Why not?That's the approach Sidney Crosby and the Pittsburgh Penguins are taking to the notion of winning a third straight Stanley Cup in 2018."I have a pretty good understanding of how hard two is. I can't imagine what three must be like," Crosby said Monday, per the team's website. "I'd love to find out. It's going to be tough, but we're going to training camp with that in mind. It'll be a big challenge, but why not?"Crosby spent the day celebrating both his birthday and the team's latest Cup win with stops in Halifax and Rimouski, bringing with him the Conn Smythe Trophy, the Rocket Richard Trophy, the Prince of Wales Trophy, and the 2016 World Cup of Hockey championship trophy - all of which he won over the past calendar year. Even more, all that success has come on the heels of Cup and playoff MVP wins the season prior.The best player in the game is simply trying to take advantage of the opportunities before him."Growing up as a kid you want to play in the NHL, you want to win the Stanley Cup," Crosby said "I've been fortunate enough to do that. It's still something that pushes me every day, to be able to win that, to be able to have these kinds of experiences. You have a window to be able to do this. It's not something you take for granted. You have a window and I'm just trying to make the most of that window."Thanks to a balanced roster that boasts high-end veteran talent, cheap, productive young forwards, and an all-world goalie, the Penguins will be well positioned to defend their title once again.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Ken Holland has his work cut out for him, having assembled a roster that sits almost $4 million over the salary cap.What's more, the Detroit Red Wings general manager has yet to sign promising restricted free agent Andreas Athanasiou.Related: The dark age of Red Wings hockey is upon usJohan Franzen and his $3.95-million cap hit can be buried on long-term injured reserve come opening night, but that's offset to a large degree by the $2.56 million on the books under a previous buyout for Stephen Weiss.Holland, therefore, anticipates further trimming."If everybody is healthy when we get to opening day, we'll probably have to make a move," Holland said, according to Ansar Khan of MLive. "I'm anticipating we'll be over by a little bit."Complicating matters is the fact no fewer than 10 Wings carry no-movement or no-trade clauses, meaning a player and his salary may need to be placed on waivers and sent to the minors.Holland said he'd like to carry 13 forwards, seven defensemen, and two goaltenders, per Khan, but might be forced to go with a 21-man roster due to the cap predicament.It's not an ideal spot for a club that missed the playoffs last season and will be in tough to contend for the postseason in 2017-18, its first year in brand new Little Caesars Arena.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

There will be no last-minute agreement to send NHL players to the 2018 Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang, South Korea.Ottawa Senators owner Eugene Melnyk made that perfectly clear on "The Naz and Wally Sports Hour" on Zoomer Radio in Toronto on Sunday, emphatically confirming that ship has sailed.Related: NHL players under contract in minors can't go to Olympics"The schedule is set. The dates are set. All of our fan appreciation days are set," Melnyk said, according to Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Citizen. "For (the Senators), especially, we're going to Sweden and that's set. We're going to have an outdoor game. You can't move that schedule anymore. There's 31 teams that are planning things and have planned things. We're way, way beyond anything to do with 2018. That's just not going to happen."The NHL made a formal announcement stating its players won't be going to South Korea back in early April, and it's a door that simply can't and won't be re-opened."You asked me if there's any way of fixing this or doing something with this? You can't for this coming season. Absolutely not," Melnyk reiterated. "It's August. We start training camp in a month. People start coming in and then we start full play in early-October. It's actually technically impossible to do. Think of the television that's all set. There's a lot of things that have been set in motion that are pretty much irreversible."Since the decision was announced, several players have blasted the NHL, while Alex Ovechkin has said he'll be going either way.In the players' eyes, then, this is far from a dead issue.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

A quick playoff exit led to a summer of change for the Chicago Blackhawks.Following a sweep in the opening round to the Nashville Predators - who ultimately advanced to the Stanley Cup Finals - the Blackhawks weren't shy about shaking up a team that failed to deliver last spring. It was a disappointing end for a Chicago squad that finished atop the Western Conference and has won three Stanley Cups since 2010."If you look at our season last year, I mean, we had a pretty good season," Blackhawks leading scorer Patrick Kane told Brian Hedger of NHL.com. "We just kind of collapsed there at the end. Disappointing finish, but when that happens, you know there's going to be changes."The Blackhawks will have a different look when they soon retake the ice, thanks to a busy offseason.Out is Artemi Panarin, shipped to the Columbus Blue Jackets for former Blackhawks winger Brandon Saad. That blockbuster deal was one of two major moves Chicago made on draft weekend, as it also dealt defenseman Niklas Hjalmarsson to the Arizona Coyotes for young blue-liner Connor Murphy.The departures continued over the summer, as defenseman Johnny Oduya signed with the Ottawa Senators, fellow defender Brian Campbell announced his retirement, center Marcus Kruger was shipped to the expansion Vegas Golden Knights, and a series of trades saw backup netminder Scott Darling and defenseman Trevor van Riemsdyk wind up with the Carolina Hurricanes.But the Blackhawks aren't without some additions. Joining Saad is another familiar face in Patrick Sharp, who spent an injury-riddled 2016-17 campaign with the Dallas Stars. Sharp could replace Marian Hossa in the lineup, who will sit out the coming season due to a progressive skin disorder.Asked if the Blackhawks are an improved team, Kane told Hedger, "It's tough to say. I think time will tell, obviously, but I'd like to think on paper we're a better team ... It looks great on paper, but we need to go on the ice and do it."Kane would know. Not only was he the team's leading scorer last season, he is also just one year removed from winning the Art Ross Trophy as the league's top point-producer, a season in which he was also named the NHL MVP.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Don Maloney is taking on a bigger role with the Calgary Flames.A year after joining the club as a pro scout, Maloney has been promoted to vice president of hockey operations, the club announced Aug. 3. He'll now work even closer with general manager Brad Treliving, who served as Maloney's assistant for seven of the nine years he spent as GM of the Arizona Coyotes.NHL clubs are increasingly adopting this team effort mentality with respect to the front office, and Maloney believes it takes a village to raise up a winner in today's game."The role of the manager is so big now," Maloney said, per George Johnson of the team's website. "Now it's really a collective effort. I have experience in pretty much every area of management so hopefully I can chip in here and there. This new position is really touching on all areas of hockey operations."Maloney admits the Flames aren't blazing any new trails by loading up with front-office experience, but it can't hurt, provided everyone is on the same page."It's about having a common mindset about what you have to do to be successful," he said. "We're not unique in that. I mean, it's all around the league. There are a lot of hard-working people trying to win. We're no different. But the more good people you have, the better your chances of success."Not that we're not going to make our mistakes, but I truly believe the harder you work, the luckier you are. We had a good year last season, a first step to hopefully where we want to take this team over the next few years, which is the Stanley Cup."One of Calgary's big moves this summer was the addition of goalie Mike Smith, whom both Maloney and Treliving know well from their tenures in Arizona.In his new role, Maloney will serve as assistant to president of hockey operations Brian Burke.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Sidney Crosby spent his 30th birthday celebrating the Pittsburgh Penguins' latest Stanley Cup win, kicking things off by serving as grand marshal of the Halifax-Dartmouth Natal Day Parade.

The Kid is officially a thirty-something.It's Pittsburgh Penguins' superstar center Sidney Crosby's birthday, and to celebrate, here are 30 facts about the greatest hockey player of the NHL's shootout era, and undoubtedly one of the best players of all time.1. Crosby's jersey number (87) is doubly significant: It represents his birth date (8/7/1987), as well as the yearly cap hit ($8.7 million) on a 12-year, $104.4-million contract extension signed in 2013.2. He famously honed his shooting skills in his parents' basement, resulting in this banged-up appliance that sits in the Nova Scotia Sports Hall of Fame.

This time next year, Swedish defenseman Rasmus Dahlin will very likely be in the books as one of the top picks from the 2018 NHL Draft, if not the first overall selection.For now, Dahlin is heading back to Frolunda of the Swedish Hockey League for his second season as a pro, where he'll continue to hone an already sparkling skill set.The 17-year-old isn't concerned about the pressure that comes with being an expected top pick, and, according to Adam Kimelman of NHL.com, Dahlin will focus his energy in the gym to add strength, as well as work on all areas of his game on the ice with emphasis on improving his shot."All I can do is play my game and be myself," he said. "All I can do is train and be better every day. Then we'll see."Despite falling prey to illness, Dahlin put in a strong showing at last week's World Junior Summer Showcase in Michigan, and is a lock to represent Sweden at the 2018 World Junior Hockey Championship in Buffalo."We're going to go with the best players, doesn't matter if they're young or old," said Swedish coach Tomas Monten. "We're just looking for the players that can make our team better. For sure he's one of them."Monten adds Dahlin is on track to be great at both ends of the ice."He's always going to be recognized for his puck movement and his skating," the coach said. "He made some nice plays on the blue line as well. We feel that in Rasmus we have a player that can play both ends of the ice. He's going to play on our penalty kill. He's great at the man-on-man play down low. I think he could be a complete defenseman."Dahlin registered one goal and two assists in 26 games for Frolunda last season.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

For the third time in his career, Sidney Crosby brought the Stanley Cup to his home province of Nova Scotia, and the Pittsburgh Penguins captain made sure the entire community was involved in the celebration.First, Crosby visited a veteran's retirement home:

Team Sweden isn't planning on having Sabres forward prospect Alexander Nylander on the roster for the 2018 World Junior Hockey Championship in Buffalo.Nylander, who played mainly in the AHL last season, was made available by the Sabres for the 2017 tournament, and starred en route to a fourth-place finish for his home country. But Swedish coach Tomas Monten didn't add the 19-year-old to the roster for this week's World Junior Summer Showcase, and expects Nylander to be a permanent fixture in the Buffalo lineup in 2017-18."Of course if Buffalo wants him to play (for Sweden), we're going to keep our door open. He for sure has a spot on our team but I think he's going to make Buffalo this year," Monten said, according to Amy Moritz of the Buffalo News. "That's why I didn't bring him. We haven't talked in the summer."Of course I'm going to ask Buffalo what they think. If he's available, we'll take him for sure but I don't think he is. I think he's going to play in Buffalo."Nylander was drafted eighth overall by the Sabres in 2016. He registered 10 goals and 18 assists in 65 games for the Rochester Americans as an AHL rookie last season, and recorded one assist in four appearances with Buffalo.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Dylan Strome knows a good summer will help him crack the Arizona Coyotes' roster this season, and the team's top center prospect is putting in the time to realize that dream."I've been working hard in the gym and on the ice and I feel a lot stronger and quicker," Strome told Jerry Brown of NHL.com. "Every player has the same goal of making the NHL and playing 82 games, but nothing is given to you. I know if I don't prove I'm ready, I'm going to be in the minors. It drives me to show what I can do."The offseason workouts appear to be paying off, as Craig Morgan of Arizona Sports notes Strome is weighing in above 200 pounds - a fair uptick from the 6-foot-3, 185-pound center the Coyotes drafted third overall in 2015.Part of that training regimen includes sessions with Coyotes skating coach Dawn Braid, who has helped add more strength and power to Strome's stride."He's stronger, sturdier, and the legs have a little more pop in them," Coyotes general manager John Chayka said in July. "Sometimes, big centers take a little longer to come along but he's certainly doing all the right things."Strome spent last season with the OHL's Erie Otters, recording 22 goals and 53 assists in 35 contests. He also made a Memorial Cup run with the Otters, where he set a tournament record with a seven-point game just five months after a silver-medal finish with Team Canada at the world juniors.But Strome's junior career is a thing of the past, as he'll turn pro in 2017-18. Whether the Mississauga, Ontario native spends the season with the Coyotes or the AHL's Tucson Roadrunners is yet to be determined, but he'll have some frame of reference after a seven-game stint with Arizona last season."We could have had Dylan here and had him play a depth role or play on the wing," Chayka told Brown. "He would have been fine doing that, but that's not what we're looking for out of him. We're looking for him to be a 200-foot center who impacts the game in all areas."He's expected to fill a top-nine center role next season alongside Derek Stepan, whom the Coyotes acquired from the New York Rangers this summer, and Christian Dvorak, who enters training camp after tallying 15 goals and 18 assists in his freshman campaign.Strome's ability to generate offense should please new bench boss Rick Tocchet, who's preached that he wants the Coyotes to attack with an aggressive, creative style."(Strome) has so many attributes from a skill and anticipation standpoint that let you know (he) has a chance to be a great one," Chayka added. "When a player has a ceiling like that, you don't want to do anything that can harm that. It's too valuable to the organization long term when you have a player of that caliber."Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

David Backes' first season with the Boston Bruins didn't exactly go as planned.The veteran power forward averaged only 0.51 points per game with his new club in 2016-17 - his lowest such mark since 2007-08, his first full NHL season.That was due, in part, to getting settled in Boston after 10 years in St. Louis, as well as finding his spot within the Bruins' lineup. At the same time, the 33-year-old appeared to have lost a step or two in a league that is increasingly emphasizing youth and speed.As such, Backes - at the behest of team management - is prioritizing quickness, agility, and explosiveness during his summer training, according to Fluto Shinzawa of the Boston Globe, rather than focusing on adding bulk or building raw power.Backes said he was a offered frank evaluation of where his game was lagging, "the way the game's trending, and how we need to keep up," and took the feedback seriously."We need to be honest in order to improve ourselves," he said. "That was a recognition, probably in January in conversations with Cam (Neely), Don Sweeney, and a little bit with (former head coach) Claude (Julien). This was the way I needed to improve myself. I've really taken that to heart and put the time in this summer."The former Blues captain reiterated how tough it was to change teams and conferences last summer, and is excited to enter this year's camp with a clearer mind."Looking forward to having a year where I can just play hockey, come to a house that's set up, just move my family and dogs and cats in, start living life, and really be able to focus on playing the game and helping our team win," Backes said. "That's what I'm most optimistic about."He has four seasons remaining on a contract that carries a $6-million cap hit.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Vegas Golden Knights have signed defenseman Nate Schmidt to a two-year, $4.45-million contract following an arbitration decision, the team announced Saturday.Schmidt was the only restricted free agent this offseason that required an arbitration ruling, as Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman previously reported that the sides couldn't agree on money or term.The Golden Knights plucked the 26-year-old blue-liner from the Washington Capitals in June's expansion draft after Schmidt recorded a career-high 17 points in 60 games.With Schmidt locked up, all of Vegas' roster players have contracts for the club's inaugural season.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Detroit Red Wings have locked up ninth overall pick Michael Rasmussen on a three-year, entry-level contract, the team announced Saturday.Rasmussen was Detroit's highest first-round pick since 1990, as the club missed the postseason for the first time in 26 seasons in 2016-17.In 50 games with the WHL's Tri-City Americans last season, Rasmussen, a towering 6-foot-6 center, recorded 32 goals and 23 assists.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

USA Hockey won't use its failed past blueprints to construct a 2018 Winter Olympics roster.Team USA, which named Jim Johannson as general manager and the University of Wisconsin's Tony Granato as coach of its Olympic entry Friday, will have a different look when it arrives in Pyeongchang."We want a skilled team," Johannson told Ryan Kennedy of The Hockey News. "The game is all about skating today. We're gonna get up and down the ice."Given USA Hockey's lagging international results - including a disastrous run at last year's World Cup, in which a hard-nosed club constructed by former Los Angeles Kings GM Dean Lombardi finished an embarrassing seventh - a change in philosophy seemed to be in order.Johannson is a longtime member of USA Hockey who currently serves as assistant executive director of hockey operations, one of many titles he has held since 2000. The Minnesota native was the GM behind Team USA's three gold-medal finishes at the world juniors in 2010, 2013, and 2017.American hockey fans hope Johannson can now bring that winning track record to the Olympic stage.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The boss is impressed.In attending the World Junior Summer Showcase in Plymouth, Mich., Toronto Maple Leafs general manager Lou Lamoriello got his latest opportunity to put eyes on the team's next wave of talent.Fortunately for the up-and-comers, the legendary GM was more than satisfied with what he saw."We're extremely pleased," Lamoriello told Mark Masters of TSN on Friday. "I think our scouting staff has just done a tremendous job (with) the prospects that we have. We don't have room for a lot of them, so hopefully they can push some of the veterans."Among the players taking part in the camp is defenseman Timothy Liljegren, who the Maple Leafs selected 17th overall in this year's draft. His presence wasn't lost on Lamoriello either."Last year, he had mono, so he missed quite a bit of the year," Lamoriello said. "Where he is today, and what we've seen of him, we're happy."Liljegren's selection was widely considered a keen move by the Maple Leafs, as the Swedish blue-liner was seen as a top talent in this year's draft prior to a bout of illness that forced him out of the lineup and knocked him down the draft ranks.The Maple Leafs' success at the draft tables in recent years has been no secret, as the club selected Auston Matthews with the first pick in 2016, after choosing Mitch Marner fourth overall in 2015, and fellow forward William Nylander with the eighth choice in 2014.All three finished among the top six in Calder Trophy voting last season, while Matthews was the first Maple Leafs player to take home Rookie of the Year honors since 1966.If Liljegren can have half of the impact of any of the aforementioned three, his selection will be another big win by the Maple Leafs.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

It's fairly safe to say no one within the Florida Panthers organization has been disappointed in the play of defenseman Aaron Ekblad, but the former Calder Trophy winner admitted he could have prepared himself better in the early stages of his career."I may have cruised through my first two years a little bit too much. The real work began this summer. I truly believe that and I truly believe I'm the most confident and ready that I have ever been to play the game," Ekblad said, according to Dan Rosen of NHL.com.Ekblad was named Rookie of the Year for the 2014-15 season, after being selected first overall and posting 39 points and a plus-12 rating in 81 games. Both his point totals and number of games played dropped in each of his next two seasons, and he finished with just 21 points in 68 games in 2016-17, the final year of his entry-level contract.The 21-year-old is viewing his worst statistical season as a wake-up call."That's a season where you really realize how hard it is, how hard this league is, how hard it is to stick around," Ekblad said. "It's easy to take that for granted with the money that we're paid and the opportunities that we get. You have to really humble yourself. Last year humbled me."As he enters the first season of his eight-year, $60-million deal, Ekblad isn't ready to sit back and consider his job done."This league is not a league where you're invincible," he said. "You've got to fight hard every day to stay in it no matter how long your deal is and no matter how much you're getting paid. That is something that I learned and it's something I'm going to hold with me dearly to the end of my career.Last season was the first of Ekblad's career in which he did not receive Norris Trophy consideration. Without his usual contributions, the Panthers finished sixth in the Atlantic Division and out of the playoffs.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The defending Stanley Cup finalist Nashville Predators lost two of their best players this offseason: Mike Fisher and James Neal. The former recently announced his retirement, while the latter was scooped up by Vegas in June's expansion draft.Fisher, the club's second-line center last year, finished fourth on the team in scoring and fifth among forwards in ice time.Neal, who's produced at least 20 goals in all nine of his NHL seasons, finished fifth on the roster in scoring and third among forwards in ice time.In total, the Preds lost a combined 41 goals and 42 assists, and a whole lot of leadership. However, the club is well-equipped to deal with those losses in 2017-18.Center depth(Photo courtesy: Action Images)The Predators recently locked up No. 1 center Ryan Johansen with an eight-year extension, and signed unrestricted free agent Nick Bonino to be their No. 2 up the middle. So, Fisher would only have been Nashville's No. 3 center in 2017-18, and they have plenty of other candidates to fill that void.Specifically, Calle Jarnkrok, Colton Sissons, and Frederick Gaudreau are all more than capable of centering the bottom two lines.Jarnkrok, 25, had 15 goals and 30 points last season while winning nearly 50 percent of his faceoffs in both the regular season and playoffs - a skill that usually progresses with age.Sissons, 23, had six goals and 12 points in 22 postseason games last year, hovering around 50 percent on draws in the regular season and playoffs as well.Gaudreau, 24, is the least experienced of the trio after playing in just nine regular-season games. However, he made an impact during his eight playoff contests, scoring three goals, including two game-winners.Bounce-back and breakout candidates on the wing(Photo courtesy: Getty Images)With Neal out of the picture, Craig Smith will most likely fill in as the second-line right winger - a role he excelled in before the emergence of Viktor Arvidsson. Smith had three straight 20-goal campaigns before he was demoted to a third-line role last season and scored just 12 times. That was also due to his shooting percentage, which plummeted to just 7.7 percent last year after he shot 10.2 percent across the three years prior.The second bounce-back candidate is 35-year-old Scott Hartnell, who saw his role diminished last year in Columbus. He still managed to score 13 goals while playing on the fourth line, but could get that number closer to 20 with a permanent third-line job.As for breakout candidates, there's none more obvious than 21-year-old Kevin Fiala. He had 11 goals in 54 regular-season games last year and added two more in five playoff games before fracturing his femur. The former 11th overall pick is expected to be ready for training camp.The far less obvious candidate is another former first-round pick, Austin Watson. The 25-year-old hasn't shown much offensive ability thus far in his NHL career, compiling just 28 points in 140 games, but he did tally nine points in 22 playoff games. As a three-time 20-goal scorer in the AHL, the physical 6-foot-4 forward could very well pot 10-to-15 goals this season.While not all of these forecasts will necessarily come to fruition, these players should be able to make up for the 23 goals lost by Neal.Cap room(Photo courtesy: Action Images)It may be a blessing in disguise, but losing Fisher and Neal provided Predators general manager David Poile with some nice cap flexibility, as the pair had a combined cap hit of $9.4 million last year. Losing the duo allowed Poile to lock up Johansen and Arvidsson long term, sign Bonino to a four-year deal, and add Alexei Emelin for depth on the back end.Poile still has nearly $5.5 million in cap space to work with, and could conceivably sign one of the many veteran wingers remaining on the free-agent market, such as Jaromir Jagr, Thomas Vanek, Brian Gionta, Shane Doan, or Jarome Iginla. Jagr or Vanek, who are both still capable of playing a top-six role, would make Nashville's forward group very deep:LineLWCRW1Filip ForsbergRyan JohansenViktor Arvidsson2Kevin FialaNick BoninoJagr/Vanek3Scott HartnellCalle JarnkrokCraig Smith4Austin WatsonColton SissonsPontus AbergExtrasCody McLeodFrederick GaudreauMiikka SalomakiWith Fisher announcing his retirement, don't be surprised if Poile still has a trick or two up his sleeve before the season begins, especially considering Nashville's championship window is wide open.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Brandon Prust is getting another shot at playing in the NHL.The veteran forward will attend Los Angeles Kings training camp on a professional tryout, the club confirmed to Fox Sports West's Jon Rosen on Friday.Prust spent last season in Germany playing for the Nuremburg Ice Tigers, with whom he potted three goals and eight points while racking up 67 penalty minutes in 29 regular-season games. He also added six points in 11 playoff contests.He was invited to Toronto Maple Leafs camp on a PTO last August and skated with the team into November before deciding to head overseas.The 33-year-old last appeared in the NHL with the Vancouver Canucks in 2015-16, after spending six seasons split between the Montreal Canadiens and the New York Rangers.Prust also played for the Calgary Flames and the then-Phoenix Coyotes earlier in his career.He was a third-round pick of the Flames in 2004.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Jim Johannson has been named general manager of the United States men's hockey team for the 2018 Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang, South Korea, USA Hockey announced Friday.The organization also announced Tony Granato will be the head coach.Johannson may not be a household name, but has a wealth of experience when it comes to international competition. He played for the U.S. in the 1988 and 1992 Olympics and was part of the team's management staff at the 2006, 2010, and 2014 games.Though Johannson's Olympic resume is impressive, perhaps his greatest accomplishments have come as GM of the U.S. national junior team, as he's led the nation to three gold medals (2010, 2013, 2017).Granato, a veteran of 774 NHL games, is head coach at the University of Wisconsin. He was formerly the Colorado Avalanche head coach from 2002-03 to 2003-04, and again during the 2008-09 season.In addition to Johannson and Granato, Ben Smith will be the director or player personal, while Keith Allain, Chris Chelios, Ron Rolston, and Scott Young will serve as assistant coaches.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Few expected the Toronto Maple Leafs to be this good, this soon.Yes, hope abounded after a 30th-place finish in 2015-16 resulted in a draft-lottery win and the selection of Auston Matthews, who joined a prospect pool that already included Mitch Marner and William Nylander.But all three needed to hit the ground running as rookies, and a host of other pieces had to fall into place for Toronto to contend for a 2016-17 playoff spot - much less clinch one.That's exactly what happened. Then the upstart Leafs gave the Washington Capitals all they could handle in an opening-round loss, signaling the dawn of a new era in the center of the hockey universe.So have the Leafs finally arrived? Can they be penned in as a playoff team and penciled in as legitimate Stanley Cup contenders beginning this season?Not so fast.The numbersOn the positive side, the Leafs ranked fifth in goals (3.05) and fourth in shots (31.9) on a per-game basis last season. On the other hand, they allowed a 22nd-ranked 2.85 goals against per game, and only the Sabres and Coyotes allowed more average shots against.Zooming out a bit, Toronto's Corsi For rating at even strength was a 13th-ranked 50.38, meaning shot attempts for and against them were fairly even.Further to that, the Leafs ranked 12th in PDO in five-on-five play, as a somewhat inflated shooting percentage (8.3) coupled with their save percentage (92.92) added up to 100.59. As a reminder, any team with a PDO over 100 is perceived as having a measure of good luck on its side, and regression closer to that number is expected sooner or later.In all situations, Toronto's PDO came in a bit higher at 100.83 (9.55 shooting percentage + 91.27 save percentage), good for 10th overall. The Leafs' offense was boosted by a second-ranked power-play success rate of 23.8 percent, and the club was able to kill 82.5 percent of its penalties, again good for 10th in the league.These base numbers suggest the Leafs played slightly over their heads last season, but not so much that a major decline would seem imminent.An apple a day ...It's in the medical department that luck really appears to have been on the Leafs' side. Toronto's top 10 scoring forwards (minus Josh Leivo, who played only 13 games) missed a total of 10 games between them due to injury.PlayerPointsGames MissedAuston Matthews690James van Riemsdyk620Nazem Kadri610William Nylander611Mitch Marner615Tyler Bozak554Connor Brown360Leo Komarov320Zach Hyman280Matt Martin90The defense remained relatively healthy, too. Jake Gardiner and Nikita Zaitsev played in all 82 games, while Matt Hunwick (10), Roman Polak (seven), and, most notably, Morgan Rielly (five) missed 22 games combined. The big loser on this front was Martin Marincin, who missed 17 games in the first half of the season and was never able to re-establish himself in the lineup.In net, Frederik Andersen suffered a pair of upper-body injuries, the second occurring in the penultimate game of the season wherein Toronto clinched its playoff spot. Overall, Andersen made 66 starts, second-most among all goalies.The big addition to this group this summer was Patrick Marleau, who hasn't missed a regular-season game since 2008-09. He will, however, turn 38 prior to opening night.Altogether, the Leafs' remarkable good health played a role in their success last season, and there's no certainty that luck will continue.A crowded fieldFinally, consider the competition.Expected to lead the way in the Atlantic last season, the Florida teams were beset by significant injuries early on. The Lightning and Panthers are expected to rebound in 2017-18, and things won't get any easier elsewhere in a competitive Eastern Conference for a Leafs team no longer able to take opponents by surprise.Yes, the future is bright, and something special - perhaps even great - appears to be brewing. But nothing is guaranteed in today's NHL, and expecting a clear upward trajectory with zero obstacles would be foolish.Are the Leafs in for a major regression? Probably not, but several teams will be vying for their playoff spot, and the competition will look to keep Toronto's young guns in check all season long, should - and this is key - they remain healthy.It's a promising group, but the Leafs' immediate return to the postseason isn't set in stone.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Put me in coach.On Thursday night, TSN's Darren Dreger reported that Tony Granato will be named head coach of Team USA for the 2018 Winter Olympics, with an official announcement to take place Friday.Joining him behind the bench will be assistant coach Chris Chelios. However, former Dallas Stars great and Hall of Famer Mike Modano has thrown his hat into the ring, tweeting Thursday night that he would be willing to join as a consultant.

University of Wisconsin head coach Tony Granato will coach Team USA at the 2018 Olympics in Pyeongchang, USA Hockey announced.Hall of Fame defenseman Chris Chelios will serve as an assistant.Granato authored a 14-year NHL career as a player, recording 492 points in 774 games. He was the head coach of the Colorado Avalanche on two separate occasions and served as an assistant with the Pittsburgh Penguins and Detroit Red Wings before joining Wisconsin in the NCAA last season.Jim Johannson was named general manager of the Olympic team.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Even if it's just a show for the media, Derek Stepan is saying all the right things.In being traded from the New York Rangers to the Arizona Coyotes in June, he moved to a team which hasn't finished better than 24th in the past three seasons.Stepan, however, isn't ready to accept lower standards."I think you're going to see more success in Arizona beginning this season and into the future," Stepan said, according to Jessi Pierce of NHL.com.The Coyotes acquired the 27-year-old Stepan along with goaltender Antti Raanta in exchange for young defenseman Anthony DeAngelo and the seventh overall pick in the 2017 NHL Entry Draft.Stepan, who has quietly posted four consecutive seasons of at least 53 points, was often overshadowed under the bright lights of New York City. Now, he'll move into the spotlight with his move to the desert, as he becomes the leader of a Coyotes team which has an average age of just 23.According to Stepan, it's all the same."It's definitely a new experience, but something that certainly doesn't worry me. I've been in a leadership role in New York and I'll just transfer into a new one in Arizona. I couldn't be more excited," he said.Stepan pointed out how Coyotes winger Jamie McGinn (28) is the only forward on the team older than him. Stepan's most common 5-on-5 linemates with the Rangers last season were Mats Zuccarello and Chris Kreider, ages 29 and 25, respectively; still old by Coyotes standards."We have a young team with a lot of potential, but that's what's so exciting," Stepan said. "It's a new chapter for me and I look forward to being a part of building on something in Arizona."While his role will expand, Stepan notes it won't change his style of play."Playing in the big moments at the right time and doing the right things with and without the puck, all of those things stay the same," he said.Stepan's has no shortage of big moments in his career, qualifying for the playoffs in each of his seven seasons. He earned a trip to the Stanley Cup Final in 2014 and two additional trips to the Eastern Conference Final.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Arizona Coyotes defenseman Jakob Chychrun underwent knee surgery on Thursday and will be out indefinitely, the team announced.Chychrun suffered the injury while training this week, but is expected to make a full recovery.The 19-year-old is coming off a rookie campaign in which he posted seven goals and 20 points in 68 games after being picked 16th overall in the 2016 draft.The team will issue an update on Chychrun's status once training camp opens on Sept. 14.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Nate Schmidt and the Vegas Golden Knights failed to reach an agreement at their arbitration hearing Thursday, reports Steve Carp of the Las Vegas Review-Journal.An arbiter will now determine Schmidt's new contract Saturday, but a deal between the NHL's 31st team and the 26-year-old defenseman can be negotiated before then.Earlier reports suggested Schmidt and the Golden Knights were far apart on both term and money. This is the first case of the current offseason to require a hearing among the 30 players to file for the process.Schmidt was claimed by Vegas from the Washington Capitals in June's expansion draft. In 60 games last season, the fleet-footed defender recorded three goals and 14 assists, adding four more points in 11 playoff contests.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

At the age of 37, Mike Fisher closed the book on his NHL career Thursday.The former second-round pick totaled 1,088 games over 17 seasons, racking up 276 goals, 309 assists, and 807 penalty minutes.Here are five scenes depicting everything Fisher brought to the ice over his career:Starting a fight in front of Carrie UnderwoodWith no explanation necessary, Fisher's career will forever be tied to wife and country music superstar Carrie Underwood. Meeting backstage at one of her concerts in Ottawa, the two would go on to get married in 2010. The Ottawa Senators traded Fisher at the 2010 trade deadline as part of a team rebuild, but facilitated the trade to the Nashville Predators so he and Ms. Underwood would be in the Music City.It was Fisher Ms. Underwood who would help to popularize the Predators in the city now known as Smashville.While this was far from the most vicious fight of Fisher's career, the fact he would drop the gloves in in front of his wife could make it his most courageous.Emerging from his wife's shadowFisher played in 134 career playoff games, qualifying for the postseason in 12 of his 17 seasons in the league. This past playoff run with the Predators marked his second trip to the Stanley Cup Final in his career. While he racked up just four assists without a goal during the Predators' franchise-altering run, his greatest playoff moment came the year prior.After dropping the first two games of their second round series to the San Jose Sharks, the Predators returned home to win the first game in Nashville. Halfway through the third overtime session of Game 2, Fisher became known as much more than Mr. Carrie Underwood.Setting a Senators recordBorn in Peterborough, Ontario just a couple hours drive from Canada's capital, the Senators selected a local boy with the 44th pick of the 1998 draft.Fisher's final full season with the Senators in 2009-10 was his most productive, as he'd finish the year with 25 goals and 53 points, still career bests. His defining moment of the season came by securing a nine-game win streak - the franchise's longest - with an overtime goal over the rival Montreal Canadiens.The streak would end two games later.Using his head, properlyAside from being a fan favorite, teammates would frequently praise Fisher for acts such as this, when he stood up for goaltender Martin Gerber, who had received a late hit from Carolina Hurricanes forward Scott Walker.Fisher showed his leadership and grit by taking the illegal shot from Walker. Walker would be suspended for his actions.Final game in OttawaHaving played the first 675 games of his career with the Senators, Fisher played his final game in Ottawa early in the 2016-17 season. Just a few games after playing career game No. 1,000, Fisher's original NHL team was able to honor a player who'll forever be a fan favorite.With his NHL career now over, Fisher is set to take on new challenges. As long as Ms. Underwood is by his side, he's sure to remain in the public eye in Smashville. He appears ready for a seamless transition to stage two.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

There may be no fountain of youth, but lifting the Stanley Cup might have the same affect.While 37-year-old Mike Fisher announced his retirement on Thursday, 40-year-old free-agent Matt Cullen continues to mull over the decision to return for a 20th NHL season, following back-to-back Stanley Cup victories.Pittsburgh Penguins general manager Jim Rutherford said he hasn't heard a firm answer from Cullen regarding the forward's future, according to Jason MacKey of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. But he says the team has been monitoring the trade market should the need for a new third-line center arise.According to Cap Friendly, the Penguins have a little over $3 million in cap space heading into the 2017-18 season, but it's unlikely to limit anything the Penguins deem they need to do."Ultimately it will depend who it is," said Rutherford. "We may have to move some things around. We may not. It's no different than if any other deal came along. You have to move things around. Right now, I don't think so."Carter Rowney is the Penguins' lone bottom-six center currently under contract, after Nick Bonino was signed by the Nashville Predators earlier in the summer as a potential replacement for Fisher.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Nashville Predators captain Mike Fisher announced his retirement in an article published in The Tennessean on Thursday morning.Fisher ranks fourth in franchise history with 109 goals and leaves the organization ranked in the top 10 in power-play goals, game-winners, and goals per game.Here's an excerpt from Fisher's piece:

It takes time for the mortar to dry when building around a cornerstone. The process can't be rushed.The Vancouver Canucks seem to have been in no hurry to secure the future of their best building block in 22-year-old restricted free-agent forward Bo Horvat. General manager Jim Benning calls it a typical negotiation process, according to Ben Kuzma of The Province."I think the talks are progressing and I think we’ll get something done," Benning said.It appears Horvat is next in line to be named captain and become the new face of the franchise with Henrik and Daniel Sedin entering the final year of their contracts at cap hits of $7 million.Horvat broke out to lead the Canucks with 52 points in 2016-17. He's totaled 117 points in his first 231 NHL games since being selected with the No. 9 pick in the 2013 draft.The $14 million owed to the Sedins for the upcoming season leaves the Canucks with a little over $8.1 million in cap space, according to Cap Friendly. The front office needs to re-sign just two RFAs in Horvat and forward Brendan Gaunce.According to Kuzma, Benning expects to reach an agreement with Horvat before training camp."I would say that everything has been positive to this point and we’ll just continue to go through the process because Bo is a very good young player for us and we want to figure something out that is fair to him and fair to the team," Benning said.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Minnesota Wild forward Mikael Granlund didn't wait long after signing his new extension to set the bar high for his team next season.Related: Wild sign Granlund to 3-year, $17.25M extensionGranlund inked his three-year, $17.25-million deal Tuesday, and on Wednesday spoke to the media via a conference call."I'm glad we got this done," Granlund said, according to Dane Mizutani of the St. Paul Pioneer Press. "I think we have a really good group of guys and we can (do) some damage in the playoffs. ..."It’s been a pleasure to play in Minnesota and I'm really glad I can do that next season too," he went on to say.On the heels of a season in which he led the Wild in assists (43) and points (69), Granlund recognizes that his head coach will rely on him even more to score for a Minnesota club that failed to produce a single 30-goal player."He gave me a lot of responsibility," Granlund said of Bruce Boudreau. "I took a step as a player. Hopefully we can keep that going."The Wild have qualified for the playoffs in five consecutive seasons, and, if that number is going to hit six, Minny will need another strong year from its No. 1 offensive weapon.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Tampa Bay Lightning winger Nikita Kucherov finished last season tied for fifth in league scoring with 85 points, but he also ended the year by calling out his teammates and organization.Related: Plenty of Kucherov's teammates had good numbers, so who's he calling out?Despite him burying 99 goals over the last three seasons, the comments didn't go over well. However, he attempted to remedy the issue by speaking with Lightning GM Steve Yzerman recently, according to his agent, Dan Milstein."They got on the same page. There's no disagreements," Milstein told Joe Smith of the Tampa Bay Times. "Everything is good. What was said is done, stays in the past."Milstein added that Kucherov knows he has to continue to improve next season, and is excited about Tampa's chances."He knows what's expected and wants to be great," he said. "He wants to keep working, improving, and building on last year's performance. He hopes to have a redo this year, and that everyone stays healthy. He feels this is the year for them to win the Cup. He's very excited."Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The New York Islanders and defenseman Calvin de Haan agreed to a one-year contract Wednesday, the team announced.De Haan will make $3.3 million in 2017-18, according to Mike Kelly of TSN.The agreement came at the last minute, as an arbitration hearing was scheduled for Wednesday morning.Last season, the former first-round draft pick was an anchor on the Islanders' blue line, logging just under 20 minutes per game while blocking 190 shots and dishing out 139 hits. De Haan also chipped in on the offensive end, registering 25 points.With De Haan's contract now settled, the Islanders' roster is set for 2017-18 while the team has $3.634 million in remaining cap space, according to Cap Friendly."Calvin is a home-grown product of the organization and has developed into one of our top defenseman during his time with the organization," Islanders general manager Garth Snow said about his newly inked rearguard."He plays important minutes for our club and we're excited to have him back for one more year."Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

When healthy, few in the game today can produce like Islanders captain John Tavares.In 587 career regular-season games for New York, Johnny T has tasted plenty of regular-season success, tallying 235 goals and 302 assists for 537 points. So, it's understandable that the 26-year-old soon-to-be free agent wants to stay in N.Y."It's obviously a great place to play," Tavares told TSN on Tuesday. "I've really enjoyed my time being an Islander and I want that experience to continue. I'm just trying to focus and get ready for Day 1 of training camp, approach it like I have every year."Despite dealing with several nagging injuries last season, including a hand issue that required surgery, Tavares was still able to contribute and logged yet another solid offensive campaign - a fact that Tavares remembers when training for the upcoming season."For me personally, I don't know why I would change my approach. I think I keep learning, keep getting better," he said."You're always tweaking things, seeing where some things have worked well and parts of your game have come a long way. I'm just trying to get better and be the best player I can be for the Islanders."Tavares has one year remaining on his six-year, $33-million deal signed in 2011. He will become an unrestricted free agent at the completion of the 2017-18 season.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Colorado Avalanche center Matt Duchene has been arguably the most talked-about player of the 2017 offseason. Columbus, Nashville, and even Boston have been mentioned as potential future destinations for the 26-year-old.For now, Duchene remains in Colorado. And despite the continued rumors of his impending departure, the Haliburton, Ontario native is seemingly at peace. "I think right now I'm pretty relaxed," Duchene told TSN, according to NHL.com."I know whatever's going to happen is going to happen and I don't really have control of it. I'm just worried about being at the top of my game and kind of getting to where I was the first half of last season before everything kind of fell apart for everybody in Colorado."Duchene is coming off the most disappointing season of his eight-year career, as he registered only 18 goals and 23 assists in 77 games while finishing with an ugly minus-33 rating.Regardless, he remains an elite talent with tremendous speed and offensive upside that most teams would love to get their hands on. But, Duchene understands that at this point, he can only focus on himself."I feel good right now, probably as good as I've ever felt at this time during the year," he said. "It is what it is, (so) we'll let it happen."Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Carolina Hurricanes could soon be a cap team ... weird, right?The Hurricanes have been one of the most interesting teams of the summer. They went out and found themselves a more dependable netminder in Scott Darling, brought back proven winner Justin Williams, and made it a priority to lock up their budding young stars, handing out extensions to defensemen Jaccob Slavin (seven years, $37.1 million) and Brett Pesce (six years, $24.15 million).On paper, both deals could be bargains if the duo continues to develop at their current pace, but with all the money given out by Ron Francis and Co. this offseason, the team could be in a bit of a cap conundrum come 2019.As it stands now, the Hurricanes will have just over $26 million in cap space heading into the 2018-19 season, which is a nice chunk of change, but as always, there will be free agents in need of new contracts.The most notable players who will need to be paid after next season are Noah Hanifin and Elias Lindholm.This is where the deals for Slavin and Pesce could come back to bite the Hurricanes. Slavin will be making an average of $5.3 million per season, while Pesce will earn $4.025 million annually.(Photo courtesy: Action Images)Based on those salaries, Hanifin could command at least $4 million per season on his deal. After all, the 2015 first-round pick produces at a similar offensive clip as Slavin and at a higher rate than Pesce, while only Justin Faulk tallies more power-play points among Carolina blue-liners.As for Lindholm, over the past three seasons he has tallied 39 goals and 123 points, tied for third-most on the Hurricanes during that span, while hitting a career-high 45 points this past year. He's tallied the second-most power-play points in that stretch, seven game-winning goals, and a 53.18 percent Corsi For rating.So, it wouldn't be out of the realm of possibility for Lindholm to command at least $4 million per season as well.Having both Hanifin and Lindholm presumably making $4 million per season would leave the Hurricanes with just $18 million for the rest of their pending free agents.Here are the other players who need to get paid after next season:Player Status in 2018-19 Current AAVLee StempniakUFA$2.5MDerek RyanUFA$1.425MJoakim NordstromRFA$1.275MKlas DahlbeckRFA$850KTrevor van RiemsdykRFA$825KJosh JoorisUFA$775KCam WardUFA$3.3MEven if Stempniak, Ward, and other fringe players walk or go unsigned, there are still positions that need to be filled, with only $18 million in which to be spread around.The potential saving grace to this looming cap crunch is that Carolina still has some high-end prospects that could slide into the lineup on entry-level deals such as Jake Bean, Haydn Fleury, and Julien Gauthier.In the meantime, the Hurricanes will take to the 2017-18 campaign with the hopes of taking a big jump in the standings and potentially making the postseason for the first time since 2009. A successful season would undoubtedly make the team feel better about spending big to keep its core together well into the future.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

A move from Denver to Las Vegas means Calvin Pickard needs a new look.The former Colorado Avalanche goaltender, who was snapped up by the Vegas Golden Knights in the expansion draft, is inviting his new supporters to put their artistic skills to work in designing his next mask.

The Minnesota Wild have signed forward Mikael Granlund to a three-year extension worth $17.25 million, the team announced Tuesday.The deal will see Granlund carry a $5.75-million cap hit, with the bigger payouts coming in the later years of the deal:

The Carolina Hurricanes have signed defenseman Brett Pesce to a six-year contract extension with an average annual value of $4.025 million, general manager Ron Francis announced Tuesday.Pesce, 22, will play out the final season of his entry-level contract in 2017-18, meaning his $24.15-million extension won't begin to count against the Hurricanes' cap until the following campaign.Like Jaccob Slavin, who signed a seven-year, $37.1-million extension in July, Pesce is another under-the-radar Carolina blue-liner who Francis believes will play a key role in the Hurricanes' progression."Brett took another big step forward last season," Francis said. "He plays a smart defensive game and has good ability to move the puck and contribute offensively. We plan for him to be a part of the Hurricanes’ defensive corps for a long time."Pesce was chosen by the Hurricanes in the third round (66th overall) in 2013, and in 2016-17, he suited up in all 82 games, recording two goals and 18 assists. However, his contributions go further than the scoresheet, as he averaged 21:12 per game and owned a 53.8 Corsi For percentage.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Carolina Hurricanes owner Peter Karmanos Jr. is making headway in selling the franchise.There are reportedly 11-12 groups of prospective owners interested in buying the team, according to Chip Alexander of the Raleigh News & Observer.Among the groups is one led by former Texas Rangers CEO Chuck Greenberg. Karmanos "likes" Greenberg, Alexander notes, and is apparently giving him time to put together his group."Once (Greenberg) has done that, we'll examine whether his offer cuts the mustard," Karmanos said.It was reported on July 13 that Greenberg was close to purchasing the Hurricanes for $500 million, but Karmanos noted if he has to wait, the price may rise to $550 million or $600 million if the Canes have a successful season.Karmanos reportedly has a term sheet in place to sell the team, but there's still no purchase agreement.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Pittsburgh Penguins' signing of winger Conor Sheary on Sunday signified yet another undrafted player making his presence known at the NHL level - a trend that's become more common due to the talent level of players joining the league via more unconventional avenues.Related: Sheary's new deal highlights 'whirlwind' careerHere are the top five undrafted players currently making an impact in the NHL:5. Cam Talbot - Edmonton OilersWhen Talbot posted a .926 save percentage and 2.21 goals-against average in relief of New York Rangers goalie Henrik Lundqvist in the 2014-15 season, experts around the NHL knew it wouldn't be long until this undrafted free agent earned a starting job.Fast forward to today, and Talbot is not only one of the best goalies in the game, but also Edmonton's bona fide No. 1. Last season, he finished tied for the most wins in the league with 42, carrying the Oilers to the postseason for the first time in more than a decade.From playing Division I NCAA hockey in Alabama to being the starting goalie on one of the NHL's most storied franchises, Talbot's undrafted journey was long and difficult.He'll be counted on next year to carry the Oilers even deeper.4. Mark Giordano - Calgary Flames The lone rearguard on the list deserves a lot more credit than he usually receives.In addition to being the Flames' captain, Giordano is also an excellent teammate, leader, and community figure, taking home the Muhammad Ali Humanitarian Award at the 2017 ESPYs.On the ice, he's everything you want in a defenseman.Since he joined the league as an undrafted free agent in 2008, the 33-year-old Toronto native has been the Flames' most consistent D-man. He logs heavy minutes (career average of 22:05 per game) and puts up solid plus-minus numbers (career plus-55), while also contributing offensively.In 11 seasons with Calgary, Giordano has registered 340 points in 673 regular-season games, making the fact he's an undrafted player even more puzzling.3. Mats Zuccarello - New York Rangers Despite being limited by a few serious injuries, including a cracked skull and a fractured hand, Zuccarello has been an effective offensive weapon for the Blueshirts.Over 383 career regular-season games with New York, Zuccarello tallied 86 goals and 176 points while serving as a key contributor on the Rangers' top power-play unit. Since the 2013-14 season, he has 55 points on the man advantage.Speed, skill, and a knack for producing when it matters most (31 points in 60 career playoff games) make Zuccarello one of the best undrafted NHLers in the game today.2. Artemi Panarin - Columbus Blue JacketsA talented Russian whose path to the league was very similar to the player's below, Panarin was passed over in the 2010 draft and also began his career in the KHL.Since joining the Chicago Blackhawks in 2014, he put together two stellar offensive seasons while playing on a line with Patrick Kane. The duo displayed immediate chemistry, leading to Panarin racking up 61 goals and 90 assists for 151 points in only 162 games.Producing at an almost point-per-game pace is an impressive feat, especially for a player who was initially deemed too small and soft to hang with the NHL's big boys.Panarin's offensive gifts make him a lock for this list.1. Sergei Bobrovsky - Columbus Blue JacketsFor a guy who initially plied his trade in the KHL, Bobrovsky has been nothing short of sensational since signing with the Philadelphia Flyers in 2010. A 40-win season, 19 shutouts, and two Vezina Trophies later, and Bob has played his way to being one of the top goaltenders in the league.Last season was especially stingy for the 28-year-old Russian. He led the NHL in both GAA (2.06) and save percentage (.931), while also registering an impressive seven shutouts.Bobrovsky was passed over in the 2006 draft, but, given his most recent numbers, it's clear he should have been in the NHL from the jump.(Photos courtesy: Action Images)Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Strip clubs and professional hockey. It's a match made in Las Vegas heaven, right?According to Yahoo Sports' Greg Wyshynski, Crazy Horse III, a popular Vegas strip club, will welcome hockey fans to watch and cheer on the first major pro sports team in the history of the city.Here's a statement from the establishment:

Longtime NHL defenseman Mike Komisarek is about to get his first crack at coaching.The Buffalo Sabres hired Komisarek as a player development coach, the team announced Tuesday.The 35-year-old brings a wealth of NHL experience with him, having logged 551 career games split between the Montreal Canadiens, Toronto Maple Leafs, and, most recently, the Carolina Hurricanes in 2013-14.He was the definition of a stay-at-home defenseman - never recording more than 19 points in a season - but was widely considered one of the game's best penalty killers, largely due to his hulking 6-foot-4 frame.Given that the Sabres had the sixth-worst penalty kill in the league last season, it's possible Komisarek's expertise could start paying dividends immediately.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Vegas Golden Knights still have some work to do when it comes to a deal with restricted free agent Nate Schmidt before his Aug. 3 arbitration hearing.The Golden Knights requested a two-year deal with an average annual value of $975K, while Schmidt's camp is seeking a one-year deal at $2.75 million, according to Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman.Schmidt, 26, tallied 17 points in 60 games with the Washington Capitals, but the smooth-skating defenseman only averaged 15:29 minutes per night, as he was stuck behind one of the NHL's deepest blue lines.A full year playing in a more prominent role should lead to more production for Schmidt and will therefore lead to a bigger contract, so it's unsurprising Vegas wants to sign him to a multi-year deal.Schmidt is willing to bet on himself with a one-year deal, which makes sense given he could be in line for a career year.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Tampa Bay Lightning forward Steven Stamkos is one of the most lethal offensive players in the NHL today - when he's healthy, that is.That hasn't been the case recently, as the 27-year-old has almost seen more of the press box than the ice, missing 115 games over the past four seasons while dealing with multiple serious injuries.However, according to Stamkos' agent, Mark Guy, the talented centerman is finally healthy again."He's doing great," Guy told the Tampa Bay Times' Joe Smith. "No issues."Stamkos had surgery in November to deal with a lateral meniscus tear in his right knee, an injury that saw him miss the majority of last season.According to Smith, Lightning GM Steve Yzerman expects Stamkos to be ready for training camp and the start of next season.In 17 games last year, the Markham, Ontario, native tallied nine goals and 11 assists.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.