Latest news with #ChrisJohnston
Time of India
11 hours ago
- Business
- Time of India
Utah Mammoth not expected to sign big-name star in 2025 NHL free agency: Report
On Sunday, June 9, 2025, hockey reporter Chris Johnston spoke on The Chris Johnston Show and gave a big update about the Utah Mammoth. With NHL free agency starting soon on July 1, many teams are getting ready to sign big names. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now But Johnston said the Utah Mammoth may not be the team to offer a huge contract this year. No big splashes expected from Utah Mammoth in July 1 NHL free agency Chris Johnston shared this update during his latest podcast episode of The Chris Johnston Show on June 9, 2025. He said the Utah Mammoth want to be involved in free agency but are not likely to give a massive contract to any single player. His words were, 'They want to be active… but not necessarily the team giving out the biggest deal on July 1.' The Utah Mammoth is the new NHL team that moved from Arizona to Salt Lake City earlier in 2025. The team is now preparing for its first full season under the new name and location. Many fans thought the Mammoth might try to make a big splash by signing a superstar, but Johnston says that's not the plan. Johnston did not name any player, but based on the way he spoke, many believe he was hinting at Toronto Maple Leafs forward Mitchell Marner. Marner's name has been in trade and free agency talks for weeks, and his future with Toronto is uncertain. Also Read: Utah Mammoth's focus may be smart spending and long-term growth The Utah Mammoth, led by new owner Ryan Smith and general manager Bill Armstrong, seem to be building their team with patience. Instead of going for a big-name signing right away, they may be looking at smart, smaller deals to fill out the roster. Chris Johnston said, 'I think they're going to spend money… just maybe not on one person.' That means the team might choose to spread its money across several players instead of offering a single superstar a huge contract. This strategy could help Utah build a stronger team over time, especially since they are just starting fresh in a new city. More updates are expected before July 1, when NHL free agency officially opens.
Yahoo
a day ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Panthers' Brad Marchand Receives Eye-Opening Free Agency Prediction
Panthers' Brad Marchand Receives Eye-Opening Free Agency Prediction originally appeared on Athlon Sports. The Florida Panthers are in the middle of the Stanley Cup Final against the Edmonton Oilers, and the team is directly focused on winning the series. But once the season is over, the front office is going to have some tough decisions to make. Advertisement Star center Brad Marchand will be entering free agency and is expected to command a lot of money on the open market. When the Panthers traded for Marchand, they knew that he could be a rental, but there is always a chance he stays in town as well. But NHL insider Chris Johnston provided an eye-opening prediction on the free agency of the star player. 'I think next season he's going to make the most money he's ever made in the NHL,' Johnston said. 'I think he's getting a raise. I've been led to believe that $8 million is about the number it's going to take — again, it might be a little higher, a little lower, but that's essentially the range for Marchand.', Johnston said. Florida Panthers center Brad Marchand (63) reacts after scoring a goal against the Edmonton Oilers during the first period in game one of the 2025 Stanley Cup Final at Rogers Nelson-Imagn Images Marchand has posted five goals and 10 assists over 18 playoff games with the Panthers this season. The veteran has been a big reason why Florida was able to get back to the Stanley Cup Final, and he remains a very productive player. Advertisement There will likely be multiple teams going after him on the open market, and everything will depend on what Marchand wants. The center has fit in very nicely alongside the other players on the Panthers, but whether the team will open the checkbook remains unknown. Florida also needs to resign center Sam Bennett, and it could force them to make some hard choices. Either way, Marchand is focused on helping Florida win the Stanley Cup for now and will deal with the free agency stuff after the fact. Related: Stars Release Statement After Shocking Firing of Peter DeBoer This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 6, 2025, where it first appeared.
Time of India
4 days ago
- Sport
- Time of India
NHL Trade Rumors: Marco Rossi could be traded after contract dispute with the Minnesota Wild
Minnesota Wild young striker Marco Rossi might have some significant changes upcoming. On June 5, 2025, NHL insider Chris Johnston made important announcements during an episode of The Chris Johnston Show. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now His update gives a closer look at what's happening between Marco Rossi and the team, especially as the offseason moves ahead. NHL insider reveals Marco Rossi and Minnesota Wild are not on the same page On June 5, 2025, during The Chris Johnston Show, hockey reporter Chris Johnston said that there is no agreement between Marco Rossi and the Minnesota Wild on what his next contract should be. Johnston explained that both sides have different ideas about what the deal should look like. The 22-year-old Austrian forward had a strong year, playing 82 games and scoring 21 goals with 19 assists. Still, the team and his camp have not been able to agree on a new contract. Johnston said, 'There isn't a shared vision. They aren't on the same page right now.' Because Marco Rossi is a restricted free agent, other NHL teams could try to sign him with an offer sheet—a type of contract offer that another team can give if the player and his current team haven't reached a deal. Johnston also mentioned that the Wild are open to trading Rossi if the right deal comes up. This opens up many options for both the player and other teams. Also Read: Marco Rossi trade and contract talks likely to heat up soon As of now, the Minnesota Wild have not made any official statements. However, team insiders say general manager Bill Guerin has been in contact with Rossi's agent. Talks have not moved forward, and there is now real trade interest coming in from other NHL teams. Chris Johnston said on his show, 'He's a good young player. He could get an offer sheet, or he could be moved in a trade. There are options on the table.' In 2020, Wild picked Marco Rossi ninth overall. Displaying exceptional growth in his position, he began full-time work with the team during the NHL season of 2023–24.
CTV News
5 days ago
- Sport
- CTV News
Stanley Cup live updates: Panthers at Oilers Game 1
After a solid break from the conference finals, the Panthers and Oilers are set to drop the puck on Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Final. Mark Masters is joined by TSN Hockey Insiders Chris Johnston and Pierre LeBrun to setup the action.
Yahoo
29-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
NHL rumors: Insiders provide update on Mitch Marner, potential replacement for Toronto Maple Leafs
The Toronto Maple Leafs head into the offseason with uncertainty after extending their Stanley Cup drought to 58 years. With NHL free agency looming, one of the club's biggest questions regards the future of All-Star winger Mitch Marner. During an appearance on TSN 1050's First Up, hockey insider Chris Johnston said that the Maple Leafs could explore trading Marner's rights in the week before NHL free agency opens. For now, per Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman on the 32 Thoughts: The Podcast, Toronto wants clarity on what Marner is planning to do. 'That's usually something that happens in the last week or so before July 1st, but I'm sure there's going to be some conversations between then and now. I don't think he came this far playing out his contract year to sign a new deal now. I just think he's of the mind to at least look at the open market.' TSN's Chris Johnston on if the Toronto Maple Leafs impending free agent Mitch Marner Advertisement Related: Insider sheds light on Maple Leafs' challenging contract talks with John Tavares Examining Mitch Marner's future with the Toronto Maple Leafs Marner, age 28, is poised to become one of the top NHL free agents this summer. The 6-foot winger, selected by Toronto with the fourth overall pick in the 2015 NHL Draft, played a critical role in another postseason failure by the club. Mitch Marner stats: 102 points (75 assists, 27 goals), +18 plus/minus, 6 power-play goals, 7 game-winning goals, 15.6% shooting rate, 4 blocks, 49 hits, 56 takeaways, 106 giveaways In a contract year, Marner's plus-minus (+21 to +18) dropped, but he played in 80-plus games for the second time in three seasons while setting career-highs in assists (75), points (102) and tied his career-best for power play assists (27). 'I think, first of all, the Maple Leafs are going to ask for clarity. Just where is this going? Is it 100% you are testing free agency on July 1st? Or is there any conversation that can be had here? And that's what I think they'll do, is they'll ask that first and see what the answer is, and go from there.' Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman on where things stand between the Toronto Maple Leafs, Mitch Marner Advertisement Back in 2019, Marner received multiple offer sheets as a restricted free agent, but he remained committed to Toronto and the club ultimately signed him to a six-year deal worth $65.385 million. With the NHL salary cap climbing significantly next year ($88 million to $95.5 million), the price will be even higher now. Between the cost and Marner's subpar performance in the Stanley Cup playoffs – 2 goals and -1 plus/minus in 13 games – Toronto seems very open to moving on but they would need to find a quality replacement. Related: Longest championship and playoff droughts in pro sports, including Maple Leafs Chris Kreider named as a potential Maple Leafs target During an appearance on The Fourth Period, Dave Pagnotta mentioned that he expects the New York Rangers to listen to offers for winger Chris Kreider this offseason. If that happens, Pagnotta believes that the Maple Leafs could target him as a replacement for Marner. Advertisement Chris Kreider stats (2024-'25): 30 points (22 goals, 8 assists), -5 plus/minus, 14.5% shot rate, 39.7% faceoff rate, 26 blocks, 79 hits, 9 takeaways, 39 giveaways Related: Why it's time for the New York Rangers to trade Chris Kreider Kreider, age 34, was taken by New York with the 19th overall pick in the 2009 NHL Draft. The 6-foot-3 winger had a down year this past season after averaging 68.7 points per season with the Rangers from 2022-'24. It could be a buy-low opportunity for Toronto, especially if the cost of acquiring him is lessened by New York wanting to dump his contract to create more room under the salary cap. Chris Kreider contract (PuckPedia): $6.5 million cap hit in 2025-'26 and 2026-'27 seasons Kreider would provide the Maple Leafs with more size and he has a better track record of scoring in the Stanley Cup Playoffs – 24 goals and 13 assists in his last 43 playoff games – which could prove appealing to a club with limited avenues of replacing Marner. While it would be a gamble, it could also be a more cost-effective option than re-signing Marner. Listen: Chris Kreider Trade debate, should the Rangers trade him
