logo
ENFRع
#

Latest news with #SebastianAho

McTavish an offer sheet candidate, Canes should let Ehlers cook: NHL offseason notebook
McTavish an offer sheet candidate, Canes should let Ehlers cook: NHL offseason notebook

New York Times

time5 days ago

  • Sport
  • New York Times

McTavish an offer sheet candidate, Canes should let Ehlers cook: NHL offseason notebook

The threat of an offer sheet didn't carry much weight in recent years, until last summer. Aside from some sparks between the Canadiens and Hurricanes, first over Sebastian Aho (whose offer sheet was matched by Carolina) and then Jesperi Kotkanemi (who left Montreal for Carolina), there hasn't been much traction on that front in the last 10 years. Advertisement And then the Blues disrupted the norm last summer, with not one but two offer sheets targeting the Oilers. Dylan Holloway and Philip Broberg emerged as key players in St. Louis and helped fuel their turnaround. Their success was a reminder of the power of an offer sheet. It's a mechanism that can give a team with draft capital and cap space a competitive advantage if general managers are willing to rattle their opponents. Many wondered if the Blues would inspire a new trend and willingness to shake up the restricted free agent class. Whether it was the threat of an offer sheet or general managers wanting a better salary cap picture ahead of free agency, teams got to work earlier on RFA extensions this summer. The Maple Leafs locked up Matthew Knies early. Edmonton extended Evan Bouchard, and the Rangers re-signed Will Cuylle. JJ Peterka, Noah Dobson, and K'Andre Miller have all been traded and extended by their respective new teams. And then more names, including Lukas Dostal, Bowen Byram, and Gabriel Vilardi, came off the board when players (and teams) elected for arbitration. Before general managers start daydreaming early about a stacked 2026 class of RFAs, there are still a few offer sheet-eligible players worth keeping an eye on this summer. That list starts with Mason McTavish. Unlike Edmonton last summer, the Ducks have a ton of cap space at their disposal to easily match any offer thrown McTavish's way. So a mid-tier deal won't fly. An offer has to have some oomph behind it — at least to a tune of a $7.02 million cap hit — to stump Anaheim. Via Puckpedia The Ducks don't need the draft pick compensation associated with the higher tiers. Their pipeline is stocked, and eventually Anaheim needs to turn those picks and young up-and-comers into actual NHLers to turn the corner. That's why keeping McTavish makes the most sense, especially after moving on from Trevor Zegras. But on the flip side, the Ducks may not want to make a commitment of that magnitude just yet. McTavish hasn't established himself as a true top-six center yet, and some of his comps, like Max Comtois, Max Domi, and Casey Mittelstadt, add some question marks on just how much substance there is in his game. As much as the Ducks have short- and long-term financial flexibility, management still may not want to clog up the books too early with a hefty McTavish extension. Anyone willing to roll the dice on McTavish has to see a little Dylan Strome in him — a late-bloomer who needs the right opportunity. For some eligible teams, like the Canadiens, Bruins, Flames, and Red Wings, it's worth throwing a dart this summer. At worst, it rattles Pat Verbeek in Anaheim, who easily matches an offer. At best, it lands a team a 22-year-old center who could thrive in a new environment. Advertisement Speaking of unsigned RFAs, there's Luke Hughes in New Jersey. Unlike McTavish, he isn't offer sheet eligible, so there isn't that same pressure on the Devils to get a deal done sooner rather than later. But his extension could have a domino effect on the Devils' roster, depending on what he signs for. Evolving-Hockey projects a six-year deal worth $7.52 million a year. It's a contract that projects to age well, if he follows the path of comps Seth Jones and Noah Hanifin (and not Tyson Barrie or Dmitry Kulikov). A contract of that value could lead to some subtractions to balance the books. The easy answer is flipping the last two years of Ondrej Palat's contract. But management could consider a bolder change on the blue line, too. If Seamus Casey or Simon Nemec look ready for a full-time NHL role, their entry-level contracts would help offset Hughes' extension. But someone would have to step out of the starting six. That's why Dougie Hamilton's name has surfaced this summer; as of July 1, he officially has a modified no-trade clause (instead of a full NMC), which could help facilitate a change. Hughes proved in Hamilton's absence that he could quarterback the top power play unit and be a two-way difference in key minutes. It just depends on whether there is a market for the last three years of Hamilton's contract. A potential Hamilton trade is easier said than done because the defense market has been in a bit of a standstill, hinging on Bowen Byram. The Sabres were prepared to match any offer sheets for Byram, but took away that option after filing for arbitration. Then on Monday night, Buffalo extended the RFA for two years, at $6.25 million a year.. Evolving-Hockey projected a longer-term extension — an eight-year deal worth almost $8 million a year on average. While a contract of that length could have opened the door to long-term savings, it was a risky play. As is, a $6.25 million cap hit is pricey relative to two-year projections and his market value. Byram showed in Colorado that he can crush third pair minutes. In Buffalo, he looks like somewhat of a passenger in a top-four capacity. While he isn't expected to be the driver of a pair with Rasmus Dahlin, his struggles away from the Sabres' number one sparked some concern. Maybe he just looked that exposed due to who he paired up with, otherwise. Until there is clarity on his true ability, the team can't afford to potentially overpay Byram, not with lefties Dahlin and Owen Power already locked up long-term. A short-term contract lets Byram show exactly what he is capable of — and whether he can follow the path of comps like Brandon Montour, Ryan Pulock, and Travis Sanheim, or if he is destined to be the next Jamie McBain or Zach Bogosian. But it's far from a perfect solution for either side because Byram's value could tank over the next two years. The Sabres could also lose him for nothing, since this contract walks him to unrestricted free agency. So while this contract can quiet some trade buzz, it won't outright silence it. Because if the Sabres decide he isn't a long-term fit, management is officially on the clock to find a trade partner to ensure he doesn't leave for nothing. The team could take a more aggressive approach and use this contract as cost certainty for interested teams. A potential match like the Blues, who have an opening after waiving Nick Leddy, no longer has to worry about acquiring Byram and signing him for maximum value this summer. Advertisement After trading Cody Ceci last year at the deadline, trading Henry Thrun, and buying out Marc-Edouard Vlasic, the Sharks needed two things: bodies on the backend and more salary to reach the cap floor. Two free agent signings (Dmitry Orlov, John Klingberg) and a waiver claim (Leddy) brought in three NHL-caliber defensemen and $12.5 million in cap space. With those additions and Shakir Mukhamadullin pushing for a mainstay role at the NHL level, the Sharks can consider a Mario Ferraro trade. Ferraro has a year left on his contract and could also be packaged as a deadline rental in March. But teams would likely jump at the chance to add a 26-year-old with a $3.25 million cap hit, especially after defensive prices spiked this summer. That cap hit comes in clutch for an acquiring team and San Jose; the Sharks should be able to save their last retention slot for the deadline to get maximum value on one of those newly-added veteran defensemen. The Rangers could still use help on the left behind free agent signing Vladislav Gavrikov. If Byram is off the trade block, the Blues should be in the market for a lefty, too. The Jets may want a third-pair upgrade. The Red Wings' depth is far from perfect. The demand should be there, as long as teams are willing to gamble on a Ferraro glow-up outside of a challenging environment in San Jose, similar to Hampus Lindholm when he left Anaheim for Boston. As much demand as there could be for a lefty like Ferraro, the right side is a coveted position. That could benefit the Devils if Hamilton officially goes on the trade block and the Penguins, who could flip the last two years of Erik Karlsson's contract. But Rasmus Andersson doesn't come with that same baggage, since he only takes up $4.55 million on the cap for another year. As the offseason market has evolved, the number of landing spots for Andersson has dwindled. But there are still teams seeking right-handed reinforcements. If the Stars or Lightning can clear space, Andersson could be a solid fit for either team. The Red Wings need a lot more help on the right than on the left. The Bruins' depth is still suspect. But the Golden Knights still look like the strongest fit, considering the Alex Pietrangelo situation and Andersson's chemistry with Noah Hanifin. Add in Andersson's willingness to extend there, which can help juice the Flames return, and it could all click — if Vegas can clear space for this year, and beyond. After Andersson's current contract expires, he is in for a raise. Evolving-Hockey projects something in the $8 million range. Even if the Golden Knights can get him to something more team-friendly, it will still take some maneuvering for Vegas, as it coincides with Jack Eichel and Pavel Dorofeyev also needing new deals. Advertisement The Penguins recently absorbed Matt Dumba's cap hit from Dallas and can afford to take on more. So can the Blackhawks, Flames, Blue Jackets, and Kraken. The Ducks and Sharks outright need to add more salary. There should be a handful of buyers with space, because teams outside of the playoff picture were a bit less active in free agency this year. So the Golden Knights, and other contenders looking to shed contracts, should be able to move salary out if necessary. The goalie market seriously underwhelmed this summer, which added some intrigue to a potential trade candidate in Arturs Silovs. Between his waiver-exemption ending and the Canucks extending Thatcher Demko a year early, it seemed like his time in the organization was coming to an end. Over the last couple of seasons, he put in the work to raise his stock, between his experience at the NHL level and in the 2024 playoffs and his recent MVP honors after winning the Calder Cup with Abbotsford. The Penguins, before acquiring Silovs on Sunday, didn't need a third goalie. Joel Blomqvist looks poised to play more, plus Tristan Jarry has another three years on his contract. With Silovs, Pittsburgh has a less-than-desirable three-goalie situation to navigate — unless another skate is about to drop. Pittsburgh has all three salary retention slots open, so management can afford to commit one to Jarry for the next three years in the right trade. The problem is that he is incredibly streaky, so that multi-year commitment could still be dicey. Just take his swing from saving 12.4 goals above expected in 51 games in 2023-24, to last year's lows that saw him spending time in the AHL. And he doesn't have much pedigree, either. So while the Oilers seem like an obvious target considering their unstable crease, Jarry might only add to that volatility. The Hurricanes' system is both a blessing and a curse, in some ways. Few teams have managed to turn a playing style into an outright identity and maintain it despite roster turnover. But sometimes, that system can also bite the Canes when there isn't a willingness to depart from it. As much as the Canes have a knack for maximizing players within their system, not everyone fits perfectly. Mikko Rantanen didn't. Neither did Marty Necas. So when those situations arise, the question is whether the player should change their game to blend in more or if the coaches should let those players color outside the lines. The answer can be somewhere in the middle, as long as it doesn't suppress what someone like Nikolaj Ehlers can bring to the lineup. Do your thing, Ehlers 👀 📺: Jets vs. Panthers on SNW📲: Stream on Sportsnet+ — Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) November 17, 2024 Ehlers is a dynamic and creative forward who can electrify a team's offense. It's exactly what a team like the Hurricanes needs, around staples like Sebastian Aho, Seth Jarvis, and Logan Stankoven, who are perfect stylistic fits. But Ehlers' game does carry some risk, which could be why he was rarely deployed like a true top-line talent in Winnipeg. So will Rod Brind'Amour and the Canes' staff embrace all that Ehlers brings, and allow him to go against the grain from the standard that's been set? It could be the key to adding some dimension to Carolina's quintessential style. Data via Evolving-Hockey, HockeyViz, HockeyStatCards, All Three Zones, TheStanleyCap, and Natural Stat Trick. This story relies on shot-based metrics; here is a primer on these numbers. (Top photo of Mason McTavish: Gary A. Vasquez / Imagn Images)

Carolina Hurricanes and Sebastian Aho face backlash after NHL fans spot logo controversy in new merchandise line resembling Montreal Canadiens emblem
Carolina Hurricanes and Sebastian Aho face backlash after NHL fans spot logo controversy in new merchandise line resembling Montreal Canadiens emblem

Time of India

time08-07-2025

  • Business
  • Time of India

Carolina Hurricanes and Sebastian Aho face backlash after NHL fans spot logo controversy in new merchandise line resembling Montreal Canadiens emblem

Carolina Hurricanes and Sebastian Aho face backlash after NHL fans spot logo controversy in new merchandise line resembling Montreal Canadiens emblem (Credit: Getty Images) The Carolina Hurricanes recently introduced a new hat as part of their merchandise collection, spotlighting franchise star Sebastian Aho, however, instead of celebrating the expansion. The launch has generated negative buzz across the National Hockey League. The reason stems from the hat's logo design. This bears an uncanny similarity to the historic emblem of the Montreal Canadiens. The Hurricanes' history traces back to the Hartford Whalers. And their visual identity has evolved through thoughtful design. This new release, however, seems to have missed the mark. Even as the design attempts to be a nod to vintage aesthetics, critics argue that it doesn't align with the Hurricanes' relatively short NHL history, having only joined the league in 1997. Logo controversy places Sebastian Aho and Carolina Hurricanes under NHL scrutiny The discussion around the logo design has picked up steam, with the Carolina Hurricanes and Sebastian Aho inadvertently at the center. Though Aho had no hand in the product's creation, his prominence in the team's branding ties him to the merchandise push. Such design overlap could create legal or brand integrity issues. That too within the NHL; the league typically ensures brand separation among teams. Especially when it comes to legacy franchises like the Canadiens, this situation may prompt further internal reviews or changes to the Hurricanes' merchandise strategy moving forward. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Our one of a kind Patented Cold Water Extraction Process Superior Ginseng Undo Sebastian Aho and the Carolina Hurricanes may need to rethink branding strategies amid logo criticism As the fallout continues, questions remain about the level of oversight involved. That too in the merchandise approval process. The Hurricanes, a franchise that has received praise in recent years for embracing throwback and modern design combinations, now face pressure to uphold originality and respect among NHL traditions. Whether the Montreal Canadiens choose to act or not, the incident has sparked a conversation across the league about creative integrity. For now, fans await an official statement or retraction as the situation unfolds. Also Read: NHL trade rumor: Maple Leafs consider trading David Kampf, Calle Jarnkrok, and one defenseman amid offseason reshuffle Game On Season 1 continues with Mirabai Chanu's inspiring story. Watch Episode 2 here.

Which Hurricanes Could Be Participating In 2026 Olympics?
Which Hurricanes Could Be Participating In 2026 Olympics?

Yahoo

time19-06-2025

  • Sport
  • Yahoo

Which Hurricanes Could Be Participating In 2026 Olympics?

Earlier this week, the first six players from each of the 12 nations competing for gold in men's ice hockey at the 2026 Winter Olympics were announced. Two players from the Carolina Hurricanes were among those first selections with Sebastian Aho (Finland) and Frederik Andersen (Denmark) being named to each's respective team. Advertisement But who else on the Canes' roster could be making the trip to Italy next year? Jaccob Slavin (USA) Slavin is regarded as one of, if not the, best defensive defensemen in the entire NHL and when you're in a format like the Olympics, where superstars are littering nearly every top roster, you need guys who can slow them down. He was lights out playing that role in the 4 Nations Face-Off for Team USA, leading the team in minutes alongside Minnesota Wild star Brock Faber, and he received universal praise from around the hockey world for what he was able to do. Fans in Carolina have long known how good Slavin is and, honestly, it was a bit surprising that he wasn't initially named to the USA's roster with the first six selections, but it feels like a bygone conclusion that the veteran blueliner will be there. Jaccob Slavin Finishes Top-10 In Norris Voting For League's Top Defenseman Jaccob Slavin Finishes Top-10 In Norris Voting For League's Top Defenseman The NHL announced the results of the 2025 Norris Memorial Trophy voting Wednesday morning for the league's top defenseman. Seth Jarvis (Canada) Jarvis was a part of the gold-winning Team Canada roster for the 4 Nations Face-Off and he has a good shot at making the Olympic roster too. Advertisement The talented winger is coming off of back-to-back 30+ goal seasons and he's proven to be a big-time performer as well with 19 goals and 43 points in 55 career playoff games. In addition, Jarvis has become one of the game's top two-way wingers, having led the league in shorthanded goals, and he's not afraid to throw his body, battle for pucks and forecheck and backcheck. He's a versatile player who can do anything that's asked of him whether that's play on the top line and power play or take on more a checking role and grind things out on the penalty kill and those are valuable players to have. 'You Need To Remember That Pain You Felt': Seth Jarvis 2024-25 Exit Interview 'You Need To Remember That Pain You Felt': Seth Jarvis 2024-25 Exit Interview The Carolina Hurricanes' 2024-25 season Advertisement came to a close earlier this week as the team lost in five games to the Florida Panthers in the Eastern Conference Final. No Russians The IIHF already ruled that Russia would not be allowed to participate in the upcoming Olympics so that means that neither Andrei Svechnikov nor Alexander Nikishin, each of whom were more than likely to make the team, won't get the chance to represent their country. Nikishin played in the 2022 Olympics, as he was still in the KHL at that point, and he took home a silver medal from that trip. New Faces? The Canes have a lot of cap space and a willingness to swing big this offseason, so perhaps there'll be someone new coming in that will be an Olympic player as well. Mitch Marner (Canada), Sam Bennett (Canada) and Nikolaj Ehlers (Denmark) are three of the biggest UFA names heading into the summer and all three would not only look good in Raleigh, but also representing their home countries as well. Recent Stories • The Carolina Hurricanes' 2025 RFAs • The Carolina Hurricanes' 2025 UFAs • Pair Of Hurricanes Prospects Earn Unprecedented Honor Stay updated with the most interesting Carolina Hurricanes stories, analysis, breaking news and more! Tap the star to add us to your favorites on Google News to never miss a story.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store