Panthers Win Stanley Cup, Off-Season Begins

Florida Finishes the Job

After going up 3-0, then subsequently losing three straight, there was doubt that the Florida Panthers could stave off Connor McDavid. But they got the job done, winning Game 7 by a score of 2-1, their two goals scored by Carter Verhaghe and Sam Reinhart. Connor McDavid was awarded the Conn Smyth trophy for being the MVP of the playoffs, despite not winning the Stanley Cup. McDavid was magnificent throughout the Oilers run to the cup finals.

Marner Rumors picking back up

Today it was reported by Rob Reinhart of the New York Herald that the Maple Leafs will be trading star forward Mitch Marner to the Utah Hockey Club for an undisclosed return. Though the deal was reported as “completely false” by David Pagnotta, that doesn’t mean Marner won’t be dealt. The expectation is that Marner will be traded before or at the NHL Draft. With Utah, Vegas, and Nashville being the main suitors.

Pesce Likely heading to New Jersey

Reports today suggest that Hurricanes defenseman Brett Pesce will go to unrestricted free agency on July 1, and sign with the New Jersey Devils. His projected contract sits at around 6 years, $5.5 million AAV. Though we won’t know until July 1, Pesce will provide a boost to the Devils blueline after acquiring Jacob Markstrom. The Devils will also likely look to trade John Marino, as they’ll have a surplus of defensemen.

Patrick Kane likely heading back to Rangers

The smoke around Patrick Kane is that he is going back to the New York Rangers when he hits free agency. Kane played for the Rangers after being traded from the Blackhawks after the 2023 Trade Deadline, after a back surgery and recovery, Kane played for the Detroit Red Wings and produced very well. A move back to the Rangers could make sense, as the Rangers are looking to add a consistent right winger alongside Chris Krieder and Mika Zibanajad.

Widespread Interest in Trevor Zegras

According to The Fourth Period, at least 8 teams have checked in on Zegras. The Philadelphia Flyers, New York Rangers, Montreal Canadiens, Chicago Blackhawks, Ottawa Senators, Nashville Predators, Calgary Flames, and Buffalo Sabres are all in the mix. Zegras is a young highly skilled forward who teams would love to add to their forward groups. Zegras is still young, but dealt with injuries last year. The cap hit is low enough that teams will pay premium for him, as the Ducks can afford to trade him away with Cutter Gauthier breaking into the NHL full time next season. Montreal or Philadelphia would make the most sense to me, both have had reported interest for a while and both have the assets to acquire him.

Ottawa Gets their guy in net

About 40 minutes before Game 7 began, it was announced that the Ottawa Senators were acquiring goaltender Linus Ullmark from the Boston Bruins. Ottawa is finally getting their solution in net after their signing of Joonas Korpisalo didn’t work out. The Senators are sending the Bruins Korpisalo (25% Retained), F Mark Kastelic, and a 2024 First Round Pick (25th Overall), which originally belonged to Boston. There will be no extension in place for Ullmark as a part of the trade, as he likely doesn’t want to commit long term to Ottawa just yet.