Up-and-coming blue-liner Nicolas Hague was named the Canadian Hockey League's defenseman of the year Saturday as the development league handed out its annual awards.
Selected with the 34th pick in last year's draft, Hague recently completed his third season with the OHL's Mississauga Steelheads, recording a team-leading 78 points with 35 goals - the most by an OHL defender since 1998.
When his junior year ended, the 19-year-old got a taste of the pro ranks, appearing in five games with the AHL's Chicago Wolves, the Golden Knights' minor-league affiliate. He's expected to return to the Steelheads next season.
Also among the award winners was Philadelphia Flyers prospect Carter Hart, who was named the CHL's goaltender of the year. The Everett Silvertips netminder is the first two-time recipient of the award after winning it in 2015-16. Earlier this month, he became the first WHL goalie to win three straight Del Wilson Memorial Trophies, presented to that league's goaltender of the year.
Alex Barre-Boulet was named player of the year after he capped his season with the QMJHL's Blainville-Boisbriand Armada by tallying 116 points in just 65 games. The performance comes after he finished the 2016-17 campaign with 81 points in 65 games. In March, the 21-year-old signed with the Tampa Bay Lightning as an undrafted free agent.
After falling short of their Stanley Cup aspirations in the Eastern Conference Final, the Tampa Bay Lightning's focus shifts to the draft, roster players in need of contracts, and free agency.
While it's an important period for any team, one name in particular sticks out above the rest on the Lightning's ledger, as superstar Nikita Kucherov is eligible for a contract extension July 1.
Kucherov, a restricted free agent after next season, has one year at $4.67 million remaining on his bridge deal signed in 2016. Based on his incredible body of work since inking the team-friendly contract, it's safe to assume the 24-year-old is due for a hefty raise, but it doesn't appear his summer will be occupied with negotiations.
Kucherov's agent, Dan Milstein, told Joe Smith of The Athletic that the Lightning and Kucherov haven't begun talks on a new deal and aren't expected to until the 2018-19 season starts.
It doesn't appear Lightning fans have reason to worry, though.
"He wants to stay in Tampa - he doesn't want to go anywhere," Milstein said. "Worst case, it's arbitration, they're not going to lose him. Both sides want him to be in Tampa."
Since signing his last contract, Kucherov has blossomed into one of the league's premier offensive threats. In 154 games played, he ranks third among all players in goals (79), second in points (185), and third in points per game (1.20).
This year's Stanley Cup Final pits a perennial contender finally on the verge of glory against a first-year expansion team looking to shock the world.
It's been an exhilarating ride to the Cup and while everyone knows about Alex Ovechkin's elusive pursuit of his first title, a lot of strong contributors for both the Washington Capitals and Vegas Golden Knights have yet to receive national recognition.
If you're scrambling to find familiarity with both teams, have no fear, we have you covered. Here is every player in this year's Final, ranked:
1. Alex Ovechkin, Capitals
At this point, we all know the talking points. The seven-time Rocket Richard Trophy winner is looking to win his first Stanley Cup, in what would be the culmination of one of the greatest careers of the 21st century. Ovechkin is the face of the Caps, won the Richard again this year, and has been an all-around menace this spring. It's time for him to lift the Cup.
2. Marc-Andre Fleury, Golden Knights
It's hard to imagine the Golden Knights getting anywhere near the Cup without Fleury in phenomenal form. Posting a spectacular .947 save percentage and 1.68 goals against average, Fleury is playing the best hockey of his career and will be counted upon to steal a game or two for the Golden Knights against the Capitals' vaunted offense.
3. Evgeny Kuznetsov, Capitals
An electrifying talent, Kuznetsov has elevated his game throughout the playoffs and leads all players with 24 points. Kuznetsov's speed and ability to navigate in tight spaces are key assets for the Capitals. He's the player most likely to score a goal that will live on highlight reels forever, while angling for the Conn Smythe Trophy.
4. Braden Holtby, Capitals
It feels like ancient history at this point but Holtby was benched in favor of Philipp Grubauer for the start of the playoffs. Holtby has performed admirably since, rounding himself into top shape with a .923 save percentage and 2.04 GAA. If Holtby can replicate his Vezina Trophy-winning form, it will be nearly impossible to take down the Capitals.
5. John Carlson, Capitals
Carlson will be the most coveted unrestricted free-agent defenseman on the open market this summer and could see his value ascend to astronomical levels with a standout Cup. The 28-year-old led all D-men with 68 points during the regular season and could propel the Capitals to the title with his offensive exploits.
6. Jonathan Marchessault, Golden Knights
Marchessault scored 30 goals with the Florida Panthers in 2016-17, and yet they were still compelled to leave him unprotected in the expansion draft. Big mistake. Marchessault notched 75 points during the regular season and leads the Golden Knights with eight goals and 18 points during the playoffs. With excellent vision and puck skills from in close, Marchessault will be relied upon heavily to spearhead Vegas' offense.
7. Nicklas Backstrom, Capitals
Although the prevailing narrative is built around Ovechkin's quest for the Cup, Backstrom has been there every step of the way, serving as one of the NHL's most reliable playmakers. This spring is no different, and Backstrom - despite a hand injury - will be counted upon to tee up Ovechkin and Co., while adding secondary goal-scoring throughout the series if the Capitals are to raise the trophy.
8. William Karlsson, Golden Knights
Karlsson best embodies the unpredictable success of the Golden Knights. Made available by the Columbus Blue Jackets, Karlsson unexpectedly scored 43 goals, topping his previous career best of nine. Gifted with excellent speed, Karlsson can score in traffic and navigate tight spaces with proficiency. With 13 points through 15 playoff games, Karlsson will need to continue to light the lamp for Vegas to win the Cup.
9. Reilly Smith, Golden Knights
The final component of the Golden Knights' top line, Smith has served as a strong playmaker through the postseason, dishing out 14 assists and adding two goals in 15 games. Much like his linemates, Smith could cap off a season in the grandest way imaginable if he continues to produce.
10. T.J. Oshie, Capitals
A devastating player in 1-on-1 scenarios, Oshie has continued to amplify the Capitals' offense throughout the playoffs, posting seven goals and 15 points in 19 games. Oshie was the hero of Washington's Game 6 victory over Tampa Bay in the Eastern Conference finals, and his propensity to excel on the big stage will be tested once again.
11. Matt Niskanen, Capitals
Niskanen isn't the flashiest player in this series, but he gets the job done. Logging over 25 minutes per game, Niskanen is a solid presence in his own end and can contribute secondary offense when necessary.
12. Tom Wilson, Capitals
Some may object to Wilson's place on this list but his impact is certainly felt by his opponents. One of the league's most punishing hitters, Wilson is a strong skater who will get under his opponent's skin throughout the contest and is constantly aggressive on the forecheck. Because he's prone to theatrics, Wilson's overall skill set has been criminally underrated. Count him out at your own peril.
13. Nate Schmidt, Golden Knights
Schmidt is looking for revenge against his former club and leads Vegas in ice time, playing just under 25 minutes per game. It's unlikely Schmidt will make headlines, but he's vital to the Golden Knights' defensive scheme and organization within their own end.
14. Lars Eller, Capitals
Eller signed a five-year, $17.5-million extension with the Capitals in February in large part due to his consistency and embodies everything you'd want out of a modern third-line center. Although he's seldom been used in this capacity with the Capitals, Eller is capable of contributing from the wing if needed.
15. James Neal, Golden Knights
Prior to the season, Neal was expected to be the catalyst of the Golden Knights' offense. Although he's been usurped by the team's first line, Neal is still a prototypical power forward capable of breaking games open with his size, speed, and puck control in tight spaces. Neal has notched 40 goals in his career before and could be due for an offensive explosion during the Final.
16. Dmitry Orlov, Capitals
Orlov is a mobile defenseman who often leads breakouts and provides secondary offense routinely for the Capitals. A good hitter in the open ice, Orlov can get caught out of position while aggressively pursuing the puck.
17. Brayden McNabb, Golden Knights
McNabb isn't going to win anyone over with flash and panache but he's a solid two-way presence featuring alongside Schmidt, logging 22 minutes per game with a physical presence.
18. Shea Theodore, Golden Knights
Theodore was selected in the first round of the 2013 NHL Draft by Anaheim but underwent his career year in Vegas, notching six goals and 29 points during the regular season.
19. Brooks Orpik, Capitals
Orpik was once known for being a reckless physical presence, but he's developed into a serene player in his own end who plays a simple game and who's capable of logging heavy minutes if needed. The 37-year-old is looking for the second Cup of his career, having previously won in 2009 with Pittsburgh.
20. Alex Tuch, Golden Knights
Tuch was selected 18th overall by Minnesota in the 2014 NHL Draft and has truly blossomed with Vegas. After playing sparingly with the Wild, Tuch has consistently generated secondary offense for the Golden Knights and will be counted upon for some timely goals. It's hard to believe that Tuch was acquired as a nominal piece from the Erik Haula signing.
21. Erik Haula, Golden Knights
Haula was one of the Golden Knights' first major signings and the return on value has been mixed. After a 29-goal regular season, Haula essentially disappeared entirely during the Western Conference Finals. It's time for him to truly prove his worth as one of the league's most underrated talents.
22. Michal Kempny, Capitals
Kempny is a great skater but there's nothing truly outstanding about his game. After being acquired in a February trade with Chicago, Kempny has carved out his role as a reliable defenseman who can log around 20 minutes per game with limited offensive upside.
23. Chandler Stephenson, Capitals
A relative unknown prior to this season, Stephenson is playing the best hockey of his career in a bottom-six role for the Capitals. His place on this list is derived from his strong performance during the playoffs and he'll need to be at his best during the Cup.
24. Deryk Engelland, Golden Knights
Widely considered to be the leader of the expansion Golden Knights, Engelland simply doesn't get rattled. At 36, some figured Engelland would struggle in a larger role but his mistake-free, low-risk game has been a major asset and will be key qualities against an opportunistic Capitals' offense.
25. Colin Miller, Golden Knights
Miller's slapshot may as well be a rocket launcher, once getting clocked at 105.5 mph during the 2015 AHL All-Star Skills competition. Though his production has tailed off during the playoffs, the sheer velocity of Miller's shot can create scoring opportunities for his teammates.
26. Luca Sbisa, Golden Knights
The Swiss international fought through an injury-filled campaign to return in time for the Golden Knights' playoff run. Finally healthy after being limited to 30 games during the regular season, Sbisa is in the form of his life and will be relied upon heavily to bury the Capitals' scoring lines.
27. Devante Smith-Pelly, Capitals
Smith-Pelly is an expert penalty killer who will throw himself at 90-mph-plus slapshots without hesitation. Although he has limited offensive upside, Smith-Pelly's ability to destroy defenders on the forecheck will help the Capitals establish their presence in the offensive zone.
28. Brett Connolly, Capitals
Selected sixth overall in the 2010 NHL Draft, Connolly hasn't lived up to his billing as a prospect, but has forged a role as a solid bottom-six contributor. If there were ever a time to show why he was once considered a potentially elite scoring threat, it's now.
29. David Perron, Golden Knights
The book hasn't changed all too much on Perron. You're getting a solid playmaker with the ability to elevate his game and score in bunches. Perron hasn't scored during the playoffs, however, and he's certainly due.
30. Jay Beagle, Capitals
Beagle is excellent on faceoffs and helps the Capitals establish their presence in the offensive zone with his proficiency. Although the rest of his game is unremarkable, Beagle can wear down the Golden Knights by continuing to beat his man off the draw.
31. Jakub Vrana, Capitals
At 22, Vrana is still coming into his own as a player but he'll need to be more consistent during the Final. Vrana was completely erased by the Lightning in the Eastern Conference Finals, and could see his minutes shortened if he's a zero on the offensive end.
32. Andre Burakovsky, Capitals
What a time to have a breakout game! Burakovsky submitted the performance of his young career in Washington's Game 7 triumph over Tampa Bay, scoring two pivotal goals to advance to the Final. Selected in the first round of the 2013 draft, Burakovsky could reward his franchise's faith in him with a few more clutch goals.
33. Cody Eakin, Golden Knights
Eakin is a solid center for the Golden Knights but he'll need to do more during the Final as he was practically non-existent offensively against the Jets.
34. Ryan Carpenter, Golden Knights
Carpenter has established himself as a decent checking forward but don't expect him to light the lamp against a well-organized Capitals defense.
35. Christian Djoos, Capitals
Djoos is the final man on the Capitals' defensive depth chart and his game is centered around avoiding mistakes and cleanly redistributing the puck. He'll likely be paired against the Golden Knights' bottom-six forwards.
36. Ryan Reaves, Golden Knights
Reaves is known as an enforcer and while some have lobbied for him to be replaced by a more skilled forward, he scored when it counted during Vegas' Game 5 victory over Winnipeg. Acquired at the trade deadline, Reaves will be tasked with physically wearing down the Capitals' defensemen.
37. Pierre-Edouard Bellemare, Golden Knights
Bellemare is grit personified. There's nothing pretty about his game but the French international shares the common trait that all Vegas' defensemen share in mitigating risk.
38. Jon Merrill, Golden Knights
Merrill signed a two-year contract extension with Vegas in January and figures into their long-term plans. He hasn't seen any playing time since Sbisa returned, however, and will likely only play if an injury occurs.
39. Tomas Nosek, Golden Knights
With three points in 12 games, Nosek could be replaced in the lineup if he doesn't start generating more quality chances.
40. Oscar Lindberg, Golden Knights
An often maddening player due to his inconsistency, Lindberg hasn't played since May 12.
41. Tomas Tatar, Golden Knights
Tatar was acquired in February from the Detroit Red Wings but he's been completely erratic through the playoffs, notching one goal in six games.
42. Alex Chiasson, Capitals
A capable secondary scorer when needed, Chiasson may be the odd man out for the Capitals in this series.
43. William Carrier, Golden Knights
A depth forward, Carrier has been out with an undisclosed injury and may be held out for the duration of the series.
44. Nathan Walker, Capitals
Walker became the first Australian player to play in the NHL and while it's a cool factoid, he's unlikely to see notable playing time.
45. Philipp Grubauer, Capitals
This isn't an indictment of Grubauer, but it does seem highly unlikely that he'll play with Holtby starring throughout the playoffs.
46. Malcolm Subban, Golden Knights
Barring disaster, P.K. Subban's little brother will not be seeing the ice.
The Capitals descend on Sin City when they open the Stanley Cup Final on Monday night against the Golden Knights. Alex Ovechkin has made it clear the team is focused on one goal.
"We're going there to play hockey, not to pool party and play in (the) casino," Ovechkin said, according to NHL.com's Tom Gulitti. "We're going there to play hockey and do our thing and then we’re going to have all the summer, and whatever we want to do, we can do it."
The Golden Knights were one of the best regular-season home teams, finishing with 29 wins (tied for third). That caused many to speculate road teams were falling ill to the infamous "Vegas flu," something the Capitals are looking to avoid.
The group looking to bring an NHL team to Seattle will have to wait a little longer to get the rubber stamp.
It's long been thought conditional approval for an expansion franchise in the Emerald City could come at the Board of Governors meetings next month. But NHL commissioner Gary Bettman says that plan has changed.
Back in March, as Tim Leiweke's Oak View Group (along with investors David Bonderman and Jerry Bruckheimer) celebrated a successful ticket drive, both Leiweke and Bruckheimer mentioned the June meetings as the next hurdle to clear. However, Bettman told the AP this week the league is going to take its time.
“What we have said to the people - David Bonderman’s (Oak View Group) - is we’re on your timetable," Bettman said, adding that the NHL still has plenty of work to do on the matter.
"We have to finish doing our due diligence and our homework. We need to have the timetable understanding as to when the building’s going to get done. We can move as fast or as slowly as you want. There’s no rush."
Bettman said OVG has some work to do as well, including overseeing the redevelopment of Seattle's KeyArena.
“We’re in the middle of the process. They’re doing their homework, and they’re proceeding on two fronts because they’ve got to renovate a building and they’ve got to pursue the team and they’re doing both very nicely. They’re working with the city, they hired (CEO of the prospective team) Tod Leiweke."
Seattle fans responded in full force on March 1, putting down 10,000 deposits in the first 12 minutes of the ownership group's ticket drive.
If the NHL grants the city an expansion club, it would likely begin play in the 2020-21 season.
It's time for the Stanley Cup Final, and to get you ready for the showdown between the Vegas Golden Knights and Washington Capitals, we've prepared a statistical breakdown to set the table. (Advanced stats at 5-on-5 courtesy: Corsica)
Golden Knights 1P vs. Capitals 1M
Golden Knights
Stat
Capitals
12-3
Playoff record
12-7
16
Goal differential
19
49.82% (7th)
5-on-5 Corsi
49.67% (8th)
8.53% (3rd)
Shooting percentage
7.99% (7th)
.960 (1st)
Save percentage
.934 (4th)
104.56 (1st)
PDO
101.43 (3rd)
Jonathan Marchessault (18)
Leading scorer
Evgeny Kuznetsov (24)
It all comes down to this: The Golden Knights will either finish their fairytale year as champions in their first-ever season, or the Capitals secure a first Stanley Cup after 42 years of frustration.
Entering the NHL in 1974, the Capitals' first-year finish of just eight wins and 21 points still stands as the league's worst inaugural showing. But the Golden Knights rewrote the record books for different reasons this year, after a 109-point season.
The two sides will now meet in the Stanley Cup Final after knocking out a pair of formidable opponents in the third round. Vegas trounced the high-flying Winnipeg Jets in five games, while the Tampa Bay Lightning - a team many pundits pegged to win the Cup this year - had their season cut short after a Game 7 loss at home to Washington.
But how do the Golden Knights and Capitals match up for the final round? There is little historical reference to draw from, being that they faced off against each other just twice this season. Vegas, however, took both contests - including a 3-0 shutout victory. Will things be different in the postseason? We'll know soon enough, as the puck drops Monday for Game 1.
Phil Housley isn't a hockey scout but he plays one online.
Despite being just six weeks into his offseason, the Buffalo Sabres head coach is already looking forward to the year ahead. Of course, it helps after his team was rewarded with the top pick in this summer's entry draft and the right to select Swedish standout defenseman Rasmus Dahlin.
"It came down to the last two teams there and when they flipped over the Buffalo Sabres logo, I was jumping up and down and we were high-fiving in our family room," Housley told Mike Harrington of The Buffalo News. "I thought, 'This is finally a great breakthrough for this organization.' What a cornerstone for us to get Rasmus Dahlin. It really gives us hope."
While not yet a done deal, Dahlin will have the chance to finally pull on a Sabres sweater when the NHL heads to Dallas on June 22 for the 2018 draft.
The budding blue-liner, who has been likened to fellow countrymen Nicklas Lidstrom and Victor Hedman, is expected to make the immediate jump to the NHL after spending his formative years in Sweden.
Given he plays across the pond, there's been little opportunity for Housley to watch Dahlin with regularity. Enter the Internet.
"I know these are highlights and he's a young man and has to mature and really get to the NHL and North American game, but just seeing his poise and his hockey IQ of processing the game at a high speed is really, really something," Housley added. "I've been watching on YouTube and, boy, it's incredible. He's going to be a complete package in today's NHL."
Of course, Housley would recognize a top defenseman when he sees one. The Minnesota native skated in nearly 1,500 career games and accumulated 1,232 points, ranking fourth all time and first among American-born blue-liners.
In order to make it to the Stanley Cup Final, a team's top players need to be its best players when things matter most. That's certainly been true for the Vegas Golden Knights and the Washington Capitals.
Marchessault, Smith, and Karlsson are first, second, and third on Vegas in playoff points, and the only three Golden Knights with double-digit points.
Meanwhile, Kuznetsov and Ovechkin are first and second in playoff points league-wide, while Wilson has 11 points despite serving a three-game suspension.
Both lines have proven crucial to the success of their teams, but what's really fascinating is the contrast between their styles of play.
Golden Knights
Karlsson, Marchessault, and Smith could be the quickest line in the NHL. Beyond pure speed, they all have outstanding agility, and are quick to pounce on loose pucks and apply pressure to opposing puck carriers. These three epitomize Vegas' team slogan of "play fast."
While their offensive creativity is well-known, this line doesn't get enough credit on the defensive side of the puck. Karlsson, Marchessault, and Smith finished first, third, and sixth, respectively, on the team in takeaways in the regular season, even though the latter missed 15 games. They're great at turning defense into offense, as evidenced here (with the help of a bad change).
Nobody on this line was a household name heading into the season, but it's no fluke that they're all simultaneously enjoying career years. They played together virtually all season long, building outstanding chemistry - making three players with speed, skill, creativity, and high motors even more dangerous.
Capitals
The Capitals have a more traditional top line in the sense of a playmaker in the middle (Kuznetsov), a sniper on one wing (Ovechkin), and a hulking power forward on the other (Wilson). What sets them apart is the fact they all play their roles to perfection.
Kuznetsov loves having the puck on his stick and is great at carrying the play from his own zone into the attacking end. He has slick hands and great vision, and he's very smart.
Ovechkin's famous shot is arguably the best of all time, and he can unleash a rocket from anywhere, as seen below.
Lastly, Wilson may be the most feared hitter in the game. Sometimes he goes over the top and takes penalties, but that type of recklessness strikes fear into the opposition. He and Ovechkin - no slouch physically either - have been human wrecking balls this postseason, ranking first and second in hits.
Having two of the most gifted offensive players in the game (Kuznetsov, Ovechkin) on a line that also boasts two of the most physical (Ovechkin, Wilson) makes the unit an absolute nightmare to defend.
