Latest news with #NHL-level
Time of India
02-08-2025
- Sport
- Time of India
Toronto Maple Leafs re-sign Nicholas Robertson to one-year, $1.825M contract to avoid arbitration
(Jeffrey T. Barnes/AP) The Toronto Maple Leafs have officially re-signed forward Nicholas Robertson to a one-year contract worth $1.825 million, avoiding the need for salary arbitration. The deal wraps up the final arbitration-eligible case in the NHL this summer. Robertson, who is still seeking a bigger role in the lineup, earns a significant raise while trade chatter around him continues ahead of the 2025–26 season. Nicholas Robertson avoids arbitration with Toronto Maple Leafs, secures raise amid trade rumors and uncertain future Robertson and the Maple Leafs reached their agreement just a day after submitting their arbitration filings, Toronto offered $1.2 million, while Robertson's camp sought $2.25 million. The final deal surpasses the midpoint of $1.725 million, marking a meaningful raise from the $875,000 he earned last season. The 23-year-old has shown flashes of promise as a depth scorer. He posted 15 goals and seven assists in 69 games during the 2024–25 campaign, averaging a career-high 12:00 of ice time per game. However, his inconsistent presence in the lineup, particularly during the playoffs, where he appeared in just three games, has led to frustrations. Robertson reportedly requested a trade last summer, and that request remains on the table. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Knee pain treatment prices might surprise you Knee pain| search ads Find Now Undo Despite this, the Leafs appear committed to keeping Robertson in the fold for now, potentially eyeing a more defined role in the top-nine forward group. The offseason departure of Mitch Marner and the arrival of winger Matias Maccelli from Utah could open the door for more consistent minutes. Cap space tightens as Toronto Maple Leafs finalize RFA signings and explore trade options With Robertson re-signed, Toronto now has all of its NHL-level restricted free agents under contract. The club still needs to finalize deals with two prospects, goaltender Dennis Hildeby and defenseman William Villeneuve, but neither is expected to impact the NHL roster immediately. Hildeby was arbitration-eligible but chose not to file. According to PuckPedia, the Maple Leafs now have approximately $1.1 million in cap space, though that number includes 24 players, one over the allowable limit. The front office is reportedly exploring options to move veterans Calle Jarnkrok ($2.1M) and David Kampf ($2.4M) to clear both roster and salary space. While Nicholas Robertson's future in Toronto remains uncertain, this deal gives both sides flexibility. For now, the Maple Leafs secure a promising young forward, avoid arbitration, and maintain cap flexibility as they shape their 2025–26 roster. Also Read: Toronto Maple Leafs prospect Easton Cowan aims to secure NHL roster spot following Mitch Marner trade For real-time updates, scores, and highlights, follow our live coverage of the India vs England Test match here. Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!
Time of India
31-07-2025
- Automotive
- Time of India
Roger McQueen rockets up 2025 Anaheim Ducks prospect rankings as NHL future looms
NHL-Roger McQueen drafted by the Anaheim Ducks with the 10th overall pick (Credit: Getty Images) The Anaheim Ducks continue to stockpile young NHL talent, and their latest top-tier addition is making waves already. Center Roger McQueen, the Ducks' 10th overall pick in the 2025 NHL Draft, lands at No. 2 on Anaheim's prospect rankings, trailing only one other name in their stacked pipeline. Ducks Draft Pick Roger McQueen Has the Weekend of a Lifetime Roger McQueen's NHL-ready skills elevate him to No. 2 on the Ducks list The 18-year-old power forward from the Brandon Wheat Kings (WHL) stands out not just for his towering 6'5" frame, but for his advanced two-way game, NHL-level puck skills, and high hockey IQ. While Anaheim's depth has grown with recent graduates like Leo Carlsson, Cutter Gauthier, and Mason McTavish, McQueen represents the next possible face of the franchise. The Mighty Ducks stars announce Roger McQueen selected No. 10 overall to Anaheim⚡ | 2025 NHL Draft Anaheim's front office sees long-term upside. McQueen combines elite hands, a high compete level, and impressive skating mechanics for a player of his size; he controls the puck in tight spaces, delivers pro-ready passes, and boasts a lethal shot, his defensive instincts are equally notable, making him a true 200-foot player in the making. WHL star Roger McQueen could fast-track to the NHL after a promising draft year His NHL future, however, hinges on staying healthy. The Ducks' development plan appears to lean toward another season with Brandon in the WHL, but the door remains slightly open for college hockey or even a surprise NHL roster spot after training camp. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like No annual fees for life UnionBank Credit Card Apply Now Undo FAQs Is Roger McQueen eligible for the NHL in 2025-26? Yes, but he's more likely to return to the WHL. That too before joining the NHL full-time. Which team drafted Roger McQueen in the NHL? The Anaheim Ducks selected him 10th overall in the 2025 NHL Draft. What league did Roger McQueen play in before the draft? He played for the Brandon Wheat Kings in the WHL. With Anaheim seeking a return to playoff relevance, having missed out since 2018. And prospects like Roger McQueen could become vital pieces in that puzzle; if his health holds and development continues as expected, Anaheim might have found its next franchise center. Also Read: Acquitted NHL player signs overseas: New deal sparks hope for Carter Hart, Michael McLeod, Dillon Dubé, Cal Foote, and Alex Formenton For real-time updates, scores, and highlights, follow our live coverage of the India vs England Test match here. Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!
Time of India
29-07-2025
- Sport
- Time of India
Matthew Schaefer eyes an early NHL challenge with legends Sidney Crosby and Alex Ovechkin
Matthew Schaefer eyes an early NHL challenge with legends Sidney Crosby and Alex Ovechkin (Image Via Twitter) A fantastic and tough challenge may open Matthew Schaefer's NHL road. With the 1st overall selection taken by the New York Islanders, the young defenseman is eagerly eyeing his professional debut against two of the greatest names in hockey ever-Sidney Crosby and Alex Ovechkin. The Islanders face the Penguins and Capitals in their opening matches, so Matthew Schaefer may find himself instantly tested by two future Hall of Famers. Yet, just sharing the ice with the greats is only a part of his story. Matthew Schaefer set for debut amidst huge expectations What's Matthew Schaefer's Actual Ceiling? There have been massive changes in the Islanders' defensive lineup, not least the trade that sent Noah Dobson to the Montreal Canadiens. This hole on the blue line is, and could well be in the immediate future, a factor in speeding up Matthew Schaefer's path to the NHL, despite cries for patience from some fans. Schaefer is no run-of-the-mill prospect; he is just the fifth defenseman to go first overall this century, and the first Islander to get such distinction since John Tavares in 2009. The Schaefer NHL baptism may arrive as soon as October 9, with the Islanders travelling to Pittsburgh to meet Sidney Crosby and the Penguins. Two days later, the Islanders welcome the Capitals of Alex Ovechkin to UBS Arena. These initial encounters set the stage for a headline-worthy initiation into the league, giving fans a glimpse at how the young defenseman shows up under the intense lights. Injury recovery and offseason prep are key for Matthew Schaefer While he is elite, draft-wise, Matthew Schaefer finished his 2025 season after being injured at the World Junior Championships. Since then, the Erie Otters star has turned his attention toward rehab and strength training. During Islanders training camp, Schaefer has been working out every day and going through NHL-level training routines in an attempt to fill the gaps between junior hockey and the excitement of professional hockey. The intent remains clear: to bulk up and get faster to keep pace with the league. He says he relishes that grind. He also wants to earn a spot and prove himself mentally and physically. Islanders rebuilding with youth under Patrick Roy After a mediocre 35-35-12 record and a season to forget, head coach Patrick Roy aims to make it all better. He said infusing the youth with fresh energy and long-term value, such as bringing in Schaefer, should do the trick. For Schaefer, being part of that rebuild and being able to learn through matchups against giants like Crosby and Ovechkin should fast-track his development. Also Read: Don Waddell's new journey with the Columbus Blue Jackets after an unexpected layoff from the Carolina Hurricanes Matthew Schaefer's NHL debut combines excitement and pressure. First, meeting Sidney Crosby and Alex Ovechkin in his debut matches will either be the perfect launchpad or a harsh test for a player who is supposed to hold the Islanders' blue line for many years to come. FAQs Q1: Will Matthew Schaefer be playing in the NHL this season? Ans: Pending confirmation, the chances are high due to the Islanders' thin defense and his top draft status. Q2: Is Matthew Schaefer fully recovered? Ans: He's in the stage of recovery and working toward reattaining peak form; however, he has not yet returned to full contact play. Q3:When is the Islanders' first game of the season? Ans: October 9, 2025, in Pittsburgh against the Pittsburgh Penguins. Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!
Yahoo
24-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
NHL Summer Splash Rankings: No. 25, Tampa Bay Lightning
The Hockey News' NHL summer splash rankings are in full swing, with the Tampa Bay Lightning coming in 25th place. We're focusing on each NHL team's off-season, weighing in on the teams that improved, stayed the same and got worse this off-season. We'll be breaking down all additions and departures, including hirings and firings. This isn't about who had the best or worst off-season, although there are some exceptions if a team did more or less than expected to support their core. You can see the teams that finished beneath the Lightning at the bottom. Now, let's focus on the state of the Bolts. Additions Pontus Holmberg (LW), Boris Katchouk (LW), Sam O'Reilly (C) The Breakdown: The Lightning made their big moves during the season, re-acquiring veteran center Yanni Gourde as well as right winger Oliver Bjorkstrand from the Seattle Kraken for their playoff run this past spring. Tampa Bay GM Julien BriseBois signed Gourde to a six-year contract extension with an average annual value of $2.33 million – terrific value for a proven winner. In terms of NHL-level players added this summer, the Bolts only brought on former Toronto Maple Leafs left winger Holmberg. The 26-year-old Swede was mostly a bottom-six forward for the Maple Leafs last year, posting modest career highs in assists (12) and points (19) in 68 regular-season games. Holmberg was a non-factor in the playoffs, generating just a single assist in 12 games. He'll again be a third- or fourth-liner for Tampa Bay. Katchouk, 27, was one of the Lightning's additions signed to a two-way deal. He gets mentioned here because he's played 176 career NHL games, but he spent all of this past season in the AHL, and his career high in the NHL is 16 points in 58 games in 2022-23. O'Reilly, 19, is a prospect center acquired in the Isaac Howard trade with the Edmonton Oilers. He's a smart player who could make the bottom six in the future, but he's not expected to graduate to the NHL in 2025-26. Departures Nick Perbix (D), Cam Atkinson (RW), Luke Glendening (C), Isaac Howard (RW) The Breakdown: BriseBois spent most of his cap space to keep his team largely intact, but the Lightning did lose some experience on the free-agent market. Veteran defenseman Perbix signed with the Nashville Predators. He was a third-pair blueliner for Tampa Bay, averaging only 14:41 of ice time in 74 games. But he got a significant raise from the Preds, going from $1.125 million this past season to $2.75 million on a two-year deal. That was too rich for BriseBois to accommodate, so the Lightning's defense corps won't be quite as deep next season. Right winger Atkinson was mainly a fringe player this past year, with only four goals and nine points in 39 games. He was a frequent healthy scratch and was assigned to the AHL at times. Veteran center Glendening also appears to be moving on. The 36-year-old was a fourth-liner for Tampa Bay, averaging only 10:47 per game in 77 games. Neither Atkinson nor Glendening is irreplaceable, but their departure does affect the Lightning's overall depth up front. Ultimately, while things could've gone worse in the off-season for Brisebois and the Bolts, they did a decent-enough job keeping together a group that Lightning brass obviously still believes in. And the departures they did have aren't going to hurt their bottom line. Speaking of bottom lines… The Bottom Line The Lightning were ousted in the first round of last year's Stanley Cup playoffs by the back-to-back defending Cup-champion Florida Panthers. But there's still plenty to like about Tampa Bay – whether it's superstar sniper Nikita Kucherov, elite forwards Jake Guentzel, Brayden Point, Anthony Cirelli and Brandon Hagel, accomplished defensemen in Victor Hedman, Erik Cernak and Ryan McDonagh, or superstar goalie Andrei Vasilevskiy. You can't credibly argue that's not an impressive group. Keeping Gourde was a priority for BriseBois to ensure there's proven talent in the bottom six. Signing Hedman to a contract extension last July that kicks in this upcoming season was huge, and not having to trade core talent for cap space is a plus as well. Did Tampa Bay get better this summer? No. Did they stay the same? For the most part, yes – although there is, in our estimation, enough evidence to argue they got marginally worse for this upcoming season than their playoff roster in the grand scheme of things. Because of those reasons and the tight margin between the clubs that stayed largely the same, they're in the bottom quarter of the NHL summer splash rankings. We fully expect the Lightning to be a playoff team in the 2025-26 campaign. That said, we're also not sure Tampa Bay will be able to get out of the first round in next spring's playoffs. BriseBois has never been afraid to make big moves in-season, so that may be in the cards for the Bolts next year. Summer Splash Rankings 25. Tampa Bay Lightning 26. Toronto Maple Leafs 27. Dallas Stars 28. Calgary Flames 29. Los Angeles Kings 30. Winnipeg Jets 31. Chicago Blackhawks 32. Buffalo Sabres
USA Today
21-07-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Porter Martone to play at Michigan State hockey after Flyers picked him No. 6 in draft
Michigan State hockey is adding some NHL-level talent ... sort of. Porter Martone, the 18-year-old winger selected by the Philadelphia Flyers as the No. 6 overall pick in the 2025 NHL Draft, will play for Michigan State in the upcoming 2025-26 season according to Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman. Martone played in the 2024-25 season for the Ontario Hockey League's Brampton Steelheads, where he put up 98 points (37 goals, 61 assists) in 57 games played. There had been questions about whether Martone would play college hockey in the United States or continue his career on the junior circuit. The addition of Martone is a big pickup for the Spartans, who lost forward Isaac Howard on July 8 after the Hobey Baker Award winner signed an entry-level contract with the Edmonton Oilers. Howard was originally drafted by the Tampa Bay Lightning with the 31st overall pick in 2022, but was traded to the Oilers following his junior season at Michigan State. PROSPECT DECIDES Gavin McKenna, top prospect in 2026 NHL Draft, will play college hockey at Penn State Unlike in the other major North American professional sports, players drafted to an NHL team are allowed to continue their college careers while their professional team retains the player's draft rights. The Spartans won their second consecutive Big Ten title in the 2024-25 season, beating Ohio State 4-3 in double overtime in the Big Ten championship game with Howard scoring the winning goal. However, the No. 2 overall seed Spartans lost to Cornell 4-3 in the first round of the 2025 NCAA Tournament, which was eventually won by Western Michigan. Players from one of the three Canadian junior hockey leagues (Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League, Western Hockey League, OHL) were originally banned from playing NCAA hockey since the NCAA previously considered them professionals, eliminating their amateur status. However, the NCAA ruled on Nov. 7, 2024, that some players from the Canadian junior leagues would be eligible to play NCAA hockey.
