Former Carolina Hurricanes defenseman Brent Burns will embark on a new opportunity at 40 years old. 

After playing three seasons for the Hurricanes, Burns signed a one-year, $1 million contract with the Colorado Avalanche. 

Burns still has a desire to play hockey, as retirement is not currently on his mind. 

"I just love it. I love coming to the rink every day and working. It really is the best," Burns said after signing with the Avalanche. "There's a lot of different reasons ... obviously, the biggest one for me is there's still something to chase. I'm still super motivated for that and there's one big goal still."

While Burns is no longer the Norris Trophy-winning defenseman he once was, he has adapted and knows the kind of role he needs to play.

“The game's changed. I feel like every year, it's a little different," Burns said. "You play with different people; you pick up different things. You're always adapting, on and off the ice. That's part of what I enjoy, just trying to figure that stuff out and always trying to get better and keep playing.” 

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Burns played 246 games for the Hurricanes, recording 34 goals, 99 assists, and 133 points while averaging 21:53 minutes.

Five years ago today, the Vancouver Canucks embarked on their first playoff (plus play-in) run in five years. Granted, this playoff series took place without the help of home-ice advantage and with extensive COVID-19 procedures in place — but it was still a playoff series nonetheless. Let’s take a look back at the 2020 Bubble Playoffs and how the Canucks performed during them. 

The Bubble Playoffs were the first taste of playoff action that the majority of the Canucks’ young core had been exposed to at the time. Former Canucks captain Bo Horvat had only played in six postseason games back in 2015. Elias Pettersson, Quinn Hughes, Brock Boeser, and Thatcher Demko had no playoff experience. Prior to this run, J.T. Miller had 61 playoff games under his belt, while veterans and career Canucks (at the time) Chris Tanev and Alex Edler had 16 and 65 respectively (both of which included games played during the 2011 Stanley Cup run). 

Because of the league-wide shutdown caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, no NHL teams were able to finish their regular season. As a result, the league introduced a play-in tournament that allowed teams to clinch their spot in the playoffs by beating another competitor in a best-of-five series. The top-four teams in each conference were automatically guaranteed a playoff spot, though they still had to take part in a round-robin tournament that would later determine playoff seeding. Vancouver finished their season seventh in the Western Conference with 78 points in 69 games, placing them in the play-in group. To officially qualify for the 2020 Stanley Cup Playoffs, they had to beat the Minnesota Wild in five games. 

Vancouver got off to a poor start to their bubble playoff run, surrendering two power play goals to the Wild in what ultimately resulted in a 3–0 loss. Micheal Ferland and Marcus Foligno kicked the series off with a fight a little over a minute into the game. A little over a minute later, Edler took a tripping penalty that sent the Wild onto the power play, where Kevin Fiala captialized on the opportunity. The Canucks took two more penalties before the end of the first period, one on Tyler Myers for cross-checking, and one on the bench for too many men.  

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The Canucks’ second penalty didn’t come until halfway through the second period, when Tanner Pearson slashed Carson Soucy, sending Minnesota on the power play once again. This time, it was Jared Spurgeon who scored for the Wild. Spurgeon also got an empty-net goal near the end of the game to seal the deal for Minnesota, who left the game with a 1–0 lead in the series. By the end of the game, Vancouver had taken six penalties as well as Ferland’s fighting major and a game misconduct for Antoine Roussel. 

This game’s result was not encouraging for Canucks fans. Minnesota goaltender Alex Stalock had stopped all 28 of Vancouver’s shots on net, with Horvat and Tyler Toffoli being held to none. The Canucks were not alone in their misery, however, as both the Nashville Predators and the Toronto Maple Leafs also lost their series-opening games on the same day. 

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The Buffalo Sabres should be in the market for an impact top-six forward after dealing winger JJ Peterka to the Utah Mammoth for defenseman Michael Kesselring and winger Josh Doan, but the opening weeks of free agency did not provide GM Kevyn Adams with an opportunity to replace Peterka’s production, and with the two-year deal signed earlier this month with defenseman Bowen Byram, Adams will have to try to acquire a scoring forward with younger players, prospects, and/or draft picks. 

The name of Columbus winger Dmitri Voronkov has continued to circulate in trade chatter in spite of the 25-year-old signing a two-year contract extension last month. The hulking 6’5”, 227 lb. forward was a fourth-round pick of the Blue Jackets in 2019 and spent four seasons in the KHL before breaking out with 18 goals with Ak-Bars Kazan in 2023. After signing a two-year entry-level contract, he posted the same number of goals as an NHL rookie in 2024 and set a career-high with 23 goals last season. 

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There are reasons to be skeptical of Columbus having any interest in trading Voronkov, as he is locked up for two more seasons at a $4.175 million AAV and is retainable for another year as an arbitration-eligible RFA. Unless he is not happy with the Blue Jackets like fellow countryman Yegor Chinakhov is, GM Don Waddell will want to make a hockey deal involving an NHL player. 

What Would It Cost?

The Sabres again would have some insight on Voronkov with Jarmo Kekalainen as a senior advisor, and undoubtedly would be interested in the 24-year-old, since he has size and would be able to plug the hole created by the trade of Peterka to Utah. The cost would likely have to be a young forward with years of control, since the Blue Jackets have four defensemen making over $4 million signed for multiple years. Zach Benson, Jack Quinn or Jiri Kulich would have to be part of the deal.   

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The Chicago Blackhawks have plenty of intriguing prospects in their system. One of them is goaltender Drew Commesso, as many feel that the 23-year-old netminder could become a nice part of the Blackhawks' future.

Commesso appeared in his first two NHL games this past season with the Blackhawks, where he sported a 0-1-0 record, a .846 save percentage, and a 3.36 goals-against average. The Norwell, Massachusetts native spent the bulk of the campaign in the AHL with the Rockford IceHogs, however. In 39 games with the AHL squad in 2024-25, he had an 18-15-4 record, a .911 save percentage, and a 2.54 goals-against average.

During his first season with the AHL club in 2023-24, Commesso had a .906 save percentage and a 2.65 goals-against average in 38 games. Thus, the 2020 second-round pick took a bit of a step forward in his development this past season with Rockford. Now, his goal from here will be to continue to improve to increase his odds of getting more NHL time in 2025-26. 

When looking at the Blackhawks' current goalie depth, it is likely that Commesso will start the season in the AHL. However, if he continues to trend in the right direction, it certainly should open the door for him to get more chances with the Blackhawks. The potential for him to become a good NHL goaltender is there, and it will be fascinating to see if he can hit a new level next season from here. 

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Photo Credit:  © Jamie Sabau-Imagn Images

The Philadelphia Flyers have been connected to a host of different centers in trade rumors this offseason, but there's still one nobody is talking about.

Young centers like Mason McTavish and Marco Rossi are drawing most of the attention these days, but rarely, if ever, does the Florida Panthers' Anton Lundell get brought up in these discussions.

But, why should he after winning the Stanley Cup in back-to-back years?

The answer is simple: the Panthers may not be able to afford to keep him due to their salary cap situation; they're currently $3.725 million over the cap ceiling.

Forward Evan Rodrigues has been floated as a trade candidate due to his $3 million cap hit. The Panthers can then make up the difference by assigning another forward to the AHL if and when necessary.

But, teams know the Panthers need to shed money to become cap compliant. That's where a team like the Flyers, with all their prospects and future draft capital, can strong-arm the Panthers into giving up a higher value asset like Lundell.

Lundell, 23, is signed through 2030 at a $5 million cap hit and doesn't have trade protection at any point in the deal.

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Despite slotting in behind Sam Bennett and captain Sasha Barkov in the Panthers' lineup, Lundell has still impressively managed 44 and 45 points, respectively, in two of his four NHL seasons so far.

Most importantly, at least for the Flyers, is the Finn's playoff performances thus far.

Lundell has already played 77 playoff games, reaching the Stanley Cup Final in each of the last three years and winning the Cup in 2024 and 2025.

In those 77 games, the former No. 12 overall pick has 12 goals, 34 assists, and 46 points, including nine goals, 26 assists, and 35 points in his last 47 games, which culminated in two Stanley Cups.

Between Lundell, Trevor Zegras, Jack Nesbitt, Jett Luchanko, Jack Berglund, and Heikki Ruohonen, the Flyers should be set down the middle for the long haul.

As for a potential Flyers trade package, Philadelphia doesn't have much, at least for the sake of saving cap space, of use to Florida, though a player like Bobby Brink could make some sense, just not on his own.

The 24-year-old winger has one year remaining on his contract at an extraordinarily reasonable $1.5 million cap hit and will be an RFA upon its expiry next summer.

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Brink quietly posted a career-high 41 points last season, even while primarily featuring on a checking line alongside Noah Cates and Tyson Foerster.

That would bode well for the Panthers, given the style they like to play.

So long as Brink continues to develop, or even maintains this level of play, he's as much of a long-term asset as Lundell, just at a different position.

It should be noted that the Flyers have their first three picks in each of the next three drafts, including two first-round picks in 2027.

They more than likely won't be willing to move their 2026 first-round pick, which could land them Gavin McKenna, but the Flyers have plenty of draft capital to pony up for the Panthers.

The Panthers can then, in turn, convert those assets into a player at the trade deadline to aid them in their quest for a three-peat and beyond.

Panthers GM Bill Zito is smarter than to be coerced into giving up a young stud like Lundell, but even Tom Brady had bad games.

Let's see how the next few weeks unfold if the Flyers attempt to stay active.

It is no secret that the Pittsburgh Penguins are open to making trades right now as they continue to retool their roster. Bryan Rust, Erik Karlsson, and Rickard Rakell are three notable names who have been discussed heavily in the rumor mill this off-season. However, with the Penguins willing to make changes, it is fair to wonder if some of their depth players could end up moved, whether that is during the summer or the season. 

When looking at the Penguins' roster, one player who has the potential to generate interest around the league is forward Blake Lizotte.

Lizotte is certainly a player to keep an eye on moving forward. The 27-year-old center is entering the final season of his contract and is a pending unrestricted free agent (UFA). With this, he could be a player who the Penguins make available if they do not view him as a long-term part of their plans. When noting that he has an affordable $1.85 million cap hit, there would likely be some suitors out there for him if he is shopped.

Lizotte just completed his first season with the Penguins after spending the previous six with the Los Angeles Kings. In 59 games this past season with the Penguins, he recorded 11 goals, 20 points, and 60 hits. When noting that he can provide decent secondary offensive production and grit, he could be a nice addition for a playoff club looking to boost its bottom six at the center position. He can also kill penalties, which adds to his appeal. 

Nevertheless, it will be intriguing to see what the Penguins end up doing with Lizotte this season. 

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Photo Credit: © Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images

Former New York Rangers forward Jimmy Vesey may not be on an NHL team this upcoming season, but that does not mean he’s done playing hockey. 

According to Daria Tuboltseva of RG Sports, Vesey may play in the KHL next season with SKA St. Petersburg reportedly the frontrunners to land the veteran forward. 

“Jimmy has been asking a lot of questions about how things work in the KHL and is seriously considering offers from the top European league,” Tuboltseva wrote.

Vesey spent the first three seasons of his career with the Rangers, and he actually made a return to New York in 2022 after playing for the Buffalo Sabres, Toronto Maple Leafs, Vancouver Canucks, and New Jersey Devils. 

This past season, Vesey’s role with the Rangers diminished to the point where he was scratched out of the lineup for multiple games in a row. 

His frustration ultimately got the best of him, and he spoke out about his limited playing time. 

“I love being a Ranger, and I think everyone knows that. The six years I’ve been here have been the best and most fun I’ve had as a player,” Vesey said via Larry Brooks of The New York Post. “But this stretch where I haven’t dressed for the last [nine] games and have no indication that this is going to change, it’s been extremely difficult for me.”

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“It seems that I’ve fallen out of favor and have just been cast aside over an extended period of time. It feels like I have no role or purpose on this team.

At around the time of the 2025 NHL Trade Deadline, Vesey, along with Ryan Lindgren, were traded to the Colorado Avalanche.

Jan 16, 2025; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Nashville Predators left wing Filip Forsberg (9) takes a shot on goal against the Chicago Blackhawks during the first period at Bridgestone Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images

As disappointing as the 2024-25 season was for the Nashville Predators, there were some milestones and positive moments that, albeit briefly, put smiles on the faces of Preds fans.

Here’s a look at three great moments from last season.

Forsberg Gets No. 300

Jan. 16, 2025, was a great night all around for the Predators.

Filip Forsberg’s 300th career goal came in a 3-2 victory over the Chicago Blackhawks at Bridgestone Arena.

Forsberg’s goal tied the score at 2-2 with less than three minutes left in the third period, as he fired a slapshot home from the right side.

After overtime came and went without a tally from either side, the Predators got scores from Gustav Nyquist, Ryan O’Reilly and Steven Stamkos in the shootout to secure the victory. It was the Preds’ first shootout of the season.

Forsberg’s milestone wasn’t the only thrill that night. The team honored the inaugural class of its Preds Golden Hall. David Poile, Shea Weber and Pekka Rinne dropped the ceremonial puck before the game got underway. It was also the Predators’ 1001st victory in franchise history.

Saros Notches Career Win Milestone

On March 25, 2025, Preds goalie Juuse Saros earned his 200th career victory in a road triumph over the Carolina Hurricanes at LenovoCenter.

Saros stopped 34 shots in the win, while Luke Evangelista helped the cause with two goals. The victory also gave Nashville a sweep of the season series with the Canes.

Michael Bunting put the Predators in front 1-0 on a power-play goal, his second as a member of the Preds.

Evangelista’s backhander made the score 2-0 before Carolina narrowed the gap on a second-period goal by Taylor Hall.

Saros was tested throughout the game, particularly in the middle frame, but made some clutch saves to keep his team in front.

Evangelista added some insurance after tipping in a Marc Del Gaizo shot in the third.

Saros became the sixth Finnish-born goaltender in NHL history to reach the 200-win milestone. Rinne tops that list with 369.

Preds End Season With Win Over Dallas

Playoffs wouldn’t be in the cards for the Predators, but pride still mattered as they took on the Dallas Stars in the final game of the regular season Apr. 16 at Bridgestone Arena.

It was Fan Appreciation Night, and the home crowd definitely appreciated the send-off. Five different Preds skaters scored in a 5-1 victory over the Stars, who ultimately got to the Western Conference Finals.

Jordan Oesterle, Jakub Vrana, Justin Barron, Jonathan Marchessault and Ryan O’Reilly all tallied for the Preds, while Juuse Saros made 29 saves in goal to conclude the season.

The game didn’t start in Nashville’s favor. Mason Marchment scored just 16 seconds in to give the Stars a 1-0 lead.

That was all the visitors would get, however, as the Preds reeled off five unanswered goals for a 5-1 lead after 40 minutes.

Saros took care of the rest, and the Smashville faithful gave their team a final ovation after the game.

The San Jose Sharks have an abundance of prospects who will be battling for spots in the NHL and the American Hockey League this coming season.

While there will be other prospects playing in a variety of leagues, today we’re going to focus on prospects who are expected to start the season with the San Jose Barracuda. Let’s take a look at some first-year professionals (in North America) whom head coach John McCarthy will be able to count on to push the Barracuda forward and further their development.

Quentin Musty had a strange 2024-25 season. It started with a holdout, as he refused to report to the Sudbury Wolves of the Ontario Hockey League to start the season. Eventually, he’d return to the team, but it did prevent him from participating in the Wolves’ first 12 games.

Less than a month after reporting to Sudbury, Musty broke his hand against the Oshawa Generals. Not only did that knock him out of OHL action, but it also prevented him from participating in the IIHF World Junior Championship.

All things considered, he had a pretty strong season for the Wolves but did take a step backward production-wise. During the 2023-24 season, he averaged 1.92 points-per-game, a number that dropped to 1.79 in his most recent outing. While there are many factors that contributed to that occurring, it wasn’t ideal to see from one of the Sharks’ top young prospects.

Musty made his debut with the Barracuda after the Wolves’ season came to an end. He played three games in the AHL, but failed to record a point. Once he gets a full professional training camp, though, things will likely be different for the 20-year-old winger.

The Sharks’ second-round selection in the 2023 NHL Draft, Kasper Halttunen, has been successful at any level he’s played. He’s played at essentially every level of Finnish hockey, including a 27-game stint with HIFK in Liiga. Although he only recorded a single assist during that stretch, playing at that level as a teenager was an impressive feat in its own right.

Halttunen made the jump to North America immediately after being drafted, joining the OHL’s London Knights, where he’d play alongside fellow Sharks prospect Sam Dickinson.

Under head coach Dale Hunter, Halttunen made an instant impact for the Knights. In his first year, he scored 32 goals and totaled 61 points in 57 games while learning to adapt to the North American style of play.

After training camp last season, general manager Mike Grier faced a decision regarding Halttunen. As a European, Halttunen was eligible for the American Hockey League as a 19-year-old, but they also had the option to send him back to London alongside Dickinson and allow them to develop together.

Ultimately, Halttunen was given a stint in the AHL to start the season, but it didn’t last long. In six games, he scored two goals and added two assists before Grier decided to send him north of the border to rejoin the Knights in London.

From there, Halttunen had a decent showing with the Knights; however, he didn’t take the jump forward that the Sharks were likely hoping for during the regular season. He finished with 21 goals and 41 points in 38 games for the Knights, but he truly found his game in the playoffs.

During the postseason, Halttunen was a key contributor to the Knights’ run to the Memorial Cup. He scored 15 goals in 17 games, while adding six more assists for a total of 21 points. When all was said and done, Halttunen would end the season as a Memorial Cup champion and was named MVP of the OHL playoffs.

Now, he gets the opportunity to show what he can do as a full-time professional. The 2025-26 season will undoubtedly be crucial for Halttunen’s development, and if he’s not a key player for the Barracuda, that could indicate some issues ahead.

Like Halttunen, Igor Chernyshov does have a decent amount of professional experience. He played a total of 39 games in the Russian Kontinental Hockey League before making the jump to North America for the 2024-25 season. However, he has only played three professional games on North American soil. He made his debut for the Barracuda late last season and scored his first goal in May against the Colorado Eagles in his only postseason appearance under McCarthy.

The Sharks’ second-round pick in 2024, Chernyshov, brings size and powerful skating to the team, but also much more. According to Elite Prospects’ 2024 Draft Guide, “Chernyshov excels at anticipating openings and exploiting them. He beats defenders consistently by properly setting up his dekes, building up speed below the puck, and then attacking with a speed advantage and working give-and-goes.”

Although the Sharks will have an abundance of high-end talent at the AHL level, the Barracuda’s rookies should be some of McCarthy’s most dominant players. If that's not the case, it could be cause for some concern.

Photo Credit: David Reginek-Imagn Images