Latest news with #StanleyCupPlayoff
Edmonton Journal
a day ago
- Sport
- Edmonton Journal
Is this gamble really the right play right now for the goalie-challenged Edmonton Oilers
Article content Hey, if your General Manager is not working hard every day to try and make your team better, he should not be your G.M. Article content But sometimes a bird in the hand in worth two in the bush. Article content Such is the conundrum right now with Edmonton's goaltending. Article content This is an Oilers club that has been to the Stanley Cup Finals back-to-back seasons. Part of the reason they were able to do that was their goaltending tandem. But that was also part of the reason why they pulled up short. Article content Article content The real problem in between the pipes is that your #1 guy has been inconsistent. At times, Stuart Skinner has been brilliant. He has beaten supposedly superior goalies at the other end of the ice and at critical times. And Stu has lots of valuable Stanley Cup Playoff experience at a relatively young age. Yet at other junctures, Skinner has not appeared up to the very biggest task. Article content Article content Now, the irony of this off-season: One option to shore the club up at that position is to replace the other guy. Who by the way…has given you everything you should have reasonably hoped for plus some. In real and significant ways, Calvin Pickard has saved this club's bacon in back-to-back campaigns, both in-season and in the post-season (7-1 this past playoff). Article content But let's try to look at this objectively and set aside the Oilers-coloured glasses: Stuart Skinner shows very strong signs of being an NHL '1-A' but just not with near the consistency you require. Maybe he is really a '1-B'. Calvin Pickard is pretty much everything you want in a fine NHL backup, on and off the ice. But his career trajectory suggests he is not quite the '1-B'. Article content Article content So, if this is not working, what else could be out there? Nothing worth spending the money in in free agency, that's for sure. And there is no mystery #1 NHL goalie lurking around Europe somewhere (here's looking at you, Mikko Koskinen). So, you put your pro scouts to work trying to unearth a diamond in the rough in the AHL. That is what you pay them for. Article content The Oilers had active interest in Artus Silovs in Vancouver. But I am made to understand that the Canucks flat-out refused to deal him to Edmonton. At any price. That is a tough one for Stan Bowman to overcome. It takes two to tango. Article content Another name commonly mentioned is Michael Dipietro, currently the backup in Boston. Terrific AHL numbers. Talented but small but goalie. Would Boston not keep him and move Joonas Korpisalo, instead of risking waivers on the $812,500 guy? Article content Could one of those guys eventually prove to be better than Calvin Pickard? Yeah, I think there is a decent good chance of that. But the whole point is for Stuart Skinner to play better or find someone who can. Not get a better backup.
Time of India
a day ago
- Sport
- Time of India
NHL Trade: Maple Leafs' acquisition of Dakota Joshua hints at bigger plans for the upcoming season
Maple Leafs acquire Dakota Joshua from Canucks (Imagn Images) The Toronto Maple Leafs have brought forward Dakota Joshua back into their fold after acquiring him from the Vancouver Canucks in exchange for a fourth-round pick in the 2028 NHL Draft. The 29-year-old, who was initially drafted by Toronto in 2014, is returning to the franchise after a winding journey through the league, highlighted by resilience, growth, and a strong two-way presence on the ice. Dakota Joshua's comeback after cancer battle tells a lot Dakota Joshua's return to Toronto comes after one of the most emotional years of his professional career. Despite missing the early part of the 2024–25 NHL season due to surgery and recovery from testicular cancer, Joshua managed to make a solid impact upon his return. He posted seven goals and 14 points over 57 games and ranked second on the Canucks in hits with 193, proving his physicality never wavered even after a life-altering diagnosis. 'Dakota went through a lot last season before the year even started and we were very impressed in how he handled such a difficult off-ice situation,' said Canucks general manager Patrik Allvin. 'Once healthy, he tried hard to help the team in many ways, and we want to wish him the best moving forward in Toronto.' Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like An engineer reveals: One simple trick to get internet without a subscription Techno Mag Learn More Undo by Taboola by Taboola Joshua had signed a four-year, $13 million contract with the Canucks in June 2024, carrying a $3.25 million AAV through the 2027–28 season. His 2023–24 season had already seen career-high performances in goals (18), assists (14), and points (32) across 63 games, setting the tone for what Toronto hopes to be a productive chapter in his career. Leafs' offseason overhaul continues with familiar face The Dakota Joshua trade marks the latest in a series of bold moves by the Maple Leafs this offseason. The team recently acquired Matias Maccelli from the Utah Mammoth, Nicolas Roy from Vegas in a blockbuster deal involving Mitch Marner, and defenseman Henry Thrun from San Jose. While Joshua never played a game for Toronto after being drafted in the fifth round in 2014, his return signifies a full-circle moment. He went on to debut in the NHL with the St. Louis Blues in the 2020–21 season and has since amassed 78 points in 241 career games, alongside 8 points in 14 Stanley Cup Playoff appearances. Now back where it all started, Joshua arrives in Toronto with unfinished business—and a chance to redefine his story in blue and white. Also Read: NHL Trade Rumor: Could the Golden Knights really land Connor McDavid after Mitch Marner's shocking trade? Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!
Time of India
11-07-2025
- Sport
- Time of India
Jeff Skinner signs $3 million contract with San Jose Sharks to strengthen veteran offense
Photo byOn Friday, the San Jose Sharks signed veteran winger Jeff Skinner to a one-year, $3 million deal, hoping to tap into the scoring instincts and leadership he's built over 15 NHL seasons. For Skinner, now 33, this move marks another dramatic turn in a career that began with Calder Trophy glory and stretched all the way to his long-awaited first Stanley Cup Playoff goal last year. He arrives in San Jose with 699 career points and the chance to be both a mentor and an impact scorer on a team hungry for improvement. It's a fresh start that might just suit him perfectly. San Jose Sharks bet on Jeff Skinner's scoring touch and playoff experience to boost NHL rebuild When the Carolina Hurricanes drafted Skinner seventh overall in 2010, their scouts saw 'nobody in the draft that scores goals like Jeff Skinner.' He delivered instantly, winning the Calder Memorial Trophy as the league's top rookie and earning a spot in the All-Star Game at 18—the youngest to play in it, a record he still holds. But along with that early promise came adversity: concussions interrupted strong seasons, yet Skinner kept finding ways to produce and lead. He eventually wore the alternate captain's 'A' in Carolina and recorded multiple hat tricks, proving his resilience and goal-scoring pedigree. Jeff Skinner's career took its next major turn in 2018 with a trade to the Buffalo Sabres. He quickly lit it up, becoming only the second player in franchise history to notch 20 goals before December and finishing with 40 on the season. That earned him an eight-year, $72 million extension. But over time—and after a coaching change—his role diminished, leading to a buyout announced by Buffalo on June 29, 2024. Just two days later, Skinner landed with the Edmonton Oilers, signing on July 1. He scored 16 goals during the 2024–25 regular season and, in a moment that showcased his patience paying off, finally broke through in the postseason. On May 29 in Dallas, he scored his first playoff goal during the Western Conference Final. 'It's special to finally get here, and to contribute means a lot,' he said that night. Now in San Jose, Skinner will try to recapture the form that made him one of the league's top pure scorers. The Sharks are betting on his veteran savvy and willingness to embrace new roles, something he made clear last season when he said, 'There's always more you can do, more to give.' What Jeff Skinner's signing means for the San Jose Sharks' NHL future For a San Jose team searching for leadership and proven NHL scoring, Jeff Skinner's signing offers both experience and the possibility of one last great chapter. Fans will be watching to see if this veteran sniper can deliver the goals—and guidance—that help the Sharks take meaningful steps forward. What do you think of this signing? Let us know your thoughts. Also Read: Minnesota Wild re-sign Michael Milne to one-year deal, betting on NHL breakthrough 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!
Yahoo
08-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Tyler Johnson Retires After 13 NHL Seasons, Two Stanley Cups with Lightning
Tyler Johnson, a two-time Stanley Cup champion with the Lightning, announced his retirement from the NHL on Monday after 13 seasons. Johnson had 65 points (32 goals, 33 assists) in 116 Stanley Cup Playoff games for the Bolts, helping them secure back-to-back Stanley Cup championships in 2020 and 2021. Advertisement As a core member of the 'Triplets Line' with Nikita Kucherov and Ondrej Palat, Johnson helped drive the Lightning to the Stanley Cup Final in 2015. The trio came together out of necessity, but quickly turned into one of the league's most dynamic lines.. the rest was history. "I'll never forget the call that changed my life," Johnson said in a post on Instagram. "While playing in Prince George, British Columbia, my agent, Mark MacKay, told me to keep my phone close. When it rang, it was Steve Yzerman from the Tampa Bay Lightning. I'd never set foot in Florida and knew nothing about Tampa, but a gut feeling said it was my path. That instinct led me home.' Photo Credit: © Kim Klement-Imagn Images Johnson was signed by the Lightning as an undrafted free agent on March 7, 2011 and was a finalist for the Calder Trophy as the League's top rookie in 2013-14. The following season, he set NHL career highs in goals (29), assists (43) and points (72) in 77 games. Advertisement "In the Lightning organization, I found my place. From earning the Calder Cup with the Norfolk Admirals in the AHL to my NHL callup, those years were the best of my life. My teammates became brothers, and together we won back-to-back Stanley Cups, carving our names into history with our coaches and staff. Tampa will forever hold my heart." Johnson finished his career with 433 points (193 goals, 240 assists) in 747 regular-season games for the Lightning, Chicago Blackhawks and Bruins. "Now, after a lifetime devoted to hockey, I'm ready for what's next,' Johnson said. 'I'm thrilled to focus on starting a family and exploring new paths. This moment is bittersweet, but I leave the game with no regrets, only gratitude for the rinks, the teammates, the fans, and a sport that will always ignite my soul.' "Thank you all for being part of my journey." Photo Credit: © Reinhold Matay-Imagn Images
Yahoo
03-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Rangers GM's 'Excited' Message on K'Andre Miller's Replacement
Rangers GM's 'Excited' Message on K'Andre Miller's Replacement originally appeared on Athlon Sports. The New York Rangers were left with little choice once restricted free agent defenseman K'Andre Miller declined to re-sign with the team. Advertisement With the threat of losing him looming, the team traded Miller to the Carolina Hurricanes, where he immediately signed a maximum eight-year extension, and turned to free agency to fill the gap. Rangers general manager Chris Drury moved fast and was able to land long-time-targeted defenseman Vladislav Gavrikov on a seven-year, $49 million contract coming off his final season with the Los Angeles Kings. The 29-year-old blueliner scored 30 points (five goals, 25 assists) in 82 regular-season games for the Kings last season. He added two assists in six Stanley Cup Playoff games. Speaking after the signing, Drury pointed to Gavrikov's reliability and fit as a major reason the team acted decisively and signed him quickly after the start of free agency. Advertisement 'That's the (defensive) mindset he shows up with every single day,' Drury said. 'The size, the reach, the competitiveness, the way he defends, the way he's able to complement his partner, whether that's (Adam) Fox or any other right-shot (defenseman) that we have. "That's what excited all of us in targeting this player. Thrilled to be able to have him as a key part of that (defense) corps.' New York Rangers defenseman Vladislav Gavrikov (84) warms up while still a member of the Los Angeles KingsTalia Sprague-Imagn Images Back to the Miller deal, the Rangers received two draft picks and young defenseman Scott Morrow in return for their young blueliner. Though Drury didn't reference the Miller decision directly as the catalyst for Gavrikov's signing, he made clear why defensive changes were needed. Advertisement 'To me, it starts in our (own) zone,' Drury said. '(Defensive)-zone coverage. Defending, certainly defending in the high-danger areas, which we simply put were not good at last year. "We have to be better in our zone," Drury said. "We have to be better in front of 'Shesty' (Igor Shesterkin) and 'Quickie' (Jonathan Quick)." The Rangers have already filled their 23 roster spots while keeping $778,000 of cap space available. Related: Hurricanes Close to Landing Rangers Star: Report Related: Cap Crunch Threatens Rangers' Pursuit of LA Kings Pending Free Agent This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 3, 2025, where it first appeared.
