third period against the Montréal Canadiens at the Bell Centre on January 8, 2026 in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. The Montréal Canadiens defeated the Florida Panthers 6-2.

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Anaheim Ducks captain Radko Gudas is remorseful for the knee-on-knee hit that ended Toronto Maple...

Anaheim Ducks captain <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/1727" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/1727">Radko Gudas</a> is remorseful for the knee-on-knee hit that ended Toronto Maple Leafs star <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/5586" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/5586">Auston Matthews</a>' season."I really hate the way it ended up, the point of contact," Gudas said Tuesday ahead of his return from his five-game suspension, according to <a href="https://www.sportsnet.ca/nhl/article/ducks-gudas-returns-from-suspension-i-feel-terrible/">Sportsnet's Iain MacIntyre</a>. "I'm not a fan of that. I never want to injure anybody out there. It's a hard-fought game."Gudas added, "I feel terrible about the outcome. I just committed to the play, and unfortunately, that was the point of contact."<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Matthews required surgery after sustaining a Grade 3 MCL tear on the play in the 6-4 victory versus the Ducks on March 12.<figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Radko Gudas goes knee-on-knee with Auston Matthews. Gudas received a minute major pending review. Auston Matthews was down for a while but has gotten back to his feet. <a href="https://t.co/Rxf6xIe1GH">pic.twitter.com/Rxf6xIe1GH</a>— TSN (@TSN_Sports) <a href="https://twitter.com/TSN_Sports/status/2032252955663962378?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 13, 2026</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure>Gudas said he texted Matthews after the game, and the two spoke days after the hit."Just wanted to make sure that (he knew) it was not my intention to hurt anybody," Gudas explained.It was the fifth suspension of Gudas' 881-game career, but his first since 2019."I've tried to stay on the good side," Gudas said. "I stayed for a long time, over seven years since my last incident. So I'm doing everything in my power to stay away (from suspensions), to stay on the right side, to play hard but be on the good side of it."Gudas returns to an Anaheim team that is first in the Pacific Division. The 35-year-old defenseman has 13 points and 45 penalty minutes in 52 games this season.

TORONTO, CANADA - MARCH 12: Radko Gudas #7 of the Anaheim Ducks takes a kneeing penalty against Auston Matthews #34 of the Toronto Maple Leafs in the second period at Scotiabank Arena on March 12, 2026 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

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Ottawa Senators defenseman Thomas Chabot will be "out for a while" after sustaining a right arm i...

Ottawa Senators defenseman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/4794" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4794">Thomas Chabot</a> will be "out for a while" after sustaining a right arm injury, head coach Travis Green <a href="https://x.com/Sportsnet/status/2036279998374453755?s=20">said</a> after the team's 2-1 win against the New York Rangers.Chabot exited in the dying seconds of the first period after being cross-checked by Rangers captain <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/2170" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/2170">J.T. Miller</a>.<figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Thomas Chabot headed straight to the room after taking a cross-check from J.T. Miller at the conclusion of the first period. <a href="https://t.co/yDg61y8d25">pic.twitter.com/yDg61y8d25</a>— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) <a href="https://twitter.com/Sportsnet/status/2036239856012009706?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 24, 2026</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure>There was no penalty on the play.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>The Senators have been without star defenseman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/9188" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/9188">Jake Sanderson</a> since March 7 due to an upper-body injury. Ottawa is also missing blue-liners <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/2967" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/2967">Nick Jensen</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/9933" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/9933">Dennis Gilbert</a> due to injuries, and recent call-up <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/9906" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/9906">Lassi Thomson</a> exited against the Rangers as well with a lower-body injury.Chabot has seven goals and 31 points in 54 games this season. He's averaged over 28 minutes of ice time in seven games since Sanderson left the lineup.The 29-year-old has already missed 13 games this season.Ottawa is two points out of the second wild-card spot in the Eastern Conference.

WASHINGTON, DC - MARCH 18: Thomas Chabot #72 of the Ottawa Senators rests during a break in the game against the Washington Capitals at Capital One Arena on March 18, 2026 in Washington, DC.

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The NHL's Department of Player Safety suspended Florida Panthers forward A.J. Greer three games f...

The NHL's Department of Player Safety suspended Florida Panthers forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/9403" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/9403">A.J. Greer</a> three games for boarding Calgary Flames forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/9212" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/9212">Connor Zary</a>.Greer was assessed a major penalty for interference and a game misconduct on the play in Friday's game.<figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Connor Zary leaves the game following a hit from A.J. Greer <a href="https://t.co/8JVCrVp0hb">pic.twitter.com/8JVCrVp0hb</a>— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) <a href="https://twitter.com/Sportsnet/status/2035199407826637003?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 21, 2026</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure>Zary will miss Calgary's game against the Tampa Bay Lightning on Sunday due to an upper-body injury.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>This is the second suspension of Greer's career. He was banned one game in March 2023 for cross-checking.Greer has 24 points and 109 penalty minutes in 68 contests this season. The 29-year-old has racked up 444 penalty minutes in 316 career games.

EDMONTON, CANADA - MARCH 19: A.J. Greer #10 of the Florida Panthers in action during the game against the Edmonton Oilers at Rogers Place on March 19, 2026, in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.

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