Winning three Memorial Cups in 20 years might not sound like anything too incredible, until of course you consider that it's probably more difficult than even the Stanley Cup to win.
When the London Knights captured the championship with a 4-1 over the Medicine Hat Tigers Sunday night, they ended an era that saw the likes of Easton Cowan, Denver Barkley, Jacob Julien, Oliver Bonk and Kasper Halttunen play their last games of junior hockey. But nobody would be surprised to see the Knights contend for the title again in 2025-26.
Because that's pretty much what they do. Every year.
No team in hockey has had the sustained success the Knights have enjoyed over the past two-plus decades and it all starts and ends with Mark and Dale Hunter, who combine winning with developing talent for the NHL better than anyone in the business.
Watch today's video column for more, and share your thoughts.
The Edmonton Oilers have made it back to the Stanley Cup Final for the second straight season against the same opponent, the Florida Panthers, but they’ll be looking to pick…
Following another disappointing postseason, capped off by a Game 7 loss to the Florida Panthers, is it time to ask a deeper question than whether Mitch Marner will stay or…
Mitch Marner betting odds for next team officially come out with surprising front runner ahead of the pack
As the NHL offseason storylines intensify, one remains at center stage and that's Mitch Marner, the Toronto Maple Leafs' superstar winger.
After a fabulous 102-point regular season and a playoff run where he tallied 13 points in as many games, Marner's future with Toronto is anything but certain.
With growing concerns about playoff performance in late stage games as well as harsh criticism from the public and local media, it appears Marner's days as a Maple Leaf might be over.
Entering unrestricted free agency this summer, rumors are swirling about where the 28-year-old will land on July 1st or if he will ultimately choose to stay in his hometown of Toronto.
Recent, we explored a set of potential set of odds put together by Covers.com on where Marner will go next. However, FanDuel Sportsbook has released official betting odds for Marner's next team, offering insight into how the hockey world views the Leafs’ star winger's future. Here's a breakdown of the top contenders:
Mitch Marner Next Team Odds (via FanDuel Sportsbook)
Chicago Blackhawks +430
Toronto Maple Leafs +430
Carolina Hurricanes +470
Vegas Golden Knights +500
Anaheim Ducks +750
Los Angeles Kings +850
Florida Panthers +1900
Utah Mammoth +1900
Pittsburgh Penguins +2600
Columbus Blue Jackets +2900
Philadelphia Flyers +3500
New York Islanders +3500
Detroit Red Wings +3500
San Jose Sharks +3500
Tampa Bay Lightning +6000
Ottawa Senators +6000
Winnipeg Jets +6000
All Other Teams +6000
Chicago Blackhawks (+430)
Tied for the shortest odds, the Blackhawks present a compelling case. With rising star Connor Bedard leading the charge, adding Marner could create one of the league's most formidable top lines. Chicago's ample cap space and a fanbase eager for resurgence make this a noteworthy possibility.
Toronto Maple Leafs (+430)
Despite the trade rumors, the Maple Leafs remain in contention to retain Marner. While a last-minute extension hasn't been ruled out, the team's direction and Marner's aspirations will play pivotal roles in this decision.
Carolina Hurricanes (+470)
The Hurricanes, known for their consistent playoff appearances, might view Marner as the missing piece to propel them to a Stanley Cup. His offensive prowess could complement their structured gameplay, potentially ending their Stanley Cup Finals drought.
Vegas Golden Knights (+500)
Vegas has a history of making bold moves to enhance their roster. Marner's addition could bolster their offensive depth, aligning with their win-now mentality plus the move has already been discussed according to insider reports from last summer.
In the midst of a rebuild, the Ducks are accumulating young talent. Marner's experience and skill could provide leadership and elevate the play of emerging stars like Trevor Zegras and Leo Carlsson. General Manager Pat Verbeek has been vocal about wanting his squad to make the playoffs next season and would love to make an add to ensure that, making Marner the perfect for in mind.
Los Angeles Kings (+850)
The Kings are transitioning into a competitive phase, blending veteran presence with youthful energy. Marner could be the catalyst to team continuing to build and try to get past the defending Western Conference Champion Edmonton Oilers.
Florida Panthers (+1900)
Heading into their third straight Stanley Cup Final, the Panthers might seek to add Marner to maintain their momentum. His versatility could fit seamlessly into their dynamic offensive schemes. The team is going to lose some key pieces this offseason and could add new ones back in with Marner.
Utah Mammoth (+1900)
As the NHL's newest franchise, the Mammoth are poised to make a significant splash. Securing a marquee player like Marner would instantly elevate their profile and competitiveness plus seems like a move team owner Ryan Smith is known for considering his aggressive nature with his NBA team, the Denver Nuggets.
Pittsburgh Penguins (+2600)
With Sidney Crosby's career winding down, the Penguins might aim to maximize their current window. Marner's addition could rejuvenate their offensive core and provide a bridge to the next generation.
The Blue Jackets are in search of a game-changer to revitalize their franchise. Marner's skill set could be the cornerstone of their rebuilding efforts.
Philadelphia Flyers (+3500)
Undergoing a transformation, the Flyers could view Marner as a foundational piece to expedite their return to contention. His playmaking abilities would be a boon to their evolving roster.
New York Islanders (+3500)
The Islanders, known for their defensive structure, might benefit from Marner's offensive flair. His presence could provide the scoring punch they've been seeking.
Detroit Red Wings (+3500)
Under Steve Yzerman's guidance, the Red Wings are assembling a promising squad. Marner could be the veteran leader to guide their young talents into a new era of success.
In a phase of rebuilding, the Sharks might see Marner as a player to build around, accelerating their return to playoff contention.
Tampa Bay Lightning (+6000)
With a history of success, the Lightning could consider Marner to maintain their competitive edge, especially as they manage aging core players.
Ottawa Senators (+6000)
The Senators are cultivating a young, energetic team. Adding Marner could provide the experience and skill to guide their ascent in the standings.
Winnipeg Jets (+6000)
The Jets might explore acquiring Marner to bolster their offensive depth and support their existing stars in a bid for deeper playoff runs.
🌐 All Other Teams (+6000)
While not front-runners, other NHL teams remain in the mix, potentially offering unique opportunities or packages that could appeal to Marner and the Maple Leafs.
When the Chicago Blackhawks took on the Pittsburgh Penguins on April 11th, 2023, nobody expected it to have an impact on NHL history the way that it did. Entering the game, the Pittsburgh Penguins needed to beat the Blackhawks, one of the basement teams in the league, to secure a postseason berth for the 17th year in a row.
After a scoreless first period, the Chicago Blackhawks took a 1-0 lead in the second thanks to a goal scored by Connor Murphy. They took that lead into the second intermission.
In the final frame, the course of history took a turn. After Evgeni Malkin tied it up 5:28 into the third, the Penguins looked like they had the momentum they needed to pull it off.
That was until 10:22, when Buddy Robinson put Chicago ahead for good with his first goal in a Blackhawks sweater. A handful of empty netters and meaningless goals followed for both sides, but it was Robinsin’s goal that allowed the Blackhawks to secure a victory.
Not only did this goal keep the Penguins from making it to the playoffs, ending their streak at 16 years, but many teams were also impacted (both good and bad).
For one, the Florida Panthers are the team that took that final playoff spot. One year after winning the President’s Trophy, they struggled with consistency but snuck in thanks to the Penguins’ loss.
Florida rode the wave to the Stanley Cup Final. They were defeated by the Vegas Golden Knights, but it was the start of something special. They got back to the Final again in 2023-24 and won the Cup for the first time in franchise history. Now, they are looking to repeat with a berth in the final again in 2024-25.
If they don’t sneak in thanks to the Buddy Robinson goal in 2022-23, they might overreact and make moves that don’t allow them to do what they’ve done since.
On the playoff run that the Panthers had as a result of getting in over the Penguins, they ended the Boston Bruins’ season, which saw them have the best record in the history of the NHL. In the second round, they defeated the Toronto Maple Leafs, who then fired almost their entire front office.
Even the Montreal Canadiens were impacted as they missed out on a lottery pick that they would have received as a result of a trade.
As for the Chicago Blackhawks themselves, earning those two points in the win seemed like a detriment to their lottery odds at the time, but they ended up winning it anyway. If they weren’t the third-worst team in the NHL, they likely wouldn’t win the lottery and the right to select Connor Bedard.
All of these dominoes fell the way they did because of Buddy Robinson scoring his only goal with the Chicago Blackhawks. One goal scored by a journeyman on his way out of the league changed history for a lot of teams.
In today’s NHL rumors rundown, Connor McDavid left practice early for the Edmonton Oilers on Sunday, leading to questions about his health. Is there anything to be concerned about? Meanwhile,…
The San Jose Sharks will be looking to bolster their roster this offseason, and while they have some solid options heading toward free agency, one of those options is now off the board.
Yanni Gourde, who is 33 years old, signed a six-year extension with the Tampa Bay Lightning on Monday (June 2) that has a $2.33 million average annual value. This season, he scored seven goals and added 24 assists for 31 points through 57 games, which comes out to a 0.54 points-per-game average.
The Sharks likely would have considered adding him if he hit the open market this summer, but after the recent news, they won't have a chance to sign him.
Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Final is on Wednesday, June 4, in Edmonton, and Toronto Maple Leafs fans will see plenty of familiar faces. The Florida Panthers, who are…
The Florida Panthers and the Edmonton Oilers are no strangers; the two NHL teams met in last year's Stanley Cup Final (the Panthers took the trophy home, winning in seven thrilling games). This year's Stanley Cup Final series returns to Amerant Bank Arena in Sunrise, FL for Game 6 tonight (June 17) at 8 p.m. ET, and with the Panthers leading the series 3-2, they could clinch the championship at home, unless the Oilers force a seventh game like they did last year. You can catch tonight's game and the whole Stanley Cup series on TNT and Max, here's everything you need to know about how to watch the Panthers vs. Oilers, and get live updates on Game 6 here.
How to watch the Florida Panthers vs. Edmonton Oilers:
Dates: June 17, 2025
Time: 8 p.m. (Game 6)
TV channel: TNT, TruTV
Streaming: Max, Sling, DirecTV and more
Where to watch the Panthers vs. Oilers:
You can tune in to every game of the Florida Panthers vs. Edmonton Oilers Stanley Cup Final on TNT and truTV. These channels are available on platforms like DirecTV, Sling and Fubo. Games will also be streaming on Max.
Stanley Cup Final channel:
All games in the Stanley Cup finals series between the Oilers and the Panthers will air on TNT and truTV.
How to watch the Stanley Cup Finals without cable:
Who is playing in the Stanley Cup Finals?
This year, the Florida Panthers will play the Edmonton Oilers in the Stanley Cup finals.
As hockey fans await the start of the Stanley Cup final between the Edmonton Oilers and Florida Panthers, some pundits are pondering Connor McDavid's future in Edmonton.
McDavid has a year remaining on his contract and will be UFA-eligible next July. The Oilers can sign their 28-year-old captain to an extension on July 1.
Larry Brooks of the New York Post acknowledged that McDavid could re-sign “without fuss or muss” this summer, becoming the first Oilers icon to spend his entire NHL career in Edmonton. However, he also wondered if No. 97 might follow the example of former Oiler Mark Messier and head to the New York Rangers next summer with or without a championship.
Bruce Arthur of the Toronto Star noted the dream of McDavid returning home to Toronto hasn't died for some Maple Leafs fans. He thinks the only way that happens is if the Oilers' superstar wins the Stanley Cup this year and decides he needs a bigger challenge, like helping the Leafs end their 58-year Cup drought.
Arthur admits the notion is a long shot. So is Brooks' idea of McDavid signing with the Rangers.
In Messier's day, the Oilers' dynasty was dismantled because their eventual-bankrupt owner couldn't afford to maintain a Cup contender in an era without cost certainty. Today, the Oilers are a contender with stable, deep-pocketed ownership, playing under a salary cap system with revenue sharing that allows them to retain their biggest stars.
Prediction: the Oilers sign McDavid this summer to an eight-year extension, making him the NHL's highest-paid player starting in 2026-27.
Meanwhile, speculation persists over whether Mitch Marner re-signs with the Toronto Maple Leafs or tests the UFA market on July 1.
The Toronto Star's Gord Stellick believes the Vegas Golden Knights will aggressively pursue the 28-year-old right winger this summer. He claimed they weren't happy with their second-round post-season exit and could shed some aging players for younger talent.
The Hockey News’ Julian Gaudio cited Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman claiming the Golden Knights discussed a trade last summer involving Marner with the Golden Knights. He believes it fell through because the Leafs wanted defenseman Shea Theodore as part of the return, and there was no guarantee that Marner would agree to the move.
Speaking of the Golden Knights, Damien Cox suggested the Leafs should follow Vegas' example by trading futures for players who can help them win the Stanley Cup. He also advocated re-signing Marner, as his departure would hurt their offense and special teams play.
Given GM Brad Treliving's recent remarks about changing the Leafs' DNA, Marner's return seems unlikely. Assuming he does and Treliving follows Vegas' example, there's no guarantee they would reach the same level of success as the Golden Knights.
