Author: Dose

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Connor McDavid’s future in Edmonton: no decision yet, according to people close to him

Connor McDavid’s future in Edmonton is increasingly in doubt.

Does McDavid, fed up with not winning the Stanley Cup, feel his chances would be better elsewhere? Would he say yes to a change of scenery?

Is he tired of dominating the playoffs without a ring?

(Credit: Hockey DB)

Keep in mind that in a year’s time, McDavid could become a free agent. Will he make it that far? If he wants to become a free agent, he has every right to do so: all he has to do is sign anything between now and July 1, 2026.

But is it likely?

Yesterday, on the heels of his appearance on Jean-Charles Lajoie’s show, Renaud Lavoie mentioned that he had spoken to some of McJesus’ entourage and that they were unsure of his intentions regarding his future in Alberta.

And that, as the journalist says, isn’t ideal, since normally we’d hear that #97 is coming back. #Cassette

The journalist is of the opinion that the Oilers shouldn’t waste a single second and offer him the maximum money allowed by the collective agreement in order to show him that they’re serious.

The maximum he can sign for is $19.1 million a year, or 20% of the 2025-2026 cap ($95.5 million)… even though his next contract won’t start until 2026.

And if he says no, the Oilers could (or should?) consider shopping him to a club with which McDavid could sign long-term. Let’s keep an eye on the Maple Leafs in this regard, according to Lavoie, who points out that the Oilers captain has the same agent as Auston Matthews.

Is the Oilers’ inability to improve in front of net an irritant for McDavid? Perhaps it is.

I don’t get the feeling the Oilers will want the distraction of McDavid playing next season without a long-term contract in his pocket. After all, there would be too much talk around town. And the idea of losing him for nothing next summer… that would be a disaster over there.

If he doesn’t want to sign a long-term deal as early as July 1, 2025, shopping him around would put pressure on him. Will the Oilers want to play that game?

Darren Dreger (TSN 1050) doesn’t think McDavid will leave. He does, however, think it’s possible he’ll sign a shorter contract of three or four years.

Leon Draisaitl must hope Dreger is right. So do Oilers fans, for that matter.

overtime

– Enjoy.

– Where will he play next year?

– Very good question.

– He stays in Ottawa.

– He’s living his best life.

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Potential acquisitions: Jesperi Kotkaniemi not on Frank Seravalli’s list

After another long season in the NHL, we can move on to the off-season. There will be rumors, signings, and maybe even contract buyouts.

There are certainly some good candidates, but I wouldn’t be surprised to see Jesperi Kotkaniemi bought out by the Hurricanes.

He never lived up to the expectations placed on him when Carolina tabled an offer sheet for his services. He had just 4 points in 14 playoff games, and was relegated to the 4th line.

You’d think the experiment had gone on long enough, but Kotkaniemi’s name isn’t on Daily Faceoff’s Frank Seravalli’s list of 7 players likely to be bought out.

Sevaralli is targeting TJ Brodie, Pierre Engvall, Justin Holl, Joe Veleno, Matt Dumba, Mathieu Joseph and Marc-Edouard Vlasic.

This may come as a surprise to some. Joe Veleno and Mathieu Joseph had an interesting impact on their respective teams.

It makes more sense in the case of TJ Brodie and Marc-Edouard Vlasic, who have seen several young players take their places.

But not to see Kotkaniemi on the list is rather surprising, despite the fact that the Hurricanes would have to pay until 2034 if they wanted to buy out his contract. In the last 4 years, his salary would only count for $851,000.

This would free up over $4 million in payroll for the Hurricanes in three of the next four years. They could use this to acquire a player who would bring more punch to the forward line.

Overtime

– New podcast.

– Another Jays win.

– Third defeat in a row.

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Evander Kane injury: Oilers under investigation

Now that the Stanley Cup series is over, we can turn our attention to rumors and payroll discussions.

While many blame Florida’s tax system, it’s the Edmonton Oilers who will be under the NHL’s microscope in the coming weeks, yes, yes.

Daily Faceoff reporter Frank Sevaralli mentioned that the league will be looking at how to handle Evander Kane in the playoffs.

The NHL is questioning the legitimacy of the Oilers’ move to add Kane to their playoff roster after not playing an NHL game this season.

If the collective agreement was not followed to the letter, Edmonton could face NHL penalties, which would be a first.

Kane underwent surgery at the beginning of the year to repair two adductor muscles and was sidelined until March. He underwent another operation in January.

He returned to practice after the 4 Nations break, but didn’t get back into the game until the second match of the series, where payroll no longer counts.

Sevaralli’s sources say they don’t think Edmonton erred, but that’s something to keep an eye on.

It’s odd that we’re talking about investigating Edmonton when it’s not the first team that’s had, shall we say, suspicious behaviour with players. Greetings to Mark Stone, who miraculously returned to the playoffs twice.

One thing’s for sure, those who think Bettman has a penchant for American teams won’t be missing out.

Overtime

– Quite a personality.

– The Alouettes in action tomorrow.

– Phew.

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Aleksander Barkov woke up his neighbors at 5 a.m. to show them the Stanley Cup

Winning the Stanley Cup is special.

Players have been looking for this feeling since the beginning of their careers, and when they’re able to lift the Cup for the first time, it’s a unique moment.

As for Aleksander Barkov, he decided to share that feeling with some of his neighbors and the Panthers’ arena staff.

After the Panthers’ victory last night, the players had a party in the room.

And the club captain wanted the Panthers’ arena employees to be able to celebrate, too. He took the Stanley Cup out onto the ice at 1:35am to show them the precious trophy:

But it doesn’t stop there.

I say that… because Barkov also made a point of waking up some of his neighbors in his neighborhood to show them the cup.

It was 5 a.m. when he went to ring the doorbell of one of his neighbors… and it made for a really funny moment.

It’s a pleasant gesture.

I hate it, getting up at 5am, and I hate it even more when I get woken up at that hour.

But… if it’s to see the captain of my club come and show me the Stanley Cup he just won, it seems like a different thing. Hehe.

Imagine the scenario: the Canadiens win the trophy and Nick Suzuki shows up the next day in the wee hours of the morning so you can have a chance to see the prestigious trophy. What a moment!

All kidding aside, it’s cool to see that Barkov wants to share these moments with other people. He knows it’s special for him, but also for others.

Overtime

– I like the mentality.

– I’ve always loved this moment!

– I love it.

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8 years at (between $3.5 and $4M) per season for Trent Frederic in Edmonton: But… what are the Oilers doing?

Everyone knows what’s wrong with the Oilers.

And it doesn’t take a college degree to figure it out either.

The team can’t go all the way because the goalies in front of the net aren’t getting the job done. And we all agree that this is nothing new…

But instead of thinking about a quality goalie, the Oilers are about to make a funny move.

The Oilers and Trent Frederic are reportedly very close to agreeing on the terms of an eight-year (!) contract that will pay $4 million per season to the forward who finished the playoffs with an impressive… four points (one goal) in 22 games.

That’s… special.

At the moment, there’s not much money left (under $8M) for the rest of the lineup.

Especially since Evan Bouchard – too – is likely to sign a big deal…

The ceiling will rise over the next few years.

But…

But offering so much money over such a long period to a guy who’s been virtually invisible in the playoffs isn’t a good move. Especially when you consider that elsewhere in the Oilers line-up, there are relatively… large holes.

I really have the impression that this deal will not age well in Edmonton and that the Oilers will regret their decision before long.

Because let’s not forget one thing: Connor McDavid’s contract is up at the end of next season… and the Oilers will need a lot of money to keep him in Edmonton.

That said, offering bad contracts like Frederic’s seems to complicate things a bit.

Overtime

– Seen the same way.

– Signing in Anaheim.

– Yikes.

– Well done.

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Bruce Garrioch: Giroux could consider the Habs (if Kent Hughes wants to bring him to Montreal)

At 37, Claude Giroux isn’t as dominant as he used to be.

That said, he still racked up 50 points – including 15 goals – in his final season with the Ottawa Senators.

We’re talking about a player who finds a way to be effective from 200 feet… and who is also excellent in the face-off circle.

However, we don’t know where the veteran will pursue his career, since he’ll be as free as a bird as of July 1.

He has begun talks with the Sens about a new contract… but the two sides don’t necessarily seem ready to move forward.

The result?

Giroux could test the free agent market… and if the Canadiens show interest, it looks like he might consider signing a contract in Montreal.

Bruce Garrioch, who covers the Sens, wrote about this in a recent article(Ottawa Citizen):

League officials say he (Giroux) might be willing to consider the Montreal Canadiens if they show interest on July 1. – Bruce Garrioch

This isn’t the first time we’ve heard his name linked to the Habs.

In early May, André Roy said on BPM Sports that Giroux would like to play in Montreal …

All in all, Giroux could prove to be an interesting target for the Canadiens.

He has leadership qualities, he still has what it takes to play in a top-6 NHL team… and he’s not likely to command an astronomical salary either.

Not at his age.

It might make sense, given the Canadiens’ desire to add talent to the top of their lineup.

Then again, Giroux has experience, he’s capable of producing offensively… and the idea of pairing his vision of the game with the talent of a guy like Ivan Demidov on the second unit could be relevant to Montreal’s management.

It would plug a major hole at center in Martin St-Louis’s lineup… and give Michael Hage time to develop in the right way, without rushing his development.

Seeing Giroux sign a contract with the Canadiens, I don’t think it’s crazy either.

Overtime

– I agree.

– Yep. That’s right!

– His place in the Hall of Fame is already assured.

– Hopefully it won’t be too bad.

– News in the MLB.

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Rumor mill: Marchand wants a contract worth $8.5 M per season

With his playoff performances, Brad Marchand has given himself every reason to go for a big contract this summer.

And he’s going to get it.

There will be clubs interested in him – even if the price will be high – because we’ve seen him be excellent when it counts in recent weeks. And when it comes to price…

Darren Dreger told TSN 1050 that the forward would like to get $8.5 M per season on his next contract.

Or…

Or, if not $8.5 million, at least $8 million a year.

Which team would be willing to give him that kind of money?

I have a feeling that this is going to be one of the most exciting stories to follow in the coming weeks.

It’s his last chance to sign a big contract, and even then, with what he’s done in the playoffs, the odds are in his favor.

It remains to be seen, however, where he’ll be playing in 25-26…

Marner and the Leafs haven’t really talked

I’m going to fall off my chair if Mitch Marner decides to stay in Toronto.

I can’t believe it.

It didn’t end well with fans booing him at the Leafs’ last playoff game, and we also know that Marner wasn’t too happy about being asked to waive his no-trade clause in March, when his club was trying to get Mikko Rantanen.

And it’s not as if the Leafs and Marner have had many discussions about a new deal either.

According to Frank Seravalli(Sportsnet 590), the two sides haven’t really talked in the last year…

I really think it would be illogical for Marner to sign a new contract with the Leafs.

He needs to play elsewhere to avoid the pressure of a big market, and if he wants to win, he needs to leave too.

Because it’s hard to believe that Toronto is where the Stanley Cup will be raised next…

Jamie Benn and the Stars

Since the start of his career, Jamie Benn has never played a game in a uniform other than that of the Stars.

He began his career in Dallas in 2009, became one of the organization’s most important players… and has been wearing the C on his jersey for several years now.

That said, it should come as no surprise that he appears to be close to agreeing terms on a new contract with the Stars.

Frank Seravalli – again – talked about it on the Morning Cuppa Hockey podcast:

I think we can all agree that Benn isn’t the player he once was.

He scored 16 goals (49 points) in 24-25, he’s starting to slow down as he celebrates his 36th birthday in exactly one month (July 18) and he’s not as productive as he used to be.

But we’re still talking about the Stars’ captain, and that’s why he has a certain importance within the organization.

He has leadership qualities… and obviously, in Dallas, they want to keep him around to help the youngsters who are there.

Which, in reality, is far from a bad thing.

Bruins and Islanders in talks

The Bruins hold the 7th overall pick in the upcoming NHL draft.

And they may not select with that pick… as they are in talks with the Islanders right now, according to Jimmy Murphy(RG Media).

The two clubs are discussing the possibility of a deal involving the 7th pick… and you have to wonder if the Islanders’ goal is to target James Hagens – who comes from New York – with the 7th pick overall.

In the article above, we also read that Jean-Gabriel Pageau’s name is circulating in discussions between the two teams.

Eille! Imagine Jean-Gabriel Pageau in a Boston Bruins uniform.

A real nightmare for the Canadiens… because we know that Pageau has loved hurting the Habs since the start of his NHL career.

And to see him hurt the Canadiens with a Bruins uniform on his back would be even more… ironic.

It’s bad enough he wasn’t Montreal’s favorite player in Ottawa!

Cleaning house in Edmonton?

The Oilers – for the second year in a row – lost in the Stanley Cup Final.

That hurt.

And now… clearly, we’re going to want to change things within the organization.

So, in David Pagnotta’s view, we shouldn’t be surprised if Evander Kane and Viktor Arvidsson are on the market in the next few weeks – even if Kane has a no-trade clause and Arvidsson has a no-movement clause.

While we’re on the subject of the Oilers…

It’s worth noting that there’s a world in which Corey Perry isn’t back in Edmonton for next season.

Because, according to Chris Johnston(The Chris Johnston Show), the veteran might be interested in testing the free agent market in July.

And just like Brad Marchand… there’ll be plenty of interest in Perry’s services, too:

Corey Perry is 40 years old, but he proved his worth in the recent playoffs.

He still scored 10 goals (14 points) in 22 games, while playing an important role in the dressing room too…

I don’t expect to see him sign a super-expensive contract, and that’s why I’m thinking there will be several teams lining up for his services.

Would you be tempted, Corey, to come back to Montreal?…

Overtime

– Wow.

– What a surprise!

– I don’t believe it.

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Marchand, at the party, sings “Merci Boston!” with Panthers fans

The Florida Panthers won the Stanley Cup for the second year in a row.

And perhaps none of it would have happened without Brad Marchand’s playoff brilliance.

What an acquisition the Panthers were, after all: Marchand collected 20 points in 23 games, scored important goals… and was a regular contributor to his club’s success.

Naturally, the club’s players have been at the party since last night.

Brad Marchand was spotted smoking a cigar, beer in hand… and in the photo, you can clearly see he’s got a few drinks in him.

The guys are enjoying it – and it’s perfect like this:

But there’s a video floating around on X that’s also worth sharing.

The Panthers players were back at the Elbo Room bar to celebrate, and some of the team’s fans came out to party with them.

Upon seeing Marchand, the fans started chanting “Merci Boston!”… and the main man, upon seeing the scene, decided to join in.

Here again, it’s easy to see that he’s having fun… lots of fun:

I have a hard time telling myself that Bruins fans are happy when they see this video.

We’re talking about the former captain in Boston… and it’s as if we’re watching him thank the Bruins for trading him, which allowed him to lift the Stanley Cup for the second time in his career.

But, ultimately, Marchand is happy with the turn of events too.

The Bruins weren’t going to make the playoffs, he had the opportunity to join a great club in Florida, and he did everything he could to help the Panthers be crowned NHL champions for the second year in a row.

It’s a great story, though.

Although… in Boston, it must hurt a little to see Marchand celebrating like this after his many years with the Bruins.

Overtime

– Good point.

– It worked.

– For those who live in Florida… #Hehe

– Oh.

– News from the Sparrows:

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Calder 2026: Ivan Demidov is the favourite (by far)

Rookie awards.

In 2024-2025, Ivan Demidov won KHL Rookie of the Year. And Lane Hutson won the same title, but in the best league in the world.

This was a possible scenario for the Habs organization, and it worked out just fine.

But now, looking ahead to next season, we’re wondering whether Ivan Demidov will be able to get his hands on the Calder Trophy in the NHL and succeed Lane Hutson.

Theoretically, his chances are good, considering his talent and the fact that there is no Connor Bedard or Macklin Celebrini in the 2025 draft.

But how good are his chances?

A look at bet365 shows not only that Demidov is at the top of the rankings, but also how monstrous the difference is between the Habs prospect and Alexander Nikishin. An odds of 2.60 or 9.00, that’s a world of difference.

Obviously, it’s all going to come down to the ice. It’s possible that a prospect will emerge unexpectedly elsewhere in the NHL and put a spanner in Demidov’s works.

No doubt he’ll want to win the trophy, but above all, the Habs will want him to play up to his immense talent. That’s the most important thing.

Let’s not forget that his seven games of NHL experience, including five in the playoffs against the Washington Capitals, will help him prepare this summer… just as Lane Hutson’s two games in 2023-2024 also helped him.

Having an excellent center could also help him win the Calder.

overtime

– One to watch.

– He could have signed the Sabres jersey anyway. It’s not like it’s an Oilers jersey….

– Playing in Sunrise has transformed Brad Marchand’s reputation.

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Lane Hutson behind the bench at a hockey tournament in Montreal this week

Lane Hutson loves hockey. You knew that, didn’t you?

Need more proof? It comes from Tony Marinaro, who reports that Lane Hutson is currently in Montreal for a hockey tournament.

Of course he is.

Basically, his dad runs a club called Hutson Pro Development. And this week, Lane and Cole Hutson are his assistants to guide the club’s 12-year-old players.

It’s a Chicago-based team.

As you can see by poking around, on the team’s website, there’s currently an event called “King of Spring” in Montreal, which is why the Hutsons are in town right now.

I imagine Cole is happy to be in the city of the Canadiens, his favorite team… even if he is a Capitals prospect. No, I haven’t come back from that yet: it must be my little boomer side.

While many NHL players are enjoying their summer, Hutson is taking the opportunity to give back to the people in his community by sharing his hockey knowledge.

And the fact that he’s currently in Montreal makes it all the more special.

If I were a 12-year-old kid on that team, I’d listen to what the NHL’s Rookie of the Year had to say. After all, Lane Hutson knows how to dominate hockey, and he’s here to share his knowledge with his teammates.

In my opinion, Kent Hughes, who has also given back to the youngsters as a coach, must be happy to see Lane Hutson doing what he’s doing. And rightly so, if you ask me.

overtime

– Ouch.

– He’s enjoying it.

– Obviously.

– I can see him staying.