Latest news with #StanleyCupPlayoffs'
Time of India
5 days ago
- Sport
- Time of India
Martin Necas' uncertain future sparks big questions for Hurricanes and Avalanche
Martin Necas' uncertain future sparks big questions for Hurricanes and Avalanche (Image via Getty) Martin Necas is a talented forward for the Carolina Hurricanes. Recently, his name has come up in trade talks with the Colorado Avalanche. But it seems Necas isn't too happy about the idea. According to recent reports, he is not too interested in joining Colorado. With contract talks coming up, the Hurricanes may have to make a big decision very soon. Martin Necas not fully interested in Colorado move On Monday, June 3, 2025, NHL insider Elliotte Friedman shared on his podcast 32 Thoughts that Martin Necas 'wasn't overly thrilled' with the idea of joining the Colorado Avalanche. Friedman spoke about this while discussing trade rumors involving Necas and Colorado. This talk began after several reports suggested that the Avalanche had shown interest in acquiring the 25-year-old forward from the Carolina Hurricanes. However, Friedman said on his show that Necas might prefer a different location. He said, 'I heard he wasn't overly thrilled about Colorado. He wants to explore all his options before committing anywhere.' The NHL offseason is the time when teams look to reshape their rosters. For Colorado, this could be a setback if Necas is not open to joining them. The Avalanche now need to think carefully before making a trade offer or starting contract talks. You can listen to the original report on 32 Thoughts Podcast: Also Read: Insider reveals Martin Necas rumored to be unhappy with Colorado Avalanche after big trade Uncertainty over Martin Necas extension talks this summer Martin Necas' uncertain future sparks big questions for Hurricanes and Avalanche Martin Necas is a restricted free agent (RFA) this summer. He just finished his season with Carolina in May 2025 after the Hurricanes were eliminated by the New York Rangers in the Stanley Cup Playoffs' second round. Now, contract extension talks are expected to begin soon. If talks between Necas and Carolina don't go well, the team may look to trade him. But with reports saying he's not keen on Colorado, they'll have to consider other teams. According to The Athletic's Pierre LeBrun, other NHL teams have also shown interest, and Carolina is likely to keep its options open. In a quote shared by LeBrun on June 4, 2025, one NHL executive said: 'He's a great player, but if the fit isn't right, Carolina has to think big picture. No one wants to force a trade if the player isn't excited about it.' With free agency approaching on July 1, 2025, a final decision will need to be made soon. If the Hurricanes and Necas cannot agree, and Colorado is not a favored destination, a new suitor may emerge for the young forward.
Time of India
16-05-2025
- Sport
- Time of India
Playoff-Ready: Ranking top 10 2025 NHL Draft prospects for Stanley Cup playoffs
NHL playoffs (via Getty Images) The NHL playoffs are where games tighten up, whistles disappear, and finesse gives way to grit. The 2025 NHL Draft class is full of talent, but not all top prospects thrive under playoff pressure. With that in mind, here's a list of the top 10 playoff-ready prospects from the 2025 NHL Draft in the Stanley Cup Playoffs' grind based on their physicality, pace, and competing levels. Matthew Schaefer, D, Erie Otters (OHL) Original Ranking: 1 Top two-way blueliner with world-class skating and shutdown ability. Matthew Schaefer's workload and pace-setting allow him to be the type of blue-line stud who plays a half-game in May. Michael Misa, C, Saginaw Spirit (OHL) Original Rank: 2 Dynamic in transition and very skilled. Michael Misa won't overpower opponents with his body but will exact a price from them with speed and intelligence. Look for him to adjust well to the accelerated postseason pace. The NHL Playoffs are out of control #4 Porter Martone, RW, Mississauga Steelheads (OHL) Original Rank: 3 Built for playoff hockey with a solid frame and net-front presence. Even if his skating is in doubt, Porter Martone's inclination for wearing down defenders in the trenches is impressive. Caleb Desnoyers, C, Halifax Mooseheads (QMJHL) Original Rank: 4 A trustworthy 200-foot center who excels in structure. He checks well against first lines and will be leaned on in all situations by playoff coaches. Jake O'Brien, C, Brantford Bulldogs (OHL) Original Rank: 7 Jake O'Brien combines high-level hockey smarts with a rugged offensive skill in close. Not very physical, but courageous and composed in traffic—something that is needed in the playoffs. Roger McQueen, C, Brandon Wheat Kings (WHL) Original Rank: 9 Tall and talented, Roger McQueen's only blemish is his injury record. Healthy, he's a classic playoff center: long, quick, and difficult to hold in check. Anton Frondell, C, Djurgarden (Allsvenskan) Original Rank: 6 A dynamic forward who battles with speed and toughness. Anton Frondell's play translates well to postseason hockey. Kashawn Aitcheson, D, Barrie Colts (OHL) Original Rank: 11 Kashawn Aitcheson finishes checks and excels in rugged matchups—just what clubs are seeking in a second-pair shutdown player in a close series. Radim Mrtka, D, Seattle Thunderbirds (WHL) Original Rank: 12 Radim Mrtka's size and skating mix are perfect for taking playoff minutes. He is cool under fire and passes the puck well, and he can handle the forecheck. Victor Eklund, LW, Djurgarden (Allsvenskan) Original Rank: 8 Small but tough. Victor Eklund skates like a pest, darting around with pace and edge. His pace would be a plus deep in the lineup. Also read: 'He is in beast mode': Leon Draisaitl's words about his winning mentality have left fans in awe of him Not all prospects are ready for the playoffs—and that's just fine. But for NHL franchises pursuing springtime success, the names at or near the top of this list provide a mix of grit, speed, and composure under duress. On draft day, don't be shocked if one or two of them pass more talented contemporaries based on precisely that. Get IPL 2025 match schedules , squads , points table , and live scores for CSK , MI , RCB , KKR , SRH , LSG , DC , GT , PBKS , and RR . Check the latest IPL Orange Cap and Purple Cap standings.
