Latest news with #ConnorMcDavid
National Post
an hour ago
- Sport
- National Post
Dobson deal could be template for Oilers D Evan Bouchard extension
That $9.5-million AAV deal that Noah Dobson signed in Montreal after his New York Islanders' trade might be a template for Evan Bouchard's Edmonton Oilers ' contract negotiation. Article content Not sure Bouchard wants to sign here for eight years as Dobson did with the Habs — the feeling is he might want shorter, say, four years, to see where the salary cap goes — but these are similar, offensive-minded defencemen. Same right-shot, same age, 25, same draft year in 2018. Bouchard went 10th, Dobson 12th. Article content Article content Article content Virtually the same stats in league play. Article content Bouchard has played 347 Oiler games with 238 points. Article content Dobson has played 388 New York Islander games with 230 points, with nowhere near the calibre of Connor McDavid or Leon Draisaitl to pass to. Article content Now, of course, Bouchard is a much better playoff performer, with 72 points the past three seasons, which probably means he should be in the $10 million range. Article content But, we'll see. Article content We get it that the Islanders are into a rebuild but not sure why they would feel the need to so quickly move their best defenceman, Dobson, albeit coming off an off-year with 39 points, for the underwhelming return of third-line winger Emil Heineman and the 16th and 17th overall picks in the draft Friday — draft picks likely three years away from being ready for the NHL. Article content As we all know, new Isles' GM Mathieu Darche, looking to make a splash, is trying to move way up in the first round, dangling both picks to get Long Island native centre James Hagens. He's heavily desired by their owner Jon Ledecky. Article content Article content Bottom line in all of this: Article content Who trades 25-year-old right-shot defencemen with almost 400 NHL games? Article content Clearly Darche feels the first-overall pick Matthew Schaefer can replace Dobson, and he probably can, but immediately? The Isles have a very average back end today and they didn't get a veteran defenceman back in the trade for Dobson or even farmhand Logan Mailloux, Habs' top prospect defenceman. Article content Dobson could play right side with Sherwood Park's Kaiden Guhle in Montreal's top pair, and now the Habs have two power-play threats from the back end with Dobson and rookie-of-the-year Lane Hutson. Article content Trent Frederic made it clear at his post-playoff Oilers availability that, while he's played left and right wing in Boston and here after his trade, he really wants to give centre a shot, and the Oilers probably think the same, as long-range third-line centre off their eight-year contract. Maybe Frederic can be their Adam Lowry lite, a don't-mess-with-me centre like the Winnipeg Jets' captain, who can score 15 to 20 goals and also work in a shutdown role and in a penalty-killing rotation.
Time of India
3 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Connor McDavid's wife Lauren Kyle shares a heartfelt post about their family as the star player's future with the Oilers remains under speculation
Lauren Kyle recently made a heartfelt post about their small family.(Image via Lauren Kyle/Instagram) Connor McDavid, the Edmonton Oilers' captain, has been recovering from the devastating loss to the Florida Panthers in the 2025 Stanley Cup Finals last week but his wife, Lauren Kyle, has been a huge source of strength and support to him. Lauren Kyle has been managing her own work but is currently busy celebrating her birthday with her husband, Connor McDavid and their close friends. But it is Lauren Kyle's recent heartfelt post that shows how deep her bond is with Connor McDavid. Connor McDavid's wife, Lauren Kyle, makes a heartwarming post about their adorable family, days after the Oilers lost to the Panthers in the Stanley Cup Finals Connor McDavid's wife, Lauren Kyle, shares her birthday with their adorable pet dog, Lenny and the couple has always shown their fans how deeply they love their adorable family of three. Image via Lauren Kyle/Instagram Recently, Lauren Kyle took to her Instagram stories to share heartwarming pictures of the couple alongside their pet dog. One of the pictures has Connor McDavid and Lauren Kyle sitting on their couches as they pose with their pet dog, while another shows Kyle hugging Lenny tightly. The caption for the post reads as, Most importantly, happy birthday to our baby boy Lenny'. Connor McDavid also made a heartfelt post on his social media to wish his wife and their pet dog. The star player shared adorable pictures of them posing with Lenny even on their wedding day. The caption for the post read as, 'Happy Birthday Laur! You too Lenny, love you both so much ❤️' Will Connor McDavid continue to play with the Edmonton Oilers even after the team's devastating loss this year? As of now, there are a lot of speculations about Connor McDavid's future in the Edmonton Oilers as many fans believe he might be leaving the team in the upcoming season. However, Connor McDavid has not addressed such speculations directly and continues to maintain a low profile. Last week after the Oilers lost to the Florida Panthers, Connor McDavid appeared heartbroken as he spoke to the media and said, "We lost to a really good team…Nobody quit, nobody threw the towel in, but they're a heck of a team. They're back-to-back Stanley Cup champions for a reason." Also Read: 'F**king love you, baby': Brad Marchand and Matthew Tkachuk's long hug shocks fans and sparks frenzy over their unexpected bond Game On Season 1 continues with Mirabai Chanu's inspiring story. Watch Episode 2 here.
Time of India
9 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Connor McDavid and his wife, Lauren Kyle, enjoy a golf birthday outing with friends in scenic Banff
Connor McDavid's wife Lauren goes golfing with hubby and close friends (Credit: Instagram:@laurenkyle1) NHL-Lauren Kyle, wife of Connor McDavid (Credit: Getty Images) Connor McDavid's wife Lauren goes golfing with hubby and close friends (Credit: Instagram:@laurenkyle1) NHL-Lauren Kyle, wife of Connor McDavid (Credit: Getty Images) Connor McDavid's wife Lauren goes golfing with hubby and close friends (Credit: Instagram:@laurenkyle1) 1 2 Lauren Kyle turned 29 in a quiet yet picture-perfect way, celebrating with NHL star husband Connor McDavid and their closest friends. The group spent the day on the pristine greens of a golf course in Banff, Alberta, the couple, known for their relatively private life. This offered a rare look into their downtime together, Lauren, dressed in a chic all-black outfit, looked relaxed as she enjoyed her time with Connor and their inner circle. Connor McDavid's wife Lauren goes golfing with hubby and close friends (Credit: Instagram:@laurenkyle1) Banff birthday celebration reflects the couple's lifestyle vibe The backdrop of Banff added a calming energy to the day. This is reinforcing the couple's preference for meaningful experiences over extravagant ones. With the Rockies in the distance and clean mountain air all around, the choice of location aligned with Lauren and Connor's love for nature and simplicity, as they are known for maintaining a low-key lifestyle even amid global fame, The McDavid-Kyle pairing continues to draw admiration for their grounded outlook. Their social media posts from the day shared in subtle tones and simple captions. This reflect this sensibility, there were no over-the-top decorations, no high-end venues. Just beautiful views, genuine smiles, and peaceful moments. Connor McDavid's wife Lauren goes golfing with hubby and close friends (Credit: Instagram:@laurenkyle1) Birthday golf scenes offer subtle but strong relationship signals What might seem like a casual round of golf holds deeper meaning for fans of Connor McDavid and Lauren Kyle, their joint appearance, coordinated looks, and close company suggest a couple entirely in sync. Over the years, Lauren has built her presence as a designer and influencer. While Connor remains one of the NHL 's most high-profile faces, together, they continue to project quiet strength and compatibility. Without loud announcements or celebrity guest lists. As the duo captured attention in the most natural way possible. The birthday celebration may be over, but the buzz it generated highlights how compelling authentic moments can be. Even when they come with no press release, no filter, and no fanfare. Also Read: Matthew Tkachuk's bold post sparks buzz online as he tries to set up Anton Lundell with Sommer Ray after Stanley Cup win Game On Season 1 continues with Mirabai Chanu's inspiring story. Watch Episode 2 here.
New York Times
11 hours ago
- Sport
- New York Times
The 5 biggest questions facing the Edmonton Oilers this summer
Early in Game 6 of the Stanley Cup Final, the Edmonton Oilers attempted a breakout. The score was tied, and the play looked routine. Although the Oilers needed a win to get the series to a decisive Game 7, the team played well through the first four minutes, and there was no need to press. As defenceman Mattias Ekholm passed the puck along the left wall inside the defensive zone, all looked fine. Leon Draisaitl was nearby to offer support, and Corey Perry was available at the blue line. Florida Panthers defenceman Aaron Ekblad pinched at the line, and rejected the pass, but Draisaitl sent a short lob back to Ekholm for a reset. Edmonton was still in good shape, 0-0 score, no danger here. Advertisement At that point, Draisaitl and Perry immediately exited the zone on a jail break. Connor McDavid, the other member of the line, was already past centre ice, all three forwards anticipating a sortie through the neutral zone and into the attacking end. It took five seconds, from turnover to Panthers goal. Five seconds. Ekholm made a poor pass, and Evan Bouchard was unable to handle it. The puck-hawk Florida forwards turned it over, and it was instantly 1-0 on an unforced error. The play stood out as an example of several things the Oilers need to improve this summer and in years to come. Here are five issues, all clear as day on a pivotal goal by Florida. Ekholm is a quality veteran and a valuable member of the Oilers. He wasn't playing his best hockey in the last two games of the final. Edmonton's management and coaching staff went with Ekholm in Game 6 despite some disturbing results in five-on-five play. If Ekholm's ability to perform at a high level was in doubt, and the Oilers' decision-makers didn't trust other options (notably Darnell Nurse or Brett Kulak), that's a problem. Ekholm is 35 and entering the final year of his contract, and the Oilers don't have a left-handed defensive phenom poised to replace him now that Philip Broberg is a member of the St. Louis Blues. Ekholm was clearly playing hurt, and the Oilers proceeded with him on the top pairing. It raises a big question about Edmonton's top pairing. The breakout by the forwards (Draisaitl and Perry) on the goal was immediate once the puck had been pushed back to Ekholm by Draisaitl. McDavid was past centre before Ekholm made the subpar pass meant for Bouchard (the NHL visualizer on the play is a fantastic overview), and the positioning of the forwards at that moment is problematic. Advertisement All three forwards were reacting to possession gained, suggesting a set play or at least the coaching preference. A jailbreak can work well, but the forwards isolated the defencemen by doing it. Once it became a battle between Bouchard and Sam Reinhart, the Oilers were in trouble. If the forwards leaping out of the zone ran counter to the coaching staff's preference, it's a different problem. If it's a planned outbreak, a more conservative approach (breaking out as a five-man unit) should be an easy fix. The Oilers aren't brilliant defensively, especially against the Panthers. More support is required. The play described above must have looked like a biblical parting of the defensive sea from Stuart Skinner's vantage point. From what should have been a routine pass to a fumble and a turnover, it was all poor defending. It left Skinner with a lot to guess on as Reinhart moved toward the net. If the Oilers are going to play a pure offensive style, and it makes sense with McDavid, Draisaitl and Bouchard, then investing in a strong goaltending tandem makes sense. It also means a higher spend at the position. Edmonton's investment in goaltending during the Ken Holland era (2019-2024) was frugal, and last season (Stan Bowman's first as general manager) the club used less than $4 million in cap money for the position. The play for Bowman is to make more room for a goaltender partner to match with Skinner. He's young, has extensive NHL playoff experience and remains a goaltender who can get hot in key situations (the series against the Dallas Stars in the 2024 and 2025 playoffs are examples). If the Oilers choose a free agent (like Jake Allen) or trade for a significant stopper, the coaching staff can split the regular-season work and go with the hot hand in the postseason. The Vancouver Canucks are an example of a team who always have two strong options. Advertisement Edmonton would be wise to adopt a similar plan. It's going to be expensive. Perry was the right winger on the top line during the goal in question by Reinhart. Edmonton's right wing depth chart featured Zach Hyman all year, and through most of the playoffs. He was injured in the Dallas series, and the 40-year-old Perry emerged as the best option. That isn't acceptable. The Oilers spend to the cap, and owner Daryl Katz has done so for many years. How did the Oilers land in such a situation? It's complicated and involves a disappointing season by veteran Viktor Arvidsson and inconsistent scoring from Connor Brown. The club used the waiver wire to pick up Kasperi Kapanen, who performed well on the wing and at centre. None of the options were superior to Perry in the final game of the season, and his presence on the top line at that moment should be a red flag for the organization. The NHL roster spent last season hermetically sealed, with recalls from the AHL Bakersfield Condors a rare item. The team's top prospect, right winger Matt Savoie, played just four games (recording one assist) before being dispatched to the minors. Edmonton needed a right-handed centre all season, but Noah Philp played just 15 games with the team. Quinn Hutson was signed out of college and dressed for two games but barely played. Goalie prospect Olivier Rodrigue also saw just two games. The club did recall veterans like Drake Caggiula, but precious development opportunities were missed. If Savoie had been brought along more aggressively, playing in 30-40 regular-season games, plus getting some playoff experience, the organization would have a better idea about him today. In fact, if Savoie had thrived during the regular season, Edmonton may have been able to consider him as an option for play after Hyman went down with injury during the Stars' series, or as a replacement for the ineffective Arvidsson. Advertisement That goal, that single moment in time during Game 6, exposed several areas the Oilers need to address. Playing veterans who are clearly not 100 percent, questionable breakouts when there is no need for desperate measures, devoting very little cap to goaltending while needing brilliant consistency due to an offence-first roster, having enough skill on the wings to survive an injury, and playing youth enough to get an idea about what they can be in the future. No matter the names of the new recruits Bowman will procure, those five questions need answers before the fall.
Yahoo
a day ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Every Oilers Contract They Must Now Make Decisions On
Corey Perry (Walter Tychnowicz-Imagn Images) EDMONTON – Not everyone is coming back. The Edmonton Oilers fell short of their ultimate goal this season: the Stanley Cup. Bookmark The Hockey News Edmonton Oilers team site to never miss the latest news, game-day coverage, and more. This offseason presents a lot of possibilities for Stan Bowman and his team. In addition to the possibility of a Connor McDavid extension, the Oilers could bring back a bunch of players on expiring deals. Advertisement But will they? Here is every Oilers player and prospect who has an expired deal. Trending Oilers Stories Oilers Must Trade For Eye-Opening Forward Right Now Oilers Must Trade For Eye-Opening Forward Right Now EDMONTON – You've gotta make hay while the sun shines. One Interesting Oilers Trade Proposal Could Be Simple Solution REPORT: Oilers Linked To 2 Good Free Agents 3 Oilers Goalie Targets Better Than John Gibson 4 Potential Oilers Buy-Outs And What They'd Look Like EXCLUSIVE: Mark Messier On Oilers, Budweiser, His Future & More EXCLUSIVE: Mark Messier On Oilers, Budweiser, His Future & More EDMONTON – Mark Messier loves Edmonton. The Restricted Free Agents (RFA) Evan Bouchard Stats: 82 GP, 14 G, 53 A, 67 PTS, 26 Powerplay PTS, 23:28 TOI, 3:17 PP TOI, 235 SOG, 31 HITS, 108 BLKS Advertisement Playoffs: 22 GP, 7 G, 16 A, 23 PTS, 6 PP PTS, 26:12 TOI, 3:51 PP TOI, 70 SOG, 10 HITS, 33 BLKS Evan Bouchard (Perry Nelson - Imagn Images) Evan Bouchard is an elite offensive defender who is coming around defensively. He is still very young and should earn himself a new deal in the neighborhood of $10 million. Not keeping him would be regrettable. The Oilers' Minor League RFA's Jacob Perreault AHL Stats: 44 GP, 3 G, 11 A, 14 PTS, 0 PPG, 46 SOG Jacob Perreault was brought into the organization to help replace the loss of Raphael Lavoie. While he fell short of that mark, I don't see how the organization doesn't at least offer him a one-year deal to make sure the Bakersfield Condors have enough bodies come opening night. Noah Philp NHL Stats: 15 GP, 0 G, 2 A, 2 PTS, 0 PP PTS, 9:05 TOI, 0 PP TOI, 17 SOG, 15 HITS, 7 BLKS Advertisement AHL Stats: 55 GP, 19 G, 16 A, 35 PTS, 1 Powerplay Goal, 134 SOG This could be the year that Noah Philp cements himself as the Oilers' fourth-line center. It was impressive to see him play the way he did, especially considering that he didn't play hockey at all last year. It's not out of the realm of possibility that he signs a one or two-year deal. Cameron Wright AHL Stats: 60 GP, 13 G, 11 A, 24 PTS, 2 PPG, 133 SOG Cameron Wright had a decent AHL season and will most likely earn a one-year AHL deal. Olivier Rodrigue NHL Stats: 2 GP, 0-1-0 W-L-OTL Record, 3.10 GAA, .862 SV%, 0 SO AHL Stats: 41 GP, 18-16-8 Record, 3.12 GAA, .897 SV%, 1 SO Olivier Rodrigue (Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images) Is this the year that Olivier Rodrigue gets an actual opportunity to play more NHL games? Or will he go to a new organization that has more bandwidth for him to find his game in the NHL as a backup? I suspect that the signing of Samuel Jonsson earlier this calendar year spells the end of Rodrigue's tenure with the Oilers. Advertisement We wait and see. The Unrestricted Free Agents (UFA) Corey Perry Stats: 81 GP, 19 G, 11 A, 30 PTS, 7 PP PTS, 11:56 TOI, 1:18 PP TOI, 99 SOG, 36 HITS, 26 BLKS Playoffs: 22 GP, 10 G, 4 A, 14 PTS, 7 PP PTS, 15:16 TOI, 3:05 PP TOI, 41 SOG, 34 HITS, 3 BLKS Corey Perry followed up a great regular season with a great playoff run. In the postseason, he was one of a few players who stepped up their game and contributed secondary scoring. As long as there is interest from the team's side of things, a one-year deal is as good as done. Jeff Skinner Stats: 72 GP, 16 G, 13 A, 29 PTS, 2 PP PTS, 13:00 TOI, 1:13 PP TOI, 144 SOG, 45 HITS, 23 BLKS Advertisement Playoffs: 5 GP, 1 G, 1 A, 2 PTS, 0 PP PTS, 12:13 TOI, 0:34 PP TOI, 9 SOG, 11 HITS, 2 BLKS Jeff Skinner (Neville E. Guard-Imagn Images) Jeff Skinner finally got an opportunity to compete in the NHL playoffs. That experience will set him up for where he goes next – as most believe that his time as an Oiler has come to an end. But like most things, we will see what happens. Connor Brown Stats: 82 GP, 13 G, 17 A, 30 PTS, 0 PP PTS, 14:01 TOI, 0:11 PP TOI, 123 SOG, 19 HITS, 37 BLKS Playoffs: 20 GP, 5 G, 4 A, 9 PTS, 0 PP PTS, 15:41 TOI, 0:04 PP TOI, 27 SOG, 18 HITS, 11 BLKS Connor Brown is a great teammate and has become a vital piece for the Oilers. His value stems from his ability to forecheck and his commitment to penalty killing. A three-to-four-year extension would not be an unreasonable expectation. Kasperi Kapanen Stats: 67 GP, 6 G, 8 A, 14 PTS, 0 PP PTS, 11:55 TOI, 0:17 PP TOI, 66 SOG, 88 HITS, 14 BLKS Advertisement Playoffs: 12 GP, 3 G, 3 A, 6 PTS, 0 PP PTS, 13:28 TOI, 0 PP TOI, 26 SOG, 45 HITS, 5 BLKS Kasperi Kapanen (Jim Rassol-Imagn Images) Kasperi Kapanen showed off his physicality during the 2025 playoff run. Head coach Kris Knoblauch is a big fan of his game, which makes a contract extension seem all but guaranteed. Trent Frederic Stats: 58 GP, 8 G, 7 A, 15 PTS, 3 PP PTS, 13:43 TOI, 0:51 PP TOI, 76 SOG, 154 HITS, 29 BLKS Playoffs: 22 GP, 1 G, 3 A, 4 PTS, 0 PP PTS, 11:24 TOI, 0:01 PP TOI, 22 SOG, 86 HITS, 15 BLKS Nothing has been officially announced yet, but Trent Frederic is (reportedly) on the verge of signing an eight-year extension with the Oilers. It might seem like a gamble term-wise, but as long as the AAV is below (or at) $4 million, it should pay off. John Klingberg Stats: 11 GP, 1 G, 3 A, 4 PTS, 0 PP PTS, 17:15 TOI, 0:13 PP TOI, 19 SOG, 5 HITS, 13 BLKS Advertisement Playoffs: 19 GP, 1 G, 3 A, 4 PTS, 1 PP PTS, 19:08 TOI, 0:33 PP TOI, 23 SOG, 26 HITS, 32 BLKS John Klingberg needed 11 regular season games to shake off the rust. Once he did, he performed admirably in the playoffs. I doubt he returns to the Oilers, but he will find another NHL team willing to give him a shot after July 1st. The Minor League UFA's Derek Ryan NHL Stats: 36 GP, 1 G, 5 A, 6 PTS, 0 PP PTS, 9:21 TOI, 0 PP TOI, 20 SOG, 25 HITS, 21 BLKS AHL Stats: 13 GP, 3 G, 5 A, 8 PTS, 0 PPG, 21 SOG After being a mainstay in the Oilers' lineup during the regular season in 2023-24, Derek Ryan only played about half of this past year. His time in the NHL may have come to an end, unless he is willing to sign a two-way one-year league minimum deal. Lane Pederson AHL Stats: 18 GP, 5 G, 7 A, 13 PTS, 3 PPG, 38 SOG Advertisement Lane Pederson was injured for most of the year, so he likely wants another crack at the can in the AHL to prove his worth. Both sides might like the idea of a one-year contract. Drake Caggulia AHL Stats: 62 GP, 24 G, 28 A, 52 PTS, 3 PPG, 154 SOG Considering that Drake Caggiula has signed overseas, this ship has sailed. Connor Carrick AHL Stats: 63 GP, 18 G, 23 A, 41 PTS, 4 PPG, 200 SOG Connor Carrick had a tremendous offensive season as a defender. He's worth offering a one-year two-way deal at the very least. Travis Dermott NHL Stats: 19 GP, 0 PTS, 0 PP PTS, 12:16 TOI, 0:04 PP TOI, 8 SOG, 6 HITS, 16 BLKS Advertisement AHL Stats: 3 GP, 1 G, 0 A, 1 PT, 0 PPG, 5 SOG Travis Dermott (Steven Bisig-Imagn Images) The Oilers organization has a plethora of left-handed defenders. That makes a Travis Dermott return highly unlikely (but not impossible). Philip Kemp AHL Stats: 56 GP, 7 G, 5 A, 12 PTS, 0 PPG, 66 SOG Defender Philip Kemp is a good candidate for a one-year AHL deal. He's been a steady defender for the Condors, who could always use good players. Ronald Attard AHL Stats: 66 GP, 7 G, 10 A, 17 PTS, 1 PPG, 107 SOG Ronald Attard is a Stan Bowman acquisition, which makes an extension seem like a slam-dunk. The fact that he's a right-handed defender makes it even more likely. Colin Delia AHL Stats: 28 GP, 12-11-5 Record, 2.76 GAA, .906 SV%, 2 SO Advertisement I have a sneaking suspicion that Colin Delia will be offered a two-way deal over Rodrigue. He's a veteran AHLer with NHL experience, making him the perfect third-string organizational goaltender. I would expect him to start a similar number of games for the Condors next season. The Prospects As far as these four prospects are concerned, it's likely that they all pursue opportunities elsewhere. I believe that Bowman has selected the players he likes from the NCAA during his flurry of deals in early April. We will wait and see. Oilers Have Three Prospects Knocking On The Door Oilers Have Three Prospects Knocking On The Door Matthew Savoie, Noah Philp, and Jacob Perreault are all making names for themselves in the AHL. Tomas Mazura NCAA Stats: 17 GP, 1 G, 13 A, 14 PTS, 0 PPG, 32 SOG Advertisement Czechia Stats: 20 GP, 4 G, 8 A, 12 PTS, 1 PP PT, 13:21 TOI Joel Maatta NCAA Stats: 35 GP, 9 G, 18 A, 27 PTS, 4 PPG, 51 SOG Matt Copponi NCAA Stats: 40 GP, 6 G, 18 A, 24 PTS, 2 PPG, 66 SOG AHL Stats: 3 GP, 0 G, 2 A, 2 PTS, 0 PPG, 5 SOG Luca Munzenberger NCAA Stats: 31 GP, 5 G, 7 A, 12 PTS, 0 PPG, 40 SOG Add us to your Google News favourites, and never miss a story.
