Renata Fast of the Toronto Sceptres, Hilary Knight of the Boston Fleet, and Marie-Philip Poulin o...

<p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///pwhl/players/15845" href="https://thescore.com/pwhl/players/15845">Renata Fast</a> of the Toronto Sceptres, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///pwhl/players/15719" href="https://thescore.com/pwhl/players/15719">Hilary Knight</a> of the Boston Fleet, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///pwhl/players/15778" href="https://thescore.com/pwhl/players/15778">Marie-Philip Poulin</a> of the Montreal Victoire were named finalists for the 2025 PWHL Billie Jean King MVP award Thursday.</p><p>Fast is the first defender to be nominated for MVP in the PWHL's two-year existence. She led the league in ice time this season and finished eighth in scoring with 22 points in 30 games.</p><p>Knight tied the league lead with 29 points and logged more minutes than any other forward.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Poulin, an MVP finalist last season, led the league with 19 goals in 2024-25 to help the Victoire to a first-place finish. She ended the campaign ranked fourth with 26 points.</p><p>Toronto Sceptres forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///pwhl/players/15853" href="https://thescore.com/pwhl/players/15853">Natalie Spooner</a> won the league's inaugural MVP award in 2024. </p>

LOWELL, MASSACHUSETTS - JANUARY 22: Hilary Knight #21 of Boston Fleet skates against Renata Fast #14 of Toronto Sceptres during the third period at Tsongas Center on January 22, 2025 in Lowell, Massachusetts. The Fleet defeat the Sceptres 4-1.

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Fast, Knight, Poulin nominated for PWHL MVP

The Chicago Blackhawks hired Jeff Blashill as head coach, the team announced Thursday.  Blashill ...

<p>The Chicago Blackhawks hired Jeff Blashill as head coach, the team announced Thursday.</p><p>Blashill coached the Detroit Red Wings from 2015-22, guiding the team to a 204-261-72 record and one playoff appearance. He's been an assistant with the Tampa Bay Lightning the past three seasons.</p><p>The Blackhawks fired Luke Richardson after a 8-16-2 start to the 2024-25 season, and interim replacement Anders Sorensen didn't fare much better at 17-30-9.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>"Jeff is an incredibly smart and talented coach who boasts more than 25 years of coaching experience across developmental leagues, the NHL, and the world stage," Chicago general manager Kyle Davidson said in a statement. "He's thrived when in a position to develop young players and has shown he's capable of blending that into overall team success, a vision and philosophy we share for where we are today and where we see our team in the future."</p><p>Chicago finished 31st in the standings, failing to make progress in <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/13829" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/13829">Connor Bedard</a>'s second campaign. Chicago has approximately $30 million in cap space this offseason to try to improve and snap a five-year playoff drought.</p><p>The Boston Bruins, Seattle Kraken, and Pittsburgh Penguins are the final three teams still looking to fill head coaching vacancies.</p>

DETROIT, MI - OCTOBER 08: Head coach Jeff Blashill of the Detroit Red Wings watches the action from the bench against the Anaheim Ducks during an NHL game at Little Caesars Arena on October 8, 2019 in Detroit, Michigan. Anaheim defeated Detroit 3-1.

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Blackhawks hire Blashill as head coach

Newly minted Los Angeles Kings general manager Ken Holland doesn't want to waste time when it com...

<p>Newly minted Los Angeles Kings general manager Ken Holland doesn't want to waste time when it comes to putting his stamp the club. </p><p>"I plan to be aggressive," Holland told <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6373087/2025/05/22/ken-holland-kings-gm-offseason-plans/">The Athletic's Pierre LeBrun</a>. "Ownership is prepared to go to the cap. The goal is to put a competitive team on the ice and, at the right time, be aggressive to try to make the team better and more exciting, whether that happens in the next six to seven weeks or next year at the trade deadline or next offseason. ... But certainly the plan is to be aggressive at the right time."</p><p>The Kings are projected to have approximately $23.3 million in cap space this offseason, according to <a href="https://puckpedia.com/team/los-angeles-kings">PuckPedia</a>. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/7291" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/7291">Vladislav Gavrikov</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/12700" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/12700">Andrei Kuzmenko</a> are the club's most prominent unrestricted free agents, while <a href="https://puckpedia.com/team/los-angeles-kings">Alex Laferriere</a> is Los Angeles' top RFA.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>This summer's UFA class looks poised to be headlined by <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/4718" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4718">Mitch Marner</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3995" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3995">Nikolaj Ehlers</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/794" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/794">John Tavares</a>, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3949" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3949">Sam Bennett</a>, barring extensions with their respective clubs happening before July 1.</p><p>The Kings finished second in the Pacific Division this season with 105 points but brought in Holland to replace Rob Blake after losing to the Edmonton Oilers in the first round of the playoffs for the fourth consecutive year.</p><p>"It's a good team," Holland said of the Kings. "There's good veteran leadership on the team. There's some good young kids that are on the come up. It's L.A. It's got a great history. It's a great brand. It's an entertainment capital. Hopefully I can make a few decisions and we can convince a player or two to come join us like we were able to do in Detroit and able to do in Edmonton."</p><p>Holland ran the Red Wings from 1997-2019 and won four Stanley Cups over that span. He joined the Oilers for five years afterward, but the two sides decided to part ways after last season's loss in Game 7 of the Stanley Cup Final.</p>

El Segundo, CA - May 15: Ken Holland is introduced as general manager of the Los Angeles Kings at Toyota Sports Performance Center on May 15, 2025 in El Segundo, California.

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Holland: 'I plan to be aggressive' to improve Kings

The Buffalo Sabres are reportedly testing the trade market for restricted free-agent defenseman B...

<p>The Buffalo Sabres are reportedly testing the trade market for restricted free-agent defenseman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/8599" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/8599">Bowen Byram</a>.</p><p>"There's no doubt his name is out there," <a href="https://www.sportsnet.ca/podcasts/32-thoughts/the-beat-goes-on-for-florida/">Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman</a> said on the "32 Thoughts" podcast. "There is no doubt they are gauging market value on him. We'll see where this takes us, but there is definitely noise around the Byram name and the Buffalo Sabres."</p><p>Byram is up for a new contract upon expiration of the two-year, $7.7-million contract he signed as a member of the Colorado Avalanche. Colorado dealt him to Buffalo for forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/9727" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/9727">Casey Mittelstadt</a> prior to the 2024 trade deadline.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The Sabres have approximately $21.4 million in cap space this summer, according to <a href="https://puckpedia.com/team/buffalo-sabres">PuckPedia</a>. Byram, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/9219" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/9219">JJ Peterka</a>, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/9186" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/9186">Jack Quinn</a> are among the Sabres' most prominent RFAs this offseason. The team will also look to spend on outside help after missing the playoffs for the 14th consecutive season.</p><p>Byram played his first full campaign in 2024-25 and registered a career-high 38 points while averaging 22 minutes per contest. He tied for third among Sabres at plus-11.</p><p>Byram was the fourth overall pick in 2019. He won the Stanley Cup with Colorado in 2022. </p>

BUFFALO, NEW YORK - APRIL 5: Bowen Byram #4 of the Buffalo Sabres prepares for a faceoff against the Tampa Bay Lightning during an NHL game on April 5, 2025 at KeyBank Center in Buffalo, New York.

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Report: Sabres gauging market for Byram

PWHL Seattle hired Meghan Turner as its first general manager, the team announced Wednesday.  Tur...

<p>PWHL Seattle hired Meghan Turner as its first general manager, the team announced Wednesday.</p><p>Turner spent the past two seasons as assistant GM of the Boston Fleet. </p><p>"Meghan brings an extraordinary combination of hockey experience, strategic vision, and professionalism to PWHL Seattle," PWHL executive vice president of hockey operations Jayna Hefford said in a statement. "During her time in Boston, Meghan distinguished herself as a big-picture thinker who quickly earned the respect of players and staff alike. She's the ideal person to lead this exciting new chapter in Seattle."</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Seattle and Vancouver were awarded expansion franchises in April. The teams will join the league next season.</p><p>The expansion draft is set for June 9.</p>

TORONTO, ON - JANUARY 1: The PWHL logo is seen prior to the match between Toronto and New York at the Mattamy Athletic Centre on January 1, 2024 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

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PWHL Seattle hires Meghan Turner as GM

The Toronto Maple Leafs have granted the New York Islanders permission to speak with president of...

<p>The Toronto Maple Leafs have granted the New York Islanders permission to speak with president of hockey operations Brendan Shanahan about a position in their front office, according to <a href="https://www.sportsnet.ca/nhl/article/maple-leafs-grant-islanders-permission-to-speak-to-brendan-shanahan/">Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman</a>.</p><p>New York is in the market for a president and general manager after the organization opted not to renew Lou Lamoriello's contract.</p><p>Shanahan has been the Maple Leafs' president for 11 years and is on an expiring contract. His future with the club is expected to be discussed during a meeting among Toronto's board of directors Thursday, <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6372760/2025/05/21/brendan-shanahan-maple-leafs-future/">The Athletic's Chris Johnston</a> reports.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Ownership is reportedly disappointed with the way the Maple Leafs bowed out of the playoffs. Toronto reached Game 7 of the second round - the farthest the franchise has gone since 2004 - but was dominated 6-1 on home ice by the Florida Panthers in the winner-take-all clash.</p><p>Progress for the team this season was determined by ownership to be a trip to the Eastern Conference Final, which Toronto hasn't reached since 2002.</p><p>The Maple Leafs have made the playoffs nine seasons in a row, led by the core which the club drafted with Shanahan in charge.</p><p>Toronto is likely to operate without a president if Shanahan doesn't return, sources told Johnston. </p><p>The Maple Leafs could undergo significant changes this offseason. Along with Shanahan potentially leaving, star forwards <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/4718" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4718">Mitch Marner</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/794" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/794">John Tavares</a> are unrestricted free agents.</p>

Toronto, ON - September 18: Maple leaf's President Brendan Shanahan speaks during the Toronto Maple Leafs media day. PD Nick Lachance/Toronto Star Nick Lachance/Toronto Star (Nick Lachance/Toronto Star via Getty Images)

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Report: Leafs allow Islanders to speak with Shanahan

Sarah Fillier of the New York Sirens, Jennifer Gardiner of the Montreal Victoire, and Gwyneth Phi...

<p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///pwhl/players/15792" href="https://thescore.com/pwhl/players/15792">Sarah Fillier</a> of the New York Sirens, Jennifer Gardiner of the Montreal Victoire, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///pwhl/players/15830" href="https://thescore.com/pwhl/players/15830">Gwyneth Philips</a> of the Ottawa Charge have been voted finalists for this season's PWHL Rookie of the Year.</p><p>Fillier was the first overall pick in 2024. She lived up to the hype by finishing her debut campaign tied for the league lead with 29 points in 30 games. Her 16 assists matched a PWHL record, and she became the only player in league history to score in five consecutive contests.</p><p>Gardiner was a key contributor to the first-place Victoire. The former second-round pick ranked third in team scoring with 18 points, trailing only established veterans <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///pwhl/players/15778" href="https://thescore.com/pwhl/players/15778">Marie-Philip Poulin</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///pwhl/players/15763" href="https://thescore.com/pwhl/players/15763">Laura Stacey</a>.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Philips played a huge role in helping Ottawa clinch a playoff berth, winning eight of her 15 appearances with a .919 save percentage and 2.11 goals against average. She was one of three goalies to record multiple shutouts this season. </p><p>Minnesota Frost forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///pwhl/players/15741" href="https://thescore.com/pwhl/players/15741">Grace Zumwinkle</a> won the PWHL's inaugural Rookie of the Year award last season. </p>

OTTAWA, ONTARIO - MARCH 25: Sarah Fillier #10 of the New York Sirens celebrates her goal against the Ottawa Charge during the third period of their PWHL game at The Arena at TD Place on March 25, 2025 in Ottawa, Ontario.

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Fillier, Gardiner, Philips up for PWHL Rookie of the Year

Nikolaj Ehlers is the Winnipeg Jets' most prominent unrestricted free agent this summer, and his ...

<p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3995" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3995">Nikolaj Ehlers</a> is the Winnipeg Jets' most prominent unrestricted free agent this summer, and his teammates are hopeful he'll stick around. </p><p>"He's huge," forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/5545" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/5545">Kyle Connor</a> said, according to <a href="https://winnipegsun.com/sports/hockey/nhl/winnipeg-jets/i-love-it-here-uncertainty-swirls-around-jets-pending-free-agents">Paul Friesen of The Winnipeg Sun</a>. "One of our best players, and he carries the play so much when he's on the ice. He's a big part of our power play this year too. He's a huge piece for us and big in our locker room. He's got a big voice."</p><p>Blue-liner <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3161" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3161">Josh Morrissey</a> added: "I've played with Nikky for nine years now. He's a fantastic player, fantastic teammate, fantastic guy. I try not to think about those things too much, but certainly love playing with him and hope he can be back."</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Ehlers just finished the seventh year of a $42-million contract and would be one of the most sought-after free-agent forwards if he hit the open market. The 29-year-old recorded 63 points in 68 games this season despite averaging only 15:48 per contest.</p><p>General manager Kevin Cheveldayoff said Wednesday the team will put its "best foot forward" to try to re-sign Ehlers, according to <a href="https://x.com/JohnLuTSNWpg/status/1925236088274309360">TSN's John Lu</a>. Cheveldayoff added that negotiations are on hold while Ehlers represents Denmark at the World Championship.</p><p>The Jets drafted Ehlers ninth overall in 2014, and he debuted with the club in 2015-16. He's notched 520 points in 674 career games.</p><p>Winnipeg won the Presidents' Trophy this season as the league's top regular-season team but bowed out of the playoffs in the second round at the hands of the Dallas Stars. The Jets have a projected $25.6 million in cap space this summer to try to retain Ehlers. Forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/6466" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/6466">Gabe Vilardi</a>, a restricted free agent, is also eligible for a potentially lucrative deal this summer.</p>

WINNIPEG, CANADA - MAY 15: Nikolaj Ehlers #27 of the Winnipeg Jets looks on as he gets set during a second period face-off against the Dallas Stars in Game Five of the Second Round of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs at the Canada Life Centre on May 15, 2025 in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. The Jets shutout the Stars 4-0 and trail the series 3-2.

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Jets hopeful Ehlers returns: 'He's a huge piece for us'

As July 1 inches closer, Mitch Marner looks more likely than ever to test the free-agent market. ...

<p>As July 1 inches closer, Mitch Marner looks more likely than ever to test the free-agent market. Despite taking a ton of heat for the Toronto Maple Leafs' latest playoff failure, he could still be the crown jewel of this year's unrestricted free agent class if he opts to leave his hometown team after nine seasons and two series wins.</p><p>We're not shutting the door on an extension in Toronto, but the relationship between the two sides appears fractured. Marner reportedly turned down lucrative extension offers throughout the season and was unwilling to waive his no-movement clause in a possible trade for superstar forward Mikko Rantanen. And Leafs fans are more desperate than ever for change.</p><p>Many teams would love to add a player of Marner's caliber - a perennial 100-point threat with defensive prowess - but we've narrowed down a list of sensible fits.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><h3>If it's about money</h3><p><strong>Chicago Blackhawks</strong></p><p>The Blackhawks need to surround Connor Bedard with better players if they want to take a step forward. Pairing him with a skilled playmaker would be a great start, and Marner has a long history of setting up an elite sniper in Auston Matthews.</p><p>Chicago has more than $30 million available to spend this summer. It might be a tough sell based on the state of the roster, but the Blackhawks have the resources to make Marner the league's highest-paid player.</p><p><strong>Pittsburgh Penguins</strong></p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/786586/cropped_GettyImages-2202322016.jpg?ts=1747768839" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/786586/w220xh124_GettyImages-2202322016.jpg?ts=1747768839 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/786586/w320xh180_GettyImages-2202322016.jpg?ts=1747768839 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/786586/w640xh360_GettyImages-2202322016.jpg?ts=1747768839 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/786586/w768xh432_GettyImages-2202322016.jpg?ts=1747768839 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/786586/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2202322016.jpg?ts=1747768839 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Justin Berl / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>The Penguins are in the teardown stage of their rebuild, but would Kyle Dubas be willing to throw a wrench in those plans to bring in a player he defended time after time as Toronto's general manager? Marner, at 28 years old, still fits with Pittsburgh's long-term plans, and he would certainly help Sidney Crosby offensively.</p><p>A top six of Crosby, Marner, Bryan Rust, Rickard Rakell, and Evgeni Malkin is pretty formidable, and the Penguins can make it work with $23.03 million of cap room available. That said, if Pittsburgh's mission is to win the Gavin McKenna sweepstakes for next year's draft, Marner might not make sense.</p><h3>Teams looking to take a step</h3><p><strong>Buffalo Sabres</strong></p><p>The Sabres haven't made the playoffs in 14 years and have $21.43 million at their disposal to make some big moves this offseason. Buffalo has no problem scoring goals, but Marner could alleviate pressure from some of the younger players in the lineup and provide the Sabres with a premium two-way player.</p><p>Buffalo undoubtedly needs to spend on goal prevention, as the club ranked 29th in goals against and 23rd on the penalty kill this season. Marner has proven he's able to help in those areas while making the offense even more dangerous.</p><p><strong>Detroit Red Wings</strong></p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/753222/cropped_GettyImages-2181892746.jpg?ts=1730600417" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/753222/w220xh124_GettyImages-2181892746.jpg?ts=1730600417 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/753222/w320xh180_GettyImages-2181892746.jpg?ts=1730600417 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/753222/w640xh360_GettyImages-2181892746.jpg?ts=1730600417 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/753222/w768xh432_GettyImages-2181892746.jpg?ts=1730600417 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/753222/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2181892746.jpg?ts=1730600417 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Dave Reginek / National Hockey League / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>Red Wings captain Dylan Larkin raised eyebrows with his season-ending comments about being disappointed in management for not going shopping at the trade deadline. Detroit is also mired in a lengthy playoff drought, and bringing in Marner would be a huge boost to a core that needs help getting over the hump.</p><p>Steve Yzerman doesn't have a great history of free-agent signings with the Red Wings, but the team does have $21.3 million to spend and faces organizational pressure to turn a corner in what's been a lengthy rebuild.</p><p><strong>Utah Mammoth</strong></p><p>Bill Armstrong's been patient as the general manager of the Coyotes/Mammoth franchise, accumulating a ton of draft picks and letting prospects develop into NHLers. Utah was in the wild-card mix this past season and has some promising pieces, but Marner could help this group reach the next level.</p><p>The Mammoth have $22.3 million in cap space and no pressing internal contracts to take care of. Ownership has been assertive from Day 1, most notably with a pair of big trades at last year's draft. Adding one of the top free agents could do wonders for fan interest in Salt Lake City while simultaneously bringing the club closer to contention.</p><h3>Contenders that can make it work</h3><p><strong>Carolina Hurricanes</strong></p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/785053/cropped_GettyImages-2213843724.jpg?ts=1746924289" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/785053/w220xh124_GettyImages-2213843724.jpg?ts=1746924289 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/785053/w320xh180_GettyImages-2213843724.jpg?ts=1746924289 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/785053/w640xh360_GettyImages-2213843724.jpg?ts=1746924289 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/785053/w768xh432_GettyImages-2213843724.jpg?ts=1746924289 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/785053/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2213843724.jpg?ts=1746924289 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Cato Cataldo / National Hockey League / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>The Hurricanes' interest in Marner is apparent - they did try to land him for Rantanen a few months ago, after all. Marner would fit in with GM Eric Tulsky's analytics-friendly approach and has the two-way ability that head coach Rod Brind'Amour craves in his forwards. Additionally, Carolina has a culture of succeeding by committee, especially in the playoffs - which could be refreshing for Marner after a decade in Toronto.</p><p>Carolina has almost $30 million in cap space this offseason, the fourth-highest sum in the league. It's an unfamiliar amount of flexibility for a perennial Stanley Cup contender, and Tulsky's not been shy about making splashes since taking over as GM.</p><p><strong>Colorado Avalanche</strong></p><p>Colorado only has $8.7 million in cap space but could unload a contract or two to make room for Marner. Avalanche brass defended their decision to trade Rantanen after he single-handedly ended their season, but admitting they made a mistake was never <em>really</em> an option. On top of that, superstar Nathan MacKinnon said he doesn't know what the team is going to do after collapsing against a Dallas team missing two of its best players.</p><p>Adding another star would help. MacKinnon and Marner were teammates for Canada at the 4 Nations Face-Off and likely will be again for the 2026 Milan-Cortina Olympics. The Avalanche took some big swings this season to strengthen their roster against the Central Division gauntlet, but they still came up short. Getting creative to land Marner could give them a spark.</p><p><strong>Florida Panthers</strong></p><p>This one would sting Leafs fans the most, but Florida has $19 million in cap space and has relentlessly added players in its pursuit of winning. The Panthers might not be able to offer Marner the money he wants, but a tax-free income is definitely a selling point.</p><p>If a new culture is what Marner needs, there might not be a better fit than the team that's outclassed Toronto in two of the last three playoffs. There would also be way less day-to-day pressure on Marner in the Sunshine State, as OHL teammate and possible recruiter Matthew Tkachuk alluded to in his assessment of the Leafs following Game 7.</p>

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Top fits for Marner if he hits free agency

New York Islanders forward Bo Horvat has been ruled out of the world championship after sustainin...

<p>New York Islanders forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3009" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3009">Bo Horvat</a> has been ruled out of the world championship after sustaining a lower-body injury while representing Canada, the Islanders announced.</p><p>Horvat is returning home from Sweden to be evaluated by the Islanders' doctors.</p><p>The 30-year-old had eight points in six tourney games before getting injured. Canada added Porter Martone, a projected top-10 pick in this year's draft, to the roster Tuesday with Horvat unavailable.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Horvat notched 28 goals and 29 assists in 81 games for the Islanders this season, his second full campaign with the club after a trade from the Vancouver Canucks. </p>

STOCKHOLM, SWEDEN - MAY 19: Bo Horvat of Canada during the 2025 Ice Hockey World Championship match between Canada and Finland at Avicii Arena on May 19, 2025 in Stockholm, Sweden.

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Horvat done at Worlds after lower-body injury

Toronto Maple Leafs captain Auston Matthews declined Tuesday at the club's locker cleanouts to re...

<p>Toronto Maple Leafs captain <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/5586" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/5586">Auston Matthews</a> declined Tuesday at the club's locker cleanouts to reveal the type of injury he dealt with throughout the campaign.</p><p>"It was tough, definitely, physically," Matthews said, per <a href="https://x.com/TSN_Sports/status/1924852762199674942">TSN</a>. "Very tough season. I don't need to get into the specifics of stuff, but I got injured in training camp. Obviously, I wasn't feeling great throughout the first month or so of the season. Took some time off, went to Germany, did all these things to try to feel better, then get in a place I felt like I could manage it."</p><p>When asked if the injury affected his ability to shoot the puck, Matthews responded: "I think it impacted a lot of different things, for sure."</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Matthews' production declined this season, dropping from 69 goals and 369 shots in 2023-24 to 33 goals and 261 shots in 2024-25. He was also limited to 67 games and traveled to Germany to seek treatment for the injury.</p><p>The 27-year-old added Tuesday that he doesn't need surgery and is confident he'll be 100% healthy by the start of next campaign.</p><p>Matthews gained extra rest in the playoffs by sitting out select practices. He had three goals and 11 points in 13 postseason games before the Florida Panthers eliminated the Maple Leafs in Game 7 of the second round.</p><p>Toronto held a 2-0 series lead over the defending champions but lost four of five games the rest of the way to bow out with a whimper. Florida dominated Game 7 with a 6-1 victory, handing Matthews and the Leafs their seventh consecutive winner-take-all loss.</p><p>"This one stings the most," Matthews said, according to <a href="https://x.com/lukefoxjukebox/status/1924852267481481333">Sportsnet's Luke Fox</a>. </p>

TORONTO, CANADA - MAY 14: Auston Matthews #34 of the Toronto Maple Leafs gets set to take a faceoff against the Florida Panthers during the second period in Game Five of the Second Round of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Scotiabank Arena on May 14, 2025 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

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Matthews declines to detail injury: 'Impacted a lot of different things'

The TGL unveiled its first expansion team Tuesday, with Motor City Golf Club set to debut for the...

<p>The TGL unveiled its first expansion team Tuesday, with Motor City Golf Club set to debut for the 2027 season.</p><p>The team will represent Detroit and is co-owned by the Hamp Family, who have longstanding ties to the city as owners of the NFL's Detroit Lions.</p><p>The Motor City Golf Club has yet to announce any players on its roster.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The TGL recently finished its inaugural season, which saw Atlanta Drive GC - headlined by <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///pga/players/1747" href="https://thescore.com/pga/players/1747">Justin Thomas</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///pga/players/1451" href="https://thescore.com/pga/players/1451">Patrick Cantlay</a>, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///pga/players/1771" href="https://thescore.com/pga/players/1771">Billy Horschel</a> - win the championship.</p>

PALM BEACH GARDENS, FLORIDA - MARCH 24: A detailed view of a TGL presented by Sofi logo imprinted in the sand before the TGL presented by SoFi match between the Atlanta Drive GC and the New York Golf Club at SoFi Center on March 24, 2025 in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida.

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TGL expands to Detroit with 2027 debut for Motor City Golf Club

The Boston Bruins signed general manager Don Sweeney to a two-year contract extension Tuesday.  "...

<p>The Boston Bruins signed general manager Don Sweeney to a two-year contract extension Tuesday.</p><p>"Don has navigated a disappointing period for our club with conviction, purpose, and a clear vision toward the future of the Boston Bruins," <a href="https://www.nhl.com/bruins/news/bruins-and-general-manager-don-sweeney-agree-to-two-year-contract-extension">said</a> team president Cam Neely. "He made difficult decisions around the trade deadline with the confidence they will pay dividends as we craft a path back to contention.</p><p>"He is continuing to follow that track with a robust and thorough search for our club's next head coach while also preparing for the upcoming NHL draft and free-agent signing period."</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Sweeney's held his position for the past 10 seasons. The Bruins missed the playoffs for only the second time under his guidance in 2024-25.</p><p>At Boston's year-end media availability, Neely <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3273332" href="https://thescore.com/news/3273332">said</a> he was still deciding if he'll extend Sweeney. The Bruins fired head coach Jim Montgomery after a difficult start to the season and are still looking for a permanent replacement. Interim bench boss Joe Sacco led the team to a 25-30-7 record after taking over in November.</p><p>The team sold off several assets at the trade deadline, including former captain <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/100" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/100">Brad Marchand</a>, while plummeting down the standings. Boston has a projected $28.8 million in cap space this summer. The Bruins also have nine picks in the first two rounds of the next three drafts to use as trade assets or to restock a bare prospect cupboard.</p><p>Sweeney won General Manager of the Year for his work in the 2018-19 season and was GM of Canada's 4 Nations Face-Off championship squad. He'll be the assistant GM for the 2026 Olympics in Italy.</p>

Boston, MA - September 20: Boston Bruins General Manager Don Sweeney speaks with the media.

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Bruins sign GM Sweeney to 2-year extension 

Powering their way into the Eastern Conference Final with an 8-2 record through the first two pla...

<p>Powering their way into the Eastern Conference Final with an 8-2 record through the first two playoff series, the Carolina Hurricanes couldn't care less about critics who call their playing style boring.</p><p>"We're trying to win hockey games. That's it," forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/5681" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/5681">Sebastian Aho</a> said, per <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6366023/2025/05/19/carolina-hurricanes-nhl-playoffs-boring/?source=emp_shared_article">The Athletic's Michael Russo</a>. "Our style is hard work. Every team works this time of year, and they compete, there's no question about that. But I think we're willing to work our tails off for each other. </p><p>"Our base is hard work - to be the hardest-working team on the ice every night. But our goal is to hound the puck and wear down opponents offensively. It's more fun to play in the offensive zone and have a chance to score goals, and that is how we play, no matter what people may think."</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The Hurricanes rank third among the four conference finalists with 3.4 goals per game in the postseason while leading the group with 1.8 goals against. Carolina has heavily tilted the ice in its favor across two rounds, controlling 58.78% of shot attempts and 53.80% of expected goals at five-on-five, according to <a href="https://www.naturalstattrick.com/teamtable.php">Natural Stat Trick</a>.</p><p>"I feel if this was Toronto or a different team shutting teams down, they'd be getting praised out of this world," said winger <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/9199" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/9199">Seth Jarvis</a>. "But it's just the way it is because we're not Toronto, and we're totally fine with it. We don't think we're boring at all.</p><p>"We create plenty of offense, maybe a little different than other teams. But scoring goals is scoring goals, and that's something that we've gotten better at and started to do more consistently, especially in the playoffs now. I mean, I have a blast playing this style."</p><p>The Hurricanes will play the Florida Panthers in Round 3 for the second time in three years. Florida swept Carolina in 2023 after winning four consecutive one-goal games. </p><p>This year's series begins Tuesday in Raleigh. </p>

RALEIGH, NORTH CAROLINA - MAY 10: Sebastian Aho #20 and the Carolina Hurricanes celebrate with goaltender Frederik Andersen #31 of the Carolina Hurricanes after defeating the Washington Capitals 4-0 in Game Three of the Second Round of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Lenovo Center on May 10, 2025 in Raleigh, North Carolina.

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Hurricanes refute boring reputation: 'We're trying to win hockey games'

The PWHL announced plans for the expansion draft that will welcome franchises in Vancouver and Se...

<p>The PWHL announced plans for the expansion draft that will welcome franchises in Vancouver and Seattle to the league for the 2025-26 season.</p><p>The expansion draft will take place June 9 at 8:30 p.m. ET, with coverage details to be announced at a later date.</p><p>Vancouver and Seattle will be able to add players through an exclusive signing window, which opens June 4, or in the expansion draft. After the six existing franchises submit their protected player lists by June 3, the new teams will be granted a five-day window to ink a maximum of five players during the signing period.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Any player left unprotected or on an expiring contract is eligible to be signed by Vancouver or Seattle.</p><p>Existing teams can protect three players and will be permitted to keep a fourth after relinquishing two players via the signing window or expansion draft. Protected players must be under contract for 2025-26 or teams must hold their playing rights.</p><p>Vancouver and Seattle will pick a minimum of seven players to reach a roster of 12 at the expansion draft. If one team enters the draft with fewer players from the signing window, it will be granted enough picks to get to 12 players. </p><p>The selection order will be determined at a later date. </p><p>The list of all players eligible to be protected or selected in the expansion draft can be found <a href="https://www.thepwhl.com/en/news/2025/may/19/pwhl-releases-key-dates-rules-and-procedures-for-2025-expansion-rosters">here</a>. </p>

NEWARK, NJ - DECEMBER 22: A general view of the PWHL jersey logo during the PWHL game on December 22, 2024 at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey

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PWHL unveils expansion draft plans

We're down to the final four in the Stanley Cup Playoffs, and the race for the Conn Smythe has na...

<p>We're down to the final four in the Stanley Cup Playoffs, and the race for the Conn Smythe has narrowed significantly. </p><p>Most of the strongest candidates will battle in the Western Conference Final, which should be an outstanding series. The Panthers and Hurricanes are succeeding on the strength of contributions throughout the lineup, making it tough to identify standout performers. </p><p>Without further ado, here's where things stand as we embark on Round 3.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><h3>5. Evan Bouchard, Oilers</h3><p><em>Previous: Unranked</em></p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/782764/cropped_GettyImages-2207810682.jpg?ts=1745781348" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/782764/w220xh124_GettyImages-2207810682.jpg?ts=1745781348 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/782764/w320xh180_GettyImages-2207810682.jpg?ts=1745781348 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/782764/w640xh360_GettyImages-2207810682.jpg?ts=1745781348 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/782764/w768xh432_GettyImages-2207810682.jpg?ts=1745781348 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/782764/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2207810682.jpg?ts=1745781348 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Leila Devlin / Getty Images</span></figcaption></figure><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>GP</th>
<th>G</th>
<th>A</th>
<th>ATOI</th>
<th>xGF%</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>11</td>
<td>4</td>
<td>8</td>
<td>26:24</td>
<td>62.46%</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>Bouchard is the most viable defenseman up for the award right now, though standing out on an Oilers team rife with Conn Smythe candidates won't be easy. Bouchard leads all playoff blue-liners in points and shots while tied for the top spot in goals. His defensive deficiencies are well publicized to this point in his career, but Edmonton surrendered only two five-on-five goals with Bouchard on the ice in Round 2 against Vegas - a significant improvement from a chaotic series against the Kings. He also paces all defenders this postseason with 13 takeaways.</p><p>Another traditional knock on Bouchard is that he's a power-play merchant. However, nine of his 12 points in the playoffs are at even strength. The Oilers' man advantage isn't clicking like normal, but Bouchard is still finding ways to tremendously impact his club's overall success.</p><h3>4. Frederik Andersen, Hurricanes</h3><p><em>Previous: 5</em></p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/786129/cropped_GettyImages-2214208216.jpg?ts=1747509181" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/786129/w220xh124_GettyImages-2214208216.jpg?ts=1747509181 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/786129/w320xh180_GettyImages-2214208216.jpg?ts=1747509181 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/786129/w640xh360_GettyImages-2214208216.jpg?ts=1747509181 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/786129/w768xh432_GettyImages-2214208216.jpg?ts=1747509181 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/786129/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2214208216.jpg?ts=1747509181 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Josh Lavallee / National Hockey League / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>GP</th>
<th>Sv%</th>
<th>GAA</th>
<th>GSAx</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>9</td>
<td>.937</td>
<td>1.36</td>
<td>14.96</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>The Hurricanes steamrolled their Metropolitan Division adversaries en route to the Eastern Conference Final, with Andersen's play through nine contests a big reason. He's been the best goalie in the playoffs, leading his peers in each statistic above while losing only two games.</p><p>Carolina's top scorers this postseason are Seth Jarvis and Sebastian Aho, each with a modest 10 points. It's not surprising to see the Hurricanes succeed by committee, but the club hasn't benefited from goaltending anywhere close to this level in the playoffs during its current era of success. If Andersen stays hot, it's difficult to envision any team beating Carolina four times.</p><h3>3. Leon Draisaitl, Oilers</h3><p><em>Previous: 3</em></p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/779949/cropped_GettyImages-2207844553.jpg?ts=1744323262" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/779949/w220xh124_GettyImages-2207844553.jpg?ts=1744323262 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/779949/w320xh180_GettyImages-2207844553.jpg?ts=1744323262 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/779949/w640xh360_GettyImages-2207844553.jpg?ts=1744323262 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/779949/w768xh432_GettyImages-2207844553.jpg?ts=1744323262 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/779949/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2207844553.jpg?ts=1744323262 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Andy Devlin / National Hockey League / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>GP</th>
<th>G</th>
<th>A</th>
<th>ATOI</th>
<th>xGF%</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>11</td>
<td>5</td>
<td>11</td>
<td>22:52</td>
<td>62.88%</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>Draisaitl's up to third in playoff scoring after notching six points against Vegas, including his second overtime winner of the postseason. He's also producing outstanding underlying numbers and ranks second among all remaining forwards in takeaways<strong> </strong>and ice time.</p><p>The only factor hurting Draisaitl's Conn Smythe candidacy is no fault of his own. It's just that his rather talented captain is doing everything he's doing, but just a little bit better. If the Oilers go where they went last year, or perhaps one win farther, it'll be fascinating to see which of their two stars deserves the playoff MVP more.</p><h3>2. Mikko Rantanen, Stars</h3><p><em>Previous: 1</em></p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/786145/cropped_GettyImages-2214879146.jpg?ts=1747513323" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/786145/w220xh124_GettyImages-2214879146.jpg?ts=1747513323 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/786145/w320xh180_GettyImages-2214879146.jpg?ts=1747513323 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/786145/w640xh360_GettyImages-2214879146.jpg?ts=1747513323 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/786145/w768xh432_GettyImages-2214879146.jpg?ts=1747513323 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/786145/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2214879146.jpg?ts=1747513323 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Sam Hodde / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>GP</th>
<th>G</th>
<th>A</th>
<th>ATOI</th>
<th>xGF%</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>13</td>
<td>9</td>
<td>10</td>
<td>20:42</td>
<td>50.44%</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>Rantanen holds a two-point lead<strong> </strong>atop the playoff scoring race, but he's behind our No. 1 candidate on a per-game basis and in even-strength production. While the Stars winger started Round 2 with three-point efforts in Games 1 and 3, he had only one point the rest of the way and was held off the scoresheet for the final two contests against the Jets.</p><p>It would be unfair to assume the way Rantanen produced at the end of Round 1 and into Round 2 was sustainable, but the brief decline was enough to drop him a spot in our rankings with margins this thin. The 28-year-old still has a great chance to bring home the playoff MVP, and he can increase his odds if he plays a part in eliminating his two closest competitors in the Western Conference Final.</p><h3>1. Connor McDavid, Oilers</h3><p><em>Previous: 2</em></p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/784867/cropped_GettyImages-2213813233.jpg?ts=1746812556" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/784867/w220xh124_GettyImages-2213813233.jpg?ts=1746812556 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/784867/w320xh180_GettyImages-2213813233.jpg?ts=1746812556 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/784867/w640xh360_GettyImages-2213813233.jpg?ts=1746812556 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/784867/w768xh432_GettyImages-2213813233.jpg?ts=1746812556 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/784867/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2213813233.jpg?ts=1746812556 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Zak Krill / NHL / Getty Images</span></figcaption></figure><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>GP</th>
<th>G</th>
<th>A</th>
<th>ATOI</th>
<th>xGF%</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>11</td>
<td>3</td>
<td>14</td>
<td>23:46</td>
<td>65.77%</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>McDavid didn't light up the second round but still registered five points in five games as the Oilers impressively dispatched the Golden Knights. Although Edmonton got to the Western Conference Final on the strength of contributions throughout the lineup, the team recorded 61.56% of expected goals and 62.23% of shot attempts with McDavid on the ice at five-on-five in Round 2.</p><p>McDavid leads the playoffs in even-strength points and is first among players left with 1.55 points per game.<strong> </strong>Already one of the most prolific postseason producers in NHL history, McDavid is adding to his legend with stellar all-around play and a singular focus on avenging last year's defeat in the Stanley Cup Final. His <a href="https://edmontonjournal.com/sports/hockey/nhl/edmonton-oilers/connor-mcdavid-on-stuart-skinner-hopefully-it-shuts-people-up">testy answers</a> about Stuart Skinner's play and the Oilers' ability to defend following the second-round win illustrated just how locked in he is, and it'll be a treat for the hockey world to see how far he can go this spring.</p><p>(Analytics sources: <a href="https://evolving-hockey.com/">Evolving-Hockey</a>, <a href="https://www.naturalstattrick.com/">Natural Stat Trick</a>)</p><p><strong>Keep an eye on</strong>:</p><ul>
<li>Thomas Harley, Stars</li>
<li>Jake Oettinger, Stars</li>
<li>Sergei Bobrovsky, Panthers</li>
<li>Jaccob Slavin, Hurricanes</li>
</ul>

EDMONTON, CANADA - MARCH 08: Evan Bouchard #2, Leon Draisaitl #29 and Brett Kulak #27 of the Edmonton Oilers battle for the puck against Mikko Rantanen #96 and Jason Robertson #21 of the Dallas Stars during the third period of the game at Rogers Place on March 8, 2025, in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.

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Conn Smythe Rankings: West hoarding top candidates

Florida Panthers head coach Paul Maurice once again came to the Toronto Maple Leafs' defense afte...

<p>Florida Panthers head coach Paul Maurice once again came to the Toronto Maple Leafs' defense after his club ended their season in humiliating fashion in Game 7 on Sunday.</p><p>The Panthers smoked the Maple Leafs 6-1 in Toronto to advance to their third straight Eastern Conference Final, but Maurice credited the Atlantic Division winners afterward rather than piling on. </p><p>"This is a much better team than we played two years ago. Much better," Maurice said, per <a href="https://www.nhl.com/news/florida-panthers-praise-toronto-maple-leafs-after-game-7">NHL.com's Dave McCarthy</a>. "This team is in that group of teams like ours, there's maybe 11 this year, then there's eight that have a chance. They're one of those teams. You're going to assign a whole bunch of character flaws that just aren't true."</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The Panthers also won 6-1 in Game 5 in Toronto. After the Leafs bounced back to win Game 6, Maurice said the club didn't deserve to get "killed" for its previous performance.</p><p>Toronto's loss Sunday was its seventh straight Game 7 defeat and sixth since its current core was established. The contest was 0-0 after the first period, but the Panthers took over with a three-goal middle frame.</p><p>"We score the goal, and it's just a puck to the net," Maurice said. "It's so much closer than you think, but you are going to kill those guys, and they don’t deserve it.</p><p>"Before the puck dropped tonight, there were five teams left in the NHL. Five, all of them capable of winning. The puck went our way tonight. That's it."</p><p>The Maple Leafs haven't reached an Eastern Conference Final since 2002 and won only their second series since 2004 this postseason. Maurice, who coached Toronto from 2006 to 2008, said the pressure on Maple Leafs players is unlike any other market.</p><p>"What's great for the league is hard for the Toronto Maple Leafs and their players," he noted. "The passion for the Maple Leafs, the scrutiny that these men are under, is why everybody else gets paid so much. It's a driver, but there's a cost to it for them. There's a challenge. You can hit one out of the park here, and you're never buying lunch again the rest of your life. But there's a cost for these guys, for their families when you lose a game like this."</p>

TORONTO, ON - May 18: Florida Panthers head coach Paul Maurice speaks during a postgame interview after game 7 of the Eastern Conference Playoffs between the Florida Panthers and Toronto Maple Leafs on May 18, 2025, at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto, ON.

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Maurice defends Leafs again: Character flaws 'just aren't true'

Vegas Golden Knights general manager Kelly McCrimmon labeled a new contract for 2026 unrestricted...

<p>Vegas Golden Knights general manager Kelly McCrimmon labeled a new contract for 2026 unrestricted free agent <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/4558" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4558">Jack Eichel</a> a top priority for the organization. </p><p>"The guy is a tremendous player," McCrimmon said Saturday, per <a href="https://www.nhl.com/news/jack-eichel-contract-priority-for-vegas-golden-knights">NHL.com's Paul Delos Santos</a>. "He's one of the top guys in the NHL. He's got great character and great leadership. You see night in and night out what he does for our team. So that will be a really important piece of business for us. I sure hope to keep Jack in our organization. Jack loves it here. I hope we can find common ground and keep him a Golden Knight."</p><p>Eichel is eligible to sign an extension as of July 1. The 2025-26 season will be the eighth and final year of the $80-million contract the star forward signed with the Buffalo Sabres in 2017. Eichel's $10-million annual cap hit is the highest on the Golden Knights.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The 28-year-old notched a career-high 94 points this season and added 10 more in the playoffs before the Edmonton Oilers eliminated Vegas in Round 2.</p><p>Eichel has 253 points in 241 games across four seasons with the Golden Knights and led the team in playoff scoring when it won the Stanley Cup in 2023. He was traded to Sin City from Buffalo in 2021 after a dispute with the Sabres over treatment for a neck injury.</p><p>Although Eichel indicated he isn't rushing to sign a new deal, he had nothing but good things to say about Vegas.</p><p>"It's a phenomenal place to play hockey, live, and be a part of," Eichel said. "It's a great group of people to come to work with every day. I can't say enough about my teammates, the people in this building, and the people that make this organization what it is."</p>

EDMONTON, CANADA - MAY 12: Jack Eichel #9 of the Vegas Golden Knights in action during Game Four of the Second Round of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs against the Edmonton Oilers at Rogers Place on May 12, 2025, in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.

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Toronto Maple Leafs forward Matthew Knies suited up for Sunday's Game 7 against the Florida Panth...

<p>Toronto Maple Leafs forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/10575" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/10575">Matthew Knies</a> suited up for Sunday's Game 7 against the Florida Panthers.</p><p>Knies' status for the winner-take-all contest was in question after he was limited in Game 6 due to an apparent injury. The 22-year-old was laboring after a collision with Panthers defenseman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/4582" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4582">Niko Mikkola</a> late in the first period. He only played 13:01 in the victory after averaging more than 18 minutes throughout the series.</p><p>"You're not injured because you're playing. You're banged up. You're hurt. And there's a lot of that. There's a lot of teams and a lot of players (hurt)," head coach Craig Berube said pregame.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>"This time of year, you play through it, right? It's too important not to."</p><p>The Maple Leafs iced the same lineup that won Game 6, with Knies in his usual spot on the top line alongside <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/5586" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/5586">Auston Matthews</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/4718" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4718">Mitch Marner</a>.</p><p>Knies entered Sunday with five goals and two assists in 12 playoff games this spring. He had a career-high 29 tallies in the regular season.</p><p>The Maple Leafs haven't won a Game 7 since 2004. They've lost six straight Game 7s.</p>

TORONTO, ON - MAY 14: Matthew Knies #23 of the Toronto Maple Leafs warms-up before Game Five of the Second Round of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs against the Florida Panthers at the Scotiabank Arena on May 14, 2025 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

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Maple Leafs' Knies plays in Game 7

Winnipeg Jets head coach Scott Arniel announced forward Mark Scheifele will play in Saturday's Ga...

<p>Winnipeg Jets head coach Scott Arniel announced forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/2150" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/2150">Mark Scheifele</a> will play in Saturday's Game 6 against the Dallas Stars hours after the death of his father, Brad.</p><p>Arniel added Scheifele said this is what his dad would've wanted.</p><p>"He's with us, and Mark really wants to play for him tonight," Arniel said.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Scheifele has registered 10 points in 10 contests this postseason, including a goal and an assist in Winnipeg's critical Game 5 victory on home ice. He missed Games 6 and 7 of the first round due to injury.</p><p>The 32-year-old notched a career-high 87 points in the regular season. </p><p>Puck drop is scheduled for 8 p.m. ET. Winnipeg trails its series with the Stars 3-2.</p>

WINNIPEG, CANADA - MAY 09: Mark Scheifele #55 of the Winnipeg Jets walks towards the ice for the pre-game warm up prior to NHL action against the Dallas Stars in Game Two of the Second Round of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Canada Life Centre on May 09, 2025 in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada.

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Scheifele plays in Game 6 hours after father's death

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Sean O'Leary

News Editor

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