Pittsburgh Penguins goaltender Alex Nedeljkovic capped a 40-save night with a goal against the Bu...

<p>Pittsburgh Penguins goaltender <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/4130" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4130">Alex Nedeljkovic</a> capped a 40-save night with a goal against the Buffalo Sabres on Friday, becoming the first netminder ever to tally a goal and an assist in the same NHL game.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="ro" dir="ltr">ALEX NEDELJKOVIC GOALIE GOAL! 🤩 <a href="https://t.co/VY3nmoV2jF">pic.twitter.com/VY3nmoV2jF</a></p>— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) <a href="https://twitter.com/Sportsnet/status/1880444146722422940?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 18, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>His reaction proved his excitement about achieving the feat. </p><p>"Maybe I pushed it a little too far jumping into the bench there, but it's my first (NHL) goal. What do you expect?" Nedeljkovic said, according to <a href="https://x.com/MatthewFairburn/status/1880459993553473639">The Athletic's Matthew Fairburn</a>.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Penguins forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3872" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3872">Bryan Rust</a> enjoyed the over-the-top celebration.</p><p>"It was pretty extra, but I feel like in that situation, you need to be extra," Rust said.</p><p>Nedeljkovic now has four goals in his professional career. He scored in the ECHL in 2016 before netting two in the AHL in 2018 and in 2023.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Alex Nedeljkovic becomes the first goalie to score in the:<br><br>- ECHL: Dec. 30, 2016<br>- AHL: Mar. 10, 2018 &amp; Nov. 17, 2023<br>- NHL: Jan. 17, 2025<br><br>A natural goalscorer 😎 <br><br>(🎥: <a href="https://twitter.com/TheAHL?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@TheAHL</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/ECHL?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ECHL</a>) <a href="https://t.co/JtYEtl276F">pic.twitter.com/JtYEtl276F</a></p>— NHL (@NHL) <a href="https://twitter.com/NHL/status/1880467804719313105?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 18, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>It's the first time two netminders have shot and scored in the same season, as Minnesota Wild goaltender <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/9896" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/9896">Filip Gustavsson</a> scored a goal Oct. 16.</p><p>Nedeljkovic talked about the difficulty of scoring after Gustavsson's goal.</p><p>"More guys than not in the NHL right now are physically capable of doing it," Nedeljkovic told <a href="https://www.nhl.com/news/unmasked-filip-gustavsson-minnesota-wild-latest-to-join-trend-of-goalie-goals">NHL.com's Kevin Woodley</a> in October. "If you gave them the ice to themselves and just said, 'Launch the puck in the air, all the way past the far blue line and into the net,' more goalies are capable of doing that. It's not easy by any means because you've still got to get it 200 feet, over five or six guys, and into a six-foot wide net. So, it's still not easy, but guys are getting really good at it."</p><p>Nedeljkovic also said in October that gathering the puck behind the net and scoring adds another layer of difficulty, which is the way he scored Friday.</p><p>"The last three years, it's always been from in front of the goal line," the netminder said. "It makes life a lot easier when you can get the puck in front of the goal line as opposed to having to go behind and pull a dump-in off the wall and turn your whole body back up ice. Even the three I've scored, they've all been from the net front."</p><p>Nedeljkovic is the 11th goaltender ever to shoot the puck for a goal and the 16th to be credited with a tally.</p><p>The Penguins are the second franchise to have two goaltenders find the back of the net after Tristan Jarry scored a goal on Nov. 30, 2023. The Nashville Predators were the first with Chris Mason (2006) and Pekka Rinne (2020).</p>

BUFFALO, NEW YORK - JANUARY 17: Goaltender Alex Nedeljkovic #39 of the Pittsburgh Penguins celebrates with teammates on the bench after scoring an empty net goal during an NHL game against the Buffalo Sabres on January 17, 2025 at KeyBank Center in Buffalo, New York.

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Penguins' Nedeljkovic becomes 1st goalie with goal, assist in same game

Vancouver Canucks forward Brock Boeser understands he could be moved if his team doesn't turn thi...

<p>Vancouver Canucks forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/6354" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/6354">Brock Boeser</a> understands he could be moved if his team doesn't turn things around before the March 7 trade deadline.</p><p>"Any team that's not doing well, there's going to be changes," Boeser told <a href="https://www.sportsnet.ca/nhl/article/boeser-hoping-to-be-part-of-canucks-solution-as-future-hangs-in-the-balance/">Sportsnet's Iain MacIntyre</a> on Friday. "I haven't played to my best this year, and I expect better for myself and, you know, I'm an (unrestricted free agent) at the end of the year, so they could look at me and be like, 'He's the easy guy (to trade) right now.'"</p><p>Boeser is in the final campaign of the three-year pact he signed in 2022, which carries a cap hit of $6.65 million. He has 15 goals and 27 points in 37 games.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The 27-year-old is in the midst of a cold streak, recording just one goal and two points in his last eight contests. Boeser played a season-low 13:38 and was a minus-3 in Thursday's 5-1 loss to the Los Angeles Kings.</p><p>"I need to be better for the team and help drive the bus and be a leader," Boeser said. "Things haven't been easy. There's been a lot of injuries and distractions and stuff. It's been a hard year. But right now, I'm just trying to be a part of the solution and come to the rink and keep working."</p><p>Boeser tallied a career-high 40 goals and 73 points last season. He started this campaign with six goals and 11 points in 12 contests before sustaining a concussion on Nov. 7, which caused him to miss seven games.</p><p>"All I want to do right now is help our team and be part of the solution, getting our team back on track," he said. "I mean, really play some good hockey with these guys, and then let (management) make a decision on me. I don't want to have it be like this."</p><p>The Canucks are 19-15-10 this season with 48 points. Vancouver is seven points behind the Kings for third in the Pacific Division but only trails the Calgary Flames by one point for the last wild-card spot.</p><p>"We're still a point out of the wild card. That's a blessing," Boeser said. "Like, if we right this ship and start winning some games, we're right there. That's one of the positives we need to take away right now: we're right there. We've got to come together as a group. That's the only way that we're going to get out of this - if we stick together and have each other's backs."</p><p> </p>

VANCOUVER, CANADA - JANUARY 3: Brock Boeser #6 of the Vancouver Canucks skates up ice during their NHL game against the Nashville Predators at Rogers Arena on January 3, 2025 in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.

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Boeser: Canucks could view me as 'easy guy' to trade as pending UFA

Teams are calling the Chicago Blackhawks about the availability of defenseman Seth Jones, TSN's D...

<p>Teams are calling the Chicago Blackhawks about the availability of defenseman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3005" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3005">Seth Jones</a>, TSN's Darren Dreger reported on Thursday's segment of "<a href="https://www.tsn.ca/nhl/video/insider-trading-jets-may-not-have-to-go-to-market-to-fill-need-a~3063892">Insider Trading</a>."</p><p>Blackhawks general manager Kyle Davidson isn't shopping the rearguard, Dreger adds.</p><p>Jones is signed through the 2029-30 campaign and carries a $9.5-million cap hit. He has a full no-movement clause for the duration of his contract.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The 30-year-old has recorded three goals and 15 points in 28 games this season and is playing 24:40 per contest.</p><p>Chicago acquired Jones and two draft picks from the Columbus Blue Jackets in 2021 for a package that included defenseman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/7740" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/7740">Adam Boqvist</a>, the 12th and 44th overall picks in 2021, and a 2022 first-round pick that became the sixth overall selection.</p><p>Stan Bowman, the Blackhawks' general manager at the time, immediately signed Jones to an eight-year, $76-million contract extension.</p><p>Jones has 28 goals and 134 points in 245 appearances over four seasons in Chicago. His minus-103 rating since joining the Blackhawks is the worst among all defensemen in that span. Only teammate <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/7738" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/7738">Philipp Kurashev</a>'s is lower, sitting at minus-120.</p><p>The right-handed blue-liner has averaged 25:19 of ice time over his Chicago tenure, which ranks third league-wide since the start of the 2021-22 campaign. Los Angeles Kings defenseman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/560" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/560">Drew Doughty</a> and Colorado Avalanche star <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/8539" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/8539">Cale Makar</a> are the only players who have averaged more ice time in that span.</p><p>The Blackhawks are last in the NHL with a 14-28-2 record.</p>

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - JANUARY 05: Seth Jones #4 of the Chicago Blackhawks looks on against the New York Rangers during the first period at the United Center on January 05, 2025 in Chicago, Illinois.

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Report: Teams calling Blackhawks on Jones' availability

Minnesota Wild forward Marcus Johansson sustained an upper-body injury and didn't return to Wedne...

<p>Minnesota Wild forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/1646" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/1646">Marcus Johansson</a> sustained an upper-body injury and didn't return to Wednesday's 5-3 loss to the Edmonton Oilers after an elbow from star forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/4560" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4560">Connor McDavid</a>.</p><p>McDavid clipped Johansson in the second period. He wasn't assessed a penalty on the play.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Marcus Johansson was hurt after catching an elbow up high from Connor McDavid<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/mnwild?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#mnwild</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LetsGoOilers?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#LetsGoOilers</a> <a href="https://t.co/io9jIjuGJk">pic.twitter.com/io9jIjuGJk</a></p>— Hockey Daily 365 l NHL Highlights &amp; News (@HockeyDaily365) <a href="https://twitter.com/HockeyDaily365/status/1879732420200857654?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 16, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>McDavid isn't expected to be suspended or fined for the play, reports <a href="https://x.com/frank_seravalli/status/1879919746751287319">Daily Faceoff's Frank Seravalli</a>.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Wild defenseman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/4096" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4096">Jake Middleton</a> wasn't pleased with the non-call.</p><p>"It's horseshit," Middleton said, according to <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6065159/2025/01/16/wild-mcdavid-johansson-injury-oilers/?source=emp_shared_article">The Athletic's Michael Russo</a>. "I understand the refs have a hard job, but that was chickenshit. I don't care that he's the best player in the world."</p><p>Wild forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/5684" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/5684">Joel Eriksson Ek</a> didn't see the collision but was told by the referee that Johansson was struck by his own stick.</p><p>Head coach John Hynes didn't care to discuss the explanation he received from the officials.</p><p>"I don't even want to go down that road because it would probably infuriate you more than it infuriates me right now, so I'm just going to bypass that," he said. "Similar to (<a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/12730" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/12730">David Jiricek</a> being boarded by <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/nhl/player/keegan-kolesar-T8FmwL9XRJszNgE3/">Keegan Kolesar</a> on Sunday), not a good answer. Let me put it that way."</p><p>The NHL has suspended McDavid once in his 686-game career. He got two games for an illegal check to the head of <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/1502" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/1502">Nick Leddy</a> in 2019.</p><p>Johansson has five goals and 16 points in 44 games this season. He has a history of concussions.</p><p>McDavid ranks fourth in the NHL with 62 points in 41 contests. He's a five-time winner of the Art Ross Trophy as the league's top scorer and has claimed the Hart Trophy as NHL MVP three times.</p><p>The Oilers play Thursday against the Colorado Avalanche.</p>

ST. PAUL, MN - JANUARY 15: Minnesota Wild center Marcus Johansson (90) talks with Edmonton Oilers center Connor McDavid (97) after being injured during the NHL game between the Minnesota Wild and Edmonton Oilers on January 15th, 2025, at the Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul, MN.

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Wild's Johansson injured after elbow from McDavid

Chicago Blackhawks forward Taylor Hall wants to stay in the Windy City, but he believes he'll lik...

<p>Chicago Blackhawks forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/1690" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/1690">Taylor Hall</a> wants to stay in the Windy City, but he believes he'll likely be dealt before the trade deadline.</p><p>"Yeah, I'd like to stay here," Hall <a href="https://www.nhl.com/blackhawks/video/hall-on-staying-positive-6367141038112">said</a> Wednesday. "I like the city, I like the group. I have a feeling that's not really in the cards. So, we'll see."</p><p>Hall has eight goals and 22 points in 43 games this season. The 33-year-old has a $6-million cap hit and is set to become an unrestricted free agent this summer.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>"I came into this year wanting to continue being a Blackhawk for years to come," Hall said. "I don't know if that's gonna be the case anymore, but I'll leave that door open for sure. (I) understand that it's a business, and the team's gonna do what's best for them. I guess we'll see what happens."</p><p>Hall is averaging a career-low 15:08 and is currently lining up on the Blackhawks' fourth line with <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/6950" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/6950">Ryan Donato</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/921" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/921">Pat Maroon</a>.</p><p>Chicago acquired Hall from the Boston Bruins in 2023. He was limited to 10 games last year after sustaining a torn ACL.</p><p>A potential silver lining for Hall: A trade before the March 7 deadline would mean he'd likely join a playoff contender.</p><p>"There's always a bright spot, and there's always a positive that you can kinda take going forward," Hall said. "I mean, everyone in a contract year knows that there's a lot of different ways things can go. I'm ready for anything. I have a great wife who is always ready for a good adventure. If that's here, if that's somewhere else, we'll figure it out."</p><p>The Blackhawks are last in the NHL with a 14-28-2 record.</p>

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - JANUARY 11: Taylor Hall #71 of the Chicago Blackhawks skates with the puck against the Edmonton Oilers during the second period at the United Center on January 11, 2025 in Chicago, Illinois.

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Blackhawks' Hall expects trade: Extension 'not really in the cards'

This is the first edition of theScore's PWHL Power Rankings for the 2024-25 campaign. Check back ...

<p><em>This is the first edition of theScore's PWHL Power Rankings for the 2024-25 campaign. Check back for updated rankings each month.</em></p><p><em>In this edition, we identify every team's biggest storyline in the early part of the season.</em></p><p><strong>Jump to:</strong> <a href="#BOS">BOS</a> | <a href="#MIN">MIN</a> | <a href="#MTL">MTL</a> | <a href="#NYS">NYS</a> | <a href="#OTT">OTT</a> |<strong> </strong><a href="#TOR">TOR</a></p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><h3>1. <a id="MIN" name="MIN">Minnesota Frost</a> (7-2-1, 19 points)</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/765364/cropped_CREDIT_PWHL_-_Takeover_Tour_Denver_-_Montre%CC%81al_at_Minnesota_-_Jan._12__2025_03.jpg?ts=1736890154" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/765364/w220xh124_CREDIT_PWHL_-_Takeover_Tour_Denver_-_Montre%CC%81al_at_Minnesota_-_Jan._12__2025_03.jpg?ts=1736890154 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/765364/w320xh180_CREDIT_PWHL_-_Takeover_Tour_Denver_-_Montre%CC%81al_at_Minnesota_-_Jan._12__2025_03.jpg?ts=1736890154 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/765364/w640xh360_CREDIT_PWHL_-_Takeover_Tour_Denver_-_Montre%CC%81al_at_Minnesota_-_Jan._12__2025_03.jpg?ts=1736890154 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/765364/w768xh432_CREDIT_PWHL_-_Takeover_Tour_Denver_-_Montre%CC%81al_at_Minnesota_-_Jan._12__2025_03.jpg?ts=1736890154 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/765364/w1080xh607_CREDIT_PWHL_-_Takeover_Tour_Denver_-_Montre%CC%81al_at_Minnesota_-_Jan._12__2025_03.jpg?ts=1736890154 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Professional Women's Hockey League</span></figcaption></figure><p>There's been no Walter Cup hangover in Minnesota. The Frost are atop the PWHL standings and are the only club to have beaten every team this season.</p><p>The key development for the defending champs: superb play from the first-year skaters.</p><p>Defender Claire Thompson, the No. 3 pick in the last draft, is tied for the league lead in scoring despite playing zero competitive games last season as she focused on her NYU medical school studies. However, Thompson isn't eligible for Rookie of the Year as she played two seasons in the PWHPA and is 26 years old.</p><p>Second-round forward Britta Curl-Salemme is tied with New York Sirens star Alex Carpenter for the most goals in the PWHL. Dominique Petrie looks like an absolute steal in the fifth round, too. She scored three goals in her first three pro games, but an injury has sidelined her since Dec. 19.</p><h3>2. <a id="MTL" name="MTL">Montreal Victoire</a> (6-2-1, 17 points)</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/765373/cropped_CREDIT_PWHL_-_Takeover_Tour_Vancouver_-_Montre%CC%81al_at_Toronto_-_Jan._8__2025_09.jpg?ts=1736891768" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/765373/w220xh124_CREDIT_PWHL_-_Takeover_Tour_Vancouver_-_Montre%CC%81al_at_Toronto_-_Jan._8__2025_09.jpg?ts=1736891768 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/765373/w320xh180_CREDIT_PWHL_-_Takeover_Tour_Vancouver_-_Montre%CC%81al_at_Toronto_-_Jan._8__2025_09.jpg?ts=1736891768 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/765373/w640xh360_CREDIT_PWHL_-_Takeover_Tour_Vancouver_-_Montre%CC%81al_at_Toronto_-_Jan._8__2025_09.jpg?ts=1736891768 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/765373/w768xh432_CREDIT_PWHL_-_Takeover_Tour_Vancouver_-_Montre%CC%81al_at_Toronto_-_Jan._8__2025_09.jpg?ts=1736891768 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/765373/w1080xh607_CREDIT_PWHL_-_Takeover_Tour_Vancouver_-_Montre%CC%81al_at_Toronto_-_Jan._8__2025_09.jpg?ts=1736891768 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Professional Women's Hockey League</span></figcaption></figure><p>Head coach Kori Cheverie was criticized for leaning too heavily on her top players in last season's playoff series against Boston. Erin Ambrose played over 60 minutes in Game 2's triple-overtime loss, while Montreal's third-pairing defenders played under six minutes.</p><p>Depth hasn't been an issue for the Victoire this time around. In fact, it's become a strength.</p><p>Montreal's third line of Mikyla Grant-Mentis, Alexandra Labelle, and Claire Dalton has produced excellent results at five-on-five. Recent draft picks Abby Boreen and Jennifer Gardiner have been productive out of the gate.</p><p>Looking on the back end, Mariah Keopple continues to see her role increase, while rookies Cayla Barnes and Anna Wilgren have made a mark in the top four.</p><p>Considering the Victoire also have defenders Amanda Boulier and Dominika Laskova on long-term injured reserve, Montreal's depth is in great shape compared to last year.</p><h3>3. <a id="NYS" name="NYS">New York Sirens</a> (5-3-1, 14 points)</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/765375/cropped_Credit_PWHL_-_Dec._4_-_Montre%CC%81al_vs._New_York6.jpg?ts=1736892067" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/765375/w220xh124_Credit_PWHL_-_Dec._4_-_Montre%CC%81al_vs._New_York6.jpg?ts=1736892067 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/765375/w320xh180_Credit_PWHL_-_Dec._4_-_Montre%CC%81al_vs._New_York6.jpg?ts=1736892067 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/765375/w640xh360_Credit_PWHL_-_Dec._4_-_Montre%CC%81al_vs._New_York6.jpg?ts=1736892067 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/765375/w768xh432_Credit_PWHL_-_Dec._4_-_Montre%CC%81al_vs._New_York6.jpg?ts=1736892067 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/765375/w1080xh607_Credit_PWHL_-_Dec._4_-_Montre%CC%81al_vs._New_York6.jpg?ts=1736892067 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Professional Women's Hockey League</span></figcaption></figure><p>Sarah Fillier has taken the PWHL by storm. She's got an early lead for Rookie of the Year and is a legitimate challenger for league MVP with her four goals and 10 points in nine games.</p><p>Fillier has found immediate chemistry with Alex Carpenter. We've often seen the two play on the same ice but on opposite sides as key parts of Team Canada and Team USA. We all hoped head coach Greg Fargo would load up the top line with Fillier and Carpenter, and it's been a treat to watch.</p><p>Carpenter was a finalist for MVP last season after leading New York's forwards in scoring by nine points in a 24-game campaign. The veteran was excellent but didn't have a true running mate up front to take her overall impact to the next level.</p><p>Carpenter has that now in Fillier. The two have combined to form the league's most lethal duo in the early going and are a significant reason for the Sirens' turnaround from last season's disappointing campaign.</p><h3>4. <a id="TOR" name="TOR">Toronto Sceptres</a> (3-5-2, 11 points)</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/762453/cropped_GettyImages-2191620822.jpg?ts=1735360092" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/762453/w220xh124_GettyImages-2191620822.jpg?ts=1735360092 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/762453/w320xh180_GettyImages-2191620822.jpg?ts=1735360092 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/762453/w640xh360_GettyImages-2191620822.jpg?ts=1735360092 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/762453/w768xh432_GettyImages-2191620822.jpg?ts=1735360092 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/762453/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2191620822.jpg?ts=1735360092 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Michael Chisholm / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>The Sceptres are the only team with fewer than four wins, but are 2-0 against the Boston Fleet and have dismantled the Ottawa Charge twice in recent games.</p><p>Natalie Spooner's injury, and to a lesser extent Megan Carter's absence, remain the biggest storylines despite the Sceptres' on-ice woes, which include Kristen Campbell's struggles and a lack of scoring.</p><p>Spooner was by far the league's most dominant goal-scorer last season. However, the ACL injury she sustained in the playoffs against Minnesota immediately turned the tide of the five-game series and has hampered Toronto early this season. The lineup has clearly lacked Spooner's finishing ability.</p><p>Carter's lower-body injury has gone overlooked. The second-rounder would likely be playing on the Sceptres' second defensive pairing if she was healthy. Instead, Allie Munroe has been forced back into the top four, and an all-rookie third pairing of Rylind MacKinnon and Lauren Bernard has seen limited usage.</p><p>Spooner and Carter have been skating for weeks but remain without a timeline for return.</p><h3>5. <a id="BOS" name="BOS">Boston Fleet</a> (4-4-2, 12 points)</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/765385/cropped_Credit_PWHL_-_Dec._4_-_Boston_vs._Minnesota1.jpg?ts=1736894929" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/765385/w220xh124_Credit_PWHL_-_Dec._4_-_Boston_vs._Minnesota1.jpg?ts=1736894929 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/765385/w320xh180_Credit_PWHL_-_Dec._4_-_Boston_vs._Minnesota1.jpg?ts=1736894929 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/765385/w640xh360_Credit_PWHL_-_Dec._4_-_Boston_vs._Minnesota1.jpg?ts=1736894929 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/765385/w768xh432_Credit_PWHL_-_Dec._4_-_Boston_vs._Minnesota1.jpg?ts=1736894929 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/765385/w1080xh607_Credit_PWHL_-_Dec._4_-_Boston_vs._Minnesota1.jpg?ts=1736894929 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Professional Women's Hockey League</span></figcaption></figure><p>Hilary Knight recorded 11 points in 24 games last season. In the playoffs, she had zero points and was a minus-6. Seeing an icon of the women's game struggle the way Knight did was confounding, especially considering she notched 10 points at the world championship.</p><p>Knight's resurgence this season has been vital for Boston. She has four goals and eight points through 10 games and has played over 20 minutes in every contest. Knight didn't reach her current point total until her 22nd game last season.</p><p>Rookie Hannah Bilka has sparked Knight offensively in the way all of the Fleet's staff hoped she would when the club drafted her in the first round. Scoring remains an issue for Boston as they average the fewest goals per game this campaign, but Knight isn't at the center of those problems.</p><h3>6. <a id="OTT" name="OTT">Ottawa Charge</a> (4-4-2, 14 points)</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/765384/cropped_Credit_PWHL_-_Dec._6_-Ottawa_vs._Montre%CC%81al2__1_.jpg?ts=1736894211" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/765384/w220xh124_Credit_PWHL_-_Dec._6_-Ottawa_vs._Montre%CC%81al2__1_.jpg?ts=1736894211 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/765384/w320xh180_Credit_PWHL_-_Dec._6_-Ottawa_vs._Montre%CC%81al2__1_.jpg?ts=1736894211 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/765384/w640xh360_Credit_PWHL_-_Dec._6_-Ottawa_vs._Montre%CC%81al2__1_.jpg?ts=1736894211 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/765384/w768xh432_Credit_PWHL_-_Dec._6_-Ottawa_vs._Montre%CC%81al2__1_.jpg?ts=1736894211 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/765384/w1080xh607_Credit_PWHL_-_Dec._6_-Ottawa_vs._Montre%CC%81al2__1_.jpg?ts=1736894211 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Professional Women's Hockey League</span></figcaption></figure><p>The Charge would be in a rough situation in the standings if not for their star netminder. Emerance Maschmeyer has found another level, as she's not only the early favorite for Goaltender of the Year but also a legitimate MVP candidate.</p><p>Maschmeyer sports a .933 save percentage in eight starts and has been in the crease for all four of Ottawa's wins. Her best performance of the campaign came on Dec. 31 against the Toronto Sceptres. Maschmeyer made 37 saves as the Charge picked up a key regulation win despite being outshot 38-13.</p><p>The veteran netminder has masked some concerning shots against totals and kept Ottawa in close games, even though the Charge have yet to score more than three goals in a contest.</p>

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Pittsburgh Penguins head coach Mike Sullivan criticized his team's defensive effort after Tuesday...

<p>Pittsburgh Penguins head coach Mike Sullivan criticized his team's defensive effort after Tuesday's 4-2 loss against the Seattle Kraken.</p><p>"What needs to change is a commitment to play defense," Sullivan <a href="https://www.nhl.com/penguins/video/post-game-sullivan-01-14-25-6367108408112">said</a> postgame. "That's what I think. And we weren't willing to play defense. We didn't spend a lot of time in our end tonight, but the time that we did, we weren't committed to play the right way.</p><p>"They score two goals in the third period on non-event scenarios. It wasn't like we were under siege. It wasn't like they were coming at us in waves. It was none of the above. It was two scenarios that, in my mind, were non-events. But we didn't pay attention to detail, we didn't stop, we didn't protect the good ice, we didn't get stops in the corners, win puck battles, block shots. It boils down to details. We weren't willing to do it tonight."</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The Penguins led 2-1 entering the third period Tuesday, but Seattle scored twice in under a minute to take a lead they wouldn't surrender. Pittsburgh has now lost three straight games and seven of its last eight.</p><p>Sullivan doesn't believe the solution is a simple one.</p><p>"If I had the answer, I'd fix it," he said. "We simply have to do a better job defending in our end zone. And that falls on me. I gotta do a better job coaching these guys on our play in our own end, defending away from the puck, and making sure that we're on the same page there."</p><p>The Penguins are four points out of the final wild-card spot in the Eastern Conference. Despite the issues, Sullivan said he isn't worried about the mental impact the losses could have on his group.</p><p>"No, I'm worried about making sure that we play defense," Sullivan said. "If we play defense, we'll win games. ... We've gotta be harder to play against. We've gotta find a comfort level in playing in our own end. That boils down to details and commitment. And that's what we gotta do."</p>

PITTSBURGH, PA - NOVEMBER 11: Mike Sullivan of the Pittsburgh Penguins looks on against the Dallas Stars at PPG PAINTS Arena on November 11, 2024 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

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The Tampa Lightning made forward Brayden Point a healthy scratch for Tuesday's game against the B...

<p>The Tampa Lightning made forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/4013" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4013">Brayden Point</a> a healthy scratch for Tuesday's game against the Boston Bruins for missing a team meeting.</p><p>Point leads the Lightning with 25 goals. He has 47 points in 37 games this season.</p><p>The 28-year-old has 122 goals since the start of the 2022-23 campaign, ranking fourth league-wide in that span.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Point will represent Canada at the 4 Nations Face-Off in February. He was one of the initial six players named to the roster in June.</p><p>Canada tabbed Lightning head coach Jon Cooper to be the national team's bench boss for the tournament.</p><p>Tampa Bay is 23-15-3 and sits third in the Atlantic Division with 49 points.</p>

PITTSBURGH, PA - JANUARY 12: Tampa Bay Lightning center Brayden Point (21) turns up ice during the third period in the NHL game between the Pittsburgh Penguins and the Tampa Bay Lightning on January 12, 2025, at PPG Paints Arena in Pittsburgh, PA.

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Pittsburgh Penguins forward Michael Bunting was involved in a car accident Sunday outside of PPG ...

<p>Pittsburgh Penguins forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/9973" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/9973">Michael Bunting</a> was involved in a car accident Sunday outside of PPG Paints Arena, head coach Mike Sullivan told reporters, according to <a href="https://x.com/PensInsideScoop/status/1878535159407931765">team reporter Michelle Crechiolo</a>.</p><p>Sullivan added that everyone involved in the incident is OK, but Bunting won't play in Sunday's game against the Tampa Bay Lightning.</p><p>Bunting has 13 goals and 25 points in 43 games this season. Pittsburgh acquired the 29-year-old from the Carolina Hurricanes last year as part of the <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/5578" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/5578">Jake Guentzel</a> trade.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The Scarborough, Ontario, native has 89 goals and 206 points in 311 career games between the Arizona Coyotes, Toronto Maple Leafs, Hurricanes, and Penguins.</p>

DETROIT, MICHIGAN - DECEMBER 31: Michael Bunting #8 of the Pittsburgh Penguins turns up ice against the Detroit Red Wings during the second period of the annual New Years Eve game at Little Caesars Arena on December 31, 2024 in Detroit, Michigan. Detroit defeated Pittsburgh 4-2.

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Canada blanked the United States 3-0 to win gold at the Under-18 women's world championship on Su...

<p>Canada blanked the United States 3-0 to win gold at the Under-18 women's world championship on Sunday.</p><p>Caileigh Tiller and Dorothy Copetti found the back of the net for Canada before Stryker Zablocki added an empty-netter. Marilou Grenier stopped all 14 shots she faced.</p><p>The title is Canada's eighth at the tournament after finishing third last year.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="fr" dir="ltr">Raise it up, Chloe! 🏆<br><br>Soulève-le bien haut, Chloe! 🏆<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/U18WomensWorlds?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#U18WomensWorlds</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MondialFemininM18?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MondialFemininM18</a> <a href="https://t.co/fFlpHCHZXW">pic.twitter.com/fFlpHCHZXW</a></p>— Hockey Canada (@HockeyCanada) <a href="https://twitter.com/HockeyCanada/status/1878525977787281817?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 12, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Defender Chloe Primerano ends her U18 career tied with Marie-Philip Poulin as Canada's all-time scoring leader at the event. Primerano accrued 12 goals and 26 points in 12 games over two tourneys.</p><p>Zablocki led the U18s with eight goals and 12 points in six contests.</p><p>Slovakian phenom Nela Lopusanova was named MVP after tallying five goals and 11 points in five games. She picked up a point on all but three of Slovakia's goals. Lopusanova is the first player to win MVP twice in the tournament's history.</p><p>Here is the tournament's media All-Star team:</p><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Position</th>
<th>Player</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Forward</td>
<td>🇺🇸 Bella Fanale</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Forward</td>
<td>🇸🇰 Nela Lopusanova</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Forward</td>
<td>🇨🇦 Stryker Zablocki</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Defender</td>
<td>🇺🇸 Megan Healy</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Defender</td>
<td>🇨🇦 Chloe Primerano</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Goaltender</td>
<td>🇺🇸 Morgan Stickney</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>Fanale won Best Forward and Primerano took home Best Defender, as chosen by the directorate. Czech goaltender Daniela Novakova earned Best Goaltender.</p><p>Primerano joins Americans Jincy Roese and Cayla Barnes as the only players to win Best Defender twice.</p><p>The Under-18s are the top junior tournament in women's hockey.</p>

UTICA, NEW YORK - APRIL 14: Emma Maltais #27 of Canada waits for the Gold Medal presentation after the win over United States during the 2024 IIHF Women's World Championship Gold Medal game at Adirondack Bank Center on April 14, 2024 in Utica, New York.

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Head coach Ryan Huska gave full credit to goaltender Dustin Wolf for getting the Calgary Flames t...

<p>Head coach Ryan Huska gave full credit to goaltender <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/9990" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/9990">Dustin Wolf</a> for getting the Calgary Flames through an early barrage in Saturday's 2-1 win against the Los Angeles Kings.</p><p>"It wasn't the group (that got us through it), it was Wolf," Huska <a href="https://www.nhl.com/flames/video/postgame-huska-11-01-25-6366984594112">said</a> postgame.</p><p>Wolf made 11 stops in the opening four minutes of the contest.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>"We were able to hang around because our goaltender made some saves," Huska added. "Once we got through the first period, our game got a little bit better. We got a really big power-play goal, and our penalty kill did a really good job for us tonight. Hung around for a bit, and then we found a way to win.</p><p>"There's certain situations where your goaltender, that's what they get paid for. They have to be your best player in certain situations, and he was there."</p><p>The Kings outshot the Flames 17-4 in the first period but only led 1-0 at the end of the frame. Wolf blanked L.A. over the rest of the contest.</p><p>"Sometimes you're on the receiving end of 17, sometimes you're on the receiving end of four," Wolf <a href="https://www.nhl.com/flames/video/postgame-wolf-11-01-25-6366984676112">said</a>. "It certainly got me into the game pretty quick, and I'm just glad we got out of that period 1-0."</p><p>Wolf has a .916 save percentage and an impressive 14-6-2 record in 22 games this season. He's been particularly strong on home ice at the Scotiabank Saddledome, sporting a .936 SV% and an 11-2-1 record.</p><p>"Home is home," Wolf said. "You do your job, and you have 20,000 cheering you on. There's certainly a comfort level for myself and our group here. We want to make this a very difficult place to come in and play."</p><p>The Flames are fifth in the Pacific Division and one point behind the Vancouver Canucks for the second wild-card spot in the Western Conference.</p><p>"My job is to come in here and try to stop as many pucks as I can and help the team win games," Wolf told <a href="https://x.com/Sportsnet/status/1878320076471845331">Sportsnet's Scott Oake</a>. "It doesn't matter how you win 'em; it just matters if you add two points to our standings."</p><p> </p>

CALGARY, ALBERTA - JANUARY 11: Dustin Wolf #32 of the Calgary Flames skates against the Los Angeles Kings at the Scotiabank Saddledome on January 11, 2025 in Calgary, Alberta.

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The Minnesota Frost activated defender Sophie Jaques from long-term injured reserve, the team ann...

<p>The Minnesota Frost activated defender Sophie Jaques from long-term injured reserve, the team announced Sunday.</p><p>Jaques hasn't suited up since sustaining an upper-body injury Dec. 19 against the Ottawa Charge in an awkward collision with forward Mannon McMahon.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">A look at that hit, kind of a hip check by McMahon <a href="https://t.co/WSBofaQc19">https://t.co/WSBofaQc19</a> <a href="https://t.co/HFAwVEAGKi">pic.twitter.com/HFAwVEAGKi</a></p>— CJ Fogler 🫡 (@cjzero) <a href="https://twitter.com/cjzero/status/1869945103407603993?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 20, 2024</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>The Frost went 3-2-0 in five games without Jaques. All three wins came in overtime or the shootout.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Jaques has three assists and 17 shots in four games this season while playing 21:57 per game.</p><p>The Frost acquired Jaques from the Boston Fleet for forward Susanna Tapani and defender Abby Cook last year in the PWHL's first trade. Jaques led all Minnesota defenders with 10 points last season despite playing the first seven games of the campaign with Boston.</p><p>Minnesota faces the Montreal Victoire at the Colorado Avalanche's Ball Arena in Denver as part of the PWHL's Takeover Tour on Sunday.</p>

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Outdoor NHL hockey is coming to the Sunshine State.  The Florida Panthers will host the New York ...

<p>Outdoor NHL hockey is coming to the Sunshine State.</p><p>The Florida Panthers will host the New York Rangers for the Winter Classic on Jan. 2, 2026, and the Tampa Bay Lightning will face the Boston Bruins as part of the Stadium Series on Feb. 1, 2026, the NHL announced Wednesday.</p><p>The Panthers and Rangers will play at loanDepot Park, home of MLB's Miami Marlins. The Lightning will take on the Bruins at Raymond James Stadium, which hosts the NFL's Tampa Bay Buccaneers.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>"Stanley Cups, strings of sellouts, and the exponential growth of youth and high school hockey throughout the state have demonstrated that Florida is a hockey hotbed," commissioner Gary Bettman said in a statement. "Outdoor NHL games in the Sunshine State? Never let it be said that our league isn't willing to accept a challenge."</p><p>The Lightning faced the Nashville Predators outdoors as part of the 2022 Stadium Series. The Panthers have never played an outdoor game.</p><p>The Rangers are a perfect 5-0-0 in outdoor games, most recently beating the New York Islanders 6-5 in overtime at MetLife Stadium in 2024.</p><p>The Bruins last played outdoors at the 2023 Winter Classic at Fenway Park. Boston is 4-1-0 all time in outdoor contests.</p><p>The St. Louis Blues beat the Chicago Blackhawks 6-2 in the Winter Classic on Dec. 31. The Columbus Blue Jackets host the Detroit Red Wings at Ohio Stadium on Mar. 1.</p>

TAMPA, FLORIDA - APRIL 25: Aleksander Barkov #16 of the Florida Panthers carries the puck against Nikita Kucherov #86 of the Tampa Bay Lightning in the third period during Game Three of the First Round of the 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Amalie Arena on April 25, 2024 in Tampa, Florida.

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New York Rangers forward Matt Rempe knows he has to avoid another dangerous hit as he prepares to...

<p>New York Rangers forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/9310" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/9310">Matt Rempe</a> knows he has to avoid another dangerous hit as he prepares to return from an eight-game suspension.</p><p>"If (a hit is) anyway in doubt, I feel like I err on the side of caution right now," Rempe told <a href="https://x.com/Peter_Baugh/status/1877061659836940625">The Athletic's Peter Baugh</a> on Wednesday. "I'm a marked man right now. I've gotta keep it clean.</p><p>He added: "I've got to still play my game, but it can't happen again, or it's going to be a huge suspension. I've got to be a lot smarter. I don't have to make every hit, if that makes sense."</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Rempe is eligible to return Thursday against the New Jersey Devils but is projected to be a healthy scratch based on line rushes at Wednesday's practice, according to <a href="https://x.com/Peter_Baugh/status/1877053351973581143">Baugh</a>.</p><p>The NHL suspended Rempe in December for elbowing Dallas Stars defenseman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/6612" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/6612">Miro Heiskanen</a>. The ban was the second of his 22-game NHL career and the fourth time he's been ejected from a contest.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Matt Rempe gets tossed for this hit on Miro Heiskanen in his 1st game back up with the Rangers 😬 <a href="https://t.co/uvVAxvILJd">pic.twitter.com/uvVAxvILJd</a></p>— Gino Hard (@GinoHard_) <a href="https://twitter.com/GinoHard_/status/1870308847166128297?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 21, 2024</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Rempe, listed at 6-foot-8, has zero points and 24 penalty minutes in five NHL games this season. The 22-year-old has three goals, five points, and 22 penalty minutes in 18 AHL contests.</p><p>"I'm so big, I can get going," Rempe said. "I've got to be able to pick my hits. I've got to make sure it's going to be a good hit because I can make a big impact with that. If I'm going to make every hit, some of them are risky. Guys are trying to duck out of the way at the last second, and I'm so big that if I catch a piece or something like that, I'm gone 20 games. I can't let anything like that happen. I've got to be a bit more controlled."</p><p>Rempe <a href="https://x.com/Peter_Baugh/status/1877058653842289070">said</a> he spoke with Department of Player Safety head George Parros in the summer about what hits are legal.</p><p>"I want to be the most physical guy there is," Rempe said. "But if I'm on the ice, I can't do (what I did in Dallas)."</p>

DALLAS, TX - DECEMBER 20: New York Rangers center Matt Rempe (73) waits for the puck to drop during the game between the Dallas Stars and the New York Rangers on December 20, 2024 at American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas.

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The Toronto Maple Leafs would prefer to add a center with term remaining on their contract, Sport...

<p>The Toronto Maple Leafs would prefer to add a center with term remaining on their contract, <a href="https://www.sportsnet.ca/nhl/article/32-thoughts-what-happened-between-canucks-rangers/">Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman</a> reports.</p><p>The Leafs are running <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/5586" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/5586">Auston Matthews</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/794" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/794">John Tavares</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3007" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3007">Max Domi</a>, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/6397" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/6397">David Kampf</a> down the middle. Matthews has missed 15 games this season, leaving Toronto thin for top-six center options when he's been unavailable.</p><p>Domi, Kampf, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/11027" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/11027">Pontus Holmberg</a> each lined up as a top-six center in Matthews' most recent absence. The trio have combined to score seven goals this campaign.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Toronto acquired forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/9881" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/9881">Connor Dewar</a> and defensemen <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/7697" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/7697">Ilya Lyubushkin</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/2136" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/2136">Joel Edmundson</a> before last season's trade deadline. All three were on expiring contracts, though the club re-signed Dewar as a restricted free agent.</p><p>The Leafs have $1.36 million of cap space, according to <a href="https://puckpedia.com/team/toronto-maple-leafs">PuckPedia</a>.</p><p>The trade deadline is March 7 at 3 p.m. ET.</p><p> </p>

TORONTO, ON - DECEMBER 31: John Tavares #91 of the Toronto Maple Leafs celebrates scoring a goal with Jake McCabe #22; William Nylander and Morgan Rielly #44 during the third period against the New York Islanders at the Scotiabank Arena on December 31, 2024 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

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Report: Leafs prefer to add center with term

The Minnesota Wild are among the teams interested in New York Islanders forward Brock Nelson, rep...

<p>The Minnesota Wild are among the teams interested in New York Islanders forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/2524" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/2524">Brock Nelson</a>, reports <a href="https://www.dailyfaceoff.com/news/islanders-brock-nelson-leads-first-trade-targets-board-of-2025">Daily Faceoff's Frank Seravalli</a>.</p><p>Nelson has 10 goals and 21 points in 40 games, notably off the pace of his 34-goal, 69-point campaign last season. The 33-year-old has a $6-million cap hit and is set to become an unrestricted free agent this summer.</p><p>The Minnesota native is playing 19:03 per game and has won 54.1% of his faceoffs this season, both of which are career highs.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Wild general manager Bill Guerin selected Nelson for Team USA's 4 Nations Face-Off roster in December. The new tournament takes place Feb. 12-20.</p><p>Nelson has spent his entire 12-season NHL career with the Islanders. New York drafted him in 2010, and he's accumulated 285 goals and 552 points in 880 contests.</p><p>In the playoffs, Nelson has tallied 27 goals and 50 points in 78 games. He tied for the Islanders' lead in postseason goals when New York went to back-to-back conference finals in 2020 and 2021.</p><p>The Wild are second in the Central Division with a 25-11-4 record. Minnesota has $441,665 of cap space, according to <a href="https://puckpedia.com/team/minnesota-wild">PuckPedia</a>.</p><p>The Islanders are last in the Metropolitan Division but only four points out of the second wild-card spot in the Eastern Conference.</p><p> </p>

ELMONT, NEW YORK - DECEMBER 10: Brock Nelson #29 of the New York Islanders in action against the Los Angeles Kings at UBS Arena on December 10, 2024 in Elmont, New York. Los Angeles Kings defeated the New York Islanders 3-1.

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Report: Wild among teams interested in Islanders' Nelson

World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler withdrew from The American Express as he continues to recover from ...

<p>World No. 1 <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///pga/players/1540" href="https://thescore.com/pga/players/1540">Scottie Scheffler</a> withdrew from The American Express as he continues to recover from a hand injury, he announced on Instagram.</p><p>Scheffler punctured the palm of his right hand with broken glass while preparing dinner on Christmas Day. He needed surgery to remove small glass fragments from his hand.</p><p>The American Express takes place in La Quinta, California from Jan. 16-19.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>It's the second tournament Scheffler has withdrawn from since the injury. He also missed The Sentry in Hawaii.</p><p>The 28-year-old hopes to start his season at the AT&amp;T Pebble Beach Pro-Am, which begins Jan. 30.</p><p>Scheffler won seven TOUR events last campaign and is the reigning FedEx Cup champion.</p>

NASSAU, BAHAMAS - DECEMBER 08: Scottie Scheffler of The United States plays his tee shot on the 15th hole during the final round of the Hero World Challenge 2024 at Albany Golf Course on December 08, 2024 in Nassau, Bahamas.

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Scheffler withdraws from The American Express due to hand injury

Vancouver Canucks forward Elias Pettersson knows he needs to improve his play to live up to his $...

<p>Vancouver Canucks forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/7699" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/7699">Elias Pettersson</a> knows he needs to improve his play to live up to his $11.6-million cap hit.</p><p>"I haven't had the start (to the season) that I wanted to," Pettersson told <a href="https://www.sportsnet.ca/nhl/article/canucks-pettersson-keeping-focus-on-turning-season-around-amid-trade-noise/">Sportsnet's Iain MacIntyre</a>. "At the end of the day, I have expectations from the club, and, obviously, I haven't met them yet. But, I mean, it doesn't matter what people say. I know what I can do, and that's what I'm focusing on doing."</p><p>Canucks general manager Patrik Allvin backed Pettersson in December but <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3174911" href="https://thescore.com/news/3174911">scrutinized</a> his recent play and didn't rule out the potential for a trade.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>"I know I can do better," Pettersson said. "I will be the first one to say it, and I never think things will get easier."</p><p>Pettersson has 10 goals and 28 points in 34 games this season. The Swede struggled in the playoffs last spring, tallying only one goal and six points in 13 contests. He's currently sidelined with an undisclosed injury.</p><p>The 26-year-old admitted he's aware of recent trade talk amid an apparent rift with teammate <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/2170" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/2170">J.T. Miller</a>.</p><p>"But then it's like, can I control it? No," Pettersson said. "So that's where I'm at. I'm trying not to think about it. But I'm sure it will go away if I play better and if we win."</p><p>Pettersson signed an eight-year, $92.8-million extension with the Canucks in March. He made it clear he wants his future to remain in Vancouver.</p><p>"That's why I signed here," he said. "Of course."</p><p>Pettersson is trying to look ahead to improve his game rather than focus on his past performances.</p><p>"I'm always trying to be the best player I can be every game," Pettersson said. "Some games are going to be better than others (but) every day is a new day and now that I'm back playing, I'm excited.</p><p>"I'm trying to not live in the past. Obviously, I wish I had played a lot better. I wished I played a lot of games better. But I've tried to learn to not play too much in the past and just try to focus on what I can do better. What's happened in the past and my play doesn't matter. I'm just trying to look forward to what's ahead."</p>

VANCOUVER, CANADA - DECEMBER 14: Elias Pettersson #40 of the Vancouver Canucks steps onto the ice during their NHL game against the Boston Bruins at Rogers Arena on December 14, 2024 in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.

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Pettersson: I haven't met Canucks' expectations yet

Our first mock draft of the 2025 cycle takes a look at the 16 lottery picks following the World J...

<p>Our first mock draft of the 2025 cycle takes a look at the 16 lottery picks following the World Junior Championship.</p><p><em>Selection order is based on points percentage through games on Jan. 5.</em></p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="1. Blackhawks" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-UZ4ZP" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/UZ4ZP/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="99" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",(function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r=0;r<e.length;r++)if(e[r].contentWindow===a.source){var i=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";e[r].style.height=i}}}))}();
</script></figure><p>The Blackhawks have a fascinating decision to make if they get the No. 1 pick. Do you solidify the long-term prospects on the backend or get a much-needed running mate for Connor Bedard?</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Chicago goes for the luring size and skill profile of Martone here after passing on top forwards in last year's draft at second overall.</p><p>Martone has decimated the OHL with 21 goals and 55 points in only 27 games. He's listed at 6-foot-3 and over 200 pounds, a key factor considering the Blackhawks lack size among the top forward prospects currently in their system.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="2. Sharks" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-OLSl2" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/OLSl2/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="99" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",(function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r=0;r<e.length;r++)if(e[r].contentWindow===a.source){var i=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";e[r].style.height=i}}}))}();
</script></figure><p>The Sharks have a budding superstar up front in Macklin Celebrini and one of the top young goaltenders in the sport in Yaroslav Askarov. What better way to put the rebuild in overdrive than by adding a truly elite-level defense prospect?</p><p>Schaefer has taken junior hockey by storm this season. One of the youngest players eligible for the 2025 draft, Schaefer has taken his game to new heights with 22 points in 17 OHL games. He was an absolute stud at the Hlinka Gretzky Cup in August, and he looked like a game-breaker at the world juniors before he sustained a tournament-ending injury.</p><p>The idea of Celebrini receiving breakout passes from Schaefer for 15 years is mouthwatering.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="3. Predators" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-trPKx" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/trPKx/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="99" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",(function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r=0;r<e.length;r++)if(e[r].contentWindow===a.source){var i=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";e[r].style.height=i}}}))}();
</script></figure><p>Hagens was the projected No. 1 pick coming into the 2025 cycle and still has a very strong case to go atop the board. He slides to No. 3 here after the Blackhawks opt for size and the Sharks go for the clear-cut top defender.</p><p>The Predators desperately need a difference-maker down the middle, and no prospect in the class provides that quite like Hagens. The 5-foot-11 center plays an intelligent game with pace, reminiscent of Jack Hughes at times.</p><p>Hagens was great as Team USA's top-line center and has been just as good at Boston College. Don't perceive him dropping to No. 3 here as an indictment on his campaign; he's been as impactful as expected coming into the season.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="4. Sabres" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-usp9g" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/usp9g/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="99" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",(function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r=0;r<e.length;r++)if(e[r].contentWindow===a.source){var i=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";e[r].style.height=i}}}))}();
</script></figure><p>Misa has made a seamless transition to full-time center after featuring primarily on the wing the past couple of seasons. Granted exceptional status in 2022, Misa has found another level in 2024-25, scoring a ridiculous 32 goals and 66 points in 34 games this season.</p><p>It's easy to see Misa's style translating well to the NHL. He plays with speed, skill, and creativity, but he also goes to the net and can finish plays in hard areas.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="5. Islanders" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-IEnX8" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/IEnX8/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="99" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",(function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r=0;r<e.length;r++)if(e[r].contentWindow===a.source){var i=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";e[r].style.height=i}}}))}();
</script></figure><p>McQueen looked like he would contend in the top three before sustaining a back injury in October. He could still push higher if he picks up where he left off whenever he returns. But the longer he remains on the sideline, the harder it is to see him truly challenging that high.</p><p>Still, his 6-foot-5 frame in combination with his puck skills will have scouts salivating at his potential.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="7. Kraken" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-OiDbo" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/OiDbo/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="99" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",(function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r=0;r<e.length;r++)if(e[r].contentWindow===a.source){var i=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";e[r].style.height=i}}}))}();
</script></figure><p>The Kraken have never drafted a defenseman in the first round. There's a first for everything, and Smith has a lot of qualities Seattle should covet. The Calgary native is mobile, has defensive acumen, and possesses intriguing skill. He has a tool kit that could turn him into a real hit if it all comes together.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="6. Rangers" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-hXn1V" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/hXn1V/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="99" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",(function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r=0;r<e.length;r++)if(e[r].contentWindow===a.source){var i=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";e[r].style.height=i}}}))}();
</script></figure><p>The younger brother of Sharks forward William Eklund, Victor has excelled this season in the Swedish second-tier pro league and was impactful at the world juniors. Only four draft-eligible players have scored at a higher rate than Eklund's current 0.63 points per game in the Allsvenskan: Elias Pettersson, William Nylander, Alexander Wennberg, and David Pastrnak.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="7. Ducks" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-Ypu6o" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/Ypu6o/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="99" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",(function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r=0;r<e.length;r++)if(e[r].contentWindow===a.source){var i=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";e[r].style.height=i}}}))}();
</script></figure><p>Hensler is an impressive skater with offensive skills while being listed at 6-foot-2 and shooting right-handed. He burst onto the scene with the U.S. NTDP in 2022-23 and hasn't quite continued on the potential star-level trajectory he was on, but the tools are there, and he plays a premium position. Even if he's much more likely to be a good top-four defender rather than a top-pairing guy now, he'll still draw lots of interest in the top 10.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="5. Red Wings" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-oyUEb" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/oyUEb/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="99" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",(function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r=0;r<e.length;r++)if(e[r].contentWindow===a.source){var i=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";e[r].style.height=i}}}))}();
</script></figure><p>Frondell has yet to fully hit his stride this season after a great campaign in the Swedish junior league last year. He's battled some injuries, so finishing strong with a positive bill of health could see him surge back into the top five. He's a dangerous shooter and a good playmaker who's at times looked like he has the potential to become a top-line center.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="11. Flyers" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-qnz3d" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/qnz3d/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="99" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",(function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r=0;r<e.length;r++)if(e[r].contentWindow===a.source){var i=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";e[r].style.height=i}}}))}();
</script></figure><p>Ryabkin was considered a top-five prospect coming into the cycle after putting together the best season by a 16-year-old ever in the current Russian junior league. Yes, Ryabkin was more productive at the same age than Matvei Michkov, Nikita Kucherov, Kirill Kaprizov, Ivan Demidov, and everyone else.</p><p>So why is he at the end of the top 10 now? Ryabkin had a putrid season in Russia, but he's recently moved to the USHL. A two-goal debut with Muskegon could be a sign of things to come. A strong end to the campaign could see Ryabkin soar right back into the top half of the top 10.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="13. Penguins" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-pK8vL" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/pK8vL/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="99" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",(function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r=0;r<e.length;r++)if(e[r].contentWindow===a.source){var i=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";e[r].style.height=i}}}))}();
</script></figure><p>A QMJHL player hasn't been drafted in the first round in two years, and a prospect from the league hasn't gone in the top 10 since Alexis Lafreniere went first overall in 2020.</p><p>The former will certainly change with Desnoyers, and he could very well go in the top 10, too. He plays with skill, has a projectable frame at 6-foot-2, and doesn't shy away physically. Desnoyers has all the traits to become a quality second-line center.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="12. Blue Jackets" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-o9ChD" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/o9ChD/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="99" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",(function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r=0;r<e.length;r++)if(e[r].contentWindow===a.source){var i=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";e[r].style.height=i}}}))}();
</script></figure><p>Physicality and compete make Aitcheson a player that general managers will fall in love with. Though the Toronto native is on the older side of the draft class, he's produced well over the past two seasons and plays with a mean streak that makes him unique. He has 10 goals and 25 points in 33 games this season, plus 213 penalty minutes in his 120-game OHL career.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="10. Canadiens" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-rAyub" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/rAyub/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="99" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",(function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r=0;r<e.length;r++)if(e[r].contentWindow===a.source){var i=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";e[r].style.height=i}}}))}();
</script></figure><p>Moore was born and raised in Ontario, but he opted to join the U.S. NTDP in 2023. The 6-foot-2 center is well-rounded but lacks an elite trait to vault him into the conversation as a top-10 prospect. A Boston College commit, Moore projects as a steady second-line center.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="13. Blues" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-XGWH7" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/XGWH7/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="99" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",(function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r=0;r<e.length;r++)if(e[r].contentWindow===a.source){var i=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";e[r].style.height=i}}}))}();
</script></figure><p>Spence is one of the oldest first-time eligible players for the 2025 draft, almost a full year older than Erie teammate Matthew Schaefer. He has a strong 6-foot-2, 200-pound frame and has put up consistently quality numbers in the OHL. He could play a role in the NHL sooner than later.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="15. Utah" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-Watt7" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/Watt7/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="81" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",(function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r=0;r<e.length;r++)if(e[r].contentWindow===a.source){var i=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";e[r].style.height=i}}}))}();
</script></figure><p>O'Brien won OHL Rookie of the Year last season and has taken a step this year, particularly as a goal-scorer. After netting 13 goals in 61 games in 2023-24, he already has 21 tallies in 38 games this campaign. He has intriguing offensive upside with his 6-foot-2 frame.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="16. Canadiens" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-1Ldat" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/1Ldat/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="99" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",(function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r=0;r<e.length;r++)if(e[r].contentWindow===a.source){var i=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";e[r].style.height=i}}}))}();
</script></figure><p><em>Montreal receives the Calgary Flames' first-round selection if the pick is outside of the top 10.</em></p><p>A move to the WHL has allowed Mrtka to play big minutes after struggling to find a consistent role in his native Czechia. He's been impressive with the Seattle Thunderbirds, producing 11 points in 14 games. Mrtka is listed at 6-foot-6 and has the defensive acumen to potentially be a great complement to Lane Hutson or Kaiden Guhle down the road.</p>

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NHL mock draft: Martone leads post-WJHC projections

Boston Bruins captain Brad Marchand expects the new 4 Nations Face-Off tournament to be very comp...

<p>Boston Bruins captain <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/100" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/100">Brad Marchand</a> expects the new 4 Nations Face-Off tournament to be very competitive.</p><p>"Guys will be out for blood," Marchand said Saturday, according to <a href="https://x.com/sunhornby/status/1875593551675060269">Postmedia's Lance Hornby</a>. "It's not an exhibition match. Doesn't matter how quick it's thrown together. You want to make (Canada) and your team proud."</p><p>The 4 Nations Face-Off replaces the All-Star Game this season and will take place Feb. 12-20. Canada faces Sweden and the U.S. in Montreal before finishing the round-robin against Finland in Boston, where the final will also be played.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>"It's a huge honor," Marchand <a href="https://x.com/Sportsnet/status/1875605627755753977">added</a>. "To be able to play in both Canada and in Boston is going to be special. You look at teams that are matched up against you, they're all stacked. You can pick out of a hat who could win that tournament. They're all incredible groups. Any time you get the best on best and you're playing for your country, there's extremely high expectations."</p><p>Marchand added: "It'll be nice not to get booed in Montreal."</p><p>Marchand was one of six initial players named to Canada's roster in the summer. The 36-year-old has 15 goals and 31 points in 40 games this season.</p><p>The Nova Scotia native has suited up for Canada four times, winning gold on each occasion. He was victorious at the 2007 and 2008 world juniors, the 2016 World Championship, and, most notably, the 2016 World Cup of Hockey.</p><p>Canada and the other three competing nations named their full rosters in December.</p>

WASHINGTON, DC - DECEMBER 31: Brad Marchand #63 of the Boston Bruins skates with the puck against the Washington Capitals during the second period of the game at Capital One Arena on December 31, 2024 in Washington, DC.

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Marchand: 'Guys will be out for blood' at 4 Nations

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