Marc Bergevin can't quite put his finger on it, but there are qualities to Max Domi's game that he prefers to Alex Galchenyuk's.
Domi, the newest member of the Montreal Canadiens, was acquired Friday in a deal that saw the Habs part with the former third-overall pick Galchenyuk.
The two are separated by just one year and both have averaged 0.61 points per game over their respective careers, but it's Domi's work away from the puck which is most appealing, the Canadiens general manager told reporters Saturday.
"I encourage you to check out Max Domi highlights on YouTube. His energy and enthusiasm are off the charts," Bergevin said.
Marc Bergevin mentioned the word "intangibles" several times in explaining why he thinks the Canadiens are a better team with Max Domi as opposed to Alex Galchenyuk.
Billed as an offensive threat, the diminutive Domi also plays with an edge, something that rival players like Ryan Kesler have had the misfortune of being on the receiving end of.
"I welcome (fans) to watch him and to get to know him, and I think once he's here and they'll watch him play they'll appreciate what he brings," Bergevin added, as per TSN's John Lu.
The Canadiens GM also said that while Domi split time last season between left wing and center under former coach Rick Tocchet, he sees him lining up on the wing with his new club.
"We watched him (play center with Arizona) last year but we know he's a better winger," Bergevin said. "In a jam, I guess he could help at center but we don't want to put him expecting as a centerman."
Earlier Saturday, the Canadiens inked Domi to a two-year, $6.3-million contract extension.
Almost one year ago, the Arizona Coyotes pulled off a draft-day blockbuster, acquiring Derek Stepan from the New York Rangers in hopes of rectifying the franchise's longtime weakness at center.
The hope is that Galchenyuk will line up at center, likely as the Coyotes' second-line pivot behind Stepan. While he spent much of last season at wing, general manager John Chayka believes Galchenyuk will benefit from a move back to the middle.
"Our thesis on it is he has the ability (to play center) and we think that he has natural tendencies that lend itself to that," Chayka said in a conference call. "We feel, just based off of our research and what we've looked at, that he has the capacity to do it.
"I think having depth at that position and having players who can play that position is something that we desired in this trade. He's had success playing the center position. I don't think we'd make this trade if we didn't think he had the ability to play center."
While Galchenyuk saw little time up the middle under current Habs coach Claude Julien, he was a frequent middleman under former bench boss Michel Therrien.
Galchenyuk began the 2016-17 season at center, putting up nine goals and 14 assists in 25 games before suffering a knee injury. The 24-year-old was moved to the wing upon his return from the ensuing six-week layoff.
After spending the past five seasons in the KHL, the 35-year-old Russian free agent wants to return to the NHL. While he can't officially sign until July 1, Kovalchuk has already drawn interest from a number of suitors, including the Los Angeles Kings and San Jose Sharks, while the Bruins are the latest club to throw their hat into the ring.
"I've been in contact with (Kovalchuk's) group," Bruins general manager Don Sweeney told Matt Porter of the Boston Globe. "For obvious reasons - about 230 pounds and still scores goals. He is 35, so you have to factor that in, but he brings a lot to the table.
"I hope he looks at (the Bruins) and says, 'That's a team I'd be interested in.' He indicated that, but you know, until I get a chance to sit with him, I won't know that exactly."
Sweeney added that if the Bruins come to terms with Kovalchuk, it would mark the end of Rick Nash's short tenure in Boston, as the team's lineup can't accommodate both veteran wingers.
"It would have to be either/or, it can't be both," Sweeney said.
However, Nash battled injuries throughout his time with the Bruins, appearing in just 11 regular-season contests and another dozen playoff games. The 33-year-old is coming off an eight-year contract that carried a $7.8-million cap hit.
As for Kovalchuk, he signed a 15-year, $100-million deal with the New Jersey Devils in 2010, but walked away after just three seasons for the KHL, effectively terminating his contract. The Devils retained his rights up until this summer.
At a media availability Thursday, Flyers general manager Ron Hextall told reporters, including Sam Carchidi of The Philadelphia Inquirer, the team is interested in signing free agents to short-term agreements. Then he added that Philadelphia has no plans to speak with Kovalchuk's representatives, according to Adam Kimelman of NHL.com.
Kovalchuk, who has spent the past five seasons in the KHL, is prepared to return to the NHL now that he's an unrestricted free agent. His rights were held by the New Jersey Devils prior to this offseason, but now that he's over age 35, Kovalchuk is free to sign with any team.
The Lightning general manager is set to enter the ninth and final season of his contract in 2018-19, but team owner Jeff Vinik remains optimistic that he'll ink "Stevie Y" to an extension as soon as this offseason, according to Joe Smith of The Athletic.
Based on Yzerman's comments, it doesn't appear that it will be a long negotiation, either.
"Working for Jeff has been fantastic," Yzerman told Smith. "It's a tremendous position and I'm grateful to have it."
Yzerman is the NHL's sixth-longest-serving GM after being hired in May 2010. Prior to joining the Lightning, he spent four seasons as the vice president of hockey operations with the Detroit Red Wings.
Since arriving in Tampa Bay, Yzerman has transformed the Lightning into a perennial contender, with one Stanley Cup Final appearance and three other trips to the third round of the postseason.
The Lightning also boast an impressive roster that Yzerman has neatly packed under the salary cap by giving team-friendly extensions to the likes of Steven Stamkos ($68 million over eight years) and Victor Hedman ($63 million over eight years), among other deals.
Salary-cap complications have shifted the majority of moves in the hockey world from the trade deadline to draft weekend, and fans could be in for another whirlwind this summer with plenty of big names reportedly on the market.
With that in mind, let us play the role of matchmaker and consider the perfect landing spot for each of the 10 biggest names who could be dealt this offseason.
Erik Karlsson - Vegas Golden Knights
Possible return: 2019 1st-round pick, F Alex Tuch, F Cody Glass, D Nicolas Hague
Reports indicated that the Vegas Golden Knights and Ottawa Senators nearly pulled off a blockbuster ahead of the most recent trade deadline, so a little more time may be all that's needed to complete the biggest NHL trade in two years.
Golden Knights general manager George McPhee hasn't been shy about his desire to add a puck-moving defender, and there's no better option on the planet than Erik Karlsson. While the Golden Knights were expected to take a slow and steady approach toward building their roster, this year's results likely rewrote their playbook, meaning Vegas could part with a handful of the prospects and draft picks it accumulated last summer.
Vegas could also make the deal more palatable for the Senators by taking on the expensive Bobby Ryan. Such an option was considered at the deadline, and could be brought up again if these two teams rekindle their trade talks. Meanwhile, there are no assurances Karlsson is ready to sign a long-term extension in Ottawa, so bringing back a first-round pick in next year's draft, plus three former high picks, would be an impressive haul for Senators GM Pierre Dorion.
Ryan O'Reilly - St. Louis Blues
Possible return: 2018 1st-round pick (29th overall, from Jets), F Robert Thomas, D Vince Dunn
It's difficult to understand why the Buffalo Sabres would consider parting with Ryan O'Reilly, one of the game's best two-way pivots, but the trade chatter just won't go away.
Brought to Buffalo three offseasons ago, the hope was that O'Reilly and Jack Eichel would lead the Sabres back to the postseason, but it's yet to happen, and under second-year GM Jason Botterill, changes could be afoot.
The St. Louis Blues are a promising potential fit. Few teams so obviously lack a top center, and GM Doug Armstrong has already indicated he's got the green light to correct the longstanding issue. Given that St. Louis is set to contend now, parting with young players like center Robert Thomas and left-side defenseman Vince Dunn - who can both immediately slot into the Sabres' lineup - could be a fair price. The Sabres could also parlay Winnipeg's first-rounder from the Paul Stastny trade into an upgrade elsewhere on the roster.
Phil Kessel - Minnesota Wild
Possible return: F Jason Zucker, F Kirill Kaprizov
All Phil Kessel has done since arriving in the Steel City is win two Stanley Cups and follow that up with a career-best 92-point season. But alas, one of the league's premier snipers finds his name in the rumor mill once again.
There are a few things to consider: While Kessel is coming off a career year, it was likely an outlier, since he typically produces around 70 points per season. There's also the matter of his contract, which carries an affordable $6.8-million cap hit but also contains a no-trade clause, meaning Kessel can limit potential trade partners to eight teams of his choosing.
Fortunately, the Minnesota Wild were on that list the last time around, and likely stand to reappear given Kessel is a Minnesota Golden Gophers graduate. There's also the presence of new Wild GM Paul Fenton, who may look to quickly put his stamp on the squad. For the Pittsburgh Penguins, parting with Kessel would free up the dollars to upgrade their weakened blue line, which took a hit following a handful of recent departures. The Wild could offer an intriguing prospect in KHL forward Kirill Kaprizov, plus winger Jason Zucker, whose 33-goal output last season was only slightly outpaced by Kessel.
Max Pacioretty - Florida Panthers
Possible return: 2018 1st-round pick (15th overall) and F Nick Bjugstad
Much like Karlsson, Max Pacioretty was among the biggest names reportedly available at the trade deadline, and while a deal never came to fruition, the Montreal Canadiens could re-investigate that possibility this offseason.
The Habs would undoubtedly like to add a top center, but it's unlikely they can acquire one by dealing a player who suits up at a less valuable position - particularly a scoring winger coming off his lowest goal total in five seasons who's under contract for just one more year.
There have been questions about Pacioretty's ability to perform in the spotlight, so moving to a quieter market - like South Florida - could help get his game back on track. For a young Florida Panthers squad that could use an offensive boost of its own, Pacioretty could be the perfect addition. In return, Florida could offer its first-round pick - assuming Pacioretty's willing to sign an extension - plus hulking forward Nick Bjugstad. After years of injury troubles, Bjugstad finally put together a healthy campaign last season, but may still benefit from a fresh start. His ability to play either wing or center seems like a match for Montreal as well.
Jeff Skinner - Los Angeles Kings
Possible return: 2018 1st-round pick (20th overall) and F Alex Iafallo
After missing the playoffs a year ago, the Los Angeles Kings crept into this year's postseason, but you may not remember it since they barely found the scoresheet. In a four-game opening round sweep to the Golden Knights, the Kings were shut out on two occasions and managed just three goals total.
That followed a 239-goal campaign - the lowest offensive output of any playoff team save the Anaheim Ducks, who tallied just four fewer - so it's likely not a stretch to assume that adding some top-line offense is at the top of GM Rob Blake's shopping list.
Carolina Hurricanes forward Jeff Skinner is reportedly on the trade block, with an asking price of a first-round pick and a prospect. If Los Angeles prefers to keep its prospects in tow, the team could instead offer young forward Alex Iafallo, who made his NHL debut last season. It would also make a deal more palatable for the Kings if Skinner, an unrestricted free agent in 2019, signs a long-term extension with his new club.
Mike Hoffman - Calgary Flames
Possible return: 2020 2nd-round pick, F Sam Bennett, D Rasmus Andersson
A deal between two Canadian clubs could have Mike Hoffman packing his bags for a trip west.
Built to win now, the Calgary Flames own one of the league's deepest blue lines, and an aging netminder in Mike Smith who provided stability between the pipes last season. The problem was Calgary's inability to find the back of the net, as only four clubs scored fewer goals. That's why GM Brad Treliving should call his Ottawa counterpart as the Senators eye a shakeup.
While Calgary doesn't have many draft picks to part with - three already went to the New York Islanders for rearguard Travis Hamonic - the Flames could put together a package of young talent that piques the Senators' interest. Former fourth overall pick Sam Bennett has yet to translate his junior numbers to the NHL, but could benefit from a fresh start. Calgary's embarrassment of riches on defense should also limit the sting of dealing away the promising Rasmus Andersson.
Justin Faulk - Chicago Blackhawks
Possible return: 2018 1st (27th overall, from Predators), F Marian Hossa, D Chad Krys
It'll take some creativity on the part of these two GMs, but a swap that would send Justin Faulk and Scott Darling from Carolina to the Chicago Blackhawks makes some sense for both clubs.
Chicago's blue line, once the team's strength, lacks both depth and top-end talent, and Faulk would help the Blackhawks begin to improve their defensive core. Darling is expensive, but he has a history of success in Chicago and could step into the starting job should injuries continue to trouble Corey Crawford.
Possible return: 2018 1st-round pick (25th overall), F Josh Leivo, D Connor Carrick
It's no secret that the Toronto Maple Leafs need to upgrade their blue line, particularly if a top-pairing, right-shot defender is available. Enter Vancouver Canucks defender Chris Tanev, a mobile and positionally sound rearguard who could play alongside Morgan Rielly.
While Canucks GM Jim Benning has long been adamant that Tanev is not for sale, his tune may change if a rival team puts a first-round pick on the table. That's part of the offer here, as the Maple Leafs move their earliest selection in the coming draft.
Accumulating picks and young talent should be the name of the game for the rebuilding Canucks, while Carrick also helps fill a role on their rejigged back end.
Tyler Johnson - Arizona Coyotes
Possible return: 2019 2nd-round pick, D Pierre-Olivier Joseph
Tampa Bay Lightning GM Steve Yzerman has decent cap flexibility this summer, with about $12 million in wiggle room once next season's ceiling is announced. But the challenge for Tampa Bay arrives a year from now, when elite winger Nikita Kucherov is due for an extension and is likely in line to double his current $4.7-million salary.
Yzerman's most pressing issue is how he'll create the room to retain the Russian star. One option is flipping forward Tyler Johnson, who signed a seven-year extension with the Lightning last offseason.
Johnson's role as the team's second-line center has been usurped by Brayden Point, who's on a cheap entry-level deal, and the 27-year-old has a full no-trade clause that kicks in July 1 - so if Yzerman's going to move Johnson, the time is now. A prime landing spot could be the Arizona Coyotes, who need a middleman behind Derek Stepan and some insurance for up-and-coming pivot Dylan Strome. Could the Lightning be interested in QMJHL defenseman Pierre-Olivier Joseph, a first-round pick by Arizona a year ago and the brother of Lightning prospect Mathieu Joseph?
Philipp Grubauer - New York Islanders
Possible return: 2018 1st-round pick (12th overall, from Flames)
Newly minted Islanders GM Lou Lamoriello hasn't been shy about fixing up his team's goaltending in the recent past - near the end of his tenure with the Devils, he parted with a top-10 pick to bring in Cory Schneider from the Vancouver Canucks, and one of his earliest moves upon arriving in Toronto was sending first- and second-round picks to the Ducks for Frederik Andersen.
Could one of Lamoriello's first acts on the Island be upgrading the team's woeful goaltending? After the tandem of Jaroslav Halak and Thomas Greiss struggled, New York is ripe for an upgrade, and could target Washington Capitals backup Philipp Grubauer. The 26-year-old restricted free agent has shown he has the chops for the top job and could be attainable thanks to Washington's cap crunch. The Islanders' second first-round pick, added in the Hamonic trade, should be enough to close the deal.
Alex Ovechkin and the Washington Capitals are celebrating their Stanley Cup win by letting out years of frustration with a helluva party.
By knocking off the Vegas Golden Knights in Game 5 of the final, the Capitals sealed the first championship in franchise history, putting to bed the narrative that the team's underachieved since it entered the NHL 44 years ago.
So it's little surprise that Ovechkin, his teammates, and Capitals fans are taking full advantage of the opportunity to celebrate. Here's what he's been up to.
'Get some beers'
Alex Ovechkin, Stanley Cup champion and king of words.
"Fans, we did it. Get some beers. Get some whatever and start celebrating. We're the Stanley Cup champions!" pic.twitter.com/0P0AOXRdmT
It's hard to put into words what it means to win the Stanley Cup, but the Capitals captain was pretty succinct when he suggested how fans should mark the occasion.
First there was the Conn Smythe Trophy, and then NHL commissioner Gary Bettman presented Ovechkin with the Stanley Cup. It hasn't left his hands much since.
But the Washington Capitals could not have won their first Stanley Cup without the work from those who operate outside of the spotlight. Here are five names worth remembering as they are etched into Lord Stanley.
Jay Beagle
Beagle gave the Capitals a huge boost with his efficiency in the dot, winning more than 60 percent of his faceoffs while leading the team - and all players in the postseason - in draws.
An exceptional defensive player who lacked a scoring touch, Beagle's path to the NHL was a long one, as he joined the Capitals as an undrafted free agent more than a decade ago. He now ranks third among Washington's longest-serving players, behind only Ovechkin and Nicklas Backstrom.
Lars Eller
Patric Hornqvist, Kris Letang, and Duncan Keith. That trio of players scored the last three Stanley Cup-winning goals ahead of Thursday's game, and Eller's name will now be added to the list after he pocketed the winner with less than eight minutes remaining in Game 5.
Acquired two years ago for a pair of second-round picks, the hope was Eller would offer the Capitals some added stability down the middle. He did that and more in the postseason, during which he chipped in 18 points (nearly half of his regular-season total), making his recent five-year extension look like a stroke of genius by general manager Brian MacLellan.
Michal Kempny
The NHL trade deadline coverage focused on deals involving the likes of Evander Kane, Ryan McDonagh, and Rick Nash, so, when the Capitals shipped a conditional third rounder to the Chicago Blackhawks for little-used defender Kempny, almost no one reacted.
But Kempny was a key member upon his arrival to D.C., where he saw regular minutes under new bench boss Barry Trotz and took in a career high in ice time in the postseason. Not known for his offense, Kempny even chipped in on the scoresheet during the playoffs, including a goal in the Stanley Cup Final.
Brooks Orpik
He doesn't possess the numbers that make him popular with the analytics crowd, but Orpik's invaluable intangibles were a key reason why the Capitals are now planning their Stanley Cup parade.
The veteran defender averaged nearly 17 crucial minutes of ice time throughout the postseason and often acted as a second line of defense to Holtby in keeping the puck out of the net. Orpik finished the playoffs with league-leading 88 hits and added 50 blocked shots, second only to fellow defender Matt Niskanen. This marks the second title for Orpik, who won the Stanley Cup with the Pittsburgh Penguins in 2009.
Devante Smith-Pelly
Much like Eller, Smith-Pelly's scoring touch found another gear this spring, as he evened his regular-season goal total of seven. That offensive outburst included a pair of game-winning tallies, with the second coming in Game 4 of the Stanley Cup Final.
A depth addition by the Capitals after having his contract bought out by the New Jersey Devils a year ago, Smith-Pelly's bounce-back season is just one of the many great stories from the Capitals' Stanley Cup win, and one his agent will be sure to relay when it comes time to re-sign the restricted free agent.
The Hurricanes are expected to be one of the busiest teams this offseason under new general manager Don Waddell, with the team reportedly taking calls on winger Jeff Skinner. Carolina has also expressed interest in Washington Capitals backup goaltender Philipp Grubauer.
Speculation surrounds Faulk's future in Raleigh. The 26-year-old has just two years remaining on his contract at an affordable cap hit, and he'd be in demand as a rare right-shot blue-liner.
Darling's name has also been mentioned in conversations between the teams, a source told Powers. The goaltender is coming off a disastrous campaign with the Hurricanes after being traded from the Blackhawks a year ago. He finished his first year in Carolina with just 13 wins and an .888 save rate in 43 games.
Before he became a free agent last offseason, the Blackhawks shipped Darling's rights to the Hurricanes for a third-round pick. He then signed a four-year, $16.6-million extension with Carolina.
The Blackhawks and Hurricanes have been frequent trade partners in the past, with Chicago previously sending them Darling, Teuvo Teravainen, Bryan Bickell, and Kris Versteeg, among others.
