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Mammoth Sign Forward Jack McBain to Five-Year Contract

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The Utah Mammoth have signed forward Jack McBain to a five-year contract with an annual AAV of $4.25MM, per a team release.

The 25-year-old McBain appeared in all 82 games for Utah last year, scoring 13 goals and 27 points. Selected by the Minnesota Wild in the third round (63rd overall) in the 2018 draft, McBain’s rights were traded to the then-Arizona Coyotes in 2022, and he has gone on to appear in 241 games for Arizona/Utah, producing 82 points.

The physical McBain posted 291 hits last season, just shy of his career-high of 304 during the 2022-23 season. The 6’4″, 220-pound center added 50 blocked shots and a career-high 49.8 success rate in the faceoff circle. Through parts of four NHL seasons, McBain currently averages 3.45 hits per game. His 832 hits since entering the league rank third among all players.

In the release, president of hockey operations Chris Armstrong noted McBain’s versatility and willingness to win at all costs as key factors in the deal. GM Bill Armstrong echoed those sentiments.

“He is a big, strong, physical player who competes hard on a nightly basis and brings a gritty toughness to our group. Jack is an important part of the championship-caliber team we are building, and we look forward to having him back on our roster for the foreseeable future,” Armstrong said.

Prior to being drafted, McBain spent four seasons at Boston College, where he produced 33 points in 24 games his senior year. McBain made the jump straight to the NHL after being traded to Arizona and has never appeared in an AHL game. On the international stage, the Ontario native represented Team Canada in the 2022 Olympics.

 

Gavin McKenna To Commit To Penn State

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According to multiple reports, Gavin McKenna — the projected first overall pick in the 2026 NHL Draft — is expected to commit to Penn State University for the 2025-26 season. Cam Robinson of Elite Prospects first broke the news, which was later confirmed by Daily Faceoff’s Jeff Marek.

Consider one of the best prospects in recent memory, McKenna is undoubtedly the biggest get in Penn State program history and arguably the biggest prospect to commit to play in the NCAA. While it was previously believed that McKenna would commit to playing collegiately, it was unknown which program he would select. On his 32 Thoughts podcast, host Elliotte Friedman previously noted that McKenna completed interviews with Penn State, Michigan State University, the University of Michigan, and the University of Denver. In the end, it appears the upstart Penn State program won the sweepstakes for hockey’s most coveted prospect.

Although Penn State didn’t rejoin the NCAA until 2012, the program has made a meteoric rise in success, popularity, and its ability to attract top-end prospects. The Nittany Lions went 22-14-4 last season, but went on a tear to reach the school’s first-ever Frozen Four. Recent commits to the program include newly drafted prospects Jackson Smith and Luke Misa. Luke’s brother, Michael Misa, the 2025 second overall pick, could also join the program if he doesn’t make the San Jose Sharks out of training camp.

McKenna’s status as a surefire first overall pick is backed by his WHL stats from last season. In 56 games last season for the Medicine Hat Tigers, McKenna produced 41 goals and 129 points, and a plus-60 rating. He added another nine goals and 38 points in 16 postseason contests en route to a league championship. His 2.304 points per game were the third-highest total for a 17-year-old in league history, trailing only Conor Bedard (2022-23) and Rob Brown (1985-86). McKenna scored 244 points in 133 WHL games.

To put McKenna’s season into perspective, Connor McDavid scored 28 goals and 99 points in 56 games for the OHL’s Erie Otters in his age-17 season, with another four goals and 19 points in 14 postseason games.

Capitals Sign Hendrix Lapierre To One-Year Deal

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The Washington Capitals and forward Hendrix Lapierre have agreed to the one-year, $850K contract, per PuckPedia. The 23-year-old will be eligible for restricted free agency next offseason, and his minimum qualifying offer then would be $892,500.

Lapierre appeared in 27 games last season for the Capitals, producing zero goals, eight assists, and a minus-three rating while averaging 9:48 of ice time per game. He fared much better in 32 games for the AHL’s Hershey Bears, scoring seven goals and 32 points.

Drafted by Washington with the 22nd overall pick of the 2020 NHL Draft, Lapierre has posted nine goals and 22 points through 84 NHL games. Known for his stick handling and play-making abilities, Lapierre was viewed as a top prospect heading into the draft, but injury concerns allowed him to slip out of the top 20.

While he hasn’t found his footing in the NHL, he has tallied 79 points in 113 AHL games and gained valuable experience as part of two Calder Cup-winning teams for Hershey (2022-23 and 2023-24). What’s more, he earned the Jack A. Butterfield Trophy as playoff MVP in 2023-24 after recording seven goals and 22 points in 20 games.

Lapierre will likely compete for a bottom-six spot in training camp, or at the very least, provide the Capitals with a reliable depth option in the AHL. If he hopes to make the team, he’ll likely need to improve his faceoff percentage, which sits at a paltry 37.4% for his career.

Sharks Interested In Adding Top-Nine Winger

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The San Jose Sharks and general manager Mike Grier may not be done this offseason, as the team remains interested in adding to its forward group, per Sheng Peng of San Jose Hockey Now.

Grier was busy to start free agency, signing blueliners Dmitry Orlov, Nick Leddy, and John Klingberg, as well as forwards Philipp Kurashev and Adam Gaudette. However, adding another winger appears to be at the top of Grier’s priority list now.

In a video link provided by the team’s website, Grier said, “We’ll probably keep our eyes open. We could probably use a top-nine winger, if something like that comes available. If not, we’re more than happy to see how things play out this summer and see where the kids are when camp starts.”

Along those lines, Peng noted his belief that the Sharks at least kicked the tires on free agent wingers Brock Boeser and Nikolaj Ehlers. However, the remaining available wingers aren’t in the same tier, meaning Grier may need to explore the trade market if he’s intent on acquiring a forward of that caliber. Grier noted that with the Sharks’ current cap space ($23.9 million, per PuckPedia), the team is a top call for agents seeking deals for their free-agent clients or for other teams exploring trade options. Staying patient may be the best strategy for finding the depth scorer they need.

Grier also touched on what next season may hold for second-overall pick Michael Misa, just days after Director of Player Development Todd Marchant stated Misa would be given every opportunity to make the team. While Grier stopped short of making any bold predictions or claims, he did note that Misa’s return to the OHL’s Saginaw Spirit or the NCAA should not be viewed as a failure on Misa’s part.

“If that is the case, our development coaches will give them things to work on. And at the same time, you can always work on your leadership skills. Misa was a captain there as a young 18-year-old. And if he happens to go back there, there’s a good chance he’ll be captain (again),” he said.

When asked whether the team had a preference on where Misa would play next season if he doesn’t make the NHL roster, Grier said those discussions will take place in the coming weeks and added that Misa’s comfort level will be the biggest factor. For his part, Misa expressed his intention to play in San Jose next season immediately after being drafted with the second overall pick, saying, “That’s where my head is at.”

Mark Letestu Named Head Coach of AHL’s Colorado Eagles

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Mark Letestu, a veteran of 11 NHL seasons, has been named head coach of the AHL’s Colorado Eagles, per a release from the Colorado Avalanche.

Lestestu, 40, spent the last four seasons as an assistant coach for the AHL’s Cleveland Monsters. In that time, the Monsters recorded a record of 136-117-23-16 and qualified for the playoffs each of the last two seasons. Letestu also coached one season in the Alberta Junior Hockey League (AJHL) as an assistant during the 2012-13 season.

In the team release, Lestestu noted how grateful and excited he was for the opportunity. He said:

“I am excited and ready for this challenge to lead their AHL franchise. Thank you to the Kroenke family, Joe Sakic, Chris MacFarland and Kevin McDonald for their trust in me, as well as a big thank you to Martin Lind, Ryan Bach and the entire Eagles organization. Most importantly thanks to my family for all of their support throughout my playing career and now my coaching career. I can’t wait to get the season going.”

Letestu, played collegiately at Western Michigan University during the 2006-07 season and ranked 14th in points among all NCAA skaters. This led the forward to sign with the Pittsburgh Penguins as an undrafted free agent in March of 2007. He spent four seasons in the minors before making his NHL debut with the Penguins during the 2009-10 season. He also spent time with the Columbus Blue Jackets, Edmonton Oilers, and Winnipeg Jets. His best season came in 2016–17 with the Oilers, when he recorded a career-high 16 goals and 35 points, and added five goals and 11 points in 13 playoff games. Through 567 career NHL games, Letestu scored 93 goals and 210 points. Always a threat on penalty kills, he added 10 career shorthanded goals.

Eleven Players Elect Salary Arbitration

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Eleven players across the NHL have elected for salary arbitration, per the NHLPA.

Those names include:

The deadline for second club-elected arbitration is Sunday at 5 p.m., with arbitration hearings scheduled from July 20 to August 4. Two seasons ago, 23 players filed for arbitration, and last summer, that number dropped to 14 — a downward trend that continues this year.

As a reminder, not every player is expected to head to a hearing, as negotiations will continue leading into July 20. However, each player who elects for salary arbitration is now prohibited from negotiating with other teams or signing an offer sheet.

Lyndon Byers Passes Away At 61

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Lyndon Byers, who spent parts of 10 seasons in the NHL, has passed away at the age of 61, per an NHL release.

Byers was selected in the second round (39th overall) by the Boston Bruins. He spent all but one season in the Boston organization, appearing in 261 games for the Bruins over parts of nine seasons. His final NHL campaign came in 1992–93, when he played in 18 games for the San Jose Sharks.

In 279 career games, the tough and physical Byers recorded just 28 goals and 71 points, but amassed 1,081 penalty minutes. As the NHL release notes, his 959 penalty minutes with the Bruins still ranks 11th on their all-time list. Two of his Boston teams (1988 and 1990) would reach the Stanley Cup Final.

“The Boston Bruins are deeply saddened by the passing of Lyndon Byers. Lyndon was a fan favorite across his nine seasons in the Black & Gold thanks to his rugged, rough-and-tumble style and was a key cog on the B’s teams that made trips to the Stanley Cup Final in 1988 and 1990,” the team said in a statement Saturday.

Following his playing career, Byers spent over 20 years as a radio personality in the Boston area. He is survived by his wife and son. We at PHR offer our condolences to his family and loved ones.

“A son of Nipawin, Saskatchewan, Lyndon became a true Bostonian and we will miss him dearly. He is forever a part of our Bruins family,” the statement read.

Western Notes: Misa, Dvorsky, Wild

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San Jose Sharks Director of Player Development Todd Marchant stated today that second-overall pick Michael Misa will have every opportunity to make the team this year, per Sheng Peng of Sharks Hockey Now.

In a video posted on the team’s website, Marchant shared more of his thoughts on Misa, noting that the 18-year-old is one of the smartest prospects he’s been around. In part, Marchant stated: “He comes through the neutral zone with the puck and always has his head up and is looking for people. He plays a really good give-and-go game. And he’s a centerman, which I think is really important… it gives us another option with someone in the middle.”

By selecting Misa, the Sharks have arguably added the most offensively gifted player in this year’s draft. Playing for the OHL’s Saginaw Spirit last season, the speedy forward racked up 62 goals, 72 assists, and 134 points in just 65 games. If he starts the season in San Jose, Misa would join a talented young core that includes Macklin Celebrini and Will Smith.

Misa expressed his intention to play in San Jose next season immediately after being drafted with the second overall pick, saying, “That’s where my head is at,” per Dan Rosen of NHL.com. If he doesn’t stick with the Sharks, his options include a return to Saginaw or joining his brother, Luke Misa, at Penn State.

Elsewhere in the Western Conference:

  • St. Louis Blues prospect Dalibor Dvorsky will look to earn a spot in the lineup to start next season, but he may not have to do so at the center position. President of hockey operations Doug Armstrong noted that Dvorsky can break camp as a winger, alleviating some of the pressures that come with being a young center in the league, per Lou Korac of NHL.com. With the Blues returning a deep group of centers, Dvorsky’s best path to a roster spot may be as a bottom-six winger — a role that would allow him to focus on his offensive game. The Blues selected Dvorsky 10th overall in the 2023 NHL Draft. While he made his debut with the club last season, appearing in two games, he spent the majority of the year with the AHL’s Springfield Thunderbirds, where he recorded 21 goals and 45 points in 61 games.
  • The Minnesota Wild have named Ray Sylvester as video coach, per a team release. Sylvester is in his third season with the organization, previously serving in a similar capacity for the AHL’s Iowa Wild. Sylvester also served stints as a video coach in the USHL, USPHL, and at Robert Morris University while still attending the school.

Capitals Re-Sign Anthony Beauvillier

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The Washington Capitals have re-signed forward Anthony Beauvillier to a two-year, $5.5MM contract extension, per a team release. The contract will carry a $2.75MM AAV.

Last offseason, Beauvillier signed a one-year, prove-it deal with the Pittsburgh Penguins and made the most of that opportunity. Despite skating just 13 minutes per night in a bottom-six role in Pittsburgh, Beauvillier produced 13 goals through 63 games. He was then flipped to the Capitals in a deadline deal that sent a second-round pick back to Pittsburgh.

In 18 regular-season games with the Caps, the 28-year-old scored two goals and five points. However, he elevated his game in the playoffs, recording two goals and six points in 10 games. This continues Beauvillier’s trend of stepping up in the postseason, where he averages 0.57 points per game, notably higher than his career regular-season mark of 0.43.

A former first-round selection of the New York Islanders (28th overall in the 2015 draft), Beauvillier has scored 131 goals and 271 points through 631 games. While he has cracked the 20-goal plateau just once in his career (21 with the Islanders in 2017-18), he has six seasons with at least 15 goals, including last year. Of note, 16 of his 17 goals last season (including playoffs) came at even strength, with the lone exception being a shorthanded goal. He’ll likely slot into a third-line role with the Capitals and can slot up in the lineup if called upon.

With Beauvillier’s signing, the Capitals now have just $4.975MM of available cap space, per PuckPedia.

Islanders Notes: Shabanov, Barzal, Horvat, Drouin

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Despite drawing interest from several NHL teams, Russian free agent forward Maxim Shabanov chose to sign his one-year, entry-level contract with the New York Islanders because of the opportunities it presents, per Daria Tuboltseva of RG.org.

As Tuboltseva notes, Utah, Philadelphia, Vegas, Boston, and the New York Rangers expressed interest in Shabanov and that the 24-year-old surveyed all options before landing with the Islanders. In part, Shabanov prioritized finding the right fit over securing the biggest payday.  His contract will carry a $975,000 cap hit and maximum bonuses – valued at $3.5MM – per NHL.com’s Kevin Weekes.

“Utah really wanted him. So did Philadelphia, Vegas, Boston, the Rangers. So many teams. Some clubs even lost patience because the decision took a while. We were getting five or six calls a day,” his agent, Alexander Chernykh, told RG.

Despite being listed at just 5’8″ and 157 pounds, Shabanov recorded 23 goals and 67 points in 65 games with the KHL’s HC Traktor this season — the third-highest point total in the league. What he lacks in size, he makes up for with speed and skill. Shabanov will look to carve out a role on the Islanders’ third line but could conceivably work his way up the lineup. Today, coach Patrick Roy also noted the team’s interest in utilizing Shabanov as a flank on the power play, per a team release.

Elsewhere with the Islanders:

  • Roy noted that he envisions forwards Jonathan Drouin and Bo Horvat starting training camp on the same line, pairing Drouin’s playing-making abilities with Horvat’s shoot-first mentality. As Roy stated, “I think they’re both going to connect very well.” Drouin will provide the Islanders with key power-play minutes, which Roy said is one of the reasons GM Mathieu Darche signed the veteran to a two-year, $8MM contract. Drouin has recorded 31 power-play points over the past two seasons and 125 across his 11-year NHL career.
  • Roy also stated that Mathew Barzal is expected to slot back into his natural center position next season. Barzal, 28, began his career exclusively as a center but has spent time on the wing in each of the past two seasons. While he’s just one year removed from an 80-point campaign, he was limited to only 30 games last season due to injury, recording six goals and 20 points. With a career faceoff win rate of just 42.3 percent, Barzal will likely spend the offseason working to improve in that area. Last season, he took 52 faceoffs, winning just 22.

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