Headlines

Go To MLB Trade Rumors
Go To Hoops Rumors

Maple Leafs Goalie Anthony Stolarz Making Progress

at CDT | by 2 Comments

Toronto Maple Leafs goalie Anthony Stolarz continues to make progress from his injury, head coach Craig Berube told reporters, including TSN’s Mark Masters. However, Berube added that Stolarz hasn’t returned to skating.

The team has not formally announced why Stolarz remains out, but he was injured in Game 1 when Florida’s Sam Bennett hit him in the head with his arm, causing Stolarz to leave the game. He was seen vomiting on the bench and was eventually taken to the hospital for evaluation. Berube confirm that Stolarz was doing well and discharged from the hospital later that night. He performed well in the team’s first round series against the Senators, with a .901 save percentage in those six games.

In his place, backup Joseph Woll has done a commendable job, leading Toronto to a 2-1 series lead against the Panthers. However, he has just a .869 save percentage in those games and is coming off of an overtime loss where he let in five goals. It also appears the defending champs are beginning to exploit Woll’s puck handling abilities, per NHL.com’s Mike Zeisberger. As Berube noted: “A lot of those rims, they’re up, they’re not on the ice, and that’s by design. If they can get a good lick on it, they’re going to put it off the glass, and it’s pretty tough for him to come out and play those. We’re going to have to move it quick.”

Toronto’s goalie situation is in a tough spot with Stolarz’s injury and a sickness to third option Matt Murray, who was unable to suit up for Game 3. Murray’s status for Game 4 isn’t yet known, but if he’s unable to go, it would likely signify that rookie Dennis Hildeby would serve as backup again. Ironically, the most playoff-experienced goaltender on Toronto’s roster is Murray — the same netminder who burst onto the scene with the Pittsburgh Penguins and backstopped them to consecutive Stanley Cup titles. However, since leaving Pittsburgh, his play has declined, and he made only two appearances for Toronto this season.

Bruins Considering Marco Sturm, Rick Tocchet For Head Coach

at CDT | by 8 Comments

The Boston Bruins are considering a variety of candidates for their head coaching position, and Marco Sturm is in the mix, per David Pagnotta of The Fourth Period. While Sturm, 46, has never been a head coach in the NHL, he has had a successful start to his coaching career.

He has compiled a 119-80-17 record in three seasons as the head coach of the Ontario Reign, the Los Angeles Kings’ AHL-affiliate. He also served as an assistant for the Kings from 2018-2022, giving him some experience behind an NHL bench. Of course, Sturm also nearly 1,000 career games as an NHL player, suiting up for six teams over his 14-year career, including parts of five seasons with the Bruins.

Moreover, he has shined in his international coaching opportunities. He was named head coach and general manager of Germany’s national team in 2016, where he led his home country to a quarterfinal’s appearance at the 2016 World Championships. Then his squad went on a Cinderella run at the 2018 Olympics, where they won a silver medal.

Veteran NHL coach Rick Tocchet is also under consideration for the role, according to RG’s James Murphy. As Murphy notes, Tocchet and GM Cam Neely have a strong relationship dating back to their playing days, and the two may share a similar philosophy to how to move a franchise forward. The Canucks did not pick up Tocchet’s club option on April 29. The Canucks expressed interest extending Tocchet, who won the Jack Adams Award after recording a 50-win season and winning the Pacific Division in 2023-24. However, it seemed Tocchet was more interested in a fresh start elsewhere.

And as Murphy notes, Tocchet is a legitimate candidate for several teams seeking an experienced voice behind the bench. Teams to be linked to Tocchet include the Philadelphia Flyers, Pittsburgh Penguins, New York Islanders, and Utah Mammoth, should they make a coaching change. Tocchet has complied a 178-200-30 career coaching record through six seasons but was 108-65-27 (.608) across three seasons with the Canucks.

David Carle Set To Stay At University Of Denver

at CDT | by 2 Comments

Perhaps no name in the coaching candidate circle is more coveted than University of Denver head coach David Carle. At just 35 years old, Carle has earned a reputation in the hockey world for crafting winning teams, both at the NCAA level and on the international stage. He’s led Team USA to back-to-back gold medals at the World Junior Championship, further solidifying his coaching credentials. However, according to Joe Smith of The Athletic, Carle doesn’t believe now is the right time to make the jump to the NHL—if that time ever comes at all.

While Carle noted he has strongly considered making a move to the NHL, he said: “But at the end of the day, I think everything I’ve said held true. The situation didn’t perfectly align and meet the things we were looking for to leave a wonderful place to raise our family and continue to work. We feel very blessed and grateful to stay here. We love Denver. It’s our home, and I think going through the (NHL talks) probably solidified that even more for us.”

Carle kept it simple when asked why he won’t pull the trigger on an NHL offer this year, especially considering a third of the league is looking for head coaches. As Carle put it, the right opportunity just hasn’t presented itself. He also discussed that the “right opportunity” includes what is best for not just his professional future, but also what is best for his family. Carle said it would take a “life-changing” opportunity for he and his family to leave Denver.

He went on to say that his conversations with NHL teams this hiring cycle reaffirmed his commitment to the University of Denver, and that he has no desire to leave his current role any time soon. Last offseason, Carle was known to be in conversation with the St. Louis Blues, and this offseason he held discussions with the Chicago Blackhawks before withdrawing his name from consideration. He also held discussions with the Anaheim Ducks, who eventually went with veteran Joel Quenneville.

Job stability was another factor Carle discussed. He has previously stated that “NHL coaches aren’t treated in a way that’s conducive to long-term success,” and with national championships in 2022 and 2024, a recent contract extension, and a highly secure position with the Pioneers, he has little reason to leave a situation that’s working.

 

Knights Without Dorofeyev For Game 2, Pietrangelo Possible To Return

at CDT | by Leave a Comment

9:50 PM: Pietrangelo is in the lineup, skating on the team’s second pairing alongside Nicolas Hague, per Jesse Granger of The Athletic.

9:20 PM: The Vegas Golden Knights will be without winger Pavel Dorofeyev for their Game 2 matchup against the Oilers, while defender Alex Pietrangelo will be a game time decision, per Jesse Granger of The Athletic.

Dorofeyev has been out of the lineup since sustaining an injury in Game 5 of their opening-round matchup against the Minnesota Wild. His injury remains undisclosed and remains day-to-day. The 24-year-old burst onto the scene this season, scoring 35 goals while playing all 82 regular season games. He surpassed his previous career high in goals by 22 and more than doubled his personal best in points. In the first-round series, he recorded a goal and an assist over five games. His goal scoring prowess would be a welcomed return for the Golden Knights, especially considering the Oilers lead all playoff teams with 4.43 goals per game.

Pietrangelo is currently battling an illness, but head coach Bruce Cassidy said the veteran has a chance to play and that the team would be making a game-time call on his participation.  In 71 games on the season, Pietrangelo posted four goals, 33 points, a plus-11 rating, and 139 blocked shots. Perhaps most importantly, the veteran of more than 1,000 career games also averaged a hefty 22:24 of ice time per game, eating valuable minutes on the back end. The two-time Stanley Cup champ (including one with Vegas) was off to a hot start in the playoffs as well, posting a goal and two assist in six games, while again averaging more than 22 minutes of ice time per night. His return to the lineup is equally important as Dorofeyev’s when it comes to matching up against the star-studded Oilers.

Anthony Stolarz Does Not Travel With Toronto For Game 3

at CDT | by 3 Comments

Toronto Maple Leafs goalie Anthony Stolarz will not travel with the team for their Game 3 matchup against the Florida Panthers, per an ESPN release.

The team has not formally announced why Stolarz remains out, but he was injured in Game 1 when Florida’s Sam Bennett hit him in the head with his arm, causing Stolarz to leave the game. He was seen vomiting on the bench and was eventually taken to the hospital for evaluation. Berube confirm that Stolarz was doing well and discharged from the hospital later that night.

In his place, backup Joseph Woll has done a commendable job, leading Toronto to a 2-0 series lead against the defending champs. One of the more active backups in the league, Woll started half of Toronto’s games this season, securing a 27-14-1 record to go with a .908 save percentage. He also has a .919 career save percentage in the playoffs through nine appearances.

However, the Leafs’ best path forward undoubtedly relies on a healthy tandem of Stolarz and Woll. Ironically, Toronto’s most experienced goalie in the playoffs is their third option, Matt Murray, who burst onto the scene with the Pittsburgh Penguins and helped them secure back-to-back cups. But he hasn’t been the same player since leaving Pittsburgh and appeared in just two games with Toronto this season.

On the season, Stolarz appeared in 34 games with a 21-8-3 record and .926 save percentage. He delivered a strong performance as the team’s primary goaltender during their six-game first-round series against the Ottawa Senators. And although he only appeared in one playoff game last season, Stolarz gained valuable experience serving as Sergei Bobrovsky’s backup during Florida’s run to the Stanley Cup Final — the same team he and the Maple Leafs are now aiming to eliminate.

Metropolitan Notes: Devils, Jack Hughes, Karlstrom

at CDT | by Leave a Comment

During today’s exit interviews, New Jersey Devils’ GM Tom Fitzgerald gave a blunt assessment on the team’s future roster, noting that changes are needed as the team isn’t good enough as currently constructed, per team reporter Amanda Stein.

As Fitzgerald told reporters: “It simply wasn’t good enough. I believe in the core of this team, but it’s my responsibility to keep improving it. We’ve got a lot of tough choices ahead, whether that means re-signing players, making trades, or moving on from certain guys.”

Several New Jersey players are set for free agency, including Tomas Tatar, Nathan Bastian, Curtis Lazar, Daniel Sprong, Jake Allen and Brian Dumoulin. Additionally, several players are set for restricted free agency, including defender Luke Hughes, 21, who is set for a massive raise on his current $925,000 contract. Hughes was sidelined during the playoffs due to a shoulder injury and has since undergone surgery to address the issue. According to Fitzgerald, Hughes is expected to be ready in time for training camp.

Elsewhere in the Metro:

  • Fitzgerald also shared that the team believes Jack Hughes, Luke’s brother, has moved past his own shoulder issues following surgery, per Stein. However, Fitzgerald added that the star forward does have a lot of work ahead of him this summer to get back into game shape. He successfully underwent shoulder surgery in early March and was placed on the team’s long-term injured reserve. The Devils noted at the time of his surgery that he was expected to fully recover and be ready for training camp, so Fitzgerald’s announcement today confirms the team’s original timeline.
  • Forward Fredrik Karlstrom, most recently with the New York Islanders organization, has signed a four-year deal with Linköping HC of the Swedish Hockey League, per Tony Androckitis of Inside AHL Hockey. Karlstrom is set to return to his home country after underwhelming in North America since being drafted in the third round by the Dallas Stars in the 2016 draft. He remained in Sweden until 2021-22 season, when he played in three games for the Stars and 65 games for their AHL-affiliate. He spent three seasons playing in the Stars’ organization but mostly suited up in the AHL. All told, he appeared in just eight NHL contests, posting just a single assist. Karlstrom did have his best AHL season last season, posting 21 goals and 44 points in 72 games for the Texas Stars. However, it wasn’t enough for the organization to retain his services, and he signed a one-year, two-way deal with the Islanders last July. He appeared in 30 games for the Isles’ AHL-affiliate, posting just 13 points and a minus-nine rating.

Sidney Crosby Joins Team Canada, Nathan MacKinnon May As Well

at CDT | by 1 Comment

“Captain Canada” has joined Team Canada for the upcoming 2025 IIHF World Championship. Sidney Crosby will join the team for the first time since 2015, per a Pittsburgh Penguins release.

Fresh off a victory at the 4 Nations Face-Off in February, Crosby will look to guide his home country to another victory in Europe. Crosby joins his general manager Kyle Dubas for the tournament, which is set to begin this upcoming week. This represents the third time Crosby will compete in IIHF Championships, and the first since captaining Canada to a 2015 victory. This will mark the ninth time Crosby, 37, has suited up for Canada in international play, and if it’s possible, his international résumé is every bit as impressive as his legendary NHL career. He has won gold medals at the Olympics (and scored the iconic “Golden Goal” in the 2010 games), the World Cup of Hockey (2016), the World Championship (2015), and the World Junior Championship (2005).

Crosby’s decision to join Team Canada for the tournament likely stems, at least in part, from the Penguins missing the playoffs again this season. After a career defined by deep postseason runs, the chance to play meaningful hockey well into May is surely appealing to the future Hall of Famer. Crosby’s addition makes him the oldest member of the team by nearly four years, with Ryan O’Reilly as the secondly oldest member of the team.

Crosby’s good friend and fellow Nova Scotia native Nathan MacKinnon may be joining the squad as well, after his Colorado Avalanche were eliminated in the first round by the Dallas Stars. TSN insider Darren Dreger is reporting that there is a “decent chance” MacKinnon joins Team Canada for the tournament. Like Crosby, MacKinnon is no stranger to deep playoff runs, but with an early first-round exit this year, he may seize an opportunity that’s rarely available to him.

Kirill Kaprizov, Marco Rossi Discuss Contract Talks With Wild

at CDT | by 7 Comments

Wild star winger Kirill Kaprizov spoke to reporters today and hinted at his interest in signing an extension with the club this summer, per Joe Smith of the Athletic.

The Wild will be eligible to sign Kirill Kaprizov to a contract extension starting July 1, and owner Craig Leipold has made it clear the organization is prepared to do whatever it takes to keep their superstar in Minnesota. Judging by Kaprizov’s comments today, the feeling appears to be mutual.

“This is my agent’s job, so we will see. But I love everything here. It should be all good,” he said. “It’s all about winning. Everything is about winning. But I like everything about here.”

It will be fascinating to see what kind of deal Kaprizov lands—his next contract could rank among the richest ever signed by a winger, or by any player, in NHL history. While Kaprizov could land a massive deal on the open market, the Wild do have a ton of cap space available, making the path even clearer to sign an extension with Minnesota. No matter the cost of his contract, Kaprizov will more than likely prove to be worth it. At just 28, Kaprizov has lit up the league over five sensational seasons, racking up 386 points in 319 games. That production already places him fifth on the Wild’s all-time points list, while his 185 goals rank third, just 34 shy of Marián Gáborík’s franchise record. And the Russian also put to rest any concerns about the injury he sustained this season that required surgery and kept him out of the lineup for three-plus months, as Kaprizov posted five goals and nine points in the team’s 4-2 series defeat to the Golden Knights.

The tone was a little less positive from center Marco Rossi, who, like Kaprizov, deflected questions regarding his contract toward his agent, but also noted his disappointment in being relegated to a fourth-line role in the playoffs, per Dylan Loucks of The Hockey News.

“I was very disappointed. But I have been taught to respect those decisions. It’s always the team first,” he said. “We had an honest discussion about (my role). We were both honest. I won’t tell you everything that was said, but I need to respect it.”

Rossi, who is headed for restricted free agency this offseason, quietly put together a strong campaign with 24 goals and 60 points—impressive numbers on a team that often struggled to generate offense. Given that production, his limited role in the playoffs sparks questions about where he fits into the Wild’s long-term plans.

Robertson, Heiskanen Set To Return In Second Round For Stars

at CDT | by Leave a Comment

The Dallas Stars just knocked off the Colorado Avalanche in a nail-biting seven-game thriller—and they did it without their top goal-scorer and a top defenseman. Now, with Jason Robertson and Miro Heiskanen set to rejoin the lineup for Round 2, the big question is: what kind of damage can this team do at full strength?

According to Taylor Baird of NHL.com, we should get that answer soon. Both players are set to return at some point in Dallas’ second round series, although coach Pete DeBoer didn’t specify exactly when each player would return.

As DeBoer told reporters Saturday: “I believe you’re going to see them both play in the second round, but I don’t know if it’s going to be Game 1 or Game 3 or Game 5. I consider them both day-to-day now, but there’s still some hurdles. It depends on when we start the series, how much time we have between now and Game 1. We’ll have a little better idea as we get closer.”

Robertson injured his knee in the regular season finale and was listed as week-to-week at the time. The 25-year-old California native was a force all season, suiting up for all 82 games and racking up a team-best 35 goals. Already boasting an eye-popping 394 points in just 374 career games, Robertson has proven he’s more than just a regular-season star. With 38 points in 45 playoff appearances, he’s shown he can shine just as brightly when the stakes are highest. His return will no doubt aid an already potent offense.

Much the same can be said of Heiskanen’s return. Heiskanen’s 25 points in 50 games might not grab headlines like Robertson’s scoring totals, but the Finnish blueliner is still a cornerstone for the Stars when healthy. On the season, he led the team in average ice time, logging over 25 minutes a night. And like Robertson, Heiskanen has shown an ability to produce in the playoffs, as evident by his six goals and 16 points just last season during the team’s 19-game run. He has been out since January with a knee injury.

Blues’ Tyler Tucker To Miss Game 7

at CDT | by Leave a Comment

The St. Louis Blues will be without defenseman Tyler Tucker for tonight’s decisive Game 7 clash against the Winnipeg Jets—a significant blow to a team counting on its blue line depth in a win-or-go-home matchup. The 25-year-old Tucker has emerged as a reliable presence on the back end this season, providing physicality, poise, and key minutes that have helped stabilize the Blues’ defense.

In a career-high 38 games this season, Tucker recorded just seven points but showcased his strong defensive prowess by recording 81 hits and 39 blocked shots in that limited time. He added a goal and 12 hits in the first three games of the series before going down with a lower-body injury. If the Blues are able to advance, there is no public timeline on Tucker’s potential return outside of his “day-to-day” status.

Ryan Suter is expected to remain in Tucker’s place in the lineup tonight, skating alongside fellow veteran Nick Leddy. A veteran of over 1,500 career-games, Suter produced two goals and 15 points in 82 games this season—maintaining his streak of four consecutive seasons without missing a game—but was a healthy scratch in games two and three of the series. In the four games he has dressed for, Suter has one assist and a minus-one rating while averaging 16:45 of ice time per game.

Addressing the decision to initially scratch Ryan Suter and then reinsert him following Tucker’s injury, Blues head coach Jim Montgomery praised the veteran’s professionalism, noting that the team will benefit from Suter’s penalty-killing ability and wealth of experience. The 40-year-old has logged 137 career playoff games, averaging an impressive 24:52 of ice time. While his days as a top-pairing workhorse are behind him, Suter’s veteran presence could prove invaluable in a high-stakes Game 7.

Pro Hockey Rumors is not affiliated with National Hockey League, NHL or NHL.com

Do not Sell or Share My Personal Information

scroll to top