USA Hockey announced a 28-player world junior camp roster Monday.  Eight players return from last...

<p>USA Hockey announced a 28-player world junior camp roster Monday.</p><p>Eight players return from last year's gold-medal-winning squad, highlighted by Boston College duo Ryan Leonard and Gabe Perreault, plus Denver defenseman Zeev Buium.</p><p>James Hagens, a challenger to go first overall in next summer's NHL draft, also features on the camp roster.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>San Jose Sharks first-round pick Quentin Musty is injured and unavailable for Team USA. He has eight goals and 20 points in 11 OHL games this season.</p><p>The United States has to trim the roster to 25 players before the tournament begins Dec. 26.</p><h3>Forwards (15)</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/758489/cropped_GettyImages-1903196758.jpg?ts=1733160946" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/758489/w220xh124_GettyImages-1903196758.jpg?ts=1733160946 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/758489/w320xh180_GettyImages-1903196758.jpg?ts=1733160946 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/758489/w640xh360_GettyImages-1903196758.jpg?ts=1733160946 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/758489/w768xh432_GettyImages-1903196758.jpg?ts=1733160946 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/758489/w1080xh607_GettyImages-1903196758.jpg?ts=1733160946 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">BJORN LARSSON ROSVALL / AFP / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Player</th>
<th>Age</th>
<th>Current Team</th>
<th>NHL Rights</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Austin Burnevik</td>
<td>19</td>
<td>St. Cloud State (NCAA)</td>
<td>Ducks</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Trevor Connelly</td>
<td>18</td>
<td>Providence (NCAA)</td>
<td>Golden Knights</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Cole Eiserman</td>
<td>18</td>
<td>Boston Univ. (NCAA)</td>
<td>Islanders</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>James Hagens</td>
<td>18</td>
<td>Boston College (NCAA)</td>
<td>2025 eligible</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Ryan Leonard</td>
<td>19</td>
<td>Boston College (NCAA)</td>
<td>Capitals</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Oliver Moore</td>
<td>19</td>
<td>Minnesota (NCAA)</td>
<td>Blackhawks</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Danny Nelson</td>
<td>19</td>
<td>Notre Dame (NCAA)</td>
<td>Islanders</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Chris Pelosi</td>
<td>19</td>
<td>Quinnipiac (NCAA)</td>
<td>Bruins</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Gabe Perreault</td>
<td>19</td>
<td>Boston College (NCAA)</td>
<td>Rangers</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>AJ Spellacy</td>
<td>18</td>
<td>Windsor (OHL)</td>
<td>Blackhawks</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Teddy Stiga</td>
<td>18</td>
<td>Boston College (NCAA)</td>
<td>Predators</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Brandon Svoboda</td>
<td>19</td>
<td>Boston Univ. (NCAA)</td>
<td>Sharks</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Carey Terrance</td>
<td>19</td>
<td>Erie (OHL)</td>
<td>Ducks</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Joey Willis</td>
<td>19</td>
<td>Saginaw (OHL)</td>
<td>Predators</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Brodie Ziemer</td>
<td>18</td>
<td>Minnesota (NCAA)</td>
<td>Sabres</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>Five first-round picks make their way onto the American camp roster: Connelly, Eiserman, Leonard, Moore, and Perreault.</p><p>Leonard is tied for the NCAA lead in goals with 11 in 13 games. The 2023 eighth overall pick is the highest-drafted player on the roster.</p><p>Perreault has 20 points and ranks fifth in NCAA scoring.</p><p>Sharks forward Will Smith is eligible to play at the world juniors. However, he's been hot with seven points in his last four games and is becoming increasingly unlikely to be loaned to Team USA.</p><h3>Defensemen (10)</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/634916/cropped_GettyImages-1903200865.jpg?ts=1719597130" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/634916/w220xh124_GettyImages-1903200865.jpg?ts=1719597130 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/634916/w320xh180_GettyImages-1903200865.jpg?ts=1719597130 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/634916/w640xh360_GettyImages-1903200865.jpg?ts=1719597130 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/634916/w768xh432_GettyImages-1903200865.jpg?ts=1719597130 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/634916/w1080xh607_GettyImages-1903200865.jpg?ts=1719597130 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Adam Ihse / Getty Images</span></figcaption></figure><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Player</th>
<th>Age</th>
<th>Current Team</th>
<th>NHL Rights</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Zeev Buium</td>
<td>18</td>
<td>Denver (NCAA)</td>
<td>Wild</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>EJ Emery</td>
<td>18</td>
<td>North Dakota (NCAA)</td>
<td>Rangers</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Blake Fiddler</td>
<td>17</td>
<td>Edmonton (WHL)</td>
<td>2025 eligible</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Paul Fischer</td>
<td>19</td>
<td>Notre Dame (NCAA)</td>
<td>Oilers</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Drew Fortescue</td>
<td>19</td>
<td>Boston College (NCAA)</td>
<td>Rangers</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Logan Hensler</td>
<td>18</td>
<td>Wisconsin (NCAA)</td>
<td>2025 eligible</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Cole Hutson</td>
<td>18</td>
<td>Boston Univ. (NCAA)</td>
<td>Capitals</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Adam Kleber</td>
<td>18</td>
<td>Minnesota-Duluth (NCAA)</td>
<td>Sabres</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Aram Minnetian</td>
<td>19</td>
<td>Boston College (NCAA)</td>
<td>Stars</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Colin Ralph</td>
<td>19</td>
<td>St. Cloud State (NCAA)</td>
<td>Blues</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>Buium headlines the American group of defenders. The highest-drafted blue-liner (12th overall) on the camp roster is one of two returnees on the back end along with Fortescue.</p><p>Emery is the only other first-round pick on the list. Fiddler and Hensley are projected to go in the first round of next year's draft.</p><h3>Goaltenders (3)</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/610165/cropped_GettyImages-1903201416.jpg?ts=1704603076" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/610165/w220xh124_GettyImages-1903201416.jpg?ts=1704603076 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/610165/w320xh180_GettyImages-1903201416.jpg?ts=1704603076 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/610165/w640xh360_GettyImages-1903201416.jpg?ts=1704603076 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/610165/w768xh432_GettyImages-1903201416.jpg?ts=1704603076 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/610165/w1080xh607_GettyImages-1903201416.jpg?ts=1704603076 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">ADAM IHSE/TT / AFP / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Player</th>
<th>Age</th>
<th>Current Team</th>
<th>NHL Rights</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Trey Augustine</td>
<td>19</td>
<td>Michigan State (NCAA)</td>
<td>Red Wings</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Sam Hillebrandt</td>
<td>19</td>
<td>Barrie (OHL)</td>
<td>Undrafted</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Hampton Slukynsky</td>
<td>19</td>
<td>Western Michigan (NCAA)</td>
<td>Kings</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>The three netminders for Team USA are set. Augustine returns for his third world junior after winning gold last January.</p><p>Hillebrandt returns as the third-sting goaltender, while Slukynsky is the projected backup amid a superb start to his NCAA career.</p>

USA's players celebrate with the trophy after winning the final ice hockey match between USA and Sweden of the IIHF World Junior Championship in Gothenburg, Sweden on January 5, 2024.

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USA names 28-player WJHC camp roster ahead of gold-medal defense

Hockey Canada unveiled a 32-player training camp roster for the upcoming World Junior Championshi...

<p>Hockey Canada unveiled a 32-player training camp roster for the upcoming World Junior Championship on Monday, with Toronto Maple Leafs prospect Easton Cowan and 16-year-old WHL scoring leader Gavin McKenna highlighting the list.</p><p>Canada left off five players selected in the top 10 of the 2024 NHL Draft from the camp roster: Beckett Sennecke (third), Cayden Lindstrom (fourth), Tij Iginla (sixth), Carter Yakemchuk (seventh), and Zayne Parekh (ninth).</p><p>Lindstrom hasn't played since April and underwent minor back surgery in November.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Canada must cut the roster to 25 players before the tournament begins Dec. 26 in Ottawa.</p><h3>Forwards (18)</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/754691/cropped_GettyImages-2167207668.jpg?ts=1731283285" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/754691/w220xh124_GettyImages-2167207668.jpg?ts=1731283285 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/754691/w320xh180_GettyImages-2167207668.jpg?ts=1731283285 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/754691/w640xh360_GettyImages-2167207668.jpg?ts=1731283285 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/754691/w768xh432_GettyImages-2167207668.jpg?ts=1731283285 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/754691/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2167207668.jpg?ts=1731283285 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Leila Devlin / Getty Images</span></figcaption></figure><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Player</th>
<th>Age</th>
<th>Current Team</th>
<th>NHL Rights</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Denver Barkey</td>
<td>19</td>
<td>London (OHL)</td>
<td>Flyers</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Cole Beaudoin</td>
<td>18</td>
<td>Barrie (OHL)</td>
<td>Utah</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Mathieu Cataford</td>
<td>19</td>
<td>Rimouski (QMJHL)</td>
<td>Golden Knights</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Berkly Catton</td>
<td>18</td>
<td>Spokane (WHL)</td>
<td>Kraken</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Easton Cowan</td>
<td>19</td>
<td>London (OHL)</td>
<td>Maple Leafs</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Andrew Cristall</td>
<td>19</td>
<td>Kelowna (WHL)</td>
<td>Capitals</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Ethan Gauthier</td>
<td>19</td>
<td>Drummondville (QMJHL)</td>
<td>Lightning</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Riley Heidt</td>
<td>19</td>
<td>Prince George (WHL)</td>
<td>Wild</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Tanner Howe</td>
<td>19</td>
<td>Calgary (WHL)</td>
<td>Penguins</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Jett Luchanko</td>
<td>18</td>
<td>Guelph (OHL)</td>
<td>Flyers</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Porter Martone</td>
<td>18</td>
<td>Brampton (OHL)</td>
<td>2025 eligible</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Gavin McKenna</td>
<td>16</td>
<td>Medicine Hat (WHL)</td>
<td>2026 eligible</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Bradly Nadeau</td>
<td>19</td>
<td>Chicago (AHL)</td>
<td>Hurricanes</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Luca Pinelli</td>
<td>19</td>
<td>Ottawa (OHL)</td>
<td>Blue Jackets</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Carson Rehkopf</td>
<td>19</td>
<td>Brampton (OHL)</td>
<td>Kraken</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Calum Ritchie</td>
<td>19</td>
<td>Oshawa (OHL)</td>
<td>Avalanche</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Matthew Wood</td>
<td>19</td>
<td>Minnesota (NCAA)</td>
<td>Predators</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Brayden Yager</td>
<td>19</td>
<td>Moose Jaw (WHL)</td>
<td>Jets</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>Cowan, Rehkopf, Wood, and Yager return from last year's team. Macklin Celebrini, Canada's scoring leader at the 2024 tourney, is with the San Jose Sharks and is unlikely to be sent back for the world juniors.</p><p>Eight forwards on the camp roster were drafted in the first round - Beaudoin, Catton, Cowan, Luchanko, Nadeau, Ritchie, Wood, and Yager.</p><p>Cowan has registered a point in 54 consecutive regular-season games dating back to last November. Doug Gilmour holds the OHL record at 55 contests, though Cowan won't officially break Gilmour's mark if he gets to 56 games since his streak spans two seasons.</p><p>Martone is a contender to go first overall in next year's NHL draft and ranks second in OHL scoring. McKenna, the top prospect for the 2026 draft, scored 20 points in seven games at the Under-18s in the spring. He'll turn 17 years old before the tournament begins.</p><p>Cristall leads the entire CHL with 2.61 points per game.</p><p>Canada also omitted OHL scoring leader Michael Misa from the roster. He's eligible for the 2025 draft.</p><h3>Defensemen (10)</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/632158/cropped_GettyImages-2156216401.jpg?ts=1717949176" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/632158/w220xh124_GettyImages-2156216401.jpg?ts=1717949176 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/632158/w320xh180_GettyImages-2156216401.jpg?ts=1717949176 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/632158/w640xh360_GettyImages-2156216401.jpg?ts=1717949176 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/632158/w768xh432_GettyImages-2156216401.jpg?ts=1717949176 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/632158/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2156216401.jpg?ts=1717949176 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Nic Antaya / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Player</th>
<th>Age</th>
<th>Current Team</th>
<th>NHL Rights</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Cameron Allen</td>
<td>19</td>
<td>Guelph (OHL)</td>
<td>Capitals</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Beau Akey</td>
<td>19</td>
<td>Barrie (OHL)</td>
<td>Oilers</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Oliver Bonk</td>
<td>19</td>
<td>London (OHL)</td>
<td>Flyers</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Harrison Brunicke</td>
<td>18</td>
<td>Kamloops (WHL)</td>
<td>Penguins</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Sam Dickinson</td>
<td>18</td>
<td>London (OHL)</td>
<td>Sharks</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Andrew Gibson</td>
<td>19</td>
<td>Sault Ste. Marie (OHL)</td>
<td>Predators</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Tanner Molendyk</td>
<td>19</td>
<td>Saskatoon (WHL)</td>
<td>Predators</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Sawyer Mynio</td>
<td>19</td>
<td>Seattle (WHL)</td>
<td>Canucks</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Caden Price</td>
<td>19</td>
<td>Kelowna (WHL)</td>
<td>Kraken</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Matthew Schaefer</td>
<td>17</td>
<td>Erie (OHL)</td>
<td>2025 eligible</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>Three defenders on the camp roster were drafted in the first round - Bonk, Dickinson, and Molendyk. Bonk is the only returnee from last year's team.</p><p>Dickinson has torched the OHL with 15 goals and 45 points in 24 games this season. He ranks third in league scoring and is 10 points ahead of the next top-scoring blue-liner.</p><p>Schaefer is considered the top defenseman in the 2025 draft and a candidate to go first overall.</p><h3>Goaltenders (4)</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/606524/cropped_GettyImages-1491753306.jpg?ts=1733154585" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/606524/w220xh124_GettyImages-1491753306.jpg?ts=1733154585 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/606524/w320xh180_GettyImages-1491753306.jpg?ts=1733154585 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/606524/w640xh360_GettyImages-1491753306.jpg?ts=1733154585 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/606524/w768xh432_GettyImages-1491753306.jpg?ts=1733154585 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/606524/w1080xh607_GettyImages-1491753306.jpg?ts=1733154585 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Jonathan Kozub / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Player</th>
<th>Age</th>
<th>Current Team</th>
<th>NHL Rights</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Carson Bjarnason</td>
<td>19</td>
<td>Brandon (WHL)</td>
<td>Flyers</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Carter George</td>
<td>18</td>
<td>Owen Sound (OHL)</td>
<td>Kings</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Jack Ivankovic</td>
<td>17</td>
<td>Brampton (WHL)</td>
<td>2025 eligible</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Scott Ratzlaff</td>
<td>19</td>
<td>Seattle (WHL)</td>
<td>Sabres</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>Ratzlaff was Canada's third-string netminder at last year's tournament but owns the lowest save percentage of the group named to the camp roster (.889).</p><p>Bjarnason was selected 51st overall by the Philadelphia Flyers in 2023 and is the highest-drafted goaltender on the camp roster. Ivankovic backstopped Canada to gold at the Hlinka Gretzky Cup in August.</p>

Canada's forward Easton Cowan celebrates scoring the 6-3 goal during the Group A ice hockey match between Canada and Germany of the IIHF World Junior Championship in Gothenburg, Sweden on December 31, 2023.

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Cowan, McKenna highlight Canada's world junior camp roster

Toronto Sceptres forwards Sarah Nurse and Emma Maltais sat down with theScore ahead of the 2024-2...

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Nurse, Maltais reflect on PWHL's 1st year, gear up for new season

Jordan Binnington passed Mike Liut and became the St. Louis Blues' winningest goaltender with a 3...

<p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/2135" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/2135">Jordan Binnington</a> passed Mike Liut and became the St. Louis Blues' winningest goaltender with a 3-0 victory against the New Jersey Devils on Wednesday that marked his 152nd win with the team.</p><p>Liut had held the franchise mark since 1985. A member of the Blues Hall of Fame, he now serves as Binnington's agent.</p><p>Binnington made his first start with the Blues in January 2019. He went 24-5-1 the rest of the season and backstopped St. Louis to its first Stanley Cup triumph that spring. The 31-year-old has a 152-103-32 record over seven seasons and has played 297 games with the Blues</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Liut amassed his record over six campaigns and 347 contests with St. Louis, going 151-133 with 52 ties.</p><p>Binnington is the fourth active goaltender to lead their respective franchise's all-time wins list. He joins <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3907" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3907">Andrei Vasilevskiy</a> (Tampa Bay), <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3997" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3997">Connor Hellebuyck</a> (Winnipeg), and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/1801" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/1801">Philipp Grubauer</a> (Seattle).</p>

NEWARK, NEW JERSEY - NOVEMBER 27: Jake Neighbours #63 of the St. Louis Blues congratulates Jordan Binnington #50 after he recorded the shutout after the third period against the New Jersey Devils at Prudential Center on November 27, 2024 in Newark, New Jersey. The St. Louis Blues defeated the New Jersey Devils 3-0.

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Binnington becomes Blues' all-time wins leader

Sarah Fillier's starred with Canada's national team since 2021. She has an impressive collection ...

<p>Sarah Fillier's starred with Canada's national team since 2021. She has an impressive collection of gold medals and individual awards at only 24 years old. But what comes next is a brand-new challenge: professional hockey.</p><p>Fillier was drafted first overall in June by the PWHL's New York Sirens - a selection that surprised nobody. She racked up 93 goals and 194 points in 120 NCAA games at Princeton, scored over a goal per game at the 2022 Olympics, and won MVP at the 2023 Worlds. She ranks No. 9 on <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3126610" href="https://thescore.com/news/3126610">theScore's list of the top 25 PWHL players</a> before even playing a game in the league.</p><p>Now, Fillier is days away from making her pro debut after a long offseason highlighted by a new partnership with Gatorade.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/757301/cropped_1.jpg?ts=1732578661" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/757301/w220xh124_1.jpg?ts=1732578661 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/757301/w320xh180_1.jpg?ts=1732578661 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/757301/w640xh360_1.jpg?ts=1732578661 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/757301/w768xh432_1.jpg?ts=1732578661 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/757301/w1080xh607_1.jpg?ts=1732578661 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Gatorade</span></figcaption></figure><p>"I've spoken to a few of my national team teammates and they've told me to focus on developing my game, staying patient, and taking it one step at a time," Fillier told theScore. "The style of play in the PWHL will definitely be faster and more physical than what I've experienced in college, but I feel ready for the challenge."</p><p>The PWHL's physicality has been a storyline in its early existence. New Sirens teammate Abby Roque has noticed Fillier's effort to embrace that side of the game in training camp.</p><p>"One of the biggest things that we've seen from her is, I think this summer, she really tried to focus on gaining some muscle and making sure she was ready for the physicality," Roque said. </p><p>"We all knew she's smart enough, talented enough, great scoring touch. I think the main focus for a lot of those young players coming from college was, 'How am I gonna adapt to the physicality and the speed of this?' We all know how good she is. She came in ready. You could tell she put in the work this summer to be able to play that physical game."</p><p>Early signs are positive. Fillier shined in in New York's preseason finale against the Toronto Sceptres, netting goals at five-on-five, on the power play, and shorthanded for an impressive hat trick.</p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/757300/cropped_Media__1_.jpg?ts=1732578505" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/757300/w220xh124_Media__1_.jpg?ts=1732578505 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/757300/w320xh180_Media__1_.jpg?ts=1732578505 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/757300/w640xh360_Media__1_.jpg?ts=1732578505 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/757300/w768xh432_Media__1_.jpg?ts=1732578505 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/757300/w1080xh607_Media__1_.jpg?ts=1732578505 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Professional Women's Hockey League</span></figcaption></figure><p>The women's hockey landscape was vastly different when Fillier burst onto the scene in 2018. The CWHL, Canada's preeminent league, folded weeks before the end of her rookie Princeton campaign.</p><p>"It was hard seeing the CWHL fold, but I always believed that a league like the PWHL would eventually come together," Fillier said. "When (the PWHL) was announced, I was thrilled. It's such a big step for women's hockey, and to have a league that truly supports the players is incredible. Knowing that I'll have the chance to compete at the highest level in a league that values women's sports is something I'm really excited about."</p><p>Fillier was optimistic, but a pro league being ready by the time she was done school was no guarantee. The uncertainty made the experience of being drafted even more special.</p><p>"It's honestly still surreal to think about," Fillier said. "The whole draft process was an incredible experience. I'm so grateful for all the support I received leading up to it and those who've helped fuel my journey, from my family, teammates, coaches, and partners like Gatorade. To be drafted first overall by New York was a huge honor, and I feel very fortunate to be where I am."</p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/757302/cropped_CREDIT_PWHL-_2024_DRAFT_004.jpg?ts=1732578954" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/757302/w220xh124_CREDIT_PWHL-_2024_DRAFT_004.jpg?ts=1732578954 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/757302/w320xh180_CREDIT_PWHL-_2024_DRAFT_004.jpg?ts=1732578954 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/757302/w640xh360_CREDIT_PWHL-_2024_DRAFT_004.jpg?ts=1732578954 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/757302/w768xh432_CREDIT_PWHL-_2024_DRAFT_004.jpg?ts=1732578954 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/757302/w1080xh607_CREDIT_PWHL-_2024_DRAFT_004.jpg?ts=1732578954 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Professional Women's Hockey League</span></figcaption></figure><p>Fillier was unsurprisingly the No. 1 pick, but getting her signature on a contract was a process. She <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3109509" href="https://thescore.com/news/3109509">reportedly</a> rejected multiple three-year Sirens contract offers, instead opting to sign a one-year pact.</p><p>"The shorter-term contract made sense for me because it gives me the chance to prove myself and show what I can do at the professional level," Fillier said. "I'm excited for the challenge, and I think it's the right move at this stage of my career."</p><p>The Sirens can exclusively negotiate a new contract with Fillier next summer. The PWHL implemented a new rule this offseason allowing teams to hold drafted players' rights for two years.</p><p>Fillier's primary experience facing the kind of competition she'll see as a pro has come with Team Canada. Some players she's been accustomed to playing with her entire career are now her opponents.</p><p>"I'm definitely excited to face off against my Canadian teammates like Marie-Philip Poulin and Natalie Spooner," she said. "I've played with them for years, but playing against them will be a whole new experience."</p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/757303/cropped_GettyImages-1250807969.jpg?ts=1732579082" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/757303/w220xh124_GettyImages-1250807969.jpg?ts=1732579082 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/757303/w320xh180_GettyImages-1250807969.jpg?ts=1732579082 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/757303/w640xh360_GettyImages-1250807969.jpg?ts=1732579082 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/757303/w768xh432_GettyImages-1250807969.jpg?ts=1732579082 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/757303/w1080xh607_GettyImages-1250807969.jpg?ts=1732579082 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Toronto Star / Toronto Star / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>Among Fillier's new teammates is American national team staple Alex Carpenter. The two have gone head-to-head for years, including at the 2024 World Championship, where Carpenter tied for the tournament lead in goals (six) and points (10).</p><p>"It's exciting," Fillier said. "When I think of the U.S. team, I think she's one of the hardest players to play against. I think we see the ice the same way, which is super nice when you're coming in fresh and have never played together."</p><p>Sceptres head coach Troy Ryan has seen Fillier's progression in recent years as Team Canada's head coach. He'll be one of five bench bosses game-planning how to stop her.</p><p>"I expect her to be very dynamic, much like she is when she's playing with the national team," Ryan said. "Would much rather have her on our team than play against her, but also looking forward to that challenge."</p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/495810/cropped_GettyImages-1368702550.jpg?ts=1644063486" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/495810/w220xh124_GettyImages-1368702550.jpg?ts=1644063486 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/495810/w320xh180_GettyImages-1368702550.jpg?ts=1644063486 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/495810/w640xh360_GettyImages-1368702550.jpg?ts=1644063486 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/495810/w768xh432_GettyImages-1368702550.jpg?ts=1644063486 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/495810/w1080xh607_GettyImages-1368702550.jpg?ts=1644063486 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Bruce Bennett / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>Sirens head coach Greg Fargo, hired by New York days before the draft, is liking what he's seen from Fillier.</p><p>"I've had the chance to watch her from the other bench for a long time now and to have her on ours is a relief in a lot of ways," Fargo said, referencing his time coaching Colgate's women's team while Fillier was at Princeton. "She's done a great job early on to come and inject herself into our lineup and kinda take on the identity of how we want to play as a team."</p><p>Fillier's pick for Fargo's Gatorade shower if the Sirens win the Walter Cup this year: Cool blue, her favorite flavor.</p><p>Now, a Walter Cup triumph would be a huge leap for a New York team that missed the playoffs by nine points in last year's 24-game inaugural season. Fillier's expectations for herself are more straightforward.</p><p>"My personal expectations are to keep developing, contribute to the team's success, and play a key role in creating scoring opportunities," she said. "I want to bring my best every game."</p><p>Fillier makes her PWHL debut Sunday against the Minnesota Frost, the defending Walter Cup champions.</p>

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New challenge: Team Canada star Fillier ready for PWHL life

Anaheim Ducks forward Leo Carlsson sustained an upper-body injury against the Seattle Kraken and ...

<p>Anaheim Ducks forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/13838" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/13838">Leo Carlsson</a> sustained an upper-body injury against the Seattle Kraken and was ruled out for the rest of the contest, the team announced.</p><p>Kraken forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/11008" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/11008">Tye Kartye</a> hit Carlsson in the second period, causing the latter to fall awkwardly into the goalpost.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Leo Carlsson leaves the game after this hit by Tye Kartye. <a href="https://t.co/8V21oJuLQW">pic.twitter.com/8V21oJuLQW</a></p>— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) <a href="https://twitter.com/Sportsnet/status/1861266043592753660?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 26, 2024</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Ducks head coach Greg Cronin didn't have an update on Carlsson's status after the game. </p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>"Leo's one of our best players," he said, per <a href="https://youtu.be/6rZLhRtOPq0">The Hockey News' Derek Lee</a>. "You take anybody's best player off, there's going to be a little bit of hiccup in the way you play, but it's hockey. It happens."</p><p>Carlsson had six goals and 11 points in 19 games coming into Tuesday's contest.</p><p>The Ducks drafted Carlsson second overall in 2023. He collected 12 goals and 29 points in 55 contests as a rookie last season.</p>

ANAHEIM, CALIFORNIA - NOVEMBER 22: Leo Carlsson #91 of the Anaheim Ducks looks on during the second period of a game against the Buffalo Sabres at Honda Center on November 22, 2024 in Anaheim, California.

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Ducks' Carlsson injured after being hit into goalpost vs. Kraken

theScore's Kyle Cushman and Nick Faris unveil their top 25 PWHL players ahead of the 2024-25 seas...

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Ranking the top 25 PWHL players

Minnesota Wild star Kirill Kaprizov didn't play in his team's 4-3 shootout loss at the hands of t...

<p>Minnesota Wild star <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/7294" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/7294">Kirill Kaprizov</a> didn't play in his team's 4-3 shootout loss at the hands of the Calgary Flames on Saturday.</p><p>Edmonton Oilers forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/5568" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/5568">Drake Caggiula</a> went knee-on-knee with Kaprizov on Thursday. The Russian briefly left but later returned.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Kirill Kaprizov has gone to the dressing room following a collision with Drake Caggiula. <a href="https://t.co/pjVyofSQIt">pic.twitter.com/pjVyofSQIt</a></p>— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) <a href="https://twitter.com/Sportsnet/status/1859804887300833530?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 22, 2024</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>The Wild called Kaprizov's issue a lower-body injury before the contest. Head coach John Hynes didn't have a postgame update but said the 27-year-old will be evaluated Sunday, per <a target="_blank" href="https://x.com/RussoHockey/status/1860475821279805779">The Athletic's Michael Russo</a>.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Hynes said Friday that Kaprizov "for sure" avoided a major injury on the collision, according to the <a href="https://x.com/sarah__mclellan/status/1860062388512522723">Star Tribune's Sarah McLellan</a>.</p><p>Kaprizov has 13 goals and 34 points in 19 games this season. He paces the Wild by 12 points following his team's outing. The Hart Trophy front-runner entered Saturday's action tied for the league lead with Colorado Avalanche star <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3002" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3002">Nathan MacKinnon</a>.</p><p>Wild forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/9290" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/9290">Marat Khusnutdinov</a> also missed the defeat<strong> </strong>with what the club described as a lower-body injury.</p>

EDMONTON, CANADA - NOVEMBER 21: Kirill Kaprizov #97 of the Minnesota Wild in action during the game against the Edmonton Oilers at Rogers Place on November 21, 2024 in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.

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Kaprizov misses loss to Flames due to injury

Toronto Maple Leafs superstar Auston Matthews isn't certain when he'll return to the lineup, but ...

<p>Toronto Maple Leafs superstar <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/5586" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/5586">Auston Matthews</a> isn't certain when he'll return to the lineup, but he considers Wednesday's game against the Florida Panthers a possibility, according to <a href="https://x.com/markhmasters/status/1860367057952428095">TSN's Mark Masters</a>.</p><p>Matthews last played on Nov. 3 and has missed seven contests with an upper-body injury. He recently <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3133555" href="https://thescore.com/news/3133555">traveled to Germany</a> to receive treatment.</p><p>"(The injury) flared up in the preseason," Matthews said, according to the <a href="https://x.com/sunhornby/status/1860365276992225334">Toronto Sun's Lance Hornby</a>. "Felt better and started getting worse. I just felt it was time to take a step back, re-evaluate. It hasn't necessarily gotten worse but wasn't getting better. I wanted to be proactive."</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Matthews skated before his team's practice Saturday but didn't participate in the full session. It was the first time Toronto's captain hit the ice publicly since Nov. 10.</p><p>The Maple Leafs face the Utah Hockey Club on Sunday before heading to Florida to take on the Panthers on Wednesday and the Tampa Bay Lightning on Saturday.</p><p>Toronto is currently without seven forwards due to injury and suspension: Matthews, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3007" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3007">Max Domi</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/2576" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/2576">Calle Jarnkrok</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/6397" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/6397">David Kampf</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/10575" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/10575">Matthew Knies</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/666" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/666">Max Pacioretty</a>, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/1101" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/1101">Ryan Reaves</a>. Reaves, who was suspended five games for his hit on Edmonton Oilers defenseman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3124" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3124">Darnell Nurse</a>, is eligible to return for his team's Dec. 4 outing against the Nashville Predators.</p><p>Matthews has five goals and 11 points in 13 games this season. He led the NHL with 69 goals last year and recorded 107 points.</p>

BOSTON, MA - OCTOBER 26: Toronto Maple Leafs center Auston Matthews (34) during a NHL game between Toronto Maple Leafs and Boston Bruins on October 26, 2024, at TD Garden in Boston, MA.

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Matthews: Return Wednesday vs. Panthers is possible

The 2024-25 PWHL season is just eight days away as the puck drops Nov. 30.  The first season was ...

<p>The 2024-25 PWHL season is just eight days away as the puck drops Nov. 30.</p><p>The first season was a hit as the league set women's hockey records and gained notable buzz despite being put together in just a handful of months. Teams now have names, logos, and distinctive jerseys, and a superb draft class increases the talent level even more. </p><p>With another great season of hockey ahead, here are nine compelling storylines for Year 2 of the PWHL.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><h3>How does Spooner's injury impact Toronto? </h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/628297/cropped_GettyImages-2076281685.jpg?ts=1715357913" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/628297/w220xh124_GettyImages-2076281685.jpg?ts=1715357913 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/628297/w320xh180_GettyImages-2076281685.jpg?ts=1715357913 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/628297/w640xh360_GettyImages-2076281685.jpg?ts=1715357913 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/628297/w768xh432_GettyImages-2076281685.jpg?ts=1715357913 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/628297/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2076281685.jpg?ts=1715357913 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Chris Tanouye / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>League MVP Natalie Spooner starts the season on long-term injured reserve as she recovers from ACL surgery after injuring her left knee in the playoffs against Minnesota.</p><p>"It doesn't do us a lot of good to necessarily talk a whole lot about Natalie Spooner right now," Sceptres head coach Troy Ryan told theScore about the PWHL's reigning leader in goals (20) and points (27). "Natalie Spooner is doing everything she can do to get back in. She's gonna be a big part of our team. So whether we have success or not early on, Natalie's gonna be part of that."</p><p>Toronto signed marquee free agent forward Daryl Watts in the offseason, a move that mitigates the loss of Spooner out of the gate. Still, there's no replacing Spooner, and there's no timeline for her return either.</p><h3>Can Ottawa overcome losing Watts?</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/628611/cropped_GettyImages-2100338218.jpg?ts=1715629267" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/628611/w220xh124_GettyImages-2100338218.jpg?ts=1715629267 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/628611/w320xh180_GettyImages-2100338218.jpg?ts=1715629267 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/628611/w640xh360_GettyImages-2100338218.jpg?ts=1715629267 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/628611/w768xh432_GettyImages-2100338218.jpg?ts=1715629267 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/628611/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2100338218.jpg?ts=1715629267 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Icon Sportswire / Icon Sportswire / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>Watts delivered down the stretch for Ottawa. She registered 15 points in her last 15 games, showcasing the skill and offensive flair that made her one of the most prolific players in NCAA history.</p><p>Her selection in the sixth round of the 2023 draft turned into a steal by the end of last season as she transformed Ottawa's offense. But Watts' one-year deal let her test the market in the summer, and she opted to return home to Toronto.</p><p>The Charge added second overall pick Danielle Serdachny, who helps make up for Watts' departure, but every team drafted a top player. Whether Ottawa can remain a top-two offensive team without Watts will be key to watch in the early going.</p><h3>Will Minnesota go back-to-back?</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/630813/cropped_GettyImages-2154650258.jpg?ts=1717038694" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/630813/w220xh124_GettyImages-2154650258.jpg?ts=1717038694 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/630813/w320xh180_GettyImages-2154650258.jpg?ts=1717038694 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/630813/w640xh360_GettyImages-2154650258.jpg?ts=1717038694 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/630813/w768xh432_GettyImages-2154650258.jpg?ts=1717038694 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/630813/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2154650258.jpg?ts=1717038694 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Icon Sportswire / Icon Sportswire / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>Minnesota slumped into<strong> </strong>the playoffs with five consecutive losses and benefited from Ottawa's loss on the final day of the regular season. Top-seeded Toronto then chose Minnesota as its semifinal opponent.</p><p>After upsetting Toronto, Minnesota defeated Boston to win the first Walter Cup. The stunning dismissal of general manager Natalie Darwitz followed the team's triumph - a decision the public still has little information about - and left Minnesota in a weird place.</p><p>The Frost moved forward with new general manager Melissa Caruso and look to defend the Walter Cup with a similar group as last season. Minnesota only added players through the draft and didn't sign any free agents from other PWHL teams.</p><p>It will be a tall task to repeat in such a competitive league. But as we saw in the playoffs, Minnesota has the players to go on a run and win a championship.</p><h3>Are the Sceptres the team to beat?</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/621354/cropped_GettyImages-2100596382.jpg?ts=1710993065" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/621354/w220xh124_GettyImages-2100596382.jpg?ts=1710993065 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/621354/w320xh180_GettyImages-2100596382.jpg?ts=1710993065 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/621354/w640xh360_GettyImages-2100596382.jpg?ts=1710993065 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/621354/w768xh432_GettyImages-2100596382.jpg?ts=1710993065 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/621354/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2100596382.jpg?ts=1710993065 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Chris Tanouye / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>Toronto enjoyed an 11-game win streak in just a 24-game schedule and was the No. 1 seed in the playoffs, losing in the semifinals after star forward Spooner went down in Game 3 of the best-of-five series.</p><p>The Sceptres boast an array of Canadian national team players, coaches, and management. Toronto lured the top free agent, Watts, from Ottawa back to her hometown. As beloved as the Sceptres are in Toronto, they're as hated elsewhere.</p><p>Toronto became the team to beat last season. The Sceptres start the campaign with a target on their backs, but another team - say the defending-champion Frost or revamped Montreal Victoire - could easily step into the role.</p><h3>Will the 'No Escape Rule' be a success?</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/756275/cropped_GettyImages-2152312217.jpg?ts=1732050730" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/756275/w220xh124_GettyImages-2152312217.jpg?ts=1732050730 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/756275/w320xh180_GettyImages-2152312217.jpg?ts=1732050730 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/756275/w640xh360_GettyImages-2152312217.jpg?ts=1732050730 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/756275/w768xh432_GettyImages-2152312217.jpg?ts=1732050730 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/756275/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2152312217.jpg?ts=1732050730 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Icon Sportswire / Icon Sportswire / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>The <a href="https://www.thescore.com/pwhl/news/3133616">PWHL introduced another innovative rule</a> ahead of the 2024-25 campaign Tuesday, nicknamed the "No Escape Rule." When a player takes a penalty, her teammates who are on the ice when play is stopped must remain on until after the ensuing faceoff. If that's confusing, it will look similar to what occurs after an icing.</p><p>The change could trap a tired quartet of players on the ice to commence a penalty kill. It could also create power plays that start by facing three forwards and one defender.</p><p>Power plays converted at 17.3% in the regular season and only 7.8% in the playoffs. NHL power plays, by comparison, clicked at 21% last year, and the rate remained nearly identical in the playoffs.</p><p>Some are fully in favor of the rule. Ryan "loves" the new rule. Others, such as New York Sirens forward Abby Roque, are intrigued by the potential offense it will generate but wonder how it will impact players.</p><p>"I'm excited to see it work. I get we're innovative, we wanna take the next step and see things," Roque said, adding there could be a downside for players with penalty-killing roles.</p><h3>Can Fillier help the Sirens take a significant step?</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/756186/cropped_GettyImages-2184805741.jpg?ts=1732026419" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/756186/w220xh124_GettyImages-2184805741.jpg?ts=1732026419 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/756186/w320xh180_GettyImages-2184805741.jpg?ts=1732026419 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/756186/w640xh360_GettyImages-2184805741.jpg?ts=1732026419 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/756186/w768xh432_GettyImages-2184805741.jpg?ts=1732026419 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/756186/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2184805741.jpg?ts=1732026419 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Elsa / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>Sarah Fillier is an MVP-level talent from Day 1. The first overall pick arrives in the PWHL with three World Championship gold medals, an Olympic gold, and an MVP title at the 2023 Worlds on her resume.</p><p>The 24-year-old joins a New York Sirens team that finished last but still boasts MVP finalist Alex Carpenter, Defender of the Year finalist Ella Shelton, and Goaltender of the Year finalist Corinne Schroeder.</p><p>New York has elite talent to surround Fillier. The Sirens also have a new coach, Greg Fargo from Colgate, and they supplemented drafting Fillier by adding Finnish national team forward Noora Tulus and top Swedish defender Maja Nylen Persson.</p><p>The Sirens have the pieces to not just compete for a playoff spot but legitimately contend for the Walter Cup.</p><h3>Does Knight's production bounce back?</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/627846/cropped_GettyImages-2150069646.jpg?ts=1715048365" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/627846/w220xh124_GettyImages-2150069646.jpg?ts=1715048365 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/627846/w320xh180_GettyImages-2150069646.jpg?ts=1715048365 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/627846/w640xh360_GettyImages-2150069646.jpg?ts=1715048365 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/627846/w768xh432_GettyImages-2150069646.jpg?ts=1715048365 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/627846/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2150069646.jpg?ts=1715048365 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Troy Parla / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>Hilary Knight is the face of U.S. women's hockey. There's no denying her immense impact on the game and her place among the all-time greats.</p><p>That's why her lack of scoring last season was so surprising. Knight led Boston in goals, but she only had six. She had 11 points in 24 regular-season games and then none in Boston's run to the Walter Cup Final.</p><p>Knight remained her typical self on the world stage with the United States, so there's a lot left untapped by the Fleet.</p><p>"Her leadership in our locker room was second to none," Boston head coach Courtney Kessel said. "I don't think we would've created the culture that we have without her in there, and I think her voice and just her presence alone shows these young players what it looks like to be a professional athlete, to be an Olympian, to be successful. Obviously, we wanna see her put a few more points on the board. But I couldn't be happier with her leadership for us last year, and (I'm) really looking forward to that this year."</p><h3>Do the Victoire believe in their depth?</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/610971/cropped_GettyImages-1923629910.jpg?ts=1704946575" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/610971/w220xh124_GettyImages-1923629910.jpg?ts=1704946575 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/610971/w320xh180_GettyImages-1923629910.jpg?ts=1704946575 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/610971/w640xh360_GettyImages-1923629910.jpg?ts=1704946575 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/610971/w768xh432_GettyImages-1923629910.jpg?ts=1704946575 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/610971/w1080xh607_GettyImages-1923629910.jpg?ts=1704946575 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Bruce Bennett / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>Montreal defender Erin Ambrose played more than an hour (61:33) of the 111:44 triple-overtime loss to Boston in Game 2 of the semifinals. Kristin O'Neill led Montreal forwards at 52:44. In total, five skaters played more than 50 minutes in the match.</p><p>On the flip side, defenders Madison Bizal and Brigitte Laganiere played less than one minute. Fourth-line center Jillian Dempsey was on the ice for a measly 1:37. Six of the team's 19 skaters played less than 10 minutes in a game that went more than five-and-a-half periods.</p><p>Needless to say, an overhaul of the team's depth was necessary as head coach Kori Cheverie didn't trust all the players Montreal had to actually play when it mattered most.</p><p>General manager Daniele Sauvageau got to work, and six forwards and four defenders are new to the Victoire's roster in camp. If Cheverie grows comfortable with her depth, it will allow her to better manage her top players and get the best out of the entire team.</p><h3>Expansion for 2025-26?</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/613000/cropped_GettyImages-1906279043.jpg?ts=1706033496" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/613000/w220xh124_GettyImages-1906279043.jpg?ts=1706033496 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/613000/w320xh180_GettyImages-1906279043.jpg?ts=1706033496 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/613000/w640xh360_GettyImages-1906279043.jpg?ts=1706033496 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/613000/w768xh432_GettyImages-1906279043.jpg?ts=1706033496 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/613000/w1080xh607_GettyImages-1906279043.jpg?ts=1706033496 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Maddie Meyer / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>Amy Scheer, the PWHL's senior VP of business operations, announced earlier in November that the league has started the expansion process for as early as 2025-26.</p><p>Where new teams could be located is a wild card. The PWHL remains a single-entity league, owned and operated by the Mark Walter Group. You won't see NHL owners making plays to own a PWHL team, for example. Where the PWHL expands will be decided by the league, then owned and operated by the league.</p><p>After playing neutral-site games in Detroit and Pittsburgh last season, the PWHL is bringing its 2024-25 Takeover Tour to nine cities: Buffalo, Denver, Detroit, Edmonton, Quebec City, Raleigh, Seattle, St. Louis, and Vancouver. Expansion locations will likely come from these 10 cities.</p><p>"I think wherever women's hockey is gonna thrive and people are gonna respect our game and wanna come and watch, (I) don't care (where the league expands)," Minnesota Frost star Taylor Heise said. "And I will travel anywhere to do that."</p>

TORONTO, CANADA - FEBRUARY 16: Marie-Philip Poulin #29 of Montreal skates against Natalie Spooner #24 of Toronto during their PWHL hockey game at Scotiabank Arena on February 16, 2024 in Toronto, Canada.

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9 compelling storylines entering the 2024-25 PWHL season

The PWHL introduced a new rule Tuesday, requiring players on a team that takes a penalty to remai...

<p>The PWHL introduced a new rule Tuesday, requiring players on a team that takes a penalty to remain on the ice until after the ensuing faceoff.</p><p>The league is calling the change the "no escape rule." It's the same premise as when a team ices the puck and must keep the same players on the ice for the next faceoff.</p><p>The rule could see three forwards and one defender start a penalty kill if a defender was the player who took a penalty, for example. It could also result in a tired group being forced to stay on the ice, similar to after an icing.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Other rule changes made by the PWHL before the 2024-25 campaign include:</p><ul>
<li>A major penalty and game misconduct become the default penalty for all illegal checks to the head. The PWHL is the first professional hockey league to implement this change.</li>
<li>Hair pulling and grabbing an opponent's chin strap, facial protection, or throat protection results in a major penalty and game misconduct.</li>
</ul><p>"We're always looking to make the game safer for our players and more fun for our fans," PWHL senior VP of hockey operations Jayna Hefford said in a statement. "We believe these rule innovations take strides toward both objectives."</p><p>The PWHL also announced key dates for the season. The trade deadline is March 2 at noon ET, and the 2025 playoffs begin May 6.</p>

ST. PAUL, MN - MAY 13: Toronto forward Emma Maltais (27) and Minnesota forward Michela Cava (86) face-off during the second period of game three of a PWHL semifinal between Minnesota and Toronto on May 13th, 2024 at the Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul,MN.

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PWHL introduces 'no escape rule' preventing line change after penalty

Washington Capitals superstar Alex Ovechkin is considered week-to-week with a lower leg injury, t...

<p>Washington Capitals superstar <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/1280" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/1280">Alex Ovechkin</a> is considered week-to-week with a lower leg injury, the team announced Tuesday.</p><p>The club added that Ovechkin will be further evaluated Wednesday. </p><p>Ovechkin didn't return to Monday's 6-2 win over the Utah Hockey Club after a knee-on-knee collision with <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/11032" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/11032">Jack McBain</a> in the third period. </p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Alex Ovechkin is slow to get up after colliding knee-to-knee with Jack McBain. <a href="https://t.co/gQNOiDMcPR">pic.twitter.com/gQNOiDMcPR</a></p>— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) <a href="https://twitter.com/Sportsnet/status/1858728676650614876?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 19, 2024</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>The sniper briefly took the ice during a game break before going to the locker room. He scored two goals in the contest.</p><p>Ovechkin leads the NHL with 15 goals this season and is 27 away from passing Wayne Gretzky for the all-time mark.</p><p>Capitals forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/2592" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/2592">Tom Wilson</a> fought McBain later in the third period.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Tom Wilson drops the gloves with Jack McBain after he injured Ovi 👊 <a href="https://t.co/XhnaRnohV1">pic.twitter.com/XhnaRnohV1</a></p>— Gino Hard (@GinoHard_) <a href="https://twitter.com/GinoHard_/status/1858733061296230745?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 19, 2024</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Washington next plays Thursday against the Colorado Avalanche.</p>

SALT LAKE CITY, UT - NOVEMBER 18: Washington Capitals Left Wing Alex Ovechkin (8) as seen during an NHL game between the Washington Capitals and the Utah Hockey Club on November 18, 2024 at the Delta Center in Salt Lake City, UT.

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Ovechkin week-to-week following knee-on-knee collision

Natalie Spooner won the inaugural PWHL scoring title after an outrageous 20-goal campaign. That s...

<p>Natalie Spooner won the inaugural PWHL scoring title after an outrageous 20-goal campaign. That should make the Toronto Sceptres star the favorite to lead the league again, right?</p><p>Not quite. Spooner unfortunately won't be ready to start the season as she continues to recover from ACL surgery, so we're likely to see a new scoring champ in season No. 2.</p><p>Here are our predictions for the PWHL's top-five scorers this season as the league increases its schedule from 24 to 30 games:</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><h3>5. Sarah Fillier, New York Sirens</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/632171/cropped_GettyImages-1963646463.jpg?ts=1717963489" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/632171/w220xh124_GettyImages-1963646463.jpg?ts=1717963489 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/632171/w320xh180_GettyImages-1963646463.jpg?ts=1717963489 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/632171/w640xh360_GettyImages-1963646463.jpg?ts=1717963489 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/632171/w768xh432_GettyImages-1963646463.jpg?ts=1717963489 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/632171/w1080xh607_GettyImages-1963646463.jpg?ts=1717963489 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Icon Sportswire / Icon Sportswire / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p><strong>2024 stats (NCAA)</strong></p><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>GP</th>
<th>G</th>
<th>A</th>
<th>P</th>
<th>P/GP</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>29</td>
<td>30</td>
<td>13</td>
<td>43</td>
<td>1.48</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>A rookie in the top five? If there's a player who can do it, it's Fillier, the first overall pick this summer.</p><p>Fillier is 24 years old, has a World Championship MVP under her belt, and has featured in Canada's top six for multiple years. This isn't like a teenaged Macklin Celebrini stepping into the NHL and immediately being a top-five scorer; Fillier's an established, elite commodity in the women's game.</p><p>Despite finishing last, New York scored the most goals on the player advantage (19) and had the second-most efficient power play (24.4%) last season. Adding an offensive talent like Fillier should see the Sirens' special teams remain a legitimate threat.</p><p>Fillier was Princeton's best player by a notable margin last season. She'll have significantly more help on a Sirens team boasting Alex Carpenter, Jessie Eldridge, and Ella Shelton, the league's top-scoring defender. We're in store for a statement rookie campaign from the Georgetown, Ontario, native.</p><p><strong>Fillier's 30-game projection: </strong>15 goals, 13 assists, 28 points</p><h3>4. Daryl Watts, Toronto Sceptres</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/628611/cropped_GettyImages-2100338218.jpg?ts=1715629267" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/628611/w220xh124_GettyImages-2100338218.jpg?ts=1715629267 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/628611/w320xh180_GettyImages-2100338218.jpg?ts=1715629267 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/628611/w640xh360_GettyImages-2100338218.jpg?ts=1715629267 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/628611/w768xh432_GettyImages-2100338218.jpg?ts=1715629267 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/628611/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2100338218.jpg?ts=1715629267 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Icon Sportswire / Icon Sportswire / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p><strong>2024 stats</strong></p><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>GP</th>
<th>G</th>
<th>A</th>
<th>P</th>
<th>P/GP</th>
<th>PPP</th>
<th>ATOI</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>24</td>
<td>10</td>
<td>7</td>
<td>17</td>
<td>0.71</td>
<td>5</td>
<td>17:23</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>Watts moved from Ottawa to Toronto in free agency and is poised to take a step toward stardom.</p><p>The 25-year-old was one of the PWHL's top scorers from the middle of February through to the end of the campaign. Watts registered nine goals and 15 points in her last 15 games after tallying only one goal and two points in her first nine.</p><p>Watts was one of the most prolific scorers in NCAA history, recording 136 goals and 297 points in 172 career games at Boston College and Wisconsin from 2017-22. She briefly retired after her collegiate career and made a comeback a few months later with the PHF's Toronto Six in 2022-23, but she didn't have the immediate offensive impact some expected of her.</p><p>The rust from her retirement is long gone, and Watts now joins a Sceptres team that already led the PWHL in goals (69). She'll be deployed alongside other elite offensive talent, and with Spooner out to start the campaign, she'll be leaned on heavily offensively early on. Look for Watts to continue to prove her doubters wrong in Toronto.</p><p><strong>Watts' 30-game projection: </strong>17 goals, 13 assists, 30 points</p><h3>3. Alex Carpenter, New York Sirens</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/618467/cropped_GettyImages-1935915335.jpg?ts=1709179123" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/618467/w220xh124_GettyImages-1935915335.jpg?ts=1709179123 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/618467/w320xh180_GettyImages-1935915335.jpg?ts=1709179123 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/618467/w640xh360_GettyImages-1935915335.jpg?ts=1709179123 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/618467/w768xh432_GettyImages-1935915335.jpg?ts=1709179123 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/618467/w1080xh607_GettyImages-1935915335.jpg?ts=1709179123 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Icon Sportswire / Icon Sportswire / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p><strong>2024 stats</strong></p><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>GP</th>
<th>G</th>
<th>A</th>
<th>P</th>
<th>P/GP</th>
<th>PPP</th>
<th>ATOI</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>24</td>
<td>8</td>
<td>15</td>
<td>23</td>
<td>0.96</td>
<td>10</td>
<td>21:45</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>Carpenter was a finalist for PWHL MVP and Forward of the Year despite playing for New York, which finished last.</p><p>It was a stellar campaign from the veteran American. Carpenter was tied for second in league scoring and had nine more points than the second-highest-scoring New York forward.</p><p>Help is on the way: the Sirens added Fillier and also Finnish standout Noora Tulus through the draft. Both could find themselves on Carpenter's wings this year. If Carpenter racked up the numbers she did last season and now gets to play with Fillier, what kind of campaign could she produce now?</p><p>It'll be a treat to see two of the top offensive talents from the American and Canadian national teams cook together in New York. Expect even bigger things from Carpenter in the PWHL's second season. </p><p><strong>Carpenter's 30-game projection: </strong>11 goals, 21 assists, 32 points</p><h3>2. Marie-Philip Poulin, Montreal Victoire</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/611693/cropped_GettyImages-1933907537.jpg?ts=1705354928" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/611693/w220xh124_GettyImages-1933907537.jpg?ts=1705354928 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/611693/w320xh180_GettyImages-1933907537.jpg?ts=1705354928 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/611693/w640xh360_GettyImages-1933907537.jpg?ts=1705354928 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/611693/w768xh432_GettyImages-1933907537.jpg?ts=1705354928 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/611693/w1080xh607_GettyImages-1933907537.jpg?ts=1705354928 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Minas Panagiotakis / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p><strong>2024 stats</strong></p><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>GP</th>
<th>G</th>
<th>A</th>
<th>P</th>
<th>P/GP</th>
<th>PPP</th>
<th>ATOI</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>21</td>
<td>10</td>
<td>13</td>
<td>23</td>
<td>1.10</td>
<td>5</td>
<td>21:24</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>The undeniable queen of Canadian hockey is a surefire challenger to lead the league in scoring if she's healthy.</p><p>Poulin was one of two players to eclipse the point-per-game mark (alongside Spooner), though she missed three games due to injury.</p><p>Montreal's power play was inexplicably dormant for much of last season. Poulin's five power-play points were the fewest among the PWHL's top six scorers, and she had only one goal on the advantage. An improved Victoire power play would see Poulin's production soar.</p><p>There are few more dangerous than a motivated Poulin - just look at her performances in gold-medal games. A difficult semifinal exit against Boston will surely fuel the Victoire captain, and a charge toward an MVP is the expectation for the 33-year-old.</p><p><strong>Poulin's 30-game projection: </strong>16 goals, 19 assists, 35 points</p><h3>1. Sarah Nurse, Toronto Sceptres</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/629881/cropped_GettyImages-2018251490.jpg?ts=1716412259" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/629881/w220xh124_GettyImages-2018251490.jpg?ts=1716412259 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/629881/w320xh180_GettyImages-2018251490.jpg?ts=1716412259 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/629881/w640xh360_GettyImages-2018251490.jpg?ts=1716412259 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/629881/w768xh432_GettyImages-2018251490.jpg?ts=1716412259 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/629881/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2018251490.jpg?ts=1716412259 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Mark Blinch / Getty Images</span></figcaption></figure><p><strong>2024 stats</strong></p><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>GP</th>
<th>G</th>
<th>A</th>
<th>P</th>
<th>P/GP</th>
<th>PPP</th>
<th>ATOI</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>24</td>
<td>11</td>
<td>12</td>
<td>23</td>
<td>0.96</td>
<td>8</td>
<td>18:50</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>Nurse was lights out after Toronto's surprisingly poor January, showcasing the offensive prowess that could see her lead the league in scoring this year. The 29-year-old had 10 goals and 20 points in her last 16 regular-season games.</p><p>A broken finger sustained late in the regular season limited Nurse's effectiveness in the playoffs. She managed only one assist in Toronto's five-game series against Minnesota, a disappointing outcome that left a bitter taste for the Sceptres.</p><p>Nurse and Watts seem like a perfect match and could form one of the premier duos in the league. Sceptres and Canadian head coach Troy Ryan put Watts on Nurse's wing at the Rivalry Series earlier in November, and it wouldn't be a surprise to see that continue into the PWHL campaign.</p><p>Watts brings immense skill and offensive talent that could bring the best out of Nurse in the attacking zone, a terrifying prospect for the PWHL's other five teams.</p><p><strong>Nurse's 30-game projection: </strong>15 goals, 21 assists, 36 points</p>

TORONTO, CANADA - FEBRUARY 16: Sarah Nurse #20 of Toronto faces off against Marie-Philip Poulin #29 of Montreal during their PWHL hockey game at Scotiabank Arena on February 16, 2024 in Toronto, Canada.

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Washington Capitals star Alex Ovechkin netted his first hat trick Sunday night since Dec. 31, 202...

<p>Washington Capitals star <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/1280" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/1280">Alex Ovechkin</a> netted his first hat trick Sunday night since Dec. 31, 2022, putting him 29 markers shy of breaking Wayne Gretzky's all-time goal record.</p><p>Ovechkin's latest heroics marks the 31st hat trick of his career, the sixth most all-time. He's now tied for the league lead in goals with 13, alongside Edmonton Oilers forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3948" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3948">Leon Draisaitl</a> and Florida Panthers forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3945" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3945">Sam Reinhart</a>.</p><p>"It's fun to be a part of," <a href="https://www.nhl.com/capitals/video/logan-thompson-postgame-6364845553112">said</a> Capitals goaltender <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/10003" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/10003">Logan Thompson</a>, who made 40 saves in the 4-2 win over the Vegas Golden Knights. "I love being his teammate. He's the face of this franchise, the face of our dressing room. The guy keeps it loose every time, and he's a lot of fun. It's very special to be just on his team and him knowing my name."</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Ovechkin's first of the night came early on the power play when his pass deflected off Golden Knights defenseman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/1098" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/1098">Alex Pietrangelo</a> and into the back of the net.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Couldn't have asked for a better start<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ALLCAPS?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ALLCAPS</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/BlueHalo?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BlueHalo</a> <a href="https://t.co/R9YSToHXbb">pic.twitter.com/R9YSToHXbb</a></p>— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) <a href="https://twitter.com/Capitals/status/1858320650546409809?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 18, 2024</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>"He's just finding ways to score," <a href="https://www.nhl.com/capitals/video/dylan-strome-postgame-6364847104112">said</a> <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/4562" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4562">Dylan Strome</a>, picking up an assist on Ovechkin's opening tally. "First one's obviously lucky. When you get that many goals, sometimes luck goes your way."</p><p>Ovechkin's second came off the rush, beating former teammate <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/7675" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/7675">Ilya Samsonov</a> on the blocker side.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">The <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Gr8?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Gr8</a>'s got ✌️ tonight! <a href="https://t.co/z67VbPke2k">pic.twitter.com/z67VbPke2k</a></p>— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) <a href="https://twitter.com/Capitals/status/1858341303852957734?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 18, 2024</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Ovechkin added his 59th career empty-netter to complete the hat trick.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">OH MY OVI HAT TRICK SCOARRRRRRRRRRR <a href="https://t.co/WNxyeQh3Lx">pic.twitter.com/WNxyeQh3Lx</a></p>— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) <a href="https://twitter.com/Capitals/status/1858357977834807320?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 18, 2024</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Ovechkin and the Capitals next play Monday on the road against the Utah Hockey Club.</p>

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - NOVEMBER 17: Alex Ovechkin #8 of the Washington Capitals celebrates his goal against the Vegas Golden Knights during the second period at T-Mobile Arena on November 17, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

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The NHL and NHLPA will discuss the possibility of increasing the salary cap by between $7 million...

<p>The NHL and NHLPA will discuss the possibility of increasing the salary cap by between $7 million and $9 million for the 2025-26 season, Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman reported on Hockey Night in Canada's "<a href="https://x.com/Sportsnet/status/1857967658475348472">Saturday Headlines</a>."</p><p>The salary cap can rise a maximum of 5% each year under current CBA rules but can increase by a larger margin if agreed upon by both parties. A $95-million to $97-million salary cap would represent an 8% to 10.2% jump.</p><p>League revenue has outpaced guardrails put in place as part of the NHL and NHLPA's salary cap agreement during the COVID-19 pandemic, according to Friedman.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The NHL and NHLPA agreed to raise the cap by 5.4% last summer when the cap rose $4.5 million from $83.5 million to $88 million.</p><p>If the sides opt not to go past the 5% mark for next season, the salary cap is expected to be around $92.5 million. It would be a $4.5-million increase from the current $88-million salary cap. The league would then see a larger jump to the salary cap for the 2026-27 campaign.</p><p>The current CBA expires in September 2026.</p>

NEWARK, NJ - NOVEMBER 10: A general view of the NHL Logo on the back of the goal prior to the game against the Ottawa Senators on November 10, 2022 at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey.

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Toronto Maple Leafs forward Ryan Reaves will have a hearing with the NHL Department of Player Saf...

<p>Toronto Maple Leafs forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/1101" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/1101">Ryan Reaves</a> will have a hearing with the NHL Department of Player Safety for an illegal check to the head of Edmonton Oilers defenseman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3124" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3124">Darnell Nurse</a> on Saturday.</p><p>Reaves caught Nurse with the high hit early in the second period. The Oilers blue-liner was bloodied on the play and ruled out for the rest of the contest with an upper-body injury.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Ryan Reaves receives a 5-minute match penalty for this hit on Darnell Nurse. <a href="https://t.co/hVZN9FJpRY">pic.twitter.com/hVZN9FJpRY</a></p>— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) <a href="https://twitter.com/Sportsnet/status/1857956894414885353?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 17, 2024</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>The veteran enforcer was assessed a match penalty. The Maple Leafs killed Edmonton's ensuing five-minute power play.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>"I think it's a dangerous play," Oilers forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/2031" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/2031">Ryan Nugent-Hopkins</a> <a href="https://x.com/EdmontonOilers/status/1857990015780839457">said</a> postgame. "He's gotta know that (Nurse) doesn't see him coming and choose the right path there. He doesn't. It's tough to see one of your teammates on the ice like that. Dangerous play. You don't ever wanna see something like that."</p><p>Reaves has been suspended three times in his 893-game NHL career. He was most recently banned for two games during the 2021 Stanley Cup Playoffs while with the Vegas Golden Knights for roughing.</p><p>The 37-year-old has zero goals, one assist, and 23 penalty minutes this season.</p><p>Nurse has two goals and nine points in 17 contests, playing over 21 minutes per game.</p>

TORONTO, CANADA - NOVEMBER 16: Darnell Nurse #25 of the Edmonton Oilers is knocked to the ice by Ryan Reaves #75 of the Toronto Maple Leafs during the second period in an NHL game at Scotiabank Arena on November 16, 2024 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

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EA Sports will add Professional Women's Hockey League teams to its NHL 25 video game in an update...

<p>EA Sports will add Professional Women's Hockey League teams to its NHL 25 video game in an update on Dec. 5, the company announced Wednesday.</p><p>"Our partnership with EA Sports opens new doors to elevate women's hockey across all levels," PWHL senior vice president of business operations Amy Scheer said. "Through this alliance, we'll develop in-game and out-of-game experiences that strengthen the bond between our teams, players, and fans, bringing the PWHL closer to the global hockey community."</p><p>The league's six teams - Boston Fleet, Minnesota Frost, Montreal Victoire, New York Sirens, Ottawa Charge, and Toronto Sceptres - will be available in play now, online versus, shootout, and season modes.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Additionally, EA Sports is adding PWHL players, jerseys, and logos to Hockey Ultimate Team. Users can also use the league's jerseys in World of Chel.</p><p>"EA Sports continues to drive inclusivity and authenticity through its game, and in partnership with the PWHL, we will amplify the excitement of the women's game for all fans," EA Sports NHL executive producer Bill Dollar said.</p><p>Sceptres forward Sarah Nurse appeared on the cover of NHL 23 as a member of Team Canada alongside Anaheim Ducks forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/9757" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/9757">Trevor Zegras</a>.</p>

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NHL deputy commissioner Bill Daly reminded general managers of the league's tampering rules at th...

<p>NHL deputy commissioner Bill Daly reminded general managers of the league's tampering rules at the league's GM meetings, TSN's Pierre LeBrun reported on Tuesday's "<a href="https://www.tsn.ca/nhl/video/~3028238">Early Trading</a>."</p><p>Tampering was a scheduled part of the agenda for the meetings. Daly also reminded GMs of the penalties for tampering, including fines and the loss of draft picks.</p><p>Daly was "uncomfortable" with reports about teams agreeing to contracts with free agents before free agency officially opened, he told LeBrun.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Teams can't talk to free agents before noon ET on July 1 unless given permission by the team that owns the player's rights. An agent can also ask permission to speak to other teams on behalf of their player.</p><p>Players who reportedly signed contracts before free agency opened this summer include <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3250" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3250">Tyler Bertuzzi</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/4487" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4487">Brandon Montour</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/1737" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/1737">Tyler Toffoli</a>, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/4501" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4501">Brett Pesce</a>.</p>

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - JUNE 29: Bill Daly attends the NHL Draft at Sphere on June 29, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

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Chicago Blackhawks forward Andreas Athanasiou cleared waivers Tuesday.  Athanasiou has zero point...

<p>Chicago Blackhawks forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3254" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3254">Andreas Athanasiou</a> cleared waivers Tuesday.</p><p>Athanasiou has zero points in five games this season. He carries a $4.25-million cap hit and is set to become an unrestricted free agent next summer.</p><p>The 30-year-old has been a healthy scratch for nine consecutive contests and has played less than 10 minutes in four of his five games.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Athanasiou tallied two goals and nine points last season when he was limited to 28 games because of a groin injury.</p><p>"He missed a lot of hockey (last season) and, unfortunately, just not clicking on all cylinders yet this year," Chicago head coach Luke Richardson said, according to <a href="https://x.com/CRoumeliotis/status/1856021935160803462">WGN Radio's Charlie Roumeliotis</a>. "He hasn't really played a lot of games. So that was the message; if you get picked up, that's probably good for you. ... But if not, we need him to just go play some games and get his skill matched up with his confidence. (The NHL) is really not for that."</p><p>Athanasiou signed a two-year, $8.5-million contract extension with the Blackhawks in June 2023 after he registered 20 goals and 40 points in his first season with the team.</p>

WINNIPEG, CANADA - OCTOBER 11: Andreas Athanasiou #89 of the Chicago Blackhawks looks on from the bench prior to puck drop against the Winnipeg Jets at the Canada Life Centre on October 11, 2024 in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada.

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Former Edmonton Oilers general manager and president of hockey operations Ken Holland joined the ...

<p>Former Edmonton Oilers general manager and president of hockey operations Ken Holland joined the NHL as a hockey operations consultant, the league announced Tuesday.</p><p>Holland mutually parted ways with the Oilers in June after Edmonton lost in the Stanley Cup Final. He had been with the team for five seasons.</p><p>"We are delighted to welcome Ken to NHL hockey operations, where he will provide invaluable insight from his decades in the game as a player, scout, and executive," NHL senior executive vice president of hockey operations Colin Campbell said in a <a href="https://www.nhl.com/news/ken-holland-named-nhl-hockey-operations-consultant">statement</a>. "He offers unmatched expertise in a wide range of areas."</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The 69-year-old has 27 years of experience as an NHL general manager, 22 of which came with the Detroit Red Wings. He won four Stanley Cups with the Red Wings - three as the team's GM - and captured Olympic gold medals in 2010 and 2014 as part of Canada's management team.</p><p>Holland was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2020 as a builder.</p>

SUNRISE, FLORIDA - JUNE 07: General manager Ken Holland of the Edmonton Oilers speaks to the media during Media Day ahead of Game One of the 2024 Stanley Cup Final between the Edmonton Oilers and the Florida Panthers at Amerant Bank Arena on June 07, 2024 in Sunrise, Florida.

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