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Yahoo
4 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Should Penguins Offer Sheet An RFA Goalie?
The Pittsburgh Penguins employ Tristan Jarry and Alex Nedeljkovic as their goalie tandem. However, the duo and Joel Blomqvist (15 games) combined to give up the third-most goals in the NHL in 2024-25. Jarry is under contract for three more seasons with a $5.375 million cap hit, while Nedeljkovic will enter the final year of his deal, valued at $2.5 million. Meanwhile, in the system, Joel Blomqvist is an RFA in 2026-27 and will make $886,667 next season. Tristan Jarry - Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images After the Finnish netminder on the depth chart is Filip Larsson ($775,000) and Russian phenom Sergei Murashov ($861,110). Murashov finished his first season in North America in the ECHL with some time in the AHL, compiling a 19-10-1 record between the two leagues. Finally, Taylor Gauthier, who had an outstanding season in the ECHL, is an RFA. Advertisement Ultimately, the Penguins' future goal is to turn Murashov into their franchise netminder. At 21, he's still not ready to compete in the NHL, unless the organization decides to throw in the towel in 2025-26 in hopes of landing Gavin McKenna. Realistically, Captain Sidney Crosby would not buy into that plan, which means Pittsburgh should consider revamping its goalie platoon for better success next season. Considering the shallow depth of available free agent goalies, some intriguing RFA names are in the pool. If the Penguins decide to move on from Jarry, whose buyout would save up to $3.6 million next year, his future is a hot-button topic amongst the fanbase; his potential buyout would free up some cap space to take a flyer on an RFA goalie. When looking at the list of RFA goalies, the Penguins would have to take a number if they wanted to offer sheet the Anaheim Ducks' young goalie Lukas Dostal. According to he's projected to get a salary increase to over $5 million. Lukas Dostal - Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images Although he's young and talented, Dostal could be looking for a starting role. Despite decent numbers on a bottom team, he may not be the answer, especially if someone wants to offer him an eight-year contract. Advertisement After Dostal, there are a handful of potential candidates, like Arvid Soderblom (Chicago), Cayden Primeau (Montreal), Jakub Dobes (Montreal), and Danill Tarasov (Columbus). Still, the best option may be Joel Hofer of the St. Louis Blues. If anyone remembers, the Blues stirred the pot last summer by acquiring Philip Broberg and Dylan Holloway from the Edmonton Oilers via an offer sheet, which means someone will be out to return the favor. Furthermore, Jordan Binnington is the starter in St. Louis, carrying the team to their 2019 Stanley Cup title. He recently reestablished himself at the 4 Nations Face-off, leading Canada to the championship. So, Hofer becomes expandable with Binnington between the pipes at the right price. projects Hofer could ink a two-year extension at $2.8 million. As mentioned, if Jarry is bought out, the Penguins would save roughly $3.6 million next season, which is more than enough to get Hofer into black and gold and still have some money left over. Especially with Nedeljkovic potentially coming off the books after next season, his spot can go to Blomqvist or Larsson, who is ready to be a 20-25-game backup. Advertisement Meanwhile, at 24, the Penguins could offer him a four-year deal, giving the organization plenty of time to let Murashov mature in the ECHL and AHL without suffering any significant setbacks at the NHL level. Although some in the fanbase may think that another few seasons in the minors will "hold Murashov back," the New York Rangers did not let Igor Shesterkin see any NHL action until he was 24, and at 26, he won the Vezina Trophy. Goalies develop at a different pace. Of course, there are exceptions to the rules, like Andrei Vasilevskiy, who started to play 50 games at 22, and Connor Hellebuyck, who skated over 50 games at 23. Joel Hofer - Credit: Jeff Curry-Imagn Images At this point, the Penguins need a goalie tandem they can rely on night in and night out. Hofer debuted in 2021-22 and played two games (1-1) before playing in six (3-1-1) in 2022-23. For the past two seasons, he's played 61 games, compiling a 31-20-4 record with a 2.65 GAA, .909 SV%, and two shutouts. Advertisement Outside of his first two games, Hofer has yet to record a sub .900 SV% in any season and continues to lower his GAA from a career-high 3.22 in 2022-23. Hofer won't be the long-term solution in the net and does not need a lengthy contract offer, especially since Jarry's five-year deal hasn't aged well. But suppose the goal is to get Murashov ready to take the baton in a couple of seasons. Why not put the Blues in an uncomfortable position with an offer sheet for their number two goalie, giving him a chance to become an NHL starter on a team with a new head coach and a burning desire to return to the postseason?
Yahoo
22-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
John Tortorella will not get another Rangers chance despite speculation
Rangers will not dive into a third stint with John Tortorella There will not be another John Tortorella return to the Rangers bench. After the ex-Blueshirts coach found himself in the thick of speculation surrounding the next coaching staff, with ESPN reporting there was a 'strong possibility' he could return next season, it turns out Tortorella will not have a third stint in New York in a coaching capacity. Advertisement Tortorella apparently spoke with the Rangers, per ESPN, but he is not expected to join Mike Sullivan's staff. The moment Sullivan and the Penguins parted ways on April 28, the 57-year-old shot to the top of the Rangers' candidates list. This only fueled further speculation that Tortorella could join him as an associate coach after Sullivan filled that role during Tortorella's Rangers tenure. Tortorella, who was promoted from assistant to head coach of the Rangers for the final four games of the 1999-00 season, served as bench boss in New York from 2009-13. Former head coach John Tortorella of the Philadelphia Flyers looks on from the bench during second period action against the Winnipeg Jets at Canada Life Centre on March 1, 2025. NHLI via Getty Images He compiled a record of 171-118-1-29 during his time at the helm. Advertisement The two worked together with Team USA at the NHL's 4 Nations Face-off tournament in February, with Sullivan serving as head coach and Tortorella serving as an assistant, so there was belief it could be a good fit for the veteran coaches. Rangers president and general manager Chris Drury was also assistant general manager for Team USA. Sullivan was officially named the 38th head coach in Rangers history on Friday.
Yahoo
14-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Rangers star weighs in on Mike Sullivan hire, after participating in U.S. Open golf qualifier
If you know J.T. Miller at all, you know that the New York Rangers center loves his golf. Not as much as family or hockey. But J.T. has an impressive golf game and most definitely enjoys playing the sport. In fact, so good is Miller that he took part in the 2025 U.S. Open Local Qualifier at Quicksilver Golf Club in Midway, Pennsylvania, on Tuesday. Miller didn't qualify after shooting four-over. And it didn't take long for the conversation to turn to hockey after he finished his round. Asked by a small group of reporters about Mike Sullivan being hired as the new Rangers coach, Miller clearly was pleased. Advertisement 'I've known [Sullivan] a long time. I came into the League with him. I have the utmost respect for him as a coach,' Miller said. 'He's accomplished a lot in this league so when we get an opportunity like that to snag him and help us achieve our goals, he 's going to give us the best chance. I'm really happy.' Sullivan was a Rangers assistant under John Tortorella when they selected Miller in the first round (No. 15 overall) of the 2011 NHL Draft and again when he played his first 26 games in the NHL in 2013. Miller and Chris Kreider each began their career with the Rangers when Sullivan was an assistant. More recently, Sullivan coached Miller, Kreider, Adam Fox and Vincent Trocheck with the United States at the 4 Nations Face-off in February. That familiarity will go a long way when training camp begins in the fall. Advertisement Of course, the two-time Stanley Cup-winning coach was hired because the Rangers had a dreadful season and are trying to pick up the pieces after missing the playoffs for the first time in four years. That wasn't lost on Miller, who joked that he should be participating in the Stanley Cup Playoffs right now, not taking part in a golf tournament. 'The goal is not to be available to play in this,' Miller said with a smirk. 'Unfortunately, that's what happens.' Related: Calvin de Haan's cheeky take on brief, rocky Rangers tenure: 'checks weren't bouncing at end of day' Rangers' J.T. Miller felt like 'I'm on an island out there' at U.S. Open golf qualifier J.T. Miller tees off at 2025 U.S. Open golf qualifier — photo courtesy Alan Saunders Miller played the 18 holes with his father and a friend out on the course with him. That made it a special day for the 32-year-old, who grew up not far from Pittsburgh and visited family this weekend for Mother's Day. Advertisement He took the competition seriously, but was aware he might be a bit out of his league. 'I had an opportunity to compete for one day,' he explained. 'I know who I'm playing against out there. I'm a competitive guy but I kept the expectations realistic.' Miller was asked to compare playing gold to being a hockey player. 'It's way different (from hockey),' Miller said. 'It's like I'm on an island out there, which is why I think I respect the game of golf and golfers so much. In hockey, you've got everyone else out there to bail you out, it's a team-oriented game. Here, I'm just trying to stay in the right frame of mind. I'm still a rookie in all this. I enjoy doing it for one day, we're going to keep it at that.' Advertisement The competitive Miller we all know and love was proud of how he shot Tuesday, despite windy conditions and a constant threat of rain. In the end, he explained, it was his short game that let him down. 'I had a month to practice, so my game felt good coming in here,' Miller stated. 'Typically it always comes down to making putts, and that's what makes those guys are a lot better at doing this. 'I hit the ball really well. I had four three-putts and shot four over, so that's basically the round right there. I'm happy with the way it went.' Alan Saunders from SteelersNow contributed to this story Related Headlines
Yahoo
09-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Ottawa Senators Players Begin Quest For World Hockey Championship Gold On Friday
After a disappointing first-round loss to the Toronto Maple Leafs ended their Stanley Cup playoff hopes last week, a pair of Ottawa Senators are turning their attention to a new goal on Friday. Centre Shane Pinto and defenceman Nik Matinpalo will begin their pursuit of gold medals on day one of the World Hockey Championships in Sweden and Denmark. Pinto and Team USA will open Friday at 2:20 p.m. against the host Danes at Jyske Bank Boxen Arena. Bookmark The Hockey News Ottawa and never miss the latest Senators news, interviews, columns, features and more. In 70 regular-season games with the Senators this season, Pinto had 21 goals and 37 points, which was probably a little shy of his expectations. But he also had less than half the power-play time he was given two years ago. Pinto is about to enter the second half of his two-year contract at $3.75 million per season. From his perspective, rather than lock in long-term last summer, this was probably a bridge deal to potentially earn a larger contract in 2026. But based on this season's stats, though Pinto's value to the Senators is far more than just offence, his $3.75 million cap hit seems about right. Perhaps this tournament can be a confidence boost and a springboard to offensive improvements next season. But ice time won't come easily at this tournament because the Americans are loaded with talent. They have 12 first-round NHL Draft picks, and more than 5,500 games of NHL experience. Former Senator Joey Daccord will suit up in goal for Team USA, along with Jeremy Swayman, Linus Ullmark's old running mate in Boston. Ullmark says he wanted to play for Sweden, especially since they're one of the tourney co-hosts, but the team decided to go in another direction, choosing Jacob Markström, Samuel Ersson, and Arvid Söderblom. Summer Breakups: Senators GM Steve Staios Prepares For Another Rebalancing Act The Ottawa Senators held their seasonal exit meetings last Saturday, the final assignment for a fine young NHL club that took a huge step forward this season, forcing their way into the playoffs for the first time in eight years. Meanwhile, Matinpalo and Team Finland will open the tournament in Sweden with the first game against Austria at 10:20 a.m. Friday at Avicii Arena. Like the U.S.A. opener, this one is likely to be a mismatch. It's been a whirlwind calendar year for Matinpalo, who, as recently as December, didn't really seem to be in Ottawa's NHL plans. Since then, he's become an NHL regular, got to play in the 4 Nations Face-off in February, and signed his first one-way NHL contract this week. What a difference five months can make. For you early birds, Canada will open on Saturday morning against Slovenia at 6:20 a.m. ET. The Canadians are stacked this year with big names, including Sidney Crosby and Nathan MacKinnon. Senators winger Drake Batherson trains with both of those superstars in Nova Scotia every summer. And after Batherson's uneven performance in round one of the playoffs, it would have been nice if he'd been able to have a chance to shake that off at this tournament and head into the summer on a positive note. Here's how the tournament works (from The 16 teams are divided into two groups for the Preliminary Round, played in a single round-robin format. The top four teams in each group advance to the quarter-finals, which will be played cross-over style: 1A vs. 4B, 2A vs. 3B, 1B vs. 4A, and 2B vs. 3A. Since goal differential and goals scored play a key role in the tiebreaking process, this tournament frequently sees its fair share of blowouts, but it will also deliver some compelling matchups and rivalries, and some outstanding hockey over the next couple of weeks. Steve WarneThe Hockey News-Ottawa Bookmark The Hockey News Ottawa and never miss the latest Senators news, interviews, columns, features and more.
Toronto Star
08-05-2025
- Sport
- Toronto Star
New dad Mitch Marner gives Maple Leafs another feel-good playoff story with Game 2 winner against Panthers
He's a different player since returning as one of the clutch heroes at the 4 Nations Face-off, setting up as he did Connor McDavid in overtime in the Canadian win over the United States.
