The Carolina Hurricanes elevated Eric Tulsky and Darren Yorke to assistant general manager and hired Aaron Schwartz as director of hockey operations, the club announced Friday.Tulsky "will assist in all hockey-related matters, manage the team's pro scouting department, and oversee the team's hockey information department," according to the team.The analytics expert is approaching his seventh season with the Hurricanes. He previously occupied the role of vice president of hockey management and strategy, in which he produced and examined data to assist the hockey operations department and coaching staff.Tulsky, a Harvard graduate, is one of the most highly respected statistical specialists in the NHL. The accomplished academic, who also holds a Ph.D. from UC-Berkeley, began blogging about hockey in 2011. The Hurricanes hired him as a full-time analyst in August 2015 after adding him on a part-time basis for the 2014-15 season.Yorke is entering his 12th season with Carolina. He moves up from his previous role as director of player personnel. He'll oversee amateur scouting and player development while remaining responsible for the club's draft.Schwartz previously worked in the hockey operations departments of the Montreal Canadiens and Washington Capitals. He's also been an agent.Tulsky's hiring is yet another significant achievement for the NHL's analytics community. Though John Chayka left his post as Arizona Coyotes general manager this offseason, he became the league's youngest GM at age 26 in 2016. The Toronto Maple Leafs promoted then-32-year-old Kyle Dubas to GM in 2018.The New Jersey Devils brought in Tyler Dellow as vice-president of analytics in 2019.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Buffalo Sabres signed forward Riley Sheahan to a one-year pact worth the league-minimum $700,000, the club announced Friday.Sheahan is the first NHL player brought in on a professional tryout agreement this season to sign a contract, according to CapFriendly.The 29-year-old contributed eight goals and seven assists in 66 games with the Edmonton Oilers in 2019-20.

Anaheim Ducks head coach Dallas Eakins condemned the violent protests by supporters of President Donald Trump at the United States Capitol on Wednesday."When I was young, 18 or 19 years old, it was like this pause and you'd look up at these buildings and how long they had been there and what they meant to this country and what they have endured over the years and all the unbelievably important decisions that went on there," Eakins said Thursday, according to The Orange County Register's Elliott Teaford."And what happened yesterday is something we usually see on TV, and it's a reporter very far away in another country showing us what's going on in another country," he added. "And to me, the amount of sacrifice that all these people who have put their lives on the line, around the world, in the military to keep us safe, to keep us safe from something like that, it literally sickens me."Eakins was born in Florida and has coached in both the United States and Canada. He voiced his frustration with how divided the U.S. is and the violence that has arisen as a result."It makes me want to tear up. It makes me angry that we don't have the common sense to debate, talk, use your vote, anything peaceful to get change," he said. "You might see things one way. I might see things another. That doesn't mean we've got to stand there and punch the crap out of each other."The Ducks began their training camp last week, and Eakins said Wednesday's events were "a big topic" in the club's dressing room.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The NHL won't look to keep the North Division around beyond the 2021 season."No. Quite the opposite, actually," deputy commissioner Bill Daly said on Sportsnet's "Tim and Sid" on Thursday. "I think from a league perspective, there's a desire to resume our regular alignment as quickly as we possibly can."Daly added that the Canadian division should provide plenty of intrigue while it exists, though."I think there are a number of aspects about this season which are unique, which add interest, and are quite compelling," he said. "Certainly, the All-Canadian division aspect is one of those."Due to travel restrictions between Canada and the United States related to the COVID-19 pandemic, all seven teams north of the border are grouped together for the 56-game schedule.The three divisions in the U.S. were also realigned into the West, Central, and East.All teams in Canada except the Winnipeg Jets recently received permission from local health authorities to host games with no fans in attendance. Some franchises in the U.S. will allow spectators in a limited capacity.The NHL regular season begins on Jan. 13. The first night on the schedule features two North Division clashes, with the Toronto Maple Leafs hosting the Montreal Canadiens, and the Vancouver Canucks visiting the Edmonton Oilers.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Ontario Minister for Sport Lisa MacLeod announced Thursday that the Toronto Maple Leafs and Ottawa Senators will be allowed to host games in their home arenas this season."This approval was granted after close scrutiny of the rigorous health and safety protocols that will be adopted to keep players, staff, and our communities safe from the spread of COVID-19 while permitting Ontario's NHL teams to play the game we all love to watch," MacLeod said in a statement.The decision was made "in consultation with Ontario's Chief Medical Officer of Health and with support from local officers of health in Ottawa and Toronto," the statement said.British Columbia, Alberta, and Quebec have already given their teams permission to host games in their provinces. Manitoba has yet to give the Winnipeg Jets the green light.The regular season is set to begin Jan. 13 with all the Canadian teams realigned into the North Division. The country's teams will exclusively play one another throughout the season.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The New Jersey Devils signed defenseman Sami Vatanen to a one-year deal worth $2 million, the team announced Thursday.Vatanen was with the Devils for the past three years before being dealt to the Carolina Hurricanes at the trade deadline last season. The Devils acquired forward Janne Kuokkanen, defenseman Fredrik Claesson, and a third-round pick in the 2020 draft that was used to select Nico Daws.The 29-year-old previously appeared in 154 games with New Jersey, recording 12 goals and 56 assists. He posted five goals and 18 assists over 47 contests with the club last season, and the veteran registered three assists in seven postseason games with the Hurricanes.Vatanen has appeared in 434 career NHL games, amassing 45 goals and 149 assists. The Devils initially acquired him from the Anaheim Ducks in 2017, where he previously spent five seasons.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Boston Bruins named forward Patrice Bergeron the team's 20th captain in franchise history on Thursday.

The 2021 NHL regular season will not be a normal season. That's a fact.There will likely be COVID-19 outbreaks within teams, plenty of injuries due to the condensed schedule, and some wacky on-ice results. Plus, the divisions have been temporarily rejigged to minimize travel, leading to a 56-game campaign featuring nothing but divisional matchups. It's going to be a four-month roller coaster.Starting next week, all 31 teams will be staring down this daunting task. What could go wrong? As for the NHL's Canadian teams, here's one central question facing each of the seven members of the newly formed North Division.Will Toronto finally break through? Andre Ringuette/Freestyle Photo / Getty ImagesThe Maple Leafs are the most talented team in the North Division and should not only challenge for the one-off Canadian division title but also go on a deep playoff run. The key word is "should." Hemming and hawing over the state of the Leafs has become a preseason tradition. Prognosticators were high on Toronto in 2018-19 and 2019-20, too, and how did that go? Despite making the postseason in all four seasons of Auston Matthews' NHL career, the Leafs haven't advanced past the opening round. The roster projects favorably in 2021: star power and veteran depth up front, a quality top-four group on defense, and an above-average starting goaltender.The high-profile offseason additions of TJ Brodie, Joe Thornton, and Wayne Simmonds should help. So should a training camp free of contract disputes, the return of a healthy Morgan Rielly, and a probable bounce-back year from goalie Frederik Andersen. The Leafs should be successful and absolutely should break through in the 2021 playoffs. At the same time, they're beginning to lose the benefit of the doubt, and the spotlight is shining as bright as ever.Will Montreal's offseason work pay off? Dave Sandford / Getty ImagesMarc Bergevin was arguably the NHL offseason's busiest executive. The Canadiens general manager brought in two new faces for the top-six forward group (Tyler Toffoli and Josh Anderson), two for the bottom six (Michael Frolik and Corey Perry), and one for the blue line (Joel Edmundson), as well as goaltender Jake Allen, who will lend Carey Price a hand. Meanwhile, highly touted prospect Alexander Romanov is penciled in to make his North American debut on opening night. The GM did all of this while bidding farewell to only one notable player: forward Max Domi.On the surface, none of these acquisitions are seismic or risky (though the subsequent extension of Anderson's contract is certainly taking a chance), yet in sum, they suggest Bergevin truly believes in this iteration of the Habs. An impressive showing in the bubbled postseason, buoyed by breakout performances from young forwards Nick Suzuki and Jesperi Kotkaniemi, provided hope. Bergevin hasn't just pushed all of his chips to the middle of the table, he's thrown in his watch and car keys as well.Interestingly, Montreal owns a whopping 14 picks in the 2021 draft - including six selections in the first three rounds - so Bergevin has ample ammunition for potential in-season upgrades or redos if his initial moves don't pay off as expected.Will Vancouver actually take a step back? Bruce Bennett / Getty ImagesElias Pettersson and Quinn Hughes are franchise cornerstones. J.T. Miller, Bo Horvat, and Thatcher Demko are integral parts of the core too. Nate Schmidt and Braden Holtby were laudable offseason pick-ups. That said, how on Earth can we expect the Canucks to live up to the lofty expectations set by a pair of playoff series wins when star goalie Jacob Markstrom and top-six winger Tyler Toffoli are now playing elsewhere? The 2019-20 Canucks were a weak five-on-five team that often leaned on goaltending and special-teams play. In 2021, it could be much of the same.Demko, who is widely regarded as one of the best young goalies in the sport, was brilliant in the bubbled postseason, but there's no guarantee he and Holtby can replicate Markstrom's consistency. GM Jim Benning overplayed his hand by overpaying veterans in previous offseasons. Now Vancouver's rabid fan base is saddled with a season of uncertainty, and, potentially, disappointment.Will Edmonton's momentum go to waste? Andy Devlin / Getty ImagesKen Holland has done an admirable job filling roster holes since taking over as Oilers GM last spring. His recent transaction sheet includes bringing back former No. 4 pick Jesse Puljujarvi and signing Tyson Barrie, Kyle Turris, Dominik Kahun, and Slater Koekkoek to inexpensive contracts. At forward, Edmonton now boasts a decent supporting cast for superstars Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl.The optimism, however, has been dampened by the announcement that defenseman Oscar Klefbom will miss the season. While the blue line is coming along overall, losing Klefbom - who led all Oilers in ice time in 2019-20 - is a significant blow, especially since Mikko Koskinen and Mike Smith are far from a world-beating goaltending duo. The margin of error is thin in Edmonton and the Oilers were dealt a crappy hand with the Klefbom news. McDavid and Draisaitl might be tasked with dragging this team to the playoffs - again.Will Calgary's core finally hit its stride? Gerry Thomas / Getty ImagesThis era of Flames hockey - headlined by the long-term core of Johnny Gaudreau, Sean Monahan, Mikael Backlund, Mark Giordano, and, previously, TJ Brodie - appears to be headed for a breaking point. Too many early-playoff ousters are associated with this group and enough rumors have swirled over the past year to suggest monumental changes could be in the offing. That's clearly the pessimistic, beginning-of-the-end viewpoint.The rosier, start-of-something-special perspective focuses on the arrival of Jacob Markstrom, the first surefire No. 1 goalie to man the crease since franchise icon Miikka Kiprusoff. There's also X-factor Matthew Tkachuk, who should flourish in the rivalry-rich North Division, and the continued development of Rasmus Andersson, Dillon Dube, Andrew Mangiapane, three 20-somethings primed to level up in 2021. Can Chris Tanev replace the value lost with Brodie's departure? Can Milan Lucic contribute something tangible? No matter how you slice it, Calgary is a complete wild-card squad in 2021.Will Winnipeg's defense hold down the fort? Darcy Finley / Getty ImagesConnor Hellebuyck was terrific in 2019-20, deservedly earning his Vezina Trophy victory and a top-six finish in Hart Trophy voting. But it is unreasonable to expect the same kind of results from Hellebuyck in 2021. He'll surely be good, perhaps great. Otherworldly again? Doubtful. The Jets' blue line was a sore spot heading into the offseason after an ugly year, and not much has changed. Josh Morrissey, Dylan DeMelo, and Neal Pionk are solid, but there's no high-end talent or depth.Meanwhile, Jets forwards must find a way to generate more than three goals a game, a rate that placed them 17th among 31 teams last season. Mark Scheifele, Kyle Connor, Blake Wheeler, and Patrik Laine are a formidable foursome. If the blue line can't hold down the fort, the onus will be placed squarely on the big guns.Will Ottawa find a way to be competitive? Len Redkoles / Getty ImagesOttawa is the doormat of the North Division, and the gulf between the Senators and the other Canadian squads is quite large. Still, there is a very real scenario in which they can make life difficult for opponents over the course of the 56-game, all-Canadian grind. There will be a temptation to exhale when facing Ottawa because it's the closest thing on the schedule to an easy night, and this makes the Sens a dangerous draw. They'll have nothing to lose, and most of their lineup will be filled by two types of players: young kids trying to make a name for themselves and veterans playing for their next contract.The Sens have a long way to go in their quest to make the playoffs, yet with the likes of Matt Murray, Evgenii Dadonov, Derek Stepan, and Tim Stuetzle joining the fold, and Thomas Chabot and Brady Tkachuk settled in, they could be a tough out every night.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.

Some people were surprised to see Joe Thornton on a line with Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner when the Toronto Maple Leafs opened training camp, but head coach Sheldon Keefe has faith that the trio will work."One of the things that has really surprised me in this camp is watching Joe. We've done a ton of skating the first few days ... and Joe is in the middle of the pack. He's not at the bottom," Keefe told the Toronto Sun's Steve Simmons. "He's beating guys he’s 20 years older than. People that don't watch him that much know that he plays a slow game."He's not as slow (as) you'd think."The 41-year-old has played center for practically his entire 22-year NHL career, but he appears set to feature on the left wing of a line with Matthews and Marner to kick off the season.Thornton noted that he played left wing during his recent stint with HC Davos in Switzerland and recently said that being on a line with the dynamic forwards makes him "feel young again."Keefe isn't expecting the veteran to keep up with Matthews and Marner for an entire game or the whole season, but he plans to ensure the line stays fresh and Thornton doesn't burn out."He's going to do his thing below the hash marks, and I've been up-front with him. We're going to give him a chance to see if this can work, acknowledging the fact those guys will play significant minutes and he won't be able to play that many," Keefe said. "We're going to manage his offensive and defensive starts. You're still going to see Zach (Hyman) on that line. We're not just throwing Joe out there figuring he'll play 20-22 minutes. … This is what we want to give him a chance to do early on."One of the game's all-time greatest playmakers, Thornton registered seven goals and 24 assists in 70 games with the San Jose Sharks last season.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The following five players disappointed in 2019-20, but we're projecting them to bounce back in a big way this season.Johnny Gaudreau & Sean Monahan, Flames Rich Lam / Getty Images Sport / GettyThe Johnny and Mony Show followed up their 2018-19 career years with two of their worst seasons in 2019-20. There's no sugarcoating it: The Flames' dynamic duo was awful.There was some poor puck luck involved, though. Calgary's on-ice shooting percentage at five-on-five with Gaudreau and Monahan dropped from 11% in 2018-19 to 7.5% in 2019-20. In the three campaigns before their career-best seasons, their five-on-five on-ice shooting percentage was 9.6%. Expect it to return closer to that mark.However, there's a reasonable explanation for why their shooting percentage dropped: They didn't generate enough chances. Last season, the duo produced 9.8 high-danger scoring chances per 60 minutes, compared to 13 in 2018-19. That mark stood at 11.8 in the combined three seasons prior.Gaudreau and Monahan aren't as good as they were in 2018-19, but they're certainly not as bad as they were in 2019-20.Calgary's projected lineup changes provide reason for optimism. Elias Lindholm is moving to center, so his line and Mikael Backlund's trio will likely draw the tough assignments, allowing Gaudreau and Monahan to be put in more offensive situations and face easier matchups.Taylor Hall, Sabres Kevin Hoffman / Getty Images Sport / GettyHall didn't have a horrendous 2019-20, but his points per game fell from 1.22 in his Hart Trophy-winning campaign to 1.12 in 2018-19 and then to 0.80 last season. However, look for the 29-year-old to return to his MVP form.The speedy winger has never been an efficient shooter - he's more about volume - but his 6.9% conversion rate last season was the worst of his career and nearly 4% lower than his career average entering the campaign. Expect that mark to get back to at least 10%.A projected pairing with Jack Eichel is the biggest reason to believe in Hall. Eichel took a major step last season and should also benefit from having Hall on his line.Even if Sabres head coach Ralph Krueger decides it's best to split them up, Hall would still be paired with a proven finisher at center in Eric Staal - something he didn't have with the New Jersey Devils or Arizona Coyotes last season.When you consider Jeff Skinner, Sam Reinhart, and Victor Olofsson in addition to Eichel and Staal, this is the best top-six talent Hall has ever been surrounded by - yes, even better than the 2015-16 Edmonton Oilers with a rookie Connor McDavid and a sophomore Leon Draisaitl.As he looks to cash in next offseason after signing a one-year deal in Buffalo, don't be surprised if Hall goes off and puts himself back in the MVP conversation.Morgan Rielly, Maple Leafs Jonathan Kozub / National Hockey League / GettyRielly posted career highs in goals (20) and assists (52) while finishing fifth in Norris Trophy voting in 2018-19, but he predictably came down to earth a year ago with just 27 points in 47 games. His 9% shooting percentage in his career season was unsustainable.While Rielly may never play at a 20-goal pace again, he could easily return to being one of the league's top assist producers from the back end.He quarterbacked the Maple Leafs' top power-play unit during his career year, but Reilly subsequently lost those duties to Tyson Barrie, who then signed with the Edmonton Oilers during the offseason.The 26-year-old should also produce at a higher rate at five-on-five this season. He has never had a consistent, reliable defense partner during his seven years in Toronto, but that will change this season as he skates alongside the newly acquired TJ Brodie.Rielly also missed 23 games last season with a broken foot, and even when he was active, he admitted he was playing through an undisclosed injury. Now fully healthy, he should finish as one of the highest-scoring D-men in the league.Sergei Bobrovsky, Panthers Eliot J. Schechter / National Hockey League / GettyBobrovsky was the worst cop on the force last season, but look for him to get back on the case.The two-time Vezina Trophy winner endured the worst season of his career in his debut campaign with the Florida Panthers after signing a seven-year, $70-million contract in free agency. He posted a .900 save percentage, a 3.23 goals-against average, and minus-14.9 goals saved above average in 50 games.Bobrovsky got off to a horrible start, recording an .884 save percentage in his first 21 games. He wasn't lights-out down the stretch, but he settled in with a .909 save percentage in his final 29 games. A slow start also plagued Bobrovsky in his final year with the Blue Jackets, which is a cause for concern in a 56-game season.However, it's foolish to think Bobrovksy completely forgot how to play goal once he arrived in Florida. The Panthers weren't great in front of him, either - they surrendered the seventh-most five-on-five high-danger scoring chances and expected goals against per 60 minutes.With the departures of Mike Hoffman and Evgenii Dadonov in free agency, the Panthers will have to play a more defensive-minded game. New general manager Bill Zito, who previously worked in Columbus' front office, added Radko Gudas and Markus Nutivaara on the back end and the gritty Patric Hornqvist up front.Don't expect Bobrovsky to return to his Vezina form, but a save percentage between .910 and .920 seems reasonable.Honorable mentions: Rickard Rakell (Anaheim Ducks), Erik Karlsson (San Jose Sharks)(Analytics source: Natural Stat Trick)Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Tyson Barrie hopes a fresh start with the Edmonton Oilers this season gets him back on track.The veteran blue-liner inked a one-year, $3.75 million contract with Edmonton over the fall and wants to put a turbulent one-year stint with the Toronto Maple Leafs behind him."The year in Toronto may have changed things a bit, and then you throw a pandemic into the mix," Barrie told Sportsnet's Mark Spector. "It was just kind of a bizarre circumstance. I'd like to get back to the player I was when I left Colorado. It's tougher than you think, moving teams, having a new coach, and all that."I think I have the hang of it now. I've wrapped my head around it. It's not like I'm looking to prove people wrong, but just kind of re-establish myself."Barrie posted three 50-plus point seasons in eight years with the Colorado Avalanche and then was traded to Toronto last July in a blockbuster deal that included forward Nazem Kadri going to Denver.The Leafs and Barrie both limped out of the gates under head coach Mike Babcock, which affected the defenseman's mindset."I'd never been off to a start like that: no goals, seven assists in 25 games. Our team was floating around .500, and it just felt like a lot of pressure. You know, more pressure than I'd dealt with in Colorado," Barrie said.The 29-year-old's numbers improved when Toronto replaced Babcock with Sheldon Keefe. Barrie finished the year with 39 points in 70 games while averaging nearly 22 minutes per night.Barrie is expected to play a prominent role with the Oilers this season at five-on-five and on the power play before becoming an unrestricted free agent again.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.A condensed regular-season schedule that will see teams play 56 games in under four months promises to make this year's playoff sprint as intense as ever.Each game's magnitude is amplified as clubs are slated to only play within their divisions, and the new format couldn't be simpler, with four teams from each group making the postseason.Here are every team's odds of making the playoffs, followed by our favorite value bets.TEAMMAKEMISSTampa Bay Lightning-850+550Colorado Avalanche-800+500Toronto Maple Leafs-750+475Vegas Golden Knights-750+450Carolina Hurricanes-450+325Boston Bruins-400+300St. Louis Blues-320+250Philadelphia Flyers-260+210Dallas Stars-225+180Edmonton Oilers-200+165Montreal Canadiens-200+165Washington Capitals-190+160Calgary Flames-185+155Pittsburgh Penguins-180+150Nashville Predators-115-115Vancouver Canucks-115-115Minnesota Wild+100-120Columbus Blue Jackets+105-135Winnipeg Jets+110-140Florida Panthers+115-135New York Islanders+120-150New York Rangers+130-150San Jose Sharks+230-280Anaheim Ducks+270-340Arizona Coyotes+270-340Buffalo Sabres+300-400Los Angeles Kings+375-550New Jersey Devils+400-575Chicago Blackhawks+525-850Ottawa Senators+800-2000Detroit Red Wings+1200-4000(Odds source: theScore Bet)Minnesota Wild: Yes (+100)There might not be a preseason bet I like more than the Wild making the playoffs at even money. This is a solid hockey team facing minimal competition for fourth place in the West Division.Minnesota is loaded on the back end with one of the strongest top-six units in the league, playing in front of an underrated goaltending tandem with Alex Stalock and newly acquired Cam Talbot. The Wild aren't simply going to outscore teams, but they'll generate a lot more offense than in recent years. This young forward group is primed to take a step forward, led by budding superstar Kevin Fiala and exciting rookie Kirill Kaprizov.In a top-heavy West Division, the Wild shouldn't have much issue rounding out the playoff field behind the Avalanche, Golden Knights, and Blues. The Coyotes severely lack firepower. San Jose is spiraling toward a rebuild with a depleted bottom-six and miserable goaltending situation. The Ducks and Kings will safely assume the role of bottom-feeders. The path is clear as day for the Wild to return to the postseason in 2021.Washington Capitals: No (+160)The Capitals, who last missed the playoffs in the 2013-14 season and won the Cup in 2018, are still being viewed by the masses as this perennial championship contender. But cracks are forming under the surface, and the bottom will fall out on this team sooner than we may realize.Washington is one of the NHL's oldest teams, and that's not a recipe for success with rest days in short supply this year. Also, regression looms for a club whose underlying numbers weren't nearly as impressive as its record suggested last season. Depth isn't the Capitals' issue, but the declining production of their top stars upfront is a problem, creating warranted skepticism as to whether they can still perform at the elite level needed to succeed. Defensively, they are average at best, while 23-year-old Ilya Samsonov is no sure thing in goal.Washington has been placed in the ultra-competitive East Division under this new format. The Bruins, Penguins, and Flyers will claim three divisional playoff spots, leaving the Capitals to fight for the final slot. The Rangers, Devils, and Sabres are all young, hungry, and vastly improved, while the Islanders still aren't getting the respect they deserve. This line offers great value.Vancouver Canucks: No (-115)Coming off an exemplary playoff run with their young core, it's assumed the Canucks will continue their ascent in 2021. That's hardly a safe assumption. Vancouver's postseason success came on the back of good fortune more than anything, managing just a 40.8% expected-goals rate (xGF%). It was a common theme all season for the Canucks, who ended the regular season bottom 10 in Corsi percentage and bottom five in xGF%, allowing the third-most expected goals per 60 minutes.The team was bailed out consistently by the heroics of the now-departed Jacob Markstrom and still barely reached the postseason. It leaves a massive void in Vancouver's net that isn't going to be filled by Thatcher Demko and Braden Holtby. Demko turned heads in the playoffs, but his abbreviated run was a flash in the pan. He posted a pedestrian .905 save percentage in the regular season, and the Canucks played .500 hockey with him between the pipes. Holtby, meanwhile, was legitimately bad last season and his best days are clearly behind him.In addition to the downgrade in net and looming regression, the Canucks possess a very weak supporting cast for their elite young core. Vancouver's bottom-six is among the league's worst, and its third pairing is barely replacement level following a disappointing offseason. In a year where depth will prove vital, the Canucks' lack thereof will see them take a step back in a very competitive North Division.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, is too impatient for futures, 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.

As sports fans, we obsess over the numbers five and 10, and their multiples: five-year dynasty, 10-year anniversary, 25-year era, 50-year title drought.A notable recent anniversary came and went quietly: Oct. 8 marked five years since Connor McDavid played his first NHL game. The occasion got lost in the shuffle during the busiest week of a weird offseason.McDavid has either met or exceeded expectations - depending on who you ask - as he approaches his sixth NHL season, which begins on his 24th birthday next Wednesday. And while the Edmonton Oilers have competed in just 17 playoff contests over McDavid's tenure, that's a reflection of the organization's overall performance, not the play of its high-flying superstar. Brian Babineau / Getty ImagesOn a purely individual level, how does McDavid stack up against some of the NHL's all-time greats? Is he on a Sidney Crosby-esque trajectory following five seasons? How far off is he from benchmarks set by Wayne Gretzky?Using the Hockey Reference database and borrowing ESPN football writer Bill Barnwell's "blind items" format, we're going to break it all down by comparing McDavid's statistical profile with those of Crosby, Gretzky, and other luminaries over the first five seasons of their NHL careers.Feel free to play along by guessing which stat line represents McDavid in the four groupings below.––––––––––Blind item No. 1Player A: 371 games played, 506 points, 1.36 points per game

The hockey world knew that Tuukka Rask's decision to leave the NHL's playoff bubble was due to a family emergency, but the Boston Bruins goaltender hadn't spoken about it until now.“Everything happened so quickly,” Rask said Wednesday, according to Boston.com's Conor Roche. “... I got a phone call the night before (Game 3 against the Hurricanes) that our daughter wasn’t doing so well. They had to call an ambulance. At that point, my mind is spinning. I’m like ‘I need to get out of here.’ So then, the next morning I informed (Bruins president) Cam (Neely) and we had a brief talk and I just left.”Rask said leaving his team during the playoffs and then watching from home was hard, but the veteran knew he made the right decision.“It was a tough decision to leave, but then again, it wasn’t,” Rask said. “I knew it was more important for me to be home at the time. So, that was easy to live with."On the other hand, you’re home, knowing you could be there, you should be there playing hockey. So, it’s tough to watch the games. Your brain is kind of spinning at that point, knowing you’re at the right place at home but then again you should be there stopping pucks. So, it was tough for a few weeks.”The Bruins lost in the second round with Jaroslav Halak between the pipes against the eventual Stanley Cup champion Tampa Bay Lightning.Rask finished second in Vezina Trophy voting last season after posting a .929 save percentage and a league-best 2.12 goals-against average over 41 games.The 33-year-old will resume his role as Boston's starting netminder this year. Rask is entering the final season of his contract, but he's confident about reaching an extension with the team.“I have no intention of playing anywhere else but the Bruins,” Rask said.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The race for the Art Ross is a compelling storyline each NHL season. Under this year's unique circumstances - particularly a shorter campaign and realigned divisions - the pursuit for the scoring title should be as intriguing as ever.Health will be the most important factor for this season's scoring champion, so let's hope and assume a full season is in the cards for those who made this list.5. Auston Matthews, Maple Leafs Mark Blinch / National Hockey League / Getty2019-20 stats: 70 GP, 47 G, 33 A, 25 PPPAfter establishing career highs in goals, points, and points per game last season, Matthews is poised for another massive season as the centerpiece of the Maple Leafs' high-octane attack.Matthews ranked ninth in scoring in 2019-20 and was one goal away from earning a three-way tie for the Rocket Richard Trophy. After Toronto fired head coach Mike Babcock and replaced him with Sheldon Keefe, Matthews averaged almost two extra minutes of ice time at all strengths. If that lasts for the entire 2021 season, the young sniper should easily be among the league's most prolific producers.Another factor benefiting Matthews' Art Ross chances is the Leafs' position in the North Division. Toronto is arguably the most talented team in Canada, and Matthews has put up some incredible numbers over his four-year career versus his closest rivals, including 22 points in 15 games against the Ottawa Senators and 17 points in 14 games against the Montreal Canadiens.4. Jack Eichel, Sabres Icon Sportswire / Icon Sportswire / Getty2019-20 stats: 68 GP, 36 G, 42 A, 27 PPPThis could finally be the year the stars align for Eichel. That's not to suggest the Sabres captain hasn't produced in his career, but Eichel played at an MVP level last season, and some key roster reinforcements could help the 24-year-old fully breakout.Eichel can now lineup alongside a fellow star in Taylor Hall, Buffalo's shocking offseason acquisition. If they're both healthy, that duo has the potential to be scary good at five-on-five and on the power play, where they'll likely be joined by Sam Reinhart, Victor Olofsson, and Rasmus Dahlin. There are plenty of points to be had with that unit on the ice.Bringing in Eric Staal to play behind Eichel should free up some ice. Staal isn't the player he once was, but the Sabres' second line is much stronger with him in the fold. Opponents now have more to think about when they take on Buffalo instead of zoning in on Eichel for 25 minutes per night.3. Leon Draisaitl, Oilers Andy Devlin / National Hockey League / Getty2019-20 stats: 71 GP, 43 G, 67 A, 44 PPPDraisaitl was on a 127-point pace before the season shut down. He ended the campaign by winning the Art Ross and Hart trophies, led all skaters in points, points per game, and power-play points, and was the NHL's most utilized forward. That's quite an act to follow. It wouldn't be surprising to see him lead the league in scoring again, but it's only natural he regresses a touch.The Oilers found a ton of success when they separated Draisaitl and Connor McDavid at five-on-five late in 2019, and Draisaitl's stats surprisingly improved. The German sniper collected plenty of points sharing a power play with McDavid after the split, but Draisaitl shot 21.7% at all strengths over that span, and that number just isn't sustainable.Draisaitl stands to be among the league leaders in points again this year, but he probably won't be as dominant. He posted an incredible 1.55 points per game last season, but no player has put up a rate over 1.5 in back-to-back seasons since Jaromir Jagr at the turn of the century.2. Connor McDavid, Oilers Lars Baron / National Hockey League / Getty2019-20 stats: 64 GP, 34 G, 63 A, 43 PPPIt's hard to bet against McDavid in a scoring race, particularly if he's healthy all season. Edmonton's captain hasn't claimed the Art Ross in two seasons after winning the trophy in 2017 and 2018, earning runner-ups for the award in his most recent campaigns despite posting 1.49 and 1.52 points per game rates.McDavid's ridiculous talent and production levels could have us eating our words for ranking him No. 2 on our list. He could be extra motivated to dominate in 2021 after the heavily-favored Oilers were embarrassingly ousted during the play-in round this past summer.Despite all he's capable of, we still think McDavid will finish behind our next candidate.1. Nathan MacKinnon, Avalanche Icon Sportswire / Icon Sportswire / Getty2019-20 stats: 69 GP, 35 G, 58 A, 31 PPPYou can debate MacKinnon versus McDavid all day long, but the Avalanche forward is in a better position to succeed this season. This juggernaut Colorado team was placed in the realigned West Division for 2021, meaning MacKinnon will have seven games apiece against the Anaheim Ducks, Los Angeles Kings, San Jose Sharks, Arizona Coyotes, and Minnesota Wild. Simply put, he should feast.MacKinnon established himself as one of the league's most dominant players years ago, and he's coming off his most impressive showing yet. The 25-year-old was on pace for 109 points when the regular season halted, then added 25 points in 15 playoff games.He's capable of dominating for a full season, and we think this is the year MacKinnon claims a scoring crown and perhaps even more hardware.Honorable mentions

Get ready for your season with theScore's fantasy hockey draft kit.The following players likely won't be fantasy relevant during the 2020-21 season, but they could become incredibly valuable in keeper leagues down the road.Most of these phenoms will need to be designated as not active (NA), so be sure to check your league's settings before drafting any of them.Marco Rossi, C, Wild Codie McLachlan / Getty Images Sport / GettyIt seems unlikely that Rossi, the ninth overall pick during the 2020 draft, makes the Wild this season. However, he's worth stashing with your NA spot.When he does eventually debut in the NHL, there's a coveted first-line center job waiting for him. The Wild's system sorely lacks high-impact pivots, and Rossi could immediately be fantasy relevant while playing between the likes of Kevin Fiala and Kirill Kaprizov in a year or two.Rasmus Sandin, D, Maple Leafs Kevin Sousa / National Hockey League / GettyAfter playing 28 NHL games last year, it may come as a surprise that Sandin will be hard-pressed to crack Toronto's lineup this season, but that's the truth. There are at least seven Maple Leafs defensemen ahead of the young Swede on the depth chart, so it'll likely take some injuries (or COVID-19 cases) for him to get into the lineup.However, the Maple Leafs could easily lose Travis Dermott or Justin Holl in the expansion draft next year, and Mikko Lehtonen and Zach Bogosian might depart as unrestricted free agents. That would likely open the door for Sandin, who would be valuable in fantasy as part of Toronto's high-flying offense. Sandin produced an impressive 15 points in 21 AHL games as a 19-year-old last season.Jamie Drysdale, D, Ducks Codie McLachlan / Getty Images Sport / GettyDefensemen tend to take longer to develop, so it may be a couple more years until Drysdale is a full-time NHLer. However, he could quickly become a fantasy producer upon his arrival.Unlike Drysdale's world-juniors defense partner Bowen Byram (who was also considered for this list, but will probably make the NHL this year), the Ducks prospect has an opportunity to be his team's power-play quarterback of the future. Kevin Shattenkirk will likely fill that void for now, but the job should be Drysdale's once he emerges. That gives him a higher fantasy upside than Byram, who's behind Cale Makar in Colorado.Jake Oettinger, G, Stars Dave Sandford / National Hockey League / GettyBen Bishop is likely out until March, so Oettinger is projected to begin the season as Anton Khudobin's backup and thus won't be eligible to be designated as NA. But he should start regularly, and Dallas' defensive system is fantasy-friendly for goaltenders. The 22-year-old was a first-round pick in 2017, and he posted strong AHL numbers last season, recording a 2.57 goals-against average and a .917 save percentage in 38 games.Oettinger is undoubtedly Dallas' goalie of the future. But even though Bishop and Khudobin are both 34 years old, they're signed for three more seasons each. Unless one of them is traded or selected in the expansion draft, it may take some time before Oettinger ascends the depth chart. Patience could pay off, though.Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen, G, Sabres Kevin Light / Getty Images Sport / GettyLuukkonen lost some of his prospect shine after a rough AHL rookie season last year when he posted an .874 save percentage and a 3.15 goals-against average over 10 games. However, that happened coming off hip surgery. The 2017 second-rounder performed better overseas in Finland this season, registering a 2.64 goals-against average and a .906 save percentage in 12 contests.The 6-foot-4 Finn is intriguing for fantasy purposes because of his relatively easy road to the NHL. Linus Ullmark and Carter Hutton are both on one-year deals with Buffalo, and the latter is unlikely to return next season. Ullmark has looked promising at times, but he's by no means locked in as the team's No. 1 goalie moving forward. If Luukkonen bounces back with a productive campaign in the AHL, he could contend for an NHL job as early as next season.Josh Wegman has been theScore's resident fantasy hockey expert since 2015. Find him on Twitter @JoshWegman_.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Nashville Predators signed forward Luke Kunin to a two-year contract with an average annual value of $2.3 million, the team announced Wednesday.The Predators acquired the 23-year-old restricted free agent in October in a draft-day trade, sending picks and forward Nick Bonino to the Minnesota Wild.Kunin recorded 15 goals while adding 16 assists over 63 games with the Wild last season. He's appeared in 131 games since Minnesota selected him 15th overall in the 2016 draft, notching 23 goals and 29 assists.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Columbus Blue Jackets signed forward Oliver Bjorkstrand to a five-year contract extension that carries an average annual value of $5.4 million, the team announced Wednesday.With one season remaining on his current contract, the 25-year-old is now signed through the 2025-26 season."Oliver is a gifted player that has shown steady improvement throughout career to this point and we couldn't be happier that he will be a Blue Jacket for a very long time," general manager Jarmo Kekalainen said." "He is a dangerous offensive player, and we believe he will be an even more impactful player for us as he continues to develop and mature in this league."Bjorkstrand led the Blue Jackets with 21 goals last season despite missing 21 games due to injury and added 15 assists. Since being selected in the third round by the Blue Jackets in 2013, he's appeared in 246 games and has totaled 65 goals and 68 assists.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Team USA defeated Canada 2-0 to capture its fifth gold medal at the World Junior Championship and first since 2017.Alex Turcotte opened the scoring for the Americans in the first period, and Trevor Zegras doubled the lead just 32 seconds into the second frame.Zegras, who also picked up an assist on Turcotte's tally, tied the American all-time scoring record at the world juniors with his 27th point collected over the last two tourneys. The Anaheim Ducks prospect was named tournament MVP.Spencer Knight turned aside all 34 shots he faced for his third shutout of the event. The 19-year-old authored a .939 save percentage and 1.63 goals-against average through six outings.Canada outscored its opponents 41-4 entering the contest and hadn't trailed in the tournament before the Americans took the lead.The U.S. has now defeated Canada in four consecutive gold-medal meetings (2004, 2010, 2017).Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The NHL's landscape looks slightly different this season as clubs have been temporarily realigned into new divisions to restrict travel amid the pandemic.With so much parity in today's game, the balance of talent remains rather consistent across the four groups, but some will inevitably be tougher than others.After evaluating each division's talent pool, we've ranked them from weakest to strongest.4. West Andy Devlin / National Hockey League / Getty2019-20 StandingsRecordWin% (league rank)Goal Differential1. St. Louis Blues42-19-10.662 (2nd)+322. Colorado Avalanche42-20-8.657 (3rd)+463. Vegas Golden Knights39-24-8.606 (8th)+164. Minnesota Wild35-27-7.558 (21st)05. Arizona Coyotes33-29-8.529 (22nd)+86. Anaheim Ducks29-33-9.472 (27th)-397. Los Angeles Kings29-35-6.457 (28th)-348. San Jose Sharks29-36-5.450 (29th)-44The West may be headlined by a trio of elite Stanley Cup contenders, but there's a pretty steep drop off after that.The Avalanche, Blues, and Golden Knights will likely jockey for the top three seeds while the other five teams - who each finished among the bottom 11 clubs in the NHL last season - will look to seize a playoff opportunity that may not have existed without the realignment.Hockey has seen brighter days in California. The 2019-20 campaign marked just the second time - and first since 1995-96 - that the Ducks, Kings, and Sharks all missed the postseason. Neither of the three will be much of a threat this year, either, and the increased number of late-season matchups between the clubs will make the draft lottery picture all the more interesting.The Wild enter the campaign with one of the league's slimmest depth charts at center ice, and the Coyotes fell backward into the playoffs last season even with Taylor Hall on the roster. When it comes to competitive balance, it doesn't get any more lopsided than the West.3. Central Gregg Forwerck / National Hockey League / Getty2019-20 StandingsRecordWin% (league rank)Goal Differential1. Tampa Bay Lightning43-21-6.657 (4th)+502. Carolina Hurricanes38-25-5.596 (8th)+293. Dallas Stars37-24-8.594 (10th)+34. Columbus Blue Jackets33-22-15.579 (14th)-75. Florida Panthers35-26-8.565 (T15th)+36. Nashville Predators35-26-8.565 (T15th)-27. Chicago Blackhawks32-30-8.514 (23rd)-68. Detroit Red Wings17-49-5.275 (31st)-122The Central is led by last year's Stanley Cup finalists in the Lightning and Stars, with the budding Hurricanes hoping its young talented cast can take another leap this season. Six of the eight clubs finished in the top half of the league in 2019-20, and five of them advanced to the Round of 16 in the playoffs.The Blue Jackets, Panthers, and Predators are clubs with relatively high floors but questionable ceilings. Nashville has a ton of talent and vastly outplayed Arizona in its best-of-five series last summer despite losing in four games. It'll be interesting to see how the club responds with a fresh start. Florida and Columbus made some key lineup changes over the offseason and will be competitive on most nights.Detroit will continue its rebuild and are likely to finish at the bottom again. Other than that, however, the division is pretty open. If the Blackhawks were entering the season healthy, we could've seen any four of the top seven clubs clinching a playoff berth.North Codie McLachlan / Getty Images Sport / Getty2019-20 StandingsRecordWin% (league rank)Goal Differential1. Edmonton Oilers37-25-9.585 (12th)+82. Toronto Maple Leafs36-25-9.579 (13th)+113. Vancouver Canucks36-27-6.565 (17th)+114. Calgary Flames36-27-7.564 (19th)-55. Winnipeg Jets37-28-6.563 (20th)+136. Montreal Canadiens31-31-9.500 (24th)-97. Ottawa Senators25-34-12.437 (30th)-52The Canadian division will be an absolute treat for fans across the country, and every game will be worth tuning into. Outside of the rebuilding Senators, who will be much harder to play against this season, the division is completely up for grabs.The other six clubs have high expectations for the season ahead. Though neither team is a heavy Stanley Cup favorite, all can author deep postseason runs and perhaps even capture a championship. The Maple Leafs and Canadiens are improved on paper. The Flames and Jets have a ton of potential. The Canucks and Oilers look to continue to build off of promising 2019-20 campaigns.There's no shortage of star power in the division. The group includes some of the best under-25 talents in the league, including Connor McDavid, Auston Matthews, Mitch Marner, Patrik Laine, Kyle Connor, Elias Pettersson, Quinn Hughes, Nick Suzuki, Thomas Chabot, and the Tkachuk brothers, to name a few.The North is full of parity and the most difficult to call. However, the fact it's the only realigned group with seven teams slightly increases each club's odds of a playoff berth, so it can't claim the top spot.East Len Redkoles / National Hockey League / Getty2019-20 StandingsRecordWin% (league rank)Goal Differential1. Boston Bruins44-14-12.714 (1st)+532. Washington Capitals41-20-8.652 (5th)+253. Philadelphia Flyers41-21-7.645 (6th)+364. Pittsburgh Penguins40-23-6.623 (7th)+285. New York Islanders35-23-10.588 (11th)-16. New York Rangers37-28-5.564 (18th)+127. Buffalo Sabres30-31-8.493 (T25th)-228. New Jersey Devils28-29-12.493 (T25th)-41The East is absolutely stacked. It's home to five of the NHL's top 11 teams from a season ago, and one of those clubs is guaranteed to miss the next playoffs.The Bruins may take a slight step back after losing Torey Krug and Zdeno Chara this summer, but their championship window isn't shut just yet. The Capitals, Penguins, and Islanders have established themselves as perennial contenders. The Flyers finally appear to have found their identity with netminder Carter Hart providing the long-missing ingredient between the pipes.Both the Sabres and Rangers added franchise-altering pieces in Hall and Alexis Lafreniere, respectively, and each team must be taken seriously. The clubs have two of the most dangerous top-six forward units in the league, and although depth and defense remain a question mark, Buffalo and New York are capable of knocking off any opponent on any given night.New Jersey appears to be at least another year away from being back in the playoff picture, but the team made noteworthy improvements toward the end of 2019-20 and won't roll over for any opponent this season.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

When considering which NHL teams to watch, several factors come into play.While better teams are always easier on the eyes, it should be noted that watchability isn't purely about the top clubs. Instead, this is all about how entertaining they'll be.The two teams atop this list have been among the league's most electrifying for some time, but there are other squads - including a pair of New York-based franchises - that are now appointment viewing after years of mediocrity.Here's how we rank the 31 NHL teams purely in terms of watchability:1. Colorado AvalancheThere are just so many reasons to grab your popcorn and tune in to an Avalanche game. Nathan MacKinnon is one of the NHL's best and most exciting players, and his line with Gabriel Landeskog and Mikko Rantanen remains one of the league's most explosive units. Cale Makar is a burgeoning star on the back end who's already worth the price of admission.The supporting cast of Nazem Kadri and Andre Burakovsky is a lot of fun, too. Colorado's roster oozes talent - even moreso after adding Brandon Saad and Devon Toews. There's little doubt this is the NHL's most watchable team.2. Tampa Bay LightningHeading into the 2020-21 season, the Lightning were all but locked in at No. 1 on this list, but losing arguably their most dynamic player makes them slightly less appealing. That being said, the defending Stanley Cup champions are still primed to be one of the league's absolute best and most entertaining squads.It will be interesting to see how they fare without Nikita Kucherov for the regular season and with Steven Stamkos coming off an injury that derailed his 2019-20 campaign. Those subplots and Tampa Bay's deep collection of skill ensure the team will again be one of the NHL's most intriguing.3. Vegas Golden KnightsThe Golden Knights have been enjoyable to follow since they entered the league, but this edition of the club promises to be the most riveting. Alex Pietrangelo joins a deep group that already includes Max Pacioretty, Mark Stone, and Shea Theodore, making Vegas more enticing than ever. The goalie drama is just the icing on the cake.4. Edmonton Oilers Icon Sportswire / Icon Sportswire / GettyEven if the Oilers only boasted Connor McDavid they'd rank highly on this list. But Leon Draisaitl has proven he's much more than just McDavid's sidekick, following up his stellar 2018-19 by winning the Hart and Art Ross last season. Edmonton doesn't have a ton of depth, but its two-headed monster frequently provides ample incentive to watch the team.5. Winnipeg JetsThere's a lot to like about the Jets, from electric scorers Patrik Laine and Kyle Connor to well-rounded playmakers Blake Wheeler and Mark Scheifele. Not to mention Nikolaj Ehlers. Winnipeg's back end should be more stable this season than it was in 2019-20, and Vezina Trophy winner Connor Hellebuyck can absolutely dazzle in the crease.6. Toronto Maple LeafsThe Maple Leafs' core of Auston Matthews, John Tavares, Mitch Marner, Morgan Rielly, and William Nylander was already must-watch hockey. This season, Toronto should be even more captivating with Joe Thornton and Wayne Simmonds in the mix. It'll also be worth tuning in to see whether the club can exorcise its playoff demons.7. Washington CapitalsThere's long been one big reason to watch Capitals games, as Alex Ovechkin is always worth your eyes for two-and-a-half hours; Evgeni Kuznetsov, John Carlson, and Nicklas Backstrom provide entertainment of their own. However, it remains to be seen how exciting they'll be under new head coach Peter Laviolette.8. New York Rangers Bruce Bennett / Getty Images Sport / GettyThe Rangers were a blast last season, with Artemi Panarin, Mika Zibanejad, Chris Kreider, and Co. providing frequent highlights and playing aesthetically pleasing hockey. With top prospect Alexis Lafreniere coming aboard and Igor Shesterkin regularly manning the crease, this team on the rise will be a show worthy of Broadway.9. Vancouver CanucksThe Canucks lost a bunch of key players in free agency and are putting a lot of faith in Thatcher Demko and Braden Holtby. However, Vancouver's core led by Elias Pettersson and Quinn Hughes has cemented the club as one of the NHL's most watchable squads, and that should remain the case despite downgrades elsewhere on the roster.10. Buffalo SabresTaylor Hall and Jack Eichel? Enough said. That combination alone instantly makes the Sabres must-watch material, and many will be checking out their games out of curiosity. Buffalo also has Rasmus Dahlin and the Eric Staal-Jeff Skinner reunion going for it. It's hard to believe, but this is suddenly one of the NHL's most compelling clubs.11. Calgary FlamesThe Flames boast one of the most talented top-six forward groups in the NHL. Though they've underachieved as a team of late, their games always provide a reason to watch, from Johnny Gaudreau's skill to Matthew Tkachuk's tenacity. Calgary's goaltending upgrade of Jacob Markstrom should mean more team victories, and winners are always more appealing.12. Philadelphia Flyers Chase Agnello-Dean / National Hockey League / GettyThe Flyers should be competitive this season after proving to be one of the NHL's best clubs in 2019-20. Carter Hart is one of the league's most promising goalies, and Sean Couturier is rock-solid at both ends. Don't overlook the Flyers due to the lack of superstars. They've got depth and are a sneaky fun watch.13. Boston BruinsThe Bruins' vaunted top line is still a big draw, but after losing Torey Krug and Zdeno Chara in free agency, the club doesn't project to be as thrilling as it was in past seasons. Boston should still be fairly competitive, but this squad won't have the same sizzle, especially with David Pastrnak banged up to begin the campaign.14. Pittsburgh PenguinsMuch like the Bruins, the Penguins still possess some otherworldly talent, but questionable offseason moves have left them with a depleted supporting cast. Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin can still turn heads, but Pittsburgh doesn't have the allure it once had.15. Carolina HurricanesThe Hurricanes may not be the best team in the NHL, but they should once again be a whole lot of fun. Sebastian Aho is a star, Andrei Svechnikov can seemingly pull off "The Michigan" at will, and the "Bunch of Jerks" boast a deep defensive group led by Dougie Hamilton.16. Dallas Stars Len Redkoles / National Hockey League / GettySometimes a great team isn't necessarily the most exciting one - the Stars are a prime example of that. Dallas' defense, stellar goaltending, and surprising contributions from key veterans helped the team advance to the Stanley Cup Final last season. They enter 2020-21 with Tyler Seguin and Ben Bishop out long term, so that won't help them in terms of watchability.17. St. Louis BluesThe Blues are still a good team - they have much of the same core that won the Stanley Cup in 2019. But, going from Vladimir Tarasenko to Mike Hoffman and from Pietrangelo to Torey Krug makes them less exciting. It may hurt the club in the win column, too.18. Montreal CanadiensThe Canadiens made some big splashes this offseason and are primed to take a step forward with some new faces in 2020-21. Tyler Toffoli, Josh Anderson, and promising import Alexander Romanov could turn an already interesting Montreal squad led by Carey Price into one that warrants regular viewing.19. Chicago BlackhawksPatrick Kane and Jonathan Toews entertained fans for years, but Toews is now out indefinitely, and the Blackhawks are in a rebuilding phase after a tumultuous offseason. As captivating as Kane is, Chicago won't be nearly as watchable this season, and the club's likely struggles will make it tough to follow the star sniper.20. Florida Panthers Icon Sportswire / Icon Sportswire / GettyThe Panthers ranked sixth in the NHL in goals per game last season, but that was with Hoffman and Evgenii Dadonov in the fold. Both players departed in free agency, and while Aleksander Barkov and Jonathan Huberdeau move the needle to a degree, it's simply not enough.21. New York IslandersThe Islanders almost pride themselves on being a dull, yet competitive team. New York does have one standout sparkplug with unsigned dynamo Mathew Barzal (who has yet to report to camp), but the club lost a slew of players in the offseason and ranked in the bottom third of the league offensively in 2019-20.22. Ottawa SenatorsThe Senators project to be far more watchable than their record may indicate. A young group led by Brady Tkachuk and Thomas Chabot will be bolstered by uber-prospect Tim Stuetzle, who'll still be glowing after a stellar World Junior Championship.23. Minnesota WildThe Wild are the epitome of mediocre and have been for a long time. However, they will have one tantalizing new reason to watch their games because of highly touted newcomer Kirill Kaprizov.24. Columbus Blue Jackets Elsa / Getty Images Sport / GettyThe Blue Jackets have their moments (just ask the Maple Leafs) and their share of skilled players, including goaltending phenom Elvis Merzlikins. However, John Tortorella's style of play doesn't lend itself to entertainment, and trading the underrated Pierre-Luc Dubois would only exacerbate that.25. Nashville PredatorsRemember when the Predators were truly relevant? Those days are behind them, and though they possess more than a few talented players, their style of play and subpar performance in 2019-20 suggest more of the same is in store this season.26. New Jersey DevilsIt's going to be another long season for the Devils, whose division got even tougher in the NHL's 2020-21 realignment. Jack Hughes, Nico Hischier, and P.K. Subban provide reason for optimism, but few fans will be itching to watch this team.27. San Jose SharksEvander Kane is popcorn-worthy, but can Erik Karlsson stay healthy? It wasn't long ago the Sharks were a perennial contender that couldn't be ignored, but San Jose is far from competitive now and likely won't be for a while.28. Arizona Coyotes Jeff Vinnick / Getty Images Sport / GettyThe Coyotes had a dreadful offseason for several reasons, but the biggest regret will be Hall's departure. Arizona wasn't very intriguing before losing its marquee player, and the team just won't be watchable without him. That is, unless they're rocking those sweet Kachina jerseys.29. Detroit Red WingsThe NHL's worst team in 2019-20 will probably be a difficult watch this season, but new arrivals Bobby Ryan, Vladislav Namestnikov, and Marc Staal - along with a healthy Anthony Mantha - will keep them from being the least interesting squad.30. Los Angeles KingsQuinton Byfield can't get to L.A. soon enough. It's unclear whether he'll begin the season in the NHL, and he may need a bit of seasoning before he's ready to dominate at the highest level. In the meantime, the Kings won't have much to write home about.31. Anaheim DucksThe Ducks were the the league's fifth-worst team last season, and there's little reason to believe they'll be an easier watch in 2020-21. Tuning in to see John Gibson get bombarded every game is hardly incentive to make time for Anaheim, despite the goaltender's best efforts.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

For North American hockey fans, it doesn't get much better than Canada vs. USA for world juniors gold.The rival countries will face off in the title match for the first time since 2017, when the U.S defeated Canada in a thrilling shootout victory. Canada will play in its 18th gold-medal game since 1996, and the team is seeking back-to-back tournament wins.Let's look at which squad holds the edge entering the decisive game Tuesday night at 9:30 p.m. ET.Forwards Codie McLachlan / Getty Images Sport / GettyThis is easily the most difficult choice. Canada is averaging 6.83 goals per game to the USA's 5.67. However, the Americans possess the edge in the shot department, averaging 39.5 per contest to Canada's 36.5.A clear-cut offensive catalyst leads each nation. Canada’s Dylan Cozens and the USA’s Trevor Zegras are tied for the tournament lead in scoring with 16 points - six more than third-place Tim Stuetzle of Germany. Zegras is the more skilled and dynamic player, while Cozens is nicknamed "The Workhorse from Whitehorse" for a reason: he's relentless.There’s a strong argument that the USA’s top-six forwards are more dangerous. Beyond Zegras (the No. 9 pick in 2019), fellow 2019 first-round selections Alex Turcotte (No. 5), Matthew Boldy (No. 12), and Cole Caufield (No. 15) round out the group, along with Matthew Beniers and sniper Arthur Kaliyev, whose shot is NHL ready.There may not be as much firepower for Canada up front, but the team's depth is astounding. Every Canadian forward was a first-round pick, compared to five for the Americans. That allows head coach Andre Tourigny to roll four lines and keep everybody fresh. Canada's bottom-six should be able to expose the USA's third and fourth lines.This is nearly a toss-up, but it's hard to argue against Canada's collection of first-round picks.Edge: CanadaDefense Codie McLachlan / Getty Images Sport / GettyCanada has allowed just four goals in six games so far during the tournament, largely due to the team's defensive group.With Bowen Byram and Jamie Drysdale leading the way, Canada's collection of blue-liners runs deep. The team also features Kaiden Guhle, Braden Schneider, Thomas Harley, Justin Barron, and Kaedan Korczak. Canada has been suffocating opponents in the defensive zone, making high-danger scoring chances rare.Meanwhile, team captain Cam York and recent fifth overall pick Jake Sanderson lead the United States' top-heavy defensive corps that doesn't match Canada's depth.The Americans have shown two sides to their game this tournament, producing three straight shutouts to close out the preliminary round, and a 5-3 loss to Russia in the country's opener along with a tight semifinal victory over Finland.While the USA is often sound defensively, the team is also prone to costly lapses. With nearly zero defensive blemishes for the Canadians so far in the tournament, blue-line depth is ultimately what separates them from the U.S.Edge: CanadaGoaltending Codie McLachlan / Getty Images Sport / GettyIt's rare that two goaltenders from the same NHL organization face off in such a high-stakes game. The Florida Panthers selected the USA's Spencer Knight with the 13th overall pick in the 2019 NHL Draft, and then spent a seventh-round selection in 2020 on Canada's Devon Levi.Levi wasn't on Canada's radar until months before the tournament, when he was surprisingly invited to the team's camp and made the roster. The netminder was given the start for Canada's opener, and he's been spectacular, stopping 57 of 57 shots so far in the playoff round and posting a perfect 6-0 record. His three tournament shutouts tie him with Justin Pogge for the Canadian tournament record. Levi is clearly in the zone with a sparkling .975 save percentage and 0.53 goals-against average, and he'll look to close out the tournament on a high note.Meanwhile, Knight hasn't been as sharp for the Americans as some may have hoped, despite the better track record and experience entering this year's tournament. The 19-year-old is one of eight returnees for the Americans after a disappointing early exit last year. He's been relatively solid, stopping 33 of 36 shots against Finland to secure a finals berth while logging a .921 save percentage and 1.98 goals-against average overall.Knight rebounded nicely following a poor showing in the team's opener vs. Russia. He undeniably possesses the skill set to steal a game for the Americans, but Levi has simply outdueled Knight so far in the tournament.Edge: CanadaSpecial teams Codie McLachlan / Getty Images Sport / GettyThe Americans own the tournament's best power play (42.9%) and the third-ranked penalty kill (76.9%). Canada ranks second with the man advantage (33.3%) and fourth when shorthanded (76.5%).The penalty kills are so close it's a wash, but the USA's power-play advantage is substantial. The unit of York, Zegras, Caufield, Kaliyev, and Boldy is downright lethal. The five highly skilled players complement each other very well. They also have undeniable chemistry that Canada's power play can't match.York, Zegras, Caufield, and Boldy were all teammates on the U.S. National Team Development Program in 2018-19 with the U18 team, and in 2017-18 on the U17 squad.For the Americans to win this game, their power play will need to play a huge part. The key for Canada will be staying out of the box.Edge: USACopyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Seattle Kraken hired Jason Botterill to be an assistant general manager to GM Ron Francis and Norm Maciver as director of player personnel, the organization announced Tuesday.Botterill was the general manager of the Buffalo Sabres for the past three years before being fired in June. The team didn't make the postseason during his tenure. However, Botterill was previously an extremely successful assistant GM for 10 years with the Pittsburgh Penguins, helping to oversee three Stanley Cups."Jason brings a great deal of experience and has worked with some of the best in the business," Francis said. Botterill previously worked alongside the likes of Jim Rutherford, Cliff Fletcher, and Ray Shero.Botterill will work alongside Rick Olczyk, who was already hired as an assistant general manager, as the organization prepares for the expansion draft on July 21."Everyone in hockey is extremely excited about what's happening in Seattle, and I am thrilled for this unique opportunity," Botterill said. "I'm looking forward to working with the diverse and talented group that Ron has assembled."Maciver spent the last 14 seasons working with the Chicago Blackhawks, during which the club also won three Stanley Cups. He played in 500 NHL games as a defenseman and was a teammate of Francis' for three seasons."Norm ... brings a lot of experience and knowledge," Francis said. "I know him from our playing days and am pleased to reunite with him. He will do a fantastic job as we build out our team."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.Goaltending is often the most difficult position to fill in fantasy. Netminders tend to fluctuate in performance from year-to-year for a variety of reasons, and it's tough to know when to reach for one or when to wait and see what's available later in the draft.The following puck-stoppers could help you solve that issue. Here are five goalies who may not stand out as top picks but could become studs in the crease this season.Igor Shesterkin, G, Rangers Andre Ringuette/Freestyle Photo / Getty Images Sport / GettyThe hockey world got a small glimpse of Shesterkin's capabilities when his NHL debut catalyzed a late-season Rangers' run, helping the club secure a playoff berth. Shesterkin posted a 10-2-0 record with a .932 save percentage throughout his rookie campaign in New York after dominating in Russia for several seasons.Alexandar Georgiev has shown flashes of promising play, but Shesterkin will have a chance to prove he's the team's No. 1 goaltender right off the bat. If the Russian netminder continues to excel and the Rangers can take another step forward this season, there's no second-guessing Shesterkin's status as a stud between the pipes.Ilya Sorokin, G, Islanders NHL Images / National Hockey League / GettyNew York could become home to not one, but two future Russian stars in goal. Unlike Shesterkin, we haven't seen Sorokin play in North America. However, the 25-year-old's potential is sky-high when considering his all-world numbers overseas and how he'll be sliding into the Islanders' smothering defensive system.Sorokin, a five-time KHL All-Star, was named KHL goaltender of the year in 2016 and captured the Gagarin Cup along with Playoff MVP honors in 2019. The puck-stopper will likely split time this season with Semyon Varlamov - which could slightly reduce his fantasy value - but if we're talking stud potential, Sorokin has it all.Thatcher Demko, G, Canucks Dave Sandford / National Hockey League / GettyDemko turned heads during his incredible playoff run with the Vancouver Canucks last season, and he'll likely get the chance to secure the No. 1 role in 2020-21. The 25-year-old posted an absurd .985 save percentage and allowed just two goals across four appearances in the bubble against the Vegas Golden Knights. Demko proved his ceiling is elite, and he'll be looking to recapture his playoff form in a contract year.There's one risk when it comes to Demko: He's not the clear-cut No. 1 just yet. The Canucks inked goalie Braden Holtby to a two-year, $8.6M deal, a number suggesting Vancouver didn't sign the veteran to sit on the bench. That said, each netminder's numbers have trended in opposite directions, with Demko on the rise and Holtby suited for more of a backup role at this stage in his career.Linus Ullmark, G, Sabres Glenn James / National Hockey League / GettyDo you believe in the Buffalo Sabres? If the answer is yes, Ullmark could be your guy. The Swedish goaltender posted a commendable .915 save percentage and a 5.39 goals saved above average for a club that finished 25th in 2019-20. With a much-improved roster this year, Ullmark will play behind the best Sabres team he's been a part of - and his individual numbers should benefit.The 27-year-old is also an unrestricted free agent after this season, which should provide him with extra motivation. After Carter Hutton's disastrous campaign in goal last season, the starting job will be Ullmark's to lose. If Buffalo can finally turn the corner, it's hard to see Ullmark not being a strong starting fantasy puck-stopper.Ilya Samsonov, G, Capitals Scott Taetsch / Getty Images Sport / GettySamsonov enjoyed a solid rookie campaign for the Capitals in 2019-20, but since he's now the club's clear No. 1 option, the Russian will have a chance to author a tremendous sophomore season that could make a major impact on your fantasy team.The 23-year-old only appeared in 26 games last year - authoring a 2.55 goals-against average and .913 save percentage - but he'll see a dramatic uptick in usage during the upcoming campaign. Samsonov will suit up for one of the league's elite franchises, which also increases his value. Washington seems poised for another winning season, and Samsonov should reap all the statistical benefits that typically accompany prolonged success.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Colin Wilson has retired from the NHL following 11 seasons, the NHLPA announced Tuesday.The forward played nine games for the Colorado Avalanche during the 2019-20 campaign. He said last year that his career was likely over after the veteran didn't heal properly from a double hip surgery and struggled to walk, resulting in another procedure.Wilson also opened up in The Players' Tribune last year about his ongoing battle with OCD since his rookie season in 2010.The Nashville Predators selected the now 31-year-old seventh overall in 2008. He spent eight years in Nashville before signing with the Avalanche in 2017. Wilson amassed 113 goals and 173 assists in 632 career games.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The NHL has decided to attach sponsors to each realigned division for the 2020-21 season, the league announced Tuesday.

Former Edmonton Oilers coach and longtime executive John Muckler has died at 86 years old, the team announced.Muckler played a pivotal role in the organization's dynasty throughout the 1980s. He was an associate coach on the Oilers' staff for their Stanley Cup championships in 1984 and 1985 before his promotion to assistant head coach. He won two more rings in 1987 and 1988 in that role before winning a fifth as head coach in 1990."He was tough, strict, but most importantly fair, and he helped lay the groundwork to make our team more accountable to each other which propelled us to become champions," Wayne Gretzky said in the release. "A wonderful family man and great friend, he personally took my career to another level, and I will always cherish the hours we talked, from breaking down defenses to raising a family. Rest in peace, John, you will be missed."Muckler also held coaching or managerial positions with the Minnesota North Stars, Buffalo Sabres, Vancouver Canucks, New York Rangers, Ottawa Senators, and then-Phoenix Coyotes.He was a finalist for the Jack Adams Award in 1994 with Buffalo, and helped build a Senators team that reached the Stanley Cup Final in 2007.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Quebec's public health department will allow the Montreal Canadiens to play home games at the Bell Centre this season, a spokesperson confirmed to The Canadian Press."The five provinces concerned and the Public Health Agency of Canada have made recommendations to the NHL teams for the resumption of their activities and the conduct of the 2021 season," said the spokesperson for Quebec's Health and Social Services Ministry. "We have accepted their revised protocol. We are in agreement with the start of training camp on Sunday and the return to play in mid-January, if all goes well."British Columbia and Alberta have also green-lit home games for NHL teams in those provinces. Manitoba and Ontario haven't given official responses, leaving the Winnipeg Jets, Ottawa Senators, and Toronto Maple Leafs in limbo.Training camps for all 31 teams are now open, and the regular season is scheduled to start on Jan. 13.Montreal opens its 2021 campaign with a six-game road trip through Toronto, Edmonton, and Vancouver. The Habs won't play at home until Jan. 28.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Patrik Laine declined Monday to directly address his representatives' reported offseason suggestion that a trade might be best for his client and the Winnipeg Jets.When asked about the subject, the Finnish forward focused on the present while talking to the assembled media for the first time since the 2019-20 campaign concluded.

Find line reports, best bets, and subscribe to push notifications in the Betting News section.The Hart Trophy market has been incredibly rewarding for bettors during the last six seasons, with Sidney Crosby (3-1) being the last to win league MVP at shorter than 10-1 odds back in the 2013-14 season.Can Connor McDavid or Nathan MacKinnon buck that trend this season, or will another generously priced star rise to the occasion?PLAYERODDSConnor McDavid+460Nathan MacKinnon+600Artemi Panarin+1000Leon Draisaitl+1200Auston Matthews+1500Brayden Point+1500Jack Eichel+1500Elias Pettersson+1600Alexander Ovechkin+1700Mitch Marner+1700Brad Marchand+1800Sebastian Aho (CAR)+2300Evgeni Malkin+2500Sidney Crosby+2500Patrick Kane+2700David Pastrnak+2800Connor Hellebuyck+2900Taylor Hall+2900Jonathan Huberdeau+3100Mikko Rantanen+3200Patrice Bergeron+3200Aleksander Barkov+3500Steven Stamkos+3500Matthew Barzal+3600Cale Makar+4200Mark Scheifele+4200Mark Stone+4200Mika Zibanejad+4200Nico Hischier+4200Quinn Hughes+4200John Tavares+4500Blake Wheeler+4800Carey Price+4800Carter Hart+4800John Carlson+4800Johnny Gaudreau+4800Ryan O'Reilly+4800Sean Couturier+4800Listing players 50-1 or shorter.Nathan MacKinnon (+600)Twice a runner-up in Hart voting (2018 and 2020), MacKinnon is primed for a monster season. His 93 points last year were 43 more than the second-most on the Colorado Avalanche, making him the clear catalyst on an NHL powerhouse.To secure the hardware, he'll have to ensure Colorado lives up lofty expectations, meaning a dominant regular season, a West Division title, and perhaps a Presidents' Trophy. It's all very attainable for what is a truly stacked roster with MacKinnon leading the way.The 25-year-old brings a fiery intensity to his game and could go scorched earth this year to avenge last season's early playoff exit.Jack Eichel (+1500)For a lot of players on this oddsboard, the path to capturing the award is a bit murky. For many, a career year simply won't be enough. But for Eichel, it's relatively straightforward, and that makes him a nice value at this price.If Eichel can produce at a slightly higher clip than last season and lead the Buffalo Sabres to their first playoff berth since 2010-11, he's going to be at the forefront of the MVP conversation.He's finally got a running mate on the top line in former Hart Trophy winner Taylor Hall, so it's well within reason to expect a jump in production from Eichel after he put up 78 points in 68 games last season - a 94-point pace over 82 contests. He turned Jeff Skinner into a 40-goal scorer in 2018-19, so imagine what he can do with Hall.The roadblock here is the Sabres will play in a very tough East Division - in which there are no weak links - and lack the depth and goaltending to compete with many of the top teams. However, if the Sabres make the playoffs this year, it's going to be on Eichel's back.Andrei Svechnikov (+9000)While there's a ton of talent atop the oddsboard, it's hardly far-fetched for an off-the-radar player to swoop in and win the award. Leon Draisaitl (2020), Hall (2018), and Patrick Kane (2016) were all significant longshots to win the Hart Trophy when they claimed the honor.Svechnikov took a big step forward from his rookie to sophomore season, jumping from 0.24 goals per game and 0.45 points per game to 0.35 and 0.90, respectively. Entering his third NHL campaign, Svechnikov could break out in a big way as a cornerstone of one of the league's most potent lines on a Carolina Hurricanes team poised to make the jump from playoff hopefuls to Cup contenders.At five-on-five, the Hurricanes had a Corsi for percentage of 56.9 (ninth-best) and expected goals for per 60 minutes of 3.1 (fifth-best) when Svechnikov was on the ice last season. He's a dynamic offensive player primed for another statistical leap in his third season, as he now possesses the confidence to match his ability.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, is too impatient for futures, 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.

Pittsburgh Penguins forward Kasperi Kapanen is not with the team for training camp as he continues to deal with immigration issues, head coach Mike Sullivan confirmed Monday to NHL.com's Wes Crosby.Sullivan added that he doesn't know how long it will take for Kapanen's issues to be resolved.The 24-year-old Finn was acquired in an offseason trade with the Toronto Maple Leafs for a package that included a 2020 first-round pick (Rodion Amirov) and prospect Filip Hallander.Kapanen recorded 13 goals and 23 assists in 69 games with the Maple Leafs last season. He was projected to start the upcoming campaign on Pittsburgh's top line with Sidney Crosby and Jake Guentzel.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Starting training camp on the Toronto Maple Leafs' top line with Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner is making 41-year-old Joe Thornton feel like he's been dipped into the fountain of youth."To start with them is pretty special," he said, according to the Toronto Sun's Lance Hornby. "I feel young again."Thornton has played center almost exclusively throughout his 22-year NHL career, but he's fine with moving to left wing."I played like a rover in San Jose," the veteran continued, according to the Toronto Sun's Terry Koshan. "I feel comfortable there."Thornton also added that he played left wing in Switzerland with HC Davos, according to NHL.com's Mike Zeisberger.Thornton is among the game's best all-time playmakers, so pairing him with one of the league's top snipers in Matthews could pay dividends. However, there are questions regarding whether Thornton can keep up with Toronto's young guns.The future Hall of Famer tallied seven goals and 24 assists in 70 games with the San Jose Sharks last season.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.Drafting goaltenders in fantasy hockey is always tricky. There's often at least a team or two reaching for a top option like Andrei Vasilevskiy in one of the opening rounds and there's normally a fantasy GM who completely ignores the decision until the end of the draft. Now that there are suddenly a number of impressive goaltending tandems in the NHL, there's also plenty of netminders to choose from when entering your fantasy draft. Let's take a look at four goalies you should avoid welcoming to your squad.Jordan Binnington, Blues Jeff Vinnick / Getty Images Sport / GettyThe Blues are one of the league's few teams that don't have a bonafide backup goaltender, making Binnington an attractive option to some. He's currently being drafted as the seventh goalie off the board in Yahoo fantasy leagues and has an ADP of 44.1. It's entirely possible Binnington could end the season as one of fantasy's better goalies, but the risk isn't worth the reward based on how high he's being picked.His .912 save percentage last season ranked 23rd among goaltenders. His even-strength save percentage (.921) placed him 16th, and his goals saved above average (3.35) ranked 22nd. It's not all lackluster when it comes to Binnington's metrics as he finished first among all goalies in high-danger save percentage at all strengths (.867). Still, the 27-year-old seems to be living off the high of his miraculous 2019 Stanley Cup run. After a disappointing sophomore season, taking Binnington with one of your first few picks in a draft and passing on other star players or goalies could be costly.Matt Murray, Senators Andre Ringuette/Freestyle Photo / Getty Images Sport / GettyMany are excited about the Senators' rebuild, but the club's probably a few years away from being competitive. There's no question Murray is an upgrade to the team's crease, but the Senators should still have trouble keeping opponents at bay this season - especially in a relatively stacked North Division. Last year, the Senators allowed the third-most shots against per game in the league (33.6) and the sixth-most total scoring chances against (1,616).Murray hasn't been consistent since his heroic playoff performances in 2016 and 2017, posting a career-low .899 save percentage last season. He's shown flashes of his potential as a viable starting goalie, but playing behind the rebuilding Senators won't be an easy task for Murray early on. This makes him a risky option as wins could be hard to come by, and his peripheral stats may also suffer as Ottawa tries to find its footing.Braden Holtby, Canucks Elsa / Getty Images Sport / GettyThe Canucks made a relatively low-risk move by bringing in Holtby on a two-year deal to play alongside Thatcher Demko. The 31-year-old is currently being taken as the 17th goalie off the board on Yahoo, which could be a good spot for the former Vezina Trophy winner. However, the split between him and Demko remains unknown. After Demko's epic but brief performance in the playoffs last year, there's a chance he gets a healthy workload this season as Vancouver grooms him to be the franchise's starter of the future.Holtby is coming off a career-worst season, where he saw youngster Ilya Samsonov snatch the starting role from him. Holtby finished 49th among goalies with a .905 save percentage at 5-on-5 and had the fifth-worst high-danger save percentage (.786). It might have been a blemish in what has otherwise been a solid career, but with an unknown workload and no guarantee of a rebound season, there are usually better options to grab at that point of the draft.Carey Price, Canadiens Elsa / Getty Images Sport / GettyThere's no doubt about it - Price is still one of the best goalies in the league in real life and fantasy. He's been an absolute workhorse for the Canadiens and has generally posted relatively good stats in recent years. Over the past three seasons, he's played the fourth-most minutes among all goalies but ranked 40th among them in save percentage (.910). The 33-year-old looked like his old MVP self during the 2019-20 playoffs and should be rested and ready to go this season.This all sounds rather appealing, so why is Price being included here? There's only one issue - the Canadiens finally have a legitimate backup goaltender with Jake Allen. Price has been worked into the ground over the last few years, primarily due to the team's lack of having someone to fill in when he needed time off. Montreal should give the 33-year-old a good amount of rest this season to ensure he stays in top form, making it hard to digest spending a draft pick in one of the opening rounds on him. The stats should be good when he takes the crease, but the volume will likely be an issue for what would potentially be your team's No. 1 goalie.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

General manager Jim Rutherford believes he can keep the Pittsburgh Penguins' Stanley Cup window open in the latter stages of the Sidney Crosby era by making a splash in free agency.The Pens only project to hold $5.4 million in cap space next offseason, according to CapFriendly. However, they could have nearly $35 million in flexibility after the 2022 campaign when Evgeni Malkin, Kris Letang, Bryan Rust, and others come off the books. That might be when Rutherford plans to strike."The key to this as we go forward a couple of years down the road will be plugging in an impact player into the lineup. Maybe a couple of impact players. Not just a good player, but an impact guy," Rutherford told The Athletic's Josh Yohe. "It's hard to get the truly impactful guys, players like Crosby, Malkin, and Letang. But the time will come when we'll have to add one of those types of players."It's something we'll probably have to do through free agency. We'll have to find the right year to do it, but the time will come when we'll need to find a truly impactful player who is probably in his mid-20s. As the years go on and some of the veterans eventually move out of our lineup, we'll have to get two, three guys in their mid-20s. Impactful players. We can do it."It's typically difficult to add high-impact players in their mid-20s through unrestricted free agency. Most players are in their late-20s or early-30s when they hit the open market. Nevertheless, the 2022 UFA class includes a long list of players who should still be in their primes. Here are the most noteworthy:PlayerPosition2022 AgeAleksander BarkovC26Mika ZibanejadC29Sean CouturierC29Filip ForsbergLW27Johnny GaudreauLW28Seth JonesD27Ryan PulockD27Morgan RiellyD28John KlingbergD29*Age as of July 1, 2022Of course, many of these players could re-sign with their current clubs before reaching free agency. However, the idea that a superstar free agent would be intrigued by possibly playing with Crosby and Malkin in the duo's final years isn't lost on Rutherford."Nope," the Hall of Fame executive said with a laugh.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Pierre-Luc Dubois declined to confirm his apparent desire to be traded when asked about it Sunday, but the Columbus Blue Jackets forward said he hopes the situation doesn't linger in the dressing room."I'm going to be the best player I can be, the best teammate I can be, (and) the best person I can be," Dubois told reporters. "I don't want it to be a distraction, so I think that's the only way."I think if I go out there and I work hard in practices, have a good attitude, work hard in games, (and) play well, I think it's not a distraction. It's if I don't do those things that it could become (one), but I know the attitude I'm going to have. I know that I'm going to work hard, and I know I'm going to have a good attitude and be a good teammate. So I hope it's not a distraction."The 22-year-old, who was a restricted free agent, signed a two-year, $10-million extension with Columbus on Thursday. Soon afterward, it was reported his camp preferred a short-term deal to give general manager Jarmo Kekalainen time to trade him and that the relationship between Dubois and the team soured during the recently concluded talks.Dubois didn't directly respond when asked to elaborate on the report, instead repeatedly stating the negotiations "will remain private."Meanwhile, Blue Jackets head coach John Tortorella revealed Sunday that he hasn't spoken to Dubois, but they plan to deal with the situation as a team."I think it's important that it belongs in the room where everybody's involved with it and understanding what's going on," Tortorella said. " ... Not only this situation but others as the year goes on, we talk about it as men, and we talk about it in a group setting."Tortorella added that he's focusing on the players who are committed to remaining with the club."I'm not disappointed. I am going to ... put time into the people that want to be here. This isn't new for us .... We're not going to overthink this. We're going to have a conversation, everybody's going to understand where everybody stands ... and then we're going to get about our business and get ready to play."The Blue Jackets have previously been in similar situations, as both Artemi Panarin and Sergei Bobrovsky indicated they weren't interested in re-signing before leaving for other clubs in free agency in 2019. However, those two stars were pending UFAs.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

New York Islanders unsigned restricted free agent Mathew Barzal was not present on the first day of training camp, head coach Barry Trotz told The Athletic's Arthur Staple.The Isles currently have just $3.9 million in projected cap space, according to CapFriendly, but the club can create an additional $6 million in flexibility once Johnny Boychuk is placed on long-term injured reserve. The veteran blue-liner recently ended his playing career due to an eye injury.Trotz is preparing to begin the season without his No. 1 center."You have to make sure you're adaptable," he said. "We're going to worry about who we can put on the ice."Trotz did say Barzal is currently on Long Island. If the two sides can come to an agreement, he should be able to join the team almost immediately.Islanders captain Anders Lee is confident Barzal will sign soon, according to NHL.com's Brian Compton.Barzal is the heartbeat of the Islanders' attack. New York finished with the league's 23rd-ranked offense last season, but Barzal racked up a team-leading 60 points in 68 games.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Chicago Blackhawks re-signed restricted free-agent center Dylan Strome to a two-year contract with an average annual value of $3 million, the team announced Sunday.Strome is expected to serve as the Blackhawks' top center to begin the season, with Kirby Dach expected to miss the entire campaign with a fractured wrist and Jonathan Toews out indefinitely with an illness."We believe Dylan is ready to take the next step in his career and build off the strides he has made in his first two years in Chicago," said Blackhawks president of hockey operations and general manager Stan Bowman. "He has great offensive instincts and brings creativity and skill to our team. We are thrilled he is now signed and able to join us tomorrow for the start of training camp."The 23-year-old's career has taken off ever since the Arizona Coyotes traded him to Chicago in November 2018, along with Brendan Perlini, in exchange for Nick Schmaltz. Strome has tallied 29 goals and 60 assists in 116 career games with the Blackhawks.Strome was selected third overall by the Coyotes at the 2015 draft.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

British Columbia joined Alberta as the lone Canadian provinces to approve NHL games for the upcoming season.B.C. Premier John Horgan made the announcement Sunday.

Get ready for your season with theScore's fantasy hockey draft kit.With some veteran talents getting an extended offseason and the upcoming campaign shortened to 56 games, age may not play as much of a factor next season.Here are five older players who may be past their prime but can still provide value for your fantasy team this year.Joe Thornton, C, Maple Leafs Icon Sportswire / Icon Sportswire / GettySwitzerland isn't the NHL by any means, but Jumbo Joe's ability to lace up his skates after a 10-month hiatus and tally 11 points in 12 games for HC Davos can't be disregarded. The extended time off has afforded the 41-year-old some extra rest, which could help Thornton raise his ceiling this season.The future Hall of Famer can still produce, contributing 0.56 points per game over his last two NHL campaigns. In Toronto, he'll be surrounded by one of the most talented group of forwards he's ever played with. The Leafs will likely find a spot for Thornton on the power play, too, giving him more opportunities to find the scoresheet.Ryan Suter, D, Wild Bruce Kluckhohn / National Hockey League / GettySuter is still one of the league's premier minute munchers. His ability to rack up stats while eating so much ice time makes him a worthwhile fantasy blue-liner, especially in deeper leagues.The 35-year-old has reached the 40-point mark in six of his last seven seasons and was on pace for a career-best 57 points over 82 games in 2019-20. Suter should benefit from continuing to see top-unit power-play time with the Wild as well. He also provides value in other categories, as the veteran rearguard was on track to record over 100 blocked shots for the seventh straight campaign in 2019-20.Ryan Getzlaf, C, Ducks Icon Sportswire / Icon Sportswire / GettyLike Thornton, Getzlaf should benefit from the extra downtime between seasons after spending parts of the last decade making deep playoff pushes with the Ducks. The 35-year-old may have taken a step back in recent campaigns, but he still has plenty to offer.Getzlaf tallied 42 points in 68 games last season and should produce around 0.60 points per game once again while logging top-line minutes. The 6-foot-4 pivot contributes to non-scoring categories, too. He's racked up 143 blocked shots - ranking fifth among all forwards - and 275 hits over his previous two seasons.Joe Pavelski, C/RW, Stars Andy Devlin / National Hockey League / GettyPavelski struggled to find his game after changing clubs for the first time in his career, but the Stars sniper got better as the year went along to prove he still has offensive upside.The veteran forward nearly matched his 2019-20 regular-season goal total (14) with 13 playoff tallies in the bubble last summer and co-led the Stars' forwards with 19 points. With Tyler Seguin out for most of the season, Pavelski's ice time should increase, and he'll play in a top-six forward unit that's full of talent.Eric Staal, C, Sabres Andy Devlin / National Hockey League / GettyStaal has shown that he's got plenty left in the tank after playing at a 20-plus goal and 50-plus point pace for the fourth consecutive season in 2019-20. After being dealt to the Sabres in September, Staal is in a position to thrive this year.The 36-year-old should be able to take advantage of some favorable matchups with captain Jack Eichel and marquee offseason signing Taylor Hall grabbing the attention of opponents' shutdown defensive pairings on most nights. He'll also play alongside the likes of Sam Reinhart, Victor Olofsson, and Jeff Skinner and is expected to see time on the power play.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Vancouver Canucks signed veteran defenseman Travis Hamonic to a professional tryout contract, the team announced Sunday.The Canucks currently have no available cap space, but they can sign Hamonic after they place forward Micheal Ferland on long-term injured reserve on the first day of the NHL season, according to TSN's Pierre LeBrun.Hamonic is traveling to Vancouver from Winnipeg and will have to partake in a seven-day quarantine before he can join training camp.The 30-year-old entered the offseason as an unrestricted free agent after spending the last three seasons with the Calgary Flames. He was traded there from the New York Islanders before the 2017-18 campaign.Hamonic has 637 games of NHL experience, racking up 188 points. If he secures a contract with Vancouver, he'd add some quality depth to the right side of its blue line.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Pittsburgh Penguins locked up defenseman John Marino with a six-year contract extension that carries an average annual value of $4.4 million, the team announced Sunday.Marino, 23, has one season remaining on his entry-level contract, so the deal will kick in for the 2021-22 campaign."We are very fortunate to have a young, skilled defenseman like John in our organization," general manager Jim Rutherford said. "His rookie season proved he is a top-four defenseman with great hockey sense. We were impressed with his strong defensive play and look forward to watching him develop offensively."The Edmonton Oilers drafted Marino in 2015. He then spent three seasons at Harvard before Edmonton dealt his rights to the Pens for a sixth-round pick prior to his rookie campaign in 2019-20.Marino showed plenty of promise as an NHL freshman, registering 26 points in 56 games while averaging over 20 minutes per night.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Minnesota Wild have named defenseman Jared Spurgeon captain, the team announced Sunday.Spurgeon takes over for Mikko Koivu. Koivu became Minnesota's leader in 2008-09 but left for the Columbus Blue Jackets in free agency this past offseason. Before Koivu, the Wild used multiple captains each season.Spurgeon, 31, has been a staple on the Wild's back end since 2010-11 after being drafted by the New York Islanders in 2008. One of the NHL's most underrated defenders, he posted 32 points in 62 games last season while averaging more than 22 minutes per contest.The Edmonton native is under contract in Minnesota until 2026-27 after signing a seven-year, $52.025-million extension last September.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The goaltending landscape this season will look different than it ever has before.With 56 games jammed between January and May, teams have a number of back-to-backs and no real breaks in a sprint to get the 2020-21 season in the books. The prospect of a condensed season motivated some clubs to secure two or more viable starting goaltenders. Let's rank the five best duos.5. Ilya Sorokin and Semyon Varlamov, Islanders NHL Images / National Hockey League / GettySorokin has yet to play a game on North American ice, so being thrust into the NHL could go a number of ways. But what he's done in the KHL over the past eight years can't be ignored: He simply just does not let in a lot of goals. He's compiled a 134-64-22 record in the Russian league with a minuscule 1.70 goals-against average and .930 save percentage. The 25-year-old has been incredible, and playing in a backup role to Varlamov in his debut season with the Islanders should allow him to learn the ropes quickly.Sorokin's lack of experience puts Varlamov in line to get a healthy amount of starts for the Islanders, at least at the beginning of the season. He was one of the league's best goalies in last summer's return to play, nearly helping lead the Isles past the Lightning in the Eastern Conference Final. The Islanders' strong puck possession and defensive play help make their goalies' lives easier, but the duo will have to carry a lot of the weight, too.4. Braden Holtby and Thatcher Demko, Canucks Andy Devlin / National Hockey League / GettyDemko caught the attention of hockey fans everywhere with his jaw-dropping performances against the Vegas Golden Knights during the postseason. He put up a ridiculous .989 save percentage at five-on-five in his four appearances and nearly single-handedly led the Canucks past high-flying Vegas. The 25-year-old has long been seen as the goalie of the future in Vancouver, and while the Canucks' brass could have just passed the reins to him this year, they brought in veteran Holtby to help bolster the position.Though the 31-year-old is coming off the worst statistical season of his career, he still has a Stanley Cup and Vezina Trophy to his name. Holtby has been one of the league's top goaltenders over the last decade - one poor season isn't anything to worry about too much. The two should split starts rather evenly, and having a fresh goalie ready to take the crease every night will go a long way for Vancouver.3. Joonas Korpisalo and Elvis Merzlikins, Blue Jackets Chase Agnello-Dean / National Hockey League / GettyAfter Sergei Bobrovsky left Columbus, many wondered how the team would fare without him. In came Korpisalo and Merzlikins, and the Blue Jackets didn't miss a beat in the absence of the former Vezina Trophy winner. Neither goalie has a ton of NHL experience, but they both proved last season that they have what it takes to be among the league's best.Though Korpisalo had a solid start to 2019-20, an injury opened the door for Merzlikins. He didn't waste the opportunity and rattled off an impressive sequence of 23 games in which he posted a .935 save percentage, including an eight-game winning streak with five shutouts. Korpisalo earned the starting job in the postseason, helped defeat the Maple Leafs in the preliminary round, and made history with his 85-save performance against the Lightning. With two legitimate No. 1 options, head coach John Tortorella will have a tough decision every game about who to start - which isn't a bad thing.2. Tuukka Rask and Jaroslav Halak, Bruins Steve Babineau / National Hockey League / GettyHalak and Rask have formed one of the NHL's best goaltending duos since Halak's arrival in Boston in summer 2018. After Rask's exit from the playoff bubble, he seems ready to resume his role as the Bruins' official starter. While both goalies are getting deeper into their 30s, there is no reason to believe they won't remain among the league's best tandems this season.Despite Rask's star status and perceived role, the two have split games quite evenly - Halak has started 66 to Rask's 86 - and the partnership clearly worked; they won the 2020 William M. Jennings Trophy recognizing the goaltender(s) for the team that allowed the fewest goals. Across the last two seasons, the Bruins have allowed the second-fewest goals against in the league (379).1. Robin Lehner and Marc-Andre Fleury, Golden Knights Jeff Vinnick / Getty Images Sport / GettyIt wasn't clear what the Golden Knights' plan was when they acquired Lehner at last season's trade deadline, but it became evident in the playoffs: He's their starter. After stringing together some truly impressive campaigns with the New York Islanders and Chicago Blackhawks, Lehner was finally rewarded this offseason with a five-year deal from Vegas.While the arrangement comes with cap-related drawbacks, having Marc-Andre Fleury - a Hall of Fame-worthy goalie - as a backup is one of the biggest advantages in the league. Though Fleury only appeared in four games during Vegas' postseason run, the split should be much more even during the regular season. The 36-year-old certainly has some gas left in the tank, and after the heavy workload he's carried over the last three years, sharing duties with Lehner can only work in Fleury's favor. Two top-notch goalies ready to take the net every night paired with an elite team in front of them should prove to be a lethal combination in Vegas.Honorable mentions: Corey Crawford and Mackenzie Blackwood, Devils; Ben Bishop (injured) and Anton Khudobin, Stars; Jacob Markstrom and David Rittich, FlamesCopyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The semifinals are set at the World Junior Championship.Canada will play Russia, and the United States will face Finland. Canada advanced with a 3-0 win over the Czech Republic on Saturday evening, while the U.S. slipped past Slovakia 5-2 a few hours later.Russia defeated Germany in earlier quarterfinal action Saturday, while Finland stunned Sweden on Roni Hirvonen's last-minute winner.Both semifinal matchups are scheduled for Monday. Canada and Russia will play at 6 p.m. ET. The U.S. and Finland will clash at 9:30 p.m.The bronze- and gold-medal games will be played Tuesday.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.Rookies are unlikely to fly off the board early in your drafts, but they can have a significant impact on your championship aspirations as the depth pieces that push your roster over the top. Below, we highlight five NHL freshmen worth keeping an eye on this fantasy season.1. Alexis Lafreniere, LW, Rangers Minas Panagiotakis / Getty Images Sport / GettyIt goes without saying, but the No. 1 pick in this year's draft is a player to watch for this fantasy season. Lafreniere is the most NHL-ready prospect on the planet and is joining a team much deeper than those who typically win the lottery. The Rangers boast a strong offense, but Lafreniere should still feature prominently in New York's top-six and on the power play during his pursuit of the Calder Trophy and your pursuit of a title this fantasy season.2. Kirill Kaprizov, LW, Wild Bruce Bennett / Getty Images Sport / GettyKaprizov is finally going to make his much-anticipated NHL arrival nearly six years after being drafted by the Wild 115th overall. The 23-year-old has played the past three seasons with CSKA Moscow and has led the KHL in goals during his two most recent campaigns. Kaprizov is a dynamic offensive talent that has plenty of professional experience, and given Minnesota's desperate need for offense, he could earn himself a major role in the club's attack.3. Igor Shesterkin, G, Rangers Jared Silber / National Hockey League / GettyShesterkin had his first taste of the NHL last season but is still rookie eligible since he only appeared in 12 games. The goaltender's debut on Broadway couldn't have gone much better, with the young Russian posting a 10-2 record along with a .932 save percentage - almost single-handedly carrying the Rangers into playoff contention before the league put the season on hold. Shesterkin is New York's undisputed No. 1 with Henrik Lundqvist now out of the picture, and all signs point toward The King's successor becoming one of the NHL's premier netminders as he gains more experience.4. Tim Stuetzle, LW, Senators Codie McLachlan / Getty Images Sport / GettyStuetzle will have a youthful roster surrounding him in Ottawa but still projects to receive ample ice-time and opportunities to succeed as a first-year player while the Senators continue their rebuild. The German phenom has an NHL-ready skillset and may transition to the league better than most of his rookie peers - he competed professionally in his native country last campaign, racking up an impressive 34 points in 41 games in the DEL despite starting the season as a 17-year-old.5. Quinton Byfield, C, Kings Chris Tanouye / Getty Images Sport / GettyByfield is already set up for success in Los Angeles and should be a player to have on your fantasy radar. The 18-year-old has NHL size and an offensive toolkit that should see him steadily collect points. Perhaps most importantly for Byfield's fantasy outlook is he'll likely slot in behind Anze Kopitar, who will eat up the more difficult matchups. Give Byfield some looks against middle-pairing defenders - along with some power-play time versus some weak competition in the re-aligned West Division - and he could become a factor in your fantasy league rather quickly in his first campaign.Honorable mentions: Ilya Sorokin, G, Islanders; Joel Kiviranta, RW, Stars; Trevor Zegras, C, Ducks; Nick Robertson, LW, Maple Leafs; Alexander Romanov, D, CanadiensCopyright © 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.There are a number of NHL players that stand out as less than reliable options in 2020-21 fantasy drafts for one reason or another.Some are dicey due to age or injury concerns, while others saw their value diminished as the result of a disappointing 2019-20 campaign. However, more than a few of these players are still worth gambling on.Here are four risky NHL fantasy picks worth embracing this season:Tyson Barrie, D, OilersIt's no secret that Barrie fell out of favor in Toronto thanks to his defensive liabilities and a dip in his offensive production from 59- and 57-point seasons with the Colorado Avalanche to 39 with the Maple Leafs in 2019-20.Despite that decrease, Barrie drove possession last season, posting expected goals for, scoring chances for, and Corsi For percentages above 50.The 29-year-old is now in a situation with the Oilers that could allow him to rediscover the form he displayed in his prime years. If Barrie sticks on Edmonton's first power-play unit - which is likely considering he was essentially brought in to replace the injured Oscar Klefbom - he'll have copious opportunities to rack up fantasy points galore alongside Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, and James Neal.Barrie signed a one-year deal with the Oilers, so he'll be even more motivated to prove himself after his awkward exit from the Leafs. That also bodes well for his fantasy value.Anthony Mantha, LW/RW, Red Wings Dave Reginek / National Hockey League / GettyMantha is currently being picked around No. 156 in Yahoo drafts, which would be the 13th round in 12-team leagues. The reluctance from fantasy managers is understandable to a degree.The Red Wings forward played only 43 games last season due to a punctured lung and suited up for 67 contests in 2018-19. He's on the NHL's worst team, and he'll no longer have the motivation of playing for a contract after signing a four-year extension in November.That's all cause for concern, but there are reasons to take a chance on Mantha. He played down the stretch before the pause, and, by all accounts, he's healthy heading into the upcoming campaign. Despite missing a chunk of time in 2019-20, the Canadian winger produced nearly a point per game, including 12 goals and 22 points over his first 23 contests. His 16 goals in 43 games project to 30 markers over a full season.Mantha has developed undeniable chemistry with fellow playmaker Dylan Larkin on Detroit's top line, and his shooting percentage dipped under 12% last season for the first time since his 2015-16 rookie campaign. At 26 years old, he's entering his prime. Despite the inherent risk, Mantha is worth selecting with a mid- to late-round pick.Cam Talbot, G, Wild Icon Sportswire / Icon Sportswire / GettyTalbot is another new face in a new place this season, and the 33-year-old is a risky pick for several reasons. The obvious one is his age, and he hasn't been a true No. 1 netminder since occupying the role with the Oilers in 2017-18. Throw in the fact that Talbot is now a member of the mediocre Wild, and it's easy to see why fantasy managers are going to pass on him come draft night.However, there's reason to predict he'll be fine - and potentially even valuable - in 2020-21. The former Calgary Flames goaltender is coming off his best campaign in years, and while he played only 26 games in 2019-20, he authored an impressive .919 save percentage.If the concern is Talbot won't earn as many wins with his new team, keep in mind Minnesota collected one less victory than Calgary last season while playing one less game. Though the Wild underperformed defensively in 2019-20, their top four of Ryan Suter, Jared Spurgeon, Jonas Brodin, and Matt Dumba remains unchanged and could easily restore its status as one of the most effective groups of rearguards in the NHL.Plus, with backup Alex Stalock now out indefinitely and Kaapo Kahkonen serving as Talbot's backup, the latter should get the vast majority of starts for Minnesota. That would make Talbot worthy of a gamble in leagues that start two goaltenders, or even as insurance in those that start one.Jeff Skinner, LW, Sabres Jonathan Kozub / National Hockey League / GettySkinner fell off the fantasy map with 14 goals and nine assists in 59 games last season after amassing a career-high 40 goals in 2018-19. The Sabres winger is the definition of a risky pick because of this variance, but there's one big reason to bet on him providing value in 2020-21.Reuniting with former Carolina Hurricanes teammate Eric Staal and playing with him on Buffalo's second line should help reignite Skinner's game. Staal is 36 years old, but the two forwards shouldn't need much time to re-establish their old chemistry. Skinner having a skilled center he's already familiar with can only benefit him.His 2019-20 struggles were due at least partly to bad luck, as he tied his career-low shooting percentage of 7.7 after finishing with an inflated rate of 14.9 during his breakout campaign. He's averaged 10.9% over his 10-year career.Skinner probably won't bury 40 goals again, but he shouldn't have a problem scoring around 25 times and notching 50-plus points with less misfortune and Staal feeding him passes. That potential makes him worthy of a speculative pick in the later rounds of fantasy drafts.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.The 2020-21 NHL season is going to be unlike any other. A temporary realignment, a condensed 56-game schedule, and COVID-19 factors will make this a unique year in most respects - and fantasy is no exception. Here are three tips for drafting in a bizarre campaign:Target members of West Division powerhouses Dave Sandford / National Hockey League / GettyThe West Division is easily the weakest in hockey. Yes, the Colorado Avalanche, St. Louis Blues, and Vegas Golden Knights are three of the best teams in the NHL, but the division's other clubs are five of the worst.The Anaheim Ducks, Los Angeles Kings, and San Jose Sharks were all bottom-five teams last year, and they didn't do much to improve this offseason. The Arizona Coyotes and Minnesota Wild, meanwhile, both finished bottom 11 in points percentage in 2019-20.Players such as Nathan MacKinnon, Mark Stone, and Torey Krug could all set career highs in points per game with 40 of 56 contests against the aforementioned basement-dwellers. The division is similarly promising for goalies Philipp Grubauer, Robin Lehner, and Jordan Binnington, who should all find it easier to collect wins than most netminders around the league.You might be kicking yourself midway through the season if you don't have any players from the Avalanche, Golden Knights, or Blues on your roster.Don't reach for goalies Andre Ringuette/Freestyle Photo / Getty Images Sport / GettyThough the goaltenders listed above could have big seasons, it might not be wise to spend an early-round draft pick on a goalie. Teams have been platooning netminders with increased frequency in recent years, and that trend should only grow this season.Under the campaign's format, most teams have a higher percentage of back-to-backs than usual. That means some backups will get more work than ever before, spreading the wealth in the fantasy goalie market.The Montreal Canadiens, for example, have nine back-to-back sets in 56 games this year after they were scheduled for 12 in 82 games last season. Coronavirus-related postponements - as we've seen in the NFL and MLB - could potentially lead to even more.The Canadiens also invested in a backup goalie this offseason, acquiring Jake Allen from the Blues. Allen is guaranteed nine starts this season, but he'll probably play closer to 20. Is it really worth drafting Carey Price in the early rounds when he may only play roughly 60% of his team's games? The answer is no.The best strategy for drafting goalies this season is to scoop up a 1B with the potential to usurp the 1A. Consider Pavel Francouz in Colorado. Francouz actually outplayed Grubauer last season, and he could easily start half of the Avalanche's games this year.Other goalies who fit this description include Ilya Sorokin of the New York Islanders, James Reimer of the Carolina Hurricanes, Thatcher Demko of the Vancouver Canucks, and Jaroslav Halak of the Boston Bruins. These goalies offer the best upside relative to draft position.It can be tempting to take a goalie early, and a run on quality starters can typically start in the fourth or fifth round. But any netminder drafted in that range is unlikely to be as valuable as a similarly ranked skater. Stockpile three high-upside 1Bs, and you should be set between the pipes. If they don't pan out, it will still be relatively easy to stream free-agent goalies - depending on the size of your league.Avoid injury concerns Maddie Meyer / Getty Images Sport / GettyIn normal seasons, it can sometimes be smart to draft an injured player. You can get a valuable contributor later than you would if he was healthy, and you get him for the most crucial moments down the stretch and into the fantasy playoffs.But that strategy could backfire this season. A shortened schedule means any player set to miss a month is out for a quarter of the season. If that player takes another month to hit his stride after missing training camp, he could be a non-factor for practically half the campaign.This doesn't mean you should totally avoid someone like David Pastrnak, who isn't projected to return until mid-February, but it certainly isn't worth drafting him in the opening rounds. If you're comfortable with your team after your first five or six picks, then it might be time to consider him. Any earlier probably isn't a great idea.Tyler Seguin, who isn't supposed to return until April, shouldn't be taken until the last few rounds.Josh Wegman has been theScore's resident fantasy hockey expert since 2015. Find him on Twitter @JoshWegman_.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

New York Rangers star Mika Zibanejad will not participate in the club's first on-ice session Monday and is considered day-to-day, general manager Jeff Gorton confirmed Saturday, according to the New York Post's Larry Brooks.Netminder Keith Kinkaid is also day-to-day and unavailable for the Rangers' opening practice.Zibanejad, 27, has established himself as one of the league's most electric forwards. The Swedish pivot potted a career-best 41 goals and 75 points in 57 games last season, and his goals-per-game mark of 0.72 led the league.Training camps for last season's playoff teams are set to begin Sunday, with teams taking to the ice Monday before the season begins Jan. 13.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Los Angeles Kings defenseman Drew Doughty believes he has plenty left in the tank, and the five-time All-Star is using his doubters as motivation for this upcoming season."A lot of people have me written off as not even a good player anymore," Doughty said Thursday, according to The Athletic's Lisa Dillman."And so, all that becomes personal and all that drives me to be better this year to make our team better."Doughty, 31, helped the Kings capture a pair of Stanley Cups in 2012 and 2014. He also earned the Norris Trophy as the league's top blue-liner in 2016.However, Los Angeles has missed the playoffs four times in the last six seasons and has just one postseason win in that span.Doughty, who helped Canada earn a gold medal at both the 2010 and 2014 Olympic Games, also admitted it's been upsetting to hear pundits disregard him for the international team at the 2022 Games."I'm seeing guys not having me (slotted) to make the Olympic team," Doughty said. "And so, that just frustrated me."Yet the veteran blue-liner says he'll be at his best entering 2020-21 thanks to the Kings' extended time off, as Los Angeles hasn't played a game since March 12."My body is ready," Doughty said. "I was able to actually lift weights - for real - get heavy, get much stronger. Whereas in the past, it was all maintenance stuff. So, it was a blessing in disguise for me personally. And I think for our entire team. We're all healthy again."Doughty recorded seven goals and 35 points through 67 games last season. He was on pace to reach the 40-point mark over 82 games for the sixth consecutive campaign.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

After breaking down the NHL's top forward trios, we're shifting our focus to the league's best defensive pairings.This exercise isn't designed to highlight the most talented individual defensemen. Instead, we're looking to establish the five most effective defensive pairings from a season ago, using both counting stats and advanced analytics.For a tandem to be eligible, it must be intact for the upcoming campaign.All stats are from five-on-five play during the 2019-20 regular season, with a minimum of 400 minutes played. League ranking is in parentheses.TOI: Time on ice