Anthony Mantha Traded to Golden Knights from Capitals Ahead of Deadline
Mar 5, 2024
TAMPA, FLORIDA - FEBRUARY 22: Anthony Mantha #39 of the Washington Capitals skates against the Tampa Bay Lightning at Amalie Arena on February 22, 2024 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
The Vegas Golden Knights acquired forward Anthony Mantha from the Washington on Tuesday in exchange for a 2024 second-round pick and 2026 fourth-rounder.
The 29-year-old has posted 20 goals and 14 assists in 56 games this season, the first time since the 2018-19 campaign he's reached the 20-goal threshold.
TSN's Pierre LeBrun reported that the Capitals were retaining 50 percent of Mantha's salary and cap hit, giving the Golden Knights the flexibility to make additional moves before Friday's NHL trade deadline.
Mantha is in the final year of the four-year, $22.8 million extension he signed with the Detroit Red Wings back in 2020. He spent parts of his first six seasons with Detroit before being traded to the Capitals in the 2020-21 campaign, where he's been since.
While he never quite lived up to expectations in Washington before this season, he should be a nice addition for the defending champion Golden Knights as they look to load up for another deep run in the Stanley Cup Playoffs. The team is currently third in the Pacific Division at 73 points, just one point above the Los Angeles Kings.
Anthony Mantha is a really nice get for the Golden Knights. His play-driving ability has been really strong on a weak team and he's scored a lot at five-on-five. pic.twitter.com/Yjdmnf8jUC
Anthony Mantha, acquired by VGK, is a two-way scoring winger who's put up goals at an absurdly efficient rate this year in fourth line minutes. A big player who notoriously does not play a physical game, but still pushes play in the right direction. #VegasBornpic.twitter.com/VfziKNHDsj
It's another win-now move for Vegas, which hasn't wasted time chasing titles in its short history as an NHL franchise.
The Capitals, meanwhile, have just 65 points on the season and are seven points back in the Wild Card hunt. It appears they're more likely to be sellers rather than buyers, an approach that general manager Brian MacLellan hinted at on Saturday.
"I think our priority would be the future of our club," he told reporters. "All decisions will be based on [that]. It's not, 'Hey, we're going to go out and rent a guy for the playoffs.' We're not in that game. We're here to look for opportunities to find more young players, add more young players to our roster and compete—still compete."
NHL Rumors: Elias Pettersson, Canucks Agree to 8-Year, $92.8M Contract Extension
Mar 2, 2024
VANCOUVER, CANADA - FEBRUARY 24:Elias Pettersson #40 of the Vancouver Canucks skates up ice during their NHL game against the Boston Bruins at Rogers Arena on February 24, 2024 in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. (Photo by Jeff Vinnick/NHLI via Getty Images)
In the midst of another stellar season that has catapulted the Vancouver Canucks to the top of the Western Conference standings, Elias Pettersson has agreed to a contract extension that makes him one of the highest-paid players in the NHL.
Canucks general manager Patrik Allvin announced they have agreed to terms on an eight-year extension with Pettersson.
Per Chris Johnston of The Athletic and TSN, Pettersson will earn $92.8 million total with $47 million being paid out in signing bonuses and the deal contains a full no-movement clause.
"I am very happy to be continuing my career as a member of the Vancouver Canucks. I love this city and playing in front of the fans. We have an exciting group and believe we can do good things in the future," Pettersson said in a statement about his new contract.
Pettersson was in the final season of a three-year, $22.1 million contract he originally signed in October 2021.
The $92.8 million total value for Petterson's new contract makes it the fifth-richest deal in the NHL. It ranks just ahead of the $92 million deals for Erik Karlsson and William Nylander.
Petterson's $11.6 million average annual salary is sixth among all players. It's just behind the $11.64 million yearly salary for Toronto Maple Leafs star Auston Matthews.
The 25-year-old center recorded a career-high 102 points during the 2022-23 season. He's on a similar pace so far this season with 75 points in 62 games played. His point total ranks 10th in the league.
Petterson and J.T. Miller, who leads the Canucks with 82 points, are now under contract together through 2029-30.
Vancouver has been one of the most pleasant surprises in the NHL this season. The club is tied with the New York Rangers for the third-most points in the league (83), one behind the Boston Bruins and Florida Panthers for the top spot.
The Canucks' 83 points this season matches their total from all of last season with 20 games left to play. They are on track to make the playoffs for the first time since the 2019-20 campaign.
Chris Tanev Traded to Stars; Flames Receive Artem Grushnikov, 2 NHL Draft Picks
Feb 29, 2024
CALGARY, CANADA - JANUARY 20: Christopher Tanev #8 of the Calgary Flames in action against the Edmonton Oilers during an NHL game at Scotiabank Saddledome on January 20, 2024 in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. (Photo by Derek Leung/Getty Images)
The Calgary Flames continue the offloading of talent ahead of the NHL's March 8 trade deadline.
Calgary is trading defenseman Chris Tanev to the Dallas Stars in exchange for defenseman Artem Grushnikov, a 2024 second-round pick and a 2026 conditional third-round pick, the franchise announced Wednesday.
Tanev is the second Flames player to be traded this season as the franchise presses the reset button on its roster, joining Elias Lindholm, who was traded to the Vancouver Canucks earlier this month.
Tanev was among one of the hottest names on the trade market as he's on an expiring contract and is a reliable veteran defenseman with 14 NHL seasons under his belt. He's in the final season of a four-year, $18 million deal with a $4.5 million cap hit.
The 34-year-old has notched one goal and 13 assists in 56 games this season and boasts a plus-16 rating.
Tanev joins a Dallas defense highlighted by Miro Heiskanen, Esa Lindell, Thomas Harley and Ryan Suter. The Stars had an opening to fill on the blue line with recent injuries to Jani Hakanpää and Nils Lundkvist.
The Toronto native is going from a team in Calgary that could miss the playoffs to a team in Dallas that is fighting for the top spot in the Central Division with the Winnipeg Jets. The Stars sit second in the division with a 35-17-9 record.
As for the Flames, they're getting a talented young defenseman in Grushnikov, who was selected by the Stars in the second round of the 2021 draft. He has appeared in 44 games for the AHL's Texas Stars this season, notching one goal and five assists to go along with a plus-three rating.
Flames general manager Craig Conroy said in a statement:
Artem is a player our organization has identified, for some time now, as being a strong addition to our prospects pool. As a 20-year-old he is having a solid season in the American Hockey League. He is best described as a young defensive defenceman, a good penalty killer who understands the importance of this role and plays to his identity. We are excited to acquire a player with Artem's qualities and look forward to his contributions to the Flames success for a long time. We have also been able to secure another second round draft pick in 2024, and the potential for a third round selection in 2026.
With Tanev and Lindholm offloaded, it's possible the Flames will continue to make deals before the trade deadline. Goaltender Jacob Markstrom and defenseman Noah Hanifin have been rumored as top trade candidates in Calgary.
With the NHL trade deadline approaching on March 8, business is starting to pick up. Not actual trades, but rather the discussion about potential deals. And…
NHL All-Star Skills Competition 2024: Results, Winners, Highlights and Reaction
Feb 3, 2024
TORONTO, ONTARIO - FEBRUARY 02: Connor McDavid #97 of the Edmonton Oilers reacts during the Fastenal NHL Fastest Skater during the 2024 NHL All-Star Skills Competition at Scotiabank Arena on February 02, 2024 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. (Photo by Dave Sandford/NHLI via Getty Images)
Edmonton Oilers center Connor McDavid is the winner of the 2024 All-Star Skills Competition.
McDavid took first place in the fastest skater, stick handling, accuracy shooting and obstacle course events Friday night to win the $1 million prize.
Colorado Avalanche defenseman Cale Makar finished the competition in second place, with the Toronto Maple Leafs' Auston Matthews and William Nylander close behind. The New York Islanders' Mat Barzal came in fifth.
The Vancouver Canucks' J.T. Miller and Elias Pettersson, Colorado Avalanche's Nathan MacKinnon, Boston Bruins' David Pastrnak and Oilers' Leon Draisaitl rounded out the top ten, followed by the Canucks' Quinn Hughes and Tampa Bay Lightning's Nikita Kucherov.
If you couldn't tune in Friday night, here's a recap of the eight events that led to McDavid's victory.
McDavid's 13.408-second lap around the rink marked the fourth time in his career he has won the challenge, making this first victory an easy bet for hockey fans.
We didn’t need to see McDavid skate to know he’d be the fastest
Pittsburgh Penguins captain Sidney Crosby and injured Chicago Blackhawks rookie Connor Bedard, who has not played since suffering a fractured jaw on Jan. 5, were passers for this event.
Makar is the first player in Avalanche and Nordiques franchise history to win the competition, according to NHL PR. Auston Matthews was impressed with Makar's 102.5 miles-per-hour blast.
Meanwhile, all Canucks center J.T. Miller cared about was shooting faster than teammate Elias Pettersson. He succeeded by hitting a 102.3 mph blast over Pettersson's 98.4 mph shot.
"Made my night. That's worth a million bucks to me," Miller said about beating Pettersson, per NHL.com's Dan Rosen and Bill Price.
It was not lost on the fans present in Toronto that Pastrnak finished the event in 19.67 seconds. That's a number Leafs fans know well as the last year the team won the Stanley Cup.
The Los Angeles Kings' Cam Talbot, Vancouver Canucks' Thatcher Demko, Boston Bruins' Jeremy Swayman, New York Rangers' Igor Shesterkin, Winnipeg Jets' Connor Hellebuyck, Dallas Stars' Jake Oettinger, Colorado Avalanche's Alexandar Georgiev and Florida Panthers' Sergei Bobrovsky were goaltenders for this event.
William Nylander vs. Talbot: 9 points
Auston Matthew vs. Demko: 7 points
J.T Miller vs. Swayman: 6 points
Mathew Barzal vs. Shesterkin: 6 points
Cale Maker vs. Hellebuyck: 4 points
Elias Pettersson vs. Oettinger: 3 points
Connor McDavid vs. Georgiev: 3 points
Nathan MacKinnon vs. Bobrovsky: 2 points
For this event, players had to choose one goaltender to take shots against for 60 seconds. Nylander won after saying he had selected Kings goaltender Cam Talbot "because he's standing right in front of me."
Nylander should have said he's picking Cam Talbot because the Kings have been garbage for the past month
Pettersson and MacKinnon were eliminated following the event.
Pepsi Obstacle Course
Connor McDavid: 40.606 seconds
Cale Makar: 43.435 seconds
Auston Matthews: 47.271 seconds
William Nyander: 49.065 seconds
J.T Miller: 49.351 seconds
Matthew Barzal: 1 minute 16 seconds
The obstacle course involved puck-handling, shooting at tiny nets and slaloming through a set of inflatable cans in what was arguably the toughest event of the night.
This obstacle course in the NHL skills competition is no joke. Guys are gassed.
The 2024 NHL All-Star game will take place with four teams battling in a three-on-three format beginning 3 p.m. ET Saturday at Scotiabank Arena.
Todd McLellan Fired as LA Kings Head Coach; Jim Hiller Named Interim HC
Feb 2, 2024
RALEIGH, NORTH CAROLINA - JANUARY 15: Head coach Todd McLellan of the Los Angeles Kings is seen on the bench during the second period against the Carolina Hurricanes at PNC Arena on January 15, 2024 in Raleigh, North Carolina. (Photo by Josh Lavallee/NHLI via Getty Images)
Todd McLellan is out as head coach of the Los Angeles Kings, the franchise announced Friday.
Jim Hiller has been named interim head coach for the remainder of the 2023-24 season.
Kings vice president and general manager Rob Blake said in a statement:
We want to thank Todd for his hard work and dedication to the organization. He has done a tremendous job in moving us forward and making a positive impact on our group and in our community. This was not an easy decision, but we felt the change was necessary at this time. Jim is a well-respected member of our staff who is familiar with our players. We are confident in his ability to lead our team effectively during this pivotal time.
The Kings are fourth in the Pacific Division with a 23-15-10 record, but they've experienced a rapid decline in performance dating back to December, having lost 14 of their last 17 games entering All-Star Weekend.
Some of those losses have come to some of the league's worst teams in the San Jose Sharks and Buffalo Sabres.
With the coaching change coming at the All-Star break, the Kings are hoping players will come back refreshed and ready to win under a new bench boss. The team's first game back is Feb. 10 against the surging Edmonton Oilers.
McLellan had been head coach of the Kings since the 2019-20 campaign. He led the franchise to a 164-130-44 record and two playoff appearances in his four and a half seasons at the helm.
Those two postseason appearances came in each of the last two seasons. The Kings were eliminated by the Oilers in the first round both times.
McLellan got his first NHL head coaching job in 2008 with the Sharks. He spent seven seasons in San Jose, leading the franchise to a 311-163-66 record and six playoff appearances in his tenure.
Following his stint with the Sharks, McLellan became head coach of the Oilers, spending four seasons with the franchise between 2015 and 2019. He led the team to a 123-119-24 record and a playoff appearance during the 2016-17 season.
Hiller, meanwhile, joined the Kings in July 2022 and has spent the last two seasons as an assistant. He previously served as an assistant for the New York Islanders, Toronto Maple Leafs and Detroit Red Wings.
With the NHL All-Star break rapidly approaching and every team beyond the midway point of the season, it's time to start thinking ahead to the draft for more…
NHL Rumors: Corey Perry, Oilers Agree to Contract After Blackhawks Exit
Jan 21, 2024
TAMPA, FL - NOVEMBER 09: Chicago Blackhawks right wing Corey Perry (94) during the NHL Hockey match between the Tampa Bay Lightning and Chicago Blackhawks on November 9th, 2023 at Amalie Arena in Tampa, FL. (Photo by Andrew Bershaw/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
The Edmonton Oilers plan to sign veteran forward Corey Perry to a new contract, according to The Fourth Period's David Pagnotta.
Perry last played in the NHL on November 19. He was then placed on waivers, where he went unclaimed before his contract was terminated by the Chicago Blackhawks.
The Blackhawks said an internal investigation had determined Perry "engaged in conduct that is unacceptable, and in violation of both the terms of his standard player's contract and the Blackhawks' internal policies intended to promote professional and safe work environments."
The 38-year-old was playing on a one-year, $4 million contract in Chicago.
Perry was skating just over 14 minutes per night with the Blackhawks prior to his termination. He had four goals and five assists in 16 games.
TSN's Frank Seravalli reported that no deal has yet been completed between the Oilers and Perry, although he added that things are "certainly trending" in that direction.
The Florida Panthers, New York Rangers and Tampa Bay Lightning have also expressed interest in acquiring Perry, Seravalli said.
It is likely Perry will take a significant pay cut with his next contract, with Seravalli projecting the veteran's next deal to end up somewhere near the league minimum of $750,000.
In a statement shared following the termination of his contract, Perry said his "behavior was inappropriate and wrong."
"I have started working with experts in the mental health and substance abuse fields to discuss my struggles with alcohol and I will take whatever steps necessary to ensure this never happens again," Perry wrote.
"I hope to regain the trust and respect of everyone who has believed in me throughout my career," he added.
Perry, who Seravalli said "has been skating and training" in hopes of getting back into game shape, met with NHL commissioner Gary Bettman the week of Jan. 10, according to the Associated Press' Stephen Whyno.
Perry is in his 19th season in the NHL. After 14 years with in Anaheim, where he helped the Ducks win a Stanley Cup in 2007, he had bounced around to the Dallas Stars, Montreal Canadiens and Lightning before signing with the Blackhawks in June.
If the veteran forward rejoins the NHL, he will regain the total of the most-penalized active player in the league with 1,392 PIM in 1,273 career games.
Perry is also eight points away from becoming the 16th active NHL player to cross the 900-point threshold.
NHL All-Star Skills Competition 2024: Full List of Participants Revealed
Jan 21, 2024
MONTREAL, CANADA - JANUARY 13: Connor McDavid #97 of the Edmonton Oilers skates during the first period against the Montreal Canadiens at the Bell Centre on January 13, 2024 in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. The Edmonton Oilers defeated the Montreal Canadiens 2-1 in overtime. (Photo by Minas Panagiotakis/Getty Images)
The field for the 2024 NHL All-Star Skills Competition is set after Vancouver Canucks stars Quinn Hughes and J.T. Miller were selected to participate in the festivities following a fan vote.
Both Hughes and Miller join a field of 10 previously selected players who will compete for a chance to win $1 million. The Canucks now boast the most players competing in the event as Elias Pettersson was previously selected.
Here's a look at the 12 participants:
David Pastrnak, F, Boston Bruins
Nathan MacKinnon, F, Colorado Avalanche
Cale Makar, D, Colorado Avalanche
Leon Draisaitl, F, Edmonton Oilers
Connor McDavid, F, Edmonton Oilers
Jack Hughes, F, New Jersey Devils
Nikita Kucherov, F, Tampa Bay Lightning
Auston Matthews, F, Toronto Maple Leafs
William Nylander, F, Toronto Maple Leafs
Elias Pettersson, F, Vancouver Canucks
J.T. Miller, F, Vancouver Canucks
Quinn Hughes, F, Vancouver Canucks.
The new-look skills competition will kick off with each of the 12 participants taking part in four of the first six events—Fastest skater, hardest shot, stick handling, one-timers, passing challenge and accuracy shooting.
The top eight participants with the most points will move on to the seventh event—the shootout.
The top six point-earners will then move on to the eighth and final event, an obstacle course. This event includes all the skills and is worth double the points.
All-Star Weekend kicks off on Feb. 1 at Toronto's Scotiabank Arena, and the skills competition will take place on Feb. 2.
The All-Star Game is scheduled for Feb. 3. Instead of players competing for their respective divisions, this year's event will see captains paired with celebrities for the All-Star Player Draft to determine the teams.
Kraken's Dominance in 2024 Winter Classic Win vs. Golden Knights Hailed by NHL Fans
Jan 1, 2024
SEATTLE, WASHINGTON - JANUARY 01: Yanni Gourde #37 of the Seattle Kraken celebrates after scoring a goal against the Vegas Golden Knights during the third period at T-Mobile Park on January 01, 2024 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images)
The Seattle Kraken outdueled the reigning Stanley Cup champion Vegas Golden Knights in the 2024 NHL Winter Classic on Monday at T-Mobile Park.
The Kraken defeated the Golden Knights 3-0 at the home of Major League Baseball's Seattle Mariners in a victory that could play a pivotal role in a potential second-half turnaround after the franchise began the season with a 14-14-9 record.
The win also marks the first shutout in Winter Classic history as Kraken goaltender Joey Daccord stopped all 35 shots he faced.
Eeli Tolvanen opened the scoring in the first period with his 10th goal of the season on a tipped shot that beat Golden Knights goaltender Logan Thompson, and Will Borgen added to Seattle's lead early in the second period on a blast from inside the circle.
The Kraken came out strong again to start the third period as Yanni Gourde notched his fifth goal of the season to put Seattle up 3-0. Gourde stripped the puck from Paul Cotter and slipped one past Thompson to put the game out of reach for the Golden Knights.
With a Winter Classic victory under their belt, the Kraken will now set their sights on a matchup against the Ottawa Senators on Thursday back at their home rink—Climate Pledge Arena.
The Golden Knights, meanwhile, will look to bounce back against the Florida Panthers at their T-Mobile Arena on Thursday.
