This year marked the first of the NHL’s new ‘decentralized draft’ format. While draftees were gathered in Los Angeles, NHL teams remained in their home cities and joined remotely. 

Fans immediately called for the draft to be centralized in 2026. The lack of personal interaction and technical issues were the main reasons cited for why fans wished to return to the traditional in-person format. 

However, NHL insider Elliotte Friedman reported on X today that the decentralized draft may be here to stay.

He said, “Apparently, there are reports about the future of the NHL draft. There is a vote right now, not yet completed. But from what I'm canvassing - unless there is a wild swing in the few remaining to be submitted - the vote will be to stay with the decentralized format.” 

Apparently there are reports about the future of the NHL draft

There is a vote right now, not yet completed.

But from what I'm canvassing -- unless there is a wild swing in the few remaining to be submitted -- the vote will be to stay with the de-centralized format.

— Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) July 10, 2025

Fans quickly responded with outrage, claiming the league doesn’t listen to the fanbase. 

As talk of the draft circulates, fans and teams continue to debate whether it should remain decentralized going forward.

Reflecting specifically on the Devils organization, many special moments and players have emerged from the centralized draft. Here is a list of some of the best NJ Devils draft moments that arguably would not have happened or would not have been the same if the drafts had always been in the decentralized format. 

Best NJ Devils Draft Moments 

1. NY Rangers fans cheer as Jack Hughes is selected first in the 2019 Draft. 

The New York Rangers fans erupted in celebration when the NJ Devils selected Jack Hughes. The fans believed at the time that Kaapo Kakko was the better choice and were relieved he hadn’t been selected first, giving the Rangers the opportunity to draft him. 

The Rangers did end up drafting him, only for him to be traded in 2024 to Seattle. The NJ Devils didn’t let the Rangers forget about that moment when they cheered on Hughes. They played it back on the Jumbotron when the Rangers played at the Prudential Center. 

2. David Poile’s final trade

In 2023, the NJ Devils traded their 7th-round pick to the Nashville Predators. While this was less of a strategic move, it was for sure a sentimental one. The Nashville General Manager, David Poile, announced following the 2023 NHL Draft that he would be retiring. 

Devils’ General Manager Tom Fitzgerald was Poile’s teammate and first NHL Captain while the two played with the Predators from 1998-2002. 

In a final sendoff, Fitzgerald wanted to be a part of the last trade of Poile’s career. Poile had a record-breaking career, being the GM in NHL history with the most wins and the third most wins in single-team history. 

The move was full of class, as Fitzgerald and Poile were joined by Barry Trotz, their former coach, to finalize the last trade of Poile’s career. They then gathered together for a photo following the trade on the draft floor, a memory that was only possible with all three of them in the building. 

3. Bobby Carpenter gets drafted right out of high school

Though not drafted by the Devils, Bobby Carpenter’s full-circle journey is one of the many stories that feel more real when shared live at a centralized draft.

In 1981, with the 3rd overall pick in the draft, the Washington Capitals selected Bobby Carpenter. The 18-year-old was fresh out of high school, making history as the first high school player to jump directly to the NHL in his draft year. Just one year after graduating from St. John’s Prep High School in Massachusetts, Carpenter made his way to the NHL. In his first season, he scored 32 goals and 67 points as an 18-year-old.

Many years later, Carpenter would join the NJ Devils for the final years of his career. He helped the Devils win their first Stanley Cup in 1995. He played six years with the Devils before retiring. 

Best NJ Devils Draft Picks Of All Time

Not only were there sentimental moments over the years at the centralized draft, but there were also franchise-altering selections. Here is a list of a few draft picks that changed the New Jersey Devils organization. 

• John MacLean - 6th Overall 1983
• Kirk Muller - 2nd Overall 1984
• Brendan Shanahan – 2nd Overall 1987
• Scott Niedermayer – 3rd Overall 1991

• Martin Brodeur – 20th Overall 1990
• Patrik Elias - 51st Overall 1994
• Scott Gomez - 27th Overall 1998

• Jesper Bratt - 162nd Overall 2016
• Nico Hischier - 1st Overall 2017
• Jack Hughes - 1st Overall 2019

Photo Credit: © Eric Bolte-Imagn Images

The Ryan Reaves-era of the Toronto Maple Leafs has come to an end.

The Maple Leafs announced on Thursday evening that they've traded the veteran forward to the San Jose Sharks in exchange for defenseman Henry Thrun. The 24-year-old defenseman played 60 games for the Sharks last season, averaging 17:31 of ice time and scoring two goals and 10 assists.

The trade frees the Maple Leafs of Reaves' $1.35 million salary while adding Thrun, who's in the final year of his contract, which has a $1 million annual average value. Toronto is saving $350,000 by acquiring Thrun for Reaves, and avoiding having to bury $200,000 in the minors had Reaves started the season in the AHL.

According to PuckPedia, the Maple Leafs now has $5.33 million in cap space available.

Questions rose about Reaves' future with Toronto after the forward joined the Cam & Strick Podcast with Andy Strickland and Cam Janssen and said he had wanted to hit the 1,000 game mark before he retires. The 38-year-old—only playing in 35 games with the Maple Leafs last season—is 88 games from the milestone.

'No Firm Offer' From Maple Leafs to Andrew Mangiapane Despite InterestAndrew Mangiapane, a player of interest for the Toronto Maple Leafs during their search for another forward, ultimately signed with the Edmonton Oilers when free agency opened earlier this month, rather than his hometown team. Instead, Mangiapane signed a two-year, $7.2 million contract with the Edmonton Oilers.

With the Maple Leafs' Stanley Cup aspirations and Reaves' enforcer play style, it just didn't appear there was a fit anymore. Reaves' tenure with Toronto comes to an end after playing 84 games with the club and scoring four goals and four assists in that span.

Toronto, in return, gets a younger defender who is still trying to find his way at the NHL level.

Thrun, a fourth-round (101 overall) pick by the Anaheim Ducks in the 2019 NHL Draft, has appeared in 119 NHL games, all with the Sharks. In his final two seasons at Harvard University, Thrun scored at nearly a point-per-game pace (63 points in 68 games), but hasn't found that level in pro yet.

'I Know I'm A Better Player Than I Was In Utah': Matias Maccelli Believes He's Ready For Top-Six Role With Maple LeafsMatias Maccelli was attempting to make a putt when his friend began yelling about a trade to the Toronto Maple Leafs.

He's registered five goals and 20 assists while averaging 18:44 of ice time over three seasons with the Sharks.

Believe it or not, the defenseman's first NHL goal came against the Maple Leafs on Jan. 9, 2024. It was San Jose's only goal in a 7-1 loss to Toronto. Given he's still young, Toronto could look to have him work with the organization's development staff, which could help his game progress at the pro level.

Thrun will be a restricted free agent after this season.

(Top photo of Thrun: Robert Edwards / Imagn Images)

We’re wrapping up our Vegas Golden Knights Development Camp coverage with a spotlight on two standout 21-year-olds, Matyas Sapovaliv and Abram Wiebe.

Both Sapovaliv and Wiebe were drafted by the Knights back in 2022. Sapovaliv in the second round (48th overall) and Wiebe in the seventh round (209th overall).

Sapovaliv is a Czech center known for his poise and precision in the offensive zone. A natural facilitator, he thrives by slowing the game to his tempo, using his vision and puck control to let plays develop before threading pinpoint passes through tight lanes.

His technical playmaking ability has been on full display throughout his development, from his standout seasons with the Saginaw Spirit in the OHL. He posted 62 points (19 goals, 43 assists) in just 54 games in the 2023–24 season. Following that came his transition into the AHL with the Henderson Silver Knights. He played 71 games in the 2024–25 season, posting 19 points (11 goals, 8 assists). Sapovaliv’s knack for navigating traffic and delivering the puck under sticks and through bodies makes him a constant threat and a valuable asset in any offensive scheme.

“It’s pro hockey. It's been hard, especially the start,” Sapovaliv said in regard to his first pro season. “I had good teammates and good coaching staff. I got better through the season and finished hard.”

Started at the NHL Draft, now we’re here ➡️ Matyas Sapovaliv was drafted by the @GoldenKnights in the 2nd round of the 2022 NHL Draft, and played his first pro season with the Silver Knights during 2024-25 pic.twitter.com/GjdJF9BJX3

— Henderson Silver Knights (@HSKnights) June 25, 2025

Now for Wiebe—he’s been on a slightly different, yet still impressive path, playing at the D1 collegiate level for the University of North Dakota.

In his 2023–24 freshman season, the defenseman appeared in all 40 games, putting up 10 points (1 goal, 9 assists) and finishing second on the team with a +14 rating. At the end of that season, he was named to the NCHC All-Academic Team and also earned NCHC Distinguished Scholar-Athlete honors. Going into his 2024–25 season, he improved his numbers, putting up 24 points (4 goals, 20 assists) in 38 games.

“I’m so thankful for the opportunity to play at North Dakota,” Wiebe said. “It’s such an amazing university, amazing hockey team with great coaches, so I’m so thankful that I got the opportunity to play there. I thought last year, going from my freshman to sophomore year, I just gained a lot of confidence heading into my sophomore year, which gave me the opportunity to join the rush and be more involved on the offensive side of the game this year. So, I’m kind of just using that this summer to get bigger, stronger, and faster.” 

Make it a 🎩 trick of winners this week, as Abram Wiebe repeats as NCHC Defenseman of the Week!

RELEASE: https://t.co/3WPWi80ixR#UNDproud | #LGHpic.twitter.com/tdelwFqE77

— North Dakota Hockey (@UNDmhockey) December 16, 2024

Both of these young men have exciting seasons ahead, and their performances over the past few days at development camp gave fans a clear glimpse of the potential they bring to the future of this organization. 

Former Pittsburgh Penguins forward Ryan Reaves is on the move.

The Toronto Maple Leafs have announced that they have traded Reaves to the San Jose Sharks in exchange for defenseman Henry Thrun.

TRADE: We’ve acquired defenceman Henry Thrun from the San Jose Sharks in exchange for forward Ryan Reaves pic.twitter.com/dZKTlDwXGP

— Toronto Maple Leafs (@MapleLeafs) July 11, 2025

Seeing Reaves get traded is not necessarily surprising, as he fell down the Maple Leafs' depth chart this season and even spent time in the AHL with the Toronto Marlies. Now, with this trade to the Sharks, he should provide more toughness in San Jose's bottom six as they continue their rebuild.

Reaves appeared in 35 games last season with the Maple Leafs, posting two assists, 28 penalty minutes, 103 hits, and a minus-2 rating. He also scored a goal in three games with the Marlies. 

Reaves spent the first part of the 2017-18 season with the Penguins before being traded to the Vegas Golden Knights at the deadline. In 58 games as a Penguin, he recorded four goals, eight points, 84 penalty minutes, and 161 hits. 

In 912 career NHL games split between the St. Louis Blues, Penguins, Golden Knights, New York Rangers, Minnesota Wild, and Maple Leafs, Reaves has recorded 63 goals, 137 points, 1,100 penalty minutes, and 3,065 hits. 

Penguins Trade for Stars Defenseman Matt DumbaThe Pittsburgh Penguins added another defenseman to their roster on Thursday when they traded for Matt Dumba of the Dallas Stars. They also got a 2028 second-round pick for taking Dumba, while sending fellow defenseman Vladislav Kolyachonok to the Stars. 

Photo Credit: © Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images

The Buffalo Sabres are still the center of attiention in many markets due to the potential work future of RFA defenseman Bowen Byram. And there are many potential trade partner fits for Sabres GM Kevyn Adams. We've decided to cover many of them, including the Vancouver Canucks, Los Angeles Kings. and St. Louis Blues. 

And in this file in the series, we're examining another potential trade fit partner for the Sabres -- in this case, the San Jose Sharks. Let's get to the important details.

TEAM: San Jose Sharks

CAP SPACE: $23.8 million

FREE AGENTS: None

NEEDS: More experience on 'D and at forward; more high-end talent throughout the roster.

SABRES FIT? The Sharks have been a reclamation project for many years now. But under the watchful eye of San Jose GM Mike Grier, the Sharks have been quietly building a legitimate Stanley Cup contender. And there could be a fit between Grier's Sharks and the Sabres.

There's no question the Sharks are angling to get into the playoffs next year. But Greir is a realist, and he understands it's going to take another couple years before San Jose makes it into the post-season. So patience is going to be a virtue for the Sharks. 

That said, there have been rumors connecting San Jose to Byram, as they've almost completely made over their defense, adding veteran Blues defenseman Nick Leddy via waivers, and signing former Hurricanes blueliner Dmitry Orlov and John Klingberk to amp up the veteran knowhow.

Sabres Could Be Facing Ticking Clock With ByramThe Buffalo Sabres situation elected to go to salary arbitration with restricted free agent defenseman Bowen Byram last week, eliminating the possibility of another NHL club going the offer sheet route, but the yet to be scheduled hearing could be a deadline of sorts for Sabres GM Kevyn Adams to get the best return possible for the Stanley Cup winner.  

We're not prepared to say the Sharks are a playoff team just yet, but San Jose almost certainly isn't going to be as easy a pushover as they were this past season. Bringing in so many veterans to firm up their back end is a clear strategy to improve his group, while also potentially trading away some of these veteran D-men by the trade deadline if they can bring invother high-quality young players in return.

Who would the Sabres want from San Jose in exchange for Byram? Well, there's the rub -- and the reason a deal probably won't happen between Buffalo and the Sharks: the Sabres don't really need the players the Sharks will want to make available in a Byram trade, and the players the Sabres do want, the Sharks probably want to keep.

Is There Anything Left For Sabres To Pick Up In Free Agency?The NHL's free-agent frenzy has colmed down considerably, with most of the available talent now off the market. And the Buffalo Sabres still have approximately $13.6 million in salary cap space to utilize. So, is there anything left for Buffalo to spend on the open market, or is the only road to improvement via trades?

To wit -- Sharks center William Eklund would clearly intrigue Adams, but Grier isn't going to move a 41-assist, 58-point season while making only $863,333 next season. So it's very difficult to envision the right set of circumstances that will lead to a Buffalo/San Jose trade happening in the foreseeable future .

Ultimately, both teams want to be buyers, and each team only has a couple legitimate trade chips, so don't imagine you'll be seing a Sabres/Sharks trade anytime soon.

 

He already has local ties to the Mitten State, and he's returned - this time, as a seasoned NHL veteran

The Detroit Red Wings signed former Michigan State Spartans forward Mason Appleton, who had previously played for the Winnipeg Jets and the Seattle Kraken, to a two-year, $2.9 million contract on the opening day of free agency. 

“Detroit is a team that had a lot of success for a really long time,” Appleton said via the Red Wings official website. “I think that getting this team back in the playoffs would just be huge, and the sky is the limit from there. You just have to get your foot in the door and then anything can happen. It’s a team and city that I believe in, and I’m super excited to get things rocking there.”

Originally hailing from Green Bay, Wisconsin, which is a little over two hours away from Detroit by flight, the decision was an easy one for Appleton and his family.

"I thought Detroit was a great fit for me on the ice. And then off the ice, it made a lot of sense too with my wife and I being from Wisconsin, it’s a lot closer than some other teams," he said. "It just seemed like the right fit. Free Agency kicks off, it’s a stressful time, and things happen that you wouldn’t expect but at the end of the day we were very happy to end up in Detroit." 

#NHLJets are 8-0-0 this season when Mason Appleton
scores pic.twitter.com/ZRhpuJRmkZ

— Sportsnet Stats (@SNstats) March 26, 2025

Appleton, who was selected with the 168th overall pick in the 2015 NHL Draft by the Jets, played 72 games for the Spartans between 2015 and 2017, scoring a total of 17 goals with 36 assists. His 22 points in his first season in East Lansing led all rookies, and he was recognized with the Most Outstanding Rookie Award. 

Appleton was even named team captain of the Spartans for the 2017-18 season, but he would depart the University to begin his professional career by signing a three-year, entry-level contract with the Jets. 

He would split his first two seasons in Winnipeg between the Jets and the Manitoba Moose, their American Hockey League affiliate. Appleton then played in a career-high 56 games in 2020-21, scoring 12 goals with 13 assists. 

But he would be selected by the Seattle Kraken in the 2021 NHL Expansion Draft, and played in 49 games with the new club before ultimately being traded back to the Jets at the 2022 NHL Trade Deadline. 

He's played exactly 400 games in the NHL, scoring 57 goals with 81 assists. He also has a goal with 11 assists in 32 postseason games, including seven assists in the 2025 playoffs as the Jets advanced to the Western Conference Semi Final. 

Now, Appleton is turning his focus on playing a role in bringing playoff hockey back to Detroit. 

“Detroit is a team that had a lot of success for a really long time,” Appleton said. “I think that getting this team back in the playoffs would just be huge, and the sky is the limit from there."