Auston Matthews is back.  The Toronto Maple Leafs captain returned to the team's lineup Saturday ...

<p><a href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/5586">Auston Matthews</a> is back.</p><p>The Toronto Maple Leafs captain returned to the team's lineup Saturday against the Tampa Bay Lightning after missing nine games with an upper-body injury.</p><p>Forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/10575" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/10575">Matthew Knies</a> also came back Saturday after missing two games with an upper-body injury of his own.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Matthews visited a specialist in Germany to help treat the ailment, which didn't require surgery. He said the injury flared up in preseason and got progressively worse as he continued to play through it.</p><p>The shorthanded Maple Leafs went 7-2-0 in Matthews' absence, with <a href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4718">Mitch Marner</a> (15 points), <a href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4180">William Nylander</a> (11 points), and <a href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/794">John Tavares</a> (nine points) doing some heavy lifting in that span.</p><p>Tavares and Marner rekindled an old connection together on the top line, and they stayed together on the second unit versus the Lightning.<em> </em>Matthews, who's spent most of his time this season with Marner, skated on a line between Nylander and Knies at Friday's practice.</p><p>Toronto also <a href="https://x.com/markhmasters/status/1862566026027635095">reunited</a> a five-forward power-play unit at Friday's practice featuring Matthews, Marner, Nylander, Tavares, and Knies. The group's previous time together was cut short by Matthews' injury.</p><p>The Maple Leafs remain without fellow forwards <a href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3007">Max Domi</a> (lower-body injury), <a href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/6397">David Kampf</a> (lower-body injury), <a href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/2576">Calle Jarnkrok</a> (hernia), <a href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/666">Max Pacioretty</a> (lower-body injury), <a href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/1101">Ryan Reaves</a> (suspension), and the latest player to go down, <a href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/13037">Bobby McMann</a> (lower-body injury), against the Lightning.</p><p>Matthews, who won the Maurice "Rocket" Richard Trophy in three of the last four seasons, was off to an uncharacteristically slow start to the season before exiting the lineup, tallying just five goals and six assists in 13 games entering Saturday's clash.</p>

ELMONT, NEW YORK - JANUARY 11: Auston Matthews #34 of the Toronto Maple Leafs is congratulated by Matthew Knies #23 after scoring a goal against the New York Islanders during the second period at UBS Arena on January 11, 2024 in Elmont, New York.

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Matthews, Knies return to Leafs lineup

The Colorado Avalanche and Nashville Predators are swapping backup goalies.  The Avs traded Justu...

<p>The Colorado Avalanche and Nashville Predators are swapping backup goalies.</p><p>The Avs traded <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/10527" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/10527">Justus Annunen</a> and a 2025 sixth-round pick to the Preds for <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/1794" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/1794">Scott Wedgewood</a>, the teams announced Saturday.</p><p>Both netminders have struggled this season:</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Goalie</th>
<th>Record</th>
<th>GAA</th>
<th>SV%</th>
<th>GSAx</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Annunen</td>
<td>6-4-0</td>
<td>3.23</td>
<td>.872</td>
<td>-5.85</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Wedgewood</td>
<td>1-2-1</td>
<td>3.69</td>
<td>.878</td>
<td>-4.31</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p><em>Goals saved above expected courtesy <a href="https://evolving-hockey.com/">Evolving-Hockey</a>.</em></p><p>However, Annunen, 24, is eight years younger than the 32-year-old Wedgewood. Annunen, a 2018 third-round pick out of Finland, also shined in 14 games a season ago, posting a .928 save percentage. He doesn't project to see a lot of NHL action moving forward with workhorse netminder <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/4571" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4571">Juuse Saros</a> at the helm in Nashville.</p><p>Wedgewood has more experience, though. He's appeared in 135 career NHL games to Annunen's 29. Wedgewood enjoyed a stellar three-year run as the Stars' backup, posting a .907 save percentage across 61 games in Dallas, before signing a two-year, $3-million deal with the Predators in free agency. He could see more action the rest of the way with <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/6533" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/6533">Alexandar Georgiev</a> (.872 save percentage) struggling as Colorado's starter.</p>

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - NOVEMBER 18: Justus Annunen #60 of the Colorado Avalanche looks on against the Philadelphia Flyers at the Wells Fargo Center on November 18, 2024 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Avalanche defeated the Flyers 3-2.

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Avalanche trade Annunen to Predators for Wedgewood

The Washington Capitals, Pittsburgh Penguins, and Columbus Blue Jackets have explored the possibi...

<p>The Washington Capitals, Pittsburgh Penguins, and Columbus Blue Jackets have explored the possibility of trading for Vancouver Canucks winger <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/9827" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/9827">Nils Hoglander</a>, reports <a href="https://x.com/KevinWeekes/status/1862577192208658805">ESPN's Kevin Weekes</a>.</p><p>The 23-year-old entered Friday with just five points in 21 games this season after potting a career-high 24 goals in 2023-24. He's averaged roughly 12 minutes per game this season and last.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">More smoke around Nils Hoglander. The speedy Swede scored 24 even strength goals last year in fourth line minutes but has just two this year. 3 years at $3M after this season. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Canucks?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Canucks</a> <a href="https://t.co/rYJv1tIjFK">pic.twitter.com/rYJv1tIjFK</a></p>— JFresh (@JFreshHockey) <a href="https://twitter.com/JFreshHockey/status/1862590578141106555?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 29, 2024</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Hoglander's cap hit for this season is $1.1 million. He signed a three-year, $9-million extension in October that begins in 2025-26.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The Canucks drafted Hoglander in the second round out of Sweden in 2019.</p>

BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - NOVEMBER 26: Nils Hoglander #21 of the Vancouver Canucks skates against the Boston Bruins during the second period at the TD Garden on November 26, 2024 in Boston, Massachusetts. The Canucks won 2-0.

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Report: Capitals, Penguins, Jackets interested in Canucks' Hoglander

The New York Rangers recently inquired about the availability of Vancouver Canucks forward J.T. M...

<p>The New York Rangers recently inquired about the availability of Vancouver Canucks forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/2170" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/2170">J.T. Miller</a>, sources told <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5956450/2024/11/29/rangers-nhl-shesterkin-trade-trouba/">The Athletic's Arthur Staple and Peter Baugh</a>.</p><p>Miller has been out indefinitely on personal leave since Nov. 19.</p><p>"Right now, our sole focus is making sure that J.T. knows the entire organization is here to support him," Canucks general manager Patrik Allvin said in a statement.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The Rangers drafted the 31-year-old 15th overall in 2011, and he spent parts of five seasons in New York before being traded to the Tampa Bay Lightning. He was traded again to the Canucks in 2019 and is in the second season of a seven-year deal that carries an $8-million cap hit and a full no-movement clause.</p><p>Rangers GM Chris Drury reportedly tried to trade for Miller in 2022 but was unwilling to include defenseman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/9196" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/9196">Braden Schneider</a> in the deal.</p><p>Miller has been among the game's most productive players in recent years, ranking 12th among NHL forwards with 300 points in 259 games since the 2021-22 season. He set career highs with goals (37) and points (103) in 81 games a year ago. He's managed 16 points in 17 appearances this season.</p><p>The 6-foot-1, 218-pounder also brings both versatility and an element of sandpaper to his game. He's flourished both as a center and a winger, and he recorded at least 200 hits in each of the past two seasons.</p><p>It's unclear if Miller would be willing to waive his NMC or if the Canucks would be open to moving him. His current absence from the lineup is leaving a gaping hole down the middle of Vancouver's lineup behind <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/7699" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/7699">Elias Pettersson</a>. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/5506" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/5506">Teddy Blueger</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/9957" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/9957">Pius Suter</a>, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/10589" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/10589">Aatu Raty</a> are currently centering the team's second, third, and fourth lines, respectively.</p><p>The Rangers are also right up against the cap and would have to move out a significant salary to accommodate Miller.</p><p>Drury <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3139493" href="https://thescore.com/news/3139493">reportedly</a> sent a memo to the 31 other NHL teams that he wants to shake up his club with a trade, citing veterans <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/2542" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/2542">Chris Kreider</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/2912" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/2912">Jacob Trouba</a> among the players he's willing to deal. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/8593" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/8593">Kaapo Kakko</a> is also <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3143154" href="https://thescore.com/news/3143154">reportedly</a> available.</p>

VANCOUVER, CANADA - NOVEMBER 12: J.T. Miller #9 of the Vancouver Canucks skates up ice during their NHL game against the Calgary Flames at Rogers Arena on November 12, 2024 in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.

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Report: Rangers inquired about Canucks' Miller

Rosters for February's 4 Nations Face-Off are due Monday and will be announced Wednesday - Sweden...

<p>Rosters for February's 4 Nations Face-Off are due Monday and will be announced Wednesday - Sweden and Finland at 2 p.m. ET, Canada and USA at 6:30 p.m.</p><p>Below, we unveil our final roster predictions for each country. (Bolded players were previously named to the team in June.)</p><h3>Canada 🇨🇦</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/551344/cropped_GettyImages-611584608.jpg?ts=1672326919" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/551344/w220xh124_GettyImages-611584608.jpg?ts=1672326919 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/551344/w320xh180_GettyImages-611584608.jpg?ts=1672326919 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/551344/w640xh360_GettyImages-611584608.jpg?ts=1672326919 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/551344/w768xh432_GettyImages-611584608.jpg?ts=1672326919 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/551344/w1080xh607_GettyImages-611584608.jpg?ts=1672326919 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Bruce Bennett / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="Team Canada (forwards)" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-kch4X" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/kch4X/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="271" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",(function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r=0;r<e.length;r++)if(e[r].contentWindow===a.source){var i=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";e[r].style.height=i}}}))}();
</script></figure><p><strong>Toughest omissions: </strong>Zach Hyman, Alexis Lafreniere</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Canada's forward group is the strength of its roster, featuring arguably the two best players in the world in McDavid and MacKinnon, plus one of the best ever in Crosby, the presumed captain who still plays at a very high level.</p><p>Reinhart's two-way savviness and finishing ability make him the ideal linemate for McDavid. At one point, it seemed like Hyman had the other McDavid flank spot sewn up, but a recent injury and lackluster production could give GM Don Sweeney and Co. some pause. Verhaeghe isn't necessarily having his best year, but the two-time Stanley Cup winner is an effective forechecker and proven big-game player. He gets the nod on LW1 in part because of his familiarity with Reinhart, which could pay dividends in a short tournament.</p><p>The second line could also have some built-in chemistry with the trio of Nova Scotia natives who all train together in the offseason. MacKinnon even said previously that he'd happily move to the wing to play with Crosby.</p><p>Cirelli and Hagel are both enjoying career years. They became relatively easy picks thanks to their speed, tenacity, and the trust they've built with Lightning and Canada coach Jon Cooper.</p><p>We considered Connor Bedard for the 13th forward role, but Scheifele's vastly outplaying him and is more deserving of the last spot.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="Team Canada (Defensemen)" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-ber9L" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/ber9L/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="211" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",(function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r=0;r<e.length;r++)if(e[r].contentWindow===a.source){var i=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";e[r].style.height=i}}}))}();
</script></figure><p><strong>Toughest omissions: </strong>Owen Power, Colton Parayko</p><p>Three picks were straightforward. Toews slots in perfectly alongside Makar, while Morrissey and Dobson are two well-rounded players in their primes. It helps to have lefty-righty harmony on the first and second pairs.</p><p>Doughty would be another obvious pick if not for an ankle injury. Out all season, he's projected to return to NHL action before the tournament. We're betting that, despite the uncertainty, Canada's management group will gladly select Doughty, believing the veteran has runway to round into form.</p><p>We strongly considered Parayko for the third pair but feel Pietrangelo is capable of providing Parayko-like value (physicality, penalty killing, leadership) <em>and</em> contributing in other ways. Pietrangelo's the more complete blue-liner.</p><p>Theodore barely got the nod over Power. We like his assertive playing style. But don't be surprised if Power makes Canada's 2026 Olympic team.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="Team Canada (goalies)" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-Degax" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/Degax/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="148" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",(function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r=0;r<e.length;r++)if(e[r].contentWindow===a.source){var i=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";e[r].style.height=i}}}))}();
</script></figure><p><strong>Toughest omission: </strong>Cam Talbot</p><p>Goaltending remains Canada's clear weakness. Cup winners Binnington and Hill are enduring rough seasons, but both appear poised to make the team based on a recent <a href="https://www.tsn.ca/jordan-binnington-adin-hill-appear-set-to-make-canada-s-4-nations-team-daccord-s-status-unclear-1.2210698">TSN</a> report.</p><p>That leaves one spot up for grabs between Thompson and Talbot, who have been by far Canada's best goalies in 2024-25. Both are deserving, but we opted to go with Thompson, who's emerging as Washington's No. 1 goalie with a .917 save percentage and is a decade younger than Talbot.</p><h3>United States 🇺🇸</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/757813/cropped_GettyImages-2152005599.jpg?ts=1732819831" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/757813/w220xh124_GettyImages-2152005599.jpg?ts=1732819831 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/757813/w320xh180_GettyImages-2152005599.jpg?ts=1732819831 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/757813/w640xh360_GettyImages-2152005599.jpg?ts=1732819831 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/757813/w768xh432_GettyImages-2152005599.jpg?ts=1732819831 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/757813/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2152005599.jpg?ts=1732819831 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">NurPhoto / Getty Images</span></figcaption></figure><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="Team USA (forwards)" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-0r5p8" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/0r5p8/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="287" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",(function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r=0;r<e.length;r++)if(e[r].contentWindow===a.source){var i=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";e[r].style.height=i}}}))}();
</script></figure><p><strong>Toughest omissions: </strong>Chris Kreider, J.T. Miller</p><p>The only reason Miller isn't on our mock roster is because he's on an indefinite leave of absence from the Canucks. We don't know his return timeline, and we're guessing Team USA brass doesn't, either.</p><p>Kreider, another virtual lock coming into the season, is playing his way off the 4 Nations squad. The 33-year-old winger has recorded only nine points (all goals) in 19 games for the Rangers. His ice time's down this year, while the trade noise around him increased over the past week or so.</p><p>We tapped highly competitive and versatile center Trocheck and creative playmaker Keller as their replacements. Trocheck gives the Americans another right-handed option. Keller, penciled in as the 13th forward, has enough offensive juice to revive any line combination that may be struggling.</p><p>Not that we're predicting struggles for this group. Coach Mike Sullivan has a wide variety of forwards at his disposal, from game-breaking superstars like Matthews, Hughes, and Eichel, to more nuanced players like the Tkachuk brothers, Guentzel, and Robertson. Boldy, a noteworthy riser this season, is an all-around talent and one of the NHL's finest young power forwards.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="Team USA (Defensemen)" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-W4xzf" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/W4xzf/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="177" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",(function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r=0;r<e.length;r++)if(e[r].contentWindow===a.source){var i=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";e[r].style.height=i}}}))}();
</script></figure><p><strong>Toughest omission: </strong>John Carlson</p><p>The Americans boast arguably the tournament's best blue line. There's a strong mix of righties, lefties, offensive defensemen, and shutdown blue-liners who should complement each other in a productive way.</p><p>While the top two pairings are pretty much set in stone, the third isn't. Faber's built off his Calder Trophy runner-up season by establishing himself as one of the NHL's premier defensive defensemen in his sophomore campaign. With Wild executive Bill Guerin serving as USA's GM, you can bet Faber will be there.</p><p>Werenski and Sanderson are somewhat interchangeable. We gave Werenski the nod as the experienced guy, but Sanderson's probably better defensively.</p><p>It was difficult leaving off Carlson amid a resurgent season, but it may come down to USA wanting a lefty as the seventh defenseman since Faber's spot on the third pair seems to be far more secure.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="Team USA (goalies)" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-ub5P3" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/ub5P3/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="148" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",(function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r=0;r<e.length;r++)if(e[r].contentWindow===a.source){var i=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";e[r].style.height=i}}}))}();
</script></figure><p><strong>Toughest omission: </strong>Anthony Stolarz<strong> </strong></p><p>The Americans have high-end talent and depth in net.</p><p>Hellebuyck is trending toward a second consecutive Vezina Trophy; he's the No. 1 goalie at this point, no questions asked. Oettinger's start has him sniffing around the Vezina conversation, making him the top backup option.</p><p>Picking a third-stringer is trickier, with Stolarz currently shining and Swayman struggling following drawn-out contract negotiations. We decided to stick with Swayman, the netminder with the more robust resume and higher ceiling. Management's likely considering the real possibility of Stolarz hitting a wall and Swayman looking like his old self by the time the tournament rolls around.</p><h3>Sweden 🇸🇪</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/370829/cropped_GettyImages-609521368.jpg?ts=1566052543" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/370829/w220xh124_GettyImages-609521368.jpg?ts=1566052543 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/370829/w320xh180_GettyImages-609521368.jpg?ts=1566052543 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/370829/w640xh360_GettyImages-609521368.jpg?ts=1566052543 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/370829/w768xh432_GettyImages-609521368.jpg?ts=1566052543 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/370829/w1080xh607_GettyImages-609521368.jpg?ts=1566052543 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Andre Ringuette / World Cup of Hockey / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="Team Sweden (forwards)" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-Lj72L" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/Lj72L/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="287" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",(function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r=0;r<e.length;r++)if(e[r].contentWindow===a.source){var i=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";e[r].style.height=i}}}))}();
</script></figure><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="Team Sweden (Defensemen)" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-eceVc" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/eceVc/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="178" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",(function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r=0;r<e.length;r++)if(e[r].contentWindow===a.source){var i=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";e[r].style.height=i}}}))}();
</script></figure><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="Team USA (goalies) (Copy)" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-Ec5KM" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/Ec5KM/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="148" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",(function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r=0;r<e.length;r++)if(e[r].contentWindow===a.source){var i=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";e[r].style.height=i}}}))}();
</script></figure><p><strong>Toughest omissions: </strong>Viktor Arvidsson,<strong> </strong>Hampus Lindholm, Adam Larsson</p><p>Team Sweden's backbone is its blue line, which is on par with Canada's and maybe just a notch below USA's. The only issue? A lot of lefties. Dahlin regularly plays his off side, so that's no problem. But someone else will have to do the same in order to get Sweden's six best in the lineup. In this case, we opted to go with Brodin, who forms the ultimate shutdown pair with Forsling.</p><p>The toughest cut is unsurprisingly a defenseman in Lindholm. We chose Andersson as the seventh guy - a right-handed option in case having a lefty play his off side doesn't work out. Andersson's excellent season helps, too.</p><p>Sweden has enough overall talent to be a dark horse in this tournament if it can get strong goaltending from Markstrom or the red-hot Gustavsson.</p><h3>Finland 🇫🇮</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/370835/cropped_GettyImages-609784948.jpg?ts=1566053109" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/370835/w220xh124_GettyImages-609784948.jpg?ts=1566053109 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/370835/w320xh180_GettyImages-609784948.jpg?ts=1566053109 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/370835/w640xh360_GettyImages-609784948.jpg?ts=1566053109 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/370835/w768xh432_GettyImages-609784948.jpg?ts=1566053109 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/370835/w1080xh607_GettyImages-609784948.jpg?ts=1566053109 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Minas Panagiotakis / World Cup of Hockey / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="Team Finland (forwards)" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-3SwXx" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/3SwXx/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="287" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",(function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r=0;r<e.length;r++)if(e[r].contentWindow===a.source){var i=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";e[r].style.height=i}}}))}();
</script></figure><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="Team Sweden (Defensemen) (Copy)" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-qeMHM" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/qeMHM/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="177" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",(function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r=0;r<e.length;r++)if(e[r].contentWindow===a.source){var i=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";e[r].style.height=i}}}))}();
</script></figure><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="Team Finland (goalies)" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-k12Id" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/k12Id/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="148" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",(function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r=0;r<e.length;r++)if(e[r].contentWindow===a.source){var i=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";e[r].style.height=i}}}))}();
</script></figure><p><strong>Toughest omissions: </strong>Matias Maccelli, Eeli Tolvanen, Jani Hakanpaa</p><p>Only about 40 Finns have appeared in an NHL game this season. Such a limited pool makes the task of filling out an international roster easy.</p><p>Barkov, Aho, and Hintz combine for an intriguing 1-2-3 punch down the middle. Rantanen and Heiskanen are elite. The rest of the skater group is questionable, though - particularly the blue line. You can compete in a star-studded tournament with a Lindell-Heiskanen top pair, but Finland's 3-7 depth on defense is significantly worse than the three other countries.</p><p>Saros, the projected starter, is going to face <em>a ton</em> of rubber at this tourney.</p>

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Chris Kreider and Jacob Trouba aren't the only New York Rangers players reportedly available.   K...

<p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/2542" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/2542">Chris Kreider</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/2912" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/2912">Jacob Trouba</a> aren't the only New York Rangers players reportedly available. </p><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/8593" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/8593">Kaapo Kakko</a>'s name has resurfaced in trade talks, sources told <a href="https://www.tsn.ca/video/insider-trading-updates-on-potential-signings-and-trades-involving-big-name-players~3037945">TSN's Darren Dreger</a>.</p><p>The Rangers took calls on Kakko ahead of the 2024 trade deadline, but no deal came to fruition. New York re-signed the Finnish winger to a one-year, $2.4-million deal in the offseason. He'll be a restricted free agent at season's end and can become unrestricted in 2026.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>General manager Chris Drury is reportedly looking to shake up the Rangers with a big trade and isn't opposed to dealing multiple players, including Kreider and Trouba.</p><p>Kakko has failed to meet expectations since New York drafted him second overall in 2019. His career-best season came in 2022-23 when he managed 18 goals and 22 assists. The 23-year-old has registered 12 points in 21 games this year.</p><p>The Rangers have several key pending free agents this offseason, including RFA <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/9103" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/9103">K'Andre Miller</a> and UFAs <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/7383" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/7383">Ryan Lindgren</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/8558" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/8558">Igor Shesterkin</a>.</p>

EDMONTON, CANADA - NOVEMBER 23: Kaapo Kakko #24 of the New York Rangers skates against the Edmonton Oilers during the third period at Rogers Place on November 23, 2024 in Edmonton, Canada.

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Columbus Blue Jackets head coach Dean Evason was vocally displeased with the officiating during h...

<p>Columbus Blue Jackets head coach Dean Evason was vocally displeased with the officiating during his club's 4-3 overtime loss to the Montreal Canadiens on Wednesday.</p><p>Evason was particularly peeved by a missed call on <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/6457" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/6457">Nick Suzuki</a> moments before the Canadiens captain scored the OT winner.</p><p>Suzuki appeared to grab <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/10658" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/10658">Kent Johnson</a>'s hip with his open hand and haul him down, but no penalty was called by referees Michael Sullivan and Brian Pochmara. With Johnson trailing behind the play, Montreal took full advantage of the three-on-two the other way and ended the game.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">THE CAPTAIN CALLS GAME. 🤩<br><br>Nick Suzuki buries the <a href="https://twitter.com/SUBWAYCanada?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SUBWAYCanada</a> OT winner for Montreal! <a href="https://t.co/YzFhfLRhwW">pic.twitter.com/YzFhfLRhwW</a></p>— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) <a href="https://twitter.com/Sportsnet/status/1861975168324603967?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 28, 2024</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>"You mean at the end when they didn't call the penalty, when the guy (Suzuki) grabbed (Johnson's) hip and pulled him back and then that guy went down and scored?" Evason said, per <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5954393/2024/11/28/blue-jackets-evason-overtime-call-canadiens/?source=emp_shared_article">The Athletic's Aaron Portzline</a>. "It's ridiculous! You know what? It's a human game, and I'd hope that we'd have a couple of the refs (available) - or at least one of them - to ask them what they see?"</p><p>NHL officials aren't required to speak to teams or media postgame.</p><p>"We have a two-on-one (with Johnson and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3000" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3000">Sean Monahan</a>). KJ is fresh. He's fresh on the ice. He's got a step on Suzuki. He's going and he's fast, and the guy reaches in, grabs him, pulls his hip, spins him, (Johnson) falls down, (the Canadiens) get the puck, they get a three-on-two (the other way) … it's crazy," Evason said.</p><p>"That can't be <em>not</em> a penalty. It makes no sense. I don't care if it's the first (period) or overtime, you cannot reach your hand in and grab a guy. Even if they're even, but (KJ) is ahead of him."</p><p>The defeat put an end to Columbus' three-game winning streak.</p>

COLUMBUS, OHIO - NOVEMBER 23: Head coach Dean Evason of the Columbus Blue Jackets looks up the video board during the game against the Carolina Hurricanes at Nationwide Arena on November 23, 2024 in Columbus, Ohio. Columbus defeated Carolina 5-4 in a shootout.

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Blue Jackets' Evason slams refs for 'ridiculous' missed call in OT

Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund has found LIV Golf's next CEO.  Scott O'Neil, the former Ha...

<p>Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund has found LIV Golf's next CEO.</p><p>Scott O'Neil, the former Harris Blitzer Sports and Entertainment CEO, is expected to be tabbed as Greg Norman's replacement, sources told <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5952635/2024/11/27/liv-golf-scott-oneil-greg-norman-ceo/">The Athletic's Brendan Quinn</a>.</p><p>O'Neil is also reportedly expected to be named commissioner, and an announcement could come as early as next week, sources told <a href="https://www.sportsbusinessjournal.com/Articles/2024/11/27/liv-golf-scott-oneil-ceo-position">Sports Business Journal's Josh Carpenter</a>.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>HBSE owns the NHL's New Jersey Devils and the NBA's Philadelphia 76ers. O'Neil became the 76ers' CEO in 2013 before the company was created in 2017 to oversee the Devils as well.</p><p>O'Neil left HBSE in 2021 and became the CEO of London-based theme park company Merlin Entertainments in 2022 before stepping down earlier Wednesday.</p><p>Carpenter reported in October that PIF, which funds LIV Golf, was searching for a new CEO to replace Norman. However, Norman is expected to remain with the league in a senior role.</p><p>The PIF and the PGA TOUR are continuing negotiations after agreeing to the framework of a merger deal in June 2023. PIF has been searching for an established CEO who can potentially help move talks along.</p><p>Norman has clashed with several key figures in the golf world as LIV's CEO, including <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///pga/players/1637" href="https://thescore.com/pga/players/1637">Tiger Woods</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///pga/players/599" href="https://thescore.com/pga/players/599">Rory McIlroy</a>. McIlroy notably claimed in 2022 that Norman "needs to exit stage left."</p>

Scott O'Neil chief executive of Merlin entertainments arriving for the launch of the new themed land, World of Jumanji, at Chessington World of Adventures Resort, south west London, which opens to the public on Monday. Picture date: Saturday May 13, 2023.

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Report: LIV Golf expected to name Scott O'Neil as new CEO

Toronto Maple Leafs captain Auston Matthews missed his ninth consecutive game Wednesday against t...

<p>Toronto Maple Leafs captain <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/5586" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/5586">Auston Matthews</a> missed his ninth consecutive game Wednesday against the Florida Panthers because of an upper-body injury.</p><p>"He had a real good practice yesterday, but he's been off a while," Berube said earlier Wednesday. "He needs a little bit more to be ready to go."</p><p>The Maple Leafs were also without fellow forwards <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/10575" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/10575">Matthew Knies</a> (upper body), <a href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3007">Max Domi</a> (lower body), <a href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/6397">David Kampf</a> (lower body), <a href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/2576">Calle Jarnkrok</a> (hernia), <a href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/666">Max Pacioretty</a> (lower body), and <a href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/1101">Ryan Reaves</a> (suspension) against the Panthers.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Matthews <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3137209" href="https://thescore.com/news/3137209">said</a> last Saturday that it was possible he could play Wednesday. His next chance to return will be Saturday versus the Tampa Bay Lightning.</p><p>The three-time Maurice "Rocket" Richard Trophy winner <a href="https://www.thescore.com/nhl/news/3133555/treliving-matthews-went-to-germany-for-treatment-no-surgery-needed">visited a specialist in Germany</a> to help treat his injury, which Matthews said flared up in preseason. It did not require surgery.</p><p>The Maple Leafs have gone 7-1-0 in Matthews' absence. <a href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4718">Mitch Marner</a> (14 points), <a href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4180">William Nylander</a> (11 points), and <a href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/794">John Tavares</a> (nine points) have notably stepped up without the former Hart Trophy winner in the lineup.</p>

TORONTO, ON - OCTOBER 31: Toronto Maple Leafs center Auston Matthews (34) is seen during a break in the second period of an NHL game between the Seattle Kraken and the Toronto Maple Leafs on October 31, 2024, at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto, ON.

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Matthews misses 9th consecutive game

Colorado Avalanche winger Jonathan Drouin is week-to-week with an upper-body injury, head coach J...

<p>Colorado Avalanche winger <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3008" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3008">Jonathan Drouin</a> is week-to-week with an upper-body injury, head coach Jared Bednar announced Wednesday, per the <a href="https://x.com/evanrawal/status/1861793937599479978">Denver Gazette's Evan Rawal</a>.</p><p>Drouin had just returned to the lineup less than two weeks ago after missing 16 games with an injury he suffered in the season opener.</p><p>The 29-year-old scored a pair of goals and logged 23:37 in his last game Saturday against the Florida Panthers. He's now up to four points in five games this season.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Drouin enjoyed a bounce-back 56-point season in 2023-24 upon joining the Avalanche on a one-year deal in free agency. He re-signed on another one-year, $2.5-million deal in July.</p><p>The Avalanche recalled Ivan Ivan, Nikolai Kovalenko, and Chase Bradley from the AHL on Wednesday.</p>

SUNRISE, FL - NOVEMBER 23: Colorado Avalanche left wing Jonathan Drouin (27) skates during the first period of a game against the Florida Panthers on November 23, 2024, at the Amerant Bank Arena in Sunrise, Florida.

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Avalanche's Drouin injured again, out week-to-week

The Columbus Blue Jackets continue to dangle prized defense prospect David Jiricek in trade talks...

<p>The Columbus Blue Jackets continue to dangle prized defense prospect <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/12730" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/12730">David Jiricek</a> in trade talks, reports <a href="https://www.tsn.ca/video/early-trading-rangers-put-big-names-on-the-trade-block~3036438">TSN's Chris Johnston</a>, who added there's "sizable interest" in the 2022 No. 6 pick.</p><p>Jiricek, who turns 21 on Thursday, is currently playing with Columbus' AHL affiliate after averaging 11:12 per contest in his six games with the Blue Jackets this season.</p><p>Columbus initially sought a similarly valued prospect in return for Jiricek, but the team is now reportedly open to listening to draft-pick-based packages.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>"It's a player that wants a fresh start, and I think the organization is committed to giving it to him," Johnston said.</p><p>Jiricek boasts a tantalizing skill set as a right-shot defender with a 6-foot-4, 204-pound frame and loads of offensive upside. He's managed 14 goals and 45 assists in 86 career AHL games but has been limited to 11 points in 53 career NHL contests - 43 of which came in 2023-24.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Lots of trade talk surrounding David Jiricek. 2022 6th overall pick hasn't been able to get the trust of his coaches in CBJ. Valued as a prospect for creativity, playmaking, and hockey sense. Mobility has always been his biggest weakness. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CBJ?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CBJ</a> <a href="https://t.co/OyTPptH8at">pic.twitter.com/OyTPptH8at</a></p>— JFresh (@JFreshHockey) <a href="https://twitter.com/JFreshHockey/status/1861461274338414978?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 26, 2024</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>He was named the top defenseman at the 2023 World Junior Championship, helping lead Czechia to a silver medal with seven points in as many games.</p><p>Jiricek voiced his frustration last season when the Blue Jackets sent him down to the AHL, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/2832980" href="https://thescore.com/news/2832980">saying</a>: "I'm an NHL player right now. That's my opinion, that I should be in the NHL right now."</p><p>The defenseman was drafted under the Blue Jackets' previous regime led by general manager Jarmo Kekalainen, who the club fired in February. Columbus hired Don Waddell as president of hockey operations and GM in May.</p>

SAN JOSE, CALIFORNIA - NOVEMBER 05: David Jiricek #55 of the Columbus Blue Jackets in action against the San Jose Sharks at SAP Center on November 05, 2024 in San Jose, California.

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William and Alex Nylander lived out a childhood dream Sunday.   The brothers took to the ice on t...

<p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/4180" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4180">William</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/5593" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/5593">Alex Nylander</a> lived out a childhood dream Sunday. </p><p>The brothers took to the ice on the same NHL team for the first time in the Toronto Maple Leafs' win over Utah Hockey Club. The Nylanders are the fifth set of brothers to play a game together in Maple Leafs history, and the first since Peter and Miroslav Ihnacak did so in 1987.</p><p>"The entire day was special," William <a href="https://www.nhl.com/mapleleafs/video/william-nylander-post-game-6365145065112">said</a>. "Seeing him out there, the first period felt pretty crazy. Then settled in and it felt more normal. It was very special and, of course, we got the win which was nice."</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Even though they weren't on the same line, coach Craig Berube threw the brothers over boards together on a handful of occasions, including on William's game-winning goal.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">WHOLE LOTTA STYLE 😎 <a href="https://t.co/n941sizpDf">pic.twitter.com/n941sizpDf</a></p>— Toronto Maple Leafs (@MapleLeafs) <a href="https://twitter.com/MapleLeafs/status/1860858420686917763?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 25, 2024</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>"I got a few shifts with him, so that was really special," Alex said postgame, per <a href="https://www.tsn.ca/nhl/video/william-and-alex-nylander-discuss-special-day-getting-to-play-together-for-the-leafs~3035209">TSN</a>. "Nice goal he had, I had a good seat for that to see him go five-hole there. Just enjoying the whole day. It was really good to see how he prepares and how different we are, actually, when we get to the rink."</p><p>He <a href="https://www.nhl.com/mapleleafs/video/alex-nylander-post-game-6365144983112">added</a>: "It's something I'll remember forever."</p><p>William moved into sole possession of 11th place on Toronto's all-time goals list with his 231st career tally. He's now tied for fourth in the NHL with 14 goals this season.</p><p>Alex, meanwhile, made his Maple Leafs debut after the club signed him to an NHL contract and recalled him from the AHL on Friday. He recorded two shots in 10:37 of action and rang one off the post.</p><p>"Incredibly proud. He deserves it," William said of Alex's promotion. "He had a great year last year when he was in Columbus."</p><p>Alex recorded 11 goals and four assists in 23 outings with the Blue Jackets last season. He also suited up in five contests for the Pittsburgh Penguins but was held pointless.</p><p>William and Alex were both drafted eighth overall, in 2014 and 2016, respectively. They last played together for one game at the 2016 World Junior Championship for Sweden before William got hurt and missed the remainder of the tournament.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Today's someday 💙 <a href="https://t.co/Q1g4bgyztu">https://t.co/Q1g4bgyztu</a> <a href="https://t.co/gP6ZQ4Dn2c">pic.twitter.com/gP6ZQ4Dn2c</a></p>— Toronto Maple Leafs (@MapleLeafs) <a href="https://twitter.com/MapleLeafs/status/1860835494558351840?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 24, 2024</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure>

TORONTO, ON - NOVEMBER 24: William Nylander #88 and Alex Nylander interact on the bench during the first period against the Utah Hockey Club at the Scotiabank Arena on November 24, 2024 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

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Rosters for the 4 Nations Face-Off are due Dec. 2 and will be unveiled two days later. In other w...

<p>Rosters for the 4 Nations Face-Off are due Dec. 2 and will be unveiled two days later. In other words, the clock's ticking louder by the day for management groups in Canada, Sweden, Finland, and the U.S.</p><p>Each nation must select 23 players - 20 skaters and three goalies. Six picks were announced in June, which means 17 spots remain unfilled.</p><p>Here, theScore's Josh Wegman and John Matisz debate the toughest decisions for Team Canada general manager Don Sweeney and his staff ahead of the February tournament. (Read our Team USA rundown <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3124654" href="https://thescore.com/news/3124654">here</a>.)</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><h3>Forwards</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/751330/cropped_GettyImages-2178253417.jpg?ts=1731623204" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/751330/w220xh124_GettyImages-2178253417.jpg?ts=1731623204 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/751330/w320xh180_GettyImages-2178253417.jpg?ts=1731623204 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/751330/w640xh360_GettyImages-2178253417.jpg?ts=1731623204 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/751330/w768xh432_GettyImages-2178253417.jpg?ts=1731623204 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/751330/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2178253417.jpg?ts=1731623204 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Leila Devlin / Getty Images</span></figcaption></figure><p><strong>Already on roster: </strong>Sidney Crosby, Nathan MacKinnon, Brad Marchand, Connor McDavid, Brayden Point</p><p><strong>Near locks: </strong>Mitch Marner, Sam Reinhart, Mark Stone</p><p><strong>5 spots left for: </strong>Mathew Barzal, Connor Bedard, Sam Bennett, Quinton Byfield, Anthony Cirelli, Brandon Hagel, Zach Hyman, Seth Jarvis, Wyatt Johnston, Travis Konecny, Alexis Lafreniere, Ryan O'Reilly, Mark Scheifele, Steven Stamkos, Nick Suzuki, Robert Thomas, Carter Verhaeghe, Tom Wilson</p><p><strong>Wegman's picks: </strong>Bedard, Cirelli, Hagel, Hyman, Konecny</p><p>Canada has an embarrassment of riches up front, making these picks incredibly difficult. There are just so many ways Sweeney can go.</p><p>Cirelli isn't overly popular in mock rosters, but I believe he's the perfect choice as Canada's fourth-line center. His skating, competitiveness, and intelligence make him a Selke Trophy-caliber defensive player who can match up against anyone. He's no slouch offensively, either, producing at a near-point-per-game clip this season. And head coach Jon Cooper trusts him immensely.</p><p>The same can be said for Hagel, who would bring instant chemistry to a line led centered by either Point or Cirelli. Hagel is as skilled offensively as other contending players, plus he's super consistent. He'd also bring some competitive fire - not completely unlike Konecny, another feisty winger who'd fit a bottom-six role well.</p><p>Hyman has picked things up after a slow start, so I'm sticking with him. Bedard's my 13th forward. He'll take on a bigger role at the 2026 Olympics.</p><p><strong>Matisz's picks: </strong>Bedard, Hyman, Konecny, Lafreniere, Verhaeghe</p><p>The options are truly limitless.</p><p>Still, three players jumped to the top of my queue. Verhaeghe could be an incredibly valuable piece as a true dual-threat winger. Lafreniere could easily assume a complementary role on a line that plays with pace and can tap into his quick-strike style. Bedard is a lethal triggerman whose goal-scoring totals have been suppressed in Chicago - he's ready to pop with better linemates.</p><p>Konecny and Hyman were harder choices. Ultimately, both are connector types: highly intelligent wingers who've mastered wall play, puck hounding, and net-front havoc-wreaking. Hyman's chemistry with McDavid is a bonus.</p><p>My toughest cuts were Johnston, Hagel, and Suzuki. I would've strongly considered Thomas as well if he weren't currently injured. And I like Cirelli, but I think Canada has a handful of better options at fourth-line center.</p><p>Scheifele, who's tied for 17th in NHL scoring, deserves a mention. He probably makes the cut based on pure talent.<strong> </strong>However, his offense-first skill set would be redundant on a Canadian squad teeming with firepower.</p><h3>Defense</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/600708/cropped_GettyImages-1760551522.jpg?ts=1731623095" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/600708/w220xh124_GettyImages-1760551522.jpg?ts=1731623095 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/600708/w320xh180_GettyImages-1760551522.jpg?ts=1731623095 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/600708/w640xh360_GettyImages-1760551522.jpg?ts=1731623095 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/600708/w768xh432_GettyImages-1760551522.jpg?ts=1731623095 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/600708/w1080xh607_GettyImages-1760551522.jpg?ts=1731623095 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Icon Sportswire / Getty Images</span></figcaption></figure><p><strong>Already on roster: </strong>Cale Makar</p><p><strong>Near locks: </strong>Noah Dobson, Josh Morrissey,<strong> </strong>Devon Toews</p><p><strong>3 spots left for: </strong>Evan Bouchard, Drew Doughty, Dougie Hamilton, Brandon Montour, Colton Parayko, Adam Pelech, Alex Pietrangelo, Owen Power, Morgan Rielly, Shea Theodore, MacKenzie Weegar</p><p><strong>Wegman's picks: </strong>Doughty, Parayko, Power</p><p>Doughty is the biggest question mark as he remains out with a fractured ankle suffered in preseason. If he's healthy in time for the tournament - a big "if" - he needs to be on this team. (He's projected to return in early January.)</p><p>I opted to lean on size for my final two picks - Power and Parayko both stand at 6-foot-6. They played together at the 2024 World Championship, so there's already some familiarity if they combine forces on the third pair. Parayko, in particular, would bring much-needed nastiness and penalty-killing chops to a Canadian blue line that's rather undersized in the top four outside of Dobson.</p><p><strong>Matisz's picks: </strong>Doughty, Pietrangelo, Theodore</p><p>Sweeney and his staff are reportedly keeping a close eye on Doughty's recovery. Barring an injury setback, he's tracking toward a key shutdown role.</p><p>Canada should try to strike a balance between mobility/skill and size/toughness on the blue line, especially with question marks in goal. In my eyes, veterans Theodore and Pietrangelo best round out the defense corps. You know exactly what you're getting from both of them.</p><p>Makar and Morrissey can each man the point on a power-play unit, while any of the seven defensemen is capable of hunkering down on the penalty kill.</p><h3>Goaltending</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/480363/cropped_GettyImages-1236192737.jpg?ts=1731623341" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/480363/w220xh124_GettyImages-1236192737.jpg?ts=1731623341 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/480363/w320xh180_GettyImages-1236192737.jpg?ts=1731623341 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/480363/w640xh360_GettyImages-1236192737.jpg?ts=1731623341 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/480363/w768xh432_GettyImages-1236192737.jpg?ts=1731623341 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/480363/w1080xh607_GettyImages-1236192737.jpg?ts=1731623341 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Scott Rovak / Getty Images</span></figcaption></figure><p><strong>Already on roster: </strong>None</p><p><strong>Near locks: </strong>None</p><p><strong>3 spots left for: </strong>Jordan Binnington, Mackenzie Blackwood, Marc-Andre Fleury,<strong> </strong>Adin Hill, Connor Ingram, Darcy Kuemper, Sam Montembeault, Stuart Skinner, Cam Talbot, Logan Thompson</p><p><strong>Wegman's picks: </strong>Binnington, Talbot, Thompson</p><p>Canada's goaltending is easily the most wide-open and intriguing position battle of the entire tournament. I was of the belief someone would separate themselves from the pack, but that hasn't been the case.</p><p>I'm giving Binnington the nod as the nation's most consistent goalie in recent years, but I don't feel overly confident about it. He was playing relatively well this season until he was shelled for eight goals against the Capitals recently<strong>.</strong></p><p>I'm rolling with the hot hand for my other two picks. The 37-year-old Talbot seems to play well in whatever uniform he's wearing. That bodes well in a short tournament. He's been lights out despite playing behind a mediocre Red Wings team.</p><p>Thompson, meanwhile, is beginning to emerge as the Capitals' go-to guy after a couple of promising tandem seasons with the Golden Knights.</p><p><strong>Matisz's picks: </strong>Binnington,<strong> </strong>Montembeault, Talbot</p><p>It feels like there's no great answer here. However, I'm going with Binnington as the starter, Talbot as the backup, and Montembeault as the third-stringer.</p><p>Binnington hoisted the Stanley Cup more than five years ago, yet there's still something about the fiery competitor that screams "big-game player."</p><p>Talbot has posted excellent underlying numbers this season (top five in the NHL in goals saved above expected per 60 minutes, according to Sportlogiq).</p><p>Montembeault has been quietly trending up over the past few seasons, his raw numbers dragged down by Montreal's putrid goaltending environment.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="Team Canada (Matisz picks)" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-OKuy4" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/OKuy4/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="438" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",(function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r=0;r<e.length;r++)if(e[r].contentWindow===a.source){var i=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";e[r].style.height=i}}}))}();
</script></figure><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="Team Canada (Wegman picks)" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-m6tru" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/m6tru/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="422" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",(function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r=0;r<e.length;r++)if(e[r].contentWindow===a.source){var i=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";e[r].style.height=i}}}))}();
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Debating key position battles for Canada's 4 Nations Face-Off roster

<p>Rosters for the 4 Nations Face-Off are due Dec. 2 and will be unveiled two days later. In other words, the clock's ticking louder by the day for management groups in Canada, Sweden, Finland, and the U.S.</p><p>Each nation must select 23 players - 20 skaters and three goalies. Six picks were announced in June, which means 17 spots remain unfilled.</p><p>Here, theScore's Josh Wegman and John Matisz debate the toughest decisions for Team USA general manager Bill Guerin and his staff ahead of the February tournament. (Read our Team Canada rundown <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3124698" href="https://thescore.com/news/3124698">here</a>.)</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><h3>Forwards</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/554665/cropped_GettyImages-1456458191.jpg?ts=1731613153" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/554665/w220xh124_GettyImages-1456458191.jpg?ts=1731613153 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/554665/w320xh180_GettyImages-1456458191.jpg?ts=1731613153 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/554665/w640xh360_GettyImages-1456458191.jpg?ts=1731613153 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/554665/w768xh432_GettyImages-1456458191.jpg?ts=1731613153 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/554665/w1080xh607_GettyImages-1456458191.jpg?ts=1731613153 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Bruce Bennett / Getty Images</span></figcaption></figure><p><strong>Already on roster: </strong>Jack Eichel, Auston Matthews, Matthew Tkachuk</p><p><strong>Near locks: </strong>Jack Hughes, J.T. Miller, Jason Robertson, Brady Tkachuk</p><p><strong>6 spots left for: </strong>Brock Boeser,<strong> </strong>Matt Boldy, Cole Caufield, Kyle Connor, Alex DeBrincat, Jake Guentzel,<strong> </strong>Patrick Kane,<strong> </strong>Clayton Keller, Chris Kreider, Dylan Larkin, Brock Nelson, Tage Thompson, Vincent Trocheck, Alex Tuch</p><p><strong>Wegman's picks: </strong>Boldy, Connor, Guentzel, Kreider, Larkin, Thompson</p><p>Team USA is so stacked up front that at least a handful of omissions will raise eyebrows. With all due respect to Caufield, Keller was my toughest cut.</p><p>To me, Boldy could play on any type of line with his size-speed combo, Connor's earned a spot with his scorching-hot start, and Guentzel's playoff resume gives him the tiebreaker over Keller. On a team lacking veteran leaders, Kreider was an important pick for me - plus he still brings size and a nose for the net. Larkin and Thompson were the two easiest picks as true centers, which would give head coach Mike Sullivan the option to play Miller and Hughes on the wings.</p><p>Miller's game is better suited for the wing, and Hughes is a faceoff liability. Imagine Hughes, one of the game's best puck carriers and playmakers, on the wing setting up the sport's best goal-scorer in Matthews? Ample center depth means endless lineup possibilities.</p><p><strong>Matisz's picks: </strong>Boldy, Connor, Guentzel, Kreider, Thompson, Trocheck</p><p>The countries participating in this event aren't simply picking the 23 most talented players. They're building a functional team with a host of roles.</p><p>Trocheck's a highly competitive and versatile right-handed center who could slot in nicely on the fourth line, kill penalties, and potentially, assume the "bumper" spot on the power play. Someone like Caufield, on the other hand, provides little value beyond his goals. The U.S. has no shortage of elite snipers, anyway - including Connor, who's second in goals by an American since 2017-18, and Thompson, whose imposing frame, silky hands, game-breaking ability, and defensive chops combine for a tantalizing package.</p><p>Boldy's power game and flair for the dramatic make him extremely appealing, Guentzel can play either wing on any forward line and not miss a beat, and Kreider's veteran presence, power-play utility, and size give him the final spot.</p><p>Keller - a personal favorite - and Larkin were by far the toughest cuts.</p><h3>Defense</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/755240/cropped_GettyImages-2182909292.jpg?ts=1731613245" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/755240/w220xh124_GettyImages-2182909292.jpg?ts=1731613245 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/755240/w320xh180_GettyImages-2182909292.jpg?ts=1731613245 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/755240/w640xh360_GettyImages-2182909292.jpg?ts=1731613245 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/755240/w768xh432_GettyImages-2182909292.jpg?ts=1731613245 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/755240/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2182909292.jpg?ts=1731613245 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Kirk Irwin / Getty Images</span></figcaption></figure><p><strong>Already on roster: </strong>Adam Fox, Quinn Hughes, Charlie McAvoy</p><p><strong>Near locks: </strong>Brock Faber, Jake Sanderson, Jaccob Slavin</p><p><strong>1 spot left for: </strong>John Carlson,<strong> </strong>Noah Hanifin, Seth Jones, Brett Pesce, Jacob Trouba, Zach Werenski</p><p><strong>Wegman's pick: </strong>Werenski</p><p>USA's top six defensemen are quite clear, in my opinion. The seventh might come down to whether Guerin prefers a righty or lefty. I thought long and hard about Jones, who's played well this year in a bad situation and would bring some size and penalty-killing chops, but I landed on Werenski for a couple of reasons.</p><p>If the Americans were to make a lineup change on D, it would likely be Slavin or Sanderson dropping out, not any of the righties. That makes Werenski an easier plug-and-play guy. Werenski, like Jones, has also played well in some tough circumstances, and I'd be intrigued to see what he can do with more talent around him.</p><p><strong>Matisz's pick: </strong>Werenski</p><p>Carlson gave me slight pause, but, really, Werenski was the easy choice here.</p><p>He's one of the NHL's best at retrieving a loose puck in the defensive zone and immediately jump-starting a scoring chance the other way. The Blue Jackets alternate captain is a play-driver with plenty of international experience.</p><p>The U.S. blue line, which is led by two of the top five defensemen on the planet in Hughes and Fox, has the best one-through-seven depth in the tournament. Werenski's far from a throw-in. He could be a difference-maker.</p><h3>Goaltending</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/748254/cropped_GettyImages-2152651031.jpg?ts=1731613337" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/748254/w220xh124_GettyImages-2152651031.jpg?ts=1731613337 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/748254/w320xh180_GettyImages-2152651031.jpg?ts=1731613337 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/748254/w640xh360_GettyImages-2152651031.jpg?ts=1731613337 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/748254/w768xh432_GettyImages-2152651031.jpg?ts=1731613337 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/748254/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2152651031.jpg?ts=1731613337 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Rich Gagnon / Getty Images</span></figcaption></figure><p><strong>Already on roster: </strong>None</p><p><strong>Near locks: </strong>Connor Hellebuyck, Jake Oettinger</p><p><strong>1 spot left for: </strong>Joey Daccord, Thatcher Demko, Charlie Lindgren,<strong> </strong>Anthony Stolarz, Jeremy Swayman</p><p><strong>Wegman's pick: </strong>Stolarz</p><p>Swayman may be the "safer" pick, but there's no denying who's been the better netminder this year. Stolarz is among the league leaders in virtually every important metric. I'd want the more in-form goalie playing should something happen to Hellebuyck and/or Oettinger. And if Stolarz can handle the pressure of playing in Toronto, who's to say he wouldn't be up to the task of playing in a star-studded tournament like this?</p><p><strong>Matisz's pick: </strong>Swayman</p><p>Don't get me wrong, the Stolarz argument is persuasive. He's unexpectedly in the Vezina Trophy conversation with almost a quarter of the season over.</p><p>Yet, given the volatile nature of the position, I think Guerin would much rather tap the proven guy in Swayman. Rosters are due two-plus months before the tournament. There should and will be some projecting involved.</p><p>I'm fully confident Swayman will close the gap between him and Stolarz in categories like save percentage, goals saved above expected, quality starts, and steals. The U.S. is better off with a playoff-tested third-string netminder.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="Team USA (Matisz picks)" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-UdBdq" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/UdBdq/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="422" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",(function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r=0;r<e.length;r++)if(e[r].contentWindow===a.source){var i=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";e[r].style.height=i}}}))}();
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Debating key position battles for USA's 4 Nations Face-Off roster

It appears Cole Caufield's blazing-hot start to the season likely won't be enough to secure him a...

<p>It appears <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/10510" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/10510">Cole Caufield</a>'s blazing-hot start to the season likely won't be enough to secure him a spot on USA's 4 Nations Face-Off roster.</p><p>While no final decisions have been made, the Montreal Canadiens sniper is currently on the outside looking in to make the team, reports <a href="https://www.tsn.ca/nhl/video/~3029755">TSN's Pierre LeBrun</a>. </p><p>Caufield enters Thursday tied for the NHL lead with 12 goals on the campaign. However, he has only one assist and his defensive metrics are poor. He's posted minus-2.4 expected defensive goals above replacement this season, a bottom-10 mark among NHL forwards, per <a href="https://evolving-hockey.com/">Evolving-Hockey</a>.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The 4 Nations Face-Off rosters must be named by Dec. 2 before they're announced Dec. 4. The tournament begins Feb. 12 and also includes Canada, Sweden, and Finland.</p><p>The Americans have an embarrassment of riches up front, leaving tough decisions for the management group led by general manager Bill Guerin.</p><p>The United States and Canada lobbied to expand the rosters from 23 players to 25, but to no avail, LeBrun added.</p>

NEWARK, NJ - NOVEMBER 07: Cole Caufield #13 of the Montreal Canadiens skates during warm up prior to the game against the New Jersey Devils at the Prudential Center on November 7, 2024 in Newark, New Jersey.

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Report: Caufield in doubt for USA's 4 Nations Face-Off roster

Los Angeles Kings goaltender Darcy Kuemper exited Wednesday's 4-2 loss to the Colorado Avalanche ...

<p>Los Angeles Kings goaltender <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/2003" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/2003">Darcy Kuemper</a> exited Wednesday's 4-2 loss to the Colorado Avalanche in the third period with an apparent injury.</p><p>Kings head coach Jim Hiller offered no update postgame, per <a href="https://x.com/DooleyLAK/status/1856943446855909766">Kings Insider Zach Dooley</a>.</p><p>Kuemper appeared to be favoring his lower body during his final shift before play was blown dead and he left the ice down the tunnel. He notably missed four games earlier in the season with a groin injury.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The 34-year-old owned an .899 save percentage in nine games entering Wednesday. He stopped 18 of 20 Avalanche shots before departing. </p><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/5585" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/5585">David Rittich</a> came into the game in relief and allowed one goal on four shots. He entered the evening with an .890 save percentage in eight appearances this season. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3852" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3852">Pheonix Copley</a> would likely be recalled if Kuemper is forced to miss time.</p><p>The Kings acquired Kuemper - a 2022 Stanley Cup champion with the Avalanche - in an offseason trade with the Washington Capitals in exchange for <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/5588" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/5588">Pierre-Luc Dubois</a>.</p>

DENVER, COLORADO - NOVEMBER 13: Goaltender Darcy Kuemper #35 of the Los Angeles Kings looks up during a pause in play against the Colorado Avalanche at Ball Arena on November 13, 2024 in Denver, Colorado.

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Kings' Kuemper leaves loss vs. Avalanche with apparent injury

It's time to look ahead to 2025 after the Hockey Hall of Fame inducted a star-studded 2024 class ...

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2025 HHOF preview: Examining loaded list of 1st-year eligible players 

Lars Eller is heading back to D.C.  The Pittsburgh Penguins traded the veteran center to the divi...

<p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/1077" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/1077">Lars Eller</a> is heading back to D.C.</p><p>The Pittsburgh Penguins traded the veteran center to the division-rival Washington Capitals in exchange for a 2027 third-round pick and a 2025 fifth-round pick, the teams announced Tuesday.</p><p>Eller spent seven years with the Capitals from 2016 to 2023, hoisting the Stanley Cup with Washington in 2018. The Dane was an integral member of that championship roster, potting a career-high 18 goals during the regular season before adding 18 points in 24 postseason contests as the team's third-line center.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The 35-year-old has four goals and three assists in 17 games this season while averaging 16:25 per contest and winning 56% of his faceoffs. He's in the final year of his contract with a $2.45-million cap hit.</p><p>Eller projects to fill the third-line center role in Washington behind <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/4562" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4562">Dylan Strome</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/5588" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/5588">Pierre-Luc Dubois</a>. Eller remains a strong defensive player who can lead a shutdown line.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Lars Eller, acquired by WSH, is a veteran bottom six defensive centre. Still has reasonably decent puck skills and skating, but his main value is in his own end of the ice. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AllCaps?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AllCaps</a> <a href="https://t.co/97rf4teprw">pic.twitter.com/97rf4teprw</a></p>— JFresh (@JFreshHockey) <a href="https://twitter.com/JFreshHockey/status/1856490241281945667?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 13, 2024</a>
</blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>The Penguins now have 10 picks each in the 2025 and 2027 drafts. They have nine in 2026.</p><p><a href="https://www.tsn.ca/nhl/video/~3028240">TSN's Darren Dreger</a> reported earlier Tuesday that the Penguins don't intend on having a "fire sale." However, selling off pending unrestricted free agents before the deadline is common practice for teams near the bottom of the standings like Pittsburgh. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/4721" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4721">Anthony Beauvillier</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/9744" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/9744">Drew O'Connor</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/4553" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4553">Marcus Pettersson</a>, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/5531" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/5531">Matt Grzelcyk</a> highlight the team's other potential rental trade chips.</p>

WASHINGTON, DC - NOVEMBER 08: Penguins center Lars Eller (20) cuts with the puck in front of Capitals defenseman Matt Roy (3) and goalie Charlie Lindgren (79) during the Pittsburgh Penguins versus Washington Capitals National Hockey League game on November 8, 2024 at Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C..

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Penguins send Eller back to Capitals for draft picks

If John Tortorella was hoping to motivate Matvei Michkov with back-to-back healthy scratches, he ...

<p>If John Tortorella was hoping to motivate <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/13822" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/13822">Matvei Michkov</a> with back-to-back healthy scratches, he can consider the plan successful.</p><p>The rookie phenom played with his hair on fire Monday against the San Jose Sharks, delivering a goal and an assist in Philadelphia's 4-3 shootout victory.</p><p>"He played good," Tortorella <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1vYwZS_LfqM&amp;ab_channel=PhiladelphiaFlyers">said</a> postgame.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The coach added: "I wasn't worried about how he was going to respond. I wasn't worried about that at all. He competes."</p><p>Michkov beat <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/4035" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4035">Vitek Vanecek</a> through the five-hole on a breakaway:</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Matvei Michkov puts it home on the breakaway to extend the lead for the <a href="https://twitter.com/NHLFlyers?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NHLFlyers</a>! 👏 <a href="https://t.co/wxqeRAABbA">pic.twitter.com/wxqeRAABbA</a></p>— NHL (@NHL) <a href="https://twitter.com/NHL/status/1856145167193124938?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 12, 2024</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>He scored again in the shootout with a slick backhand-forehand deke:</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">All is well that ends well. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SJSvsPHI?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SJSvsPHI</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LetsGoFlyers?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#LetsGoFlyers</a> <a href="https://t.co/GBGweKI6nw">pic.twitter.com/GBGweKI6nw</a></p>— Philadelphia Flyers (@NHLFlyers) <a href="https://twitter.com/NHLFlyers/status/1856169785622397070?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 12, 2024</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Michkov also displayed his feisty side in a battle with fellow Calder Trophy contender <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/15142" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/15142">Macklin Celebrini</a>, though the Flyer was penalized for it:</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Matvei Michkov and Macklin Celebrini go at it in the final seconds of regulation and Michkov gets the lone penalty 🫣 <a href="https://t.co/GUryyjuIRT">pic.twitter.com/GUryyjuIRT</a></p>— Gino Hard (@GinoHard_) <a href="https://twitter.com/GinoHard_/status/1856166361157779699?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 12, 2024</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Michkov watched Philadelphia's last two games from the press box - a shootout win and a shootout loss - for what Tortorella described as developmental reasons.</p><p>The 19-year-old appears to have pulled some positives from his stint on the sidelines. </p><p>"I had plenty of energy and feel really good," he said via an interpreter, per <a href="https://x.com/NHLAdamK/status/1856192137911480445">NHL.com's Adam Kimelman</a>. "The two games I watched, it was good to watch and good to get some time off and rethink."</p><p>Michkov leads all NHL rookies with five goals and ranks second with 12 points in 14 games so far this season.</p><p>The Flyers selected Michkov seventh overall in 2023. He arrived in North America earlier than expected and is looking like one of the best players in his draft.</p>

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - NOVEMBER 11: Matvei Michkov #39 of the Philadelphia Flyers reacts after scoring a goal against the San Jose Sharks in the second period at the Wells Fargo Center on November 11, 2024 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

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Tortorella lauds Michkov's response to scratches: 'He competes'

Mackenzie Blackwood put the San Jose Sharks on his back Sunday, stopping all 44 shots he faced in...

<p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/4779" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4779">Mackenzie Blackwood</a> put the San Jose Sharks on his back Sunday, stopping all 44 shots he faced in a 1-0 victory against the New Jersey Devils.</p><p>Sharks head coach Ryan Warsofsky lauded his goaltender's strong outing.</p><p>"(Blackwood) was outstanding, probably the best I've seen him play," Warsofsky <a href="https://x.com/NBCSSharks/status/1855808381661143362">said</a> postgame. "You could tell he was dialed in, focused, tracking pucks really well."</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The victory was extra sweet for Blackwood, who spent the first five years of his career in New Jersey before he was traded to San Jose in 2023.</p><p>"It's pretty cool for me," Blackwood <a href="https://x.com/NBCSSharks/status/1855805112763265067">said</a> of blanking his former club. "I spent a lot of time here (in New Jersey), I have good relationships with a lot of the guys over in that room."</p><p>Teammate <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/10863" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/10863">Fabian Zetterlund</a> called Blackwood the best goalie in the NHL right now, prompting a funny response by the netminder.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Priceless exchange with Blackwood, I asked him about Zetterlund calling him the best goalie in the NHL right now: "Today? I'll take it today. But tomorrow, ehhhh I don't know, we'll see. Appreciate that." <a href="https://t.co/Wuk1CyO6zb">pic.twitter.com/Wuk1CyO6zb</a></p>— Sheng Peng (@Sheng_Peng) <a href="https://twitter.com/Sheng_Peng/status/1855813810013057442?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 11, 2024</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Blackwood's 44 saves were the second most in a shutout in Sharks franchise history, trailing Troy Grosenick's 45 back in 2014.</p><p>The 27-year-old now owns a .910 save percentage in nine games this season, a mark that ranks tied for second among Canadian netminders with at least seven starts. Blackwood's play so far this season could earn him some consideration for the country's wide-open goaltending competition for the 4 Nations Face-Off.</p>

NEWARK, NJ - NOVEMBER 10: Mackenzie Blackwood #29 of the San Jose Sharks defends his net in the third period of the game against the New Jersey Devils at the Prudential Center on November 10, 2024 in Newark, New Jersey.

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Sharks coach: Blackwood 'outstanding' in 44-save shutout vs. Devils

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Josh Wegman

News Editor

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