The Edmonton Oilers signed KHL goaltender Mikko Koskinen to a one-year contract on Tuesday, the team announced.
The 29-year-old is coming off his fourth season with SKA St. Petersbrug where he put up a monstrous 1.57 GAA and a .937 save percentage in 29 games.
Koskinen also represented Finland at the Olympics where he once again was stellar, finishing with a 1.62 GAA and a .932 save percentage en route to an eighth-place finish.
He was originally drafted 31st overall by the New York Islanders in 2009, where he played just four career games.
After years of poor finishes, the Sabres finally secured the first overall pick at Saturday night's draft lottery, giving Buffalo GM Jason Botterill the opportunity to alter his franchise's future. It's arguable, however, that this year's draft gets much more interesting after the first three picks.
Let's take a look at how the first round might play out (playoff team draft order determined by regular-season point totals):
1. Buffalo Sabres
D Rasmus Dahlin | D | Frolunda HC (SHL) Midterm CSB Rank (European): 1 | Final CSB Rank: 1
With his elite skill and dynamic play, Dahlin has the potential to be a game-changer for the Sabres. He's without question the prospect in this draft with the highest ceiling, checking every box - skating, smarts, puck-handling - for the ideal puck-moving defender.
2. Carolina Hurricanes
Andrei Svechnikov | RW | Barrie Colts (OHL) Midterm CSB Rank (North American): 1 | Final CSB Rank: 1
Svechnikov brings the kind of dynamic offensive play the Hurricanes need. His elite hockey IQ allows him to score goals and set them up, and he's difficult to knock off the puck. Don't be surprised if he's on an NHL roster by opening night.
3. Montreal Canadiens
Filip Zadina | LW | Halifax Mooseheads (QMJHL) Midterm CSB Rank (North American): 2 | Final CSB Rank: 3
In addition to a strong work ethic and high-end hockey sense, Zadina supplies the elite offensive skill that the Canadiens' forward prospect pool lacks. He can score from almost anywhere, but the top of the circles down is where he does the most damage. He'll be an excellent top-line wing.
4. Ottawa Senators
Adam Boqvist | D | Brynas IF (SuperElit/SHL) Midterm CSB Rank (European): 2 | Final CSB Rank: 2
While not as advanced as Dahlin, Boqvist is a defenseman in a similar mold. He possesses high-end hockey smarts, excellent skating, and great passing and shooting ability. He's aggressive offensively and strong defensively, thanks in no small part to his skating. As one of the younger players in the draft, his potential is significant.
5. Arizona Coyotes
Brady Tkachuk | LW | Boston University (NCAA) Midterm CSB Ranking (North American): 3 | Final CSB Rank: 2
Tkachuk barely missed being eligible for the 2017 draft, so we have a better idea of his development path. Fortunately, it seems to be a good one. He fits the gritty, tough-to-play-against Tkachuk mold, but his hockey sense and passing abilities may be the best in his family. His skating could still use some work, including his first step.
6. Detroit Red Wings
Quintin Hughes | D | University of Michigan (NCAA) Midterm CSB Ranking (North American): 4 | Final CSB Rank: 6
His brother Jack is getting all the attention after a fantastic U18 Worlds showing, but Quinn Hughes is no slouch. He may be the best skater in this year's draft, and his offensive instincts are sublime. He's a creative and brilliant player, which comes with risks. But with Hughes, they're worth it.
7. Vancouver Canucks
Evan Bouchard | D | London Knights (OHL) Midterm CSB Ranking (North American): 5 | Final CSB Rank: 4
Bouchard is one of the older prospects in the draft, so what kind of player he'll be is a bit more clear. He's a solid puck-mover with NHL size who can quarterback a power play. While there are more skilled defensemen in the class, he seems like catnip for Canucks GM Jim Benning et al.
8. Chicago Blackhawks
Noah Dobson | D | Acadie-Bathurst Titan (QMJHL) Midterm CSB Ranking (North American): 8 | Final CSB Rank: 5
A defensive prospect pool with Dobson and Henri Jokiharju is a defensive prospect pool in decent shape. Dobson is a very good skater who can play top-four minutes and has high-end smarts. His defensive positioning and gap control are strong, and he has a bomb of a shot.
9. New York Rangers
Oliver Wahlstrom | C/RW | U.S. National Team Development Program Midterm CSB Ranking (North American): 7 | Final CSB Rank: 7
Wahlstrom is a stellar puck-handler - possibly the best in the draft - and can score in just about any way you can think of. He dominates play when he's on the ice, especially alongside linemates Jack Hughes and Joel Farabee. He's an excellent skater, too, and isn't afraid to go to the dirty areas.
10. Edmonton Oilers
Joseph Veleno | C | Drummondville Voltigeurs (QMJHL) Midterm CSB Ranking (North American): 13 | Final CSB Rank: 8
Veleno was the first player to obtain exceptional status - that is, permission to play at age 15 - in the QMJHL. He's a solid center at both ends of the ice, and his vision and hockey smarts are exceptional. Veleno brings burning speed along with his high-end offensive skill.
11. New York Islanders
Ty Smith | D | Spokane Chiefs (WHL) Midterm CSB Ranking (North American): 14 | Final CSB Rank: 14
Some might shy away from Smith because of his size, but they shouldn't. He's one of the best defenders in this draft class. He's poised with the puck, his decision-making is solid, and he's an excellent skater.
12. New York Islanders (from Calgary Flames)
Jesperi Kotkaniemi | C | Assat (Liiga) Midterm CSB Ranking (European): 3 | Final CSB Rank: 2
A solid center who can score goals and set up plays, Kotkaniemi has excellent vision and can read the ice well in any zone. Though he can keep up with play, his skating could use some work. He's got potential to be a good two-way center at the NHL level - something the Islanders could use more of if things go south with John Tavares this summer.
13. Dallas Stars
Joel Farabee | LW | U.S. National Team Development Program Midterm CSB Ranking (North American): 11 | Final CSB Rank: 12
Farabee is dangerous offensively, able to burn defenders with his top speed and hold on to the puck at that speed, creating opportunities for himself and his linemates. He's a hard worker in all three zones and can anticipate the play of opponents and teammates alike. Take a moment and imagine him on Tyler Seguin's wing.
14. Philadelphia Flyers (from St. Louis Blues)
Barrett Hayton | C | Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds (OHL) Midterm CSB Ranking (North American): 6 | Final CSB Rank: 9
Hayton has improved noticeably this season and has significant potential moving forward. He's smart, but he's not the type to get overly creative. He's more likely to move the puck forward or use his great release than dangle an opponent. He works hard and smart defensively, but he needs to improve his overall consistency.
15. Florida Panthers
Rasmus Kupari | C | Karpat (Liiga) Midterm CSB Ranking (European): 6 | Final CSB Rank: 11
A quick-skating center with an offensive mindset, Kupari held his own as an underager in a men's professional league this season. His vision and stickhandling make him a good playmaker, but he could stand to improve his play in his own end and add some strength.
16. Colorado Avalanche
Grigori Denisenko | LW | Loko Yaroslavl (MHL) Midterm CSB Ranking (European): 4 | Final CSB Rank: 7
Denisenko is an excellent skater whose vision and hockey sense allow him to make creative plays that always seem to find his teammates. His defensive game needs work, but his offensive ceiling is high. Given time to develop, he could thrive alongside some of the Avalanche's centers.
A strong skater with a high hockey IQ, Lundestrom brings to the table the ability to both set up his teammates and finish plays himself with his quick release. He works hard in all three zones and is strong defensively. He could stand to shoot more and pass less.
18. Columbus Blue Jackets
Dominik Bokk | RW | Vaxjo Lakers HC (SuperElit/SHL) Midterm CSB Ranking (Europoean): 8 | Final CSB Rank: 12
While Bokk's offensive skill is raw, it's very real. He's an incredible stickhandler who sees the ice very well, able to make the smart play with the puck, and he's an elusive skater. Though his defensive game needs work, it should improve with more time against tougher competition.
19. Philadelphia Flyers
Martin Kaut | RW | HC Dynamo Pardubice (Czech Extraliga) Midterm CSB Ranking (European): 11 | Final CSB Rank: 4
Quick and committed at both ends of the ice, Kaut joins Zadina as a first-round Czech prospect. He handled himself well in the top Czech league this season and was a point-per-game player at the world juniors.
20. Los Angeles Kings
Bode Wilde | D | U.S. National Team Development Program Midterm CSB Ranking (North American): 22 | Final CSB Rank: 17
High-risk, high-reward seems to be the name of the game for most USNTDP defensive prospects these days, and Wilde is no exception. He's an excellent skater and plays a strong offensive game, but his defensive game is inconsistent and needs time to develop. His ceiling could be sky-high, but a team has to be willing to take the risk that comes with that and work to mitigate it.
21. San Jose Sharks
Ryan Merkley | D | Guelph Storm (OHL) Midterm CSB Ranking (North American): 21 | Final CSB Rank: 45
Merkley is a contentious defensive prospect. His highs are very high, but his mistakes can be egregious. Looking at pure skill, he should go higher than 21st. But due to his size and teams' aversion to risk, he likely won't. The Sharks should take advantage of this oversight and work to develop Merkley into his best-case scenario.
22. Ottawa Senators (from Pittsburgh Penguins)
Jared McIsaac | D | Halifax Mooseheads (QMJHL) Midterm CSB Ranking (North American): 12 | Final CSB Rank: 13
No one knows how the Erik Karlsson situation is going to pan out, so adding as many skilled defensive prospects as possible is a good approach for the Senators. McIsaac is no Boqvist, but he's an excellent skater who can lead the rush and quarterback a power play. He's hard to beat one-on-one, and his positioning and gap control are good, but he could stand to get stronger.
23. Anaheim Ducks
Serron Noel | RW | Oshawa Generals (OHL) Midterm CSB Ranking (North American): 9 | Final CSB Rank: 10
Noel has been one of the most confusing prospects this season, but he's got real raw potential. At 6-foot-5, he already has NHL size, and his skating improved significantly this season. He's got a lethal shot, scoring 28 goals this season, but he needs to be more consistent.
24. Minnesota Wild
Alexander Alexeyev | D | Red Deer Rebels (WHL) Midterm CSB Ranking (North American): 26 | Final CSB Rank: 22
Alexeyev isn't a high-risk, high-reward defensive prospect, but don't take that to mean he's a boring stay-at-home type. He's mobile, has sound positioning, and carries the puck smoothly up the ice. He's not dynamic offensively, but he also rarely has serious miscues.
25. Toronto Maple Leafs
Ryan McLeod | C | Mississauga Steelheads (OHL) Midterm CSB Ranking (North American): 16 | Final CSB Rank: 16
When opportunity knocked at the beginning of the season, the youngest McLeod answered. He's one of the older players in this year's draft, so we can see his development path a bit better than others. His skating is excellent, particularly his edgework, and his vision and hockey sense allow him to slow down the game and create plays.
26. Washington Capitals
Akil Thomas | C | Niagara IceDogs (OHL) Midterm CSB Ranking (North American): 10 | Final CSB Rank: 15
If you had to describe Thomas in one word, "speedy" immediately jumps to mind. He reaches his top speed quickly and maintains it when he has the puck on his stick. He's a skilled playmaker, able to quarterback the power play. He stickhandles well and has great vision, though his defensive game could still use development.
27. Detroit Red Wings (from Vegas Golden Knights)
Rasmus Sandin | D | Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds (OHL) Midterm CSB Ranking (North American): 15 | Final CSB Rank: 11
Sandin is extremely smart, with great vision and good passing skills that allow him to set up plays on the power play. His timing is good - he knows, for the most part, when to pinch and when not to - and his defensive positioning is sound. He's not the best skater in the class, but he's agile and knows how to use it.
28. New York Rangers (from Boston Bruins)
Jonathan Tychonick | D | Penticton Vees (BCHL) Midterm CSB Ranking (North American): 45 | Final CSB Rank: 36
Tychonick is a speedy, mobile defender with top-notch hockey smarts and vision. His game is offensively oriented but his defensive positioning and instincts are sound. He'll continue his development at the University of North Dakota next season.
29. New York Rangers (from Tampa Bay Lightning)
Jacob Olofsson | C | Timra IK (Allsvenskan) Midterm CSB Ranking (European): 5 | Final CSB Rank: 9
Olofsson has a good top speed, and he reaches it quickly. Combine that with his high-end puck-handling skills and ability to read the ice, and he's a major threat off the rush. He isn't the most creative player, but smart and simple works for him.
30. St. Louis Blues (from Winnipeg Jets)
K'Andre Miller | D | U.S. National Team Development Program Midterm CSB Ranking (North American): 31 | Final CSB Rank: 23
Miller only converted from forward to defense a few years ago, but he's come a long way in that time. He's a great skater, even at 6-foot-3, and has strong puck-handling and passing skills. Though he needs a few more years of development, there's real potential there.
31. Chicago Blackhawks (from Nashville Predators)
Jake Wise | C | U.S. National Team Development Program Midterm CSB Ranking (North American): NR | Final CSB Rank: 38
Wise has a good future ahead of him as a top-six center. He's crafty with the puck and is a strong skater. He missed the first half of the season due to injury, but has been solid for the NTDP since his return.
The star forward explained that the players refer to themselves by that name, but that he doesn't consider himself a leader of the group.
"I wish," Karlsson added, per The Athletic's Eric Duhatschek. "There were some other Golden Misfits leaders. I just try to blend in.”
The Golden Knights' unexpected success has been well-documented, and they've indeed done it with a collection of players who were cast aside for one reason or another by their former organizations.
Karlsson has enjoyed a phenomenal breakout season with Vegas since being left exposed by the Columbus Blue Jackets and chosen by the Golden Knights in the expansion draft. He ranked third in the NHL with 43 goals in the regular season and racked up 78 points in 82 games, obliterating his previous career highs of nine goals (in 2015-16) and 25 points (last season).
He's carried that success into the playoffs as Vegas' improbable run has continued, potting four goals (including two game-winners) and nine points in seven games.
WASHINGTON - Braden Holtby has looked a little more like himself lately - and that's great news for the Capitals.
Since coming off the bench in the first round, Holtby has won five of his six starts and stopped all but 14 shots he has faced. He owns the fifth-best save percentage (.932) and fourth-best goals-against average (1.95) among qualified playoff goaltenders heading into Game 3 of the Capitals' second-round tilt with the Penguins on Tuesday night in Pittsburgh.
Holtby has been particularly sublime in the second round, turning aside 54 of 58 shots in two games against the Penguins. He was a big part of Washington's series win over the Columbus Blue Jackets in the first round, and he could play an even more important role in helping his team reach the conference final.
"He's been rock solid, really making the routine saves look really easy," Capitals defenseman Matt Niskanen told theScore. "He's mixed in some big saves on better scoring chances. Gives you a lot of confidence. You can just focus on your own game, knowing that he's going to be there for you."
Some suggested coach Barry Trotz's decision to start backup Philipp Grubauer instead of Holtby for Washington's first-round series against the Blue Jackets was essentially a benching. Others thought Trotz was just going with the guy who was playing better.
Holtby lost six of his last 12 starts of the regular season and admitted he'd struggled with fatigue throughout the year. He certainly wasn't at his best. His .907 save percentage in 2017-18 was his lowest ever, and he was pulled more often than at any other point in his career, including three times in a six-game span in early March.
Then, after a shaky Grubauer allowed eight goals on 46 shots in his two starts, Holtby replaced him late in the second game of the first-round series. Since then, he's resembled the goalie who won a Vezina Trophy two years ago, the Jennings Trophy last year, and owns the second-highest career playoff save percentage in NHL history.
"He's been sharp and that's what you need in the playoffs," Niskanen said. "You need your goalie to be really good, especially to beat a good team."
(Photo courtesy: Getty Images)
Holtby didn't have a good outing in the playoffs last year, and that was arguably the difference in Washington's second-round series against Pittsburgh. Simply put, the Penguins got much better goaltending from Marc-Andre Fleury than the Capitals did from Holtby.
By the end of the series, which Pittsburgh won en route to its second straight Stanley Cup win, the teams were separated by two goals (20-18). It's crazy to think how it might have ended had Holtby made a few more saves.
This might be the year he'll do it. No longer tentative against their longtime rival, the Capitals have come flying out of the gate in each of the first two games against a team still dealing with the absence of second-line center Evgeni Malkin. Washington built a 2-0 lead only to see it evaporate in a Game 1 loss, but bounced back nicely to even the series heading to Pittsburgh.
None of that is by accident. The Capitals aren't facing the pressure of the last two years, and it shows. They don't seem intimidated by the Penguins - and part of that is because of Holtby. His confidence and poise in net have had a trickle-down effect on the rest of the team.
"Just confidence," coach Barry Trotz said. "It starts there. Any time you have a goaltender who's playing well in this sport, it gives your team confidence. It gives them trust, it gives them confidence - I'll just say a more aggressive posture when you're playing the game. When that's not there, you tend to not be as aggressive."
The Carolina Hurricanes are turning to one of the most experienced executives in hockey as they continue to reshape their front office.
Rick Dudley is vacating his position as Montreal Canadiens senior vice president of hockey operations to join the Hurricanes in the same capacity, Carolina announced Tuesday.
Dudley has more than 45 years of experience in professional hockey, and worked with current Hurricanes acting general manager Don Waddell with the Atlanta Thrashers from 2009-11.
He joined the Canadiens in 2012 and was promoted to the senior VP level in 2014.
Dudley was also head coach of the Buffalo Sabres for parts of three seasons in the late 1980s and early '90s, and had a 40-game stint as the Panthers bench boss in 2003-04.
