Latest news with #CaleMakar
Associated Press
4 days ago
- Sport
- Associated Press
Lightning's Nikita Kucherov wins the Ted Lindsay Award as the NHL's most outstanding player
TORONTO (AP) — Nikita Kucherov of the Tampa Bay Lightning won the Ted Lindsay award as the NHL's most outstanding player as chosen by his peers. The NHL Players' Association announced the honor Wednesday. Kucherov and Colorado teammates Nathan MacKinnon and Cale Makar were the finalists for the trophy as voted on by members of the NHLPA. Kucherov was the league's leading scorer with 121 points on 37 goals and 84 assists. He is also a finalist for the Hart Trophy as the most valuable player along with Edmonton forward Leon Draisaitl and Winnipeg goaltender Connor Hellebuyck. The 31-year-old Russian winger is a back-to-back Art Ross Trophy winner after also leading the NHL in points last season. He took home the Hart in 2019 and helped Tampa Bay win the Stanley Cup in 2020 and '21. Since Kucherov became a full-time player in the league in 2014-15, only Oilers captain Connor McDavid has more regular-season points, 1,082 to 976. ___ AP NHL:
New York Times
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- New York Times
Nikita Kucherov voted Ted Lindsay Award winner as NHL's most outstanding player
Tampa Bay Lightning forward Nikita Kucherov has been named the recipient of the 2024-25 Ted Lindsay Award, given to the league's most outstanding player according to a vote of his peers in the National Hockey League Players' Association. By winning his second career Ted Lindsay, the 31-year-old Kucherov beat out a pair of teammates in fellow finalists Cale Makar and and Nathan MacKinnon of the Colorado Avalanche. MacKinnon was the winner of last year's award. Nikita Kucherov was surprised by his @TBLightning teammates with the Ted Lindsay Award, presented by the @NHLPA "to the most outstanding player in the NHL". Watch the #NHLAwards on June 12 at 6p ET on @NHL_On_TNT and @Sportsnet before Game 4 of the #StanleyCup Final! — NHL (@NHL) June 4, 2025 Kucherov led the league with 121 points, edging MacKinnon by five to secure his third Art Ross Trophy in the process. The Russian winger also scored 37 goals in 78 games, earning a nomination for the Hart Trophy for the league's most valuable player. The Hart Trophy will be announced on June 12 prior to Game 4 of the Stanley Cup Final. Kucherov last won the Ted Lindsay Award, previously known as the Lester B. Pearson Award, back in 2018-19.
New York Times
13-05-2025
- Sport
- New York Times
Potential Flyers upgrades, trades and offer sheets, and is Rick Tocchet a sensible choice?: Mailbag
Sorting through some Philadelphia Flyers mailbag questions while we await the announcement of their next head coach. (Some questions have been lightly edited for style and clarity.) The Flyers need a No. 1 center, No. 1 defenseman and No. 1 goalie. Which is most likely position that they can obtain in a trade or free-agent signing? — Warren B. I feel like I've seen this a few times and while I don't necessarily disagree, I think it's a bit too narrow to phrase it this way. Advertisement Yes, the Flyers need a No. 1 center. They know it, they've admitted it, they're searching for it and they know it won't be easy. But as far as procuring a No. 1 defenseman and No. 1 goalie, a certain amount of patience is necessary. In terms of the defense, it depends how you define what a No. 1 is. Is a guy like Edmonton's Evan Bouchard, for example, a No. 1 defenseman? He can produce offensively but has frequent misadventures in the defensive zone. What about Carolina's Jaccob Slavin? He's one of the best defensive defensemen in the league, but he isn't a huge points guy. And what about the Florida Panthers? Yes, Aaron Ekblad and Gustav Forsling are very good top-pair defensemen, but neither is on the level of, say, a Cale Makar or a Quinn Hughes, and it didn't stop the Panthers from winning a Stanley Cup last season. Assuming there aren't any Makar or Hughes-types in the Flyers' future, it's probably going to have to be done by committee. And in that regard, they might already have some pieces in place. Travis Sanheim playing a key role on Team Canada in the 4 Nations Face-Off wasn't a fluke, and although he faded for the Flyers after the trade deadline, I wonder if he was worn out, not just physically but also mentally, playing out the string for another non-playoff team and after seeing the team make the subtractions it did. Sanheim looked rejuvenated after John Tortorella was fired, too. It's also far too early to give up on Jamie Drysdale becoming an offensive force. He finally looked like he was turning a corner over the second half of last season, and he only just turned 23. There is still potential there. A guy like 24-year-old Cam York, too, still has plenty of runway to get better. This reminds me of an approximately 40-minute conversation I had with Chris Pronger a couple of months ago, in which he pointed out that 'most defensemen in their prime are when they're 26, 27, 28 years old, depending on how much experience they have.' It was in relation to Drysdale, who has missed a ton of time due to various injuries, but he was speaking broadly, too. Advertisement 'It takes a lot of time,' Pronger said. 'We can go through every defenseman in the NHL and look at all the times that they've struggled. Someone (on social media) said, 'Well, Cale Makar didn't struggle.' But Cale Makar is a special f—ing player. Don't start comparing apples and oranges. There are going to be outliers, there's going to be the special players that just don't take as much time because they're ahead of the curve.' As for a No. 1 goalie, yes, this also is a need. Sam Ersson showed this season that he's not quite prepared to take that on role, but it's also too early to suggest he never will. I expect the Flyers to acquire a veteran goalie this offseason, whether that's through free agency or a trade, with the expectation that either Carson Bjarnason and/or Egor Zavragin will be ready to play NHL games in 2027-28. Is either of them a future No. 1? It's impossible to say at this point. The Flyers need to acquire a young center in a trade this summer who we can build around. We have a surplus of wingers and some will be part of that trade when it happens. Which wingers do you see as a legitimate part of the Flyers' future? — Bryan V. If we're talking strictly about wingers they think will be part of the future for the next half-decade or so, I would say that's Matvei Michkov (obviously), Travis Konecny and Tyson Foerster. I believe you can pencil those three in the lineup for the next half-decade or so, at least. So who might they move, as you suggest, in a deal for a center? Owen Tippett is an interesting case, as a former first-round pick who is locked into a lengthy contract. He doesn't have any trade protection until 2026-27, when a 10-team no-trade list kicks in. Tippett, though, is coming off of a down season, going from 28 goals in 2023-24 to just 20 this season. At $6.2 million for seven more seasons, I'm not sure how many other teams would be interested, even though I believe Tippett is better than what he showed in 2024-25. I could see Bobby Brink as trade bait this offseason if the Flyers are putting together a package for a young center. His stock should be on the rise after his 41-point season as part of the Flyers' most consistent line, and at some point the Flyers are going to have to start getting bigger. Advertisement The decision-makers have to realize that hiring Rick Tocchet would be viewed as 'same old Flyers' in how they go about their business, right? Tortorella always seemed like a guy who was destined to be a Flyers coach, and that came true. And now we have a (61-year-old) former Flyer rumored to take over. — Brett T. Maybe they realize it, but I'm certain they are not even remotely worried about it. For starters, it's a silly argument. Rick Tocchet has coached for five different organizations, none of them the Flyers. Yes, he happens to be a former Flyers forward, and a popular one at that. But he hasn't been with the organization in more than two decades. Tocchet is respected throughout the hockey community, and thought of as a good coach — and it seems to me that many fans in both Pittsburgh and Boston also are hoping he ends up in their city. You can argue all you want that Tocchet might not be the right coach for this team, and maybe you're correct. But in no world should the Flyers' decision-makers be focused on anything other than selecting the coach they believe is best suited for this team, particularly during what is a tenuous time in the rebuild. If they believe Tocchet is the right guy to oversee the next step, and Tocchet wants to be here, that's that. The evaluation on Tocchet can begin in earnest at that point. Further, I still think a plurality of Flyers fans — particularly the casual fans — would welcome the move. Tocchet would be just as effective of a day-to-day spokesman for the club as Tortorella was, and, at least from what I've seen, is pretty honest with reporters, too. That's something that endeared Tortorella to the fan base, and I think something similar also would happen in short order with Tocchet. If the Flyers decide to trade their No. 6 overall draft pick as a package for a 1C, what are some teams/players you see as feasible? — Scott G. That would certainly be a blockbuster. I also wouldn't completely rule it out, but, of course, it would have to be for a young center with true elite-level talent and upside. I've mentioned Mason McTavish as one possible target, although it seems as if the Anaheim Ducks want to make a playoff push next season, so that may not be realistic. A few other young centers I'd consider swapping that pick for would be Matty Beniers in Seattle, Wyatt Johnston in Dallas or Will Smith in San Jose. I'd be less willing to deal it for guys such as Buffalo's Tage Thompson, Gabe Vilardi in Winnipeg or Marco Rossi in Minnesota, even though I could see them as potential targets if they were ever shopped. Of course, this is just a fantasy exercise. Most or all of those guys listed wouldn't be available. But, if one of them is? The Flyers have to consider just about anything. Advertisement Could an offer sheet for Devon Levi make sense? — Tyler B. My initial reaction is, probably not. Levi has played only 39 NHL games, and goalies are so difficult to project that I doubt it's worth spending draft picks to simply take a chance on another one. I could see the Flyers drafting another goalie with one of their four second-round picks in the coming draft, though, just to add depth to the prospect pool at that position — especially considering we've probably seen the last of Aleksei Kolosov. How badly has the Flyers' perpetual mediocrity and lack of direction over the last decade hurt their ability to attract viable free agents? — Robin P. I'm sure it's hurt to some extent but this is a great question because it strikes at the heart of why Daniel Briere wants to turn the corner on the rebuild now: he and Keith Jones want the club to be perceived as an up-and-coming group this time next year, when they hope to be a destination for some of the top free agents that might be available. If the Flyers were to bottom out next season, as some fans seem to prefer, well, good luck trying to lure a true high-end player next summer. It's why this offseason, and next season, are so vital. Is the 'Brady Martin to the Flyers' buzz legitimate or just lazy stereotyping of what previous front offices would do (i.e., the kid hits, therefore the Flyers will draft him)? — Charles K. I'd say it's because they need a center, of course, but he would also add some needed size and physicality to their prospect pool. Jett Luchanko isn't an overly physical guy, and while Alex Bump has a decent frame, he's more of a shooter than anything and he needs to improve his skating. Denver Barkey, probably their third-best forward prospect, isn't just undersized — he's flat-out small. Taking a guy who can hit as well as score isn't necessarily the wrong move here. You're been watching the playoffs the past couple of years, right? It's still a vital part of the game. So, yes, I think that speculation has some legs. (And for the record, despite other reports I've seen out there, Martin's agent, Cam Stewart, is no long affiliated with Kurt Overhardt, who was Cutter Gauthier's agent. So, that's not a concern.) If you gave the Flyers even league-average goaltending, we would have been a playoff team this year. Agree or disagree? — Will C. Disagree. Looking at the stats, Moneypuck has the Flyers at 18.11 goals-allowed above expected. The team finished with a minus-48 goal differential for the season, so even if the goalies stopped all of the shots they should have, that doesn't even get them back to a respectable level (if you buy into these sorts of numbers). Advertisement If you want to argue that league-average goaltending and a league-average power play would have made them a playoff team, well, maybe. After all, the Flyers' underlying/possession numbers at five-on-five were pretty good — eighth in the league for expected goals percentage, according to that same site. If you need a reason to believe that, with the right tweaks this summer, the Flyers could challenge for the playoffs in 2025-26, that's a good place to start. But, let's face it — just about every bad team (other than a few of the true bottom-feeders, such as San Jose and Chicago) can pick out areas of their respective games that, had they been better, would have had them in the playoffs. What do you see as Alex Bump's ceiling next year, assuming he makes the team? — Austin L. I wouldn't assume he's going to make the team just yet, although he certainly seems to have a real chance. He turns 22 in November, so he's not going to be your standard prospect at his first training camp. He's fully grown into his body, and should be more prepared for the physical challenges of pro hockey than someone like, say, 18-year-old Luchanko was at the start of last season. Assuming the Flyers re-sign pending restricted free agent Jakob Pelletier, the competition for depth spots at left wing could be one of the more compelling storylines in camp. Pelletier and Nic Deslauriers manned the left wing on the third and fourth lines, respectively, at the end of the season. Bump could absolutely supplant one of them in the opening-night lineup, in my mind. As for his ceiling, obviously anything close to a 15-or-20-goal season would be a boon from a former fifth-round pick. That could depend on whether the Flyers see Bump as a power-play guy — and as a volume shooter, perhaps he will get a chance on one of the two units, if he makes the team. (Photo of Rick Tocchet: Bob Frid / Imagn Images)
Yahoo
08-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Avalanche President Reveals Honest Truth Behind Mikko Rantanen Trade
Colorado Avalanche president Joe Sakic gave his first public explanation for the team's controversial decision to trade Mikko Rantanen before the trade deadline. Sakic cited salary cap limitations and a desire to improve roster depth as the driving forces behind the move. Advertisement The Avs president said so during his end-of-season media availability held on Wednesday, referring to the team's salary commitments to Nathan MacKinnon, Cale Makar, and Rantanen being unsustainable if kept together. 'Just paying three high-end guys and not having a surrounding cast wasn't gonna get it done,' Sakic said. Rantanen was traded to Carolina in January and later moved to the Dallas Stars in a subsequent trade. He has since signed an eight-year, $96 million deal with Dallas. The Avalanche were unwilling to meet Rantanen's ask of $13 million annually, countering with a final offer in the $11.6 million range, according to Nick Kypreos. Advertisement 'You look at where we were in the last few years, we weren't good enough. We weren't deep enough,' Sakic said. 'We won in '22 because we had our stars, but we were also deep. And you can't win the Stanley Cup without it. And status quo wasn't good enough.' Colorado Avalanche defenseman Cale Makar (8) hugs Dallas Stars right wing Mikko Rantanen (96) at American Airlines Miron-Imagn Images The Avalanche acquired Martin Necas, Brock Nelson, Jack Drury, and Charlie Coyle in return for Rantanen. Those four combined for just 12 points during the seven-game loss to Dallas in Round 1 of the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Rantanen matched that total by himself in the first-round series and now leads the playoff field with 15 points in eight games. Advertisement 'Listen, if you've got Cale Makar and Nathan MacKinnon, your window's open,' Sakic said. 'And that's why it's important from the management side to when it comes to trade deadlines, you try and do what you can to give them the best opportunity.' Related: Gabriel Landeskog's Blunt Take on Mikko Rantanen's Historic Game 7
Yahoo
06-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Avalanche Star Is Recruiting Crosby According To Insider
Lose a superstar, gain a superstar. That might be what Colorado Avalanche leader Nathan MacKinnon is thinking. Bookmark The Hockey News Colorado Avalanche team site so you never miss the latest news, game day coverage, and information on the Avalanche players. After a first-round exit at the hands of former Avalanche forward Mikko Rantanen, much soul-searching is happening in Denver. One person who might be on a different mission is MacKinnon. It's been reported that MacKinnon will play for Team Canada at the World Championships. And hockey insider Elliotte Friedman feels very sorry for one player who is going to be teammates with MacKinnon at that tournament. Trending Colorado Avalanche Stories Two Elite Avalanche Superstars Among Ted Lindsay Award finalists Two Elite Avalanche Superstars Among Ted Lindsay Award finalists It's not very often that you see two players from the same organization in the finalist announcement for individual accolades. This year, the Colorado Avalanche put on a season that defied the odds. With injuries galore, player droughts, worries in the crease, the Avalanche seemingly dealt with every issue under the sun. Yet, two players found a way to shine bright: Cale Makar and Nathan MacKinnon. Avs Eye-Opening Trade Makes Even Less Sense Now Former Avalanche Defender New Coaching Candidate Andy O'Brien On MacKinnon & The Energy That Goes Into Being Elite Why Avalanche's Blackwood Is One Of The Best Avalanche's Makar Is Potential Witness In Hockey Canada Trial POSTGAME: Avalanche Season is Devastated in Game Seven Loss By Former Teammate POSTGAME: Avalanche Season is Devastated in Game Seven Loss By Former Teammate On the opening night of the 2024-25 season, Mikko Rantanen had a secure spot on the top line next to teammate Nathan MacKinnon with the Colorado Avalanche. 'You know who I feel the worst for?' Friedman said on the May 5th episode of the 32 Thoughts Podcast. 'Sidney Crosby. You know why? We found out Sunday that he's going to play at the World Championships and so it MacKinnon.' Friedman believes MacKinnon will have 'revenge on the mind' all summer and that it's a 'powerful motivation.' With revenge on the mind of MacKinnon, Friedman believes he's going to be pulling out all of the stops in his recruitment of Sidney Crosby. 'You don't think MacKinnon is going to be all over Crosby,' Friedman reasoned with his co-host. Crosby just signed an extension with the Pittsburgh Penguins this past year. Why would he even think about leaving? Friedman believes the answer lies in a recent move by the Penguins organization. Why MacKinnon Might Court Crosby To Join The Avalanche 'Pittsburgh just made a coaching change because Kyle Dubas and Mike Sullivan disagreed on the path from here,' Friedman revealed. 'Sullivan wants to win sooner, Dubas sees more of a rebuild.' Friedman sees this as the golden opportunity for MacKinnon to recruit Crosby. 'Do you want to miss more years in the playoffs?' Friedman believes MacKinnon's pitch would be. 'Why don't you come to Colorado, play with me, and we rule the league from the Western Conference?' 'And when he isn't saying it, he's just going to be staring at Crosby, burning holes in his head.' And Friedman doesn't think the recruiting will stop there. In fact, he thinks its going to be a very long summer for Crosby. 'It's going to be like this the whole summer, first at the World Championships and then when they get back to Nova Scotia.' If there was a world where the Avalanche could acquire Crosby, he would certainly offset the loss of Rantanen. Wilder things have happened before. Add us to your Google News favorites and never miss a story.
