The Detroit Red Wings and forward Andreas Athanasiou agreed to a two-year contract, the team announced Thursday.Terms were not disclosed but MLive.com's Ansar Khan reports the deal is worth an average of $3 million per season.The 23-year-old is coming off his third campaign with the Red Wings, during which he put up a career-best 33 points in 71 games.Athanasiou missed the first 10 games of the season and elected to skate in Switzerland after he and the Red Wings failed to come to terms on a new contract to begin the year. Ultimately, the two sides agreed to a one-year, $1.3875-million contract on Oct. 20.In 172 career games, Athanasiou has tallied 43 goals and 76 points while averaging 13:16 of ice time.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Columbus Blue Jackets have signed forward Anthony Duclair to a one-year contract worth $650K, the team confirmed to The Athletic's Aaron Portzline Thursday.Duclair, 22, had a breakout year in his first season with the Arizona Coyotes in 2015-16, scoring 20 goals and 44 points.Things slowed down for the former third-round pick the following campaign, when he posted five goals and 15 points in 58 games. He also spent six weeks with the Tucson Roadrunners in the AHL during the year.After another slow start last year, Duclair requested a trade. In January, he was dealt to the Chicago Blackhawks where he appeared in 23 games, adding two goals and eight points.Chicago chose not to extend a $1.2-million qualifying offer to Duclair late last month, making him an unrestricted free agent.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Montreal Canadiens have signed forward Jacob de la Rose to a two-year, $1.8-million contract, the club announced on Thursday.de la Rose was drafted by the Canadiens with their 34th overall pick in 2013, and he's tallied 19 points in 119 games over four seasons.The 6-foot-3, 210-pound Swede achieved international success in May, winning gold with Sweden at the 2018 World Hockey Championship in Denmark.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Could Anthony Duclair be headed to Columbus?The free-agent winger has held discussions with the Blue Jackets, his agent confirmed to Aaron Portzline of The Athletic. However, Columbus is one of a few teams in the mix for the young forward.Philippe Lecavalier, Duclair's agent, told Portzline that a deal could get done by Monday.Duclair began last season with the Arizona Coyotes prior to a January trade that sent him to the Chicago Blackhawks. He finished the year with 11 goals and 12 assists in 56 games. The 22-year-old became an unrestricted free agent after the Blackhawks declined to extend him a qualifying offer.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

An attorney representing Ottawa Senators assistant general manager Randy Lee will file a not guilty plea and a motion to dismiss harassment charges in Buffalo court Friday, according to the Associated Press.Lee, who has been suspended by the Senators until the court makes its ruling, faces a second charge of harassment after he was accused of making lewd comments and rubbing the shoulders of a 19-year-old male shuttle bus driver while attending the NHL draft combine in Buffalo. He was later arrested.The 56-year-old has been a part of the Senators' organization since 1995.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Anaheim Ducks have signed defenseman Andrej Sustr to a one-year deal, the team announced Thursday.The 27-year-old's deal is worth $1.3 million, according to The Athletic's Eric Stephens.He's coming off a one-year, $1.95-million contract with the Tampa Bay Lightning.The 6-foot-7 defenseman was limited to 44 games last season, tallying two goals and seven points. With a crowded back end in Tampa Bay, Sustr was a healthy scratch down the stretch and for the playoffs.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Shea Weber was expected to return to the lineup by training camp after his recovery from offseason foot surgery. However, the Montreal Canadiens blue-liner has now been sidelined five-to-six months after undergoing knee surgery."We were very disappointed to learn that this knee injury will extend Shea's recovery period," Canadiens general manager Marc Bergevin said in a statement. "Unfortunately, this is out of our control and we have to fully trust the medical group in these situations. We are confident that his recovery will go as scheduled and that Shea will return to action as soon as possible."Canadiens team doctor David Mulder added he expects Weber to be ready to return to the lineup by mid-December.Weber has not played since Dec. 16 of last season, missing the remainder of the year with a foot injury. He had foot surgery in March.Limited to just 26 appearances a year ago, Weber managed six goals and 10 assists in his second stint with the Canadiens. The 32-year-old is under contract through the 2025-26 campaign.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Barry Trotz is bringing a familiar face to Brooklyn, as the New York Islanders have named Lane Lambert as associate coach.Lambert has spent the past four seasons as an assistant to Trotz with the Washington Capitals. The two were also behind the bench with the Nashville Predators for three seasons prior to heading to D.C. in 2014.The 53-year-old brings a wealth of experience, including two stints as head coach with the WHL's Prince George Cougars and the AHL's Milwaukee Admirals.In 2016, Lambert interviewed for the Colorado Avalanche's head coaching job before it ultimately went to Jared Bednar.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Philadelphia Flyers have signed free-agent defenseman Christian Folin to a one-year deal, the club announced Thursday.

The Columbus Blue Jackets have inked forward Boone Jenner to a four-year contract extension, the club announced Thursday.Jenner's new pact carries a cap hit of $3.75 million per season, and it's worth $15 million in total, according to The Athletic's Aaron Portzline.The 25-year-old was a restricted free agent who just concluded the second season of the two-year, $5.8-million deal he signed with Columbus in February 2016.Jenner has become more of a depth piece for the Blue Jackets in recent years, contributing only 13 goals and 32 points in 75 games in 2017-18. His goal-scoring declined in both seasons after he poured in 30 for the Blue Jackets in 2015-16.He does provide value in other areas, though:

Pure hockey trades rarely happen in today's NHL, but if Toronto Maple Leafs general manager Kyle Dubas and Winnipeg Jets GM Kevin Cheveldayoff sat down and talked shop, they just might be able to pull off a blockbuster deal that could help both teams next season.Here's the proposal:Jets receiveLeafs receiveD Jake GardinerD Tyler MyersMyers and Gardiner were chosen five picks apart in the first round of the 2008 NHL Draft, both are 28 years old, and both are heading into the final year of their contracts. Myers' cap hit is $5.5 million, while Gardiner's is $4.05 million.Why it makes sense for JetsThe Jets have the luxury of having three stellar right-handed shooting defensemen, but they only have one legitimate left-handed blue-liner in Josh Morrissey. In their projected depth chart, either Ben Chiarot or Dmitry Kulikov would be forced to play in the top four and regularly see tough opposing matchups:LDRDJosh MorrisseyJacob TroubaBen ChiarotDustin ByfuglienDmitry KulikovTyler MyersAdding Gardiner, a left-handed rearguard, would allow head coach Paul Maurice to stack one of the league's most enviable top four:LDRDJosh MorrisseyJacob TroubaJake GardinerDustin ByfuglienDmitry KulikovBen ChiarotThis would force either Kulikov or Chiarot (both left-handed), to play on their off side on the third pairing, but that tandem would play sheltered minutes anyway.While the current output gives the Jets nice balance and depth, the bottom four aren't exactly the quickest bunch. While those weren't the pairings the Jets deployed in the playoffs (Toby Enstrom left in free agency), their lack of quickness on the back end was exposed by the speed of the Vegas Golden Knights in the Western Conference Final. Gardiner, one of the league's smoothest skaters, would help solve that problem.Why it makes sense for LeafsThe Maple Leafs only have one right-handed defenseman on their roster primed to get in the lineup on a regular basis next season: Nikita Zaitsev. Connor Carrick is also right-handed, but is probably better suited for a seventh D role. Though left-handed, veteran Ron Hainsey can also play the right side.As of now, the Leafs' blue line projects to go as follows:LDRDMorgan RiellyRon HainseyJake GardinerNikita ZaitsevTravis DermottConnor CarrickHowever, if they added Myers into the picture, it could look something like this:LDRDMorgan RiellyTyler MyersTravis DermottRon Hainsey???Nikita ZaitsevThe Leafs still have plenty of cap space for this coming season, so they could go out and sign one of the many available veteran left-handed blue-liners on a one-year deal - such as Dan Hamhuis, Luca Sbisa, or Brooks Orpik - to shore up their bottom pairing.Myers would bring some much-needed size and strength to Toronto's back end. Pushing Hainsey and Zaitsev down the lineup would serve each player well, while Dermott seems to be ready for an expanded role, which is currently tough to do with both Rielly and Gardiner in the fold.Would a 1-for-1 swap be fair?It's already been identified that each player would fit nicely in their new surroundings. However, since Myers and Gardiner are the same age and have virtually the same contractual situation, it needs to be determined which player is better in order to know if it would actually be a fair trade or not.Offensively, Gardiner has the edge.StatGardinerMyersGP8282G56A4730P5236There's obviously more than just standard points, though. Since Gardiner averaged over a full minute more of ice time per game, the following stats were calculated on a per 60-minute basis.StatGardinerMyersGF/602.882.75CF/6059.9557.41SCF/6031.8125.82HDCF/6012.249.83The Leafs generated more goals (GF), shot attempts (CF), scoring chances (SCF), and high-danger scoring chances (HDCF) at even strength while Gardiner was on the ice, compared to the Jets while Myers was on the ice.Offense is only half the game, though, and for a defenseman, protecting your own net is the No. 1 priority. The following graph shows the same stats, but reversed:StatGardinerMyersGA/602.442.49CA/6058.3157.37SCA/6026.8626.08HDCA/6012.2411.32As you can see, Myers has the edge in shot attempts, scoring chances, and high-danger scoring chances while they're being calculated against the player's team, rather than for the player's team like in the previous graph.Considering both players graded equally in Corsica's quality of competition and quality of teammate statistics, it's fair to say the numbers suggest that Gardiner is the superior offensive defenseman, but Myers is better defensively, which was already quite obvious.The question is, which player is better overall?Corsica has established a player-rating system to quantify the quality of a player based on one single statistic - almost like Wins Above Replacement (WAR) for baseball. Gardiner and Myers rated very similar.StatGardinerMyersPlayer rating76.2176.01Rank among D3742Obviously, executives in NHL front offices have access to stats that we don't. They also have their own system for evaluating players, which obviously isn't made public. However, if their evaluations of Gardiner and Myers match up with those laid out in this article, a one-for-one swap could truly help both Stanley Cup-caliber teams.(Stats courtesy: Natural Stat Trick, Corsica)

theScore's NHL offseason tracker lists every transaction made since June 8 (in alphabetical order by team per day).July 5

Free-agent moves in the NHL are typically made with real-world success in mind. As front offices work to set teams up for postseason appearances and championship runs, fantasy owners may suffer from their decisions. A club bolstering its depth by adding a once prominent scorer to serve a third-line role with limited power-play time can drastically alter that player's production.Related - Fantasy: 3 FA signings whose value is set to skyrocketHere are four players who could have diminished fantasy hockey returns as a result of their respective free-agent destination.Paul StastnyStastny put up 53 points over a full 82 games with the St. Louis Blues and Winnipeg Jets in 2017-18. It was his highest point total since the 2013-14 season when he was a member of the Colorado Avalanche.The 32-year-old enjoyed a wildly successful postseason run with the Jets, posting 15 points over 17 games while playing 17:24 per game. Stastny chose to join a Vegas Golden Knights team for which three returning forwards enjoyed that much usage in last year's playoffs, and only center William Karlsson saw anything close to Stastny's 18:41 regular-season average ice time.A deeper and more balanced attack in Vegas will likely limit Stastny's production, as he's expected to serve as the second-line center.Tomas PlekanecPlekanec isn't necessarily losing fantasy value, as he didn't have much, to begin with. It's more about losing the opportunity to produce, as he'll return to the team with which he spent his first 13-and-a-half seasons, and it now lacks a strong supporting cast.The Montreal Canadiens are thin on scoring depth beyond the first line. Now reliant on assists for production, Plekanec is unlikely to have enough help to be fantasy relevant while buried in the bottom six.He notched 60 points for the Canadiens back in 2014-15, but he's long removed from that type of production. The 35-year-old center hasn't attempted 200 shots on goal in a single season since that campaign, and he failed to tally either a power-play or shorthanded point last year.Petr MrazekMrazek was once viewed as one of the best young goalies in the NHL, making him a top-end asset in any type of keeper league. He posted a combined save percentage of .920 over 75 starts (83 games) from 2014-16.As the Detroit Red Wings roster deteriorated, so did Mrazek's fantasy contributions. He was traded to the Philadelphia Flyers this past season, where the hope was he could fix their everlasting goaltending woes. He wasn't offered a qualifying offer as a restricted free agent after he stopped just 89.1 percent of shots he faced.As a result, Mrazek signed with the Carolina Hurricanes, where he's expected to back up starter Scott Darling. A limited role erases Mrazek's fantasy value and managers will need to wait at least one season for him to warrant consideration.Tyler BozakThe Toronto Maple Leafs' signing of center John Tavares helped push Bozak out of town, but he ended up on a nearly equally crowded Blues roster.With Brayden Schenn penciled in as the top center, between wingers Jaden Schwartz and Vladimir Tarasenko, the Blues went and traded for faceoff-master Ryan O'Reilly not long after signing Bozak to a three-year, $15-million deal.Robby Fabbri, 22, will also be returning from the knee injury that cost him last season. The 21st overall pick of the 2014 draft had shown promise in his first two NHL campaigns, totaling 66 points in 123 games.Bozak, who notched at least 10 power-play points in each of the past four seasons while averaging roughly 45 total points, will see limited time on the man advantage and could quickly be forced into a third-line role at even strength depending on Fabbri's recovery.(Photos courtesy: Getty Images)Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

John Tavares took a hometown discount to sign with the Toronto Maple Leafs, but his $11-million cap hit could still make it difficult for the team to keep its big three of Auston Matthews, Mitch Marner, and William Nylander.Matthews and Marner will be restricted free agents next offseason, while Nylander is an RFA right now in need of a new deal. It's not beyond the realm of possibility that the trio could make roughly $25 million to $30 million combined annually. Factoring in Tavares' contract, that could be close to half the salary cap for four players.Despite the difficulties that lay ahead, Maple Leafs general manager Kyle Dubas is confident he'll be able to keep all three of Matthews, Marner, and Nylander."We can, and we will," Dubas told Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman and Jeff Marek on the 31 Thoughts podcast.If Dubas can lock all three up to long-term contracts, the Leafs will have four of the most skilled forwards in the NHL for years to come.However, to remain a successful team despite four potentially massive contracts, the Leafs will need to continue to draft players who can be competent NHLers on affordable salaries in order to fill out their roster.Only time will tell if they can make it work.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Survivors of the Capital Gazette shooting got to spend some time with the Stanley Cup on Tuesday.Washington Capitals assistant equipment manager Craig "Woody" Leydig brought the Cup to the temporary office where staff of the Annapolis, Md. newspaper have been working since a gunman opened fire on the Capital Gazette newsroom on June 28. Leydig completed a phone interview with The Capital just prior to the shooting, which left five people dead and two injured."I turned to my co-workers and told them I just got done doing an interview with a reporter who might be in that building,” Leydig told The Capital's Bill Wagner. "I was absolutely stunned and extremely upset."

The Dallas Stars are seen as the front-runners in the Erik Karlsson sweepstakes, but the Columbus Blue Jackets have also contacted the Ottawa Senators about a potential trade for the superstar defenseman, according to The Athletic's Aaron Portzline.League sources told Portzline that the Blue Jackets are unlikely to do a deal unless the Senators lower their asking price.With reports claiming that forward Artemi Panarin has declined to speak about a potential contract extension with the Blue Jackets, he would make sense as a piece in a potential trade for Karlsson. The Senators, however, reportedly aren't interested in Panarin because he'll be a free agent at the end of next season.If the Blue Jackets land Karlsson, they would add a star to an already deep blue line that already includes Zach Werenski and Seth Jones.Columbus currently has over $14 million in cap space and will have over $36 million next season, enough to ink a potential contract extension with Karlsson.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Hockey Canada has invited 40 prospects to take part in the World Junior Showcase, where they'll compete for a spot on Team Canada's final roster at the 2019 World Junior Championship.The list of invitees includes Vegas Golden Knights prospect Nick Suzuki and Los Angeles Kings prospect Gabe Vilardi.The camp begins July 28 in Kamloops, British Columbia. This year's world junior tournament will also be hosted in B.C., with Vancouver and Victoria serving as host cities. The tournament begins Dec. 26.The announcement of the camp invites comes one day after Hockey Canada named Tim Hunter as its world junior head coach.ForwardsPlayerJunior Club (League)NHL RightsJustin AlmeidaMoose Jaw (WHL)PenguinsJaret Anderson-DolanSpokane (WHL)KingsJordy BelleriveLethbridge (WHL)PenguinsShane BowersBoston Univ. (NCAA)AvalancheMaxime ComtoisVictoriaville (QMJHL)DucksTy DellandreaFlint (OHL)StarsConnor DewarEverett (WHL)WildMacKenzie EntwistleHamilton (OHL)CoyotesAlex FormentonLondon (OHL)SenatorsMorgan FrostSault Ste. Marie (OHL)FlyersCody GlassPortland (WHL)Golden KnightsBarrett HaytonSault. Ste. Marie (OHL)CoyotesStelio MattheosBrandon (WHL)HurricanesRyan McLeodMississauga (OHL)OilersAntoine MorandHalifax (QMJHL)DucksMichael RasmussenTri-City (WHL)Red WingsIsaac RatcliffeGuelph (OHL)FlyersJack StudnickaOshawa (OHL)BruinsNick SuzukiOwen Sound (OHL)Golden KnightsJoel TeasdaleBlainville-Boisbriand (QMJHL)N/ARobert ThomasHamilton (OHL)BluesOwen TippettMississauga (OHL)PanthersJoe VelenoDrummondville (QMJHL)Red WingsGabe VilardiKingston (OHL)KingsDefensePlayerJunior Club (League)NHL RightsCalen AddisonLethbridge (WHL)PenguinsKevin BahlOttawa (OHL)CoyotesNicolas BeaudinDrummondville (QMJHL)BlackhawksJacob Bernard-DockerOkotoks (AJHL)SenatorsEvan BouchardLondon (OHL)OilersJosh BrookMoose Jaw (WHL)CanadiensNoah DobsonAcadie-Bathurst (QMJHL)IslandersPierre-Olivier JosephCharlottetown (QMJHL)CoyotesJared McIsaacHalifax (QMJHL)Red WingsIan MitchellUniversity of Denver (NCAA)BlackhawksTy SmithSpokane (WHL)DevilsJett WooMoose Jaw (WHL)CanucksGoaltendersPlayerJunior Club (League)NHL RightsMichael DiPietroWindsor (OHL)CanucksOlivier RodrigueDrummondville (QMJHL)OilersMatthew VillaltaSault Ste. Marie (OHL)KingsMatthew WelshCharlottetown (QMJHL)N/A(Photos courtesy: Getty Images)Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Say goodbye to one of the NHL's last true enforcers.Anaheim Ducks winger Jared Boll confirmed his retirement from the league after 11 seasons, The Athletic's Aaron Portzline reports.Boll, who spent nine seasons with the Columbus Blue Jackets and two with the Ducks, appeared in 579 career games, racking up 1,298 penalty minutes. His 171 fighting majors lead the league since his first season in 2007-08. Despite spending so much time in the penalty box, he still mustered 28 goals and 66 points in his career.Boll told Portzline he made the decision to retire months ago, after having back surgery late in the season and learning that he and his wife are expecting their first child."I'm proud of how I played and I'm proud of my career," he said. "I think I gave it everything I could."Boll finishes his career ranked first in Blue Jackets history in penalty minutes and fourth in games played."I had so much fun playing for the Blue Jackets. So much fun playing for the fans here," he added. "The way the city took me in and welcomed me when I was a young player ... I'll never forget that."Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Below are the top 200 skaters and goalies ranked in descending order based on their value in "banger leagues." A typical banger league consists of the following categories:SkatersGoaliesGoalsWinsAssistsGoals-against averagePlus/minusSave percentagePenalty minutesShutoutsPower-play pointsShots on goalHitsBlocked shotsThe key difference between a banger league and a standard league is the addition of hits and blocked shots. Though it may seem like a minor difference, the inclusion of those categories can greatly affect the value of players.Rk.PlayerTeamPos.1Alex OvechkinWSHLW2Connor McDavidEDMC3Brent BurnsSJD4Jamie BennDALLW5Sidney CrosbyPITC6Victor HedmanTBD7Tyler SeguinDALC/RW8Brad MarchandBOSLW9Erik KarlssonOTTD10Nathan MacKinnonCOLC11Taylor HallNJLW12Evgeni MalkinPITC13Blake WheelerWPGC/RW14Drew DoughtyLAD15Auston MatthewsTORC16John TavaresTORC17Evander KaneSJLW18Vincent TrocheckFLAC19Dustin ByfuglienWPGD20Patrik LaineWPGRW21Andrei VasilevskiyTBG22Nikita KucherovTBRW23P.K. SubbanNSHD24Vladimir TarasenkoSTLRW25Pekka RinneNSHG26Anze KopitarLAC27Steven StamkosTBC28Brayden SchennSTLC/LW29Evgeny KuznetsovWSHC30Aleksander BarkovFLAC31John CarlsonWSHD32Roman JosiNSHD33Jack EichelBUFC34Connor HellebuyckWPGG35Sergei BobrovskyCLBG36Seth JonesCLBD37Alex PietrangeloSTLD38Filip ForsbergNSHLW39Jonathan QuickLAG40Mark ScheifeleWPGC41Patrice BergeronBOSC42Oliver Ekman-LarssonARID43John GibsonANAG44Patrick KaneCHIRW45Dustin BrownLALW/RW46Matt DumbaMIND47David PastrnakBOSRW48Gabriel LandeskogCOLLW49Ryan GetzlafANAC50Brayden PointTBC/RW51Marc-Andre FleuryVGKG52Tom WilsonWSHLW/RW53Ivan ProvorovPHID54Brock BoeserVANRW55Wayne SimmondsPHIRW56Rickard RakellANAC/LW/RW57Frederik AndersenTORG58Artemi PanarinCLBLW59Jonathan MarchessaultVGKC/LW60Rasmus RistolainenBUFD61Kyle PalmieriNJRW62Patric HornqvistPITRW63Ryan EllisNSHD64Leon DraisaitlEDMC/RW65Matthew TkachukCGYLW66Braden HoltbyWSHG67Phil KesselPITRW68Shayne GostisbeherePHID69Devan DubnykMING70Martin JonesSJG71Jake MuzzinLAD72Torey KrugBOSD73John KlingbergDALD74Alexander RadulovDALRW75William KarlssonVGKC/LW76Tuukka RaskBOSG77Max PaciorettyMTLLW78Mika ZibanejadNYRC79Kris LetangPITD80Jacob TroubaWPGD81Mark GiordanoCGYD82Jeff CarterLAC83Joe PavelskiSJC/RW84Matt MurrayPITG85Claude GirouxPHIC/LW86Johnny GaudreauCGYLW87Mathew BarzalNYIC88Ben BishopDALG89Corey CrawfordCHIG90Chris KreiderNYRLW91Mark StoneOTTRW92Josh AndersonCLBRW93Carey PriceMTLG94Ryan SuterMIND95Shea WeberMTLD96Jakub VoracekPHIRW97J.T. MillerTBC/LW/RW98Logan CoutureSJC/LW99Sean CouturierPHIC100Sean MonahanCGYC101Colton ParaykoSTLD102Mike SmithCGYG103Mikko RantanenCOLLW/RW104Dougie HamiltonCARD105Tyler ToffoliLAC/RW106Mitch MarnerTORC/RW107Victor ArvidssonNSHLW/RW108Jason ZuckerMINLW/RW109Aaron EkbladFLAD110Antti RaantaARIG111Ryan O'ReillySTLC112Charlie McAvoyBOSD113Justin FaulkCARD114Brandon MontourANAD115Tomas HertlSJC/LW/RW116Darnell NurseEDMD117Eric StaalMINC118Nazem KadriTORC119David PerronSTLLW/RW120Nikolaj EhlersWPGLW/RW121Sebastian AhoCARLW/RW122Jake AllenSTLG123Roberto LuongoFLAG124Jake GuentzelPITC/LW125Reilly SmithVGKLW/RW126Boone JennerCLBC/LW127Jaden SchwartzSTLLW128William NylanderTORC/RW129Carter HuttonBUFG130Erik JohnsonCOLD131Cam TalbotEDMG132Alex EdlerVAND133Nikita ZadorovCOLD134Adam LarssonEDMD135James van RiemsdykPHILW136Corey PerryANARW137Nicklas BackstromWSHC138Ryan JohansenNSHC139Semyon VarlamovCOLG140Phlipp GrubauerCOLG141Tyson BarrieCOLD142Morgan RiellyTORD143Ryan McDonaghTBD144Ryan Nugent-HopkinsEDMC145Travis KonecnyPHIC/LW/RW146Robby FabbriSTLC/LW147Henrik LundqvistNYRG148Ondrej PalatTBLW149Alex DeBrincatCHILW/RW150Mikael GranlundMINC/RW151Clayton KellerARIC/LW/RW152Cory SchneiderNJG153Colin MillerVGKD154Nino NiederreiterMINLW/RW155Anthony ManthaDETLW/RW156Pierre-Luc DuboisCLBC/LW157T.J. OshieWSHRW158Eeli TolvanenNSHRW159Andrei SvechnikovCARRW160Nick FolignoCLBC/LW/RW161Jake GardinerTORD162Juuse SarosNSHG163James ReimerFLAG164Filip ZadinaDETLW165Kevin ShattenkirkNYRD166Josh MansonANAD167Michael Del ZottoVAND168Bryan LittleWPGC169Cam AtkinsonCLBRW170Teuvo TeravainenCARC/LW/RW171Mikhail SergachevTBD172Matt DucheneOTTC/RW173Rasmus DahlinBUFD174Patrick MarleauTORC/LW175Craig AndersonOTTG176Austin WatsonNSHC/LW/RW177Anders LeeNYILW178Mike HoffmanFLALW/RW179Evgenii DadonovFLALW/RW180Elias PetterssonVANC/RW181Kevin FialaNSHLW/RW182Jeff PetryMTLD183Sami VatanenNJD184Erik HaulaVGKC/LW185Bo HorvatVANC186Nico HischierNJC187Milan LucicEDMLW188Jordan StaalCARC189Brayden McNabbVGKD190David BackesBOSC/RW191Jonathan ToewsCHIC192Brendan GallagherMTLRW193Ilya KovalchukLALW194Dion PhaneufLAD195Johnny BoychukNYID196Radko GudasPHID197Ryan PulockNYID198Yanni GourdeTBC/RW199Jesse PuljujarviEDMRW200Jordan EberleNYIRWCopyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

God bless America ... for these hockey players.Happy birthday, United States. Below is an ode to your influence on the great game of hockey: a list of the greatest NHL players by state. First, a few notes.Due to a dearth of homegrown talent, the following 14 states did not make the cut: Arkansas, Hawaii, Idaho, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Tennessee, West Virginia, and Wyoming.For consistency's sake, players are sorted by birthplace according to the league's official website. Therefore, the odd player will seem out of place. For instance, Brett Hull (Belleville, Ont.) is excluded altogether from this exercise, and Arizona's Auston Matthews (San Ramon, Calif.) is elsewhere.As for honorable mentions, we instituted a two-player limit. Exceptions were made for a handful of hockey-mad states, like Michigan and Minnesota, who received up to five mentions (Statistical info courtesy: QuantHockey.com and Hockey-Reference.com).Alabama - Nic Dowd, FGPGAPTSGWG131917263Slim pickings in the deep south. Dowd, while an excellent college player in his day, has struggled to make a major impact in the NHL. A 2009 seventh-round pick out of St. Cloud State University, the Huntsville native has filled a depth forward spot for the Kings, previously, and Canucks, presently.Honorable Mention: N/AAlaska - Scott Gomez, FGPGAPTSESA1079181575756366Gomez, a playmaking center who topped out at 84 points, picked up plenty of hardware over a six-team playing career. The pride of Anchorage won a Calder Trophy (1999-00) and two Stanley Cups (2000, 2003). At his peak, Gomez was a star, tying for the league lead in assists in 2003-04 with 56 helpers.Honorable Mention: D Matt Carle, F Brandon DubinskyArizona - Sean Couturier, FGPGAPTSGWG49810116626715The desert has never been mistaken for a hockey hotbed, yet Couturier (raised in Quebec), Matthew Tkachuk (raised in St. Louis) and Matthews (born in California, raised in Arizona) represent legitimate NHLers with Arizona ties. Couturier, only 25 and the runner-up in Selke Trophy voting this spring, is a fringe star.Honorable Mention: F Matthew TkachukCalifornia - Auston Matthews, FGPGAPTSESG144745813261It's two years into his NHL career and already Matthews is the top Cali-born player. The five-tool center is dynamic and strong, he drives play and takes very few penalties, and has amassed 74 goals in fewer than 150 games. Matthews, 20, is among a few in contention for the Maple Leafs' captaincy.Honorable Mention: D Lee Norwood, D Brooks Orpik, F Jason ZuckerColorado - Ben Bishop, GGPWLT/OSV%3231749730.919Slavin may finish with a better career, but right now Bishop is the home run pick. The netminder has been a model of consistency since settling into the NHL, stopping between 91 percent and 92.4 percent of shots in all six seasons he has appeared in at least 20 games. Amazingly, Bishop has dressed for five teams.Honorable Mention: F Mike Eaves, D Jaccob SlavinConnecticut - Jonathan Quick, GGPWLT/OSV%55629319556.916For a place with a population below 4 million, the southern New England state has produced some quality talent. Quick takes the cake here, in large part because he's a winner. Two Stanley Cups and one Conn Smythe vaults him ahead of Drury and Janney, forwards with impressive resumes.Honorable Mention: F Chris Drury, F Craig Janney, F Max PaciorettyDelaware - Mark Eaton, DGPGAPTSPIM650246185242Delaware's lone NHL representative didn't do much from an offensive standpoint – his high-water mark for goals in a season was four, in 2003-04 with Nashville – but he does have a Stanley Cup ring from his time with the 2008-09 Pittsburgh Penguins.District of Columbia - Jeff Halpern, FGPGAPTSFO%97615222137354.2Halpern and Kevyn Adams are the only notable NHLers born from the nation's capital. The former strung together a lengthier and more productive career. With stops in Washington, Dallas, Tampa, Los Angeles, Montreal, New York, and Phoenix, Halpern made the rounds. He was a faceoff-winning bottom-six forward.Honorable Mention: F Kevyn AdamsFlorida - Shayne Gostisbehere, DGPGAPTSPPG2203711315017The man they call "the Ghost" is a byproduct of his surroundings, namely the nearby Panthers. Gostisbehere, 25, hails from Pembroke Pines, just down the highway from Sunrise. In 2017-18, he racked up 65 points for the Flyers to finish fourth in defenseman scoring. The sky is the limit for the power-play QB.Honorable Mention: D Jakob Chychrun, F Dan HinoteGeorgia - Mark Mowers, FGPGAPTSESA27818446243Mowers, now a pro scout for the Sabres, enjoyed seven NHL seasons despite going undrafted out of the University of New Hampshire. The center was born in Decatur but grew up in New York. In the mid-2010s, as Mowers fell out of favor with NHL teams, he jumped to the top Swiss league.Honorable Mention: N/AIllinois - Chris Chelios, DGPGAPTS+/-1651185763948+351Underrated historically, Chelios is not only Illinois' claim to hockey fame but also one of the game's all-time defensemen. The ageless wonder finally retired at 48, riding off into the sunset with three Norris Trophies and three Stanley Cups. Chelios, an 11-time All-Star, offered a unique mix of grit and skill.Honorable Mention: G Craig Anderson, F Ed OlczykIndiana - Jack Johnson, DGPGAPTSTOI7886621227822:52Johnson, of Indianapolis, is past his prime but has enjoyed a productive career as a minute-munching defenseman. He spent nearly five full seasons on the Kings, before being dealt to the Blue Jackets in 2012. Now locked up by the Penguins, Johnson can reset and, at 31, potentially get back on track.Honorable Mention: F Donald Brashear, D John-Michael LilesIowa - Scott Clemmensen, GGPWLT/OSV%191735924.905Perhaps best known for being one of Martin Brodeur's backups, the Des Moines native was no All-Star. However, considering he was picked in the eighth round of the 1997 NHL Draft, Clemmensen sure made something out of nothing. In retirement, he develops goaltenders for the Devils.Honorable Mention: N/AMaine - Brian Dumoulin, DGPGAPTSTOI2437445119:50The Pine Tree State is a toss-up. On one hand, blue-liner Dumoulin is a two-time Stanley Cup champion, yet a veteran of just 243 NHL games. On the other, Rick DiPietro, now an analyst, was a highly touted prospect and decent NHL goalie whose body of work is forever incomplete due to career-ending injuries.Honorable Mention: G Rick DiPietroMaryland - Jeff Brubaker, FGPGAPTSSH%1781692516.7There isn't much meat on the bone in Maryland, with Jeff Halpern's birthplace listed as Washington, D.C. So, by default, Brubaker is the state's golden boy. The Frederick native had trouble finding steady NHL work, topping out at eight goals and four assists in 68 games for the Maple Leafs in 1984-85.Honorable Mention: N/AMassachusetts - Jeremy Roenick, FGPGAPTSPPG13635137031216184Roenick is hands-down a top-10 American-born player. He edges out a great collection of players hailing from Massachusetts, thanks to a resume straddling the Hall of Fame line. J.R. produced three 100-point seasons and two 50-goal campaigns, and he never shied away from flaunting that magnetic personality.Honorable Mention: F Tony Amonte, G Tom Barrasso, F Bobby Carpenter, F Bill Guerin, F Keith TkachukMichigan - Mike Modano, FGPGAPTSSH%1499561813137413.1Modano is arguably the greatest U.S.-born player to skate in the NHL. One of his closest competitors, Brett Hull, was born in Canada, while Brian Leetch and Chris Chelios don't seem to carry the same clout. Modano holds the nation's record for goals and points, and he has a Stanley Cup ring.Honorable Mention: D Mark Howe, F Ryan Kesler, G Ryan Miller, G Tim Thomas, F Doug WeightMinnesota - Phil Housley, DGPGAPTSPPP14953388941232609Fourth all-time in points by a defenseman, Housley was a treat to watch for 20 years. His effortless skating, crafty passing, and ability to run a power play was a deadly combination. In 1992-93, the State of Hockey's best nearly hit triple digits - a rare feat for a blue-liner - but settled for 97 points in 80 games.Honorable Mention: G Frank Brimsek, F Neal Broten, F Dave Christian, F Jamie LangenbrunnerMissouri - Pat LaFontaine, F GPGAPTSESP8654685451013611Call him Mr. Missouri. Among those born in the Midwest state, LaFontaine is in another realm. The Hall of Fame center racked up a ridiculous 148 points in 1992-93, his second of two triple-digit seasons. He made five All-Star teams and holds the 15th-highest points per game in NHL history.Honorable Mention: F Patrick Maroon, F Paul RanheimNebraska - Jed Ortmeyer, FGPGAPTSTOI34522315311:12A member of the Omaha Hockey Hall of Fame, Ortmeyer is as good as it gets in Nebraska. He averaged 11 minutes per night over eight seasons. The right-handed forward dressed for the Rangers, Predators, Sharks, and Wild. Nowadays, he is employed by the Rangers in a player development capacity.Honorable Mention: N/ANew Hampshire - Deron Quint, DGPGAPTSTOI463469714318:56Drafted by the original Jets, Quint never made a major impact on the NHL. The left-handed blue-liner from Durham was by no means a point producer, with seasonal career highs of seven goals and 18 assists. Quint, now 42, was traded twice in 2000 and played for five clubs.Honorable Mention: D Mark Fayne, D Ben LovejoyNew Jersey - Johnny Gaudreau, FGPGAPTSSH%3129719128812.2Gaudreau, the 5-foot-9, 157-pound perennial scoring threat, is just revving up, whereas Bobby Ryan and James van Riemsdyk have probably hit their respective ceilings. Johnny Hockey, who bagged 24 goals and 60 assists this past season, should be contending for Art Ross and Lady Byng honors over the next decade.Honorable Mention: F Bobby Ryan, F James van RiemsdykNew York - Joe Mullen, FGPGAPTSPPP10625025611063334Hall of Famer Mullen is a slam dunk here, even though Kane is arguably the best active American. A point-per-game player for his career, Mullen won three Stanley Cups in four years (1989 with the Flames; 1991, 1992 with the Penguins). He picked up two Lady Byngs and recorded 110 points in 1988-89.Honorable Mention: F Dustin Brown, F Brian Gionta, F Patrick Kane, D Mathieu SchneiderNorth Carolina - Jared Boll, FGPGAPTSHIT5792838661044Boll, who hails from Charlotte, went 101st overall in the 2005 NHL Draft. Since, he has carved out a decent career as a big-bodied, throwback right winger. He's hanging on as the league drifts toward speed and skill. The timing of the post is fitting, as Boll announced his retirement Wednesday to cap an 11-year NHL career.Honorable Mention: F Ben SmithNorth Dakota - Paul Gaustad, FGPGAPTSFO%7278914223156.8Size and faceoffs - that was Gaustad in three words. With a 6-foot-5, 227-pound frame and a knack for winning more draws than basically the whole league, he was a valuable role player. Now retired, Gaustad's body of work can be fairly compared to Tim Jackman's career. And it's Gaustad by a mile.Honorable Mention: F Tim JackmanOhio - Bryan Smolinski, FGPGAPTSGWG105627437765145A handy player for 14-plus seasons, Smolinski's career can be summed up in a word: solid. The Toledo native scored the odd timely goal, pitched in on the power play, and was a mainstay on penalty-killing units across the NHL. All told, the 6-foot-1, 203-pounder dressed for eight teams.Honorable Mention: D Dave Ellett, F Curt Fraser, D Moe ManthaOklahoma - Tyler Arnason, FGPGAPTSGWG4878815724514This is basically a tie, with the advantage going to Arnason for (as of now) boasting a fuller resume than John Merrill. The left-handed center had a career year with the Blackhawks in 2002-03, contributing 22 goals and 33 assists in 82 games. Merrill, picked by the Golden Knights in the expansion draft, is just 26.Honorable Mention: D Jon MerrillOregon - Jere Gillis, FGPGAPTSGWG386789517314It has been a long time since Oregon produced an NHLer. In fact, Gillis, who played from 1977 to 1986, is the only local to even flirt with the 200-game mark. The Bend native suited up for the Canucks, Rangers, Nordiques, Sabres, Canucks, and, for one game, the Flyers.Honorable Mention: F Scott LevinsPennsylvania - Mike Richter, GGPWLT/OSV%66630125873.904Richter is America's most famous goaltender. Helping his case for Pennsylvania's best is a Stanley Cup, three All-Star selections and a career spent under the spotlight. Richter, who had his down years with the Rangers, ranks 33rd on the all-time wins list. John Gibson might eventually snatch his crown.Honorable Mention: G John Gibson, F Ryan Malone, F Vincent Trocheck, F R.J. UmbergerRhode Island - Bryan Berard, DGPGAPTSTOI6197624732320:49Hailing from a place called Woonsocket, Berard burst onto the scene as the first overall pick and 1996-97 Calder Trophy winner. Unfortunately, his career was derailed by a gruesome eye injury. He missed the entire 2000-01 season and, though he didn't retire until years later, was never the same player.Honorable Mention: G Brian Boucher, D Keith CarneySouth Carolina - Ryan Hartman, FGPGAPTSCF%16230336352.8Hartman, born on Hilton Head Island, is a work in progress. The 23-year-old's underlying numbers are nice but the counting stats haven't caught up. After going 30th overall in the 2013 NHL Draft, Hartman has split two-and-a-half seasons between the Blackhawks (past) and Predators (current).Honorable Mention: N/ATexas - Brian Leetch, DGPGAPTSESA12052477811028431Texas: Land of defensemen - apparently. All three of the state's NHLers are quality blue-liners. Unequivocally, it's Leetch who holds serve. He won four individual awards (Calder, Norris, Conn Smythe, Norris) despite competing against Nicklas Lidstrom. Plus: 11 All-Star nods and a Stanley Cup.Honorable Mention: D Seth Jones, D Tyler MyersUtah - Steve Konowalchuk, FGPGAPTSGWG79017122539626Not the sexiest name in NHL history, but the Salt Lake City native built a decent career. Konowalchuk, recently fired by the Ducks as a coach, collected 40 or more points five times during his playing career. The left winger had his moments, registering a pair of hat tricks with the Capitals in 1995-96.Honorable Mention: F Trevor LewisVermont - John LeClair, FGPGAPTSESG967406413819287Standing alone atop the Vermont hockey mountain is one of the most dominant power forwards of his generation. LeClair, at 6-foot-3 and 226 pounds, was a beast in his prime, bagging 50 goals in back-to-back-to-back seasons. And he followed up those three golden years with campaigns of 43 and 40 goals.Honorable Mention: N/AVirginia - Eric Weinrich, DGPGAPTSTOI11577031838822:55Talk about longevity. Weinrich survived six NHL trades, stretching out his stay on the blue line to nearly 1,200 games. He provided teams with stability and durability. Scott Darling (longtime minor leaguer) and Scott Lachance (Olympian) are nice stories, but not quite at Weinrich's impact level.Honorable Mention: G Scott Darling, D Scott LachanceWashington - T.J. Oshie, FGPGAPTSCF%66518727746452.1It's safe to say Oshie is a 50-point guy. The pride of Everett has been within striking distance of, hit, or surpassed 50 in the seven campaigns he has dressed for at least 60 games. Tyler Johnson (two 50-point seasons and a 70-pointer) is right there with him. Tie goes to Stanley Cup champion Oshie.Honorable Mention: F Patrick Dwyer, F Tyler JohnsonWisconsin - Gary Suter, DGPGAPTSPPA1145203641844387Gary Suter leads an excellent group of Wisconsinites. A quick career synopsis: Ryan's uncle went in the ninth round of the 1984 NHL Draft, picked up the Calder Trophy in 1985-86, recorded 91 points in his third season, helped lead the Flames to a Stanley Cup in his fourth, and then played 13 more.Honorable Mention: F Phil Kessel, F Joe Pavelski, F Drew Stafford, D Ryan Suter(Photos courtesy: Getty Images)Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Dallas Stars general manager Jim Nill has, over recent years, made a habit of making a major offseason splash in an attempt to get his club back to a Stanley Cup Final for the first time since 2000.Nill was beaten to the punch this summer by new Toronto Maple Leafs GM Kyle Dubas' signing of John Tavares. But according to a report Tuesday, Nill doesn't seem to be standing idly by. In fact, if rumors are to be believed, the Stars have emerged as front-runners to land highly-prized blue-liner Erik Karlsson from the Ottawa Senators.Senators GM Pierre Dorion's future with the Sens hangs in the balance as Ottawa fans wait with bated breath to see if the much-maligned front-office executive can right the ship and resurrect the franchise from what has been a dismal 10-month period.Karlsson is the face of the Senators, so Dorion needs to get the deal right - to save both himself and the franchise. But where would he even start?What pieces would be involved?First off, moving Karlsson means Ottawa will need to fill a massive hole on its blue line, so a promising defensive prospect being involved is crucial.Quite obviously, no players coming back to the Senators would remotely make up for the loss of Karlsson. But this move is being made to solidify Ottawa's future, not to win a mediocre amount of games in 2018-19 and become a bubble team.Stars send (position)Senators send (position)Miro Heiskanen (D)Erik Karlsson (D)Mattias Janmark (W)1st-round pick (2019)There's no denying that Karlsson was a different player after returning from serious offseason ankle surgery last year, but he remains one of the best puck-moving offensive defensemen in the league. So the package going Ottawa's way will have to be substantial, regardless of the franchise needing to cut payroll.Reports have indicated the Sens are focusing on making 2017 third overall draft pick and stud defensive prospect Miro Heiskanen part of the deal, which would make a ton of sense from Dorion's perspective. Only problem, is Nill prepared to move one of the more promising players from last year's draft? If he's not, this is another potential deal that could work for both sides: Stars send (position)Senators send (position)Julius Honka (D)Erik Karlsson (D)Brett Ritchie (W)Remi Elie (W)1st-round pick (2019)2nd-round pick (2021)Realistically, there are myriad packages for what the Senators could get in return for their two-time Norris Trophy-winning defenseman, as the club is in dire need of help at basically every position. But a trade like the one right above fills a lot of holes for Dorion right away.However, Ottawa is devoid of a 2019 first-rounder from the Matt Duchene deal, so you can expect that Dorion will be holding firm on having a first-round pick being included in any potential Karlsson trade.How would the trade impact the Stars?Dallas is going to have to give up at least one or two active roster pieces to land a player of Karlsson's caliber. And there's no denying the bright futures of guys like Heiskanen, Honka, and Janmark. But that would be a small price to pay to add a perennial All-Star to its blue line.Not to mention, imagine what the Stars' power play would like with Jon Klingberg playing opposite to his Swedish countryman? See you later. Both D-men average an insane amount of ice time per game (23:03 career average for Klingberg, 25:58 career average for Karlsson) and are both capable of hitting the 50- to 60-point mark on a yearly basis.The price might be steep, and his future cap situation would need some tinkering, but if Nill has the opportunity to add a franchise player like Karlsson, he should be seriously considering coughing up the proper return to bring in that game-changing piece. If Nill can get Karlsson in Big D, the Stars quickly transform into a serious playoff threat.How would the trade impact the Senators?While Sens fans continue to groan and eye-roll in disapproval at seemingly every piece of news that comes out of the nation's capital this summer, Dorion has the chance to put the past season of mayhem behind him and turn the page on a new chapter of Ottawa hockey.It was previously believed that any deal involving Karlsson would have to include winger Bobby Ryan and his hefty cap hit of $7.25 million over the next four years. But that rumor appears to be just that, as the Senators have reportedly agreed to not include Ryan in any Karlsson negotiations.A trade with the Stars involving Karlsson wouldn't bring Ottawa back to life overnight, but it would go a long way in setting the club up for a successful future.(Photos courtesy: Getty Images) Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Carolina Hurricanes signed free-agent defenseman Calvin de Haan to a four-year, $18.2-million contract on Tuesday, the team announced."Calvin is a solid, puck-moving defenseman who will bring a veteran presence to the blue line," general manager Don Waddell said in a release. "He is a strong two-way player who is capable of shutting down opponents' top lines, and he will help solidify the left side and upgrade our defense."The 27-year-old had been among the most coveted free-agent defensemen on the market.

The Dallas Stars have emerged as the front-runners to land highly sought-after defenseman Erik Karlsson, sources told Chris Stevenson of The Athletic.Related - Report: Senators give teams permission to negotiate with KarlssonNews regarding Dallas' keen interest in the two-time Norris Trophy winner comes only one day after the Senators reportedly gave teams permission to negotiate a new contract with Karlsson.

The St. Louis Blues re-signed forward Robby Fabbri to a one-year contract on Tuesday, the team announced.The deal will pay Fabbri $925,000, according to NHL.com's Lou Korac.Fabbri, who was a restricted free agent, missed the entire 2017-18 season following ACL surgery in October. It was the second time he underwent an ACL procedure, but Luckily for the 22-year-old, on Tuesday he was also medically cleared to return to hockey-related activities.In his first two NHL seasons, Fabbri recorded 29 goals and 66 points in 123 games. He was drafted 21st overall in 2014.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The New York Islanders agreed to terms with goaltender Robin Lehner on a one-year contract Tuesday, the team announced. The deal is worth $1.5 million, according to Stephen Whyno of The Associated Press.Lehner moves to an Islanders squad that finished with the most goals allowed last season with a staggering 293 tallies. He also joins a goalie depth chart that includes only career backup Thomas Greiss and unproven AHL netminder Christopher Gibson.A veteran of eight NHL seasons split between the Ottawa Senators and Buffalo Sabres, Lehner has a career regular-season record of 72-97-35 to go along with a career 2.82 GAA and .915 save percentage.Lehner struggled last season for the Sabres, both with injury and with his consistency, while registering a 14-26-9 record with three shutouts. He was drafted by the Senators in the second round of the 2009 NHL Draft.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Toronto Maple Leafs spent the last few days focusing on one of the best free-agent forwards in recent memory. On Tuesday, their attention turned to the back end with the signing of defenseman Justin Holl to a two-year contract, the team announced. The deal carries an annual average value of $675,000.Holl made his NHL debut last season, playing two games for the Leafs and scoring a goal in each appearance.The majority of Holl's 2017-18 campaign was spent with the Marlies, Toronto's AHL affiliate. He registered seven goals and 21 assists in 60 regular-season games. Holl also chipped in with three goals and two assists in 20 playoff games during the Marlies' championship run.Holl played collegiately for the University of Minnesota Gophers, and he was selected by the Chicago Blackhawks in the second round of the 2010 NHL Draft. His deal with the Leafs is of the one-way variety, according to Sportsnet's Chris Johnston.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The NHL draft and free-agent frenzy may be in the rear-view mirror, but the rumors surrounding a potential Erik Karlsson trade appear to be heating up.On Monday, it was reported that the Ottawa Senators had given permission to interested clubs to discuss a potential contract extension with Karlsson. Signs certainly point to a potential departure from Ottawa, but if former Sens captain Daniel Alfredsson has his way, Karlsson will stick around."I think it's a difficult situation for everybody," Alfredsson said, according to TSN's Brent Wallace. "No question he is a generational talent and the best player to ever wear the Senators jersey. Then we'll see what happens. I know for me personally I hope he stays."Related: Senators offer extension to KarlssonAs for if Alfredsson thinks Karlsson will be moved, he has no idea."To be honest I don't know what to think at this moment," Alfredsson said. "You know, what could happen? I heard at the deadline it was close. I heard after that it was close. I'm sure he'll call me if something happens."Karlsson - who's set to be an unrestricted free agent next summer - is coming off a tough season with the Senators that saw the club finish with the second-worst record in the league, involved off-ice drama surrounding his family and former Senator Mike Hoffman, and seemingly featured never-ending rumors regarding the stability of the franchise in Ottawa with regards to owner Eugene Melnyk.Still, the two-time Norris Trophy winner managed 62 points in 71 games and remains one of the elite defensemen in the NHL.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Arizona Coyotes re-signed center Brad Richardson to a two-year deal with an average annual value of $1.25 million, the team announced Tuesday.The 33-year-old appeared in 76 games with the Coyotes last season, recording three goals and 15 points.After acquiring centers Alex Galchenyuk and Marcus Kruger this offseason, Richardson now joins a crowded group down the middle for the Coyotes alongside Derek Stepan, Christian Dvorak, and Dylan Strome.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Tim Hunter is getting his chance.Hunter, an assistant coach at the 2017 and 2018 World Junior Championships, has been promoted to head coach of Team Canada's world junior squad, Hockey Canada announced Tuesday.The former NHL player (Flames, Nordiques, Canucks, Sharks) and NHL coach (Capitals, Sharks, Maple Leafs) will be tasked with leading Canada to glory in a tournament that's becoming increasingly difficult to handicap. This year's event, hosted by Vancouver and Victoria, British Columbia, runs from late December to early January.Joining Hunter on the 2019 world junior coaching staff are Marc-André Dumont, Jim Hulton, and Brent Kisio. Hunter and his assistants are all head coaches in the Canadian Hockey League - Hunter in Moose Jaw, Dumont in Cape Breton, Hulton in Charlottetown, and Kisio in Lethbridge."To be in a position to have familiarity in our coaching staff with Tim Hunter gives us the opportunity to again compete for a gold medal," Scott Salmond, Hockey Canada's senior vice-president of national teams, said in a statement. "All three assistant coaches have also had prior experience working within our Program of Excellence at various levels. Their experience and knowledge will help our players succeed in this prestigious international tournament."The Canadians won the gold medal in Buffalo in 2018, settled for silver in Montreal/Toronto in 2017, and failed to medal in 2016. Over the past 10 world junior tournaments, Canada has won three golds, three silvers, and one bronze.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Toronto Maple Leafs have traded winger Matt Martin to the New York Islanders in exchange for goaltender prospect Eamon McAdam, the teams announced Tuesday.The trade marks Martin's second stint in Long Island. The enforcer was drafted by the Isles in the fifth round in 2008, and went on to play six seasons with the club before joining the Maple Leafs via free agency in 2016.McAdam, on the other hand, was drafted 70th overall in 2013. In 29 starts in the ECHL this season, he managed a 13-10-2 record along with a .910 save percentage.The Leafs and Islanders have frequently been intertwined over the offseason so far. Not only did general manager Lou Lamoriello switch organizations, the Islanders nabbed former Leaf grinder Leo Komarov in free agency, and, most significantly, lost captain John Tavares to his hometown team July 1.Tavares' $11-million cap hit likely played a key role in the Maple Leafs' decision to move Martin, who only appeared in 50 games last season. Trading the 29-year-old saves Toronto $2.5 million in cap space in each of the next two seasons, with William Nylander, Auston Matthews, and Mitch Marner all requiring new contracts in that span.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

After taking all of last season to rehab an ACL injury, St. Louis Blues forward Robby Fabbri has finally received medical clearance, the team announced Tuesday."He's doing very well," Blues general manager Doug Armstrong said in a statement. "He is up in Toronto working very hard and time is going to tell on this one. It's very difficult, you feel for Robby. He was projecting to be such a good player and then these two injuries kept him out a year and a half."Fabbri missed the entire 2017-18 campaign after he aggravated his surgically repaired left knee in training camp. The injury had sidelined him for the final 30 games of the previous season and the subsequent playoffs."We want to make sure we're not putting him in a position to fail when he comes (to training camp)," Armstrong added. "He'll come back in and be hoping for the best, but expecting a little bit of readjustment. But health-wise, he's doing good."Across two seasons with the Blues, Fabbri's notched 29 goals and 37 assists in 123 games. He was drafted 21st overall in 2014.The news of Fabbri's return follows a steady stream of offseason additions by St. Louis, including forwards Ryan O'Reilly, Tyler Bozak, and David Perron.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Humboldt Broncos have named former NHL player Nathan Oystrick as their new head coach, the club announced Tuesday.Oystrick takes over for Darcy Haugan, who was killed in the bus crash that took the lives of 16 members in the Broncos organization. Haugan was later the first-ever recipient of the Willie O'Ree Community Hero Award at the NHL Awards in June."I am very grateful for the opportunity to be the Humboldt Broncos head coach, and look forward to joining this tremendous community and leading this historic organization, all the while never forgetting the circumstances which have brought me here," Oystrick said.Related: Humboldt Broncos to assemble team for 2018-19 seasonOystrick was drafted in the seventh round by the Atlanta Thrashers in 2002, and played 65 games in the NHL. The native of Regina, Saskatchewan, was previously an assistant coach with the ECHL's Atlanta Gladiators.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Boston Bruins have re-signed forward Sean Kuraly to a three-year deal averaging $1.275 million, the team announced Tuesday.In two seasons with the Bruins, the 25-year-old center has been a dependable fourth-line player while recording 15 points in 83 regular-season games. In the 2017-2018 campaign, Kuraly appeared in all 12 of Boston's playoff games, tallying two goals and two assists.The 6-foot-2 and 213-pound forward was acquired by the Bruins in 2016 in a trade that sent goaltender Martin Jones to San Jose for Kuraly and a first-round pick.The Bruins also announced the signing of forward Anton Blidh to a one-year, two-way contract with an NHL cap hit of $650,000. The winger played 71 AHL games with Providence last year, netting 26 points.Blidh was the Bruins' 180th overall pick in 2013. He's appeared in 20 games for Boston, scoring his first NHL goal in December 2016 against the Islanders.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The contract extension the Ottawa Senators offered captain Erik Karlsson on July 1 was worth $10 million per season, a source told Chris Stevenson of The Athletic.There's no indication of how Karlsson reacted to the offer, but a report from Larry Brooks of the New York Post on Monday revealed the Senators have given clubs across the league permission to negotiate an extension with the two-time Norris Trophy winner.Karlsson's current contract is set to expire after the 2018-19 season, and he could've been joined in a star-studded class of unrestricted free agents by Drew Doughty, arguably the only blue-liner held in the same regard. However, the Los Angeles Kings stalwart agreed to terms on an eight-year deal worth a reported $11 million annually, which would make him the NHL's highest-paid defenseman.In November, Doughty said he and Karlsson would discuss what kind of money they'd be looking for in an extension.With the big names off this summer's free-agency board, Karlsson's future is the offseason's top story, and his potential departure from Ottawa after nine seasons with the club would significantly alter the team's trajectory.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Could Matt Martin be headed back to New York?According to Larry Brooks of the New York Post, the Rangers have inquired about the availability of the Toronto Maple Leafs agitator.The report comes a day after Brooks revealed that Martin is in demand on the trade market.A move to New York would mark a homecoming of sorts for Martin, who spent seven seasons with the rival Islanders prior to signing with the Maple Leafs in 2016.He's under contract for two more seasons at a $2.5-million cap hit. However, he's owed just $750,000 in salary this season after a lucrative signing bonus was paid out July 1.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Deals on the first day of the NHL free-agency period came fast and furious Sunday, and although most of the big signings were players re-upping with their current clubs, a small handful of guys are poised to see their fantasy value increase exponentially in new settings.Related - Bang for your buck: Ranking the top bargain FA signings from Day 1Whether it's because of increased roles or improved quality of teammates, here are the three free-agent signings whose fantasy value is set to skyrocket.Carter HuttonBefore you start button-mashing and spewing vitriol across all theScore's social media accounts, we are well aware that Hutton is set to hold down the blue paint for the Buffalo Sabres, one of the more inconsistent teams in the NHL in recent years.However, Hutton is going from a backup who sees 20-30 starts a year to being the de facto No .1 playing in 50-60, so his value as a starter compared to as a backup is obviously much more significant. He also proved last season with the St. Louis Blues that he is more than capable of putting up starter-type numbers.

Nail Yakupov is heading home to Russia, as the 24-year-old winger signed a one-year deal with SKA St. Petersburg of the KHL, the league announced Tuesday.Yakupov spent 2017-18 with the Colorado Avalanche, signing a one-year, $875,000 contract with the club after he was traded from the Edmonton Oilers to the St. Louis Blues one season prior.After recording nine goals and seven assists with the Avs, Yakupov was never given a qualifying offer, making him an unrestricted free agent.Yakupov was drafted first overall in 2012 by the Oilers, and after registering 31 points in 48 games in a promising debut season, he never lived up to expectations afterward, maxing out at 33 points in 2014-15. If the trip overseas signals the end of his NHL career, he departs as one of the most disappointing No. 1 picks in recent memory, with 136 points in 350 games.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Ottawa Senators continue to try and work themselves out from under the mess that has become their offseason, as the club has given teams permission to discuss a contract extension with Norris Trophy-winning rearguard Erik Karlsson, according to the New York Post's Larry Brooks.Related: Senators offer extension to KarlssonEver since the off-ice drama between the Karlsson family and former Senators teammate Mike Hoffman and his fiancee, rumors have been hot and heavy over Karlsson's potential departure out of the nation's capital.Ottawa offered Karlsson a contract extension Sunday, but given the relative disarray the franchise currently finds itself in, there is a real possibility that the premier blue-liner has played his final game with the Senators.Despite playing last season with half an ankle bone, Karlsson still managed a respectable campaign on a ragtag Sens squad, racking up nine goals and 53 assists in 71 games.Though he looked to have lost a step following last year's surgery, he is still one of the best defensemen in the game who will have multiple teams vying to acquire his services.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Ryan O'Reilly has no regrets about how his end-of-season locker room clean out interview went.After another losing season with the Buffalo Sabres, O'Reilly said the following when asked if the team was mentally strong enough, according to The Athletic's Joe Yerdon.

As the New York Islanders continue to try and pick up the pieces left in the wake of John Tavares' move to Toronto, the club signed forward and two-time Stanley Cup champion Tom Kuhnhackl to a one-year deal Monday, the team announced.Kuhnhackl is coming off a campaign in which he registered two goals and six assists in 69 regular-season games while averaging just over 10 minutes in ice time per night.The Germany native was drafted by the Penguins in the fourth round of the 2010 NHL Draft, and went on to win two Cups with Pittsburgh in 2016 and 2017, but is probably most famous for this viral clip from the 2018 postseason:Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The San Jose Sharks re-signed forward Tomas Hertl to a four-year contract Monday, the team announced. Per club policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed, but Hertl's reported annual average salary is $5.625 million, according to Kevin Kurz of The Athletic."Tomas took a big step forward last season, both on and off the ice, and we feel that he is just starting to hit his prime," Sharks general manager Doug Wilson said."He has the ability to be a dominant player in this League and proved during the playoffs that he can take over any given game with his combination of skill and strength. His capability to play both center and the wing gives our team some flexibility, and he has one of the most infectious personalities in our dressing room. We're excited he made this commitment to our organization."Hertl is coming off a season in which he produced a career-high 22 goals to go along with 24 assists. He also led the Sharks in game-winning goals with five, and paced the club in faceoff wins with 587.In 10 playoff contests for San Jose last season, Hertl registered six goals and three assists. The Czech native was selected by the Sharks in the first round of the 2012 NHL Draft, 17th overall.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Brian Gibbons has a one-way ticket to California.The unrestricted free-agent forward has signed a one-year deal with the Anaheim Ducks, the team announced Monday. The first one-way contract of Gibbons' career is worth $1 million, reports Renaud Lavoie of TVA Sports.In 2017-18, he recorded 12 goals and 14 assists in 59 regular-season games. He leaves the New Jersey Devils organization after two campaigns.The 30-year-old Boston College alumnus has also dressed for the Pittsburgh Penguins and Columbus Blue Jackets over a 125-game NHL career. In total, Gibbons has posted 17 goals and 31 assists.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Happy birthday, Jumbo.The San Jose Sharks signed veteran centerman Joe Thornton, who turned 39 on Monday, to a one-year contract, the club announced. It's worth $5 million and includes a no-trade clause, reports The Athletic's Kevin Kurz.Thornton's 2017-18 season was cut short by a knee injury, but he still managed to produce a respectable 36 points (13 goals, 23 assists) in 47 games. The future Hall of Famer has 1427 points in 1493 career regular-season contests split between the Sharks and the Boston Bruins.A year ago to the day, Thornton inked a similar one-year contract worth $8 million.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Former Los Angeles Kings defenseman Slava Voynov's domestic violence charge has been dismissed, according to The Athletic's Katie Strang.On Monday, Voynov had his petition for the dismissal to the Los Angeles County Superior Court granted, Strang reported. The 28-year-old didn't appear in court, according to Curtis Zupke of the Los Angeles Times.Voynov served two months in jail after pleading "no contest" to a misdemeanor charge of corporal injury to a spouse. The incident occurred in October 2014.The Kings terminated his contract shortly after the arrest, though the right-handed blue-liner has since played in the KHL for SKA St. Petersburg and internationally at the world championships and 2018 Olympics for Russia.Multiple NHL teams are said to be interested in signing Voynov if NHL officials allow the two-time Stanley Cup champion to re-enter the league.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

John Tavares' homecoming has oddsmakers looking to cash in on the Stanley Cup hopes of Toronto Maple Leafs fans.The Leafs are the sudden championship favorites, according to odds released Monday by Bodog, as shared by TSN's Frank Seravalli:TeamOddsToronto Maple Leafs7-1Tampa Bay Lightning9-1Boston Bruins19-2Nashville Predators11-1Vegas Golden Knights11-1Pittsburgh Penguins12-1Washington Capitals12-1Winnipeg Jets14-1San Jose Sharks22-1Edmonton Oilers25-1Los Angeles Kings25-1Philadelphia Flyers25-1St. Louis Blues25-1Minnesota Wild26-1Anaheim Ducks28-1Calgary Flames28-1Dallas Stars28-1Chicago Blackhawks30-1Columbus Blue Jackets30-1Colorado Avalanche35-1New Jersey Devils35-1Florida Panthers40-1Buffalo Sabres66-1Detroit Red Wings66-1Montreal Canadiens66-1New York Rangers66-1Carolina Hurricanes70-1Vancouver Canucks70-1New York Islanders80-1Arizona Coyotes80-1Ottawa Senators150-1Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Toronto Maple Leafs tough guy Matt Martin is in demand on the trade market, reports Larry Brooks of the New York Post.Martin has two years remaining on his contract at $2.5 million per. He was paid a $1.5-million signing bonus by the Maple Leafs on Sunday, according to Sportsnet's Chris Johnston, reducing the amount of actual money he'd cost a team that acquired him.After suiting up in all 82 games through his first season in Toronto in 2016-17, Martin's role seriously diminished last season. Mainly a healthy scratch for the second half of the schedule and into the playoffs, the 29-year-old appeared in just 50 contests, registering three goals and nine assists in under eight minutes per night.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

TORONTO - The most famous hockey-related list in recent memory shrunk by two-thirds as the weekend neared. The wheels were in motion.John Tavares, the brightest free-agent star of the NHL's salary-cap era, paced back and forth on his Toronto-area pool deck. His mind raced. He pored over the pros and cons of signing a long-term contract with one of the remaining suitors: the Toronto Maple Leafs and the New York Islanders.The Dallas Stars, Boston Bruins, Tampa Bay Lightning, and San Jose Sharks - all of whom had pitched Tavares earlier in the week at his agency's Los Angeles headquarters - were old news, out, and, as the 27-year-old detailed Sunday, the list was narrowed down to "where I'm from" and "where I've been for a long time.""My heart was tearing apart trying to figure out what I wanted to do," Tavares said at his introductory press conference.In the end, with the hockey world in the palm of his hand, the ultra-loyal Tavares opted for what "felt right." His inner calculus spat out Toronto sometime mid-to-late Saturday afternoon.His camp informed the Leafs not long after, and the two sides began discussing the particulars of a long-term contract. Outlined in the chart below, thanks to TSN's Pierre LeBrun, the signing bonus-heavy deal came to fruition in the wee hours of Sunday."I just had this feeling that this was the right fit for me, the right thing to do," said Tavares, stoic as always while his seven-year, $77-million agreement captivated Leafs Nation on Canada Day.YEARSALARYBONUSAAV2018-19$650K$15.25M$11M2019-20$910K$14.99M$11M2020-21$910K$11.09M$11M2021-22$910K$8.44M$11M2022-23$910K$7.04M$11M2023-24$910K$7.04M$11M2024-25$910K$7.04M$11MHockey's modest version of LeBron James' infamous Decision in 2010, capped by a bombshell announcement on Tavares' Twitter account, centered around three factors, according to the player, Leafs general manager Kyle Dubas, and Toronto president Brendan Shanahan.First, the Leafs' indisputably strong roster. Second, the organization's pledge that his family would find comfort under the Toronto glare. Third, the opportunity and challenge of leading his hometown team to glory."We worked really hard on our presentation," Shanahan told theScore of the Leafs' pitch in L.A. "We were very clear in who the communicator was and that was Kyle, and we felt we told our story and put our best foot forward. Regardless of what happened, I think there was a quiet confidence around here, that we had done our best, and we were hopeful that he'd choose us."Fittingly, the Leafs' home rink has a new name. On Sunday, the Air Canada Centre became Scotiabank Arena. The so-called Shanaplan, which started in earnest inside the ACC in April 2014, has entered a new stratosphere.What now for the Leafs?The Leafs now have enviable strength down the middle, their own spin on the Pittsburgh Penguins' venerable Sidney Crosby-Evgeni Malkin tandem.It's an imperfect comparison, sure, but it's difficult to pump the brakes on the best-case scenario when Auston Matthews, who turns just 21 this fall, is already arguably a top-10 center, and Tavares, a top-10 center for the better part of the past decade, is finally in a position to skate alongside another difference-maker.Leafs coach Mike Babcock laid out his plans to Tavares in L.A. Stressing that it's the offseason and nothing is set in stone, he revealed Sunday that he has Tavares teaming up with Mitch Marner and Zach Hyman this fall.Patrick Marleau, Babcock added, will join the dynamic duo of William Nylander and Matthews to complete the top six. With considerable depth, the Leafs' forward group evolved Sunday from very good to great.LWCRWPatrick MarleauAuston MatthewsWilliam NylanderZach HymanJohn TavaresMitch MarnerAndreas JohnssonNazem KadriKasperi Kapanen/Connor BrownJosh Leivo/Carl GrundstromPar LindholmBrown/KapanenOn paper, placing Marner on Tavares' wing is a foolproof plan. The former is a tremendous playmaker (who can also finish) and the latter is a 12.9 percent career shooter (who can also thread the needle). Expect more tap-ins, one-timers, and breakaways in No. 91's near future."His speed, his ability to control the play, control games at times, his ability to move the puck and create time and space with his feet," Tavares said, rhyming off Marner's alluring qualities. "It's extremely impressive ... when you're on the ice, you know he's around the puck, he's on top of the puck and he wants it."Exiting the forward fold via free agency are three longtime Leafs. Goal-scoring winger James van Riemsdyk is returning to Philadelphia, third-line centre Tyler Bozak is St. Louis bound, and sparkplug Leo Komarov is off to Long Island. Tavares will slide into Van Riemsdyk's net-front position on the Leafs' first power-play unit, according to Babcock.Similar to Van Riemsdyk, the Mississauga native is creative around the goalmouth. He has averaged north of three power-play minutes per game over his nine-year career, making a second home in the crease area, and, in 2017-18, bagged 12 of his 37 goals on the PP.Along with elite skill, vision, finishing ability, durability, and three-zone attentiveness, Babcock believes the newest Leaf brings veteran clout. It's no coincidence Tavares' seat in the locker room neighbors the stalls for both Marner, 21, and Nylander, 22."John being older, and John going through the hard knocks of the National Hockey League already - no different than Patrick Marleau when he arrived (last offseason from the Sharks) - the impact he's going to have on our young people is going to be immense," Babcock said.What now for the league?The Maple Leafs' odds to win the Stanley Cup vastly improved Sunday. That's a fact. But, in reality, the Tavares signing doesn't guarantee a single thing.The NHL, of course, has a salary cap, which means the Leafs must be savvy spenders moving forward. Nylander (up now), Matthews (up in 2019), Marner (2019), and blue-liner Jake Gardiner (2019) need contract extensions, while the right side of their defense is ordinary at best.What's more, the Tampa Bay Lightning and Boston Bruins stand in the doorway. The Atlantic Division is top-heavy, and neither of those teams lost a player of significance through free agency.Tavares and Steven Stamkos (Getty Images)Past the Atlantic side of the bracket are Crosby and the Penguins, and Alex Ovechkin and the reigning Stanley Cup champion Washington Capitals. Both will be Eastern Conference heavyweights until further notice. It isn't Toronto and another team; it's Toronto and four others.The West is harder to handicap, yet it features a group of projected Cup contenders in the Winnipeg Jets, Nashville Predators, and Vegas Golden Knights, and the three reloading California teams. Winnipeg, in particular, is primed for a string of deep playoff runs and on a similar trajectory to the Leafs.A comprehensive league assessment would be premature right now. It's July. The dust must settle on free agency and the rumor mill (hello, Erik Karlsson). Until then, though, Leafs fans can dream big. The power has shifted.Tavares, who slept in a Leafs-themed bed growing up, talked Sunday about what it would mean to end the decades-long Cup drought."It's hard to put that into words, right?" he said."People have been waiting for it for a long time. People are hungry for it. The passion for the game, the passion for the Maple Leafs, is unprecedented."

Here are the top 200 skaters and goalies ranked in descending order based on their value in 10- or 12-team standard fantasy hockey leagues.CategoriesSkatersGoaliesGoalsWinsAssistsShutoutsPlus/minusGoals-against averagePower-play PointsSave percentagePenalty minutesShots on goalTop 200 (Standard)(Positional eligibility applies to Yahoo! leagues)RkPlayerTeamPos.1Connor McDavidEDMC2Steven StamkosTBC3Alex OvechkinWSHLW4Nathan MacKinnonCOLC5Sidney CrosbyPITC6Nikita KucherovTBRW7Taylor HallNJLW8John TavaresTORC9Auston MatthewsTORC10Evgeny KuznetsovWSHC11Evgeni MalkinPITC12Claude GirouxPHIC/LW13Mark ScheifeleWPGC14Brad MarchandBOSLW15Andrei VasilevskiyTBG16Tyler SeguinDALC/RW17Blake WheelerWPGC/RW18Vladimir TarasenkoSTLRW19Erik KarlssonOTTD20Patrik LaineWPGRW21Artemi PanarinCLBC/LW22Jack EichelBUFC23Jamie BennDALC/LW24David PastrnakBOSRW25Johnny GaudreauCGYLW26Connor HellebuyckWPGG27Victor HedmanTBD28Anze KopitarLAC29Patrick KaneCHIRW30Phil KesselPITRW31Sergei BobrovskyCLBG32Patrice BergeronBOSC33Sean CouturierPHIC34Nicklas BackstromWSHC35P.K. SubbanNSHD36Aleksander BarkovFLAC37Filip ForsbergNSHLW38Dustin ByfuglienWPGD39Leon DraisaitlEDMC/RW40John KlingbergDALD41Brent BurnsSJD42Joe PavelskiSJC/RW43Braden HoltbyWSHG44Jonathan MarchessaultVGKC/LW45Jakub VoracekPHIRW46Frederik AndersenTORG47William KarlssonVGKC/LW48Mikko RantanenCOLLW/RW49Sebastian AhoCARLW/RW50Evander KaneSJLW51Drew DoughtyLAD52Tuukka RaskBOSG53Matt MurrayPITG54Alexander RadulovDALRW55Jonathan HuberdeauFLALW56Sean MonahanCGYC57Brock BoeserVANRW58John CarlsonWSHD59Logan CoutureSJC/LW60Mitchell MarnerTORC/RW61Vincent TrocheckFLAC62Eeli TolvanenNSHRW63Cam AtkinsonCLBRW64Gabriel LandeskogCOLLW65John GibsonANAG66Jaden SchwartzSTLLW67Mark StoneOTTRW68Seth JonesCLBD69Jonathan QuickLAG70Ryan O'ReillySTLC71William NylanderTORC/RW72Torey KrugBOSD73Roman JosiNSHD74Nikolaj EhlersWPGLW/RW75Devan DubnykMING76Rickard RakellANAC/LW/RW77Ryan JohansenNSHC78Mathew BarzalNYIC79Clayton KellerARIC/LW/RW80Matt DucheneOTTC/RW81Shayne GostisbeherePHID82Max PaciorettyMONLW83Marc-Andre FleuryVGKG84Pierre-Luc DuboisCLBC/LW85Ryan GetzlafANAC86James van RiemsdykPHILW87Eric StaalMINC88Ilya KovalchukLARW89Brayden SchennSTLC/LW90Ben BishopDALG91Mikael GranlundMINC/RW92Mikhail SergachevTBD93Wayne SimmondsPHIRW94Teuvo TeravainenCARC/LW/RW95Matthew TkachukCGYLW96Viktor ArvidssonNSHLW/RW97J.T. MillerTBC/LW/RW98Nazem KadriTORC99Dougie HamiltonCARD100Mike HoffmanFLALW/RW101Martin JonesSJG102Pekka RinneNSHG103Oliver Ekman-LarssonARID104Jonathan DrouinMONC/LW/RW105Kris LetangPITD106Brayden PointTBC/RW107Dylan LarkinDETC/RW108Mika ZibanejadNYRC109Aaron EkbladFLAD110Zach WerenskiCLBD111Patric HornqvistPITRW112Jeff CarterLAC113Elias PetterssonVANC114Carey PriceMONG115Evgenii DadonovFLALW/RW116Alex DeBrincatCHILW/RW117Corey CrawfordCHIG118Bo HorvatVANC119Rasmus DahlinBUFD120Chris KreiderNYRLW121Robby FabbriSTLC/LW122Nico HischierNJC123Anders LeeNYILW124Antti RaantaARIG125Josh BaileyNYILW/RW126Ryan EllisNSHD127Jonathan ToewsCHIC128Keith YandleFLAD129Roberto LuongoFLAG130Tyson BarrieCOLD131T.J. OshieWSHRW132Jesse PuljujarviEDMRW133Jake GuentzelPITC/LW134Shea WeberMOND135Corey PerryANARW136Jeff SkinnerCARLW137Cory SchneiderNJG138Cam TalbotEDMG139Sam ReinhartBUFC/LW/RW140Alex PietrangeloSTLD141Kyle ConnorWPGLW142Alex GalchenyukARIC/LW143Kevin FialaNSHLW/RW144Jordan EberleNYIC/RW145Mike SmithCGYG146Ivan ProvorovPHID147Brendan GallagherMONRW148Nino NiederreiterMINLW/RW149Anthony ManthaDETLW/RW150Juuse SarosNSHG151Ryan SuterMIND152Jason ZuckerMINLW/RW153Kyle PalmieriNJRW154Dustin BrownLALW/RW155Tyler JohnsonTBC/RW156Travis KonecnyPHIC/LW/RW157Tyler ToffoliLAC/RW158Ryan Nugent-HopkinsEDMC159Pavel BuchnevichNYRLW/RW160Henrik LundqvistNYRG161Derek StepanARIC162Max DomiMONC/LW163Matt DumbaMIND164Dylan StromeARIC165Jakub VranaWSHLW/RW166Kyle TurrisNSHC167Paul StastnyVGKC168Tomas HertlSJC/LW/RW169Noah HanifinCGYD170Adrian KempeLAC/LW171David PerronSTLLW/RW172Yanni GourdeTBLC/RW173Shea TheodoreVGKD174Reilly SmithVGKLW/RW175Philipp GrubauerCOLG176Semyon VarlamovCOLG177Mats ZuccarelloNYRRW178James NealCGYLW/RW179Rasmus RistolainenBUFD180Morgan RiellyTORD181Thomas ChabotOTTD182Kevin ShattenkirkNYRD183Craig AndersonOTTG184Jake AllenSTLG185Alex TuchVGKRW186Mattias EkholmNSHD187Andrei SvechnikovCARRW188Nolan PatrickPHIC189Nick SchmaltzCHIC/LW190Charlie McAvoyBOSD191Colton ParaykoSTLD192Adam HenriqueANAC193Ondrej PalatTBLW194Brandon SaadCHILW195Boone JennerCLBC/LW196Jacob TroubaWPGD197David KrejciBOSC198Bryan LittleWPGC199Will ButcherNJD200Milan LucicEDMLWCopyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Calgary Flames have added James Neal on a five-year contract worth $28.75 million, the club announced Monday.Neal was one of the biggest names on the free-agent market, but the forward didn't reach an agreement in the first day of the signing period.After three seasons with the Nashville Predators, he was chosen by the Vegas Golden Knights in the expansion draft and went on to record 25 goals and 19 assists in 71 games. The 30-year-old is one of the top snipers in the league, having eclipsed the 20-goal plateau in each of his 10 NHL seasons.Neal's the latest signing in a busy offseason for Flames general manager Brad Treliving. The club brought in Noah Hanifin and Elias Lindholm in a trade for defenseman Dougie Hamilton, and bolstered its offensive options by signing Derek Ryan and Austin Czarnik on Sunday.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

John Tavares, Logan Couture, Drew Doughty: these are the marquee players that dominated the opening day of the NHL's free-agent frenzy. However, there are some other names that flew under the radar that deserve some love.Related: NHL Offseason Tracker: $775M handed out on Day 1 of free agencyPlayers on this list signed to relatively little fanfare and comparatively cheap deals, but still hold the ability to be true bargains for their clubs next season. After all, role players and depth pieces have an important part to play on any club with eyes on a deep postseason run.With that in mind, we rank the best bargain signings from a hectic Day 1 of the free-agency period:5. Austin Czarnik, C - Calgary FlamesDespite playing in only 10 games at the NHL level for the Boston Bruins last season, Czarnik generated a ton of interest from potential free-agent suitors. His four assists through 10 games with the Bruins last year don't jump off the page, but the undrafted forward out of Miami University has shown flashes of offensive brilliance at the lower levels.Czarnik's 69 points (25 goals and 44 assists) in 64 games for the Providence Bruins saw him finish three points shy of winning the AHL's scoring title. Sprinkle in his excellent vision and youth, and Czarnik becomes a very intriguing add for Flames general manager Brad Treliving.Calgary is in need of additional scoring, and at an expected cap hit around $1.25 million for two years, the Flames could have something in the speedy forward.4. Vlad Namestnikov, F - New York RangersNamestnikov had the obvious advantage of playing alongside two of the best snipers in the business with the Tampa Bay Lightning in Steven Stamkos and Nikita Kucherov, so his 20 goals and 24 assists in 60 games for the Bolts might not be an accurate reflection of his overall potential. But neither are his four points in 19 games for the Rangers at the end of last season, as he was playing on a line with Pavel Buchnevich and the offensively challenged Matt Beleskey.The versatile forward is comfortable playing both on the wing and up the middle, and despite his limited 5-foot-11 frame, Namestnikov can be an effective offensive producer if he's placed on the right line.New York is a team in transition, so there's no telling what the franchise's roster will look like by opening night. But if the Rangers' newly-hired coaching staff can keep Namestnikov in a top-six role with the right mix of linemates, the young Russian has the playmaking skills to be a serious offensive threat at only $4 million per season. 3. David Perron, LW - St. Louis BluesPerron's magical run to the Stanley Cup Final with the Vegas Golden Knights ends with a return to the team that drafted him.The 30-year-old veteran returns to the St. Louis Blues on a team-friendly four-year contract worth roughly $4 million per season. He's coming off a major bounce-back campaign with the Knights by tallying a career-high 66 points in only 70 games, so the price tag is more than fair for a guy who slots immediately into St. Louis' top-six forward group.Perron might not be the flashiest guy in the league, but he's a consistent point producer who will put up solid numbers regardless of where he plays. At $4 million per, the winger is easily one of the best bargains of Day 1.2. Carter Hutton, G - Buffalo SabresThe biggest free-agent goaltender on the market, Hutton had a coming-out party last season in St. Louis, temporarily stealing the crease away from supposed No. 1 netminder Jake Allen midway through the season.The career backup turned in a 9-1-1 record from Dec. 29 to Feb. 3., which included this save-of-the-year candidate against the New Jersey Devils in early January:Hutton has spent his entire career playing behind more talented goaltenders, but last year's performance (17-7-3, 2.09 GAA, .931 save percentage) was enough for him to get a crack at being the main guy in the blue paint for the Sabres. Despite being a solid No. 1 option for Buffalo going forward, general manager Jason Botterill should get some props for bringing in Hutton at a backup's rate.His expected cap hit of $2.75 million a season could be a great deal for Buffalo if Hutton is able to hold it down between the pipes and bring the Sabres organization back to respectability. 1. Riley Nash, C - Columbus Blue Jackets This might be the first time in his career that Nash finds himself at the top of any kind of power rankings, but his sneaky offensive production and ability to thrive in basically any scenario make him the bargain of the day - especially at a cap hit of only $2.75 million.Nash can kill penalties, win faceoffs, play the wing, and contribute on the power play if need be. He's also a streaky scorer who's coming off a solid offensive season for the Boston Bruins in 2017-18. Nash registered 15 goals and 26 assists in 76 regular-season games.A versatile forward like Nash will be a coach's dream for Blue Jackets bench boss John Tortorella, as Nash is a no-nonsense player with the versatility to play multiple positions. His numbers might not leap off the page, but Nash will be an effective forward in Columbus who will make his contract look like a serious steal.(Photos courtesy: Getty Images)Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.