Latest news with #WesternConferenceFinal
Time of India
a day ago
- Sport
- Time of India
Why pursuing Mikael Granlund could be a high-risk gamble for the Montreal Canadiens?
For the Montreal Canadiens, second-line centre has long been their glaring weak spot, haunting them season after season. General manager Kent Hughes tried to fix it with the bold Kirby Dach trade in 2022, but last season told a harsher story. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Dach's staggering -29 goal differential at centre was among the NHL's worst, underlining the depth crisis behind Nick Suzuki. Now, with NHL free agency offering few reliable options and a roster built to grow around young stars, the Canadiens are forced to weigh their next move carefully. Mikael Granlund offers undeniable production—but carries the kind of defensive risk that could backfire spectacularly. High reward, even higher risk: Offensive production can't hide Mikael Granlund's defensive flaws—and the Montreal Canadiens know it is coming off his fifth career 60-point season, split between the struggling San Jose Sharks and the contending Dallas Stars. He delivered 66 points over 83 games in 2024–25, then added 10 more in the playoffs as Dallas reached its second consecutive Western Conference Final. His offensive skill is beyond question, especially given he's still producing well into his 30s. Yet those numbers don't tell the whole story about how teams deploy him. In Dallas, he was given 63% offensive-zone starts. When asked about that deployment after the trade deadline, Stars head coach Pete DeBoer told reporters in Dallas, 'We wanted to put him in spots where he could produce. It worked for us, but it was a specific fit.' That 'specific fit' is precisely what Montreal can't replicate. The Canadiens don't have the luxury of elite two-way forwards to shelter Granlund. Their defense is already a problem: they allowed 261 goals last season, ranking among the worst in the league despite a late surge to make the playoffs. Even Kirby Dach, for all his struggles, rated better defensively in 2024–25 by Evolving Hockey's RAPM metrics. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Crucial call: Should the Montreal Canadiens gamble on Mikael Granlund at centre? Granlund is projected to command around $5 million annually on a two-year deal, according to AFPAnalytics—a reasonable price on paper for a consistent 60-point centre. But for the Canadiens, it's a risky investment at precisely the wrong moment. They need a second-line pivot who can help secure their own zone, balance the lines, and support young stars like Ivan Demidov without giving up endless scoring chances the other way. Signing Granlund might add goals. But it won't solve Montreal's real problem—and could wind up as their biggest offseason gamble yet. Is it a risk the Canadiens can really afford to take? Also Read:
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Rangers 'Buzzing' Around Stars' 25-Year-Old All-Star Forward
Rangers 'Buzzing' Around Stars' 25-Year-Old All-Star Forward originally appeared on Athlon Sports. The Dallas Stars have now lost in the Western Conference Final three straight years, and their latest early exit has opened the door to speculation about a core shakeup. Advertisement The Stars already fired head coach Peter DeBoer shortly after the playoffs, a move that could kickstart a major retooling of the organization. Whether that includes trading one of their foundational players is the question hanging over the team's offseason, but buzz is starting to emerge surrounding Jason Robertson's name. Robertson, still just 25, is entering the final season of a four-year, $31 million contract and will be due a significant raise in 2026. He'll be a restricted free agent with arbitration rights in July 2026. Dallas, with big contracts already on the books and entering the offseason with just $4.9 million in cap space, could soon face a financial crossroads. That's where the New York Rangers come in. Advertisement 'Teams are buzzing around the 25-year-old All-Star, wondering if they can seize on Dallas' itch for change,' according to USA Today's Vince Mercogliano. 'The Rangers, I'm told, are one of them.' Robertson's production has been elite throughout his NHL career. He posted 109 points in 2022–23, has two 40-goal seasons, and has notched at least 80 points in all three last season, as well as 79 four years ago. Dallas Stars left wing Jason Robertson (21) celebrates a goal during the 2025 Stanley Cup J. Downing-Imagn Images One thing to acknowledge about Mercogliano's report is that Robertson indeed fits New York's cap timeline and financial constraints. Artemi Panarin, one of the highest-paid Rangers, will see his $11.64 million-per-season contract expire the same offseason that Robertson would need an extension. Advertisement On top of that, the Rangers seem to be on the verge of completing a trade with the Anaheim Ducks involving forward Chris Kreider, who's set to make $6.5 million next season. Meanwhile, other insiders such as Daily Faceoff's Jeff Marek and Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman have chimed in on Robertson's situation, acknowledging the Stars could move the winger to create some cap space. Related: NHL Analyst Labels Rangers' Mika Zibanejad 'Very Sensitive' Before Bounce-Back Game Related: Rangers' Pending Free Agent Linked to Trade, Offer Sheet Possibilities This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 11, 2025, where it first appeared.
Newsweek
5 days ago
- Sport
- Newsweek
Oilers' Connor McDavid Receives Massive Prediction Amid Rumors
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Edmonton Oilers superstar Connor McDavid is arguably the best player in the NHL right now. Not everyone will agree with that statement, but he's at the very minimum at the top of the conversation for that title. Unfortunately, he came up just short for the second year in a row when it comes to a championship. For the second straight season, the Oilers were unable to overcome the Florida Panthers in the Stanley Cup Final. After losing in seven games last season, they lost in six games this time around. Connor McDavid #97 of the Edmonton Oilers reacts after his game winning goal against the Dallas Stars during the second overtime in Game One of the Western Conference Final of the 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs... Connor McDavid #97 of the Edmonton Oilers reacts after his game winning goal against the Dallas Stars during the second overtime in Game One of the Western Conference Final of the 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs at American Airlines Center on May 23, 2024 in Dallas, Texas. More Photo byFollowing the team's latest loss in the Stanley Cup Final, rumors have started flying about McDavid's future. He's set to become a free agent next offseason and almost every team in the NHL would love to add him to their roster. Read more: Penguins Connected as Potential Connor McDavid Suitor Of course, Edmonton will do everything in its power to lock up McDavid long-term. There have been recent rumors of McDavid preferring to sign a short-term deal. It has been a thought that he might not want to tie up his future long-term. However, those rumors have been hit with a major new prediction. AFP Analytics has made a new contract projection for McDavid. They believe that he will land a four-year deal worth $16.35 million in each year. If that does become the case, he would get $65.4 million overall. McDavid was asked about his future after the team's loss to the Panthers. He did not give a lot of insight, but did not commit to re-signing with the Oilers either. "This core has been together for a long time and we've been building to this moment all along. The work that's gone on behind the scenes, the conversations, the endless disappointments and some good times along the way, obviously. We're all in this together, trying to get it over that finish line," McDavid said. "With that being said, ultimately, I still need to do what's best for me and my family. That's who you have to take care of first." Read more: Oilers' Connor McDavid Receives Surprising Prediction From NHL Insider No one knows what to expect from McDavid in the future. Edmonton will do its best to keep him, but other teams will do their best to convince him to leave. He will continue being a top storyline in the NHL until his future contract decision is known. For more NHL and sports news, head to Newsweek Sports.
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Gio Urshela nabs Zach McKinstry at the plate
Dallas Stars' Next Coach: Why Peter Laviolette Shouldn't Be the Answer This offseason the Dallas Stars will not only be in the market to add to their roster, but will also be looking to fill their vacant head position. Dallas parted ways with longtime coach Pete DeBoer after the Stars were knocked out in the Western Conference Final for the third straight year. There will be a number of names in the running to be the top authority behind the bench, but one name the Stars should move on from is that of veteran head coach Peter Laviolette. 2:57 Now Playing Paused Ad Playing
Time of India
23-06-2025
- Business
- Time of India
NHL trade rumor: Three NHL contracts likely headed for a buyout as teams reconsider costly misfires this summer
Justin Holl #3 of the Detroit Red Wings (Credit: Getty Images) Justin Holl's deal with the Detroit Red Wings raised eyebrows from the start. Signed to a three-year contract with a $3.4 million cap hit, Holl has not lived up to expectations. In two seasons, the defenseman has managed just two goals and eleven assists while remaining a defensive liability more often than not. Despite a better finish to last season, it appears not enough to justify his spot or his salary. 2025 NHL Buyout Candidates - TOP 10 Players Facing Contract Buyouts Matt Dumba falling out of favor in Dallas Stars lineup Matt Dumba's situation with the Dallas Stars is just as uncertain. Brought in on a two-year deal worth $3.75 million annually, Dumba has failed to deliver the spark the Stars hoped for. His production was modest at best, with one goal and nine assists across 63 regular season games. More telling, however, was his complete absence from the lineup during the team's playoff run. The Stars advanced to the Western Conference Final but benched Dumba throughout, clearly signaling their lack of trust. A buyout would reduce his cap hit to $1.41 million, freeing up over $2 million in space next season and softening the blow the following year with just a $1.16 million penalty. For a cap-tight team trying to stay competitive in the West, moving on from Dumba makes both hockey and financial sense. Philipp Grubauer's struggles put the Kraken in a tough spot Philipp Grubauer's time with the Seattle Kraken has been a turbulent ride. Signed as a top-tier goaltender, his performance has dipped consistently, reaching a low point last season with a 3.49 goals against average and a .875 save percentage over 26 games. At a $5.9 million cap hit for two more years, his contract is one of the most burdensome in the league. With the June 30 deadline looming, general managers across the league are running out of time. For Holl, Dumba, and Grubauer, the writing may already be on the wall. Also Read: NHL trade rumors: NHL free agency 2025 set for wild ride with $10M deals, surprise offer sheets, and Aaron Ekblad buzz For real-time updates, scores, and highlights, follow our live coverage of the India vs England Test match here . Game On Season 1 kicks off with Sakshi Malik's inspiring story. Watch Episode 1 here
