The Minnesota Wild orchestrated a trade with the Edmonton Oilers to draft Jesper Wallstedt with the 20th overall pick in the 2021 NHL Draft.Minnesota dealt Edmonton the 22nd and 90th overall selections to move up and take the talented netminder.Jesper WallstedtPosition: G

The Winnipeg Jets drafted forward Chaz Lucius with the 18th overall selection in the 2021 NHL Draft.Chaz LuciusPosition: Center

The Detroit Red Wings drafted towering goaltender Sebastian Cossa with the 15th overall pick in the 2021 NHL Draft.Detroit moved up to select the goalie, trading the 23rd overall pick as well as the 48th and 138th selections to the Dallas Stars.Sebastian CossaPosition: Goaltender

The Ottawa Senators drafted forward Tyler Boucher with the 10th overall pick at the 2021 NHL Draft.Boucher, son of longtime NHL netminder Brian Boucher, entered the draft as Central Scouting's 25th-ranked North American skater, making the selection a bit of a surprise.The 18-year-old winger is listed at 6-foot-1 and 201 pounds. Boucher is a product of the United States Development Program and had 11 points in 12 games with the Under-18 team last season.Boucher is committed to Boston College for 2021-22.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Anaheim Ducks drafted forward Mason McTavish with the third overall pick of the 2021 NHL Draft.Mason McTavishPosition: Center

The Columbus Blue Jackets drafted forward Kent Johnson fifth overall at the 2021 NHL Draft.Kent JohnsonPosition: Center

The New Jersey Devils drafted defenseman Luke Hughes with the fourth overall selection in the 2021 NHL Draft.Luke HughesPosition: Defenseman

The Buffalo Sabres selected top prospect Owen Power with the first overall pick in the 2021 NHL Draft.Owen PowerPosition: Defenseman

The Carolina Hurricanes have traded defenseman Jake Bean to the Columbus Blue Jackets in exchange for the 44th pick in this year's draft, the team announced Friday.Carolina selected Bean 13th overall in the 2016 NHL Draft. The 23-year-old completed his rookie season in 2020-21, notching one goal and 11 assists in 42 games.The Blue Jackets acquired the No. 44 pick earlier Friday in a trade sending defenseman Seth Jones to the Chicago Blackhawks for a package that also included two first-rounders and blue-liner Adam Boqvist.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Montreal Canadiens goaltender Carey Price underwent knee surgery Friday and is expected to need 10-to-12 weeks to recover, the team announced. He won't require hip surgery and should be ready for the start of the regular season.Price's surgery was expected and comes after a week full of speculation about the star netminder potentially going to the Seattle Kraken in the expansion draft. However, the league's 32nd franchise ultimately selected defenseman Cale Fleury instead.The 33-year-old waived his no-movement clause to allow Montreal to protect backup goalie Jake Allen, and the club can now move forward with its tandem between the crease intact.Price was limited to 25 regular-season games in 2021 and posted a subpar .901 save percentage. He rediscovered his vintage form in the playoffs, though, registering a .924 clip across 22 starts to lead the Habs on a Cinderella run to the Stanley Cup Final.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Boston Bruins have re-signed pending unrestricted free-agent forward Taylor Hall to a four-year contract carrying an annual cap hit of $6 million, the team announced Friday.The pact includes no-trade coverage, reports TSN's Darren Dreger.Boston acquired Hall from the Buffalo Sabres for a second-round pick and forward Anders Bjork before last year's trade deadline. Hall was an excellent fit on the Bruins' second line, and he immediately upped his production upon arrival with 14 points in 16 regular-season games.Hall's new contract will make him the fourth-highest paid forward on Boston's team-friendly payroll. The winger trails captain Patrice Bergeron ($6.875 million), David Pastrnak ($6.66 million), and Brad Marchand ($6.125 million).The Bruins have roughly $20 million in cap space after re-signing Hall, according to CapFriendly. Veteran David Krejci and goaltender Tuukka Rask are among the key players on Boston's books headed to free agency.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The 2020-21 season was arguably the strangest ever for draft-eligible players and scouts. Not only did COVID-19 wipe out the entire OHL schedule, it also truncated campaigns in several other prospect-filled leagues.Generally speaking, the pandemic upended the player evaluation process for the 2021 NHL Draft by forcing a greater emphasis on video scouting. This dynamic could lead to one of the most unpredictable drafts in recent memory.With the first round set for Friday night, theScore's John Matisz and Josh Wegman are here to project the opening-round selections.––––––––––1. SabresOwen Power, D, Michigan (NCAA)Power isn't the no-doubt No. 1 pick of the draft, but he's awfully close. Surely the Sabres won't pass on a 6-foot-6, 213-pounder who projects to be an all-situations defenseman with legitimate first-pairing potential. Power's an excellent skater for his size. He's cerebral, too, and possesses the requisite puck skills to garner Victor Hedman Lite mentions. To be clear, Power isn't quite a Hedman clone; however, he has the frame and toolkit to perfectly complement Rasmus Dahlin, 2018's top selection. Power earned himself a spot on the Big Ten All-Rookie team this past season by putting up 16 points in 26 games, and he was a standout for Team Canada at the men's worlds, competing mainly against proven NHLers.2. KrakenMatthew Beniers, C, Michigan (NCAA)There are players with higher ceilings in this draft, but very few, if any, with higher floors. Beniers, a Massachusetts native who spent two years in the U.S. national program before heading to college, is a reliable two-way center who never takes a shift off. It was tough for the Kraken to find top-six pivots in the expansion draft, and general manager Ron Francis, a Hall of Fame center himself, knows the importance of building through the middle of the ice.3. DucksDylan Guenther, RW, Edmonton (WHL) Derek Leung / Getty ImagesThe Ducks have a difficult decision with so many enticing options remaining on the board after Power and Beniers. Guenther, the best goal-scoring winger in the class, makes the most sense from a pure talent standpoint, and Anaheim already boasts premier prospects at center (Trevor Zegras) and defenseman (Jamie Drysdale). An elite stickhandler with a good motor, Guenther combines dazzling one-on-one skills with a wicked shot to score from distance and in tight. After picking up 26 goals in 58 WHL games last year, he potted 12 in 12 during a truncated 2020-21 season. Meanwhile, Guenther was a point-per-game player at the U-18 championship, helping Canada claim the gold medal.4. DevilsLuke Hughes, D, USA U-18 (USHL)It may be impossible for the Devils to pass on the third Hughes brother here with Jack already in the fold as a building-block center. Luke is an exceptional skater, like his brothers, and he could end up being the best of the bunch thanks to his size. The combination of his skating and a 6-foot-2, 184-pound frame makes him an absolute nightmare to defend in transition.5. Blue JacketsWilliam Eklund, LW, Djurgarden (SHL)Along with being one of the best players, if not the best player, available at fifth overall, Eklund's exactly the kind of talent Columbus desperately needs up front. With eye-catching skating ability and super high hockey IQ, the Haninge, Sweden, native is incredibly dynamic. At the NHL level, he projects to be a point-hoarding top-six winger. Eklund, who turns 19 in October, was named top SHL rookie this past season after bagging 23 points in 40 games.6. Red WingsSimon Edvinsson, D, Frolunda (SHL)The Red Wings, picking sixth overall for the third time in four drafts, could consider adding a center here, like Mason McTavish or Kent Johnson, but Edvinsson's upside may be too tantalizing. The Swede stands 6-foot-4, is a great skater, and has slick hands. Also, as a left-handed shot, he could pair nicely with 2019 No. 6 pick Moritz Seider down the road.7. SharksMason McTavish, C, Peterborough (OHL) Chris Tanouye / Getty ImagesAmong the industry-consensus top nine, McTavish's draft stock experienced the steepest incline over the second half of the 2020-21 season. McTavish left for Europe in February while the OHL was on hiatus and had an impressive showing in Switzerland's second-tier pro league, recording 11 points in 13 games, before helping Canada win gold at the U-18s. McTavish is a versatile two-way forward with a heavy shot. His skating is a minor concern, though scouts don't believe it will be a long-term issue. The Sharks should be over the moon if McTavish gets lost in the shuffle and is still available at No. 7.8. KingsBrandt Clarke, D, Barrie (OHL)The Kings have arguably the best prospect pipeline in the league, yet it's lacking a defenseman with true No. 1 potential. Though Clarke needs to work on his skating, he has a high offensive ceiling thanks to elite hockey sense and puck skills. While on loan from his OHL squad this past season, the Ottawa native put up a laudable 15 points in 26 games in Slovakia's top pro loop.9. Coyotes (via Canucks)Kent Johnson, C, Michigan (NCAA)Johnson, the third Michigan Wolverine off the board, is a wild card; he's a slippery playmaker with hypnotic skill, but scouts wonder if his game will translate well to the pro ranks. As an 18-year-old freshman in 2020-21, Johnson had an impressive 27 points in 26 games. Best-case scenario, he turns into a top-six winger who could reach star status. What a fantastic result that would be for the Coyotes, who forfeited their 2021 first-rounder but managed to jump back into the opening round through a trade sending to the Oliver Ekman-Larsson to the Canucks.10. SenatorsJesper Wallstedt, G, Lulea (SHL)With the consensus top-nine skaters off the board, the Senators, thanks to a loaded farm system, have the luxury of taking a potential franchise goalie. Drafting goalies can be a crapshoot, but Wallstedt looks every bit worth the hype. The 18-year-old posted a .908 save percentage and a 2.23 goals-against average in Sweden's top pro league in 2020-21. He's more refined, but less physically gifted, than Sebastian Cossa, the class' other stud goalie.11. CoyotesArizona forfeited its 2020 second-round pick and 2021 first-round pick after the NHL determined the club violated the league's combine testing policy.12. BlackhawksChaz Lucius, C, USA U-18 (USHL)Lucius has some of the best hands in the draft and could develop quickly into a point-producing top-six forward. Some scouts believe he may be a better fit as a winger due to his below-average skating. Regardless, the high-end talent and finishing ability are there, as evidenced by Lucius' 13 goals in 12 USHL games this past season. He's off to the University of Minnesota in the fall.13. FlamesCole Sillinger, C, Sioux Falls (USHL)Sillinger is another high-floor forward - a prospect that scouts can lock in as an NHL regular for years even if his development goes sideways. The son of former NHLer Mike Sillinger has a great release and scoring instincts, as well as a physical dimension to his game. He projects as a top-six forward who plays with an edge. Sillinger recently won Rookie of the Year honors in the USHL after racking up 46 points in 31 games.14. Sabres (via Flyers)Matthew Coronato, RW, Chicago (USHL)Coronato burst onto the scene with 48 goals in 54 USHL games this past season. The diminutive winger has a bullet of a shot and is no pushover physically, reminding scouts of Cole Caufield and Alex DeBrincat. The Sabres - who acquired this pick by dealing Rasmus Ristolainen to the Flyers - could use a pure sniper in their prospect pipeline, and the Harvard commit fits the bill.15. StarsFabian Lysell, RW, Lulea (SHL)With an abundance of quickness and skill, Lysell is a transition machine. The 5-foot-10, 172-pounder was excellent at the U-18s for Sweden, which won the bronze medal. He projects to be a top-six winger. (He'd also be a fitting choice for the Stars, who have selected at least one player from a Swedish pro or junior league since 2016.)16. RangersFyodor Svechkov, C, Togliatti (VHL)Nobody will accuse the responsible Svechkov of being the most exciting player in the draft, but his floor is very high. Scouts project that, at worst, he'll develop into a defensive-minded third-line center. That wouldn't be so terrible for the Rangers, who have enough offensive threats to go around.17. BluesSebastian Cossa, G, Edmonton (WHL) Marissa Baecker / Getty ImagesCossa was nearly unbeatable in a small sample this past season, recording a .941 SV% and 1.57 GAA in 19 WHL games. He's huge (6-foot-6, 210 pounds), athletic, and a strong skater. It's a slam dunk for the Blues if Cossa is still sitting there at 17. There's a real chance he goes within the top 15.18. JetsCorson Ceulemans, D, Brooks (AJHL)This board couldn't have shaken out any better for the Jets. While GM Kevin Cheveldayoff has begun rebuilding his defensive depth, you can still never have too many blue-liners. In this scenario, he'll have the choice of either Ceulemans or Carson Lambos. Passing on Lambos - a Winnipeg native who plays junior in Winnipeg - would be tough. But Ceulemans, who dominated the AJHL in 2020-21, seems to be the safer pick given Lambos' injury history. Bonus: He's a righty, and the Jets are currently heavy on left-shooting defensemen.19. PredatorsCarson Lambos, D, Winnipeg (WHL)Nashville is the master of developing blue-liners, and the Predators will be overjoyed if Lambos is around at 19th overall. With the puck, the 6-foot-1, 197-pounder can make a play. Without it, he's physical and difficult to play against.20. OilersNikita Chibrikov, RW, SKA (KHL)The Oilers will need cheap wingers on entry-level contracts who can complement Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl. Chibrikov, who's arguably the best player available here, could fit that mold in a couple of years. He's a below-average skater and just 5-foot-10, but his skill level, non-stop motor, and superior hockey IQ project him as a top-six NHL forward.21. BruinsAatu Raty, C, Karpat (Liiga)Formerly considered the No. 1 prospect of the 2021 draft class, Raty is widely perceived to have flatlined over the past couple of seasons. Since the start of 2019-20, Raty picked up 38 points in 85 games split between Liiga and Finland's top junior league, a far cry from what the scouting community expected from the hard-working center. He's a skilled playmaker but there are some red flags regarding his skating and hockey sense.22. WildKirill Kirsanov, D, SKA (KHL) Codie McLachlan / Getty ImagesKirsanov's name might sound similar to that of Wild superstar Kirill Kaprizov, but the two players are nothing alike. Kirsanov has no eye-popping traits - or glaring weaknesses, for that matter. He's also not particularly big at 6-foot-1 and 198 pounds. The two-way D-man held his own as a third-pairing KHL defender this past season, which speaks to his maturity. Minnesota picks again at No. 26, and it might not be able to get a first-round-caliber defenseman at that point. In need of depth at the position, it makes sense for the Wild to select one 22nd.23. Red Wings (via Capitals)Wyatt Johnston, C, Windsor (OHL)With his second pick, Wings GM Steve Yzerman goes for a two-way pivot out of nearby Windsor. Johnston barely played this past season due to COVID-19 shutdowns, getting in front of scouts only for the U-18s, where he contributed two goals and two assists in seven games for Canada. That said, Detroit will have plenty of intel on Johnston from an impressive OHL debut in 2019-20.24. PanthersBrennan Othmann, LW, Flint (OHL)Othmann is the eighth-ranked North American skater by Central Scouting, but he could fall to the Panthers on draft night due to concerns about his skating. If he can improve his stride, there's a solid chance he'll blossom into a super-effective top-six NHL winger. After all, Othmann isn't afraid of the rough stuff and has good hands around the net. He registered 16 points in 34 games this past season while on loan in Switzerland's second-tier pro league. He was midget teammates with Clarke and Shane Wright, the presumptive No. 1 pick in the 2022 draft.25. Blue Jackets (via Maple Leafs)Daniil Chayka, D, Guelph (OHL)Chayka, who played 11 games for CSKA Moscow of the KHL this past season with the OHL campaign canceled, would be a realistic yin-and-yang pick after the Blue Jackets snagged Eklund at fifth overall. At 6-foot-3 and 187 pounds, Chayka's a large D-man who has no issues getting around the ice. He makes a good first pass, has a deadly shot, and is generally very poised with the puck. Otherwise, he's raw. Columbus would be banking on second-pairing potential.26. Wild (via Penguins)Zachary Bolduc, C, Rimouski (QMJHL) Mathieu Belanger / Getty ImagesAfter taking Kirsanov at No. 22, the Wild can select the best forward available, and there are plenty of intriguing names left. Bolduc is a strong-skating, shot-generating pivot who put up 29 points in 27 QMJHL games this past season. The Trois-Rivieres, Quebec, native would be a quality addition to the Wild's prospect pool, which sorely lacks high-end centers beyond Marco Rossi.27. HurricanesIsak Rosen, RW, Leksands (SHL)Rosen, a speed demon with a scary shot who scored a whopping seven goals in seven games at the U-18s for Sweden, is a suitable pick for the Canes. A winger who possesses above-average puck skills and can drive the run of play, Rosen would blend in well with Carolina's collection of forwards.28. AvalancheZachary L'Heureux, LW, Halifax (QMJHL)L'Heureux has exceptional hands and an inexhaustible motor. He sounds like a member of the Avalanche already, doesn't he? On the other hand, he accumulated 47 penalty minutes and four suspensions in 33 QMJHL games this past season. There is a scenario in which the aggressive L'Heureux falls out of the first round, but Colorado probably sees a development opportunity.29. Devils (via Islanders)Zach Dean, C, Gatineau (QMJHL)Following the splashy Hughes pick at fourth overall, Devils GM Tom Fitzgerald could keep it simple. Dean is an all-around force who works his butt off every shift. He didn't produce to expectations in his draft year (20 points in 23 QMJHL games) but scouts still see a future top-six forward with versatility.30. Golden KnightsMatthew Samoskevich, RW, Chicago (USHL)While the Golden Knights were doing their due diligence on Brendan Brisson, the team's first-round pick a year ago, they would have been intrigued by his Steel teammate, Samoskevich. The winger is a strong skater with good offensive instincts who put up 37 points in 36 USHL games this past season.31. CanadiensXavier Bourgault, C, Shawinigan (QMJHL)Bourgault, who had 40 points in 29 QMJHL games this past season, possesses an innate ability to evade checks and find the soft areas of the ice. Other parts of his game are underdeveloped, so there's plenty of work ahead, but the foundation - which projects him as a potentially top-six, creative NHL winger - is pretty attractive.32. Blue Jackets (via Lightning)Samu Tuomaala, RW, Karpat (Liiga)It's possible Columbus goes way off the board (as it's prone to doing) with the club's third pick in the top 32. But it'll be tough for GM Jarmo Kekalainen to pass on a fellow Finn in Tuomaala, a high-energy winger with lots of skill.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

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Zach Hyman is expected to leave the Toronto Maple Leafs as an unrestricted free agent and sign with the Edmonton Oilers, reports The Athletic's James Mirtle.Hyman's new deal is either seven or eight years in length and will pay him $5 million to $5.5 million per season, Mirtle adds.The Maple Leafs and Oilers can still conduct a sign-and-trade, which would allow Edmonton to add an eighth year to his contract. Toronto granted Hyman permission to negotiate with other teams earlier this offseason in an effort to get back an asset for trading his rights.The Florida Panthers drafted Hyman in 2010, but he's played all his NHL games with the Leafs dating back to 2015. He's been a staple in Toronto's top six in recent years and had a career-best 0.77 points per game in 2021.The 29-year-old has spent the majority of his ice time in recent seasons alongside Auston Matthews or John Tavares and should remain an effective producer on the wing of Connor McDavid or Leon Draisaitl in Edmonton.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The New York Rangers traded forward Pavel Buchnevich to the St. Louis Blues for Sammy Blais and a second-round pick in 2022, the team announced.Buchnevich is a restricted free agent with arbitration rights, but the Blues have over $17 million in cap space to work out a deal, according to Cap Friendly.The 26-year-old winger is coming off the best offensive season of his career, posting 48 points in 54 games. Buchnevich did the majority of his damage at even strength, too, scoring only one of his 20 tallies on the power play.He should fit seamlessly into St. Louis' top six.

The Buffalo Sabres have dealt defenseman Rasmus Ristolainen to the Philadelphia Flyers for blue-liner Robert Hagg, the 14th overall pick in the 2021 draft, and a second-rounder in 2023.Ristolainen played eight seasons with the Sabres, who drafted him eighth overall in 2013. The Finnish rearguard, who'll turn 27 in October, averaged 23:53 of ice time during his Buffalo career, though he fell below that mark in each of his last two campaigns.The 6-foot-4, 218-pounder's average time on ice increased from 20:37 in his first full season (2014-15) to 25:17 in the following campaign. He then played over 26 minutes per game in each of the next two seasons before seeing that diminish in each of the last three.Though Ristolainen did much of his damage on the power play, he topped 40 points in four straight seasons from 2015-16 to 2018-19. However, his defensive play and overall underlying numbers often left something to be desired. Ristolainen posted a subpar 43.71 expected goals for percentage at five-on-five in 2021, according to Natural Stat Trick.Ristolainen is signed through 2021-22 at a cap hit of $5.4 million, according to CapFriendly. Hagg is also on the books through next season but his cap hit is only $1.6 million.Buffalo's new first-rounder will be the 13th name called Friday night, as the Arizona Coyotes forfeited the 11th selection for violating the NHL's combine testing policy. The Sabres also hold the No. 1 pick.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The six-month saga between the New York Rangers and defenseman Tony DeAngelo is seemingly coming to an end. New York has placed the 25-year-old on unconditional waivers to begin buying out his contract, according to Sportsnet’s Chris Johnston.DeAngelo will become an unrestricted free agent once he passes through waivers and the buyout is executed, as the Daily Faceoff's Frank Seravalli noted.The process would go as follows for DeAngelo, per CapFriendly.SeasonInitial cap hitNew cap hitAnnual cap savings2021-22$4.8M$383K$4.4M2022-23$0$883K-$883KIn February, former general manager Jeff Gorton announced the New Jersey native had played his last game as a Ranger.The tumultuous situation came to a head due to a skirmish between DeAngelo and goaltender Alexandar Georgiev following the club’s January 30 overtime loss to the Pittsburgh Penguins. The franchise placed DeAngelo on waivers the following day.The blue-liner went unclaimed and didn't suit up for another NHL contest in the 2020-21 season.The Montreal Canadiens were apparently interested in him in April, but he didn’t accept. DeAngelo also reportedly rejected New York's offer to mutually terminate his contract - which would have allowed him to sign elsewhere as a free agent - opting to be bought out this summer instead.The Rangers signed DeAngelo to a two-year contract with an average annual value of $4.8 million beginning in the 2020-21 campaign. DeAngelo spent four seasons in the Big Apple.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Columbus Blue Jackets and Chicago Blackhawks are working on a blockbuster deal that would send defenseman Seth Jones to the Windy City, sources told Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman.The two sides previously tried to hammer out a trade, with the Blue Jackets reportedly wanting Kirby Dach or Alex DeBrincat as the centerpiece coming their way. However, it wasn't a deal the Blackhawks were willing to make.Chicago and Columbus are now reportedly working on a swap that would include a mix of the Blackhawks' other young players, prospects, and high draft picks.Jones has one year remaining on his deal with a $5.4-million cap hit, so any team trading for him is likely looking to ensure he'd sign an extension afterward. Chicago is believed to be one of the teams that could secure a long-term commitment from the 26-year-old, Friedman added.The Blackhawks project to have over $20 million in cap space this offseason. The trade that sent Duncan Keith to the Edmonton Oilers - helping clear cap room - brought in Seth's brother, Caleb, to Chicago.Jones received down-ballot Norris Trophy votes in each season between 2017-20, finishing as high as fourth in 2018. However, he registered just five goals and 23 assists in 56 games this past season, and his underlying numbers plummeted. Evolving-Hockey.comThe Blackhawks severely lack experience on the back end. Here's their current defensive depth chart:LDRDCalvin de HaanConnor MurphyNikita Zadorov*Adam BoqvistRiley StillmanIan MitchellCaleb Jones*Restricted free agentJones reportedly told the Blue Jackets in May that he wouldn't sign an extension with the team.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Boston Bruins, Colorado Avalanche, Dallas Stars, Florida Panthers, and New York Islanders are among the teams interested in unrestricted free-agent defenseman Ryan Suter, reports Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman.Suter could make his decision by Monday - two days before free agency opens - Friedman adds.The 36-year-old was bought out by the Minnesota Wild last week. Suter tallied three goals and 16 assists in 56 games this past season while averaging 22:11 per contest. His underlying numbers were still stellar, specifically on offense. Evolving-Hockey.comThe Bruins (Jeremy Lauzon), Avalanche (Ryan Graves), Stars (Jamie Oleksiak), and Islanders (Nick Leddy) have all already lost key defensemen this offseason.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Warning: Story contains graphic content about sexual assault.Further details have emerged in the civil lawsuit against the Chicago Blackhawks brought by a former player.The amended lawsuit details an incident in May 2010 and states video coach Brad Aldrich turned on pornography at his apartment and began to masturbate in front of the plaintiff, according to Ben Pope of the Chicago Sun-Times, who provided screenshots of the updated lawsuit.The player attempted to leave, but Aldrich blocked the exit and threatened him with a small baseball bat, the lawsuit states. Additionally, Aldrich verbally threatened the player, saying he'd never play in the NHL again if he didn't engage in nonconsensual sexual activity.Pope also provides a screenshot from the lawsuit that states that for years after the abuse, the player was subject to homophobic and "humiliating trash talking by his teammates during scrimmages where coaches were present."The assault allegedly occurred while the Blackhawks were in the 2010 Western Conference Final. Former Chicago assistant coach John Torchetti told TSN in June that team management met to discuss the situation but never brought it to police.Brent Sopel, a defenseman on the team at the time, said "pretty much every" player knew about it.The Blackhawks hired a former federal prosecutor in June to conduct an independent, team-financed review of the allegations, which have yet to be tested in court.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The NHL unveiled its schedule for the 2021-22 campaign Thursday.The season will run from Oct. 12 to April 29 - contingent on the league participating in the 2022 Olympics. The schedule features a two-week pause between Feb. 7-22 to allow players to compete at the Games. The NHL will revise the schedule and the campaign will likely end earlier if the league decides not to attend the Olympics.An agreement hasn't been made regarding the league's participation in the Winter Games. NHL deputy commissioner Bill Daly said in June that it's "not necessarily an ideal Games to elect to go to."The NHL's 2021-22 opening night will feature a doubleheader beginning with the Tampa Bay Lightning raising their Stanley Cup banner and hosting the Pittsburgh Penguins, followed by the league's two newest franchises - the Seattle Kraken and Vegas Golden Knights - squaring off in Sin City.Each team will play 26 games within its division, 24 contests against the other division in its conference, and 32 matchups against the opposing conference.Here are a handful of contests throughout the season worth circling on your calendar:DateHomeAwayPurposeOct. 13RangersCapitals1st game since line brawlOct. 23KrakenCanucksSeattle's home openerNov. 20IslandersFlamesNew York's 1st game as UBS ArenaDec. 7CanadiensLightningStanley Cup rematchJan. 1WildBluesWinter Classic at Target FieldFeb. 26PredatorsLightningStadium Series at Nissan StadiumThe series-style schedules, which were used during the 2020-21 campaign and were popular among players, won't return this season.The All-Star Weekend in Vegas will take place Feb. 4-5.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Edmonton Oilers have re-signed veteran goaltender Mike Smith to a two-year deal, general manager Ken Holland confirmed Thursday.The contract will carry an average annual value of $2.2 million, according to TSN's Pierre LeBrun.At 39 years old, the resurgent Smith pitched a .923 save percentage across 32 games in the 2020-21 regular season, the second-best mark of his career. He was eighth in the league in goals saved above average (12.56) and goals saved above expected (7.22), according to Evolving Hockey.Despite being swept by the Winnipeg Jets in the first round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs, Smith registered a .912 save percentage.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Arizona Coyotes acquired defenseman Shayne Gostisbehere and two 2022 draft picks from the Philadelphia Flyers, the team announced Thursday.Philadelphia sent a second- and seventh-round pick to Arizona in the deal.Gostisbehere has recorded 219 points in 381 games and spent his whole career in Philadelphia since being drafted by the Flyers in 2012.He has two years remaining on his contract which carries a $4.5-million annual cap hit.For Philadelphia, the deal helps the team navigate the realities of a flat cap."This was a difficult decision but one we thought was necessary given the reality of the salary cap," Philadelphia general manager Chuck Fletcher said. "Shayne has been a quality player for this organization since the moment he arrived in Philadelphia."The Flyers now have about $13.9 million in available cap space, per CapFriendly.The 28-year-old ranked third among all team members in average ice time (19:56) this season. Philadelphia controlled 52% of the high-danger chances with Gostisbehere on the ice at five-on-five, according to Natural Stat Trick.Gostisbehere's 60 goals are the fourth-most among defensemen in Flyers history.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Tyler Pitlick’s time in Seattle didn't last very long.The Kraken have traded the forward to the Calgary Flames for a 2022 fourth-round pick, the team announced Thursday. Pitlick was Seattle's selection from the Arizona Coyotes in Wednesday's expansion draft.The 29-year-old is entering the final season of a two-year deal with an annual cap hit of $1.75 million. The Edmonton Oilers selected Pitlick in the second round of the 2010 draft, and he spent time with the Dallas Stars and Philadelphia Flyers before ending up in Arizona.Pitlick can be a solid bottom-six option for the Flames and has experience on the penalty kill. The center, who's put up 84 points in 286 NHL games, logged just over 80 shorthanded minutes across 38 contests with the Coyotes in the 2020-21 campaign.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Carolina Hurricanes have traded goaltender Alex Nedeljkovic to the Detroit Red Wings for the rights to unrestricted free agent netminder Jonathan Bernier and a third-round pick in 2021, the teams announced Thursday.The Red Wings then agreed to terms with Nedeljkovic on a two-year contract worth $3 million per season, the team confirmed.Nedeljkovic was a finalist for the Calder Trophy this past season. The 25-year-old went 15-5-3 in the regular season and emerged as Carolina's starter over Petr Mrazek and James Reimer. Nedeljkovic posted a .932 save percentage and 15.7 goals saved above average across 23 appearances and had a .920 clip in nine playoff games.The Hurricanes tried to sign Nedeljkovic but couldn't get a deal done and wanted to avoid arbitration, according to TSN's Pierre LeBrun.Carolina has not yet struck a deal with Bernier but has $29 million in cap space to ink the veteran goalie and a backup. Both Mrazek and Reimer are UFAs this offseason as well.Bernier, 32, has spent the past three seasons in Detroit, posting a .914 save percentage this past season while winning nine of 23 starts for the rebuilding Red Wings.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

With the dust settled on another first-round exit, Toronto Maple Leafs general manager Kyle Dubas remains all-in on the roster he's built."For better or worse, I believe in this group and I believe that they are going to get it done and I believe that they're going to win," Dubas said Thursday, according to Sportsnet's Chris Johnston. "I understand that comes with certain doubt because of the fact that we have not broken through in the playoffs, but it's my belief that they will."I believe in them as players, I believe in them as people, and I know that decision lies on me and what the risk is for me. We're going ahead that way. So I'm comfortable with it. I believe that we're going to see the best version of this group next season that we've seen yet and I'm willing to bet everything on that."The Maple Leafs faced plenty of criticism earlier this summer after blowing a 3-1 series lead to the Montreal Canadiens. It marked the current core's fifth consecutive opening-round loss, and extended the franchise's streak to 17 years without winning a series.Superstar forwards Mitch Marner and Auston Matthews combined for just a single goal against the underdog Habs, but Dubas and president Brendan Shanahan both think the team as constructed is capable of getting it done.At his end-of-season press conference in June, Shanahan said the Leafs lack a "killer instinct" that needs to be addressed.Though Toronto's superstars appear locked into their roles, the Maple Leafs are bound to look different around the edges for the 2021-22 season. Top-six staple Zach Hyman appears to be on the verge of leaving in free agency, and the club has approximately $10 million in cap space to fill holes up front and in net.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Longtime Montreal Canadiens defenseman Shea Weber won't play next season and he "probably won't be back for his career," general manager Marc Bergevin told reporters on Thursday.Bergevin confirmed the team's captain has been dealing with multiple injuries, including ankle, foot, knee, and thumb issues.Weber, who turns 36 next month, missed time toward the end of the regular season with a thumb injury, but he returned to average 25:13 of ice time per game during the Stanley Cup Playoffs.Bergevin notes he had an "emotional" conversation with Weber.“It was hard for Shea," he said. "I mean, that’s all he knows. He’s a hockey player to the core. He's been doing that all his life. It’s really hit hard to realize that he can no longer perform the way he’s expecting for him and his teammates in the pain he’s going through daily."Notorious for his higher-than-average pain tolerance, Weber has also previously dealt with a left foot issue. In February 2020 he was slated to miss four-to-six weeks because of the injury, but Weber returned just two weeks later.The Nashville Predators' 49th overall pick in 2003 has played 1,038 NHL games while registering 589 points. He spent the first 11 seasons of his career in Nashville and the last five with the Canadiens, who will now be dealing with a gaping hole on their blue line.“I have a lot of respect for Shea,” Bergevin said. “It will be impossible to replace Shea Weber.”There are five years left on Weber's contract that carries an annual cap hit of $7.86 million.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Matt Calvert is calling it a career after 10 NHL seasons.The former Columbus Blue Jackets and Colorado Avalanche winger announced his retirement due to a career-ending injury on Thursday.Calvert was limited to just 18 games during the 2020-21 season with the Avalanche due to an undisclosed upper-body injury. He played his last game on March 23."I’ve been lucky enough to play the game I love since I was five years old," the 31-year-old wrote in a statement."It was an absolute honor to wear the Columbus Blue Jackets and Colorado Avalanche jerseys throughout my career," he added. "I would bleed for those organizations any day."He amassed 203 points over 566 regular-season games, and 17 points in 32 playoff contests after the Blue Jackets made him their fifth-round pick in 2008. Calvert spent eight seasons with Columbus before three campaigns with Colorado."Thank you to the best parents in the world. You sacrificed everything to give me the opportunity to play in the National Hockey League," Calvert continued, while also thanking his wife Courtney, and his boys Kasey and Beau."I look forward to skating on the outdoor rinks with my boys in retirement," he said. "I love you all!”Calvert resides in Manitoba with his family.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Boston Bruins have made “significant progress” with pending unrestricted free agent Taylor Hall, general manager Don Sweeney told reporters Thursday.Both Hall and the Bruins made it clear this offseason there's mutual interest in reaching a long-term agreement. Any deal is likely to get done soon because the roster freeze lifts at 1 p.m. ET, Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman notes.Friedman estimates Hall's new contract will be a four-year pact with an average annual value of $6 million.The Bruins acquired Hall and Curtis Lazar from the Buffalo Sabres in exchange for Anders Bjork and a 2021 second-round draft pick in April. Buffalo retained half of Hall's $8 million salary.Hall notoriously struggled with the Sabres while producing two goals over 37 games. The 2018 Hart Trophy winner returned to form after arriving in Boston, registering 14 points over 16 regular-season contests before logging five points across 11 playoff games.The 29-year-old has played for five teams since becoming the first overall pick in 2010.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

With the 2021 Seattle Kraken expansion draft in the rearview mirror, we highlight the winners and losers from Wednesday's event.WinnersChris Driedger Christopher Mast / National Hockey League / GettyTwo years ago, Driedger split his season between the ECHL and AHL. Now, he's locked into a three-year contract and gets to be the guy in net for an NHL team. Vitek Vanecek and Joey Daccord aren't major threats to the starting job.Driedger could be poised for success thanks to the personnel around him. The Kraken's blue line projects to be the strength of the team and there's still room for more additions.LDRDMark GiordanoAdam LarssonVince DunnJamie OleksiakCarson SoucyJeremy LauzonHaydn FleuryAdditionally, head coach Dave Hakstol is a defensive-minded bench boss who will try to put his netminder in a position to succeed - especially since the team will need to win low-scoring games due to a lack of firepower up front.Driedger's NHL sample size is small, but in 41 games, he's posted a .926 save percentage and a 2.18 goals-against average. At 27 years old, he could conceivably cash in on another contract down the road if he performs well.Rebuilding teams Icon Sportswire / Icon Sportswire / GettyThere are very few instances when we can consider teams like the Anaheim Ducks, Buffalo Sabres, Detroit Red Wings, New Jersey Devils, and Ottawa Senators as winners, but here we are.Every organization has to rebuild at some point, and it's ideal if the timing lines up with an expansion draft. These teams didn't lose anything of substance and weren't desperate to get a contract off the books.LosersKraken Alika Jenner / Getty Images Sport / GettyGeneral manager Ron Francis took an interesting approach to the expansion draft. He passed on several proven players in exchange for ones with minimal experience. This isn't to say the Kraken should've taken Carey Price or Jakub Voracek, but James van Riemsdyk, Vladimir Tarasenko, and Max Domi would've made sense.Francis' strategy gives the Kraken ample cap room (around $30 million) but leaves them with several roster holes up front. It might be too early to judge Francis until we see how he spends his remaining cap space this offseason, but it's hard to feel overly optimistic right now.He also didn't swing any major side deals - that we know of. Trades helped the Vegas Golden Knights find instant success in 2017-18. George McPhee fleeced teams in a few instances, reeling in multiple players at a time and stockpiling draft picks so that he had the ammunition to make big trades down the road.While GMs around the league may have learned their lessons, it's quite possible that Francis' asking prices could've been too high. Francis' undoing during his stint as Carolina Hurricanes general manager was his overly cautious approach, and based on this draft, it appears he hasn't changed his management style.The league, the fans, ESPN Rick Madonik / Toronto Star / GettyThe NHL really fumbled this one.The expansion draft was shaping up to be a compelling, must-watch event, but instead, all the drama was leaked on Twitter throughout Wednesday morning.Of course, the reporters who broke the news were just doing their jobs and deserve no blame. But the league and the Kraken should've done a better job of keeping the selections under wraps. In hindsight, the 10-hour gap between Seattle's submission deadline and the official announcements was a horrible idea.Fans obviously have a right to be upset, but nobody should be more livid than ESPN. The expansion draft was the network's first event since purchasing the primary package of the league's new U.S. TV rights deal, and the ratings were surely substantially lower than they would've been had the picks not been previously revealed.Teams hoping to shed big contracts Bruce Bennett / Getty Images Sport / GettyNumerous clubs cast some shiny bait out into the water, but the Kraken didn't bite.The Philadelphia Flyers exposed both Van Riemsdyk and Voracek, likely expecting Seattle to take one and provide Philly with some cap space. The Kraken took the relatively unknown Carsen Twarynski instead.It's no secret the St. Louis Blues are shopping Tarasenko. But the fact that the Kraken passed on him for free definitely diminishes his trade value, even if he's healthy after multiple shoulder surgeries. Seattle preferred to selected blue-liner Vince Dunn.The Montreal Canadiens were probably quietly praying for the Kraken to take Price, even though he just led them to the Stanley Cup Final. Getting that contract (five years left at $10.5 million per season) off the books would've been a weight lifted off GM Marc Bergevin's giant shoulders. And if it wasn't Price, Bergevin was certainly hoping Seattle would take Jonathan Drouin, who missed the entire playoffs while on personal leave. The Kraken picked defense prospect Cale Fleury instead.Edmonton Oilers Andy Devlin / National Hockey League / GettyThe Oilers' offseason isn't filling their fan base with confidence. The Duncan Keith trade was (rightly) heavily criticized, the decision to re-sign 39-year-old Mike Smith to a multi-year deal was questionable, and there's still a chance they pony up for Zach Hyman.However, they're losers in this exercise because they let pending UFA defenseman Adam Larsson sign with the Kraken on a reported team-friendly four-year, $16-million contract. Edmonton apparently offered him the same contract, but it probably would've been a good idea to offer him more money or add another year.Larsson, 28, has been very steady defensively over the past few years - something the Oilers have generally lacked on their back end. He'll be incredibly difficult to replace via free agency or trade this offseason.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Seattle Kraken picked Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman Gavin Bayreuther over Max Domi in Wednesday's expansion draft.Columbus left Domi unprotected over the weekend with the hope that the forward's injured shoulder would deter the Kraken from scooping him up. The 26-year-old underwent surgery to repair a labral tear in his right shoulder in June. With a recovery timetable of five to six months, Domi is likely to miss the start of the regular season, which is slated to start in October.Bayreuther has just 28 games of NHL experience under his belt, registering six points. The 27-year-old signed a one-year, two-way deal with the Blue Jackets in 2020 and is a pending unrestricted free agent.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Seattle Kraken forward Yanni Gourde will be sidelined for four months after undergoing shoulder surgery Monday, his agent, Paul Corbeil, confirmed to The Athletic's Joe Smith.Gourde was Seattle's selection from the Tampa Bay Lightning in Wednesday's expansion draft. He established himself as a key contributor in winning back-to-back Stanley Cups with the Lightning and was among the more prominent names the Kraken selected.The 29-year-old center had 36 points in 56 games this past season and performed a key checking role throughout the playoffs. Gourde played 310 games with the Lightning from 2015-21 before joining the NHL's 32nd franchise.The Kraken will open their inaugural season Oct. 13. Gourde's recovery timeline projects that he'll be available in mid-November.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Seattle Kraken selected defenseman and Calgary Flames captain Mark Giordano in Wednesday's expansion draft, the team announced.Giordano spent his first 15 seasons with the Flames. Calgary gave him the "C" in 2013-14.

Hockey fans will get an early look at the NHL's new Pacific Northwest rivalry.The Seattle Kraken will host the Vancouver Canucks in their first home opener on Oct. 23, the Kraken announced during Wednesday's expansion draft.Seattle will play its inaugural regular-season contest on Oct. 12 on the road against the Vegas Golden Knights, according to NHL.com's Danny Webster.The NHL will release its entire 2021-22 schedule Thursday.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Seattle Kraken and defenseman Jamie Oleksiak agreed to a five-year contract carrying an average annual value of $4.6 million, reports TSN's Pierre LeBrun.The deal includes a no-trade clause for its first three years and a 16-team modified no-trade clause for the final two years, LeBrun adds.Seattle selected Oleksiak from the Dallas Stars in Wednesday's expansion draft. The Kraken had an exclusive window from July 18-21 to negotiate with all pending free agents whom teams left exposed.Oleksiak scored six goals and added eight assists in 56 games with the Stars last season. He averaged 20:29 of ice time. The 28-year-old led Dallas with 148 hits and ranked second with 88 blocked shots.He just finished a three-year deal with the Stars that had an average annual value of $2.13 million. Oleksiak ranked third among defensemen on his team last season with a 52.56 Corsi For rating and a 54.11 expected goals for percentage at five-on-five.The Stars drafted Oleksiak with the 14th overall pick in 2011. He's played 369 career games and has totaled 72 points.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Seattle Kraken chose not to select Montreal Canadiens goaltender Carey Price and St. Louis Blues forward Vladimir Tarasenko.Both players were exposed by their clubs ahead of Wednesday's proceedings. Price is under contract through 2025-26 at a cap hit of $10.5 million, while Tarasenko carries a cap hit of $7.5 million and is on the books through 2022-23.Price waived his no-movement clause for expansion draft purposes so the Canadiens could protect fellow Montreal netminder Jake Allen. Price's health is reportedly a concern as he's scheduled to see a doctor about a knee issue later this week, and it may require surgery.Tarasenko reportedly requested a trade recently and isn't happy with how the Blues handled two of his three shoulder surgeries.The Kraken were required to submit their selections by 10 a.m. ET on Wednesday.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Chris Driedger took a leap of faith by signing with the Seattle Kraken.Driedger agreed to a reported three-year deal worth $3.5 million annually. He admitted he wasn't aware which other goalies would end up on the roster when he chose to sign with the NHL's newest team, according to ESPN's Greg Wyshynski."I'm kind of just betting on myself in that situation," Driedger said, according to Sportsnet's Chris Johnston.The Kraken had an exclusive window from July 18-21 to negotiate with all pending free agents whom teams left exposed. It was during that period when Driedger and the club came to an agreement.A number of quality goaltenders around the league were left exposed. The Montreal Canadiens surprised many by making former MVP Carey Price available. Beyond Price, there were a number of potential starting options including Ben Bishop, Braden Holtby, and Kaapo Kahkonen.The Kraken ended up selecting Washington Capitals netminder Vitek Vanecek and Ottawa Senators goalie Joey Daccord to round out their depth chart.Driedger, 27, put together an impressive season with the Florida Panthers this year, posting a .927 save percentage and a 2.07 goals-against average in 23 games.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Seattle Kraken selected newly acquired Toronto Maple Leafs forward Jared McCann during Wednesday's expansion draft, the team announced.The Leafs traded a seventh-round pick and prospect Filip Hallander to the Pittsburgh Penguins for McCann before teams had to solidify their protected lists on July 17. The move allowed the Leafs to prevent other roster pieces from being selected, Seravalli added.Toronto opted to protect four forwards and four defensemen from Seattle. With four stars on the Leafs' offense, there wasn't much room for the team to protect its depth options, thus leaving both Alexander Kerfoot and McCann exposed.The Leafs also didn't want to risk losing defenseman Justin Holl, who slots into Toronto's top four and carries an annual cap hit of just $2 million, according to TSN's Darren Dreger.McCann is coming off a strong year for Pittsburgh, registering 32 points in 43 games.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Edmonton Oilers are meeting with pending unrestricted free agent Zach Hyman on Wednesday, reports TSN's Jason Gregor.The Toronto Maple Leafs granted Hyman permission to meet with other teams earlier this offseason to explore trading his rights. A sign-and-trade is possible until free agency opens July 28, so the Oilers could potentially add the winger on a maximum eight-year deal, notes Sportsnet's Chris Johnston.The Calgary Flames and Vancouver Canucks are among the other teams reportedly pursuing Hyman, who produced at a 63-point pace this past season as a staple in Toronto's top six.Hyman is coming off a four-year contract that paid him $2.25 million per season; the 29-year-old is expected to land a significant raise.Edmonton has $11 million in projected cap space, according to CapFriendly. The club is reportedly on the verge of re-signing goaltender Mike Smith to a two-year with an average annual value of around $2 million. The Oilers also lost defenseman Adam Larsson to the Seattle Kraken on Wednesday.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Seattle Kraken have made their first big splash, agreeing to a four-year contract with pending unrestricted free-agent defenseman Adam Larsson of the Edmonton Oilers, reports TSN's Darren Dreger.The pact carries an average annual value of $4 million, Dreger adds.Larsson isn't technically a free agent until July 28, but the Kraken had an exclusive window from July 18-21 to negotiate with all pending free agents left exposed for the expansion draft. The window closed Wednesday morning, according to TSN's Pierre LeBrun.The 28-year-old played the last five seasons with the Oilers after the team acquired him from the New Jersey Devils in exchange for Taylor Hall in 2016.

Former Ottawa Senators bench boss Dave Cameron has been named head coach for Team Canada at the World Junior Championship, Hockey Canada announced Wednesday.Cameron was previously head coach of the team at the 2011 tourney in Buffalo, where Canada captured a silver medal.Joining Cameron's staff this time around are assistants Michael Dyck, Louis Robitaille, Dennis Williams, and goaltending consultant Olivier Michaud.In two seasons as coach of the Senators from 2014-16, Cameron piloted the squad to a 70-50-17 record. The 62-year-old most recently served as head coach of the Vienna Capitals in Austria.Cameron is also reportedly being named head coach of the OHL's Ottawa 67's. He is succeeding new Arizona Coyotes coach Andre Tourigny in both positions.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Carey Price has waived his no-movement clause, thereby making himself available to the Seattle Kraken in the expansion draft, reports Sportsnet's Chris Johnston.The Montreal Canadiens goaltender did so to allow the club to protect fellow netminder Jake Allen for Wednesday's proceedings. Price only waived the clause for expansion draft purposes, meaning he can't be involved in an unrelated transaction without his approval, according to Johnston.The veteran is reportedly owed a signing bonus of $11 million in September. He's under contract at a cap hit of $10.5 million through 2025-26.All players with no-movement clauses in their contracts must be protected in the expansion draft, and every team needs to protect one goalie. Had Price not waived his clause, the Canadiens would have been forced to protect him and expose Allen, one of the NHL's best backup goalies.Price struggled during the 2021 season before excelling in the playoffs. He went 13-9 with a .924 save percentage over 22 postseason games this year, helping Montreal make an improbable run to the Stanley Cup Final. The puck-stopper, who'll be 34 years old in August, went 12-7-5 with a .901 save percentage over 25 regular-season contests in 2021.The 2014-15 Hart and Vezina Trophy winner has played 14 campaigns with the Canadiens, who drafted him fifth overall in 2005.Price has ties to the Pacific Northwest, as he hails from British Columbia and his wife, Angela, is from the state of Washington.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Colorado Avalanche won't protect captain Gabriel Landeskog in Wednesday's expansion draft, reports the Denver Post's Mike Chambers.All of the league's teams submitted their protected lists before 5 p.m. ET on Saturday. The lists will be made public Sunday morning. Landeskog and all other unprotected possible free agents are able to meet with the Kraken and sign with them between that time and the expansion draft on Wednesday night, according to Chambers.If Landeskog and the Kraken were to come to an agreement during that period, he would count as Seattle's pick from Colorado. If they don't reach a deal, he could still sign with them or any other team if he becomes a UFA when free agency opens on July 28.On Tuesday, it was reported that the Avalanche and Landeskog were "not even close" in contract talks. The next day, the Swedish winger said he was disappointed with the fact that negotiations were at an impasse. The St. Louis Blues will reportedly make a strong push for Landeskog if he reaches the market.The 28-year-old racked up 20 goals and 32 assists over 54 games this season. He's spent his entire 10-year career with Colorado, which drafted him second overall in 2011. The Avalanche named him captain in 2012-13.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

NHL teams released their protected lists ahead of Wednesday's expansion draft for the Seattle Kraken.The Vegas Golden Knights, who joined the league for the 2017-18 season, are exempt from the expansion draft and won't lose a player to the NHL's newest franchise. However, the Kraken still have 30 other teams to select from, and there are plenty of intriguing players up for grabs.The deadline for clubs to submit their lists was Saturday at 5 p.m. ET.The 2021 expansion draft will follow the same rules as the 2017 expansion draft that welcomed the Golden Knights to the NHL:

Now that every NHL team has submitted its list of protected players for Wednesday's expansion draft, the Seattle Kraken can officially start to decide who they want to select.Several big-name players have been made available, including Montreal Canadiens goaltender Carey Price, St. Louis Blues sniper Vladimir Tarasenko, and Calgary Flames captain Mark Giordano. There are also plenty of stars who were left unprotected - such as Alex Ovechkin and Gabriel Landeskog - that are also impending free agents.Let's take a look at which players Kraken general manager Ron Francis will be able to snatch from each club.Anaheim DucksPlayerPositionCap hitAndrew AgozzinoCUFADavid BackesCUFASam CarrickC$700KChase De LeoCUFARyan GetzlafCUFADerek GrantC$1.5MDanton HeinenLWRFAAdam HenriqueC$5.825MVinni LettieriC$750KSonny MilanoLW$1.7MAndrew PoturalskiCUFACarter RowneyCUFANick SorensenRWRFAAlex VolkovLW$700KTrevor CarrickD$700KHaydn FleuryD$1.3MBrendan GuhleD$800KJacob LarssonD$1.2MJosh MahuraDRFAKevin ShattenkirkD$3.9MAndy WelinskiDUFAAnthony StolarzG$750KArizona Coyotes PlayerPositionCap hitDerick BrassardLWUFAMichael BuntingLWUFABrayden BurkeLWRFAMichael ChaputCUFAHudson FaschingRWUFAChristian FischerRW$1MFrederik GauthierCRFAJohn HaydenCRFADryden HuntLWRFAAndrew LaddLW$5.5MLane PedersonCRFATyler PitlickRW$1.75MBlake SpeersCRFATyler SteenbergenCRFAJason DemersDUFACam DineenDRFAAlex GoligoskiDUFAJordan GrossDUFANiklas HjalmarssonDUFAIlya LyubushkinD$1MDysin MayoDRFAAaron NessDUFAJordan OesterleDUFAJosef KorenarG$723KMarek LanghamerGRFAAntti RaantaGUFABoston BruinsPlayerPositionCap hitAnton BlidhLW$700KPeter CehlarikLWRFAJakob Forsbacka KarlssonRWRFATaylor HallLWUFACameron HughesC$792KOndrej KaseRWRFAAlex KhokhlachevCRFAJoona KoppanenLW$753KDavid KrejciCUFAKarson KuhlmanRW$725KSean KuralyCUFACurtis LazarC$800KGreg McKeggCUFANick RitchieLWRFAZach SenyshynRWRFAChris WagnerRW$1.35MLinus ArnessonDRFAConnor CliftonD$1MJeremy LauzonD$850KJohn MooreD$2.75MMike ReillyDUFAJarred TinordiDUFAJakub ZborilD$725KCallum BoothGRFAJarsolav HalakGUFATuukka RaskGUFABuffalo SabresPlayerPositionCap hitDrake CaggiulaLWUFAJean-Sebastien DeaCUFACody EakinC$2.25MSteven FogartyCUFAZemgus GirgensonsC$2.2MAndrew OglevieC$750KKyle OkposoRW$6MTobias RiederRWUFARiley SheahanLWUFAJeff SkinnerLW$9MC.J. SmithLWUFAWilliam BorgenDRFABrandon DavidsonDUFAMatt IrwinDUFAJake McCabeDUFAColin MillerD$3.875MMichael HouserGUFACarter HuttonGUFADustin TokarskiG$725KCalgary FlamesPlayerPositionCap hitByron FroeseC$725KGlenn GawdinCUFAJustin KirklandLWRFAJosh LeivoRWUFAMilan LucicLW$5.25MMatthew PhillipsCRFAZac RinaldoLWUFABrett RitchieRW$700KBuddy RobinsonRWUFADerek RyanRWUFADominik SimonRWRFAMark GiordanoD$6.75MOliver KylingtonDRFANikita NesterovDUFAAlex PetrovicDUFAMichael StoneDUFALouis DomingueGUFATyler ParsonsGRFACarolina HurricanesPlayerPositionCap hitMorgan GeekieC$763KSteven LorentzC$725KJordan MartinookCUFAMax McCormickLWUFABrock McGinnLWUFANino NiederreiterLW$5.25MCedric PaquetteCUFASheldon RempalLWUFASpencer SmallmanRWRFAJake BeanDRFAJake GardinerD$4.05MJani HakanpaaDUFADougie HamiltonDUFAMaxime LajoieDRFARoland McKeownDUFAAntoine BibeauGUFAJeremy HelvigGRFAPetr MrazekGUFAJames ReimerGUFADylan WellsGRFAChicago BlackhawksPlayerPositionCap hitRyan CarpenterRW$1MBrett ConnollyRW$3.5MJosh DickinsonCRFAAdam GaudetteCRFAVinnie HinostrozaRWUFABrandon PirriRWUFAJohn QuennevilleLWUFAZack SmithLWUFACalvin De HaanD$4.55MAnton LindholmDUFANikita ZadorovDRFACollin DeliaG$1MMalcolm SubbanG$850KColorado AvalanchePlayerPositionCap hitTravis BarronLWRFAPierre-Edouard BellemareCUFAMatt CalvertLWUFAJ.T. CompherRW$3.5MJoonas DonskoiRW$3.9MSheldon DriesCUFAGabriel LandeskogLWUFATy LewisLWRFAJayson MegnaRW$700KLiam O'BrienCUFABrandon SaadRWUFAKiefer SherwoodRWRFACarl SoderbergLWUFAT.J. 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Goaltender Matt Murray wasn’t surprised when he saw his name left off the Ottawa Senators’ protected list for the Seattle Kraken expansion draft, his agent Robert Hooper told the Ottawa Sun’s Bruce Garrioch on Sunday.The Sens chose to protect 23-year-old netminder Filip Gustavsson over the two-time Stanley Cup winner. With tempting options on the table such as the Montreal Canadiens’ Carey Price or the Vancouver Canucks’ Braden Holtby, the Sens don't think the Kraken will be looking Murray's way when it’s time to pick their team on Wednesday."Matt gets it 100% and he’s fine with it," Hooper said. "Pierre (Dorion) explained to Matt that they don’t want to lose him and based on their educated guess they don’t believe they will. The Senators don’t feel this will be a big risk to the team."Murray struggled in his first year in Ottawa, putting up a career-worst .893 save percentage across 27 games and minus-12.81 goals saved above expected at five-on-five, according to Evolving Hockey. He has three years left on a deal that carries an annual cap hit of $6.25 million.Murray was hampered by injury throughout the 2020-21 season but did have a promising stretch in April before a lower-body issue ended his campaign early. Gustavsson stepped up for the Sens, registering a sparkling .933 save percentage across nine games.Despite the hardships, Murray is looking forward to giving it another go in Canada’s capital with the young squad."He’s very focused on getting off to a great start and being healthy. He’s very excited about that team and the young talent they have," Hooper said. "He believes that each year they’re going to get better and better."Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Seattle Kraken general manager Ron Francis is going to have some star-studded assistance when he unveils his team's selections during Wednesday's expansion draft.The Seattle Storm's Sue Bird, Seattle Seahawks icon Marshawn Lynch, and Seattle SuperSonics legends Lenny Wilkens, Shaun Kemp, and Gary Payton will be in attendance for the event at Gas Works Park. Grammy award-winning rapper Macklemore will also be there, as will Seahawks linebacker Bobby Wagner, Seattle Mariners outfielder Kyle Lewis, and women’s hockey legend Cammi Granato.The team has also enlisted the help of local frontline workers.Hosted by Chris Fowler, Dominic Moore, and Kevin Weekes, the expansion draft is set for July 21 at 8 p.m. ET.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Seattle Kraken are closing in on a three-year deal worth $3.5 million annually with Florida Panthers goaltender Chris Driedger, reports Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman.Florida left Driedger - a pending unrestricted free agent - unprotected for the upcoming expansion draft.Locking up Driedger wouldn't necessarily negate Seattle's reported interest in Montreal Canadiens netminder Carey Price, Friedman notes.The Kraken recently expressed interest in Driedger, who posted a .927 save percentage and a 2.07 goals-against average in 23 games with the Panthers in 2020-21. The 27-year-old also ranked ninth in goals saved above expected (7.03) and seventh in goals saved above average (12.6) at all strengths, according to Evolving-Hockey.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Now that protected lists have been made public ahead of Wednesday's NHL expansion draft, it's time to predict the Seattle Kraken's 30 selections.Plenty of stars are up for grabs, but this isn't solely a best-player-available exercise. We expect to hear a few household names, though numerous factors may persuade Seattle to select some lesser-known talents. After all, the front office is building a sustainable franchise, not a one-season wonder.The Kraken need to select at least 20 players who are under contract for the 2021-22 season. They'll also need a cumulative salary-cap hit between $48.9 million and $81.5 million, or between 60% and 100% of the upper limit. Seattle must also pick at least 14 forwards, nine defensemen, and three goalies.Lastly, the Vegas Golden Knights are exempt from the selection process after going through their own expansion draft only four years ago.With that in mind, here's who we see Seattle taking later this week.* Denotes pending unrestricted free agent––––––––––Anaheim DucksNotable players exposed: F Ryan Getzlaf*, F Derek Grant, F Danton Heinen, F Adam Henrique, F Sonny Milano, F Alexander Volkov, D Haydn Fleury, D Kevin Shattenkirk, G Anthony StolarzPrediction: Volkov. The Kraken will presumably give Shattenkirk a long look, but Volkov, a 23-year-old potential bottom-six winger, is a better monetary fit. He's set to earn just $925,000 in 2021-22, which is exactly the price tag Seattle needs to offset some of the heftier contracts the club will be inheriting.Arizona CoyotesNotable players exposed: F Derick Brassard*, F Michael Bunting*, F Christian Fischer, F Tyler Pitlick, D Jason Demers*, D Alex Goligoski*, D Niklas Hjalmarsson*, D Ilya Lyubushkin, D Jordan Oesterle*, G Antti Raanta*Prediction: Fischer. Seattle could realistically tap Pitlick, or take a flier on Bunting, a pending unrestricted free agent. But Fischer is a perfectly justifiable pick. He has a big body with scoring touch, and there's one season remaining on his two-year, $2-million deal. The 24-year-old should find a spot on the fourth line. Michael Martin / Getty ImagesBoston BruinsNotable players exposed: F Taylor Hall*, F Ondrej Kase, F David Krejci*, F Sean Kuraly*, F Nick Ritchie, D Connor Clifton, D Mike Reilly*, G Jaroslav Halak*, G Tuukka Rask*Prediction: Ritchie. With Hall, Krejci, Reilly, Halak, and Rask all pending UFAs, Ritchie is the surest bet. Kase is enticing, but his injury history should scare off Seattle. Clifton is a possibility, too. But Ritchie's combination of size (6-foot-2, 230 pounds) and scoring (15 goals over 56 games in 2020-21) is too hard to pass up.Buffalo SabresNotable players exposed: F Cody Eakin, F Zemgus Girgensons, F Kyle Okposo, F Tobias Rieder*, F Riley Sheahan*, F Jeff Skinner, D William Borgen, D Jake McCabe, D Colin Miller, G Carter Hutton*Prediction: Borgen. Despite his horrible 2020-21 season, Skinner is probably the most talented player available, but he's way too expensive. McCabe would be a tremendous piece for the Kraken, but he comes with risk as a UFA. Borgen, on the other hand, offers upside. He's the smartest pick here.Calgary FlamesNotable players exposed: F Josh Leivo*, F Milan Lucic, F Derek Ryan*, D Mark Giordano, D Oliver Kylington, D Nikita Nesterov*Prediction: Giordano. The 2019 Norris Trophy winner may turn 38 in October, but he's still a hell of a player. He would slot in on the first defensive pairing and could also man the point on a power-play unit. Plus, if he doesn't work out in Seattle, Giordano can be flipped at the trade deadline. There's one season left on a deal that pays him $6.75 million per year.Carolina HurricanesNotable players exposed: F Morgan Geekie, F Steven Lorentz, F Jordan Martinook*, F Brock McGinn*, F Nino Niederreiter, F Cedric Paquette*, D Jake Bean, D Jake Gardiner, D Dougie Hamilton*, G Petr Mrazek*, G James Reimer*Prediction: Bean. There's untapped potential in the 23-year-old restricted free agent who has been stuck behind some really strong defensemen in Carolina. There's an interesting Seattle connection too, as Kraken GM Ron Francis selected Bean 13th overall in 2016 while running the Canes. This situation screams reunion. Chase Agnello-Dean / Getty ImagesChicago BlackhawksNotable players exposed: F Ryan Carpenter, F Brett Connolly, F Adam Gaudette, F Vinnie Hinostroza*, D Calvin de Haan, D Nikita Zadorov, G Collin Delia, G Malcolm SubbanPrediction: Zadorov. As a 6-foot-6, 236-pound defenseman who can skate, "Big Z" is somewhat of an NHL unicorn, making him the obvious choice from Chicago's list. As a bonus, the RFA D-man can play both the left and right sides.Colorado AvalancheNotable players exposed: F Pierre-Edouard Bellemare*, F J.T. Compher, F Joonas Donskoi, F Gabriel Landeskog*, F Brandon Saad*, F Carl Soderberg*, D Erik Johnson, G Devan Dubnyk*Prediction: Donskoi. While Landeskog is a tantalizing option as a pending UFA, it feels like the Avalanche captain will eventually re-sign with Colorado. So, with that in mind and Saad heading for free agency, the decision is really between Donskoi or Compher. And Donskoi, who could play in Seattle's top-nine and help out the power play, is simply more desirable than Compher.Columbus Blue JacketsNotable players exposed: F Max Domi, F Mikhail Grigorenko, F Ryan MacInnis*, F Kevin Stenlund, D Gabriel Carlsson, D Michael Del Zotto*, D Scott Harrington, D Dean KukanPrediction: Domi. He's the no-brainer pick after proving he can be a point-producing top-six NHL forward. Domi is also in need of a scenery change, and he's by far the best option from Columbus' list. He's just 26 years old, too, but the Kraken would be his fourth team.Dallas StarsNotable players exposed: F Nicholas Caamano, F Andrew Cogliano*, F Blake Comeau, F Justin Dowling*, D Joel Hanley, D Jamie Oleksiak*, D Mark Pysyk*, D Andrej Sekera, D Sami Vatanen*, G Ben BishopPrediction: Hanley. It's not the sexiest pick, but Oleksiak would be risky as a UFA. Same goes for Bishop, who's 35 in November and isn't fully healthy. Hanley is a journeyman blue-liner who seems to have finally hit his stride at the NHL level. He could be a sixth or seventh defenseman for Seattle. Gregory Shamus / Getty ImagesDetroit Red WingsNotable players exposed: F Valtteri Filppula*, F Sam Gagner*, F Luke Glendening*, F Vladislav Namestnikov, F Frans Nielsen, F Bobby Ryan*, F Evgeny Svechnikov, D Christian Djoos, D Joe Hicketts*, D Marc Staal*, D Troy Stecher, G Jonathan Bernier*Prediction: Stecher. Though Namestnikov could give the Kraken reliable forward depth, Stecher gets the edge as a defensively responsible right-handed blue-liner with one year left on a deal paying him $1.7 million. He also recently produced a strong showing at the men's world championship.Edmonton OilersNotable players exposed: F Tyler Benson, F Alex Chiasson*, F Tyler Ennis*, F Dominik Kahun, F Jujhar Khaira, F James Neal, F Devin Shore, F Kyle Turris, D Tyson Barrie*, D Oscar Klefbom, D Slater Koekkoek*, D Dmitry Kulikov*, D Adam Larsson*, D Kris Russell, G Mikko Koskinen, G Mike Smith*Prediction: Benson. It's slim pickings out of Edmonton after Benson played overseas during the 2020-21 season, and he's appeared in only seven career NHL games. But the 23-year-old winger has developed a nose for the net, which should be attractive to Seattle. It's potentially a low-risk, high-reward bet.Florida PanthersNotable players exposed: F Noel Acciari, F Ryan Lomberg, F Frank Vatrano, F Lucas Wallmark, F Alex Wennberg*, D Radko Gudas, D Brandon Montour*, D Markus Nutivaara, D Anton Stralman, G Chris Driedger*Prediction: Driedger. There's a case to be made for scooping up Nutivaraa to help out on the Kraken's back end. However, Driedger is a fairly obvious pick. The 27-year-old UFA followed up a .938 save percentage over 12 games in 2019-20 with an impressive .927 save percentage over 23 games this past season.Los Angeles KingsNotable players exposed: F Andreas Athanasiou, F Martin Frk, F Carl Grundstrom, F Blake Lizotte, F Austin Wagner, D Kale Clague, D Olli Maatta, G Jonathan QuickPrediction: Clague. It's a tossup between Wagner and Clague, two players in their early 20s trying to make a name for themselves. Wagner's calling card is breakneck speed, which the Kraken may find persuasive. Yet Clague's ceiling as a potential top-four defenseman is even more attractive. Icon Sportswire / Getty ImagesMinnesota WildNotable players exposed: F Nick Bjugstad, F Nick Bonino*, F Marcus Johansson*, F Victor Rask, D Ian Cole*, D Carson Soucy, G Kaapo KahkonenPrediction: Soucy. This is an easy decision, as Seattle can pencil in Soucy on the left side of its second (or third) defensive pairing. There are two years left on his deal at $2.75 million annually.Montreal CanadiensNotable players exposed: F Paul Byron, F Phillip Danault*, F Jonathan Drouin, F Corey Perry*, F Eric Staal*, F Tomas Tatar*, D Erik Gustafsson*, D Brett Kulak, D Jon Merrill*, D Shea Weber, G Carey PricePrediction: Drouin. This would be a different conversation if Price weren't injured, and not attached to a bloated contract. The Kraken would be praying a change of scenery can do Drouin some good after he was the third overall pick in 2013. Taking him would merely be a shot in the dark. Montreal isn't providing many options, as the team's list also features an injured and expensive Shea Weber.Nashville PredatorsNotable players exposed: F Nick Cousins, F Matt Duchene, F Mikael Granlund*, F Rocco Grimaldi, F Erik Haula*, F Calle Jarnkrok, F Ryan Johansen, F Colton Sissons, D Matt Benning, D Mark BorowieckiPrediction: Jarnkrok. The Predators surprisingly protected Tanner Jeannot over Jarnkrok, and they'll regret that decision. Jarnkrok tied for the team lead with 13 goals in 2020-21, and he's on a team-friendly $2-million contract through next season. He's a better option than either Duchene or Johansen, both of whom don't justify their $8-million cap hits.New Jersey DevilsNotable players exposed: F Nathan Bastian, F Andreas Johnsson, D Will Butcher, D Connor Carrick*, D Ryan Murray*, D P.K. SubbanPrediction: Johnsson. Yes, Subban is available, but his decline as a marquee NHL defenseman has been steep, and the Kraken don't need the veteran's $9 million on the books, even if it's only for 2021-22. Johnsson, meanwhile, is a tenacious winger, and Seattle head coach Dave Hakstol knows him well from their time together in Toronto. He jumps off the page as a breakout candidate. Len Redkoles / Getty ImagesNew York IslandersNotable players exposed: F Josh Bailey, F Kieffer Bellows, F Casey Cizikas*, F Michael Dal Colle, F Jordan Eberle, F Ross Johnston, F Leo Komarov, F Kyle Palmieri*, F Richard Panik, F Travis Zajac*, D Sebastian Aho, D Braydon Coburn*, D Andy Greene, G Ken ApplebyPrediction: Bellows. There are more proven players available from the Islanders, and Bellows' cap hit is to be determined as an RFA. But the forward will surely be more affordable than Eberle, Bailey, and Co. Bellows is still only 23, and he was on pace to score 35 goals over 82 games in the AHL in 2019-20. The 2016 first-rounder could blossom in Seattle with a larger role.New York RangersNotable players exposed: F Colin Blackwell, F Julien Gauthier, F Barclay Goodrow*, D Tony DeAngelo, D Brendan Smith*, G Keith KinkaidPrediction: Blackwell. The Rangers get lucky here because they wouldn't lose an impact player. The 28-year-old is the most appealing New York player available, largely because Blackwell showed last season he could be the third wheel on a line that Artemi Panarin and Ryan Strome led. He's also under contract for next season at $725,000, which means Blackwell comes with little to no risk and decent upside.Ottawa SenatorsNotable players exposed: F Vitaly Abramov, F Artem Anisimov*, F Evgenii Dadonov, F Ryan Dzingel*, F Derek Stepan*, F Chris Tierney, D Josh Brown, G Joey Daccord, G Matt MurrayPrediction: Tierney. Dadonov would be the right pick for pure short-term impact. However, the former Florida Panther is too pricey and already 32 years old. Tierney is 27, he's $1.5 million cheaper at $3.5 million on just a one-year deal, and he can easily find a spot in Seattle's middle six on opening night.Philadelphia FlyersNotable players exposed: F James van Riemsdyk, F Jakub Voracek, D Justin Braun, D Shayne Gostisbehere, D Robert Hagg, G Brian Elliott*Prediction: Van Riemsdyk. Yes, the goal-scoring winger's contract could be friendlier than $7 million annually for the next two seasons. He's also aging at 32. But Van Riemsdyk is still a highly effective NHLer. His 43 points over 56 games this past season tied him for the team lead on the Flyers. Tim Nwachukwu / Getty ImagesPittsburgh PenguinsNotable players exposed: F Zach Aston-Reese, F Mark Jankowski, F Sam Lafferty, F Evan Rodrigues*, F Colton Sceviour*, F Brandon Tanev, F Jason Zucker, D Marcus Pettersson, G Casey DeSmithPrediction: Aston-Reese. The 26-year-old RFA forward isn't going to put up large point totals, but he'll shut the other team down. Aston-Reese's defensive metrics are off the charts, surely making him a favorite of the Kraken's analytics department. Tanev and Zucker could also be considered.San Jose SharksNotable players exposed: F Ryan Donato, F Kurtis Gabriel*, F Dylan Gambrell, F Patrick Marleau*, F Matt Nieto, F Marcus Sorensen*, D Radim Simek, G Martin JonesPrediction: Donato. The Sharks' list is arguably the league's leanest. However, Donato could become a useful depth piece for the Kraken. The 25-year-old is a pending RFA, but he shouldn't command much more than $1 million per season, even with arbitration rights.St. Louis BluesNotable players exposed: F Sammy Blais, F Tyler Bozak*, F Kyle Clifford, F Mike Hoffman*, F Zach Sanford, F Jaden Schwartz*, F Vladimir Tarasenko, D Robert Bortuzzo, D Vince Dunn, D Marco Scandella, G Ville HussoPrediction: Tarasenko. The Kraken can make a splash here, and they absolutely should. Sure, there are injury concerns following the disgruntled sniper's multiple shoulder surgeries. But if he's healthy next season, Tarasenko could thrive when given a fresh start. Imagine Seattle boasting a 40-goal scorer. And if Tarasenko doesn't mesh for some reason, his contract expires after Year 2.Tampa Bay LightningNotable players exposed: F Alex Barre-Boulet, F Blake Coleman*, F Ross Colton, F Yanni Gourde, F Tyler Johnson, F Mathieu Joseph, F Alex Killorn, F Pat Maroon, F Ondrej Palat, F Mitchell Stephens, D Cal Foote, D Jan Rutta, D David Savard*, D Luke Schenn*, G Curtis McElhinney*Prediction: Gourde. Seattle could justify picking Barre-Boulet, Colton, Johnson, Joseph, Killorn, Palat, or Foote, but Gourde is the big prize. He might really pop in a new setting after being buried on a stacked Lightning squad for years, perhaps nabbing the Kraken's second-line center role. The forward is younger than Palat, Killorn, and Johnson, who all hold comparable cap hits, and Gourde is locked in for longer at $5.2 million over the next four years. Huge get. Bruce Bennett / Getty ImagesToronto Maple LeafsNotable players exposed: F Adam Brooks, F Pierre Engvall, F Nick Foligno*, F Alex Galchenyuk*, F Zach Hyman*, F Alexander Kerfoot, F Jared McCann, F Riley Nash*, F Wayne Simmonds, F Jason Spezza, F Joe Thornton*, D Zach Bogosian*, D Travis Dermott, G Frederik Andersen*Prediction: Kerfoot. Leaving the likes of McCann and Dermott on the table certainly won't be easy, but Kerfoot checks off more boxes for the Kraken. He can play both center and wing, his contract is manageable, and Kerfoot is coming off a strong playoff performance with six points over seven games for the Leafs.Vancouver CanucksNotable players exposed: F Justin Bailey*, F Jay Beagle, F Travis Boyd*, F Loui Eriksson, F Jonah Gadjovich, F Matthew Highmore, F Kole Lind, F Zack MacEwen, F Antoine Roussel, F Brandon Sutter*, F Jake Virtanen, D Alex Edler*, D Travis Hamonic*, G Braden HoltbyPrediction: Holtby. The Kraken are reportedly interested in him, and while he hasn't been consistently good for some time, the fit makes too much sense. Holtby is already playing in the Pacific Northwest, and he could serve as a mentor for Seattle's other goalies. His $4.3-million cap hit isn't ideal for a third-stringer, so Holtby could be dealt later, or he could grab the No. 2 role if Seattle trades one of its other goalies. He's essentially insurance.Washington CapitalsNotable players exposed: F Nic Dowd, F Carl Hagelin, F Garnet Hathaway, F Alex Ovechkin*, F Conor Sheary, D Zdeno Chara*, D Brenden Dillon, D Nick Jensen, D Michal Kempny, D Justin Schultz, G Vitek VanecekPrediction: Vanecek. The Kraken will give serious thought to choosing Dillon, a potential second-pairing defenseman. But nabbing a netminder is the wiser move. Vanecek cooled off after bursting onto the scene last season, but he's a solid backup with upside as a 25-year-old NHL sophomore.Winnipeg JetsNotable players exposed: F Mason Appleton, F Mathieu Perreault*, F Paul Stastny*, F Nate Thompson*, D Nathan Beaulieu, D Jordie Benn*, D Dylan DeMelo, D Derek Forbort*, D Sami Niku, D Tucker PoolmanPrediction: DeMelo. Appleton is worth a long look up front. However, DeMelo is a reliable right-shooting defenseman under contract through 2023-24 at a team-friendly $3-million cap hit. Appleton is also younger and cheaper, but DeMelo is more proven, carries more value considering his position, and he's still only 28.––––––––––The 30-man roster includes 18 forwards, nine defensemen, and three goalies.Of the 30 players, 20 are under contract for 2021-22, nine are RFAs, and one is a UFA. The cumulative cap hit for 2021-22 is roughly $70.4 million.(Salary source: CapFriendly)Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

When: Wednesday, July 21 at 8 p.m. ET