Pittsburgh Penguins captain Sidney Crosby headlines the list of featured players for the second s...

Pittsburgh Penguins captain <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/1002" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/1002">Sidney Crosby</a> headlines the list of featured players for the second season of Amazon Prime's "FACEOFF: Inside the NHL" series.Amazon announced a second edition of the hit behind-the-scenes show in December. It will air prior to the 2025-26 campaign.<a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/1010" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/1010">Marc-Andre Fleury</a>, who recently concluded his final NHL season, will also be included. The full cast is below.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
WE ARE SO BACK. 🎬 Tkachuks x 2. Flower. Sid. Season 2 of FACEOFF: Inside the NHL is coming, and it will be a movie. <a href="https://t.co/sytbhUOoiZ">pic.twitter.com/sytbhUOoiZ</a>— Sports on Prime Canada (@SportsOnPrimeCA) <a href="https://twitter.com/SportsOnPrimeCA/status/1928156217588801892?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 29, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure>The list includes numerous players involved in major storylines throughout this past season. Several cast members were involved in the 4 Nations Face-Off, while <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/4772" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4772">Mikko Rantanen</a> was unexpectedly traded twice.The first season of the show captured several memorable moments, including Edmonton Oilers captain <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/4560" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4560">Connor McDavid</a> yelling at his teammates while trailing the Florida Panthers in the Stanley Cup Final.

PITTSBURGH, PA - OCTOBER 29: Minnesota Wild goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury (29) tends net as Pittsburgh Penguins center Sidney Crosby (87) skates by during the first period in the NHL game between the Pittsburgh Penguins and the Minnesota Wild on October 29, 2024, at PPG Paints Arena in Pittsburgh, PA.

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Crosby, Fleury among cast for next season of Amazon's 'FACEOFF'

The Washington Capitals denied next season will be Alex Ovechkin's last in the NHL after an email...

The Washington Capitals denied next season will be <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/1280" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/1280">Alex Ovechkin</a>'s last in the NHL after an email sent from an employee in the team's corporate sales department indicated so. A screenshot of the email, apparently intended for the team's season ticket holders, circulated Thursday before the Capitals announced it was false.The 2025-26 campaign is the final season on Ovechkin's contract, which pays him $9.5 million annually. The 39-year-old hasn't said if he intends to sign another deal.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Ovechkin just concluded his 20th season with the Capitals, who drafted him first overall in 2004. The three-time MVP had a monumental campaign as he shattered Wayne Gretzky's all-time goals record after recovering from a broken leg.Ovechkin had a resurgent campaign to set the new benchmark, registering 44 goals in 65 games. His career tally is now at 897 is 1,491 games. The Capitals were the top seed in the Eastern Conference in this year's playoffs but lost to the Carolina Hurricanes in Round 2.

WASHINGTON, DC - APRIL 21: Alex Ovechkin #8 of the Washington Capitals looks on against the Montreal Canadiens during the second period in Game One of the First Round of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Capital One Arena on April 21, 2025 in Washington, DC.

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Caps deny next season will be Ovechkin's last after email mixup

The Edmonton Oilers were predictably devastated upon learning Zach Hyman will likely miss the rem...

The Edmonton Oilers were predictably devastated upon learning <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/1723" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/1723">Zach Hyman</a> will likely miss the remainder of the playoffs after undergoing surgery, but Dallas Stars defenseman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/8659" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/8659">Thomas Harley</a> isn't quite as upset as his opponents."I'm happy he's not playing," Harley said, per <a href="https://x.com/JClipperton_CP/status/1928118857752772630">Joshua Clipperton of The Canadian Press</a>. "Obviously, injuries suck, but he's a good player and if he's not on their team, they're a little bit worse."Hyman was hurt on a hit from <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/9435" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/9435">Mason Marchment</a> in the first period of Edmonton's victory in Game 4 of the Western Conference Final. Hyman has been a massive part of the Oilers' success this postseason, recording 11 points in 15 games along with a league-leading 111 hits.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Harley has regularly been tasked with shutting down the Oilers' top players throughout the series. The Stars own a 61.77% expected goals rate with Harley on the ice at five-on-five in Round 3, according to <a href="https://www.naturalstattrick.com/game.php?season=20242025&amp;game=30320">Natural Stat Trick</a>.Game 5 is scheduled for Thursday night in Dallas. Edmonton can close out the series with a win.

DALLAS, TEXAS - MAY 21: Thomas Harley #55 of the Dallas Stars is defended by Zach Hyman #18 of the Edmonton Oilers during the second period in Game One of the Western Conference Final of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs at American Airlines Center on May 21, 2025 in Dallas, Texas.

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Harley happy Hyman is out: 'They're a little bit worse'

Patrick Roy will remain the head coach of the New York Islanders heading into next season, newly ...

Patrick Roy will remain the head coach of the New York Islanders heading into next season, newly hired general manager Mathieu Darche announced Thursday.Assistants John MacLean and Tommy Albelin won't stay with the club.Roy replaced Lane Lambert after the latter's in-season firing last January. Roy guided the Islanders to the playoffs in his first year, but the club finished nine points back of a wild-card berth in 2024-25. <div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>The Hall of Fame goaltender has a 55-47-17 record since taking over behind the Islanders' bench in his second gig as an NHL coach. Roy led the Colorado Avalanche from 2013-2016 and won the Jack Adams Award as coach of the year in the 2013-14 campaign.New York has approximately $26.5 million in cap space to make improvements this offseason. The Isles also own the first overall pick after a surprising draft lottery win.

ELMONT, NEW YORK - JANUARY 21: Head coach Patrick Roy of the New York Islanders speaks to the media following the 3-2 win against the Dallas Stars at UBS Arena on January 21, 2024 in Elmont, New York.

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Roy to remain head coach of Islanders

Toronto Maple Leafs general manager Brad Treliving wants to sign restricted free agent Matthew Kn...

Toronto Maple Leafs general manager Brad Treliving wants to sign restricted free agent <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/10575" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/10575">Matthew Knies</a> to a contract extension in the near future."I say this all the time: I'd like to get it done as soon as possible," Treliving said Thursday, according to <a href="https://x.com/Sportsnet/status/1928103145839710527">Sportsnet</a>. "Usually, term and money are the only two issues that come into play on contract negotiations."Knies' entry-level contract expired when the Leafs' season ended at the hands of the Florida Panthers earlier this month. He's eligible to sign a new deal at any point. <div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>The 22-year-old has been the center of plenty of offer sheet speculation throughout the 2024-25 campaign, but Knies <a href="https://www.sportsnet.ca/nhl/article/matthew-knies-on-maple-leafs-future-signing-an-offer-sheet-i-want-to-be-here/">said</a> at his end-of-season press conference that he wants to remain a Maple Leaf.The Leafs have approximately $25.7 million in cap space this offseason. However, Toronto's flexibility hinges on the futures of <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/4718" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4718">Mitch Marner</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/794" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/794">John Tavares</a>, who become unrestricted free agents on July 1.Knies potted a career-high 29 goals and 58 points this season, his second full NHL campaign. He also registered 182 hits and averaged 18:31 per contest while primarily playing on the top line with Marner and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/5586" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/5586">Auston Matthews</a>."I thought Matthew had a tremendous year. We're sort of seeing him evolve in front of our eyes. It's a big step for a young player to become a really important player," Treliving said. "He became a really important player."The executive added, "Matthew's a big part of the future moving forward."

TORONTO, CANADA - APRIL 20: Matthew Knies #23 of the Toronto Maple Leafs waits for play to resume against the Ottawa Senators during the second period in Game One of the First Round of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Scotiabank Arena on April 20, 2025 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

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Leafs hope to sign Knies 'as soon as possible' 

Matthew Tkachuk is proud the Florida Panthers punched their ticket to a third straight Stanley Cu...

<a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/5591" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/5591">Matthew Tkachuk</a> is proud the Florida Panthers punched their ticket to a third straight Stanley Cup Final, but he isn't feeling the rush of excitement he felt in previous years."I remember a few years ago it felt like such an accomplishment," he said, per <a href="https://www.espn.com/nhl/story/_/id/45368435/panthers-finish-hurricanes-return-stanley-cup-final">ESPN's Greg Wyshynski</a>. "This year, it's all business."Tkachuk added: "It was really different two years ago. It was so new to us. Whoever we play, we'll be very prepared for them. It's not our first rodeo with this."<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>The Panthers entered the playoffs as the bottom seed in 2023, famously upsetting the Presidents' Trophy-winning Boston Bruins in Round 1 to spearhead an unexpected Cup Final appearance. Florida won the Atlantic Division last season and went 12-5 in the first three rounds of the playoffs before winning the Stanley Cup in Game 7 over the Edmonton Oilers.A rematch with the Oilers appears highly likely, as Edmonton holds a 3-1 series lead over the Dallas Stars and can win the West with a victory Thursday night.No teams have faced off in the Stanley Cup Final in consecutive years since the Pittsburgh Penguins and Detroit Red Wings in 2008 and 2009. Each team won once."There's one team that's happy at the end of this thing," forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3945" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3945">Sam Reinhart</a> said, according to <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6389896/2025/05/29/florida-panthers-nhl-playoffs-elimination-hurricanes-stanley-cup/?source=emp_shared_article">The Athletic's Michael Russo</a>. "We're well aware of that. We've gone through both sides of it. You've got to enjoy this. You've got to enjoy every game, every win, every series win, but we know there's a tremendous amount of work left out there."

RALEIGH, NORTH CAROLINA - MAY 28: Matthew Tkachuk #19 of the Florida Panthers celebrates after scoring a goal against the Carolina Hurricanes during the second period in Game Five of the Eastern Conference Final of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Lenovo Center on May 28, 2025 in Raleigh, North Carolina.

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Tkachuk not swept up in another SCF berth: 'It's all business'

Winnipeg Jets captain Adam Lowry underwent hip surgery and is expected to make a full recovery af...

Winnipeg Jets captain <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/2147" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/2147">Adam Lowry</a> underwent hip surgery and is expected to make a full recovery after a five-to-six month rehabilitation process, the team announced Wednesday.The recovery timeline could force Lowry to miss the start of the 2025-26 season.Lowry logged 34 points in 73 regular-season games. He added four goals in 13 playoff contests, including the double-overtime winner in Game 7 against the St. Louis Blues.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>The 32-year-old is eligible to sign a contract extension as of July 1 and recently <a href="https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/winnipeg-jets/latest-news/adam-lowry-hoping-to-be-a-jet-for-life">said</a> he hopes to be a Jet for life.

WINNIPEG, CANADA - JANUARY 18: Adam Lowry #17 of the Winnipeg Jets looks on as he get set to take a third period face-off against the Calgary Flames at the Canada Life Centre on January 18, 2025 in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada.

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Jets' Lowry sidelined 5-6 months after hip surgery

Florida Panthers head coach Paul Maurice announced Sam Reinhart, Niko Mikkola, and A.J. Greer are...

Florida Panthers head coach Paul Maurice announced <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3945" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3945">Sam Reinhart</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/4582" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4582">Niko Mikkola</a>, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/9403" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/9403">A.J. Greer</a> are expected to return to the lineup for Game 5 of the Eastern Conference Final, according to <a href="https://x.com/JamesonCoop/status/1927760445579928022">team reporter Jameson Olive</a>.Reinhart missed Games 3 and 4 after sustaining a lower-body injury on a hit from <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/5681" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/5681">Sebastian Aho</a>. Mikkola and Greer only missed Game 4, which Carolina won to avoid a sweep.Reinhart has notched 11 points in 14 playoff games this spring and plays key roles in all situations. Mikkola has evolved into a key piece on Florida's defense this postseason, contributing five points while averaging nearly 20 minutes per contest. Greer has registered two goals and one assist playing on the fourth line.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>The Panthers would become the eighth franchise in NHL history to make a third straight Stanley Cup Final with a win Wednesday.Game 5 is scheduled for 8 p.m. ET in Raleigh. The Panthers are 7-2 on the road in these playoffs.

SUNRISE, FL - FEBRUARY 22: Sam Reinhart #13 of the Florida Panthers skates up ice against the Seattle Kraken during first period action at the Amerant Bank Arena on February 22, 2025 in Sunrise, Florida.

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Panthers' Reinhart, Mikkola, Greer expected to return for Game 5

Edmonton Oilers forward Zach Hyman is expected to miss the remainder of the Stanley Cup Playoffs ...

Edmonton Oilers forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/1723" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/1723">Zach Hyman</a> is expected to miss the remainder of the Stanley Cup Playoffs and will undergo surgery for the injury he sustained in Game 4, head coach Kris Knoblauch announced Wednesday.Hyman left during the first period Tuesday and was unable to return after a hit from Dallas Stars forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/9435" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/9435">Mason Marchment</a>.<figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Zach Hyman heads to the dressing room after taking a hit from Mason Marchment <a href="https://t.co/pKJcoL5qxm">pic.twitter.com/pKJcoL5qxm</a>— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) <a href="https://twitter.com/Sportsnet/status/1927524371112898765?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 28, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure>"We'll just leave it as upper body," Knoblauch said, per <a href="https://www.nhl.com/news/edmonton-oilers-zach-hyman-leaves-game-4-with-injury">NHL.com's Gerry Moddejonge</a>. "He's our everything out there. Last year, he scored about 70 goals and numerous important, big goals in the playoffs."<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Goaltender <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/6553" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/6553">Stuart Skinner</a> said, "He's a huge piece, a key piece. He's a leader in the room. The way he is after every period, he's never too high, never too low. He is a cliche. He is a hard worker, he grinds, he does the little things right, and on top of that, he's an amazing human being. You can ask anybody, everyone loves that guy."Hyman notched 11 points in 15 playoff games this spring, and he leads all players with 111 hits. He was typically deployed on Edmonton's first line with <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/4560" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4560">Connor McDavid</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/2031" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/2031">Ryan Nugent-Hopkins</a>.The Oilers overcame Hyman's absence and defeated the Stars 4-1 to move within one win of their second consecutive Stanley Cup Final appearance.Game 5 is scheduled for Thursday night in Dallas.

EDMONTON, CANADA - MAY 25: Zach Hyman #18 of the Edmonton Oilers in action during the Game Three of the Western Conference Finals of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs against the Dallas Stars at Rogers Place on May 25, 2025, in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.

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Hyman likely done for playoffs after Game 4 injury

Newly hired Chicago Blackhawks head coach Jeff Blashill is looking forward to working with Connor...

Newly hired Chicago Blackhawks head coach Jeff Blashill is looking forward to working with <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/13829" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/13829">Connor Bedard</a> and helping the 2023 first overall pick take the next step in his career."I think Connor's going to get to another level," Blashill said at his introductory press conference Tuesday, according to <a href="https://www.nhl.com/news/blackhawks-coach-blashill-says-bedard-and-other-young-players-key-to-postseason-return">NHL.com's Tracey Myers</a>. "I don't think there's any question because like other superstars in this league, he has the drive, the want, to be the very, very best he can be."There's zero doubt of the ability that he has. When you watch him with the puck on his stick, both his ability to shoot pucks and his ability to create plays and make passes is really, really elite."<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>The Blackhawks brought in Blashill last week. Chicago fired Luke Richardson in December, and Anders Sorensen filled the role on an interim basis for the remainder of the season.The club struggled under both coaches and finished the year 31st in the league standings. Many expected the Blackhawks to take a step forward in Bedard's second season, but success never materialized. Bedard was subject to plenty of criticism throughout the campaign, and Blashill has a plan to help the 19-year-old's game evolve."Working toward Connor's strengths will be important," Blashill said. "Making sure you're stopping on pucks, making sure your changes are great, making sure you're (taking) short shifts, all those things lead to the development side of a winner. Then there's also the development side of continuing to find ways to separate yourself. In Connor's case, how can he separate himself with the puck to create a little bit more space, because when he has space in the offensive zone, he's excellent as we stand here today."Bedard led the Blackhawks with 67 points this season but was a minus-36. Chicago is projected to have nearly $30 million in cap space this summer to help build around him.

CHICAGO, IL - JANUARY 13: Connor Bedard #98 of the Chicago Blackhawks skates back to the bench after scoring a goal during the second period against the Calgary Flames on January 13, 2025 at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois.

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Blashill confident Bedard will 'get to another level'

The Dallas Stars know it's do-or-die time and need to rediscover their game after falling behind ...

The Dallas Stars know it's do-or-die time and need to rediscover their game after falling behind 3-1 in the Western Conference Final on Tuesday night."It's time to reset again," <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/4772" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4772">Mikko Rantanen</a> said, according to <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6387214/2025/05/28/stars-oilers-rantanen-goals/">The Athletic's Pierre LeBrun</a>. "It's not over until somebody wins four games. Now we go to home ice. You don't think about what the series is. It's about just win one game. And try to come back to Alberta."The Stars' offense has dried up over the past three games. After scoring six times in the series opener, Dallas has managed only three goals since despite creating plenty of chances at five-on-five.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>"A little bit of the same story, right? Just can't get that lead," head coach Pete DeBoer said. "Yeah, I loved our first period. Other than I thought we missed the net too much. I think 15 missed shots. We've got to make it a little bit tougher and make sure we're hitting nets in those situations. But really, to play a period like that and not get out even or up, you're actually down a goal, is a tough spot."The Stars boasted the third-best offense in the regular season and had little issue scoring through the first two rounds of the playoffs. Rantanen was the driving force of Dallas' attack early in the postseason, but he's managed only two assists so far against the Oilers."I try to help and haven't been able to do it as much this series as would be needed to win games," Rantanen said. "So, I will try to reset myself tomorrow and try to find some keys to get a bounce or two and try to help us win a game."Game 5 is scheduled for Thursday night in Dallas.

EDMONTON, CANADA - MAY 27: Kasperi Kapanen #42 of the Edmonton Oilers celebrates after scoring an empty-net goal against the Dallas Stars during the third period in Game Four of the Western Conference Final of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Rogers Place on May 27, 2025 in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.

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Rantanen: Stars must 'reset' facing elimination

Wyatt Johnston is a league-worst minus-17 in the Stanley Cup Playoffs, but the Dallas Stars aren'...

<a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/10699" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/10699">Wyatt Johnston</a> is a league-worst minus-17 in the Stanley Cup Playoffs, but the Dallas Stars aren't worried about his game. Johnston's plus-minus has taken a hit with empty-net and shorthanded goals against, but he is still a minus-8 at five-on-five. Teammate <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/284" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/284">Matt Duchene</a> is confident the troubling numbers aren't getting to Johnston."I hope that he is not reading too much into it or thinking too much about it," Duchene said, per <a href="https://www.nhl.com/news/stars-continue-to-have-faith-in-center-johnston?utm_source=nhldotcom&amp;utm_medium=social">NHL.com's Nicholas Cotsonika</a>. "It's a weird, freaky thing that happens. It seems like stuff like that happens in playoffs, where it goes really far one way or really far the other way for guys, and he's fine. We have all the faith in the world in him."<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Johnston ranked third on Dallas with 71 points this season, and signed a five-year, $42-million extension in March. The 22-year-old has eight points in the playoffs, a steep decline from the 10 goals and 16 points he registered during the Stars' run to the Western Conference Final last year."He's a 22-year-old with a lot on his plate, and I think he's just fine," Stars head coach Pete DeBoer said.DeBoer described Johnston's numbers as "out of proportion.""I think like the rest of our group, I think he needs to feel the confidence of a puck going in," DeBoer said. "... I think he needs some help with the guys that he's playing with on the ice. He needs some support there. He can't do that alone. You know, he's had some tough assignments so far in the playoffs."Dallas has been outscored 31-23 at five-on-five in these playoffs, but can even its series with the Edmonton Oilers with a win Tuesday night.

DALLAS, TX - MAY 21: Wyatt Johnston #53 of the Dallas Stars skates against the Edmonton Oilers in the first period of Game One of the Western Conference Finals of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs at the American Airlines Center on May 21, 2025 in Dallas, Texas.

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Stars boost struggling Johnston: 'He needs some support out there'

Longtime NHL winger Tomas Tatar has signed a two-year contract with EV Zug in Switzerland, the te...

Longtime NHL winger <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/1364" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/1364">Tomas Tatar</a> has signed a two-year contract with EV Zug in Switzerland, the team announced. Tatar was scheduled for unrestricted free agency this summer after finishing his 14th NHL season. He played for the New Jersey Devils in 2024-25, notching 17 points in 74 games during his second stint with the organization.The 34-year-old has bounced around a lot during his career, spending time with the Detroit Red Wings, Vegas Golden Knights, Montreal Canadiens, Colorado Avalanche, Seattle Kraken, and the Devils. <div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Tatar was a second-round pick of the Red Wings in 2009. He's recorded 496 points in 927 games.

NEWARK, NJ - MAY 01: New Jersey Devils left wing Tomas Tatar (90) skates with the puck during Game 7 of an Eastern Conference First Round playoff game between the New York Rangers and the New Jersey Devils on May 1, 2023, at Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey.

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Tatar signs 2-year contract in Swiss league

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) announced Tuesday that Russian teams will remain banned...

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) announced Tuesday that Russian teams will remain banned from the 2026 Winter Games in Milano Cortina.Russian officials held talks with the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) about the ban with NHLers set to return to the Games for the first time since 2014. However, the IIHF will follow the IOC's rules."The IOC Executive Board recommendation from March 2023 with regard to teams of athletes with a Russian passport remains in place," the IOC said, according to <a href="https://www.espn.com/olympics/story/_/id/45341792/ioc-says-russian-teams-remain-banned-26-winter-olympics">Reuters</a>. "It is based on the fact that, by definition, a group of Individual Neutral Athletes cannot be considered a team. We take note that the IIHF has confirmed that it will follow this recommendation."<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Russian and Belarusian teams have been banned from IIHF events since the invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Select Russian and Belarusian athletes were permitted to compete in the 2024 Paris Olympics, but did so without representing their flags and anthems. Russia's men's hockey team won gold at the 2018 Olympics and silver in 2022.

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IOC upholds ban on Russian teams for 2026 Olympics

Will Zalatoris announced Monday he underwent surgery on two re-herniated discs in his back after ...

<a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///pga/players/1622" href="https://thescore.com/pga/players/1622">Will Zalatoris</a> announced Monday he underwent surgery on two re-herniated discs in his back after dealing with discomfort throughout the early portions of the 2025 PGA TOUR season."This spring, I started feeling some discomfort and instability in my back that progressively got worse," Zalatoris said in <a href="https://x.com/GolfDigest/status/1926997670582767974">statement</a>. Following the PGA Championship, an MRI showed that I re-herniated two discs. After discussing the options with my medical team, I underwent surgery this past Friday with Dr. Michael Duffy at the Texas Back Institute. "I'm happy to say I woke up feeling good and excited about my long-term back health. Time to focus on my recovery and get back after it. ... Looking forward to seeing everyone in the fall."<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Zalatoris has dealt with back issues throughout his career. The 28-year-old missed the majority of the 2023 season after back surgery and had a procedure for herniated discs at the end of 2022.His best finish this year was a T-12 at The American Express in January. He missed the cut at both of this season's majors. Zalatoris won TOUR Rookie of the Year in 2021 and recorded the only win of his career at the 2022 FedEx St. Jude Championship.

CHARLOTTE, NC - MAY 16: Will Zalatoris (USA) plays his tee shot at the 9th hole during the second round of the PGA Championship on May 16, 2025 at Quail Hollow Country Club in Charlotte, North Carolina.

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Zalatoris undergoes surgery for re-herniated discs in back

Wins all count the same in the Stanley Cup Playoffs, but Edmonton Oilers captain Connor McDavid i...

Wins all count the same in the Stanley Cup Playoffs, but Edmonton Oilers captain <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/4560" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4560">Connor McDavid</a> is impressed with the way his club has found different ways to earn them so far in the Western Conference Final.The Oilers won Game 2 with a stout defensive effort, then took Game 3 on Sunday with an offensive explosion despite many of the underlying stats favoring the Dallas Stars. "You have to win games different ways," McDavid said, per <a href="https://www.nhl.com/news/connor-mcdavid-continues-to-be-difference-maker-for-edmonton-oilers">NHL.com's Mike Zeisberger</a>. "You've got to have dominant nights, you've got to have nights where maybe your goalie is better than theirs, and you've got to have nights where your special teams just gets it done.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>"Got to find different ways to win games in different ways, and, obviously, we did it again tonight."McDavid scored twice Sunday to help drive Edmonton to a 6-1 victory and a 2-1 series lead. He only had one goal in his previous 10 contests but recorded 12 assists over that span."I think people forget he's a 60-goal scorer," linemate <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/1723" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/1723">Zach Hyman</a> said. "I mean, he's probably an underrated goal-scorer. He makes the right play, whether it's a pass or a goal, right?"Best player in the world. And when he has an opportunity to shoot it, and he shoots it, there's a good chance it goes in."McDavid's taken top spot in the postseason scoring race with 22 points in 14 games. He won the Conn Smythe as playoff MVP last year despite losing the Stanley Cup Final after he notched 42 points, the fourth-highest total in NHL history. The Oilers will look to grab a 3-1 series lead in Game 4 on Tuesday night.

EDMONTON, CANADA - MAY 25: Connor McDavid #97 of the Edmonton Oilers shoots the puck against the Dallas Stars during the second period in Game Three of the Western Conference Final of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Rogers Place on May 25, 2025 in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.

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McDavid credits Oilers' versatility: 'You have to win games different ways'

Trades and signings are exciting, but no transaction gets the hockey world buzzing like an offer ...

Trades and signings are exciting, but no transaction gets the hockey world buzzing like an offer sheet.They're a rarity, but after the St. Louis Blues struck gold by poaching Dylan Holloway and Philip Broberg from the Edmonton Oilers last summer, there's arguably more incentive than ever for general managers to force other teams' hands.Not to mention, there's plenty more cap space to go around in 2025 with the league's limit set to rise to $95.5 million for next season.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Before we dive into this summer's top targets, here are a few reminders about the offer-sheet process:<ul>
<li>Teams can only surrender their own draft picks as compensation.</li>
<li>Any player declaring for arbitration is ineligible for an offer sheet. Players must declare by July 5.</li>
<li>Teams have seven days to match an offer sheet signed by their player.</li>
</ul>Here's a look at the compensation tiers for this offseason:<figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="[ Insert title here ]" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-N3JpO" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/N3JpO/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="400" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",(function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}}))}();
</script></figure>* - Denotes arbitration-eligible player<h3>Pipe dreams</h3>Matthew KniesNo player has generated more offer-sheet speculation than Knies. Part of the buzz can be attributed to Knies playing for the Maple Leafs, but the reality is that he's developing into one of the NHL's premier power forwards and would be an enticing add for virtually any team. While he'd likely have to sign a highly lucrative contract for the Maple Leafs to even consider not matching, the club's financial flexibility hinges on UFAs Mitch Marner and John Tavares.Knies' next deal could easily wind up in the range of $7 million to $9 million after he registered 29 goals and 182 hits this past season. It's a significant amount, but the Leafs appear to be in good shape to keep him, as the 22-year-old scoffed at the idea of playing elsewhere at his end-of-season availability.Evan Bouchard*Will someone go after the Oilers again? It worked swimmingly for the Blues last summer, and Bouchard is a certified star who could transform any team's blue line and top power play. Cale Makar and Quinn Hughes are the only defensemen to record more points over the past two seasons, but Bouchard is in a class of his own with 49 playoff points and counting over that span. He proved his worth over the course of his bridge deal and now deserves to be paid like the rest of the league's top rearguards.It may seem feasible for a rival team to throw a bag at Bouchard and hope he's tempted to sign, but only 15 organizations have the adequate picks to offer the Oilers the second-highest compensation package - and most of them aren't Stanley Cup-ready. There's little incentive for Bouchard to leave a perennial contender that's probably willing to pony up the money itself.<h3>Long shots who might be worth a try</h3>Gabe Vilardi*<figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/783307/cropped_GettyImages-2207257973.jpg?ts=1746028693" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/783307/w220xh124_GettyImages-2207257973.jpg?ts=1746028693 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/783307/w320xh180_GettyImages-2207257973.jpg?ts=1746028693 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/783307/w640xh360_GettyImages-2207257973.jpg?ts=1746028693 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/783307/w768xh432_GettyImages-2207257973.jpg?ts=1746028693 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/783307/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2207257973.jpg?ts=1746028693 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Darcy Finley / NHL / Getty Images</figcaption></figure>Vilardi has established himself as a legitimate offensive threat with the Jets, notching 97 points in 118 games since arriving in Winnipeg as part of the return for Pierre-Luc Dubois. He plays top-six minutes and is fresh off a career-high 27 goals and 61 points this season.The Jets shouldn't have much of an issue giving Vilardi a raise, regardless of whether any team ups the ante with an offer sheet. Winnipeg has the majority of its roster signed for next season, and with ample cap space (approximately $25.6 million), the club could feasibly sign Vilardi, as well as UFA Nikolaj Ehlers, and still leave some money available to make improvements elsewhere.JJ PeterkaPeterka isn't a household name but is on track to become one after producing 28 and 27 goals over the past two seasons. The 23-year-old ranked fourth in Evolving-Hockey's offensive goals above replacement metric this season, trailing only Leon Draisaitl, David Pastrnak, and Connor McDavid.The main reason Peterka isn't in the pipe dream section is because he plays for the Sabres, who have developed a remarkable knack for giving away young talent. It would be nothing short of asinine if the Sabres were to lose Peterka due to an offer sheet, especially considering the club has $21.4 million in cap space to work with this summer. Peterka is part of the solution in Buffalo, and signing him for as long as possible is the right move.Lukas Dostal* or Mason McTavishThe Ducks have a pair of impact RFAs to take care of this summer in Dostal and McTavish, but it's difficult to imagine Anaheim giving up on its goalie of the future or a 22-year-old top-six center that could be the club's captain one day. That being said, if a team wants to recreate last year's double steal by the Blues, this could be the best combination of players.Dostal ranked ninth among all netminders in goals saved above expected as well as GAR. He often won games singlehandedly for the Ducks. McTavish, meanwhile, led Anaheim with 22 goals and is only four years removed from being drafted third overall. The Ducks have the cap space to give both players suitable raises and don't have much of a need for the excess draft capital they'd recoup from an offer sheet. Consider this one highly unlikely.Noah Dobson*<figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/766871/cropped_GettyImages-2192309885.jpg?ts=1737650688" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/766871/w220xh124_GettyImages-2192309885.jpg?ts=1737650688 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/766871/w320xh180_GettyImages-2192309885.jpg?ts=1737650688 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/766871/w640xh360_GettyImages-2192309885.jpg?ts=1737650688 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/766871/w768xh432_GettyImages-2192309885.jpg?ts=1737650688 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/766871/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2192309885.jpg?ts=1737650688 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Rich Graessle / Getty Images Sport / Getty</figcaption></figure>Dobson's potential availability was unthinkable after last season, when he finished eighth in Norris Trophy voting on the strength of a 70-point campaign. His future is considerably more murky now after finishing 2024-25 as a minus-12 with 39 points and with a potential new No. 1 defenseman entering the mix if the Islanders draft Matthew Schaefer first overall.It would be an incredibly risky move for whoever takes over New York's GM chair to let Dobson walk. After all, he's only 25 and has shown he's capable of being an elite blue-liner. The smart move is locking him up while his value is low and hoping his down year was an outlier in an otherwise impressive start to his career. <h3>Cheap-value targets</h3>Marco RossiRossi jumped from 40 to 60 points this past season, but he wasn't a factor in the playoffs. He was demoted to fourth-line center at times and averaged 11:08 of ice time in the Wild's first-round defeat after playing 18:15 per game in the regular season. Much like Holloway, a bigger opportunity on another team could be enticing for Rossi.Minnesota is finally freed from the most expensive portions of Zach Parise's and Ryan Suter's buyouts, and management is on the record about wanting to be aggressive with the newfound flexibility. Extending superstar Kirill Kaprizov and going shopping on the free-agent market might not leave enough money to give Rossi what he hopes for.Will CuylleWith Knies likely unattainable, Cuylle could be a cheaper option for teams in the market for a heavy winger. The 23-year-old managed 20 goals and a whopping 301 hits this season for the Rangers while averaging only 15 minutes per night. Cuylle also led the Blueshirts at plus-12.The Rangers aren't in a position to give up on young players, but they enter the offseason with only $8.4 million in cap space and a long list of areas to improve. Trading a veteran could open up some money to sign Cuylle or the other six RFAs on the books. The Rangers are arguably the team most vulnerable to an offer sheet on this list.(Salary-cap info source: <a href="https://puckpedia.com/">PuckPedia</a>) (Advanced stats source: <a href="https://evolving-hockey.com/">Evolving-Hockey</a>)

EDMONTON, CANADA - FEBRUARY 1: Evan Bouchard #2 of the Edmonton Oilers skates against Matthew Knies #23 of the Toronto Maple Leafs during the first period of the game at Rogers Place on February 1, 2025 in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.

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Top offer-sheet candidates for the 2025 NHL offseason

Carolina Hurricanes head coach Rod Brind'Amour sent a message to his top players after Saturday's...

Carolina Hurricanes head coach Rod Brind'Amour sent a message to his top players after Saturday's disheartening Game 3 loss to the Florida Panthers.The Panthers dominated the third period en route to a 6-2 victory and grabbed a 3-0 series lead in the Eastern Conference Final."The four rookies in the lineup can't be some of your better players," Brind'Amour told media postgame. "That can't happen. There's a couple guys in there that I don't think came to play the way they needed to in this time of year. It can't be <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/1033" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/1033">Jordan Staal</a> and Martinook being our best players. That can't always be that way. And they are every night. We needed more out of some guys."<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Brind'Amour didn't single anyone out, but Carolina's top line of <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/1690" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/1690">Taylor Hall</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/5681" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/5681">Sebastian Aho</a>, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/9199" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/9199">Seth Jarvis </a>was caved in throughout the contest. The trio was outscored 2-0 and out-attempted 17-6 at five-on-five while owning a 16.80% expected goals rate, according to <a href="https://www.naturalstattrick.com/game.php?season=20242025&amp;game=30313">Natural Stat Trick</a>. Carolina's Staal-Martinook-<a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/10707" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/10707">Logan Stankoven</a> line was also on for two goals against but had much stronger underlying metrics. The Hurricanes' back end was without <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/6471" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/6471">Sean Walker</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/4610" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4610">Jalen Chatfield</a> because of injury, which brought rookies <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/10627" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/10627">Scott Morrow</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/9243" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/9243">Alexander Nikishin</a> into the lineup. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/1906" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/1906">Dmitry Orlov</a> moved to his off side to accommodate Nikishin, and was a minus-4 with a handful of costly turnovers.The Hurricanes scored only two goals in the opening two games of the series. Game 3 was tied 1-1 to start the third period, but Carolina unraveled in dramatic fashion as Florida scored five goals in a little more than nine minutes.Brind'Amour lamented his club's carelessness with the puck. "I think we were there, obviously," Brind'Amour said. "We were playing better, and then just to turn pucks over, it's not what we do. No one does that. Pretty surprised. You can't do that. You can't do it any time. Preseason game it's going to cost you, but against that team, and you turn it over for an odd-man rush, forget it."The Hurricanes have lost 15 consecutive Eastern Conference Final games dating back to 2009. The past seven defeats have come against the Panthers.Game 4 is scheduled for Monday night in Sunrise.

RALEIGH, NC - MAY 22: Carolina Hurricanes head coach Rod Brind'Amour participates in a press conference after game two of the Eastern Conference Final of the NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs between the Florida Panthers and the Carolina Hurricanes on May 22, 2025 at Lenovo Center in Raleigh, North Carolina.

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Brind'Amour calls out Canes' stars, demands 'more out of some guys'

Florida Panthers forward Eetu Luostarinen was given a five-minute major and a game misconduct for...

Florida Panthers forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/2631" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/2631">Eetu Luostarinen</a> was given a five-minute major and a game misconduct for boarding Carolina Hurricanes counterpart <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/10630" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/10630">Jackson Blake</a> late in the first period of Game 3 on Saturday.<figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Five-minute major and a game misconduct for Eetu Luostarinen for boarding Jackson Blake<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TimeToHunt?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TimeToHunt</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RaiseUp?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RaiseUp</a> <a href="https://t.co/jQqUmMQnI7">pic.twitter.com/jQqUmMQnI7</a>— Hockey Daily 365 l NHL Highlights &amp; News (@HockeyDaily365) <a href="https://twitter.com/HockeyDaily365/status/1926440157336444973?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 25, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure>Blake was bloodied by the hit but was able to leave the ice under his own power. Luostarinen has been a key contributor to Florida's success this postseason. The 26-year-old entered Game 3 with 13 points in 14 playoff games while leading the playoffs with a plus-12. Luostarinen has primarily been deployed on the third line with <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/9200" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/9200">Anton Lundell</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/100" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/100">Brad Marchand</a>, and the trio has outscored opposition 10-2 at five-on-five, according to <a href="https://www.naturalstattrick.com/linestats.php?fromseason=20242025&amp;thruseason=20242025&amp;stype=3&amp;sit=5v5&amp;score=all&amp;rate=n&amp;team=FLA&amp;vteam=ALL&amp;view=wowy&amp;loc=B&amp;gpfilt=none&amp;fd=2025-04-19&amp;td=2025-05-24&amp;tgp=2000&amp;strict=incl&amp;p1=8480185&amp;p2=8473419&amp;p3=8482113&amp;p4=0&amp;p5=0">Natural Stat Trick</a>.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Blake's notched three goals and three assists in the playoffs. The rookie winger had 34 points in the regular season.

TORONTO, ON - MAY 07: Florida Panthers Center Eetu Luostarinen (27) in warmups prior to the Stanley Cup Playoffs Second Round Game 2 between the Florida Panthers and Toronto Maple Leafs on May 7, 2025 at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto, On.

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Panthers' Luostarinen ejected from Game 3 for boarding

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

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

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

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Fast, Knight, Poulin nominated for PWHL MVP

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