Blackhawks: 3 Teams Who Could Target Connor Murphy

Chicago Blackhawks defenseman Connor Murphy is a player to keep an eye on. The right-shot blueliner is entering the final season of his contract, so he certainly stands out as a potential trade chip for the rebuilding Blackhawks. This is especially so when NHL teams are often willing to pay more for big, right-shot defenseman.

Due to this, let’s look at three teams who could target Murphy if he is made available by the Blackhawks. 

Detroit Red Wings

The Detroit Red Wings could make a lot of sense as a landing spot for Murphy, as it is clear that the right side of their defense could use improvement. If the Red Wings acquired Murphy, he could slot nicely on their second pairing with Simon Edvinsson and would also be a clear option for their penalty kill.

Dallas Stars

The Dallas Stars’ biggest weakness currently is the right side of their defense. Because of this, it would not be surprising in the slightest if they made a push to acquire Murphy, whether that is this summer or during the season. If the Stars acquired him, he would provide them with a clear upgrade over Ilya Lyubushkin in their top four. Therefore, there could be a good match here.

Carolina Hurricanes

The Carolina Hurricanes could also be an intriguing landing spot for Murphy. When looking at their roster, it is fair to argue that they could use another experienced blueliner on their right side. If the Hurricanes acquired Murphy, he could be a good fit on their bottom pairing with offensive defenseman Shayne Gostisbehere. 

Ex-Blackhawks Defenseman Among Top Free Agents LeftEx-Blackhawks Defenseman Among Top Free Agents LeftWith it now being August, many of this year's notable unrestricted free agents (UFAs) have found their new homes. While this is the case, there are still some UFAs with plenty of experience who have yet to get signed.

Photo Credit: © Talia Sprague-Imagn Images

NHL Summer Splash Rankings: No. 17, Boston Bruins

We’re now reaching the halfway point of The Hockey News’ NHL summer splash series with the Boston Bruins at No. 17.

In these summer splash rankings, we’re looking at every team’s roster additions, departures, hirings and firings to see who improved, got worse and stayed largely the same.

You can see which teams finished below the Bruins at the bottom. But before we get to that point, we’re going to break down the state of the Bruins.

Additions

Viktor Arvidsson (RW), Tanner Jeannot (LW), Sean Kuraly (LW), Michael Eyssimont (LW), Alex Steeves (C), Jordan Harris (D)

The Breakdown:The Bruins fell to pieces last year, posting an 8-9-3 record out of the gate, and they never really recovered from it. 

Once Boston GM Don Sweeney finished moving out some cornerstone pieces – including Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Brandon Carlo and Florida Panthers left winger Brad Marchand – there was the bleak reality that this Bruins team is too streaky. When you post a 10-game losing streak in the tail end of your schedule, it’s safe to say there are some fundamental issues with this team.

Now, Sweeney and the Bruins acted to employ as many physically ornery players as possible to exact a toll on opponents night in and night out. Arvidsson, Jeannot, Kuraly and Eyssimont all welcome a physical game, and new Bruins coach Marco Sturm will deploy them to make opponents' lives miserable.

That said, these additions likely won’t propel the Bruins back into the playoffs. With these peripheral additions, Sweeney has doubled down on his core, featuring superstar right winger David Pastrnak, defensemen Charlie McAvoy, Nikita Zadorov and Hampus Lindholm, and goalie Jeremy Swayman. 

If the Bruins expect adding so-called “character players” will punish opponents enough to win 45 games and make the playoffs, we’re not nearly so confident that will come to pass. That said, they fill in some of the gaps from the players who left at the trade deadline to ensure this team doesn’t finish at the bottom of the Atlantic Division again.

Jeremy Swayman, Viktor Arvidsson and Parker Wotherspoon (Bob DeChiara-Imagn Images)

Departures

Vinni Lettieri (C), Cole Koepke (LW), Parker Wotherspoon (D), Jakub Lauko (C), Oliver Wahlstrom (RW), Tyler Pitlick (C) 

The Breakdown: The Bruins did most of their roster remodelling last year, and what’s left now is a team with not a lot of depth but is still close to the salary cap ceiling. They now have about $2 million to make another addition, but letting go of fringe players doesn’t move the needle. Sweeney has chosen to have cap flexibility over low-ranking players sticking around on relatively lucrative terms.

Lettieri moved on to the Maple Leafs, Koepke joined the Winnipeg Jets, Wotherspoon became a Pittsburgh Penguin, Lauko signed in Czechia, Wahlstrom is a UFA and Pitlick signed with the Minnesota Wild. With all due respect, these players didn’t do enough this past season to either warrant a full-time job or a notable role on the squad.

The Bottom Line

In the big picture, the Bruins have improved on paper compared to the end-of-season roster, but not to any great degree. 

Yes, adding sandpaper to the team will likely have a positive effect on Boston’s game. The problem is that the Bruins are playing in the Atlantic Division, which many see as the strongest division in the NHL.

Every team in the Atlantic has designs on a playoff spot next year. Whether it’s the Ottawa Senators wanting to follow up their core’s solid season last year with a second straight playoff appearance, or whether it’s the Montreal Canadiens, Buffalo Sabres and Detroit Red Wings all aching to be a post-season team next year, all eight Atlantic teams want to win and win now. So, there are clearly going to be some Atlantic teams that disappoint, and we fear that may be the case for Boston in 2025-26. Their goaltending was suddenly suspect, their pipeline hasn’t fed the main roster with many big-impact players, and veteran players like center Elias Lindholm don’t appear capable of stepping up with more offense.

Sure, the Bruins are going to be a pain in the rear end to deal with next season, but that doesn’t make them capable of pulling out of last season’s tailspin and proving that the 2024-25 campaign was merely a momentary blip on the radar for Boston. But it’s equally likely, if not more so, that the Bruins find out the hard way that, once you’re out of the playoff picture, it’s rather difficult to get back in.

And as for our summer splash rankings, Boston is squarely in “ho-hum” territory. Time may prove us wrong, but the Bruins don’t look like a playoff team after the changes Sweeney has made. And their entire off-season has been little more than a shoulder shrug.

Summer Splash Rankings

17. Boston Bruins

18. Edmonton Oilers

19. Minnesota Wild

20. Seattle Kraken

21. Columbus Blue Jackets

22. Washington Capitals

23. Nashville Predators

24. New York Islanders

25. Tampa Bay Lightning

26. Toronto Maple Leafs

27. Dallas Stars

28. Calgary Flames

29. Los Angeles Kings

30. Winnipeg Jets

31. Chicago Blackhawks

32. Buffalo Sabres

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The Wraparound: Has Oilers GM Eased Concerns About Connor McDavid Leaving?

Kickstart your weekend by listening to rapid-fire NHL and hockey topics on The Wraparound.

Has Oilers GM Eased Concerns About Connor McDavid Leaving? by The WraparoundHas Oilers GM Eased Concerns About Connor McDavid Leaving? by The Wraparoundundefined

Here’s what Emma Lingan, Michael Augello and Adam Kierszenblat discussed in this episode:

2:00: Reacting to Hockey Canada’s Olympic orientation camp invitees

7:40: What will be Toronto Maple Leafs RFA Nick Robertson's next cap hit?

10:30: Was the Dylan Samberg extension a good deal for the Jets?

14:30: Could Nicklas Backstrom play his way onto the Swedish Olympic team?

18:00: Buffalo Sabres goalie Devon Levi hasn't lived up to expectations yet, but will he be able to after signing a contract extension?

22:40: Will Zayne Parekh crack the Calgary Flames' roster this upcoming season?

26:40: Have Oilers GM Stan Bowman's comments about Connor McDavid’s next contract quieted down any noise involving the captain potentially leaving next summer? Or is there still a chance he moves on?

31:00: Will any or all of Claude Giroux, David Perron and Nick Jensen stick with the Ottawa Senators beyond this season?

32:50: Will Mackenzie Blackwood continue to live up to the standards he set for himself last season on the Colorado Avalanche?

36:50: Are there any teams that would be willing to trade for Pittsburgh Penguins goalie Tristan Jarry?

40:00: Is it fair to make the draft rights the same across the board, no matter whether a prospect plays overseas or in North America?

See below for where to subscribe to the show for future episodes.

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Promo photo credit: Perry Nelson-Imagn Images

Berggren Breakout? Red Wings' Jonatan Berggren Makes Major Bet On Himself

Detroit Red Wings forward Jonatan Berggren was given the opportunity to reach a new career-high in NHL games played in the 2024-25 NHL season, skating in 75 out of 82 games. 

Berggren, who scored 15 goals in the 67 games he played in during the 2022-23 NHL campaign, managed just 12 goals with 12 assists this past season. While his future in Detroit appeared somewhat cloudy, he affixed his signature to a one-year contract extension in June.

Berggren knows that the upcoming 2025-26 season could be a make-or-break campaign for him that will go a long way in determining his future NHL path, as he recently explained to the Red Wings' official website. 

“Last year was a good year for me,” Berggren said. “I feel like I got more opportunity after Todd [McLellan] became head coach, and I think I played better. This one-year deal is a prove-it-deal for me. I want to show what I can do.”

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After his first real NHL experience in 2022-23, Berggren would then spend the majority of the following season in the American Hockey League with the Grand Rapids Griffins. He scored at just over a point-per-game pace, racking up 24 goals with 32 assists for 56 points in the 53 games he played. 

Berggren also expressed appreciation for the security that his new one-year contract affords him with the Red Wings heading into the upcoming campaign.

“It felt like I was part of the team,” Berggren said. “It’s hard when you’re going up and down between the AHL and NHL, so I got that confidence being there for a full year and I’m going to build off that.”

The good news for the Red Wings is that Berggren, who has often gone by the affectionate nickname "Jonny Burgers", believes he's in a much better position physically than he was two seasons ago.

“Especially last summer, I feel like that was really good and then at Training Camp, everything felt good,” Berggren said. “I took another step last year, but I feel like I’m starting at a higher level this year maybe than where I was two years ago. I want to do the same thing this summer because I feel like that’s going to give me a good result this year.”

Berggren, who got a chance near the end of last season to play on Detroit's top line with Dylan Larkin and Lucas Raymond, expressed optimism for the Red Wings beginning the new season with Todd McLellan as head caoch.

“I feel like we played really good hockey when Todd came in,” Berggren said. “Now that we’re going to start with him, it’s going to be good to have a full camp with the new systems rather than how we had to learn during the middle of the season. That’s going to be huge.”

The countdown is now approximately a month and a half until Berggren and the rest of his Red Wings teammates gather in Traverse City for Training Camp, which will be followed by their first exhibition matchup against the Chicago Blackhawks on September 23. 

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A Win for Devils Fans Abroad – NHL Partners with DAZN to Stream Games Internationally

The New Jersey Devils and the NHL have announced that international fans can now stream every NHL game, including the Stanley Cup Playoffs and Stanley Cup Final, on DAZN, as part of a new multi-year partnership.

The deal covers over 200 countries and territories outside of North America, making it easier than ever for fans around the world to follow their favorite teams and players.

DAZN is a British-based sports streaming platform, owned by Access Industries and headquartered in London. Originally founded as Perform Group in 2007, it rebranded as DAZN in 2015. The platform broadcasts a wide range of live and on-demand sports, with a core focus on combat sports like boxing and MMA, available without pay-per-view fees. DAZN is accessible by subscription across various devices.

As part of this agreement, NHL.TV will be integrated into the DAZN platform. This means fans outside the U.S., Canada, and the Nordic countries (Denmark, Finland, Norway, and Sweden) will now be able to watch NHL games through NHL.TV on DAZN.

For the New Jersey Devils, this partnership is especially significant. The franchise has developed a strong and growing international fanbase, one that stretches far beyond the Prudential Center in Newark.

During last season’s NHL Global Series, the Devils traveled to Prague, Czechia, where they opened their season with a win against the Buffalo Sabres. But beyond the victory, the trip highlighted the team's global reach. According to NHL.com, fans came from across the world, including Scotland, Spain, and even Australia,  to cheer for the Devils.

One fan, Mikaela Mackie from Melbourne, told NHL.com, “We all know each other from Twitter. It’s fantastic to connect with other people and have that common interest. It makes it easy to start that conversation and get along.” 

That common interest, of course, is the New Jersey Devils.

The team’s global appeal is also fueled by its international roster. One standout example is Ondřej Palát, Devils winger and alternate captain, who hails from Frýdek-Místek, Czechia. Palát has a strong fan following in his home country, and thanks to this DAZN partnership, his supporters can now stream all 82 regular-season games, plus the playoffs, with ease.

Globally, nearly 30% of NHL players were born outside North America. Reaching that international audience has become a core part of the league’s long-term strategy.

Steve McArdle, NHL Chief Operating Officer, explained to NHL.com:

“Media distribution is at the core of our global strategy, and we are thrilled to partner with DAZN to continue to expand our global reach and engage with our fast-growing international fan base. Our shared commitment to innovation, gold-standard technology, and providing an exceptional content delivery service will allow us to deliver NHL content to hockey fans around the world on the platforms they prefer.”

This new partnership not only benefits Devils fans abroad, it also supports the NHL’s broader mission to grow the game globally, making hockey more accessible to the next generation of fans, no matter where they live.


Photo Credit: © Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

Two Former Sabres Named To Canada’s Olympic Camp Roster

Hockey Canada revealed their roster for the summer camp for the upcoming 2026 Winter Olympics in Milano-Cortina, with 42 players from 20 different NHL clubs. One of the dozen teams that was not represented was the Buffalo Sabres, although two former Sabres and an ex-Buffalo draft choice were named. 

Two-time Stanley Cup winner Sam Reinhart was among five Florida Panthers named, along with Seattle Kraken defenseman Brandon Montour. Former Sabres draft pick Brandon Hagel was one of three Tampa Bay players chosen who played at the NHL Four Nations Face-Off for Lightning head coach Jon Cooper. 

 

Other Sabres Stories

Projecting Sabres Trade Cost - Bryan Rust

Six Former Sabres Who Signed Elsewhere

2021 top overall pick Owen Power was thought to have an outside chance of being selected after a career-high 40-point season, but the five left-shot blueliners selected were Thomas Harley of the Dallas Stars, Winnipeg’s Josh Morrissey, Travis Sanheim of the Philadelphia Flyers, Shea Theodore of the Vegas Golden Knights, and Colorado’s Devon Toews.

Buffalo is expected to have a number of players who will be in the mix for an Olympic bid for their respective countries. Rasmus Dahlin is a shoo-in for Team Sweden, Tage Thompson and Alex Tuch will be in the mix for Team USA, as will Jiri Kulich for Czechia, and Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen. Former Sabre JJ Peterka will undoubtedly be a part of Germany’s squad next February, along with Henri Jokiharju for Finland, 

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How in-depth analytics highlight value of Sharks' 2025 NHL offseason additions

How in-depth analytics highlight value of Sharks' 2025 NHL offseason additions originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

The Sharks have added many new players this offseason, but are any of them difference makers?

Between trades and free agency, the Sharks have added forwards Adam Gaudette, Philipp Kurashev, Ryan Reaves, and Jeff Skinner, while also addressing the blue line with defensemen John Klingberg, Nick Leddy, and Dmitry Orlov. San Jose also added goaltender Alex Nedeljkovic.

Frankly, most of these veterans probably are a little past their prime, so it’s hard to say if any will be difference makers, but each, in small-but-significant ways, can still make an impact.

Per Stathletes, let’s look at some of the underrated ways that the new Sharks can help their new team.

Adam Gaudette

The 6-foot-1 center-winger should be able to add some scoring to the bottom-six with his net front presence and dangerous one-timer.

Gaudette actually led the Ottawa Senators with 16 5-on-5 goals last year, with a team-leading six off the one-timer.

He’s not as adept at passing or carrying the puck, but he should be able to shoot it.

Philipp Kurashev

Kurashev, on the other hand, is happy to carry the puck and dish it.

Per Stathletes, in 2023-24, Kurashev’s breakout campaign for the Chicago Blackhawks, he led all forwards in 5-on-5 Successful Passes and Puck Carries Per 60.

This playmaking mentality could make him a nice fit next to shooters Tyler Toffoli, Jeff Skinner, or Gaudette.

Ryan Reaves

Reaves is still one of the NHL’s most-feared enforcersm and should provide a degree of protection for the Sharks’ young guns.

He’s also still a guy who’s likely to come up with the puck along the boards: The 38-year-old led the Toronto Maple Leafs in Puck Battles and Puck Battles Won, suggesting he can still keep up with the league.

Jeff Skinner

The six-time 30-goal scorer still has a gift for getting open.

In limited playing time, the 33-year-old sniper led the Edmonton Oilers in 5-on-5 Cycle Shots Per 60.

What does this look like? Skinner will be trying to get open around the middle of the offensive zone, while his linemates dig for the puck.

Could he score 20 or 30 goals with more playing time on the Sharks? That doesn’t seem far-fetched, considering his track record.

The Sharks will need to pair Skinner with a strong playmaker to maximize his success.

John Klingberg

The offensive blueliner can still carry and dish the puck.

During the Oilers’ run to the Stanley Cup Final, the 32-year-old blueliner was second among defensemen behind kingpin Evan Bouchard in both 5-on-5 Puck Carrys and Successful Passes Per 60.

Don’t count on him to shoot the puck much though, he’s more a playmaker.

The Sharks are hoping for a renaissance campaign from the oft-injured former star, and his work during the post-season suggests that it could happen.

Nick Leddy

Leddy, 34, struggled with the St. Louis Blues last year, but before that, he was a top-four stalwart.

Two areas where the smooth-skating 6-foot-0 defenseman declined last year?

The banged-up veteran won a blueline-low 37.7 percent of his 5-on-5 Puck Battles last year. He was just fifth in Zone Entry Attempts.

Compare that to a healthy 2023-24, when he won a robust 66.4 percent of his Puck Battles and was third in Zone Entry Attempts.

Some improvement in both areas will go a long way for the Sharks.

Dmitry Orlov

The Sharks haven’t had a defenseman like Orlov in a while.

He actually led a deep Carolina Hurricanes blueline in 5-on-5 Offensive Zone Possession Time Per 60: The two-way defenseman should help the Sharks to sustain OZ time, a glaring weakness for San Jose since they traded Erik Karlsson.

In the last two seasons, the Sharks have been dead-last in the NHL in OZ Possession Time, “one-and-done” being an appropriate adjective for their pop gun offensive attack.

Orlov should help keep the puck cycle alive, which should free up shooters like Toffoli and company.

Alex Nedeljkovic

It’s a small sample size, but last year, Nedeljkovic and his Pittsburgh Penguins battery mate Tristan Jarry had the worst 5-on-5 Rush Shot Save % in the league.

So it’s incumbent on a veteran Sharks’ blueline and developing forward group to improve their OZ puck possession time, puck management in all zones, and kill more plays at the blueline, so not to expose Nedeljkovic in the same way.

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Connor Bedard Will Attend Canada's 2026 Olympic Orientation Camp

The Chicago Blackhawks, the last time the Olympics had NHL players participating, were swarmed with Olympians all over their roster. Things are a little bit different coming into 2025-26, which will finally be a year where the NHL takes a break to go to the Olympic Games in Italy. 

One player that the front office, fans, and the league would like to see work his way onto Team Canada's roster is Blackhawks forward Connor Bedard. If he made it, that would mean that he had a tremendous start to the year, and he looks like the marketable player that everyone was hoping he'd be when he was selected first overall in 2023. 

Bedard didn't make the Four Nations Face-Off roster last season, but he didn't earn it. In all honesty, he probably wasn't even one of the first four or five off. With that said, his potential is what makes people think he has a shot at the Olympics. 

On Wednesday, Canada announced their roster for the 2026 Olympic Orientation Camp, which will take place in August. Connor Bedard made the camp. 

B/R Open Ice (@BR_OpenIce) on XB/R Open Ice (@BR_OpenIce) on XMacklin Celebrini, Connor Bedard, and Quinton Byfield among the newcomers joining Canada's 2026 Olympic orientation camp, which will take place in August 👀 Full roster ⬇️

Bedard joins other young stars like Quinton Byfield of the Los Angeles Kings and Macklin Celebrini of the San Jose Sharks as newcomers. A lot of stars that have made Team Canada so great over the years are also going to be there, like Sidney Crosby, Brad Marchand, Connor McDavid, Cale Makar, and Nathan MacKinnon, among others. 

Canada will enter the Olympic Games with as good a chance as anyone to win the Gold Medal. When the young players mentioned are bubble guys for the roster, that speaks to the depth of Hockey Canada. 

Heading into the latter stages of the NHL off-season, this will be a great experience for Bedard. Learning from some of the game's most prolific stars can be great for development. 

Connor Bedard opted to miss the IIHF World Championships earlier in the off-season. That may make him have to work extra hard to catch Hockey Canada's eye, but they won't deny the best chance to win. It's up to Bedard, through his play at the camp and with the Blackhawks, to prove that he can help them. 

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