New Jersey Devils forward Paul Cotter was suspended two games for an illegal check to the head of...

<p>New Jersey Devils forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/10006" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/10006">Paul Cotter</a> was suspended two games for an illegal check to the head of New York Islanders defenseman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3847" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3847">Adam Pelech</a>, the NHL Department of Player Safety announced Monday.</p><p>Cotter was given a match penalty on the play, which occurred during the second period of Sunday's tilt. </p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/7DUiMpWrviA?si=ce9nYo75BJ6D-tco" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></figure><p>The suspension will leave Cotter out of action for New Jersey's final two games of the regular season. The Devils play the Boston Bruins and Detroit Red Wings to close out their campaign before a first-round playoff series against the Carolina Hurricanes.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Cotter's notched 16 goals and six assists in his first season with the Devils.</p><p>Pelech left the game after the hit and was unable to return. The Islanders have two games remaining this season and were recently eliminated from playoff contention.</p>

NEWARK, NJ - APRIL 13: New Jersey Devils center Paul Cotter (47) warms up before a NHL game between the New York Islanders and New Jersey Devils at Prudential Center on April 13, 2025 in Newark, New Jersey.

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Devils' Cotter suspended 2 games for high hit on Islanders' Pelech

Edmonton Oilers defenseman Mattias Ekholm won't be available for the opening round of the Stanley...

<p>Edmonton Oilers defenseman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/1993" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/1993">Mattias Ekholm</a> won't be available for the opening round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs due to an undisclosed injury, head coach Kris Knoblauch announced Monday, according to <a href="https://x.com/GenePrincipe/status/1911827796281921625">Sportsnet's Gene Principe</a>.</p><p>Ekholm was hurt Friday against the San Jose Sharks in his first game back after missing seven in a row. He's Edmonton's top shutdown defender, averaging over 22 minutes across 65 games this season while contributing 33 points.</p><p>The Oilers have two regular-season contests remaining before meeting the Los Angeles Kings in Round 1 for the fourth consecutive year. Home ice for the series is still undecided as the two clubs also play each other Monday night.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Edmonton is dealing with a slew of injuries down the stretch. Knoblauch said <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3948" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3948">Leon Draisaitl</a> is expected to be ready for Game 1 and trade-deadline acquisition <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/5614" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/5614">Trent Frederic</a> is questionable. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/4560" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4560">Connor McDavid</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/1723" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/1723">Zach Hyman</a>, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/6367" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/6367">Jake Walman</a> are all out Monday but should be in the lineup for the playoff opener.</p>

EDMONTON, CANADA - APRIL 11: Mattias Ekholm #14 of the Edmonton Oilers warms up prior to the game against the San Jose Sharks at Rogers Place on April 11, 2025, in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.

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Oilers' Ekholm unavailable for Round 1

The Winnipeg Jets became the first Canadian team since 2012 to win the Presidents' Trophy as the ...

<p>The Winnipeg Jets became the first Canadian team since 2012 to win the Presidents' Trophy as the league's top regular-season squad on Sunday, but defenseman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/2549" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/2549">Dylan DeMelo</a> isn't taking much pride in the accomplishment.</p><p>"No, not really, to be honest," DeMelo said Sunday, per <a href="https://www.sportsnet.ca/nhl/article/we-still-have-more-to-give-jets-not-coasting-after-presidents-trophy-win/">Sportsnet's Jacob Stoller</a>. "I think we want to be the first Canadian team since '93 to win the Cup. That's what we're here for."</p><p>The Jets secured the Presidents' Trophy at 114 points and have a chance to set a new franchise record with one point in their final regular-season contest. Bolstered by an eight-game winning streak to start the season, Winnipeg has been a fixture near the top of the league standings throughout the campaign.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Only eight teams have won the Stanley Cup and Presidents' Trophy in the same year since the latter was introduced in 1985-86. The Chicago Blackhawks in 2013 are the most recent franchise to win both.</p><p>Head coach Scott Arniel said he's focused on the perks of winning the Presidents' Trophy rather than the history of it.</p><p>"If and when we get to the Stanley Cup Finals, we get home-ice advantage as well," Arniel said. "There is something to it."</p><p>The Jets are still waiting to learn who they'll play in the first round of the playoffs. The Minnesota Wild, St. Louis Blues, and Calgary Flames could all finish in the Western Conference's second wild-card spot with four days left in the regular season.</p>

DALLAS, TX - APRIL 10: Dylan DeMelo # 2 of the Winnipeg Jets skates against the Dallas Stars at the American Airlines Center on April 10, 2025 in Dallas, Texas.

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DeMelo unfazed by Presidents' Trophy: Jets aim to end Canada's Cup drought

Prized Montreal Canadiens prospect Ivan Demidov will make his NHL debut Monday against the Chicag...

<p>Prized Montreal Canadiens prospect <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/14986" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/14986">Ivan Demidov</a> will make his NHL debut Monday against the Chicago Blackhawks, head coach Martin St. Louis announced.</p><p>Demidov signed his entry-level contract with the Canadiens last week, which was earlier than expected. His KHL deal with SKA Saint Petersburg wasn't set to expire until May 31, but the Russian club reached an agreement with the Habs to release him early.</p><p>The Canadiens have two games left and can clinch a playoff spot with a win Monday. Montreal has a three-point advantage over the Columbus Blue Jackets in the race for the final wild-card seed in the Eastern Conference.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Demidov, 19, led SKA Saint Petersburg with 49 points in 65 games this season while averaging only 13:45 per contest. He broke <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/7294" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/7294">Kirill Kaprizov</a>'s league record for points by an Under-20 player.</p><p>He was on the third line with <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/10516" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/10516">Alex Newhook</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3163" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3163">Joel Armia</a> at Monday's practice, according to <a href="https://x.com/EricEngels/status/1911790892945461503">Sportsnet's Eric Engels</a>.</p><p>The Canadiens drafted Demidov fifth overall in 2024.</p>

SAINT PETERSBURG, RUSSIA - 2025/03/31: Ivan Demidov (91) of SKA Hockey Club seen in action during the Hockey match, Kontinental Hockey League 2024/2025, Gagarin Cup 1/8 finals, 3rd match, between SKA Saint Petersburg and Dynamo Moscow at the SKA Arena. (Final score; SKA Saint Petersburg 5:3 Dynamo Moscow, The score in the series: SKA Saint Petersburg 1:2 Dynamo Moscow).

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Demidov to make Canadiens debut vs. Blackhawks

Western Michigan defeated Boston University 6-2 Saturday night to win its first Frozen Four champ...

<p>Western Michigan defeated Boston University 6-2 Saturday night to win its first Frozen Four championship in program history.</p><p>The Broncos opened scoring 1:38 into the contest but quickly surrendered their lead. They were up 3-2 heading into the third period and used a trio of goals in the final frame to seal the momentous victory.</p><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaah/players/14924" href="https://thescore.com/ncaah/players/14924">Owen Michaels</a>, who scored the double-overtime winner in the semifinals, continued his clutch tournament with a two-goal performance. The sophomore scored a key insurance goal in the third period to put Western Michigan up 4-2, then added an empty-netter.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The Broncos were the fourth-ranked squad in the 16-team playoff bracket. They defeated Minnesota State, UMass, and Denver to reach the final. </p><p>Unranked Boston eliminated Ohio State, Cornell, and Penn State en route to the championship game.</p><p>The Terriers have won five national titles in their history, most recently in 2009.</p>

ST LOUIS, MISSOURI - APRIL 12: The Western Michigan Broncos celebrate after a goal against the Boston University Terriers in the second period during the Division I Men's Ice Hockey Championship held at the Enterprise Center on April 12, 2025 in St Louis, Missouri.

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Western Michigan tops BU for 1st Frozen Four title

Winnipeg Jets forward Nikolaj Ehlers needed assistance getting off the ice during the second peri...

<p>Winnipeg Jets forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3995" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3995">Nikolaj Ehlers</a> needed assistance getting off the ice during the second period of Saturday's tilt against the Chicago Blackhawks after an incidental collision with an referee.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Nikolaj Ehlers leaves the game with assistance after a collision with a referee. <a href="https://t.co/u2LppjCP6p">pic.twitter.com/u2LppjCP6p</a></p>— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) <a href="https://twitter.com/Sportsnet/status/1911218090295107984?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 13, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Ehlers didn't emerge for the third period. </p><p>The 29-year-old recently returned from a foot injury that caused him to miss two games. Winnipeg has two games remaining on its schedule before the playoffs.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Ehlers has 63 points in 68 contests this season.</p>

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - APRIL 03: Nikolaj Ehlers #27 of the Winnipeg Jets kneels on the ice after blocking a shot against the Vegas Golden Knights in the first period of their game at T-Mobile Arena on April 03, 2025 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Jets defeated the Golden Knights 4-0.

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Jets' Ehlers helped off ice after collision with referee

The New York Rangers were officially eliminated from playoff contention after Saturday's 7-3 loss...

<p>The New York Rangers were officially eliminated from playoff contention after Saturday's 7-3 loss to the Carolina Hurricanes, making them only the fourth team in NHL history to miss the postseason one year after winning the Presidents' Trophy. </p><p>The 1992-93 Rangers, 2007-08 Buffalo Sabres, and 2014-15 Boston Bruins are the other squads to achieve the unwanted feat. </p><p>New York had 114 points last season and has 81 for 2024-25 with two games to go.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>"You can't just show up and expect it to go the same way as last year," forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/2089" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/2089">Vincent Trocheck</a> told <a href="https://x.com/Peter_Baugh/status/1911178709869961379">The Athletic's Peter Baugh</a>. "We earned it last year. We certainly didn’t earn it this year."</p><p>Trocheck was asked what the club has left to play for this season.</p><p>"Pride," he <a href="https://x.com/Peter_Baugh/status/1911179357382385773">answered</a>.</p><p>Head coach Peter Laviolette recognized his club's inability to live up to expectations.</p><p>"It's disappointing for everybody," he said, per <a href="https://x.com/vzmercogliano/status/1911183024441512281">USA Today Sports' Vince Mercogliano</a>. "It certainly wasn't anybody’s plan coming into the year, especially coming off of last year. Yet, here we are. We had opportunities in the last 20 games to make our own noise and make our own way, and we didn't do that. So, it's on us. We needed to be better."</p><p>New York reached the Eastern Conference Final last season and many expected it to remain Stanley Cup contenders.</p><p>The Rangers opened the current campaign 12-4-1, then lost 15 of their next 19 games. They traded captain <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/2912" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/2912">Jacob Trouba</a> during their struggles and later acquired <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/2170" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/2170">J.T. Miller</a> from the Vancouver Canucks in an attempt to find a spark.</p><p>If there's a bright side for the Rangers, the last time they missed the playoffs after a Presidents' Trophy win, they won the Stanley Cup the following season.</p>

RALEIGH, NORTH CAROLINA - APRIL 12: Vincent Trocheck #16 of the New York Rangers looks on during the second period of the game against the Carolina Hurricanes at Lenovo Center on April 12, 2025 in Raleigh, North Carolina.

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Rangers become 4th team to miss playoffs after winning Presidents' Trophy

Vancouver Canucks forward Elias Pettersson won't play the club's final three games of the regular...

<p>Vancouver Canucks forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/7699" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/7699">Elias Pettersson</a> won't play the club's final three games of the regular season as he continues to recover from an upper-body injury, head coach Rick Tocchet <a href="https://x.com/Canucks/status/1911138275999531161">announced</a> Saturday.</p><p>Pettersson's been out of action since March 22. </p><p>The Canucks were mathematically eliminated from playoff contention earlier this week. The underwhelming season follows a campaign in which they won the Pacific Division and reached Game 7 of the second round.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Pettersson struggled to produce this season, amassing 45 points in 64 games after 102- and 89-point outputs in the previous two campaigns. He was also involved in a highly publicized feud with former teammate <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/2170" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/2170">J.T. Miller</a> that culminated in the latter being traded to the New York Rangers.</p><p>The Canucks signed Pettersson to an eight-year, $92.8-million extension last March. He's played seven seasons with the club since being drafted fifth overall in 2017 and has recorded 457 points in 471 games.</p>

VANCOUVER, CANADA - FEBRUARY 4: Elias Pettersson #40 of the Vancouver Canucks lines up for a face off during their NHL game against the Colorado Avalanche at Rogers Arena on February 4, 2025 in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.

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Canucks' Pettersson shut down for rest of season

The Edmonton Oilers secured their place in the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs with a 4-2 win over the ...

<p>The Edmonton Oilers secured their place in the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs with a 4-2 win over the San Jose Sharks on Friday night.</p><p>This marks Edmonton's sixth consecutive postseason berth dating back to its bubble qualifying round loss to the Chicago Blackhawks in 2020. </p><p>The Oilers are likely to take on the Los Angeles Kings in the first round for the fourth consecutive year. They've won the previous three meetings and sit two points behind the Kings with three contests to go to determine which team will have home ice.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Edmonton reached Game 7 of the Stanley Cup Final last season and has won six series during this playoff streak.</p><p>Injuries are a concern for the Oilers as they gear up for the playoffs. The club just got <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/4560" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4560">Connor McDavid</a> back, while superstar forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3948" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3948">Leon Draisaitl</a> is still sidelined along with several regulars. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/1993" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/1993">Mattias Ekholm</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/1723" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/1723">Zach Hyman</a> left Friday's contest with undisclosed ailments.</p><p>Edmonton returns to action Sunday against the Winnipeg Jets.</p>

EDMONTON, CANADA - APRIL 11: Evan Bouchard #2, Viktor Arvidsson #33, Adam Henrique #19, Zach Hyman #18 and Connor McDavid #97 of the Edmonton Oilers celebrate a first-period goal against the San Jose Sharks during the game at Rogers Place on April 11, 2025, in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.

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Oilers punch playoff ticket with win over Sharks

Colorado Avalanche captain Gabriel Landeskog is feeling positive after participating in his first...

<p>Colorado Avalanche captain <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/2034" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/2034">Gabriel Landeskog</a> is feeling positive after participating in his first professional hockey game in three years Friday night.</p><p>Landeskog suited up for the AHL's Colorado Eagles as part of his current conditioning assignment. His last game before Friday was Game 6 of the 2022 Stanley Cup Final, a span of 1,020 days. The 32-year-old underwent three knee surgeries in 15 months, including a cartilage transplant in May 2023, after helping the Avalanche won the championship.</p><p>"Body feels great," Landeskog said, per <a href="https://x.com/chrismpeters/status/1910896973021905146">Flo Hockey's Chris Peters</a>. "Was telling some of the guys on the bench my knee feels great. I'm just tired. We're going to work on that."</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Landeskog played 15 shifts in Colorado's 2-0 win. He logged two shots on goal and took a minor penalty.</p><p>"Obviously there was some nerves going into it. ... I was just trying to enjoy it. Get out there, enjoy it, get into the game," Landeskog told the media postgame, according to <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OC7lkjlRmE0">DNVR Sports</a>. "Physically I feel great. Obviously it's the first game in a long time, so I've got plenty of things to work on and get better at. But it was a lot of fun."</p><p>It's unclear when Landeskog might rejoin the Avalanche. Colorado has two regular-season games remaining before likely meeting the Dallas Stars in Round 1 of the Stanley Cup Playoffs.</p><p>Landeskog is still on long-term injured reserve but would be eligible to return for the playoffs when the salary cap isn't enforced. He's under contract for four more seasons with a $7-million cap hit.</p><p>The Avalanche drafted Landeskog second overall in 2011 and gave him the "C" in 2012, making him the youngest captain in NHL history at the time. He's accrued 571 points in 738 games for the franchise.</p>

DENVER, COLORADO - MAY 25: Gabriel Landeskog #92 of the Colorado Avalanche skates against the St. Louis Blues in Game Five of the Second Round of the 2022 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Ball Arena on May 25, 2022 in Denver, Colorado.

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Landeskog: 'Body feels great' after AHL debut

Michigan State forward Isaac Howard won the Hobey Baker Award on Friday as the NCAA's top player ...

<p>Michigan State forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/12722" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/12722">Isaac Howard</a> won the Hobey Baker Award on Friday as the NCAA's top player for the 2024-25 season.</p><p>Howard beat out Boston College forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/13827" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/13827">Ryan Leonard</a> and Denver defenseman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/15175" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/15175">Zeev Buium</a> to earn college hockey's most prestigious individual honor.</p><p>All three players were selected to their respective first-team All-American squads Friday. Howard and Buium were named to the West, while Leonard was chosen for the East.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Howard, a Tampa Bay Lightning prospect, led the Spartans with 52 points this season and ranked fifth in the nation. He was named Big Ten Player of the Year for his efforts and might return to Michigan State for his senior campaign in 2025-26. He and the Bolts are <a href="https://www.sportsnet.ca/nhl/article/lightning-face-decision-with-top-prospect-isaac-howard/">reportedly</a> struggling to sort out a contract.</p><p>Leonard led the NCAA with 30 goals in 37 games this season and added 19 assists en route to being named Hockey East's Player of the Year. He also captained the United States to a gold medal at the world juniors, where he notched 10 points in seven contests. The 20-year-old began his NHL career with the Washington Capitals earlier this month. </p><p>Buium helped Denver reach the Frozen Four semifinals and led all NCAA blue-liners with 48 points in 41 games. He was also a member of USA's championship world junior squad and is expected to join the Minnesota Wild on his entry-level contract in the coming days.</p><p>Notable NHLers to win the Hobey Baker in recent years include Macklin Celebrini (2024), Adam Fantilli (2023), Cole Caufield (2021), and Cale Makar (2019).</p>

SOUTH BEND, IN - FEBRUARY 2: Isaac Howard #22 of Michigan State during a game between Michigan State University and University of Notre Dame at Compton Family Ice Arena on February 2, 2024 in South Bend, Indiana.

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Isaac Howard wins Hobey Baker as NCAA's top player

The Minnesota Wild anticipate top prospect Zeev Buium will sign an entry-level contract to join t...

<p>The Minnesota Wild anticipate top prospect <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/15175" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/15175">Zeev Buium</a> will sign an entry-level contract to join the club any day now - just in time to suit up for the playoffs.</p><p>"He will play," general manager Bill Guerin said of Buium's postseason availability, per <a href="https://x.com/JoeSmithNHL/status/1910795811778445434">The Athletic's Joe Smith</a>. "These kids are different, man. They're ready for this stuff."</p><p>Buium's sophomore season at the University of Denver ended Thursday after a double overtime loss to Western Michigan in the Frozen Four semifinals. The 19-year-old had a standout campaign in which he recorded 48 points in 41 games while also helping the United States to its second consecutive world junior gold medal. </p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>He was named a finalist for the Hobey Baker Award as college hockey's top player.</p><p>The Wild have three regular-season contests remaining and enter Friday's slate holding the top wild-card seed in the Western Conference. They have the same amount of points as the St. Louis Blues but have one game in hand.</p><p>Minnesota drafted Buium 12th overall in 2024.</p>

TEMPE, ARIZONA - FEBRUARY 07: Zeev Buium #28 of University of Denver Pioneers skates with the puck against the Arizona State University Sun Devils at Mullett Arena on February 07, 2025 in Tempe, Arizona.

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Wild expect Buium to sign soon, make impact: 'He will play'

Injured Ottawa Senators captain Brady Tkachuk is doing all he can to be ready for his first appea...

<p>Injured Ottawa Senators captain <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/7845" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/7845">Brady Tkachuk</a> is doing all he can to be ready for his first appearance in the Stanley Cup Playoffs.</p><p>"I need to make sure I'm ready physically because mentally I've been waiting for this moment," Tkachuk told <a href="https://www.nhl.com/news/brady-tkachuk-getting-ready-physically-for-1st-playoff-series-with-ottawa-senators">NHL.com</a>. "But I'm not worried about that."</p><p>The Senators clinched a playoff berth Tuesday for the first time since 2016-17, but Tkachuk has been out of action since March 30 because of an upper-body ailment.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>It's unclear if Tkachuk will suit up in Ottawa's four remaining contests, but he anticipates he'll be ready for Game 1 of the postseason.</p><p>"I don't think I'd ever miss an opportunity to play in the playoffs, but I'm not looking too far in advance. I'm looking forward to skating tomorrow, feeling good and going from there," Tkachuk said.</p><p>He added, "Obviously, I want to play. I don't like watching. The guys have really helped me out the last bunch of games, putting us in the position that we're in."</p><p>The Senators hold the top wild-card spot in the Eastern Conference, three points ahead of the Montreal Canadiens with a crucial meeting between the two clubs on tap Friday. The first wild-card seed will play the Atlantic Division winner.</p><p>Tkachuk has notched 29 goals and 26 assists in 71 games this season.</p>

DETROIT, MICHIGAN - MARCH 27: Brady Tkachuk #7 of the Ottawa Senators looks on against the Detroit Red Wings at Little Caesars Arena on March 27, 2025 in Detroit, Michigan.

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Sens' Tkachuk getting 'ready physically' for 1st taste of playoffs

Pending unrestricted free agent Brock Boeser doesn't expect to sign a new deal with the Vancouver...

<p>Pending unrestricted free agent <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/6354" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/6354">Brock Boeser</a> doesn't expect to sign a new deal with the Vancouver Canucks. </p><p>"Honestly, it's unlikely at this point," Boeser told <a href="https://www.sportsnet.ca/nhl/article/it-hurts-canucks-missing-playoffs-a-result-of-misfortune-and-mistakes/">Sportsnet's Iain MacIntyre</a> on Tuesday. "It sucks, it's unfortunate. I'm just trying to play good hockey, and then I'll worry about everything after that. We all know it's been a roller coaster of a year. There's been a lot of different things."</p><p>Boeser's in the final season of a three-year, $19.95-million contract and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3227585" href="https://thescore.com/news/3227585">expressed frustration</a> in February about a lack of extension talks. He drew interest at the trade deadline as a possible rental, but Canucks general manager Patrik Allvin said any offers were below market value.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The Canucks also wanted to keep Boeser in their push for the playoffs, but the club was mathematically eliminated from contention Wednesday night with four games remaining.</p><p>Boeser acknowledged he isn't speaking with agent Ben Hankinson right now as he focuses on finishing the campaign on a high note.</p><p>"Yeah, I'm refusing to talk to Hank right now," Boeser said. "I feel like I'm playing a lot better hockey recently, and I don't want to get distracted. That's one of the things I've learned: When there's distractions, I don't play my best hockey. The mental aspect of the game is so important. This year, there's been a lot of distractions."</p><p>The Canucks have had a tumultuous season riddled with injuries and drama, most notably a feud between <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/7699" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/7699">Elias Pettersson</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/2170" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/2170">J.T. Miller</a> that culminated with the latter being traded to the New York Rangers. The disappointing campaign comes on the heels of winning the Pacific Division and reaching Game 7 of the second round in 2023-24.</p><p>Boeser is likely to attract plenty of interest on the open market in the summer. The 28-year-old has 433 points in 550 career games and has eclipsed the 25-goal mark four times, including a personal-high 40 last season.</p><p>The Canucks drafted Boeser 23rd overall in 2015.</p>

COLUMBUS, OHIO - MARCH 28: Brock Boeser #6 of the Vancouver Canucks celebrates a goal during the first period against the Columbus Blue Jackets at Nationwide Arena on March 28, 2025 in Columbus, Ohio.

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Boeser: Remaining with Canucks 'unlikely at this point'

Welcome to the sixth edition of theScore's 2024-25 Vezina Trophy Rankings, a monthly look at the ...

<p>Welcome to the sixth edition of theScore's 2024-25 Vezina Trophy Rankings, a monthly look at the top goaltenders across the NHL. </p><p>We've reached the final two weeks of the regular season, and there are no surprises left in the race. Rather than analyzing who's been hot of late, like we did in previous instalments of this series, this edition factors in the entire campaign as it comes to a close.</p><p>GSAA = <em>Goals saved above average</em><br>GSAx = <em>Goals saved above expected</em></p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><h3>5. Jake Oettinger, Dallas Stars</h3><p><em>Previous: Unranked</em></p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/750271/cropped_GettyImages-2175692859.jpg?ts=1729182006" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/750271/w220xh124_GettyImages-2175692859.jpg?ts=1729182006 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/750271/w320xh180_GettyImages-2175692859.jpg?ts=1729182006 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/750271/w640xh360_GettyImages-2175692859.jpg?ts=1729182006 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/750271/w768xh432_GettyImages-2175692859.jpg?ts=1729182006 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/750271/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2175692859.jpg?ts=1729182006 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>Record</th>
<th>GAA</th>
<th>SV%</th>
<th>GSAA</th>
<th>GSAx</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>36-15-4</td>
<td>2.45</td>
<td>.912</td>
<td>17.51</td>
<td>25.69</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>Oettinger hasn't been consistent enough to warrant serious consideration, but he ranks among the top 10 in all the above criteria and has backstopped a Stanley Cup-contending Stars team that's blown past the 100-point plateau. That's enough for a fringe spot on our list.</p><p>The 26-year-old is widely seen as talented enough to compete for the Vezina year in and year out, but a few dips in performance over the campaign took him out of the running. He posted an .896 save percentage in 10 November games, and an inflated 3.21 goals against average in February. He's rounded into form as the playoffs near, though, registering a .919 clip in 12 appearances since the beginning of March.</p><h3>4. Logan Thompson, Capitals</h3><p><em>Previous: 3</em></p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/765955/cropped_GettyImages-2193806521.jpg?ts=1737152817" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/765955/w220xh124_GettyImages-2193806521.jpg?ts=1737152817 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/765955/w320xh180_GettyImages-2193806521.jpg?ts=1737152817 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/765955/w640xh360_GettyImages-2193806521.jpg?ts=1737152817 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/765955/w768xh432_GettyImages-2193806521.jpg?ts=1737152817 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/765955/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2193806521.jpg?ts=1737152817 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>Record</th>
<th>GAA</th>
<th>SV%</th>
<th>GSAA</th>
<th>GSAx</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>31-6-6</td>
<td>2.49</td>
<td>.910</td>
<td>8.37</td>
<td>24.9</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>Thompson's struggles down the stretch have knocked him out of podium position for the first time in months. His 6-3-1 record since March 1 is respectable, but his other stats have taken a huge hit. Thompson owns a .876 save percentage over that stretch, and ranks toward the bottom of the league with minus-6.28 GSAA and minus-2.14 GSAx. </p><p>On top of performance issues, Thompson's recent injury could be the death knell in his Vezina finalist chances. </p><h3>3. Darcy Kuemper, Kings</h3><p><em>Previous: Unranked</em></p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/755303/cropped_GettyImages-2183958079.jpg?ts=1731561541" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/755303/w220xh124_GettyImages-2183958079.jpg?ts=1731561541 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/755303/w320xh180_GettyImages-2183958079.jpg?ts=1731561541 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/755303/w640xh360_GettyImages-2183958079.jpg?ts=1731561541 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/755303/w768xh432_GettyImages-2183958079.jpg?ts=1731561541 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/755303/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2183958079.jpg?ts=1731561541 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Michael Martin / National Hockey League / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Record</th>
<th>GAA</th>
<th>SV%</th>
<th>GSAA</th>
<th>GSAx</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>28-11-7</td>
<td>2.03</td>
<td>.922</td>
<td>24.06</td>
<td>29.32</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>While Thompson's plummeted, Kuemper's surged into the mix with a dominant stretch. His lack of ice time hurts his case, but Kuemper forced himself into the conversation by winning 10 of his last 15 starts with a .940 save percentage and three shutouts. He trails only our top two candidates in both GSAA and GSAx on the season, and ranks second in goals against average among netminders to make 40 appearances.</p><p>There were a lot of questions about the Kings' decision to acquire Kuemper from the Capitals after two underwhelming seasons in D.C., but it's turned out to be a savvy move that's panned out for both sides. If this Kuemper shows up in the playoffs, the Kings are a major threat to go on a run. </p><h3>2. Andrei Vasilevskiy, Lightning</h3><p><em>Previous: 2</em></p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/755423/cropped_GettyImages-2184087368.jpg?ts=1731639017" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/755423/w220xh124_GettyImages-2184087368.jpg?ts=1731639017 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/755423/w320xh180_GettyImages-2184087368.jpg?ts=1731639017 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/755423/w640xh360_GettyImages-2184087368.jpg?ts=1731639017 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/755423/w768xh432_GettyImages-2184087368.jpg?ts=1731639017 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/755423/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2184087368.jpg?ts=1731639017 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Mark LoMoglio / National Hockey League / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Record</th>
<th>GAA</th>
<th>SV%</th>
<th>GSAA</th>
<th>GSAx</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>37-20-3</td>
<td>2.14</td>
<td>.923</td>
<td>34.16</td>
<td>29.55</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>Vasilevskiy looks poised to be a Vezina finalist for the fourth time in his 11-year career, but is still an extreme long shot to win - he's up against a guy who's had the trophy all but locked up since November. Still, the Lightning netminder has had a remarkable bounce-back season after posting the worst statistical campaign of his NHL tenure in 2023-24.</p><p>The 2021 Conn Smythe winner ranks second in virtually every important category this season and has re-emerged as one of the league's elite netminders. We shouldn't be surprised at Vasilevskiy's resurgence, but teams in the Eastern Conference playoff bracket should be worried.</p><h3>1. Connor Hellebuyck, Jets</h3><p><em>Previous: 1</em></p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/777833/cropped_GettyImages-2206414423.jpg?ts=1743219579" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/777833/w220xh124_GettyImages-2206414423.jpg?ts=1743219579 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/777833/w320xh180_GettyImages-2206414423.jpg?ts=1743219579 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/777833/w640xh360_GettyImages-2206414423.jpg?ts=1743219579 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/777833/w768xh432_GettyImages-2206414423.jpg?ts=1743219579 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/777833/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2206414423.jpg?ts=1743219579 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Jonathan Kozub / National Hockey League / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Record</th>
<th>GAA</th>
<th>SV%</th>
<th>GSAA</th>
<th>GSAx</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>44-12-3</td>
<td>2.02</td>
<td>.924</td>
<td>36.3</td>
<td>45.52</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>Hellebuyck has been the best, most consistent netminder all season long, and it would be a travesty if he weren't named the back-to-back Vezina Trophy winner. He leads the league in wins, goals against average, save percentage, GSAA, GSAx, and shutouts, <em>and</em> his team is on track to win the Presidents' Trophy. Even though there have been some good seasons behind him on this list, it wouldn't be a shock if Hellebuyck unanimously takes the award.</p><p>With the Vezina Trophy sewn up, the conversation should shift to whether he also deserves the Hart Trophy. </p><p>(Analytics source: <a href="https://evolving-hockey.com/stats/goalie_standard/?_inputs_&amp;std_gl_table=%22On-Ice%22&amp;std_gl_team=%22All%22&amp;std_gl_str=%22All%22&amp;std_gl_adj=%22Score%20%26%20Venue%22&amp;std_gl_range=%22Seasons%22&amp;std_gl_span=%22Regular%22&amp;std_gl_group=%22Team%2C%20Season%22&amp;std_gl_age1=%2217%22&amp;std_gl_age2=%2250%22&amp;std_gl_dft_yr=%22All%22&amp;std_gl_status=%22All%22&amp;std_gl_info=%22No%22&amp;std_gl_players=null&amp;std_gl_fa=%2250%22">Evolving-Hockey</a>)</p>

LOS ANGELES, CA - APRIL 5: Darcy Kuemper #35 of the Los Angeles Kings protects the goal during the second period against the Edmonton Oilers at Crypto.com Arena on April 5, 2025 in Los Angeles, California.

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Vezina Trophy Rankings: Kuemper making case to be finalist

The Ottawa Senators clinched a playoff spot on Tuesday night for the first time since the 2016-17...

<p>The Ottawa Senators clinched a playoff spot on Tuesday night for the first time since the 2016-17 season.</p><p>The Columbus Blue Jackets convincingly defeated the Senators, but the latter qualified for the postseason because the Detroit Red Wings lost to the Montreal Canadiens.</p><p>"After a game like that, it doesn't feel as good, but we've been through some shit here, and I'm just proud of the guys," Senators forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/9189" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/9189">Tim Stutzle</a> said, per <a href="https://x.com/SunGarrioch/status/1909786657051890124">Postmedia's Bruce Garrioch</a>.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>"Some of us have been at it seven, eight years without a playoff game," added <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/9905" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/9905">Drake Batherson</a>, according to <a href="https://x.com/jkamckenzie/status/1909787448386744778">The Athletic's Julian McKenzie</a>.</p><p>The Senators' position in the playoff field is far from decided with four games remaining. Ottawa holds the top wild-card seed in the Eastern Conference, three points up on the Montreal Canadiens and four points back of the Florida Panthers for third in the Atlantic Division.</p><p>Ottawa and Montreal play each other Friday in what stands to be a pivotal contest as the season winds down.</p><p>The Senators' playoff hopes looked bleak after a five-game losing streak at the end of February, but Ottawa flipped its fortunes with a 13-5-2 run since March 1. </p><p>The Sens reached overtime of Game 7 in the Eastern Conference Final during their last playoff run. They underwent a lengthy rebuild afterward, drafting core talents <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/7845" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/7845">Brady Tkachuk</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/9188" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/9188">Jake Sanderson</a>, and Stutzle.</p><p>This is Ottawa's first season under head coach Travis Green and its first full campaign under general manager Steve Staios, who took over for Pierre Dorion in November 2023.</p>

COLUMBUS, OHIO - APRIL 8: Fabian Zetterlund #20 of the Ottawa Senators is congratulated by Adam Gaudette #81 and Thomas Chabot #72 after scoring a goal during the second period of the game against the Columbus Blue Jackets at Nationwide Arena on April 8, 2025 in Columbus, Ohio.

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Senators book 1st playoff berth since 2017

The Winnipeg Jets cooled off the white-hot St. Louis Blues on Monday night, snapping their divisi...

<p>The Winnipeg Jets cooled off the white-hot St. Louis Blues on Monday night, snapping their division rival's 12-game winning streak with a 3-1 victory on home ice.</p><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/6386" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/6386">Alex Iafallo</a> scored the winning goal seven minutes into the third period before captain <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/2147" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/2147">Adam Lowry</a> buried an empty-netter in the final seconds.</p><p>Winnipeg limited St. Louis to only 15 shots. The Blues had been the league's hottest offense during their unbeaten run, averaging nearly four goals per game. The Jets' smothering performance earned them their 53rd win, their most ever in a season.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>"That was a really solid 60 minutes of going out in five-man units and out-battling," Jets head coach Scott Arniel <a href="https://www.nhl.com/jets/video/arniel-25-04-07-6371203048112">said</a>. "I thought all four lines won their matchups, along with the D-men, obviously."</p><p>"When you do that, with 20 guys doing that, that's a tough team to beat."</p><p>The Blues' 12-game streak established a franchise record and was the longest by any team this season. St. Louis could have clinched a playoff berth with a victory Monday along with a regulation loss by the Calgary Flames, but the Blues still hold the top wild-card spot in the Western Conference at 93 points.</p><p>"The streak was great while it lasted," Blues head coach Jim Montgomery <a href="https://x.com/StLouisBlues/status/1909443223807783093">said</a>. "Now we've got to refocus and we've got to play better than we did tonight to try and get in the playoffs. That's our focus."</p><p>The Jets widened their gap atop the Central Division with 110 points. They're also three points up on the Washington Capitals in the Presidents' Trophy race.</p>

WINNIPEG, CANADA - APRIL 7: Alex Iafallo #9 of the Winnipeg Jets shoots the puck past goaltender Joel Hofer #30 of the St. Louis Blues and into the open net for a third period goal at the Canada Life Centre on April 7, 2025 in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada.

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Jets end Blues' win streak at 12 games

Tampa Bay Lightning superstar Nikita Kucherov entered rarified air with a first-period helper in ...

<p>Tampa Bay Lightning superstar <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3322" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3322">Nikita Kucherov</a> entered rarified air with a first-period helper in Monday's win over the New York Rangers, becoming only the fourth player in NHL history to register three consecutive 80-assist seasons.</p><p>The other players to do so are Hall of Famers Wayne Gretzky (1979-92), Paul Coffey (1983-86), and Bobby Orr (1969-72), according to <a href="https://x.com/NHLPR/status/1909400425301783012">NHL Public Relations</a>.</p><p>Kucherov added another assist in the third period, helping the Lightning to a 5-1 victory. He became only the fifth player to record 100 assists in a single season last year.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>He leads all skaters with 263 assists over the past three seasons and only <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/4560" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4560">Connor McDavid</a> boasts more points during that span.</p><p>Here's a look at Kucherov's numbers over the past three campaigns.</p><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Season</th>
<th>GP</th>
<th>G</th>
<th>A</th>
<th>P</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>2022-23</td>
<td>82</td>
<td>30</td>
<td>83</td>
<td>113</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2023-24</td>
<td>81</td>
<td>44</td>
<td>100</td>
<td>144</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2024-25</td>
<td>73</td>
<td>34</td>
<td>81</td>
<td>115</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>The Bolts' playmaker is now tied <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3002" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3002">Nathan MacKinnon</a> in this season's scoring race with five games remaining. MacKinnon, who beat out Kucherov for the Hart Trophy in 2024, has four contests left.</p><p>Kucherov captured the MVP and Art Ross in 2019, and he added a second scoring title to his resume last season.</p>

ELMONT, NEW YORK - APRIL 01: Nikita Kucherov #86 of the Tampa Bay Lightning skates against the New York Islanders during the game at UBS Arena on April 01, 2025 in Elmont, New York.

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Kucherov joins legendary list with 3rd straight 80-assist season

Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and the Toronto Blue Jays agreed to a 14-year, $500-million extension, sour...

<p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/8267" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/8267">Vladimir Guerrero Jr.</a> and the Toronto Blue Jays agreed to a 14-year, $500-million extension, sources told <a href="https://x.com/Ken_Rosenthal/status/1909097481302061151">Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic</a>.</p><p>The development comes several weeks after Guerrero's self-imposed extension deadline, which he set for the beginning of spring training. The Blue Jays <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3251507" href="https://thescore.com/news/3251507">reportedly</a> made their first baseman an offer in late March, but a gap between the two sides persisted.</p><p>It will take another few days to finalize the contract, as the agreement is pending a physical and the Blue Jays are in the middle of a road trip, according to <a href="https://x.com/ShiDavidi/status/1909359556485841362">Sportsnet's Shi Davidi</a>.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Guerrero was on track to become a free agent at season's end. He <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3224245" href="https://thescore.com/news/3224245">noted</a> in February that he'd meet with all 30 teams if he hit the open market.</p><p>His deal with the Blue Jays features no deferrals, a source told <a href="https://x.com/ShiDavidi/status/1909097475597643862">Davidi</a>. It also doesn't include any opt outs, per <a href="https://x.com/bnicholsonsmith/status/1909209407675654160">Sportsnet's Ben Nicholson-Smith</a>. The $500-million contract is the second-richest in MLB in terms of present value, trailing only <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/8271" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/8271">Juan Soto</a>'s $765-million pact with the New York Mets, which was signed over the winter.</p><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/9519" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/9519">Shohei Ohtani</a>'s $700-million agreement is currently valued at approximately $437.8 million because of deferrals, per <a href="https://x.com/bnicholsonsmith/status/1909101278526906840">Nicholson-Smith</a>.</p><p>The Blue Jays signed Guerrero as an international free agent in 2015, and he ascended into baseball's top prospect before debuting with Toronto in 2019 as a 20-year-old. He's accrued 17.0 fWAR over his seven-year career while slashing .287/.362/.498 and belting 160 home runs.</p><p>His best year came in 2021 when he finished runner-up as the American League's most valuable player. He set career highs across the board that season, including 48 homers and 111 runs batted in.</p><p>The Blue Jays have made the playoffs three times with Guerrero in the fold but lost the wild-card round each time.</p>

TORONTO, ON - MARCH 31: Vladimir Guerrero Jr. #27 of Toronto Blue Jays jogs off the field in the middle of the first inning against the Washington Nationals in their MLB game at the Rogers Centre on March 31, 2025 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

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Report: Blue Jays, Guerrero agree to 14-year, $500M extension

Washington Capitals forward Tom Wilson is best known for stirring up controversy with his physica...

<p>Washington Capitals forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/2592" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/2592">Tom Wilson</a> is best known for stirring up controversy with his physical style of play, but he claimed a huge piece of hockey history Sunday, recording the primary assist on <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/1280" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/1280">Alex Ovechkin</a>'s record-breaking 895th goal.</p><p>Speaking after the game, Wilson expressed plenty of gratitude for being involved in the play.</p><p>"It's not about me," Wilson <a href="https://www.nhl.com/capitals/video/tom-wilson-postgame-6371151111112">said</a>. "It makes me a little bit emotional just because I think so much of him. To be able to be beside him forever in a big goal, I feel very lucky, I feel very honored to be a part of that. It's not about me at all. I'm just really proud. I love that guy, I love his family, and I'm really proud of him."</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Wilson added, "It will be the honor of my career to play with 'O,' learn so much from him, win with him, watch him score this goal. There's really no words to describe it."</p><p>Ovechkin eclipsed Wayne Gretzky's 31-year-old record with a vintage wrist shot during the second period of Sunday's loss to the New York Islanders. Wilson recalls sending the puck cross-ice to Ovechkin, but what followed is blurry. </p><p>"I just tried to find him on the entry there, and then when I was skating to the net and the puck went in the net, the next 15 seconds I truly kind of blacked out," Wilson said. "I've got to watch it back because I don't remember what happened. It was just chaos."</p><p>The Capitals mobbed Ovechkin after the goal, and the game was stopped for a ceremony involving the captain's family, Gretzky, and others.</p><p>"It's the biggest goal in the history of the NHL," Wilson said. "To be in here with all our best friends and a great captain, a great teammate, a great friend, I'm just so proud of him. I'm so happy for him. He's done so much for all of us, all of our careers. This organization, this city, his family, all our families. It's just truly special to be a part of, and I'm just so, so happy for him."</p><p>Wilson debuted with the Capitals in 2013-14 and won the Stanley Cup with Ovechkin in 2018. The pair flanks <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/4562" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4562">Dylan Strome</a> - who registered the secondary assist - on Washington's top line.</p>

ELMONT, NEW YORK - APRIL 6: Alex Ovechkin #8 of the Washington Capitals poses for a photo with the puck from his 895th career goal with Dylan Strome #17 and Tom Wilson #43, who assisted the goal, in the locker room after a game against the New York Islanders at UBS Arena on April 6, 2025 in Elmont, New York. With this goal, Ovechkin passes Wayne Gretzky for the all-time goal scoring record.

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Wilson: I feel 'honored' to assist Ovechkin's record-breaking goal

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Sean O'Leary

News Editor

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