Two of the six NWHL teams made key re-signings over the past two days. Both players played prominent roles for their teams as rookies last season and will be counted upon for that same type of production during the league’s upcoming season. The Buffalo Beauts announced on July 8 that they have re-signed forward Iveta […]

Let’s start by addressing the big difference between the 2019 NHL Playoff Columbus Blue Jackets and the 2020 postseason Blue Jackets: Lots of talent left coach John Tortorella’s team as free agents last summer. Nonetheless, I think a deep look into the Blue Jackets’ playoff performance last summer bodes well for this postseason. (Note that […]

Over the many years of a legendary career, Pittsburgh Penguins general manager Jim Rutherford has shown he does not shy away from making massive trades to make his team competitive. On July 30, 2019, he proved that again by trading away a star player who was crucial to the back-to-back Stanley Cup-winning playoff runs in […]

Last week the NHL and NHL Players’ Association NHLPA tentatively agreed to extend the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) for another four years, which means it will run through the 2025-26 season. Not much was made of that extension at the time, but it’s a big deal and offers labor certainty for the foreseeable future. As […]

The NHL salary cap is expected to remain flat at $81.5 million in 2020-2021. Several teams could have used a higher cap limit to re-sign their free agents. Eight teams have 20 or more standard player contracts, or SPC, to fill (teams are allowed 50 max per season) and 12 teams have under 14 players on […]

Rookies are often thrust into the spotlight as hockey minds try to predict a young player’s potential for growth. Watching a star grow into their own is one of the more exciting parts of hockey, especially when they show flashes of brilliance in their first NHL season. These are the five rookies who did it […]

In today’s NHL rumors rundown, the New Jersey Devils have officially made their coaching and GM announcement changes. The Florida Panthers are losing Chris Pronger and the Toronto Maple Leafs are one of five teams listed by the Hockey news as franchises that will be heavily affected by a flat salary cap. What’s their plan? […]

Numbers, stats, and figures are an integral part of the hockey viewing experience. The game is rife with scoring slumps, hot streaks, losing skids, and dynastic stretches of winning. The thing is, not all streaks are created equal. Sometimes remarkable individual accolades take center stage as one particular player lights the league on fire. During […]

The 2020 CHL import draft took place on June 30, and the Victoria Royals selected Marcus Almquist with the 27th overall pick. Although they already have two import players on the roster in Phillip Schultz and Keanu Derungs, the Royals were allowed to make a selection as Schultz is now considered a league overage player. […]

Before the wrench that is the COVID-19 pandemic was thrown into the mix, the NHL was projecting an increase in the ceiling of the salary cap to between $84 and $88 million. That would have helped the Vancouver Canucks re-sign their key assets in Jacob Markstrom, Chris Tanev, Jake Virtanen, and possibly even Tyler Toffoli […]

Life has been pretty crazy for Drake Cagguila of late. As a matter of fact, since becoming a member of the Chicago Blackhawks in the middle of the 2018-19 season, it’s been a roller coaster for the gritty forward. He was traded to the team in December of 2018, where he dealt with both injuries […]

Sweden is likely to produce two top-10 picks in the upcoming National Hockey League draft and their international head coach had plenty to say about them. Plus, college hockey is starting to take hits as conferences drop out of fall and winter sports. Finally, we profile one of the top college hockey recruits heading into […]

Since the establishment of the Columbus Blue Jackets, they have been in search of success. While the fans got a taste of success in the 2019 Stanley Cup Playoffs, success has been elusive for the organization. In this article the beginnings of the franchise, where the franchise stands now, and what the team has meant […]

The events of July 9 are full of Hall of Fame names who left their mark on the National Hockey League, both on the ice and in the front office. There were trades, free agent signings, births and retirements. Sakic Hangs Them Up On July 9, 2009, Joe Sakic announces his retirement just two days […]

Red Wings’ 2019 Draft Class Headlined by first-round picks Filip Zadina and Joe Veleno, the Detroit Red Wings’ 2018 draft class initially looked like a gold mine for the rebuilding franchise. That favorable evaluation was based on then-current talent levels and potential. And potential can only be achieved through player development. But how can prospects […]

As good as the Toronto Maple Leafs have been recently, it’s been 51 years since they last won the Stanley Cup, longer than any other team. They are also second to the Florida Panthers in that they haven’t won a playoff series in 14 years. With a young, talented roster, is this the season? Related: […]

As we inch closer to the qualifying rounds, teams are preparing for Aug. 1. While we’re still in the midst of a pandemic, the hub cities of Edmonton and Toronto offer reassurance that the players will be in a safe environment where cases are on the decline. With everyone’s safety in mind, fans are hoping […]

The 2010s were an interesting decade for the Calgary Flames. For the most part, their first-round picks did not pan out as they had hoped. Usually, this would result in a very unsuccessful franchise. However, thanks to some great picks in the later rounds, they have made the playoffs in four of the last six […]

The New Jersey Devils have hired Lindy Ruff as their new head coach, as per NHL.com’s Kevin Weekes. Ruff, 60, has served as an assistant coach with the New York Rangers since the 2017-18 season. He will cross the Hudson River to take on his first head coaching gig since 2017. Ruff will bring 1493 […]

In today’s NHL rumor rundown, Chris Tanev talks about wanting to play alongside Quinn Hughes, while there’s talk about Hughes and Elias Pettersson extension. Meanwhile, the Vegas Golden Knights could be seeking a backup goalie. Where will they find one? For both the Montreal Canadiens and New York Rangers, they could be without two key […]

While the 2020 NHL Draft may be months away, this hasn’t stopped THW’s own Larry Fisher from breaking down and ranking literally hundreds of hopeful draft prospects. Today we will look at his recent article about the 2020 forward class (spoiler, it’s a fantastic group). Also, we will discuss the Chicago Blackhawks likely signing a […]

The hockey world is anxiously waiting for any news about when the 2020-21 season might start for the various leagues around the world. For the QMJHL’s Gatineau Olympiques in particular, the excitement is sky-high. Despite finishing 16th in the league in 2019-20, the team has a number of young, exciting players either returning or that […]

After winning Stanley Cups in 2012 and 2014, the Los Angeles Kings’ talent has dried up, leaving them struggling to keep up with the younger and faster teams. The Kings have only won one playoff game since 2014, and have allowed much of their Stanley Cup roster to leave the squad. Luckily, many of these […]

It’s been six years since the Vancouver Canucks had one of the worst seasons in franchise history. It wasn’t their worst record to date, but the season featured multiple events that caused a downward spiral. The Canucks landed the sixth-overall pick that season, the highest since 1999 when they drafted Daniel and Henrik Sedin. 5 […]

The 2019-20 Western Hockey League season provided a glimpse of what is to come on the ice for the Saskatoon Blades in the coming seasons. After the emergence of the team’s young core this past season, expectations are high for the 2020 NHL Entry Draft, which could feature the most Blades content in more than […]

There have been a few famous lines that are recognized during the Philadelphia Flyers’ existence. The Legion of Doom, LCB, and Crazy Eights Line are just a few of the more well-known trios who provided fond memories for fans over the years. Related: John LeClair – A Prototypical Power Forward A line that does not […]

One of the biggest question marks surrounding the Nashville Predators is who will be the number one goalie heading into the 2020 Stanley Cup Playoffs? However, Pekka Rinne’s resume still trumps Juuse Saros’ Related: 7 Things About Mikael Granlund Since 2010, Rinne has been the guy, posting a 2.49 goals-against average (GAA) and a .914 […]

The latest scoop from the Chicago Blackhawks has a theme: new. We have new faces and new dates to catch you up to speed. We also have some new, yet familiar faces that have joined the team as they are continuing their preparations for their qualifying-round series against the Edmonton Oilers. Return to Play Schedule […]

After an absence of NHL players from the 2018 Winter Olympic Games in PyeongChang, South Korea, there is hope that they will return for the 2022 Games in Beijing, China. A new collective bargaining agreement (CBA) could see players going to the Olympics in 2022 and 2026, and the league and the NHL Players’ Association […]

It is well stated that the Ottawa Senators have one of the deepest prospect systems in the NHL, and it will become even deeper after the 2020 NHL Draft. With the Senators picking third and fifth overall this year, the expectation is that at least one of those prospects will make the team in the […]

Current discourse about the National Hockey League’s quality of play waxes among those who feel that league talent is at an all-time high, while some suggest that given-so, that talent plays perhaps too mechanical; too system-oriented. “Too much parity,” some will suggest. One thing most agree on now, more than ever, is when any team […]

It is never easy to be told that your services are no longer needed. As a head coach of a sports team, that day can come at any time. Just ask Boston Bruins coach Bruce Cassidy. Cassidy had his first shot as a National Hockey League head coach with the Washington Capitals 18 years ago. […]

The questions keep rolling in from fans of the Toronto Maple Leafs as their play-in series draws closer and, while they don’t all have to do with their matchup with the Columbus Blue Jackets, the team’s fans want to know what’s going on with this team. Now, I won’t pretend to have a crystal ball […]

This date, in 1995, proved to be a very eventful one with the National Hockey League’s annual Entry Draft and the usual dealings that go with it. Over the years, it has also seen some veteran players end up in new places and a successful coach getting his first job in the league. A Busy […]

In this edition of Toronto Maple Leafs News & Rumors, I want to review Phil Kessel’s time with the team. I also want to share speculation about which Maple Leafs are likely to make Team Canada for the 2022 Beijing Olympic Games. Related: Maple Leafs News & Rumors: Hyman, Robertson, Tavares & Matthews Third, I […]

Two players from the NWHL’s first season are returning for the upcoming season. One of them has been a part of the league since day one, the other returned last season after a three-season hiatus where she played overseas. On July 6 the Connecticut Whale announced that a familiar face would be rejoining their team […]

In today’s NHL rumor rundown, there is news on the type of contract the Edmonton Oilers might offer Ethan Bear, news on Jake DeBrusk not taking a hometown discount to stay with the Boston Bruins, the Chicago Blackhawks are expected to sign a top defensive prospect, and other top prospects have a small window to […]

It’s an exaggeration to suggest the Montreal Canadiens’ chances against the Pittsburgh Penguins in their play-in round rest on sophomore-forward Jesperi Kotkaniemi’s shoulders. Only a slight one though. Price Leads the Way for Canadiens Obviously, the Canadiens will look primarily to goalie Carey Price to steal a few games. Reports indicated Price was one reason […]

Noah Delemont 2019-20 Team: Acadie-Bathurst TitanDate of Birth: Feb. 7, 2002Place of Birth: Biel-Bienne, SwitzerlandHt: 5-foot-10 Wt: 168 poundsShoots: LeftPosition: DNHL Draft Eligibility: 2020 first-year eligible Rankings The Hockey Writers (Fisher): 286th The Hockey Writers (Forbes): 163rd While Noah Delemont may not be ranked on some scouts lists, there still are a lot of things […]

The Florida Panthers haven’t had much playoff success in their 27-year history, but in just their third season in the NHL, they made a surprise run to the Stanley Cup Final. The Panthers were coming off a 1994-95 season where they were just one point shy from making the playoffs. Led by general manager Bryan […]

There is no question Joe Sakic was a spectacular professional ice hockey player. His leadership on and off the ice drove the team to success. Although there have been some questions regarding choices made during his time in the Colorado Avalanche management roles, he’s proven worthy in all positions. What is so amazing about the […]

When the Detroit Red Wings shocked the hockey world by taking Moritz Seider sixth-overall in the 2019 NHL Draft, there was mixed sentiment about both Seider and Detroit’s 2019 draft class. A year later, Steve Yzerman’s initial draft as the Red Wings’ general manager can be viewed much more favorably. Let’s dive into Detroit’s 11 […]

One of the top prospects experts has released his annual top 50 rankings of NHL prospects that have already been drafted. Also, the real drama of the 2020 NHL Entry Draft will begin with the second pick and we profile one of the centers of this year’s draft class. Wheeler’s Top 50 Scott Wheeler of […]

July 7 is a very important date in National Hockey League history as a pair of signings made it easier for players from Europe to come over, forever changing the game. There were also a handful of coaching moves and the birth of a Hall of Famer who is beloved in the Mile High State. […]

It looks like more players will be joining the Jets’ so-called ‘taxi squad’ than previously expected. News came out recently that the 24 NHL teams returning to action on Aug. 1 for summer playoffs in two hub cities will be allowed to carry 30 skaters through Phase 3 — the training camp stage — of […]

If you ask any Red Wings fan about the greatest weakness on their favorite team’s roster, chances are that they will bring up the defense. With a goals-against per-game average of 3.73, it’s easy to see why. The best defender on the 2019-20 Red Wings was Filip Hronek, and this was his first full season […]

After a few days of lengthy negotiations and multiple updates from NHL insiders noting the NHL and NHLPA were working on the final details of a new deal that would see them put pen to paper on a new CBA, it appears those negotiations are now complete. Pending ratification from the Board of Governors and […]

The 2019-20 season was certainly an interesting one for the Calgary Flames. If you didn’t follow them closely and just took a look at the standings, it would appear they had a pretty good season as they finished third in the Pacific Division with a record of 36-27-7. However, if you did follow them closely, […]

No matter how you paint the picture, a James Neal buyout isn’t pretty. If the Edmonton Oilers choose to cut loose their veteran forward thanks the announcement of a flat salary cap — or simply because they’ve decided he’s too pricey an option to keep around for the production he brings — the organization will […]

Though no official date has been announced for the start of this year’s 24-team postseason, it was reported by TSN’s Bob Mackenzie on July 2, that Edmonton would be one of the two “hub cities” when the NHL resumes. Despite the advantage of hosting games in their backyard, fan-less or not, at Rogers Place, the […]

Jack Eichel is “fed up with losing.” This comes in the wake of a season when his offensive production, minutes per game and analytics ticked upward for the fifth season in a row. There are a lot of tough questions being asked about the Buffalo Sabres right now, but some have begun to question if […]

Throughout the 50-plus year history of the St. Louis Blues, they’ve had a large number of great forwards, especially centers. From Adam Oates to Ryan O’Reilly and others, the history of centers in St. Louis is rich. Related: John LeClair – A Prototypical Power Forward With there being six decades worth of Blues hockey, we […]

Now that the CHL Import Draft is completed, I thought this would be a good time to take the temperature of the Erie Otters to see where they’re at as a team at this point in the offseason. While most of the attention is going to the North Bay’s and Niagara’s of the world thanks […]

The COVID-19 pandemic hit the NHL hard, with teams looking at an estimated loss of $1.31 million per home game. It’s no wonder the league is going full steam ahead with the 24-team play-in format to offset the losses and try to bring back a sense of normalcy. That being said, those financial losses will […]

When you’re hoping to sign a European free agent, there’s no better person for the job than Jim Paliafito, the Maple Leafs’ senior director of player evaluation. Although his name seldom is mentioned outside of hockey circles, he’s one of the key reasons that his employer has a strong team that can and will – […]

In today’s NHL rumor rundown, there is news on the Calgary Flames and whether or not Juuso Valimaki will join the team. In Chicago, there is potential pressure to change the team name and a shadow named Brent Seabrook ‘s status lingering over the roster. Would the Blackhawks even entertain the idea of a name […]