The 2020-21 NHL season could very well end up being the most unpredictable season in recent memory thanks to COVID-19, division realignment, and other factors. With that in mind, let's get to 21 predictions - some complete long shots and others that are realistic. Here goes nothing:1. Auston Matthews earns his first "Rocket" Richard TrophyThere are three reasons why Matthews will lead the NHL in goals. One, the Maple Leafs sniper has shown he's worthy: Since debuting in October 2016, Matthews ranks second in goals and goals per game with 158 and 0.56, trailing only Alex Ovechkin (181, 0.58) while edging out David Pastrnak (155, 0.53) and Nikita Kucherov (153, 0.50). Two, Matthews' wingers to start the year - Joe Thornton and Mitch Marner - are elite playmakers. Three, perennial "Rocket" Richard winner Ovechkin could finally hit a wall, Pastrnak is starting the year on the sidelines, and Kucherov is out for the entire regular season. Leon Draisaitl, Jack Eichel, and Nathan MacKinnon will surely provide stiff competition for the scoring crown, but Matthews is the preseason front-runner. Dave Reginek / Getty Images2. Penguins' Zucker-Malkin-Rust line is unstoppablePittsburgh's top-six forward group is almost unfair. Sidney Crosby and Jake Guentzel power a line with Evan Rodrigues, while Evgeni Malkin anchors a second trio with Bryan Rust and Jason Zucker. That "second" line is going to destroy in 2020-21. Malkin and Rust jelled in 2019-20, with the Pens outscoring opponents 45-30 with both on the ice at even strength. Zucker, who spent most of his 15 games alongside Crosby after coming over from Minnesota, should be a perfect fit. All three are strong on the puck, capable of scoring 20 goals in a 56-game season, and skate like the wind. Don't be surprised if it's the Malkin-led line - not Crosby's trio - that paces the NHL in production.3. Connor McDavid/Nathan MacKinnon debate quiets downAfter a couple of years on top, McDavid's been demoted to arguably the best player in the world thanks to a tremendous 2019-20 showing from MacKinnon. In 2020-21, though, McDavid will remind us who's boss. He had a whole five months to stew over the MacKinnon lovefest and the corresponding chatter about McDavid's shortcomings as a defender. Motivation, individually and at a team level, will be at an all-time high. And, unlike his summer of 2019, which was dominated by rehab, McDavid spent this offseason working on his game. Now, this isn't to slam MacKinnon - he'll be his usual force of nature. He might even lead the league in scoring. Who knows. The point is, McDavid will regain his best-player-on-the-planet status.4. 2020-21 becomes the year of the rookie goalieListen, Alexis Lafreniere is going to absolutely kill it on Broadway. Ditto for Kirill Kaprizov in St. Paul. The two most highly anticipated members of the incoming rookie class shouldn't be ignored. But with a pair of promising goalies - Igor Shesterkin of the Rangers and Ilya Sorokin of the Islanders - also eligible for the Calder Trophy and playing in good team environments, it's not a stretch to suggest the rookie-of-the-year conversation will end up focused on the crease. With small sample sizes due to the shortened regular season, a hot stretch from one - or both - of these 25-year-old Russians could go a long way in winning over voters and NHL fans at large. Bruce Bennett / Getty Images5. Tkachuk brothers post Gordie Howe hat tricks in the same gameRecording a Gordie Howe hat trick (one goal, one assist, and one fight in the same game) is a rare feat these days. Fighting is nearly extinct and the list of NHLers who employ a rough-and-tumble style and contribute offensively is about a dozen names long. Brothers Matthew Tkachuk and Brady Tkachuk are definitely on that list, however, and if their health allows, the sport's best sibling rivalry will be a go nine times in 2020-21. This prediction is admittedly a long shot, considering neither has a Gordie Howe hat trick right now. But if there was ever a scenario in which the Calgary Tkachuk and the Ottawa Tkachuk posted one, it would happen during a North Division battle.6. Patrick Marleau sets record for games played, promptly retiresThere won't be much to celebrate in San Jose this season. The Sharks have relocated to Scottsdale, Arizona, to start 2020-21 and on-ice expectations are relatively low. Marleau's pursuit of the games-played record, then, counts as excitement. The 41-year-old is set to play his 23rd NHL season - and 21st in a Sharks uniform - with 1,723 games to his name, good for fifth all time. The record, held by Gordie Howe, is 1,767. That 44-game difference is 79% of the regular-season schedule. It's a difficult but doable task for a guy who's on a league-minimum contract and not nearly as effective as he once was. Marleau is an icon in the Bay Area and beloved across the NHL. He deserves this chase and one last moment as he, presumably, skates off into the sunset.7. Taylor Hall finds better chemistry with Eric Staal than Jack EichelAs of this writing, the Sabres' top line features Jack Eichel between Taylor Hall and Tage Thompson. The second line has Eric Staal centering Victor Olofsson and Sam Reinhart. It's an enviable top six, especially by Buffalo's perennial bottom-feeder standards. Stylistically, though, swapping the two left wingers - Hall and Olofsson - would make a ton of sense. Both Hall and Eichel excel at transporting the puck through the neutral zone and, generally speaking, love to possess the puck in the offensive zone. So there might not be enough puck to go around if they're sharing the ice on a regular basis. The coaching staff obviously knows this, but you can't blame the Sabres for loading up the top trio to start. Watch for some line juggling in Buffalo as the season moves along. Jamie Sabau / Getty Images8. Pierre-Luc Dubois stays longer than Patrik LaineThe reported trade demands made by Dubois and Laine are similar but different - similar because they're two 22-year-old stars trying to force their way out of small markets, different because Dubois is under contract for this season and next while Laine is a restricted free agent next offseason. With the Artemi Panarin and Sergei Bobrovsky sagas of 2018-19, the Blue Jackets showed that they're capable of plowing through drama. The Jets, on the other hand, have a strong leadership group that must be frustrated with the timing of Laine's request. Winnipeg's core won't be intact forever and the North Division is wide-open. If a team ponies up a high-end defenseman, there's incentive for the Jets to trade Laine ASAP, whereas the Dubois situation appears to be headed for a divorce further down the line - perhaps next offseason amid the expansion draft, entry draft, and free agency.9. The Wild are exciting - for a changeYear after year, we bemoan the boringness of the Wild. They're always in the mushy middle of the standings and their players don't often capture the attention of folks outside of Minnesota. This year should be different. The arrival of Kirill Kaprizov instantly makes them must-see TV. Same for the presence of Marco Rossi, who's out with an upper-body injury to start the year but is expected to see at least six NHL games. Kevin Fiala scored 14 goals in the final 18 games of the 2019-20 regular season, so he's a player to monitor closely. Jared Spurgeon and Jonas Brodin could be one of the most effective defense pairings in the league. The meh goaltending duo of Cam Talbot and Alex Stalock will be an adventure. And the Wild are favored to claim the fourth playoff spot in a top-heavy West Division.10. Jack Hughes leads all second-year players in pointsLast season wasn't pretty for Jack Hughes. He had a Patrik Stefan-level rookie campaign, picking up just seven goals and 21 points in 61 games. His underlying numbers weren't encouraging either. Still, expect a redemptive 2020-21 from the 2019 top pick. The Devils, as an organization, have stabilized, which couldn't be said last year, when the coach and general manager were both fired and Taylor Hall was traded. Hughes, who struggled with the physical elements of the NHL, has added 14 pounds of "pure muscle" to his 5-foot-11 frame over a 10-month break. And, to be frank, he's simply too freaking good - that skating, that vision, that playmaking - to repeat those icky results. Hughes' competition for top point-getter among sophomores includes Victor Olofsson, Dominik Kubalik, Denis Gurianov, Nick Suzuki, Cale Makar, and his brother, Quinn Hughes. Yep, Jack 2.0 can lead this group. Jonathan Kozub / Getty Images11. Coyotes finish last in offense; Blackhawks finish last in defenseIt's not every year that you can look across the league ahead of opening night and confidently identify the teams likely to finish last in goals for per game and last in goals against per game. There's usually plenty of competition for these lowly distinctions. But in 2020-21, the firepower-deprived Coyotes and the Blackhawks, with no true No. 1 goalie and a subpar blue line, are easy targets. Seriously, who on Arizona's roster beyond Phil Kessel, Clayton Keller, Nick Schmaltz, and Barrett Hayton is going to ignite the attack? How exactly is Chicago, a club that allowed a league-high 30 scoring chances per 60 minutes of five-on-five action last year, going to keep the puck out of its net when Collin Delia and Malcolm Subban are sharing the crease?12. Josh Anderson outscores trade buddy Max DomiOctober's Anderson-for-Domi trade was a classic change-of-scenery swap. In moving to Montreal, Anderson cleansed his palate after recording just four points in an injury-ravaged 26-game season. Meanwhile, Domi fell out of favor with the Canadiens, barely playing in the bubbled postseason, but has managed to slide into the Blue Jackets' No. 2 center spot. Both forwards are attempting to recapture their form from 2018-19, when Domi bagged 28 goals and Anderson potted 27. Now, who bounces back in a greater way? Anderson feels like the smarter pick. His rare combination of size, skating, and sniping should mix well with a Habs forward group that has multiple playmakers but could use another natural finisher. Plus, Domi might be forced to alter his style a bit within John Tortorella's defense-first system.13. Predators sell at trade deadlineIn terms of timelines and trajectories, the Predators are one of the league's most perplexing teams. Nashville competed in the 2017 Stanley Cup Final and won the President's Trophy in 2017-18 but has since advanced past the first round of the playoffs only once. The roster, as usual, lacks dynamic forwards; Ryan Johansen, Matt Duchene, Viktor Arvidsson, and Filip Forsberg don't quite qualify as "game breakers." Then again, the team has no issues between the pipes or on the back end, with Roman Josi leading possibly the NHL's best blue line. Still, the Preds might miss the playoffs in a Central Division featuring Tampa Bay, Carolina, Dallas, Columbus, and Florida. Is this the year David Poile, the club's GM since 1997, pivots to a deeper retool? He already has $5 million in cap space, which could be used during next offseason's transaction period. If things go south on the ice, moving more money out and adding more draft picks at the deadline would be the right call. Elsa / Getty Images14. Analytics darling Ondrej Kase (finally) breaks outTwo summers ago, Ondrej Kase, then a member of the Ducks, led The Athletic's list of the top 10 breakout candidates for 2019-20. Last winter, The Hockey News dubbed Kase a "potential breakout star" after Boston acquired the right winger from Anaheim. Those are only two examples, as Kase has been a so-called "analytics darling" as far back as 2018. The case for his imminent emergence has largely focused on the potential of him seeing more ice and playing with high-quality linemates. Kase, who is in his prime at 25, has shown flashes of brilliance, posting a career 53.5% Corsi For rating and elite per-60 minute stats through 204 NHL games. This coming season, with star David Pastrnak expected to miss a few weeks of action, the Bruins will be moving pieces around on the lineup card. Kase could have a golden opportunity.15. Norris Trophy voting pits youngsters against mid-career guysA season removed from a fascinating Calder Trophy battle between Cale Makar and Quinn Hughes, as well as a brilliant postseason from Miro Heiskanen, the Norris Trophy debate is going to be heated. You have the 23-and-under cohort - Makar, Hughes, Heiskanen, Adam Fox, Rasmus Dahlin, Thomas Chabot - colliding with a mid-career group headlined by Jaccob Slavin, Seth Jones, Alex Pietrangelo, Roman Josi, John Carlson, and Victor Hedman. (If such a thing were possible, there might be too many excellent defensemen in the league right now.) The 2019-20 Norris voting process spit out a top five of Josi, Carlson, Hedman, Pietrangelo, and Slavin. Count on at least two of the 23-and-under guys to crack the 2020-21 list.16. 2020-21 determines if Alex Ovechkin has a real chance at goals recordAlex Ovechkin enters the season 188 goals behind Wayne Gretzky on the all-time list. His 706 tallies in 1,152 games are a remarkable feat, yet outside factors have once again conspired against the Capitals captain. COVID-19 robbed Ovechkin of 13 games last year and is limiting him to a maximum of 56 games in 2020-21. (Also of note, he appeared in only 48 games in 2012-13 because of the lockout.) In other words, the 35-year-old is running out of runway. If he hits 34 goals this year - the equivalent of 50 goals in an 82-game season - the Russian marksman would still be 154 goals short of the record. That's roughly five more 30-goal years or roughly three more 50-goal years. So, even if the goals continue to roll in, simply scoring often won't be enough. Ovechkin will need to score a lot this season and then continue to score a lot while remaining healthy for another three to five years. Jeff Vinnick / Getty Images17. Upcoming UFA class loses lusterRelative to the transaction-happy NBA, the NHL stages a tame free agency period. The brightest stars tend to stay put, curtailing the number of jaw-dropping developments. The upcoming UFA class probably won't reverse that trend when the market opens on July 28. The list of pending UFAs who qualify as a "big name" includes Alex Ovechkin, Dougie Hamilton, Gabriel Landeskog, Taylor Hall, Ryan Getzlaf, Tuukka Rask, David Krejci, Paul Stastny, Phillip Danault, Eric Staal, Kyle Palmieri, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, Pekka Rinne, and Frederik Andersen. On the surface, that's an average UFA class. But, the issue - from an entertainment standpoint, anyway - is that Hall, Getzlaf, Danault, Staal, and Andersen are the only players from that group of 14 who seem destined to test the market. The other nine appear primed to either re-sign with their current clubs or, in the cases of Rask and Rinne, maybe retire.18. League save percentage dips below .910The average save percentage in the NHL has been slowly sliding over the past handful of years. It's gone from .915 in 2015-16 to .910 the last two seasons. In 2020-21, a perfect storm of factors could push the league SV% below .910 for the first time since 2008-09 and closer to the post-lockout lows of .905 and .901. The absence of exhibition games should lead to extra goals in the early going. Historically, scoring is high in the first month or so of action anyway, and that first month should have a greater impact on the final numbers in a four-month season. Plus, we can use the 48-game 2012-13 campaign - where the league save percentage drooped to .912 from .914 - as precedent.19. Tyler Johnson has huge year, ends up in SeattleThe "Tyler Johnson Revenge Tour" has a nice ring to it, doesn't it? The twist is that the Lightning forward hasn't been traded or left Tampa Bay via free agency. He's still a member of the only pro hockey franchise he's known. So, oddly, the revenge tour will be against his own club and GM Julien BriseBois, who placed him on waivers this offseason because of the roster's cap constraints and again Monday just to slip under the cap for opening night. In both cases, Johnson went unclaimed, which is awkward and can't be an easy pill to swallow for a useful forward.Johnson was never drafted and, at 5-foot-8, is one of the smaller players in NHL history. This latest setback won't knock him down. With the Seattle expansion draft looming, there's no better time for the Spokane, Washington, native to strut his stuff and produce at a high rate as he has done in the past - notably in 2014-15 when he put up 72 points in 77 games. Johnson has been taking reps on both of Tampa's power-play units and lining up with Anthony Cirelli and Alex Killorn at even strength, so the table is set.20. Joe Sakic wins Jim Gregory GM of the Year AwardYou can see this one from a mile away. Joe Sakic, revered in NHL circles for his work diligently building the Avalanche into a contender, is not only "due" to be named GM of the year, but he's also closed some impressive deals. In recent trades, he's acquired top-six forward Brandon Saad and top-four blue-liner Devon Toews for, essentially, Nikita Zadorov and two second-round picks. The continued development of Ryan Graves - a defenseman Sakic signed to a nice three-year extension in October - and the expected emergence of rookie Bowen Byram will help pad Sakic's case. Overall, the Avs are structured to win the Stanley Cup now and for the foreseeable future. Sakic, who has never won the Gregory, finished fourth in voting last year. If Colorado lives up to expectations, Sakic's the obvious choice in 2020-21.21. Owen Power is NOT drafted first overallPower, the towering University of Michigan defenseman, is a terrific young player. A Victor Hedman clone of some kind, he has a tantalizing on-ice toolbox and gaudy physical attributes. Several pundits currently have him penciled in as the best prospect in the 2021 draft, and any NHL team would be lucky to select Power first overall in July. That being said, there is a handful of other contenders for the No. 1 pick. Taking the field is currently the better bet, with the likes of Matthew Beniers, Brandt Clarke, Simon Edvinsson, William Eklund, Dylan Guenther, and Luke Hughes also in the running.John Matisz is theScore's national hockey writer. You can follow John on Twitter (@MatiszJohn) and contact him via email (john.matisz@thescore.com).Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Find line reports, best bets, and subscribe to push notifications in the Betting News section.Finding value on an oddsboard is a commonly misperceived exercise.It means identifying the biggest discrepancies between the implied and actual chances of a bet winning in the listed market, rather than simply scrolling down the oddsboard and picking the best options at 40-1 or greater.So, although teams like the Avalanche and Lightning have the best chances of winning the Stanley Cup, they offer little value because their odds are baked into their current market price.Here are the 2021 Stanley Cup odds, followed by the three teams I believe have the best chance to win the Cup relative to their implied odds.TEAMODDSColorado Avalanche+450Tampa Bay Lightning+800Vegas Golden Knights+900Boston Bruins+1200Toronto Maple Leafs+1200Philadelphia Flyers+1600Dallas Stars+1800St. Louis Blues+1800Carolina Hurricanes+2000Washington Capitals+2000New York Islanders+2200Pittsburgh Penguins+2200Edmonton Oilers+2500Vancouver Canucks+2500New York Rangers+2800Nashville Predators+3000Calgary Flames+3500Montreal Canadiens+3500Columbus Blue Jackets+3800Florida Panthers+4500Winnipeg Jets+4500Buffalo Sabres+5000Minnesota Wild+6000Los Angeles Kings+7000San Jose Sharks+7000Anaheim Ducks+7500Arizona Coyotes+8000Chicago Blackhawks+8500New Jersey Devils+8500Ottawa Senators+20000Detroit Red Wings+25000(Odds source: theScore Bet)Carolina Hurricanes (+2000) Mark Blinch / National Hockey League / GettyA popular breakout pick last season, the Hurricanes never reached their full potential. Still, they were on pace for almost 100 points despite significant injuries on the back end and in goal.Carolina ranked near the top of the league in almost every advanced metric while posting a below-average shooting percentage. Positive regression is coming, which is a scary prospect given the dynamic trio of Sebastian Aho, Andrei Svechnikov, and Teuvo Teravainen is only getting better, and Norris hopeful Dougie Hamilton is healthy again.This team has very few holes. The Hurricanes boast impressive depth up front, have one of the league's best top lines, and possess a loaded blue line, which should help alleviate some of the unwarranted concerns in goal. Petr Mrazek and James Reimer form a league-average tandem capable of providing the stability needed in net for this star-studded roster to reach its lofty goals.Pittsburgh Penguins (+2200) Icon Sportswire / Icon Sportswire / GettyFew teams on this oddsboard are more underappreciated than the Penguins. They have a championship pedigree, yet they're being discounted due to a pair of early playoff exits. While a Sharks-like demise is a looming inevitability, Pittsburgh still has at least another year as legitimate contenders.There's little question surrounding the Penguins' offensive ability. Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin remain elite producers, and the supporting cast up front is as strong as it's been in years.Additionally, the concerns that have been raised about the defense are overblown. The top four is strong, and general manager Jim Rutherford can easily address the bottom pairing during the season.Pittsburgh's goaltending situation will also be significantly improved with Tristan Jarry taking the reins. Matt Murray posted a -11.57 goals saved above average last season, the sixth-worst mark among goalies to appear in at least 30 games. Jarry's GSAA mark of 10.83 was 13th among all netminders, and he was excellent in his lone playoff start against the Canadiens.The Penguins' +2200 odds imply just a 4.3% Cup chance. In reality, that number should be closer to 7% which would mean odds of +1300. There's significant value here.Montreal Canadiens (+3500) Mark Blinch / National Hockey League / GettyAdvanced metrics had the Canadiens among the league's most impressive teams last season despite a plethora of injuries. At five-on-five, Montreal posted the second-best percentages of Corsi For, shots for, expected goals for, and scoring chances for, behind only the Golden Knights.We saw what this team could do when healthy in the playoffs in front of a rested Carey Price. The Canadiens beat the Penguins in the play-in round before losing to the Flyers despite owning 62.2% of the expected goal share during the series at five-on-five. Montreal's brand of hockey is conducive to long-term success, and while the results haven't always followed, the talent is finally there for the Habs to make some noise.Jake Allen's arrival means the Canadiens have a legitimate backup to help preserve Price, while rookie Alexander Romanov and former Cup winner Joel Edmundson solidify the back end. Tyler Toffoli and Josh Anderson will provide a much-needed injection of scoring up front, while a healthy Jonathan Drouin, coupled with the continued development of Nick Suzuki and Jesperi Kotkaniemi, provide Montreal with a much higher ceiling offensively.In a wide-open North Division, the Canadiens' odds of reaching the conference finals sit a shade below 20%, drastically higher than they would be in the Atlantic. That presents a terrific hedge opportunity for those who buy in now, as +3200 - just 2.7% implied Cup odds - is a bad price for a strong Montreal team.Alex Moretto is theScore's supervising editor of sports betting. A journalism graduate from Guelph-Humber University, he has worked in sports media for over a decade. He will bet on anything from the Super Bowl to amateur soccer, strongly believes in the power of the jinx, and will never trust a kicker. Find him on Twitter @alexjmoretto.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Find line reports, best bets, and subscribe to push notifications in the Betting News section.The headline "fearless bets" came to be due to most of these bets' relatively long odds.I don't believe these are fearless, nor bold, nor outlandish. Rather, they're calculated, meticulous, and precise. They are valuable opportunities to capitalize on an inefficient market.So without further ado, here are my favorite value bets for the 2021 NHL season, in predictions form, because everyone seems to love those.The Hurricanes win the Stanley Cup (+2000)This is the year it all comes together for the Hurricanes. They're stacked with legitimate star power - Sebastian Aho, 23, and Andrei Svechnikov, 20, are only getting better - and are absurdly deep from top to bottom. Carolina was on pace for nearly 100 points in the standings last year despite some key injuries, leading the NHL in Corsi percentage and expected goals for.The Hurricanes' top-eight point-getters were all 26 years old or younger last season and merely scraping the surface of their potential. It's far from bold to predict further improvement from their young core, a top-three finish in Norris voting for Dougie Hamilton, and above-average goaltending from the Petr Mrazek-James Reimer duo. Under the expert coaching of Rod Brind'Amour, the Hurricanes make the jump from good to great in 2021....and the Central Division (+450)Yeah, I'm all-in on Carolina this year. With Nikita Kucherov missing the regular season, the window of opportunity opens for the Hurricanes. They match up really well with the Lightning from top to bottom, with the difference between the two teams being significantly smaller than this price suggests.The Canadiens win the North Division (+460)Another team I'm higher on than the market this year are the Canadiens. Analytical darlings of the NHL, Montreal is a strong puck-possession squad that generates a lot more chances than it allows. Positive results will finally follow this season after an excellent offseason.Josh Anderson and Tyler Toffoli bring much-needed scoring up front, Nick Suzuki and Jesperi Kotkaniemi break out, and Jonathan Drouin - who started last season with 15 points in 19 games before getting injured - finally puts it all together. Jake Allen - fourth in GSAA/60 last season among goalies with at least 15 appearances - delivers as the backup for Carey Price that this team has long been looking for. Behind the stout goaltending tandem and one of the league's deepest rosters, the Canadiens - who went 10-3-2 against Canadian teams last year - win the North Division.The Capitals miss the playoffs (+165) for the first time since 2014 ... and the Devils take their place (+400)I'll go out on a limb and say Corey Crawford retiring wasn't such a bad thing for the Devils. It leaves a void at the backup position but thrusts MacKenzie Blackwood into a prominent full-time role, which is a good thing. The 24-year-old was second among all starters last season in HDSV% and ninth (out of 87) in GSAA. It led to Blackwood posting a 22-14-8 record, while New Jersey went 6-15-4 without him.In his first season as a full-time starter, Blackwood breaks out in a big way and thrusts himself into the top-five in Vezina voting. Nico Hischier takes a big step forward, and Jack Hughes finds his game after a bitterly disappointing rookie season - much like Leon Draisaitl and Joe Thornton - as a young, hungry Devils team secures an unlikely playoff appearance at the expense of the Capitals, who begin their downward trajectory behind an aging core.Thomas Chabot averages nearly 30 minutes a game and wins the Norris Trophy (+2800)It's not entirely outlandish, given he led the NHL with 26:00 TOI/G last season. Chabot is a workhorse, and his ice time has increased significantly each year he's been in the league. There was a stretch of 10 games from Dec. 17 to Jan. 11 in 2019-20 where he averaged 31:31 TOI, and the Senators took points from six of those contests.Another jump in average ice time, coupled with a return to his 2018-19 point-scoring form on an improved Ottawa team, helps Chabot pull ahead of a loaded field to become the youngest player to win the Norris since former Senator Erik Karlsson in 2015 - also in his age-24 season.Alex Moretto is theScore's supervising editor of sports betting. A journalism graduate from Guelph-Humber University, he has worked in sports media for over a decade. He will bet on anything from the Super Bowl to amateur soccer, strongly believes in the power of the jinx, and will never trust a kicker. Find him on Twitter @alexjmoretto.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Vancouver Canucks forward J.T. Miller and defenseman Jordie Benn aren't available to the club, general manager Jim Benning said Tuesday, according to Sportsnet 650.The Canucks are following the NHL's safety protocols and will have more information on both players Wednesday, Benning added.Miller, 27, led the Canucks with 72 points last season. Benn, 33, is a key cog on the team's blue line.Both players are currently in Vancouver while the team is in Edmonton for Wednesday's season opener against the Oilers.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Keith Yandle's position with the Florida Panthers looks to be in jeopardy, TSN's Frank Seravalli reported on Tuesday's edition of "Insider Trading.""Keith Yandle has fallen out of favor with the Florida Panthers. They've let it be known to him that he does not factor into their plans for this season," Seravalli said.He added: "The plan at this point is to make Keith Yandle a healthy scratch at some point."Yandle, an alternate captain for Florida, has three seasons remaining on his contract at $6.35 million annually. He has a full no-move clause and can't be placed on waivers without his permission.The 34-year-old registered 45 points in 69 games with the Panthers last season. He has suited up in 866 consecutive NHL games, giving him the longest streak among active players and the fourth-longest in league history.Florida was scheduled to play its first two games of the 2020-21 season on Jan. 14 and Jan. 15 against the Dallas Stars, but both contests have been postponed due to a COVID-19 outbreak within the Stars organization.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Twenty-seven NHL players among nine teams registered confirmed positive COVID-19 tests throughout training camps, the league announced Tuesday.The results include 17 players on the Dallas Stars, who reportedly likely won't start their season earlier than Jan. 19 due to a recent outbreak. The league stated most cases within last season's Western Conference champs are asymptomatic, and all players are recovering without complication.The league administered 12,000 COVID-19 tests between Dec. 30 and Jan. 11.The NHL will provide updates on testing throughout the regular season, which begins Wednesday.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

San Jose Sharks head coach Bob Boughner said Tuesday that Evander Kane will play the 2020-21 season following a report that Kane was considering skipping the campaign due to a bankruptcy filing and the birth of his child amid the COVID-19 pandemic."I don't think we're worried about a distraction," Boughner told reporters, according to Dalton Johnson of NBC Sports. "I won't make a comment on any player's personal situation, but I am assured that he will be here for the whole season and that he's on board."Kane reportedly filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy Saturday, citing debts of nearly $27 million and assets of $10.2 million. The filing claimed Kane is allowed to terminate his NHL contract and opt out of the season without pay.The 29-year-old forward signed a seven-year, $49-million contract with the Sharks in 2018 and has earned an estimated $52.9 million to this point in his career, according to CapFriendly.Boughner said Kane will play in San Jose's season opener against the Arizona Coyotes on Thursday."I know there's other stuff going on, but he seems to be ready to go, and when he's at the top of his game, he's one of our best players and is a guy that we need," Boughner said. "He's a heck of a hockey player."Kane notched 47 points in 64 games last season and has 457 points in 713 career contests. Drafted fourth overall by the Atlanta Thrashers in 2009, Kane spent time with the Thrashers/Winnipeg Jets franchise and the Buffalo Sabres before joining San Jose in a trade during the 2017-18 campaign.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Vancouver Canucks signed defenseman Travis Hamonic to a one-year, $1.25-million contract, the team announced Tuesday.Hamonic joined the Canucks earlier in training camp on a professional tryout.The 30-year-old was an unrestricted free agent this offseason after spending the last three years with the Calgary Flames. He was with the New York Islanders for seven seasons prior to his stint in Alberta.Hamonic registered 12 points in 50 games last season while averaging over 21 minutes of ice time. He'll feature prominently on a revamped Canucks blue line that also added Nate Schmidt over the offseason.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Minnesota Wild signed winger Marcus Foligno to a three-year, $9.3-million contract extension, the team announced Tuesday.The deal will kick in for the 2021-22 season and carries a slight increase in average annual value from the $2.875 million Foligno currently makes.Foligno has spent the last three seasons with the Wild after playing his first six years with the Buffalo Sabres. He registered a career-high 25 points in 59 games in 2019-20.For his career, Foligno's notched 183 points in 565 games while providing his team with physical play.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Dallas Stars goaltender Anton Khudobin revealed he had a three-week bout with COVID-19 during the offseason, according to The Athletic's Sean Shapiro.Khudobin missed the beginning of training camp due to visa and quarantine issues, but he took part in practice on Tuesday. With Ben Bishop expected to be sidelined for a good portion of the year, Khudobin is on track to be the team's starter to begin the campaign."It’s not easy, I’ll tell you that right now. It’s not easy," Khudobin said of his battle with the coronavirus, according to The Athletic's Saad Yousuf. He added he had trouble breathing and difficulty just going up stairs.The 34-year-old was excellent in net last season, leading the Stars all the way to the Stanley Cup Final. Khudobin posted a .930 save percentage and 2.22 goals-against average in 30 games during the regular season.Dallas had six players test positive for COVID-19 last week and will have the campaign delayed as a result. At least three games have been postponed thus far, and the team will not begin its season earlier than Jan. 19.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Ottawa Senators owner Eugene Melnyk quickly backtracked Tuesday after sharing his plan to have thousands of fans attend games at the team's arena.Melnyk tweeted out his vision Tuesday at around noon ET but deleted it less than two hours later.

The Montreal Canadiens and Winnipeg Jets are two of the many teams interested in Columbus Blue Jackets forward Pierre-Luc Dubois, Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman wrote in Tuesday's edition of "31 Thoughts."Dubois recently inked a two-year, $10-million pact with the Blue Jackets. However, reports emerged shortly afterward stating the short-term deal was agreed upon to give general manager Jarmo Kekalainen time to trade him. The relationship between the 22-year-old and the organization apparently soured during contract talks.The Canadiens and Jets have emerged as two potential suitors and expressed interest in acquiring the star player. Both clubs have been in dire need of a center in recent years, but the desperation isn't as urgent anymore. Montreal suddenly has Nick Suzuki, Jesperi Kotkaniemi, and Phillip Danault as the team's top three down the middle, and the Jets have Mark Scheifele and Paul Stastny to center the top two lines.Columbus' asking price will likely be sky-high for the 2016 draft's third overall pick, and Kekalainen has shown he's willing to wait players out if the right deal doesn't come along. In 2019, star players Artemi Panarin and Sergei Bobrovsky both left Columbus in free agency after previously indicating they wouldn't re-sign with the club.Montreal and Winnipeg are not the only franchises interested in Dubois, and the clubs involved aren't "screwing around," Friedman added.Dubois recorded 18 goals and 31 assists in 70 games last season. He set career-highs in his sophomore season the previous year, tallying 27 goals and adding 34 assists in 82 games.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Montreal Canadiens forward Corey Perry went unclaimed on the waiver wire Tuesday, according to TSN's Pierre LeBrun.The Canadiens subsequently assigned Perry to the team's taxi squad along with forwards Michael Frolik and Ryan Poehling, as well as defenseman Cale Fleury and goaltender Charlie Lindgren.Four other NHL players were claimed by new clubs Tuesday after being placed on waivers Monday.The Carolina Hurricanes landed netminder Anton Forsberg from the Edmonton Oilers, the San Jose Sharks nabbed forward Rudolf Balcers from the Ottawa Senators, the New Jersey Devils secured goalie Eric Comrie from the Winnipeg Jets, and the Jets also lost defenseman Luca Sbisa to the Nashville Predators.The Sharks drafted Balcers in 2015 before trading him to the Senators in the package that sent Erik Karlsson to San Jose in 2018.The Vancouver Canucks designated forward Loui Eriksson for assignment Monday, but he has yet to be sent to the team's taxi squad.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Boston Bruins will honor Willie O'Ree by retiring his No. 22 jersey this season, the club announced on Tuesday.His number will be raised to the rafters at TD Garden prior to the team's game versus the New Jersey Devils on Feb. 18.O'Ree was the first Black player to appear in an NHL game, making history on Jan. 18, 1958. He was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2018 in the builder category."Willie's contributions to the game of hockey transcend on-ice accomplishments and have opened countless doors for players who have come after him. He is without question deserving of this honor," said Bruins president Cam Neely."Throughout the history of the National Hockey League, there have been very few individuals that have had such a profound impact on the league and its culture than Willie O'Ree," Bruins CEO Charlie Jacobs added. "After breaking the color barrier as a Boston Bruin in 1958 and eventually retiring from professional hockey in 1979, Willie became the ultimate ambassador for improving diversity and inclusion within the game of hockey."O'Ree will be the 12th player in franchise history to have his number retired. The 85-year-old played 45 career games for Boston.Bruins newcomer Craig Smith was set to wear No. 22 this season but will now evidently need to find a new number.The league announced on Monday that it will be releasing a custom helmet decal to honor O'Ree and Martin Luther King Jr. and celebrate equality during the upcoming season. The decal will be featured on helmets starting on Martin Luther King Jr. Day (Jan. 16) and be worn through the end of Black History Month (Feb. 28).Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Chicago Blackhawks inked head coach Jeremy Colliton to a two-year extension through 2022-23, the club announced Tuesday.Colliton is entering the final year of his original contract.The former New York Islanders forward, who turns 36 on Wednesday, is the NHL's youngest bench boss. He guided Chicago to an unexpected series victory over the Edmonton Oilers in August's qualifying round. The Blackhawks hired him to replace Joel Quenneville - who led the club to three championships - in November 2018.Chicago missed the playoffs during Colliton's first campaign behind the bench in 2018-19. The team went 30-28-9 after he took over midseason, then it posted a 32-30-8 record to reach the qualifying stage in 2019-20.The Blackhawks won their best-of-five matchup with the Oilers in four games before the Vegas Golden Knights ended their best-of-seven first-round series against Chicago in five.Chicago committed to a rebuild in October, issuing a letter to fans to explain the departures of popular franchise fixtures Corey Crawford and Brandon Saad.The Blackhawks enter this season without captain Jonathan Toews (out indefinitely due to an illness), up-and-coming center Kirby Dach (out four-to-five months with a broken wrist), and 22-year-old forward Alex Nylander, who was ruled out four-to-six months following knee surgery in late December.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Leading up to the start of the 2021 season, theScore is counting down the top 100 players in the game today, as voted on by our NHL editors. Injuries affecting players entering the season have been taken into consideration. We'll reveal 20 players every day until the top 20 is unveiled Jan. 12.100-81 | 80-61 | 60-41 | 40-21 | 20-140. Mathew Barzal, Islanders Chase Agnello-Dean / National Hockey League / GettyNobody possessed the puck more in the offensive zone last season than Barzal, according to The Point. The shifty center is one of the league's most dynamic players and would probably put up huge numbers on a more offensive-minded team.39. Shea Theodore, Golden KnightsFew players look as natural with the puck on their stick as Theodore. Everything seems effortless for the Vegas Golden Knights defenseman, and having Alex Pietrangelo on the same defensive corps should allow Theodore to flourish even more this season.38. Dougie Hamilton, HurricanesHamilton was playing at a Norris Trophy level before an injury cut his season short. The Carolina Hurricanes rearguard has blossomed into one of the NHL's premier offensive defensemen but also does a terrific job at limiting chances in his own end.37. Mark Scheifele, JetsScheifele averaged more than a point per game over his past four seasons and has firmly established himself as one of the league's top centers. The Winnipeg Jets' top-six looks lethal on paper, and, with elite wingers by his side, Scheifele should make life miserable for the other Canadian teams.36. Mikko Rantanen, AvalancheRantanen is exceptionally talented, and he's been a perfect fit alongside Nathan MacKinnon and Gabriel Landeskog on the Colorado Avalanche's explosive top line. He missed nearly half the 2019-20 season due to injury but posted just under a point per game. There's no reason to believe he won't approach his career-best 1.18 points per contest.35. Mika Zibanejad, RangersSize, speed, skill, and smarts: Zibanejad is the complete package. He put it all together last year with 41 goals and 75 points in 57 games.34. Mitch Marner, Maple LeafsMarner is a magician with the puck on his stick and will only get better as he enters his prime. The 23-year-old leads the league in primary assists at even strength over the last two seasons and has become an invaluable penalty killer for the Toronto Maple Leafs.33. Kyle Connor, Jets Jonathan Kozub / National Hockey League / GettyConnor is an elite finisher and continues to see his production climb with each campaign. The next plateau for the Jets sniper to reach is the 40-goal mark, which he would have easily reached if last season wasn't cut short.32. Carey Price, CanadiensPrice looked like his vintage MVP self during last year's postseason, which should put the league on notice. The 33-year-old has played a ton of minutes in recent seasons, but with nearly five months of rest and the Montreal Canadiens finally employing a solid backup in Jake Allen to ease Price's workload, he could regain his status as the NHL's top goalie.31. Seth Jones, Blue JacketsJones' value to the Columbus Blue Jackets can't be overstated. The skilled defenseman topped his club and ranked seventh in the NHL in average ice time in 2019-20. His 25:17 mark was actually down from the previous season when he placed fourth. He's a rock at the back and is still only 26 years old.30. Taylor Hall, SabresHall is coming off a rough season, but expect the speedy winger to return to his MVP-caliber form alongside Jack Eichel this year.29. Sean Couturier, FlyersCouturier is on the shortlist of elite two-way centers and was rewarded for his selfless play with the Selke Trophy last season.28. John Tavares, Maple LeafsTavares has been closer to the top of these lists, but his ranking took a slight hit after a less productive season than his magnificent 47-goal debut campaign with the Maple Leafs in 2018-19. The 30-year-old workhorse is still one of the league's best centers and is a threat to score whenever he's on the ice.27. Jonathan Huberdeau, Panthers Eliot J. Schechter / National Hockey League / GettyThere may not be a less-talked-about star than Huberdeau. The No. 3 pick in 2011 is ninth in the league in points (170) over the last two seasons and can score just as easily as he can dish out assists. He and Florida Panthers linemate Aleksander Barkov form one of the most menacing duos in the NHL and will continue to dominate together this year.26. Aleksander Barkov, PanthersIt's truly poetic that Barkov landed next to Huberdeau in our composite rankings (compiled by averaging out lists from seven editors), but he deserves the spot. Like his teammate, Barkov is significantly underrated. He's consistently in the conversation for both the Selke and Lady Byng trophies, and he produces at a high level on offense.25. Mark Stone, Golden KnightsDoes anybody have a better stick than Stone? If you think so, just look at this. He's due to get his name on the Selke at some point, and he's been a point-per-game player over the last three seasons.24. Steven Stamkos, LightningStamkos continues to produce with the best of them as he enters his 30s. The Tampa Bay Lightning captain will undoubtably be among the league's top scorers once again if he can stay healthy.23. Alex Pietrangelo, Golden KnightsPietrangelo cashed in this offseason, and for good reason. The Golden Knights' new blue-liner has been one of the NHL's best for years and is fresh off posting career highs in goals (16) and points per game (0.74).22. Sebastian Aho, Hurricanes Icon Sportswire / Icon Sportswire / GettyAho's rise with the Carolina Hurricanes has been a treat to watch, and last year he showed just how good he can be. He was on pace to finish with 45 goals and 80 points over a full 82-game schedule. The 23-year-old has the potential to challenge some of the league's biggest stars for the top spots on statistical leaderboards at the end of the season.21. Ryan O'Reilly, BluesFew forwards are more effective at both ends than O'Reilly, who was a Selke finalist last season after winning the trophy in 2019 along with the Stanley Cup and the Conn Smythe. The St. Louis Blues center perhaps isn't quite in the upper echelon of stars, but he's certainly in the conversation.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Leading up to the start of the 2021 season, theScore is counting down the top 100 players in the game today, as voted on by our NHL editors. Injuries affecting players entering the season have been taken into consideration. We'll reveal 20 players every day until the top 20 is unveiled Jan. 12.100-81 | 80-61 | 60-41 | 40-21 | 20-160. Vladimir Tarasenko, Blues Andy Devlin / National Hockey League / GettyTarasenko played 10 games before requiring shoulder surgery last season, and he underwent shoulder surgery again this offseason. When healthy, he's one of the game's most dangerous snipers. Whether he can return to that form remains to be seen.59. William Nylander, Maple LeafsNylander redeemed his delayed 2018-19 season with a career-best 31-goal campaign. The Swedish winger is already one of the more crafty playmakers and can push his ceiling even higher if he continues to score at such a rapid rate.58. Gabriel Landeskog, AvalancheLandeskog is a versatile forward capable of providing physicality, goal-scoring, and sound defensive play. If he ends up on the open market as an unrestricted free agent after this season, he's going to have plenty of suitors.57. Zach Werenski, Blue JacketsWerenski turned in the best season of his career last year and led all defensemen in goals (20). His offensive game is sublime, and playing alongside Seth Jones means he should continue to deliver at an elite rate.56. Carter Hart, FlyersAt 22 years old, Hart has quickly become one of the best goaltenders in the NHL. He played well while getting the bulk of the starts last season, proving more than capable of handling the workload.55. Charlie McAvoy, BruinsMcAvoy is poised beyond his years. The 23-year-old hasn't broken out offensively yet, but he's already one of the league's top shutdown defensemen.54. Shea Weber, Canadiens Icon Sportswire / Icon Sportswire / GettyFather Time doesn't appear to be an issue for the Montreal Canadiens captain. Weber, 35, remains one of the league's most dominant forces on the blue line and continues to score goals at an elite rate for a defenseman.53. Robin Lehner, Golden KnightsOver 215 games in the last five seasons, Lehner owns a .920 save percentage and 2.65 goals-against average. Playing on a true Cup contender with the Vegas Golden Knights this season, he should be on the early short list of Vezina Trophy candidates.52. Andrei Svechnikov, HurricanesSvechnikov showed his potential last season, scoring 24 goals and adding 37 assists playing alongside Sebastian Aho. Svechnikov is just 20 years old, and the No. 2 pick from the 2018 draft has plenty of room to grow as he looks to build on his promising sophomore season.51. Jaccob Slavin, HurricanesSlavin is perhaps the most underrated player in the NHL. The defensive specialist led all Hurricanes skaters in ice time in 2019-20 and has been incredibly durable in his career, suiting up for every regular-season game over the last four campaigns.50. Johnny Gaudreau, FlamesGaudreau is coming off the worst season of his career. We believe he can bounce back, but if he doesn't, he could find himself off this list next year.49. Anze Kopitar, KingsThe two-time Selke Trophy winner continues to produce at a high level while also taking care of business on the defensive side of the puck. Kopitar is poised to be among the league's top pivots once again in year No. 15 with the Los Angeles Kings.48. Blake Wheeler, Jets Icon Sportswire / Icon Sportswire / GettyWheeler took a step back last season, managing 65 points in 71 games after reaching 91 in each of the two campaigns prior. Make no mistake, though, the Winnipeg Jets captain is still an elite playmaker and is a strong candidate to bounce back in 2021.47. Max Pacioretty, Golden KnightsAfter a quiet first season in Vegas, Pacioretty turned on the jets last year, leading the team in both goals (32) and points (66). The sniper has found some great chemistry with linemate Mark Stone and the duo will continue to terrorize opponents this year.46. Miro Heiskanen, StarsHeiskanen was one of the biggest reasons for the Dallas Stars' improbable Stanley Cup Final run last season. The 21-year-old already possesses abilities far beyond his years, and should have been a Calder Trophy finalist in 2018-19. The Finnish defenseman has already done plenty to justify the Stars picking him third overall in 2017.45. Tuukka Rask, BruinsThe Boston Bruins will count on Rask more than ever this season after losing two staples on defense - Torey Krug and Zdeno Chara - in free agency. The netminder finished second in Vezina Trophy voting last year.44. John Carlson, Capitals Patrick McDermott / National Hockey League / GettyCarlson has established himself as the league's top offensive defenseman. The 31-year-old has set career scoring highs in three consecutive seasons and ranks first in points among all blue-liners (213) since the start of 2017-18.43. Matthew Tkachuk, FlamesAll 31 teams would do anything to have a Tkachuk on their roster. The 23-year-old has a point per game ceiling, leadership skills worthy of Calgary's future captaincy, and all his opponents hate him. His value to the Calgary Flames is immeasurable.42. Quinn Hughes, CanucksHughes just missed out on the Calder last season, but that doesn't mean his performance wasn't stellar. His 25 power-play points ranked third among defensemen, and his 53 points tied him for third on the Vancouver Canucks. The 21-year-old figures to be a staple of Vancouver's high-flying offense for years to come, and his rookie campaign was just a glimpse at what he's capable of.41. Cale Makar, AvalancheMakar was the only reason Hughes didn't win the Calder, but the Colorado Avalanche phenom deserved the honor. He outplayed his Canucks counterpart on a per game basis while suiting up for 11 fewer contests. Makar is a franchise cornerstone, and he's already a vital component of Colorado's multipronged attack.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The last time most hockey fans saw Jon Cooper, he was flanked on each side by three members of his coaching staff for a seven-man press conference.A Gatorade cup filled with an adult beverage and a fat cigar at the ready, Cooper answered questions with the sort of charm he's known for. Over the 10-minute session, the Tampa Bay Lightning bench boss, sporting a grin reserved only for newly crowned champions, often deferred to his assistants."I'll always remember us up on that podium," Cooper told theScore during a weekend phone interview. "As a staff, we've sat around and said, 'That was awesome that we were all up there together.' That was kind of the culmination of everything that had gone on. It just felt right to do." Sportsnet / YouTubeThat scene played out in late September. Moments earlier, Cooper and the entire Lightning contingent - players, coaches, staff - had hoisted the Stanley Cup in a fanless arena in Edmonton as the last team standing after a 65-day playoff grind inside the NHL bubble.Three-and-a-half months on, the club finds itself in the rejigged Central Division, down a superstar for the entire regular season, and highly motivated to become just the second team to win consecutive Cups in the salary-cap era.Speaking ahead of Wednesday's banner-raising season opener against the Chicago Blackhawks, Cooper, the NHL's longest-tenured head coach, discussed several topics pertaining to the idiosyncratic 2020-21 season.Life without Kucherov Elsa / Getty ImagesAlmost immediately after Tampa won the Cup, all eyes turned to Cooper's boss, Julien BriseBois. How could the Lightning GM possibly keep his stacked roster intact with three key young players due for significant raises and minimal room to maneuver under a flattened, $81.5-million salary cap?We now know the answer: Patience, contingency plans, and some bad luck.BriseBois managed to extend restricted free agents Anthony Cirelli, Mikhail Sergachev, and Erik Cernak on three-year deals worth a combined $12.55 million a season. Out the door went blue-line depth - Kevin Shattenkirk, Braydon Coburn, and Zach Bogosian - as well as fourth-line forwards Cedric Paquette and Carter Verhaeghe. Most crucially, all-world winger Nikita Kucherov and his $9.5-million cap hit landed on long-term injured reserve.The Kucherov news, precipitated by a December hip surgery that will force the 2019 Hart Trophy winner to miss the 56-game regular season, was not welcome. It helped the Lightning become cap compliant and means forwards Tyler Johnson and Alex Killorn probably won't be leaving town anytime soon (though the team did place the former on waivers Monday). But there's no denying Tampa is far better off with Kucherov in the lineup."We kind of got kicked in the teeth," Cooper said of losing Kucherov, who trails only Connor McDavid in total points over the last three NHL seasons.Asked about Brisebois' stressful offseason, the head coach lauded his general manager's efforts."Julien does his homework. He knows the landscape of what's out there. He knows his players," Cooper said. "When he makes a decision, he will put his cajones on the line to do what he believes is right for the team. You've got to respect that about him. But he also doesn't rush to judgment. So he thinks everything through and has every scenario planned out. The (curveball) was that we didn't foresee this one happening. But, when it did happen, he was fully prepared to put the puzzle pieces together to make it work once we got the news on Kuch. That was impressive in itself."He didn't dismantle the team after we won. He navigated the waters and then waited. I think he had other scenarios set up to go (if Kucherov didn't require surgery). But this changed everything."Kucherov, who recorded 34 points in 25 postseason games, is Tampa's top sniper, the heart of its power play, and a respected leader. So who will be looked upon to replace that kind of production and presence?"I think there's a group of guys right now who are probably vying for spots. If you lose a third-liner or something like that, usually players can jump in and you're not really going to miss a beat. But when you lose a guy who contributes so much to our team, especially on the offensive side, I don't think you can sit here and say, 'Well, which guys are going to step up?' I think it's like, 'OK, we lost an important player on the offensive side of things for us; how as a group are we going to deal with this?'" Cooper said."Part of that is, are we going to continue to play with pace, are we going to continue to use the skill that we have? Yes, we are. But is our attention to detail in the defensive zone and trying to snuff teams out and eliminate scoring chances there? All of a sudden, a game we may have won 4-1 or 4-2 now becomes 2-1. I think, as a mentality, we don't want to take away from the art and the skill that we have. But we have to get out of our head that we're going to be able to score our way out of situations all the time like we used to be able to do. We're going to have to defend our way out of situations."Cirelli's next level Mark Blinch / Getty ImagesCirelli's well-documented rise from OHL walk-on to Selke Trophy contender has been nothing short of extraordinary. Through his first two full NHL seasons, he's punched well above his weight as the 72nd pick of the 2015 draft."He stops and starts and he never gives up on a puck. Those are two huge attributes to have in a player," Cooper said. "You can't take shortcuts to get around Cirelli, or he'll get you. He also has really good instincts. You can sit there and say he has habits you can teach, but he also has some innate habits. He has good instincts for where his stick needs to be. He almost knows where players are going to go. If there's a hockey sense for forechecking and a hockey sense for defending, he's got a pretty good grasp of that."Cirelli finished fourth in Selke voting as a 22-year-old sophomore in 2019-20, so he's in fine form on the defensive side of the puck. There might be some wiggle room to grow elsewhere, however, and if Cirelli can find a way to produce at a higher rate than his respectable 44 points in 68 games last season, he'll quickly vault from fringe stud to legitimate star."That's the next step for him," Cooper said of the 6-foot, 193-pound center. "That just goes to confidence, reps in the league, knowing what you can and cannot do. He hasn't really garnered a lot of power-play time with us, but I think it's time for us to at some point slide him in there. It might be on the second unit. And we'll look for him to contribute a little bit more offensively."The Lightning are widely considered to be Cup favorites again, seemingly dominating that discussion along with the Colorado Avalanche and Vegas Golden Knights. The continued development of Cirelli, Sergachev, Cernak, and other youngsters will be essential to Tampa reaching its lofty ceiling once more.Goaltending workload Scott Audette / Getty ImagesThe truncated 2020-21 regular season will be one long juggling act for NHL head coaches. Each team will play a game practically every other day. The first few weeks won't be kind to structure or systems. COVID-19 outbreaks will inevitably disrupt schedules and lineups. And so on. It all makes for a coach's nightmare.For Cooper, a ferocious in-game gum-chewer, the introduction of mandatory face coverings will present yet another challenge unique to the pandemic era."I may have to practice that," Cooper said with a chuckle. "Is it going to stick to the mask? Twice a year, though - and this never fails - the gum does come out of the mouth. So, at least the mask will be a good blockade?"On a more serious note, managing goalie workloads will be a tricky task for all 31 head coaches. In Tampa, stud netminder Andrei Vasilevskiy has averaged 55 starts a year over the past four seasons. That's roughly 67% of all starts in an 82-game campaign. The 56-game equivalent is 38."The first thing I did was just prorate it. ... Then you factor in your back-to-backs. You factor in a little bit of travel," Cooper said. "When we've been really working Vasi in the past, he's been playing basically three games in a row and then (backup Curtis McElhinney) one. Three and one. Three and one. And I don't see that changing a whole ton because Vasi has gotten all of this rest. The shortened season, believe it or not, can actually benefit the goaltender because it isn't such a marathon. It's a little bit more of a sprint."So if you just manage your goaltenders, both the mental load and the physical load, I think you might be able to get away with playing those games where it's three on, one off."The more Cooper talked it out, though, the further he drifted toward flexibility."A lot of it has to do with how your week looks. ... The backup may come into play for the unknowns," he said. "For instance, games are already getting moved. We're affected by it with (the Dallas Stars postponing their first three games). Where is that game going to come in? If that game slides into a back-to-back, well, that means Vasi just lost a game and McElhinney just picked up a game. So I think your backup is going to get games added to his schedule."New rallying cry Andy Devlin / Getty ImagesWhat made Tampa's Cup win so enthralling for outsiders - and extra special for the organization - was how it put a positive spin on a story that until that point had climaxed with a shocking playoff exit in the spring of 2019.Cooper - who has won championships at every level he's coached - was constantly asked last year about the Columbus Blue Jackets sweeping his team from the first round of the previous postseason. He even broached the topic himself from time to time during his daily dealings with the media. The disappointment clearly fueled him and his core group - which has been together, in some form of another, for half of a decade - as the Lightning attempted to rewrite the script and finally reach the top of the mountain.Then, in September, the same group won the franchise's second Stanley Cup, defeating Columbus along the way. So, as defending champs, what's the new rallying cry?"Every year is different. And it is true: Once you take a sip from the Cup, you want to do it again. It is a little bit of an adrenaline hit of winning. You just want to have more now that you've tasted it," Cooper said."In 2019, when we exited so early in the playoffs, deep down inside, did you want another chance at the team that knocked you out? For sure you did. It's just funny how it was never set up to go that way unless (COVID-19) hit because we would have played the (Toronto Maple Leafs) in the first round. It's weird how it worked out because a lot of times you don't get a second chance. And our group got a second chance, and they made the best of it."The big thing for us is that we've had all of this success these past few years, we've put ourselves in a position to do this again, and the guys talked about how we're not going to be one-and-done. 'Let's not be one-and-done. Let's not be one-and-done.' And I think a lot of guys are pretty focused on that, of making sure, in our window here, that we get another chance at it."John Matisz is theScore's national hockey writer. You can follow John on Twitter (@MatiszJohn) and contact him via email (john.matisz@thescore.com).Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

San Jose Sharks forward Evander Kane has filed for bankruptcy with $26.8 million worth of debt, according to The Athletic's Daniel Kaplan.Kane reportedly has assets of only $10.2 million, largely from his three homes. The filing also said Kane may not play this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic and birth of his first child."Debtor may terminate his contract and he may opt out of the season, as allowed under current rules, because of health concerns given the recent birth of his first child," the bankruptcy petition said. "Should he terminate his contract or opt out at a point in the season, Debtor will not receive his salary."The NHL opt-out deadline for the 2020-21 season was Dec. 24, however, and the bankruptcy petition is dated Jan. 9. It hasn't been clarified how Kane could still opt out at this point.Centennial Bank filed a lawsuit last week against Kane and the Sharks seeking $8.3 million. It's one of six active lawsuits, court actions, and administrative proceedings with lenders listed in the complaint.Kane inked a seven-year, $49-million pact with the Sharks in 2018 and has earned $52 million over 11 NHL seasons.The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas settled a lawsuit against Kane for unpaid gambling bills last year.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Philadelphia Flyers forward Nolan Patrick will be in the lineup for the first time in over 21 months when the club opens its season against the Pittsburgh Penguins on Wednesday.Patrick, 22, missed the entire 2019-20 campaign due to a migraine disorder. The 6-foot-2 pivot said he felt good during the Flyers' scrimmage Sunday and is ready to return."Made a couple mistakes out there, but my energy level felt good, thought our line created quite a few scoring chances," Patrick said, according to NHL.com's Adam Kimelman. "Lot of fun being back out there. ... I feel really good and I'll be ready for Wednesday."Head coach Alain Vigneault complimented the play of Patrick, who centered a line flanked by James van Riemsdyk and Jakub Voracek."I thought he did a lot of the right things on the ice," Vigneault said. "Thought that line had some chemistry and some good moments. For him and for our team, that's a step in the right direction."The Flyers selected Patrick with the second overall pick of the 2017 draft, but the Manitoba native has had tough injury luck since, including a sports hernia issue ahead of his rookie campaign.Patrick has amassed 26 goals and 61 points while averaging 14:24 of ice time in 145 career outings.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The NHL will be releasing a custom helmet decal to honor Hall of Famer Willie O'Ree and Martin Luther King Jr. as a celebration of equality during the upcoming campaign.The design will be featured on helmets for games starting on Martin Luther King weekend, which begins Jan. 16, and will continue to be worn through the end of Black History Month (Feb. 28).

Loui Eriksson and Corey Perry are among a long list of waived players Monday.The Vancouver Canucks designated Eriksson for assignment along with five other players. The 35-year-old has two years left on his contract at a cap hit of $6 million.The Montreal Canadiens placed Perry and fellow veteran forward Michael Frolik on waivers. The Canadiens signed both players to one-year, $750,000 deals in the offseason.Meanwhile, the Tampa Bay Lightning waived six players, including Tyler Johnson and Luke Schenn. The club also placed three additional players on waivers in order to send them to the AHL's Syracuse Crunch and assigned 10 others to the affiliate.The Calgary Flames waived defenseman Oliver Kylington, according to Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman.The Winnipeg Jets placed forward Mathieu Perreault and defenseman Luca Sbisa on waivers, per Sportsnet's Sean Reynolds.Elsewhere, the Edmonton Oilers waived five players, including forward Jujhar Khaira.Tap here for the full list of moves, according to PuckPedia.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Jay Bouwmeester is calling it a career, he confirmed to The Athletic's Pierre LeBrun on Monday.The defenseman played 17 NHL seasons and won the Stanley Cup with the St. Louis Blues in 2019.Bouwmeester collapsed on the Blues bench and suffered a cardiac episode during a contest last February. It proved to be his final game.“Oh yeah," Bouwmeester said when LeBrun asked him whether he'd retired this offseason. "I knew I was done essentially when it happened, to be quite honest."The 37-year-old played seven-plus seasons with the Blues, parts of four with the Calgary Flames, and his first six with the Florida Panthers, who drafted him third overall in 2002.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Heading into the 2021 regular season, theScore's Mike Dickson, Josh Gold-Smith, Brandon Maron, John Matisz, Sean O'Leary, Matt Teague, and Josh Wegman make their picks for division champs, major award winners, and the Stanley Cup Final.North Division Andre Ringuette/Freestyle Photo / Getty Images Sport / GettyEditorPickDicksonOilersGold-SmithJetsMaronMaple LeafsMatiszMaple LeafsO'LearyMaple LeafsTeagueMaple LeafsWegmanMaple LeafsThe Leafs are the betting favorites to win the North, and our voters seem to agree. The team is loaded with high-end talent and fortified its defensive corps, which has been a weakness for years. However, the division will be tightly contested as every club outside of the rebuilding Senators has a real chance to finish No. 1.East Division Mark Blinch / National Hockey League / GettyEditorPickDicksonIslandersGold-SmithCapitalsMaronCapitalsMatiszFlyersO'LearyPenguinsTeagueFlyersWegmanCapitalsThe East is the toughest to call. Five teams in the division finished top 11 in the overall standings last season, but the Capitals appear to be the favorites again. Washington has finished atop the Metropolitan in five straight campaigns and has won its division in 10 of 15 seasons since Alex Ovechkin entered the league in 2005-06.Central Division Bruce Bennett / Getty Images Sport / GettyEditorPickDicksonLightningGold-SmithLightningMaronHurricanesMatiszHurricanesO'LearyLightningTeagueLightningWegmanLightningThe Central is composed of the lonely Red Wings, a bunch of middling clubs, and two clear favorites in last season's champions and the budding Hurricanes. Even without star winger Nikita Kucherov, the Lightning are in good shape to win the division, but Carolina likely won't make it easy for them.West Division Bruce Bennett / Getty Images Sport / GettyEditorPickDicksonGolden KnightsGold-SmithAvalancheMaronGolden KnightsMatiszAvalancheO'LearyGolden KnightsTeagueAvalancheWegmanAvalancheThere's a glaring imbalance in competition in the West, and it'll likely be a three-team race for the division title. Our voters like the Avalanche and Golden Knights, but it wouldn't be a total surprise to see the St. Louis Blues claim the top spot.'Rocket' Richard Trophy Mark Blinch / National Hockey League / GettyEditorPickDicksonAlex OvechkinGold-SmithAuston MatthewsMaronAuston MatthewsMatiszAuston MatthewsO'LearyAuston MatthewsTeagueAuston MatthewsWegmanAuston MatthewsMatthews ranks second among all players in goals per game since entering the league in 2016-17, and with David Pastrnak on the shelf to start the year, his window to win the Rocket is that much wider. The 23-year-old also has a dominant track record against several divisional opponents. Matthews has netted 25 goals in 29 games against the Canadiens and Senators, who make up 34% of the Leafs schedule in 2020-21.Art Ross Trophy Dave Sandford / National Hockey League / GettyEditorPickDicksonConnor McDavidGold-SmithConnor McDavidMaronNathan MacKinnonMatiszConnor McDavidO'LearyNathan MacKinnonTeagueConnor McDavidWegmanNathan MacKinnonThough there are several worthy candidates, our voters believe the Art Ross Trophy race will be between a pair of generational superstars in McDavid and MacKinnon. The former is the unanimous top player in the world, while the latter is right on his heels for the title. Both superstars should amass worthy numbers, but in a league with so much elite talent, there are a handful of others who could take the award as well.Calder Trophy Sergei Savostyanov / TASS / GettyEditorPickDicksonAlexis LafreniereGold-SmithIgor ShesterkinMaronIgor ShesterkinMatiszKirill KaprizovO'LearyKirill KaprizovTeagueAlexis LafreniereWegmanKirill KaprizovSeven Russian-born players have claimed rookie of the year honors, and that number could increase this season. Shesterkin was outstanding in his brief stint in 2019-20, while Kaprizov was arguably the top talent in the world that wasn't playing in the NHL until now. Lafreniere, the 2020 first overall pick, should also rack up his fair share of points while playing within a dynamic top-six forward group for the Rangers.Vezina Trophy Andy Devlin / National Hockey League / GettyEditorPickDicksonJacob MarkstromGold-SmithAndrei VasilevskiyMaronCarter HartMatiszCarey PriceO'LearyRobin LehnerTeagueRobin LehnerWegmanRobin LehnerThe Vezina will likely be the most difficult trophy to decide during the shortened season. Most clubs will use a platoon system between the pipes thanks to the condensed schedule, making it hard for some to separate themselves from the pack. Lehner has been arguably the league's best goalie over the past two campaigns, and the Swedish puck-stopper feels due for the award and will play behind the loaded Golden Knights.Norris Trophy Dave Sandford / National Hockey League / GettyEditorPickDicksonRoman JosiGold-SmithVictor HedmanMaronCale MakarMatiszAlex PietrangeloO'LearyVictor HedmanTeagueAlex PietrangeloWegmanVictor HedmanIt's crazy to think Hedman has only earned one Norris Trophy nod. The 30-year-old looks primed to rack up several more awards over the second half of his career. Pietrangelo is the league's best rearguard who has yet to win the trophy and begins his new chapter as the Golden Knights' defensive backbone. Josi is certainly a threat to repeat, and Makar could be in contention after racking up a historic rookie campaign.Hart Trophy Bill Smith / National Hockey League / GettyEditorPickDicksonConnor McDavidGold-SmithNathan MacKinnonMaronNathan MacKinnonMatiszNathan MacKinnonO'LearyNathan MacKinnonTeagueConnor McDavidWegmanNathan MacKinnonAs is the case for the Art Ross Trophy, the 2020-21 league MVP is seen as a tight race between McDavid and MacKinnon. MacKinnon, a two-time runner-up for the award, will be the focal point of what many believe is the league's best team in the Avalanche. At the same time, McDavid feels due for his second career Hart after a mid-season injury halted his chances in 2019-20.Stanley Cup Final Andy Devlin / National Hockey League / GettyEditorPickDicksonGolden Knights over IslandersGold-SmithAvalanche over LightningMaronAvalanche over IslandersMatiszAvalanche over LightningO'LearyMaple Leafs over Golden KnightsTeagueGolden Knights over FlyersWegmanAvalanche over Maple LeafsMost of our voters have the Avalanche capturing their first Stanley Cup in 20 years, with the Golden Knights and Leafs also being selected. The Islanders' defensive approach proved to work in the bubble and have the potential to make a deep run again, while the Lightning are perennially in the mix.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The St. Louis Blues signed forward Mike Hoffman to a one-year contract with a value of $4 million, the club announced Monday. Hoffman previously signed a professional tryout contract with the team on Dec. 27.Hoffman has spent the last two seasons with the Florida Panthers. The 31-year-old led the club in goals both years, combining to score 65 times in 151 games while adding 64 assists.The sniper was one of this offseason's most sought after free agents. He's potted 20-plus goals over the past six campaigns and is one of the league's most consistent scorers.After signing his tryout contract with the Blues, Hoffman indicated one of his top priorities as a free agent was to join a franchise with the ability to contend and compete for the Stanley Cup - ultimately leading him to chose St. Louis as a landing spot.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Arizona Coyotes hired Shane Doan as their chief hockey development officer, the club announced Monday. Doan will serve as a strategic advisor to team owner Alex Meruelo and general manager Bill Armstrong."Shane Doan was a great player who played 21 seasons in the NHL," Armstrong said. "He is highly respected around the league and has a wealth of hockey knowledge to share. He will be a valuable addition to our hockey operations department and I'm really looking forward to working with him."Doan retired in 2017 after playing 21 seasons and 1,540 games all with the Coyotes franchise. He served as Arizona's captain for his final 13 seasons and retired as the NHL's longest-tenured "C.""I am very excited and grateful for this opportunity," Doan said. "I am extremely proud to have played my entire career for the Coyotes and all I want is for this franchise to be successful on and off the ice. The Valley is an incredible hockey market with a loyal and passionate fan base and with Mr. Meruelo, we now have strong and stable ownership and a very bright future in Arizona. I'm looking forward to working with Mr. Meruelo, Xavier, and Bill and I can't wait to get started."Doan finished his career as the all-time franchise leader in games played (1,540), goals (402), assists (570), and points (972).Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Mike Milbury will not be back as an analyst for NBC Sports this season.The network released its broadcasting roster for the upcoming campaign Monday, and the longtime commentator's name is not on the list.Mike Babcock will make his debut as a studio analyst for the network this season while Kenny Albert moves into the top play-by-play role, succeeding retired legend Mike "Doc" Emrick.Milbury stepped away from NBC for the rest of the playoffs in late August after drawing widespread criticism for an on-air remark he made insinuating women would be a distraction for players in the bubble."We are grateful to Mike for all of his contributions to our coverage for 14 years, but he will not be returning to our NHL announce team," an NBC spokesperson said Monday, according to The Associated Press' Stephen Whyno. "We wish him well."Here are NBC's in-game broadcasters for 2020-21:Play-by-playAnalystsKenny AlbertEddie OlczykJon ForslundBrian BoucherBrendan BurkePierre McGuireMike TiricoAJ MleczkoGord MillerKendall Coyne SchofieldJohn WaltonKeith JonesRandy HahnAnson CarterNote: These are not paired commentary teamsHere are the network's studio voices for the upcoming season:HostsAnalystsInsidersKathryn TappenKeith JonesBob McKenzieLiam McHughAnson CarterDarren DregerPatrick SharpMike BabcockRyan CallahanDominic MooreNBC will air about 100 games on its primary channel as well as NBCSN.The Toronto Maple Leafs fired Babcock from his head coaching role in November 2019. Mitch Marner later confirmed the longtime NHL bench boss publicly shamed the forward during his rookie season. Johan Franzen called Babcock "the worst person I have ever met" after Chris Chelios accused the former Detroit Red Wings head coach of verbally abusing Franzen, causing the Swede to have a nervous breakdown.The NHL season begins Wednesday.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Leading up to the start of the 2021 season, theScore is counting down the top 100 players in the game today, as voted on by our NHL editors. Injuries affecting players entering the season have been taken into consideration. We'll reveal 20 players every day until the top 20 is unveiled Jan. 12.100-81 | 80-61 | 60-41 | 40-21 | 20-180. Erik Karlsson, Sharks Thearon W. Henderson / Getty Images Sport / GettyInjuries have set Karlsson back a step, but even his last three "down" seasons have resulted in an average of 67 points per 82 games. He claims his ailments are a thing of the past, but we'll have to see it before we believe it.79. Tyler Seguin, StarsSeguin further established himself as one of the league's elite pivots after leading the Dallas Stars to the Stanley Cup Final in September. The Stars' alternate captain will be sidelined for most of the regular season but should be healthy in time to help the club make another deep playoff push.78. Anthony Cirelli, LightningCirelli is blossoming into one of the NHL's finest two-way pivots. He showed the world what he can do by playing a crucial role in the Tampa Bay Lightning's Cup run this past summer. Just another mid-round gem unearthed by the Lightning's top-tier scouting department.77. Evgeny Kuznetsov, CapitalsKuznetsov had a quiet season last year by his standards, but he was still on pace to put up a respectable 67 points. The Russian will need to do some heavy lifting this year as the Washington Capitals are set to face some stiff competition in a tough East Division.76. Brady Tkachuk, Senators Andre Ringuette / National Hockey League / GettyDon't mistake Tkachuk's underwhelming - but nearly identical - goal and point totals during his first two NHL seasons as an indicator of growing pains. The talented 21-year-old forward has already proven he can provide a highly coveted mix of skill and grit, just like his father and brother.75. Jake Guentzel, PenguinsThose who thought Guentzel was merely a product of Sidney Crosby were proven wrong last season. Guentzel recorded 12 goals and 17 assists in the 22 games he played without Crosby.74. Pierre-Luc Dubois, Blue JacketsDubois will look to carry his success in the bubble into his fourth NHL season. The 6-foot-3 pivot has a strong two-way game and could develop into a bona fide star if he can improve his scoring touch.73. Ryan Ellis, PredatorsEllis is one of the league's best defenders by several advanced metrics. He's quietly been the rock on Nashville's deep blue line for years.72. Ben Bishop, StarsBishop is expected to be sidelined for a decent chunk of the upcoming campaign, but he's among the league's best goalies when he's in Dallas' crease. His .927 save percentage is No. 1 among all netminders over the last two seasons.71. Thomas Chabot, SenatorsThe Ottawa Senators have handed Chabot heavy minutes partly out of necessity, but that trust is also a testament to the 23-year-old's abilities. He's a franchise cornerstone and a dependable workhorse on the back end.70. Claude Giroux, FlyersGiroux has enjoyed a late-career offensive resurgence after moving from center to the wing prior to the 2017-18 campaign. However, his point total has declined in three straight seasons, so it wouldn't be surprising if he doesn't make next year's list.69. John Gibson, Ducks Icon Sportswire / Icon Sportswire / GettyGibson has been strong for the rebuilding Anaheim Ducks despite compiling the worst statistical season of his young career in 2019-20. The 27-year-old is an absolute horse between the pipes, logging the sixth-most minutes among all netminders since the start of the 2017-18 campaign.68. Nicklas Backstrom, CapitalsNow well into his 30s, Backstrom is still as smooth and reliable as ever. The Capitals pivot, who's a major catalyst in the team's attack, is rapidly approaching 1,000 career points.67. Kris Letang, PenguinsLetang isn't often talked about when discussing the league's top defensemen anymore, but the 33-year-old is quietly still putting up big numbers with the Pittsburgh Penguins. He averaged 0.72 points per game last season, which was good for 11th among all blue-liners.66. Jonathan Toews, BlackhawksThe Chicago Blackhawks are now in rebuilding mode, but that won't stop the ultra-competitive Toews from producing or playing at a high level. Chicago's captain is no longer one of the best at his position, but the 32-year-old remains a skilled two-way center who racked up 60 points across 70 games last season.65. Bo Horvat, Canucks Jeff Vinnick / Getty Images Sport / GettyHorvat proved just how much of a force he can be in the playoffs, potting 10 goals in 17 contests. He often draws tough defensive matchups and typically isn't flanked by Vancouver's most talented wingers, but he still manages to produce strong underlying numbers.64. Morgan Rielly, Maple LeafsThe smooth-skating rearguard is the backbone of an improved Toronto Maple Leafs blue line. Rielly ranks eighth among all defensemen with 151 points over the last three seasons. He'll be looking to bounce back after an injury-riddled campaign in 2019-20.63. Torey Krug, BluesKrug ranks seventh among all defenders in points since becoming an NHL regular in 2013-14. He's averaged over 20 minutes per night over that span, too, proving himself deserving of the big contract the St. Louis Blues gave him this offseason as a true top-pairing blue-liner.62. Jacob Markstrom, FlamesMarkstrom will look to replicate last season's Vezina-worthy campaign in his first year with the Calgary Flames. His .838 high-danger save percentage was sixth among goalies, while his .924 even-strength save percentage ranked 10th.61. Patrik Laine, JetsThe Winnipeg Jets' best offseason move was holding onto Laine amid rampant speculation about the Finnish forward's future. It would be understandable if the 22-year-old felt slighted on a deep Winnipeg squad, but he's one of the league's most promising goal-scorers.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Phil Pritchard, the white-gloved guardian of the Stanley Cup, wasn't at the Montreal Forum in June 1993 to witness that rarest of recent NHL sights: a Canadian team raising the silver chalice overhead.Pritchard was on the job at the time, but in Los Angeles, waiting to see if that season's Canadiens-Kings title series would extend past a fifth game. It didn't - Wayne Gretzky was no match for Patrick Roy - and Pritchard flew to Quebec to facilitate the Habs' championship summer shortly thereafter. He ushered the Cup to some of the players' hometowns in neighboring Ontario and Vermont, and team and trophy toured La Belle Province, basking in the kind of rave reception from grateful fans that no northerly franchise has enjoyed for the past 28 years.Packed arenas and parades remain nonstarters this early in 2021 with the pandemic continuing to rage. In the NHL, border closures forced the creation of an all-Canada division. Though none of its seven clubs enter the season as a title favorite, one will compete in the Stanley Cup semifinals this spring because of the realignment.Patrick Roy hoists the Stanley Cup in 1993. Denis Brodeur / NHL / Getty ImagesThat guarantee is a powerful, seductive thing. Losses in four championship Game 7s have prolonged the Canadian Cup drought this long, but this winter and spring, much of the populace has reason to crave - expect, even - the rush of a deep playoff run."Whether it's been Montreal winning in '93 or the Canucks losing twice or the Flames or the Oilers, you really see the passion of the Canadian fans and how they're all-in," Pritchard said.In 2021, the NHL's realigned North Division is set to salute and celebrate that national mania. It also promises to produce riveting TV. The Canucks, Flames, Oilers, Jets, Maple Leafs, Senators, and Canadiens: Think of this group as the consummate blend of setting, character, and plot, wherein tribal lines are drawn, ill will is stoked, and a loaded cast of players are pitted against each other for 56 games.Star power abounds in the North, as do juicy storylines. Leon Draisaitl, Connor McDavid, and Auston Matthews should vie for MVP consideration and the points or goals titles. Stellar youngsters shine in every time zone: Quinn Hughes, McDavid, Patrik Laine (barring a trade out of Winnipeg), and Mitch Marner. Incumbent older All-Stars Carey Price and Shea Weber will clash with greybeards new to the mix, like Matthews' 41-year-old linemate Joe Thornton. The division features both Tkachuk brothers, Calgary's Matthew and Ottawa's Brady, whose teams are scheduled to meet nine times in as many weeks. Kevin Sousa / NHL / Getty ImagesIf it feels fitting that Canada's clubs are clustered this season, maybe that has to do with the collective status gains they've experienced since 2016, when none qualified for the playoffs."All the teams are moving north in the last couple years," Sportsnet NHL analyst Brian Burke, the retired longtime general manager, told theScore last week, summoning an apt metaphor.That includes bottom-feeding Ottawa, where hope is the guiding light in an ongoing rebuild and cornerstone up-and-comers - Tkachuk, Thomas Chabot, and Tim Stueztle - are gearing up to face stiff competition nightly."You can look at it where you want to play teams that are in the same scenario as you, to see where your young guys are," Senators head coach D.J. Smith said during training camp last week. "Or you can trial-by-fire and go against the best in the world. Auston Matthews, John Tavares, Mitch Marner one night. (Elias) Pettersson, (J.T.) Miller, (Bo) Horvat, (Brock) Boeser the next night. (Mark) Scheifele and (Blake) Wheeler and all these guys the next night. Then you go into Montreal, who has maybe, arguably, the best defense."You're going to have to find ways to score. You're going to have to find ways to play. And, ultimately, it's going to make us a better team." Jana Chytilova / Getty ImagesAround the division, everyone else's postseason ambitions are legit. With the Boston Bruins and reigning champion Tampa Bay Lightning grouped south of the border, Toronto's chance to reach the Stanley Cup semis seems prime, but maybe it isn't. When theScore's John Matisz tiered the NHL's 31 teams in November, by which time rosters were mostly set, he rated Calgary, Edmonton, Montreal, and Vancouver as "moderately dangerous" - from 11th to 17th in the league, effectively - and Winnipeg a cut below as a playoff team if all breaks right.Intriguing questions that'll shape the playoff chase are in rich supply. How will the offseason's big goaltending acquisitions - Jacob Markstrom to the Flames, Braden Holtby to the Canucks, Matt Murray to the Sens - fare in new homes? How about Edmonton's Tyson Barrie, Vancouver's Nate Schmidt, and Montreal's many veteran additions? How will Hughes and Pettersson continue to grow? How will the Leafs handle the pressure of pursuing, yet again, their first series victory of the Matthews era? (Perhaps by taking cues from the easygoing Thornton: "I got no stress, man, honestly," he told reporters last week.)The quirks of the 2021 schedule - limiting each team's opposition to a quarter of the NHL and loading up on two- or three-game series, a la Major League Baseball - were designed to reduce travel amid the pandemic. For those divisions whose members are inclined to hate each other, that inbuilt familiarity is bound to breed added contempt."We play Montreal, like, five or six times in the first dozen games," the Canucks' Miller noted last week. (It's five times in Vancouver's first 13 matchups, but point made.)Meanwhile, the Jets face Calgary on Thursday and again four times from Feb. 1 to 9, a lot of Matthew Tkachuk to see at once. Derek Leung / Getty Images"It suits my style more this year," said Tkachuk, one of hockey's premier super-pests. "I think one of my gifts is it doesn't take me very much to get up for games. Coming into an all-Canadian division, it's going to be a rivalry night every night. Lots of eyes on us in this country."By increasing the meetings between teams that would usually face off just twice a year, 2021 will magnify certain stylistic contrasts. Those early Canucks-Habs games match Vancouver's young guns against Montreal's rugged defense, led by Weber, Jeff Petry, Ben Chiarot, and Joel Edmundson. In last season's Central Division, said Jets coach Paul Maurice, Winnipeg played a bunch of "heavy games" against the likes of the Dallas Stars, St. Louis Blues, and Nashville Predators. Now the Jets have 10 dates - 18% of their season - with run-and-gun Toronto, including nine in March and April alone."What's interesting to me is what style (will be) left," Maurice said. "When the season comes to an end, what's the most predominant?"––––––––––Before 2021, no realignment in the NHL's long history left Canada with a division to truly call its own. Even the pre-Original Six Canadian Division, which housed Montreal, Toronto, and Ottawa teams from 1926 to 1938, included the New York Americans as a member club, plus the ill-fated St. Louis Eagles for a single season.This year's unicorn format guarantees Canada four playoff spots, almost assuring some long-awaited matchup will be staged in May. Battle of Alberta games are bitter in the regular season, but Calgary and Edmonton haven't met in the postseason since 1991. Calgary and Montreal have yet to reprise the 1989 Stanley Cup Final. Montreal last played Edmonton in 1981 and Vancouver in 1975. Toronto's most recent encounters with the Habs and Flames came in 1979, and no Leafs team has squared off with either Winnipeg or Edmonton. Jonathan Kozub / NHL / Getty ImagesThe hypotheticals are alluring, though Burke ventured that 80% of the country would join him in wanting to see an Oilers-Flames series most of all. No matter who makes the playoffs, the journey there figures to be special for Canadian players, those who can envision what it would have meant to them to tune into this division as kids. Oilers defenseman Darnell Nurse, who was raised in Hamilton, Ontario, said last week he's excited to bank a lot of games against his friends' favorite childhood squads, an extra motivational jolt."I think some of them still root for those teams," Nurse said."For me, it was the Battle of Alberta that I always watched," said Brendan Gallagher, the veteran Canadiens forward who grew up in Edmonton. "The intensity that came with that game. Obviously, being part of the Montreal-Toronto rivalry now for nine years, I understand the history of that. There's just so many unique rivalries that you're able to build when you see these teams as often as we're going to see them."The back-to-back games, the baseball-style series, it's going to be physical. It's going to be a battle. If you're not prepared to be a part of that, you're not going to have a lot of success." Chase Agnello-Dean / NHL / Getty ImagesBurke, who recently authored a memoir about his years in NHL front offices, used to head up hockey operations for the Canucks, Leafs, and Flames, and he made waves in 2008 at his first press conference in Toronto for declaring that his teams would be pugnacious, belligerent, and truculent. He told theScore he expects "hostility and truculence" from the North Division at large, since foes won't have to wait long to settle scores."You're going to have a cheap shot or a perceived cheap shot in a game and you're going to see an instant response, or a response the very next night," he said.It's harder to project when Canada's teams will produce a winner - a worthy successor to the '93 Canadiens. Burke looks at Toronto, at Montreal and Calgary's readiness for the playoff grind, at Vancouver's outstanding youth, and he concludes there's no shortage of candidates to end the drought. As puck drop approached, he said the country's Stanley Cup prospects will be brighter over the next five years than they'd been for much of the salary-cap era.Pritchard is a neutral observer, but as an Ontarian and ambassador of the Cup, he knows how well Canada is represented on rosters league-wide, a point of national pride. He spent several weeks this offseason in balmy Tampa and returned there shortly after Christmas, planning to escort the trophy to Amalie Arena on Wednesday when Steven Stamkos - the captain from the Toronto area - and the Lightning open their title defense."I think as Canadians, we should be pretty honored and proud that our game has now been received worldwide," Pritchard said. "Not only is it Canada's gift to the world, we now get to see an all-Canadian division. I think that's pretty cool."Nick Faris is a features writer at theScore.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Ottawa Senators rookie Tim Stuetzle reflected on his first taste of the NHL after making his training camp debut Sunday."An unbelievable day," Stuetzle said, according to TSN's Brent Wallace."To be on the ice with NHL guys … for me it's just very excited for sure," he added. "I was nervous at the beginning, but like I said before, the boys did all the best to get the nerves away from me, so I felt good, and I felt very comfortable on the ice with them."Stuetzle, 18, enters camp fresh off a strong showing for Germany at the world juniors in Edmonton. He mustered five goals and 10 points through five games and helped the nation reach the quarterfinals for the first time at the tournament.The 6-foot-1 pivot was selected third overall by the Senators at the 2020 draft in October and will play a key role in the club's rebuild. Stuetzle understands the pressure of being a lottery pick and is hungry to live up to expectations."I mean, it's great for me, obviously, but first I need to prove (myself) here on that level," he said, per Wallace. "And that's my goal. I hope I'm going to have a good training camp and play a good season."Ottawa isn't expected to be a playoff contender in 2020-21, but adding Stuetzle, along with offseason pickups Evgenii Dadonov, Braydon Coburn, Matt Murray, and several others, gives the club a more competitive lineup.Stuetzle is slated to make his NHL debut Friday at home against the Toronto Maple Leafs.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The New Jersey Devils signed forward Jesper Bratt to a two-year deal with an average annual value of $2.75 million, the team announced Sunday.Bratt, 22, becomes a restricted free agent when the deal expires.The 5-foot-10 winger tallied a career-high 16 goals - including a team-leading 15 at even strength - and 16 assists through 60 games in 2019-20.New Jersey selected Bratt in the sixth round of the 2016 NHL Draft, but he ranks eighth in scoring among all skaters picked that year. He's amassed 37 goals and 100 points over 185 career outings.The Devils have no outstanding restricted free agents and own $9.61 million in projected cap space, according to CapFriendly.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Pavel Francouz may have just laid claim to the best mask in the NHL.The Colorado Avalanche goaltender has some beautiful new headgear - presumably in conjunction with the league's Reverse Retro jerseys - that designer Bohumil Koral shared Sunday on Instagram.It features Quebec Nordiques icons Anton, Marian, and Peter Stastny, as well as Avalanche legends Joe Sakic and Peter Forsberg. The mask is also accented by the Nordiques logo and a fleur-de-lis on both sides.Here it is in all its glory. Swipe right to view a gallery that shows Sakic and Forsberg depicted on the right side.

The Vancouver Canucks canceled practice and workouts Sunday due to a potential COVID-19 exposure, the club announced Sunday.Three other NHL teams - the Columbus Blue Jackets, Dallas Stars, and Pittsburgh Penguins - have postponed practices this week for the same reason.On Friday, the Stars revealed six players and two staff members recently tested positive, forcing the postponement of their first two regular-season games and a likely delay to the start of their 2021 campaign until at least Jan. 19.That same day, the Blue Jackets held 19 players out of practice in accordance with COVID-19 protocols, though it was unclear if any had tested positive. Columbus practiced Saturday.The Penguins scrapped their Saturday sessions due to a potential exposure, but returned to the ice for a morning skate Sunday and will proceed with their scheduled scrimmage later in the day.The NHL season is scheduled to begin Wednesday evening.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Minnesota Wild prospect Marco Rossi is out indefinitely with an upper-body injury, the club announced Sunday.Rossi was in quarantine in order to join Wild training camp after playing for Austria at the World Junior Championship, according to The Athletic's Michael Russo.Minnesota selected the forward with the ninth overall pick in the 2020 NHL Draft.He racked up 39 goals and 81 assists in 56 games with the OHL's Ottawa 67s last season.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Columbus Blue Jackets signed defenseman Michael Del Zotto to a one-year, two-way contract, the club announced Sunday.Columbus brought Del Zotto in on a professional tryout agreement in late December.The 30-year-old became an unrestricted free agent after collecting 15 points in 49 games with the Anaheim Ducks last season.He's suited up for six teams over 11 campaigns. The veteran blue-liner began his career with the New York Rangers under current Blue Jackets bench boss John Tortorella.Del Zotto has produced 236 points in 657 career games.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Edmonton Oilers forward James Neal skated with the club for the first time Saturday but likely won't be available to start the season.Neal, 33, quarantined for 14 days after being deemed unfit to play. The Oilers begin their season against the Vancouver Canucks on Wednesday."It's 14 days. It's a long time," Neal said, according to NHL.com's Tim Campbell. "You just have to go by the rules and be safe here. It's frustrating but you have to keep your team safe and yourself."The winger enjoyed a bounce-back campaign in 2019-20, his first with the Oilers. He ranked fourth on the club with 19 goals and added 12 assists in 55 contests.Neal got off to a torrid start with 11 goals in 14 games last October, but head coach Dave Tippett doesn't anticipate the veteran being available to provide the Oilers with the same early season boost this year."He basically was off the ice for almost a month so it's going to take him some time to get up and going here," Tippett said. "But he's got a great attitude. He jumps in there and he's been working hard. But he's got a ways to go yet."Neal was on pace last season to hit the 20-goal mark over 82 games for the 11th time in his 12-year career.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Goaltender Corey Crawford has announced his retirement from the NHL after 10 seasons and appearing in 488 regular-season games."I have been fortunate to have had a long career playing professional hockey for a living. I wanted to continue my career, but believe I've given all I can to the game of hockey, and I have decided that it is time to retire," Crawford said in a statement. "I would like to thank the New Jersey Devils organization for understanding and supporting my decision. I would like to thank the Chicago Blackhawks organization for giving me the chance to live my childhood dream."I am proud to have been part of winning two Stanley Cups in Chicago. Thank you to all of my teammates and coaches throughout the years. Also, thank you to the fans who make this great game what it is. I am happy and excited to move on to the next chapter of my life with my family."It was revealed on Friday that Crawford was taking an indefinite leave from the New Jersey Devils for personal reasons. He recently inked a two-year, $7.8-million pact with the club. Since the contract is backloaded and doesn't have a signing bonus in Year 2, Crawford's retirement results in no cap hit penalty for New Jersey, according to CapFriendly.The 36-year-old played an integral role in helping lead the Chicago Blackhawks to Stanley Cup victories in 2013 and 2015. He was one of the league's top netminders over the last decade, but missed 80 games over the last two campaigns due to concussions.Crawford was a two-time All-Star and earned two William M. Jennings trophies. He finishes his career with a .918 save percentage and 2.45 goals-against average while owning a 260-162-53 record.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

To prepare for the 2020-21 NHL season, theScore will be rolling out all the fantasy hockey advice you'll need to dominate your draft and win your league. Make sure to check back for updates right up until the regular season begins.2020-21 Rankings

Patience is key when it comes to most NHL players. It's not often a player is able to enter the league in their rookie campaign and immediately dominate. Most of the time, players need at least a season to develop and reach their full potential.Some take longer than others, but it's easy to spot when the talent is there and waiting to be unleashed. Let's take a look at five players who are poised to break out this season.Nico Hischier, Devils Bruce Bennett / Getty Images Sport / GettyThe 2017 first overall pick just turned 22 years old and already has three full seasons of NHL experience under his belt. Hischier hasn't yet been the franchise-altering star he was picked to be, but he's shown promise thus far in his young career. The New Jersey Devils made it abundantly clear how much faith they have in Hischier by handing him a massive seven-year, $50.75-million contract prior to the 2019-20 season.Hischier should establish himself this year as one of the league's top young centers. He's shown steady all-around improvement since his rookie season, and with the departure of veteran players like Taylor Hall and Andy Greene, the team is his to lead back to winning ways. Most players who break into the league at such a young age typically take some time to acclimate, and now is the time for the Swiss star to step up. Hischier has racked up 51 goals and 84 assists in 209 career games and will be looking to set some career highs this season.Denis Gurianov, Stars Andy Devlin / National Hockey League / GettyGurianov was a pleasant surprise last year by scoring 20 goals and adding nine assists over 64 regular-season games. He was still under the radar entering the postseason, but Gurianov exploded during the Dallas Stars' run to the Stanley Cup Final, scoring nine goals and dishing eight assists. The Stars selected him with the 12th pick in the 2015 NHL Draft, and his rise has likely just begun.The 23-year-old inked a two-year bridge deal following his great playoff performance and will surely look to prove his worth to the Stars. Gurianov has been skating alongside Jamie Benn and Roope Hintz in training camp, and they could form a trio with serious potential for fireworks.Nick Suzuki, Canadiens Mark Blinch / National Hockey League / GettyLast season looked like a disaster for the Montreal Canadiens until they squeezed into the league's return-to-play plan as the 24th seed in an unprecedented playoff format. Montreal stunned the Pittsburgh Penguins in the preliminary round, and a large reason for that was the play of Suzuki.Suzuki quietly had one of the top rookie seasons last year, recording 13 goals and 28 assists in 71 games. During the return to play, he notched seven points in 10 games. Now, Suzuki finds himself in a spot to continue to grow even more. The 2017 13th overall pick has centered a line with Jonathan Drouin and Josh Anderson in training camp so far, and it appears the team has faith to roll with him as the club's top center this season.Anthony Beauvillier, Islanders Mark Blinch / National Hockey League / GettyBeauvillier was on pace to shatter his career-high numbers before the season was cut short. He generated the fourth-most scoring chances at five-on-five among New York Islanders forwards and seemed to establish some real chemistry with linemates Brock Nelson and Josh Bailey. Beauvillier and Nelson shared the team lead with nine goals apiece in the postseason and showed just how dominant they can be together.Playing on the Islanders nowadays doesn't usually bode well for offensive numbers. Thanks to the ultra-tight defensive system the team employs under head coach Barry Trotz, goals are hard to come by. But after a promising postseason and a full year to build some chemistry with Nelson and Bailey, Beauvillier will look to be one of the main contributors to the Islanders' offense next season.Robert Thomas, Blues Icon Sportswire / Icon Sportswire / GettyThomas is entering his third year in the league and showed improvement during the last two campaigns with the St. Louis Blues. With Vladimir Tarasenko set to miss a good chunk of the season, Thomas' role on the team will be expanded this year. He's centered a line with Mike Hoffman and Jaden Schwartz during training camp.The 21-year-old racked up an impressive 10 goals and 32 assists last year in 66 games. The Blues selected him 20th overall in the 2017 draft, and he's displayed flashes of brilliance over the last two campaigns. He ranked fifth on the Blues last season with a 51.35 expected-goals-for percentage at five-on-five and led the team with 18 primary assists. With an expanded role this season and bona fide sniper Hoffman by his side, Thomas is in a perfect position to post the best numbers of his career.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The New York Islanders inked star forward Mathew Barzal to a three-year contract, reports The Athletic's Arthur Staple.Barzal will earn $4 million this season, $7 million in 2021-22, and $10 million the following campaign for an average annual value of $7 million, according to TSN's Darren Dreger.

It's Jan. 9 and the NHL is about to drop the puck on a new season.Feels weird, doesn't it? Yes, the 56-game 2021 regular season starts Wednesday. It will be played amid a global pandemic and within a temporary realignment that's pitting regional rivals against each other exclusively. This setup - for various reasons, including a playoff format change and unavoidable COVID-19 outbreaks - is completely unique.To help break down some of the major talking points associated with the start of this unpredictable season, theScore enlisted four hockey analysts:

Leading up to the start of the 2020-21 season, theScore is counting down the top 100 players in the game today, as voted on by our NHL editors. Injuries affecting players entering the season have been taken into consideration. We'll reveal 20 players every day until the top 20 is unveiled Jan. 12.100-81 | 80-61 | 60-41 | 40-21 | 20-1100. Sean Monahan, Flames Gerry Thomas / National Hockey League / GettyMonahan is coming off his worst season since his rookie year. He'll need a bounce-back campaign to crack next year's list.99. Jordan Binnington, BluesBinnington continues to prove he's among the league's top netminders. He finished top seven in Vezina Trophy voting for a second straight season in 2019-20 and is still only 27 years old.98. Nico Hischier, DevilsHischier hasn't blossomed into a superstar just yet, but 2017's No. 1 overall pick is steadily developing into a solid two-way center. A better New Jersey Devils supporting cast would likely help him climb this list.97. Ryan Suter, WildSuter may be turning 36 later in January, but the veteran proved last year that he can still play at an elite level. His 48-point total last season was the third-highest of his career, and he could have easily eclipsed his career-high of 51 if the campaign wasn't cut short.96. Jamie Benn, StarsBenn's game has noticeably declined over the last couple of seasons, and his production has diminished accordingly. The Dallas Stars captain still needs to be monitored by opposing defenses, but at 31 years old, he's far from the player he once was.95. Filip Forsberg, PredatorsIt's hard to believe that Forsberg's career-high in points is just 64 despite all of the skill he possesses. Perhaps his age-26 season will be the year he puts it all together.94. Aaron Ekblad, Panthers Icon Sportswire / Getty ImagesEkblad is still just 24 years old as he heads into his seventh NHL season. The 2014 first overall pick put up a career-best 41 points in 2019-20 and continues to improve in all areas.93. Brendan Gallagher, CanadiensGallagher is a player all 31 teams would love to have. He's a relentless forechecker, a pest to opponents, and is capable of putting up goals in bunches. One of the NHL's most underrated wingers.92. Ivan Provorov, FlyersWith the sudden retirement of Matt Niskanen, Provorov will have to do even more heavy lifting for the Philadelphia Flyers this season than he did in the last campaign. He led the team in 2019-20 with 24:51 minutes of ice time per game, 189:30 shorthanded minutes, and was second with 210:05 on the power play.91. Brent Burns, SharksIt's easy to forget Burns is 35 years old, but the versatile defenseman's strong play is a big reason that happens. The San Jose Sharks blue-liner showed last season that he still had something left in the tank, ranking among the league leaders at his position with 12 goals and 45 points in 70 games.90. Mark Giordano, FlamesGiordano continues to age like a fine wine. Though he didn't put up the points in 2019-20 like he did during his Norris Trophy-winning season the year prior, he remains one of the smartest two-way defenders in the league.89. Colton Parayko, BluesAt 6-foot-6, 230 pounds, Parayko is one of the league's most menacing blue-liners and has cemented his status as a valuable two-way defenseman who's capable of logging top-pairing minutes.88. Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, Oilers Andy Devlin / National Hockey League / GettyNugent-Hopkins is coming off the most productive season of his nine-year career and is a terrific complementary piece to the Edmonton Oilers' superstar-led attack.87. Drew Doughty, KingsIt feels like a lifetime ago that Doughty was a perennial Norris Trophy contender and among the best defensemen in the league. Despite some lackluster play the last few seasons with the Los Angeles Kings, the 31-year-old remains solid and will look for a big bounce-back season.86. Logan Couture, SharksCouture remains one of the league's more underrated players, and it didn't help his cause that his 2019-20 campaign was derailed by injuries. Playing for the Sharks also contributes to the skilled forward being overlooked. While he certainly isn't one of the NHL's biggest stars, he does deserve some recognition.85. J.T. Miller, CanucksIt's amazing that even a team as deep as the Lightning couldn't find a way to utilize Miller's strengths. The versatile forward became an integral part of the Vancouver Canucks during his first season in Vancouver, leading the team with 72 points (yes, more than Elias Pettersson) in 69 games.84. Dylan Larkin, Red Wings Gregory Shamus / Getty Images Sport / GettyLarkin has produced 0.82 points per game over the last three seasons while also picking up recognition for his defensive efforts. The Detroit Ded Wings are in good hands with the 24-year-old as one of their main pillars going forward.83. Rasmus Dahlin, SabresIt's hard to fathom Dahlin is only 20. The Buffalo Sabres' youngster plays with poise and instincts well beyond his years and appears to be on the cusp of becoming one of the league's most dynamic defenseman.82. Darcy Kuemper, CoyotesKuemper looked like a legitimate Vezina Trophy candidate last season before an injury derailed his season. He finished third in the league in save percentage (.928) and goals-against average (2.22) but was limited to just 29 games. If the 30-year-old can stay healthy, he can be one of the league's best.81. John Klingberg, StarsKlingberg was overshadowed by Stars phenom Miro Heiskanen throughout Dallas' run to the Stanley Cup Final last season. However, Klingberg is still a very solid blue-liner in his own right. He would've topped 40 points in an 82-game campaign based on his 2019-20 output, and he's only 28.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Western Hockey League committed to a 24-game regular season, the league announced Friday."The Western Hockey League is committed to providing a season for WHL players," commissioner Ron Robison said. "This commitment ensures WHL players will receive the opportunity to compete at the highest level in the system and continue to pursue their hockey goals in the world's finest development league for junior hockey players."A start date will be determined once final approval is received from health officials in all provinces and states with teams.The WHL has Canadian franchises in British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba, as well as American teams in Washington and Oregon.All three leagues in the CHL canceled their 2019-20 seasons in the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic in North America. The WHL initially targeted a Jan. 8 start for the 2021 campaign but health and travel restrictions across Western Canada and the Pacific Northwest continue to delay the process.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Edmonton Oilers captain Connor McDavid is excited to watch teammate Jesse Puljujarvi excel at training camp after the winger's roller-coaster NHL journey."He's a huge part of our team," McDavid told reporters Friday.He added: "I think if he can make strides like he looks like he has then that's big for our team ... I think (it's) just communicating with him, keeping his confidence up."The Oilers selected Puljujarvi fourth overall in 2016. He's struggled to carve out a permanent role with the club and spent last season playing overseas.The 22-year-old led Karpat of the Finnish League with 53 points through 56 games in 2019-20. Oilers head coach Dave Tippett expressed his confidence in Puljujarvi's growth, calling him "a different player" in the fall.McDavid believes the 6-foot-4 winger will thrive if he can maintain his positive demeanor on the ice."He's got the biggest smile and is such a happy guy playing hockey," he said. "He loves the game, loves to be out there so you've just got to keep that love for the game."I mean you could see he was probably losing it a little bit at the end of his time with us in his first stint, so it's great to see him come back and look so excited and so happy playing the game."Puljujarvi has amassed 17 goals and 20 assists over 137 career contests and should get an opportunity in the Oilers' top-six forward group to begin the season.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Colorado Avalanche and captain Gabriel Landeskog both hope to put pen to paper on a long-term extension once the NHL's economic landscape comes into clearer view."Gabe is looking forward to staying his whole career with the Avs," his agent told The Athletic's Pierre LeBrun. "(General manager) Joe Sakic's intention is the very same ... we are looking forward to signing long term when we all know where COVID-19 is taking us."Landeskog will be an unrestricted free agent for the first time following the 2021 season. He signed his current deal in 2013, which pays him $5.571 million per season.The Avalanche hold a projected $26 million in available cap space for next season but only have 12 players signed for 2021-22. Superstar blue-liner Cale Makar (RFA) and goaltender Philipp Grubauer (UFA) are other key pieces that will need new contracts after the campaign.Perennial MVP candidate Nathan MacKinnon is eligible for an extension after the 2021-22 campaign, too, so Sakic's navigation of the salary cap over the next few years will be key in keeping Colorado's Cup window open.The Avalanche drafted Landeskog second overall in 2011. He won the Calder Trophy as rookie of the year and has collected 460 points in 633 career games.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Six players and two staff members of the Dallas Stars recently tested positive for COVID-19, the club announced Friday. As a result of the positive tests, the league is in the process of reviewing and revising the team's schedule "with the expectation that the team will not open its 2020-21 season earlier than Tuesday, Jan. 19," a statement said.The Stars were scheduled to open the season with two games against the Florida Panthers on Jan. 14 and 15 and then two games against the Tampa Bay Lightning on Jan. 17 and 19. The plan is to reschedule all games affected by the delay, according to Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman.The Panthers confirmed the two games scheduled to be played at BB&T Center are being postponed."The safety of our fans, players, personnel, and the community are, and will remain, our top priority, and therefore we, along with the Dallas Stars organization, will continue to follow all recommended protocols and guidelines as we observe this postponement," the Panthers' statement read.Dallas canceled the team's practice on Friday morning. The Columbus Blue Jackets also held out a large number of players from practice Friday due to COVID-19 protocols.The Stars' training facilities have been closed and will remain shut for several days while more daily testing and contact tracing occurs. All players and staff who tested positive are self-isolating and following appropriate protocols.The NHL successfully held its playoffs last season in two secure bubbles in Edmonton and Toronto with 24 teams playing. There were no positive COVID-19 tests recorded throughout the two months of play. This season, the league realigned its divisions to minimize travel and implemented a number of rules to try to curb the spread of the coronavirus.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Get ready for your season with theScore's fantasy hockey draft kit.It's tough to win a fantasy hockey championship without a true superstar, but it's not impossible. Below, we identify five players to target this season who should be available later in the draft or if you get stuck with a late first-round pick.1. Andrei Svechnikov, LW/RW, Hurricanes Gregg Forwerck / National Hockey League / Getty2019-20 Stats: 68 GP, 24 G, 37A, 20 PPP

Manitoba gave the go-ahead for NHL games Friday, becoming the last of the five relevant Canadian provinces to do so in advance of the upcoming season.The Manitoba government extended its public health orders relating to COVID-19 for two weeks with minor adjustments, including exemptions for professional hockey."Current orders permit Winnipeg-based teams to train in Manitoba, and allow athletes and affiliated officials an exemption to the self-isolation rules," the province said in a statement."The updated orders will extend current exemptions to all professional hockey teams and to allow games as well as training. Clarifications have been made to ensure all elements of game play (administrative officials, broadcasters, scouts, etc.) are covered in the order. The teams will be required to follow strict protocols to ensure the safety of league members as well as limit the risk to the public."On Dec. 31 - the same day the Canadian government approved NHL training camps - Alberta became the first province to allow NHL games. British Columbia, Quebec, and Ontario followed suit over the last week.The seven Canadian NHL teams will comprise the realigned North Division this season in order to minimize cross-border travel.The regular season is scheduled to begin Jan. 13. The Winnipeg Jets' opener - a home date with the Calgary Flames - is slated for the next day.Winnipeg will begin the campaign without fans in attendance at MTS Place.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Corey Crawford has taken an indefinite leave of absence from the New Jersey Devils for personal reasons, the club announced Friday.The Devils signed the veteran goaltender to a two-year, $7.8-million contract in October.Crawford, who turned 36 on Dec. 31, played his first 13 NHL seasons with the Chicago Blackhawks. He helped Chicago win the Stanley Cup in 2013 and 2015.The Devils' other primary netminder, Mackenzie Blackwood, wished Crawford well Friday."I hope he's alright; I just hope that whatever he needs to do to feel good or be happy, he gets that," Blackwood said, according to Devils associate producer Amanda Stein. "We all support him."Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Expectations are a part of sports, and hockey is no exception. The most talented teams believe they can win the Stanley Cup, and anything less is a disappointment.Then there's the middle of the pack, comprised of teams fighting for a playoff spot and hoping for the best when they get there. For these clubs, their expectations are lower, but failure to meet them usually has consequences.No one takes the fall for their team's inability to meet those standards more than head coaches. Whether or not they deserve it, NHL bench bosses are often the first to go when their squads don't achieve what it'd hoped, regardless of how realistic the expectations were.Heading into the new season, several head coaches are under more pressure than others for one reason or another. Here's a handful who could find themselves out of work if their teams underachieve:Jared BednarThe Colorado Avalanche head coach wasn't entirely to blame for the way last season ended for his club. Colorado's Game 7 loss to the Dallas Stars in the second round was somewhat forgivable because injuries ravaged the Avalanche throughout the 2019-20 campaign.Bednar got a pass after losing starting goaltender Philipp Grubauer for the abbreviated regular season's final month and most of the aforementioned playoff series while also playing without two-thirds of the team's dominant top line for extended periods. In fact, he deserves praise for guiding the club to the NHL's third-best record amid all the injuries.However, expectations are even higher for Colorado this season. If the team stays healthy but fails to reach the final four, Bednar's future will undoubtedly come into question. The Avalanche are absolutely loaded with talent, and as such, they're a Stanley Cup favorite. It's reasonable to expect them to at least knock on the door of the championship round. Failing to do that could spell doom for Bednar.Paul Maurice Jonathan Kozub / Getty ImagesMaurice has enjoyed plenty of job security with the Winnipeg Jets over the years, and for good reason. He's one of the NHL's most widely respected head coaches, so it's not much of a surprise that only one bench boss (Tampa Bay Lightning's Jon Cooper) has held his current position longer.That being said, it won't be too shocking if Jets management feels a change is necessary if the club underachieves this season after getting bounced from the qualifying round in August. Winnipeg reached the conference finals in 2017-18, but besides that result, the Jets haven't made it past the first round since Maurice took the helm in 2014.Last season's postseason format was an aberration, but there'll be no excuses if a team featuring the Vezina Trophy winner and a dynamic group of forwards fails to go on a deep postseason run in 2021.Mike Sullivan Bill Wippert / National Hockey League / GettySullivan built up plenty of goodwill in the Pittsburgh Penguins organization and among its fans for guiding the squad to back-to-back titles in 2016 and 2017.However, things have gotten progressively worse for him and his team since then. The Penguins lost in the second round of the playoffs in 2018, got knocked out in the first round the following year, and then suffered a humiliating defeat at the hands of the underdog Montreal Canadiens in August's qualifying round.Pittsburgh's championship window is clearly closing. Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin are 33 and 34, respectively. While Sullivan's not the one building the roster (that's general manager Jim Rutherford, who made several questionable offseason moves), he'll be expected to guide the Penguins further than they've gone since their championship years.Sheldon Keefe Len Redkoles / National Hockey League / GettyKeefe has only been behind the Toronto Maple Leafs bench since November 2019, when team president Brendan Shanahan fired Mike Babcock and replaced him with the club's current head coach, who'd worked wonders alongside Leafs general manager Kyle Dubas in the OHL.It doesn't seem likely that Shanahan and Dubas would have a quick trigger finger with Keefe unless things significantly deteriorated in Toronto. However, it's also clear that expectations are high for the Leafs bench boss in 2021 after the Columbus Blue Jackets knocked Toronto out of the qualifying stage last season, thanks in part to a stunning Game 3 comeback.Dubas addressed several needs in the offseason, bringing in TJ Brodie to bolster the defense as well as Joe Thornton, Wayne Simmonds, and Jimmy Vesey up front. Given how last season ended and the fact the roster's been upgraded, it's on Keefe to get his players to perform. If they don't, the head coach's abilities will surely be scrutinized even more heavily than they were after last season's collapse.Geoff Ward Dave Sandford / National Hockey League / GettyMuch like Keefe, Ward hasn't been his team's head coach for long. The Calgary Flames promoted him to the top job on an interim basis following Bill Peters' departure last November before removing the interim tag in September. But the length of Ward's tenure may not matter if the Flames sputter out of the gate or fail to improve on last season's results, which ended with a first-round exit.On the one hand, the pressure cooker is hotter for the Canadian teams, and the competition between them will be as fierce as ever in the realigned North Division.On the other, the Flames are expected to take a step forward after landing goaltender Jacob Markstrom in free agency, and they still have a solid core in front of him. Whether or not it's justified, Ward could pay the price if Calgary doesn't progress given their upgrade in the crease and the skill the club already possesses.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.