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Caleb Jones Eyeing Roster Spot With Penguins

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The Pittsburgh Penguins and GM Kyle Dubas have made a number of acquisitions since the start of free agency, but one under-the-radar move may prove impactful. On the opening day of free agency, the team agreed to terms with left-handed defenseman Caleb Jones on a two-year, $1.8 million deal. While the signing didn’t generate much buzz, Jones could quietly become a meaningful contributor in Pittsburgh as he sets his sights on earning a spot on the team’s opening night roster.

As Justin Guerriero of TribLive.com outlines, Jones is joining a franchise in the midst of a significant transition — not only will the team be adapting to new head coach Dan Muse’s philosophies, but the names on the blue line have changed considerably as well. He joins newly signed defenders Parker Wotherspoon, Alexander Alexeyev, and a host of other options on the left side vying for a spot in the lineup.

The organization is particularly thin on the left side of the blue line, with embattled veteran Ryan Graves likely the only lock for the opening night roster. Competing for spots behind him are promising prospect Owen Pickering and journeymen Ryan Shea and Sebastian Aho. While Jones admitted to not knowing much about Muse or his preferred style of play, he is confident his performance can make an impact at the NHL level.

“I just felt like the opportunity to come to Pittsburgh and kind of be a regular guy every night and really fully be established was something too good to pass up,” he said. “I had a lot of communication with management and the coaches, and I just felt really good about the opportunity I was going to have. I’m really excited. I think we’ll have a good team, and I think it’s going to be a great chance for me to come in, show what I can do and really earn a spot.”

Jones, 28, has 248 games at the NHL level under his belt across seven seasons with the Edmonton Oilers, Chicago Blackhawks, and LA Kings. He appeared in six games with the Kings last season, but spent the majority of the year in the AHL with the Ontario Reign. His most extended look in the NHL came during the 2022-23 season, when he registered career highs in games played (73), points (16), penalty minutes (40), blocked shots (118), and hits (116).

Snapshots: Elias Pettersson, Goalie Rankings, Contract Efficiency

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After a less-than-stellar season last year, Vancouver Canucks forward Elias Pettersson is out for “revenge” this upcoming season. Speaking with NHL.com’s Peter Ekholm, Pettersson appears to be on a mission after producing just 15 goals and 45 points last season.

“I know what I’m capable of. Actually, I haven’t thought about it, but for myself it’s revenge. I’m not happy with last season,” he said.

Pettersson, 26, produced nearly half as many points as he did in the 2023–24 season, when he recorded 34 goals and 89 points. After posting three consecutive 30-goal seasons, Pettersson fought through injuries last year, which resulted in him appearing in just 65 games. To address this, Pettersson said he has added muscle to his listed 176-pound frame, noting that the added strength will not only help keep him healthy but also make him faster.

“It’s always about building your base strength, to get quicker on the ice. To gain a few pounds, get stronger in general, that’s always the goal. But for me it’s a bonus to gain a few pounds,” he said.

Elsewhere around the league:

  • As a part of a summer Talent Tiers series, TSN’s Travis Yost examined the league’s goaltending depth charts and ranked all 32 teams into five categories, from Tier 1 through Tier 5. Only three teams were included in Yost’s top tier: the New York Rangers, New York Islanders, and Winnipeg Jets. The Islanders were added to the top tier thanks to the combination of veterans Ilya Sorokin and Semyon Varlamov, while the division rival Rangers made it thanks to former Vezina Trophy winner Igor Shesterkin and veteran backup Jonathan Quick. For Winnipeg, the play of Connor Hellebuyck — and his three Vezina Trophies — is enough to lift the team into Tier 1. On the other hand, four teams were placed in Yost’s Tier 5: the Buffalo Sabres, Columbus Blue Jackets, Philadelphia Flyers, and Pittsburgh Penguins.
  • The Athletic’s Dom Luszczyszyn recently took a look at every player’s market value over the remainder of their contracts to determine which team is spending money the most efficiently. In his view, three teams earned an “A+” rating in this category: the Tampa Bay Lightning, Carolina Hurricanes, and Colorado Avalanche. Notably, the back-to-back champion Florida Panthers rank fourth in Luszczyszyn’s latest rankings, while the Edmonton Oilers dropped from second last year to eighth this season. On the flip side of the coin, three teams achieved a league-low “D+” rating: the Nashville Predators, Chicago Blackhawks, and Seattle Kraken.

Snapshots: Robertson, Tkachuk, Draft

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Despite signing a one-year deal with the Toronto Maple Leafs just yesterday, Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman spoke on his 32 Thoughts podcast about the possibility of forward Nicholas Robertson being traded and noted a link between Robertson and Pittsburgh Penguins’ GM Kyle Dubas.

This represents the second consecutive summer that the forward has been linked to Pittsburgh, and Friedman’s report comes just a day after Robertson and the Maple Leafs avoided arbitration with a one-year, $1.825MM contract.

“I’ve had a couple people ask me about the possibility of Nick Robertson in Pittsburgh. They got the arbitration settled on Saturday, but the Maple Leafs need to clear some bodies there. They have a lot of them,” he said. “I think that the Maple Leafs have work to do. I don’t know what their timeline is, but they need to do some things before puck drop.”

To Friedman’s point, the Maple Leafs currently have 14 forwards on one-way deals for next season. Robertson, 23, posted 15 goals and 23 points in a bottom-six role last season for Toronto. He added two points in three playoff games. He also averaged a career-high 12:00 per game of playing time.

Elsewhere in the Eastern Conference:

  • Friedman also provided an injury update on Florida Panthers forward Matthew Tkachuk, who revealed after winning the Stanley Cup that he had been playing through a torn adductor muscle throughout the postseason. Friedman shared his belief that Tkachuk will miss a big chunk of the regular season, but sees a path for him to be ready for the Olympics next winter. “I think (the Olympics) is a huge deal for him. But I do think he’ll miss the start of the year and a chunk of time after that,” he said. Tkachuk, and his brother, Brady Tkachuk, played a huge role in the 4 Nations Face-Off and are expected to be a focal point of the U.S team at the Olympics if healthy.
  • Despite fan (and possibly league) dissatisfaction with the decentralized draft format, teams voted to continue with it in 2026. And Friedman suggests that the decision was largely driven by teams’ desire to protect their internal information. While the vote was closer this year (20-12 in favor of keeping it decentralized), Friedman isn’t convinced that additional votes will soon push for a return to the traditional draft format. “I really thought, because of how (Gary) Bettman was opening ripping the GMs about this, I thought it was going to change,” he said. “It’s obvious to me that these teams that voted to keep it the way it is really value the secrecy.”

Pacific Notes: Kempe, Celebrini, Mueller

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With the Los Angeles Kings recently finalizing a three-year, $12.3 million contract with restricted free agent Alex Laferriere, the team can now shift its focus to veteran Adrian Kempe, per Scott Coffman of Mayor’s Manor.

Kempe, who has spent his entire nine-year career with the Kings, has one year remaining on his four-year deal that comes with a $5.5MM cap hit. Given Kempe’s steady offensive production, his current deal stands as one of the most team-friendly contracts in the league. However, his next deal is expected to see a significant increase. And as Coffman outlines, the NHLPA and NHL recently agreed to a new CBA, meaning Kempe is theoretically the last Kings player eligible to sign an eight-year extension.

Last season, Kempe scored 35 goals and 73 points in 81 games, marking his third straight season with at least 67 points. He also added 10 points in six playoff games. Still just 28 years old, Kempe already ranks 10th in team history in goals (194). And it appears Kempe will be adding those totals for years to come, as both Kempe and GM Ken Holland have stated on record their desire to get a long-term extension done.

Elsewhere in the Pacific Division:

  • Though limited in experience and facing stiff competition, San Jose Sharks center Macklin Celebrini is taking steps to make Team Canada’s Olympic roster, reports Max Miller of Sharks Hockey Digest. Named unanimously to the 2024-25 All-Rookie Team, Celebrini was named as one of the 42 invitees (and 26 forwards) to Team Canada’s Olympic Orientation Camp, which is set to run August 26-28. Celebrini, 19, posted 25 goals and 63 points in 70 games during his rookie season, which propelled him to a third-place finish in Calder Trophy voting. Being chosen to represent his country in the Olympics and play alongside stars like Sidney Crosby, Nathan MacKinnon, and Connor McDavid would be a tremendous opportunity for Celebrini’s development, and a welcome sight for the Sharks.
  • Vancouver Canucks prospect Ty Mueller had a standout season in the AHL last year and is aiming for even more in the upcoming campaign, per NHL.com’s Chris Faber. Last season, Mueller, 22, was named an AHL All-Star, won a Calder Cup with the AHL’s Abbotsford Canucks, and made his NHL debut, appearing in two games toward the end of year. In 64 AHL games, Mueller posted 12 goals and 39 points, and added 12 points in 24 playoff games. Drafted by the Canucks in the fourth round of the 2023 Draft (105th overall), Mueller is looking to build upon last season’s success and make a true impact in Vancouver. Known for being defensively responsible, Mueller led Abbotsford in plus/minus last season and feels he can bring that skillset with him to the next level. “Here and there, I’ll sit and think about how cool it was to get that opportunity, and it just motivates me even more to get to the next level and be someone who can stay up there,” he said.

 

Jack Roslovic Still Undecided On Next Team

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Though forward Jack Roslovic remains unsigned more than a month into free agency, it’s not for a lack of interest. According to Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman on his 32 Thoughts podcast, the 20-goal scorer has multiple suitors, with over five teams reportedly vying for his services, and Roslovic is currently taking his time to evaluate his options.

The Carolina Hurricanes signed Roslovic to a one-year, $2.8 million deal for the 2024-25 season, and he delivered by tying his career-high of 22 goals—more than any other remaining free agent. However, Roslovic’s career has been marked by inconsistency, as evidenced by his slump in the second half of the season, where he managed just five goals.

Friedman believes that some remaining free agents are hesitant to sign contracts that could soon be viewed as too much of a bargain, and that might be where Roslovic currently stands in the process. With that said, Elliotte Friedman suggests there are upwards of six teams interested in him, including the Toronto Maple Leafs.

“He’s the best available player remaining. And, obviously, he hasn’t found anything he 100 percent likes. But there are definitely a few teams poking around there. I’ve heard five or six teams. So, he needs to get to something he feels comfortable with,” Friedman said.

A two-time 20-goal scorer, Roslovic is still just 28 years old and could provide valuable third-line production in the right system. In 526 career games across nine seasons, the forward has produced 260 points across stops with the Winnipeg Jets, Columbus Blue Jackets, New York Rangers, and Hurricanes. Before the start of free agency, ProHockeyRumors had Roslovic as the 20th-best option on the free agent market, with a projected three-year, $10.5MM contract ($3.5MM AAV). While those numbers are unlikely to be achieved this late in the process, Friedman’s report indicates that a deal is likely to materialize soon.

Free Agent Profile: Luke Glendening

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While a 36-year-old forward coming off a seven-point season may not seem like much of an asset, veteran center Luke Glendening could still bring meaningful value in the right situation. Glendening suited up in 77 games last season for the Tampa Bay Lightning, posting just four goals and three assists while centering the team’s fourth line.

Despite limited offensive production, he remained defensively reliable, tallying 105 hits, 58 blocked shots, and a 57 percent faceoff win rate — impressively in line with his 55.8 percent career average. It marked the eighth consecutive season that Glendening posted a faceoff win rate of at least 55 percent, which could be a valuable asset for any team looking to win key draws in the defensive zone.

While he’s never been an asset in the offensive zone (as told by his 166 points in 864 games), Glendening has carved out an impressive 12-year career thanks to his grit, physicality, and defensive prowess. Over the course of his career — which began in Detroit and includes stops in Dallas and Tampa — Glendening has logged 10 seasons with at least 100 hits and 11 seasons with 50 or more blocked shots. He has also received Selke votes on three separate occasions, a testament to his defensive reliability.

2024-25: 77 GP, 4 G, 3 A, 7 PTS, -9, 10 PIMS, 51 shots, 10:47 ATOI, 57.0 FO%, 38.3 CF%
Career: 864 GP, 83 G, 83 A, 166 PTS, -84, 308 PIMS, 944 shots, 13:37 ATOI, 55.8 FO%, 36.4 CF%

Potential Suitors

While many teams could benefit from a veteran fourth-line center with faceoff expertise, it appears Glendening’s most recent club isn’t one of them. Despite being a nightly fixture in the Lightning’s lineup, it was reported prior to the start of free agency that the Bolts were going to let Glendening hit the open market, where he remains today.

As mentioned earlier, Glendening could fit with a number of teams, whether it’s a contender in need of bottom-six experience or a rebuilding squad seeking veteran leadership and a few niche skills.

Projected Contract

At this stage of his career, any contract offer Glendening receives is likely to be a one-year deal in the $775,000 to $800,000 range. While his defensive reliability and faceoff expertise still offer value, his limited offensive upside and advancing age significantly narrow his market. Glendening may also have to settle for a PTO and attempt to earn a roster spot by outperforming younger competition in training camp.

Photo credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images

Kings Sign RFA Alex Laferriere To Three-Year Deal

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The Los Angeles Kings have signed restricted free agent Alex Laferriere to a three-year, $12.3MM contract, per a team announcement. The deal comes with a $4.1MM cap hit per season. The deal includes a $3.5MM salary for year one and $4.4MM salaries for years two and three, per PuckPedia. The Kings extended a qualifying offer to Laferriere on July 1, and it took exactly one month for both sides to come to terms on a new deal.

Coming off of his second season in the league, the 24-year-old right winger posted a solid 19 goals and 42 points in 77 games. He also produced a plus-22 rating, 124 hits, and 43 blocked shots while averaging 16:22 of ice time per night. He added three assists in six playoff games.

A third-round selection in the 2020 draft (83rd overall), the New Jersey native quickly established himself as one of the franchise’s key prospects. After being drafted, Laferriere spent two seasons in the NCAA at Harvard University, where he put up 73 points in 69 games. He then made his pro debut in the AHL with the Ontario Reign at the tail end of the 2022-23 season.

That was all the minor league experience the 6’1″, 205-pound winger needed. The following season, he broke camp with the Kings and appeared in 81 games as a rookie, posting 12 goals and 23 points. He took a major step forward offensively this last season (doubling his point total), and it’s reasonable to expect continued growth.

Frank Seravalli was first to report the agreement.

Western Notes: Dostal, Jets, Garland

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The Anaheim Ducks face several key questions heading into the 2025–26 season, one of which is whether goalie Lukas Dostal can deliver a breakout campaign following the trade of veteran John Gibson, per NHL.com’s David Satriano.

Dostal appeared in a career-high 54 games with Anaheim last season, securing a 23-23-7 record and a .903 save percentage that aligns with his career average of .902. That performance allowed the Ducks to trade Gibson to the Red Wings at the draft for goaltender Petr Mrazek and two draft picks, as well as land Dostal a five-year, $32.5MM contract on July 17.

A 25-year-old native of the Czech Republic, Dostal is expected to lead one of the league’s only true three-man rotations in net, along with Mrazek and Ville Husso. But according to new head coach Joel Quenneville, Dostal possesses special traits that could help him take the next step in his career.

“Dostal had a tremendous year. I don’t know too many people that get a rave review at this age of their career about what a professional, what a competitor (they are), but everybody always says the greatest things about him. … I don’t know if this guy’s a stereotypical goalie, but at the same time, he’s got some different ways about him that makes him special,” he said.

Elsewhere in the Western Conference:

  • While the Winnipeg Jets added veteran leadership to their forward group this offseason by signing the likes of Jonathan Toews and Gustav Nyquist, NHL.com’s Darrin Bauming wonders if a few rising forward prospects could crack the lineup to start the season. Bauming lists both 22-year-old Nikita Chibrikov and 21-year-old Brad Lambert as being “on the cusp” of regular NHL time. Chibrikov appeared in four games for the Jets last season, recording three points. The 5’10”, 175-pound winger added 18 points in 30 games for the AHL’s Manitoba Moose. Lambert posted 35 points in 61 games last season for Manitoba, and 55 points in 55 points in 64 games for the squad the year before. The native of Finland has yet to appear in an NHL game but should break through at some point this upcoming season.
  • The road for Vancouver Canucks’ forward Conor Garland wasn’t always easy, which makes his six-year, $36 million extension he signed on July 1 all the sweeter, outlines Ben Kuzma of The Province. As Kuzma notes, Garland has faced adversity throughout his hockey journey (largely due to his small stature), which included not making the famed Shattuck-Saint Mary’s junior team in Minnesota that produced several NHL stars, including the aforementioned Toews. That adversity, however, has been a driving force behind the player Garland is today — one who has missed just two games over the past three seasons while tallying 143 points. Garland feels his extension was not just for prior results, but also for the continued growth he and the team expect. “I try to come back each year better, and I know I have to produce more. I’ve learned most about consistency. When the puck wasn’t going in, or I wasn’t making plays, I became a pretty responsible defensive forward on a shutdown line,” he said.

Oilers GM Bowman Encouraged By McDavid Extension Talks

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One of the major storylines heading into the 2024–25 season is the uncertainty surrounding Connor McDavid’s future in Edmonton. The 28-year-old superstar is entering the final year of his contract, and while a departure still feels unlikely, the mere possibility of him reaching free agency next offseason has sparked plenty of speculation. But don’t count Oilers general manager Stan Bowman among the concerned.

According to a TSN report, Bowman said that extension talks with the team’s franchise player are progressing. Speaking with Oilers Now with Bob Stauffer on CHED 880 Edmonton, Bowman said he is “very encouraged” by the initial discussions he’s had with McDavid’s agent, Judd Moldaver.

“I’ve had really good conversations with Judd since the season ended, and I’ve tried to give Connor his space, and I think that it’s important,” Bowman said. “You know, a lot of this is respecting the athlete and their timeline,” he said. “So, we haven’t had any of those types of detailed discussions yet, but we certainly will, and I think we’re very encouraged by all the conversations I’ve had to date. And when the time comes, the time comes.”

McDavid, who has one year left on his deal that comes with a $12.5MM AAV, became eligible for an extension on July 1. While there is speculation on what McDavid’s next contract would demand annually, it’s fair to assume he’ll seek to at least match teammate Leon Draisaitl’s deal that comes with a $14MM AAV over the next five seasons.

In 67 games last season, McDavid recorded 26 goals and 100 points, marking the seventh 100-point campaign of his already illustrious career. He added a league-high 33 points in the postseason — the second consecutive year he led all players in playoff scoring — but he and the Oilers were once again defeated by the Florida Panthers in the Stanley Cup Final.

Despite the disappointment, along with McDavid’s post-season admission to the media that he was in no rush related to extension talks, Bowman believes an extension with his captain is imminent.

“He’s a huge part of everything we do here, and so I don’t have a timeline update, but I do expect to have some conversations with them soon and. And hopefully get that wrapped up,” he said.

Snapshots: Penguins, Mason West, World Juniors

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As the Pittsburgh Penguins’ former ownership group continues to explore the possibility of buying back into the team, the Post-Gazette’s Jason Mackey broke down the potential pros and cons of the move. Fenway Sports Group has said that they’re only interested in selling a small portion of the Penguins, which appears to be something that interests Mario Lemieux and his former leadership group. However, Mackey wonders if there a path to where FSG would consider a full sale. There is precedent for FSG principal owner John Henry selling a team just a few years after purchasing it. As Mackey notes, in 1999, FSG purchased the MLB’s Marlins for $150MM, only to sell them three years later for $158.5MM. With the Penguins largely struggling since FSG’s purchase of the franchise, and the team now fully engaged in a rebuild, now could be the right time make a business decision. Even if Lemieux and his partners were to return as minority owners, Mackey emphasizes how meaningful that would be for the city.

Elsewhere around hockey:

  • The Team Canada National Junior Team has announced its roster for the National Junior Summer Showcase, per a team release. The 44-player roster features 22 first-round picks and eight second-rounders. Some of the names added to the roster include New York Islanders’ 2025 first-overall pick Matthew Schaefer, San Jose Sharks’ 2025 second-overall pick Michael Misa, and Cayden Lindstrom, selected fourth overall by the Columbus Blue Jackets in 2024. Of note, eight first-round selections were listed as players who were invited, but unable to attend, including 2025 draft picks Caleb Desnoyers, Roger McQueen, and Carter Bear. The tournament is set to take place from July 27 to August 2 and serves as a precursor to the 2026 IIHF World Junior Championship.
  • Chicago Blackhawks 2025 first-round pick Mason West is committed to his future in hockey, but that hasn’t stopped college football programs from reaching out to the 17-year-old, reports The Athletic’s Scott Powers. The 6’6″, 218-pound forward also starred as a high school quarterback in his native Minnesota. While NCAA football programs have continued to contact West after being drafted 29th overall by the Blackhawks, he has remained steadfast in his commitment to hockey, per his high school football coach, Jason Potts. Potts said West has continued to receive interest, noting, “Recruiting is out of hand… But again, Mason’s just focused on his goals and what he wants to do. And he’s really good at blocking distractions out and then just enjoying the experience.”

 

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