The London Knights Are Without Peer In The Hockey World

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.

Promo image credit: Vincent Ethier / CHL Images

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New Mitch Marner Next Team Betting Odds Highlight Unexpected Frontrunner

Mitch Marner betting odds for next team officially come out with surprising front runner ahead of the pack

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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:

More NHL: 2025 Stanley Cup Final Betting Preview: Oilers-Panthers Set for Epic Rematch

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. 

More NHL: NHL Insider Reports Maple Leafs, Golden Knights May Have Discussed Marner Trade

Anaheim Ducks (+750)

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.

More NHL: Top NHL Prospect Expected to Join Michigan Wolverines Next Season

Columbus Blue Jackets (+2900)

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.

More NHL:2026 Stanley Cup Odds: Oilers, Panthers Lead Early Contenders But One Unexpected Favourite Emerges

San Jose Sharks (+3500)

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.

More Hockey: 2026 Winter Olympics – Men’s Ice Hockey Betting Odds & Team Outlooks

Buddy Robinson’s One Blackhawks Goal Changed NHL History

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.

Visit The Hockey News Chicago Blackhawks team site to stay updated on the latest news, game-day coverage, player features, and more.

Sharks Miss Out On Potential Veteran Free Agent Signing From Lightning

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.

Sharks Should Target RFA Forward Nicholas RobertsonSharks Should Target RFA Forward Nicholas RobertsonThe San Jose Sharks are solely focused on the 2025-26 campaign after a lacklustre season saw them finish at the bottom of the standings. While they can look forward to a second-overall pick in the upcoming 2025 NHL Entry Draft, they should also consider bringing in a few new faces to bolster their roster for next season. Sharks Agree To Release Andrew Poturalski As He Seeks Another OpportunitySharks Agree To Release Andrew Poturalski As He Seeks Another OpportunityThe San Jose Barracuda revealed in a recent statement that they had honoured the request of forward Andrew Poturalski and were releasing him as he pursues an opportunity outside of North America.  Sharks Extend Bona Fide Offers to Multiple ProspectsSharks Extend Bona Fide Offers to Multiple ProspectsThe San Jose Sharks have announced that they’ve extended contract offers to a handful of prospects ahead of the June 1 signing rights deadline.