Should the LA Kings Be All-In on Mitch Marner?
While the Los Angeles Kings can maybe find some solace in the fact that the team they have lost to year after year in the first round has continuously proved…
Monthly Archives: June 2025
Will Pete DeBoer Ever Find Work Behind An NHL Bench Again?
As soon as the words came out of Pete DeBoer's mouth after Game 5 of the Western Conference final, speculation about his job security began to run rampant.
And for good reason. A little more than a week after DeBoer pulled goalie Jake Oettinger, then didn't exactly endorse his play in the Dallas Stars' loss to the Edmonton Oilers, the Stars fired DeBoer, with GM Jim Nill saying in a statement that, "a new voice is needed in our locker room to push us closer to our goal of winning the Stanley Cup."
That voice presumably will be a little softer and sound a little less edgy. Firing coaches because they're hard on the poor dears is not exactly a new thing. The NHL is a players' league and when they're not happy with the man behind the bench, for whatever reason, that guy is almost always replaced, whether he's led the team to three straight appearances in a conference final or not.
Watch today's video column for more, and share your thoughts.
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Former Canadiens Player Enters Colorado History Book
When Kent Hughes took over as the Montreal Canadiens' GM and the Habs brass decided to press the rebuild button, one of the Habs’ most coveted assets was Artturi Lehkonen. It took some time, but eventually, a deal was struck with Colorado Avalanche General Manager Joe Sakic to send the Finnish winger to Denver.
For his services, Hughes obtained right-shot defenseman Justin Barron and a 2024 second-round pick, which he then used to move up in the first round of the same draft in a deal with the Los Angeles Kings, which resulted in Montreal drafting Michael Hage.
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Barron didn’t pan out in Montreal and was dealt to the Nashville Predators earlier this season in return for Alex Carrier, who became a significant member of the defense corps. It’s too early to tell how Hage will turn out, but so far, the Avalanche has been the winner in that deal.
Although Lehkonen struggled with injuries this season, he still became the fourth player to lead the team in both plus/minus and game-winning goals since the franchise moved to Colorado. The left winger finished the season with a plus-36 rating and five game-winning goals to his name.
The three players who have managed the feat since the Quebec Nordiques became the Avs were Nathan MacKinnon in 2023-24 (plus-35 and nine game-winning tallies), Gabriel Landeskog in 2011-12 (plus-20 and five game-winning goals), and 2000-01 Joe Sakic (plus-45 and 12 game-winning goals). That’s some elite company right there.
Artturi Lehkonen 👑 pic.twitter.com/XDiuKj7oMd
— Colorado Avalanche (@Avalanche) June 3, 2025
Since being traded to Colorado, Lehkonen has put up 139 points in 194 games for 0.72 points per game. In six seasons with the Canadiens, he had put up 149 points in 396 games, averaging 0.38 points per game. Almost twice as much with the Avalanche. Of course, he has had incredible linemates; he finished the last season skating alongside Nathan MacKinnon and Martin Necas on the Avs’ first line.
Was Lehkonen flying under the radar in Montreal, or is this production mainly due to the company he’s been keeping near the Rockies? Whatever it is, the Avs certainly do not have buyer’s remorse four years down the line.
Photo credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images
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Projected Lineups for the Panthers vs Oilers – 6/6/25
The Florida Panthers take on the Edmonton Oilers in Game 2 of the Stanley Cup Final at Rogers Place tonight. Here are the projected/expected lineups sourced from NHL.com staff writers,…
Report: Flyers Sign Young KHL Forward
The Philadelphia Flyers have secured the services of 24-year-old Russian forward Maxim Shabanov, according to reports.
Checked in on the status of then KHL pending free agent Maxim Shabanov back in January. Was told Flyers were a favorite. Although it’s not done yet, seems like the Flyers will be landing the 24 year-old Russian.
— Anthony LaRocco (@ALaRocco0801) June 6, 2025
Shabanov was 3rd in the KHL in scoring this season with 23G 44A…
A Rising Star in the KHL
Shabanov has been a standout performer in the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL), playing for Traktor Chelyabinsk.Standing at 5'8" and weighing 157 pounds, he may not have the imposing size of some forwards, but his skill set more than compensates for it.
In the 2024-25 season, Shabanov recorded 67 points (23 goals, 44 assists) in 65 regular-season games, followed by an impressive 20 points (10 goals, 10 assists) in 21 playoff games . His performance earned him a spot in the KHL All-Star Game in both 2023 and 2025.
What Shabanov Brings to Philadelphia
Shabanov's game is characterized by exceptional puckhandling, agility, and speed. His ability to navigate tight spaces and create scoring opportunities makes him a valuable asset. Despite his smaller stature, he has consistently produced offensively, demonstrating resilience and adaptability.
Oh my, Maxim Shabanov. 😮 #KHLAllStarpic.twitter.com/7nnYKaIApA
— Hockey News Hub (@HockeyNewsHub) February 9, 2025
His versatility allows him to play both right wing and center, providing the Flyers with flexibility in their lineup.Shabanov's left-handed shot and offensive instincts could complement the team's existing talent, potentially enhancing their powerplay and overall scoring depth.
Integration into the Flyers' System
Transitioning from the KHL to the NHL presents challenges, including adapting to a different style of play and increased physicality. However, Shabanov's experience and success in a competitive league like the KHL suggest he possesses the skill and determination to make this leap.
An interesting development is that Matvei Michkov, a fellow Russian and Flyers prospect, has followed Shabanov on Instagram. Given Michkov's selective social media presence, this could indicate a budding connection that might ease Shabanov's integration into the team and city.
Looking Ahead
The addition of Maxim Shabanov signifies the Flyers' commitment to enhancing their offensive lineup with skilled and dynamic players. While the transition to the NHL will require adjustment, Shabanov's track record in the KHL and his particular skill set offer promising potential. His presence could invigorate the Flyers' offense and contribute to the team's pursuit of success in the upcoming seasons.
As the Flyers continue to build and refine their roster, Shabanov's arrival adds an exciting dimension to their offensive strategy. Fans and analysts alike will be keen to see how his talents translate to the NHL stage.
2025 NHL Entry Draft – Top 10 Right Wingers
The 2025 NHL Entry Draft is stacked with right-wingers who will see their names called on the first night. Porter Martone and Victor Eklund will likely be selected in the…
Oilers Unlocked Secret When McDavid and Draisaitl “Got The Memo”
Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl have long been known as the NHL’s most dangerous offensive duo. However, during the 2025 Stanley Cup Final, the two superstars are proving they’ve added…
Fixing Elias Pettersson: Is the Canucks Star Forward About to Hit the Market?
It might have seemed like a small thing at first glance: a Vancouver Canucks team graphic making the rounds online, featuring key players — but notably excluding Elias Pettersson. The…
NHL Rumor Roundup: The Latest Panthers And Canadiens Off-Season Speculation
The Florida Panthers' Stanley Cup final rematch with the Edmonton Oilers is underway, but that hasn't stopped some pundits from pondering what the off-season might hold for the NHL’s defending champions.
Before the final began, Steve Simmons of the Toronto Sunreported that the word out of Florida was that pending UFA center (and potential Conn Smythe Trophy candidate) Sam Bennett wanted to remain with the Panthers. He indicated the feeling was mutual if they could find a way to make the dollars work.
Bennett, who turns 29 on June 20, is completing a four-year contract with a team-friendly average annual value of $4.425 million. His evolution in recent years into a chippy-but-versatile two-way forward who elevates his game in the post-season will make him among the top targets in this summer's NHL UFA market.
It could cost the Panthers between $7 million and $8 million annually to keep Bennett in the fold. That will take a significant bite out of their projected $19 million of cap space for next season, which could hamper efforts to re-sign or replace their other UFAs.
Aaron Ekblad is among that group. The longtime Panthers defenseman is coming off an eight-year contract with an average annual value of $7.5 million. On Tuesday, he told reporters he hoped to remain a Panther.
According to Simmons, the Panthers don't have much interest in re-signing Ekblad. However, he also claimed last June they intended to trade the veteran blueliner and use the savings to re-sign Brandon Montour, who subsequently bolted for the Seattle Kraken as a UFA last July.
Ekblad could get his wish if he's willing to accept a pay cut on a shorter contract. Otherwise, his tenure with the Panthers could end on July 1.
The Montreal Canadiens, meanwhile, hold two first-round picks (16th and 17th overall) in the upcoming 2025 NHL draft. GM Kent Hughes could use them to add to his already deep prospect pool, but The Athletic's Chris Johnston recently reported Hughes is open to using one of those picks as trade bait to address a more immediate need.
Johnston also suggested that Logan Mailloux could be available. He indicated that the 22-year-old prospect defenseman isn't a player the Canadiens have to move, but thinks the youngster could be had for the right price.
TVA Sports noted Johnston's speculation about Montreal's potential trade bait, claiming they had an opportunity to ship Mailloux to the Anaheim Ducks in a deal for Trevor Zegras last year. However, that fell through when the Canadiens selected winger Ivan Demidov fifth overall in last year's draft.
The Hockey News’ Karine Hains observed recent conjecture swirling about Minnesota Wild center Marco Rossi and Dallas Stars left winger Jason Robertson. She wondered if Mailloux could be used in a package offer for Rossi, or if those first-rounders might pique the Stars' interest if they'd prefer futures in return for Robertson.
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Iowa Wild Head Coach Brett McLean Joins Vancouver Canucks As Assistant Coach
The Vancouver Canucks announced they have hired Iowa Wild head coach Brett McLean as an assistant coach.
McLean has been head coach of Iowa for the past two seasons, totalling a record of 54-74-10-6, missing the Calder Cup Playoffs both seasons.
The 46-year-old retired from professional hockey after the 2016-17 season and joined the Iowa Wild as an assistant the next season. He served in that role for three seasons before earning a promotion to the Minnesota Wild where he was also an assistant.
The Comox, B.C., native will reportedly run the power play on Adam Foote's revamped coaching staff.
General Manager Patrik Allvin announced today that the #Canucks have named Kevin Dean, Brett McLean, and Scott Young Assistant Coaches. pic.twitter.com/Ny0kjqF82L
— Vancouver Canucks (@Canucks) June 5, 2025
In his playing career McLean was a ninth round selection of the Dallas Stars in 1997. He recorded 56 goals and 162 points in 385 NHL games split between the Chicago Blackhawks, Colorado Avalanche, and Florida Panthers. He notched 21 points in 36 career AHL games with the Rockford IceHogs.
The Hockey News' Vancouver Canucks team site also covered this hire here.
Photo Credit: © Alyssa Hertel / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images