Latest news with #StanleyCup-champion
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Know. Your Enemy, Sabres Edition: Ottawa Senators Could Be Standing In Way Between Buffalo, Playoffs
The Buffalo Sabres happen to play in the NHL's most competitive division, the Atlantic Division, Every one of the Atlantic's eight teams have designs on being a playoff team next season -- and as part of this continuing series, we're analyzing each of the Sabres' seven divisional rivals to see what chance Buffalo has against each of them. We've moved alphabetically through the first four teams in the Atlantic, including Boston, Detroit, Florida and Montreal. And in this file, we're turning to the Ottawa Senators, the team that ended a seven-season playoff drought last year, when they finished with the Atlantic's fourth-best record (45-30-7). How did the Sabres fare against the Senators last season -- and what chance does Buffalo have at getting the best of Ottawa this coming year? Those are the questions you'll find answers to below. NEW SENATORS PLAYERS: Lars Eller, C; Arthur Kaliyev, LW; Jordan Spence, D 2024-25 SERIES: Sabres 4-0-0, Senators 0-4-0 2025-26 GAMES AGAINST EACH OTHER: October 15 at Buffalo; December 23 at Ottawa; April 2 at Ottawa CAN THE SABRES BEAT THIS TEAM? The Sabres laid out the Senators last season, winning all four of their regular-season games. And with the Senators making few additions to their roster -- including greybeard Eller, New York Rangers and Los Angeles Kings castoff Kaliyev, and young defenseman Spence (a move we actually really like for Ottawa) -- the Sens could be prone to losing repeatedly to Buffalo again this season. The teams only play on three occasions next year -- and two of them are essentially season-opening and season-closing bookmarks: the first game will be the Sabres' fourth game of the year, while the third game will be Buffalo's seventh-to-last game of the year. So it's rather likely the Sens team the Sabres see in October will be significantly different than the Sens team that greets them in April. With that said, we like Buffalo's chances of being better than the Senators the way they were better than them last season. Ottawa was a mediocre defensive team last season, but their offense was worse, ranking 19th in the league at an average of 2.95 goals-for per game. Know Your Enemy, Sabres Edition: Will The New-Look Montreal Canadiens Edge Out Buffalo For A Playoff Spot? The Buffalo Sabres are desperate to be a playoff team next season -- but they're in the NHL's toughest division -- the Atlantic Division. And their games against Atlantic teams will be crucial to help decided whether or not they'll be a playoff team next year. As such, we're analyzing Buffalo's chances against each Atlantic team in a series; We started alphabetically with the Boston Bruins, then turned our attention to the Detroit Red Wings, followed by the defending Stanley Cup-champion Florida Panthers. Let's return, then, to see what Ottawa did this summer: they brought in Eller, who won't move the needle offensively; they brought in Kaliyev, who couldn't produce enough offense to justify the Kings or Rangers hanging onto him. And they brought in Spence, who can contribute some offense, but who also isn't regarded for his defensive play. So it seems, then, that the Sabres can indeed take advantage of their structural advantages over the Senators. Buffalo's offense, even without the departed J.J. Peterka, should be able to poke holes in Ottawa's defense, The Sabres' defense corps, meanwhile, is deeper and more talented than the Sens' group of blueliners. And while Ottawa's netminding is better than Buffalo's, the Sabres still managed to outscore the Senators 17-5 last year. Having one fewer game against one another might temporarily dampen the natural rivalry between Ottawa and Buffalo. But don't kid yourself -- if the Metropolitan Division improves next season and four Metro teams make it into the playoffs, only four teams will be getting a playoff berth in the Atlantic. And that almost certainly means one, if not both the Senators and Sabres will miss out on playoff action next year. Know Your Enemy, Sabres Edition: Does Buffalo Have Any Hope Of Beating The Defending Stanley Cup-Champion Panthers? The Buffalo Sabres are under massive pressure to qualify for the Stanley Cup playoffs for the first time in 15 years. To do so, they're going to have to make the most of their games with their Atlantic Division rivals. And in this continuing series, we're analyzing Buffalo's chances against each of their seven Atlantic rivals. You have to give the Sens their due -- they've got plenty to like, and reason for optimism next season and beyond. However, the sports world is littered with the husks of better-than-average teams that faltered under the weight of expectation. We're not here to guarantee you that Ottawa is going to be one of those teams. However, if the Sabres are to end their 14-year playoff drought, they need to get a leg up on many, if not most Atlantic teams. The Senators aren't yet regarded as a top-two-or-better team, and that may change soon enough. But Buffalo needs to do whatever it can to replicate the success they had against Ottawa last season. Because if they don't, and the Sabres miss out on the playoffs yet again, their losses at the hands of the Sens may be the reason why.
Montreal Gazette
01-07-2025
- Sport
- Montreal Gazette
A few former Canadiens find new homes on first day of free agency
Montreal Canadiens By There's going to be a strong Montreal connection next season with the New York Islanders. New Islanders general manager Mathieu Darche — who played three seasons with the Canadiens — decided to keep head coach Patrick Roy, the Hall of Fame goalie who was in net for Montreal's last two Stanley Cup championships in 1986 and 1993. Now they are being joined by former Canadien Jonathan Drouin, who signed a two-year, US$8-million contract with the Islanders on Tuesday as a free agent. The 30-year-old Drouin, who played with the Canadiens for six seasons from 2017-18 through 2022-23, had 11-26-37 totals in 43 games last season with the Colorado Avalanche while on a one-year, US$2.5-million contract. Drouin had three goals and nine assists on the power play. 'We wanted to bring a bit of talent up front, especially to help the power play, and that's what Jonathan Drouin is going to do,' Darche said during a video conference. 'He's an elite power-play player. He can bring some offence. He'll play in our top six. He's a veteran guy, too, without committing to too much term. So it's a two-year contract for Jo Drouin. He fits a need we had. Obviously, we want to improve the power play from last year. He's definitely a very good power-play player and our new (assistant) coach Ray Bennett had him in Colorado last year. So he actually knows his strengths, also how to use him on the power play.' Meanwhile, former Canadiens goalie Jake Allen has decided to stay in New Jersey, signing a five-year, US$9-million contract with the Devils, who acquired him from Montreal at the NHL trade deadline two seasons ago. The 34-year-old had a 13-16-1 record last season with the Devils, along with a 2.59 goals-against average and a .908 save percentage. His new contract has an annual salary-cap hit of US$1.8 million. Defenceman Jeff Petry, who played a key role in the Canadiens' run to the Stanley Cup final in 2021 before losing to the Tampa Bay Lightning, signed a one-year, US$775,000 contract with the Stanley Cup-champion Florida Panthers on Tuesday. The 37-year-old had 1-7-8 totals in 44 games last season with the Detroit Red Wings in the final season of a four-year, US$25-million contract with an annual salary-cap hit of US$6.5 million. Forward Corey Perry, who was also a key part of the Canadiens' run to the 2021 Stanley Cup final, signed a one-year, US$2-million contract with the Los Angeles Kings. The 40-year-old had 19-11-30 totals in 80 games last season with the Edmonton Oilers. Former Canadiens defenceman Jordan Harris, who grew up in the Boston area as a big Bruins fan, signed a one-year, US$820,000 contract with the Bruins. The 24-year-old had 1-4-5 totals in 33 games last season with Columbus after the Canadiens traded him to the Blue Jackets last summer as part of the trade that brought Patrik Laine to Montreal. Former Canadiens centre Lars Eller signed a one-year, US$1.25-million contract with the Ottawa Senators. The 36-year-old had 10-12-22 totals in 80 games last season split between the Pittsburgh Penguins and Washington Capitals. Defenceman Noah Juulsen, the Canadiens' first-round pick (26th overall) at the 2015 NHL Draft, signed a one-year, US$900,000 contract with the Philadelphia Flyers. The 28-year-old had no points in 35 games last season with the Vancouver Canucks.
Ottawa Citizen
01-07-2025
- Sport
- Ottawa Citizen
A few former Canadiens find new homes on first day of free agency
There's going to be a strong Montreal connection next season with the New York Islanders. Article content New Islanders general manager Mathieu Darche — who played three seasons with the Canadiens — decided to keep head coach Patrick Roy, the Hall of Fame goalie who was in net for Montreal's last two Stanley Cup championships in 1986 and 1993. Now they are being joined by former Canadien Jonathan Drouin, who signed a two-year, US$8-million contract with the Islanders on Tuesday as a free agent. Article content Article content The 30-year-old Drouin, who played with the Canadiens for six seasons from 2017-18 through 2022-23, had 11-26-37 totals in 43 games last season with the Colorado Avalanche while on a one-year, US$2.5-million contract. Drouin had three goals and nine assists on the power play. Article content Article content 'We wanted to bring a bit of talent up front, especially to help the power play, and that's what Jonathan Drouin is going to do,' Darche said during a video conference. 'He's an elite power-play player. He can bring some offence. He'll play in our top six. He's a veteran guy, too, without committing to too much term. So it's a two-year contract for Jo Drouin. He fits a need we had. Obviously, we want to improve the power play from last year. He's definitely a very good power-play player and our new (assistant) coach Ray Bennett had him in Colorado last year. So he actually knows his strengths, also how to use him on the power play.' Article content Article content Article content Meanwhile, former Canadiens goalie Jake Allen has decided to stay in New Jersey, signing a five-year, US$9-million contract with the Devils, who acquired him from Montreal at the NHL trade deadline two seasons ago. The 34-year-old had a 13-16-1 record last season with the Devils, along with a 2.59 goals-against average and a .908 save percentage. His new contract has an annual salary-cap hit of US$1.8 million. Article content Defenceman Jeff Petry, who played a key role in the Canadiens' run to the Stanley Cup final in 2021 before losing to the Tampa Bay Lightning, signed a one-year, US$775,000 contract with the Stanley Cup-champion Florida Panthers on Tuesday. The 37-year-old had 1-7-8 totals in 44 games last season with the Detroit Red Wings in the final season of a four-year, US$25-million contract with an annual salary-cap hit of US$6.5 million.
Vancouver Sun
01-07-2025
- Sport
- Vancouver Sun
A few former Canadiens find new homes on first day of free agency
There's going to be a strong Montreal connection next season with the New York Islanders. New Islanders general manager Mathieu Darche — who played three seasons with the Canadiens — decided to keep head coach Patrick Roy, the Hall of Fame goalie who was in net for Montreal's last two Stanley Cup championships in 1986 and 1993. Now they are being joined by former Canadien Jonathan Drouin, who signed a two-year, US$8-million contract with the Islanders on Tuesday as a free agent. The 30-year-old Drouin, who played with the Canadiens for six seasons from 2017-18 through 2022-23, had 11-26-37 totals in 43 games last season with the Colorado Avalanche while on a one-year, US$2.5-million contract. Drouin had three goals and nine assists on the power play. 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. 'We wanted to bring a bit of talent up front, especially to help the power play, and that's what Jonathan Drouin is going to do,' Darche said during a video conference. 'He's an elite power-play player. He can bring some offence. He'll play in our top six. He's a veteran guy, too, without committing to too much term. So it's a two-year contract for Jo Drouin. He fits a need we had. Obviously, we want to improve the power play from last year. He's definitely a very good power-play player and our new (assistant) coach Ray Bennett had him in Colorado last year. So he actually knows his strengths, also how to use him on the power play.' Meanwhile, former Canadiens goalie Jake Allen has decided to stay in New Jersey, signing a five-year, US$9-million contract with the Devils, who acquired him from Montreal at the NHL trade deadline two seasons ago. The 34-year-old had a 13-16-1 record last season with the Devils, along with a 2.59 goals-against average and a .908 save percentage. His new contract has an annual salary-cap hit of US$1.8 million. Defenceman Jeff Petry, who played a key role in the Canadiens' run to the Stanley Cup final in 2021 before losing to the Tampa Bay Lightning, signed a one-year, US$775,000 contract with the Stanley Cup-champion Florida Panthers on Tuesday. The 37-year-old had 1-7-8 totals in 44 games last season with the Detroit Red Wings in the final season of a four-year, US$25-million contract with an annual salary-cap hit of US$6.5 million. Forward Corey Perry, who was also a key part of the Canadiens' run to the 2021 Stanley Cup final, signed a one-year, US$2-million contract with the Los Angeles Kings. The 40-year-old had 19-11-30 totals in 80 games last season with the Edmonton Oilers . Former Canadiens defenceman Jordan Harris , who grew up in the Boston area as a big Bruins fan, signed a one-year, US$820,000 contract with the Bruins. The 24-year-old had 1-4-5 totals in 33 games last season with Columbus after the Canadiens traded him to the Blue Jackets last summer as part of the trade that brought Patrik Laine to Montreal. Former Canadiens centre Lars Eller signed a one-year, US$1.25-million contract with the Ottawa Senators. The 36-year-old had 10-12-22 totals in 80 games last season split between the Pittsburgh Penguins and Washington Capitals. Defenceman Noah Juulsen , the Canadiens' first-round pick (26th overall) at the 2015 NHL Draft , signed a one-year, US$900,000 contract with the Philadelphia Flyers. The 28-year-old had no points in 35 games last season with the Vancouver Canucks .
Hamilton Spectator
30-06-2025
- Sport
- Hamilton Spectator
Leafs, Oilers make big moves ahead of NHL free agency's opening bell
The Maple Leafs and Oilers went to work ahead of NHL free agency's opening bell. Toronto is reportedly trading pending unrestricted free agent Mitch Marner to Vegas. The winger signed an eight-year, US$96-million contract with Toronto before the deal with the Golden Knights, according to multiple media reports Monday. He would have only been able to sign a seven-year pact if he went to market Tuesday. Marner's departure ends a nine-year tenure with the team he cheered for as a kid growing up just north of the city in Thornhill, Ont. He had four seasons of 90 or more points — including 102 in 2024-25 — playing alongside fellow star forwards Auston Matthews, William Nylander and John Tavares. But that production dropped significantly in the playoffs as Toronto won just two of 11 series after drafting Marner with the fourth pick at the 2015 draft. Marner departs the Leafs after putting up 221 goals and 520 assists for 741 points in 657 games. He added 63 points (13 goals, 50 assists) in 70 playoff games, but scored just once in Games 5, 6 and 7 — a total of 26 contests — in those 11 post-season matchups for Toronto. Edmonton made splash of its own, reportedly signing pending restricted free agent defenceman Evan Bouchard to a four-year, US$42-million extension. The blueliner with a booming shot had 14 goals and 53 assists for 67 points in 82 games this past season. Bouchard, who put up a career-high 81 points in 2023-24, has registered 55 goals and 183 assists in 347 regular-season games. The Oakville, Ont., product has added 20 goals and 61 assists in 75 playoff appearances, with 55 of those points coming during back-to-back runs to the Stanley Cup final the last two springs. A number of big names are off the free-agent board after Monday's frenzy. Apart from Marner bolting for Sin City, the Stanley Cup-champion Florida Panthers have reportedly agreed on long-term deals with forward Brad Marchand and defenceman Aaron Ekblad. Winnipeg Jets winger Nikolaj Ehlers and Vancouver Canucks sniper Brock Boeser remain poised to hit free agency Tuesday. Other players to watch including Oilers superstar centre Connor McDavid, who has a year left on his current deal, but will be eligible to sign a new contract for the 2026-27 season and beyond. Edmonton also re-signed winger Kasperi Kapanen to a one-year, $1.3-million contract. Claimed off waivers from the St. Louis Blues in November, Kapanen combined for 14 points in 67 regular-season games in 2024-25. The 28-year-old added six more points, including an overtime goal in the second round, across 12 playoff contests. The Leafs made a couple of other moves Monday, acquiring winger Matias Maccelli from the Utah Mammoth for a conditional third-round pick at the 2027 and re-signing forward Steven Lorentz on a three-year, $4.05-million pact. The Ottawa Senators signed goalie Leevi Merilainen to a one-year, $1.05-million contract extension. This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 30, 2025.
