It’s June. The Memorial Cup has been won, the scouting combine is over, and the 2018 NHL Draft draws nearer. With more information and insight at hand, it’s time for another mock draft.

For our purposes, the Washington Capitals have pick No. 31 due to finishing behind the Vegas Golden Knights in the regular-season standings.

1. Buffalo Sabres

Rasmus Dahlin | D | Frolunda HC (SHL)
Previous Rank: 1

NHL.com Profile | Scouting Report

When asked at the NHL Scouting Combine about all the attention on him leading up to the draft, Dahlin said that it was awesome. It’s all but a done deal that he’ll go first overall to the Sabres, and he could change the look of their defensive corps dramatically.

2. Carolina Hurricanes

Andrei Svechnikov | RW | Barrie Colts (OHL)
Previous Rank: 2

NHL.com Profile | Scouting Report

Svechnikov was in Carolina on Tuesday, undergoing evaluations and meeting with some of the team bigwigs. After discussion of the Hurricanes taking someone like Brady Tkachuk or even trading the pick, this could be a very good sign. Here’s a pretty picture to get you through to the end June, Canes fans: Svechnikov alongside someone like Teuvo Teravainen or Sebastian Aho.

3. Montreal Canadiens

Brady Tkachuk | LW | Boston University (NCAA)
Previous Rank: 5

NHL.com Profile | Scouting Report

Signs might be pointing to the Canadiens going full galaxy brain on this one and picking Tkachuk. That being said, he wouldn’t be a bad choice. Tkachuk has grown quite a bit and will continue to do so, as there are parts of his game he’s still adjusting. He’s smart, highly skilled, and not afraid to throw his body around - he certainly has a long NHL career ahead of him. If the Habs want him that badly, however, they might be wise to trade down a pick or two and get another asset out of it.

4. Ottawa Senators

Filip Zadina | LW | Halifax Mooseheads (QMJHL)
Previous Rank: 3

NHL.com Profile | Scouting Report

When you think Ottawa Senators, you don’t immediately think top-line firepower. If they draft Filip Zadina, however, that could change. Zadina is smart, skilled, and able to put the game on his stick. He didn’t have any trouble transitioning to North American ice this year, and could conceivably make the leap the leap to the NHL almost as smoothly.

5. Arizona Coyotes

Adam Boqvist | D | Brynas IF (SuperElit/SHL)
Previous Rank: 4

NHL.com Profile | Scouting Report

Whether he plays with Oliver Ekman-Larsson or is groomed to one day assume his mantle, Boqvist could be a good fit for the Coyotes. He’s that guy for teams that want Dahlin and don’t have the first overall pick. He’s young, and thanks to his hockey smarts and fantastic skating, his ceiling is sky-high.

6. Detroit Red Wings

Evan Bouchard | D | London Knights (OHL)
Previous Rank: 7

NHL.com Profile | Scouting Report

Bouchard has size, skill, and a high IQ, and sometimes when you watch him play you feel like you’re already watching a pro. He’s also a right-hand shot which, for better or worse, has become the most sought-after kind of defenseman in recent years. Bouchard is a solid player who could contribute at the NHL level sooner rather than later.

7. Vancouver Canucks

Noah Dobson | D | Acadie-Bathurst Titan (QMJHL)
Previous Rank: 8

NHL.com Profile | Scouting Report

The Canucks seem like a team to let recency bias - i.e., a draft-eligible player’s recent Memorial Cup win - sway their judgment. Fortunately for them, should that happen this year, they’ll get a fantastic defenseman. Dobson is an intelligent player, a great skater, and contributes offensively without sacrificing defensive play.

8. Chicago Blackhawks

Quinn Hughes | D | University of Michigan (NCAA)
Previous Rank: 6

NHL.com Profile | Scouting Report

Asked at the combine what he would say to teams who question his ability to go up against bigger players in the corners, Hughes said that he’d tell them he would handle it the way he did at the World Championships. In other words: he’d handle it very well. After a great showing at worlds, where he won a bronze medal with Team USA, there should be no question about Hughes’ abilities in any zone. The only question should be: what number do you want to wear, Quinn?

9. New York Rangers

Oliver Wahlstrom | C/RW | U.S. National Team Development Program
Previous Rank: 9

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Wahlstrom told reporters at the combine that, "humbly," he thinks he has the best shot in this year’s draft. He’s probably not wrong. He can do things with a puck that some current NHL players can’t, and he creates space for himself and teammates with ease. And he’s just plain fun to watch.

10. Edmonton Oilers

Jesperi Kotkaniemi | C | Assat (Liiga)
Previous Rank: 12

NHL.com Profile

Kotkaniemi is a smart player who should be a solid two-way center in the NHL. While his skating could use some work, his vision is high-end and that’s something difficult to teach. He’s already played pro in Finland, and it might behoove the Oilers to bring him over to Bakersfield sooner rather than later to adjust his game against stiffer AHL competition.

11. New York Islanders

Ty Smith | D | Spokane Chiefs (WHL)
Previous Rank: 11

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Smith has fallen on some lists, but he’d be worth the pick. Thanks to his high-end hockey sense and great skating, he can take apart the opposition’s play and effectively bring the puck back to his own zone. He makes the right decisions and isn’t worried about his size being a liability. His game backs that up.

12. New York Islanders (from Calgary Flames)

Joel Farabee | LW | U.S. National Team Development Program
Previous Rank: 13

NHL.com Profile

Farabee is an exciting and creative player whose high hockey IQ helps him make good plays in all three zones. A hard worker and great skater with a high top speed, his vision allows him to embarrass opponents and create opportunities for teammates.

13. Dallas Stars

Barrett Hayton | C | Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds (OHL)
Previous Rank: 14

NHL.com Profile

Hayton plays a straightforward game that in the future could provide solid, effective depth down the middle for the Stars. His growth this season hasn’t gone unnoticed, nor has the way he stepped up when top-line teammates were out of the lineup. He’s got high-end hockey smarts, and can play in all situations.

14. Philadelphia Flyers (from St. Louis Blues)

Joseph Veleno | C | Drummondville Voltigeurs (QMJHL)
Previous Rank: 10

NHL.com Profile

Veleno makes sense for the Flyers in the same way that Patrick did last year (albeit on different levels). He’s not flashy, but he’s solid and effective. Veleno gets knocked for not living up to his CHL label, but that shouldn’t be a concern at this point. What matters is that his speed can burn opponents, his vision on the ice is exceptional, and he works his tail off to improve his game.

15. Florida Panthers

Rasmus Kupari | C | Karpat (Liiga)
Previous Rank: 15

NHL.com Profile

Kupari holds steady at No. 15 to the Panthers. As a skilled center available in a draft class chock-full of high-end defensemen and wingers, he stands out. He’s offensively gifted, with excellent vision, skating, and playmaking. Given time to work on his consistency, he could bolster the Panthers’ center depth.

16. Colorado Avalanche

Isac Lundestrom | C/LW | Lulea HF (SHL)
Previous Rank: 17

NHL.com Profile

Lundestrom is a strong skater who brings offensive pizzazz. He won silver with Team Sweden at this year’s World Junior Championships and has two seasons in the SHL under his belt. Whether he’s setting up plays or finishing them, his hockey smarts are top-notch.

17. New Jersey Devils

Martin Kaut | RW | HC Dynamo Pardubice (Czech Extraliga)
Previous Rank: 19

NHL.com Profile

Kaut didn’t go through fitness testing at the combine after his physical revealed a minor heart issue. Fortunately, it's said to be nothing that should hinder him in the future. That’s good news for the Devils, who would get a fantastic skater with high-end passing and shooting ability.

18. Columbus Blue Jackets

Bode Wilde | D | U.S. National Team Development Program
Previous Rank: 20

NHL.com Profile

Wilde is headed to the University of Michigan in the fall, but it won’t be long before he can contribute at the NHL level. He brings a great mix of skill and physicality and can contribute to scoring without being a liability in his own end.

19. Philadelphia Flyers

Dominik Bokk | RW | Vaxjo Lakers HC (SuperElit/SHL)
Previous Rank: 18

NHL.com Profile

Bokk is a raw talent with high-end skill. A slippery skater who reads the ice effectively and makes the right play, Bokk was drafted by the Prince Albert Raiders in the 2017 CHL Import Draft. However, he is expected to return to the Lakers this coming season. More time against men in the SHL can only benefit him.

20. Los Angeles Kings

Jonathan Tychonick | D | Penticton Vees (BCHL)
Previous Rank: 28

NHL.com Profile

Tychonick is a fantastic, speedy skater, and yet another example of why prospects who play Junior A instead of major-junior shouldn’t be discounted. His instincts are stellar both offensively and in his own end, and his skill will only be further refined when he joins the University of North Dakota next season.

21. San Jose Sharks

Serron Noel | RW | Oshawa Generals (OHL)
Previous Rank: 23

NHL.com Profile

One of Noel’s most noticeable improvements this season was his skating, and as he’s 6-foot-5, that was an important area to tackle. His offensive ceiling is high, and if he can improve his consistency and put the whole package together, he’ll be an exciting player to watch in the NHL.

22. Ottawa Senators (from Pittsburgh Penguins)

Rasmus Sandin | D | Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds (OHL)
Previous Rank: 27

NHL.com Profile

Skilled young defensemen with high-end hockey sense feel like they’re consistently a need for all NHL teams. With the Erik Karlsson situation as yet unresolved, it makes sense for the Sens to add to their defensive prospect pool. Sandin brings smarts, skilled passing, and sound defensive positioning.

23. Anaheim Ducks

Alexander Alexeyev | D | Red Deer Rebels (WHL)
Previous Rank: 24

NHL.com Profile

Alexeyev is a big player, but he’s a strong skater for his size. He moves the puck well and has a great shot, and while he can add offense, one of the best parts of his game is that he rarely goofs up in his own zone.

24. Minnesota Wild

Jared McIsaac | D | Halifax Mooseheads (QMJHL)
Previous Rank: 22

NHL.com Profile

McIsaac is intelligent, and he can skate and move the puck. While he can lead the rush, he also plays well in his own zone, with solid gap control and good defensive positioning. The Wild could stand to give their D prospect depth a boost, and McIsaac could do that.

25. Toronto Maple Leafs

Ryan Merkley | D | Guelph Storm (OHL)
Previous Rank: 21

NHL.com Profile

Merkley needs a patient team that is good at developing prospects. If the situation is right, with his high-end skill, he can definitely make the risk worthwhile. The current iteration of the Leafs just might be that place. He’s boom-or-bust for sure, but might just tip the scales toward boom.

26. New York Rangers (from Boston Bruins)

Ty Dellandrea | C | Flint Firebirds (OHL)
Previous Rank: NR

NHL.com Profile

Dellandrea was fantastic this season. His team was not, and that hurt his stock in the eyes of some. He’s doggedly determined and a solid all-around center. He raises his game against tough competition, and he’s looking forward to being a leader for Flint next season.

27. Chicago Blackhawks (from Nashville Predators)

Akil Thomas | C | Niagara IceDogs (OHL)
Previous Rank: 26

NHL.com Profile

Thomas is on the smaller side, but the Blackhawks historically do well when picking smaller forwards, the most recent example being one Alex DeBrincat. A fast-skating center, Thomas can quarterback a power play and is a creative playmaker even at his top speed. A little work on the defensive side of his game wouldn’t go amiss.

28. New York Rangers (from Tampa Bay Lightning)

Mattias Samuelsson | D | U.S. National Team Development Program
Previous Rank: NR

NHL.com Profile

Samuelsson said at the combine that he’s probably "three or four years" away from the NHL, but with three first-round picks currently, the Rangers are a team that can afford to be patient. In their situation, Samuelsson is worth swinging on. He’s an incredibly mature player, and skates very well to be as big as he is (6-foot-4 and nearly 220 pounds). While not an offensive dynamo like many of his fellow USNTDP blue-liners, he’s gifted in his own end and moves the puck effectively.

29. St. Louis Blues (from Winnipeg Jets)

K'Andre Miller | D | U.S. National Team Development Program
Previous Rank: 30

NHL.com Profile

Miller only started playing defense two years ago, putting him in a unique position among his peers. It shows in his abilities with the puck, but perhaps more impressive is the way he plays away from it. He’s effective in all zones, and after some time at the University of Wisconsin, he should slide right onto an NHL roster.

30. Washington Capitals

Jake Wise | C | U.S. National Team Development Program
Previous Rank: 31

NHL.com Profile

Thanks to an injury that cost him nearly half his season, Wise has flown under the radar compared to his more well-known USNTDP teammates. Being the dark horse might mean he falls, but that’s Washington’s gain. Wise is a crafty playmaker who came back to the NTDP lineup at the same time Jack Hughes was called up, and his return was just as important to the team’s late-season surge as the addition of Hughes.

31. Detroit Red Wings (from Vegas Golden Knights)

Jacob Olofsson | C | Timra IK (Allsvenskan)
Previous Rank: 29

NHL.com Profile

A Swedish center on the Red Wings? There are crazier ideas. Olofsson plays a smart, simple game, and does it at impressive top speeds. He’s dangerous with the puck, but is reliable in his own end as well.

(Photos courtesy: Getty Images)

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Who doesn't love trades?

With 29 of 31 teams focusing on offseason plans, we take a look at who could potentially be on the move this summer, this time with a candidate from each Western Conference team.

Click here for Eastern Conference candidates

Central Division

Chicago Blackhawks: Artem Anisimov

Anisimov felt the effects of losing Artemi Panarin from his line, registering just 31 points in 72 games in 2017-18. Contending teams likely wouldn't hate the concept of adding him down the middle of the ice, and the Blackhawks' seemingly eternal cap crunch would get some relief.

Colorado Avalanche: Tyson Barrie

The Avalanche did well stocking the cupboard in the Matt Duchene deal, and could further support their future if they make Barrie expendable. He produces points, shoots right, and Colorado could give youngster Samuel Girard an increased role in his absence.

Dallas Stars: Jason Spezza

Spezza owns a modified no-trade clause, so he'd have to be convinced. With the Stars holding onto some salary, there would probably be some suitors for his experience at center.

Minnesota Wild: Jonas Brodin

New general manager Paul Fenton faces a difficult task in transforming the Wild from playoff qualifier to playoff contender, but one way to infuse some much-needed offense to Minnesota's lineup would be giving up a defender, and Brodin could be a chip worth testing the market for.

Nashville Predators: Nick Bonino

The Predators gave Bonino a lucrative contract to come from Pittsburgh, but after trading for Kyle Turris last season, the need for the two-time Stanley Cup Champ was mitigated. Nashville could surely survive rolling with Ryan Johansen-Turris-Calle Jarnkrok down the middle going forward.

St. Louis Blues: Patrik Berglund

Another player with a modified clause, the market for Berglund isn't going to be a big one, but finding a way to unload his salary would pay big dividends for the Blues' books going forward.

Winnipeg Jets: Steve Mason

The Mason experiment in Winnipeg wasn't much of a success. On top of injury problems, Mason lost out to Vezina candidate Connor Hellebuyck for the starting gig at the start of the season, and the Jets don't need to pay over $4 million for a backup.

Pacific Division

Anaheim Ducks: Corey Perry

As a staple in the Ducks' identity for so long, Perry being traded is far from a guarantee, but Anaheim got exposed in the playoffs in the form of a sweep by an archrival. Bob Murray's group needs to get younger and faster, and the former MVP doesn't fit that mold anymore.

Arizona Coyotes: Max Domi

There's potential for a much bigger name available from the Coyotes if Oliver Ekman-Larsson decides not to sign his reported eight-year extension, but Arizona could deal Domi's rights and give the young winger a fresh start after his second straight season with nine goals.

Calgary Flames: T.J. Brodie

Calgary doesn't have a pick in the first three rounds of the 2018 draft, and don't have a winger to join Sean Monahan and Johnny Gadreau on the top line. The Flames could feasibly move out Brodie in an attempt to fill two glaring holes.

Edmonton Oilers: Oscar Klefbom

By no means do the Oilers need to trade Klefbom, but after dealing all his forward depth for peanuts, GM Peter Chiarelli holds few remaining chips with any value. Klefbom could definitely bring back a good forward or two to help support two-time Art Ross winner Connor McDavid.

Los Angeles Kings: Trevor Lewis

Much like their in-state rivals above, the Kings need to implement more speed and skill into their lineup. Plus, opting for cheaper contracts with the possibility of a mega-extension for Drew Doughty on the table seems like a reasonable idea.

San Jose Sharks: Mikkel Boedker

Boedker's four-year contract in San Jose hasn't yielded much production, and the Sharks wouldn't be much worse off if they found a taker for his services.

Vancouver Canucks: Chris Tanev

Tanev has played less than 70 games in each of the last three seasons, but offers tremendous value when he's healthy. The 28-year-old has an affordable salary, and is far and away the Canucks' most valuable trade asset. Despite an impressive group of young players, Vancouver isn't quite ready to make a big step forward yet, so continue to build for when the time comes.

Vegas Golden Knights: Jon Merrill

The Golden Knights are projected to have over $26 million in cap space this summer, so there's pressure for them to unload any onerous contracts. And after the most successful inaugural season in the history of the sport, they probably aren't looking for much of a makeover. That said, Vegas did pick a litany of blue-liners in the expansion draft, and could probably fetch a pick for one that was stapled to the press box most of the season.

(Photos Courtesy: Getty Images)

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As much as signing John Tavares to a long-term contract extension would be a huge win for the New York Islanders, it's time to start being realistic. The best free agent to hit the open market in recent memory is highly unlikely to return to an organization that defines mediocrity and instability.

The Islanders, fresh off an abysmal season in which they finished 17 points out of a playoff spot, just relieved their head coach and general manager of their duties less than a month before free agency begins, and saw the latter replaced with 75-year-old Lou Lamoriello.

However, there is perhaps one silver lining associated with losing one of the game's best players in the prime of his career for absolutely nothing: a fresh start.

With Tavares gone, the Islanders will have no reason not to begin a full-on rebuild. If they couldn't even sniff the playoffs with Tavares on the roster, there's no point in using every resource available to compete for one within the next couple of seasons, considering the prospect pipeline isn't exactly ripening with talent.

Snow's GM tenure was such that he could have taken a page out of George Costanza's book and just done "the opposite" in running the club and probably would have improved the state of affairs. Despite all his shortcomings, he did somehow manage to leave the Islanders with one heavenly parting gift: Mathew Barzal.

Likely to be a unanimous selection for the Calder Trophy, Barzal gives the Islanders a new face of the franchise moving forward. A first-line center whose agility, hands, and vision represent everything about today's NHL, the Islanders can build a contender around Barzal, but they must avoid making the same mistakes Snow made while trying to do the same with Tavares.

Invest (competently) in the draft

After selecting Tavares first overall in 2009, the Islanders failed to build a supporting cast in subsequent drafts despite having numerous high picks.

2010, Nino Niederreiter (fifth overall): Niederreiter has developed into a good winger, but the Isles rushed him to the NHL, then traded him to the Minnesota Wild before his 21st birthday in exchange for Cal Clutterbuck and a third-round pick. The lesson here? Patience.

2011, Ryan Strome (fifth overall): The Isles envisioned Strome turning into a 2A center behind Tavares, and had they chosen any one of the next three skaters taken, they would've had such a player. The three picks after Strome, in order: Mika Zibanejad, Mark Scheifele, and Sean Couturier. Ouch.

2012, Griffin Reinhart (fourth overall): Peter Chiarelli's poor judgment bailed the Islanders out on this one, as Reinhart would eventually be swapped to Edmonton for the pick that would turn into Barzal. Nonetheless, if the Islanders were looking to bolster their blue line, they could not have been more off in their evaluation of this draft class' defensemen. Morgan Rielly, Hampus Lindholm, Matt Dumba, and Jacob Trouba made up four of the next five picks.

2013, Ryan Pulock (15th overall): Pulock has the makings of a solid NHL defenseman, which is fine relative to the draft slot. Snow gets a pass here.

2014, Michael Dal Colle (fifth overall): Much like the Reinhart pick, the Isles valued size and strength with this pick rather than speed and skill. Dal Colle did dominate junior in his draft year, but good scouting would've recognized that William Nylander (eighth overall) or Nikolaj Ehlers (ninth) had brighter NHL futures.

With a rebuild on the horizon, the Islanders can't afford to miss on high draft picks again. Rather than spending money on free agents, the Isles need to use those resources on hiring the best scouting department possible. Adding former Maple Leafs draft guru Mark Hunter to the front office would be a good start.

Build from the net out

In Snow's 12 years in charge, the Islanders finished in the bottom third of the league in goals against 10 times. Many of those seasons were right near the basement, too. One would think a goalie-turned-GM would've prioritized goal prevention, but clearly, that wasn't the case.

Their overall struggles came in spite of the fact that some of these Tavares-led teams had no issues putting the puck in the net, which is usually tougher to accomplish when constructing a roster.

While drafting the best player available should always be the main strategy, the Islanders clearly need to start gathering some quality goaltenders and defensemen into their farm system. Netminder Ilya Sorokin has shown promise overseas, but it's unclear when or if he'll come over to North America.

Avoid free agency, prioritize youth

Free agency has not been friendly to the Islanders over the years. Mikhail Grabovski's four-year, $20-million contract wound up costing them a first- and a second-round pick, while Andrew Ladd's $5.5-million cap hit will be on the books through 2022-23. These are just two examples.

Ill-advised in-house extensions have also set the Isles back. Johnny Boychuk, 34, is heading into the fourth season of a seven-year, $42-million contract.

The lesson here? Stay away from free agency - unless it's a low-risk, short-term deal - and don't sign any non-franchise player to an extension into their 30s if your team is not ready to compete for the Stanley Cup.

Yes, that includes Jordan Eberle and Anders Lee, who are unrestricted free agents after the 2018-19 season. Eberle, 28, and Lee, who will be 28 on July 3, should be traded this offseason. Coming off a 40-goal season, Lee's value will never be higher and players his size (6-foot-3, 231 pounds) tend not to age well. Eberle, a perennial 50-60-point player, could also fetch a significant return.

Snow likely would've paid Lee and Eberle handsomely into their mid-30s, so the Isles should do the opposite. Trade them both at peak value in exchange for prospects and picks.

Instead of filling the roster with middling veterans, the Isles should see what they have in some of their younger players, such as Dal Colle and Josh Ho-Sang, even if they haven't exactly wowed in the AHL. If the younger players don't perform, they'll at least gain some valuable NHL experience.

The youth movement should carry over to the bench as well. Hiring a coach who excels at developing young players should be made a priority.

Would Lou go for a rebuild?

It may seem hard to believe that Lamoriello would have interest in kick-starting a rebuild in what will likely be his swan song. However, he's left his fingerprints all over Toronto's uprising, and if he could right the Islanders ship, it would only further cement his legacy.

Plus, if Lou's son, Chris (currently the Isles' assistant GM), were to take over the reigns one day, Lou would surely want to leave the team in good hands and headed in the right direction.

Ownership would likely have no issues buying in as well. If the rebuild were to begin now, the team could be well on its way toward success by 2021 when its new arena at Belmont Park is ready for use. Constructing a young and exciting team with a bright future is the best way to get fans in the seats. Plus, it's the opposite of what Snow would've done, so it must be right.

(Photos courtesy: Getty Images)

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The New York Islanders' firing of Garth Snow and Doug Weight shouldn't impede their attempts to re-sign John Tavares.

On Monday, the team announced that Snow and Weight were relieved of their duties and that president of hockey operations, Lou Lamoriello, will assume the role as general manager. Following the announcement, Lamoriello noted that the club's attempt to re-sign its captain did not factor into the personnel changes.

"That certainly has not and did not enter into any of the decisions that were made," Lamoriello said, according to Sportsnet's Chris Johnston.

Tavares will become an unrestricted free agent on July 1. Last month it was reported that Lamoriello had met with Tavares on behalf of the Islanders ahead of officially joining the team as president of hockey ops.

Tavares has spent his entire nine-year career with the Islanders since being picked first overall in 2009, where he's tallied 272 goals and 621 points in 669 games.

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Who doesn't love trades?

With 29 of 31 teams focusing on offseason plans, we take a look at who could potentially be on the move this summer, starting with a candidate from each Eastern Conference team.

Atlantic Division

Boston Bruins: David Backes

The Bruins electing to give Backes a five-year deal in 2015 was a red flag from the get-go, but after another injury-riddled season, Boston might want to find a taker for his hefty salary and give younger, quicker players within the organization a bigger role.

Buffalo Sabres: Ryan O'Reilly

O'Reilly is an incredibly effective pivot, and year after year of losing in Buffalo has taken its toll. If the Sabres choose to move forward with a youthful core built around Jack Eichel, Casey Mittelstadt, and Rasmus Dahlin, making their No. 2 center available could create a bidding war and fetch some nice future assets.

Detroit Red Wings: Luke Glendening

He's not the most glamorous name on the list but Glendening won 58 percent of his draws last season, and the Red Wings would be wise to shed as much long-term salary as possible.

Florida Panthers: Mark Pysyk

Panthers general manager Dale Tallon should be forever barred from dealing forwards after the expansion draft fiasco, but he may be able to find a nice market for Pysyk: a low-cost, right-handed blue-liner that several teams could use.

Montreal Canadiens: Alex Galchenyuk

Galchenyuk's tenure in Montreal has been far from smooth sailing, and perhaps a fresh start is needed to fully maximize his offensive talents. Shipping the sniper out won't completely fix what ails the Habs, but building upon the nine picks they own in the first four rounds of this year's draft seems like a reasonable step moving forward.

Ottawa Senators: Erik Karlsson

Karlsson Watch is back on, and after the Senators didn't pull the trigger on a deal at the deadline, the offseason is their last chance to fetch a king's ransom for their captain. Of course, he could re-sign, or Ottawa could wait until the next deadline, but teams will be willing to pay a lot more for a full year of services from the best defenseman on the planet.

Tampa Bay Lightning: J.T. Miller

Miller was brought in to help the Lightning win a Stanley Cup, but in need of a new contract, the 25-year-old could find himself on the move again. Tampa Bay would probably love to keep him, but how much can Steve Yzerman realistically offer with extensions for Nikita Kucherov and Andrei Vasilevskiy on the horizon?

Toronto Maple Leafs: Matt Martin

Martin isn't going to bring back the top-four defenseman that the Leafs desperately covet, but there's no point in spending $2.5 million for a veteran fourth-liner to sit in the press box.

Metropolitan Division

Carolina Hurricanes: Justin Faulk

New Hurricanes owner Tom Dundon made it clear that he wants some changes, and Faulk could be a candidate to be traded over the younger defensemen Carolina has in-house.

Columbus Blue Jackets: Brandon Dubinsky

Dubinsky endured a difficult 2017-18 season, but plain and simple: His contract isn't doing the Blue Jackets any favors.

His modified no-trade clause would cause some complications in the market, but the veteran is eating key salary on a team that needs to pay Zach Werenski and Sergei Bobrovsky big bucks in the near future.

New Jersey Devils: Damon Severson

Severson is young, reasonably priced for five more seasons, a good puck mover, and can chip in offensively, yet he was a healthy scratch at times in the regular season and was left out of the lineup for Game 1 of the playoffs. If the Devils don't want to give him a full opportunity, surely they can sell him to someone willing to pay.

New York Islanders: Cal Clutterbuck

Until captain John Tavares makes his decision, it's hard to focus on any other Isles player, but Clutterbuck's onerous contract is one new boss Lou Lamoriello should strongly consider getting rid of.

New York Rangers: Mats Zuccarello

Trading Zuccarello is far from a necessity, but he's one of the only Rangers with any market value. The 30-year-old's contract expires after next season, and New York, without any realistic championship expectations in the coming years, could feasibly ship him out over the summer to add more future pieces.

Philadelphia Flyers: Brian Elliott

The Flyers have three goalies under contract but don't boast any reliable ones to occupy the crease. Philly is best served to shed the elder statesman of the bunch, and come to terms with restricted free agent Petr Mrazek.

Pittsburgh Penguins: Phil Kessel

*$1.2 million in salary retained by Maple Leafs

Even after a career-best 92-point season, the speculation surrounding Kessel's possible departure out of Pittsburgh seems to have gained some traction. Numerous teams could use his firepower up front, but the Penguins have to consider the risks of subtracting a key cog in the offensive machine that led to back-to-back championships.

Washington Capitals: Philipp Grubauer

Rather than going through negotiations, why not simply deal Grubauer to a team in need of a goaltender upgrade? The 26-year-old is talented enough to warrant outside interest, and prospect Ilya Samsonov appears ready to assume backup duties after inking his entry-level contract.

(Photos courtesy: Getty Images)

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The New York Islanders have dismissed general manager Garth Snow and head coach Doug Weight, with president of hockey operations Lou Lamoriello assuming the GM role, the club announced Tuesday.

Lamoriello will immediately begin the process of finding the team's next head coach.

He joined the Islanders in late May after leaving the Toronto Maple Leafs.

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A Connor McDavid rookie card was recently sold via an online auction for $55,655 USD, a new record for a modern card, according to PWCC Marketplace.

The modern era consists of cards produced since 1986, and the most lucrative collectible prior to "The Cup Connor McDavid Rookie Auto Patch" from Upper Deck fetched $18,100 - another McDavid card.

With a $12.5-million salary set to kick in next season, McDavid himself could purchase 224 copies of the ultra-valuable card.

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As we approach the climax of the Stanley Cup Final and the NHL season as a whole, it's time to take one more look at the top contenders for the Conn Smythe Trophy.

The Washington Capitals find themselves on the cusp of the first Stanley Cup championship in franchise history, holding a 3-1 series lead. Consequently, four of the five front-runners for playoff MVP sport red, white, and blue.

Here's where we stand after the Capitals' convincing win over the Vegas Golden Knights in Game 4 on Monday:

5. Nicklas Backstrom

Backstrom has flown under the radar in these playoffs thanks to the stellar performances of some of his teammates, but his terrific play-making ability has undoubtedly been a factor in Washington's Cup run.

The Swedish center missed four games due to injury, but he's excelled when healthy. He's provided steady production on the Capitals' second line, alongside a nearly equally productive T.J. Oshie, giving Washington a lethal top-six.

4. Marc-Andre Fleury

Fleury was the Conn Smythe favorite for most of this postseason, and he has been the biggest reason for the Golden Knights' success, but he's looked human lately.

The veteran netminder was simply overwhelmed Monday night, allowing six goals on 23 shots, and he's given up 16 in the four Cup Final games.

Had Fleury continued to play lights-out, he would have remained a Conn Smythe favorite, even in a losing effort, but his play has simply slipped.

3. Braden Holtby

Holtby has made his fair share of game-saving stops throughout the Capitals' run, none more memorable than "The Save" in Game 2 versus Vegas. He's had a few hiccups, sure, but the former Vezina winner has been outstanding on the whole.

Fleury still holds an edge in the save percentage department because of how good the Golden Knights goalie was for most of the playoffs, but Holtby has allowed only five goals in the last three games.

If Holtby continues to stymie Vegas the way he has for most of this series, he'll have a legitimate case.

2. Alex Ovechkin

Ovechkin's pursuit of a long-elusive title is arguably the best story of the playoffs, and he's one of the biggest reasons the Capitals are on the verge of winning it all.

The "Great Eight" is tied with Winnipeg Jets forward Mark Scheifele for the postseason lead in goals. He's scored two in the Cup Final to go along with a pair of assists.

Ovechkin, the heart and soul of his club for more than a decade, has always shouldered a disproportionate amount of blame for Washington's playoff failures. But now, with the tables turned, it's time to give credit where it's due.

1. Evgeny Kuznetsov

Kuznetsov has simply been the best player in these playoffs.

Ovechkin has been the Capitals' leader and top scorer. Holtby has been excellent for the most part, and exceptional at key moments. However, Kuznetsov has been the best, leading all skaters in playoff points and trailing only Ovechkin and the vanquished Scheifele in goals.

Another four-point game for Kuznetsov on Monday night - his second such effort and fourth game with at least three points in this postseason - made him the clear favorite to win the Conn Smythe.

Would it be a crime to give the award to Ovi, or even to Holtby? No. But it should be Kuznetsov's to lose, whether he cares about it or not.

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