The Vancouver Canucks assigned forward Jonathan Lekkerimaki to their AHL affiliate, the Abbotsfor...

<p>The Vancouver Canucks assigned forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/12758" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/12758">Jonathan Lekkerimaki</a> to their AHL affiliate, the Abbotsford Canucks, on Thursday.</p><p>Lekkerimaki, the organization's top prospect, made his NHL debut in a win over the Calgary Flames on Nov. 12. He scored his first goal in the league two nights later in a loss to the New York Islanders. However, he failed to notch any other points over five games in total. </p><p>The 20-year-old has five goals and two assists across seven games with Abbotsford this season.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Lekkerimaki, who the Canucks drafted 15th overall in 2022, starred for Sweden at the 2024 World Junior Championship. </p><p>He scored the game-winner against Czechia to help the Swedes advance to the gold-medal game, which they lost to the United States. However, Lekkerimaki was named tournament MVP after tying for the goal-scoring lead among all skaters with seven in seven contests. </p><p>The Canucks recalled forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/14041" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/14041">Max Sasson</a> in a corresponding move Thursday. The 24-year-old hasn't yet played in the NHL. He has four goals and five assists in 16 games with Abbotsford in 2024-25, his third campaign with the farm club. </p>

VANCOUVER, CANADA - NOVEMBER 14: Jonathan Lekkerimaki #23 of the Vancouver Canucks looks on during the first period of their NHL game against the New York Islanders at Rogers Arena on November 14, 2024 in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.

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Canucks demote top prospect Lekkerimaki

Vegas Golden Knights defenseman Zach Whitecloud leveled Matthew Knies and forced the Toronto Mapl...

<p>Vegas Golden Knights defenseman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/7390" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/7390">Zach Whitecloud</a> leveled <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/10575" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/10575">Matthew Knies</a> and forced the Toronto Maple Leafs forward to leave their game in the second period Wednesday night.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Zach Whitecloud catches Matthew Knies with a high hit. <a href="https://t.co/9DaenOV3zZ">pic.twitter.com/9DaenOV3zZ</a></p>— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) <a href="https://twitter.com/Sportsnet/status/1859415450586583120?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 21, 2024</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>The officials initially gave Whitecloud a five-minute major but rescinded it entirely upon review and instead gave him two minutes for roughing Maple Leafs blue-liner <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/9758" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/9758">Simon Benoit</a> in the ensuing melee. Benoit got four minutes for roughing, giving Vegas a power play.</p><p>Knies didn't play the rest of the period, and the club ruled him out for the rest of the night at the start of the third. </p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Toronto head coach Craig Berube didn't have an update on the winger postgame and stopped short of criticizing the officials or the NHL crew that reviewed the call.</p><p>"My view of the hit ... it's a tough call," Berube told the media, including <a target="_blank" href="https://x.com/Sportsnet/status/1859450729301147905">Sportsnet</a>. "I'm not going to sit here and comment on the league. They thought it was a clean hit, so it's a clean hit. There's nothing we can comment on, really there's nothing to say."</p><p>Tempers continued to flare as the game went on.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Tensions are rising in Toronto 👀<br><br>📺: Sportsnet <a href="https://t.co/CHkb7IaAbf">pic.twitter.com/CHkb7IaAbf</a></p>— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) <a href="https://twitter.com/Sportsnet/status/1859418539154952356?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 21, 2024</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>The Maple Leafs were already missing a half-dozen forwards. They're without <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/5586" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/5586">Auston Matthews</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3007" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3007">Max Domi</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/2576" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/2576">Calle Jarnkrok</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/666" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/666">Max Pacioretty</a>, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/6397" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/6397">David Kampf</a> due to injuries, plus <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/1101" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/1101">Ryan Reaves</a> due to suspension.</p><p>Toronto went on to win the contest 3-0, improving to 12-6-2 on the season.</p>

TORONTO, ON - NOVEMBER 20: Vegas Golden Knights Defenceman Zach Whitecloud (2) checks Toronto Maple Leafs Left Wing Matthew Knies (23) during the second period of the NHL regular season game between the Vegas Golden Knights and the Toronto Maple Leafs on November 20, 2024, at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto, ON, Canada.

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Knights' Whitecloud injures Leafs' Knies with high hit

Ottawa Senators general manager Steve Staios said his team doesn't have any major weaknesses desp...

<p>Ottawa Senators general manager Steve Staios said his team doesn't have any major weaknesses despite approaching the quarter mark of the season with a losing record.</p><p>"At this point in time, there really isn't anything glaring to me with this group," the GM told <a target="_blank" href="https://post.futurimedia.com/cfgoam/playlist/4/listen-1033.html?cb=1732131777.691783">TSN 1200</a> on Wednesday. </p><p>The Senators entered Wednesday sitting fifth in the Atlantic Division at 8-9-1. However, they're just two points behind the fourth-place Boston Bruins (who <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3133503" href="https://thescore.com/news/3133503">fired</a> head coach Jim Montgomery on Tuesday), and they've beaten that club as well as the superior Florida Panthers and Tampa Bay Lightning in 2024-25.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>"I think internally, with the group that we have ... we've proven that we can play in those types of games and be successful," Staios said. "But at the same time, you're always looking for opportunities (to improve)."</p><p>The GM acknowledged that there's still room for growth but expressed confidence that the Senators will get there.</p><p>"It's still very tight, and as much as we think that we want to be a better team, we want to have better results ... we're still in a position where we can accomplish our goals," he said.</p><p>Staios admitted the Senators' defensive play is the area that's been most concerning, but he credited the coaching staff for addressing it.</p><p>Ottawa came into Wednesday's slate tied for the third-fewest expected goals against per 60 minutes at five-on-five (2.12), according to <a target="_blank" href="https://www.naturalstattrick.com/">Natural Stat Trick</a>. The Sens also ranked fourth in the NHL in expected goals for percentage (53.77) in the same situations.</p><p>However, the goaltending hasn't exactly been stellar. Ottawa's .881 team save percentage was the sixth-worst in the league entering Wednesday. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3922" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3922">Linus Ullmark</a> is at .884 with four wins in 10 starts and 11 appearances. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/2978" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/2978">Anton Forsberg</a> has a .903 mark with three victories in eight games, all of which he's started. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/10795" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/10795">Mads Sogaard</a> allowed four goals on 17 shots (.765) while earning a win in relief on Oct. 14.</p><p>The team will host the Vegas Golden Knights on Thursday in the second tilt of a four-game homestand that concludes against the Vancouver Canucks on Saturday and versus the Calgary Flames on Monday.</p><p> </p><p> </p>

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - JUNE 29: Steve Staios of the Ottawa Senators attends the NHL Draft at Sphere on June 29, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

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Staios: Senators don't have any 'glaring' needs on roster

NHL commissioner Gary Bettman took issue with a report over the weekend that indicated the NHL an...

<p>NHL commissioner Gary Bettman took issue with a report over the weekend that indicated the NHL and NHLPA could raise the league's salary cap by up to $9 million.</p><p>"I don't know where that came from," Bettman told the media, including <a target="_blank" href="https://www.sportsnet.ca/nhl/video/bettman-says-nhl-nhlpa-have-not-discussed-changes-to-salary-cap/">Sportsnet</a>, in Ottawa on Tuesday. "The numbers that were being thrown around were not accurate, and any change would require an agreement between us (the league) and the players' association in terms of how it's computed, and we haven't had those discussions. So somebody, I think, floated something on a slow news day."</p><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3130721" href="https://thescore.com/news/3130721">Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman</a> reported Saturday that the NHL and NHLPA were going to discuss increasing the cap by a rate between $7 million and $9 million for the 2025-26 season. The report didn't say the two sides had already held discussions about the matter, but that they planned to in the future.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>"Anything's possible, but as I said, the numbers weren't anywhere close to accurate," Bettman added.</p><p>The NHL's salary cap is $88 million for the current campaign. The cap can increase by up to 5% each year, according to the CBA, but the two sides can agree to a larger increase. They lifted the cap ceiling by 5.39% from $83.5 million over the summer.</p><p>A standard 5% increase from $88 million would be $92.4 million. The reportedly proposed hike would land it between $95 million and $97 million.</p><p>The CBA runs until September 2026.</p>

OTTAWA, ON - NOVEMBER 19: NHL commissioner Gary Bettman speaks during a press conference before the NHL regular season game between the Ottawa Senators and the Edmonton Oilers at Canadian Tire Centre on November 19, 2024 in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.

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Bettman: Potential cap increase of up to $9M 'not accurate'

A pair of Canadian NHL teams are exploring the possibility of acquiring Marcus Pettersson.   The ...

<p>A pair of Canadian NHL teams are exploring the possibility of acquiring <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/4553" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4553">Marcus Pettersson</a>. </p><p>The Edmonton Oilers and Vancouver Canucks have shown interest in the Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman, reports <a target="_blank" href="https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5928920/2024/11/18/penguins-nhl-trade-deadline/">The Athletic's Josh Yohe</a>.</p><p>Pettersson is a pending unrestricted free agent with a cap hit of $4,025,175, according to <a target="_blank" href="https://puckpedia.com/team/pittsburgh-penguins">PuckPedia</a>. He's one of three Penguins blue-liners playing on expiring contracts, along with <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/5531" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/5531">Matt Grzelcyk</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/9795" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/9795">Ryan Shea</a>.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The Swede has spent parts of the last six seasons with the Penguins, who nabbed him in a trade with the Anaheim Ducks for forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/4711" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4711">Daniel Sprong</a>. Pettersson has collected a goal and seven assists while averaging 22:21 of ice time in 20 games so far this campaign.</p><p>Pettersson averaged a career-high 22:40 while posting 30 points (including 26 assists) and suiting up for all 82 games in 2023-24. </p><p>Pettersson has commendable underlying numbers this season, especially considering the Penguins' struggles as a team. They've controlled 56.54% of the expected goals and 55% of the scoring chances with the 28-year-old on the ice at five-on-five, per <a target="_blank" href="https://www.naturalstattrick.com/">Natural Stat Trick</a>.</p><p>Pittsburgh entered Monday sitting second-last in the Metropolitan Division at 7-10-3. The Penguins <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3114608" href="https://thescore.com/news/3114608">traded</a> forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/1077" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/1077">Lars Eller</a> back to the Washington Capitals last Tuesday for two draft picks.</p>

VANCOUVER, CANADA - OCTOBER 26: Marcus Pettersson #28 of the Pittsburgh Penguins skates up the ice during warmup before their NHL game against the Vancouver Canucks at Rogers Arena on October 26, 2024 in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.

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Report: Canucks, Oilers interested in Penguins' Pettersson

Tampa Bay Lightning goaltender Andrei Vasilevskiy got to 300 wins faster than anyone else in NHL ...

<p>Tampa Bay Lightning goaltender <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3907" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3907">Andrei Vasilevskiy</a> got to 300 wins faster than anyone else in NHL history, doing so in his 490th game to break Jacques Plante's record with a 4-1 victory over the Winnipeg Jets.</p><p>Plante earned his 300th win in his 528th contest (though he didn't have the benefit of the shootout and lack of ties), achieving the feat in 1963.</p><p>Vasilevskiy either tied for the lead or led the league in wins for five straight seasons from 2017-18 through 2021-22. No NHL puck-stopper has more victories since 2017-18 than him, collecting 259 in 400 games over that span.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The 30-year-old's played his entire career with the Lightning. He's in his 11th campaign with the Bolts, and helped them win back-to-back Stanley Cups in 2020 and 2021.</p><p>Vasilevskiy won the Vezina Trophy as the NHL's top goalie in 2019. He's a four-time finalist, finishing in the top three every season from 2017-18 to the abbreviated 2021 campaign.</p><p>The Russian had a difficult 2023-24 by his standards, posting a career-low .900 save percentage while going 30-20-2. However, he's rebounded to a degree this season, posting a mark of .913 with a 7-5-1 record including Thursday's victory.</p><p>Tampa Bay drafted Vasilevskiy 19th overall in 2012.</p>

TAMPA, FL - NOVEMBER 14: Goalie Andrei Vasilevskiy #88 of the Tampa Bay Lightning tends net against the Winnipeg Jets during the second period at Amalie Arena on November 14, 2024 in Tampa, Florida.

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Vasilevskiy becomes fastest goalie to 300 NHL wins

Washington Capitals head coach Spencer Carbery said there was no shortage of shame to go around a...

<p>Washington Capitals head coach Spencer Carbery said there was no shortage of shame to go around after his club blew a late lead and fell to the Toronto Maple Leafs in overtime Wednesday night.</p><p>"(The) second half of the game (was) ... not good at all," Carbery <a target="_blank" href="https://x.com/Capitals/status/1856923261956764070">told reporters</a> postgame. "Embarrassing, for that matter. The way that game played out, just embarrassing. Flat out. That's unrecognizable from our team. Playing a team on (the second half of) a back-to-back, (in the) third period, the way that looked and (losing) the two-goal lead. Embarrassing on home ice."</p><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/10973" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/10973">Aliaksei Protas</a> scored his sixth goal of the season to give the Capitals a 3-1 advantage with 2:12 left in the second period. However, Toronto outshot Washington 9-6 in the middle stanza, and then did so by a 17-7 margin in the final frame. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/4180" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4180">William Nylander</a> made it 3-2 with 4:09 left in the third, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/4718" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4718">Mitch Marner</a> tied it with 48 seconds to go in regulation.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/794" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/794">John Tavares</a> netted the overtime winner moments after Maple Leafs goaltender <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/8266" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/8266">Joseph Woll</a> denied <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/1280" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/1280">Alex Ovechkin</a> point blank on a slap shot.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">JOHNNY CALLED GAME!!!! 😤 <a href="https://t.co/eSHmCX4Ii0">pic.twitter.com/eSHmCX4Ii0</a></p>— Toronto Maple Leafs (@MapleLeafs) <a href="https://twitter.com/MapleLeafs/status/1856904353329631516?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 14, 2024</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>The Capitals controlled 73.33% of the expected goals at five-on-five in the first period, but the Maple Leafs got 59.87% in the second and 85.4% in the third, according to <a target="_blank" href="https://www.naturalstattrick.com/game.php?season=20242025&amp;game=20253">Natural Stat Trick</a>.</p><p>Carbery started his coaching career in the Capitals' organization but then joined Toronto as an assistant coach in July 2021. Washington hired him as its bench boss in May 2023. He guided the Capitals to a playoff berth in his first season at the helm, but the New York Rangers swept them out of the first round.</p><p>Washington started strong in 2024-25 but fell to 10-4-1 with Wednesday's defeat. Toronto improved to 10-6-2.</p>

WASHINGTON, DC - NOVEMBER 08: Capitals head coach Spencer Carbery coaches center Nic Dowd (26) on the bench during the Pittsburgh Penguins versus Washington Capitals National Hockey League game on November 8, 2024 at Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C..

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Carbery repeatedly calls collapse to Leafs 'embarrassing'

Vancouver Canucks general manager Patrik Allvin updated the statuses of several injured players. ...

<p>Vancouver Canucks general manager Patrik Allvin updated the statuses of several injured players.</p><p>Allvin revealed <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/6354" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/6354">Brock Boeser</a> is still being evaluated so he won't play against the Edmonton Oilers on Saturday night, while there's still no timetable for <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/5557" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/5557">Thatcher Demko</a>'s return to the lineup, according to <a target="_blank" href="https://x.com/BatchHockey/status/1855322814594879790">Brendan Batchelor</a>, the team's radio play-by-play voice.</p><p>Los Angeles Kings forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/9747" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/9747">Tanner Jeannot</a> was <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3121713" href="https://thescore.com/news/3121713">suspended</a> three games Friday for hitting Boeser in the head Thursday. The Canucks winger left the game and didn't return.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>"I talked to (Boeser) briefly," Vancouver head coach Rick Tocchet said Saturday, per <a target="_blank" href="https://www.nhl.com/news/vancouver-canucks-brock-boeser-injury-status-update#:~:text=%E2%80%9CI%20talked%20to%20him%20briefly,I%20don't%20know.%E2%80%9D">NHL.com's Kevin Woodley</a>. "Doesn't feel great, but I wouldn't say it's horrible, so I think he's indefinite right now. These things can change (in) a week or 24 hours. I don't know."</p><p>Boeser came into Saturday leading the Canucks with six goals and tied for second on the team with 11 points through 12 contests. The 27-year-old set career highs last season with 40 goals, 73 points, and 81 games played.</p><p>Demko hasn't played all season due to the unusual muscle injury in his knee he's dealt with since April. The goaltender, who was voted the Vezina Trophy runner-up in 2023-24, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3078892" href="https://thescore.com/news/3078892">said</a> in September that he was fully confident he could get back to 100%.</p><p>The American netminder, who'll turn 29 on Dec. 8, has been practicing with the Canucks in their main group recently. He missed all of training camp and the preseason.</p><p>Demko last appeared in Game 1 of Vancouver's first-round playoff series against the Nashville Predators. He didn't exit that contest, but then the Canucks deemed him questionable to return for the rest of the series and he sat out for the rest of it, which they won in six games.</p><p>Tocchet said during their Round 2 matchup against the Edmonton Oilers that Demko had immensely improved, but the puck-stopper didn't return at any point in that series.</p><p>Allvin also said he hopes forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/10054" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/10054">Dakota Joshua</a> can return to the lineup at some point on Vancouver's six-game homestand, which begins Saturday against the Oilers and ends Nov. 19 against the New York Rangers. Joshua was diagnosed with testicular cancer and had a tumor removed in September. He hasn't played in 2024-25. </p><p>The Canucks came into Saturday's slate sitting second in the Pacific Division in points percentage (.708) with a 7-2-3 record.</p>

VANCOUVER, CANADA - FEBRUARY 24: Brock Boeser #6 and Thatcher Demko #35 of the Vancouver Canucks celebrate their NHL game win against the Boston Bruins at Rogers Arena on February 24, 2024 in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. Vancouver won 3-2.

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Canucks' Boeser out vs. Oilers, Demko still without timeline

Shea Weber and David Poile say they've forgiven each other over what happened in the past as they...

<p>Shea Weber and David Poile say they've forgiven each other over what happened in the past as they both prepare to receive hockey's highest individual honor.</p><p>"On Monday night, Shea will be the first Predators-drafted player inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame. It's amazing," Poile told <a target="_blank" href="https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5903392/2024/11/08/weber-poile-hall-of-fame-trade-offer-sheet/?source=emp_shared_article">The Athletic's Pierre LeBrun</a> this week.</p><p>The pair will be among seven inductees entering the Hall. Poile is headed in under the builder category for his efforts as Nashville's general manager from 1997 to 2023, while Weber is being recognized for his playing career.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>"I'm kind of speechless," the 39-year-old ex-defenseman said.</p><p>Weber, who hasn't officially retired – and whose contract remains the property of the Utah Hockey Club after being traded a couple of times once he could no longer play – was part of one of the most stunning blockbuster swaps in NHL history when Poile sent him to the Montreal Canadiens for P.K. Subban in 2016.</p><p>"It was a tough situation, to be honest, being there for 11 years and being the captain of the team and pouring my heart and soul into that organization … and kind of getting flipped without even a head's up," Weber said. "It was pretty hard. It stuck with me for a long time."</p><p>However, Weber understands why Poile made the deal.</p><p>"It's part of the business," he said. "No matter how hard it is, it's what he felt was best for his team. It doesn't take away from the hurt, but that’s the way the business goes."</p><p>The rift arguably began about four years earlier when Weber signed a 14-year, $110-million offer sheet with the Philadelphia Flyers in 2012. Poile and the Predators ultimately matched it to keep him in Nashville.</p><p>However, the two men buried the hatchet in 2022 when they caught up at goaltender Pekka Rinne's jersey retirement ceremony. Weber now says he's "appreciative of everything (Poile) did for me."</p><p>Weber led all NHL defensemen with 166 goals during his 10-season Nashville tenure, which began in 2005. He buried 224 tallies in 1,038 career games, and his goal total ranks 15th all-time among players at his position. The Predators made a Stanley Cup Final appearance in 2017 after trading him away, but Weber eventually reached the championship round with the Canadiens in 2021. Neither his original club nor the one he joined won it all.</p><p>Poile, who was also the GM of the Washington Capitals from 1982 to 1995, ended his 40-year career as an executive with the most wins (1,533) and games (3,075) by a GM in league history.</p><p>Other members of the Hockey Hall of Fame's 2024 class are players Pavel Datsyuk, Jeremy Roenick, Natalie Darwitz, and Krissy Wendell-Pohl, as well as builder Colin Campbell.</p>

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Weber, Poile hold no hard feelings as they enter HHOF together

The first edition of these rankings is always the most difficult because of the relatively small ...

<p>The first edition of these rankings is always the most difficult because of the relatively small sample size. Some players on the earliest list inevitably won't crack the final one in the spring, and conversely, some players who aren't in the mix right now will surely find their way into the race by season's end.</p><p>That being said, more than a handful of players have already provided significant value to their teams. They're worth recognizing, even with the understanding that there are still five months left in the regular season.</p><p>Connor McDavid missed only three games with his ankle injury, so his long-term Hart hopes may not ultimately be affected. But for now, his absence allowed the spotlight to shine on others (including a certain teammate) making cases so far.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Here are our top five MVP candidates about a month into the 2024-25 season.</p><p><em>xGF% = Five-on-five expected goals for percentage</em></p><h3>5. Leon Draisaitl</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/753534/cropped_GettyImages-2182494203.jpg?ts=1730755252" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/753534/w220xh124_GettyImages-2182494203.jpg?ts=1730755252 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/753534/w320xh180_GettyImages-2182494203.jpg?ts=1730755252 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/753534/w640xh360_GettyImages-2182494203.jpg?ts=1730755252 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/753534/w768xh432_GettyImages-2182494203.jpg?ts=1730755252 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/753534/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2182494203.jpg?ts=1730755252 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Jason Mowry / 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> 14</td>
<td>9</td>
<td>7</td>
<td>21:00</td>
<td>63.34</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>Draisaitl, who won this award in 2019-20, is making an argument to be on the fringes of the discussion again for several reasons. The Edmonton Oilers forward helped his club go 2-1-0 without McDavid, notching three goals and three assists in those contests.</p><p>But it's not just about what he did without the three-time MVP. Draisaitl's underlying numbers are sublime, as he's the only player on this list with xGF and scoring chances for percentages above 60. Only Trevor Moore and Phillip Danault, both of the Los Angeles Kings, have better xGF numbers among all NHL forwards with at least 150 minutes played at five-on-five,<strong> </strong>and Draisaitl's 60.1 SCF% ranks seventh in the league in that group.<strong> </strong></p><p>The 29-year-old German star has six more goals and six more points than his next-best teammates. Even though McDavid has 10 points in 11 games, the Canadian is one of five Oilers with just three goals. Two more Edmonton skaters have only two.</p><p>The Oilers have been inconsistent this season after getting all the way to Game 7 of the Stanley Cup Final in the spring. Still, Draisaitl would likely be a fringe candidate regardless, and he deserves credit for providing a sizable amount of value so far.</p><h3>4. Nathan MacKinnon</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/750023/cropped_GettyImages-2175344655.jpg?ts=1729006158" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/750023/w220xh124_GettyImages-2175344655.jpg?ts=1729006158 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/750023/w320xh180_GettyImages-2175344655.jpg?ts=1729006158 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/750023/w640xh360_GettyImages-2175344655.jpg?ts=1729006158 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/750023/w768xh432_GettyImages-2175344655.jpg?ts=1729006158 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/750023/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2175344655.jpg?ts=1729006158 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">AAron Ontiveroz / Denver Post / 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>6</td>
<td>19</td>
<td>22:57</td>
<td>59.81</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>MacKinnon hasn't missed a beat in 2024-25 after earning MVP honors for the first time in June. The Colorado Avalanche catalyst vaulted into the lead in the Art Ross Trophy race with five points (albeit all assists) in a win over the Seattle Kraken on Tuesday.</p><p>It hasn't been easy for the Avalanche in the early going, as they came into Thursday's slate sitting sixth in the Central Division at 6-7-0. MacKinnon has also gotten a great deal of help from Cale Makar, who's posted five goals and 18 assists over 13 games. Those two factors hurt MacKinnon's Hart case.</p><p>However, the 29-year-old still belongs in the conversation. His underlying numbers – like Makar's – have been excellent. MacKinnon is also shouldering a heavy workload, as only teammate Mikko Rantanen has a higher average ice time among all NHL forwards this season – by just one second.</p><p>Playoff spot or not, MacKinnon warrants consideration. But for better or worse, the Avalanche need to get back into contention if the reigning MVP hopes to sway the majority of Hart voters.</p><h3>3. Nikita Kucherov</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/753140/cropped_GettyImages-2180353488.jpg?ts=1730569717" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/753140/w220xh124_GettyImages-2180353488.jpg?ts=1730569717 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/753140/w320xh180_GettyImages-2180353488.jpg?ts=1730569717 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/753140/w640xh360_GettyImages-2180353488.jpg?ts=1730569717 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/753140/w768xh432_GettyImages-2180353488.jpg?ts=1730569717 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/753140/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2180353488.jpg?ts=1730569717 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Chris Tanouye / 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>10</td>
<td>12</td>
<td>21:15</td>
<td>52.31</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>Kucherov is back in the mix after being voted the Hart runner-up last season. The Tampa Bay Lightning superstar is tied for the league lead in goals, sits third in points, and he's tied for second in even-strength points with 15.</p><p>The Russian is shooting<strong> </strong>at a 20% clip (compared with 14.4% when he netted a career-best 44 goals last season), which indicates he's unlikely to sustain this rate of scoring. However, Kucherov's value is undeniable. The 31-year-old has at least eight more points than any of his teammates and leads the Lightning in goals by two.</p><p>Kucherov's underlying numbers have been favorable, too. In addition to his xGF%, the Bolts have controlled more than 50% of the scoring chances (51.67) with the veteran winger on the ice at five-on-five in 2024-25. Kucherov's average ice time so far would be the second-highest of his 11-year career if he sustains it, following his 21:40 figure in 2023-24.</p><h3>2. Sam Reinhart</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/753478/cropped_GettyImages-2176495202.jpg?ts=1730740150" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/753478/w220xh124_GettyImages-2176495202.jpg?ts=1730740150 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/753478/w320xh180_GettyImages-2176495202.jpg?ts=1730740150 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/753478/w640xh360_GettyImages-2176495202.jpg?ts=1730740150 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/753478/w768xh432_GettyImages-2176495202.jpg?ts=1730740150 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/753478/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2176495202.jpg?ts=1730740150 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Icon Sportswire / Icon Sportswire / 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>10</td>
<td>11</td>
<td>20:17</td>
<td>54.29</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>It's only natural to be skeptical of Reinhart's ability to repeat his 57-goal, 94-point effort from 2023-24. After all, the Florida Panthers forward scored nearly half (27) of his tallies last season on the power play, leading the NHL by six. He also posted a shooting percentage of 24.5, or more than 10 percentage points higher than his previous career average of 14.1.</p><p>But Reinhart has picked up right where he left off, and the circumstances are even more impressive. Panthers captain Aleksander Barkov missed eight games in October, and their talented teammate Matthew Tkachuk had to sit out five of his own. That partly explains why Reinhart has eight more points than his next-best teammates (as well as two more goals and four more assists), but the disparities illustrate his value nonetheless.</p><p>Reinhart – who turned 29 on Wednesday – notched four goals and six assists in the five games Barkov and Tkachuk missed from Oct. 12-19. The Canadian's stellar play is the primary reason Atlantic Division-leading Florida (9-3-1) went 5-2-1 without Barkov and 3-1-1 without both of them.</p><p>Yes, Reinhart's shooting percentage is even higher than it was last season at a whopping 26.3%,<strong> </strong>but some other trends are encouraging. Not only is he<strong> </strong>relying less on power-play scoring this time around (he's scored just two goals<strong> </strong>that way), but he's buried three shorthanded markers, which leads the league.</p><h3>1. Kirill Kaprizov</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/753136/cropped_GettyImages-2181650682.jpg?ts=1730569001" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/753136/w220xh124_GettyImages-2181650682.jpg?ts=1730569001 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/753136/w320xh180_GettyImages-2181650682.jpg?ts=1730569001 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/753136/w640xh360_GettyImages-2181650682.jpg?ts=1730569001 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/753136/w768xh432_GettyImages-2181650682.jpg?ts=1730569001 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/753136/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2181650682.jpg?ts=1730569001 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Bruce Kluckhohn / 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>12</td>
<td>7</td>
<td>14</td>
<td>22:30</td>
<td>52.31</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>The Minnesota Wild (8-2-2) weren't supposed to be this good, and Kaprizov has been the biggest reason for his club's surprising emergence. The dynamic winger sits among the league's scoring leaders<strong>,</strong> is tied for second in even-strength points, and ranks fourth in overall points per game among those who've played more than one.</p><p>Kaprizov led the league's forwards in average ice time this season as recently as Monday afternoon. But he played a season-low 17:10 in a loss to the Los Angeles Kings on Tuesday because he took a puck to the mouth in the second period before getting stitched up and returning for the final frame.</p><p>The 27-year-old has<strong> </strong>twice as many assists and eight more points than the closest Wild skaters, further demonstrating how instrumental his contributions have been to Minnesota's success.</p><p>Kaprizov, who's coming off a 46-goal, 50-assist season, does have an inflated shooting percentage (21.2), which is well above the 16.3% he established over his first four campaigns. But Kucherov's countryman has done more than enough so far to launch himself to the front of the early Hart Trophy race.</p><p>(Analytics sources: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.naturalstattrick.com/">Natural Stat Trick</a>, <a target="_blank" href="https://evolving-hockey.com/">Evolving-Hockey</a>)</p>

SAINT PAUL, MN - NOVEMBER 1: Kirill Kaprizov #97 of the Minnesota Wild and Nikita Kucherov #86 of the Tampa Bay Lightning battle for the puck during the game at the Xcel Energy Center on November 1, 2024 in Saint Paul, Minnesota.

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Philadelphia Flyers head coach John Tortorella is sending a message to Matvei Michkov despite how...

<p>Philadelphia Flyers head coach John Tortorella is sending a message to <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/13822" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/13822">Matvei Michkov</a> despite how well the phenom has started his NHL career.</p><p>Michkov was a healthy scratch for Thursday's 2-1 shootout victory against the Tampa Bay Lightning, while forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/9930" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/9930">Anthony Richard</a> made his Flyers debut.</p><p>"It's part of the process," Tortorella <a target="_blank" href="https://x.com/NHLFlyers/status/1854561573374722394">told reporters</a> after repeating the phrase numerous times. "I told you guys. With young guys, they can watch games too, as far as development. So it's trying to help them."</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The NHL named Michkov its rookie of the month for October. He came into Thursday tied for the lead among the class in both goals (four) and points (10) through 13 games. However, he's scored three of his tallies and posted seven of his points on the power play.</p><p>Tortorella benched the Russian winger for the latter half of the third period - aside from a brief appearance with the man advantage - during a 6-4 loss to the Carolina Hurricanes on Tuesday.</p><p>Michkov averaged 19:15 of ice time and topped the 21-minute mark three times over his first nine contests. However, he's logged just 14:41 per game over his last four. </p><p>Tortorella explained his approach to Michkov's progress last Thursday after playing him for 13:56 in a win over the St. Louis Blues.</p><p>"I just wanted him to sit (on the bench), relax, (and) think about what I said to him," the head coach said, per <a target="_blank" href="https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5893106/2024/11/02/flyers-michkov-tortorella-relationship/?source=emp_shared_article">The Athletic's Kevin Kurz</a>. "I think it was two or three rotations, we put him back out there. He may miss games, who knows? I don't know what's going to happen. But that’s part of the development of a 19-year-old kid."</p><p>Michkov, who turns 20 on Dec. 9, notched 19 goals and 22 assists across 47 games with Sochi in the KHL last season.</p><p>The Flyers drafted him seventh overall last year.</p>

PHILADELPHIA, PA - OCTOBER 27: Philadelphia Flyers Right Wing Matvei Michkov (39) skates with the puck during the third period of the National Hockey League game between the Montreal Canadiens and the Philadelphia Flyers on October 27, 2024, at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, PA.

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<p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/15142" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/15142">Macklin Celebrini</a> returned to the San Jose Sharks' lineup Tuesday against the Columbus Blue Jackets.</p><p>Celebrini played through a <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3097004" href="https://thescore.com/news/3097004">reported hip injury</a> in the season opener (which the Sharks lost to the St. Louis Blues in overtime) and hadn't played since. The 18-year-old forward scored his first NHL goal, added an assist, and played 17:35 in his debut.</p><p>San Jose deemed the Boston University standout week-to-week when the club placed him on injured reserve Oct. 12.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The reigning Hobey Baker Award winner also missed two preseason games after departing an exhibition contest against Utah.</p><p>San Jose went 3-8-1 without Celebrini in the lineup. The team lost eight straight after the opener to become the first NHL club ever to start two straight seasons with nine consecutive defeats. However, the Sharks then reeled off three wins in a row before the Vancouver Canucks edged them 3-2 on Saturday.</p><p> </p><p> </p>

SAN JOSE, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 10: Macklin Celebrini #71 of the San Jose Sharks skates on the ice during their game against the St. Louis Blues at SAP Center on October 10, 2024 in San Jose, California. This is Celebrini's first career NHL game.

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<p>The Boston Bruins inked forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/1908" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/1908">Tyler Johnson</a> to a one-year pact at the league minimum of $775,000, the club announced Monday.</p><p>Johnson was skating on an amateur tryout agreement with the Bruins' AHL affiliate, the Providence Bruins, to which the organization signed him in August.</p><p>The 34-year-old suited up for the previous three seasons with the Chicago Blackhawks. He collected 17 goals and 14 assists over 67 games in 2023-24.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Johnson <a target="_blank" href="https://x.com/CRoumeliotis/status/1781696909897281714?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1781696909897281714%7Ctwgr%5E9cb56cb1003cac439373d56ad88d86950808d0b9%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&amp;ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.redditmedia.com%2Fmediaembed%2F1c8smip%2F%3Fresponsive%3Dtrueis_nightmode%3Dfalse">said</a> in April that he wanted to get back to "playing meaningful hockey."</p><p>The veteran won back-to-back Stanley Cup championships with the Tampa Bay Lightning in 2020 and 2021. He played his first nine campaigns with the Bolts, who signed him as an undrafted free agent in 2011.</p><p>Johnson has posted 193 goals 238 assists across 738 career regular-season games, adding 32 tallies and 33 helpers over 116 playoff contests.</p>

BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - OCTOBER 1: Tyler Johnson #90 of the Boston Bruins skates against the Philadelphia Flyers during the second period at the TD Garden during a preseason game on October 1, 2024 in Boston, Massachusetts. The Bruins won 4-1.

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<p>Colorado Avalanche forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/5569" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/5569">Artturi Lehkonen</a> will play in a game for the first time this season Tuesday against the Seattle Kraken, head coach Jared Bednar announced Monday, according to <a target="_blank" href="https://x.com/rboulding/status/1853523044926460201">NHL.com's Ryan Boulding</a>.</p><p>The Avalanche activated Lehkonen off injured reserve Sunday. The 29-year-old has been recovering from offseason shoulder surgery.</p><p>Lehkonen has been a key contributor in the Avalanche's top six when healthy, amassing 43 goals and 94 points in 125 regular-season games. Colorado acquired him from the Montreal Canadiens at the 2022 trade deadline.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>He's been similarly productive in the playoffs. He scored eight goals - including four game-winners - and 14 points in 20 games to help the Avalanche win the Stanley Cup two years ago.</p><p>Despite being hampered by a neck injury for almost half of the 2023-24 campaign, Lehkonen still racked up 34 points in 45 outings before adding 11 points in 11 playoff games during Colorado's run to the second round.</p><p>The Avalanche entered Monday sitting seventh in the Central Division with a 5-7-0 record. Though goaltending has been a glaring problem for Colorado, the club has also been dealt more than its fair share of major absences, particularly up front.</p><p>On top of Lehkonen, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3003" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3003">Valeri Nichushkin</a> also hasn't played a game this season - though Bednar <a target="_blank" href="https://x.com/rboulding/status/1853523393380835480">said</a> Monday the forward will suit up when first eligible on Nov. 15 after returning to practice to begin the week.</p><p>Colorado captain <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/2034" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/2034">Gabriel Landeskog</a> remains out. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3008" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3008">Jonathan Drouin</a>, meanwhile, has been unavailable since the first game of the campaign, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/9947" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/9947">Ross Colton</a> was given a six-to-eight-week recovery timeline for his broken foot on Wednesday.</p><p>The Avalanche came into Monday ranked 12th in goals per game (3.33) and dead last in goals against per contest (4.25).</p><p>Colorado hosts Seattle at 9 p.m. ET on Tuesday.</p><p> </p>

DENVER, COLORADO - FEBRUARY 27: Artturi Lehkonen #62 of the Colorado Avalanche skates in the spotlight ahead of the game against the Dallas Stars at Ball Arena on February 27, 2024 in Denver, Colorado.

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<p>St. Louis Blues defenseman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/8601" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/8601">Philip Broberg</a> will miss four-to-six weeks with a lower-body injury, head coach Drew Bannister said Monday, according to <a target="_blank" href="https://x.com/jprutherford/status/1853492800559484991">The Athletic's Jeremy Rutherford</a>.</p><p>Broberg appeared to <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3116010" href="https://thescore.com/news/3116010">hurt his right leg</a> in a collision with <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/4718" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4718">Mitch Marner</a> during Saturday's win over the Toronto Maple Leafs.</p><p>The 23-year-old blue-liner was enjoying a breakout season with nine points (including seven assists) in 12 games. He was averaging more than 20 minutes of ice time in 2024-25 before being limited to 10:17 on Saturday due to the injury. Broberg had primarily been playing on St. Louis' second pairing.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The Blues nabbed him from the Edmonton Oilers in August by signing him and forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/9214" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/9214">Dylan Holloway</a> to offer sheets their former club opted not to match.</p><p>St. Louis already lost top-line center <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/6443" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/6443">Robert Thomas</a> for at least six weeks starting Oct. 23 due to a broken ankle.</p><p>Broberg spent parts of three campaigns with the Oilers to begin his career. Edmonton drafted him eighth overall in 2019.</p>

ST. LOUIS, MO - NOVEMBER 02: St. Louis Blues defenseman Philip Broberg (6) skates with the puck during a regular season game where the St. Louis Blues hosted the Toronto Maple Leafs on November 02, 2024, at the Enterprise Center in St. Louis MO

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Blues' Broberg out 4-6 weeks with apparent leg injury

Toronto Maple Leafs bench boss Craig Berube looked back fondly on his time with the St. Louis Blu...

<p>Toronto Maple Leafs bench boss Craig Berube looked back fondly on his time with the St. Louis Blues before coaching against them Saturday night.</p><p>"Listen, I had a great stop there," he told reporters, including <a target="_blank" href="https://www.tsn.ca/nhl/video/leafs-ice-chips-berube-returns-to-a-special-place~3021547">TSN's Mark Masters</a>, hours before the game. "(I've) got a lot of special memories there, and a lot of people that I became really close with. We had success there, and I worked with a lot of great players that I'm very close to still, (and) obviously the organization, too. But for me, it's a special place because of the people.</p><p>"They love their sports, and they really root their teams on. I had a real good time there."</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Berube led the Blues to their only Stanley Cup championship in 2019 after taking over in midseason. The 58-year-old guided St. Louis until he was fired last December, having failed to get the club past the second round and after missing the playoffs entirely in 2022-23.</p><p>The Maple Leafs hired Berube to replace the fired Sheldon Keefe in May. </p><p>Toronto goaltender <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/8266" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/8266">Joseph Woll</a>, who was born in nearby Dardenne Prairie, Missouri, downplayed the notion that he's thinking about his own homecoming.</p><p>"Regardless of who you play (or) what time of year, there's always pressure playing here," he said. "That's not really my focus, (it's) just going out and doing what I need to do, and hopefully at the end of that, it's smiles and I get to enjoy the win."</p><p>The Leafs entered Saturday sitting third in the Atlantic Division at 6-4-1. The Blues were sixth in the Central at 5-6-0. </p>

BOSTON, MA - JUNE 12: St. Louis Blues head coach Craig Berube lifts the Cup after Game 7 of the Stanley Cup Final between the Boston Bruins and the St. Louis Blues on June 12, 2019, at TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts.

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Berube ahead of facing Blues: I have 'special memories' of coaching them

New York Islanders forward Mat Barzal will miss four-to-six weeks with an upper-body injury, the ...

<p>New York Islanders forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/4720" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4720">Mat Barzal</a> will miss four-to-six weeks with an upper-body injury, the club announced Saturday.</p><p>The Islanders moved Barzal to long-term injured reserve, while they gave defenseman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3847" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3847">Adam Pelech</a> the same recovery timetable and placed him on regular IR.</p><p>Meanwhile, blue-liners <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/4692" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4692">Mike Reilly</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/9157" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/9157">Alexander Romanov</a> are both day-to-day.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Barzal <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3114596" href="https://thescore.com/news/3114596">returned</a> to Long Island to consult with team doctors Friday, missing a road win over the Buffalo Sabres. He hadn't missed a game this season before that, collecting two goals and three assists in 10 contests.</p><p>The 27-year-old led the Islanders with 80 points over 80 games in 2023-24. He collected 57 assists, which ranked second on the team by three behind <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/7911" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/7911">Noah Dobson</a>.</p><p>Pelech, Reilly, and Romanov <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3115078" href="https://thescore.com/news/3115078">all got hurt</a> in Friday's victory. Pelech took a puck to the face in the second period, Reilly hit his head on the ice following a collision with Sabres forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/6951" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/6951">Jordan Greenway</a>, and Romanov subsequently exited but later returned. </p><p>The Islanders are already without forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3235" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3235">Anthony Duclair</a>, who was given a four-to-six-week timetable of his own on Oct. 24.</p><p>New York entered Saturday sitting sixth in the Metropolitan Division at 4-5-2.</p>

ELMONT, NEW YORK - DECEMBER 02: Mathew Barzal #13 of the New York Islanders in action against the Nashville Predators at UBS Arena on December 02, 2022 in Elmont, New York. New York Islanders defeated the Nashville Predators 4-1.

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Barzal out 4-6 weeks, placed on LTIR

New Jersey Devils goaltender Jacob Markstrom had nothing but good things to say about Calgary Fla...

<p>New Jersey Devils goaltender <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/1677" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/1677">Jacob Markstrom</a> had nothing but good things to say about Calgary Flames fans after his former club defeated his current one 3-0 in his return to Alberta on Friday night.</p><p>The Saddledome crowd applauded after the Flames showed a video tribute for Markstrom during the first TV timeout in the opening frame. They also chanted his name derisively once the game was well in hand in the final minutes.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">"Markstrom" chants rang in Calgary as they went up 3-0 in the third period. 👀 <a href="https://t.co/BvBsd8Xfx8">pic.twitter.com/BvBsd8Xfx8</a></p>— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) <a href="https://twitter.com/Sportsnet/status/1852561790208487932?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 2, 2024</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>"The fans here, they were great my whole time here, and the city, too," Markstrom <a target="_blank" href="https://www.nhl.com/devils/video/markstrom-post-raw-11-1-24-6364108719112">said</a> postgame. "So it was for sure special. I wanted to come out of here with two points, but that is what it is. But obviously, the fans were great."</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Flames netminder <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3929" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3929">Dan Vladar</a> outdueled his former tandem mate and mentor, stopping all 22 shots he faced. Markstrom gave up two goals on 31 shots before <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/4637" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4637">Blake Coleman</a>'s empty-netter (and second tally of the night) sealed Calgary's victory.</p><p>Vladar acknowledged it wasn't easy facing Markstrom for the first time. The Flames puck-stopper credited goaltending coach Jason LaBarbera for helping him focus on a difficult task. </p><p>"(Markstrom is) such a great person, and we are still really good friends, and obviously I cheer for him," Vladar <a target="_blank" href="https://www.nhl.com/flames/video/postgame-vladar-01-11-24-6364107962112">said</a>. "So for me, going into tonight's game, I was not nervous but ... I didn't feel comfortable, to be honest, playing against Marky.</p><p>"As I said, (he's a) really good friend of mine, so Barbs got me ready ... So all the best to Marky, and thanks, Barbs."</p><p>Markstrom held the Flames off the scoresheet until Coleman buried one with 5:34 left in the third period. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/2037" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/2037">Jonathan Huberdeau</a> then scored 28 seconds later, and Coleman iced the game less than two minutes after that.</p><p>The Swedish netminder spent four seasons with the Flames before they traded him to the Devils in June. Markstrom is 5-4-1 with a .907 save percentage and one shutout in 10 games with his new squad.</p><p>Vladar is 3-2-1 with a .909 save percentage and one shutout in six contests with Calgary this season.</p>

VANCOUVER, CANADA - OCTOBER 30: Jacob Markstrom #25 of the New Jersey Devils looks on from his crease during their NHL game against the Vancouver Canucks at Rogers Arena on October 30, 2024 in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.

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Markstrom: Flames fans 'were great my whole time here'

Mat Barzal has left the New York Islanders' road trip and returned home due to an upper-body inju...

<p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/4720" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4720">Mat Barzal</a> has left the New York Islanders' road trip and returned home due to an upper-body injury, the club announced Friday. Barzal's recovery timeline will be determined once he consults with team doctors.</p><p>The talented forward hasn't missed a game this season but won't play against the Buffalo Sabres on Friday night. The Islanders take on the New York Rangers on Sunday afternoon at Madison Square Garden before hosting the Pittsburgh Penguins on Tuesday.</p><p>Barzal logged 22:46 in a 2-0 loss to the Columbus Blue Jackets on Wednesday, with his last shift ending at the final horn. He came into Friday's action tied for third on the Isles in goals (two) and points (five) so far in 2024-25. </p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The Long Island-based squad is already missing forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3235" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3235">Anthony Duclair</a>, who was ruled out for four-to-six weeks due to a lower-body ailment on Oct. 24. </p><p>The Islanders (3-5-2) enter the weekend sitting second-last in the Metropolitan Division by points percentage (.400), ahead of only the Penguins. New York is last in the group in terms of total points (eight to Pittsburgh's nine), but the Isles have played two fewer games than the Pens.</p><p>Barzal led the Islanders with 80 points in 80 games last season. His 57 assists ranked second behind defenseman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/7911" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/7911">Noah Dobson</a>'s 60.</p><p> </p>

NEWARK, NJ - OCTOBER 25: Mathew Barzal #13 of the New York Islanders during warm up prior to the game against the New Jersey Devils at the Prudential Center on October 25, 2024 in Newark, New Jersey.

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Barzal heads home to be evaluated due to injury

The Toronto Maple Leafs assigned forward Connor Dewar and defenseman Jani Hakanpaa to the AHL's T...

<p>The Toronto Maple Leafs assigned forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/9881" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/9881">Connor Dewar</a> and defenseman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/2566" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/2566">Jani Hakanpaa</a> to the AHL's Toronto Marlies on long-term injured reserve conditioning loans, the parent club announced Friday.</p><p>Dewar and Hakanpaa are still on LTIR. The loans can last for up to three games or six days. The Marlies play the Cleveland Monsters on Saturday but then have a week off until they face the Charlotte Checkers in a back-to-back Nov. 9 and 10.</p><p>The Maple Leafs <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/2934309" href="https://thescore.com/news/2934309">reportedly</a> agreed with Hakanpaa on a two-year contract at $1.5 million as an unrestricted free agent in July. However, he didn't sign until September, ultimately inking a one-year, $1.47-million pact after uncertainty about his health delayed him from officially putting pen to paper.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The 32-year-old hasn't played since March 16 when he was with the Dallas Stars. He underwent arthroscopic knee surgery in the spring. </p><p>Dewar spent last season primarily with the Minnesota Wild - with whom he played his first three full NHL campaigns in the years prior - before they traded him to Toronto in March. The 25-year-old collected 10 goals and four assists over 57 games with the Wild in 2023-24 before adding one tally and four helpers across 17 contests with the Leafs. Dewar is dealing with a shoulder injury.</p><p>He skated in a bottom-six role last season, but his average ice time increased from 11:17 to 12:54 after he changed teams. Dewar signed a one-year, $1.18-million deal with Toronto to avoid arbitration in July.</p><p> </p>

NEWARK, NJ - APRIL 09: Connor Dewar #24 of the Toronto Maple Leafs skates during warm up prior to the game against the New Jersey Devils at the Prudential Center on April 9, 2024 in Newark, New Jersey.

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Maple Leafs send Dewar, Hakanpaa to AHL for conditioning

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Josh Gold-Smith

Senior News Editor

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