
NHL Power Rankings: Each team’s player to watch for the rest of the season
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1 year agoon
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Kristen Shilton, ESPN NHL reporterFeb 16, 2024, 07:00 AM ET
Close- Kristen Shilton is a national NHL reporter for ESPN.
With the Stadium Series on tap this weekend in New Jersey — Flyers–Devils 8 p.m. Saturday on ABC/ESPN+, and Rangers–Islanders 3 p.m. Sunday on ABC/ESPN+ — that means we are also closing in on the March 8 NHL trade deadline. And beyond that, the final push to the playoffs.
There are some captivating players we all have our eyes on when it comes to the potential wheeling and dealing over the next few weeks. This week as part of our NHL Power Rankings, we’ve identified one player from each team that is under the closest watch — whether it’s a player that could be traded, someone chasing a milestone, or a player carrying his team’s playoff hopes on his shoulders.
How we rank: A panel of ESPN hockey commentators, analysts, reporters and editors sends in a 1-32 poll based on the games through Wednesday, which generates our master list here.
Note: Previous ranking for each team refers to the previous edition, published Feb. 9. Points percentages are through Thursday’s games.
Previous ranking: 1
Points percentage: 72.73%
Quinn Hughes. Vancouver’s top defenseman already owns the franchise record for most points from a blueliner (76), but can he smash through that mark and hit 100 this season? Would that be an opening salvo to Quinn winning his first Norris Trophy? Both milestones feel possible for Hughes, and we’ll be watching to see how his excellent campaign plays out.
Next seven days: vs. WPG (Feb. 17), @ MIN (Feb. 19), @ COL (Feb. 20), @ SEA (Feb. 22)
Previous ranking: 5
Points percentage: 68.52%
Sam Reinhart. Florida is one of the NHL’s best teams in part because of Reinhart’s dynamic play this season, particularly on the power play. He’s already set and surpassed franchise records for special teams scores, and there are still weeks to go in this campaign. In a contract year, Reinhart is putting on a show that’s well worth watching, especially to see just how many goals he can collect by the end.
Next seven days: @ TB (Feb. 17), vs. OTT (Feb. 20), @ CAR (Feb. 22)
Previous ranking: 2
Points percentage: 68.52%
Jake DeBrusk. Boston has explored trade partners for Jake DeBrusk before, and we’ll be watching to see if they do so again. DeBrusk is notably without a contract after this season, and given Boston’s recent struggles it could be time for GM Don Sweeney to shake things up. DeBrusk might be a valuable asset in helping the Bruins fill in their gaps.
Next seven days: vs. LA (Feb. 17), vs. DAL (Feb. 19), @ EDM (Feb. 21), @ CGY (Feb. 22)
Previous ranking: 9
Points percentage: 67.59%
Igor Shesterkin. New York knows it needs a revived Igor Shesterkin for the stretch run here. Do the Rangers finally have that in their midst? Shesterkin played almost a backset to Jonathan Quick in the season’s first half, but he’s perked up post-All Star break. Last week Shesterkin recorded his first shutout of the campaign. Is that a sign of good things to come? In a hotly contested Metropolitan Division race, the Rangers have to hope so.
Next seven days: vs. NYI (Feb. 18), vs. DAL (Feb. 20), @ NJ (Feb. 22)
Previous ranking: 4
Points percentage: 68.52%
Thomas Harley. Dallas has an unsung hero on its hands in defenseman Thomas Harley. The 22-year-old caught fire while Miro Heiskanen was injured, and now they’re together on the Stars’ top pairing. That’s music to Dallas’ ears. The Stars need a robust defensive effort to compensate for some injury issues — they recently lost Evgenii Dadonov long term — and Harley will be one to monitor.
Next seven days: vs. EDM (Feb. 17), @ BOS (Feb. 19), @ NYR (Feb. 20), @ OTT (Feb. 22)
Previous ranking: 3
Points percentage: 63.64%
Ryan Johansen. Colorado hasn’t seen the best of Ryan Johansen — and that may well be an understatement. The veteran forward has 19 points in 54 games this season on a team he clearly isn’t clicking with in a projected second-line center role. Do the Avalanche keep trying to make things work there? Or can they scour the trade market for someone to take Johansen and his $4 million contract through next season off their hands? Stay tuned.
Next seven days: vs. ARI (Feb. 18), vs. VAN (Feb. 20), @ DET (Feb. 22)
Previous ranking: 6
Points percentage: 67.65%
Kyle Connor. Winnipeg has been sliding of late thanks in no small part to their big problem — not scoring goals. That’s where Connor comes in. The All-Star winger has been slowed by injuries this season, but if Connor were to get on a run, it would be the exact spark Winnipeg needs to avoid a repeat of last season’s second-half spiral. Let’s see what a healthy and confident Connor can do to keep that fate at bay.
Next seven days: @ VAN (Feb. 17), @ CGY (Feb. 19), vs. MIN (Feb. 20)
Previous ranking: 8
Points percentage: 63.00%
Connor McDavid. Edmonton will go where Connor McDavid takes it; that’s been true the last few years. McDavid has helped resurrect the Oilers following a rancid start. Now it’s all about how he — and, let’s be honest, Leon Draisaitl — do at bringing their personal brand of magic into the playoffs. It wasn’t long ago a postseason try was pure pipe dream for Edmonton. Now it’s on McDavid to get them there, and do something special.
Next seven days: @ DAL (Feb. 17), @ ARI (Feb. 19), vs. BOS (Feb. 21)
Previous ranking: 7
Points percentage: 64.15%
Adin Hill. Vegas could see Adin Hill in the Vezina Trophy conversation this season. He’s been that good — and entirely low-key about it. When he’s between the pipes, Vegas is reaping major rewards. What more can Hill prove into spring? And will it be key to the Golden Knights possibly repeating as Stanley Cup champs?
Next seven days: vs. CAR (Feb. 17), @ SJ (Feb. 19), vs. NSH (Feb. 20), vs. TOR (Feb. 22)
Previous ranking: 11
Points percentage: 61.54%
Auston Matthews. Toronto has seen some great things out of Matthews — but a 70-goal season? That would be a new accomplishment. Only eight NHL players have ever hit that threshold, and Matthews would need just 28 goals in the Leafs’ final 30 games to become the ninth. It’s a bold benchmark that hasn’t been hit in over 30 years. If anyone could do it, it would be Matthews.
Next seven days: vs. ANA (Feb. 17), @ STL (Feb. 19), @ ARI (Feb. 21), @ VGK (Feb. 22)
Previous ranking: 10
Points percentage: 62.50%
Andrei Svechnikov. When healthy, Svechnikov is a standout. Unfortunately, he hasn’t been available much this season. Svechnikov is on the cusp of returning from his third injury of the season — but the timing may well be perfect if he can finally stay in the lineup. Just how much better can Svechnikov make these Hurricanes? We’ve seen him dominate before. After getting plenty of rest and rehab, perhaps he’ll be right back on form.
Next seven days: @ ARI (Feb. 16), @ VGK (Feb. 17), vs. CHI (Feb. 19), vs. FLA (Feb. 22)
Previous ranking: 12
Points percentage: 59.09%
Sean Walker. Philadelphia is a rebuilding playoff team. If that’s even a thing. It’s on GM Danny Briere to decide if that’s where the Flyers will remain, and Sean Walker’s situation hangs in the balance. Walker is a pending UFA having his best NHL season. That makes Walker both an attractive trade chip and desirable player to retain. What will the Flyers ultimately do with Walker? The outcome of their season might be in the balance.
Next seven days: vs. NJ (Feb. 17), @ CHI (Feb. 21)
Previous ranking: 13
Points percentage: 59.09%
Nikita Kucherov. Tampa Bay’s defense took a hit when Mikhail Sergachev went down with a broken leg. That’ll put even more emphasis on the Lightning’s offense to keep scoring — and Nikita Kucherov is the one to watch in that department. Kucherov appears to be a in a horserace with Nathan MacKinnon and Connor McDavid for league MVP. Carrying Tampa Bay through a tough stretch would go a long way in bolstering his candidacy for the title.
Next seven days: vs. FLA (Feb. 17), vs. OTT (Feb. 19), vs. WSH (Feb. 22)
Previous ranking: 14
Points percentage: 56.60%
Lucas Raymond. Detroit’s recent surge has deservedly put Raymond in the spotlight. After a slow start to the season, he’s nearly matched Alex DeBrincat for the team lead in points, and that output has helped the Red Wings start to soar. Can Raymond keep the good times going in Motor City and propel Detroit back into the playoffs? No doubt we’ll be keeping tabs on that progress.
Next seven days: @ CGY (Feb. 17), @ SEA (Feb. 19), vs. COL (Feb. 22)
Previous ranking: 15
Points percentage: 58.82%
Pierre-Luc Dubois. Los Angeles has a new coach in Jim Hiller — and what the Kings really need is for Hiller to get more out of Pierre-Luc Dubois. Often a change behind the bench can kick-start struggling players, and if Hiller can pull something out of Dubois that L.A. hasn’t experienced yet it would be a real boost to their postseason prospects.
Next seven days: @ BOS (Feb. 17), @ PIT (Feb. 18), vs. CBJ (Feb. 20), vs. NSH (Feb. 22)
Previous ranking: 18
Points percentage: 54.72%
Jack Hughes. New Jersey needs Jack Hughes to be an electrifying force up front if they’re going to contend in the Metro. Fortunately, Hughes has built a career on being exactly that — and he’s back from injury and lighting it up again. Hughes has the talent to wrestle these Devils out of the murky middle and up the standings. It should make for fascinating theater through to spring.
Next seven days: vs. PHI (Feb. 17), @ WSH (Feb. 20), vs. NYR (Feb. 22)
Previous ranking: 20
Points percentage: 56.60%
Pavel Buchnevich. St. Louis hasn’t had the easiest season to date, but Buchnevich is one continuous bright spot. Will that lead the Blues to trade him away? St. Louis has been clinging to a Western Conference wild-card spot, and retaining Buchnevich gives them a better shot at the playoffs. But Buchnevich might move the needle even more on the trade block. What direction GM Doug Armstrong goes could reflect how he feels about this season’s potential for the Blues.
Next seven days: vs. NSH (Feb. 17), vs. TOR (Feb. 19), vs. NYI (Feb. 22)
Previous ranking: 19
Points percentage: 53.77%
Noah Dobson. New York arguably has the league’s most underrated defenseman in Noah Dobson. Will he continue to fly under the radar? The Islanders are in a dogfight to make the playoffs, and if they do, Dobson will be a primary reason why. What he’s able to do nightly in pushing New York over the line will be worth watching one way or another.
Next seven days: vs. NYR (Feb. 18), @ PIT (Feb. 20), @ STL (Feb. 22)
Previous ranking: 22
Points percentage: 50.93%
Jonathan Huberdeau. Calgary waited a long time to see Jonathan Huberdeau shine — and this just might be his moment. Since the Flames swapped Elias Lindholm for Andrei Kuzmenko and slotted the latter skater onto Huberdeau’s line it’s like Huberdeau himself has come to life with some inspiring hockey. If this success is sustainable, can an improved Huberdeau help push Calgary into the playoff conversation?
Next seven days: vs. DET (Feb. 17), vs. WPG (Feb. 19), vs. BOS (Feb. 22)
Previous ranking: 17
Points percentage: 51.85%
Alexandre Carrier. Nashville could cash in at the deadline by moving Carrier to a contender. He’s a 27-year-old right-shot defender that would be an ideal depth add for any team hoping there’s a long spring ahead. That scenario doesn’t look to be in the cards for Nashville, so will taking calls on Carrier be what helps set them up for brighter days in the future?
Next seven days: @ STL (Feb. 17), @ VGK (Feb. 20), @ LA (Feb. 22)
Previous ranking: 16
Points percentage: 53.92%
Jake Guentzel. Pittsburgh was dealt another tough blow when Guentzel landed on injured reserve this week, with a projected return date around mid-March. Guentzel was (is?) the Penguins’ top trade asset, and was generating plenty of interest ahead of the deadline. Will that still be the case? Is the prospect of trading Guentzel — a pending UFA — more appealing to the Pens now that he’s unavailable to help keep their playoff hopes alive? And what does it mean if the Guentzel market has totally cooled? There’s a landslide of uncertainty now — something the Penguins did not need more of this season.
Next seven days: vs. LA (Feb. 18), vs. NYI (Feb. 20), vs. MTL (Feb. 22)
Previous ranking: 27
Points percentage: 51.89%
Brock Faber. Minnesota might have the one player capable of challenging Connor Bedard for the Calder Trophy, and it’s defenseman Brock Faber. The Wild freshman just tied Bedard for a league lead in rookie points, and he’s done it while helping stabilize Minnesota’s back end with excellent play well beyond his 21 years. Keep an eye on Faber to see if he can pull off an award’s season upset.
Next seven days: vs. BUF (Feb. 17), vs. VAN (Feb. 19), @ WPG (Feb. 20)
Previous ranking: 24
Points percentage: 51.92%
Alex Ovechkin. Washington may not make the playoffs — but Ovechkin is back on track towards making history. The Capitals’ captain has been a goal-scoring machine of late, and discussion about his potential to break Wayne Gretzky’s goal-scoring record is heating up once again. How much closer can Ovechkin get in these final weeks? Let’s find out.
Next seven days: @ MTL (Feb. 17), vs. NJ (Feb. 20), @ TB (Feb. 22)
Previous ranking: 21
Points percentage: 51.85%
Philipp Grubauer. Seattle’s playoff chances could hinge on how well Grubauer can perform down the stretch. He was back in the crease this week after more than two months away nursing an injury, and the Kraken need him to take some of the pressure off goalie partner Joey Daccord. If Seattle is going to get back in that postseason mix, they’ll need a strong tandem in net. Can Grubauer be the guy who helps the Kraken climb?
Next seven days: vs. DET (Feb. 19), vs. VAN (Feb. 22)
Previous ranking: 23
Points percentage: 48.08%
Barrett Hayton. Arizona sorely missed Hayton while he sat out two months with an injury. Well, he’s back, and he’s exactly what the Coyotes need in a pivotal lead up to trade deadline. That’s when GM Bill Armstrong will decide whether to let Arizona keep gunning for a playoff spot or go into trade mode. Having Hayton on the scene makes the Coyotes better — how much better is what we’ll be watching to find out.
Next seven days: vs. CAR (Feb. 16), @ COL (Feb. 18), vs. EDM (Feb. 19), vs. TOR (Feb. 21)
Previous ranking: 25
Points percentage: 47.17%
Casey Mittelstadt. Buffalo has done well locking up its players to long-term deals. That strategy just hasn’t actually gotten the Sabres anywhere in their quest to return to the playoffs. Mittelstadt is a pending RFA that will want a multi-year pact of his own, and frankly Buffalo might not be able to offer that up. So, should the Sabres be trading Mittelstadt instead? If the interest is there, Buffalo should consider the offer.
Next seven days: @ MIN (Feb. 17), vs. ANA (Feb. 19), @ MTL (Feb. 21)
Previous ranking: 26
Points percentage: 48.15%
Jake Allen. Montreal has three goaltenders in the mix, and Allen is long-rumoured to be the odd man out there; meaning, the Canadiens would be most likely to trade him. Will they find a team willing to perform the swap? Allen’s name being out there so long suggests it won’t be easy — but not impossible, either.
Next seven days: vs. WSH (Feb. 17), vs. BUF (Feb. 21), @ PIT (Feb. 22)
Previous ranking: 28
Points percentage: 46.00%
Vladimir Tarasenko. Ottawa’s season hasn’t gone to plan — to put it charitably. There’s still time to make the most of opportunity, though. That could start with trading Tarasenko. The veteran forward would have to waive his no-trade clause, but it’s not like Tarasenko would pass on a chance to chase another Cup. The Senators have to focus on the future, and since Tarasenko’s deal runs out this season, Ottawa’s focus might shift to seeing him out the door sooner than later.
Next seven days: @ CHI (Feb. 17), @ TB (Feb. 19), @ FLA (Feb. 20), vs. DAL (Feb. 22)
Previous ranking: 29
Points percentage: 40.39%
Boone Jenner. Columbus is in a tough spot with Jenner. The club’s captain wants to be part of the Blue Jackets’ rebuild — but he’s also a viable trade asset who Columbus could flip for long-term assets. So what should the Blue Jackets do? Keep a good player who wants to be there? Or think about the future and capitalize on Jenner’s value right now? An attractive offer could make for a seriously hard decision.
Next seven days: @ SJ (Feb. 17), @ LA (Feb. 20), @ ANA (Feb. 21)
Previous ranking: 30
Points percentage: 37.74%
Frank Vatrano. Anaheim won’t be making the postseason. But the Ducks could be a winner with the right trade return for Vatrano. Their top skater is generating plenty of interest on the market, and a high-end return could provide long-term building blocks for Anaheim in their ongoing rebuild. And from Vatrano’s perspective, he might wind up somewhere with a chance to compete for a Cup this season.
Next seven days: @ TOR (Feb. 17), @ BUF (Feb. 19), vs. CBJ (Feb. 21)
Previous ranking: 31
Points percentage: 33.02%
Mikael Granlund. San Jose are destined to trade at the deadline, and Granlund might be first off their docket. The veteran has been terrific this season, and newly back from injury, he will have time to show off for potential suitors before March 8. The Sharks — with cap space to spare on the salary retention front — could fetch a fine return placing Granlund in a new home.
Next seven days: vs. CBJ (Feb. 17), vs. VGK (Feb. 19)
Previous ranking: 32
Points percentage: 28.70%
Tyler Johnson. Chicago is primed to sell at the deadline. And while Johnson has been superb for the Blackhawks this season, he’s a 33-year-old with extensive playoff experience, making $5 million a year on a rebuilding team. Chicago would be better off in the long term finding a trade partner for Johnson that reels in something the Blackhawks can use into their future.
Next seven days: vs. OTT (Feb. 17), @ CAR (Feb. 19), vs. PHI (Feb. 21)
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Sports
NHL free agency tracker: Updated list of the summer signings
Published
7 hours agoon
July 4, 2025By
admin
There has been no shortage of excitement already this NHL offseason. Following the Florida Panthers‘ second consecutive Stanley Cup championship — and seemingly never-ending celebration — the annual period of roster modification has begun.
The 2025 NHL draft included 224 prospects finding new homes, and the weekend included trades for Noah Dobson, Charlie Coyle and John Gibson. On Monday, a slew of re-signings, and the trade of Mitch Marner, took several big names off the free agent big board.
Below you will find our continuously updated free agency tracker for 2025, featuring a list of every player signed, including average annual value of the contract in most cases. Analysis of the biggest deals can be found here.
Note that the newest deals are on top, denoted by date.
Draft recap: All 224 picks
Grades for all 32 teams
Winners and losers
July 3
The Hurricanes have signed the most coveted free agent left on the board; former Jet Nikolaj Ehlers is heading to Carolina via a six-year, $8.5 million AAV contract.
The Sharks are building an elite young core of skilled players, but the front office is also surrounding them with veterans to show the youngsters the ropes. That latter trend continued Thursday, with San Jose agreeing to terms on a two-year, $6.5 million AAV pact with defenseman Dmitry Orlov.
July 2
One of the most legendary old guys without a Stanley Cup, Brent Burns is joining the Avalanche on a one-year contract to try to fill that gap on his résumé.
Perhaps acknowledging that they will no longer be in the Nikolaj Ehlers business, the Jets added a seasoned middle-six winger instead in Gustav Nyquist, who is agreeing to a one-year, $3.25 million pact.
Defenseman Alexander Alexeyev has switched sides in the Capitals-Penguins rivalry! He’ll patrol the blue line in Pittsburgh next season, thanks to a one-year, $775,000 deal.
The Pius Suter Derby is over. The veteran forward will be plying his trade for the Blues, inking a two-year, $4 million AAV pact with the club.
The big addition for the Golden Knights this offseason was Mitch Marner, but they’re making depth moves too, including signing defenseman Kaedan Korczak to a four-year, $3.25 million AAV contract.
Winnipeg: Cold in the winter. Detroit: Slightly less cold in the winter. Mason Appleton is about to find out after signing a two-year, $2.9 million AAV contract.
The Devils saw enough out of Cody Glass during the 2024-25 season to re-sign him. His new deal is for two years, $2.5 million AAV.
Salmon Arm, British Columbia, native Curtis Lazar is headed back to Western Canada, agreeing to terms on a one-year, $775,000 contract with the Oilers.
Veteran winger Anthony Mantha has made the rounds in recent seasons, and his next NHL home is in Pittsburgh, inking a one-year, $2.5 million pact.
July 1
After a brief stint for an American-based team, Andrew Mangiapane is back in Western Canada, inking a two-year, $3.6 million AAV deal with the Oilers.
Forward Justin Brazeau has chosen the Penguins as his next NHL destination, inking a two-year, $1.5 million AAV contract.
The Devils continued adding to their forward depth, adding veteran scoring winger Evgenii Dadonov via a one-year, $1 million deal.
The July 1 goalie rush continues. The Mammoth are the latest team to make an addition in the crease, inking Stanley Cup champion Vitek Vanecek via a one-year, $1.5 million deal.
Offensive defenseman John Klingberg is headed to San Jose, agreeing to terms on a one-year, $4 million pact with the Sharks.
One of the top remaining free agents available, veteran forward Mikael Granlund has landed with the Ducks on a three-year deal.
Veteran bottom-six forward Lars Eller has chosen the Senators as his next team, agreeing to terms on a one-year, $1.25 million deal.
The Penguins have extended their business relationships with Philip Tomasino (one year, $1.75 million) and Connor Dewar (one year, $1.1 million).
As part of the effort to retake the title of Florida’s best hockey team, the Lightning have inked Pontus Holmberg to a two-year, $1.55 million AAV contract.
The Wild have added Nico Sturm. The former Panther has signed a two-year, $2 million AAV contract.
The Sabres have entered the chat! The club’s first big deal of the day is inking goaltender Alex Lyon to a two-year, $1.5 million AAV contract.
The Kraken add to their goaltending depth, adding former Stanley Cup winner Matt Murray on a one-year, $1 million contract.
The Islanders had themselves a great draft weekend, and they continue the momentum in free agency, adding veteran forward Jonathan Drouin on a two-year, $4 million AAV deal.
The Stars are on the board. Hours after announcing the official hiring of Glen Gulutzan as the club’s new head coach, the Stars have brought back forward Radek Faksa on a two-year, $3 million AAV contract.
Earlier on Tuesday the Kings lost defenseman Vladislav Gavrikov to the Rangers. To help fill that blue-line gap, they signed Cody Ceci (four years, $4.5 million AAV) and Brian Dumoulin (three years, $4 million AAV). They also signed goaltender Anton Forsberg for two years, $2.25 million AAV.
Defenseman Nick Perbix has thus far only known NHL life as a member of the Lightning. He’ll head to Nashville next, agreeing to a two-year, $2.75 million AAV deal with the Predators.
The Panthers have gone to the veteran defenseman well again, signing Jeff Petry to a one-year, $775,000 contract.
Fresh off a Stanley Cup with the Panthers, defenseman Nate Schmidt is joining the Mammoth by way of a three-year, $3.5 million AAV contract.
The NHL career of James van Riemsdyk will continue, as he has agreed to terms with the Red Wings on a one-year, $1 million deal. Separately, the Wings added Jacob Bernard-Docker on a one-year, $875,000 contract.
The Bruins add to their depth, agreeing to terms with Sean Kuraly on a two-year, $1.85 million AAV pact.
Another key member of the Panthers’ championship roster is returning. Veteran forward Tomas Nosek has agreed to a one-year deal.
After completing the 2024-25 season with the Jets, veteran forward Brandon Tanev is sticking in the Central Division, but heading to Utah by way of a three-year, $2.5 million AAV deal.
Take another goalie’s name off the big board! Kaapo Kahkonen has agreed to terms with the Canadiens on a one-year deal worth $1.15 million. In a separate deal, the club also signed forward Sammy Blais.
The winner of the 2020 Hobey Baker Award as the top player in NCAA men’s hockey, defenseman Scott Perunovich has signed a one-year deal with the Mammoth.
In need of some backup goaltending depth, the Islanders agreed to terms with “Big Save” Dave Rittich on a one-year deal.
Diminutive, versatile forward Kailer Yamamoto is the latest player added by the Mammoth, by way of a one-year, $775,000 pact.
Veteran center Nick Bjugstad has made his decision: He’s joining the Blues by way of a two-year contract.
Veteran defenseman Ryan Lindgren finished the 2024-25 season with the Avalanche, and he’ll head northwest for his next NHL home, agreeing to terms on a four-year, $4.5 million AAV contract.
The Senators haven’t been able to lure any new free agents to the club yet, but their re-signing game remains strong. After re-upping with Claude Giroux, the Sens also continued their business relationship with Nick Cousins via a one-year, $825,000 pact.
Sure to be a fan favorite in Beantown, veteran forward Tanner Jeannot has agreed to terms on a five-year contract with the Bruins, with a $3.4 million AAV.
A sixth-round pick in the 2016 draft, winger Michael Pezzetta is going from Montreal to Toronto via a two-year, $787,500 AAV contract.
Connor Brown impressed a lot of viewers with inspired play during the Oilers’ run to the Stanley Cup Final. Now, he’ll bring that energy to the Devils, who have signed him to a four-year, $3 million AAV contract.
The defenseman market is one key player smaller, as the Rangers have agreed to terms with Vladislav Gavrikov on a seven-year, $7 million AAV contract.
One of the top goaltending options available is off the board, with Dan Vladar joining the Flyers via a two-year, $3.35 million AAV contract.
Veteran feisty forward Corey Perry is switching sides in the Oilers-Kings rivalry, agreeing to terms on a one-year deal with salary and bonuses worth $3.5 million. Separately, the Kings also signed veteran forward Joel Armia to a two-year deal with a $2.5 million AAV.
One of the top available free agents has made a decision … and he’ll be re-signing. Brock Boeser is back with the Canucks by way of a seven-year, $7.3 million AAV contract.
Parker Kelly will continue his career with the Avalanche, agreeing to terms on a four-year contract with a $1.7 million AAV.
Veteran forward Colin Blackwell will be returning to the Stars, agreeing to terms on a two-year deal with a $775,000 AAV.
Christian Dvorak has moved on from the Canadiens, agreeing to a one-year, $5.4 million contract with the Flyers.
Noah Juulsen, welcome to Philly! The Flyers have inked the 28-year-old defenseman to a one-year, $900,000 deal.
Defenseman Ryan Johnson is sticking with the Sabres, agreeing to terms on a three-year deal with a $775,000 AAV.
The top-rated goaltender slated to hit free agency this offseason will not make it to market; Jake Allen is back with the Devils via a five-year contract with a $1.8 million AAV.
Veteran offensive defenseman Tony DeAngelo will be back with the Islanders for 2025-26, agreeing to terms on a one-year, $1.75 million contract.
June 30
The Red Wings will be continuing their relationship with veteran forward Patrick Kane, inking a one-year, $3 million extension.
The band is getting back together. After re-upping with Sam Bennett last week, the Panthers re-signed both Aaron Ekblad and Brad Marchand on Monday.
Rumors of a Mitch Marner trade popped up during draft weekend, and they came to fruition Monday, as the Maple Leafs inked Marner to an eight-year, $12 million average annual value extension, then traded him to the Golden Knights for Nicolas Roy.
The Oilers will not be allowing one of their promising young players to leave via offer sheet, as they signed restricted free agent defenseman Evan Bouchard to a four-year, $10.5 million AAV contract.
Veteran defenseman Ivan Provorov would have been one of the most sought-after blueliners on the free agent market. Instead, he’ll be back with the Blue Jackets for the foreseeable future, agreeing to a seven-year, $8.5 million AAV deal.
Sports
Harris, horse breeder, philanthropist, dies at 81
Published
7 hours agoon
July 4, 2025By
admin
-
Associated Press
Jul 3, 2025, 11:02 PM ET
COALINGA, Calif. — John C. Harris, a breeder of thoroughbreds whose Harris Farms foaled and raised 2014 Kentucky Derby winner California Chrome and 2000 Horse of the Year Tiznow, died. He was 81.
He died Wednesday, according to Harris Farms. No cause of death or location was provided.
Harris didn’t breed either California Chrome, a two-time Horse of the Year, or Tiznow, but both spent their early years at his Coalinga farm in California’s San Joaquin Valley near Fresno. Both horses were elected to the sport’s Hall of Fame.
Del Mar is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of John Harris, one of the pillars of racing & breeding in California. pic.twitter.com/Mm71oAaxD7
— Del Mar Racetrack (@DelMarRacing) July 3, 2025
California Chrome was the first California-bred to win the Derby since 1962. The colt went on to win the Preakness, but had his Triple Crown bid derailed in the Belmont.
Harris Farms stood many leading California sires, including Unusual Heat, Cee’s Tizzy, Lucky Pulpit, Eclipse Award winner Acclamation and Smiling Tiger.
Harris was born on his family’s farm on July 14, 1943. He graduated from the University of California, Davis in 1965 with a degree in animal production. He served for two years in the Army.
He became the sole shareholder and CEO of Harris Farms in 1981 following the death of his father, Jack, and led the ranch for decades, including Harris Ranch Inn & Restaurant, Harris Ranch Beef Co., Harris Feeding Co., Harris Farms Thoroughbred Division and Harris Fresh.
Harris was also known for his philanthropic efforts, supporting his alma mater as well as Cal Poly San Luis Obispo and Fresno State. He donated horses to a program at Pleasant Valley State Prison in Coalinga that gives horses and prisoners a new start through its vocational training program.
“Mr. Harris’ foresight, courage and willingness to invest his energy and assets in making our sport be better and rise higher in the eyes of the general public was a thing of pure beauty,” the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club said in a statement. “We owe him a great debt for dedicating his life to the marvelous animals we all love.”
Harris served as chairman of the California Horse Racing Board for three years and was a longtime board member and former president of the California Thoroughbred Breeders Association. He served on the board of the Thoroughbred Owners of California and was a member of the California Racing Hall of Fame.
“No one understood and appreciated the intersection of agriculture and Thoroughbred breeding and racing more than John, who was a farmer at heart,” Tom Rooney, president and CEO of the National Thoroughbred Racing Association, said in a statement. “His presence was felt from his native California, to the farms and sales rings he frequented in central Kentucky, and all the way to Washington, D.C., where he helped shape and support the industry’s federal policies.”
Harris was involved in horse breeding and racing for more than 50 years.
He gave trainer Carla Gaines her first horse in 1989 and she went on to train numerous stakes winners for Harris Farms.
“His contributions to the thoroughbred industry in our state cannot be overstated and his support was unwavering,” Santa Anita Park said in a statement. “The green and white Harris Farms silks were omnipresent in Santa Anita’s winner’s circle and the legacy of the man they represent will be everlasting.”
Harris is survived by his wife, Cookie.

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ESPN News Services
Jul 3, 2025, 03:14 PM ET
Washington Nationals slugger James Wood will bring his massive power to the big stage, becoming the third player to commit to the July 14 Home Run Derby in Atlanta.
Wood, 22, has delivered 22 home runs in 86 games during his first full major league season. He was acquired by the Nationals in 2022 as part of the package of top prospects Washington received in the trade that sent Juan Soto to the San Diego Padres.
Wood announced the commitment on Instagram, with a video montage of himself, along with video clips of former Atlanta Braves star Hank Aaron hitting his record 714th home run in 1974. The video included the words, “Derby bound.”
Wood has 12 homers that have been hit harder than 110 mph. It’s the second most in the league behind Dodgers superstar Shohei Ohtani‘s 13. Wood also has four dingers that have been launched longer than 445 feet.
The Seattle Mariners‘ Cal Raleigh and the Braves’ Ronald Acuna Jr. also have committed to the event, with five more participants still to be named.
Raleigh, who would become the first catcher to win the event, has a major-league-best 33 home runs. Acuna has nine home runs in 36 games after returning from a torn left ACL that also limited him to 49 games last season.
Defending champion Teoscar Hernandez of the Los Angeles Dodgers already has said he will not defend his Home Run Derby crown.
Field Level Media and The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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