
Michigan State hockey commit Eric Nilson picked by Anaheim Ducks in 2025 NHL Entry Draft
We have selected Swedish center Eric Nilson with the 45th overall pick! #NHLDraft | @Honda pic.twitter.com/tOClO5kqbw
Another future Spartan has been selected in the 2025 NHL Entry Draft.
Michigan State hockey commit Eric Nilson has been selected by the Anaheim Ducks in the second round of the 2025 NHL Entry Draft. Nilson -- who is considered a center -- was picked by the Ducks with the No. 45 overall pick.
Nilson committed to Michigan State last month, and is expected to join the Spartans roster for the upcoming season. He is a 2007-born native of Calgary, Alberta, Canada, but coming from Swedish heritage. Nilson is the son of former NHL player Marcus Nilson, who played 10 seasons in the league, racking up 270 points.
Nilson is one of many current or future Spartans that were selected so far in the 2025 NHL Entry Draft. Michigan State will once again be a top five team entering the season, with plenty of future NHL talent on the roster.
Stay with Spartans Wire for additional NHL Draft coverage.
Contact/Follow us @The SpartansWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Michigan State news, notes and opinion. You can also follow Robert Bondy on X @RobertBondy5.
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New York Times
27 minutes ago
- New York Times
What a Mitch Marner deal would mean for the Golden Knights and their cap situation
LAS VEGAS – The Vegas Golden Knights' front office spent the second day of the decentralized NHL Draft on the second floor of their practice facility. The team made four picks on Saturday, but spent part of the day discussing a trade to acquire the rights of pending unrestricted free agent Mitch Marner from the Toronto Maple Leafs, league sources told Chris Johnston of The Athletic. Advertisement Vegas general manager Kelly McCrimmon and Toronto GM Brad Treliving declined to discuss the potential deal on Saturday afternoon. 'I'm not going to comment,' Treliving told reporters in Toronto. 'I think you'd always like to get something (back in a trade), right? That's not always the case, but that's as far as I want to get into it. We'll see how things go.' McCrimmon began his post-draft news conference by saying, 'I know you'll have questions we'll get to in time … with respect to free agency and our roster speculation that's out there at different times surrounding our team.' TSN's Darren Dreger reported Saturday evening that there was more work to be done for the trade to happen, but there are still two days before Marner becomes a free agent on July 1. If the trade did get completed, it would allow Vegas to sign Marner before he hit the open market. Marner is the top player available in this free agent class, and signing him would add to Vegas' already impressive list of blockbuster acquisitions over the last several years. In terms of the match, it makes sense for both sides. Vegas' most obvious need, after bowing out of the playoffs in the second round to Edmonton, is offensive firepower on the wing, and Marner fits that perfectly. He was fifth in the NHL in scoring this year with 102 points, and his 741 points are the fourth-most by a winger since he entered the league in 2016-17. His 520 assists during that span are third among wingers behind only Tampa Bay's Nikita Kucherov and the New York Rangers' Artemi Panarin. Marner is an elite playmaker on the wing, which is what the Golden Knights need most. On top of that, he would be a good fit for Vegas' defensively-minded forward group, which already features strong two-way players such as Jack Eichel, Mark Stone and William Karlsson. Marner has received votes for the Selke Trophy for seven straight seasons and was a finalist for the award – given to the league's best defensive forward – in 2023. He led all Maple Leafs forwards in penalty-killing minutes this season, and has been one of Toronto's most relied-upon killers over the last several years. Advertisement Marner has also been excellent on the power play for the Maple Leafs, having topped 20 power-play points in every season of his career (excluding the shortened 2020-21). He put up six goals and 27 assists with a man advantage in 2024-25, and would add to Vegas' second-ranked power play unit. There's no question that adding a play-driver such as Marner would make Vegas more dangerous. The biggest questions are, why give up trade assets when he is set to hit the open market in less than three days, and how does this all work under the salary cap? Vegas fourth-line center Nicolas Roy is part of the package that Vegas is considering sending to Toronto, Johnston reported on Saturday. He has two years left on his contract with a cap hit of $3 million, and while the Golden Knights would need to shed cap space to sign Marner, it does feel like a steep price to pay for a player who soon will be available as a free agent. Perhaps Vegas is seeking an eighth year on Marner's upcoming extension, which can only be accomplished by having him sign the deal with the Maple Leafs before a trade. Perhaps other teams are trying to trade for Marner's rights before Vegas would have the chance to sign him on the open market. Losing Roy would hurt Vegas' depth, but if Marner continues putting up over 100 points per season, it would be a small price to pay to secure his rights. Which brings us to the next point: How would the Golden Knights fit what expects to be a massive contract extension for Marner into their already tight salary cap situation? The cap-ceiling bump to $95.5 million certainly helps, but assuming Marner gets between $12 million and $14 million per year (his current projected market value), that would give Vegas close to $50 million (more than half of the total cap) committed to only five players (Marner, Eichel, Stone, Alex Pietrangelo and Shea Theodore). Beyond that, Vegas would have more than $80 million (upward of 80 percent of the cap) committed to its top 10 players, leaving little cap space to fill the rest of the roster out. Advertisement Putting aside any potential Marner extension for a minute, here's how Vegas' cap situation looks: The Golden Knights currently have approximately $5.6 million in cap space, with 11 forwards, seven defensemen and two goalies on the roster for 2025-26. That doesn't include deals for pending restricted free agents Nicolas Hague, Jonas Rondbjerg, Cole Schwindt and Alexander Holtz. Subtract Roy's $3 million salary for the sake of this discussion, and it leaves them with $8.6 million in cap space. Then there are the questions surrounding Pietrangelo's health, after he dealt with injuries throughout the 2024-25 season. 'We're going to know more on that in the coming days,' McCrimmon said when asked about Pietrangelo's status. 'Alex and I have had a number of discussions. There are some decisions that need to be made.' If Pietrangelo were to land on long-term injured reserve, that would open up $8.8 million in cap space, leaving Vegas with $17.4 million prior to a possible deal with Marner. That wouldn't be much space to sign Marner, another defenseman (whether that be Hague or a free agent), and another forward, but it would be doable. After all, these are the Vegas Golden Knights, who long have been known to get creative when it comes to making the numbers all work. Either way, there's no question this roster has become more top-heavy over the last several years and, as a result, the depth has suffered. Can the group of elite high-end players – which would only get stronger by adding Marner – outweigh those deficiencies? The answer to that question would not only define the Golden Knights' 2025-26 season, but the remainder of their championship window.


New York Post
an hour ago
- New York Post
Islanders add more to cupboard at NHL draft
Day 2 of the draft is usually more interesting as a lead-in to July 1 than for any individual prospect drafted. That felt more the case than normal for the Islanders on Saturday. Consensus was that the Islanders were a winner on the first night of the draft, when general manager Mathieu Darche nabbed Victor Eklund and Kashawn Aitcheson in addition to Matthew Schaefer at No. 1 overall. The picks on Saturday, particularly 6-foot-6 wing Daniil Prokhorov at 42nd overall and toolsy center Luca Romano at 74th, got good reviews from experts, but come training camp, neither will solve the gaping roster hole created by trading Noah Dobson. 3 Daniil Prokhorov poses after being drafted by the Islanders in the second round with the 42nd overall pick during Rounds 2-7 of the 2025 NHL Draft on June 28, 2025 in Los Angeles. Getty Images In a different organization, you'd glance at the roster, survey the prospects and assume the Gavin McKenna tank could be incoming. You'd wonder when the Mat Barzal trade was coming — actually, some people were wondering that, though the answer is that it isn't — and start thinking about the kind of head start Schaefer could give on the full-scale rebuild. Indeed, after Dobson was dealt to the Canadiens for a package including the picks that became Eklund and Aitcheson as well as bottom six wing Emil Heineman, it's a lot easier to see a rebuild path for the Islanders than the pieces of a competitor in 2025-26. That will be of no solace to Darche, who has two simultaneous and contradictory mandates — one to rebuild a prospect pipeline that was completely bereft a year ago and the other to keep the Islanders relevant through 82 games next season. 'We're not going to a rebuild,' he said on a Zoom early Saturday morning East Coast time. 3 Luca Romano smiles after being selected in the third round with the 74th overall pick by the Islanders on Day 2 of the NHL draft. NHLI via Getty Images He nailed the first assignment this weekend. The second will need to be done in free agency, where the Dobson trade gives the Islanders sudden room to maneuver after accounting for restricted free agents Alexander Romanov, Max Tsyplakov, Simon Holmstrom and Heineman. The exact makeup of the roster next season is unclear, with Schaefer, Cal Ritchie and Isaiah George all set to fight for spots in training camp. It's worth noting that Heineman — who has been overlooked as part of the return package — should be a major help to a fourth line that was at best a nonfactor last season. The 6-foot-2 Swede is a raw physical talent — he throws hits, plays with energy and will be embraced by fans. Still, if the Islanders don't address the right side of their blue line in the coming days, it's hard to see how this team could even contend for a playoff spot. 3 Islanders GM Mathieu Darche speaks to the media during his introductory press conference on May 29, 2025. NHLI via Getty Images With Ryan Pulock and Scott Mayfield as the only natural righties on the blue line — Adam Boqvist, a lefty, is comfortable playing his off side — that now looks like an urgent area of need. The Islanders can bring back Tony DeAngelo, who fit well with them last season, can run the power play, eat minutes, help fill the offensive hole left by Dobson and expressed a desire to return on breakup day. That, however, can't be the whole solution; DeAngelo proved last season that he very much belongs in the NHL and can help the Islanders, but playing him 23:21 per game on the top pair again does not seem sustainable. On the ice from Long Island Sign up for Inside the Islanders by Ethan Sears, a weekly Sports+ exclusive. Thank you Enter your email address Please provide a valid email address. By clicking above you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Enjoy this Post Sports+ exclusive newsletter! Check out more newsletters The market for righty defensemen is thin, which is part of the reason why Dobson could command $9.5 million annually despite struggling for much of last season. In a perfect world, the Islanders would take a run at Aaron Ekblad, who is exactly the sort of No. 1 defenseman they need and would bring a Stanley Cup-winning pedigree. Evolving Hockey projects his next contract at six years with an annual $7.685 million cap hit. The number is a little uncomfortable but with the cap set to continue rising and the Islanders newly resourced, they could deal with it. Whether that's a realistic proposition for the Islanders, and whether the market for Ekblad will outstrip that projection following a superb playoff run, is a different proposition that can't be answered as of yet. After that, the options thin out. An Evan Bouchard offer sheet would be in pipe-dream territory. Maybe the Islanders could take a bet on 40-year-old Brent Burns or on the upside of Dante Fabbro or Nick Perbix. Maybe there's a trade they could find, or an offer sheet they'd be willing to bet on. It's as tough an assignment as Darche could have given himself going into July 1. He'll need to come up with something.


New York Times
an hour ago
- New York Times
Best available
The NHL draft is complete as the league's teams search for the next generation of hockey's stars Getty Images The Carolina Panthers have selected 18-year-old Spartak Jr. G Semyon Frolov with the 41st pick in the 2025 NHL Draft. Frolov is a clear NHL athlete with decent size and the exceptional lower-body quickness to make a lot of difficult saves. He's never out of a play with how quickly he recovers and is able to get across the crease. He's a competitive goalie who gives solid second efforts on pucks. His game can be a bit too chaotic at times; I'd ideally like to see less sprawling, diving and squaring up pucks. He can make the efficient saves often enough but he could increase the frequency of that. Getty Images The Philadelphia Flyers have selected 17-year-old USA U18 LW Jack Murtagh with the 40th pick in the 2025 NHL Draft. Murtagh took significant steps forward in his development this season, becoming one of the better players on the U.S. NTDP. He's a gifted forward, with legit speed and skill for the NHL level. On his best shifts when he's beating defenders wide and attacking with his skill, he can be impactful and his shot is a legit weapon from range. His game can be frustrating at times, though. Murtagh doesn't see the ice very well, and his compete level can be average. He has decent size and enough talent, though, that he could find a way to be a bottom-six winger. The Canadiens use their depth of draft capital to move up to 34 for picks 41 and 49 and draft dynamic Russian wing Alexander Zharovsky. The Canadiens also have three third-round picks, so it would not be a huge surprise to see them try to get another pick later in the second round. Getty Images The Pittsburgh Penguins have selected 17-year-old Swift Current D Peyton Kettles with the 39th pick in the 2025 NHL Draft. Kettles stands out immediately as a 6-foot-5 defenseman who can move at an NHL level. He will be able to close on checks and retrieve pucks at the top level due to his mobility. His value is mostly on the defensive side, but he has some offense, too. I've seen him find lanes in the offensive zone and make tough plays, although I don't think he's a natural skill type. As a big man, I'd like to see him use his frame more to push guys around, even if he gives a decent effort. He's a bit vanilla as a player, but good enough overall that he could be a third pair/depth defender for an organization if he hits. Imagn Images The Philadelphia Flyers have selected 18-year-old USA U18 D Carter Amico with the 38th pick in the 2025 NHL Draft. Amico's season ended early due to a knee injury. When he was healthy, he excited a lot of teams due to his athletic tools. He moves very well for a big defenseman, and he's a right-shot as well. He closes on checks well due to his range and length, and is physical, too. Amico's puck play will be the issue for scouts. He shows flashes of skill, but his decisions with the puck aren't great, and at the higher levels, he's likely going to be putting pucks up the boards a lot. If he can generate even a little offense, though, he will make stops like an NHL player. Imagn Images The Blues don't have a second- or third-round pick in the 2025 NHL Draft, but they have plenty to show for it. Last August, they successfully signed defenseman Philip Broberg and forward Dylan Holloway of the Edmonton Oilers to offer sheets. The compensation was a second-round pick for Broberg and a third-round pick for Holloway. 'It is different (not having the two picks), but obviously we believe the value of Broberg and Holloway was worth the second and third,' Blues GM Doug Armstrong said. 'That's just the price of doing business.' Instead of waiting for a pair of 18-year-olds to make their way to the NHL in a few years, Broberg and Holloway have already made an impact in St. Louis. They had a combined 34 goals and 92 points with the Blues in 2024-25. The Washington Capitals have selected 18-year-old Modo Jr. C Milton Gastrin with the 37th pick in the 2025 NHL Draft. Gastrin is a good-sized center who skates well and competes hard. The captain of Sweden's age group, he's a responsible two-way player who creates offense at the net front very well. He has skill, and while I would not describe him as a dynamic offensive type by any means, he makes enough plays to go with his responsible two-way play to make me think he could be a middle-six NHL center. The Seattle Kraken have selected 17-year-old Edmonton D Blake Fiddler with the 36th pick in the 2025 NHL Draft. Fiddler is a defenseman with a lot of NHL traits. To start, at 6-foot-4, he's much bigger than his father, Vernon. He also skates quite well for his size. Fiddler closes on his checks quite well and gets up the ice efficiently. He competes well on the ice, uses his big body to win pucks and makes a lot of defensive plays. He shows flashes of excellent offensive skill, and on the rush, he's quite dangerous due to his great wingspan and skill. His vision is just OK. He doesn't see the ice well and makes too many poor decisions for my liking. I don't see a true NHL power-play type, but he has enough puck play in his game to go with his great athleticism to be a legit pro prospect who could play a lot of minutes in the NHL. Trade call still pending but it's Jordan Spence to Ottawa for a 3rd RD pick this year and a 6th RD pick next year The Nashville Predators have selected 18-year-old Lincoln D Jacob Rombach with the 35th pick in the 2025 NHL Draft. Rombach is a highly intriguing athlete. He's a 6-foot-6 defenseman who can move quite well for a guy his size. His season overall wasn't that great. He played well enough for a top team in Lincoln and for USA at various junior events. He was named a top defenseman at the watered-down World Jr. A Challenge, but otherwise, I never thought he stood out this season. The reason Rombach is listed is his potential. When you're that big and can move, if your puck game is even just OK, you can have a chance to make it. I think Rombach clears that low barrier. His puck play can be a problem at times, and he won't be a points guy, but he makes a decent enough first pass to have a chance to make it. I wish he were a bit meaner to play against for a big man. The Montreal Canadiens have selected 18-year-old Ufa Jr. RW Alexander Zharovsky with the 34th pick in the 2025 NHL Draft. Zharovsky had a highly productive first season in Russia's top junior league, although he did it in the clear worst division in that league, so his scoring needs to be looked at with a grain of salt. He has some obvious tools, though, between his size, speed and skill. Zharovsky can create a lot of entries and chances with the pace in his game. He's a creative offensive player who can beat defenders one-on-one and hit seams in the O-zone. He's not overly physical, but he gets to the net for chances and has a game that could translate to higher levels. He could be a bottom six wing. It's Montreal coming up to 34. The San Jose Sharks have selected 18-year-old Oshawa D Simon Wang with the 33rd pick in the 2025 NHL Draft. Wang was born in Beijing but came up playing hockey in Ontario. He's a premium athlete; there aren't many 6-foot-6 defenders who can skate like he does. Wang has a powerful stride that allows him to easily get up ice and close on checks. He's a great defender due to his wingspan, mobility and penchant to lay the body. The questions will be his puck play at higher levels. Wang shows good skill at the OJHL level, but when he got to the OHL he didn't look like a natural puck-mover, often forcing decisions and not seeing his options effectively. The physical tools and edge in his play should get him NHL games, but his hockey sense is a major question on whether he could stick. Imagn Images Kevin Cheveldayoff has been busy. He explored options to trade down from 28 in the first round but committed to taking Sascha Boumedienne as the pick neared. Now on day two, he's finalized the signing of defenceman Haydn Fleury to a two-year, $950,000 AAV contract -- the timing of which could imply groundwork for a trade. The Jets have eight NHL defencemen under contract now -- nine once Dylan Samberg signs his extension later this summer. What they don't have is a second or fourth round pick, starting the day with only four selections left to make. Moving a depth defenceman (Luke Schenn, Logan Stanley, Ville Heinola) could be a mechanism for Winnipeg to acquire more capital deeper in the draft. Carolina I believe is trading back at 34 too. Don't know who is coming up for it.