Latest news with #32ThoughtsPodcast
Time of India
08-07-2025
- Sport
- Time of India
NHL Trade Rumors: Rangers face tough decision as insider Elliotte Friedman exposes Mika Zibanejad update
Fans are buzzing over a startling NHL insider Elliotte Friedman report on the 32 Thoughts Podcast. He hinted that the New York Rangers are in serious talks with center Mika Zibanejad as the team tries to prevent a repeat of early-season instability. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Behind-the-scenes action in the Big Apple is what really What are Mika Zibanejad's future and the Rangers' plans? On July 8, 2025, Elliotte Friedman said it's clear the New York Rangers are 'trying to figure out a way to make it work' with Mika Zibanejad, even though nothing is certain. He noted the team is not starting this season like the last two, rumors and trade talk are beginning earlier than expected. The Rangers finished strong last spring, but fans and analysts are wary. It seems Zibanejad may need a firmer role or a new deal for the group to stay afloat. As Friedman explained, both sides want a long-term answer but time is ticking with training camp approaching. Mika Zibanejad's recent form adds to the storyline Entering the offseason, Zibanejad signed a notable contract in 2022, securing himself as a stable center in New York. However, the past two seasons saw decreased goal output and reduced ice time. Friedman mentioned 'trade noise' around the Rangers, showing that Zibanejad's future could be under review. In response, some believe moving Zibanejad could free salary cap space and create flexibility. Others think the Rangers want him to stay and regain form, if both sides agree to improve performance and team chemistry. Also Read: This situation offers plenty of debate: is New York wisely pressuring Zibanejad to play better, or is the superstar center facing an unfair crossroads as the franchise heads into another make-or-break campaign?
Edmonton Journal
08-07-2025
- Sport
- Edmonton Journal
The lesson the Carolina Hurricanes can teach the doubters of the Edmonton Oilers' Evan Bouchard
Jake Walman (96), Evan Bouchard (2) and Corey Perry (90) of the Edmonton Oilers, celebrate a late goal from Perry that sent the game to overtime against the Florida Panthers in Game 2 of the Stanley Cup final at Rogers Place in Edmonton on Friday, June 6, 2025. Photo by Shaughn Butts / Postmedia Maybe now the doubters will see the error of their ways and give up dumping all over Evan Bouchard. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Exclusive articles by David Staples, Keith Gerein and others, Oilers news from Cult of Hockey, Ask EJ Anything features, the Noon News Roundup and Under the Dome newsletters. Unlimited online access to Edmonton Journal and 15 news sites with one account. Edmonton Journal ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on. Daily puzzles, including the New York Times Crossword. Support local journalism. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Exclusive articles by David Staples, Keith Gerein and others, Oilers news from Cult of Hockey, Ask EJ Anything features, the Noon News Roundup and Under the Dome newsletters. Unlimited online access to Edmonton Journal and 15 news sites with one account. Edmonton Journal ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on. Daily puzzles, including the New York Times Crossword. Support local journalism. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors Although I will not hold my breath. In the most recent edition of his influential 32 Thoughts Podcast, Elliotte Friedman revealed that the Carolina Hurricanes were a factor in Bouchard's new four-year, $42m contract extension. There has concern for some time that an offer sheet could be lurking out there with Bouchard as a target. Even the super-smart Brian Lawton on Oilers Now! with Bob Stauffer had mused about the possibility, and suggested the club lock the blueliner up before another team took a shot at Bouchard. And in Friedman's piece, at least one National Hockey League team had signaled they were prepared to do just that, as Edmonton was apparently pitching a four-year, $38m deal: Get the latest headlines, breaking news and columns. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. Please try again 'The Hurricanes made it very clear that they had a lot of cap room, as everybody knew, and they were going to use it', said Elliotte Friedman.. After describing Carolina's interest in Mitch Marner, Friedman then continued with this: 'Carolina did a lot of things that are now coming to the surface to show that they were willing to be aggressive. The reason Evan Bouchard's extension got done in Edmonton so quickly was because they threatened the Oilers with an offer sheet. And you know, we'll find out someday what the truth is there'. It is a moot point now, of course. Bouchard is all securely locked up for four years in Edmonton and there is now zero risk losing him. But the point that I want to make it that one of the elite teams in the NHL wanted Bouchard. Badly. In fact, it was to the point where they pursued him aggressively. And Carolina is not a franchise that historically, at least, is a big spender. But they were willing to do so with Bouchard. Hmmm… These are the same Hurricanes that have been either #1 or #2 in the Metropolitan Division for the past five years. They have the second-best PTS% in the league over the past five years than any team except the Colorado Avalanche. And in two of the past three years, the 'Canes have made it to the Conference Finals. Translation: Except that they have not yet won the Stanley Cup over that stretch, Carolina is an elite NHL franchise. And they wanted the guy that so many Oilers fans persist in wanting to fire into the sun or at the very least…shuffle off to another team. And look: I too get some of the frustration over Evan's defensive game. Is he the perfect player? No. Neither was Paul Coffey, now comfortably ensconced in the Hockey Hall of Fame. But Bouchard has taken that two-way performance to a much higher level in consecutive post-seasons, during deep runs when the battles are the toughest.
Yahoo
07-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Lightning take measured approach in quiet free agency
Reports circulated throughout the week that the Lightning had interest in signing top free agent target, Nikolaj Ehlers. In recent years, it wouldn't be abnormal to see general manager Julien BriseBois clear space to make big moves, but this year was different. Ehlers would have been a big pickup to an already accomplished Lightning forward group. Last season he had 24 goals and 63 points in 69 games with the Winnipeg Jets. In the end, the 29-year old signed a six-year, $51 million deal with the Carolina Hurricanes. Advertisement On Sunday, Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman confirmed the Lightning had interest in Ehlers on the 32 Thoughts Podcast. 'You're right that BriseBois is always competitive, and he's always going to be into things,' Friedman said. 'I heard he really wanted to be in on Ehlers, but there was just no way to get that done. I wasn't surprised that the obvious moves were around the edges.' Free Agency was oddly quiet across the league this year. For the Lightning, other than re-signing top restricted free agent Gage Goncalves to a two-year, $1.2-million average annual value deal, there wasn't a lot of movement. Tampa Bay's only one-way contract went to former Maple Leafs forward Pontus Holmberg, who became available after Toronto declined to send him a qualifying offer. Advertisement 'I like Holmberg, that's a good signing,' Friedman said. 'The Toronto Maple Leafs didn't cut him or not qualify him because he's a bad player. They didn't qualify him because they didn't have room for him and they didn't want to be forced into a tougher box than they already might be in.' Holmberg is expected to slot in as the Lightning's new fourth-line center, replacing veteran Luke Glendening. During his time in Toronto, Holmberg proved to be a reliable depth piece that could move up the lineup when needed. The 26-year old is embracing the fresh start in Tampa and says Lightning fans can expect a strong work ethic and a commitment to protecting the puck. 'I'm pretty a strong guy in the corner with the puck. Good puck protection. I hope I can score a little bit more than I did last season," Holmberg said in his first media availability. "I know I can do more offensively, but my game is good starting with defense. That's what they can expect from me.' Advertisement BriseBois added another restricted free agent in former first-round pick Jakob Pelletier. After not receiving a qualifying offer from the Philadelphia Flyers, the 24-year-old forward signed a three-year contract with the Lightning that starts as a two-way deal next season before converting to a one-way contract. The Lightning view Pelletier as a player still scratching the surface of his potential, with a chance to earn a role in the bottom six. With the salary cap set to rise by $7.5 million this season and $25.5 million over the next three years, many teams were opting to stay patient. The Lightning still have the ability to trade the rights to former first-round pick Isaac Howard, although BriseBois said the team is willing to wait out on an offer that best addresses their needs. Photo Credit: © Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images
Vancouver Sun
01-07-2025
- Business
- Vancouver Sun
You can bet the Ottawa Senators don't like the Mitch Marner deal to Vegas one bit
Somewhere, Michael Andlauer must be shaking his head. The business of the National Hockey League never ceases to amaze anyone. The kowtowing to the Vegas Golden Knights continued on the eve of free agency Tuesday when the club acquired the rights to free agent winger Mitch Marner in a trade with the Toronto Maple Leafs. Only hours before the NHL's market opened on Canada Day , the Leafs confirmed they had sent Marner to the Knights in exchange for forward Nicolas Roy. Marner immediately signed an eight-year, $96 million US deal as he rode into the sunset. If you're wondering why Andlauer, the owner of the Ottawa Senators, has every right to be upset, look no further than why this deal happened in the first place. This one doesn't pass the smell test. Start your day with a roundup of B.C.-focused news and opinion. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder. The next issue of Sunrise will soon be in your inbox. Please try again Interested in more newsletters? Browse here. Talk surfaced in league circles on Saturday that the Leafs and Knights were going to go toe-to-toe over Marner, with Toronto general manager Brad Treliving demanding something in return from the Knights, or the club could be the subject of a tampering complaint. Hockey Night in Canada's Elliotte Friedman spoke about this on his 32 Thoughts Podcast late Saturday night because Vegas had been chasing Marner for over a year. The talk in league circles was that one way or another, Marner was going to land with the Knights. Lo, and behold, before the market opened, the Leafs were able to get the third-line centre they so badly need out of the Knights in exchange for the rights to Marner. The deal will pay Marner a whopping $12 million a year. All that talk about any tampering complaints will be shoved under the rug, and everybody will live happily ever after. The NHL should immediately launch an investigation, but it won't. Instead, the trade was approved by the Central Registry. But you have to think, Andlauer and Steve Staios, the club's president of hockey operations and general manager, must be steaming over this deal between the Knights and Leafs. The NHL's board of governors held its pre-draft meeting last Wednesday in Los Angeles, but that doesn't mean commissioner Gary Bettman won't receive a call from Andlauer in the coming days. Teams were warned about the fines for tampering and reminded that it wouldn't be tolerated with July 1 just around the corner. The NHL penalized the Senators a first-round draft choice in either 2024, 2025 or 2026 because of a botched deal with the Vegas Golden Knights for winger Evgenii Dadonov. That was because former general manager Pierre Dorion didn't supply the Knights with Dadonov's proper no-trade list. As a result of the punishment from the league that was levied on Nov. 1, 2023, Dorion was relieved of his duties by Andlauer. The Senators have opted not to forfeit the pick the last two years, which leaves Staios with no choice but not to have a selection in the first round in 2026 . That will be fine if the Senators make the playoffs, but if they don't, it could be devastating. Under the terms of the fine, the Senators have no choice but to surrender their own pick. They can't acquire a second pick from someone else and use it to pay the piper. The Knights were under the impression that Dadonov hadn't entered a no-trade list while he was with the Senators before the 2021-22 campaign, so he no longer had one. The NHL confirmed that wasn't the case and vetoed the deal that would have sent him to the Ducks at the deadline in 2022. But there is precedent for Bettman to change his mind. The New Jersey Devils were originally fined $3 million U.S., docked a third-round pick in 2011 and were scheduled to lose a first-round pick sometime in the next four years when they circumvented the salary cap by signing unrestricted free agent winger Ilya Kovalchuk in 2010. Scheduled to lose the top pick in 2014, the Devils appealed to Bettman to revisit the harsh punishment he handed out to the organization. New Jersey was awarded the No. 30 pick in that draft, the fine was reduced, and the only proviso was that New Jersey couldn't trade it. If Vegas isn't going to get called on the carpet for what took place in this deal with Marner, then the club never will. This is the team that has pushed the use of Long-Term Injury Reserve to its advantage to bring back players in the post-season when the salary cap doesn't matter. Sometimes, it feels like there is one set of rules in the NHL for some teams and others get treated with kid gloves. This is looking like one of those scenarios. Andlauer and Staios have to choose their words carefully because they are still holding out hope that Bettman sees fit to reduce the punishment. This latest Vegas-Leafs trade should be held up as a big reason why Ottawa shouldn't have to rescind a first-round pick in 2026. bgarrioch@
Calgary Herald
01-07-2025
- Business
- Calgary Herald
You can bet the Ottawa Senators don't like the Mitch Marner deal to Vegas one bit
Somewhere, Michael Andlauer must be shaking his head. Article content The business of the National Hockey League never ceases to amaze anyone. The kowtowing to the Vegas Golden Knights continued on the eve of free agency Tuesday when the club acquired the rights to free agent winger Mitch Marner in a trade with the Toronto Maple Leafs. Article content Only hours before the NHL's market opened on Canada Day, the Leafs confirmed they had sent Marner to the Knights in exchange for forward Nicolas Roy. Marner immediately signed an eight-year, $96 million US deal as he rode into the sunset. Article content Article content If you're wondering why Andlauer, the owner of the Ottawa Senators, has every right to be upset, look no further than why this deal happened in the first place. This one doesn't pass the smell test. Article content Article content Talk surfaced in league circles on Saturday that the Leafs and Knights were going to go toe-to-toe over Marner, with Toronto general manager Brad Treliving demanding something in return from the Knights, or the club could be the subject of a tampering complaint. Article content Hockey Night in Canada's Elliotte Friedman spoke about this on his 32 Thoughts Podcast late Saturday night because Vegas had been chasing Marner for over a year. The talk in league circles was that one way or another, Marner was going to land with the Knights. Article content Lo, and behold, before the market opened, the Leafs were able to get the third-line centre they so badly need out of the Knights in exchange for the rights to Marner. The deal will pay Marner a whopping $12 million a year. Article content Article content All that talk about any tampering complaints will be shoved under the rug, and everybody will live happily ever after. The NHL should immediately launch an investigation, but it won't. Instead, the trade was approved by the Central Registry. Article content Article content But you have to think, Andlauer and Steve Staios, the club's president of hockey operations and general manager, must be steaming over this deal between the Knights and Leafs. Article content Teams were warned about the fines for tampering and reminded that it wouldn't be tolerated with July 1 just around the corner. Article content The NHL penalized the Senators a first-round draft choice in either 2024, 2025 or 2026 because of a botched deal with the Vegas Golden Knights for winger Evgenii Dadonov.
