Around the NHL: Marner’s Golden Knights up 3-0 on Avalanche, Sabres likely trading goaltender
Without further ado, let’s jump right in, here’s the very latest from around the NHL:
Mitch Marner continues to dominate, Golden Knights push Avs to brink
Cale Makar’s return to the Stanley Cup Playoffs wasn’t enough for the Colorado Avalanche in Game 3, even though they got off to a 3-0 lead in the first period. Makar made his series debut on Sunday night, and gave the Avs the bolt of energy they needed, but unfortunately, there were two more periods to follow.
The Eastern Conference Final heads to Montreal on Monday night as the Canadiens host the Carolina Hurricanes in Game 3. The series is tied 1-1, after Hurricanes goaltender Frederik Andersen submitted a brutal performance in Game 1, but thanks to Nik Ehlers’ overtime winner, Carolina was able to split the first two at home. The Bell Centre will be rocking on Monday night.
Buffalo Sabres likely trading goaltender this offseason
After being eliminated by the Canadiens in the second round, the Buffalo Sabres are heading into an offseason full of question marks. While the team exceed expectations this season, the pressure is on to continue to momentum, and get back into contention next season. Expect to see some significant roster changes this summer, and it could all start in net.
The Oilers don’t have a ton of cap space, there’s some rumblings they’re trying to move Darnell Nurse, and they’re also in the process of finding a new head coach, which ironically could turn out to be Craig Berube. As far as trade candidates go, the Oilers are likely dangling their 2026 second-round pick, their 2028 first-round pick, and prospect Ike Howard.
With captain Connor McDavid having just two years left on his contract, the heat is on Oilers general manager Stan Bowman to make significant roster changes this summer to ensure McDavid is kept happy, and in Edmonton.
Quick hits from around the NHL
- After Craig Conroy made it known league wide the Calgary Flames are open for business, the team’s received a number of calls on center Morgan Frost. If Conroy is willing to retain 50% of Jonathan Huberdeau’s remaining contract, there’s a very good chance he’s dealt this summer.
- New York Rangers are open to trading Vincent Trocheck, and the two-way centre prefers to stick around the Eastern Conference.
- It’s possible both Luke Schenn and Logan Stanley are finished with the Sabres. After a huge deadline-deal to acquire the two defencemen, both were healthy scratches in Game 7 vs. Canadiens.
- Blue Jackets’ Boone Jenner has switched agents as he prepares for free agency. Could Charlie Coyle be named the new captain in Columbus?
- Maple Leafs’ Morgan Rielly topped Frank Seravalli’s first trade board of the summer. Rielly holds a full no-movement clause.
- LA Kings are making a push to re-sign Scott Laughton. Laughton reportedly has interest in returning to the Maple Leafs.