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Time of India
10-07-2025
- Sport
- Time of India
'It was a fluke': Nicolas Hague joins Barry Trotz's Nashville Predators to rewrite their Stanley Cup story
Photo by Jeff Bottari/NHLI via Getty Images After a frustrating 2024–25 season left Nashville Predators fans demanding answers, the franchise is betting big on a towering 26-year-old defenseman with Stanley Cup pedigree to help change the narrative. Nic Hague, newly acquired from the Vegas Golden Knights, landed in Music City determined to be part of a serious turnaround. Sitting down at Bridgestone Arena for his first meeting with Nashville media, Hague made it clear this isn't just a new address—it's an opportunity to tap back into the hunger that once made him a champion, embrace a bigger role, and help prove last season was, in his words, 'a fluke.' Nicolas Hague reunites with Jonathan Marchessault , eyes offensive surge, and backs Barry Trotz 's Stanley Cup plan for Nashville Predators When Nic Hague met reporters inside Bridgestone Arena on Thursday in Nashville, he spoke candidly about the power of playing with something to prove. 'I think that's a powerful feeling to have as a team—and I also thought it was a fluke, by the way,' Hague said of Nashville's prior season. He recalled a strikingly similar situation in Vegas, explaining, 'The year before we won [the Stanley Cup] in Vegas, we missed the playoffs, and that didn't sit well with anybody. We were very hungry, felt like we had something to prove coming into that next year and obviously we were able to do that to the full extent. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like The Top 25 Most Beautiful Women In The World Articles Vally Undo ' It's that same sense of urgency that Hague sees in his new teammates. Players like Brady Skjei and Michael McCarron have already spoken publicly about proving last year wasn't the real Predators, a sentiment that resonates strongly with the 2023 Stanley Cup champion. Barry Trotz's plan: How Nashville Predators will unlock Nicolas Hague's full potential Nashville's front office has wasted no time showing their belief in him. When general manager Barry Trotz completed the trade on June 30—sending Colton Sissons and Jeremy Lauzon to Vegas—he quickly followed it by signing Hague to a four-year, $22 million contract. Trotz praised the newcomer as 'big and physical with strong skating ability,' signaling he'll be a key piece of the blue line not just this season but well into the future. Hague is more than ready for that challenge. 'I get excited about stuff like that,' he said. 'I think it's an opportunity for me to take that next step as a player, and it was something that I've wanted to do for a long time, and something I think I'm ready for.' Reuniting with Jonathan Marchessault and expanding his offensive role Nic Hague brings a track record of solid defensive play, having recorded five goals, 12 points, 82 hits, and 74 blocked shots last season in Vegas. But he wants to unlock more of his offensive potential in Nashville. 'I think there's more to give offensively for my game,' he said, pointing back to his junior days with the OHL's Mississauga Steelheads when he thrived in attack. While he adapted to the NHL's defensive demands early on, he's now eager to round out his game without sacrificing the improvements he's made in his own zone. And he won't be navigating Nashville alone. He'll reunite with former Golden Knights teammate Jonathan Marchessault, a familiar face who helped Vegas win it all. ''Marchy's a really good friend,' Hague said. 'The guy makes me be good to see him and [the family], and it'll be nice to have a familiar face around here.' Settling in after the trade, Hague has been struck by the warm welcome in Tennessee. 'I've heard nothing but great things…[and I've] talked to a bunch of the players,' he said. 'Just being here this weekend and meeting people in the organization, everyone's been so welcoming to my wife and I. It just gets us so excited to be here and live here and call Nashville home, and I can't wait to get going when season starts.' As October approaches and the new NHL season dawns, all eyes in Nashville will be on Hague and the Predators to see if this new chapter can deliver on its promise and rewrite last year's disappointing script. Also Read: Toronto Marlies Sign Gunnarwolfe Fontaine, Ben King, Nick Rheaume in bold roster revamp For real-time updates, scores, and highlights, follow our live coverage of the India vs England Test match here. Catch Manika Batra's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 3. Watch Here!
Time of India
10-07-2025
- Sport
- Time of India
Ex-NHL player Nick Tarnasky caught in violent golf course brawl, an internal investigation will take place
Ex-NHLer Nick Tarnasky lands in hot water after viral brawl footage (John Cordes/NHLI via Getty ) A disturbing video of former NHL player and current youth hockey coach Nick Tarnasky engaged in a violent altercation at a golf course has sparked widespread outrage—and triggered an internal investigation by Red Deer Minor Hockey. Red Deer Minor Hockey Investigates Coach Nick Tarnasky After Shocking Golf Course Brawl Goes Viral The confrontation, which erupted at Alberta Springs Golf Resort near Red Deer, Alberta, quickly gained traction online after footage showed Tarnasky clashing with another man over what appears to be a dispute about pace of play. In the video, the man is seen yelling and approaching Tarnasky aggressively. Tarnasky retaliates by lifting the man and throwing him into a nearby pond. The situation escalates when the man re-emerges, only to be met by a flurry of punches from Tarnasky, each punctuated by the word 'bang,' before being thrown a second time. Tarnasky can also be heard yelling, 'Enough, enough, get out!' Red Deer Minor Hockey, where Tarnasky currently serves as the head coach of the U17 AAA North Stars, responded swiftly to the viral footage. 'We are aware of a video circulating on social media involving a coach with Red Deer Minor Hockey,' the organization said in a statement. 'At this time, given that we understand the matter is being reviewed by local policing authorities and we are conducting our own internal investigation into the alleged incident, we will have no further comments. ' However, local police are not pursuing charges. According to RCMP spokesperson Cpl. Troy Savinkoff, a third-party report had been made about an altercation and an intoxicated person at the golf course, but the complainant had already left the scene when officers from the Blackfalds detachment arrived. 'Nobody came forward to us alleging an assault or anything like that, and our investigation was concluded,' Savinkoff explained. Tarnasky, 40, played 245 NHL games from 2005 to 2010 with the Tampa Bay Lightning, Nashville Predators, and Florida Panthers, racking up nearly 300 penalty minutes—a gritty playing style that appears to have followed him off the ice. After his NHL stint, he continued playing in the AHL before transitioning into a coaching role. In May, Red Deer Minor Hockey proudly announced Tarnasky's return for the 2025–2026 season. But now, his future with the organization hangs in the balance, as both public opinion and internal scrutiny grow louder in the wake of this incident. Whether this viral brawl spells the end of Tarnasky's coaching career or becomes a footnote in his post-NHL life remains to be seen. One thing is certain—the video has cast a harsh spotlight on behavior unbecoming of a youth sports mentor. Also Read: Wayne Gretzky's record isn't enough — Alex Ovechkin hints at playing beyond expectations Catch Manika Batra's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 3. Watch Here!
New York Post
05-07-2025
- Sport
- New York Post
Max Tsyplakov files for arbitration with contract talks likely looming
The Islanders had two more contracts on their to-do list before Saturday's 5 p.m. deadline for player-elected arbitration. At least one of them might get complicated after Max Tsyplakov was one of 11 players to file for arbitration, per an NHLPA announcement. Advertisement Filing for arbitration does not preclude Tsyplakov's camp and the Islanders from working on a contract between now and a potential hearing, which would be held between July 20 and August 4. If anything, it may add pressure on both sides to get something done and avoid a potentially ugly hearing. Though a player filing for arbitration opens up a second buyout window for the Islanders, they are not expected to use it. Pierre Engvall, who would be the main buyout candidate on the roster, is not eligible to be bought out in the second window, as it only applies to contracts with a cap hit greater than $4 million. Advertisement Max Tsyplakov filed for arbitration. NHLI via Getty Images As of 5 p.m. things were quiet regarding Marc Gatcomb, the other arbitration-eligible restricted free agent yet to sign. Gatcomb's name was not on the PA's list of players to file for arbitration and The Post was told earlier in the day that the two sides were working to find a deal ahead of the deadline. Tsyplakov, who signed as a free agent from Russia a year ago, finished his first NHL season with 10 goals and 25 assists, flashing talent while still clearly in the midst of adjusting to a new league and new culture. Advertisement Though he went through a long scoreless stretch that spanned late December through mid-March and was healthy-scratched by Patrick Roy at one point, Tsyplakov carved out a middle-six role and played a heavy style of hockey that fit the Islanders well. 'Expecting for more from myself,' Tsyplakov said at breakup day. 'Score goals, more points and be a good player on ice. '… Here, I know I can score more and be better next season about this.' Advertisement Max Tsyplakov finished his first NHL season with 10 goals and 25 assists. NHLI via Getty Images If his contract is sorted out, he'll have the chance to do so next year, albeit on a team that figures to present stiffer competition at wing after the Islanders added Jonathan Drouin, Emil Heineman and Tsyplakov's compatriot Max Shabanov. For Gatcomb, that competition could spell trouble. 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 25-year-old undrafted wing broke into the NHL last season, playing 39 games with the Islanders as they dealt with injury issues. Gatcomb played a physical game, averaging 3.92 hits per game, and showed a flair for scoring, with eight goals. Given their additions at wing and assuming that everyone comes into camp healthy, though, it's hard to see Gatcomb making the roster without a standout camp.
New York Post
01-07-2025
- Sport
- New York Post
Panthers manage to re-sign Brad Marchand, Aaron Ekblad after Stanley Cup triumph
The Panthers have re-signed two of their key pieces from their most recent Stanley Cup run, managing to squeeze them in under the salary cap. With the help of their state not having income tax, Florida re-signed forward Brad Marchand and defenseman Aaron Ekblad on Monday, a day before the start of NHL free agency. Marchand, 37, signed a six-year contract with a $5.25 million average annual value, while Ekblad, 29, got an eight-year contract with a $6.1 million AAV. Advertisement Ekblad, who likely could've commanded significantly more on the open market, was the No. 1 overall pick by the Panthers in the 2014 NHL Draft and has been a stalwart ever since, going from Calder Trophy winner to helping the team to back-to-back Cup wins and three straight Cup Final appearances. Aaron Ekblad lifting the Stanley Cup Getty Images The 11-year veteran, a two-time All-Star, is also the first-ever Panthers defenseman to reach 300 points in his career. Advertisement Marchand was also with one team for his entire career until the Bruins traded him during the 2024-25 season to the Panthers. The Athletic previously reported that the Bruins were interested in a reunion with Marchand if he reached free agency, and that the Maple Leafs were potential suitors. Marchand was part of the Bruins team that won the 2011 Stanley Cup in his second year in the league. And he was a huge reason the Panthers were able to repeat this season, putting up 10 goals and 10 assists in 23 playoff games. Advertisement Brad Marchand in game 5 of the Stanley Cup NHLI via Getty Images The Panthers were also able to re-sign Conn Smythe winner Sam Bennett to an eight-year, $64 million deal. The band is back together in South Florida, and a dynasty could be in the offing.
New York Post
27-06-2025
- Sport
- New York Post
John Tavares staying in Toronto with contract extension: ‘Left some money out there'
John Tavares isn't leaving town this time. The Maple Leafs inked their veteran center to a four-year contract extension worth an annual average value of $4.38 million. 'I'm thrilled to announce that I'm committed to four more years!' Tavares wrote on Instagram. 'My family and I are excited to continue our journey here in Toronto. The best is yet to come!' John Tavares #91 of the Toronto Maple Leafs stickhandles against the Ottawa Senators. NHLI via Getty Images The 34-year-old from Mississauga, Ontario, famously headed home on a seven-year, $77 million deal as a free agent in 2018 after spending nine seasons with the Islanders, who drafted him with the No. 1 pick in 2009. He's scored at least 24 goals in every full season he's played, reaching 47 tallies in his first season with the Leafs. 'Obviously left some money out there,' Tavares said on a media conference call Friday. 'But I've done pretty well. I'm still doing pretty well. And I get to play for an amazing club in a great city, the place where I'm from, and for a team that's got a real opportunity to win. It's a real strong hockey team and there's a tremendous amount of belief.' Since his arrival in The Six, Toronto has been among one of the best and most high-powered teams in the NHL, but the franchise's 57-year Stanley Cup drought has endured. John Tavares #91 makes a pass to Auston Matthews #34 of the Toronto Maple Leafs. NHLI via Getty Images 'It only gets harder,' Tavares said of the Leafs' playoff dilemma. 'I think because my runway gets shorter and shorter. My belief in my ability is stronger than ever, but I'm clearly not on the front nine [of my career], but the back nine, and I am aware and realistic of that. The opportunities get fewer and fewer for a player that's in my situation. It only gets more difficult as every opportunity passes and you're not the last one standing.' Tavares' deal keeps a massive piece of the Maple Leafs' core in town, with questions looming about a fellow homegrown talent in Mitch Marner, who is expected to score a massive contract this offseason in his first foray into free agency.
