Flyers Should Pursue Jason Robertson at All Costs
The Philadelphia Flyers are still in need of a superstar. It’s Matvei Michkov’s franchise to lead, to be clear, but a partner in crime could go a long way—that’s why…
Monthly Archives: June 2025
The Stars And The Hurricanes Can't Squander What They've Achieved When Trying To Take The Next Step
Even before the Florida Panthers and Edmonton Oilers start the 2025 Stanley Cup final on Wednesday, they’ve already appeared in more post-season games than any other team in the league since the NHL went back to its regular playoff format in the 2021-22 season.
Here’s the top five:
1. Florida Panthers: 72 games
2. Edmonton Oilers: 69 games
3. Dallas Stars: 63 games
4. Carolina Hurricanes: 55 games
5. Colorado Avalanche: 45 games
Meanwhile, eight teams missed the playoffs entirely in all four of those seasons, and three more have played just a single series. That’s more than a third of the league.
The Stars and Hurricanes may still be hurting from their eliminations last week. But their spots in third and fourth place on that list serve as a good reminder of how much both those teams have achieved over the last four years.
Plenty of their peers would trade places in a heartbeat.
Multiple long playoff runs tell other players and agents that you’ve got a good thing going in your dressing room and your organization. That helps attract new talent and generates lots of valuable playoff gate revenue and merch sales, which keeps your owner happy.
So, despite the Stars’ dramatic flameout in Game 5, which opened up a potential rift between coach Peter DeBoer and franchise goaltender Jake Oettinger, Dallas owner Tom Gaglardi backed his bench boss in a big way when he spoke to Tim Cowlishaw of the Dallas Morning News the very next morning.
“He’s a top-three, top-five coach in the league,” Gaglardi said. “You think I want to be going into the coaching market right now, do you see who’s getting hired? Pete’s a seasoned coach. I’m just one voice in the discussion, but I don’t see (firing) Pete being on anyone’s agenda.”
DeBoer, 56, doesn’t have a Cup and has never been a Jack Adams finalist. But he did reach the Stanley Cup final with the New Jersey Devils back in 2012 and has made the conference final six times in the last eight years with the San Jose Sharks, Vegas Golden Knights and now the Stars.
That’s why he has never been out of work for long. And while DeBoer has become the league’s seventh-longest-tenured coach after just three seasons in Dallas and is now heading into the final year of his current contract, Gaglardi would prefer not to make a change just for the sake of change.
That being said, David Pagnotta of The Fourth Period reported on Monday that other voices in the organization are not happy with DeBoer. Can they calm the waters, or will this tidal wave of emotion and frustration sweep the coach out to sea?
In terms of their roster, the Stars are at a bit of a natural crossroads. With less than $5 million in available cap space, per PuckPedia, and longtime captain Jamie Benn heading toward UFA status just weeks before his 36th birthday, there’s an opportunity to reframe the team’s leadership.
That said, GM Jim Nill told Pierre LeBrun of The Athletic they wanted to keep Benn last September.
“We’ll figure something out. He’s going to be a Dallas Star for life,” Nill said.
Even at a lower price tag, bringing back Benn would mean cutting back elsewhere. Decisions will need to be made on veterans Matt Duchene, Mikael Granlund and Evgenii Dadonov, who are also pending UFAs.
Young stars Jason Robertson and Thomas Harley are also one year away from becoming RFAs with arbitration rights. They’ll both be eligible to sign extensions starting on July 1.
With inflation expected to hit NHL salaries in a big way once the cap starts climbing this summer, history may eventually show that Nill got good value when he signed Mikko Rantanen and Wyatt Johnston to long-term extensions in March. In the meantime, those moves will leave him operating from a position of weakness as he tries to retool his group to take that elusive next step without sliding backward.
Damage Limitation In Carolina
As for the Hurricanes, they have plenty to be proud of.
In 2023-24, they only won one playoff round, and then they lost Jake Guentzel, Brady Skjei, Evgeny Kuznetsov, Teuvo Teravainen, Stefan Noesen and Brett Pesce during the off-season. Superboss Don Waddell also moved on to Columbus, handing the GM reins to first-timer Eric Tulsky.
In the aftermath of July 1, most observers thought the Canes’ window had closed – including coach Rod Brind’Amour.
“When I walked into this summer, with the pieces that left this organization, I was like 'I don't think we're going to make the playoffs,' ” the coach said during his exit interview last week.
And while the Hurricanes did drop by 12 points in the regular-season standings and endured six weeks of drama during Rantanen’s brief stay, they cruised through their early series against the Devils and Washington Capitals in impressive fashion before falling to the mighty Panthers.
They even snapped their long conference final losing streak with a decisive Game 4 win against the Panthers. And having three conference final appearances on their resume in the seven years since they returned to the playoff picture in 2019 is a feature, not a bug, in the Tom Dundon era.
After last year’s major roster reconstruction, this summer should be less of a storm surge and more of a gentle breeze in Cane country.
Brind’Amour has most of the pieces in place that he needs to run it back, and Tulsky has $28 million in cap space to chase after another superstar, if a fit is available.
The NHL likes to promote its parity and how any team can win on any given night. For now, the Stars and Hurricanes have separated themselves from the rest of the chase pack when the games really matter.
Job 1 for next season will be to avoid backsliding. Then, they can take another run at building on what they’ve learned from their battle scars.
Get the latest news and trending stories by following The Hockey News on Google News and by subscribing to The Hockey News newsletter here. And share your thoughts by commenting below the article on THN.com.
Kraken 2025 Draft Prospects: Radim Mrtka
The 2025 NHL Entry Draft is 24 days away, and the Seattle Kraken are slated to make the eighth overall pick in the first round.
The Kraken have selected forwards with their first-round pick in four consecutive drafts, selecting Matty Beniers (2nd overall in 2021), Shane Wright (fourth overall in 2022), Eduard Sale (20th overall in 2023) and Berkly Catton (eighth overall in 2024). The Kraken's prospect pool is filled with skilled forwards but lacks on the defensive end, and it's why many draft experts expect the Kraken to select a defenseman.
If they go this route, the top-ranked defenseman at the moment is Radim Mrtka. For most of the season, Mrtka was the second-ranked defenseman in the class, but recently, he's seen his name rise in the rankings.
It's not hard to see why so many draft experts are high on the 17-year-old. Listed at 6'6, 216 lbs, the right-handed defenseman is known as a mobile defenseman despite his large frame. He registered three goals and 35 points in 42 games with the Seattle Thunderbirds in the WHL.
Before joining the Thunderbirds, Mrtka played 20 games in Czechia, both in the top professional league and in their U-20 league. He recorded one assist in 10 games in the first division and added four assists in 10 games in the U-20 league.
Mrtka projects to have a solid two-way game in the NHL. His size has allowed him to dominate on the defensive side of the puck, and his skating, combined with his puck skills, gives him the potential to be a threat offensively. At the moment, he doesn't have a very overpowering shot, but with his size, it wouldn't be too surprising to see him develop one as he gets older.
There's a reason @NHL scouts are enamoured with @SeattleTbirds d-man Radim Mrtka for the 2025 #NHLDraft! 🇨🇿 #U18MensWorldspic.twitter.com/yHpUcjNwJQ
— Canadian Hockey League (@CHLHockey) April 24, 2025
He has all the makings of a potential top-pairing or top-four defenseman in the NHL, and with the right development, he could get there. With right-handed defensemen Brandon Montour and Adam Larsson currently on the roster, it would provide Mrtka with great leaders to learn from. Montour would help Mrtka on the offensive side of the puck, and Larsson on the defensive.
Mrtka would be a safe pick at pick No.8 and would instantly become the Kraken's best defensive prospect, joining a list consisting of Ty Nelson, Caden Price, Lukas Dragicevic and Ville Ottavainen.
Stay updated with the most interesting Kraken stories, analysis, breaking news and more! Tap the star to add us to your favourites on Google News to never miss a story.
Kraken Will Have The Eighth-Overall Pick In The 2025 NHL Draft
The Seattle Kraken will make the eighth selection of the 2025 NHL Entry Draft after moving down two spots in the draft lottery.
Flames News & Rumors: Zary, Prosvetov, Andersson & More
In this week’s edition of Calgary Flames News & Rumors, Connor Zary is still looking for a contract extension. Meanwhile, Dan Vladar’s future with the Flames continues to remain unclear…
Everything to know about the Conn Smythe Trophy, awarded to NHL playoff MVP
Everything to know about the Conn Smythe Trophy, awarded to NHL playoff MVP originally appeared on NBC Sports Boston
Lord Stanley isn’t the only piece of hardware that will be awarded in the Stanley Cup Final.
One player from the Edmonton Oilers or the defending champion Florida Panthers will be honored as the most valuable player in the 2025 NHL playoffs with the Conn Smythe Trophy. And the rare Cup Final rematch could see a repeat award winner.
Oilers star Connor McDavid earned the 2024 Conn Smythe in a losing Cup Final effort, and the three-time Hart Trophy winner enters this year’s NHL championship round with a playoff-high 26 points (6 goals, 20 assists). McDavid’s co-star, Leon Draisaitl, is also a Conn Smythe Trophy contender as he sits second in points with 25 (7 goals, 18 assists).
The one-time champion Panthers, meanwhile, could have their first Conn Smythe Trophy winner in franchise history. Captain Aleksander Barkov (17 points), forward Matthew Tkachuk (16) and center Sam Bennett (16) lead 10 Florida skaters with at least 10 points entering the Cup Final. Goalie Sergei Bobrovsky is putting together a strong Conn Smythe Trophy resume as well, as he sports a 2.11 goals-against average and a .912 save percentage.
So, how is the Conn Smythe Trophy winner determined? And has there ever been a back-to-back winner? Here’s everything to know about the NHL playoff MVP award:
What is the Conn Smythe Trophy and when was it first awarded?
The Conn Smythe Trophy is a postseason award given to the most valuable player in the playoffs. It debuted in the 1965 postseason.
Historically, most Conn Smythe Trophy winners have come from the team that also won the Stanley Cup. Though, there have been a handful of instances where a player who lost in the Cup Final was awarded the trophy.
The award is named after former Toronto Maple Leafs owner, president, general manager and coach Conn Smythe. It was under Smythe’s ownership that the Leafs changed their name from the St. Pats and that the Maple Leaf Gardens arena was constructed. A mini replica of the venue and a Maple Leaf are among the trophy’s features.
How is the Conn Smythe Trophy winner determined?
The Conn Smythe Trophy is voted on by the Professional Hockey Writers Association. Seventeen PHWA members were included in the 2024 vote.
When is the Conn Smythe Trophy winner announced?
The winner is both selected and announced following the conclusion of the Stanley Cup Final.
Who won the first Conn Smythe Trophy?
Hall of Fame center Jean Béliveau won the inaugural Conn Smythe Trophy in 1965. Béliveau tallied eight goals, including four game-winners, and eight assists over 13 games as the Montreal Canadiens won the Stanley Cup.
Who won the Conn Smythe Trophy in 2024?
Connor McDavid was a near-unanimous Conn Smythe Trophy winner in 2024 despite Edmonton falling to Florida in the Cup Final. McDavid earned 16 of 17 first-place votes after racking up the most assists (34) and points (42) in the postseason. He was also the leading scorer in the Cup Final with 11 points (3 goals, 8 assists).
McDavid is one of only a handful of players to ever take home the Conn Smythe Trophy without also winning the Stanley Cup.
Who has won the most Conn Smythe Trophies?
Hall of Fame goalie Patrick Roy owns the most Conn Smythe Trophies with three. Roy won two with the Canadiens (1986, 1993) and one with the Colorado Avalanche (2001).
There are five other multi-time Conn Smythe Trophy winners: defenseman Bobby Orr (1970, 1972), goalie Bernie Parent (1974, 1975), center Wayne Gretzky (1985, 1988), center Mario Lemieux (1991, 1992) and center Sidney Crosby (2016, 2017).
Have there been a back-to-back Conn Smythe Trophy winner?
Parent, Lemieux and Crosby were all back-to-back winners, and McDavid has a chance to do the same this year.
How many Conn Smythe Trophy winners have come from the losing team?
There have been six instances where the Conn Smythe Trophy recipient was on the team that lost in the Cup Final.
Who are the Conn Smythe Trophy winners from losing teams?
Four of the six Conn Smythe winners from non-champions were goalies:
- 2024: Connor McDavid, center, Edmonton Oilers
- 2003: Jean-Sebastien Giguere, goalie, Mighty Ducks of Anaheim
- 1987: Ron Hextall, goalie, Philadelphia Flyers
- 1976: Reggie Leach, winger, Philadelphia Flyers
- 1968: Glenn Hall, goalie, St. Louis Blues
- 1966: Roger Crozier, goalie, Detroit Red Wings
How many goalies have won the Conn Smythe Trophy?
The Conn Smythe Trophy has gone to a goalie 17 total times,with Andrei Vasilevskiy of the Tampa Bay Lightning being the position’s most recent winner in 2021.
List of Conn Smythe Trophy winners by year
Here’s a full look at every Conn Smythe Trophy winner:
- 2024: Connor McDavid, center, Edmonton Oilers*
- 2023: Jonathan Marchessault, center, Vegas Golden Knights
- 2022: Cale Makar, defenseman, Colorado Avalanche
- 2021: Andrei Vasilevskiy, goalie, Tampa Bay Lightning
- 2020: Victor Hedman, defenseman, Tampa Bay Lightning
- 2019: Ryan O’Reilly, center, St. Louis Blues
- 2018: Alex Ovechkin, winger, Washington Capitals
- 2017: Sidney Crosby, center, Pittsburgh Penguins
- 2016: Sidney Crosby, center, Pittsburgh Penguins
- 2015: Duncan Keith, defenseman, Chicago Blackhawks
- 2014: Justin Williams, winger, Los Angeles Kings
- 2013: Patrick Kane, winger, Chicago Blackhawks
- 2012: Jonathan Quick, goalie, Los Angeles Kings
- 2011: Tim Thomas, goalie, Boston Bruins
- 2010: Jonathan Toews, center, Chicago Blackhawks
- 2009: Evgeni Malkin, center, Pittsburgh Penguins
- 2008: Henrik Zetterberg, center, Detroit Red Wings
- 2007: Scott Niedermayer, defenseman, Anaheim Ducks
- 2006: Cam Ward, goalie, Carolina Hurricanes
- 2004: Brad Richards, center, Tampa Bay Lightning
- 2003: Jean-Sebastien Giguere, goalie, Mighty Ducks of Anaheim
- 2002: Nicklas Lidstrom, defenseman, Detroit Red Wings
- 2001: Patrick Roy, goalie, Colorado Avalanche
- 2000: Scott Stevens, defenseman, New Jersey Devils
- 1999: Joe Nieuwendyk, center, Dallas Stars
- 1998: Steve Yzerman, center, Detroit Red Wings
- 1997: Mike Vernon, goalie, Detroit Red Wings
- 1996: Joe Sakic, center, Colorado Avalanche
- 1995: Claude Lemieux, winger, New Jersey Devils
- 1994: Brian Leetch, defenseman, New York Rangers
- 1993: Patrick Roy, goalie, Montreal Canadiens
- 1992: Mario Lemieux, center, Pittsburgh Penguins
- 1991: Mario Lemieux, center, Pittsburgh Penguins
- 1990: Bill Ranford, goalie, Edmonton Oilers
- 1989: Al MacInnis, defenseman, Calgary Flames
- 1988: Wayne Gretzky, center, Edmonton Oilers
- 1987: Ron Hextall, goalie, Philadelphia Flyers
- 1986: Patrick Roy, goalie, Montreal Canadiens
- 1985: Wayne Gretzky, center, Edmonton Oilers
- 1984: Mark Messier, winger/center, Edmonton Oilers
- 1983: Billy Smith, goalie, New York Islanders
- 1982: Mike Bossy, winger, New York Islanders
- 1981: Butch Goring, center, New York Islanders
- 1980: Bryan Trottier, center, New York Islanders
- 1979: Bob Gainey, winger, Montreal Canadiens
- 1978: Larry Robinson, defenseman, Montreal Canadiens
- 1977: Guy Lafleur, winger, Montreal Canadiens
- 1976: Reggie Leach, winger, Philadelphia Flyers
- 1975: Bernie Parent, goalie, Philadelphia Flyers
- 1974: Bernie Parent, goalie, Philadelphia Flyers
- 1973: Yvan Cournoyer, winger, Montreal Canadiens
- 1972: Bobby Orr, defenseman, Boston Bruins
- 1971: Ken Dryden, goalie, Montreal Canadiens
- 1970: Bobby Orr, defenseman, Boston Bruins
- 1969: Serge Savard, defenseman, Montreal Canadiens
- 1968: Glenn Hall, goalie, St. Louis Blues
- 1967: Dave Keon, center, Toronto Maple Leafs
- 1966: Roger Crozier, goalie, Detroit Red Wings
- 1965: Jean Beliveau, center, Montreal Canadiens
What is the Conn Smythe Trophy? Everything to know about NHL playoff MVP award
What is the Conn Smythe Trophy? Everything to know about NHL playoff MVP award originally appeared on NBC Sports Philadelphia
Lord Stanley isn’t the only piece of hardware that will be awarded in the Stanley Cup Final.
One player from the Edmonton Oilers or the defending champion Florida Panthers will be honored as the most valuable player in the 2025 NHL playoffs with the Conn Smythe Trophy. And the rare Cup Final rematch could see a repeat award winner.
Oilers star Connor McDavid earned the 2024 Conn Smythe in a losing Cup Final effort, and the three-time Hart Trophy winner enters this year’s NHL championship round with a playoff-high 26 points (6 goals, 20 assists). McDavid’s co-star, Leon Draisaitl, is also a Conn Smythe Trophy contender as he sits second in points with 25 (7 goals, 18 assists).
The one-time champion Panthers, meanwhile, could have their first Conn Smythe Trophy winner in franchise history. Captain Aleksander Barkov (17 points), forward Matthew Tkachuk (16) and center Sam Bennett (16) lead 10 Florida skaters with at least 10 points entering the Cup Final. Goalie Sergei Bobrovsky is putting together a strong Conn Smythe Trophy resume as well, as he sports a 2.11 goals-against average and a .912 save percentage.
So, how is the Conn Smythe Trophy winner determined? And has there ever been a back-to-back winner? Here’s everything to know about the NHL playoff MVP award:
What is the Conn Smythe Trophy and when was it first awarded?
The Conn Smythe Trophy is a postseason award given to the most valuable player in the playoffs. It debuted in the 1965 postseason.
Historically, most Conn Smythe Trophy winners have come from the team that also won the Stanley Cup. Though, there have been a handful of instances where a player who lost in the Cup Final was awarded the trophy.
The award is named after former Toronto Maple Leafs owner, president, general manager and coach Conn Smythe. It was under Smythe’s ownership that the Leafs changed their name from the St. Pats and that the Maple Leaf Gardens arena was constructed. A mini replica of the venue and a Maple Leaf are among the trophy’s features.
How is the Conn Smythe Trophy winner determined?
The Conn Smythe Trophy is voted on by the Professional Hockey Writers Association. Seventeen PHWA members were included in the 2024 vote.
When is the Conn Smythe Trophy winner announced?
The winner is both selected and announced following the conclusion of the Stanley Cup Final.
Who won the first Conn Smythe Trophy?
Hall of Fame center Jean Béliveau won the inaugural Conn Smythe Trophy in 1965. Béliveau tallied eight goals, including four game-winners, and eight assists over 13 games as the Montreal Canadiens won the Stanley Cup.
Who won the Conn Smythe Trophy in 2024?
Connor McDavid was a near-unanimous Conn Smythe Trophy winner in 2024 despite Edmonton falling to Florida in the Cup Final. McDavid earned 16 of 17 first-place votes after racking up the most assists (34) and points (42) in the postseason. He was also the leading scorer in the Cup Final with 11 points (3 goals, 8 assists).
McDavid is one of only a handful of players to ever take home the Conn Smythe Trophy without also winning the Stanley Cup.
Who has won the most Conn Smythe Trophies?
Hall of Fame goalie Patrick Roy owns the most Conn Smythe Trophies with three. Roy won two with the Canadiens (1986, 1993) and one with the Colorado Avalanche (2001).
There are five other multi-time Conn Smythe Trophy winners: defenseman Bobby Orr (1970, 1972), goalie Bernie Parent (1974, 1975), center Wayne Gretzky (1985, 1988), center Mario Lemieux (1991, 1992) and center Sidney Crosby (2016, 2017).
Have there been a back-to-back Conn Smythe Trophy winner?
Parent, Lemieux and Crosby were all back-to-back winners, and McDavid has a chance to do the same this year.
How many Conn Smythe Trophy winners have come from the losing team?
There have been six instances where the Conn Smythe Trophy recipient was on the team that lost in the Cup Final.
Who are the Conn Smythe Trophy winners from losing teams?
Four of the six Conn Smythe winners from non-champions were goalies:
- 2024: Connor McDavid, center, Edmonton Oilers
- 2003: Jean-Sebastien Giguere, goalie, Mighty Ducks of Anaheim
- 1987: Ron Hextall, goalie, Philadelphia Flyers
- 1976: Reggie Leach, winger, Philadelphia Flyers
- 1968: Glenn Hall, goalie, St. Louis Blues
- 1966: Roger Crozier, goalie, Detroit Red Wings
How many goalies have won the Conn Smythe Trophy?
The Conn Smythe Trophy has gone to a goalie 17 total times,with Andrei Vasilevskiy of the Tampa Bay Lightning being the position’s most recent winner in 2021.
List of Conn Smythe Trophy winners by year
Here’s a full look at every Conn Smythe Trophy winner:
- 2024: Connor McDavid, center, Edmonton Oilers*
- 2023: Jonathan Marchessault, center, Vegas Golden Knights
- 2022: Cale Makar, defenseman, Colorado Avalanche
- 2021: Andrei Vasilevskiy, goalie, Tampa Bay Lightning
- 2020: Victor Hedman, defenseman, Tampa Bay Lightning
- 2019: Ryan O’Reilly, center, St. Louis Blues
- 2018: Alex Ovechkin, winger, Washington Capitals
- 2017: Sidney Crosby, center, Pittsburgh Penguins
- 2016: Sidney Crosby, center, Pittsburgh Penguins
- 2015: Duncan Keith, defenseman, Chicago Blackhawks
- 2014: Justin Williams, winger, Los Angeles Kings
- 2013: Patrick Kane, winger, Chicago Blackhawks
- 2012: Jonathan Quick, goalie, Los Angeles Kings
- 2011: Tim Thomas, goalie, Boston Bruins
- 2010: Jonathan Toews, center, Chicago Blackhawks
- 2009: Evgeni Malkin, center, Pittsburgh Penguins
- 2008: Henrik Zetterberg, center, Detroit Red Wings
- 2007: Scott Niedermayer, defenseman, Anaheim Ducks
- 2006: Cam Ward, goalie, Carolina Hurricanes
- 2004: Brad Richards, center, Tampa Bay Lightning
- 2003: Jean-Sebastien Giguere, goalie, Mighty Ducks of Anaheim
- 2002: Nicklas Lidstrom, defenseman, Detroit Red Wings
- 2001: Patrick Roy, goalie, Colorado Avalanche
- 2000: Scott Stevens, defenseman, New Jersey Devils
- 1999: Joe Nieuwendyk, center, Dallas Stars
- 1998: Steve Yzerman, center, Detroit Red Wings
- 1997: Mike Vernon, goalie, Detroit Red Wings
- 1996: Joe Sakic, center, Colorado Avalanche
- 1995: Claude Lemieux, winger, New Jersey Devils
- 1994: Brian Leetch, defenseman, New York Rangers
- 1993: Patrick Roy, goalie, Montreal Canadiens
- 1992: Mario Lemieux, center, Pittsburgh Penguins
- 1991: Mario Lemieux, center, Pittsburgh Penguins
- 1990: Bill Ranford, goalie, Edmonton Oilers
- 1989: Al MacInnis, defenseman, Calgary Flames
- 1988: Wayne Gretzky, center, Edmonton Oilers
- 1987: Ron Hextall, goalie, Philadelphia Flyers
- 1986: Patrick Roy, goalie, Montreal Canadiens
- 1985: Wayne Gretzky, center, Edmonton Oilers
- 1984: Mark Messier, winger/center, Edmonton Oilers
- 1983: Billy Smith, goalie, New York Islanders
- 1982: Mike Bossy, winger, New York Islanders
- 1981: Butch Goring, center, New York Islanders
- 1980: Bryan Trottier, center, New York Islanders
- 1979: Bob Gainey, winger, Montreal Canadiens
- 1978: Larry Robinson, defenseman, Montreal Canadiens
- 1977: Guy Lafleur, winger, Montreal Canadiens
- 1976: Reggie Leach, winger, Philadelphia Flyers
- 1975: Bernie Parent, goalie, Philadelphia Flyers
- 1974: Bernie Parent, goalie, Philadelphia Flyers
- 1973: Yvan Cournoyer, winger, Montreal Canadiens
- 1972: Bobby Orr, defenseman, Boston Bruins
- 1971: Ken Dryden, goalie, Montreal Canadiens
- 1970: Bobby Orr, defenseman, Boston Bruins
- 1969: Serge Savard, defenseman, Montreal Canadiens
- 1968: Glenn Hall, goalie, St. Louis Blues
- 1967: Dave Keon, center, Toronto Maple Leafs
- 1966: Roger Crozier, goalie, Detroit Red Wings
- 1965: Jean Beliveau, center, Montreal Canadiens
Report: Former Blackhawks Assistant Coach Kevin Dean To Join Vancouver Canucks Coaching Staff
It looks like the Vancouver Canucks are beginning to fill out their coaching staff. As reported by Thomas Drance of The Athletic earlier today, it appears that the Canucks will be bringing in former Chicago Blackhawks assistant coach Kevin Dean to help new head coach Adam Foote lead the team.
Latest From THN’s Vancouver Canucks Site:
Canucks 2024–25 Memorable Matches 7: March 20
Pius Suter The Only Canucks Skater To Receive A Selke Vote For The 2024-25 Season
Abbotsford Canucks Away Stats In The 2025 Calder Cup Playoffs
Dean was reported to have parted ways with Chicago in mid-May. Shortly after, the idea of him joining the Canucks organization was brought up after CHEK’s Rick Dhaliwal discussed him being a possible fit during a segment of the show “Donnie & Dhali” last week.
Dean was part of Team USA’s coaching staff at the 2025 IIHF World Championships, where he, along with current Canucks Conor Garland and Drew O’Connor, won the country’s first gold medal since 1933. He has spent the last three NHL seasons with the Blackhawks and the five before that with the Boston Bruins. Dean also has experience with coaching in the AHL, having spent 10 years split between the Lowell Devils and the Providence Bruins. His NHL career lasted nearly a decade, with Dean playing for the New Jersey Devils (1994–99), Atlanta Thrashers (1999-2000), Dallas Stars (1999-2000), and the Blackhawks (1999-2000).
With Dean reported to be in as the Canucks’ new defensive coach, all that’s left for the team to take care of is picking out a coach to help with the offence. Notably, Vancouver’s offence struggled a bit last season, so with two more defensively-minded coaches on staff, the team will look to find someone who can bolster the offensive tools they have.
Make sure you bookmark THN's Vancouver Canucks site and add us to your favourites on Google News for the latest news, exclusive interviews, breakdowns, and so much more. Also, be sure to leave a comment at the bottom of the page and engage with other passionate fans through our forum.
Evan Bouchard Deserves a Big Raise After Saving Oilers’ Season
If the Edmonton Oilers win the Stanley Cup in 2025, many will remember the sequence of plays that Evan Bouchard made that saved their season. In Game 4 of their…
Maple Leafs News & Rumours: Marner, Buyouts, Not-Bennett & Lorentz
The Toronto Maple Leafs are already deep into their offseason evaluations. Change is coming — not just behind the bench (Lane Lambert moved to the Seattle Kraken as their head…
Hurricanes Offseason Wishlist #1: Bringing Mitch Marner to Raleigh
With the NHL salary cap rising from $88 million to $95.5 million on July 1, many teams will be looking to bolster their roster with high-end unrestricted free agent (UFA)…