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Calgary Herald
10-07-2025
- Sport
- Calgary Herald
Breaking down why Howard-O'Reilly deal is a good trade for Oilers and Lightning
Article content In a world of NHL trades that often masquerade as salary dumps or with retained salary, this Ike Howard for Sam O'Reilly deal is refreshing stuff — two high-end forward prospects, one a college player, one a junior, one a fast winger with dynamic offensive chops, one a right-shot centre who plays a pro-type game. Article content Howard's ready now, O'Reilly is, say, two years away. Article content Article content For now, let's pump the brakes some on where Howard fits. Article content Article content Howard, a Hobey Baker winner as the best college hockey player like Cale Makar was, like the late Johnny Gaudreau, by all accounts has top-6 NHL skill, but with a very crowded forward group, on paper at least here, it would be realistic to just hope this Michigan State left-winger is a top-9 forward for the Edmonton Oilers. Article content For now. Article content Those pre-season forecasts from some that have a 21-year-old who has never played a single minute of pro hockey, pencilled in to play left wing with the best player in the world Connor McDavid, while Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, closing in on 1,000 NHL games with the Oilers, drops down from McDavid's line to be a third-line centre? Seems a bit of a reach. Article content Truth is, Howard, who didn't want to sign with Tampa after being drafted in the first round in 2022, only has to be in the top 9 to start, and if not, with Nugent-Hopkins and Andrew Mangiapane as the first and second line left wingers, then the 21-year-old belongs in Bakersfield. Article content Article content Where does Howard fit? Article content Article content With McDavid or Leon Draisaitl likely not playing any more than three or four exhibition games, there is not much time for the team to find if Howard meshes with either of them but he should play with both, a lot, when they dress for those games so we see. So, we find out, but if not, then he can hopefully be a third-line left winger to start, maybe with Trent Frederic as the third line centre with Matthew Savoie on right wing. Article content We still see Nugent-Hopkins and Zach Hyman, coming off his dislocated wrist, playing with McDavid. It's who plays with Draisaitl. Maybe Mangiapane moves to the right side, and Howard gets a look on left wing there. But you can also bet that Czech forward David Tomasek, 29, who won the Swedish Hockey League scoring title, will be in the mix somewhere. He will get a shot with Leon or, at worst on the third line.
Ottawa Citizen
10-07-2025
- Sport
- Ottawa Citizen
Breaking down why Howard-O'Reilly deal is a good trade for Oilers and Lightning
Article content In a world of NHL trades that often masquerade as salary dumps or with retained salary, this Ike Howard for Sam O'Reilly deal is refreshing stuff — two high-end forward prospects, one a college player, one a junior, one a fast winger with dynamic offensive chops, one a right-shot centre who plays a pro-type game. Article content Howard's ready now, O'Reilly is, say, two years away. Article content Article content For now, let's pump the brakes some on where Howard fits. Article content Article content Howard, a Hobey Baker winner as the best college hockey player like Cale Makar was, like the late Johnny Gaudreau, by all accounts has top-6 NHL skill, but with a very crowded forward group, on paper at least here, it would be realistic to just hope this Michigan State left-winger is a top-9 forward for the Edmonton Oilers. Article content For now. Article content Those pre-season forecasts from some that have a 21-year-old who has never played a single minute of pro hockey, pencilled in to play left wing with the best player in the world Connor McDavid, while Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, closing in on 1,000 NHL games with the Oilers, drops down from McDavid's line to be a third-line centre? Seems a bit of a reach. Article content Truth is, Howard, who didn't want to sign with Tampa after being drafted in the first round in 2022, only has to be in the top 9 to start, and if not, with Nugent-Hopkins and Andrew Mangiapane as the first and second line left wingers, then the 21-year-old belongs in Bakersfield. Article content Article content Where does Howard fit? Article content Article content With McDavid or Leon Draisaitl likely not playing any more than three or four exhibition games, there is not much time for the team to find if Howard meshes with either of them but he should play with both, a lot, when they dress for those games so we see. So, we find out, but if not, then he can hopefully be a third-line left winger to start, maybe with Trent Frederic as the third line centre with Matthew Savoie on right wing. Article content We still see Nugent-Hopkins and Zach Hyman, coming off his dislocated wrist, playing with McDavid. It's who plays with Draisaitl. Maybe Mangiapane moves to the right side, and Howard gets a look on left wing there. But you can also bet that Czech forward David Tomasek, 29, who won the Swedish Hockey League scoring title, will be in the mix somewhere. He will get a shot with Leon or, at worst on the third line.
Vancouver Sun
10-07-2025
- Sport
- Vancouver Sun
Howard, O'Reilly deal, good trade for Edmonton Oilers and Lightning
In a world of NHL trades that often masquerade as salary dumps or with retained salary, this Ike Howard for Sam O'Reilly deal is refreshing stuff — two high-end forward prospects, one a college player, one a junior, one a fast winger with dynamic offensive chops, one a right-shot centre who plays a pro-type game. Howard's ready now, O'Reilly is, say, two years away. For now, let's pump the brakes some on where Howard fits. Start your day with a roundup of B.C.-focused news and opinion. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder. The next issue of Sunrise will soon be in your inbox. Please try again Interested in more newsletters? Browse here. Howard, a Hobey Baker winner as the best college hockey player like Cale Makar was, like the late Johnny Gaudreau, by all accounts has top-6 NHL skill, but with a very crowded forward group, on paper at least here, it would be realistic to just hope this Michigan State left-winger is a top-9 forward for the Edmonton Oilers. For now. Those pre-season forecasts from some that have a 21-year-old who has never played a single minute of pro hockey, pencilled in to play left wing with the best player in the world Connor McDavid, while Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, closing in on 1,000 NHL games with the Oilers, drops down from McDavid's line to be a third-line centre? Seems a bit of a reach. Truth is, Howard, who didn't want to sign with Tampa after being drafted in the first-round in 2022, only has to be in the top 9 to start, and if not, with Nugent-Hopkins and Andrew Mangiapane as the first and second line left wingers, then the 21-year-old belongs in Bakersfield. With McDavid or Leon Draisaitl likely not playing any more than three or four exhibition games, there is not much time for the team to find if Howard meshes with either of them but he should play with both, a lot, when they dress for those games so we see. So, we find out, but if not, then he can hopefully be third-line left winer to start, maybe with Trent Frederic as the third line centre with Matthew Savoie on right wing. We still see Nugent-Hopkins and Zach Hyman, coming off his dislocated wrist, playing with McDavid. It's who plays with Draisaitl. Maybe Mangiapane moves to right-side, and Howard gets a look on left wing there. But you can also bet that Czech forward David Tomasek, 29, who won the Swedish Hockey League scoring title, will be in the mix somewhere. He will get a shot with Leon or, at worst on the third line. So there we are, two months from camp opening and lots of questions. Originally, the Oilers were pitching their 2027 first-round pick for Howard, but the the Lightning were more inclined to a warm body, a player closer to the NHL. While the defensively, very sharp offensively talented right-shot centre O'Reilly is headed back to London for a final season of junior this winter, most NHL amateur scouts feel he might only be two years away. He's got top 9 forward written all over him as an NHLer down the road, and, frankly, the Oilers were loathe to give him up because he was one of coach Dale Hunter's best players when they won the Memorial Cup this past spring, plus the Oilers were so sold on O'Reilly that they traded up at the 2024 draft by giving up their 2025 first round pick to Philadelphia to pick him 31st overall. O'Reilly played 23 minutes a game for a powerhouse London team in the playoffs and Memorial Cup and had 27 points in those 22 games. He's an all-situational junior. 'I see Sam as a very good 3C, hard, two-way play,' said TSN's amateur scouting expert Craig Button, 'But this is the price of doing business and I think both the Lightning and the Oilers did a niece piece of business in this transaction.' What this deal came down to was simple. 'The Oilers need the immediacy of the deal with Howard being ready and on an entry-level contract ($950,000 AAV),' said Button. They also needed a winger more than a centre. Howard, 21, is a lot closer to being an NHLer after three years of college than O'Reilly, 19, after two years of junior. Howard will be given every chance to be an instant NHLer when camp opens in September because the Oilers, the oldest team in the NHL last season, need some young legs. He's also shown he can score 26 goals in 37 games at Michigan State with a quick release. His cap hit is also cheap at $950,000 after signing a three-year deal. Howard and Savoie should both be in the offensive mix here to start the year. 'Matt and Isaac are different but top six guys (skill),' said Button. 'Howard is ready to play. And he has the opportunity to play with two of the best set-up guys on the planet. It fits very nicely for 97/29 and the Oilers. He's a goal-scorer, pure and simple.' Howard, who played four games at the World Championship this spring —one of only two college players invited, with Boston U D Cole Hutson — clearly did not see the same NHL path in Tampa like in Edmonton. Rather than sign with the Lightning, he said he was going back for a fourth college year. He would have been a free agent next summer, so the Lightning moved on from him. 'That organization, with the Cups, with Julien Brisebois running things, with Coop (Jon Cooper), maybe the best coach there is, a player's coach. Why wouldn't he want to be there?' said a long-time NHL management type. The Oilers have been down this road before with players they've drafted who didn't want to play with them. American-born defenceman John Marino (Harvard) didn't want to play in Canada. Alberta-born Riley Nash (Clarkson College) didn't either. They traded both for late round draft picks. 'Howard is a terrific kid with lots of personality and his game has developed nicely. He's matured the last two seasons… I just think he's a smart, offensive player who knows how to be in the right places at the right times,' said Button. 'He's quick, got good legs. He's not what I'd call extremely physical but he's strong enough… he doesn't get knocked off his feet too much,' said an NHL scouting source, who requested anonymity because he works for another NHL team but has scouted lots of college hockey. 'He's not that big (5'11', 190) but he is a sniper. 'He's going from playing at the elite school with really good college-level players to the best players in the world. But he scores goals. What he's lacking in experience (pro), there's still a lot of college players who don't have what Howard has.' The last college player the Oilers had who was a star there was Dylan Holloway, but he busted his wrist in his second season at Wisconsin. The first surgery didn't work and he needed a second procedure, which really delayed his pro progress. He was back and forth to Bakersfield. If he doesn't wreck his wrist, maybe he's in the NHL, right away. Howard does his best work in the middle of the ice, driving play, shooting accurately off the rush (think Brock Boeser with better feet), and he's adept at digging pucks out of corners with his stick. But some people do wonder, at the NHL level against older, often bigger defenceman, how Howard will do, off the hop. He'll have to wade in and win some physical battles, too, with his 190 pounds. There's also his play away from the puck when he's got it so much in college, always a major learning curve coming to the NHL. But, this trade looks like a win-win for both Tampa and Edmonton. 'The Oilers are getting a young player who could play in the top 6 but give Julien (Brisebois) credit. His back was against the wall but he got a helluva prospect back (O'Reilly),' said the NHL scouting source. 'O'Reilly will play in Tampa (down the road). I think it's a good deal for both teams.' Bookmark our website and support our journalism: Don't miss the news you need to know — add and to your bookmarks and sign up for our newsletters . You can also support our journalism by becoming a digital subscriber. Subscribers gain unlimited access to The Edmonton Journal, Edmonton Sun, National Post, and 13 other Canadian news sites. The Edmonton Journal | The Edmonton Sun
Yahoo
01-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Rangers' biggest 1st-round busts in NHL Draft since 2000, including Lias Andersson
Whiffing on a first-round draft pick, especially a top-10 pick, can be a disaster for any franchise. Though the New York Rangers have had some big first-round hits since 2000, including Chris Kreider, J.T. Miller and Marc Staal, there have also been some big-league busts that have hampered their ability to compete for the Stanley Cup. Those misfires include back-to-back failures to hit on top-10 picks in the late 2010s, selecting one of the few duds in the talent-filled first round in 2003, and two top-10 selections who had long careers in hockey but never lived up to their draft status. Advertisement So, perhaps it's a good thing the Rangers sent their first-round pick, No. 12 overall, to the Pittsburgh Penguins this year! Here's a look at five of the Rangers' biggest first-round disappointments in the past 25 years. Related: NHL insider provides Jarome Iginla reason why Rangers shouldn't give up on Alexis Lafreniere Lias Andersson (2017; Round 1, No. 7) Sarah Stier-Imagn Images The Rangers had made the Stanley Cup Playoffs for seven straight seasons when they selected Swedish forward Lias Andersson with the seventh pick in 2017. Andersson had helped HV-71 win the Swedish Hockey League title earlier that spring. Andersson became the youngest player in Rangers history to score a goal in his NHL debut when he tallied against the Washington Capitals on March 26, 2018. But that was just about the only thing that went right for him in New York. He was immature — and not nearly as skilled as the Rangers hoped. Andersson chafed at demotions to AHL Hartford, failed to make any NHL impact and worked his way back to Sweden before he was traded to the Los Angeles Kings in October 2021. Advertisement Unfortunately for the Kings, Andersson was no better on the West Coast than he was on the East Coast. He signed with the Montreal Canadiens in the summer of 2023, spent all of 2023-24 in the AHL, then signed to play in Switzerland, where he remains today. His seven goals and 17 points in 110 games, including three goals and nine points in 66 games with the Rangers, look like they'll be his final numbers in the NHL. Andersson's most lasting impact on the Rangers is positive one, though; the player they drafted with the second-round pick they got in the trade with the Kings was Will Cuylle. Vitali Kravtsov (2018; Round 1, No. 9) Chris Jones-Imagn Images The only thing worse than whiffing on a top-10 pick is doing it again the next year. That's what the Rangers did with Vitali Kravtsov, a Russian forward who never came close to becoming the star the Rangers hoped he'd be after taking him with the ninth pick in 2018. Advertisement Kravtsov played his post-draft year with Traktor Chelyabinsk in the KHL, then came to North America and played 39 games for Hartford in the American Hockey League before he was loaned back to Traktor. He wound up there again in 2020-21 after failing to make the Rangers out of training camp, but ended up playing 20 games for New York, finishing with two goals and four points. Like Andersson, Kravtsov was at odds with the Rangers and it was back to Traktor and the KHL for him in 2021-22, as it was obvious he wasn't ready for the NHL. But he returned the Rangers in June 2022 and played 28 games for them in 2022-23. However, after putting up just three goals and six points, the Rangers traded him to the Vancouver Canucks on Feb. 25, 2023. Kravtsov has played the past two seasons with Traktor and figures to attract NHL interest after a 27-goal, 58-point, plus-31 season in 2024-25. Don't expect the Rangers to be one of the interested parties. Hugh Jessiman (2003; Round 1, No. 12) Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images The first round of the 2003 draft is regarded by many as among the best, if not the best, in NHL history. It included the second-winningest goaltender all-time (Marc-Andre Fleury) and four players who scored at least 400 goals (Eric Staal, Jeff Carter, Zach Parise and Corey Perry). Of the 30 players taken in the first round that year, 13 played at least 1,000 games. Advertisement And then there was Hugh Jessiman. The Rangers, mired in a stretch that saw them miss the Stanley Cup Playoffs for seven straight seasons, took the 6-foot-6 power forward after a sensational first season at Dartmouth that saw him score 23 goals and finish with 47 points in 34 games. But his offensive number dropped in 2003-04, and an ankle injury limited him to 12 games in 2005. Jessiman turned pro after that but never caught on with the Rangers, splitting four seasons between Hartford and Charlotte, then an ECHL team. The Rangers gave him away to the Nashville Predators in October 2008, he signed with the Chicago Blackhawks in August 2010 and was traded to the Florida Panthers in February 2011. Florida finally gave him a cup of coffee in the NHL. He played two games for the Panthers, going scoreless while playing a total of 14:42 but becoming the last of the 2003 first-rounders to play an NHL game. Advertisement Jessiman remained in the AHL through 2012-13, then played two seasons in Europe before retiring in 2015. His name is guaranteed to elicit groans from Rangers fans of that era. Dylan McIlrath (2010; Round 1, No. 10) Brad Penner-Imagn Images There were a lot of heads shaking after the Rangers used the No. 10 overall pick in the 2010 draft on Dylan McIlrath, a 6-foot-5, 240-pound defenseman who many felt was too slow and not skilled enough to succeed at the NHL level. The skeptics were right. Especially after a severe knee injury early in his career made him even less mobile. McIlrath has had a long pro hockey career, but just 92 games of it have come in the NHL – and only 38 of those were for the Rangers. His only offensive production came in 2015-16, when he had two goals and four points in 34 games. Advertisement His greatest success has come with his current employer, the Washington Capitals. He captained Hersey, their AHL farm team, to back-to-back Calder Cup championships in 2023 and 2024, and earned a role as a seventh defenseman in the NHL this past season, fighting Matt Rempe, among others, playing 17 games for the Eastern Conference regular-season champs and being a healthy scratch on most other nights. It was enough to earn him a new two-year contract through the 2026-27 season. McIlrath's career would be a good one if he were a late-round pick. As a first-rounder, he was the Rangers' third top-10 bust in a four-year span. Al Montoya (2004; Round 1, No. 6) Tom Szczerbowski-Imagn Images Drafting goaltenders high in the first round was in vogue early in the 21st century. But for every goalie like Fleury, who figures to be a first-ballot Hockey Hall of Famer as soon as he's eligible, there are guys like Al Montoya, who never matched his draft position. Advertisement With Mike Richter's career over and the Rangers having missed the playoffs for seven straight seasons, they were excited for the chance to draft Montoya, who had led Team USA to its first World Junior Championship gold medal in January 2004. He had also won 56 games in two seasons at Michigan. However, the Rangers and Montoya were unable to agree on a contract in the summer of 2004, and he returned to Michigan for a third season before the two sides came to terms in the summer of 2005. Unfortunately for Montoya, that was the same year a seventh-round pick from Sweden named Henrik Lundqvist arrived in North America. Lundqvist won the starting job and went on to a Hall of Fame career. Montoya went on to … Hartford. And San Antonio. And six NHL teams (including the New York Islanders) as a decent backup goaltender before he retired from professional hockey in 2018-19. Montoya's career was hurt by being in the wrong place at the wrong time. But his career numbers (168 games played, 67-49-24, 2.65 GAA, .908 save percentage) look more like those of a sixth-round pick, not the sixth player picked in his draft year. Related Headlines
Time of India
02-06-2025
- Sport
- Time of India
Pittsburgh Penguins eye roster refresh: Young stars like Rutger McGroarty and Ville Koivunen lead NHL action
Pittsburgh Penguins (via Getty Images) The Pittsburgh Penguins are preparing for a pivotal 2025–26 NHL season, one that could take them in a fresh era led by rising stars like Rutger McGroarty and Ville Koivunen. With a handful of veteran contracts locked in and several pending free agents uncertain to return, Pittsburgh Penguins general manager Kyle Dubas appears ready to open the door for youth. Top candidates for Pittsburgh Penguins At the front of the pack is top prospect Rutger McGroarty, who made an impressive contribution last season with three points in five NHL games before a foot injury ended his progression. Having played on the top line with Sidney Crosby and Bryan Rust, his combination of pace and pugnacity makes him a good bet to make the roster out of camp. Ville Koivunen, who collected seven helpers in eight games of NHL action in the 2024–25 season, is versatile and cool, playing with Evgeni Malkin and Sidney Crosby, and this gives him a good shot at cementing a full-time spot. On the blue side, Owen Pickering and Jack St. Ivany are serious challengers. St. Ivany recovered from slow starts and injuries early in the season to stay strong in the AHL late, while Pickering played top-four minutes in the NHL last season alongside Kris Letang. Forward Avery Hayes is making waves following an impressive 60-point AHL season. Recently signed to an entry-level deal, he's recognized for his tireless pace and scoring potential. Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like [Click Here] 2025 Top Trending local enterprise accounting software Esseps Learn More Undo Filip Hallander, who won Swedish Hockey League Forward of the Year, might finally bring his European success over to the NHL if he impresses in camp. And as for the longer shots, Sam Poulin, Mikhail Ilyin, and Atley Calvert are still worth mentioning. Though they might not make the opening night roster, their excellent play in the AHL or overseas could bring mid-season call-ups. And let us not forget goaltender Joel Blomqvist, whose NHL readiness would be thwarted only by the presence of Tristan Jarry and Alex Nedeljkovic. Also read: 'Thank you, Pittsburgh': Mike Sullivan leaves Pittsburgh Penguins with emotional billboard message With the Pittsburgh Penguins seeking to close the gap between a veteran-rich core and the future stars, training camp looms as pivotal. With roster room and a clear desire for new energy, the likes of Rutger McGroarty and Ville Koivunen are presented with the golden chance to take the franchise in a certain direction right away. What is certain is that the Penguins are set to provide youth with an opportunity—now it is a matter of waiting for the prospects to seize it.
