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The NHL named Sergei Bobrovsky, Thatcher Demko and Connor Hellebuyck finalists for the Vezina Trophy.

The Vezina Trophy, which goes to the goaltender adjudged to be the best at his position, was voted on by the NHL’s general managers with Bobrovsky, Demko and Hellebuyck finishing in the top three in votes for this season.

A two-time Vezina winner, Bobrovsky was one of the most crucial components of the Florida Panthers‘ success. After reaching the Stanley Cup Final last year as the No. 8 seed, the Panthers came into this season with expectations, while also managing a roster with players who required offseason surgeries.

It made Bobrovsky, who won the award in 2013 and 2017, even more vital. He finished the season 36-17-4 with a 2.37 goals-against average and a .915 save percentage to help the club win its second Atlantic Division title in three seasons while setting the second-highest points total in franchise history. Bobrovsky was third in wins, third in GAA and seventh in save percentage.

Hellebuyck, who won the award in 2020, played a significant role in the Winnipeg Jets becoming one of the NHL’s best regular-season teams. The Jets finished the season with 52 wins while their 110 points kept them in contention for the Presidents Trophy. Hellebuyck finished with a 37-19-4 record, a 2.39 GAA and a .921 save percentage. Those figures were good enough for him to finish second in wins, second in save percentage and fourth in GAA.

Demko, who would be seeking his first Vezina, had the best season of his career despite missing several games with a knee injury. Still, Demko helped the Vancouver Canucks go from being a team that missed the playoffs last season to one that won the Pacific Division while finishing with 109 points. He finished the season 35-14-2 with a 2.45 GAA and .918 save percentage. Demko was sixth in wins, fifth in GAA and third in save percentage.

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Johnson, 2-time Cup winner with Lightning, retires

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Johnson, 2-time Cup winner with Lightning, retires

Tyler Johnson has announced his retirement after playing 13 NHL seasons and winning the Stanley Cup twice with the Tampa Bay Lightning.

Johnson called it a career in a lengthy message posted on social media Monday. Johnson had battled injuries in recent years and is set to turn 35 on July 29.

“As a short kid from a small town, I saw my chances of playing in the NHL as very slim,” Johnson wrote on Instagram. “But my family — my parents, Ken and Debbie, and my grandparents — believed in me when doubt clouded my mind. Their unwavering faith turned that dream into reality.”

Listed at 5-foot-8 and 191 pounds, Johnson won at just about ever level, capturing the Western Hockey League and Memorial Cup championships in 2008 with his hometown Spokane Chiefs and the Calder Cup championship with Norfolk of the American Hockey League in 2012.

The NHL brought more success, as he skated in 863 regular-season and playoff games since debuting in the league in 2013, putting up 498 points. Johnson was part of the Lightning’s core when they reached the final in 2015 and helped them hoist the Cup back to back in 2020 and ’21.

Johnson finished with Chicago, playing three seasons with the Blackhawks, and Boston, signing with the Bruins early last season following his training camp tryout.

“After a lifetime devoted to hockey, I’m ready for what’s next,” Johnson said. “This moment is bittersweet, but I leave the game with no regrets.”

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‘Gritty’ McBain secures 5-year deal from Mammoth

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'Gritty' McBain secures 5-year deal from Mammoth

SALT LAKE CITY — The Utah Mammoth re-signed center Jack McBain to a five-year contract worth $21.25 million on Monday.

McBain will count $4.25 million against the salary cap through the 2029-30 NHL season, which was announced a little more than 24 hours since the team elected salary arbitration with the restricted free agent forward.

“He is a big, strong, physical player who competes hard on a nightly basis and brings a gritty toughness to our group,” general manager Bill Armstrong said. “Jack is an important part of the championship-caliber team we are building, and we look forward to having him back on our roster for the foreseeable future.”

McBain, 25, is coming off setting a career high with 27 points and playing all 82 games. He was one of six players to skate in every game of the organization’s first season in Salt Lake City.

“Jack’s versatility as a player, his care for his teammates and his demonstrated willingness to do whatever it takes to win, are all critical elements to our future team success,” president of hockey operations Chris Armstrong said.

McBain has 82 points in 241 games with the franchise, which moved to Utah from Arizona. Since debuting in April 2022, he ranks third in the league with 832 hits.

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‘Workhorse’ York nets five-year deal from Flyers

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'Workhorse' York nets five-year deal from Flyers

Cam York and the Philadelphia Flyers agreed to terms Monday on a five-year contract worth $25.75 million, with re-signing the restricted free agent defenseman completing perhaps the team’s last important piece of offseason business.

York, 25, will count $5.15 million against the salary cap through the 2029-30 NHL season. That price could turn out to be a bargain with the upper limit rising from $88 million this past season to $113.5 million by 2027-28.

“Cam has been a workhorse for our team over the last few seasons,” general manager Danny Briere said. “We’re excited by his development and look forward to his continued growth and emergence as a young leader within our group.”

The Flyers are trying to shift from rebuilding to contending, and York was the final player on the roster without a contract. They acquired Trevor Zegras in a trade from Anaheim last month and signed fellow center Christian Dvorak and backup goaltender Dan Vladar on the first day of free agency.

York, the 14th pick in the 2019 draft, has skated nearly 21 minutes a game so far in his pro career, all with Philadelphia. He has 77 points in 235 games for the Flyers, who have not made the playoffs since 2020.

“I believe in this team, and I love the direction we are heading,” York said. “I couldn’t be more excited to continue this journey and build something special together.”

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