Monthly Archives: May 2025

Hockey News

Prospect News: Kraken Sign Three Draftees, Make Others Wait In Lead Up To 2025 Draft

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The 2025 NHL Entry Draft is set to take place June 27th and 28th in Los Angeles, CA.  There, a new crop of NHL prospects will be selected over seven rounds (224 players overall).   While some draft picks may sign their entry-level contracts immediately, others may remain unsigned as the team watches their development. Since the end of the 2024-25 season, the Kraken have offered contracts to three prospects: Andrei Loshko, Nathan Villenueve, and (reportedly) Tyson Jugnauth.  

Andrei Loshko, born in Belarus, spent the 2024-25 season with the Niagara Ice Dogs in the OHL.  When their season ended, he signed his entry-level contract and joined the Coachella Valley Firebirds where he scored two goals in his AHL debut. 

Also in the OHL, Nathan Villenueve spent his 3rd season with the Sudbury Wolves where he racked up 75 points in 61 games played.  It was his highest scoring season thus far, and his improvement earned him some time in the AHL where he played eight games with the Firebirds.

No official announcement has been made about Tyson Jugnauth's entry-level contract, but it is rumored that one has been offered.  The 2022 4th-round pick started in the NCAA but spent his past two seasons with the Portland Winterhawks of the WHL, earning the Bill Hunter Memorial Trophy as Defenseman of the Year.

April 1, 2025: Kaden Hammell photo by Candace Kludt | Come As You Are Hockey

Fans are also still waiting for an announcement regarding Everett Silvertips’ Captain Kaden Hammell. Hammell was drafted in the 5th-round in 2023 and a contract announcement was expected when the Silvertips ended their playoff run in late April.  If the Kraken do not offer Hammell a contract by June, their rights expire and the defenseman becomes a free agent. 

Related:

Kraken Prospect Reportedly Signing NHL ContractKraken Prospect Reportedly Signing NHL ContractSeattle Kraken prospect Tyson Jugnauth is reportedly signing an NHL contract despite committing to play for Michigan State University for the 2025-26 season, according to Nathaniel Bott.

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NHL Rumor Roundup: Where Could Mitch Marner Go Via Free Agency?

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Over a week since the Toronto Maple Leafs' elimination from the Stanley Cup playoffs, the focus of Leafs Nation has shifted toward Mitch Marner's future.  

The 28-year-old right winger is UFA-eligible on July 1 and was noncommittal about returning to Toronto during the Leafs' end-of-season media availability. Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment CEO Keith Pelley indicated Friday that the club is taking a wait-and-see approach regarding Marner's plans.

As Marner ponders his future with his family, there is growing speculation over his potential destinations if he tests the free-agent market. 

The Hockey News’ Ryan Kennedy listed the Chicago Blackhawks, Detroit Red Wings and Pittsburgh Penguins as possible landing spots. He noted that the three rebuilding clubs have the cap space to sign Marner to a long-term contract with a hefty raise. The Penguins also have the advantage of GM Kyle Dubas' ties to Marner during his tenure with the Leafs.

Sportsnet's Ryan Dixon included the Blackhawks and Penguins on his list. He also mentioned the Los Angeles Kings, Anaheim Ducks, Utah Mammoth, Vegas Golden Knights, New York Islanders, Colorado Avalanche, Carolina Hurricanes and Washington Capitals. 

Meanwhile, Sean O'Leary of The Score had the Buffalo Sabres and Florida Panthers among his list of possible suitors for Marner. 

Like the Blackhawks, Red Wings and Penguins, the Kings, Ducks, Mammoth, Sabres and Hurricanes possess the cap room to comfortably sign Marner. However, there's no guarantee that most of them will get into the bidding or have a chance of landing Marner.

Mitch Marner (Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images)

The Blackhawks, Red Wings, Ducks, Penguins, Mammoth, and Sabres are in various stages of rebuilding, with the Wings and Sabres mired in lengthy playoff droughts. They might not interest Marner if he prefers signing with a contender, and he might not suit their respective roster needs.

Meanwhile, the Islanders could begin retooling their roster under new GM Mathieu Darche. Marner would provide a much-needed boost to their offense, but they lack the cap room to sign him. The Kings are also under new management, but GM Ken Holland could balk at shelling out over $13 million annually on one player. 

Cap space will be an issue for the Golden Knights, Avalanche and Capitals unless they're willing to shed salary to make room for Marner. However, that could weaken their overall depth. 

Carolina could be the best match. In a March interview with Pierre LeBrun of The Athletic, GM Eric Tulsky said he'd have around $20 million in cap space if he re-signed all his free agents. 

The Hurricanes also offered Mikko Rantanen to the Leafs straight up for Marner at the trade deadline before moving Rantanen to Dallas. Tulsky could try again if the Leafs winger is available on July 1.

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