What the fears about the Islanders overpaying Noah Dobson get wrong
Let's start here with two players who are incredibly polarizing to their respective fan bases.
Player A finished this past season with 15 fewer points than the previous season, and 39 of the points he did get this season came on secondary assists. He's often cast as a defensive liability, but plays a heavy minutes workload — more than 23 minutes per game — and his contract expires at the end of this season. Evolving Hockey projects his next contract at eight years with a $10.6 million average annual value. Evolving Hockey clocked his expected goals percentage this season at 57.9 — sixth on his team but below its other stars, and well above his actual goals-for percentage of 52.07. He was left off Team Canada's roster at the 4 Nations.
Player B finished this past season with 31 points fewer than the previous season, and 13 of his 39 points this season came on secondary assists. He's also cast as a defensive liability, but plays more than 23 minutes per game. His contract expires at the end of the season. Evolving Hockey projects his next contract at eight years with a $10.1 million average annual value. His expected goals percentage at five-on-five this year was 54.3 — the best on his team of anyone with more than 800 minutes — with his goals-for percentage at 51.53. He also was left off Team Canada's roster at the 4 Nations.
Player A is Evan Bouchard.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Hamilton Spectator
a day ago
- Hamilton Spectator
From Niagara to the pitch: Port Colborne's Peter Montopoli helps kick off Canada's FIFA countdown
Let the countdown begin. As a towering countdown clock was unveiled Wednesday at Niagara Falls, marking one year until the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the moment held special meaning for one of the event's key leaders — and for Niagara. Peter Montopoli, chief operating officer of FIFA World Cup 2026's Canadian branch, returned to his roots in the region to help mark the milestone. Born and raised in Port Colborne, Montopoli reflected on how far both he and Canadian soccer have come. 'Today was a day that I was thinking back to being part of the Port Colborne Minor Soccer Club,' he said in an interview. 'The idea of getting in a car and going on a road trip to play in St. Catharines or Niagara Falls was exciting, it brought the whole community together.' Now, years later, Montopoli is leading Canada's efforts to host the world's largest sporting event. Let's break down when and where you can see live games without leaving the country. Wednesday's unveiling marked exactly one year until the first match of the tournament kicks off on June 11, 2026. Standing nearly 10 feet tall, the new countdown clock, featuring a maple leaf mosaic, sits at the brink of the falls. Peter Montopoli and Team Canada goalkeeper Sabrina D'Angelo unveil the World Cup Countdown Clock as Lisette Johnson-Stapley, director of operational services for the 2026 tourney, addresses the crowd. The ceremony featured remarks from Montopoli, local and provincial leaders, and national athletes, including Ontario Minister of Sport Neil Lumsden and Canadian Women's National Team's goalkeeper Sabrina D'Angelo. The evening was set to conclude with a special illumination of Niagara Falls in red, green, and blue, representing the three host nations: Canada, Mexico, and the United States. For Montopoli, the World Cup is more than a tournament — it's a chance to build a legacy. 'These kinds of events have a way of igniting passion for people in the sport,' he said. 'Football's really developed in Canada, but I think people really aspire to something when they see a countdown clock, when they see 13 matches in Canada.' He pointed to the success of the Canadian-hosted FIFA Women's World Cup in 2015 as proof that hosting can inspire a generation. 'Women's football took centre stage, and it brought it to another level. I think the same is going to happen here,' he said, while also emphasizing the importance of involving more than just the larger cities. 'People will move around,' he said, referring to the travel patterns expected during the tournament. 'So places like Niagara Falls and small communities are the ones that will benefit from the tourists on the eastern seaboard.' Ontario Minister of Sport and former Canadian football player Neil Lumsden addressed the crowd at the FIFA 26 Countown Clock unveiling in Niagara Falls on Wednesday. Ontario officials speaking at the ceremony mirrored Montopoli's optimism. 'The sound that you're hearing is rolling thunder. That thunder is attached to the people of the 2026 World Cup and it's going to land here in Ontario, and this thunder is just getting started,' Lumsden said to the crowd. 'The impact of FIFA, the World Cup, is going to be massive on so many fronts, and we're proud to be part of it.' For those across the region hoping to take part, Montopoli said opportunities are coming. 'Jump on board, be a part of the train that's coming,' he said. 'You could be a volunteer. We're going to be calling for volunteers in August, or host something in your local community.' For his hometown crowd in Port Colborne, Montopoli offered a final message. 'I would hope they're supporting Canada, but if not, we have a saying: we said it's OK to wear another country's jersey, as long as your home country's is underneath and closest to your heart.' More information on FIFA World Cup 26 and the scheduled Canadian games can be found on the organization's website . Error! Sorry, there was an error processing your request. There was a problem with the recaptcha. Please try again. You may unsubscribe at any time. By signing up, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google privacy policy and terms of service apply. Want more of the latest from us? Sign up for more at our newsletter page .
Yahoo
a day ago
- Yahoo
Evan Bouchard producing another memorable spring with Edmonton Oilers
FORT LAUDERDALE — Evan Bouchard has a reputation around the Oilers' locker room. Booming shot. Elite vision. Exceptional playmaking ability. And a heart rate that doesn't seem to ever spike. "Sometimes maybe a little bit too relaxed," Edmonton centre Leon Draisaitl said with a smile. "He instils a lot of calmness around our room when the puck is on his stick. There's a lot of trust in him. He's just a great player." Advertisement Bouchard broke out last season with 18 goals and 64 assists for 82 points in 81 games. He then added 32 points (six goals, 26 assists) in 25 playoffs contests in the Oilers' run to Game 7 of the Stanley Cup. The 25-year-old is having another memorable spring. Bouchard became the second-fastest defenceman in NHL history to reach 50 career playoff assists behind only Boston Bruins great Bobby Orr, hitting the milestone in just one more game (60 to 59) than the Hall of Fame blueliner. The No. 10 overall pick at the 2018 draft was also averaging 1.11 post-season points per contest in his career heading into Game 4 of this year's final Thursday against the Florida Panthers. The only player with higher mark? Orr and his eye-popping 1.24 points per contest. Advertisement "It's definitely just a cool thing," the soft-spoken Bouchard, also a man of few words, said of hearing his name mentioned in the same breath as a one of hockey's legendary talents. His numbers dipped a bit in 2024-25 to 67 points (14 goals, 53 assists) in 82 games. Bouchard had seven goals and 15 assists in 19 playoff games ahead of Thursday. Oilers captain Connor McDavid said the Oakville, Ont., product's defensive detail has vastly improved. "A guy that's always understood the offensive side and makes great play after great play," said the superstar forward. "Just to see him dig in defensively, take on a role on the penalty kill, it's been impressive. He's been really, really solid." Advertisement Edmonton centre Adam Henrique, who joined the club towards the end of last season, has been equally impressed with Bouchard's growth when the puck isn't on his stick either setting up scoring chances or blasting one-timers from the point. "Rounding that entire game out can take awhile," he said. "Often you see young defencemen coming in, they might have one aspect figured out, but trying to grow their game to be an all-around player that every single team wants, it takes a bit of time. If one of those things is your absolute strength, you lean on it so much that maybe it will take away from the defensive side of things. "He's so confident with the puck. He sees the game so well and he's so smart. But you've really seen the other side come a long way." Fellow defenceman Mattias Ekholm, who often lines up beside Bouchard, said his teammate has a knack for stepping up in key situations. Advertisement "Big-time player," Ekholm said. "He shows up in the big moments. I don't think there is a moment that's big for him. He just treats it like any other day … that's what's most impressive about him. He's played tremendously for us. I don't think we would be in this position without him." Bouchard downplayed his season and playoffs, but has been pleased with the progression. "A little slow start, but I like the way it's going," he said. "I like where I'm at right now and still more to give." Oilers forward Ryan Nugent-Hopkins said Bouchard's composure has always stood out. Advertisement "Really impressive, especially for a younger guy," said the longest-serving member of the current roster. "He always finds a way to raise his level. We've come to expect that from him. Defencemen usually have a harder time to get a grip in this league. He's been able to do that seamlessly. We have a lot of confidence in him back there." Edmonton winger Evander Kane said Bouchard has raised is own bar in the playoffs, especially when it comes to intensity in his own zone. "He gets a lot of opportunities," Kane said. "He plays in a lot of big situations." Bouchard has stepped up in all of them to date this spring. The Oilers will need even more in order to secure the franchise's sixth Cup and snap Canada's title drought dating back to 1993. Advertisement "It's the (most fun) time of the year," he said. "It's a time you really have to bear down." This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 12, 2025. Joshua Clipperton, The Canadian Press
New York Times
2 days ago
- New York Times
U.S. Olympic hockey: Projecting the men's First 6, stock watch on the rest of the roster
Bill Guerin has been preaching for years that it's incumbent on more American NHL players to participate in the World Championship if they're not playing in the postseason. Historically, it's been tough for USA Hockey to convince players after the grind of an 82-game season, plus the start of the playoffs for some, to suit up in red, white and blue. Advertisement Guerin was general manager of the U.S. 4 Nations Face-Off team that lost to Canada in overtime 3 ½ months ago and is GM for the upcoming Winter Olympics in Milan. His day job is managing the Minnesota Wild, and even in his season postmortem with Wild beat writers, he made an impassioned argument for players to go annually to worlds. 'When are we going to win that tournament?' the three-time Olympian said. 'We need to win that tournament soon. We need our best players, though. Sidney Crosby and Nathan MacKinnon are going. That should say something. Our team is good this year and we have a lot of good players going. I hope it's not just because it's an Olympic year. I get it. It is an Olympic year. But we need this more consistently from our players to go over and play and try to win that tournament.' Now, Guerin was talking a little out of both sides of his mouth. Obviously, he wanted the Americans to win the worlds. But last March, Guerin publicly — and no-so subtly — made it clear that if U.S. players blew off worlds, it could be remembered when he and his staff picked this past February's 4 Nations Face-Off roster. So clearly when it comes to picking next year's Olympic team, some American players heard the U.S. boss loud and clear, because this year's World Championship roster featured just two players who took part in the 4 Nations — Jeremy Swayman, who didn't play a game, and Zach Werenski — and a slew of Olympic hopefuls, including Tage Thompson, Clayton Keller, Alex Vlasic and Logan Cooley. The result? The Americans won their first gold medal since 1933 with the Buffalo Sabres' Thompson, a 4 Nations snub, scoring the Golden Goal in overtime. Good bet Thompson is now firmly on the radar to be an Olympian, as are others who didn't make the 4 Nations roster. 'Tage impressed me. Clayton Keller impressed me. A lot of guys did,' Guerin, who technically wasn't on the management team for worlds, told The Athletic. 'They just played really freaking well. They played like a team. Like when I was over there, you could feel that there was something good going on there. You could feel the guys had really come together.' Advertisement Olympic rosters don't have to be submitted until Dec. 31 for the Feb. 11 to 22 tournament. In late August, the United States is expected to hold an Olympic orientation camp in Plymouth, Mich. Guerin and his staff plan to invite up to 45 Olympic hopefuls. The worlds and the strong performances by some complicated the process, so the United States brass will again be keeping close tabs next season on which players get out of the gate strong and potentially earn themselves a roster spot, especially if some who made the 4 Nations roster sustain early-season injuries or struggle. 'It's a good problem to have,' Guerin said of having so many top-notch candidates. 'But it's not just that. It's the importance of the World Championships and the pride that we have to have in it and having more players go. Yes, it's an Olympic year. I'm glad I got a chance to see the guys play. But on top of that, it's making sure that we are putting a premium on that tournament. 'It was unbelievable. It was awesome to see us win. And on top of that, some guys really helped themselves potentially make the Olympic team.' Next week, as early as Monday, the first six players for each Olympic team will be revealed. Last June, the first six Americans named to the 4 Nations Face-Off were forwards Auston Matthews, Matthew Tkachuk and Jack Eichel, and defensemen Quinn Hughes, Charlie McAvoy and Adam Fox. Who will make it this time? Our projection has five of the six again chosen next week. Auston Matthews: The U.S. captain led the NHL in goals in three of the past five seasons for the Toronto Maple Leafs and won the Hart Trophy in 2022. Matthew Tkachuk: Tkachuk was a heart-and-soul guy in the 4 Nations before sustaining a significant injury that he tried to play through in the championship game. The Florida Panthers right wing won a Stanley Cup in 2024 and is vying for another. Advertisement Jack Eichel: One of the top two-way centers in the NHL won a Stanley Cup with the Vegas Golden Knights in 2023. Quinn Hughes: The 2024 Norris Trophy winner and Vancouver Canucks captain had to bow out of the 4 Nations because of an injury, but the superstar defenseman is an Olympic lock. Charlie McAvoy: The Boston Bruins' top defenseman was having a terrific 4 Nations until he sustained a shoulder injury and then missed the rest of the tournament with an infection. He'd ultimately miss the rest of the season for Boston, but he's a shoo-in. Brady Tkachuk: Like his brother, Brady also got hurt in the tournament, but he may have been the United States' best player in terms of energy, physicality and big goals, tying Jake Guentzel for the team lead. Couple that with a tough tournament by defenseman Adam Fox that likely no longer makes the New York Rangers former Norris Trophy winner an Olympic lock, and there's just no way that there aren't two Tkachuks in the first six. In the Olympics, each team can have 25-player rosters, meaning the U.S. will likely have one extra forward and one extra defenseman. Up front, it's likely Chris Kreider is out after a tough 4 Nations and season with the Rangers. The same could be true for Brock Nelson, although coaches love his ability to win draws and kill penalties. That's also what makes right-shot center Vincent Trocheck valuable. It'll be interesting to see what happens with Kyle Connor, who started the tournament on the first line, was almost instantly demoted to the fourth line and scratched in the championship. He had one assist in three games. Here's betting the ginormous and versatile Thompson makes the team. From there, the U.S. will be watching a number of forwards next year. Keller would offer speed and offense and somebody who's exceptional from the right circle on the power play, but the Americans also have Jack Hughes, who was not very good in the 4 Nations, with one assist in four games, as well as Matt Boldy and Connor. They are all similar, and you probably don't want too many of the same style. Advertisement Other non-4 Nations forwards who could be invited to Plymouth include Cooley, Frank Nazar (who was outstanding at worlds with six goals and 12 points in 10 games), Jason Robertson, Alex Tuch, Bryan Rust, Patrick Kane, Conor Garland, Shane Pinto, Matty Beniers and Cole Caufield, who was conspicuous in his absence at worlds. The Americans could also invite youngsters such as Cutter Gauthier, Will Smith, Isaac Howard and Ryan Leonard. The U.S. was essentially a shot away from winning 4 Nations before Connor McDavid ruined its hopes. Could that change the roster construction? 'Look, we could say we're going to take the same team, but we don't know what's going to happen with injuries or guys not playing well at that time or what,' Guerin said. 'We've got to go through the process again. But the Canada-U.S. games, they weren't high scoring, but they were high-checking, and you've gotta be able to play that type of hockey. 'We're not gonna play Canada every night. So we're gonna have to be able to play a lot of different ways. The roster that we had has the ability to score goals. But the good thing is that we had the ability to check as well.' McAvoy, Hughes, Werenski, Jaccob Slavin, Brock Faber and Jake Sanderson are almost surely locks. That leaves two spots. Fox likely will have to play himself on the team at this point. He struggled mightily with the pace of the tournament and made multiple mistakes leading to McDavid's winning goal. But his new Rangers coach, Mike Sullivan, will coach the Olympic team, and his GM, Chris Drury, is part of the U.S. management group. So perhaps that will help. Noah Hanifin is also likely on the bubble. Who could pass Fox and Hanifin by? Vlasic has a real shot if he gets off to a good start with Chicago. Neal Pionk had a great season with the Winnipeg Jets. The Panthers' Seth Jones has been superb in the playoffs. And then there's Calder Trophy winner Lane Hutson, who also didn't go to worlds, and youngster Zeev Buium, who didn't play a lot at worlds but scored one of the biggest goals in the tournament. Advertisement Other potentials include K'Andre Miller, Jackson LaCombe, Ryan McDonagh, Brady Skjei and Luke Hughes. The U.S. will likely return with the same goaltending cast of Connor Hellebuyck, Jake Oettinger and Swayman. Who gets the nod will be determined closer to the tournament, but even though Hellebuyck is coming off his third consecutive subpar postseason with the Jets, he was great in the 4 Nations and likely has the inside track. Oettinger started one meaningless game in the 4 Nations and played well, but lost. And even though his postseason with Dallas started terrifically, it sure ended poorly with him getting chased after allowing two early goals to the Edmonton Oilers in an elimination game during the Western Conference final. Swayman had a rough 2024-25 season after arriving late to the Bruins following a contract dispute, but if he has a solid start next season, his World Championship performance (1.69 goals-against average and .921 save percentage in seven games) could, shall we say, sway things. (Top photo of Matthew and Brady Tkachuk: Maddie Meyer / Getty Images)
