What NHL Fans Can Learn from Nokia Pyry and Finnish Hockey Culture
A lot of the time, the goal for any team not already in the top tier of Finnish hockey, Liiga, is to get there. Thanks to the promotion and relegation…
Monthly Archives: July 2025
Vancouver Canucks 2024–25 Report Card: Arshdeep Bains
Welcome to this edition of THN's Vancouver Canucks 2024-25 Report Card. This recurring 2025 off-season series features a deep dive into how each Canucks player performed last year. Today's article will focus on winger Arshdeep Bains, who finished the season with one points in 13 games.
Bains received a couple of call-ups throughout the 2024-25 season. He also scored his first NHL goal, which came on October 26 against the Pittsburgh Penguins. While he did put forth some noticeable performances at the NHL level, most of his success came in the AHL, where he helped the Abbotsford Canucks capture the 2025 Calder Cup.
There were few players better than Bains during the 2025 Calder Cup Finals. The 24-year-old recorded 10 points in six games, while finishing the playoffs with 24 points in 24 games. Ultimately, Bains showed that he can be relied upon in crucial moments, as he recorded multi-point performances in both Games 5 and 6 of the Finals.
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As for Bains' time in the NHL, he averaged 10:30 of ice time while playing on the fourth line. During his 13 games, he recorded eight shots while also throwing 17 hits. Bains also saw some time on the power play, logging 9:49 of ice time with the man advantage.
From BC To The Big Club: Arshdeep Bains’ Path To The CanucksThe forward looks to be in Vancouver’s lineup on October 9th’s season opener against the Calgary Flames.
After the season was complete, Bains signed a two-year extension with Vancouver. The first year of the deal is a two-way contract, while the second season is a one-way contract. Based on the current roster, Bains will be one of a handful of players fighting for a spot in the bottom six and, if sent to the AHL, will most likely be one of the first forwards called up if injuries or trades occur.
In the end, Bains had a successful third campaign with the organization. He played 13 NHL games and led Abbotsford to a championship. Based on his performance, Bains receives a B+ grade for the 2024-25 season.
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Blackhawks Have Interesting Potential Target In Ex-Bruins Forward
When looking at the Chicago Blackhawks' current roster, it is fair to argue that they could use a bit more forward depth. Due to this, bringing in another potential option for their bottom six could be smart for the Original Six club.
When looking at players who are still available on the free-agent market, one interesting option is forward Jakub Lauko.
Lauko became an unrestricted free agent (UFA) on July 1 after the Boston Bruins elected not to tender him a qualifying offer. Since then, he has not found his new home, but he would have the potential to be a solid addition for the Blackhawks if brought in.
Lauko spent this past season split between the Minnesota Wild and Bruins, where he set new career highs with five goals and 11 points in 56 games. He also made an impact when it came to his physicality, as he finished the year with 119 hits.
Lauko is known for being an energy player who provides a lot of grit and toughness, so he could be a nice depth pickup for the Blackhawks. He would offer them another option for their fourth line, and he is still young enough that he could be a nice fit on a rebuilding club like the Blackhawks. This is especially so when noting that he can play both on the wing and down the middle.
Thus, on a one-year deal or professional tryout (PTO), Lauko could be worth taking a shot on.
Former Blackhawks Forward Still A Free AgentWith August just about here, we have seen the majority of this year's NHL unrestricted free agents (UFAs) get signed. As a result of this, things around the league have naturally slowed down, which is a common occurrence during this part of the summer.
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Is Tanner Molendyk ready for full-time spot in Nashville Predators defense?
This past season was the biggest of defenseman Tanner Molendyk's career.
The Nashville Predators' 2023 1st round draft pick started his final season in juniors with the Saskatoon Blades, where he was on a point-per-game pace (21 points in 21 games).
He also competed in the IIHF World Junior Championships for the first time in his career, scoring two points in five games with Team Canada, which finished in fifth place.
Upon returning to the WHL, Molendyk found himself on the move, having been traded to the Medicine Hat Tigers.
He only benefited from the trade, scoring 26 points in 28 games and reaching the Memorial Cup Championship game.
En route to the Tigers' first Ed Chynoweth Cup championship and Memorial Cup appearance in 18 years, Molendyk scored 20 points in 18 games.
In the offseason, the big question remains: Is Molendyk ready to step into the Predators lineup?
One area where the Predators' defense is in need of improvement is scoring depth, which would help compensate for the shortcomings at center.
Roman Josi and Brady Skjei have already proven that they can get involved from the blue line, but there's a drop-off from there.
The Predators are expecting a lot of Nic Hague, who only had 12 points last season. Nick Perbix's numbers were a bit better at 19 points and had 24 the season before. Both Nick Blankenburg and Justin Barron had fewer than 17 points last season.
Considering Molendyk's continued success at the junior level and the need to expand scoring depth in the defense, it's absolutely worth trying him in the third pairing or possibly the second.
From his junior highlights, it is clear that he is a player with the confidence to take the puck below the blue line and has good control of it. While he'll need to adjust to the NHL pace, in juniors, he has shown himself to be a strong skater.
In possibly wanting to "remold" the Predators' defensive model, Molendyk would be a substantial addition or at least a good piece to put in place to start the season. Figuring out a defensive identity is critical for this team, and if Molendyk can help, why not have him up?
There are two potential downsides to this.
Shot variation is one of them. Nashville has six lefties and only three righties. Molendyk is also a lefty, meaning that the imbalance can get bigger.
This isn't a huge problem, as most NHL defensemen can play on both sides, but if the Predators wanted their defensemen to play on their strongest sides, Molendyk would fall down the pecking order.
The other thing is Molendyk's build. At 6 feet and 181 pounds, he'd be on the smaller end of the Predators' defensemen.
Considering Nashville wants Josi and Hague on the first pairing, who average nearly 6-foot-3-inches and 223 pounds between them, the Predators are looking for size and strength.
All of this really sums up to training camp being crucial for Molendyk, as it showcases his speed and skill against the rest of the roster.
Splitting time between Nashville and Milwaukee wouldn't be bad either, as it would help Molendyk become comfortable in the pros while also providing a bit more flexibility in the AHL.