Devils Head Coach Sheldon Keefe’s Future Under Evaluation
New Jersey Devils head coach Sheldon Keefe told reporters, including James Nichols of NJD Hockey Now, that his future will be evaluated at the end of the season.
The news comes as not much of a shock, as the Devils fired general manager Tom Fitzgerald yesterday, the first step in what will be more changes in store. Keefe’s contract runs through the 2027-28 season, but that hardly provides security in itself, facing what has been a disappointing year in all areas.
Widely predicted to make the playoffs comfortably back in the fall, today New Jersey sits second to last in the Metropolitan Division. It wasn’t an immediate demise, as back in mid-November they proudly held the #2 spot in the entire league, only behind Colorado. It seemed like Keefe’s club were hitting their stride, on the path to make the playoffs again under his guidance. Instead, a lot has happened since then, some worthy of fueling critics, other aspects out of the coach’s control entirely.
In just one month’s time from their strong start, the Devils stumbled all the way to 16th in the league. The fall off was kick-started by Jack Hughes’ freak hand injury which required surgery. As if losing their top scorer to a restaurant incident wasn’t frustrating enough, in December they also had an opportunity to make a monumental acquisition in Quinn Hughes, proving unable to do so. Besides the obvious affinity the New Jersey faithful have for the franchise level defenseman, striking out on such a player did the group no favors, as they only slipped further. Had they pulled it off, Keefe’s standing would be in a very different position today.
Outside of the Team USA hero’s lost time, the Devils also missed integral shutdown defenseman Brett Pesce with his own health issues. The 31-year-old has played just 37 games all year, sidelined in the fall, and currently down again with a lower-body injury. Out of his 11 professional seasons to this point, 2025-26 will mark the campaign with the fewest games played for the righty.
Often trying to work with a thinner lineup, Keefe’s efforts have not materialized, as the Devils rank seventh-worst in goals scored (218) and a -16 goal differential. Timo Meier’s performance has dipped, just 42 points in 72 games this season. It’s an issue magnified by the 29-year-old’s contract, with questionable roster construction clearly playing a part in their on-ice results.
Depth scoring has also been a factor. Stefan Noesen has found the back of the net just three times in 38 games, battling through his own injuries, either way a serious drop off from last year’s breakout 22 tallies. By no means is it realistic to blame the Devils’ woes on the late-blooming 33-year-old, but it’s further evidence that the group could benefit from a new voice.
If the end is near for the Brampton, Ontario native’s time in Jersey, Keefe’s history will likely warrant another head coaching gig, and quickly. Unlike the newly hired John Tortorella and Peter DeBoer, who waited patiently for their next undertaking, Keefe could find another job in time for 2026-27 based on a number of openings, both current and to come.
With a 294 – 164 – 50 career record, good for a .628 win percentage, the once young up-and-comer in Toronto now has over 500 games leading at the NHL level. His results have dipped a bit in New Jersey, but when looking at the adversity they’ve gone through, it’s commendable nonetheless. He’s never had a losing record, and plenty of organizations would be happy to become his third.
The Los Angeles Kings present an intriguing opportunity on paper. Even if they manage to squeak into the playoffs, interim bench boss D.J. Smith is not expected to be a long term solution. Keefe’s structured approach would mesh nicely with the Los Angeles core, a group fully intent on winning right away.
It’s certainly a long shot, but fun nonetheless to imagine the possibility of a Toronto return given Keefe’s deep-rooted relationship with the organization. Perhaps it would be an attempt to return to a time which suddenly doesn’t seem as bad after all. Of course, the Maple Leafs have their own evaluations to make behind the bench before it could even become an option.
Ahead of new possibilities to even be considered, Keefe will aim to finish the campaign strong and make his case to stick around in Newark at a desirable job through its organizational change. His Devils will finish the campaign one week from today, April 14, and news could come quickly as management weighs their options. If he does survive the general manager transition, it would be intriguing to see what Keefe could accomplish in New Jersey with a roster not battered by injuries.
Snapshots: Ducks, Smith, Tracy
Shortly ahead of tonight’s game at San Jose, the Anaheim Ducks revealed that Radko Gudas and Pavel Mintyukov wouldn’t play due to lower body injuries.
For Gudas, it more or less confirms the suspicion that the 35-year-old laced them up not yet healthy in order to answer the bell against the Maple Leafs. It’s a commendable act from the Ducks’ captain, especially as Gudas didn’t throw a punch in his scrap with Max Domi, stemming from the controversial hit which ended Auston Matthews’ season. Nonetheless, the Czech stay-at-home man will look to get healthy in time for the playoffs.
Another defenseman, Mintyukov has dealt with his own lower body issue, keeping him out of the lineup for the second time in the last three games. The 22-year-old has developed nicely in Anaheim, averaging 18:26 a contest and needing just one more game to make a career high 69 appearances in a season. Mintyukov still has untapped offensive upside, offering 20 points so far in 2025-26.
Neither Gudas or Mintyukov figure to have serious issues, but in the meantime, Ian Moore and Drew Helleson have stepped in.
Elsewhere across the league:
- Los Angeles will weigh their coaching options this summer, as insider David Pagnotta suspected that interim head coach D.J. Smith won’t be back, on Monday’s edition of Oilersnation Everyday. After firing Jim Hiller on March 1, Smith’s efforts to provide a spark have proved often ineffective, with a 5-5-4 record. The former Senators head man has a .465 career win percentage, not winning more than 39 games in a season. This summer will bring major change to the Kings with icon Anže Kopitar set to hang up his skates, but still offering a strong core in win-now mode, Los Angeles will seek a long-term solution behind the bench. Smith, 48, came to the Kings as an assistant in February 2024. If it’s indeed the beginning of the end of his tenure, it’s safe to assume another NHL club will come calling with a similiar job offer.
- The Henderson Silver Knights, aptly named affiliates of Vegas, inked goaltender Alexander Tracy to an AHL contract for 2026-27. The undrafted netminder enters the professional circuit after an impressive four year career at Minnesota State University – Mankato. A native of Chicago, Illinois, the 25-year-old got the bulk of starts for three of his four collegiate seasons. He put up an eye-popping .946 save percentage last season, followed by a .927% this year, winning over 20 games in each. Vegas has had three drafted goaltenders who have gotten significant playing time in the AHL, but behind Carl Lindbom, who has played well, neither Cameron Whitehead or Jesper Vikman have been able to stand out. Vikman was dealt to the Capitals organization as part of the Nic Dowd trade. As a result, the 5’11” Tracy will compete for a backup role in Henderson.
Injury Notes: Moore, Mangiapane, Hagel
Chicago Blackhawks head coach Jeff Blashill told reporters, including Scott Powers of The Athletic, that young forward Oliver Moore could make a late season return, but it’s also possible his season has ended. Needless to say, it’s uncertain at this time.
Moore suffered an undisclosed injury in early March, leaving against Dallas and not playing since. In the dreary closing games of the campaign for the 31st-ranked Hawks, bringing the explosive skater back into the lineup would bring some excitement. However, Chicago has no reason to rush their top prospect back.
The 21-year-old has recorded 19 points in 51 games this year, a successful first true NHL campaign. His 48% expected goals share is laudable for any young forward on a team less often in the win column. It’s a nice foundation to build off of in 2026-27.
Even if the 19th overall selection (2023) doesn’t eventually blossom into a true top six forward, he has the perfect skill set to be a force in the middle six. Such are the exact type of players Chicago needs to cap off their rebuild.
Elsewhere across the league:
- Also in the Windy City, Andrew Mangiapane is traveling with the team, noted by Powers. He won’t get to carry a chip on his shoulder to the ice in Edmonton, but could appear later in the road trip. Since coming over from the Oilers, Mangiapane has two points in seven games as he looks to rebuild his stock. His possession metrics have dipped even further as a Blackhawk, down to 43.6% corsi for at five-on-five, but that’s expected on the non-playoff team. If the 29-year-old is to restore his old high scoring ways, it’ll have to be by earning a larger role and getting power play time alongside Connor Bedard. So far Mangiapane is averaging 12:23 a night in Chicago, essentially the same as was in Edmonton.
- Tampa Bay’s Brandon Hagel is day-to-day and it’s unlikely he’ll appear tomorrow against Pittsburgh, per Diandra Loux of The Hockey News. The 27-year-old former sixth round selection continues to flourish with the Lightning, putting up 73 points in 69 games this season as the Bolts’ third leading scorer. It’ll be beneficial for the Penguins who are more in need of points than their opponents. Hagel should return far in time for the playoffs, as soon as Saturday against Boston. His club is currently fifth in the league, looking to end their three year first round exit streak.
Golden Knights Assign Braeden Bowman To AHL
The Vegas Golden Knights announced tonight that Braeden Bowman has been assigned to AHL Henderson.
Undrafted out of the OHL, Bowman caught on with Vegas and has become a solid depth forward at just 22 years old. A team always right against the cap, with injuries also a factor, the winger managed to get into 54 games at the NHL level where he’s come away with eight goals and 26 points on 14:08 a night. Offering a 49.6% corsi for at five on five, respectable for any unsung rookie, Bowman’s shifts were relatively protected by the now-fired head coach Bruce Cassidy, starting just under 60% in the offensive zone.
Either way, Bowman has lit it up in small AHL usage this season, 12 points in as many games, and he’ll be welcomed into 12th-ranked Henderson’s forward corps with open arms.
The trade deadline acquisitions of Nic Dowd and Cole Smith, both defensive specialists, effectively bumped Bowman out of the lineup who naturally was less trusted in such a role. He hadn’t played since March 21, also unable yet to make an impression in-game under new bench boss John Tortorella.
With seven regular season games left after a shocking late-season shift, Vegas will hope the bold move provides a spark, while Bowman will enjoy playing time in the AHL. The Golden Knights have several veterans with expiring contracts, the likes of Colton Sissons, Brandon Saad, Reilly Smith, as well as the other Smith mentioned above. As a result, Bowman will continue to be an appealing depth option in years to come, already putting together an impressive career for an undrafted player.
Canucks Recall Ty Mueller
Ahead of tonight’s game against Colorado, the Vancouver Canucks announced that prospect Ty Mueller has been recalled from AHL Abbotsford.
A fourth round selection by the team in 2023, the center has developed nicely in the AHL right from the jump out of the University of Nebraska-Omaha. Mueller debuted last year with 39 points in 64 games, serving as a key rookie on the way to Abbotsford’s 2025 Calder Cup title. The efforts got him into two games with the big club, where he didn’t record any points.
This season the Edmonton, Alberta native has continued to progress, sitting second in team scoring with 35 points in 59 games. Abbotsford has iced a younger forward corps this year, and ranking 30th in the AHL, they won’t be defending their championship this spring. With that in mind, the similarly bottom-feeding Vancouver has little to lose in giving the 23-year-old another look.
With a forecast projected to land somewhere in the bottom six level, Mueller is not among the Canucks’ highest end prospects, hovering more in the 5-10 range. Yet for a player chosen 105th overall, the lefty has made a strong case to crack Vancouver’s lineup starting next fall, particularly as they’ll turn the roster over to more young players. Mueller’s AHL production has already surpassed his expectations, and with a season far lost, Vancouver fans will hope to watch a successful audition as he continues to grow into a future NHLer. At 5’11”, he brings a very well rounded game.
Evidently, Max Sasson is expected to return to the lineup tonight in a whimsical battle between the NHL’s best and worst team. As a result Mueller is not expected to play, but the youngster will enjoy the call-up nonetheless, looking ahead to tomorrow’s action in Minnesota as a chance to appear in his third NHL game.
Snapshots: Carrick, Yakemchuk, Berube
Buffalo Sabres spring acquisition Sam Carrick appeared to suffer a serious arm injury after fighting Anders Lee of the Islanders tonight, seen in a clip shared by Bleacher Report Open Ice.
Carrick dropped the mitts with Lee in retaliation after the Islanders captain delivered a hard hit on Buffalo’s Josh Norris. As he went down at the end of the scrap, he was immediately in serious pain. The center did not return, and with just seven regular season games on the schedule for the team after tonight, there’s a real possibility Buffalo has lost a key veteran for the playoffs.
Acquired on March 6 from the Rangers in exchange for a third and sixth rounder, Carrick has been a great fit with the Sabres. He has five goals in 12 games, of course not sustainable with a shooting percentage just under 28%. Even when that inevitably cools off, he’s winning 58.2% of his face-offs and killing penalties as a solid fourth line center right as advertised.
Also evident considering his willingness to take on a larger player in Lee for the sake of a teammate, Carrick plays a role any team needs in the playoffs. Especially a younger group, who will end a 15-year-long drought and enter uncharted territory.
The hope is that Carrick has somehow not suffered a season-ender, but if so, Joshua Dunne might have to step back in at a crucial time. Buffalo is back at it Thursday as they aim to put the keep their foot on the gas rolling into a potential run.
Elsewhere across the league:
- Senators defenseman Carter Yakemchuk suffered a concerning injury tonight as observed by Julian McKenzie of The Athletic. He sustained a hard hit from Florida’s Noah Gregor which was concentrated in the head area, and had trouble getting back up, eventually requiring help to get off the ice. Gregor was assessed a game misconduct. It was a tough night for the Sens as they lost convincingly to the bottom-feeding Panthers while in desperate need of points. Ottawa’s top prospect, Yakemchuk made his NHL debut one week ago today, getting a look especially as Jake Sanderson remains out. The 20-year-old burst onto the scene with a goal and an assist in his first game. As a righty, he fits perfectly into a well-assembled core from the other side for years to come. Ottawa hopes their youngster will be back by Thursday against Buffalo.
- Insider David Pagnotta of The Fourth Period said on yesterday’s edition of The Leafs Nation that head coach Craig Berube was likely not anticipating yesterday’s firing of general manager Brad Treliving. Pagnotta suspects that he hasn’t been told anything as to his future with the club. The 60-year-old has a contract which runs through 2027-28, but his Leafs tenure could be winding down, about to finish only his second season with the team, where he’s had an 84 – 56 – 17 record. Toronto’s constant turnover behind the bench needs to change, but it only makes sense for the team to start fresh this summer. Any new GM typically prefers bringing in their own selection, especially with some strong candidates available, headlined by Bruce Cassidy. Berube, known for leading the Blues to a remarkable run to a Stanley Cup in 2019, could also benefit from a new challenge with the Leafs sputtering despite his efforts.
Injury Notes: Rust, Holmstrom, Wright
Bryan Rust of the Penguins is out tonight against Detroit with a lower-body injury, shared by the team right before puck drop. It’s unexpected considering that he played a full game last night against the Islanders, putting up two points. In his place, Avery Hayes comes into a game with both the Penguins and Red Wings desperate to pick up two points with playoff spots up for grabs.
The 33-year-old took a maintenance day last Saturday, but he’s mostly been healthy this year. Rust is having one of his best seasons, with 61 points in 67 games, good for second best on the team. He is closing in on his career best of 65, set last year, also playing the most throughout his 12-year career, averaging over 20 minutes a night for the first time.
Hayes, a 23-year-old undrafted rookie, by no means will match Rust’s speed and skill, but the fellow Michigan native has made a name for himself as a potential bottom six fixture. Hayes has three goals in 12 games, earning his time after strong AHL efforts with 35 points in 39 games.
With games weighing as much as ever, Rust will likely return Thursday in Tampa Bay.
Elsewhere across the league:
- Islanders forward Simon Holmström is absent for tonight’s crucial game in Buffalo, noted by Stefen Rosner of NHL.com. As a result Anthony Duclair will slot into a top six role. Holmström is thought to be day-to-day with an upper-body ailment. A first rounder back in 2019, the now 24-year-old has steadily grown into a solid secondary scorer for the Islanders. With one more tally he’ll tie last season’s breakout 20 goal campaign. A brutal loss last night against division foe Pittsburgh dealt a blow to New York’s playoff odds, but they’re still clinging onto the third spot in the Metropolitan with seven games to go. Holmström will hope to be back helping matters by Friday as they host Philadelphia. Whatever happens in the coming days, hardly anybody would have expected his team to have the season they’ve put together.
- Seattle’s Shane Wright is sidelined tonight with his own upper-body injury, per the team. Unlike those listed above, the Kraken are close to elimination from the playoffs unless something shocking happens. Either way, they’ll take on the Oilers one man down. One a top draft prospect, selected fourth overall in 2022, Wright’s development has stalled out in Seattle. Last year he showed promise with 44 points, but he’s followed that up with just 26 in 72 games. Still, he has been durable, not missing a single contest until today. At even strength Wright has not moved the needle like he’s capable of, and he’s not been able to hold down a top six role, averaging 13:49 a night. Subject of trade rumors earlier in the year, assuming he returns later this week, there’s a strong possibility it’ll be his final games for the club.
Maple Leafs Fire General Manager Brad Treliving
3/31/26: In his press conference Tuesday, Pelley told the media that Maple Leafs assistant general managers Brandon Pridham and Ryan Hardy will share the duties of interim general manager while the club conducts its search for its next full-time leader of hockey operations.
Pridham has been widely speculated as a likely candidate for a potential promotion to the general manager position. The Athletic’s Joshua Kloke wrote today that Pridham is “razor sharp” and noted that he “has been a candidate of interest for GM positions around the league previously.”
Hardy has been with the Maple Leafs since 2021-22, arriving there after a three-year stint as general manager of the USHL’s Chicago Steel. In Chicago, he was the USHL’s General Manager of the Year twice, and won the league’s Clark Cup championship in 2021.
In Toronto, he’s served as GM of the team’s AHL affiliate, the Toronto Marlies. Under his management, the Marlies have made the AHL’s playoffs for three consecutive campaigns. They won the league’s North Division in 2022-23 and defeated the Utica Comets in a first-round playoff series.
3/30/26: With a disappointing season coming to a close, the Toronto Maple Leafs shared big news; they’re parting ways with General Manager Brad Treliving.
In a statement from Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment President & CEO Keith Pelley, it was said “Throughout the course of the season, there has been deep analysis into both the current state of the Maple Leafs organization and the direction needed to achieve the ultimate goal of delivering a Stanley Cup championship to the city”.
There was no real need for Pelley to elaborate; it has long been apparent that change was needed. Named as the 18th GM in franchise history on May 31, 2023, the book closes on the Treliving era defined by its disappointment, cutting short one more year on his contract.
Major question marks on Toronto’s future already existed when he took the helm; fresh off another painful playoff defeat in the second round at the hands of the Florida Panthers. Still, there was reason for optimism, that perhaps a new voice could take what Kyle Dubas had built and shape it into a true contender.
In came Treliving, after serving as GM for the Calgary Flames from 2014-23, a strong period for the Alberta franchise. In his tenure, Calgary won two Pacific Division titles and were a real Western Conference threat. Shortly before his time ended though, Treliving dealt young superstar Matthew Tkachuk to Florida in a highly scrutinized trade. It has netted the Panthers multiple Stanley Cups, while Calgary has fallen into a rebuild. Unfortunately, things haven’t aged much better for the Maple Leafs either, who are in a far worse spot than they were three years ago.
Treliving was reserved at first, adding veterans but holding their biggest assets. It was probably the right move to not go crazy on renovations out of the gate, but the patience didn’t work out. Another heartbreaking Game 7 defeat by Boston, and it was time for real change.
Thankfully keeping his first round selection, Treliving went with defenseman Ben Danford in 2024. He didn’t stop there, swinging a sign-and-trade with Chris Tanev, reuniting from Calgary, with a six-year pact worth $4.5MM per year. The respected defender is exactly the player the Leafs needed, but he was already 34, and it was clearly a “worry about it later” contract.
Then came the 2024-25 campaign, proving to be the team’s most successful season under Treliving. Toronto finished fourth in the league with an impressive 52-26-4 record. Buzzing along with hopes of finally breaking through on a deep playoff run, it was time to push the chips in and get aggressive at the trade deadline. This is where things went wrong.
Across multiple trades, the Maple Leafs relinquished their first-round picks in 2026 and 2027, along with skilled youngsters Fraser Minten and Nikita Grebenkin. The haul brought them Scott Laughton from Philadelphia and Brandon Carlo from Boston. A steep price to pay, the duo were the exact players the Leafs were missing in playoff shortcomings of past, but it had to pay off in May.
Toronto managed to get by the underdog Senators in six games, and were rewarded with a rematch against the defending champions in Florida. Treliving’s club went up 2-0 in the series, effectively the peak of the entire “Core Four” era. 11 days later though, they found themselves in another Game 7, coming up short yet again in a resounding defeat. The team was right there, so close, but it didn’t matter. As we all know, Mitch Marner moved on, and Treliving was left painted into a corner.
2025-26 marks one decade since the Leafs last missed the playoffs, but the streak will end, for the first time in the Auston Matthews era. There was optimism that Marner’s departure would lead to the emergence of other forwards, but that wasn’t the case. Toronto sits at 24th in the league today, and they’ll be desperate for some lottery luck into the top five, or else their first rounder will go to Boston as salt in the wound.
Fortunately earlier this month Treliving obtained a 2027 conditional first rounder from Colorado for Nicolas Roy, as well as a 2027 second round selection from Seattle for Bobby McMann. It’s a parting gift after most of his moves made the team only older.
All that being said, the Treliving era comes to an end after a 139 – 92 – 27 record and a single playoff series win over Ottawa.
It’s much debated where things went off the rails. Many point to the 2025 deadline deals, but in a way, the downfall may have started on July 1, 2023, when Marner’s no-trade-clause kicked in. Treliving had just taken the job, and dealing Marner would have sent shockwaves across the organization. From his perspective it was probably never a serious possibility. However, with hindsight today, it’s a situation many Leaf fans wish was handled differently.
Maple Leafs management now must find a replacement, with the pressure of desperately salvaging the Matthews/William Nylander/John Tavares core before it is too late. Head coach Craig Berube‘s seat is hot as well, and Toronto could consider a clean slate entirely. Former Vegas bench boss Bruce Cassidy, who was shockingly let go yesterday, presents a great opportunity for the Maple Leafs to obtain a top coach.
Brandon Pridham, current Assistant General Manager of the club, has gotten some noise as due for a promotion, and it might as well be in Toronto. The 52-year-old Ontario native’s time with the Leafs dates back to 2014, starting as a Special Assistant and working his way up to his current role, which he’s held since 2018.
Rob Blake, former Kings’ General Manager, is an Ontario native who could garner some interest as a candidate with prior experience. The former superstar defenseman’s Los Angeles tenure was doomed after continuous early playoff exits, however.
Brendan Shanahan, who served as President from 2014-25, would be a fascinating story if there was ever a possibility for him to return. It would be his first General Manager role, with a chance to clean up what he helped put together.
In terms of recycled candidates, there isn’t the strongest list. There’s no immediate name which is far and away the best option, as Toronto could go in all sorts of different directions. As a storied franchise with a roster which is flawed, but still loaded on paper, they should have no shortage of hopefuls.
A respected veteran in the game, Treliving, 56, should find another role in the league where he could reach 20 years of experience next season. Meanwhile, whoever comes next in Toronto has the opportunity to etch themselves into Maple Leafs history forever, although they’ll be facing a formidable task in righting the ship.
West Notes: Makar, Klingberg, Dellandrea
Colorado Avalanche superstar Cale Makar left mid-game against the Flames tonight and would not return, per the team. The defender left late in the second period with an apparent upper body injury, but it was not immediately obvious what happened.
Makar is putting his final touches on what has been another remarkable campaign, not yet missing a single game and posting 72 points in as many games. He’s third in team scoring, but would be ranked first by a wide margin on several other clubs. The electric skater also averages just one second under 25 minutes a night.
One of just two teams to already have a playoff spot locked down (Dallas), Colorado is closing in on the Presidents’ Trophy which would be their first since 2020-21, and their fourth in franchise history. It goes without saying that losing Makar would be a crushing blow, especially as he’s evidently been shaken up in a lower stakes game against his hometown team that got quickly out of hand on the scoreboard.
There’s plenty of reason for optimism though, as the 27-year-old has been extremely durable throughout his career, and exited the contest quietly. Updates will be watched closely post-game, with the hope that their #1 defenseman is right back at it Wednesday against Vancouver.
Elsewhere across the league:
- Veteran John Klingberg was a morning skate participant, observed by Curtis Pashelka, San Jose Beat Writer. The defenseman has missed three straight with an upper body injury, including tonight, yet it’s encouraging news nonetheless as the Sharks look to close the book on 2025-26 in a good way. After bouncing around across several teams with an uncertain future from injury toll, the former star has settled nicely as a Shark, with 24 points in 54 games on over 20 minutes a game and staying relatively healthy for a change. The 33-year-old will hit free agency again this summer and it’ll be interesting to see if San Jose keeps him around given the results.
- Forward Ty Dellandrea’s status has improved to day-to-day, reported by Sheng Peng of San Jose Hockey Now. Unfortunately he’s had to miss the last 30 games with a lower-body injury, not in the lineup since early January, but it’s looking like the role player will get some more action before 2025-26 comes to an end. Once a high draft pick by Dallas, the 25-year-old has become a true bottom six center capable of killing penalties and forechecking. Dellandrea has just 11 points on the season, along with poor metrics at even strength, but he’s winning faceoffs at a 52.3% rate, and offers size at 6’2”. His efforts earned a two-year extension signed earlier this month, as the Ontario native has found a home on the exciting young team.
Sharks Reassign Laurent Brossoit, Yaroslav Askarov To Return
Ahead of tonight’s game against St. Louis, the San Jose Sharks reassigned Laurent Brossoit to the AHL’s San Jose Barracuda. With this move in mind, it became apparent that starter Yaroslav Askarov is set to return to the crease, confirmed by Max Miller of Sharks Hockey Digest.
Brossoit has been back and forth in the past few weeks, last summoned three days ago. Throughout that time he’s only managed to play in one game, March 15 against Ottawa, where he took a loss in a rough outing. Even then, the 33-year-old deserves props for working his way back to the highest level after numerous injuries cast doubt on his career.
In 15 games with the Barracuda, Brossoit has been one of the AHL’s premier netminders, boasting a .915 save percentage and winning 11 of his 15 contests. As far as #3 depth goaltenders go, the Sharks feature a strong one in the British Columbia native with 141 games of NHL experience. He should have the opportunity to lead the San Jose farm hands into the postseason.
Meanwhile, Askarov’s return makes for an exciting end of the season for Sharks fans. It has been a tough month for the show stopping 23-year-old, who returned from a 16-day absence last week only to be injured again against the Blues. Thankfully it doesn’t appear to be serious, and he’ll come back against the same opponent four days later.
Askarov, thought to be one of the game’s best young goalies, hasn’t put it all together just yet. He’s struggled at times with a 3.52 goals against average and an .888 save percentage, slightly above the .500 win rate. Still, the Russian flashes his brilliance regularly and there’s usually a learning curve for any such prospect, especially adjusting as part of a growing team.
The Sharks are set up with young talent across the lineup, and Askarov will look to finish the campaign on a high note before continuing to improve with the club in 2026 and beyond.